All The Single Ladies

By 

Cee Cee Michaela

 on February 14, 2011-UrbanFaith.com

Before you give your heart away, check out these priceless pearls of wisdom for women who want to put God in charge of their love life.

The Bible says, "A man who finds a wife finds a good thing!" So, my single ladies, are you a "good thing" or used goods? How many more men will you let into your life that simply want to USE you ... physically, financially, emotionally, spiritually? Hopefully your answer is "no more," and you're ready to give God full control of your love life.

My single ladies, I want to speak restoration, wisdom, and strength into your life right now ... so you can walk down a path toward becoming the "good thing" God wants you to be -- and perhaps find your own "good thing" in the process.

Another blast of Scripture for you: "A prudent wife is a gift from the Lord " (Prov.19:14). Well, ladies, if you are a GIFT, keep it wrapped tight. Don't let the bow slip off until it's time for the big reveal! Don't let just anyone unwrap you! You are a beautifully wrapped gift and will be presented to your husband-to-be by God in God's time.

Listen, sisters, if you're a single woman of God waiting for marriage, this message is for you. Are you ready?

Y'all better go wake up your girlfriends, and send them this link, because Cee Cee is 'bout to give you some truth for your life right now! If you're feeling lonely, inferior, desperate, or depressed ... this one's for you. Listen up and check out these 20 nuggets of real-life relationship wisdom, because something here is a message from the Lord to you.

1. No Begging Allowed. If you are feeling rejected by your current boyfriend as we speak ... he is not for you. No one should have to beg for affection and compliments. You should never have to ask a man, "Baby, do you think I am beautiful?"

2. Follow Their Example. No women in the Bible put their lives on hold to find a husband. Not Mary, Not Rebekah, Not Ruth, Not Rachel, Not Esther, certainly Not Eve! These women all were busy working and serving when their husbands found them.

3. Pursue Self-Improvement. Work on yourself, ladies. What's God tellin' ya? Get an advanced degree, launch a business, redecorate your rooms, learn to create a loving atmosphere for your home, plant a garden, make a scrapbook, write a novel, sew, knit, take cooking classes, take a ballroom dance class, learn how to put up drywall. Then get involved at your church -- volunteer to sing in the choir, teach Sunday school, or work with the youth. GOD LOVES WHEN YOU SERVE HIM, and it's a must to explore your various spiritual gifts while you're still single!

4. Wait for It. Ladies, this is an obvious one but oh so easy to forget: Please do not havesex with a guy before marriage! This so clouds everything, and you know this! Emotions get attached, or you become physically attached and then may manipulate the guy into marrying you when neither of you are truly ready. Uggh! Not good! Not God!

5. Only God Makes You Whole. Ladies: Please know that you are okay and you areexcellent and you are whole without a husband. You must be whole before marriage. Two halves do not make a whole concerning marriage! Marital Math is: Whole + Whole = a Wholesome Marriage. Never say, "I just am not complete without him. He makes me complete! He is the air I breathe!" WHAT?! Girl, JESUS is the air you breathe. Don't confuse a man with the Son of Man. Keep your priorities straight.

6. Is He Serious About God? If your man does not know the Word, apply the Word, live the Word, speak the Word, pray the Word, and meditate on it, then he does not have his sword-- which means he's not gonna be able to fight for you or your marriage! WAKE UP, somebody! A true soldier straps on his sword every day, baby!

7. Beware of the Bling. "Put a Ring On It?" Not so fast! Do not fall for every ring that comes your way. Anyone can flash a ring at you. Some brothers even recycle rings from the last girl that said no!!!! Whew Jesus! Ya betta go tell yo friends this stuff!

8. Do Your Homework. Before you get too far in a relationship, be sure to ASK if he has ever had a drinking problem, abuse problem, drug problem, if he was abused or molested in any way, if he's been to jail, got warrants, pays child support, even sees his children, has current pictures of his children, been tested recently for HIV and other STDS. Will he even go take an HIV test for you? And if not, why?

9. Yeah, I'm Going There. If he even seems gay ... please just let it go, ladies. My God! Stop the madness for real. Who are his friends? Is he extra effeminate? Does he wax his brows? Can't live without his guy friends and boy trips? Wake up, woman! You are a COVER GIRL!

10. A Word to the Brothers. The Down Low is on the rise. Pay attention, ladies. (And men, get yourself together. STOP ruining women's lives just to make yourself look straight on the outside. The truth is gonna come out. Some of ya'll should get an Emmy for the act you put on. Just get truthful with God. How dare you use a woman and then bring up children in that deception and confusion!)

11. No Shackin' Up. If you are living with your current boyfriend, consider moving out right now! Pack yo' bag and go to the nearest sistah friend house, or back to you mama, or get a nice li'l 2 bedroom with a girlfriend and split the rent. Come on, now ... there has got to be away that you can be self-sufficient. And if YOU took him in cuz he had nowhere to go, umm ... where exactly is that going? Honestly!

12. I Repeat, You Need to Wait. Even if you are engaged, please do not live togetherto save money ... Just have him live with a relative until the BIG DAY! There are options, ladies.DO NOT CHEAT! It is so worth it to move in on that big day! Get prepared, but do not cut corners like that.

13. Garbage In, Garbage Out. Ask him now if he likes PORN. People, this junk will ruin-- did you hear me? -- RUIN a marriage! And if you are hooked on porn, hit my inbox and let me pray with you right now. 'Cause U got to come up off of that! It's fake, scripted, perverse, and passionless. They want you to think it's what sex is, but IT'S NOT. It is godless and destructive! And it has no place in a marriage. LET GOD direct your marital sex life, not X-rated videos!

14. Get Over Yourself. If you are spoiled and selfish -- and you know it -- DO NOT GET MARRIED ... just keep loving your doggone self. You are a Last Days person ... the Lord saidthere would be many ... so just keep being a lover of yourself! Just admit it! Maybe if you face it, God will Heal you from it and you will actually be able to LOVE someone else!

