my closest friend has died. He was always there for me, no matter what. A good and true friend. At 34 a tragic waste of a young life. I will miss him.

My thoughts are with his family.

The master of Kennin temple was Mokurai, Silent Thunder. He had a little protégé named Toyo who was only twelve years old. Toyo saw the older disciples visit the master's room each morning and evening to receive instruction in sanzen or personal guidence in which they were given koans to stop mind-wandering.

Toyo wished to do sanzen also.

"Wait a while," said Mokurai. "You are too young."

But the child insisted, so the teacher finally consented.

In the evening little Toyo went at the proper time to the threshold of Mokurai's sanzen room. He struck the gong to announce his presence, bowed respectfully three times outside the door, and went to sit before the master in respectful silence.

"You can hear the sound of two hands when they clap together," said Mokurai. "Now show me the sound of one hand."

Toyo bowed and went to his room to consider this problem. From his window he could hear the music of the geishas. "Ah, I have it!" he proclaimed.

The next evening, when his teacher asked him to illustrate the sound of one hand, Toyo began to play the music of the geishas.

"No, no," said Mokurai. "That will never do. That is not the sound of one hand. You've not got it at all."

Thinking that such music might interrupt, Toyo moved his abode to a quiet place. He meditated again. "What can the sound of one hand be?" He happened to hear some water dripping. "I have it," imagined Toyo.

When he next appeared before his teacher, he imitated dripping water.

"What is that?" asked Mokurai. "That is the sound of dripping water, but not the sound of one hand. Try again."

In vain Toyo meditated to hear the sound of one hand. He heard the sighing of the wind. But the sound was rejected.

He heard the cry of an owl. This was also refused.

The sound of one hand was not the locusts.

For more than ten times Toyo visited Mokurai with different sounds. All were wrong. For almost a year he pondered what the sound of one hand might be.

At last Toyo entered true meditation and transcended all sounds. "I could collect no more," he explained later, "so I reached the soundless sound."

Toyo had realized the sound of one hand.

happy easter all:)

Because you have seen me,
you have believed;
Blessed are those that have not seen
and yet have believed.
John 20;29 (NIV)
May this Easter truly bless you
as you have been a blessing
to all who know you.
Happy Easter!

You will enjoy reading this. The entire Easter story in single-word sentences. Max Lucado is brilliant and inspired by God. If you know the story at all, this will move you as your mind fills in the rest of the story from just a single word reminder. Feel free to read the last 3 words out loud!In God I trust,

RADIANT

The UpWords Weekly Email Devotional
MaxLucado.com/newsletter/
Easter 2006
_________________________________
EASTER SERMONS
Download free Easter MP3 sermons from Max:
http://maxlucado.com/easter/

_________________________________
ALIVE!
by Max Lucado

ROAD. DARK. STARS. SHADOWS. FOUR. SANDALS. Robes. Quiet. Suspense. Grove. Trees. Alone. Questions. Anguish. “Father!” Sweat. God. Man. God-Man. Prostrate. Blood. “NO!” “Yes.” Angels. Comfort.

Footsteps. Torches. Voices. Romans. Surprise. Swords. Kiss. Confusion. Betrayal. Fearful. Run! Bound. Wrists. Marching.

Courtyard. Priests. Lamps. Sanhedrin. Caiaphas. Sneer. Silk. Arrogance. Beard. Plotting. Barefoot. Rope. Calm. Shove. Kick. Annas. Indignant. Messiah? Trial. Nazarene. Confident. Question. Answer. Punch!

Peter. “Me?” Rooster. Thrice. Guilt.

Proceedings. Court. Rejection. Prosecute. Weary. Pale. Witnesses. Liars. Inconsistent. Silence. Stares. “Blasphemer!” Anger. Waiting. Bruised. Dirty. Fatigued. Guards. Spit. Blindfold. Mocking. Blows. Fire. Twilight.

Sunrise. Golden. Jerusalem. Temple. Passover. Lambs. Lamb. Worshipers. Priests. Messiah. Hearing. Fraud. Prisoner. Waiting. Standing. Shifting. Strategy. “Pilate!” Trap. Murmurs. Exit.

