Life Is Too Short...

Some Ask: Why does God allow children to starve?

2011-03-27T18:57:00.001-06:00

The answer: God doesn't let the children starve, we do!

God has given man free will with abundant resources...

So why all the suffering, death and destruction we see all over the world?

There was war in heaven, and we know about wars...Right mankind?

God was accused of forcing his will upon his creation and among other things. His accuser stated that God's laws were unjust and overbearing. This same accuser, name Lucifer, latter changed to Satan, actually was envious of God and wanted to be like the most high.

He tried to overthrow God's kingdom by deceiving a third of God's Kingdom with Satan's false allegations. This enemy of God had opportunities to come back into the fold as he was defeated...God could had immediately destroyed this traitor in a blink of an eye for his disobedience.

Zap!!! What message would Satan's immediate destruction had said to the rest of the Universe? Had He done so the rest of creation would had been frighten to serve God out of fear instead of love.

Man was created in the image of God & not designed to be robots, but designed to have free will to obey His laws for our good OR disobey his laws for our bad.

Just has you have the laws of nature, physics and science, which are all the laws of God's creation, you have the laws of obedience to God's moral laws.

For example, just to as one violates the laws of physics by making the "choice" to jump off The Empire state building the results leads to death. Right?

One more example. Say you you ignored the research & violated the laws of health and science by you choosing to smoke cigarettes, therefore you end up with lung cancer and die. Who is at fault for your death? God's word clearly states that our bodies are the temple of His Holy Spirit and that we are to take care of it.

Think about it metaphorically. When man makes the "choice" to violate the laws of physics by jumping off the "Empire State Building" Who's the blame for that individual's death? Is it God's fault or that man chosen to jump off that building?

Hence throughout the ages man has collectively chosen to live outside of the laws of God and in doing so results to all this is starvation, death and destruction we see today.

There are two very important Commandments (laws of God), that if collectively adhered to by man we would not see the problems that the universe has witnessed throughout the ages:

Jesus said, "'Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' This is the most important, the first on any list.

But there is a second to set alongside it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.'

These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them." Matthew 22:37-40 (The Message)

Think About It...

Meditate Upon These Two Great Commandments...

Ask yourself, what would your life be like if you lived by God's Laws?

Remember this: " For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength". Philippians 4:13 (New Living Translation)

Click Here Learn More of God's Love for Mankind & Steps to Christ

The Tongue in the Shoe or the Tongue in the Mouth?

2011-03-20T14:38:00.000-06:00

by LeNora Bowles

I realize it is not what a person says that truly matters, but the action that follows. Some individuals spend a vast amount of time using excuses to sugarcoat why certain events appear to spiral out of control in their lives.

Although events unfold, many of which leave little to be desired, using excuses as the proverbial crutch to connect the dots to why life is so unfair begins to sound as if you are weak or co-dependent to misery loving company. Perhaps those experiences are lessons to be learned, rather than a reason used to remain clutched to a past, held in suspension, by fear and denial of one's ability to move forward.

A person of worth has no reason to prove himself by 'always' explaining his actions! The end result of the action is indicative of the path he takes while arriving at the crossroads of decision-making. His actions are also reflective of the seeds he has sown, the bridges he has crossed, and the roadblocks faced in the midst of adversity. Far too often one uses excuses, to convince others of self-worth.

In the meantime, grass grows underneath the feet as a result of trying to prove a point, which is often pointless. . .For all its worth. . .If one were to remove the excuse, what and who are you left with—besides the tongue in your mouth? ~ LeNora

"Life's Vanishing Vapor"

2010-05-15T17:12:00.008-05:00

Vapor Definition:

1. The vapor of water produced by boiling, especially it its economic relations, is called steam.

2. Something unsubstantial, fleeting, or transitory.

I don't know about you but for myself time has moved mercilessly fast, killing everything in it's pathway. From parents, cousins, aunt's & uncles, even our beloved pets! I often recall the memories of individuals who has touched my life in some sort of way. Like my kindergarten teacher at Fairfax Elementary School, Mrs Williams. She had to have been in her late 50's back then and that was a little over 40yrs ago. I recall neighbors in the old neighborhood in which I grew up. It seems like time has snuffed out two entire blocks! Also my parents, friends, beloved relatives, faithful & true saints in the church that are no longer here, former co-workers as well as individuals whom I considered taken out way before there time.

It goes to show we must "Live life Too it's fullest" and not take for granted those who are important in our lives, those who has touched our lives in some small or large way. We must savor the moments in time we have with them.

Actually?... It's not time that is our real enemy, but it's the sin curse of "Death" that is & our worse enemy! However...I am so thankful that God gave his only Son, Jesus Christ, that who ever believe in him will not perish to the confines of time and "Death" But have ever lasting life! That's the hope I cling to in this yet short vapor of life we currently have. I feel very sorry for those who do not grasp this hope...

Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? You are [really] but a wisp of vapor (a puff of smoke, a mist) that is visible for a little while and then disappears [into thin air]. James 4:14

The Good news is, as we encourage one another and spread the "Good News" of the Gospel to those we love and care about even strangers, they too can cling to this hope, as we ourselves in faith, God's Great Gift, that one day soon we will be reunited with, and see "again" those whom we love & cherish very soon!!!

And Death will no longer plague us no more!!! And "Time" will for ever relinquish it's curse. Isn't that "Great News"???

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life... John 3:16

You too can take advantage of this great gift & see love ones you lost to this vapor call life...Click here to take "Steps To Christ"

Click this link Learn More About "Absent-From-the-Body"

Thoughts?

The Power Of Choice

2010-04-30T02:22:00.003-05:00

Have you ever thought about how powerful the choices you make in your everyday life are? Really, I mean even from day to day, hour to hour even moment to moment...

For example in the when the alarm clock goes off in the AM. We make a choice to get right on up! OR hit the snooze alarm becoming late for work. Or rather or not we go into work that day.

We make the choices on what we are to wear each day, what to eat, drink, even what we put into our minds and think.

We make choices as to what types of people we involve in our lives(toxic or non toxic), who to date, who to marry.

Choices of what college we go to OR if we are going go to college.

We all make thousands of choices each day. I even made several choices on what to write this morning.

Yet all choices that we make have consequences & impact our lives, good or bad.

Think about it. Say your Doctor tells you to loose some weight, lay off the salt, cut down on eating fatty foods and red meat...

But that same very day it's your choice to throw his advice out the window and head straight to your favorite steak house and order the largest "Kansas City Strip" in the house, medium rare...

Then on your next visit to the Doctor you're surprised that he or she puts you on blood pressure & cholesterol pills. That's a result of the choices you made.

It's your choice to go to college, work hard & graduate with honors and start the promising career of your dreams...

But on the other hand, your room mates make the choice is to get drunk and party every night, resulting in them flunking out and now they are always hitting you up for money.

By the way, you have the "power of choice" upon what type of friends you make.

You have the power of choice on how to react to negative situations. You're on your way to the office & some nut cuts you off...

You slam on the brakes to prevent from hitting this idiot and causing an accident in the middle of rush hour traffic...

And your reaction? You realize "power" you have, it's your choice how you react...

This time instead of your typical reaction, hitting the roof, flip this guy the 'bird" run up your blood pressure, and ruining your day before you even get to work...

It's your choice to give the driver a smile and a wave and go about your merry way making it a great day!

"YOU" have the choice upon how you handle the adversities of life...

Say you get laid off from that promising career in today's economy and it's been over six months now, your unemployment runs out with no job in sight...

It's your choice to take a part time job flipping burgers, or choose not to eat. Now instead of throwing in the towel and jumping off the San Francisco Bay bridge...

Instead it's your choice to create your own job by starting your own business and with the attitude and vigor you had in college, you hang in there through the ups and downs ultimately making your business a success...

Now that's the power of choice to never give up!

*It's your choice rather or not to have premarital or unprotected sex and avoid an unwanted pregnancy or worst get HIV.

*It's Your Choice not to smoke or perhaps quit smoking and dramatically reduce the chance of you getting lung cancer other respiratory diseases.

*It's your choice not to stay in a toxic and abusive relationship, you realize that Life Is Too Short and move forward with your life.

So your doctor gives you terrible news regarding your health, it's cancer and the stage you're at, the chances of survival are 50-50(I've been in similar shoes) or worse...

You even have a choice here...

It's your choice to rather or not to give up on the joys of life. You face this life threatening challenge head on...

Even though realizing that you're only human and you will have many emotional ups and downs...

It's your choice to appreciate what's really important in your life and keep an open mind, live life to it's fullest, one day at a time, one hour at a time, even one moment at a time. You love hard and pray hard and put your trust in God.

Even if you made a number of sinfully bad choices during your life resulting in numerous regrets, sorrows and defeats. You still do have choices.

#1 It's your choice to rather or not trust in Jesus Christ for your spiritual healing and realize that you're not alone

#2 It's your choice to trust in God for your spiritual, mental, financial healing. And know he can turn your life around for your good by making you a new person!!! OR not trust in God and miss out on your healing.

#3 It's your choice rather or not to let Jesus into your life because God loves you so much that he gave his only Son. That whosoever believe in him shall not perish but have ever lasting life. OR not let Jesus into your life and reject His precious gift.

Jesus saved a woman caught in adultery, from being stoned to death. He told her, go and sin no more totally turning her life around for her Good.

Jesus turned my life around & I am still a work in progress. He has turn around the lives of adulterers, liars, thieves, prostitutes, crack addicts, drunks and murderers by the millions into New Creatures. He can do the same for you it's Your Choice to let Him into your life & believe in HIM because...

This Life is Certainly Too Short It's Your Choice to rather or not grasp after His Free & Gift!

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose ye this day whom ye will serve...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15)

Click here to find out learn how you can make the CHOICE to make "Steps To Christ"

The Frustration With Those Who Celebrated Christmas

2009-12-26T02:46:00.003-06:00

I ran across a young man and engaged with him in conversation. He shared with me his frustration he had with those who celebrate Christmas In Honer of The Birth, The One Who Made Creation...