15. Is He Trippin' on the Past? He got the nerve to hold your past against you? What! OMG! Let it go! If he cannot see the God in you now because he's too distracted by what you used to be, let that suckah loose! We are new in Christ! All old has past away... and you walkin' the narrow way too and he wanna talk about who and how you use to be? Awww nawww player ... naw! Cut it loose, baby girl! The accuser type! Diggin' up your buried past! Later!

16. Be Wise About Online Hookups. Beware of using the Internet to find a man. People ain't always what they seem to be on here. Some ladies are on Match.com, Matchmaker.org, Hitched.com, BlackPlanet, Eharmony, Emarriage ... just a searchin'. First,search the Scriptures, baby girl! Many of ya'll have wrecked Facebook already, just plain abused it, trying to find a man. Some have ruined other women's marriages! Sad! Beware, ladies!

17. Does He Prefer the Old You? If you meet a man and he is more attracted to theold, unsaved you than the new, saved you ... RUN, FORREST, RUN!!!

18. Get the Big Picture. Check out his family and other parts of his life. Meet the parents! If his dog is scared of him, honey run! If he kicks a dog, he will kick you. If he cheats on his taxes, he might cheat on you. If he lies to his mama and his boss, he'll lie to you. I am so serious! Ya'll betta open you eyes!

19. What's Comin' Outta His Mouth? If he consistently, and in a negative or pushy tone, says you are: fat, ugly, dumb, not good enough, too much, too little, too this, too that ... tell him that he's too unlike Christ for you ... See ya!! A real man will do whatever it takes to win your heart with LOVE, not criticism and abuse!

20. Pray Early and Often. Single ladies, one more thing. If God blesses you with a partner someday, one of the most important activities you will do as a wife (without fail) is PRAY FOR YOUR HUSBAND. Well, why not start praying for him now in advance? It makes for great practice. That way, it will be more of a natural part of who you are when he finally comes. Pray for his health, his thought life, his finances, his heart! Pray in advance! Can't hurt! It certainly worked for me!

That's my 20, ladies. I've got plenty more, but I'll let you reflect on these for a minute. Here's the bottom line: In a mutual relationship, a man will do ONLY what you let him do to you ... it takes two. So, call on GOD for strength, wisdom, holiness, and self-control right now. You need the Word more than just on Sunday mornings when Pastor is preaching it. Keep your soul ready, your mind sharp, your hair right, and your muscles tight. Keep smiling and believing, single ladies. This is your day!

Daily Bible Verse

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Romans 15:13

Today's passage is from the New International Version, ©2011.-Biblegateway.com

Paterson Pastor Pleads Not Guilty To Stabbing Another Preacher

Street view of the Koinonia and Christian Ministries in Paterson, the church headed by Rev. Edward Fairley, who is accused of stabbing another pastor.

PATERSON — A northern New Jersey pastor accused of stabbing another preacher has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder and unlawful possession of a weapon.

The Record reports that the Rev. Edward Fairley of Paterson was arraigned Friday in state court. The judge set bail at $1 million and sent the case to a grand jury.

Authorities say the 59-year-old Fairley stormed into a home and stabbed the Rev. Simone Shields in the face and torso while she was getting her hair done. Authorities say they found Fairley on the street, soaked in blood with the knife in his hand. The 52-year-old Shields was hospitalized for her wounds.

Police said that at some point the two ministers were in a relationship. He is married; she is not.

Song Of The Day

The song of the day is " Long As I Got King Jesus" by Vickie Winans.

Daily Bread: Becoming A Go-To Person

March 17, 2011 — by Randy Kilgore

“Would you pray for my sister?” the burly worker asked awkwardly. I eyed him suspiciously.
Months earlier, muggy August heat intensified emotions in the pre-strike atmosphere of the assembly plant where I was working that summer. Managers drove production at a frenzied pace and union members resisted. During breaks, we were coached by union officials on slowing down our output. My faith and idealism got me in the doghouse because I didn’t think God would accept anything but my best effort. I naively tried to explain.

My co-workers’ response was harassment, and this burly worker asking for prayer had been the ringleader. An undesirable task? I got the assignment. Off-color jokes had me as the star.
So now I greeted this prayer request with suspicion. “Why me?” His answer jarred me: “Because she’s got cancer,” he said gruffly, “and I need someone God will hear.” The bitter rancor between us eased as I prayed for his sister.

Like the centurion in Luke 7, people in the storms of life don’t waste time or mince words. They go directly to the people whose faith they’ve tagged as real. We need to be those people. Do our lives mark us as a go-to person in touch with God?

We give to others what they need
No greater help and care
Than when we intercede for them
And bear them up in prayer. —D. De Haan

Even the hardest of souls might ask for help
when someone they love is at risk.

New Movie: The Grace Card

Vision of 'Grace'

By

Wanda Thomas Littles on March 11, 2011 -UrbanFaith.com

PLAYING THE GRACE CARD: Oscar winner Louis Gossett Jr. (right) and newcomer Michael Higgenbottom star in The Grace Card.

A Memphis optometrist, his Tennessee church, and a Hollywood legend join forces to tell a story of faith, forgiveness, and racial healing.

The Grace Card, a new Christian film starring Academy Award-winner Lou Gossett Jr. and newcomer Michael Higgenbottom, explores the idea of racial healing through forgiveness. Released late last month, the film has been stirring up vigorous discussions among Christians across the nation.
The film focuses on Sam Wright (played by Higgenbottom), a Memphis police officer and part-time minister who is promoted over his new partner, Mac McDonald, who is white. Michael Joiner plays the bitter Mac, whose hatred destroys all around him and initiates several dramatic twists in the story.
At the height of his frustration in trying to help Mac overcome his hatred while dealing with his own problems, Sam goes to his grandfather, George Wright (played by Gossett), who tells him the story of the grace card. This card was passed down to him by his great-grandfather who, on the day he was given his freedom from slavery, at the age of 8, wrote this on a card and gave it to his former master:

I promise to pray for you, ask your forgiveness, grant you the same, and be your friend always.

