Never Give Up EVEN When You Fail

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> "….A POET WHOSE DREAMS ARE TOO LARGE FOR HIS WORDS." (Louis L'Amour) We are creatures who dream, imagine, aspire, search, look for a better or different way. We are fortunate if we have goals too big for us, dreams beyond our ability. We are blessed if we never give up because we can never seem to "get it right". But the most wonderful of all is the awareness that our Creator has dreams for us and all creation, and that our joy and deep satisfaction is in the realization that we are living, moving and having our being in the Original Dreamer.
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Faith

“Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above….” (John 19:11 KJV) Jesus is being interrogated by Pilate. Pilate reminded Jesus that he had the power to crucify him or release him. Jesus responded saying Pilate would have no power if God did not allow it. We need structure and laws to live together  peacefully and productively. Persons sometimes get into positions of authority and use it unwisely. It is well to remember who is in charge of the sun rising each morning. Who is responsible for a heart to keep beating until it comes time for it to stop. And the problems that have no solution will ultimately come under the light of Divine Intelligence. Some may call this thinking escapism. I call it faith and trust in the will of God even if I can’t comprehend creation. At least it is better than futility.

Creator

THE STORY OF SUCCESS REVEALS A TRAIL OF GOOD AND BAD DECISIONS, FAILURE AND OVERCOMING, SUFFERING, PAIN, JOY AND CELEBRATION. FAITH AND GOD ARE NOT ABOUT MAKING THINGS EASY AND SECURING SUCCESS. IT IS ABOUT COMPANIONSHIP WITH THE MASTER CREATOR AND REALIZING YOU ARE PART OF SOMETHING BEGGER THAN YOURSELF. WHEN I SEE SOMEONE WHO IS DOING WELL I KNOW THERE IS A LOT TO THE STORY THAT BRINGS THE PERSON TO THIS MOMENT AND IT IS NOT ALL PRETTY BUT IS COVERED IN GRACE. THE GREATEST SUCCESS STORY IS WHEN GOD SAID, LET US CREATE……HUMANS…AND SINCE THAT MOMENT GOD HAS HAD MORE TROUBLE  WITH HUMANS THAN ANY OTHER PART OF CREATION, BUT GOD WINS WHEN WE ARE COVERED IN GRACE AND BEING MADE NEW OVER AND OVER AGAIN….

Christmas Morning

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> HOPE IN THE BIRTH OF A BABY LONG AGO.
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> AND WE REMEMBER ON THIS MORNING.
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> GOD WAS/IS IN CHRIST RECONCILING THE WORLD …GETTING PEOPLE IN SYNC WITH DIVINE PURPOSE…THAT WE MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT ABUNDANTLY..

God with us

"Like a city whose walls have been broken down is a man/woman without self-control. (Proverbs 25:28) - 'If you cannot control your anger, you are as helpless as a city without walls, open to attack." These two renderings of this verse speak to the need to be responsible for ourselves, our ability to discipline our thoughts and feelings. it is opportunity to remember that God in Christ illustrated our way to treat each other. He also shows us in his personal behavior the exercise of self-control. On the streets of the world where violence erupts the voices of self-control speak to the presence of "God with us".

Fwd: thought

"Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.On this side of Eternity we are pretty well occupied with the physical of life.While that is necessary for physical survival, it is still temporary. The most important survival reality is our spiritual nature. Our spiritual nature is connected to Holy Spirit/God. At this level we live in eternity. The vitality of our spirit is essential to survival. it is our spirit that sees the possible in the impossible. "The Spirit gives birth to spirit." This is another  dimension of the advent of the baby Jesus.

Happy Birthday Papa

"BUT GOD WILL GIVE GLORY, HONOR, AND PEACE TO ALL WHO DO WHAT IS GOOD….." (Romans 2:10)  This may be beyond our comprehension. We accept it in faith and keep on doing the good we can despite the bad that shouts back at us.

Fwd: thought

"LET JUSTICE ROLL ON LIKE A RIVER AND RIGHTEOUSNESS LIKE AN EVER-FLOWING STREAM." (Amos 5:24) - genuine respect for people-quality of being fair and reasonable. The prophet speaking to the people made clear the word of God for the way they were to treat everyone. This is still the Word for today. This is what Jesus Christ practiced in his time on earth….

STAND AT THE CROSSROADS AND LOOK

"STAND AT THE CROSSROADS AND LOOK; ASK FOR THE ANCIENT PATHS, ASK WHERE THE GOOD WAY IS, AND WALK IN IT. AND YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS." -Jeremiah 6:16-  crossroads-ancient paths-the good way-walk in it-rest for your souls. let these words be on the mile post of life today. let me ponder them until their meaning opens to light my way……..maybe you can find them helpful too……

Clean the Inside of the Cup

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> Something I read recently got my attention and I share it. "…WHERE THE LINE BETWEEN PARTIES ONCE WAS A PICKET FENCE, IN MANY CASES NOW IT'S SOLID BRICK AND RAZOR WIRE." - I am a bit cynical about the current political advertisements. I ;think they are mainly spin and secondarily may have some truth in them. However, isn't this the way it has always been? We slay one another with words and others slay with swords and guns. Jesus had something to say about this kind of behavior. Love God with all your being and love others as you love yourself. other places he said for us to clean the inside of the cup then what comes out of it will be clean. In all areas of life we must get ourselves cleaned up in mind and heart and start treating one another as Jesus treated his followers long ago and will help us do so now.
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Standup and Listen

