OUR IOWA magazine always has some 'sayings' included vertical in the margins of many of the pages of each edition.

There are some good ones in its Holiday Issue just out.

I am including a handful for today's Karen's Korner; I really liked them! I will have another installment in one of next week's 'korners':

"My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple:

loving others."

~ Bob Hope

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"Time spent in getting even would be better spent in getting ahead."

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"The older generation thought nothing of getting up at 5 every morning,

and the younger generation doesn't think much of it either."

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"Daily prayer lessen daily cares."

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"A society grows when old men plant trees whose shade they know they will never sit in."

~ Greek proverb

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"There is nothing like 20 below to make you appreciate 20 above."

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* "Real abundance is found when we join hands with the ones we love."

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"Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone."

~ Charles M. Schultz

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Yesterday I was working on our class' Sunday School lesson. As you can imagine, it about the Christmas story and Jesus' birth. Only a handful of verses from Matthew chapter 1 is what we will be studying.

A couple of verses really caught my attention:. It's about Joseph and him learning that his bride-to-be is pregnant:

"Then Joseph, her fiancé, being a man of stern principle, decided to break the engagement but to do it quietly, as he didn't want to publicly disgrace her."

~ Matthew 1:19 LAB

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Bible Commentary on this verse:  "According to Jewish civil law, Joseph had a right to divorce her, and the Jewish authorities could have her stoned to death. Joseph was faced with a difficult choice after discovering Mary was pregnant. Perhaps he thought he had only two option:  divorce Mary quietly or have her stoned. But God had a third option --- marry her. In view of the circumstances, this had not occurred to Joseph. But God often shows us that there are more options available than we think.........."

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Father in Heaven, thank You that in every situation of life, there are more options open to us than we could ever imagine! We think the medical diagnosis may be terminal; You say that it can be the beginning of new life. We believe that a relationship may be over; You can heal it. Thank You that you are an 'outside-of-the-box' God and nothing impossible for You......and for us, if we but believe! Thank You. Amen.

*****

God With Us

"In Matthew 1:23, God called himself, 'Immanuel'----which means, God with us! Not just God made us, not just God thinks about us, not just God above us, but God with us. God----where we are! He breathed our air and walked on this earth. God.......with.........us!

"Bethlehem was just the beginning. Jesus has promised a repeat performance. Bethlehem, Act 2. No silent night this time, however. The skies will open, trumpets will blast, and a new kingdom will begin. He will empty the tombs and melt the winter of death. Death, you die! Life, you reign! The manger dares us to believe the best is yet to be. I love Christmas because it reminds us how God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God!

~ By Max Lucado

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"Sing, accompanied by drums; pluck the sweet lyre and harp. Sound the trumpet! Come to the joyous celebrations at full moon, new moon, and all the other holidays.

For God has given us these times of joy; they are scheduled in the laws of Israel."

~ Psalm 81:2-4 LAB

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Bible Commentary:  "Music and worship go hand in hand. King David instituted music for the Temple worship. Worship involves the whole person, and music helps focus worship by lifting one's thoughts and emotions to God. Through music, we can reflect upon our sins as well as celebrate God's greatness."

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Today is December 7.

It was 75 years ago today in 1941, that the United States was attacked at our Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Hawaii.

Here are some statistics of that date and time.  2,335 military people will killed on that date in the 110 minute attack;1,143 were injured. It was a Sunday morning as the Japanese believed the base would be less alert and prepared, more relaxed at that time of the day and day of the week.

It was the next day that President Franklin Roosevelt made his speech before Congress with the words that December 7, 1941 was a 'date that would live in infamy'. Our country then declared war against Japan and entered World War II; a war we didn't want to fight. More than 400,000 U.S. military were killed in the nearly four years we were in the battle.

Sixty million people were killed during the conflict, world-wide.

Listening for a few minutes to Dr. James Dobson on his Christian radio broadcast, he said he was five years old at the time. He asked his concerned mother, "Could we lose this war?" Her answer, "Yes, we could!"