Sam's grandfather gives him the card and suggests it will also help him overcome his problem with his partner.
David Evans, the writer and director of The Grace Card, left a thriving optometry practice to pursue his dream of making life-changing films. "I was hoping when people heard the term 'the race card,' they would know that there was something that could trump it, the grace card," he told UrbanFaith.
A native of the home of Wal-Mart, Bentonville, Arkansas, Evans graduated from a Memphis school of optometry in 1994 and worked in a practice there for over 15 years. During that time, he started a drama ministry at his church that produced a massive annual production for Easter. Each year, these Passion plays presented the gospel by creating modern-day stories that parallel the life of Christ. The inspiration for The Grace Card grew out of one of these productions, which was based on an idea shared with him by one of his optometry patients.
David Evans (at left, with wife Esther) was moved to re-envision his stage plays for film by the story of the Kendrick brothers, whose hit movies Facing the Giants and Fireproof were made through a film-production ministry launched through their church in Albany, Georgia. Suddenly it was clear what God wanted him to do. With the help of his home church (Calvary Church in Cordova, Tennessee), a slew of church members, and virtually the whole city of Memphis, he shifted from helping people to see clearly with their eyes to helping them see clearly with their hearts through the power of cinematic storytelling. Veteran screenwriter Howard Klausner came on board as a co-writer and producer, and Evans' wife, Esther, joined him as an executive producer.
Needing an actor with powerful appeal to help bring gravitas to his film (as well as generate buzz), Evans sought out Lou Gossett.
Gossett was born in New York and attended First Baptist Church of Coney Island. He was shaped by an educational background that was nothing short of an idyllic renaissance, he says. Growing up, he was an outstanding student and scholar and was voted junior-high and senior-high class president. A graduate of NYU, and an athlete standing at 6-foot-4, he turned down an invitation to try out for the NBA's New York Knicks. Instead, he moved to California where he acted in television and film, eventually earning an Emmy in 1977 for his seminal role as Fiddler in the groundbreaking miniseries Roots and a 1983 Academy Award for his co-starring role in An Officer and a Gentleman. Also known for his charitable work, Gossett is founder of the Eracism Foundation, an organization targeting an end to ignorance, gang violence, and racism.
Says Gossett: "I'm 74 years old now and the final lesson in forgiveness for me came from Nelson Mandela, who, if anybody had a reason to be angry, it was him, and as I watched him coming out of the Robben Island prison with a broad smile on his face, I said he's on another level and that's the level I want to be on. I realized I had to forgive myself, and others, and this role as the grandfather teaching forgiveness fits like a glove."

The Grace Card is Michael Higgenbottom's film debut. He came to Memphis after attending Knoxville College and later graduating from the University of Memphis. He acted in commercials and onstage while working as a salesman for an aircraft company.
Higgenbottom's character, Sam, seems like a gentle giant, who is so lovable and soft spoken, that at first, it is hard to see him as a tough cop, but he pulls it off. He says the role appealed to him not only because he identified with Sam's character but also because, "I think this movie will spark conversation. People are longing for movies that inspire -- movies with a positive message. This movie will cause people to talk about race relations, about forgiveness."
He sees the relationship between his character and the character of Mac McDonald as a way to help people see barriers of prejudice and misunderstanding that keep people apart. "Like Mac, a lot of people want to hold a whole race accountable for the act of one person or a group of people, but you have to extend grace, you have to pray, you have to forgive."
Gossett agrees. "With the way things are turning in the Middle East and in other parts of the world, we have a golden opportunity in this country right now to show that democracy works -- we could be one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty, and justice for all, but we're not practicing that right now. That's why I think that The Grace Card is such a good thing."
But how do you begin the dialogue about racism in this country when it seems people are so polarized and set in their views?
It's worth noting the effect The Grace Card is having as a tool of reconciliation, in both large and small ways. The film previewed in over 120 major cities across the U.S. and the response was been encouraging, says Evans. The film opened on Feb. 25 in just over 350 theaters but has earned more than $1 million to date. Group tickets are being purchased by churches in triple digits throughout the country, and the churches are hoping to use the film as a platform for much-needed discussions about forgiveness and reconciliation, says Evans. And in many cities, local radio stations are leading the challenge to churches, families, individuals, businesses, and schools, to be the "Face of Grace."
According to well-known Dallas pastor and radio host Tony Evans, the film "is a powerful portrayal of how one life transformed by God's grace can substantially impact an entire community."
David Evans, the optometrist-turned-filmmaker, is ecstatic to finally see his vision translated to the big screen, but he's even more excited about how God is using the film. "We're hearing stories about grace and forgiveness posted on Facebook and in e-mails sent to us, and that's due to a group of dedicated influencers, pastors, and ministry leaders of many races," he says. "We can't wait to see what happens as the message spreads."

Broaden Your Life

Posted by Joel Osteen on March 4th, 2011 -joelosteen.com

In order to be all that God has called you to be, you have to be open to see things in a new way. You have to be willing to press past what I call "invisible walls."

An invisible wall is something very subtle. It's an attitude that says, "We don't associate with those people because they're not like us. They don't dress like us. They don't live in our neighborhood. They don't worship the way we do. They're not our same nationality." So you just, very quietly, keep your distance. You smile, you say hello, but there is an unseen barrier that separates you. But let me tell you, if all of your friends look like you, dress like you and live in your neighborhood, then you are missing out. When you live with such a narrow focus, you're only experiencing a small portion of what God has for you. If you don't broaden your life and get rid of little prejudices, then those invisible walls can keep you from your destiny. The very people you are avoiding, the ones you're saying, "They're not from my camp; they're not for me" could be the divine connections that hold the key to your dreams coming to pass!

