Let's be like Bryan Anderson

One day a man saw an old lady, stranded on the side of the road, but even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help.  So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out.  His old Pontiac was still sputtering when he approached her.  Even with the smile on his face, she was worried.  No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so.  Was he going to hurt her?  He didn't look safe; he looked poor and hungry.

He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the rain and the cold.  He knew how she felt.  It was those chills which only fear can put in you.

He said, 'I'm here to help you, ma'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's dry and warm?  By the way, my name is Bryan Anderson.'

Well, all she had was a flat tire.  So Bryan went about fixing the flat, and crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles in the darkness and getting wet from the rainy pavement.  Soon he was able to change the tire.  But he had to get dirty and his hands were hurt.

As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him.  She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through on her way home for the holiday.  She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid.

Bryan just smiled as he closed her trunk.  The lady asked how much she owed him.  (Any amount would have been all right with her.  She already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped.)  

He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance they needed, and Bryan Anderson added, 'And think of me.'

Bryan waited until she started her car and drove off.  It had been a troubling few months, but he felt good as he headed for home.

Bryan never thought twice about being paid.  This was not a job to him.  This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty who had given him a hand in the past.  He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way…even though, being out of a job….he surely could have used the money.

A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe.  She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home.  It was a dingy looking restaurant.  Outside were two old gas pumps.  The whole scene was unfamiliar to her.  The waitress came over and brought a clean, dry towel to wipe her wet hair.  The waitress had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn't erase.  The lady noticed the waitress was pregnant, still the waitress never let the strain and aches change her attitude.  The lady from St. Louis wondered how the waitress could be so observing and helpful by giving her a clean towel for her wet hair.  Then she remembered Bryan ...…

After the lady finished her meal, she paid with a hundred dollar bill.  The waitress quickly went to get change.  By the time the waitress returned, the patron was gone.  The waitress wondered where the lady could be.  Then she noticed something written on the napkin at her table...

There were tears in her eyes as she read what the lady wrote: 'You don't owe me any change.  I can see you work hard for your baby.  Somebody once helped me out, the way I'm helping you.  If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you, keep giving to others as you did by attending to me.'

Under the napkin were four more $100 bills.

Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through this day.  Late that night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written.  How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it?  With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard….

She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, 'Everything's going to be all right.  I love you, Bryan Anderson.'

There is an old saying, 'What goes around comes around.'  Sometimes your good acts are not answered in a day…still...God works in mysterious ways as He puts people in our lives for a reason.

Wouldn't a great resolution be…"Be like Bryan Anderson…every day."

That Lois Dillard-Kinman sees, let her hear your voice of prayer...

January 9, 2012 UPDATE:

A few weeks back I requested prayer for my mother, Lois Dillard-Kinman. We the prayers are working perfectly!

She has the test results back and the good news is there was no stroke or brain tumors.  However, there is a small tumor in her neck. The doctor says it is slow growing, but must be removed. It is most likely cancer and she is going to see a specialist here in St Louis within the next few weeks. More good news is that there are no swollen glands or lipoids around the area which might mean it is contained and has not spread yet.

I will keep you up to date.

Richard W Dillard

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A few weeks Back...below....
Rick:

Last month my mother noticed that one of her pupils were larger than the other. She called her doctor and he ran a brain scan for an brain aneurysm. The test came back negative. But he recommended she see a specialist because she may have had a small stroke.

I spoke with my mother this morning and the specialist is going to be running some tests but thinks it may be one of 2 things. Either a small stroke or cancer!

She does not have a date yet, but they are going to do a CAT scan first to check for a stroke. Then we will go from there.

A little about my mom, Lois Dillard-Kinman. She is a wonderful Christian woman that has served our Lord well through her 72 years. About 28 years ago my dad died in an automobile accident and she re-married about 22 years ago or so to a Christian man. I call her an angel on earth because of the way she is. She lives by the scriptures and has raised us boys that way. Did you know that I have never heard my mother say a bad word about another person? Cool huh? However, she will point out if the path is not leading to the Lord. She spends her life trying to lead people to the Lord.