"Mortal man, stand up. I want to talk to you." (Ezekiel 2: 1) - Life was not ideal for this man. He lived in exile and he carried in his heart a burden for the wellbeing of God's people, even though they did not want to hear what he had to say. In this particular experience he heard God tell him to stand up and listen. God wanted to tell him something.I opened my Bible to this passage this morning and started reading. Immediately these words seemed to be like a message to me. Today I hope to have a listening ear and willing heart to hear what Holy Spirit has to say. I hope to live in awareness, in awe of the sacredness of life and each moment. I hope to live in sync with Goodness, Truth, Compassion, Kindness……because these attributes are indicative of God's nature and presence. I invite you to stand up and listen to what God has to say to you today….

Psalm 139

SEARCH ME, O GOD, AND KNOW MY HEART; TEST ME AND KNOW MY THOUGHTS. SEE IF THERE IS AN WICKED WAY IN ME, AND LEAD ME IN THE WAY EVERLASTING. (Psalm 139:23-24). this is my prayer in the moments, experiences, thoughts as I live today in this body……

Clean the Inside of the Cup first

Something I read recently got my attention and I share it. "…WHERE THE LINE BETWEEN PARTIES ONCE WAS A PICKET FENCE, IN MANY CASES NOW IT'S SOLID BRICK AND RAZOR WIRE."  - I am a bit cynical about the current political advertisements. I ;think they are mainly spin and secondarily may have some truth in them. However, isn't this the way it has always been? We slay one another with words and others slay with swords and guns. Jesus had something to say about this kind of behavior. Love God with all your being and love others as you love yourself. other places he said for us to clean the inside of the cup then what comes out of it will be clean. In all areas of life we must get ourselves cleaned up in mind and heart and start treating one another as Jesus treated his followers long ago and will help us do so now.

Amen

On Dec 5, 2014 6:34 AM, "Bill Edwards" <revwge@me.com> wrote:

MOMENTS PASS,THE DAY THEN DAYS AND MAYBE WEEKS-SO MANY DEMANDS ON OUR ATTENTION AND WE WALK FASTER TO KEEP UP. THE BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT END THE DAY WEARY AND WE DARE NOT PAUSE TO THINK WHETHER ALL THIS IS WORTH THE TIME AND ENERGY. BUT THIS ADVENT TIME LEADING UP TO THE BIRTH OF CHRIST AND CHRISTMAS DAY CALLS US TO PAUSE AND CONTEMPLATE THE SIMPLE MANGER SCENE. NO FRILLS, NO EXTRAS, JUST BASICS AND THE REST OF THE WORLD IS UNAWARE THAT ONE IS BORN AND THE WORLD WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. NOW THE REAL POINT OF ALL THIS IS A REMINDER FOR US TO PAUSE, WAIT, EXPERIENCE OUR AWAKENING TO THE REALITY THAT "GOD IS WITH US." AND THAT IS ALL THAT REALLY MATTERS. 

Gratitude

"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others."—Cicero (106-43 BCE) And it seems to me gratitude is a state of mind and spirit that aids healing in various levels of our being.

Thanksgiving

It is not difficult to be thankful when the sky is clear and life is going well. The real depth of thanksgiving is found when life skys are stormy and all is not well. In these times we are more aware of what is temporary and what is of true value. But whatever, TODAY LET US GIVE THANKS FOR LOVE, FAMILY, FRIENDS AND AWARENESS OF WHAT IS REALLY IMPORTANT. "I have learned in all things to be content….in everything to give thanks…" for life is far more than what meets the eye.

Fwd: THOUGHT

THE STORY OF SUCCESS REVEALS A TRAIL OF GOOD AND BAD DECISIONS, FAILURE AND OVERCOMING, SUFFERING, PAIN, JOY AND CELEBRATION. FAITH AND GOD ARE NOT ABOUT MAKING THINGS EASY AND SECURING SUCCESS. IT IS ABOUT COMPANIONSHIP WITH THE MASTER CREATOR AND REALIZING YOU ARE PART OF SOMETHING BEGGER THAN YOURSELF. WHEN I SEE SOMEONE WHO IS DOING WELL I KNOW THERE IS A LOT TO THE STORY THAT BRINGS THE PERSON TO THIS MOMENT AND IT IS NOT ALL PRETTY BUT IS COVERED IN GRACE. THE GREATEST SUCCESS STORY IS WHEN GOD SAID, LET US CREATE……HUMANS…AND SINCE THAT MOMENT GOD HAS HAD MORE TROUBLE  WITH HUMANS THAN ANY OTHER PART OF CREATION, BUT GOD WINS WHEN WE ARE COVERED IN GRACE AND BEING MADE NEW OVER AND OVER AGAIN….

No matter what is going on in your world

COME TO ME, ALL YOU THAT ARE WEARY AND ARE CARRYING HEAVEY BURDENS, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST. TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU, AND LEARN FROM ME; FOR I AM GENTLE AND HUMBLE IN HEART, AND YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOU SOULS. FOR MY YOKE IS EASY, AND MY BUDEN IS LIGHT. (Matthew 11: 28-30) no matter what is going on in the world or in your personal life, be quiet and listen to these words of Jesus. I find them helpful. 

