tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59351829148491987802024-02-19T01:29:18.686-06:00Jimmy Eldridge's BlogAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217120557966420841noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935182914849198780.post-42800567586436286342012-12-05T09:51:00.003-06:002012-12-05T09:51:32.056-06:00What's an Xmas?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsyKq5h0dAH98tesoUwwpVWy4nQadhyphenhyphen5prexztUbI7V7nXNu1z8iCIHIMsarAnkhhNIA9E4dVJkzjlmvp6PfAKCTyHYor5czE8j4pXw2ojmwQEE-WdzSLNhO34Fi5Yx46twv6vnsHuHo/s1600/merry_xmas_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsyKq5h0dAH98tesoUwwpVWy4nQadhyphenhyphen5prexztUbI7V7nXNu1z8iCIHIMsarAnkhhNIA9E4dVJkzjlmvp6PfAKCTyHYor5czE8j4pXw2ojmwQEE-WdzSLNhO34Fi5Yx46twv6vnsHuHo/s320/merry_xmas_lg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A good friend of mine posted on Facebook the other day that he was out getting some xmas clothes for his son. Well...needless to say...being the somewhat funny jerk of a friend that I am, I started razzing him about his choice of the word "Xmas" instead of typing Christmas.</div>
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I must admit....the exchange between he and me was quite humorous, but we do at times pick pretty hard at each other...but we have been friends for well over 20 years, so I think we can handle it.<br />
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In his defense, though I think it's a pretty flimsy one, he was in a store chasing around a VERY active and curious 1 year old boy, and he said Xmas was easier to type on his phone than Christmas.<br />
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That is true...Xmas is much easier to type, but it lacks something. It just looks like somethings missing. It kind of reminds me of a math equation....(you know, the whole X equals Y junk?) and anyone who knows me will tell you...I hate math!<br />
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The more spiritual or religious types may tell you that it is a shadowing of our lives. How so easily and conveniently we can leave Christ out of the conversation. I can see some validity in their argument, and I must admit....my mind did go there for a moment. Probably mostly due to my many years spent in a ultra-religious and judgmental state of mind.<br />
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However, I think for the most point....we just need to get over it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/2010/12/merry-xmas/">Carlos Whitaker</a> had a humorous post a few years ago that I wanted to share with you.<br />
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<blockquote>
<b>"Top 9 Reasons Why It's Ok to Say Merry XMAS!"</b><br />1. I love baby Jesus too but he didn't name
Christmas…Christmas. We did.<br />2. If this offends you then I suggest you change your
greeting to “May you have the most joyous season of celebrating the birth of my
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”. It is less confusing than Merry Christmas.<br />3. I find it more insulting that people get mad at Bart
Millard for saying Xmas and have no idea that the pagan origins of their gift
exchanges started in ancient Babylon when the feast of the Son of Isis (Goddess
of Nature) was celebrated on December 25. Raucous partying, gluttonous eating
and drinking, and gift-giving were traditions of this feast.<br />4. I’m thinking we should celebrate Christmas when it
actually happened. More or less around September.<br />The shepherds were not tending their sheep in the middle of
a Judean winter. I promise.<br />5. I’m not taking Christ out of Christmas when I say Xmas… I
am giving more attention to the word “mas” which in the true language of God
means “more”<br />6. I love Jesus. If you are concerned with people seeing a
Christian take “Christ” out of the word “Christmas” let’s just say it Merry
Jesusmas so that everybody will get it.<br />7. On twitter it is a much better way of saving your character
count.<br />8. Let’s face it.
