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	<title>The Strait Gate &#187; Inspirational</title>
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		<title>The Resume of Jesus The Christ</title>
		<link>http://www.thestraitgate.org/inspirational/the-resume-of-jesus-the-christ/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=the-resume-of-jesus-the-christ</link>
		<comments>http://www.thestraitgate.org/inspirational/the-resume-of-jesus-the-christ/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jul 2010 11:36:28 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[Inspirational]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jesus Christ]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thestraitgate.org/?p=1634</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>THE RESUME OF JESUS THE CHRIST<br />
by Gillis Triplett</p>
<p>Hello. My name is Jesus &#8211; The Christ. Many call me Lord! I&#8217;ve sent you my resume because I&#8217;m seeking the top management position in your heart. Please consider my&#8230; <a href="http://www.thestraitgate.org/inspirational/the-resume-of-jesus-the-christ/" class="read_more">Read the rest</a></p>


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<li><a href='http://www.thestraitgate.org/inspirational/the-seven-ups/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The Seven Ups'>The Seven Ups</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.thestraitgate.org/inspirational/i-found-jesus-there/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: I Found Jesus There'>I Found Jesus There</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>THE RESUME OF JESUS THE CHRIST<br />
by Gillis Triplett</p>
<p>Hello. My name is Jesus &#8211; The Christ. Many call me Lord! I&#8217;ve sent you my resume because I&#8217;m seeking the top management position in your heart. Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my resume.</p>
<p><strong>Qualifications</strong><br />
* I founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs 3:19)<br />
* I formed man from the dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7)<br />
* I breathed into man the breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7)<br />
* I redeemed man from the curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13)<br />
* The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life through me, (See Galatians 3:14)</p>
<p><strong>Occupational Background</strong><br />
* I&#8217;ve only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49).<br />
* I&#8217;ve never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful.<br />
* My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15-17)</p>
<p><strong>Skills Work Experiences</strong><br />
* Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18).<br />
* I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Proverbs 1:33).<br />
* Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7-9)</p>
<p><strong>Educational Background</strong><br />
* I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6).<br />
* In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3).<br />
* My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a lamp unto your path, (See Psalms 119:105).<br />
* I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21).</p>
<p><strong>Major Accomplishments</strong><br />
* I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26).<br />
* I laid down my life so that you may live, (See 2 Corinthians 5:15).<br />
* I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly, (See Colossians 2:15).<br />
* I&#8217;ve miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead!<br />
* There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here. You can read them on my website, which is located at: www dot &#8211; the BIBLE. You don&#8217;t need an Internet connection or computer to access my website.</p>
<p><strong>References</strong><br />
* Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healings, salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatural guidance</p>
<p><strong>In Summation</strong><br />
Now that you&#8217;ve read my resume, I&#8217;m confident that I&#8217;m the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in your heart. In summation, I will properly direct your paths, (See Proverbs 3:5-6), and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:47). When can I start? Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15).</p>
<p>Send this resume to everyone you know,! You never know who may have an opening! Thanks for your help and may God bless you!</p>
<p>Copyright © Gillis Triplett 1994 &#8211; 2010. All rights reserved. </p>


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<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.thestraitgate.org/inspirational/tax-assessor/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Tax Assessor'>Tax Assessor</a></li>
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<li><a href='http://www.thestraitgate.org/inspirational/i-found-jesus-there/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: I Found Jesus There'>I Found Jesus There</a></li>
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		<title>The Lord&#8217;s Test</title>
		<link>http://www.thestraitgate.org/inspirational/the-lords-test/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=the-lords-test</link>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 21:09:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TheStraitGate</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Inspirational]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thestraitgate.org/?p=1630</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>I woke up this morning and knew that today,<br />
The sun would not be shining and the clouds would be gray.<br />
As I stepped outside, rain fell upon my head.<br />
My car wouldn&#8217;t start so I walked&#8230; <a href="http://www.thestraitgate.org/inspirational/the-lords-test/" class="read_more">Read the rest</a></p>