But the enemy was defeated. We have enjoyed that victory for more years than most of us have been alive.

We need to remember!

Psalm 33:12 says, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people He has chosen as His own."

Every nation. Every person is chosen by God to be loved and cared for by Him.

The next question:  Do we choose Him? He doesn't force us to; He only asks us if we will! The United States of America became a great country, not because of who we are but whose we are. In the past, we have asked God to be our 'fortress' and our strength. We want to continue to seek Him today.

"Father God in Heaven, thank You for the way that You have blessed our nation and our people in the past. When we look around, we can see Your hand at work. Help us to remember. Guide as we move to the future, knowing that Your ways are so much better than ours. Thank You for this season of the year when You sent Your Son into to the world to born, live and die for us. What love and care. In His name. Amen.

***

An inspirational thought emailed to me by Shirley Choat:

"We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God's word, which is also at work in your believers."

~ I Thessalonians 2:13

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"I was too short to see over the heads of the people ahead of me. All I could do was listen to the voices of the people on stage and those nearby. I was nine when we went to high school graduation of one of my aunts. I was surprised to hear the voice of my grandfather a few rows over. I thought I had seen him sitting close to the front, near the stage. I wiggled around, straining to see Grandpa, only to discover the voice wasn't his. It was the voice of one of my uncles, who sounded just like his father.

"St. Paul compliments the Thessalonian Christians for recognizing the voice of God in his preaching and teaching. They took the words seriously, not as if they were mere human words, but as if they were truly the Word from God.

"Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra, is considered the first true 'St. Nicholas', or 'Santa Claus'. Legends tell of his speaking and acting as a true servant of the Lord, delivering gifts to those in need. When people see you or hear you, do they consider your words and actions the voice and hand of God working through you? In this Advent season, may we all consider the original Gift that gave us:  God's grace. May we seek in every way to share that Gift in ways that will convince others that they have seen and heard, more than mere human activity. May we 'constantly give thanks to God' for all God's blessings.

*

"Thank you for speaking to me in your Word and through the words of your servants, O God. Help me to listen carefully and to truly hear the wonderful words of grace that you utter to me. I pray that you might use me as one of your servants so that others might hear. In Jesus' name. Amen."

~ Thoughts by Pastor Sydow, Prayer by Pastor Freeman

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King of Hearts

"The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."

~ Romans 14:17 NJHV

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"The Jews had many preconceived ideas about the Messiah based on their interpretation of Scripture and what they wanted. When Jesus of Nazareth came on the scene with His public ministry. He was neither the Messiah they had been expecting, nor the Messiah they wanted. The Jews wanted some Who would:

raise their standard of living,

grant them privileges without responsibility,

and restore them to the world power they had known under King David and King Solomon.

"They wanted someone who would meet their physical and material and emotional needs.

"They expected a glorious, victorious King Who would rid them of the Romans and establish them in national peace and prosperity and prominence. But the first time He came, He came to establish the kingdom of God, not in the world, but in the hearts of men. He was born to die. And so He was rejected as the King of Hearts. Then. But what about now? Would you crown Him King of your heart today?"

~ by Anne Graham Lotz

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God in the Flesh!

"If you want to see people on the edge on insanity, just watch the way families treat their babies at Christmas time! The poor child has no warning! Red furry stocking cap, goofy elfish shoes that curl at the toes. And the pictures we take! Baby snoozing under the tree.......Baby on Santa's lap.....Santa with wet spot on lap.

"Is not Christmas the story of a baby? The moment that shaped all others? Mary's eyes falling on the face of her just-born son. The first to whisper, So this is what God looks like! Never in mankind's wildest imaginings did we consider that God would enter the world as an infant. John 1:14 says, 'The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.' Would you like to see God? Take a look at the baby Jesus!"

~ Max Lucado

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Actor Kirk Cameron says in "Saving Christmas" DVD that as Christians, we can't let the culture steal what is ours, as we celebrate.  The nativity, Christmas trees, Santa Claus, Joy, and Jesus Christ......are all what our celebrations are all about.