Jesus is the X Factor! What A Better Way To Say It!!!<br />9. I hate lists of 10 so I’m gonna stop at 9…Or really 8.</blockquote>
So....there you have it. I like it...I think I will start using that one myself. Right now as a matter of fact.<br />
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<b>I hope you have a Very Merry Jesusmas!</b><br />
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<b><i>What do you think of the whole XMAS vs. Christmas debate?</i></b><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217120557966420841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935182914849198780.post-17084773240464705052012-09-18T21:40:00.001-05:002012-09-18T21:40:24.544-05:00I'm Broken, And That's Ok!<br />
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The required façade of belonging to the “I’ve Got It All
Together Club” was all consuming and exhausting. It became too much to keep up
with. The need to hide every emotion, hurt, or fear so deep within, was
draining me, killing me, the real me, ever so slowly. I couldn’t let up, I had
to continue on. It is what was expected of me after all. I could never let
those I am ministering to ever know that I too struggle with the very same
things they do. I too have fear, anxiety, and moments of doubt. I was too
afraid to share my heart, too afraid to show my insecurities. My thinking was “who
wants to follow someone who can’t get their act together?”</div>
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I remember that a pastor friend of mine used to always say
to his church staff, “Fake it till you make it!” In other words, you have to
have the appearance of “everything is alright”…even if it wasn’t. Every time I
think of this my mind goes back to something that Dan Reeves, who at the time
was the coach of the Denver Broncos, said in an old television commercial for
an antiperspirant, “…never let them see you sweat.” This same sentiment had
been echoed over and over to me in my 25 plus years of ministry involvement. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Now I understand what they are trying to say, and their
intentions may be good, but when it comes to the things of Christ, it’s ok to
admit we don’t have it all together. He can, wants to, and will use us WITH our
deficiencies. “<i><span style="background: #F9FDFF; color: #001320; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But he said to me, "My grace is
sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I
will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may
rest on me</span></i><span style="background: #F9FDFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span>” <span style="background: #F9FDFF; color: #001320; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Here it is, several years removed from that time. I am older
and wiser (yeah…right) and I am still reconditioning myself, reprogramming
myself if you will, to be vulnerable, open. I don’t have to have all the
answers. I don’t have it all together. Let’s face it no one does. And anyone
who has you convinced that they have it all together is probably just a better
liar than most.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I read a the book “True Faced” a few years back and it
helped me tremendously in recognizing just how much bondage I was living in. If
you haven’t read it, I would highly recommend that you do so.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the authors of this book and my friend, whom I have
never met in person, John Lynch, gives a beautiful, troubling, compelling
message about “Two Roads, Two Rooms.” In this message he talks of how we are wearing
masks, hiding who we really are, afraid of what others might think of us when
they see our flaws.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Not only do we do this in front of people, but we laughingly
try to do the same thing with God, when He knows everything there is to know
about us. All of our sordid details, hidden fears, massive insecurities and
numerous other things we think we have hidden within.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well….to all of you out there that know me, and those of you
who don’t, NEWSFLASH….I’m Broken…And That’s Ok!<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217120557966420841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935182914849198780.post-16703719563194314222012-03-15T13:48:00.001-05:002012-03-15T13:48:08.058-05:00Peanuts, Tree Nuts and Fish Gelatin<div><p>I love Ginger Snaps...I mean who doesn't? </p>
<p>Today however...as I am having lunch with my beautiful wife and she begins to read the warning label on the bag of our beloved Ginger Snaps..."Made on the same equipment as other products, which contain peanuts, tree nuts and fish gelatin"....WHAT??? GROSS!!!</p>
<p>After sitting there for a while...pondering the implications of what I just read....I popped another one of those delactable Ginger Snaps in my mouth and thought...doesn't taste anything like fish gelatin....whatever that is!?</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhduIk6RCKQp3aiRZSvMhDB1Mnp4CRAQ3AxG2uNJWrmFn5bI0IXZ3w3xf45daGkzna7Dvf7NMOCCOl7k53-vEZCOEAcGzFqHKxjJ2RS7-E8TsR3r5K9bokiwaRmTaMNxLlt9c3RQxtG5nM/' /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217120557966420841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935182914849198780.post-16336431915635189762011-06-25T16:50:00.000-05:002011-06-25T16:50:56.977-05:00Revolutionary, Reformist, Radical, or Anarchist?<div class="MsoNormal">I have heard a lot of talk about being a revolutionary. I have read numerous blog posts and articles about the need for reformation. I have read books on how to be radical in your faith…but it seems I always come back to these thoughts….<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><i>Are we kicking against the status quo because it is cool to kick against the status quo?</i></li>
<li><i>Are we trying to be hip or relevant to today’s culture?</i></li>