"Why", I asked...

He told me "when the clock stricks 12am into December 26th the next day...

As he continue to reply "The Focus On "The Spirit of Christmas" and "Joy" and "Hope" and "Peace" and " " Love and Concern for One Another" all enjoyed at the Start of Thanksgiving Day"...

I interrupted to ask..

"So what happens at midnight following "Christ's Day?"

He replied. "At the "Stroke of 12am Midnight, you see" "The Spirit of "Christ's Day" along with all it's aspects...

...will simply be as if DEAD and GONE! Without a trace and vanish, even
"CSI Miami" is left famished...

Never to be found until the next "Commercial" year...

"My frustration is this...

"It's that the "Spirit Of Evil" returns along with it's "DOG EAT DOG" attributes such as "HATE" "SELFISHNESS and GREED, come back to continue into the whole New Year as a disease"...

"So what's your point?" I asked him...

My point is to Those Who Celebrate "Christmas & It's "Spirit" they claim, are only acting out allusions of "Joy" "Hope" "Peace" "Love and Care for Others" will not last past the 25th and die in pain...

They are fake and fictitious, nothing of their character really changed...

Simply put, it's back to the same old game...

You see, that young man who was frustrated with those who celebrate Christmas is me...

As you read this, ask yourself and see...

Where did the Spirit of Christmas suddenly go once the clock struck twelve?

So I beseech you, not to be fake and fictitious But to continue the true Spirit of Christmas and Continue The Love For One Another. Make it a resolution to keep throughout the New Year!

Life Is Too Short

Check out "Streams of Life"

In The Spirit Of Brotherly Love

2009-12-22T00:48:00.003-06:00

Letter from Jesus about Christmas--

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season...

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Saturday, My true Sabbath Day. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember :

I LOVE YOU,

JESUS

May God Bless You Always

Author Unknown

Click here to check out "The Drummer Boy’s Prayer

BEST POEM IN THE WORLD

2009-11-15T07:00:00.004-06:00

http://lifeistooshort-45.blogspot.com/

BEST POEM IN THE WORLD

I was shocked, confused, bewildered
As I entered Heaven's door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
Nor the lights or its decor.

But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp--
The thieves, the liars, the sinners,
The alcoholics and the trash.

There stood the kid from seventh grade
Who swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbor
Who never said anything nice.

Herb, who I always thought
Was rotting away in hell,
Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
Looking incredibly well.

I nudged Jesus, 'What's the deal?
I would love to hear Your take.
How'd all these sinners get up here?
God must've made a mistake.
And why is everyone so quiet,
So somber - give me a clue.'

'Hush, child,' He said, 'they're all in shock.
No one thought they'd be seeing you.'

JUDGE NOT!!!

Remember...Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more
than standing in your garage makes you a car.

Every saint has a PAST...
Every sinner has a FUTURE!!!

Author unknown

Life Is Too Short!

Is Heaven for Real?

...I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:2-3

Read
This

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God's Ultimate Ability To Transforme a Sin Sick World

2009-10-23T23:57:00.023-05:00

The Coming of the Son of Man

25 “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Luke 21:25-26

These are certainly unusual times we live in.

With the increase in technology & incredible exploratory advancements in the last 100 years, astronomers & science have discovered all sorts of new & awesome "signs" in the "sun, moon & stars".

Not "new" to God since He created them in the beginning. But, "new" to mankind's discoveries.

Also, unprecedented natural occurrences in the heavens are taking place like the Leonid Showers in 2002 & the Hale-Bopp comet in 1997.

According to ScienceDaily (Oct. 21, 2009) — Peering far beyond our solar system, NASA researchers have detected the basic chemistry for life in a second hot gas planet, advancing astronomers toward the goal of being able to characterize planets where life could exist. The planet is not habitable but it has the same chemistry that, if found around a rocky planet in the future, could indicate the presence of life.

There is certainly no doubt that nations are in distress with themselves and one another. With the conflict in Darfur, Sudan, has led to some of the worst human rights abuses imaginable, including systematic and widespread murder, rape, abduction and displacement. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have been killed by both deliberate and indiscriminate attacks, and over 2.5 million civilians have been displaced.

The United States is knee deep and perhaps getting deeper with the war in Afghanistan and our occupation of Iraq.

Tensions are mounting between the Taliban Muslims and the Government of Pakistan, a nuclear weapons country which has been considered the biggest threat to the world.

And you can't rule out the concerns of Pakistan's neighbor India also a nuclear weapons country in the same region. who has suffered the brunt of murderous terrorist coming across their borders from Pakistan. Both countries has expressed willingness to use their weapons if they are necessarily provoked.

Earth quakes are certainly on the increase in frequency in divers places. The time is at hand when there will be sorrow in the world that no human balm can heal. The Spirit of God is being withdrawn. Disasters by sea and by land follow one another in quick succession. How frequently we hear of earthquakes and tornadoes, of destruction by fire and flood, with great loss of life and property!

