News you won't see in controlled mainstream media.

Character/ Worth and Value ~~
BEHIND THE QUICK SKETCH ~

~~~
By: Joni Eareckson Tada

MY art instructor, an excellent craftsman, told me a compelling story about the benefits of diligent work.

Many years ago there was a famour Japanese artist named Hokusai, whose paintings were coveted by royalty. One day a nobleman requested a special painting of his prized bird. He left the bird with Hokusai, and the artist told the nobleman to return in a week.

The master missed his beautiful bird, and was anxious to return at the end of the week, not only to secure his favorite pet, but his painting as well. When the nobleman arrived, however, the artist humbly requested a two-week postponement.

The two-week delay stretched into two months--then six.

A year later, the nobleman stormed into Hokusai's studio. He refused to wait any longer and demanded both his bird and his painting. Hokusai, in the Japanese way, bowed to the nobleman, turned to his workshop table, and picked up a brush and a large sheet of rice paper. Within moments he had effortlessly painted an exact likeness of the lovely bird.

The bird's owner was stunned by the painting.

And then he was angry. "Why did you keep me waiting for a year if you could have done the painting in such a short time?"

"You don't understand," Hokusai replied. They he escorted the nobleman into a room where the walls were covered with paintings of the same bird. None of them, however, matched the grace and beauty of the final rendering...

This must also be true of the canvas of our lives....If we want to have something of real worth and lasting value in our character, it won't come easy.
It never does. ~

Character/ Reputation

INTEGRITY

By: USA Today (4/9/97)

SCIENTISTS now say that a series of slits, not a giant gash, sank the 'Titanic'.

The opulent, 900-foot cruise ship sank in 1912 on its first voyage from England to New York. Fifteen hundred people died in the worst maritime disaster of the time.

The most widely held theory is that the ship hit an iceberg, which opened a huge gash in the side of the liner. But an international team of divers and scientists recently used sound waves to probe through the wreckage, buried in mud two-and-a-half miles deep. Their discovery? The damage was surprisingly small. Instead of the huge gash, they found six relatively narrow slits across the six watertight holds. "Everything that could go wrong did," said William Garzke Jr., a naval architect who helped the team with their analysis.

Small damage, below the waterline and invisible to most, can sink a huge ship. In the same way, small compromises, unseen to others, can ultimately sink a person's character. ~~

Expectations-

"You can't base your life on other people's expectations."

---Stevie Wonder

Character/ Witness, Christianity ~~

'The proof of Christianity is not a book but a life. The power of Christianity is not a creed but a Christian character; and wherever you see life that has been transformed by the grace of God, you see a witness to the resurrection of Jesus.'

--William Woodfin

CHARACTER ~~

'What really matters is what happens in us, not to us.'

---James W. Kennedy

'Ability will get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.'

---John Wooden

'So many missionaries, intent on doing something, forget that God's main work is to make something of them.'

---Jim Elliot

'Character is what you are in the dark.'

---D L Moody --

Redemption / (Value, Wealth)

'A gem dealer was strolling the aisles at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show when he noticed a blue-violet stone the size and shape of a potato. He looked it over, then as calmly as possible, asked the vendor, "You want $15 for 'this?' The seller, realizing the rock wasn't as pretty as others in the bin, lowered the price to $10.00.

The stone has since been certified as a 1,905-carat natural star sapphire, about 800 carats larger than the largest stone of its kind. It was appraised at $2.28 million.

It took a lover of stones to recognize the sapphire's worth. It took the 'Lover of Souls' to recognize the true value of ordinary-looking people like us. --

---Wanda Vassallo
(Value, Wealth)

-Death of Common Sense ~

An Obituary printed in the London Times
.....Absolutely Brilliant!!!


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 can earn) and reliable 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 6-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 that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the 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 could 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, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;
I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I'm A Victim

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.
If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.

--Failure, Success

AFTER winning the gold medal for the long jump in the 1996 Olympic games, Carl Lewis was asked by Bryant Gumbel on the Today Show: "You have competed for almost twenty years. To what do you attribute your longevity?"

Lewis, perhaps the greatest track and field athlete of all time, did not hesitate with his answer: "Remembering that you have both wins and losses along the way. Don't take either one too seriously."

--Sherman L. Burford

--Character/ Controversy~

'The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.'
--Martin L King, Jr.

--Character/Honesty~

'No man can for any considerable time wear one face to himself and another to the multitude without finally getting bewildered as to which is the true one.'

--Nathaniel Hawthorne

-WHO'S
BEHIND IT?

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights." (James 1;17)

When everything is going well in our lives, it's easy to feel proud. We're tempted to think that we are good and that it is by our abilities that we've achieved success. During such moments, we tend to forget that behind it all is our good God who prompts, prevents, provides, and protects.

David remembered that truth: "Then King David went in and sat before the LORD; and he said: "Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far? (1 Chron 17:16). David's heart swelled up in appreciation of God's goodness.