<li><i>Are we following an urging in the Holy Spirit?</i></li>
<li><i>Are we experiencing unrest in our personal faith because of a holy indignation?</i></li>
<li><i>Are we complaining about the state of today’s “churches” because we see something that needs to change, or simply because we don’t want to go to “church”?</i></li>
<li><i>Do we really want to see and effect change in the world…or do we just want to talk about it?</i></li>
</ul><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">If the only reason we are fighting is simply for the sake of fighting…then we have become as the title to an old James Dean movie…a “Rebel Without a Cause”. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If all we are doing is railing to rile…then we aren’t Revolutionary, Radical or even a Reformist….we are an Anarchist. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have questioned myself time and time again about my disinterest and dissatisfaction in today’s church culture and have come to a few conclusions.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><i>I am not simply trying to kick against the status quo…I really want to see lives changed into the image of Christ.</i></li>
<li><i>I am not trying to be hip, current or relevant…I really do believe that God wants His people to live in community with each other, to care for one another, to share with one another, to know one another, to passionately love one another.</i></li>
<li><i>I will endeavor to no longer complain about today’s church organizations…rather I will speak the truth about what God wants to do in, through and for His people.</i></li>
<li><i>I will talk about God’s grace and His mercy and His deep love for us.</i></li>
<li><i>I will continually tout the simplicity of the Gospel and tell people about the Good News that Jesus gave all for them, so that they might have life abundant. I will always tell of how that this thing called Christianity is really a simple faith, though not always easy to walk out, but well worth the struggle.</i></li>
</ul><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been called a rebel, a non-conformist, and a malcontent just to name a few. And to those that have called me those things I say…thank you very much! Having read about the apostles and Jesus himself…I think I am in good company.<o:p></o:p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217120557966420841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935182914849198780.post-31370102458360133612011-04-04T10:37:00.001-05:002011-04-04T10:43:58.264-05:00Preying On Instead of Praying For?This past Sunday I was sitting in my living room after getting home and flipped on the television. While scanning the channels I ran across one of my favorite speakers <a href="http://www.winningwalk.org/ww/default.aspx">Dr. Ed Young</a> on <a href="http://www.daystar.com/">Daystar Network</a>.<br />
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I had to get up and help my wife with something and upon returning to my spot in the living room, noticed that Dr. Ed was no longer on. Now there was<a href="http://www.larryhuchministries.com/"> this guy</a> talking about how that God's special blessings will only be poured out for a very limited time...right now....and will not be poured out again this year. He then paused, as if for dramatic effect, and claimed that he had felt that someone out there had made a lot of money from a big sale or settlement and needed to sow that into this particular ministry to receive God's special blessing. And....that it was only a limited time offer to receive said special blessing because it wont come around again this year (emphasis mine). <a href="http://www.larryhuchministries.com/media/vod.cfm?show=1"> Watch Video</a> <br />
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In my opinion this is prime example of preying on people instead of praying for them. Building kingdoms unto themselves. Who are they really helping? <br />
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This irritates me beyond belief.<br />
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What is your opinion?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217120557966420841noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935182914849198780.post-84295807152868645892011-03-23T21:20:00.000-05:002011-03-23T21:20:15.195-05:00The Next Great Outreach Program?Could Pole Dancing for Jesus be the next great Outreach program for the local church?<br />
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Believe me.....some will try it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/news/local/110316-pole-dancing-for-jesus">Click here</a> to read the full article.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217120557966420841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935182914849198780.post-31681248867510968692011-03-20T22:14:00.001-05:002011-03-20T22:35:06.699-05:00So Glad.....I am so glad that I serve a God that...cares for all my needs....no matter how small.<br />
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He cares what I am feeling....no matter how trivial.<br />
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He loves me deeply....no matter how many times I have failed Him.<br />
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Heavenly Father....I love you with all my heart.....it is my desire to bring honor to you in everything I do.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217120557966420841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935182914849198780.post-19486216312048440752011-03-19T21:03:00.000-05:002011-03-19T21:03:47.587-05:00What an Incredible Journey!In late 2009, my beautiful wife told me that she wanted to go back to school. It had been a frustrating year for her after having been laid off in early 2009.<br />
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When she told me what she wanted to do and what it was going to cost, I couldn't think of any way that we would be able to afford it.<br />
