Here is some information that you might not have been aware of and could use!
I wanted to pass along some information that some moms may be able to use. Some may already know about this program. My son recently got added to the Kid Care program for the State of Illinois (this also works for Medical card). We went to Bard optical in normal by the Wal-mart on Veterans and with his insurance we received an eye exam for free and he got to pick out a new pair of glasses that were free also. There is a selection of frames that you have to choose from but they are some really cute styles or I guess for boys some "cool" styles. They have to send them off to be made and there is a turn around time of about 6-8 weeks or less. This helped me out a ton and I wanted to pass it along.
Thanks !
See y'all on Wednesday night!
Love and Prayers,
Cheri Lynn
Monday, April 27, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Shoes in church.......
I received this from a friend and thought it was definitely worth the read! Let me know what you think! Do you look at shoes in church?
I showered and shaved............. I adjusted my tie.
I got there and sat.............. In a pew just in time.
Bowing my head in prayer......... As I closed my eyes.
I saw the shoe of the man next to me...... Touching my own.
I sighed.
With plenty of room on either side...... I thought, 'Why must our soles touch?'
It bothered me, his shoe touching mine... But it didn't bother him much.
A prayer began: 'Our Father'............... I thought, 'This man with the shoes, has no pride.
They're dusty, worn, and scratched. Even worse, there are holes on the side!'
'Thank You for blessings,' the prayer went on.
The shoe man said............... A quiet 'Amen.'
I tried to focus on the prayer....... But my thoughts were on his shoes again.
Aren't we supposed to look our best - When walking through that door?
'Well, this certainly isn't it, I thought, Glancing toward the floor..
Then the prayer was ended........... And the songs of praise began.
The shoe man was certainly loud...... Sounding proud as he sang.
His voice lifted the rafters......... His hands were raised high.
The Lord could surely hear. The shoe man's voice from the sky.
It was time for the offering....... And what I threw in was steep.
I watched as the shoe man reached..... Into his pockets so deep.
I saw what was pulled out.......... What the shoe man put in.
Then I heard a soft 'clink'.. As when silver hits tin.
The sermon really bored me.......... To tears, and that's no lie.
It was the same for the shoe man... For tears fell from his eyes.
At the end of the service....... As is the custom here.
We must greet new visitors, And show them all good cheer.
But I felt moved somehow............... And wanted to meet the shoe man.
So after the closing prayer.......... I reached over and shook his hand.
He was old and his skin was dark..... And his hair was truly a mess.
But I thanked him for coming......... For being our guest.
He said, 'My names' Charlie............ I'm glad to meet you, my friend.'
There were tears in his eyes........ But he had a large, wide grin.
'Let me explain,' he said........... Wiping tears from his eyes.
'I've been coming here for months.... And you're the first to say 'Hi.''
'I know that my appearance..........'Is not like all the rest.
'But I really do try..................'To always look my best.'
'I always clean and polish my shoes..'Before my very long walk.
'But by the time I get here.........'They're dirty and dusty, like chalk.'
My heart filled with pain.......... And I swallowed to hide my tears.
As he continued to apologize........ For daring to sit so near
He said, 'When I get here...........'I know I must look a sight.
'But I thought if I could touch you..'Then maybe our souls might unite.'
I was silent for a moment........... Knowing whatever was said
Would pale in comparison... I spoke from my heart, not my head.
'Oh, you've touched me,' I said.......'And taught me, in part;
'That the best of any man............'Is what is found in his heart.'
The rest, I thought,................. This shoe man will never know.
Like just how thankful I really am... That his dirty old shoe touched my soul!
You are special to me and you have made a difference in my life.
I respect you, and truly cherish you.
I showered and shaved............. I adjusted my tie.
I got there and sat.............. In a pew just in time.
Bowing my head in prayer......... As I closed my eyes.
I saw the shoe of the man next to me...... Touching my own.
I sighed.
With plenty of room on either side...... I thought, 'Why must our soles touch?'
It bothered me, his shoe touching mine... But it didn't bother him much.