Be Still

BE STILL SOUL—LISTEN AND HEAR—LOOK AND SEE _____________

The Clay

is life to be endured because of the pain and suffering? or is life a experience of Creation in which we are molded and shaped according to the imagination of our Creator? There is the imagery of soft clay in the hands of the potter. If the clay is hard thus resisting the pressure and shaping of the potter it is brittle and breakable. The “why” of pain and suffering is incomprehensible to us. Anger and resistance does not open our minds and hearts to any understanding. It is not escapism to chose to trust the Potter. It is the way to knowing and participating in our creation. “I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope.” (Jeremiah 29: ll). I do not understand this but when my back is to the wall it helps to hope and trust these words are true.

Guard What Has Been Given to You

"TIMOTHY (BILL, ____), GUARD WHAT HAS BEEN ENTRUSTED TO YOUR CARE." -1 Timothy 6:20- — listen, what is this saying to you ??????

Fwd: thought

BE STILL SOUL—LISTEN AND HEAR—LOOK AND SEE _____________

dad/papa

Reflect

"WHAT IS NOT FACED INWARDLY WILL PLAY OUT IN OUR EXTERNAL WORLD; WHATEVER BURDENS WITHIN WILL, SOONER OR LATER, BURDEN WITHOUT." (Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life.) — This is why we need quiet times, sabbath times, reflecting times, prayer, confession, sharing times……..

FW: THOUGHT

THE OLDER I GET THE LESS I KNOW AND THE MORE I TRUST THE BIG PICTURE. I AM MORE AWARE THAT GOD'S WAYS ARE NOT MY WAYS AND HE HAS THE FINAL SAY. 

The older I get

Good Shepard

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD, I WHALL NOT WANT……i choose to trust the Good Shepherd in all thoughts, experiences, relationships today..

God in Charge

"You want go help everybody and fix everything….but you can't….remember the sign over my drawing board at home?  'Don't feel totally, personally, irrevocably responsible for everything. That's my job. Signed, God.' " Another grain of truth I read in one of my favorite books. Our culture of perfectionism lays a heavy load on us and we sometimes are crushed under the load. I am not so sure that as a nation we have a bit of God Complex thinking we are supposed to fix every body and everything in the world. Of course all this has to be considered with a grain of salt. One of the problems with adam and eve is they thought they could be as smart as God and they got kicked out of paradise. In Grace we find perfection and the freedom to be ourselves and do what we see and understand is right but trust God in charge. —— some thoughts to be considered….

Sinkhole of Regret

 

 

beware of slipping into the sinkhole of regret, second guessing the past, being consumed with guilt (real or superficial). by the grace of God you are where you are and that is ok-.be smart enough to learn from the past- and brave enough to live in the present - moving headlong into the future. that is courageous and faithful living.

 

 

 

 

 

Drew W Edwards

Ingo | Chief Executive Officer

e: drew@ingomoney.com t: 678.736.7000 c: 404.906.0292 w: ingomoney.com

Ingo Money, Inc. | 623 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Roswell GA 30076

LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Google+

This email and any attachments thereto may contain private, confidential, and privileged material for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any review, copying, or distribution of this email (or any attachments thereto) by others is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender immediately and permanently delete the original and any copies of this email and any attachments thereto.

we’re not created to go it alone

 

"..Bottom line, we're not created to go it alone, we're made to hammer out our lives with God as our defender. Going it alone may work for a while, but it never has and never will go the mile….we don't come to God to attain perfection, we come to be saved. It isn't about being good enough. It is about letting Him into our lives in a personal way." (Out to Canaan) - The life of Jesus Christ on earth teaches us that we do not have to walk alone, but can live the moments, days, years in personal experience of Holy Spirit. This results in a life with meaning and eternal purpose no matter what happens. Just ask….

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drew W Edwards

Ingo | Chief Executive Officer

e: drew@ingomoney.com t: 678.736.7000 c: 404.906.0292 w: ingomoney.com

Ingo Money, Inc. | 623 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Roswell GA 30076

LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Google+

This email and any attachments thereto may contain private, confidential, and privileged material for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any review, copying, or distribution of this email (or any attachments thereto) by others is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender immediately and permanently delete the original and any copies of this email and any attachments thereto.

we’re not created to go it alone

 

"..Bottom line, we're not created to go it alone, we're made to hammer out our lives with God as our defender. Going it alone may work for a while, but it never has and never will go the mile….we don't come to God to attain perfection, we come to be saved. It isn't about being good enough. It is about letting Him into our lives in a personal way." (Out to Canaan) - The life of Jesus Christ on earth teaches us that we do not have to walk alone, but can live the moments, days, years in personal experience of Holy Spirit. This results in a life with meaning and eternal purpose no matter what happens. Just ask….

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sinkhole of Regret

 

 

beware of slipping into the sinkhole of regret, second guessing the past, being consumed with guilt (real or superficial). by the grace of God you are where you are and that is ok-.be smart enough to learn from the past- and brave enough to live in the present - moving headlong into the future. that is courageous and faithful living.