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<li><a href='http://www.thestraitgate.org/inspirational/i-love-the-lord/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: I Love The Lord'>I Love The Lord</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.thestraitgate.org/inspirational/the-most-important-body-part/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The Most Important Body Part'>The Most Important Body Part</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I woke up this morning and knew that today,<br />
The sun would not be shining and the clouds would be gray.<br />
As I stepped outside, rain fell upon my head.<br />
My car wouldn&#8217;t start so I walked to school instead.</p>
<p>I forgot all of my assignments<br />
I failed all of my tests.<br />
I dropped my head in disgust and asked the Lord for one request.<br />
&#8220;Lord, why is it that things won&#8217;t go my way?&#8221;</p>
<p>He gently replied, &#8220;Dear child it is because you didn&#8217;t thank me yesterday.<br />
I woke you up and enabled you to see the sun again.<br />
I gave you shelter, protected your family, and even let you make a new friend.<br />
I blessed you far greater than I ever had before.</p>
<p>But you were too busy to thank me once more.<br />
You didn&#8217;t feel sick because I maintained your health.<br />
You had money in your pocket because I maintained your wealth.<br />
You had shoes on you feet and clothes to wear, too.</p>
<p>You had plenty of food to eat and what did you do?<br />
You ignored me and went about your tasks.<br />
But when you wanted something you never hesitated to ask.<br />
I was there when you needed me and that wasn&#8217;t too long ago.</p>
<p>But when things started going your way, it was me you did not know.<br />
As if that weren&#8217;t enough, I provided your favorite luxuries.<br />
This was something I didn&#8217;t have to do-they weren&#8217;t even necessities.<br />
And when it was time to get on your knees and show your gratitude,</p>
<p>You decided that after such a fulfilling day, you weren&#8217;t in the mood.<br />
So I decided to give you just a little test.<br />
To show you how it would feel to stop being blessed.&#8221;<br />
I began to realize what the Lord was saying..</p>
<p>He said, &#8220;My child, you have learned and you know I do forgive.<br />
But remember to remember this day as long as you shall live.<br />
I love filling your life with joy, and your pain I&#8217;ll alleviate it.<br />
But just a simple thank you would show how much you appreciate it.&#8221;</p>
<p>- Author unknown</p>


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		<title>Cleaning</title>
		<link>http://www.thestraitgate.org/inspirational/cleaning/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=cleaning</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:17:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TheStraitGate</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Inspirational]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thestraitgate.org/?p=1244</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Dear Lord Jesus

As I go about my housework
Let me see each job I do,
As a service for my King
And a way of loving You.


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</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Dear Lord Jesus</p>
<p>As I go about my housework<br />
Let me see each job I do,<br />
As a service for my King<br />
And a way of loving You.</p>
<p>Let me wash away my judgments<br />
Of others right or wrong,<br />
As I wash up the dishes<br />
Place within my heart a song.</p>
<p>As I clean up little fingerprints<br />
And lots of muddy shoes,<br />
May I remember how you cleaned the feet<br />
Of the loved ones you did choose.</p>
<p>As I mend up torn pajamas<br />
And sew a button on,<br />
Show me where I need to mend a breech<br />
That&#8217;s gone on far too long.</p>
<p>Let me tidy up my thoughts<br />
As I tidy up the toys,<br />
Let me sweep away my fears<br />
Like the dirt from little boys.</p>
<p>May I be just as quick with my forgiveness<br />
As I am with mop and broom,<br />
Sweeping up the clutter<br />
In my heart and living room.</p>
<p>May I rinse out pride and ego<br />
As I rinse the bathtub out,<br />
And while we are at it Lord<br />
Let&#8217;s take care of anger, hate and doubt.</p>
<p>Please remind me often Lord<br />
That the way I&#8217;m called to serve,<br />
Is an honor given me<br />
And not below what I deserve.</p>
<p>You know Lord, as I look<br />
At all the work we need to do,<br />
I think we&#8217;d better house clean<br />
At least each day or two.</p>
<p>- Author Unknown </p>


