March 1, 2010

 

Yes - "Christian Voices" is back - and we're glad to be back!!!

 

So I'm told, in advertising we're supposed to do things in "3". For example, on radio, when stating a telephone number - state it 3 times. So this notice is #3! They say - 3 times is a charm!

 

We have published issues of "Christian Voices" dated February 22, 2010 and February 26, 2010. That's because unlike in years past where "Christian Voices" was published every 3 days year around. This time "Christian Voices" will be published on Mondays and Thursdays. Mondays to start your week on a positive note, and Thursday to prepare for the weekend on an uplifting note.

 

Some things will not change. For example, we will still rely on you - the subscribers and readers - to pass the news around that "Christian Voices" is back. Please send the issues you receive to everyone that you can - to family, church members, friends, neighbors, and to any others that you can. Another way you can help is by sending us email addresses of anyone you think may be interested in receiving an "Invitation" to subscribe to "Christian Voices". Those email addresses will be cross-referenced with our master list of all addresses previously contacted to ensure that we contact an individual email address only once! Sending us email addresses helps us reach out to others around the world. We started 14 years ago in only one church congregation and now, through the email addresses we have received, reach more than 100 countries around the world.

 

Of course, there is one "critical" way to help "Christian Voices" and that is with your financial support. "Christian Voices" does not have any employees - we are volunteers. There are no salaries, no paid travel expenses, no product advertising, no sponsors supporting us - any financial support we receive is totally from contributions and those contributions pay for web site address and maintenance, technical and administrative server support, paper, print cartridges, and the like. Contributions are necessary for "Christian Voices" to survive and they are very much truly needed and absolutely appreciated. Please consider sending a contribution to "Christian Voices", P.O. Box 1002, La Vergne, TN 37086, or to "Christian Voices" through PayPal (ChristianVoices@att.net). We are prayfully hopeful that we can get by with asking for contributions only once each year. This is it! We are somewhat uncomfortable asking for contributions and most people dislike receiving requests for contributions - so hopefully asking once each year will be sufficient to keep us going.

 

And now, here once again is "Christian Voices" ! Hope you enjoy!

 

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HUMOR

 

While I sat in the reception area of my doctor's office, a woman rolled an elderly man in a wheelchair into the room.

 

As she went to the receptionist's desk, the man sat there, alone and silent.  Just as I was thinking I should make small talk with him, a little boy slipped off his mother's lap and walked over to the wheelchair.

 

Placing his hand on the man's, he said, "I know how you feel. My mom makes me ride in the stroller too."

 

.....Chaplain's Notes (http://www.chapnotes.org) (ChapNotesMail@aol.com) by way of "Christian Voices" (www.ChristianVoicesWorldwide.net)

 

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THOUGHT PROVOKING – INSPIRATIONAL

 

The African Violet Lady

 

In counseling at McGill University, in Montreal, students learn about many key figures in psychology and psychiatry who have advanced the art of counseling. Dr. Milton Erickson was a great hypnotherapist who practiced a form of brief therapy. The African Violet Lady of Baltimore is one of his success stories.

 

In the city of Baltimore lived a woman who was severely depressed. She had no friends, no family, and lived alone. She never left her house and rarely associated with people. This lady would not seek help from anyone.

A concerned neighbor contacted Dr. Erickson in hopes that he would take on this depressed lady as a client. The great doctor agreed to make just one visit to the house.

 

Dr. Erickson was surprised at what he saw. The lady lived in squalor beyond anything he had ever experienced. Dr. Erickson made a tour of the house and found one wilting African violet.

 

This African violet was to be the turning point in the woman’s life. Dr. Erickson advised the woman to grow the flower she loved so much, and then send these flowers to everyone whom she found in the local paper advertising they were having a birthday, a wedding, or any event that would be a cause of celebration.

 

The lady agreed to do it. She finally found a purpose in life. She continued to send out her precious flowers for years to come while receiving great joy from the endeavor. News spread quickly throughout the city about the mysterious lady who sends everyone African violets.

 

Upon her death, hundreds of people came out to mourn the famous lady known simply as the African violet lady, who was now loved by all.

 

In line with the behaviorists, one simple change in behavior and an exceptional doctor whose insight surpassed most, made a remarkable change in this woman’s life.

 

In line with counseling therapy, the doctor provided the guidance. The body heals itself. The lady did not need drugs or intensive therapy; she reached down inside of herself and rekindled the light of her most precious being; the light that springs eternal, the light that may burn dimmer at times but never burns out.

 

.....Carol Roach (http://www.examiner.com/x-33888-Montreal-Mental-Health-Examiner) by way of "Christian Voices" (www.ChristianVoicesWorldwide.net)

 

 

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NOW I SEE

 

Due to complications of an illness, without warning I’d been struck blind. As I lay awake in the lonely darkness, I prayed harder than I’d ever prayed before. I was living a nightmare. I felt alone and afraid.

 

The searing pain stabbed at my eyes as if fire were consuming them. But it wasn’t pain that caused my sleeplessness. It was the terrifying darkness and the agonizing over the "what if’s." What if I would never regain my sight? What if I would never enjoy reading a book, driving my car,  watching a sunset, or gazing into the eyes of my beautiful grandbaby?

 

During the long, sleepless nights, I cried in despair, questioning God.

 

Because of the torturous pain, I’d become very protective of my eyes and skittish about anything coming near them. I trembled with fear at the thought of the doctor examining them; so when the surgeon announced that he must cut my cornea, lift it, and clean under it, my reaction was, "I’d rather have my legs amputated!"

 

Christians in my church, across the country, and even around the globe were praying for me. I too prayed fervently. I begged God, not only for healing of my eyes, but for strength to endure whatever happened. I learned that courage truly is fear that has said its prayers.

 

While lying awake each night, I listened to an all-night radio station play gentle music as a man read soothing Bible passages. The Scriptures and serene music comforted and calmed me. Like a fountain of fresh water, God’s Word rinsed away my anxieties, replacing them with peace. I remembered the words of Jesus: "My peace I give to you . . . Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27) At last, I was able to give up fear and say, "Do whatever you want, God."

 

I determined to believe in His goodness and love, no matter what happened. I knew He wouldn’t forsake me and He wanted only what was best, so why should I fear? If He chose not to restore my sight, I would trust that He had a reason. No matter what, with His help, I could go on with my life and use it for Him.

 

The surgery went well; in time my eyes healed and the darkness became brighter. It was a long road to recovery, but I defied all odds. Eventually, my doctor confided that he hadn’t believed I would ever see again. "Your healing is a miracle," he said; but I already knew that.

 

Actually, God gave me two miracles. He restored my sight when it was hopeless. And, like a plant bursting forth from a dead seed, hope and trust had blossomed from my fear. Perhaps that was an even greater miracle.

 

Prayer may not change things for you, but it changes you for things.

 

Don’t be blind to your greatest need, which is Jesus.

 

.....from Marsha Jordan (jordans@newworth.net) by way of "Christian Voices" (www.ChristianVoicesWorldwide.net)

 

 

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