The Angel on top of the tree

Had to share this. LOL! When four of Santa's elves got sick, the trainee elves did not produce toys as fast as the regular ones, and Santa began to feel the Pre-Christmas pressure. Then Mrs. Claus told Santa her Mother was coming to visit, which stressed Santa even more. When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two others had jumped the fence and were out, Heaven knows where. Then when he began to load the sleigh, one of the floorboards cracked, the toy bag fell to the ground and all the toys were scattered. Frustrated, Santa went in the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum. When he went to the cupboard, he discovered the elves had drunk all the cider and hidden the liquor.. In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider jug, and it broke into hundreds of little glass pieces all over the kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found the mice had eaten all the straw off the end of the broom. Just then the doorbell rang, and an irritated Santa marched to the door, yanked it open, and there stood a little angel with a great big Christmas tree. The angel said very cheerfully, 'Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't this a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?' And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree. *Not a lot of people know this.

Adults Only

A friend sent this to me and I had to share. LOL!

Adults Only Once upon a time there lived a king. The king had a beautiful daughter, The PRINCESS. But there was a problem. Everything the princess touched would melt. No matter what... Metal, Wood, Stone, Anything she touched would melt. Because of this, men were afraid of her. Nobody would dare marry her. The king despaired. What could he do to help his daughter? He consulted his wizards and magicians. One wizard told the king, 'If your daughter touches one thing that does not melt in her hands, she will be cured.' The king was overjoyed and came up with a plan. The next day, he held a competition. Any man who could bring his daughter an object that would not melt would marry her and inherit the king's wealth... THREE YOUNG PRINCES TOOK UP THE CHALLENGE. The first brought a sword of the finest steel. But alas, when the princess touched it, it melted. The prince went away sadly The second prince brought diamonds. He thought diamonds are the hardest substance in the world and would not melt. But alas, once the princess touched them, they melted. He too was sent away disappointed. The third prince approached. He told the princess, 'Put your hand in my pocket and feel what is in there.' The princess did as she was told, though she turned red . She felt something hard. She held it in her hand. And it did not melt!!! The king was overjoyed. Everybody in the kingdom was overjoyed. And the third prince married the princess and they both lived happily ever after. Question: What was in the prince's pants? M&M's of course. They melt in your mouth, not in your hand. What were you thinking?? I WORRY ABOUT YOU SOMETIMES !!!!

Friday Prayers

Pakistan—Court Dismisses Blasphemy Case Against Teen Sources: VOM Sources, Release International Proverbs 15:29 The blasphemy case against Christian teenager Rimsha Bibi was dismissed last week by the High Court in Islamabad. Rimsha, a 14-year-old with an apparent learning disability, had been accused of burning pages of the Quran. After her arrest, however, a Muslim cleric from her neighborhood was accused of fabricating evidence against her in an attempt to drive Christians out of the area. The cleric himself was then charged with blasphemy. In dismissing the case against Rimsha, Chief Justice Iqbal Hameed-ur Rehman cited a lack of witnesses and warned against making blasphemy accusations lightly. Although the charges against Rimsha have been dismissed, there are still concerns for her safety. Other Pakistani Christians have been murdered after their release from prison, and Rimsha and her family are now living in an undisclosed location. Pray for the protection and restoration of Rimsha and her family. Pray that this case will help bring about positive change in Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which are often misused against Christians. Sudan—Christians Threatened by Islamist Attacks and Famine Sources: Australian Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission, VOM Sources Psalm 10:12 Thousands of Sudanese Christian refugees face a severe food shortage in the disputed border area of Abyei as Sudan and South Sudan debate its status. In addition, the Islamist regime in Khartoum continues its attacks against the non-Muslim and non-Arab residents in southern Sudan, which includes Abyei, South Kordofan and Blue Nile. The Sudanese government wants the region’s oil and water resources but not the “infidels” and “blacks” who live there. In recent weeks, the government has increased its aerial bombardment of Christian towns in southern Sudan, and famine is spreading. Pray for Christians in southern Sudan. Nigeria—Eleven Killed in Church Bombing Source: Release International, VOM Sources 1 Peter 3:12 At least 11 people were killed on Sunday, Nov. 25, when suicide bombers attacked a church inside the Jaji Military Cantonment in the northern state of Kaduna. Suspected Islamists drove a bus packed with explosives into the St. Andrew’s Military Church during a service, causing a large explosion. Although the initial explosion apparently caused no casualties, a second car bomb was detonated just outside the building about 10 minutes later, after church members had gathered around the site of the first explosion. In addition to the 11 killed, 30 people were injured, many of them seriously. No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing, but the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram is suspected in the attack. On Nov. 24, Nigeria’s army offered 290 million naira ($1.8 million) for information leading to the capture of 19 leaders of Boko Haram. The group, which is intent on overthrowing the government and enforcing Sharia, or Islamic law, throughout Nigeria, frequently targets Christians. Continue to pray for Nigerian Christians. Pray that their faith will remain strong and that they will respond in a Godly way to the continual violence. Laos—VOM Project Pray for the pastors and evangelists who received VOM-provided motorbikes and bicycles. Pray that they will be able to expand their ministries and reach out to villages where there is no pastor.

