in EVERTHING

give thanks.

Giving thanks. This is a conscious effort that I am praying to make a way of life. He cannot take my thanks from me. I must give it to Him. 

If I am trusting God, why would I not give thanks to Him? He has given me so many promises. And I am beyond unworthy. 

this Life. 

my own. my husband's. children. friends. family.

give thanks.

eternal Life.

salvation. through Jesus only. There is nothing I could ever hope to try to do to gain Heaven. or His favor. ever.

Four Types of “Fruity” Christians

Are you sometimes a banana-skinned Christian, easily bruised, allowing the things others say and do to easily offend you? Or maybe you’re sometimes like another type of fruit...
I’ve learned that when I start to let my emotions get the best of me, it’s evidence of my lack of how near I have drawn myself to God.“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you...” James 4:8

1.) Thin skinned / soft fruit - such as - Grapes, Kiwi, Peaches, Plums.

These fruits are usually expensive because they take so much special care. They can be damaged so easily. Their skin is thin and it doesn’t protect the soft fruit from damage, it's only enough to keep the fruit from getting dirty.

*These Christians are high-maintenance people and they are offended often and easily. You have to watch what you say around them because they are so sensitive, it's like walking on egg shells. They are the type of Christian who struggles with being faithful to church because they are somewhere else nursing another emotional injury waiting for someone to “pet” on them.


2.) Thin skinned / hard fruit - such as - Apples.

The appearance of this fruit can be deceiving because this fruit often rots from the inside out. It also bruises easily.

*This Christian has become emotionally hard in order to protect themselves. But all the while, they are rotting away on the inside from all the bitterness they are harboring. They are not joyful Christians, their pleasure is in the calamities of others.


3.) Thick skinned / soft fruit - such as - Bananas, Oranges, Grapefruits.

The skin of these fruits seem to be able to hold up to normal bumping around, but it’s not until you open them up that you find the fruit inside has been bruised.

*These Christians are easily crossed or offended but will usually keep quiet until they find their moment to lash out, and, like their fruit counterpart, they can be very acidic with others - hurting others because they have been hurt. They also like to gossip.


4.) Tough skinned / soft fruit - such as - Passion Fruit.

The skin of this fruit is almost like a shell protecting the delicate fruit inside. This fruit does not have to be handled cautiously, it can take some stress while the inside fruit is still soft, almost liquidity, and delicious.

*This is the type of Christian we need to be. Strong enough on the outside to take the offenses of this world, while still tender enough on the inside to have compassion for others.

A reflection of our quiet-time with God is revealed through how we deal with offences.
“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Psalms 119:165.
“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.” - Proverbs 3:1, 2.

By Jane M. Coley

Oklahoma Police Captain Faces Disciplinary Action for Refusing to Attend Islamic Event

I saw a very disturbing article today about a man who has been disciplined for refusing to attend a service at a place of worship, here in America. In fact, this actually happened in my home state of Oklahoma!

"The Tulsa Police Department is investigating a captain who refused an order to assign officers to attend an upcoming Islamic event because he said it would violate his religious beliefs."

The officer went on to say "'It is my opinion and that of my legal counsel that forcing me to enter a Mosque when it is not directly related to a police call for service is a violation of my Civil Rights,' Fields wrote in an internal police department memo obtained by Fox News. 'I have no problem with officers attending on a voluntary basis; however, I take exception to requiring officers to attend this event,' Fields wrote in an e-mail to his superior officer obtained by Fox News. 'I believe this directive to be an unlawful order, as it is in direct conflict with my personal religious convictions.'"

Now, I don't know about you, but I know I have been in Baptist churches that hold "Appreciation Days" for police men and fire fighters. We would never expect nor desire that a person be brought against his will to a service where we are going to recognize them, but also surely teach our views on God and the gospel.

What were the Islamic teachers planning to teach? They clearly stated in their invitation "presentations" on "beliefs, human rights, and women." They would also be able to watch a Muslim prayer service and take a tour of the mosque. Sounds like a church service (mosque service) to me! Should an American be subjected to this religious indoctrination merely because he has chosen as his profession to serve and protect the citizens of the United States?

Fox News goes on to report, "Ibrahim Hooper, the spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, called the incident an example of 'anti-Muslim bigotry.' ...It’s a symptom of the unfortunately rising level of anti-Muslim sentiment we have in our society,' Hooper said. 'It sends a message of marginalization that somehow Muslims aren’t part of American society... When somebody feels empowered to say ‘I’m not going to take part in a community outreach event at a mosque because I basically don’t like Muslims,’ it’s all part of that rise in Islamophobia in our society,' he said."

So if we refuse to learn about their religion, we are being bigots? Yet can you imagine the uproar if we insisted that lost police officers attend Sunday School... "not to worship, no, we just want them to learn about what we believe..."

Well, learning what we believe is the first step to conversion! Islamics might try to paint it as the politically correct thing to do to erase our "ignorance", but it is nothing more than the first step in indoctrination. There is no way in a free land it should ever be forced on anyone. Baptists would like more people to learn of God and be taught in a Baptist church the truth he know we hold... but most dear we hold soul liberty and religious freedom! You may come to Christ if you like, but we will not force you to listen to a presentation about Him against your will.

Another example of the peaceful religion of Islam. Forced indoctrination upon risk of loss of work and wages, at the hands of own own public servants. Despicable. The same thing is happening in our public schools as students are taught globalism by learning what Islam, Buddhism, and other religions teach. Anything except Christianity.

You can email tpdchief@cityoftulsa.org Tulsa with your comments.

Article at http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/02/23/oklahoma-police-captain-refuses-attend-islamic-event/?test=latestnews

Follow up link on $1.00 lawsuit: http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=16&articleid=20110224_14_A1_ULNSbp591004