Gender: Female
Status: Married
Age: 49
Sign: Gemini
City: CLINTWOOD
State: VIRGINIA
Country: US
Signup Date:
04/24/06
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Wednesday, February 14, 2007
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Let's Put It All Together
Current mood:  calm
Category: Religion and Philosophy
I know this is a little long...forgive my enthusiasm.
Let's Put It All Together
Kathy Dingus
How many of you have noticed children playing on a playground? They often play together quite harmoniously, are quite inventive and imaginary in their play. They scurry and run around, chatting happily together. Sometimes however, you will hear them in a squabble or a quarrel, see them ostracize and in some instances, even push and shove and hit each other.
Have you ever stubbed your toe or burned your finger? I have and it really hurt! It was hard to concentrate on anything else except for the pain in my finger. It was hard to walk with a stubbed toe, and hard to cook, bathe, write or move my burned finger. My body wasn't functioning at the level it should. I was hurting, and it affected my whole body. I didn't want to move. I just wanted some comfort.
I also have Multiple Sclerosis, and I know that if I can't feel my feet then I can't walk properly, or if my arms are numb, then I can't use my fingers, can't dress myself, button my blouse, brush my teeth etc. You get the idea, I am sure. My father was blind in one eye, and wore an eye patch, but never considered himself to be handicapped in any way. He worked harder than anyone I know, and lived life to the fullest until the day he died.
As adults, we would like to think we have outgrown most of our childhood social troubles. Don't we have problems with others in our everyday life with co workers, our boss, fellow Christians and with our spouses? Do we get along with others that don't believe exactly as we do?
I was invited to a revival at my aunt's church last year and I accepted her invitation. Her denomination was Southern Baptist, and they had a visiting evangelist to speak. He spoke on Arevival not just survival.
He also spoke about the Southern Baptist reputation, the not so great parts, (don't we all have those?) and how much better they could do the work of God if all the Baptists, such as the Freewill, Southern, Old Regular, Primitive, etc united as one and worked together instead of against each other. "Can you imagine what we could accomplish if that should happen?" he asked those in attendance.
His words made me think about all of the Body of Christ, (all who are believers). What would happend if we all worked together as one body? I wonder how many of us are merely surviving as a Christian, instead of reviving? Do we act as a disciple of Christ instead of just a survivor of the world's temptations, constantly hanging our heads instead of holding them up high, proud to be a son or daughter of our Lord?
If you watch television, you hear nothing but bad news these days. Of course there was the tragedy of 9-11, the Tsunami at Banda Acheh, Indonesia, the recent hurricanes Katrina and Rita, involving so many deaths in the South, the fires burning in California, the earthquake in Pakistan, a huge mudslide in Guatemala, and now most recently, flooding in New Hampshire. The Red Cross, Salvation Army, President Bush and former Presidents Bush, Sr and Clinton, and you and I have had to all work together to help those in their time of crisis. If we didn't give a donation of food, clothing, or money, we offered up our prayers for those who were suffering.
Counties around the world came together to help as well. Countries who are far apart from our own political views offered us relief, as we have to them. It takes us all, everyone to make a difference. Here in our own town of Clintwood, we gather together for the benefit of others. We have a soup bean dinner to raise money for the local Food Bank. Benefit concerts are held for those who are sick and in need of financial assistance and community support. The community comes together for The Walk for Life, a benefit for those who have fought cancer. I plan to have a Multiple Sclerosis Walk in April fo 2006 to raise money to help fight the disease of Multiple Sclerosis. We have special community services that gather all who would attend regardless of their religious denomination at times centered around the holidays of Easter and Christmas. I know I am blessed each year with the Candlelight Service at Christmastime, and the services we have during the Easter season. Our foot-washing service we had last year was very moving and special to those who attended. I also know friends of mine who have a combined denomination of a Day of Prayer service that is very well attended.
I have a song that I often listen to that reminds me that we are all one Body under Christ. Russ Taff, who is a Contemporary Christian Artist, and sings with the Gaither Vocal Band, often performs the song AWe Will Stand.@ The song makes two statements that stay in my mind long after the song is over.
1. I don't care what label you may wear, as long as you belong to Jesus, you belong to me.
2. You're my brother, you're my sister, so take me by the hand. Together we will work until He comes. There's no foe that can defeat us, when we're walkin' side by side, as long as there is Love, we will stand.
When this song is sung, the audience clasps hands and raise them to Jesus in song...pledging in song to work together in unity, as one. Can you imagine what would happen if all the believerswould unite and sing these words? Christ would surely have a large smile on His glorious face, and our hearts would be filled to bursting with a renewed sense of purpose. To get to work and stand together until He returns.