Friday Prayers

Thought I would share the prayers from VOM.

"Prayer is the pulse of life; by it the doctor can tell what is the condition of the heart. The sin of prayerlessness is a proof for the ordinary Christian or minister that the life of God in the soul is in deadly sickness and weakness." - Andrew Murray "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" - Ephesians 6:18 VOM-USA Prayer Update for November 9, 2012 On Thu. Nov 08 2012 at 03:09 PM Moderator wrote: North Africa--Seminary Classes Delayed Source: VOM Sources 1 Peter 3:14-16 The latest seminary class for a group of North African pastors has been delayed because of unrest in the region. A VOM partner reports that the students involved are very eager to continue their studies. In the meantime, they continue to study God's Word and prepare themselves for leadership in their local churches. Because of government restrictions, all churches in this region must meet in secret. "We feel confident that classes will resume in the very near future," a VOM partner said. "Please make this an urgent matter for prayer." Pray that the class will be able to resume soon and that the work of these ministers will bear much fruit in this region. Uzbekistan--Refugee Pastor Jailed While Seeking Protection Source: VOM Canada 2 Corinthians 4:1-2 Uzbekistan is seeking to extradite a refugee from Kazakhstan on charges that carry a maximum 15-year jail term. Pastor Makset Djabbarbergenov, who fled to Kazakhstan and was recognized as a refugee by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, has been charged with exercising freedom of religion or belief in his hometown of Nukus. On Oct. 15, a court in Almaty, Kazakhstan, authorized detention until Nov. 5 and claimed the Uzbek charges could be equated to terrorism-related charges under Kazakh law. The Supreme Court claims it cannot find an appeal that Makset filed in August. Please pray that Makset will not be deported. Pray that the Lord will give Makset and his wife the strength to remain faithful. Eritrea--Believers Arrested and Citizens Armed Source: VOM Sources Colossians 2:6-8 Christians in Eritrea are alarmed by an increase in Christian arrests and by the fact that the government appears to be arming citizens for unknown reasons. Authorities have continued to arrest Christians throughout Eritrea, holding them for several months before releasing them. The most recent arrests have occurred on the outskirts of the capital, Asmara. In addition, the government is arming citizens between the ages of 18 and 70 with AK-47 rifles. "The latest report I have from Asmara is that now, for a few hours every day, everyone is taking some kind of a basic training [with the weapons]," wrote a VOM contact. "There is rumored speculation [that the distribution of arms] started when the late Ethiopian prime minister was sick; there is a tense fear that the new Ethiopian political situation might trigger another conflict. [The other possible explanation is that] as usual it is a diversion that the government creates to occupy its citizens," the contact said. Pray for God's protection of Christians in Eritrea and for stability and political reform in the country. Bangladesh--VOM Project Pray for families in need of emergency funds for court fines and fees. The relief will go to persecuted families in remote house churches who have urgent needs. Pray also for the workers involved in delivering the funds.

Friday Prayers

Wanted to share the below from VOM.

"Prayer is the pulse of life; by it the doctor can tell what is the condition of the heart. The sin of prayerlessness is a proof for the ordinary Christian or minister that the life of God in the soul is in deadly sickness and weakness." - Andrew Murray "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" - Ephesians 6:18 VOM-USA Prayer Update for November 2, 2012 On Thu. Nov 01 2012 at 12:08 PM Moderator wrote: Indonesia--Church Ordered to Move Source: Church Ordered to Move Psalm 22:27 The Taman Yasmin Indonesian Christian Church (GKI) in Bogor, West Java, was recently ordered to relocate to a neighborhood three miles from its current location. The church, which was forced to meet outdoors for years because of Islamic pressure, believes it would face strong opposition at the new site and has firmly rejected the order. It has instead called on officials to respect a 2010 Supreme Court ruling that reinstated the church's building permit. Under pressure from local Muslims, authorities have closed nine "illegal" churches in Banda Aceh. Two weeks ago, the churches' leaders were forced to sign statements agreeing to close their church buildings. Authorities have warned that they will continue to monitor these congregations to ensure that church activities are not resumed. Please pray for GKI and other churches in Indonesia as they struggle to worship God amid severe persecution. Iran--Church Leaders Sentenced to Prison Sources: Mohabat News Luke 22:33 On Oct. 15, an Assemblies of God pastor in Ahwaz, Iran, and three of the church's ministers were each sentenced to one year in prison after being convicted of "converting to Christianity, inviting Muslims to convert, as well as propagating against the Islamic regime through promoting Evangelic Christianity." Pastor Farhad Sabokrouh; his wife, Shahnaz Jeizan; Naser Zamen Dezfuli; and Davoud Alijani received the maximum penalty for the charges, and they may appeal the ruling. Pray that God will give peace and strength to these pastors as well as other imprisoned Christians still awaiting trial. Tanzania--Christian Guards Protect Imprisoned Teen Source: VOM Contacts Numbers 6:25 A Tanzanian teenager charged with desecrating a Quran has been blessed with the protection of two Christian prison guards. A VOM contact who visited 17-year-old Eva Abdullah this month said the female Christian guards promised to care for Eva and help keep her safe. Eva converted from Islam to Christianity three years ago and was subsequently disowned by her family. When a group of radicals couldn't persuade her to deny her faith in Christ, they falsely accused her of desecrating a Quran. Although many Christian leaders were afraid to defend her, compassionate attorneys have taken her case. Pray for the continued protection of Eva and her Christian guards. Praise God for these two guards, who are a comfort to Eva as she awaits trial, and pray that Eva will continue to shine the light of Christ. Colombia--VOM Project Pray for 25 widows supported through VOM's Families of Martyrs fund. They and their families are provided food, utilities and fellowship with other believers.

