Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Today's Inspiration - The Donkey in the Well

I don't know the original source of this but take no credit. A dear friend posted it on Facebook and given all the tragedies around the world the past week, it's a heartwarming reminder there is always hope and you can turn lemons into lemonade!
 
 
 
"One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.
...

As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

MORAL :
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.
"

 
 
And her advice:
 
"Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.
2. Free your mind from worries - Most never happens.
3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less from people but more from yourself.

You have two choices... smile and close this page,  or pass this along to someone else to share the lesson ."

 

Thursday, April 18, 2013

FYI: Tip Line Info for Boston Marathon Bombings


Remembering the Home Town

I was born and raised just outside Boston so it was with great pain I watched the Boston Marathon Bombings reporting unfold.

Just a few simple thoughts:
 
 
 

Monday, April 15, 2013

Series – Losing Our Moral Compass (Pushing & Shoving)

In the Our Daily Bread daily devotion for March 6, 2013, Joe Stowell observes “Life is a lot like “bumper cars” at an amusement park.” In describing the typical playground response of push and push back harder, he hits home with many negative experiences I’ve had since moving to Maryland. The latest one was this Sunday at the Flower Hill Giant.
 
Even after twenty years of living here, I still do not understand what is “wrong” with these people. And, what they do is “wrong” when it involves their failure to yield the right-of-way by shoving their shopping cart into the other person’s. This is not the first time or even the first time this year I was hit by one of these loony’s.
 
Where did their physically violent and grossly inappropriate response come from? Why didn’t their mothers teach them to “wait their turn”? And when it's not their turn, then they need to wait, not shove the other person!

I don’t know the answers to my questions but as a Christian, Mr. Stowell reminds me that God wants me to forgive them as he has forgiven me. Why? Because “When you get bumped in life, bumping back only escalates matters and in the end everyone suffers damage.”

One lady at my church made this insightful remark “it’s another forgiveness opportunity.” Barb, I am still trying. Amen.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Read Why Social Security Is NOT an Entitlement

I had my fill of pundits saying things that are not only incorrect but downright
irresponsible. So, I wrote to the Editor of the Washington Examiner.
 
Read on...then tell Mr. Core what you think....
(c) Chris Core
 

Social Security is not an entitlement
Re: "Core Values," March 27

I am not always sure if I should laugh or pull out what's left of my hair when a member of the media writes something ludicrous such as when Chris Core accuses those complaining about Social Security cuts of having a sense of "entitlement."

Mr. Core, I paid over $100,000 of my hard-earned salary into Social Security during the last 30 years. Expecting to see it on the other end is not entitlement, it's quid pro quo.

The bigger problem is that I likely won't see any of it because of the failures of Wall Street and the Republican-led government.

My response mimics Senate Insurance's ad: "Kiss my bumper!"

Doreen Turczyn-Toles
Gaithersburg

 

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

GPC’s Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is an interactive program where children learn about the Christian Faith through Bible stories, crafts, games, songs, puppet shows, and skits.

What is Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church's (GPC’s) Vacation Bible School  (VBS) 2013 Theme?
International Fun Fair: God Welcomes Neighbors from All Around the World including their own neighborhoods.

When is GPC’s Vacation Bible School?
July 15-19, 2013 from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Where is GPC’s Vacation Bible School?
Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church
610 South Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Church Office: 301-948-9418
Web: http://www.gpchurch.org/

When is GPC’s Vacation Bible School Registration Period?
Registration begins on 3/11/13 and closes on 5/30/13 or when we are full.

How do I register for GPC’s Vacation Bible School?
Complete and submit the registration form: 2013 Registration Form
Registration forms are also available at GPC’s Welcome Desk and Church Office.
You may also register online using PayPal: GPC PayPal Option     

Who can attend GPC’s Vacation Bible School?
Any child who is 4 years old by 7/30/13 up to those entering 5th grade in Fall 2013.

Can non-Christians attend GPC’s Vacation Bible School?
Yes. This is the perfect opportunity to learn about others.

How much does it cost to attend GPC’s Vacation Bible School?
A voluntary contribution to assist with costs of materials is much appreciated:
    1 child=$30; 2 children=$40; 3 or more children= $50

Can I volunteer for GPC’s Vacation Bible School?
Yes. Complete and submit the Adult and/or Teen Registration form:
         2013 Adult Volunteer Form
         2013 Teen Volunteer Form

Whom do I contact for more GPC Vacation Bible School information?
Gayle Luckenbaugh at luckenbear@yahoo.com
Diane Franetzki at dfranetzki@gpchurch.org   

Safety Measures
We ask about food allergies and we prohibit any snacks with peanuts.

Sources:
http://www.abingtonfbc.com/VBS/vbs.htm
http://www.fumcpalatine.org/ministries/childrens/vacation-bible-school.html
http://www.gpchurch.org/Children/VBS2013/tabid/47895/Default.aspx
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5136079_vacation-bible-school.html
http://virginialynne.hubpages.com/video/What-is-Vacation-Bible-School