 

 

 

 

 

DON’T PANIC

AS WE TURN THE CORNER IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION, WE ARE FACE TO FACE WITH THE UNKNOWN. IT CAN BE INTIMIDATING AND AT THE SAME TIME FILLED WITH A SENSE OF ADVENTURE AND CURIOSITY. SEEMS TO ME THIS KIND OF OPEN MIND IS TYPICAL OF A CHILD WHO IS NOT CONSUMED WITH FEAR AND EAGER FOR A NEW EXPERIENCE.   ANOTHER ANALOGY MIGHT BE THE CHILD AFRAID OF DARK MAY HAVE THE TRUSTED PARENT HOLD HIS/HER HAND AS THEY WALK INTO THE DARKNESS, SORT OF LIKE IT IS WITH US AND GOD. — “DON’T PANIC. I’M WITH YOU. THERE IS NO NEED TO FEAR FOR I’M YOUR GOD. I’LL GIVE YOU STRENGTH. I’LL HELP YOU. I’LL HOLD YOU STEADY, KEEP A FIRM GRIP ON YOU.”  (Isaiah 41:10 - The Message. THANKS BE TO GOD.

God-shaped vacuum

"There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every person, ..and it can never be filled by any created thing. It can only be filled by God, made known in Jesus Christ." (Blaise Pascal) - in that inner space we sense Holy Spirit - in that awareness we realize all that is important. - Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. And your fellow humans as yourself - in your own inner space Holy awareness cleanses you mind and spirit and fills you with love and compassion……( just a few words to ponder)

d

Fwd: thought

"LOVE AND SYMPATHY CAN LOWER THE BARRIERS OF MISUNDERSTANDING" (The Upper Room) to be moved with compassion for the pain and suffering of another person is a holy moment. a moment when you are in sync with Holy Spirit.

Love Doubles and Divides

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> "…having someone to love doubles our joy and divides our sorrow…." love leads the way to forgiveness and forgiveness sets us free to love. it takes a lot of love and forgiveness to get us through this life. love is the only thing. God is love. love with all your mind, heart, strength.
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Psalms 91:1

HE/SHE WHO DWELLS IN THE SHELTER OF THE MOST HIGH WILL REST IN THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY….HE IS MY REFUGE AND MY FORTRESS, MY GOD, IN WHOM I TRUST. —Psalms 91:1—security, we are concerned with security against the invasion of terrorist all the way to security from ID theft and from theft of our homes. But the security we yearn for most is within. All outside us is subject to theft but when we trust the Ultimate care and Providence of Eternal Love we can live through the insecurity of wealth,health, and every other threat to our well-being. Trouble is part of life but strength of character and spirit prevails. 

Fwd: THOUGHT

LIFE IS NOT ABOUT FINISHING-IT IS ABOUT VISION THAT REACHES INTO ETERNITY. Planting a tree is a act that imagines beauty and fruit long after the one planting has moved beyond death and so it is with encouraging a young person who has dreams for what he/she wants to do with life…this is the nature of human/divine awareness…….???????

Answer to your own truth

Jesus did a opinion pole check when he asked the disciples what others were saying about him. Then he asked them what they thought about him. When they answered from the heart about what they thought, he responded by saying that is what really matters in life. Answer to your conscience, your inner voice of truth and right. If you check the opinions of others then decide what to do it is sort of like leading from behind, but if your final check comes from the ring of truth and love in your heart you will end up being a influence for good in changing public opinion that is off center………just some ponderings this morning since i hear so much about politicians and opinion poles

Two Worlds

WE LIVE IN TWO WORLDS..OUR INNER WORLD AND OUR OUTER WORLD. WE CANNOT GET OUR OUTER WORLD RIGHT UNTIL WE GET OUR INNER WORLD RIGHT.  CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART AND A RIGHT SPIRIT….

The Holy Spirit

“WE LOOK FOR VISIONS OF HEAVEN AND WE NEVER DREAM THAT ALL THE TIME GOD IS IN THE COMMONPLACE THINGS AND PEOPLE AROUND US.” (Oswald Chambers) - We are coming out of the restaurant and someone gets up our to their chair to hold the door open as i push the wheelchair through. We say thank you! not only to the person who kindly helps but to the Holy Spirit who operated in the person. Human decency is a God thing. Thanks be to God and the person who is available. Help me be that person when needed. Amen

The Pain of Lying

"For one thing, telling a lie is like eating peanuts. One leads to another. In no time at all, you've gone through the bag full….Let me say again that lying will make you a slave, for whoever tells a lie is the servant of that lie…..Worst of all, you become a slave to something that isn't real." (From Jan Karon novel, At Home in Mitford)—there may be lies all around you but you can chose the freedom of truth…..the truth may hurt for a while but eventually healing works its way in your mind and heart. The pain of lying keeps on hurting and is a infection in your mind and soul. well, some toughest to consider along the way……..

