A joyful reunion awaits your arrival.... That is my mantra.... I'm not rushing it God but I'm counting on it...<>I  got some stuff I really liked in my email today.... This one kind of fits in with the above... Awaiting our day An old missionary couple returning to the States after many years of service in Africa. They happened to be on the same ship to New York as President Theodore Roosevelt, who was returning from a big game hunt in Africa. As the ship pulled past the Statue of Liberty and into the dock, huge crowds were gathered to welcome him home. The press was out in full force, and thousands of people had come to get a glimpse of the president. In the middle of the chaos, the aged missionary couple fought their way through the crowds with their large suitcases in tow. Silently they hailed a cab and made their way to a cheap hotel. The missionary sat on the bed and said to his wife, "It just doesn't seem right. We gave our lives to Christ to win souls for the Kingdom in Africa, and when we arrive home there is no one here to meet us. The president shoots a few animals and receives a royal welcome." His wife sat beside him on the bed and said softly, "That's because we're not home yet, dear." It may seem at times as if our work for Christ is going unnoticed. Faith doesn't bring a lot of praise on this earth. But that's only because our trip is not yet over. Our day will come, you can be sure. And when it does, the ceremony will last for an eternity.I need no marching bands... no plaques, no honorary titles... My reward is that joyful reunion....   And another... Just something I wanted to share....<> MERRY CHRISTMAS/HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS Dear Children, It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival; although, I do appreciate being remembered any time. How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth just, GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Now, having said that let Me go on.      If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a        scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas      and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front      lawn.     If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a     scene on the town square because there would be many of them all     around town.     Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a     holiday     tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all     trees. You can and may remember Me anytime you see any tree.     Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a     teaching that explains who I am in relation to you and what each of     our tasks are. If you forgot that one, look at John 15:1-8.     If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is     My wish list. Choose something from it.           1.    Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My              birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to                 soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely              this time of year.  I know, because they tell Me all the time.           2.    Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them              personally. They just need to know that someone cares about                         them.       3.   Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on             the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and             tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year.              Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.      4.    Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't             afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them                 the story of My birth and why I came to live with you down              here.  Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.      5.   Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him            or her.      6.   Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take            their own life this season because they feel so alone and             hopeless?   Since you don't know who that person is, try giving            everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.            Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they             talk with people like that every day.      7.   Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town            calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there.             Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't             allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas," that doesn't keep you            from wishing them one.  Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If            the store didn't make so much money on that day, they'd close            and let their employees spend the day at home with their            families.           8.   If you really want to make a difference, support a             missionary, especially one who takes My love and Good News to             those who have ever heard My name. You may already know              someone like that.           9.   Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families             in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but              neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you             don't know them (and I suspect you don't), buy some food and              a few gifts and give them to the Marines, the Salvation Army or              some other charity that believes in Me and they will make the             delivery for you.     10.   Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief             in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do               things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let             people know by your actions that you are one of mine.     P.S.   Don't forget; I can take care of Myself.     Just love Me and do what I have told you to do.     I'll take care of all the rest.     Check out the list above and get to work; time is short.     I'll help you, but it is now up to you.     I'll do My job, but I won't do your job.     And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those you love     and, remember,         I LOVE YOU.      Jesus