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After we decided that the time to make the move was at hand, we committed to it. We took the plunge...stepped out in quasi-faith. I say quasi-faith because at the time I wasn't sure if it was faith or desperation for something different.<br />
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We plopped down the last of our money and hoped for the best.<br />
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As I sit here and recall everything that transpired, it is amazing to me how God's hand has been in everything. It hasn't been easy by any stretch of the imagination, but we have always made it through.<br />
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Now here we are, a year later, and only 5 more days left of school, and I couldn't be more proud of her.<br />
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She has been so strong and committed. At times unsure of herself, but still resilient to accomplish her goal.<br />
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What an incredible year. What an astounding testament to the goodness of our heavenly Father.<br />
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I cannot wait to see what He does next.<br />
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This is going to be a FANTASTIC year!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217120557966420841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935182914849198780.post-78912173458996492982011-03-12T14:30:00.000-06:002011-03-12T14:30:46.025-06:00Reimagining ChurchIs it wrong to imagine church different?<br />
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Is it wrong to examine church as we know it and dare to think that it could/should be different?<br />
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Isn't it true that church is an organism and NOT an organization?<br />
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Why are most Christians frightened to examine the current situation of the church?<br />
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Sometimes it is exasperating. <br />
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I have been told that I have a problem submitting to authority.<br />
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I have been told that I am a trouble maker or that I am just being argumentative.<br />
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I have been told that I need to just suck it up and attend the status quo church and look past the programs and pretense.<br />
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I have tried. I want more. I feel God wants more from me.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217120557966420841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935182914849198780.post-60937517175618984522011-02-17T23:43:00.002-06:002011-02-17T23:48:17.058-06:00Choosing to Live Life on PurposeRaise your hands if you have never read <a href="http://www.rickwarren.com/">Rick Warrens</a>' "The Purpose Driven Life".<br />
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If you are like me, you probably went through the church wide project known as <a href="http://www.saddlebackresources.com/en-US/Campaigns/40DaysOfPurpose/40DOPPricing.htm">"40 Days of Purpose"</a> and read "The Purpose Driven Church".<br />
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It was supposed to help us realize that there is a purpose to this thing we like to call christian living. It was designed to help us know what our purpose as Christians really is.<br />
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A thought came to me just the other day....what if instead of always trying to find or remember what our purpose is in this life.....we choose to live our life on purpose?<br />
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What if we took God at His word and purposefully did what He has asked for us to do? (He laid it out for us in His word)<br />
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What if we chose to reach out and love someone?<br />
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What if we chose to share His gospel with someone?<br />
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What if we chose to pray for someone?<br />
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Are you following me here? Or am I way off base?<br />
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It seems to me that God gave us free will. We can choose to do what ever we want. We can choose what we eat. We can choose what we wear. We can choose to follow Him or even choose to love Him or not.<br />
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A <a href="http://www.mikethakur.com/">friend of mine</a> pastors a <a href="http://godshelters.me/index.html">church in the Houston area</a> that I believe gets it. He has stated that "we are not a church with a mission, but a church on a mission." I like that.<br />
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We can spend our life searching for purpose, or live our life on purpose!<br />
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What is your opinion?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217120557966420841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935182914849198780.post-54556847717028383562011-02-16T21:03:00.000-06:002011-02-16T21:03:44.480-06:00The PC vs. MAC Predicament!So...I have been a die hard MAC backer for several years now. Since I was introduced to them when having to do video editing. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_Mac_G5">MAC G5 dual processor</a> quickly became my favorite work horse. One very stout computer. PC's just couldn't keep up.<br />
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Alas....since that time, I no longer need the work horse. I no longer edit videos. Aside from the occasional web project, basically I just need a personal computer.<br />