Sow what you want to Reap

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> Sow what you want to reap. If you want to reap weeds sow weeds. If you want to reap wheat sow wheat. If you want to reap hate sow hate. If you want to reap love sow love. If you want to reap greed sow greed. If your want to reap generosity sow generosity.If you want to reap kindness sow kindness. If you want to reap forgiveness sow forgiveness. These are very basic and easy to grasp rules for living. My advice is to sow good seed and discard bad seed. And just remember the Maker of all things is characterized by LOVE AND RECONCILIATION.
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The Lord IS my Shepherd

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…(Psalm 23:1) - in the quiet of this Monday morning, I am listening to these words of faith and trust spoken by the psalmist thousands of years ago. They are as the North Star in distant space reaching to this time and place and into my mind and heart. Across the years this light from the past shines into my mind and heart bringing encouragement and sustaining hope……The Lord IS my Shepherd I shall not want…AND SO IT BE FOR YOU…..

d

Faith

Regrets.  Fears.  Loves.   Doubts.    These are the things we all struggle with and the only way to find peace and happiness truly is through your FAITH in God.    If what we have here on earth is all we get then these emotions are unbelievably scary.  If you understand that there is more to life than what we have here, and if you believe that you are right with God in your heart, then you can take a deep breath and KNOW that all will be okay NO MATTER WHAT happens to you here on earth.  That I believe for sure.  FAITH is how you survive and succeed here on earth.  FAITH that there is a bigger plan and that God is there and that when your earthly body fails you, God will take you to a better place for the next chapter of what life is about.     Treasure this body God has given you and try to care for it because it’s the only one you get here on earth.    But know that life extends beyond this body.   Jesus Christ proved this when he arose from the dead and ascended into Heaven just as he promised he would. 

by Drew

Awareness

AWARENESS SETS UP THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHANGE UNHEALTHY BEHAVIOR//////AWARENESS OPENS THE WAY TO MAKE STRONGER BEHAVIOR THAT IS GOOD//////AWARENESS LETS ME EXPERIENCE YOUR PRESENCE, HOLY SPIRIT!!

THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE, LET US REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT—THIS AWARENESS OPENS OUR TOTAL BEING TO …….

The Truth

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> THE TRUTH SPOKEN BY OTHER VOICES IS NO LESS TRUTH…GOD IS OMNIPRESENT, EVEN WITH THOSE WHO SAY THERE IS NO GOD. EVEN.SOMETIME GOD SPEAKS TO US IN SOME UNEXPECTED VOICES, VOICES WE DO NOT RECOGNIZE, VOICES NOT ON OUR APPROVED LIST ………HE WHO HAS EARS LET HIM LISTEN, REALLY LISTEN…….I MAY NOT LIKE THE BEARER OF THE MESSAGE, BUT I MUST BE WISE/SMART ENOUGH TO LISTEN ANYWAY…….
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Be Present - Look them in the eye

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> We can be present but not present with. We can be present but not engaged. We can be present but our minds are somewhere else. I am intrigued with modern tools of communication and enjoy using computer, iPhone, etc. but these tools keep me in touch from a distance without really being engaged. This kind of communication is useful and meaningful to a extent, but can also keep us at a distance. Seems to me humans have a need for relationship that is engaged, intimate, open, listening, aware, present with one another. Even as a pastor visiting a parishioner I came to realize I could do this but not really be engaged. Persons could pick up on this, or I could really be paying attention, listening, feeling the loneliness of the other person. I could look them in the eye and feel their reaching out. In these moments care and encouragement happened even when I did not have a solution. Being present in the moment to the person. This is one reason Jesus was so successful. People knew he was with them, feeling their hurt, loving and caring….well, lets see where we go with this thought today….
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God Sees the inside truth

"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches." —Proverbs 22:1 /////  "true value must be placed not in what we have but in who we are." /// the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates said, "The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear." ///  We live in a marketing environment. Great skill and talent devoted to presenting the product results in attractive and appealing products. However, does the product measure up to the presentation? A person is attractive and speaks well but what is his/her character? We look on the outside and think a thing is good, God looks within and knows the heart and that is where true value is found and reflected outward.   THANK YOU FOR PERSONS WHO ARE THE REAL THING IN OUR LIVES. HELP US TO BE FIRST CLASS INSIDE AND OUT.

Fw: thought

------ Original message------

From: Bill Edwards

Date: Wed, Aug 20, 2014 7:47 AM

To: Anna Shelton;David James Edwards;Allison M Shelton;David Shelton;Renee Nicole Edwards;Ryan Edwards;David & Jody Edwards;Drew Edwards Edwards;Stacey Adair Adair;Rhett Edwards Edwards;MaLinda/Pablo;Justin Turney Turney;Starla Davis;Taylor Vanegas Vanegas;Meaghan Adair;SARAH M LOMAX;Adrian Anderson;

Subject:thought

A REPORTER INTERVIEWING A 104-YEAR-OLD WOMAN ASKED, "WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING 104?" HER SIMPLE REPLY WAS, "NO PEER PRESSURE." I READ THIS RECENTLY AND IT BROUGHT A CHUCKLE. BUT THE TRUTH IS WE ARE SOCIAL CREATURES VERY MUCH INFLUENCED BY THE PEOPLE IN OUR "GROUP". HOWEVER, THE GROUP IS NOT ALWAYS WORTHY OF THE INFLUENCE. WE NEED A HIGHER MEASURE. FOR A PERSON WHO LOOKS TO CHRIST AS THE CENTER POINT FOR MEETING ALL OF LIFE CHALLENGES, WE WILL FIND HELP IN THE PEER PRESSURE PART OF LIFE. OF COURSE THERE ARE INFLUENCE ISSUES BEYOND OUR "GROUP". IN EVERY PLACE PERSONS ARE SEEKING TO SHAPE OUR THINKING, ATTITUDES, BEHAVIOR AND IT CAN BE OVERWHELMING. OUR MOST IMPORTANT INFLUENCE COME FROM GOD IN THE LIFE OF CHRIST.