Stirring. Parade. Crowd. Swell. Romans. Pilate. Toga. Annoyed. Nervous. Officers. Tunics. Spears. Silence. “Charge?” “Blasphemy.” Indifference. Ignore. (Wife. Dream.) Worry. Interview. Lips. Pain. Determined. “King?” “Heaven.” “Truth.” “Truth?” Sarcasm. (Fear.) “Innocent!” Roar. Voices. “Galilean!” “Galilee?” “Herod!”

9:00 A.M. Marchers. Palace. Herod. Fox. Schemer. Paunchy. Crown. Cape. Scepter. Hall. Elegance. Silence. Manipulate. Useless. Vexed. Revile. Taunt. “King?” Robe. Theatrical. Cynical. Hateful. “Pilate!”

Marching. Uproar. Prisoner. Hushed. Pilate. “Innocent!” Bedlam. “Barabbas!” Riot. Despair. Christ. Bare. Rings. Wall. Back. Whip. Slash. Scourge. Tear. Bone. Moan. Flesh. Rhythm. Silence. Whip! Silence. Whip! Silence. Whip! Thorns. Stinging. Blind. Laughter. Jeering. Scepter. Slap. Governor. Distraught. (Almost.) Eyes. Jesus. Decision. Power. Freedom? Threats. Looks. Yelling. Weak. Basin. Water. Swayed. Compromise. Blood. Guilt.

Soldiers. Thieves. Crosspiece. Shoulder. Heavy. Beam. Heavy. Sun. Stagger. Incline. Houses. Shops. Faces. Mourners. Murmurs. Pilgrims. Women. Tumble. Cobblestone. Exhaustion. Gasping. Simon. Pathetic. Golgotha.

Skull. Calvary. Crosses. Execution. Death. Noon. Tears. Observers. Wails. Wine. Nude. Bruised. Swollen. Crossbeam. Sign. Ground. Nails. Pound. Pound. Pound. Pierced. Contorted. Thirst. Terrible. Grace. Writhing. Raised. Mounted. Hung. Suspended. Spasms. Heaving. Sarcasm. Sponge. Tears. Taunts. Forgiveness. Dice. Gambling. Darkness.

Absurdity.

Death. Life.

Pain. Peace.

Condemn. Promise.

Nowhere. Somewhere.

Him. Us.

“Father!” Robbers. Paradise. Wailing. Weeping. Stunned. “Mother.” Compassion. Darkness. “My God!” Afraid. Scapegoat. Wilderness. Vinegar. “Father.” Silence. Sigh. Death. Relief.

Earthquake. Cemetery. Tombs. Bodies. Mystery. Curtain. Spear. Blood. Water. Spices. Linen. Tomb. Fear. Waiting. Despair. Stone. Mary. Running. Maybe? Peter. John. Belief. Enlightenment. Truth. Mankind. Alive. Alive. Alive!

_________________________________
From No Wonder They Call Him the Savior
Copyright 1986, Max Lucado
http://www.maxlucado.com/shop/detail2.php?pid=B102H

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

May Our Heavenly Father strengthen & heal you by His shedded Blood. There is Power in the Blood!! In the Name of Jesus I pray! AMEN

For those of you that have been playing online with freddiemc and are wondering why she hasn't been playing her games. She passed away suddenly on March 12th. I have just received an e-mail from her son as I've been really worried about her absence in our games. Please keep her family in your prayers. Thanks.

EASTER STORY COOKIES
To be made the evening before Easter.
You need:
1-cup whole pecans
1 tsp. Vinegar
3 egg whites
Pinch salt
1-cup sugar
Zipper baggie
Wooden spoon
Tape
Bible
Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important-don't wait until you're Half done with the recipe)!
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was Arrested He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.
Read John 19:1-3
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. Vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given Vinegar to drink.
Read John 19:28-30
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus Gave His life to give us life.
Read John 10:10-11
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and Brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty Tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.
Read Luke 23:27
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing.. Add 1cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.
Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks Are formed. Explain that the color white Represents --in God's eyes -- the purity of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.
Read Isa. 1:18 and John 3:1-3
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper-covered cookie Sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.
Read Matt. 27:57-60
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.
Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.
Read Matt. 27:65-66
GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in The oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb
Was sealed.
Read John 16:20 and 22
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice The cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow!
On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb Open and empty.
Read Matt. 28:1-9
Share The Easter Cookie Story With Friends and Family