I've learned that God doesn't just use people to help me that look like me, dress like me and come from my same background. God likes variety. But sometimes we get stuck in our own little box. I call it a "prison of prejudice." It doesn't mean that we are bad people, but we have these attitudes. "They're Baptist and I'm Catholic. I'm staying away from them." "They're Democrat and I'm a Republican. They're unclean." "They're an Aggie. I'm a Longhorn." Or more seriously, "They're black and I'm white. They're Hispanic. I'm Asian. They're blue collar and I'm white collar." Friend, God uses all people. Every person that has breath to breathe was created in the image of Almighty God. Who are we to judge and think, "You're not for me. You're the wrong skin color. You're the wrong nationality?" No, nobody chose their skin color. None of us could choose who our parents would be or what country we would be born in; God chose that! If we look down on people and refuse to associate with them, really, we are shunning our own Creator. He holds the key to blessing, favor and honor. You can't disrespect God's children and expect Him to bless you at the same time. It doesn't matter if you're black, white, brown, yellow, American, African, European or Hispanic—we all bleed red! No matter what you look like, no matter where you've come from, as long as your blood is red, you're my brother, you're my sister.

Do you know skin color is less than one-sixteenth of an inch deep? I'm not going to be so petty as to let one-sixteenth of an inch come between us! We need each other. We need each other's wisdom and encouragement. We may be different cultures, nationalities and skin colors; but let's remember, really, we're only one-sixteenth of an inch different.

Today, as you go about your day, look for ways to broaden your life by broadening your circle. Don't just associate with people who are like you; associate with people you can learn from, grow with, people who will help you see a different perspective on life. Remember, God created all of us on purpose and for a purpose. When you broaden your thinking and love all people, you are honoring God and opening the door for Him to bless you and use you in ways you never thought possible!

The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7b, NIV).

What Do You Want To Talk About?

Are you itching to talking about something we haven't touched on yet?  Do you have some interesting topics in mind to share with the world?  We would love to post some of your ideas and topics on the blog.  Just send us an email: blog@greaterparadise.org

How To Replace A Faucet

Home Improvement Tip:

VIA:  Lowes.Com

Repairing a leaky or outdated kitchen faucet is not as difficult as you might think. You can tackle the project yourself with a basin wrench and a few other common tools. Replacing a faucet is not difficult and should usually take no more than about an hour. Replacing a kitchen faucet is very similar to replacing a lavatory faucet, so this article serves for both types.

Tools & Materials
•    Basin wrench
•    Waterpump or groove-joint pliers
•    Adjustable wrench
•    Faucet
•    Supply lines
•    Plumber’s putty or silicone caulk
•    Teflon® tape
•    Flashlight

Click here for more on replacing a faucet…

Song of the day by Bishop Paul S. Morton - Let it Rain

Enjoy the song of the day and be sure to leave a post on any of our daily topics. We want to hear from you. Be Blessed.

Daily Bible Verse

“then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”” - Acts 4:10,12

Today's passage is from the New International Version, ©2011-Biblegateway.com.

Why Are Fallen Rappers More Celebrated Than Our Leaders Today?

Last week marked the 14th anniversary of the death of Christopher Wallace, aka Biggie Smalls, aka The Notorious B.I.G. Biggie was killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles, in an unsolved case which was "reinvigorated" recently. While conspiracy theories abound as to who was behind the murder (was it the result of an East Coast/West Coast hip-hop rivalry? did Suge Knight call the hit?), friends, relatives and fans took  to Twitter and other outlets to praise and remember the king of Bed-Stuy (revisit his first public rap duel here).

This makes me ask the question: 

"Why are fallen rappers more celebrated than our historical leaders & trailblazers in today's culture? The Anniversary of Biggie Smalls death past and you would have thought he was a national dignitary when the truth is his music glorified everything negative about our culture." 

 What are your thoughts on this topic? Do you agree or disagree?  Leave your comments.

Daily Bread: A Dream Of Answers Forgotten

A friend quit two jobs to become a full-time caregiver when his adult son was seriously hurt in a car accident. That same year his wife of over 30 years contracted a terminal illness and died.

Since then, he says he has no answers when his son asks “why” this happened to them. But he told me of a reassuring dream he had along the way. He dreamed that he was in a place that was awash with sunlight. There were crowds of people around him, and a man was answering all of his “why” questions. Each answer made so much sense that he clearly understood why he was not to know the answers now. Then he was with his son in the dream. But when he tried to help him with his questions, he couldn’t remember the answers. But even that seemed okay. And then he woke up.

My friend’s experience reminds me of another friend of God who suffered with unanswered questions (Job 7:20-21). Only when God finally broke His silence and gave Job a vision of Himself in the wonder of creation did Job find something that was better than answers (42:1-6). Only then did Job find peace in knowing that our God has good and even wonderful reasons to trust Him.

What God is doing you may not know now,
But someday you’ll understand why;
Questions that taunt you and trouble your mind
Will one day have heaven’s reply. —Hess

What’s better than answers to our why questions?
Trusting a good God who has His reasons.

What are you doing to be more healthy?

We are well into the third month of the new year, 2011. Many people make new year's resolutions and promises to be more health conscious. But how many have really stuck with it. This past weekend in Baltimore, MD the Baltimore Convention Center hosted the B'More Healthy Expo 2011. The yearly Expo is designed to showcase vendors, programs, and opportunities to get people moving , taking action and making choices to be more healthy. The Expo promises fun while engaging all ages in health and wellness activities to “be fit” physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially. The EXPO also provided health screenings, wellness information, and other resources. So, if you did not attend the free event this past Saturday, we still want to know what you are doing or plan to do this year to "Be More Healthy?" Please leave a post and tell us your plans to stay well. your idea could be helpful to someone else. Be blessed.