A prayer began: 'Our Father'............... I thought, 'This man with the shoes, has no pride.
They're dusty, worn, and scratched. Even worse, there are holes on the side!'
'Thank You for blessings,' the prayer went on.
The shoe man said............... A quiet 'Amen.'
I tried to focus on the prayer....... But my thoughts were on his shoes again.
Aren't we supposed to look our best - When walking through that door?
'Well, this certainly isn't it, I thought, Glancing toward the floor..
Then the prayer was ended........... And the songs of praise began.
The shoe man was certainly loud...... Sounding proud as he sang.
His voice lifted the rafters......... His hands were raised high.
The Lord could surely hear. The shoe man's voice from the sky.
It was time for the offering....... And what I threw in was steep.
I watched as the shoe man reached..... Into his pockets so deep.
I saw what was pulled out.......... What the shoe man put in.
Then I heard a soft 'clink'.. As when silver hits tin.
The sermon really bored me.......... To tears, and that's no lie.
It was the same for the shoe man... For tears fell from his eyes.
At the end of the service....... As is the custom here.
We must greet new visitors, And show them all good cheer.
But I felt moved somehow............... And wanted to meet the shoe man.
So after the closing prayer.......... I reached over and shook his hand.
He was old and his skin was dark..... And his hair was truly a mess.
But I thanked him for coming......... For being our guest.
He said, 'My names' Charlie............ I'm glad to meet you, my friend.'
There were tears in his eyes........ But he had a large, wide grin.
'Let me explain,' he said........... Wiping tears from his eyes.
'I've been coming here for months.... And you're the first to say 'Hi.''
'I know that my appearance..........'Is not like all the rest.
'But I really do try..................'To always look my best.'
'I always clean and polish my shoes..'Before my very long walk.
'But by the time I get here.........'They're dirty and dusty, like chalk.'
My heart filled with pain.......... And I swallowed to hide my tears.
As he continued to apologize........ For daring to sit so near
He said, 'When I get here...........'I know I must look a sight.
'But I thought if I could touch you..'Then maybe our souls might unite.'
I was silent for a moment........... Knowing whatever was said
Would pale in comparison... I spoke from my heart, not my head.
'Oh, you've touched me,' I said.......'And taught me, in part;
'That the best of any man............'Is what is found in his heart.'
The rest, I thought,................. This shoe man will never know.
Like just how thankful I really am... That his dirty old shoe touched my soul!
You are special to me and you have made a difference in my life.
I respect you, and truly cherish you.
Listen for the bell!
There is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you 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. If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell. It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow. As you stand and watch these two horses, you'll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse is, trusting that he will not be led astray. When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, it stops occasionally and looks back, making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.
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 the little ringing bell of those who God places in Our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way....Good friends are like that... You may not always see them, but you know they are always there. Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours. And remember..be kinder than necessary-everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Live simply,
Love generously,
Care deeply,
Speak kindly....Leave the rest to God.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Bible Reading 4/16 through 4/29/09
Hey GEMS!
How goes things? Hope everyone is having a great two weeks! I think Spring is around the corner - at least I hope so! See y'all in two!
Thursday, 4/16
Eph. 2:4-10
Remember to stay humble and in touch with the amazing kindness of God to you!
Friday, 4/17
Psalm 86
There is so much emotion in this Psalm. These are great words to pray when asking the Holy Spirit to help you be kind to a difficult person.
Saturday, 4/18
Romans 12:2 and Eph. 4:22-24
Christians don't act like the rest of the world. With the Holy Spirit in you, you can be transformed in your mind and actions when you partner with Him.
Sunday, 4/19
Psalm 51:10
This is my battle cry when i am caught up in thinking and/or acting ugly. I have this verse memorized so I can call on it like Spiritual 911!
Monday, 4/20
John 14:16-17
Look at Jesus' promise that His followers would receive the Holy Spirit and He would live in them. The Holy Spirit gives you the power to be better than you are on your own.
Tuesday, 4/21
Matt. 5:46-47
Another look at Jesus' challenging teaching for us to be other-centered and to give kindness to those who have not necessarily been kind to us.