<br />
Since 2003 my personal computer has been a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PowerBook_G4">MAC Powerbook G4</a>. It has been a great computer. But lately it has run into problems. The battery has died. The wireless quit working. And the second power cable has quit.<br />
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The need for a new computer was upon me. The decision of what to purchase was going to be a difficult one.<br />
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I struggled with the decision for a while. At first I thought about just patching my beloved G4. The cost of the needed repairs would be quite a bit of money. To the tune of a little more than a few hundred dollars.<br />
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I had to come to the realization that my beloved G4 was an antique. It could no longer be upgraded. All the new upgrades require the newest processor....mine has the old one.<br />
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The price of a new MAC was just crazy. The lowest price laptop was an astronomical<a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Apple%26%23174%3B+-+MacBook%26%23174%3B+/+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B2+Duo+Processor+/+13.3%22+Display+/+2GB+Memory+/+250GB+Hard+Drive+-+White/9944833.p;jsessionid=01E4A7B5F13B29F6A9125A3BF71BA059.bbolsp-app03-30?id=1218199185981&skuId=9944833"> $999</a>. I know right? Crazy!<br />
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I even considered getting the<a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Apple%26%23174%3B+-+iPad%26%23153%3B+with+Wi-Fi+-+16GB/9811355.p?id=1218178658389&skuId=9811355"> iPad</a>. Nice little item....but way too small to have to depend on as my everyday personal computer.<br />
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It was these realizations that caused me to do what I never thought I would ever do again.....I bought a PC.<br />
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We went to Best Buy and plopped down the mere <a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gateway+-+Laptop+/+AMD+C-Series+Processor+/+15.6%22+Display+/+3GB+Memory+/+320GB+Hard+Drive/1963033.p?id=1218303008929&skuId=1963033">$400. for a 15.6 inch screen 3 GB memory, 320 GB hard drive laptop.</a><br />
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So far...it works great...looks great....feels ok. It is much lighter than my beloved ole aluminum case G4. The screen is much bigger than my MAC's 12 inch screen....and at half the price....can you say BARGAIN!<br />
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Maybe one of these days the MAC will become much more affordable than now. Until then...I will have to get used to using a PC again. Welcome to the real world I guess. :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217120557966420841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935182914849198780.post-23317380214601637132011-01-12T17:57:00.001-06:002011-01-12T17:59:24.851-06:00Choosing to Live Inside the Words in Red! Part 2<b>I want to live my life</b> in the grace and mercy of my savior. Ever mindful of all He has done and what He has asked of me.<br />
<i> </i><br />
<b>I'm not talking about</b> working to earn salvation. We can never 'earn' our salvation, nor can we do anything that we could consider to make us 'worthy' of what He has done.<br />
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<b>I am speaking of living</b> a life worthy of the calling He has placed on each of our lives. I am talking about sharing the good news of the gospel and showing the world His love. I am referring to living a life in His freedom.<br />
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<b>I want to live my life</b> expectant of the miraculous. Completely and totally expectant and ready for His return.<br />
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<i>"Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will."</i> Matthew 24:42-44Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217120557966420841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935182914849198780.post-12751605323886068252011-01-11T19:19:00.000-06:002011-01-11T19:19:27.613-06:00Choosing to Live Inside the Words in Red!<strong>At the beginning</strong> of every year we all make our New Year’s Resolutions, to which a huge majority of us never keep.<br />
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<strong>A few years ago</strong>, I resolved to never again make another resolution. I had grown weary of the let down from the inevitable realization that I once again, had failed to keep my life altering resolution.<br />
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<strong>I want this year to be different</strong>. I feel that it will be different. I enter into this year with great expectation. I enter into this new year choosing to believe for the miraculous, to achieve what I once thought impossible.<br />
<br />
<strong>This year I am Choosing</strong> to Live Inside the Words in Red. I am choosing to live my life according to what Jesus said.<br />
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<strong>Beginning with;</strong> <em>“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”</em> Matthew 28:19-20Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217120557966420841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935182914849198780.post-59598839180413318452010-12-29T21:17:00.000-06:002010-12-29T21:17:41.397-06:00What if One......What if One could make a difference?<br />
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What if One could touch a heart? <br />
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What if One could shine a light, to help another make a start? <br />
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What if One would show their love?<br />