DAD/PAPA

Bill Edwards

revwge@me.com

we are all guilty of this

 We can be present but not present with. We can be present but not engaged. We can be present but our minds are somewhere else. I am intrigued with modern tools of communication and enjoy using computer, iPhone, etc. but these tools keep me in touch from a distance without really being engaged. This kind of communication is useful and meaningful to a extent, but can also keep us at a distance. Seems to me humans have a need for relationship that is engaged, intimate, open, listening, aware, present with one another. Even as a pastor visiting a parishioner I came to realize I could do this but not really be engaged. Persons could pick up on this, or I could really be paying attention, listening, feeling the loneliness of the other person. I could look them in the eye and feel their reaching out. In these moments care and encouragement happened even when I did not have a solution. Being present in the moment to the person. This is one reason Jesus was so successful. People knew he was with them, feeling their hurt, loving and caring….well, lets see where we go with this thought today….

d

Lost

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> IF YOU LIVE IN THIS WORLD, YOU ARE GOING TO GET LOST SOMETIME, EITHER FROM WRONG DECISIONS, BAD ATTITUDES, MISGUIDED THINKING, SELFISHNESS. BUT WHEN YOUR CORE FOUNDATION IS SOLID IN CHRIST, YOU WILL NOT STAY LOST. A PERSON CAN GET LOST IN THE EVOLVING STAGES OF LIFE: ADOLESCENCE, YOUNG ADULT, MIDDLE ADULT, OLDER ADULT. COMMIT YOUR WAY TO THE LORD AND HE WILL DIRECT YOUR PATH. (Proverbs 3:6) OF COURSE WE GET LOST MANY TIMES ON THE ROAD OF LIFE, BUT OUR MORAL, SPIRITUAL INNER PRESENCE BRINGS US BACK ON COURSE.
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Grace

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> THE DISTANCE/DIFFERENCE BETWEEN US CAN ONLY BE SPANNED BY LOVE.
> GOD LOVED THE WORLD/US SO MUCH HE GAVE UP HIS OWN LIFE FOR US…
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> GRACE IS LOVE REACHING ARMS OF INCLUSION AROUND US DESPITE OUR SEPARATENESS….
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Build Anyway

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> WHAT YOU SPEND YEARS BUILDING, SOMEONE MAY DESTROY OVERNIGHT. BUILD ANYWAY. (Mother Teresa)
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Fwd: thought

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> Conversion is the work of an instant; spiritual maturity is the work of a lifetime…" (Billy Graham). In the rough and tumble of making our way in this world we experience spiritual growth/maturity. Every stage of life presents opportunity to draw close to God, to say "help me not quit." The best time to be open to Spirit of Presence is now. Pause, look and see the evidence of Love, good, kindness, smiles…..and simply say, "thank You".
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uncertainty is certain

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> Being open to uncertainty and ambiguity is intimidating. We like to know where we stand. We like yes or no and not maybe. When we pray we really want God to give answer immediately. Life does not happen this way. Our "insurance policies" do not always do what we expect. Whatever venture you or I maybe in there is one certainty. IT'S OUTCOME IS UNCERTAIN. But faith says that no matter what happens we will ………….
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respect

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> Much of our cultural behavior is disrespectful of our rivers, oceans, land, people. Our "advanced civilization" often behaves foolishly with the resources of nature. Some "primitive" people before us had great reverence for land, animals, seasons and were careful not to polute their environment. It is true that humans are smart but being smart apart from the integrity of our souls results in foolishness, greed, abuse of power and wasted resources of creation…….well, I will let you take this forward…..
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well timed

On Aug 14, 2014 4:52 AM, Bill Edwards <revwge@me.com> wrote:

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD, I SHALL NOT WANT……The world is a dangerous place, but more dangerous is the world in our heads. Everyone lives in the dangerous world but we don't always process the bad things that happen in healthy ways in our minds. We interprete some things that happen to us as indication that we are not good…..WHAT EVER ELSE, WE NEED TO LISTEN TO THE PSALMIST WHO REALIZED THAT BENEVOLENT AND LOVING GOD WAS ALWAYS WITH HIM, EVEN SEEKING HIM OUT WHEN HE GOT LOST IN BAD THOUGHTS AND NEGATIVE FEELINGS ABOUT HIMSELF AND OTHERS,  AND LIFTING HIM UP, HEALING, RESTORING HIM……OUR CONTEXT IS THE WORLD BUT OUR REAL LIVING IS IN OUR HEADS AND HEARTS. I DID NOT GROW UP IN A PERFECT FAMILY AND I SURE HAVE NOT BEEN A PERFECT PARENT BUT THERE WAS PLANTED IN  MY MIND AND HEART THE GOOD NEWS GOD GIVES IN CHRIST. IT IS THIS REALITY THAT RENEWS THE SPIRIT IN ME AND BRINGS ABOUT THE CLEANING UP OF MY THOUGHTS ON A REGULAR BASIS. YEP, I AM OK AND YOU ARE OK BECAUSE HOLY SPIRIT NEVER STOPS CLEANING HOUSE IN YOUR AND MY MIND AND HEART. 