Wednesday, 4/22
1 Peter 2:19-20
These verses show that God is aware that there are times when we have to suffer even when we haven't done anything wrong. He gives a strong teaching here.
Thursday, 4/23
Romans 15:1-7
Sometimes, a good step to being kind is to start with being accepting of another person.
Friday, 4/24
1 Cor. 13:4-7
As you read this, remember that Jesus wants you to show love even to those who are difficult to love.
Saturday, 4/25
Col. 3:12-14
We have talked about these verses before in GEMS - but they are powerful words to direct how we live.
Sunday, 4/26
2 Peter 1:5-9
What an incredible list! Especially key in on the words "increasing measure". We're not supposed to be perfect - just constantly increasing!
Monday, 4/27
Psalm 119:65-72
A beautiful picture of God's goodness. Again, I think this is a great Psalm to pray to God in order to grow in goodness.
Tuesday, 4/28
2 Thes. 1:11-12
I love verse 11 - by His power He fulfills every good purpose of ours. SO COOL!!!!!
Wednesday, 4/29
Gal. 6:1-7
Tonight we will be talking about "gentleness".
See you there!!
How goes things? Hope everyone is having a great two weeks! I think Spring is around the corner - at least I hope so! See y'all in two!
Thursday, 4/16
Eph. 2:4-10
Remember to stay humble and in touch with the amazing kindness of God to you!
Friday, 4/17
Psalm 86
There is so much emotion in this Psalm. These are great words to pray when asking the Holy Spirit to help you be kind to a difficult person.
Saturday, 4/18
Romans 12:2 and Eph. 4:22-24
Christians don't act like the rest of the world. With the Holy Spirit in you, you can be transformed in your mind and actions when you partner with Him.
Sunday, 4/19
Psalm 51:10
This is my battle cry when i am caught up in thinking and/or acting ugly. I have this verse memorized so I can call on it like Spiritual 911!
Monday, 4/20
John 14:16-17
Look at Jesus' promise that His followers would receive the Holy Spirit and He would live in them. The Holy Spirit gives you the power to be better than you are on your own.
Tuesday, 4/21
Matt. 5:46-47
Another look at Jesus' challenging teaching for us to be other-centered and to give kindness to those who have not necessarily been kind to us.
Wednesday, 4/22
1 Peter 2:19-20
These verses show that God is aware that there are times when we have to suffer even when we haven't done anything wrong. He gives a strong teaching here.
Thursday, 4/23
Romans 15:1-7
Sometimes, a good step to being kind is to start with being accepting of another person.
Friday, 4/24
1 Cor. 13:4-7
As you read this, remember that Jesus wants you to show love even to those who are difficult to love.
Saturday, 4/25
Col. 3:12-14
We have talked about these verses before in GEMS - but they are powerful words to direct how we live.
Sunday, 4/26
2 Peter 1:5-9
What an incredible list! Especially key in on the words "increasing measure". We're not supposed to be perfect - just constantly increasing!
Monday, 4/27
Psalm 119:65-72
A beautiful picture of God's goodness. Again, I think this is a great Psalm to pray to God in order to grow in goodness.
Tuesday, 4/28
2 Thes. 1:11-12
I love verse 11 - by His power He fulfills every good purpose of ours. SO COOL!!!!!
Wednesday, 4/29
Gal. 6:1-7
Tonight we will be talking about "gentleness".
See you there!!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Bible Reading 4/2 - 4/15/09
Hey y'all! Better late than never! Have a great two weeks!
Thursday, 4/2
Col. 1:9-14
Man, if this doesn't make you want to stand up and shout "Glory, Hallelujah!" you are reading with your eyes closed! How marvelous is the love of God!
Friday, 4/3
Col. 3:12-13
Another loving list of the characteristics of a Christian.
Saturday, 4/4
1 Timothy 1:15-17
When we are tempted to lose our patience, these verses remind us that Jesus has unlimited patience with us!
Sunday, 4/5 ((My son Nathaniel's 8th birthday!)
