DR. SEUSS-Top 10

I have enjoyed Dr. Seuss since I was a little kid. . These are some of my favourite quotes.

Quote #1
You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself, any direction you choose. ~Dr. Seuss

Quote #2
Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you. ~Dr. Seuss

Quote #3
From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere. ~Dr. Seuss

Quote #4
Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened. ~Dr. Seuss

Quote #5
Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So… get on your way. ~Dr. Seuss

Quote #6
If you never did, you should. These things are fun, and fun is good. ~Dr. Seuss

Quote #7
I meant what I said, and I said what I meant. An elephant’s faithful, one hundred percent. ~Dr. Seuss

Quote #8
So the writer who breeds more words than he needs, is making a chore for the reader who reads. ~Dr. Seus

Quote #9
And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed. ~Dr. Seuss

Quote #10
Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple. ~Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss is often thought of as the author of children’s books. However, after researching his biography much of his writing is geared toward adults.

JOSEPH KITTINGER

On Aug. 16, 1960, as research for the then-fledgling U. S. Space Program, Air Force Captain Joseph Kittinger rode a helium balloon to the edge of space, 102,800 feet above the earth, a feat in itself.

Then, wearing just a thin pressure suit and breathing supplemental oxygen, he leaned over the cramped confines of his gondola and jumped--into the 110-degree-below-zero, near-vacuum of space.  Within seconds his body accelerated to 714 mph in the thin air, breaking the sound barrier.

After free-falling for more than four and a half minutes, slowed finally by friction from the heavier air below, he felt his parachute open at 14,000 feet, and he coasted gently down to the New Mexico desert floor.

Joe Kittinger’s own words: At 2 a.m. we began to fill the helium balloon. At sea level, it was 35 to 40 feet wide and 200 feet high; at altitude, due to the low air pressure, it expanded to 25 stories in width, and still was 20 stories high!  At 4 a.m. I began breathing pure oxygen for two hours. That's how long it takes to remove all the nitrogen from your blood so you don't get the bends going so high so fast. I wore layers of warm clothing under my pressure suit. They kept me in air-conditioning until it was time to launch because we were in the desert and I wasn't supposed to sweat.  If I did, my clothes would freeze on the way up. 

It took an hour and a half to get to altitude. It was cold. At 40,000 feet, the glove on my right hand hadn't inflated. I knew that if I radioed my doctor, he would abort the flight. If that happened, I knew I might never get another chance because there were lots of people who didn't want this test to happen. I took a calculated risk, that I might lose use of my right hand. It quickly swelled up, and I did lose use for the duration of the flight.  But the rest of the pressure suit worked. When I reached 102,800 feet, maximum altitude, I wasn't quite over the target. So I drifted for 11 minutes.

I could see about 400 miles in every direction. The most fascinating thing is that it's just black overhead, the transition from normal blue to black is very stark. You can't see stars because there's a lot of glare from the sun, so your pupils are too small.

I was struck with the beauty of it. It was more than 100 degrees below zero, no air. If my protection suit failed, I would be dead in a few seconds. Blood actually boils above 62,000 feet. I went through my 46-step checklist, disconnected from the balloons power supply and lost all communication with the ground. I stood up, turned around to the door, took one final look out and said a silent prayer: "Lord, take care of me now." Then I just jumped over the side.

I rolled over and looked up, and there was the balloon just roaring into space. I realized that the balloon wasn't roaring into space; I was going down at a fantastic rate! At about 90,000 feet, I reached 714 mph.

The altimeter on my wrist was unwinding very rapidly. But there was no sense of speed. Where you determine speed is visual--if you see something go flashing by. But nothing flashes by 20 miles up--there are no signposts there, and you are way above any clouds. When the chute opened, the rest of the jump was anticlimactic, because everything had worked perfectly. I landed 12 or 13 minutes later, and there was my crew waiting.  

Everything that day for Joe lead up to a step of faith. He trusted his training, his team, his equipment, and most importantly his God. If Joe could take that step of faith, could you take a step of faith in the God that loves you to get you safely home? Hebrews 11:6 says "Without faith it is impossible to please God". Romans 10:13 "Whosoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved". Does it make sense to trust in something smaller than God?