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<li><a href='http://www.thestraitgate.org/inspirational/why-dont-we-pray/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Why Don&#8217;t We Pray?'>Why Don&#8217;t We Pray?</a></li>
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		<title>My First Christmas in Heaven</title>
		<link>http://www.thestraitgate.org/inspirational/my-first-christmas-in-heaven/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=my-first-christmas-in-heaven</link>
		<comments>http://www.thestraitgate.org/inspirational/my-first-christmas-in-heaven/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:26:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TheStraitGate</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Inspirational]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[heaven]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA['My first Christmas in heaven' was written by Ben, who died on Dec 14, 1997 at the age of 13  after a 4 year battle with a brain tumor. He wrote this and gave it to his mom before his death. 


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I see countless Christmas trees<br />
Around the world below<br />
With tiny lights, like Heaven&#8217;s stars<br />
Reflecting in the snow. </p>
<p>The sight is so spectacular,<br />
Please wipe away the tear.<br />
For I am spending Christmas<br />
With Jesus Christ this year. </p>
<p>I hear the many Christmas songs<br />
That people hold so dear,<br />
But the sounds of music can&#8217;t compare<br />
With the Christmas choir up here. </p>
<p>I have no words to tell you,<br />
The joy their voices bring.<br />
For it is beyond description<br />
To hear the angels sing. </p>
<p>I know how much you miss me,<br />
I see the pain inside your heart;<br />
But I am not so far away,<br />
We really aren&#8217;t apart. </p>
<p>So be happy for me, dear ones,<br />
You know I hold you dear<br />
And be glad I&#8217;m spending Christmas<br />
With Jesus Christ this year. </p>
<p>I sent you each a special gift,<br />
From my heavenly home above,<br />
I sent you each a memory<br />
Of my undying love. </p>
<p>After all, love is a precious gift<br />
More precious than pure gold;<br />
It was always most important<br />
In the stories Jesus told. </p>
<p>Please love and keep each other,<br />
As my Father said to do.<br />
For I can&#8217;t count the blessings<br />
Or love he has for each of you. </p>
<p>So have a Merry Christmas<br />
And wipe away the tear<br />
Remember I&#8217;m spending Christmas<br />
With Jesus Christ this year. </p>
<p><strong>About the author</strong><br />
&#8216;My first Christmas in heaven&#8217; was written by Ben, who died on Dec 14, 1997 at the age of 13  after a 4 year battle with a brain tumor. He wrote this and gave it to his mom before his death. </p>


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		<title>What Kind of Tater Are You?</title>
		<link>http://www.thestraitgate.org/inspirational/what-kind-of-tater-are-you/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=what-kind-of-tater-are-you</link>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:24:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TheStraitGate</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Inspirational]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tater people]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thestraitgate.org/?p=786</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Some people never seem motivated to participate, but are just content to watch while others do the work. They are called "Spec Taters".