Apparently these calamities are capricious outbreaks of disorganized, unregulated forces of nature, wholly beyond the control of man; but in them all, God's purpose may be read. They are among the agencies by which He seeks to arouse men and women to a sense of their danger.

As a matter of fact in the last 7 days alone there were at least 19 earthquakes in divers places.See source Bible Prophecy Truth

In 2004 the Indian Ocean Earth Quake created a massive Tsunami that wiped out over 300,000 souls.

The earthquake that generated the great Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 is estimated to have released the energy of 23,000 Hiroshima-type atomic bombs, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

2009 Samoa earthquake was an 8.0 Mw Submarine earthquake that took place in the Samoan Islands region on September 29, 2009). It is the largest earthquake so far in 2009.

The earthquake occurred on the same day as the 2009 Sumatra earthquakes , a magnitude 7.9 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks in which at least 1,000 people died.

Countries affected by the tsunami in the areas that were hit are American Somoa, Somoa and Tonga where more than 189 people have been killed, most of them in Samoa. Over 3500 people were left homeless.

Then there is the Iranian & Korean situation in their saga to develop weapons of mass destruction. Man kind as we know it, is certainly at the brink of destroying ourselves.

High anxiety and fear in the US is at a all time high due to the deep recession & bail outs, the mortgage collapse and high unemployment and fears that Obama is a Socialist & a member of the Illuminati. As a matter of fact studies shows that as fear and anxiety increases so does the elements that lead to heart attack which is the leading cause of death of individuals from age 30-50.

These are certainly perilous times we live in. But the good news is, just as God has the power to make the Universe, he also has the power to change broken, sinful and distraught lives. He gave His only Son Jesus Christ, to save you and me and the entire World!!!! If we only accept him as our Savior, there is no need for us to perish.

But based on True Bible Prophecy of just that one powerful scripture text I shared with you on this post, time is not only short, but very short. Soon he will return in the Clouds of Glory.

Those who said in their foolish heart there is no God and those who rejected the precious gift He freely offered and those who failed to take the time out to let him transform your life and those who has accepted the precious gift, every knee shall bow, every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

The Lord shall surely come before man destroys himself. The Lord will destroy those who rejected him, his strange act, and those who destroyed his creation. They wouldn't be happy living an eternity without sinning anyhow, to them that would be eternal torture.

God will make the earth new and restore his creation to it's original luster and we that are caught up our bodies will be changed in a twinkling of an eye. And we shall live eternally in the House of The Lord, Jesus Christ. That's also Bible Prophecy. Isn't that GREAT NEWS!!!

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God's Power to Heal & Change Lives!

2009-10-10T06:50:00.020-05:00

The main Premise of this blog is to demonstrate to you how GOD has the Power To Heal & Change Lives. Which is an on going work for most individuals including myself. I have shared with you some of my personal adversities regarding my health, some early & late childhood experiences of lost and pain. By the time I turned to the age of 43, I was diagnosed with three dreaded & life threatening diseases. "The Big 3, Leukemia (Which is a bone marrow cancer), Congestive Heart Failure & Diabetes."

Today, giving "God All The Praise" I am proud to say that I am now 47yrs old going on 48 and I am not dead yet! Even though life has it's ups & downs, I am "To Blessed To Be Depressed" surrounded by my loving family and friends. I have learned many lessons throughout this journey called Life. One very important lesson is not to take those you love for granted & to love them HARD. I am sure I have additional lessons to learn but for now my goal is to "Live Life To It's Fullest".

Speaking of God's Power to Change & Heal people! I must introduce you to a Facebook friend of mines. Vernadine Schatzlin, has a remarkable story on how God delivered her from a world of violence and tragedy in which God forever changed her life! Venandine's story is a true example of "God's Power To Heal Broken Lives" Let me present to you my friend Venandine, the following is her story in her own words

My Story,

I was born in Compton, Ca. My parents were atheist. My mom said that the Bible was the number one best selling fiction book. My father was the world's fastest Black race car driver. My dad beat my mom and two brothers a couple of times a week. I was sexually molested from 5-12, until I was strong enough to fight back and say no! My dad was shot to death at my house in Compton when I was 13. My mom died of cancer when I was 18. My brother and his girlfriend were both killed in a car wreck when they were t-boned by a crack head running from the C.H.P. in a high speed pursuit, when I was 21. My last brother was kidnapped, bound, hit over the head, and shot in the chest. His body was dumped in a L.A. alley when I was 30. I'm the sole survivor.

In the middle of my chaos, at about 12 years old; my mom joined a spiritualist center. She would hypnotize me, have seances, and play the Ouija board game with me. One day while playing, a spirit came into me and I fainted. My mom got scared, and we never played again. At about 19, I wanted out of my pain, the only way I could think of was to cut my wrist; which only landed me in the L.A. County Mental Hospital. After release I started running with the neighborhood gang. I started cooking crack in my kitchen, heavily drinking, smoking, and doing drive by shootings. I had so many abortions I lost count.