Daily Bible Verse

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” -Romans 8:28

Today's passage is from the New International Version, ©2010.-Biblegateway.com

Song of the Day by Shekinah Glory Ministry - Just For Me (Live)

Good Morning all God's Children. Enjoy this song of the Day, and be sure to post a comment on any of our daily blog topics. We want to hear from you.

How do you feel about the disaster in Japan?

The world is rocked once again by a life claiming, life changing act of nature. This recent earthquake is an example of just how instant life can be taken away. We want to hear your thoughts. Read the article below and make a post. What are you doing to let those living in Japan know they have your support?

Tokyo (CNN) -- The morning after Japan was struck by the most powerful earthquake to hit the island nation in recorded history and the tsunami it unleashed -- and even as the earth continued to twitch with aftershocks -- the disaster's massive impact was only beginning to be revealed.

Hundreds of people died in the 8.9-magnitude temblor, which was centered near the east coast of Japan. The massive movement caused the formation of 30-foot walls of water that swept across rice fields, engulfed entire towns, dragged houses onto highways, and tossed cars and boats like toys. Some waves reached six miles (10 kilometers) inland in Miyagi Prefecture on Japan's east coast.

Buildings collapsed by the score, and numerous fires were ignited.

Hundreds of people were missing, Japanese media reported, citing local and national police. Tens of thousands of people were displaced, according to Japan's Kyodo News Agency.

Prime Minister Naoto Kan said the "enormously powerful" earthquake had caused "tremendous damage over a wide area."

The quake, which struck at 2:46 p.m. (12:46 a.m. ET), prompted the U.S. National Weather Service to issue tsunami warnings for at least 50 countries and territories.

The epicenter of the main quake Friday was off Miyagi Prefecture, about 230 miles (370 kilometers) northeast of Tokyo, the U.S. Geological Survey said. Japanese broadcasters showed video of collapsed buildings and reported widespread power outages and transportation disruptions. In Tokyo, rail service was suspended, elevated highways were shut early Saturday and surface streets remained jammed as commuters tried to get to their homes in outlying areas.

Video aired by Japanese broadcaster NHK showed extensive fires in Miyagi and widespread fires in the port city of Hakodate, in the southern part of Hokkaido island in northern Japan. An oil refinery was burning in Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo, according to NHK, and firefighters could not get close enough to fight it because of the heat. And Kyodo News said fires could be seen in extensive areas of Kesennuma in Miyagi Prefecture.

(read the complete article by clicking the link below)

http://cnn.com/video/?/video/world/2011/03/11/natpkg.tsunami.wrap.cnn

Christian Joke of the Day

A Sunday School teacher asked her little children, as they were on the way to church service, "Now, why is it important to be quiet in church?"
One bright little girl replied, "Because people are sleeping."

Daily Bible Verse

“Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” - 2 Peter 1:4

Today's passage is from the New International Version, ©2010.-Biblegateway.com

Song of the Day-Smokie Norful "I Need You Now"

Daily Bread: The Overflow

Joyful shouts filtered into our house from outside and I wanted to know what was so wonderful out there. I peeked through the curtains and watched two young boys splashing in a thick stream of water that gushed from a fire hydrant.

The overflow reminded me of how God pours out blessings on His children, and how important it is to recognize that “the Lord . . . daily loads us with benefits” (Ps. 68:19).

Although I know He has furnished countless good things for me, when the car blows a gasket, when the flu infects my family, and when relationships threaten to unravel, dissatisfaction threatens my view of God’s blessings—they seem more like infrequent drips from a faucet rather than a flood of water from a hydrant!

Maybe that’s why in Psalm 103 David reminds us to “forget not all His benefits” (v.2). And then, to help us, he lists a torrent of blessings for believers. He reminds us that God forgives all our iniquities, heals all our diseases, redeems our lives from destruction, crowns us with lovingkindness, and satisfies our mouths with good things (vv.3-5).

Today, let’s take time to acknowledge God’s abundance instead of overlooking the overflow of His blessings.

We’re loaded with benefits daily,
Sent down from the Father above;
His mercies and blessings abounding
Are gifts of His marvelous love. —Anon.

Adding up your blessings will multiply your joy.

Nephew Tommy Prank Calls Byron Cage

posted on March 9, 2011 by Neechy TV.

Word has it that Byron Cage is gearing up for another live recording this June! Yep, June 18th to be exact in Chicago, IL at House of Hope. I really enjoyed Byron’s last recording, and he’s a super cool dude. The fact that he was recently pranked on the Steve Harvey morning radio show is still cracking me up, but...I’m looking forward to his next project.

Bible Verse for Today

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” - 1 Peter 3:15
Today's passage is from the New International Version, ©2011-Biblegateway.com

Deitrick Haddon "Church On The Moon, part 1" music video trilogy {PREMIERE}|

Post by CoCo Brother in Videos on Feb 18, 2011 - PraiseDC

 

What you are about to witness is Gospel music’s evolution to a higher level. Deitrick Haddon has done something no Gospel artist has ever done with the creation of this visual component from his album “Church on the Moon.” This music video trilogy showcases three songs from the Hadden’s latest project (“Power,” “Touch Me,” “Well Done”), and is undoubtedly the most ambitious and groundbreaking Gospel music video to date.

“I’m so excited about what this music video trilogy means to gospel music industry,” says Deitrick about “Church on the Moon, Part 1.” “I’ve watched the creativity of mainstream artists and how they’ve reached the masses. I am simply trying to do the same for the Kingdom of God.”

“I have never seen a music video in the Inspiration/Gospel genre that reminds me of a mini-movie until I saw ‘Church on the Moon’ by Deitrick Haddon,” states Elroy Smith, Inspiration Format Director of Praise’s parent company Radio One. “This is an amazing production and vision by Deitrick.”