James 5:7-12
Brother James has a lot to say about patience. It helps us to remember that we are not living for this world - but we are living for our eternal life with Christ!
Monday, 4/6
1 Corinthians 13: 4-7
A beautiful look at how the virtue of patience and perseverance affects the way we love.
Tuesday, 4/7
Micah 7:7
This verse shows us the heart of a faithful prophet who knew that his hope is in the Lord - even if he has to wait on God to work on his behalf.
Wednesday, 4/8
Lamentations 3:25-26
Another look at waiting on the Lord in faithful hope.
Thursday, 4/9
Psalm 27:14
While we wait - we actively choose to be strong...and we actively choose to wait...this is the source of our quiet confidence.
Friday, 4/10
Proverbs 16:32
It's interesting how the Bible defines strength...patience is stronger than a person who can wipe out other people.
Saturday, 4/11
Romans 8:17, 18, 35-37
Paul develops an interesting argument for how important it is to view our suffering in light of Christ's eternal grace.
Sunday, 4/12 Happy Easter!! Happy Resurrection Day!!!!!
Hebrews 12:1-3
We want to be free from all the hindrances of this world so that we can reflect God's glory. When we make active choices to let His light shine in us...to live according to His will, we honor His sacrifice for us on the cross!
Monday, 4/13
1 Peter 4:13-16
Sometimes we suffer because we are Christians - others make fun of us or leave us out of things. Praise God that they can tell you are a believer in the Risen Lord!
Tuesday, 4/14
Romans 2:7
It is "worth it" to live our lives in ways that honor God...to persevere even when things are hard.
Wednesday, 4/15
Ephesians 4:32
Tonight at GEMS. we will discuss "kindness" and "goodness" as they relate to us growing in our fruit of the Spirit.
See you tonight!!!!
Thursday, 4/2
Col. 1:9-14
Man, if this doesn't make you want to stand up and shout "Glory, Hallelujah!" you are reading with your eyes closed! How marvelous is the love of God!
Friday, 4/3
Col. 3:12-13
Another loving list of the characteristics of a Christian.
Saturday, 4/4
1 Timothy 1:15-17
When we are tempted to lose our patience, these verses remind us that Jesus has unlimited patience with us!
Sunday, 4/5 ((My son Nathaniel's 8th birthday!)
James 5:7-12
Brother James has a lot to say about patience. It helps us to remember that we are not living for this world - but we are living for our eternal life with Christ!
Monday, 4/6
1 Corinthians 13: 4-7
A beautiful look at how the virtue of patience and perseverance affects the way we love.
Tuesday, 4/7
Micah 7:7
This verse shows us the heart of a faithful prophet who knew that his hope is in the Lord - even if he has to wait on God to work on his behalf.
Wednesday, 4/8
Lamentations 3:25-26
Another look at waiting on the Lord in faithful hope.
Thursday, 4/9
Psalm 27:14
While we wait - we actively choose to be strong...and we actively choose to wait...this is the source of our quiet confidence.
Friday, 4/10
Proverbs 16:32
It's interesting how the Bible defines strength...patience is stronger than a person who can wipe out other people.
Saturday, 4/11
Romans 8:17, 18, 35-37
Paul develops an interesting argument for how important it is to view our suffering in light of Christ's eternal grace.
Sunday, 4/12 Happy Easter!! Happy Resurrection Day!!!!!
Hebrews 12:1-3
We want to be free from all the hindrances of this world so that we can reflect God's glory. When we make active choices to let His light shine in us...to live according to His will, we honor His sacrifice for us on the cross!
Monday, 4/13
1 Peter 4:13-16
Sometimes we suffer because we are Christians - others make fun of us or leave us out of things. Praise God that they can tell you are a believer in the Risen Lord!
Tuesday, 4/14
Romans 2:7
It is "worth it" to live our lives in ways that honor God...to persevere even when things are hard.
Wednesday, 4/15
Ephesians 4:32
Tonight at GEMS. we will discuss "kindness" and "goodness" as they relate to us growing in our fruit of the Spirit.
See you tonight!!!!
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