The next time we are tempted to take credit for the blessings we enjoy, let's pause and remember that it is the Lord who brings blessings.
---
-The hand of the Father is behind all good things.
--ODB/AL

--Values, Integrity, Character

-The Spirit
of the Age~

-Ephesians 2:1-10
---
You He made alive,
who were dead in
trespasses and sins.
--Ephesians 2:1-2
---
Every age has its own thoughts, ideas, and values that influence the culture, the "spirit of the age." It is the kind of growing concensus that morally lulls us to sleep, gradually causing us to accept society's latest values.

The apostle Paul called this corrupting atmosphere the "course of this world." Describing the lives of the believers at Ephesus before they encountered Christ, he said that they were "dead in trespasses and sins" and "walked according to the course of this world" (Eph. 2:1-2). This is the world's peer pressure--a satanically inspired system of values and ideas that cultivates a lifestyle that is independent of God.

Jesus intends for us to live in the world (John 17:15), so worldly influence is nearly impossible to escape. But He's given us His Word to so permeate our thinking that we don't have to become conformed to the world's values (Rom. 12:1-2). Instead, God helps us walk in His light (Eph. 5:8), in the Spirit (Ga. 5:25), in love (Eph. 5:2), in truth (3 John 4), and in Christ (Col. 2:6).

As we walk in God's power and spend time in His Word, He gives us the strength to live according to kingdom values and not 'the spirit of the age'.
---
Although Christians live in this world, their allegiance is to heaven, and to the Creator Jehovah.

--ODB/DF

----
---OVERCOMING VICTORY

--- whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:4)

The power behind our overcoming victory is none other than the presence of the Holy Spirit of God who indwells the twice-born (1 John 4:4) because of “our faith.”

Much has been recorded by the apostle John about the basis of our faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God who came in the flesh to lay down His life as the propitiation for our sins. The completion of His work in us will be realized at His coming: “When He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2).

These great truths are the foundational anchor that keeps our faith strong and our hope secure in Christ. Yet there is much more to come.

We will “eat of the tree of life” (Revelation 2:7).

We will “not be hurt of the second death” (Revelation 2:11).

We will be given “a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it” (Revelation 2:17).

We will have “power over the nations” (Revelation 2:26).

We will “be clothed in white raiment” and confessed before the heavenly Father and His angels (Revelation 3:5).

We will be made “a pillar in the temple” of God, and “shall go no more out” (Revelation 3:12).

We will be granted “to sit” with the Lord Jesus on His throne (Revelation 3:21).

We will “inherit all things” (Revelation 21:7).

Is it any wonder that John spoke of our “victory” that awaits us when we have “overcome” the world? May God grant us the steadfast faith to “occupy” until He comes (Luke 19:13).
--ICR/ HMM III

---Honesty, Integrity

--A little honesty paid handsome dividends for Herbert Tarvin, eleven, who drew praise for returning eighty-five cents that he picked up after an armored car crashed and spilled hundreds of thousands of dollars on a Miami street.

For his honesty, Herbert, his family, and his sixth-grade class at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School spent the day at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, on the tab of Disney and Southwest Airlines. Herbert said he had to "do the right thing and turn the money in because it doesn't belong to me."

Police say more than $500,000 is still missing. Only a single mother of six, who turned in about $20.00 in quarters and pennies, and Herbert returned the money, officials said.~~

--USA Today (2/14/97)
--"HONESTY IS ALWAYS THE BEST POLICY."

---BEGGARS IN NEED OF BREAD ~~

"Give us the food we need for each day. Forgive us for our sins, just as we have forgiven those who sinned against us."
---Matthew 6:11-12

~~WE are sinners in need of grace, strugglers in need of strength. Jesus teaches us to pray, "Forgive our debts...and lead us not into temptation."

-We've all made mistakes and we'll all make some more. The line that separates the best of us from the worst of us is a narrow one, hence we'd be wise to take seriously Paul's admonition: "Why do you judge your brothers or sisters in Christ? And why do you think you are better than they? We will all stand before the Lord to be judged."
----(Rom 14:10)~~

Your sister would like me to remind you that she needs grace. Just like you need forgiveness, so does she. There comes a time in every relationship when it's damaging to seek justice, when settling the score only stirs the fire. There comes a time when the best thing you can do is accept your brother and sister, and offer them the same grace you've been given.

--The Great House of God/ML

--Character / Worth and Value ==

-Influence-

-'If you wish to enrich days, plant flowers; if you wish to enrich years, plant trees; if you wish to enrich Eternity, plant ideals in the lives of others.'

--S. Truett Cathy-
-----------
'A man is only as good as what he loves.'

--Saul Bellow
----------
--Finances--

-'God entrusts us with money as a test; for like a toy to the child, it is training for handling things of more value.'

--Fred Smith
-------
--'There is no dignity quite so impressive, and no independence quite so important, as living within your means.'

--Calvin Coolidge
--------
-'No man knows what he is living for until he knows what he'll die for.'