FROM ANOTHER ERA

It's been said that there aren't any good old fashioned family doctors anymore because there aren't any good old fashioned families anymore. Be that true or not, with the passing of Dr. Penton Wilson last week, there is one less good old fashioned country doctor in this world, who was from another era.

Doc Wilson will be remembered by hundreds, as a fiercely independent and yes. often times unorthodox physician, old Doc practiced his unique style of medicine until they made him quit and then he did it on the side for as long as he was able. there's an old joke that the American Medical Association ordered psychiatric tests for one of it's members who was caught making house calls. If there is a kernel of truth to that quip, Doc Wilson may have been the one who inspired that gag.

Stories abound in and around this area of this kindly man from Georgia who was our only Doctor for so many many years. Stories about house calls in the middle of the night to remote places in the middle of the jillikens, on more than one occasion risking his own life to cross flooded low water bridges in the old cars he was known to nurse down these country roads long after most mechanics would have given up on them.

Doc was by no means perfect, an affliction all of us share and most admit, but he was dedicated. Toward the end of his long career he sill practiced out of his makeshift motel rooms, dispensing remedies and advice or giving "treatment" on his bench-like examining room table. He could sew you up with the best of them, the old timers say, as well as your dog or horse if they needed it.

He was famous for his "sliding fee scale" long before such practices were given that name, but rather than filling out endless forms about your family's current financial situation or entering reams of data into a computer, which he never owned, he seemed to base it simply on how much you had on you.Or how much he thought you could afford.. Doc may also have been the one who inspired the story of the practitioner who give one of his male patients six months to live. When the man hadn't paid his bill halfway through the following year, the doctor gave him another six months. Doc Wilson took a lot of IOUs, many do doubt still uncollected.

There are undoubtedly more tales of Doc Wilson's escapades than there are Medicare drug plans today,way too many to list, but almost everyone who has one says, "He helped a lot of people." Many adding"...whether they could afford it or not." Admirable epitaphs with which to leave this world.

I can still hear him say "now my little Lady or my little Man ","can you tell me where you hurt or what brings you in today?

I thought Pbarb2 would want To know that BCURB OTF Passed away 2 days ago,she was 65

friendZ:Yes he was a great part of My fellwship music trivia and knowledge and will be in the heart of that fellowship forever and greatly missed everywhere

A soldier named Nobushige came to Hakuin, and asked: "Is there really a paradise and a hell?"

"Who are you?" inquired Hakuin.

"I am a samurai," the warrior replied.

"You, a soldier!" exclaimed Hakuin. "What kind of ruler would have you as his guard? Your face looks like that of a beggar."

Nobushige became so angry that he began to draw his sword, but Hakuin continued: "So you have a sword! Your weapon is probably much too dull to cut off my head."

As Nobushige drew his sword Hakuin remarked: "Here open the gates of hell!"

At these words the samurai, perceiving the master's discipline, sheathed his sword and bowed.

"Here open the gates of paradise," said Hakuin.

Was sent this by a friend, 21 ways to become a good person. It makes alot of sense.

ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their
conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you
want.

FOUR. When you say, "I love you," mean it.

FIVE. When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.

SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.

EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dream. People who don't have dreams don't
have much.

NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only
way to live life completely.

TEN... In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.

ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives.

TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.

THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile
and ask, "Why do you want to know?"

FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great
risk.

FIFTEEN. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others;
and responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to
correct it.

TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your
voice.

TWENTY-ONE. Spend some time alone.

http://www.callingallnations.com/home_en.html


A call to Worship
A call to Prayer
A call to Mission

Calling the youth of the world and the young at heart to a day of worship and prayer.

Global Gathering
July 15th - 2006
Olympic Stadium BERLIN - GERMANY