This was my life until 28, when a stranger told me about JESUS! I prayed “God, Lord, Father, Jesus whoever you are, if you are really real, love me, and have a plan for me, I’ll try you”? I was born again, and free! I never went back! That was 16 years ago! I'm now a Pastor, and Clean Comedian full of love and joy. When I fell in love with JESUS, I fell HARD. Jesus is everything to me. I can hardly get through a worship song without balling my eyes out with tears of gratefulness. He came and found me, when I didn’t even know I was lost. He wanted me when no one else cared about me. No one ever loved me like Him. Jesus loves the sinners, because He came and called me to Himself. As nasty, and trifling as I was, He still wanted me to call His own. If you have never encountered the tangible presence of Jesus, please ask God to reveal this Jesus to your heart.

My husband and I have five awesome children, and are foster parents to many. I want to know Jesus more. After that, I like to tell jokes and make people laugh, really hard, because I believe that laughter does the heart good like medicine. Consider booking me for your next event, banquet, or conference.

Vernadine Schatzlin

Venandine's Favorite Quote:
: Genesis 12:2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you [with abundant increase of favors] and make your name famous and distinguished, and you will be a blessing [dispensing good to others]; Life Is Certainly Too Short!; For booking information, or general inquiries, please contact Pastor Raycheen Sims at raycheeni@sbcglobal.net; You may email Vernadine at vernadine@daystarnline.net; Feel free to look Vernadine Schatzlin up on FaceBook I am sure she would love to add you as a Friend!

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The big 3 by age 43 Leukemia, Congestive Heart Failure, Diabetes

2009-08-23T03:51:00.014-05:00

To read "Life Is Too Short" in chronological order, click here

Or you may scroll all the way to the bottom and work your way up chronologically

The big 3 by age 43 Leukemia, Congestive Heart Failure, Diabetes

Some of you reading this are probably wondering why I am sharing so many details of my life? Good question, I often ask myself the same. Is it because I want you to feel sorry for me? I THINK NOT! Or maybe I am living in fear? On the contrary, I have faced death so many times prior to my illnesses, I've literally lost count. Daily it seems like there is a loaded gun, a .357 magnum pointed at my head. Because by this time in my life, I have been diagnosed with diabetes, had a second heart attack (without knowing it), which did considerable damage to my heart, and what I hope is the final blow to my health, Leukemia.

While attending a funeral, my friend, Wesley Thomas, stated to me he heard about some of my challenges and suggested I share my story. The reason I share my testimonies with you are because I have been remarkably BLESSED. And I want you to grasp the Blessings in your life also, through your own life's challenges! You are not alone...

At the time I was diagnosed with leukemia I was very sick and immediately admitted into the hospital, complicated by my heart condition and diabetes. The doctor suggested that I get my living will done, which should have been done any way, and affairs together. I was truly devastated! I was not devastated because I was afraid to die, which was not the case. I was devastated because of the uncertainty not knowing whats going to happen to my wife and kids. You see, my mother passed away when I was age 15 and my father 4 yrs latter during my 1st year in college. I recalled how hard times were for my brother (my only sibling) and I. And the depression that followed was incapacitating.

I thought I was cursed because my parents were in and out of the hospital during my formative years and taken from me back to back. Even though my father saw me graduate, my mother was not there. Both parents never had the chance to meet my wife or their grand kids. My wonderful wife and kids never met my parents. I did not want my kids to go through the same turmoil that I did. I wanted to be there for their graduations. I want to be there when they get married and give my daughters away. I want to be there to see my grand kids. But suddenly it simply seem to me that was not going to be the case.

Definition

Chronic myelogenous leukemia is cancer that starts inside bone marrow, the soft tissue inside bones that helps form blood cells. The cancer grows from cells that produce white blood cells.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4 (New King James Version)

Life is Too Short!

Be Blessed

Monday, August 2, 2004

10:39:00 PM CDT
Feeling Happy
Hearing Old School Slow Jams R&B and a little Jazz

Too Blessed To Be Depressed

I remember whenever I asked Mr. Moore, a good friend of my Aunt Jeanette, how he was doing he would always responded by saying, "I am Too Blessed To Be Depressed".
A lot of us hate to get up on Monday mornings. We drag and drag. Some of us get depressed and go to work in a bad mood. Then, we wish our life away for TGIF and POOF we get our wish, the week-end rapidly approaches, passes by and then the whole vicious cycle starts over and over again. The next thing you know the babies have grown up,summer is over. Cherished friends and family passes away... and the next thing you know you're in your 30s, 40s, 60s, 70s years old(if your bless). Regrets start to hit you at different stages in your life.

The words of Mr. Moore were very profound, you see, when I came to get to know Mr. Moore, he had less than 6 months to live, he later passed away on his 70th birthday. I guess as he reflected on the memories of his life, he realized that every day that he spent on this earth was a blessing! Even the bad times and the Monday mornings. He cherished each and every single day. He cherished his daughter,the love of his friends and relatives, the memories of co-workers. As well as those whose paths that he came to cross on his lifes journey. He did not look at Monday morning as a curse, but a blessing to live for and to see.