Cameron asks, "WHO IS SANTA CLAUS?"

"Sometimes we work hard to minimize the influence Santa has on our family's Christian celebration. We think, 'The more focus that is given to Santa, the less we are focused on Jesus.' But that is if our only understanding of Santa Claus is the caricature we see on animated Christmas specials.

"The original St. Nicholas was much more than a plump old man in an oversized red parka. Instead, Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra in modern-day Turkey. He was know for his generosity, especially to the poor and children, but that' s not his only claim to fame.

"He was a real defender of the faith. He was at the Council of Nicea in AD 325, one of the most important events in church history because one of the most important doctrines of the faith was being challenged. There were leaders in the church who had begun to deny the deity of Christ. Nicholas did not take kindly to those who wanted to reduce Jesus to mere man. He was willing to fight---literally---for the Truth of Christ to be known  (Out of this came the Nicene Creed.)

"Those were difficult and desperate times. Truth was on the line and it was not time for a pastor to go soft on truth or stay quiet for the sake of being politically correct. Nicholas was a hero who became legendary. That legend became larger than life and reach mythic proportions."

"When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, 'Who do people say the Son of Man is,' They replied, 'Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' 'But what about you?' He asked. 'Who do you say I am?' Simon Peter answered, 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.''"

~ Matthew 16:13-18

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"Father God, help our attitudes this Christmas be one of celebrating---and one of sharing---Christ. Help us remember the example of St. Nicholas, who was willing to risk his career and his standing to point people to the Truth about Jesus. May we be as bold as Nicholas this Christmas. And if 1500 years from now, people are still talking about us to their children, and have us dressed in a silly suit, riding around with flying animals, we will be so excited to hear what it was we did that made such a powerful impact on the world.  In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen."

***

"Lord, how you have helped me before!

You took me safely from my mother's womb and brought me through the years of infancy.

I have depended upon you since birth;

you have always been my God.

Don't leave me now, for trouble is near and no one else can possibly help."

~ Psalm 22:9 - 11 LAB

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Bible Commentary:  "God's loving concern does not begin on the day we are born and conclude on the day we die, but reaches back to those days when we were unborn, and reaches ahead along the unending path of eternity. The only sure help for our lives comes from a God whose concern for us reaches beyond our earthly existence."

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It's more than a month since Donald Trump was elected President of the United States.

About half of us voted for him. About half of us didn't.

No matter; the voters have given him a four-year term to lead our country.

Whether we voted for him or not, God asks us to "always be thankful".

It's easier to thank God for the election if it went 'our way'. But what about the 'always' part?

One time when our family was facing yet another surgery for which I didn't want to participate, it seemed liked God told me to 'tell him thank you'.

"God I don't want to do this!" was my mental retort.

And again in my mind, the thought came, "I never said you had to like it."

So the thank yous came. And it made the impossible..........possible!

No one knows whether Trump will be a good president or not. It is guaranteed that none of us will like all of the decisions he makes!

Saying 'thank you' doesn't mean we have to agree with him nor vote from him again, should he seek re-election.

Trump is currently on a tour thanking voters for electing him.

Telling God 'thank you', does something good for our mental and emotional health, whether we like what is happening to us or not!

And who knows maybe "Making America Great Again". Could be us and our "thank yous"!

"No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

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This morning I was reading a handful of verses in Amos (Who reads Amos?). It is God talking to His People.

Here's only one verse, plus commentary, which fits with our Christmas gift giving season and caring for others.

"I want to see a mighty flood of justice---a torrent of doing good."

~ Amos 5:24 LAB

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Bible Commentary: "Here are common excuses for not helping the poor (I can say I have thought of several of these myself at times!):

1) They don't deserve help. They got themselves into poverty, let them get themselves out;

2) God's call to help the poor applies to another time;

3) We don't have any people like this;

4) I have my own needs;

5) Any money I give will be wasted, stolen, or spent on other things. The poor will never see it;

6) I may become a victim myself;

7) I don't know where to start, and I don't have time;

8) My little bit won't make any difference.