Mom/Wife

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> "I AM WORN OUT, BUT I THINK WE WERE A BLESSING TO SOMEONE TODAY." THESE ARE THE END OF THE DAY WORDS BEFORE WE WENT TO SLEEP OF THE PERSON WHO HAS TRAVELED THE ROAD OF MINISTRY AND LIFE WITH ME SINCE 1955. SHE NEVER CALLS ATTENTION TO HER CHRISTIAN WITNESS, SHE JUST LIVES IT, AND THAT IS WHAT REALLY MATTERS……
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Contentment

WHEN WE CANNOT FIND CONTENTMENT IN OURSELVES, IT IS USELESS TO LOOK ELSEWHERE.(Francois de La Rochefoucald)- contentment is a inside job. a clean heart, new and right spirit. these are God things, check it out with God—the Maker of this day….

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Live your own Story

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> "Ask on, my dear," said Aslan. "Will any more harm come to her by what I did?"…"child," said the Lion, "I am telling you your story, not hers. No one is told any story but their own." (The Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis) - The word of Aslan teaches us that we are to concern ourselves with our story. The journey of living is about me and the life God is giving me. The story God is telling in me. It is well to learn from each other's story but not compare ourselves to one another. We are to respect and honor ourselves and our story as we live faithful and abundantly in the love and grace Holy Spirit is breathing life into us to live. In so doing we are a positive influence on each other. And we reach out to help one another but not to enslave each other. Our being a blessing to the community of humanity flows out of the integrity of our own gifts and graces.
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Awareness

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> Some Louis L'Amour gleanings……."…to live a long time is nothing, to live a long time wisely is something."…."awareness is a way of learning.."…Evil breeds its own destruction." — these tiny sparks of truth may be all you need at a moment of shadow or darkness. trust the light in the dark….and when darkness seems to be all there is, settle down and wait, the light will come. The darkness may be the time you need to rest and listen…..
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God Sees in the Heart

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> GOD DOESN'T LOOK AT THINGS LIKE HUMANS DO. HUMANS SEE ONLY WHAT IS VISIBLE TO THE EYES, BUT THE LORD SEES INTO THE HEART. (1 Samuel 16: 7) — We need clear heart- seeing -vision. We are often blinded by the visible and miss the real beauty and meaning in the invisible of the person we see.
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Make Hay While the Sun Shines

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> "MAKE HAY WHILE HE SUN SHINES." this is a old saying that may go back to who knows when. Last weekend Diane and David hauled in hay for the horses. The guy selling the hay was busy racking and bailing hay before the rain came and ruined it. People were hustling to buy and he could hardly keep up with the demand. All this points to the importance of making good use of the moment to do what is needed and what is timely to do. Each moment is the moment of opportunity for something that contributes to the daily needs of life. Make good use of the moment, the day and when the clouds and rain comes you will be able to deal with it too. Make hay while the sun shines in your relationships, jobs, health, opportunities to do good, in all areas of life…..
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Who is POOR?

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> THE POOR YOU WILL HAVE WITH YOU ALWAYS, SO SAID JESUS IN THE DAYS OF LONG AGO. THE MAN STOOD AT THE EXIT RAMP WITH A SIGN STATING HIS NEED FOR HELP TO FEED HIS FAMILY. THERE WAS WORRY ALL OVER HIS FACE. WE SAT IN OUR CARS TRYING TO LOOK THE OTHER WAY HOPING HE WOULD NOT STOP AT OUR CAR. WE COULD NOT GET CAUGHT UP IN COMPASSION FOR THIS GUY BECAUSE WE WERE GOING THROUGH ALL THE CHECKLIST OF THOUGHTS ABOUT BEING RIPPED OFF, WHAT IS HE NOT AT MUST MINISTRY GETTING HELP, HE COULD GET A JOB SOME PLACE. ALL THESE PRE-JUDGING THOUGHTS SHORT-CIRCUITED THE FLOW OF COMPASSION THAT WOULD CAUSE US TO DARE TAKE THE RISK OF BING DUPPED. SO THE QUESTION IS WHICH IS THE POOR IN THIS SCENE? THE MAN BEGGING OR THE PEOPLE SITTING IN THE CARS TRYING TO LOOK THE OTHR WAY? SEEMS TO ME WE ARE ALL POOR IN THIS MOMENT.
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God Looks Into the Heart

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> GOD DOESN'T LOOK AT THINGS LIKE HUMANS DO. HUMANS SEE ONLY WHAT IS VISIBLE TO THE EYES, BUT THE LORD SEES INTO THE HEART. (1 Samuel 16: 7) — We need clear heart- seeing -vision. We are often blinded by the visible and miss the real beauty and meaning in the invisible of the person we see.
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Good Samaritan

WHEN THE HARSHNESS, ANGER, VIOLENCE  HAS EXHAUSTED ITSELF IN DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR THE PROBLEM AT ITS ROOT IS STILL THERE UNRESOLVED. THEN SOMEONE COMES ALONG QUIETLY, GENTLY, KINDLY TO TREAT THE INJURED AND COMFORT THE GRIEVING AND THAT DOES MORE TO QUIET THE ANGER THAN ANY WEAPON OF DESTRUCTION. THE WORLD IS ALWAYS IN NEED OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN. 