I wonder how much happier life would be for us, if we too, looked forward to Monday mornings. We need to cherish every moment in life! Even the down side, we need to rejoice in all of the Monday mornings of life that God has brought us through .Think about how Sunday mornings lead into Monday mornings Monday mornings lead into the blessings of, Tue a.m,. Wed. am,Thur.am, Fri a.m. and Sat a.m.(Sabbath Morning) in which God rested because of all the days he made was Good, including Monday mornings.

We must remember when God Made all 7 days of the week, that each day is different and unique with moments of challenges & blessings, everything he made was Good. And it is Good to Be Alive!

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever. Psalm 23:6 (New Living Translation)

Shalom
Life is Too Short

Is This The Moment of My Death?

2009-08-07T21:00:00.015-05:00

To read "Life Is Too Short" in chronological order, click here

Sunday, February 15, 2004 11:16:55 PM CST
Feeling Worried

Is This The Moment of My Death?

All fun aside, the situation I found myself in was extremely serious. I suddenly blurted out to Unneeda that I needed to goto the hospital immediately and begged Kendra(my daughter) for help as I stumbled down the stairs toward the living room, as if help was waiting for me there. For a moment I panicked. But I realized that panic was not going to do my pain stricken body or family any good. So I decided to lay down on the couch drenched in sweat and relax as Unneeda called the ambulance.
I suddenly found myself asking "Is this the Moment of My Death?" I thought about all of the wasted years not serving God, not answering to his multiple callings. The years of self indulgence, the wasted years of anger and feeling sorry for my self. The lack of relationship with those I love and those that love me. I thought of those who had passed on who I could had shared the good news of salvation with, but didn't. Oh the waste of time, the waste of opportunities, the petty life I had lived. I knew that I only deserved to go to hell.
A gentle Voice told me, I may dare speak to Him, but speak to Him now, for my time is very short. I prayed to God for sincere forgiveness. Forgiveness for not being faithful and for all my sins. I acknowledge to Him that I am in no way worthy of being brought into His Kingdom. But only by the Blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. Yet at this late hour I put everything into God's hands and waited upon Him, my fate. At that very moment, even though my body was wrenched with pain and my breath very faint, what was once my troubled soul, was replaced with a Blissful Unexplainable Peace!

Life Is Certainly, Too Short...
But it does not have to:

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (New King James Version)

Click Here To Learn The Truth About Death

Wednesday, March 17, 2004

7:53:38 PM CST
Feeling Happy

A Heart Attack Worth Having!

Sometimes bad things must happen in order for God to bless you with what things matters the most, family. Don't get me wrong, I don't go to bed every night praying to God to bless me with a Heart attack in the morning! What I mean is sometimes we pray for God's blessings and help, but we may not always realize or be prepared for how he would go about in answering our prayers.
Case in point, I have been praying for my kids salvation and well being all of their lives. And I have been blessed to realize the answer to that prayer long before the heart attack. One of the areas in which there was a tremendous void, was my relationship with my oldest then, 20yr old daughter Brishette. I did not want to leave this planet with her just being a mere acquaintance to her younger brother, sister & myself. And I have prayed for years that the Lord would somehow intervene and change the situation. And after hearing her voice on the phone while in the hospital and since my release, her sister Kendra is going to fly to LA and spend sometime with her oldest sister at her college & we all are growing closer together! God is truly remarkable! He in his mysterious ways, has defiantly made this "A Heart Attack Worth Having" Becaues "Life Is To Short
Meet my Daughter Brishette! Click here

A Young Man Shot 4 times in the back of the head

2009-08-02T19:00:00.010-05:00

8/2/09
Sunday evening
Mood: Reflecting

The senseless murder of Aaron Powell

I have been to several funerals during the last 12 months and in my lifetime. And I attended yet another one yesterday. The lost of a love one or friend is particularly sad. I should know since I lost both my parents by the time I was nineteen years of age, while going to college. But the one I went to yesterday bothered me quite a bit. It was the funeral of my 2nd cousin, age 35, who was cowardly shot in the back of the head. Shot 4 times without mercy, as he leaned over in his parked car to change a CD, while hanging out with so called friends. This happen at approximately 3:30 a.m. in the morning. And oh, by the way, no one seen anything. No one has come forward. Aaron was not just another statistic, he was a human being whom I seen grow up from a toddler. He was someone's son, someone's brother, someone's uncle & someone's father. The tragedy is that his 4 innocent children will now grow up without their Daddy.

And to be murdered at age 35yrs old is not particularly the life span of the average American. The previous funerals I've attended were folks, whom I also feel that their lives were cut short in this sin filled world, but they were in their 70's through age 89. These individuals had the opportunity to see their kids come into adulthood and be part of their grandchildren lives, in which I consider to be an exceptional blessing. These individuals were not murdered by someone who they considered to be a friend but died by natural causes.