Being a person with a body that doesn=t always work the way I want it to, has made me think about the Body of Christ. Romans 12:4 5 states: Afor as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another."
Paul uses the concept of the human body to teach how Christians should live and work together. Just as the parts of the body function under the direction of the brain, so Christians are to work together under the command and authority of Jesus Christ.
I Corinthians 12: 12 17 reads: The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts: and though all its party are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body whether Jew or Greek, slave or free, and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body", it would not for that reason, cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? But in fact, God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you"! And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you"!
On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that it's parts have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it: if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (Life Application Bible)
The church is composed of many types of people from a variety of backgrounds with a multitude of gifts and abilities. It is easy for these differences to divide, as was the case in Corinth at the time of Paul's writing the book of Corinthians. But despite the differences in us, all believers have one thing in common Faith in Christ. Each and every one of us has a different gift, and belong to an essential part of the body of Christ. We all have been given gifts to use for the glorification of Christ and to build up His church.
To use them effectively we must:
1. Realize that all gifts and abilities come from God.
2. Understand that not everyone has the same Gifts.
3. Know who we are and what we do best.
4. Dedicate our gifts to God's service and not to our own personal
success.
5. Be willing to utilize our gifts wholeheartedly, not holding back
anything from God's service.
One of my favorite inspirational readings is "Sunday School Picnic" by Bob Benson.
SUNDAY SCHOOL PICNIC
By Bob Benson
Do you remember when they had old fashioned Sunday school picnics? It was before air conditioning. They said, "We'll meet at Sycamore Lodge in Shelby Park at 4:30 Saturday. You bring your supper and we'll furnish the tea.
"But you came home at the last minute and when you got ready to pack your lunch, all you could find in the refrigerator was one dried up piece of baloney and just enough mustard in the bottom of the jar so that you got it all over your knuckles trying to get to it. And there were just two stale pieces of bread. So you made your baloney sandwich and wrapped it in some brown bag and went to the picnic.
When it came time to eat you sat at the end of a table and spread out your sandwich. But the folks next to you the lady was a good cook and she had worked all day and she had fried chicken, and baked beans, and potato salad and homemade rolls and sliced tomatoes, and pickles, and olives, and celery and topped it off with two big homemade chocolate pies. And they spread it all out beside you and there you were with your baloney sandwich.But they said to you, "Why don't we put it all together?" "No, I couldn't do that, I just couldn't even think of it," you murmured embarrassed. "Oh, come on, there's plenty of chicken and plenty of pie, and plenty of everything and we just love baloney sandwiches. Let's just put it all together."
And so you did and there you sat eating like a king when you came like a pauper.
And I got to thinking... I think of me "sharing in the very being of God." 2nd Peter 1:4 When I think of how little I bring, and how much He brings and that He invites me to "share," I know I should be shouting from the housetops, but I am so filled with awe and wonder that I can hardly be heard. I know I don't have enough love and faith, or grace, or mercy or wisdom. But He has. He has all those things in abundance and says, "Let's just put it all together.
Everything I possess is available to you. Everything I am and can be to a person, I will be to you." When I think about it like that, it really amuses me to see somebody running along through life hanging on to their dumb bag with that stale baloney sandwich saying, "God's not going to get my sandwich! No siree, this is mine!" Did you ever see anybody like that so needy just about half starved to death, hanging on for dear life? It's not that He needs your sandwich. The fact is, you need his chicken.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How many of us have felt like a baloney sandwich at one time or another? I know I have. How many of us have appreciated the love of someone with a banquet spread for us? I have experienced that appreciation as well. Someone with a wonderful gift of love and service used their gift to shower me with love, at a time when I needed it. What a wonderful part of God's Body that person was to me. I am sure most of you have experienced the same at one time or another.
Lets be thankful for our part of the body of Christ. If you haven't exactly figured out what function your part isYjust get down on your knees and ask Him. He loves us so much that he'll be glad you asked. He will answer in a loving way, and he will equip you with whatever you need to perform the work that he has called you to do.
So brothers and sisters in Christ, I hope that you have been given some food for thought by these words. I know I have. So let's get to work, put it all together, and labor until He comes! Won't it be a sight to behold when He splits the eastern sky on His return!
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Currently
listening
:
A New Journey
By
Celtic Woman
Release date: 30 January, 2007
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5:57 AM
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Saturday, August 12, 2006
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Tribute to those who planted...