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</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> <DIV align=center><FONT color=#663300 size=6>TATER PEOPLE</FONT></B><FONT color=black> </FONT></SPAN></P></DIV></p>
<p>      <DIV align=center><SPAN color:black><FONT face="Times New Roman" color=black size=3><IMG height=152 src="/images/taterpeople/image0011.gif" width=113><IMG height=152 src="/images/taterpeople/image0022.gif" width=113><IMG height=152 src="/images/taterpeople/image0011.gif" width=113><IMG height=152 src="/images/taterpeople/image0022.gif" width=113><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></SPAN><br />
	  <FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=4><SPAN color:black><FONT color=#663300><B>Some people never seem motivated to participate, but</B></FONT></SPAN><FONT color=black> <BR></FONT><B><FONT color=#663300>are just content to watch while others do the work.</FONT></B><br />
	  <FONT color=black> <BR></FONT><B><FONT color=#663300>They are called &#8220;Spec Taters&#8221;.</FONT></B><FONT color=black> </FONT></FONT><br />
	  <FONT color=black><BR><IMG height=152 src="/images/taterpeople/image0022.gif" width=113><IMG height=152 src="/images/taterpeople/image0011.gif" width=113></FONT><br />
      <P align=center><B><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color=#663300 size=4>Some people never do anything to help, but are gifted</FONT></B> <FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color=black size=4> <BR></FONT><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=4><B><FONT color=#663300>at finding fault with the way others do the work.</FONT></B><FONT color=black> <BR></FONT><B><br />
	  <FONT color=#663300>They are called &#8220;Comment Taters&#8221;.</FONT></B><FONT color=black> </FONT></FONT><br />
	  <FONT color=black><BR><IMG height=152 src="/images/taterpeople/image0011.gif" width=113><IMG height=152 src="/images/taterpeople/image0022.gif" width=113></FONT></P></p>
<p>      <P align=center><B><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color=#663300 size=4>Some people are very bossy and like to tell others what</FONT></B><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color=black size=4> <BR></FONT> <FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=4><B><FONT color=#663300>to do, but don&#8217;t want to soil their own hands.</FONT></B><FONT color=black> <BR><BR></FONT><B><FONT color=#663300>They are called &#8220;Dick Taters&#8221;.</FONT></B><FONT color=black> </FONT></FONT><FONT color=black><BR><IMG height=152 src="/images/taterpeople/image0022.gif" width=113 border=0><IMG height=152 src="/images/taterpeople/image0011.gif" width=113></FONT></P><br />
      <P align=center><B><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color=#663300 size=4>Some people are always looking to cause problems by</FONT></B><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color=black size=4> <BR></FONT><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=4><B><FONT color=#663300>asking others to agree with them. It is too hot or</FONT></B><FONT color=black> <BR></FONT><B><FONT color=#663300>too cold, too sour or too sweet.</FONT></B><FONT color=black> <BR></FONT><BR><B><FONT color=#663300>They&nbsp; are called &#8220;Agie Taters&#8221;.</FONT></B><br />
	  <FONT color=black> </FONT></FONT><FONT color=black><BR><IMG height=152 src="/images/taterpeople/image0011.gif" width=113><IMG height=152 src="/images/taterpeople/image0022.gif" width=113></FONT></P></p>
<p>      <P align=center><B><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color=#663300 size=4>There are those who say they will help, but somehow</FONT></B><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color=black size=4> <BR></FONT><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=4><B><FONT color=#663300>just never get around to actually doing the promised help.</FONT></B><br />
	  <FONT color=black> <BR></FONT><B><FONT color=#663300>They are called &#8220;Hezzie Taters&#8221;.</FONT></B><FONT color=black> </FONT></FONT><br />
	  <FONT color=black><BR><IMG height=152 src="/images/taterpeople/image0022.gif" width=113><IMG height=152 src="/images/taterpeople/image0011.gif" width=113></FONT></P><br />
      <P align=center><B><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color=#663300 size=4>Some people can put up a front and pretend to be</FONT></B><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color=black size=4> <BR></FONT><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=4><B><FONT color=#663300>someone they are not.</FONT></B><FONT color=black> <BR></FONT><B><br />
	  <FONT color=#663300>They are called &#8220;Emma Taters&#8221;.</FONT></B><FONT color=black><br />
      </FONT></FONT><FONT color=black><BR><IMG height=152 src="/images/taterpeople/image0011.gif" width=113><IMG height=152 src="/images/taterpeople/image0022.gif" width=113></FONT></P><br />
      <P align=center><B><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color=#663300 size=4>Then&nbsp; there are those who love others and do what they</FONT></B><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color=black size=4> <BR></FONT><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=4><B><FONT color=#663300>say they will. They are always prepared to stop whatever</FONT></B><FONT color=black> <BR></FONT><B><FONT color=#663300>they are doing and lend a helping hand. They bring real</FONT></B><FONT color=black> <BR></FONT><B><FONT color=#663300>sunshine into the lives of others.</FONT></B><br />
	  <FONT color=black> <BR></FONT><B><FONT color=#663300>They are called &#8220;Sweet&nbsp; Taters&#8221;.</FONT></B><FONT color=black> </FONT></FONT><br />
	  <FONT color=black><BR><IMG height=152 src="/images/taterpeople/image0022.gif" width=113><IMG height=152 src="/images/taterpeople/image0011.gif" width=113></FONT></P></p>
<p>      <P align=center><B><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color=#663300 size=4>If you know any &#8220;Sweet Taters&#8221; send this to them!</A>!</FONT></B><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color=black> </FONT><FONT color=black><BR><IMG height=152 src="/images/taterpeople/image0011.gif" width=113><IMG height=152 src="/images/taterpeople/image0022.gif" width=113><IMG height=152 src="/images/taterpeople/image0011.gif" width=113></FONT></P><br />
</DIV><br />
<strong>Credit:</strong><br />
This was sent to me in an email from my Aunt. The original can be found <a href="http://www.frontiernet.net/~jimdandy/specials/sweettators/" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a></p>