From generation to generation we have seen too many pointless killings & violence in the urban core of our cities. Last night I learned that my 17yr old nephew was severely beaten up and his automobile stolen from him, while visiting his girlfriend on Friday night. In approximately the same general area in which my cousin was brutally murdered. As I watched the news last night, at least 2 more senseless murders had occurred in the same area yet another shooting and a fatal stabbing. In the same urban area as the previous mentioned atrocities. These self afflicted crimes against humanity just goes on and on and on.

As the preacher said at Aaron's funeral yesterday, there is truly a "curse" I call it a "sin curse" on our communities not only in Kansas City, but this plagues us across America. Our communities will continue to be cursed until we get tired of it and do something about it. Generations of young people are being wiped out before our very eyes by the spread of HIV/AIDS, violence and incarcerations. It is time, past time, that we get past our petty scaubles in the churches and the doctrinal idiocentricities that divide us. We must meet the youth's needs where they are. We need to be there for them, talk to them, spend time with them. Communicate with them even if they don't want to hear it, but they hear you. The urban youth needs positive roll models besides ballers, rappers and actors. "We all have gifts that God has given each of us individually, USE THEM! And let us not be luke warm" as Darla Roundtree so beautifully stated at her very inspirational but timely concert last night. We must keep it real for the youth because believe it or not, they can spot a fake in a New York second. As Hilary Clinton coined the phrase a few years ago "it takes a village" to raise our children, we must become that village. And most important, let us teach our kids how to love themselves, self love. Because Jesus love them more and paid the ultimate price to prove it. Because "Life Is Too Short"

Point your kids in the right direction—
when they're old they won't be lost. Proverbs 22:6 (The Message)

GOD Bless You.
Learn The Truth About Death! click here

Check out my next post "Is This The Moment Of My Death?"

The importance of "Health Care Reform"

2009-07-23T22:07:00.011-05:00

Lack of Health Care Coverage almost Cost Me My
Life!

Too many Americans can't get the affordable care they need when they fall ill. The number of uninsured Americans is growing, premiums are skyrocketing, and more people are being denied coverage every day. A moral imperative by any measure. Health insurance premiums has double over the past eight years. More than half of all bankruptcies are due to extraordinary high medical bills. Co pays and deductibles are on the steady increase. Many folks that are taking life saving prescription drugs are having to make a financial decision and choose rather to feed their family or purchase medicine. Often they cut in half their medications, against their doctor's advice in order to make dollars stretch.

Which brings me to my point. You see the reason I tried to postpone my heart attack, in the first place (as if one could postpone a heart attack), for at least a couple of weeks, is due to not having any medical insurance. I had only two more weeks to go on my new job before my medical benefits would kick in. I knew that the consequence of having a major hospital stay would be humongous! And it was. The emergency procedures I had underwent to save my life and the 3 day hospital stay, cost over $100,000.00 ( which almost gave me another heart attack) inflated dollars. I say inflated because hospitals charge a higher rate to those who do not have health coverage, so go figure. Therefore this one medical emergency and hospital stay, after the hospital sued me, forced me into bankruptcy.

Some may say it's my fault because I failed to take care of myself. Prior to the beginning of my health problems, I vigorously worked out at the gym at least 3-5 times per week, sometimes more. Both cardiovascular and with weights . How often do you exercise? Heart disease run in my family and that's what my mother died from. What if one slips and fall on the side walk or if you fall off a ladder? What if you were diagnosed with lung cancer through no fault of your own because you did not smoke. What if these ailments hit you inconveniently while you were in between jobs in this very unstable economy? What if your child had a medical problem but was forced off your policy because of they became too old? Oh but there is COBRA? You say. That is true. But how many people that are unemployed can afford to pay an additional $700 to $1000 per month or more for family coverage? And even the COBRA benefits don't last for ever. Unfortunately the health care system is becoming more and more out of reach for the average middle class American. It is time for health care reform today, not 8 years from now. Take a look at an enlightening video...

Sometimes Change can be Controversial. Sometimes Change can even be Painful. Let Us All Remember Why we put President Obama in office and Support Him in not only on his mission of Change for America, but also within Ourselves.
Because "Life is too short!"

Make sure you check back often for update or subscribe below

This is a response that I received from my congressman. It may address some concerns:

Dear Glenn:
Thank you for contacting me about your support for health care reform. Your support is very important to me during this intense period of debate.
If the proposed bill is passed, none of the changes it would bring will happen overnight, but many positive changes will come. The proposed bill provides a great deal of funding and support for physicians who want to go into primary care. It would provide student loan forgiveness for these doctors and scholarships for doctors who are entering medical school. Similarly, it would provide loan forgiveness and scholarships for nurses who go into certain fields. This should help ensure that every person in our community has access to a primary care physician. The bill as proposed would also prohibit insurance companies from excluding those individuals whom they determine to have a "pre-existing condition". This will allow many more people to purchase insurance and get the care they need to be healthy.