Voting Independently

Yesterday I went and voted early. Although most anyone who has had any type of political conversation with me for more then three minutes is likely to know exactly how I voted, because I used an accessible voting machine no one but me can be certain of how I voted. Since the introduction of accessible voting machines in 2006 I have been able to vote independently. For those who take this for granted I would suggest they think how they would feel if, no matter how well meaning, they had to rely on someone of the opposite political view to mark your ballot. For some this is a necessity, but not for the blind. The accessible voting machine I used had buttons clearly marked in Braille, and I was able to operate it easily in mere moments. The selection of my choices on the machine was straightforward, and once I understood the layout of how each race was run I was able to quickly and easily select my options. I reviewed the ballot and submitted it, all within twenty minutes.

I am happy to have voted in 2012, and I am almost as pleased to have been able to do so independently and easily. I hope everyone who votes, particularly the blind, may have an equally straightforward experience. Remember, if you don't vote, you can't rant.

Friday Prayers

Sharing prayer requests for this week from VOM.

"Prayer is the pulse of life; by it the doctor can tell what is the condition of the heart. The sin of prayerlessness is a proof for the ordinary Christian or minister that the life of God in the soul is in deadly sickness and weakness." - Andrew Murray "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" - Ephesians 6:18 VOM-USA Prayer Update for October 19, 2012 On Thu. Oct 18 2012 at 03:26 PM Moderator wrote: Philippines--Philippine Government and Rebels Make a Deal Source: BBC News Colossians 1:11 The Philippine government reached a peace deal with the largest Muslim terror group last week, ending 40 years of conflict between the two groups. The government conceded another autonomous region in Mindanao to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). While most Filipinos are Catholics, in the Mindanao region, Muslims are the majority. The MILF has long agitated for an independent state, but the agreement to give Bangasamoro leaders more political and economic freedom appears to have pacified them. What is not clear, is how this will affect Christians in the Mindanao region. Christians have long been the victims of violence and land-grabs. Pray for the protection of Christians in the region, that God will strengthen them in his power. Iran--Another Christian Convert to Spend Six Years in Evin Prison Sources: VOM Contacts Romans 5:3 A Christian convert from Islam was sentenced to six years in prison after he was charged with crimes against the regime and caught trying to flee the country. Alireza Seyyedian, 37, has been a Christian since 2006. Last year, authorities found a video of his baptism in Turkey on his laptop, which had been seized in a raid. In December 2011, he was charged with crimes against national security and propaganda against the regime. The judge cited his baptism in Turkey as evidence that Alireza was trying to express dissatisfaction with the regime. He was also accused of hosting a house church and distributing Bibles to youth. In March, Alireza was caught fleeing to Turkey, and was brought back to Iran to Evin prison. He is being held in the section for political prisoners. Pray for Alireza. Ask God to strengthen his faith and give him endurance. Indonesia--Bomb Attacks Revive Church Fears Source: Release International, BBC News, The Jakarta Globe 1 John 4:18 Bomb attacks on Christian targets in the city of Poso have revived painful memories of religious violence in Central Sulawesi. Explosives were detonated outside a Christian's home just after 8 p.m. on Oct. 9 -- then, about an hour later, a bomb went off outside Imanuel Church in nearby Taripa, Pamona Timur. Police said the house targeted in the first attack was that of Okrifil Mamuaya, a Christian working for the local government. No one was injured in the blasts -- but they have alarmed Christians in an area blighted by religious conflict in the past. Groups such as Laskar Jihad have carried out jihad, or holy war, against Christian communities, particularly in the Moluccas and Central Sulawesi between 1999 and 2002. Pray that Christians in Poso and other parts of Central Sulawesi will know God's peace and love. Thank God that His perfect love drives out fear. Vietnam--VOM Project Pray for tribal Christian training centers operating in Vietnam. The centers provide materials and training for 400 rural and tribal Christian pastors with the goal of strengthening house churches in rural areas, which face more persecution.