She raised us that we are only Christian (no denomination), but that we are not the only Christians. Are family has some wonderful Catholic, Mormon, Lutheran and Baptist friends which we love dearly, as I do you and your family. Over the last few years of getting to know you by visiting, through your emails and prayer group, I have come to love you as my Christian brother.

Anyway, I digress, lol

She knows the scripture backwards and forewords. She is one of those people you can ask “what does the Bible say about________? “ And she will give you several places that reference your question. Also, she will tell you that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God, God in human form;  

that the virgin-born Son of God died for our sins, was buried, rose from the dead and is coming again. She will say He is both fully God and fully man.

Philippians 2:5-7

John 14:9

John 8:58

John 1:1, 14

Colossians 2:9

She will tell you the Bible is the inspired Word of God, the written record of His supernatural revelation of Himself to man, absolute in its authority, complete in its revelation, final in its content and without any error in its teaching.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

2 Peter 1:20-21

If want more background, just let me know. If you want me to keep you informed of her journey, I would consider it an honor.

Can you please add her to the prayer group prayers?

With Christian love,

Richard W Dillard

Fighting Cancer...another battle renewed

Dear Prayer Group...please pray for those fighting their first battle with cancer...and pray once more for those fighting the RETURN of cancer.  I have a business associate, who's wife is fighting a vicious recurrence after having felt the joy of being declared "cancer free".  Please pray that their spirits are strong and positive.  Thanks...RGB.

Senior Version: "Jesus Loves Me"

JESUS LOVES ME

Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.
(CHORUS)
YES, JESUS LOVES ME.. YES, JESUS LOVES ME..
YES, JESUS LOVES ME, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.

Though my steps are oh, so slow,
With my hand in His I'll go
On through life, let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way.
(CHORUS)

When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song..
Telling me in words so clear,
"Have no fear, for I am near."
(CHORUS)

When my work on earth is done,
And life's victories have been won.
He will take me home above,
Then I'll understand His love.
(CHORUS)

I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say,
That I love Him every day.
(CHORUS) 

The Inspired Word of God?

Is the Bible the Inspired Word of God?

By Jason Carlson and Ron Carlson 5/25/11

During a question and answer session at a recent speaking engagement, a university student asked me, "Why do you believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God?" Now this is a very interesting question; and probably one of the most important questions any Christian could ask themselves. What is so special, so unique about the Bible that Christians believe it is literally the inspired word of God?  In answering this student's question, I encouraged him to consider the following facts about the Bible:

  

First, the Bible is not just one single book. This is a more common misconception than many people realize, especially with people who do not come from a Judeo-Christian background. Rather than being a single book, the Bible is actually a collection of 66 books, which is called the canon of scriptures.

These 66 books contain a variety of genres: history, poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature, letters, and apocalyptic just to name a few.

Second, these 66 books were written by 40 different authors. These authors came from a variety of backgrounds: shepherds, fishermen, doctors, kings, prophets, and others. And most of these authors never knew one another personally.

Third, these 66 books were written over a period of 1500 years. Yet again, this is another reminder that many of these authors never knew or collaborated with one another in writing these books.

Fourth, the 66 books of the Bible were written in 3 different languages. In the Bible we have books that were written in the ancient languages of Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic; a reflection of the historical and cultural circumstances in which each of these books were written.

And finally, these 66 books were written on 3 different continents: Africa, Asia, and Europe . Once again, this is a testament to the varied historical and cultural circumstances of God's people.

Think about the above realities: 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents. What's more, this collection of books shares a common storyline- the creation, fall, and redemption of God's people; a common theme- God's universal love for all of humanity; and a common message... salvation is available to all who repent of their sins and commit to following God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. In addition to sharing these commonalities, these 66 books contain no historical errors or contradictions. God's word truly is an amazing collection of writings!