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What if one would truly care?<br />
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What if one would live their love, by lifting one in prayer?<br />
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What if one could be the one to show someone the way?<br />
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Would you be the one?<br />
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<i>Jimmy Eldridge</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217120557966420841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935182914849198780.post-58986971480010615522010-12-09T21:16:00.000-06:002010-12-09T21:16:13.388-06:00WowIt has been a busy time since my last post.<br />
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Hmmmm...what to write? I don't know...maybe more later.<br />
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Have a great day!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217120557966420841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935182914849198780.post-71138381860298772682010-11-22T16:26:00.000-06:002010-11-22T16:26:59.042-06:00I Am Consumed by.......I am consumed by.......Greed<br />
<br />
I am consumed by.......Lust<br />
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I am consumed by.......Hatred<br />
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I am consumed by.......Addiction<br />
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I am consumed by.......Failure<br />
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I am consumed by.......Fear <br />
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As a man I am inclined to be consumed by any and all of the above.....but what I most long for is.....<br />
<br />
To feel the warmth of His Forgiveness<br />
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To be covered in His Grace<br />
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To be wrapped in His Mercy<br />
<br />
To be consumed by His LoveAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217120557966420841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935182914849198780.post-43740559734603148082010-10-23T15:58:00.000-05:002010-10-23T15:58:47.077-05:00Doers, Achievers, Survivors, Strugglers and Victims!I have become increasingly convinced that there are 5 main categories of people in this life.<br />
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Doers do...they are always doing something...have to be moving, going, pushing.<br />
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Achievers are those that always have to be achieving their goals. They are akin to doers but achievers seem to have the uncanny knack of accomplishing whatever they set out to do, and they are successful in the doing.<br />
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Survivors are those that seem to always survive no matter what circumstance may come their way. No matter what calamity may befall them they always survive...although sometimes just barely.<br />
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Strugglers are those that are always struggling. No matter what they do...it's a huge struggle. Life is a struggle. Their job is a struggle...everything is a struggle. Struggle, struggle, struggle. It seems a vicious cycle.<br />
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Victims are the ones that when anything is happening, it's happening to them, albeit maybe in their own minds. Nevertheless they are the victim in every circumstance. Even worse still, for most, it is never their fault. (or so they think)<br />
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We all know someone in at least 4 of these categories, and some actually coexist in more than one.<br />
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The question is, can we successfully translate ourselves from one category to the next? I would like to think so.<br />
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I believe that most of it comes down to what our state of mind is. If you have the mindset of a victim, you will always be a victim. If you have the mindset of an achiever, you can be an achiever.<br />
<br />
More importantly, if we correctly put our lives in the hands of God and rely on the plans He has for our lives, I believe that we can translate over to being a Doer, and an Achiever. But only when we put on the mind of Christ and depend on His strength, His direction, and bend to His purpose. After all, only when we are in the will of God can we truly be successful.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217120557966420841noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935182914849198780.post-7595505408083779612010-10-19T19:40:00.000-05:002010-10-19T19:40:46.634-05:00My Prayer Today...."Lord, I Give it To You!"I couldn't go to sleep until late last night. Nevertheless, I was awakened this morning at 3:30 am with the desire and need to pray.<br />
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Sleepy Jimmy almost won over and went back to sleep, but I did finally get out of bed around 3:45 and went to the living room and paid a little visit to the couch, so as not to wake my beautiful bride while talking to my Father.<br />
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I found myself praying in the spirit after a while, feeling a huge weight lifting from my mind, and shortly after that...falling fast asleep. I woke at 5:10 am rested and relaxed with my mind very much at ease.<br />
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My prayer today has been, "Lord I give it to you", everything. You are in control. I can only do what I can do, but You however....can do anything.<br />
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Now...I can say....thank you Father for a good day. Well....much better than yesterday anyway. :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217120557966420841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935182914849198780.post-86915643997179529702010-10-18T22:07:00.000-05:002010-10-18T22:07:44.906-05:00My Prayer Today..."Lord, Please Help!"Today was probably one of the most difficult days I have ever had.<br />
