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Forgiveness

As most of you know, I teach a children's class at our church. My lesson this past Sunday was on Forgiveness. It's a topic we don't hear much about in today's world, but one that needs to be spoken of often. In fact, we need to put it into practice in our everyday lives.

In class, I asked the kids to name some of the things others could do that would hurt them. Some of their answers were: Say bad things about me; kick and punch me; tease me; laugh at me; talk behind my back to other people. I then asked what they needed to do when and if these things happened and they all agreed they needed to forgive. One little girl even said "Even if they don't say they're sorry, we need to forgive them anyway". At 11, she's learned a valuable lesson by saying that. She's the little girl whose Mom died about 4 years ago and she lives with her Dad and her brother in an apartment close to our church.

One boy, who's almost 10, said that people could kill you and I said "yes, they could; but, do you know we can also kill people without physically touching them?" He replied, "of course, we do it with our words". He went on to explain that "when we say hurtful words, they go deep into the person who's listening and if the hurt is bad enough and deep enough, it kills that person on the inside, so they're basically dead". I am pleasantly surprised at the wisdom of these kids. There are adults would would do well to listen and heed what they tell us.

The Bible teaches us that if we want to be forgiven by Almighty God, we must be people who forgive and forgive as often as needed. I've not been that sort of person and I'm not pleased to admit that to you. Of course, some reading this already know that about me. I was a really good grudge-holder for a lot of years; and in some ways, I still am. I'm hoping that I'm learning to let the grudge go and forgive anyone who may have hurt me and do it quickly!

Grudges are ugly things and why we want to carry them around is beyond me, even though I've done it. They start out looking wide-eyed and innocent and you carefully place it in your pocket for safe keeping. Over time the appearance begins to change, and sadly we don't see it. And it grows too ... ever so slowly, it grows and takes up a larger place on our person. If we keep it long enough, we'll need a small suitcase to carry it, but carry it we will. We were wounded you know and we have every right to these feelings! Never mind that it's now grosteque and heavy; we still refuse to see it for what is truly is and we don't ever call it by its rightful name ... Unforgiveness.

For those reading this who are believers in Christ Jesus, I'm writing this to tell you and me that we have no right whatsoever in harboring unforgiveness. We must forgive those who have hurt us, even if they don't tell us they're sorry. And we must remember to choose our words carefully, because they can kill someone deep inside.

I used to think you needed to verbally pound someone on the head to tell them about Christ and the loving mercy and grace He offers to the unsaved. Boy was I wrong. If I've done that to any one reading this, I ask you to forgive me. I've learned that it's by sharing God's grace and mercy and His offer of everlasting life that people will be touched. Not by beating them up and trying to scare them into salvation.

Don't misunderstand me, not being saved IS scary. This life isn't all there is ... heaven and hell are real and they are forever. But it's the love of God that compells men to go to Him and it's His job to secure their salvation. All I can do is point the way to the Maker of all we see on this earth; and I can, from time to time, share what I'm learning.

Once again I tell you that I pray for my family ... sons & daughters; grand-girls; my Fred and our Mom's; brothers & sisters & their spouses; their children and grandchildren and it is my desire that none will be lost. I entrust each of you to the good hands of our Lord. If you don't know Him yet ... will you call His Name right now? He's closer than the next breath you take.

Love to you all.

Attorney's Advice

ATTORNEY'S ADVICE - NO CHARGE

Not A Joke!! Make use of these tips...

Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday. Maybe we should all take some of his advice! A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company.

1. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put 'PHOTO ID REQUIRED.'

2. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the 'For' line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.

3. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks. (DUH!) You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have It printed, anyone can get it.

4. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards. Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have first hand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thief ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online and more. But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:

5. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.

6. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc. were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).But here's what is perhaps most important of all: (I never even thought to do this.)

7. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and also call the Social Security fraud line number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in my name. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them dead in their tracks.

Now , here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, if it has been stolen:

1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-37423.)

3.) Trans Union : 1-800-680 72894.)
4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

First Day of School - Louise

I remember being excited about going to school. I wasn't sure what 'school' was, but I knew it was supposed to be good for you and that you were supposed to make many new friends. I don't remember going to Kindergarten ... I'm not sure there was such a thing way back then. To my knowledge, when you started school, you went directly into first grade.

Mom took me to school. I don't remember what I had for breakfast, but I do remember wearing a new dress and new shoes. Girls did not wear pants to school, and this rule remained in place all through JR High and High School.

We went to the room that I was assigned to, Mom spoke to the teacher and I found a seat. Other kids were already seated by the time I got there.

After Mom left the teacher said, "Class, we have a new student and her name is Hazel". I was looking around the room to see who this Hazel person was and when no one stood up or said anything I figured the teacher had spoken the wrong name. It turns out she had the right name, I just didn't know it was mine. The teacher called the name again and then pointed to me and asked me to stand up. I told her "That's not my name, my name is Louise". She assured me that it said Hazel on my entrance form and after formally introducing me to the class, I was told I could sit down.