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		<title>Chores</title>
		<link>http://www.thestraitgate.org/inspirational/chores-2/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=chores-2</link>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:24:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TheStraitGate</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Inspirational]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thestraitgate.org/?p=325</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Monday - Wash Day: Lord, help me to wash away all my selfishness and vanity, so I may serve you with perfect humility through the week ahead.

Tuesday - Ironing Day: Dear Lord, help me to iron out all the wrinkles of prejudice I have collected through the years so that I may see the beauty in others.

Wednesday - Mending Day


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<li><a href='http://www.thestraitgate.org/inspirational/a-prayer/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: A Prayer'>A Prayer</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.thestraitgate.org/inspirational/what-kind-of-tater-are-you/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: What Kind of Tater Are You?'>What Kind of Tater Are You?</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Monday &#8211; Wash Day: Lord, help me to wash away all my selfishness and vanity, so I may serve you with perfect humility through the week ahead.</p>
<p>Tuesday &#8211; Ironing Day: Dear Lord, help me to iron out all the wrinkles of prejudice I have collected through the years so that I may see the beauty in others.</p>
<p>Wednesday &#8211; Mending Day: O God, help me to mend my ways so I will not set bad example for others.</p>
<p>Thursday &#8211; Cleaning Day: Lord Jesus, help me to dust out all the many faults I have been hiding in the secret corners of my heart.</p>
<p>Friday &#8211; Shopping Day: O God, give me the grace to shop wisely so I may purchase eternal happiness for myself and all others in need of love.</p>
<p>Saturday &#8211; Cooking Day: Help me, my Savior, to brew a big kettle of brotherly love and serve it with clean, sweet bread of human kindness.</p>
<p>Sunday &#8211; The Lord&#8217;s Day: O God, I have prepared my house for you. Please come into my heart as my honored guest </p>
<p>- Author unknown</p>
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<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.thestraitgate.org/inspirational/cleaning/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Cleaning'>Cleaning</a></li>
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		<title>I Love The Lord</title>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:21:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TheStraitGate</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Inspirational]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[faith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[love]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thestraitgate.org/?p=305</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Well, I told THE LORD I loved Him today. And He said to me, "How much do you love me? You haven't told anyone how good I've been to you. You haven't shared how perfect my love is. You haven't spread the good news that I am always there to listen to your problems. 


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<li><a href='http://www.thestraitgate.org/inspirational/gods-love-letter-to-you-and-me/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: God&#8217;s Love Letter To You And Me'>God&#8217;s Love Letter To You And Me</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.thestraitgate.org/inspirational/a-prayer/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: A Prayer'>A Prayer</a></li>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If You&#8217;ve Ever Been In Love&#8230;</p>
<p>Think back (for some of you this will take longer than others) to when you met that man/woman that you just knew would be the one. Remember when you realized/admitted to yourself that you loved him/her. </p>
<p>Now remember how much you wanted to act like you were in a movie, and yell to everyone in the football stadium &#8220;I love (fill in the name)!!!!&#8221; You told family and friends how perfect he was. You told your boys how she was just what you were looking for.</p>
<p>Well, I told THE LORD I loved Him today. And He said to me, &#8220;How much do you love me? You haven&#8217;t told anyone how good I&#8217;ve been to you. You haven&#8217;t shared how perfect my love is. You haven&#8217;t spread the good news that I am always there to listen to your problems. You haven&#8217;t told your family how I helped you pay your bills when you didn&#8217;t have a high paying job, or how I got you a better one. You didn&#8217;t tell your boys how I took away that addiction that would have cost you not only your job, but that woman that was just what you were looking for. So how much do you really love me?</p>
<p>So, I said I would share with my friends and family (for starters) just how wonderful, perfect, understanding, patient, loving, unselfish, considerate and forgiving GOD really is. He has blessed me with a family that loves me and friends that I can confide in. </p>
<p>But even more than that He has saved me from a destruction I couldn&#8217;t even see coming. He gave to me the peace of knowing Him and He has never broken a promise. Truly He is the best thing that has ever happened to me. And I stand in my stadium today to yell to you all &#8220;I love THE LORD!!!&#8221;</p>
<p>- Author unknown</p>