Fwd: thought

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> "AND GOD SAW EVERYTHING THAT HE HAD MADE, AND BEHOLD, IT WAS VERY GOOD." -Genesis 1: 31- We know a little bit about how it feels when we have finished a project knowing we have done a very good job. For some it may be a beautiful painting, for another it may be a delicious meal….God' work does not need us to improve upon it or correct errors. I look out my study window and see the rain and hear the thunder mindful that this is God's creation and it is good. I think of each one on this mailing list and consider that each person is God's creation and it is good. Let us live in harmony with the goodness inherent in all creation, in us……
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Fwd: thought

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> It was many years ago I climbed into the back of the pick-up truck each morning along with other men and rode to the ship yard in Savannah to work. In the winter it was cold and in true summer it was hot. I had a dream and this job enabled me to save money for college and seminary. It is all a distant memory now. Many bridges have been crossed. Mistakes have been made and a lot of right decisions have been made, but no matter the right or wrong along the way life has happened, blessings have come, love has held strong and God is Good every moment. And this is the day God is working out and we will give thanks……
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Live Forward

"WE LIVE FORWARD, WE UNDERSTAND BACKWARDS." -William James—and all converges in the present. past,present,future and we cannot cling to either for life is forever flowing into what is yet to be carried by what is now and driven by what has been. "God is Spirit and those who worship him must worship him in spirit and truth." and today we move forward informed by all that has been…and your insights are important to the experience we share…

   

Fwd: thought

 

WHAT YOU SPEND YEARS BUILDING, SOMEONE MAY DESTROY OVERNIGHT. BUILD ANYWAY. (Mother Teresa) 

Creation

A great mystery-that is life and all creation. No matter how much we know there is more we don't know. Mystery. But there is something in our DNA that is challenged by the mystery and seeks to understand. I choose to think this is our God consciousness  in response to Life Source calling us. Life is a pilgrimage to God and we experience peace only when we say "yes" to the yearning in us to know Holy Spirit. As I look out at this beautiful sunshine morning and feel deep peace of Creator I trust the Mystery and anticipate insight to come…..

GOD’S IN CHARGE

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> GOD'S IN CHARGE—ALWAYS. (PSALM 146:10) - Sometimes this is the only place to be in your mind and heart and this is the best of all places all the time. Through all the history of humans we have not been able to fix the world and human behavior. The wisdom of the ages will teach us God is in charge……..thanks be to God…..this is where I am at this time and this day.
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Real Beauty is on the inside

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> IF WE ARE NOT CAREFUL OUR VALUES CAN GET UPSIDE DOWN. WE CAN PAY MORE ATTENTION TO FORM THAN CONTENT. WE CAN PRESENT OURSELVES IN THE FORM OF SUCCESS WHEN THERE IS NOT REAL CONTENT. I NOTE THAT CRIMINALS ARE BROUGHT INTO THE COURT ROOM FOR TRIAL WEARING NICE LOOKING SUITS AND TIES. THEY LOOK LIKE YOUR LOCAL REALLY NICE GUY. BUT WHAT ABOUT CONTENT? WHAT KINDS OF THOUGHTS FILL THEIR MINDS? WHAT IS THEIR SPIRIT, HATE OR LOVE? I AM REMINDED OF JESUS TALKING ABOUT THE WOLF IN SHEEPS CLOTHING. THE MERCHANDIZING INDUSTRY WORKS AT PRESENTING PRODUCTS IN THE BEST POSSIBLE FORM, BUT THE REAL ISSUE IS WHETHER THE PRODUCT IS REAL, QUALITY, IS THE CONTENT WHAT IS REPRESENTED IN THE PACKAGE? CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART….CLEANSE THE THOUGHTS OF MY MIND……IT IS MORE IMPORTANT FOR THE CUP TO BE CLEAN ON THE INSIDE………WE DON'T NEED THE APPEARANCE OF LOVE ON THE OUTSIDE BUT REAL LOVE THAT COMES FROM INSIDE…..
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Always at work....

"…because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose." (Philippians 2:13) -  The whole matter of God/Holy Spirit is incomprehensible mystery; however, we perceive evidence all around us. 

Experiences happen that we recognize as more than coincidence. We are mot alone. Be open to the mysterious ways God works in your life and the life of those close to you today……..

Fwd: thought

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> "…I have avoided the ways of the violent." (Psalms 17:4) - the enemies of Jesus came to take him. One of his followers drew his sward and cut off the ear of a opponent. Jesus responded telling him to put away his sword. The weapon leads to death. Jesus has chosen a better way to solve the problem even if it cost him his life. The tension between violence and non-violence has characterized the human experience from the beginning of time. It is so today. A meaning I glean from the Jesus story is someone must risk finding a better way of solving our problems. Violent words stir up violent responses. Only by the grace of God can we find a better way. The whole idea that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself offers us a better way if we dare try it……"Create in me a clean heart and put a new and right spirit in me…."
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