The proposed bill also includes many provisions to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of an individual's care. There is a pilot program to test the effectiveness of medical homes which could increase the quality of care in our country by ensuring that everyone has a primary care physician or other qualified medical professional who can help coordinate their care with all of their doctors, explain how and when to take their medications and help manage chronic illnesses. The proposed bill contains provisions for another pilot program to test a different payment structure for physicians. There would be funding for comparative effectiveness research (research that compares different medications, equipment and methodologies for a given condition in order to see which of these are most effective) so that you and your doctors can make the most informed decisions possible.

Furthermore, the proposed bill will increase affordability in multiple ways. First, it will expand Medicaid to those with a salary of 125% of the Federal Poverty Line. Second, it will provide affordability credits for those who cannot afford to buy insurance at this time. Third, it will encourage employers to provide health insurance for their employees, and make it illegal to cut the employees salaries to pay for this. Fourth, the proposed public health insurance option will create competition in the health insurance market, and help to drive down costs.
This quite comprehensive bill will bring about many positive changes for the health care system in our nation. Again, thank you for sharing your views and your support with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I may be of further assistance. Also, I encourage you to visit my website at http://www.house.gov/cleaver, where you can sign up for my electronic newsletter and receive updates on my latest activities as your Representative.
Again, thank you for sharing your views with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I may be of further assistance. Also, I encourage you to visit my website at http://www.house.gov/cleaver, where you can sign up for my electronic newsletter and receive updates on my latest activities as your Representative.

Sincerely
Emanuel Cleaver, II
Member of Congress

Click here for my next post "A Young Man Shot 4 Times In The Head"

Here Is What Happens Next!

2009-07-22T01:41:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, February 11, 2004

8:08:02 PM CST
Feeling Chillin'

Here Is What Happens Next!

After I slept off what I thought was a severe bought of acid reflux (3hrs. later), it was time to pick up Unneeda (my wife) from work. Somehow I knew better than to drive myself, so I had my daughter Kendra drive me rather than risk the lives of others with me behind the wheel.

We picked up Unneeda and since it was payday Fri. we ripped & ran taking care of errands. We stopped to pick up some fried buffalo & whiting fish. Unneeda dropped me off at home as she was to continuously rip and run, which was too much running for me. Anyhow, after I devoured my fair portion of buffalo, I was naturally sleepy and decided to go upstairs and retire early.

As soooon as I made it up the stairs and laid down, bam! My plans of going to bed on my fried fish diner was out the window, the pain was relentlessly back! My son GB called his mother and asked that she come home as soon as possible. Of course by the time Unneeda made it home the pain was gone. I decided to check my blood preasure and would you know it? My pressure was excellent! Perplexed, I called my mother in law for her advice and she suggested that I go to the hospital ASAP! "Go to the hospital" "Huh", I thought, "it’s 10pm and I would be up all night…" so I did one of my usual pass the phone to Unneeda bits, "your daughter wants to talk to you" and got off the phone, with the intentions of going straight to bed. I took 5 steps towards the bathroom and it was as if RED FOX (Fred Sanford) was back from the dead…"UNNEEDAAAAA! THIS IS THE BIG ONE!"

...whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
James 4:13-15

A Week & One Day ago my Chest pain...

2009-07-20T02:47:00.002-05:00

Saturday, January 24, 2004
9:29:02 PM CST

It was Friday morning approximately 4:50 am. Jan. 16th, 04. A burning sensation woke me up out of a sound sleep. Startled, I awakened my wife to inform her of my mild chest discomfort and decided to take my blood pressure medication and daily aspirin a little earlier than usual. Since the pain only lasted for a moment, I blamed it on the late night snack and went back to bed...Mistake #1.

Feeling a little dizzy, like coming down with something, I asked my boss if I may take off at lunch for the day to get a jump on what I thought was the flu. However as time would tell, boy I thought wrong!

My kids were off from school that day & were surprised to see their work-a-holic Dad at home so early. As I climbed the stairs to go to bed, a sudden intense burning pain hit me in my chest, radiating down my left arm. I yelled for my son downstairs playing his Play station in surround sound. The miracle was, he heard me. He ran up the stairs and called out to his older sister to bring up some aspirin. I immediately chewed the aspirin, as if it were candy and the pain immediately left my bewildered body. But rather than call my Dr. I went to sleep; maybe its just indigestion... Isn't denial a B^*+#(Bleep)? Life is too short.

Sunday, February 1, 2004
12:12:20 AM CST
Feeling Quiet
"Symptoms Of A Heart Attack"

According to WebMDHealth, symptoms of a heart attack include:

* Chest discomfort or pain that is crushing or squeezing or feels like a heavy weight on the chest.

* Sweeting * Shortness of breath * Nausea or vomiting

*Pain that speads from the chest to the back, neck, jaw, or to one or both shoulders or arms.

*Dizziness or light headiness *Fast or irregular heartbeat

Chest pain is a key warning sign of a heart attack. Evaluate this symptom carefully. If you have symptoms of a heart attack, call 911 or other emergency services immediately. Life is simply Too Short!

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