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		<title>A Reading of Psalm 23</title>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:41:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TheStraitGate</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Inspirational]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[There once was a Shakespearean actor who was known everywhere for his one-man shows of readings and recitations from the classics. He would always end his performance with a reading of Psalm 23.

Each night, without exception, as the actor began his recitation "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want"... the crowd would listen attentively. And then, at the conclusion of the psalm, they would rise in thunderous applause in appreciation of the actor's incredible ability to bring the verse to life.


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There once was a Shakespearean actor who was known everywhere for his one-man shows of readings and recitations from the classics. He would always end his performance with a reading of Psalm 23.</p>
<p>Each night, without exception, as the actor began his recitation &#8220;The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want&#8221;&#8230; the crowd would listen attentively. And then, at the conclusion of the psalm, they would rise in thunderous applause in appreciation of the actor&#8217;s incredible ability to bring the verse to life.</p>
<p>But one night, just before the actor was to offer his customary recital of Psalm 23, a young man from the audience spoke up. &#8220;Sir, do you mind if tonight I recite Psalm 23&#8243;?</p>
<p>The actor was quite taken aback by this unusual request, but he allowed the young man to come forward and stand front and center on the stage to recite the Psalm, knowing that the ability of this unskilled youth would be no match for his own talent.</p>
<p>With a soft voice, the young man began to recite the words of the Psalm. When he was finished, there was no applause. There was no standing ovation as on other nights. All that could be heard was the sound of weeping. The audience had been so moved by the young man&#8217;s recitation that every eye was full of tears.</p>
<p>Amazed by what he had heard, the actor said to the youth, &#8220;I don&#8217;t understand. I have been performing Psalm 23 for years. I have a lifetime of experience and training-but I have never been able to move an audience as you have tonight. Tell me, what is your secret?&#8221;</p>
<p>The young man quietly replied, &#8220;Well sir, you know the Psalm. I know the Shepherd.&#8221;</p>
<p>- Author unknown</p>


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<li><a href='http://www.thestraitgate.org/inspirational/gods-love-letter-to-you-and-me/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: God&#8217;s Love Letter To You And Me'>God&#8217;s Love Letter To You And Me</a></li>
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		<title>Before I Was a Mom</title>
		<link>http://www.thestraitgate.org/inspirational/before-i-was-a-mom/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=before-i-was-a-mom</link>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:57:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TheStraitGate</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Inspirational]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parenting]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Before I was a Mom - I made and ate hot meals. I had unstained clothing. I had quiet conversations on the phone.

Before I was a Mom - I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed. I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Before I was a Mom &#8211; I made and ate hot meals. I had unstained clothing. I had quiet conversations on the phone.</p>
<p>Before I was a Mom &#8211; I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed. I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.</p>
<p>Before I was a Mom &#8211; I didn&#8217;t worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations.</p>
<p>Before I was a Mom &#8211; I had never been puked on, wet on, spit on, chewed on, or pinched by tiny fingers.</p>
<p>Before I was a Mom &#8211; I had complete control over my thoughts, my body, my mind. I slept all night.</p>
<p>Before I was a Mom &#8211; I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests, or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.</p>
<p>Before I was a Mom &#8211; I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn&#8217;t want to put it down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I could not stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.</p>
<p>Before I was a Mom &#8211; I didn&#8217;t know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn&#8217;t know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn&#8217;t know that bond between a Mother and her child. I didn&#8217;t know that something so small could make me feel so important.</p>
<p>Before I was a Mom &#8211; I had never gotten up every ten minutes, in the middle of the night, to make sure that all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderfulness, or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn&#8217;t know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.</p>
<p>- Author unknown</p>