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I found myself sitting at my desk in my office at work, my head reeling from the feeling of being bombarded from all sides, praying for God to please help me.<br />
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Sound a bit melodramatic? Yeah...maybe so....but that was how my day felt to me. <br />
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Admittedly some of my problems were of my own making....isn't that the way it always is? But as for the way that everything was happening at once, felt very overwhelming.<br />
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Isn't that just like our enemy? Hitting you repeatedly when you are down, always looking for the knockout blow?<br />
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But I refuse to let him get the best of me. I refuse to let him make me question myself or the calling God has placed in me. So, I will keep praying for God to help me, having faith that He will see me through this current trial. I will continue to move toward the calling placed in my heart. I will continue to allow God to show himself great through this all.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217120557966420841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935182914849198780.post-55298905491793200132010-10-17T20:31:00.000-05:002010-10-17T20:31:19.403-05:00Quotable Thought<i>"The world needs Christians who don't tolerate the complacency of their own lives."</i> Francis Chan<br />
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Something to think about!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217120557966420841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935182914849198780.post-9146738696036909742010-10-07T19:12:00.003-05:002010-10-07T19:56:28.096-05:00Come and Listen to What He's Done!Do you ever have a song that seems to speak directly to your heart, so much so that you can't stop listening to it? I have....and do right now. "Come and Listen" by <a href="http://www.davidcrowderband.com/">David Crowder</a> is running over and over in my mind on an seemingly never ending repeat.<br />
<blockquote><i>"Come and listen, come to the waters edge, all you who know and fear the Lord. Come and listen, come to the waters edge, all you who are thirsty, come. Let me tell you what He has done for me."</i></blockquote>I could talk for hours and hours and still could barely scratch the surface of all He has done for me.<br />
<br />
<blockquote><i>"Come and listen to what He's done"</i></blockquote>He has been my healer.<br />
He has been my friend.<br />
He has been my savior.<br />
He has been my hope.<br />
He has been my light in blinding darkness.<br />
He has been my still small voice in deafening noise.<br />
He has been my peace in turmoil.<br />
He has been my refuge in trouble.<br />
He has been my loving Father.<br />
He has been my provider.<br />
He has been my answered prayer. <br />
And He still is.....<br />
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Sometimes I get so wound up in life that I forget just how good He has been to me. I loose sight of the miraculous wonders he has worked, I no longer remember how many times He has literally saved my life. I neglect to stop, be still, and feel His grace around me and recollect how His mercy is enduring, and His love is everlasting.<br />
<blockquote><i>"Praise our God, for He is good!"</i></blockquote>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217120557966420841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935182914849198780.post-79963423924869606572010-10-06T20:04:00.000-05:002010-10-06T20:04:50.467-05:00His!We are His prize.<br />
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We are His children.<br />
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His righteousness.<br />
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We are His Body.<br />
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All thanks to His goodness. His forgiveness. His design. His plan. His mercy. His grace. His unending love for us.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217120557966420841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935182914849198780.post-4409543702191289302010-10-02T08:00:00.008-05:002010-10-02T08:25:11.126-05:00Life Lesson: Never let anyone make you question what God has called you to do!I remember as a young Christian, still learning the ways of my faith, I was excited about how God was moving in me. Everything felt new. I was eager, listening for God's still small voice, looking for His movement in everything.<br />
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I remember the moment I felt God was calling me to minister to His people. I was so excited. I had to share it with my pastor. I just knew that he was going to be as excited about my calling as I was. When I told him, he chuckled and said, "don't worry Jimmy, you'll grow out of it". I was devastated!<br />
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Since that time, I have been a Youth Pastor, an Assistant Pastor and a Worship Pastor. I have served as a volunteer staff member and a full time staff member.<br />
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And then....it happened again. I was told that I was not anointed to do what I had been doing for years.<br />
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I allowed that statement to suck the life out of me spiritually and suffered because of it for years.<br />
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Now understand this, I do not blame this person for saying what they said, as I don't hold anything against my first pastor for what he said. After all, they both are men, and as men are entitled to their opinions though they may be flawed in their opinions.<br />