--Peter Pertocci
--------
--Godly Character --

'The fruit of the Spirit grows only in the garden of obedience.'

--Terry Fullam
----------
-'It is our business to see that we do right; God will see that we come out right.'
----------
--'He that cannot obey, cannot command.'

--Benjamin Franklin
------------
'Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.'

--John Wooden
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------ ~~~~~~~~~~~

--Character/ Worth and Value

--------
-"You can't repent of confusion of psychological flaws inflicted by your parents--you're stuck with them. But you can repent of sin. Sin and repentance are the only grounds for hope and joy. The grounds for reconciled, joyful relationships. You can be 'born-again'. (see John 3:3)

-Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."

---ROAD TO EMMAUS/ The Greatest Mystery Revealed! --
It is a story that's captivated the imagination of many generations.
Mourning the death of Jesus, two first-century travelers were joined by a mysterious stranger. Over the next few hours, the stranger revealed mysteries hidden in the ancient Scriptures. Soon, the purpose of Jesus' life became clear...and the travelers' sadness turned to great joy.
--(Approximately 30 minutes) ENJOY!

Now you can learn what they learned. Discover the key to life...on the Road to Emmaus.
------
Starring: Burce Marchiano

<http://youtu.be/vepBqHvZ0Xs>
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--Character/ Worth and Value/ 'THE ROAD TO EMMAUS' (30 minute Movie)

You will find all these things mentioned above when you give your life to the Life Giver, Jesus Christ.

The Movie, 'ROAD TO EMMAUS' is at the end of this thread.
(Approximate time: 30 minutes).
Prophecy is explained as Jesus (Bruce Marchiano) walks along the road of Emmaus, right after the Crucifixion of Jesus.
---JESUS IS ALIVE!
--Definitely worth a rewatch! BE BLESSED! Jesus is soon returning to reclaim His bride, the Church.

--Character / Worth and Value ~~

--Former US President Harry Truman had a rule: Any letters written in anger had to sit on his desk for 24 hours before they could be mailed. If at the end of that "cooling off" period, he still felt the same sentiments, he would send the letter. By the end of his life, Truman's unmailed letters filled a large desk drawer.

How often in this age of immediate communication would even 24 minutes of wise restraint spare us embarrassment! In his epistle, James addressed a universal theme in human history when he wrote about the damage an uncontrolled tongue can bring."No man can tame the tongue," he wrote. "It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison" (3:8).

When we're gossiping or speaking in anger, we find ourselves outside the lines of what God desires. Our tongues, our pens, and even our keyboards should more often fall silent with thanks in our hearts for the restraint God provides. All too often, when we speak we remind everyone of our brokenness as human beings.

When we want to surprise others with the difference Christ makes, we may need to look no further than restraining our tongue. Others can't help but notice when we honor God with what we say--or don't say. -
-----
--"Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles." --- Proverbs 21:23 ~~~

--ODB/RK

--We ALL FACE Storms in Life, both Physical and Mental, and yes spiritual. How we handle those storms is what helps us grow integrity, and character.
Let's look at one man, K Owens. Serving his 6th year of an 8-year sentence in Danville Correctional Center.~~
----__
--HOPE IN THE STORM~

"'For I know the plans I have for you' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
--Jeremiah 29:11
-----
I remember a huge storm my father drove into when I was just a boy. The rain and hail were so heavy that he had to pull to the side of the road and wait it out.

Since then I have faced other kinds of storms in my life many times. I have experienced the death of my 9-day-old son, the devastation of a divorce, the loss of family relationships, even lies that placed me in prison. Yet even in the darkest times, God has assured me of His love and grace. Maybe you have faced some similar "storms" that threaten to destroy all hope or desire to go on. Don't forget that our Heavenly Father is there to guide us through them.

Listen to what He says in the verses above. He will turn away our captivity (v.14); He'll be found by us when we seek Him with our whole heart (v.13-14); He'll give us an expected, end (v.11). There may be consequences to our actions, but God plans peace and an expected, good end to our trials if we'll seek Him sincerely and earnestly. Put your trust in Jesus; He will lead you safely through.~~~

--Is the Choice You’re Making Questionable?
“… for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” - Romans 14:23

A man was in the back bedroom getting dressed. His wife was out in the living room talking with a friend. He yelled out, “Is this shirt clean enough for me to wear?” Without hesitation, she said “no” and went on talking.

After a while, he came out, buttoning up another shirt. He asked, “How did you know that shirt wasn’t clean without looking at it?” She said, “If you had to ask, it wasn't.”

So many times we wonder whether a course of action is right or wrong. We're not quite sure, so since we don't know absolutely that it’s wrong, we do it anyway. But if we think it may be wrong, we should leave it alone until we're sure that it's right.

The old adage “When in doubt, don’t” is often a good course to follow. When faced with a choice, ask: “Will this gladden the heart of God or grieve Him? Pray today: “Lord, I want my heart to be grieved by those things that grieve Your heart and be gladdened with the things that give You joy.” ~~
--Adrian Rogers