After I had shared the above facts with this student, I offered him the following challenge: I said to him, "If you do not believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, if you do not believe that the Bible is of a supernatural origin, then I challenge you to a test." I said to the student, "I challenge you to go to any library in the world, you can choose any library you like, and find 66 books which match the characteristics of the 66 books in the Bible. You must choose 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, written on 3 different continents. However, they must share a common storyline, a common theme, and a common message, with no historical errors or contradictions." I went on to say, "If you can produce such a collection of books, I will admit that the Bible is not the inspired word of God." The student's reply was almost instantaneous, he emphatically stated, "But that's impossible!"

"But that's impossible!" It truly is impossible, for any collection of human writings. However, the Bible passes this test. The Bible contains 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents, with no historical errors or contradictions. The entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, bears the mark of Divine inspiration.

The next time you encounter someone who asks you why you believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, try sharing this challenge with them. Better yet, don't wait until you're asked, just go ahead and share this challenge with a friend today.. You don't even have to mention the Bible up front, just ask them if they think it would be realistic to assemble such a collection of books After they say, "But that's impossible!" you've got a ready-made opportunity for sharing the truth of God's word with somebody!  

Milka and Dr. McGann would benefit from your caring prayer

Hi Bock!

I would appreciate it if you put these prayers request out to the prayer warriors!

1) My mom's cousin's Carmen, lost her daughter, Milka, and her two grandchildren to domestic violence. Milka's boyfriend shot her and her two teen children in Lawrence, Massachussetts this week. All three died. He is now in custody. 

2) My primary care physician, Dr. Albert McGann, was diagnosed with cancer. I'm not sure what type of cancer, but he is undergoing chemotherapy and hopes to be back by December. Dr. McGann is a Christian and an amazing doctor!

Thank you!!!

GOD Bless,

Janette

Richard Benedick has passed...please...a prayer

Rick,
Please ask for prayers for the repose of the soul of Richard Benedick and
eternal happiness.  Also, prayers for his family in their time of need and
all of our own special intentions.




Rick,

Please send prayer requests for people who have had a stroke.  Things are not looking good for Jim’s father who suffered a stroke yesterday and is currently undergoing tests.  Pray for God’s will to be done with compassion and strength for those suffering.

Thanks,

Bob

For my Uncle Joe and my Cousin Tony...please pray

Good morning Rick,

I have a request to make for Uncle Joe.  He will be having back surgery tomorrow.  My understanding is that there are 3 disc's plus opening the spinal cord to work on releasing the pressure on his nerves in his legs.

Also some prayers for Tony he was taken to the hospital yesterday for seizures.  They don't believe it is diabetes related.  Maybe from some medicine he is on.  Please keep them in your prayers.  They are both in St. Anthony's.

Love ya,

Aunt Mary Rose

UPDATE: YOUNG Kyle Rosberg and his family

Sent: Friday, July 29, 2011 11:42 PM
To: erin bockwinkel

Up-date on KyleRosberg:  he is back to work and his heart rate is in normal range.  However, he remains sort of breath.  Please keep him in your prayers.  Claudia

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Rick, this is regarding Kyle-you may remember him from a long time ago, when the Trio of Terror were doing one of Miles’ summer Theatre of the Imagination bits, doing a version of “Wicked”.  At the time, I think they were all Vinnie’s age, and Kyle was huge then, which was funny, since he played a “munchkin”.  Kyle is a very nice young man-I’m sorry to hear that he is having scary health problems.