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It took me a long time to realize that what God has called me to do is not subject to the opinions of men. God is the one that called me...not man.<br />
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So I would ask you this, What has God called you to do? What is it that burns in you? What keeps you up at night? What is always on your mind?<br />
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My suggestion, GO DO IT!<br />
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Don't allow man to tell you that it can't be done, or worse...that it can't be done by you.<br />
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According to scripture, some are to be teachers, some pastors, but all of us are called to be His disciples.<br />
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If God has called you to it, He will show the way, He will provide, you just have to trust in Him.<br />
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Be faithful to the calling He has placed in your life!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217120557966420841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935182914849198780.post-19648999508308923102010-09-28T23:32:00.000-05:002010-09-28T23:32:06.099-05:00Mistaking the Move of God?Every Tuesday evening I meet with a good friend and we talk about God, ministry, family, and anything else that comes to mind, but mostly we talk about God.<br />
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We got on the subject of feeling or witnessing a move of God and a thought came to me.<br />
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I am of the opinion that many Christians today mistake emotion and spectacle for the move of God.<br />
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I also believe that an alarming number of people have no idea what a true move of God looks, or feels like.<br />
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What do you think?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217120557966420841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935182914849198780.post-79537555430035691062010-09-25T13:58:00.000-05:002010-09-25T13:58:41.329-05:00Church....Who Needs It?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeGZ0hSBrrSslB-wY17NOW7gdUCOEWuxzLK969Wn8Ud_UT2tNuXTJhvck2pwZ3tSjM2C0kG5DqucKsjypOrjIqVe20wyaqwTCwpFWFam7RmnLpeVNLj3Uedi2K9y5r4ueXWMGQ6hjFKI/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeGZ0hSBrrSslB-wY17NOW7gdUCOEWuxzLK969Wn8Ud_UT2tNuXTJhvck2pwZ3tSjM2C0kG5DqucKsjypOrjIqVe20wyaqwTCwpFWFam7RmnLpeVNLj3Uedi2K9y5r4ueXWMGQ6hjFKI/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Is regular attendance to an organized church really important?<br />
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This is the question I have been asking for a long time now. And so far...the arguments for have not been very convincing to me.<br />
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Now before we go any further, and before you send me that scathing comment that is already churning in your head....understand I am not knocking attending church, nor am I bashing people who attend regularly, but simply asking a question that I have asked and that numerous others have been asking me.<br />
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I ran across a few posts on <a href="http://legacylive.wordpress.com/">this blog</a> that I found interesting.<br />
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<i>"It should be a place where we receive encouragement and give encouragement. We should ‘give’ as much as we ‘get’ in the Church. If it’s only one sided then there isn’t something wrong with the Church but with me. We the church, the body of Christ, are His hands and feet, which means we should be living active members in the work of Christ on the earth today."</i><br />
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<i><strong>1) Relationship</strong> - In Romans 12:15, Paul tells us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” We need to be a part of each other’s lives in order to share in our blessings and our struggles. At a former church, 2 of our values included, “to know and be known, to celebrate and be celebrated”. And I could add, “weep, and be wept for”. As we come together, not just at the church building, but also throughout our days and lives, we can grow in relationship and have this type of support and joy.</i><br />
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<i><strong>2) Encouragement & accountability</strong> – Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 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.” It is so encouraging to observe others’ growing in their walk with the Lord. We can encourage each other to love and serve others, and we can do it together! As we come together weekly, we are reminded that we have a purpose and we have people to help us and work together toward that purpose. It’s a team!!</i><br />
<i>Which brings me to..</i><br />
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<i><strong>3) We need each other’s gifts!</strong> – Romans 12:4-6 “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, <strong>let us use them</strong>..” (See also 1 Corinthians 12) Just as we need our eyes as much as we need our hands or our feet, we need each one in the body of Christ! You and I each have a part and when one of us is missing, the body doesn’t work as well. This doesn’t mean we can’t miss a Sunday. But we need to be a vital part of each other’s lives. And what better time to begin than our weekly time to worship & learn together!</i><br />
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So...I am interested to know...what are your thoughts? Church...Who Needs It?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217120557966420841noreply@blogger.com0