"Instead of making lame excuses, ask what can be done to help the poor. Does your church have programs that help the needy? Could you volunteer to work with a community group that fights poverty? As one individual, you may not be able to accomplish much, but join up with similarly motivated people and watch mountains begin to move."

*****

Another entry from Kirk Cameron's DVD "Saving Christmas", as he tells viewers why Christians have the most to celebrate. He talks about the meanings connected with Christmas trees; nativity sets; Santa Claus; and today's entry: "Choosing Joy at Christmas"!

"You feel forced to attend the neighborhood party every year. Or perhaps it's a party or family gathering you host, but it's for a portion of the family you don't particular care for. What about the required work party?

"Whatever the party---and however many you have to attend---chances are there will be at least one Scrooge, and probably many, at the gathering. This year, that Scrooge may even be you!!

"Think about it:  what should truly be the most wonderful time of the year is one of the most exhausting for many of us. But it doesn't have to be that way. Christmas, after all is about making all things right.....We need to rearrange our lives and our houses so that every single thing points to Jesus.

"You might be thinking, 'How can it be a joyful experience with my family? My work people? You've never seen the folks in my neighborhood.

"Only you know how bad it can be. But it doesn't have to stay like that. And the change begins with you and your heart! What if you've made a decision---a vow---to focus on Christ and His Love throughout this Christmas season? Chances are by doing so, you will be pointing others to our Savior.

"Let's celebrate the day the way Scrooge does...at the end of the story, with new eyes. As Tiny Tim would say, 'God bless us every one!"

"There was a prophet names Anna. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem."

~ Luke 2:36a; 37b, 38

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In the discussion guide, Cameron asks a number of questions for us to consider:

* Be honest:  what is your spirit like this Christmas? Why do you think it is or isn't?

*Do you truly believe you can choose joy? Why or why not? Where does your joy come from? What are some specific ways we can bring joy to others this Christmas season?

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"Father God, forgive us for the times this Christmas and in Christmases past where we've taken our eyes off of the greatest gift the world has ever known:  the coming of Jesus Christ. Help us to have a spirit of joyfulness and gratefulness this Christmas and help us to point people to your saving Grace through Christ. In His precious name we pray. Amen."

***

Something written by Sarah Young's "Jesus Calling:  Enjoying Peace in His Presence". It's today's entry (as if Jesus is speaking to us!):

"When I joined the ranks of humanity, born into the humblest conditions. My Glory was hidden from all but a few people. Occasionally, streaks of Glory shone out of Me, especially when I began to do miracles. Toward the end of My life, I was taunted and tempted to display more of My awesome Power than My Father's plan permitted. I could have called down legions of angels to rescue Me at any point. Imagine the self-control required of a martyr who could free Himself at will! All of this was necessary to provide the relationship with Me that you now enjoy. Let your life become a praise song to Me by proclaiming My glorious Presence in the world.

~ Taken form John 2:11; Luke 23:35 - 36; Psalm 92:1 - 5

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LOOK UP!

"Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city."

~ Revelation 22:14 NKJV

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"Has your entire life been a series of struggles? Have you been.....

* More sick than well?

* More defeated than successful?

* More tired than rested?

* More empty than satisfied?

* More sad than happy?

"Do you feel defeated because after a lifetime of struggle, all you have to look forward to is death and a cold grave? Look up!.........

"Regardless of our circumstances or condition, we can look forward with hope as we glimpse Heaven, My Father's House, which is being prepared as an eternal home for you and me!"

~ By Anne Graham Lotz

***

While we are celebrating Christmas and the birth of Jesus, He is our 'every day God'; one we can count the other 364 days a year!

"You have seen me tossing and turning through the night. You have collected all my tears and preserved them in you bottle! You have recorded every one in your book.