LIKE FATHER-LIKE SON

"CATS IN THE CRADLE" by Harry Chapin

My child arrived just the other day
He came to the world in the usual way
But there were planes to catch and bills to pay
He learned to walk while I was away
And he was talkin' 'fore I knew it, and as he grew
He'd say "I'm gonna be like you dad
You know I'm gonna be like you"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home dad?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
You know we'll have a good time then

My son turned ten just the other day
He said, "Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on let's play
Can you teach me to throw", I said "Not today
I got a lot to do", he said, "That's ok"
And he walked away but his smile never dimmed
And said, "I'm gonna be like him, yeah
You know I'm gonna be like him"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home son?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
You know we'll have a good time then

Well, he came home from college just the other day
So much like a man I just had to say
"Son, I'm proud of you, can you sit for a while?"
He shook his head and said with a smile
"What I'd really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys
See you later, can I have them please?"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home son?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
You know we'll have a good time then

I've long since retired, my son's moved away
I called him up just the other day
I said, "I'd like to see you if you don't mind"
He said, "I'd love to, Dad, if I can find the time
You see my new job's a hassle and kids have the flu
But it's sure nice talking to you, Dad
It's been sure nice talking to you"

And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me
He'd grown up just like me
My boy was just like me

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home son?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
You know we'll have a good time then 

COUNT DOWN!

Psalm 90: 9-12 " .....we spend our years as a tale that is told.....so teach is to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom". 

My how time flies..., If we only had more time...., we'll get together sometime.... Time must be wisely invested, we will never get it back.  The difference in success and failure has much to do with how we spend our time. There are three truths from the passage that we should take time to learn.

1. We Must "Count" our Days:   Every day is a gift. Now is all you have. Tomorrow is the day that never arrives, ....it is always ...tomorrow! How many days have you spent....on yourself......for others.....for God?

2. We Must Make Our Days "Count":  Ephesians 5:16" make the best use of the time for the days are evil" Romans 14:12 says that "we will give account to God". Does what you do really matter? I have never heard anyone say on their deathbed: "Wow, I really should have spent more time at the office.." Have you made your days count? ....toward yourself.....for others.....for God?

3. We Must know what "Counts": What is important to us is not always what is important to God. Isa 55:8-9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways. For as the heaven is higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. " Will what you do today really matter 100 years from now, or in eternity? What can you do that will "count"?

How will you spend the rest of your days? The Countdown has already started.....

REMOTE FISHING VILLAGES in Brazil's Northeast

      All along the northeastern coastal region of Brazil there are hundreds of remote fishing villages. Many of these are only accessible by boat and some a long walk in mud or shallow waters depending on the tide. These tiny communities live in simple conditions, depend on fishing, fruits, and raising Dende to make a Brazilian cooking oil. Many of these families have little health care and infrequent contact with cities and their conveniences.
           American Volunteers working with IMB missionaries and a Brazilian Mission called MEAP ( Missão Evanlgélica de Assestência aos Pescadores) have provided medical clinics in many of these remote areas. The Medical boat, complete with examining room and dental equipment has been used all across the northeast of Brazil.  Teams Leaders like Kenneth and Donna Winchester from Slaton Texas return yearly with trained medical and evangelism teams to work tirelessly in a new community each day. These committed volunteer teams have opened many doors for the gospel and planting of many churches in these remote areas.
      Donna (dentist) has been asked many times by folks in these communities, "Why are you doing this?" Donna does not hesitate to explain that God's amazing love shown in Jesus Christ's death on the cross has changed her life. That same Jesus died for them also. "The physical needs are overwhelming, even more, the need to hear of God's eternal salvation" says Donna.
    Evangelism teams Share the gospel with those waiting for medical attention, areas schools, home visits, and with fishermen as they work on their boats or are cleaning their nets.  As Jesus challenges those first disciples to leave it all and follow him, these volunteers present to same challenge to follow Jesus.
      God uses volunteers for this type of fishing. God uses fish in reaching volunteers. Jonah in the Old Testament was a Short Term Volunteer with a Bad attitude. God used him in a powerful way. What will God need to do to get your attention. Pray about being a "Fisher of men" where God has placed you today.

THE QUILOMBOLAS of Brazil

         The Quilombolas of Brazil are descendents of African runaway slaves that founded their own villages and returned to the customs of their mother land. Aprox. 95% of 2,800 plus Quilombos (i.e.Villages of the Quilombola people) in Brazil are in tucked away places in the middle of nowhere, on islands, peninsulas, near swamps, places of drought, deep wooded, and jungle areas.

·      Quilombos are found in 22 of Brazil’s 26 states. 