Current mood:  peaceful
Plant Me Kathy Dingus Plant me in the mountains Where the rhodendrons grow Down by that big oak tree Where the air is fresh and sweet I've worked hard most all my life My labor's nearly gone Please plant me in the mountains When my planting days are done. Warbles of the little birds and the lonesome fiddle tunes Will lull me to my gentle sleep And with Jesus I now snooze Green grassy hillsides will be my final view cry no sad tears for me my dear don't let your heart be blue. Plant me in the mountains Where the rhodendrons grow Down by that big oak tree Where the air is fresh and sweet I've worked hard most all my life My labor's nearly gone Please plant me in the mountains When my planting days are done. I'll see smoke from the fireplace Watch you come and go I'll see the buds in springtime And be blanketed by the snow These mountains will protect me Loving arms to hold me tight They frame the stars in heaven Warm the coldest nights. Plant with me some apples From the orchards that I loved Sneak in a pint of homemade wine My vines, they were so fine Throw in some corn and taters My soil I tended well Rich we weren't but we ate good The family table could tell some tales. Oh, please plant me in the mountains Where the rhodendrons grow Down by that big oak tree Where the air is fresh and sweet I've worked hard all my life My labor's nearly gone Oh please plant me in the mountains When my planting days are done.
11:13 PM
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Which Horse Are You?
Current mood:  thoughtful
Friends Which Horse Are You?
Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each looks like every other horse. But if one stops the car, or is walking by, one will notice something quite amazing. Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing. Listening, one will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, one will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to her bridle is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her. As one stands and watches these two friends, one sees how she is always checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is, trusting that she will not lead him astray. Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need. Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by God and those whom He places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see God.
Good friends are like stars.........You don't always see them, but you know they are always there." I have a lot of great friends out there. Thanks for being there.
10:55 PM
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Sigh....of course it would be her.....
Current mood:  sleepy
Take the quiz:
What Grease Character Are You?
Sandy
Sandy: you are inoocent..plain as that
Quizzes by myYearbook.com -- the World's Biggest Yearbook!
10:55 PM
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Wednesday, August 02, 2006
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Me A Sex and the City Girl! No Way!
Current mood:  silly
I took this quiz thinking there was no way I would be one...LOL
I guess that wasn't an option.
So here it is!
Take the quiz:
What Sex and the City girl are you?
Carrie
You Are Carrie!!
Quizzes by myYearbook.com -- the World's Biggest Yearbook!
1:34 PM
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Wednesday, May 31, 2006
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Happy?
Current mood:  happy
I have just had the most wonderful experience. I attended the graduation of my son from Air Force Basic Training at Lackland. It is a very emotional, intense time for the graduate and the parents. All sorts of feelings arise as you see your son in uniform for the first time. He is not the son that left home. He is now a man. My heart tugs for the son that was, and bursts for the son that he now has become. I think my most impressionable part of the weekend was Church. YesChurch. As we walked toward the Church to meet my son, we were greeted by Airmen and Trainees at the door. As we walked inside they also lined the aisle greeting us and giving their fellow Airmen and Trainees hugs and high-fives as they entered. Worship Videos were on the screen, and they began to clap and dance. You havent experienced anything like 500 Airmen, Trainees and parents all enjoying the moment of worship. I was so moved I cried. Those who were in their first week of training were encouraged by those who were in their second week, the second week trainees where encouraged by those who were in their third week, and continued until the graduates were recognized. I was reminded of our journey in life. Those of us who are still young learn from those who have walked the same path before us. If we would only listen, and take that advice and encouragement we will persevere. When The Happy Song was played by the worship band, the place exploded. You know that those trainees who were there for their first week werent happy. They were homesick, wondering what in the world they had gotten themselves into, and wanting maybe to just quit. Those who were almost ready to graduate were standing at the door of change yet again, and maybe were just afraid to take that step into their life awaiting them. But that song, just for a moment reminded them, and me, of who is really in charge and in knowing that we can be truly happy in the face of adversity. The Happy Song
Oh I could sing unending songs
Of how you saved my soul
Well I could dance a thousand miles
Because of your great love.
My heart is bursting Lord
To tell of all you've done
Of how you changed my life
And wiped away the past
I wanna shout it out
From every roof top sing
For now I know that God
Is for me not against me
Everybody's singing now Cause we're so happy
Everybody's dancing now Cause we're so happy
If only we could see your face
And see you smiling over us
And unseen angels celebrate
For joy is in this place!
