Happy to be, and look, Pentecostal

Matthew 24:12-13 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure until the end, the same shall be saved.

Is it just me, or does it seem that there are a great number of people losing out with God these days? I'm not talking about only in my home town, but all over the nation. Some are just giving up completely, but others have lost the standards and convictions of old, that has kept us "separate" from the world. They say they have not changed in the doctrine, but they feel that the standards were "man made" and not necessary.

2 Cor, 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world...

Matt 7 22-23 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

It takes more than just the doctrine. We need to maintain the standards of old. We have to "come out from among them, and be separate".

I was taking care of a patient the other day, and her husband asked me if I knew who Saint Agnes was. (He asked me this because that is the name of the hospital where I work.) The patient said, "honey, she's not Catholic. Can't you tell she's Pentecostal "? I was so glad that she could tell I was Pentecostal!! I am happy to be counted among the Pentecostals!! I think that the rest of the world should be able to tell just by looking at us, that we are not "of this world".

(Note: By the way, I knew that St. Agnes was the Patron Saint of Healing. I think I learned that last year while visiting the Vatican in Rome. )

Of course, not all are going astray. There is also a mighty revival in the land, and many, many souls are being saved. I'm talking about the people who have lived this life and message for many years. Even the Bible speaks of a great falling away.

2 Thess 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first...

Mat. 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved; but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

This subject has been on my heart lately. I am burdened for the people that are losing out when they have been true to God for so long. Be not weary in well doing, folks. I am reminded of that old song we used to sing.

It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus. Life's trials will seem so small, when we see Christ!! One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase. So, bravely run this race, 'til we see Christ!

I am looking forward to that day!!

Common Sense....Gone?

My parents told me about Mr. Common Sense early in my life and told me I would do well to call on him when making decisions. It seems he was always around in my early years but less and less as time passed by.

Today I read his obituary. Please join me in a moment of silence in remembrance, for Common Sense has served us all so well for so many generations.

Obituary Common Sense

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life isn't always fair, and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they themselves failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer Aspirin, sun lotion or a sticky plaster to a student, but could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar can sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.

He is survived by three stepbrothers; I Know my Rights, Someone Else is to Blame, and I'm a Victim.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

Stress Relief Tips

Make lists . TAKE A DEEP BREATH . Exercise . Sing a Song . Eat Right . Call a Friend . Laugh at Yourself . Ask Others to Help . Smile . Set Realistic Goals . Take Breaks . Prioritize Tasks . Delegate Work . Avoid Clutter . Use Proper Lighting . Have a Hobby . Keep Noise Down . Talk Things Out . Visualize a Peaceful Scene . Learn to Relax . Budget Time and Money . TAKE A DEEP BREATH . Plant a Garden . Meditate . Set Limits . Think Positively . Count to 10 . Enjoy Small Pleasures . Avoid Junk food . Practice Teamwork . Believe in Others . Believe in Yourself . Confront Your Feelings . Be Kind . Cry if Necessary . TAKE A DEEP BREATH . Remember: Time Heals . Get Regular Checkups . Take a Walk . Get Organized . Do Neck Rolls . Avoid Dangerous Drugs . Be Flexible . Stretch Often . Control Your Weight . Avoid Distractions . Set Reasonable Deadlines . Don't Sweat the Small Stuff . Learn to Say "No" . Forgive and Forget . Use the Right Tools . Don't Procrastinate . Reflect on Your Joys . Encourage Others . Get Up Earlier . Break Up Monotony . TAKE A DEEP BREATH . See Problems as Challenges . Stop and Smell the Roses . Love Others . Love Yourself . Avoid Unnecessary Meetings . Screen Your Calls . Give Hugs . Seek Out Positive People . Be Faithful . Read Good Books . Remember Your Triumphs . Laugh Often . TAKE A DEEP BREATH.......Most of all PRAY

Stress Survival Kit

Eraser: To consider mistakes as opportunities to learn
Mint: To make a commit-"mint" to relax
Penny: To help you adapt to "change"
Rubber Band: A reminder to stay flexible
Tea Bag: To help you simmer down
Lemon Drop: If life hands you a lemon, make lemonade
Paper Clips: To help you keep it together
Bubble Gum: To remember not to blow it
Life Savers: A reminder that managing stress can make your "life" a "hole" lot better!!