"The very day I call for help, the tide of battle turns. My enemies flee! This one thing I know:  God is for me! I am trusting God---oh, praise His promises! I am not afraid of anything mere man can do to me! Yes, praise His promises."

~ Psalm 56:8 - 11 LAB

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Bible Commentary:  "Even in our deepest sorrow, God cares! Jesus reminded us further of how much God understands us---He knows even the number of hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:30). Often we waver between faith and fear. When we feel discouraged that we are sure no one understands, we need to remember that God knows our every problem and sees our every fear."

***

Merry Christmas!

Here is another installment from Kirk Cameron's DVD "Saving Christmas" and his five topics to consider in our celebrations:

THE ULTIMATE GIFT:  JESUS CHRIST!

"Now we are looking at Christmas with new eyes. Don't buy into the complaint of materialism during Christmas. Remember, this is a celebration of the eternal God taking on a material body. We honor God's ultimate gift to us when we celebrate with those we love. Sure, don't max out credit cards; but it's only fitting that our celebrations include gifts -- both big and small.

"It is right that our holiday is marked with material things. Things we can see with our eyes and touch with our hands--ribbons, decorations, hot chocolate, lights, presents, giant hams, stuffing, fudge, Christmas cards.

"There is a reason these material items get us in the spirit of Christmas--they are part of that very spirit, along with the trees, the music, and everything else that reminds us of Jesus and His birth.

"The stars over Bethlehem announce the birth of the Prince of Peace. Lesser lights remind us that Jesus is the Light of the World and that we are to let our Light shine before men. We are the benefactors of the greatest gift ever given:  the birth of Christ---as well as His death and resurrection. Make the most of this amazing reality with our Christmas celebrations.

"Take it all in, all the glory of Christmas. Throw open our doors. Invite the world into this story of a King and His Kingdom. This is our story, our city, our tree, our presents, our songs, our Nicholas, our hope, our future, our Savior. Don't miss a single opportunity to pass along the joy of the season. Time to enjoy the most glorious celebration for a Savior worthy of celebration today.....and for all of eternity!"

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.'"     ~ Luke 2:13-14

"Father God, help us to fully celebrate the incredible gift You give us---- Jesus Christ, who takes away the sins of the world. Help us to share this amazing gift with everyone we know in every way possible. May all of the elements of our Christmas celebrations point others to You. In Jesus' name. Amen!"

***

Christmas is over. But like any birth, it is just the beginning of a new life.

"Suddenly an angel appeared among them, and the landscape shone bright with the glory of the Lord. They were badly frightened, but the angel reassured them.

"'Don't be afraid!' he said. 'I bring you the most joyful news ever announced and it is for everyone! The Savior--yes, the Messiah, the Lord--has been born tonight in Bethlehem! How will you recognize him? You will find a baby wrapped in a blanket, lying in a manger!'

"Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others---the armies of heaven---praising God:

"'Glory to God in the highest heaven,' they sang, 'and peace on earth for all those pleasing him.'"

~ Luke 2:9 - 14 LAB

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Bible Commentary:  "The greatest event in history had just happened! The Messiah was born! For ages, the Jews had waited for this, and when it finally happened, the announcement came to humble shepherds. The good news about Jesus is that He comes to all, including the plain and ordinary. He comes to anyone with a heart humble enough to accept Him. Whoever we are, whatever we do, we can have Jesus in our lives. We don't need extraordinary qualifications---He accepts us as we are.

"Some of the Jews were waiting for the Messiah to deliver them from Roman rule; others hoped He would deliver them for physical ailments. But Jesus, while healing their illnesses and establishing a spiritual kingdom, delivered them from sin. He outstripped all their expectations. People often set their own agenda for Jesus, and thus expect too little from Him. His work is more far-reaching than anyone could imagine. He has paid the price for sin and opened the way to God. He offers us more than superficial political or physical changes---He offers us new hearts which will be ours for eternity."

***

(Sorry for no Karen's Korner yesterday. Very busy day/evening; starting quickly when I overslept and needed to 'get going'! So look for a Saturday 'korner' to complete my week's 'set of five'!)