See why “Church On The Moon, Part 1″ is drawing such rave reviews in the video below!

5 Tips For Healthy Vascular Living

Being healthy and incorporating a daily routine of exercise and eating healthy is important.  Stroke is the third-leading killer in the U.S. after cancer and heart disease.

Dr. Mitchell Elkind recently spoke with New York Daily News and shared 5 tips for healthy vascular living.  Check them out!
1.  Regular exercise: at least 30 minutes three or more times per week.
2.  Avoid excess salt, especially if you have high blood pressure.
3.  Eat lots of fruit, vegetables, and fish; eat red meat no more than once per week.
4.  Alcoholic beverages in moderation: up to one daily for woman and two daily for men.
5.  Visit your doctor at least once a year to have blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar checked.

To get more information, go to the National Stroke Association: www.stroke.org

Daily Bread: Are We There Yet?

If there is any such thing as a universal question, it may be this: Are we there yet? Generations of children have asked it. They have then grown into adults who have to answer the same question when their children ask.

Whenever I read the books of Moses, I wonder how many times he heard that question from the Israelites. Before rescuing them from slavery and leading them out of Egypt, Moses told them that the Lord would lead them to “a land flowing with milk and honey” (Ex. 3:8). He did, but first they spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness. This was no ordinary wandering, however. They were not lost; they were wandering for a purpose. After 400 years of slavery, the children of Israel needed to have their hearts, souls, and minds reoriented toward God. This was accomplished in the wilderness (Deut. 8:2,15-18), but not before an entire generation died because of their disobedience (Num. 32:13).

In life, it sometimes seems as if we are wandering in circles. We feel lost. We want to ask God, “Are we there yet? How much longer?” At such times, it helps to remember that the journey, not just the destination, is important to God. He uses it to humble us, test us, and show us what is in our hearts.

All God’s testings have a purpose—
Someday you will see the light;
All He asks is that you trust Him,
Walk by faith and not by sight. —Zoller

It’s the journey, not just the destination, that’s important.

Steps To Make This the Best Lent Ever

Post by Cheryl Jackson in Inspirational on Mar 8, 2011 from PraiseDC.


Tomorrow millions of Christians around the world begin their journey  toward the death and resurrection of Christ. Ash Wednesday marks the day where many people are marked upon their heads with the words “From dust you came to dust you return. At first glance it seems harsh and cold. This is actually a joyous time.

Anything worth doing is worth preparing for.Just imagine that this Lent is going to be different from every other Lent we’ve experienced.  Imagine that there will be many graces offered me this year.  Let’s even imagine that God is going to help transform our lives, with greater freedom, greater joy, deeper desires for love and service.
If we want it, we will choose it.
Lent will be this wonderful season of grace for us if we give ourselves to it.  And, we will give ourselves to it to the degree we really want it badly.  So, in these days before Lent, we need to prepare our hearts.  We need to prepare by realizing how much we want to grow in freedom, how much we need to lighten our spirits and experience some real joy, and how much some parts of our lives really need changing. So, preparing our hearts is a process of preparing our desires.  This means practicing our sense of anticipation.  If I imagine Lent as an “ordeal” or a time I dread in some way, then I’ve already pre-disposed myself to not get very much out of it.  These days before Lent are a time to start anticipating something wonderful that is about to happen.
Our Focus:  On what God wants to give us. Our sense of excitement and anticipation will grow more easily if we begin to imagine what God wants to give us.  There is really something coming that we can truly look forward to.  If we get too focused on ourselves, and what we are going to do or not do, we could risk missing the gift God wants to give us.  We have to keep aware of the fact that grace comes from God.  This is about God’s great desire to bless us.  Then, it is easier for us to imagine that what we really want to do is place ourselves in a space to receive what God wants to give us.
Not starting from a dead stop. Taking some time to get ready for Lent will ensure that we aren’t going to miss the first week or two of Lent, because we are just getting started.  Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, but we want to be ready to really take off on that day, rather than just beginning to think about Lent on that day.  Part of what makes a vacation or a special anniversary so special is the build-up to it. Before we get to Ash Wednesday, we should start asking ourselves some questions and we should start with some preparations.  “What does God want to give me this year?”  This question may require that I slow down a bit and listen to my inner spirit.  For example, even if I’m very busy, I realize I’m hungry when I hear my stomach start “growling.”  “What am I going to be doing on Ash Wednesday?”  Too often, Ash Wednesday is like every other day, except that I manage to get to church and get ashes on my forehead.  Is there anything else I can do on Ash Wednesday?  How will fasting and abstaining happen for me, for my family on that special day?
Lent is not something I need to do alone. If I have a spouse, or children, or some close friends, or distant e-mail companions, I can begin now to talk about how we will support each other in this Lenten journey.  The anticipation and the preparation is transformed with the companionship of family and close friends.  We shouldn’t be deterred by the fear that our spouse or children or friends “won’t be into it.”  Jesus said, “Fear is useless; what’s needed is trust.”  Let’s begin now to tell others about our desires.  Let’s help support others’ expectations.  Let’s help others see that Lent doesn’t have to be something I avoid, and certainly can’t be reduced to “giving up candy.”  We can help our loved ones to begin to imagine what they could receive from God in these days. Ash Wednesday is a great place to start with our planning.  “What are we going to eat?”  We shouldn’t be embarrassed if we really haven’t fasted in a long time, or perhaps ever before.  We can plan to intentionally have only one full meal on Ash Wednesday.  We can make that meal very meaningful and symbolic.

Song of the Day

A Letter From Hell

Check out this video. WARNING,  it is a very dramatic and a somewhat scary tale of two friends. One friend is saved and the other one doesn't know anything about Jesus.  The friend that is not saved dies and writes his saved friend "A LETTER FROM HELL"   

What did you think of this video? Please leave your comments and feedback.  