Sit down? I wanted to run home! I was shocked and surprised and very angry with my parents. How dare they name me Hazel and never tell me about it! How dare my Mom tell other people that was my name!

I was one very unhappy child when I got home. When asked how the day was, my reply was something along the lines of "Why did you name me Hazel and why didn't you tell me??? I don't like that name! My name is Louise!" Mom told me for the first time that day that I had been named after a precious older woman she knew in Kentucky. Well whoop-de-do. I could have cared less, all I knew was my first day of school was shattered ... to my way of thinking anyway ... and it was a memory I've carried with me all these years. I still don't care for the name Hazel, and only use it when necessary. It's amazing how something like that can affect you, but then, most everything in life does in one way or another.

First Day of School - Shawn

According to Shawn, his first day of school was terrible ... devastating ... awful ... and caused great trauma ... all thanks to his parents who made him go.

In his defense, I would not have made him stay if I could do that over. Back then we didn't have 'preschool' classes .. kids went from being home all day right in to kindergarten and I've learned that some kids aren't ready to start school at age 5 regardless of what the state says!

First Day of School - Bobby

I bet no one in this family even knows the true story of my kindergarten year. I bet they also do not know I skipped school the first days. That's right, went in the front door, bell would ring and I would go right back out the back door. Walk around, hang out and hide at David Vaughn's house, goof off, play, go to the store, play behind the church in the field by Dix Auto Parts, and then when it was time for school to get out, I would wait on the bell to ring, walk in the back door, go out the front door and walk home and tell them what a great day I had at school.

Then Mr. Breeding, the lovely school principal, busted me. Then he decided to tell my parents I was not mature enough and not ready to start school just yet and that I should be held out one more year before I enrolled to give me time to adjust and be well prepared.

God bless that man. He was the best principal I ever had and my first day of school was awesome. So was the rest of that whole year!


Bobby Wayne

First Day of School - Kay

With this post from Sharon Kay (Tay-Tay), we begin a series of

"My First Day of School" memories ... as you'll read, they weren't all good.

My first day of school..........oh my !! I think I still have post traumatic stress syndrome. I remember it well. Ellouise walked me to the front of Foote School, and I DID NOT want to let go of her leg. I was SO scared. You'd think I'd of been a veteran after seeing everyone else go before me, but I was terrified.

I remember it was a windy day and I had a scarf on my head, but I could not for the life of me tell you what I was wearing. Though I'm sure it was hand-me-downs. The teacher.........another oh -my......Mrs. Winslow......MEAN !!! BIG !!! GRUFF !!! That woman terrified me. I remember I was mad because Renee Antal was in a different class as me. I went to afternoon classes.

She took name call and I started crying, too afraid to raise my hand. When it was time for recess, I hid in the bathroom that was attached to our class room. One of the safetys found me, and forced me to go outside. I went kicking and screaming. She told the witch-doctor-teacher, and she punished me by sticking me in the corner after we came back in from recess.

Kindergarten is something I don't like recalling unless I have to. What it taught me, I'm not sure. To be strong? To be afraid of big mean witch-teachers? To not hide in the bathrooms and face your fears? To NEVER get paint on the table while you're making your parents a mold of your hands? To get used to being laughed at? I think it started a pattern in my life. To really, REALLY look forward to nap time. It took me away from all that was mean and ugly, and still does.

I don't remember anyone crying because it was my first day of school, except me. Now I totally understand why Mom wouldn't have...........she was probably thinking, THANK GOD.....six down, one more to go....I do remember being so excited to get out of that classroom and go home. I survived kindergarten with the witch teacher, and my first grade experience set a pattern for me. Her name was Mrs. Etheridge, and she truly cared about me. I was fortunate enough to have good teachers that taught me how important education really is, and helped me reach my full potential.

Enough for now..........Kay

First Day of School - Megan

Megan Smith

My day was not a routine day. I remember I was 5 years old.. we didn't live far from the school but my Mom insisted she take me to drop me off. I got ready.. a jean skirt with a bright green shirt and my hair in a ponytail to the side! HAHA. My Mom still has the picture somewhere I'm sure. I was cheesin it up! When she dropped me off, she walked me up to the door like the rest of the parents, I turned to her, gave her a hug and said BYE MOM!! :) I think maybe it made her sad but I was excited! It was a half day of school. Got done at 12. Not sure about breakfast. Im assuming cereal.