As we celebrated the Christmas season, I can't help but think of the word "HOPE"!

Psalm 42:5 says, "Why be discouraged and sad? Hope in God!"

God wants us to hope in Him. But what about how much 'hope' He has in us?

He had 'hope' when he sent His Son into the world; He gave us His love wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger. He has 'hope' that everyone will return His love and we, in turn, will have the opportunity to walk with Him each day of our lives.

Jesus 'hoped' that we would accept the sacrifice of His Life when He died on the cross to save us from ourselves and our circumstances. And we will be given the gift of spending eternity with Him in heaven.

Bank on the fact that God has 'hope' in us. Our choice is 'hoping in God' and then seeing what happens next!

God provides Christmas for us every day of the year!

A People to Populate Heaven

By Max Lucado

"God has high plans for you and me. He is recruiting for himself a people who will populate heaven. It will be perfect. Perfect in splendor. Perfect in righteousness. One word describes heaven:  perfect! One word describes us:  imperfect! So what does God do? Abandon us? Start over? He could. but He loves us too much to do that. Will He populate heaven with rebellious, self-centered citizens? If so, would heaven be heaven?

"Colossians 1:19 says, 'God was pleased for all of himself to live in Christ.' All the love of God was in Jesus. All the strength of God was in Jesus. All the compassion and power and devotion of God were, for a time, in the earthly body of a carpenter. What started in the Bethlehem cradle culminated on the Jerusalem cross! God did it all to take us home to heaven."

***

As we move closer to turning the calendar to 2017, it's fun to share something sent to me several months ago by our Australian 'daughter' Karen:

As we grow older (regardless of our ages, we are older today than yesterday!), we slowly realize that wearing a $300 or a $30 watch----they both tell the same time.

Whether we carry a $300 or a $30 wallet/handbag----the amount of money inside is the same.

Whether we drink a bottle of $300 or $10 wine---the hangover is the same.

Whether the house we live in is 300 or 3000 sq. ft.---loneliness is the same.

You will realize, your true inner happiness does not come from the material things of this world.

Therefore, I hope you realize, when you have mates, buddies, and old friends, brothers and sisters, who you chat with, laugh with, talk with, have sung sons with, talk about north-south-east-west or heaven and earth. That is true happiness!!

*

FIVE UNDENIABLE FACTS OF LIFE:

1. Don't educate your children to be rich. Educate them to be Happy. So when they grow up they will know the value of things, not the price.

2. Best awarded words:  'Eat your food as your medicines. Otherwise you have to eat medicines as your food.'

3. The One who loves you will never leave you because even if there are 100 reasons to give up, He will find one reason to hold on.

4. There is a big difference between a human being---and being human. Only a few really understand it.

5. You are loved when you are born. You will be loved when you die. In between, you have to manage!

6. If you just want to Walk Fast, Walk Alone! But if you want to Walk Far, Walk Together!

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SIX BEST DOCTORS IN THE WORLD:

1. Sunlight

2. Rest

3. Exercise

4. Diet

5. Self-Confidence

6. Friends

Maintain them in all stages of Life and Enjoy a Healthy Life. The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.

***

As we 'ring out the old year, and in the new one', here is a couple of words from Sarah Young and her "Jesus Calling:  Enjoying Peace in His Presence" for December 31:

"As the year draws to a close, receive My Peace. This is still your deepest need, and I, your Prince of Peace, long to pour Myself into your neediness. My abundance and your emptiness are a perfect match,  I designed you to have no sufficiency of your own. I created you as a 'jar of clay', set apart for sacred use. I want you to be filled with My very Being, permeated through and through with Peace.

"Thank Me for My peaceful Presence, regardless of your feelings. Whisper My Name in loving tenderness. My Peace, which lives continually in your spirit, will gradually work its way through your entire being."

~ Taken from Isaiah 9:6; 2 Corinthians 4:7; John 14:26 - 27

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