LovE

From: Francis Wertin [mailto:werknob@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2011 9:34 AM
To: erin bockwinkel
Subject: Fw:

Erin,  Please keep Kyle Rosberg and his family in your prayers.  He is very ill at this time.  We have known kyle since the kids were 5.  Thanks,  Claudia --- On Thu, 7/14/11, Francis Wertin <werknob@yahoo.com> wrote: From: Francis Wertin <werknob@yahoo.com> Subject: To: "Janet Hartley" <janetbkh1@gmail.com> Date: Thursday, July 14, 2011, 8:54 AM Janet,   To quote a spiritual directoe I once had:  May God's love be in and around you, His courage fortify you and his all encompassing power give you strength.   Please tell Kyle that prayers are with him, I have every confidence in him that he is able to handle everything that comes his way.  Scarey times, Mom.   I have confidence in you most of all.  Continued prayers.   Love, Claudia

Bruce "Ice Cream" Burnett...QUAD byPass today...please pray

Rick,

Could you add Bruce Burnett to the prayer list?  John Sig brother-in-law, having quadruple bypass surgery today.  Ask the group to offer up prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.

Thanks

Bob

Update on Dona Sandifer

From: jhanson9@kc.rr.com
To: jhanson9@kc.rr.com
Subject: Update on Dona Sandifer
Date: Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:55:59 -0500

Thank you very much for your prayers!!!!  On Wednesday, they did the bronchoscopy.  This is where they stick a tube into the lungs to clean them out.  In the process, they collapsed one of her lungs.  They were able to reinflate it but it definitely took its toll on her.  The blood cultures came back negative and they were questioning something happening with her heart.  They did an EKG and said it didn't look much different from admission.  The IV food was helping alot.

 

Yesterday, they released her from the ICU to a cardiac floor in the afternoon.  In the middle of the night, she went downhill and had to be put back in the ICU.  A few hours ago, they had to put her on a respirator.  This was our biggest fear.  I know that with God all things are possible.  I believe that He is the one in control at this time.  They sedated her so she could finally rest.  I just heard that they are trying to bring her out of the sedation.  Her BP is 80/50 with the sedation. 

 

On a positive note, they are putting in a feeding tube and going to try and see if her colon is going to work.  Please continue to pray for strength for Dona and for the entire family. 

 

Yours in Christ,
Joanne

Dear God, I pray for a cure for cancer. Amen

Friday is world Cancer day...please join in praying this simple prayer...

Dear God, I pray for a cure for cancer. Amen 


That was easy!  


THANKS ;-)

Mary Bazal would benefit from your ONE prayer...now please.

Hi Rick - will you please put Mary Bazal on your prayer list? She has breast cancer - at the beginning of her journey - and all the voices praying for her can help her find the way.

Thanks!

love you
karen

A cancer fighter needs your prayer for painless passing...

I received the email below from one of long-time and very loyal customers whom I consider a friend. Please include in any prayer chains you have going. Thanks.

Cecil Griffin

Griffin Equipment Co.

Phone: 713-681-6550

Fax: 713-681-6552

Cell: 281-451-9939

From: Bill Chambers [mailto:bchambers@ajmonier.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2011 6:25 PM
Subject: Urgent Prayers Needed

Hello Everyone,

   I am in need of some serious prayers. My mother is in a bad way right now. The cancer that she has been dealing with for about 15 years has metastasized and is now in her liver and they don’t know wherever else. It is inoperable and they are telling her that she has 1-2 months. I have known that these days were coming ever since we found out that she had cancer 15 or so years ago but WOW!

   I am leaving here as soon as I am finished with this e-mail to go to the hospital to meet with the hospice people. If it is Gods will then so be it. I am simply asking that you pray that she be have no pain and the peace that comes from only one thing, knowing that we belong to Jesus Christ. Don’t get me wrong here, if God wants to heal her then HECK YEAH, LET’S GO.

   I thank you in advance for your prayers for her. Her name is Floy Wideman and I happen to love her very much. This really is hard to go thru.

Thank you guys

Bill Chambers

Project Manager / Estimator

A.J. Monier Co.

1446 N. Flores st.

San Antonio TX, 78212

Ph. 210-223-9151

Fax. 210-223-6002

Cell 210-889-5044

A ship sails...Farewell Stacee's sister...