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		<title>Clean Blood</title>
		<link>http://www.thestraitgate.org/inspirational/clean-blood/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=clean-blood</link>
		<comments>http://www.thestraitgate.org/inspirational/clean-blood/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:52:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TheStraitGate</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Inspirational]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sacrifice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[salvation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thestraitgate.org/?p=274</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The day is over, you are driving home. You tune in your radio.You hear a little blurb about a little village in India where some villagers have died suddenly, strangely, of a flu that has never been seen before. It's not influenza, but three or four fellows are dead, and it's kind of interesting. They're sending some doctors over there to investigate it.


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The day is over, you are driving home. You tune in your radio.You hear a little blurb about a little village in India where some villagers have died suddenly, strangely, of a flu that has never been seen before. It&#8217;s not influenza, but three or four fellows are dead, and it&#8217;s kind of interesting. They&#8217;re sending some doctors over there to investigate it.</p>
<p>You don&#8217;t think much about it, but on Sunday, coming home from church, you hear another radio spot. Only they say it&#8217;s not three villagers, it&#8217;s 30,000 villagers in the back hills of this particular area of India, and it&#8217;s on TV that night. CNN runs a little blurb; people are heading there from the disease center in Atlanta because this disease strain has never been seen before.</p>
<p>By Monday morning when you get up, it&#8217;s the lead story. For it&#8217;s not just India; it&#8217;s Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and before you know it, you&#8217;re hearing this story everywhere and they have coined it now as &#8220;the mystery flu&#8221;. The President has made some comment that he and everyone are praying and hoping that all will go well over there. But everyone is wondering, &#8220;How are we going to contain it?&#8221; That&#8217;s when the President of France makes an announcement that shocks Europe. He is closing their borders. No flights from India, Pakistan, or any of the countries where this thing has been seen.</p>
<p>That night you are watching a little bit of CNN before going to bed. Your jaw hits your chest when a weeping woman is translated from a French news program into English: &#8220;There&#8217;s a man lying in a hospital in Paris dying of the mystery flu. &#8221; It has come to Europe. Panic strikes.</p>
<p>As best they can tell, once you get it, you have it for a week and you don&#8217;t know it. Then you have four days of unbelievable symptoms. Then you die. Britain closes it&#8217;s borders, but it&#8217;s too late. Southampton, Liverpool, London, and it&#8217;s Tuesday morning when the President of the United States makes the following announcement:</p>
<p>&#8220;Due to a national security risk, all flights to and from Europe and Asia have been canceled. If your loved ones are overseas, I&#8217;m sorry. They cannot come back until we find a cure for this thing.&#8221; Within four days our nation has been plunged into an unbelievable fear. People are selling little masks for your face. People are talking about what if it comes to this country, and preachers on Tuesday are saying, &#8220;It&#8217;s the scourge of God. &#8221;</p>
<p>It&#8217;s Wednesday night and you are at a church prayer meeting when somebody runs in from the parking lot and says, &#8220;Turn on a radio, turn on a radio.&#8221; While the church listens to a little transistor radio with a microphone stuck up to it, the announcement is made,&#8221; Two women are lying in a Long Island hospital dying from the mystery flu.&#8221; Within hours it seems, this thing just sweeps across the country.</p>
<p>People are working around the clock trying to find an antidote. Nothing is working. California, Oregon, Arizona, Florida, Massachusetts. It&#8217;s as though it&#8217;s just sweeping in from the borders.</p>