             Their remote location has made them a “forgotten people”, with little or no political clout to better their misery level circumstances. Most Quilombolas live in a state of absolute poverty or in extreme conditions. Worms, scabies, and malnutrition are common problems due to the lack of hygiene and  proper nutrition.

·                             Many Quilombolas are all extended family, with the possible exception of an outsider becoming a common law spouse to a Quilombola. Most Quilombolas do not officially marry.  Therefore, many of the men and women have several common law spouses within a lifetime. Quilombolas generally have common law marriages with their relatives. Incest takes place in many Quilombos.

·                             We have never seen a computer in a Quilombo. We have only seen one senior high school, grades 9-11, in a Quilombo.             The vast majority of Quilombolas appear to have never traveled outside of their village.  The exceptions are men and women who are contracted for manual labor for three to four months in various industries in major cities.

·                       Their greatest need is Spiritual. Most live in fear of spirits,  incantations,  and in extreme spiritual darkness. Their eternity hinges on hearing the Gospel.

      Pray that the Quilombolas will be reached with the Gospel. This is an enormous challenge. Pray for Keith and Deborah Jefferson as they lead the Quilombo Team in Brazil. Pray for more workers for the harvest. You may be one of those God is calling. Pray with an open heart. Pray, please  Pray! 

INDIGENOUS of Brazil

           There are still 227 Unreached Indigenous groups in Brazil totaling approximately 700,000 people. There are 593 restricted areas marked off for Indigenous Peoples. Right at 50% of these live in Urban situations. There are specific Brazilian laws that complicate this work for any group trying to reach these groups.
          All of that said, each of these groups must be reached with the Gospel. Each group must have the opportunity to hear, understand, and respond. For which group will you and your church take responsibility? Find out how your church can be a Strategy Coordinator Church to reach one of these groups. The Great Commission is the responsibility of every Christian and every Church. Click the name of each group listed below and read the "link" as you pray for each one.....

Aikanã Aikewara Akuntsu Amanayé Anambé Aparai Apiaká Apinajé Apurinã Arapaso Arara Arara do Rio Branco Arara Shawãdawa Araweté Arikapu Aruá AshaninkaAsurini do Tocantins Asurini do Xingu Atikum Avá-Canoeiro Aweti Bakairi Banawá Baniwa Bará Barasana Bororo Canela ChiquitanoCinta larga Coripaco Deni Desana Djeoromitxí Dow Enawenê-nawê Etnias do Rio Negro Fulni-ô Galibi do Oiapoque Galibi-Marworno Gavião ParkatêjêGavião Pykopjê Guajá Guajajara Guarani Kaiowá Guarani Mbya Guarani Ñandeva Guató Hupda Ikolen IkpengIngarikó Iranxe Manoki Jamamadi Jarawara Jenipapo-Kanindé Jiahui Juma Ka'apor Kadiwéu Kaiabi Kaingang Kalapalo Kamaiurá Kambeba KanamariKanoê Kantaruré Karajá Karajá do Norte Karapanã Karipuna de Rondônia Karipuna do Amapá Karitiana Karo Katukina do Rio Biá Katukina Pano Kaxarari Kaxinawá KaxuyanaKayapó Kinikinau Kiriri Kisêdjê Kokama Kotiria Krahô Krenak Kubeo Kuikuro Kulina Kwazá Maku Makuna Makurap Makuxi Manchineri Marubo MatipuMatis Matsés Maxakali Mehinako Menky Manoki Miranha Mirity-tapuya Munduruku Nadob Nahukuá Nambikwara Nawa Nukini Ofaié Palikur Panará PankaruParakanã Parintintin Pataxó Hã-Hã-Hãe Paumari Pirahã Pira-tapuya Pitaguary Rikbaktsa Sakurabiat Sateré Mawé Siriano Surui Paiter Tapeba Tapirapé TarianaTaurepang Tembé Tenharim Terena Ticuna Timbira Tiriyó Torá Trumai Tukano Tumbalalá Tupari Tupiniquim Tuyuka Umutina Uru-Eu-Wau-WauWaimiri Atroari Waiwai Wajãpi Wajuru Wapixana Wari' Waujá Wayana Xerente Xetá Xikrin Kayapó Xingu Xipaya Xokleng YaminawáYanomami Yawalapiti Yawanawá Ye'kuana Yudjá Yuhupde Zo'é Zoró Zuruahã