Daily Bread: Forgetting Ourselves

I was fishing a local trout stream last summer, when my attention was fixed on a fish that was feeding nearby. I looked up and there on the bank I spied an acquaintance—nationally known fly-fishing guide and outfitter Dave Tucker. Immediately I became aware of my own performance, bungled the next cast, and lost the fish. So it is when we turn our attention away from the activity at hand and think about ourselves.
W. H. Auden has an engaging little poem about those who forget themselves in an activity—a cook mixing a sauce, a surgeon making an incision, a clerk completing a bill of lading. He says that all “wear the same rapt expression, forgetting themselves in a function.” That phrase “forgetting themselves in a function” brings Philippians 2:3-4 to mind: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out . . . for the interests of others.”
When I’m listening to a friend, I need to remind myself to focus on him, not to begin wondering how I look, what he thinks of me, what I should say next. Let’s put others first by listening in rapt attention, concentrating on the one in front of us, forgetting ourselves.

When we hold our tongues and listen,
We communicate our care;
For an open ear speaks volumes
To a heart that’s in despair. —Sper

Listening may be the most loving thing you do today.

Christian Joke of the Day

Where is God

Two brothers are terrible trouble makers. They are always breaking things, stealing things, lying, and making all kinds of general trouble. The parents have tried everything to get the boys to change, to no avail. Finally, out of options, they ask their pastor if he can help. He says he will talk to the boys, but only one at a time. The parents drop off the youngest and go home, promising to return to get him soon. The boy sits in a chair across from the pastor's desk and they just look at each other.

Finally, the Pastor says, "Where is God?"

The boy just sits there and doesn't answer.

The pastor begins to look stern and loudly says, "Where is God?"

The little boy shifts in his seat, but still doesn't answer.

The pastor is starting to get angry at the boy's refusal to converse and practically shouts "Where is God?"

To the pastor's surprise, the little boy jumps up out of his chair and runs out of the office.

The boy leaves the church and runs all the way home, up the stairs and into his brother's room. He shuts the door and pants, "We're in BIG TROUBLE. God's missing and they think we did it!"

Daily Bible Verse

"For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."- Psalms 100:5

Today's passage is from the New International Version, ©2010.-Biblegateway.com

Song of the Day- Kirk Franklin - I Smile.wmv

Paradise enjoy this song of the day and be sure to leave a post on any of the Blog's topics. We look to hear from you. Be Blessed.

Song of the day- He Could Have Let Me Drown

Enjoy this song of the day from The Greater Mount Calvary Choir. Be sure to leave a post on any of the days topics. We look to hear from you all. Be Blessed.

Marylanders Fired Up Over Wisconsin Strike « CBS Baltimore

In today's economy there are many jobs being cut left and right. But at whose expense are these cuts made? With less police surely crime will increase. With less firefighters surely our neighborhoods are not as protected as they could be. And with less teachers surely our children will suffer. Take a look at the link below and tell us your thoughts on the Wisconsin strike. Should they be doing everything to keep these teachers in the classrooms? Children have been without teachers for at least two weeks while the union and the workers try to reach some agreement. And it's not just the state of Wisconsin? Maryland supporters are backing them, because they realize it could have just as easily been our state. Check out the link below and leave a post. How do you feel about the Wisconsin Strike?

Marylanders Fired Up Over Wisconsin Strike « CBS Baltimore

Song of the Day- "Draw Me Lord" by Selah

Have you made a post on our daily blog? Enjoy this song of the day and be sure to comment on any of our topics. We want to hear from you. Be Blessed.

Should this church protest the funerals of deceased US soldiers?

Below is a clip including a woman from Westboro Baptist Church which makes a habit of protesting the funerals of deceased U. S. soldiers. It is sad, to say the least, that people are using their religious beliefs to justify their hatred. As a Christian, it should anger many of us that these people are doing this in the name of our Lord and Savior. She claims that homosexuality and God's anger towards America is the reason these soldiers are dying. It is also reported that many of the funerals this church seeks to protest are of soldiers not involved in any crude acts at all. They just want to make a point and randomly select a soldier's funeral to protest. Please leave a post below and tell us your thoughts. Is this church going too far? Should this church protest the funerals of deceased US soldiers?

Song of the Day-Lord, You Are by Shekinah Glory

Enjoy the song of the day, and be sure to leave a post on any of our topics. Be Blessed.

Christian Joke of the Day

The Army of the Lord

A friend was in front of me coming out of church one day, and the preacher was standing at the door
as he always is to shake hands. He grabbed my friend by the hand and pulled him aside.

The Pastor said to him, "You need to join the Army of the Lord!"

My friend replied, "I'm already in the Army of the Lord, Pastor."
Pastor questioned, "How come I don't "see you except at Christmas and Easter?"

He whispered back, "I'm in the secret service."

Women of Paradise Book Club

The Women of Greater Paradise have started the much awaited Book Club.  This month's selection is "Long Time Coming" by Vanessa Miller.

 Two women from different worlds find hope together.

 

Faithful Christian Deidre Clark-Morris is a professional career-minded woman with a loving husband, but no children. Kenisha Smalls has lived in poverty all her life. She has three children by three different men and has just been diagnosed with inoperable cervical cancer. While the meeting between these two women appears accidental, it becomes their catalyst of hope. Neither woman expects the blessing that God has in store for her. While Deidre will guide Kenisha on the path to eternal life with Jesus Christ, Kenisha will teach Deidre how to stand strong against the hard-knocks of life.

Purchase this book online:

• Amazon
• Amazon – Kindle Verson
• Barnes & Nobles
• BN Nook Version
• Books A Million
• Borders.com
• ChristianBook.com

Daily Bible Verse

²² "Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness. ²³ All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty." - Proverbs 14:22-23

Today's passage is from the New International Version, ©2010.-Biblegateway.com

Song of the Day- Bishop Neil C. Ellis - Wave Of Glory

Enjoy the song of the day, and be sure to leave a post on any of today's topics. Be Blessed.