Needless to say I'm not a baby like Myndi who cried, haha jk. I think I was just ready.. to be like my big sister :)

Anger

Character

"The test of a man's character is what it takes to stop him"

John MacArthur

Happy Birthday Abby

Happy First Birthday

Miss Abigail Rohde

Warren

It's good to report that Warren came home this afternoon. Rita said he looks much better, but is a little tired, which is to be expected. Thanks to everyone who said a prayer for him and Rita during this trying time.

Warren

Please pray for Warren. He was taken to E.R. last night as he was having chest pain; and during a heart catherization this morning, it was determined he did have a heart attack. A stent was put in this morning and he should be able to go home tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 6. It's my understanding that he'll be monitored and a second stent will be put in in about 8 weeks.

Funerals

Funerals are events in our lives that we don't look forward to. I went to the funeral of a close friend's Mom this morning and while I hurt for my friend, I also rejoice that her precious Mom is in the presence of Almighty God and she'll never again have to deal with cancer. Her trials are over and for that we're thankful.

The minister who performed the service said something as he pointed to the casket that we all need to consider: We all have a date with death and none of us will escape it. Unless the Lord returns for His body of believers first, we will all one day be put into a casket. He also said that not many people consider this fact and fewer still take the time to plan for it. My friend's Mom did ... she was a Christian, a follower of Jesus, and she knew where she was going when she left here. She lived her life to the fullest she possibly could, for as long as she could and her granddaughter shared that during her Grandma's last days, they could all hear her praying and calling to Jesus.

This godly woman left a heritage of love, kindness and consideration for everyone she met. She deeply loved her daughter, son-in-law and her grandchildren. She loved her sisters and kept in close contact with each one. Two live in Tennessee, but that didn't stop their getting together often for family time.

As I sat at the funeral this morning I thought of my Mom and what she means to me. My friend told me "Losing my Dad was hard, but nothing can compare to this ... nothing can compare to losing your Mom". I believe what she said. I know how difficult it was when our Dad was sick and his dying was almost surreal to me. I cannot imagine losing Mom. She's been one of the strongest women I've known, and for various reasons, she's had to be.

None of us know the day nor the hour when death will come to us or to someone we love. But what we can do is put our hope, faith and trust in Jesus Christ. We can go to Him, even right now, and tell Him we need Him and we want Him to be our Savior and Lord. We can begin now living a life that will leave a legacy of hope for those who follow us. And people do follow you know. Our children and our grandchildren follow closer than we think they do. They listen to our conversations and they watch our responses to all that goes on around us. They mimic the tones of our voices and they'll eventually respond as we do. Good or bad.

What legacy will you leave? What preparations have you made? If you should leave this earth today, where will you go? This isn't all there is, as much as people would have us believe, this isn't all there is. This life has been but the beginning of Eternity and we'll spend it in one of two places.

The most difficult funeral I ever attended was one where no one cried for the man in the coffin. There was a relative small turn-out of people and no one shed a tear that he was gone. His step-son spoke at the service and when he asked if anyone had anything to share, no one responded.

At the conclusion of the service my son Shawn said, "Mom, no one cried for Ray". I've never forgotten those words as they spoke to soul.

To my knowledge this man wasn't a believer in Christ, he hadn't wanted anything to do with "God" or "religion" while he lived and so, unless there was a miracle of some sort in this man's last moments on earth, he died alone and away from God. God will sometimes give us what we want and if we don't want Him, so be it. That isn't the end of the story though. This man is now living with his choices and if he could speak to us, I imagine he would beg us to consider the claims of Jesus and accept Him while there's time to do that.

I love my family ... all of you! and I'm asking myself "If I died tonight, would they know I loved them? Would they know I loved the Lord and desired to serve Him? Will I leave a footpath that's worthy to be followed?"

The picture above is the cemetery where my Riddle grandparents, a relative who fought in the Confederate battle .. and a sister who died when she was but four years old are all buried. Our Dad was laid to rest in Spring Grove Cemetery in Carey, Ohio and when it's my time to go, my body will be laid to rest for awhile at Michigan Memorial Cemetery. Indeed, we all have a date that no one will be able to refuse. The good news is, we have a choice to make right now that will determine where we go once that date has come & gone.

It is my hope and prayer that all who read this will give careful consideration to Jesus and all He offers. I've heard it said by well-meaning people that "a good God wouldn't let anyone go to hell. We can pretty much do as we like and still make it to heaven". Not true. The only way into heaven is through the shed blood of Jesus. And He makes salvation available to all who will come to Him in faith; to all who will open the door of their heart and their life and let Him walk in to what is rightfully His.

This has been a long post, but a necessary one I believe. I can't talk to each of you one-on-one, but I can write and hopefully those who read this, will have something give serious thought to.

May God bless each of you.

Candid Christmas Photos...

Mr. Louis Moore - aka Loopty, Sugar Plum

Stephanie & Erica

Clyde & Louis
Perri

Sydney

Candid Christmas Photos...

Kay & Abby at our home

Happy New Year