<p>Then, all of a sudden the news comes out. The code has been broken. A cure can be found. A vaccine can be made. It&#8217;s going to take the blood of somebody who hasn&#8217;t been infected, and so, sure enough, all through the Midwest, through all those channels of emergency broadcasting, everyone is asked to do one simple thing: &#8220;Go to your downtown hospital and have your blood type taken. That&#8217;s all we ask of you. When you hear the sirens go off in your neighborhood, please make your way quickly, quietly, and safely to the hospitals.&#8221;</p>
<p>Sure enough, when you and your family get down there late on that Friday night, there is a long line, and they&#8217;ve got nurses and doctors coming out and pricking fingers and taking blood and putting labels on it.</p>
<p>Your wife and your kids are out there, and they take your blood type and they say, &#8220;Wait here in the parking lot and if we call your name, you can be dismissed and go home.&#8221; You stand around scared with your neighbors, wondering what in the world is going on, and that this is the end of the world. </p>
<p>Suddenly a young man comes running out of the hospital screaming. He&#8217;s yelling a name and waving a clipboard. What? He yells it again! And your son tugs on your jacket and says, &#8220;Daddy, that&#8217;s me.&#8221; Before you know it, they have grabbed your boy. &#8220;Wait a minute, hold it!&#8221; And they say, &#8220;It&#8217;s okay, his blood is clean. His blood is pure. We want to make sure he doesn&#8217;t have the disease. We think he has got the right type.&#8221;</p>
<p>Five tense minutes later, out come the doctors and nurses, crying and hugging one another some are even laughing. It&#8217;s the first time you have seen anybody laugh in a week, and an old doctor walks up to you and says, &#8220;Thank you, sir. Your son&#8217;s blood type is perfect. It&#8217;s clean, it is pure, and we can make the vaccine.&#8221; As the word begins to spread all across that parking lot full of folks, people are screaming and praying and laughing and crying.</p>
<p>But then the gray-haired doctor pulls you and your wife aside and says, &#8220;May we see you for a moment? We didn&#8217;t realize that the donor would be a minor and we need. . . we need you to sign a consent form.&#8221; You begin to sign and then you see that the number of pints of blood to be taken is empty. &#8220;H-h-h-how many pints?&#8221;</p>
<p>And that is when the old doctor&#8217;s smile fades and he says, &#8220;We had no idea it would be a little child. We weren&#8217;t prepared. We need it all!&#8221; &#8220;But but&#8230;&#8221; &#8220;You don&#8217;t understand. We are talking about the world here. Please sign. We &#8211; we need it all &#8211; we need it all!&#8221; &#8220;But can&#8217;t you give him a transfusion?&#8221; &#8220;If we had clean blood we would. Can you sign? Would you sign?&#8221; In numb silence you do. Then they say, &#8220;Would you like to have a moment with him before we begin?&#8221;</p>
<p>Can you walk back? Can you walk back to that room where he sits on a table saying, &#8220;Daddy? Mommy? What&#8217;s going on?&#8221; Can you take his hands and say, &#8220;Son, your mommy and I love you, and we would never ever let anything happen to you that didn&#8217;t just have to be.</p>
<p>Do you understand that?&#8221; And when that old doctor comes back in and says, &#8220;I&#8217;m sorry, we&#8217;ve &#8211; we&#8217;ve got to get started. People all over the world are dying.&#8221; Can you leave? Can you walk out while he is saying, &#8220;Dad? Mom? Dad? Why &#8211; why have you forsaken me?&#8221;</p>
<p>And then next week, when they have the ceremony to honor your son, and some folks sleep through it, and some folks don&#8217;t even come because they go to the lake, and some folks come with a pretentious smile and just pretend to care. Would you want to jump up and say, &#8220;MY SON DIED! DON&#8217;T YOU CARE?&#8221;</p>
<p>Is that what God is saying? &#8220;MY SON DIED. DON&#8217;T YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I CARE?&#8221;</p>
<p>&#8220;Father, seeing it from your eyes breaks our hearts. Maybe now we begin to comprehend the great love you have for us. Amen &#8221;</p>
<p>- Author unknown</p>


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