Gas Prices On The Rise. What Changes will You Make?

Many people can remember years ago when gas was at $2 a gallon. Now, gas Prices are expected to go up to at least $4 a gallon this summer. Take a look at the article below and leave a post. We want to know what you plan to do this summer to handle the projected increase. Some have talked about public transportation, while others have no choice but to drive. So let us know what you plan to do if anything at all. Also the link below will give you the lowest gas prices in the area, so you can save as much as possible.

Gas prices going up hour-to-hour

By MARCUS RAUHUT and JIM HOOK Staff writers

Click photo to enlarge

High: Gas prices were $3.25 a gallon at a Wayne Avenue gas... (Public Opinion/Markell DeLoatch)

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Growing unrest in the Middle East means higher prices at the gas pump.

Crude oil prices topped $100 a barrel this week for the first time since fall 2008. Gas prices at many Chambersburg gas stations hovered around $3.30 per gallon Thursday, up more than 10 cents from a week ago.

Rising gas prices -- at least for now -- don't seem to be changing driving habits.

"I still have to go to work. I still have to go to the grocery store," said Jerri Martin, Chambersburg, who was filling up her sport utility vehicle Thursday at the Sheetz on Norland Avenue.

Martin said she likely wouldn't make changes to her driving habits until gas hits $3.50 a gallon.

Jeff Lenard, spokesman for the National Association of Convenience Stores, said a study done three years ago, prior to $4-a-gallon gas, found the average tipping point for most people was about $3.71 a gallon.

James Wyrick, Chambersburg, is among the nearly 4,500 county residents commuting an hour or longer to work. He plans to spend his work nights in the Baltimore-Washington area, rather than home.

He works in the metro area three days a week as a pharmacist at Johns Hopkins Hospital and as a consultant to 50 hospitals. He called around and found that as a frequent sleeper he can get discounted motel rooms.

"It's cheaper to stay in a room than to pick up the gas cost," Wyrick said. "Sustained (high) energy prices look like they're here to stay this time."

Wyrick on Thursday urgedFranklin County commissioners to continue their fiscal restraint. He said he moved from Maryland to the local area to best deal with the gathering economic storm.

"Most economists agree that $5-a-gallon gasoline is the point which essentially takes the American consumer out of the marketplace," Wyrick said. "That is the silver bullet to the U.S. economy."

Prolonged increases in oil prices would have a ripple effect on the nation's economic recovery.

Higher gas prices mean consumers have less discretionary income. Businesses -- especially those in the transportation or freight sectors -- would have to grapple with higher input costs.

"The rising oil prices, along with the uncertainty in the Middle East, will have a significant impact on the recovery," said John Kooti, dean of the John L. Grove College of Business at Shippensburg University. "The economy is just really starting to recover from the deep recession, and here we go again. Oil prices are going up."

The travel and tourism industry is just getting back on its feet. It's the No. 2 industry behind agriculture in Franklin County and Pennsylvania. County revenue from its motel room tax topped $500,000 in 2010, still down 14 percent from the banner year of 2007.

"You've had a bit of a recovery," said Janet Pollard, county tourism director. "Things tanked in 2008. You could see people weren't traveling."

If gas prices spike and fail to come back down, the county will continue to promote "one-tank trips," she said.

The county and the surrounding region are promoting the 150th anniversary celebration of the Civil War over the next five years. This April, events are scheduled in Greencastle and Chambersburg. "Maybe (vacationers) don't spend a week in a major destination, and maybe they'll see us," Pollard said.

Higher fuel prices will find their way to the supermarket shelves.

"It's a double whammy to farmers because fuel and fertilizer prices go up," said Jack Martin, a Waynesboro area dairyman. "Fertilizer follows petroleum prices. We had that two years ago. Fertilizer is made from petroleum."

Off-road diesel fuel topped $4 a gallon two years ago, and over-the-road diesel approached $5 a gallon. Milk haulers, manure haulers and customer choppers all added a fuel surcharge to their bills. The amount has varied, but it's still there.

"Trouble is, everything we do has to be moved by truck," Martin said. "They have to pass it along. This time the time frame could be longer."

This time, dairy farmers are in a little better position. The amount they are being paid for milk is higher because of milk protein sales in foreign countries.

The price farmers are getting for culled cows is as high as Martin can remember, but the price they pay for feed corn is also as high as he can remember.

All that will change with the weather and movements in the markets.

It's hard to say with any certainty where gas prices are headed.

Lenard said six months ago, no one could have predicted the unrest in the Middle East. He said forecasters last year also predicted a bad hurricane season, which never materialized.

Libya only produces about 2 percent of the world's oil supply, but AAA said as unrest in Egypt began to wind down last week, reports began of escalating anti-government demonstrations in the larger oil producing countries of Iran, Bahrain, Algeria and Yemen.

"It's going to be interesting to see what happens," Kooti said. "Hopefully, this (high oil prices) will not last, but there's no indication of what is going to happen in the oil producing regions, which is the Middle East, with the uprisings and the protests. It's going to have at least a psychological impact on the expectations of what's going to happen to oil prices and supply."

The former president of Shell Oil, John Hofmeister, said previously in December he expects gas prices in the U.S. to hit $5 a gallon by 2012.

http://www.publicopiniononline.com/localnews/ci_17478245

find cheap prices here:

http://www.baltimoregasprices.com/

Daily Bible Verse

“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” - Psalm 73:25-26

Today's passage is from the New International Version, ©2010.

Song of the Day- I Speak Life - Donald Lawrence and Company

Here's the song of the day Paradise. Speak Life to someone today and leave a post. Be Blessed.