Written by Martin Smith ©1994 Curious? Music UK Are you happy? You wanna be? Just give all of your problems to Jesus. Hell take care of them. Its just that simple. If we have the faith to trust in Him all will be taken care of. If you ever get down in the dumps, and worry, think about the lyrics of this song, and think about 500 young Airmen singing and clapping and dancing to Were So Happy. That will do it for me, and I hope it will for you. Just my thoughts for the day.
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Currently
listening
:
Arriving
By
Chris Tomlin
Release date: 21 September, 2004
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10:42 PM
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2 Comments - 4 Kudos
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Wednesday, May 03, 2006
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Remember Simple Joys
Current mood:  thankful
Category: Writing and Poetry
Remember the simple joys of youth and of mud between your toes. Remember the wonder of butterflies and one landing on your nose, Remember days of sun and fun and flowers all aglow Icicles hanging, snowmen calling, angels in the snow. Remember the prom, and how Mom got all teary-eyed With pride, beautiful clothes, getting all "dolled up" And posing for pictures side by side. Remember eighteen, nineteen, twenty, and then finally Twenty-one. We*ve got the world by the tail; were coming out on top, were finally number one. Remember butterflies of a different kind, and a major, major love Remember dating, nervous sweating, playful playground shoves, Passing notes on down the row and shy smiles behind our hands Remember stealing kisses, making wishes, praying for a Man. Remember walking down the aisle, with everyone there to see, Remember the first fights, and the make-up times, and Strolls along the beach, Here comes baby, and "Oh, walk to Mama" comes round all too soon. JFK assassination, Martin Luther King and One Giant Step upon the Moon. Our memory serves us well when we become old and gray. When things don*t go so well at 80 years old we can always remember the days, When we squished the mud between our toes and How butterflies landed on our nose And flowers bloomed and were all aglow And angels in the snow. We tried so hard to make things better for our kids That we made them worse. For my grandchildren, I*d know better. I*d really like for them to know about Hand-me-down clothes And homemade ice cream and leftover meat loaf. I really would.
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Currently
listening
:
Some Hearts
By
Carrie Underwood
Release date: 15 November, 2005
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1:13 PM
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1 Comments - 2 Kudos
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Friday, April 28, 2006
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Essence of Life
Current mood: thoughtful
I love to read about people.. .stories about people with stories to tell. I guess I inherited this interest from my father. When I read about people and their family stories, it makes me wonder what will people say about my family and in particular, about me, after we cease to live. Stories of the lives of our ancestors are passed on to the future generations. Some of our ancestors lived with passion and bravery, and others lived with cowardice and wickedness. These stories are repeated as often as 10 or 11 generations after their deaths. I am sure the subjects of the stories never suspected that their life story would be around, active, even after their lives had ceased to be. I want my life story, if it is to live on after my death, to be repeated in a positive light and of some help to others. I want it to be said that I loved my family, and that I was a good and faithful friend. I want it to be said that I lived to tell of God*s Own Son, and tried to live my life as he did. However, in order for these things to be retold, they must be made true. I pray daily for God*s strength to help me make this day a new beginning, a new start, and for Him to help me live and speak and act, as Christ did, and even more importantly, I ask God to show me where I have failed in the attempt. Sometimes, I think I have done rather well in living my life, only to be surprised when reflecting on the day to discover how far off from "perfect" I really am . .I read a small article in our local newspaper that really caught my eye. It was about our life*s essence and how it lingers long after we are gone, as perfume on the breeze. Our essence can be sweet, heavy, or sour . . . This article spoke of a life of a woman in our community and how much she inspired others, and how much she missed her husband who had passed on before her. She still spoke of him with tears in her eyes, and as if he were still alive, and would be home for supper. She loved so much, and she was loved much. But thanks be to God! For through what Christ has done, he has triumphed over us so that now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Gospel like a sweet perfume. (15) As far as God is concerned there is a sweet wholesome fragrance in our lives. It is the fragrance of Christ within us, an aroma to both the saved and the unsaved, all around us. 16)To those who are not being saved, we seem a fearful smell of death and doom, while to those who know Christ we are a life-giving perfume. But who is adequate for such a task as this? 17) Only those who, like ourselves, are men of integrity, sent by God, speaking with Christ*s power, with God*s eye upon us.2 Corinthians 14-17. Believers are to be like a sweet perfume whose fragrance others cant help but notice. Just as we cannot control a person*s opinion about a perfume fragrance, we cannot control a person*s reaction to our Christian message and actions. If we remain true to Christ, his Spirit working in us will attract others. What has been the essence of our life and what "fragrance" will linger when were gone?
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Currently
listening
:
Reflection of Something
By
Todd Agnew
Release date: 16 August, 2005
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9:31 PM
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1 Comments - 2 Kudos
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