A ship sails and I stand watching till she fades on the horizon and someone at my side says "She is gone."

Gone where?  

Gone from my sight, that is all.  She is just as large now as when I last saw her.  Her diminished size and total loss from my sight is in me, not in her.

And just at the moment when someone at my side says, "she is gone", there are others who are watching her coming over their horizon and their voices take up a glad shout "There she comes!"

May the soul of the departed be embraced in His presence.

A ship sails...Farewell Greg's Dad...

A ship sails and I stand watching till she fades on the horizon and someone at my side says "She is gone."

Gone where?  

Gone from my sight, that is all.  She is just as large now as when I last saw her.  Her diminished size and total loss from my sight is in me, not in her.

And just at the moment when someone at my side says, "she is gone", there are others who are watching her coming over their horizon and their voices take up a glad shout "There she comes!"

May the soul of the departed be embraced in His presence.

Hurt the Devil...

The Bible 
Did you know?  When you carry “the Bible”, Satan has a headache.   When you open it, he collapses.  When he sees you reading it, he loses his strength.   AND when you stand on the Word of God, Satan can't hurt you!

And did you also know?  When you are about to share your faith with others, the devil will discourage you...are you going to let Satan rule your faith?

Revelations 3:20
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Nicholas Toms Franca...has passed

Beautiful son, brother, relative, soulmate and friend....

You taught the world to not waste time, to LIVE,  not just exist, to love with all of your heart.  Thank you for the gift that is you.... Your journey truly has changed the lives of many.  We are so proud of how you chose to fight the unthinkable.......... 

At 3:50am on May 1, 2011... you had enough....  You didn't do it like they said you would.  You didn't show slow signs for a couple of hours.  Your heartrate dropped, then stopped with no effort, no struggle........ 

So many of his friends came to say goodbye yesterday.... 

Now fly with the angels dear son... so many others are there to welcome you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Prayers for peace to surround the Franca family as they sit watch with Nick...heavy hearts tonight:

It is time to accept the things we cannot change...

Today we had a meeting with Dr. Gonzales and a whole team of people.  Nick is not going to get better.  His bilirubin continues to rise, his kidneys are weakening, his lungs are filling with fluid.  Jeff, Jim, Alyson and Kelly and I were there to absorb the finality of what they were saying.  Kelly is having the hardest time.  Nick was her knight in shining armor... They are soul mates and she is feeling very lost, knowing he will leave her soon.

We moved from ICU to the regular unit and discontinued most meds, accept pain meds and platelets.  He is very comfortable.  We won't go home to hospice because first, it won't be long, and second he needs platelets daily and we don't want him to suffer with internal bleeding.  Dr. Gonzales cried as she spoke to us about his tenacious in your face spirit.... she loves him as all of us do.  We all want peace for my precious son.

We don't know if it will be a day or a week.  He is not really conscious....  we will keep vigil by his side and keep you all informed of what will be next.........

http://www.lyricshall.com/lyrics/Laura+Story/Blessings/

From: Sylvia Pituch

Date: April 21, 2011 7:34:31 AM CDT

To: undisclosed-recipients:;

Subject: Prayers for Nick's journey......

From Nick's dad..........please continue to pray......have followed Nick since his dx at age 16......have met with his mom and family on a few occasions and continually keep in touch with her ......my heart is so heavy for them........Lord, hear our prayer.   Thank you. 

 We have received some very critical information since Caryn's last post this morning.  Some of this information is medical data that indicates Nick's situation is grave.

  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.                        

                                                       

  Bob, 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.            

                                                       

  Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil...    

         It has no point!  

Prayer for Cancer Fighters

Claudia Wertin

We remember today all those who are fighting cancer, for those who have won this battle and for those who have gone home. Healing God, infinite and wise, compassionate and loving, heal those afflicted with cancer and bring comfort /strength to family and friends that support them.