AN AMAZING FACT: In 1961, 21-year-old civil rights activist John Lewis got off a bus in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Upon entering a “whites only” waiting room, he was attacked and beaten bloody by a young white man named Elwin Wilson. Years later, the two met in person and Wilson apologized for his actions. Lewis responded, “I forgive you. I don’t have any ill feelings, any bitterness, any malice.”  The atmosphere in the southern United States during the Civil Rights movement was full of explosive tension. As the movement for racial equality gained momentum, non-violent demonstrations were often met with violence and even death. Young John Lewis, who would later become a senator, survived more than one brutal attack. But this situation ended differently, with resolution and forgiveness. Wilson apologized, reporting that he had found the Lord and recognized his wrong; Lewis described it as a moment of grace and forgiveness, representing what the struggle was about. In Matthew, Jesus shares a story with His disciples about an ungrateful servant who, after having been forgiven of his debts, went after a fellow servant who owed him a small sum and threw him in prison. The angry master sent the first servant back to prison. Jesus told the disciples, “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” John Lewis made that difficult choice. Rather than harboring anger for how unjustly he had been treated, he chose to forgive from his heart. We might not have experienced a violent physical attack, but most of us have been wronged in some way. Will we choose to forgive? KEY BIBLE TEXTS Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.  – Matthew 18:32-35 Source: The AF Daily Devotional  These readings are taken from the Moving Mountains Daily Devotional. Click here to order your...

Appendicitis This is an inflammation of the appendix,(a tube of tissue connected to the large intestine.) The symptoms include sharp pain in the lower right abdomen, the pain typically begins around your navel and then shifts to your lower right abdomen. Appendicitis pain  increases over a period of 12 to 18 hours and gradually becomes very severe’. Thefirst symptom is often pain around your belly button. (See: Abdominal pain) The pain may be minor at first, but it becomes more sharp and severe. Your appetite will be reduced, and you may have nausea, vomiting, and a low fever.  Symptoms of Appendicitis? The classic symptoms of appendicitis include: Dull pain near the navel or the upper abdomen that becomes sharp as it moves to the lower right abdomen. This is usually the first sign. Loss of appetite Nausea and/or vomiting soon after abdominal pain begins Abdominal swelling Fever of 99-102 degrees Fahrenheit Inability to pass gas Almost half the time, other symptoms of appendicitis appear, including: Dull or sharp pain anywhere in the upper or lower abdomen, back, or rectum Painful urination Vomiting that precedes the abdominal pain Severe cramps Constipation or diarrhea with gas If you have any of these symptoms, go to the ER. An infected appendix must be surgically removed or it will eventually burst, spreading the infection within the abdomen. This can result in life-threatening complications. Read more about Appendicitis here Sources: Medical Encyclopedia, Appendicitis WebMD, Appendicitis National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/appendicitis/DS00274,  U.S. National Library of Medicine – The World’s Largest Medical Library...

Definition of JOY : [a:] the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires : delight  [b:] the expression or exhibition of such emotion : gaiety [c:] a state of happiness or felicity : bliss [d:] a source or cause of delight    “God is the source of life and light and joy to the universe. Like rays of light from the sun, like the streams of water bursting from a living spring, blessings flow out from Him to all His creatures. And wherever the life of God is in the hearts of men, it will flow out to others in love and blessing.” From Steps to Christ p.78 –  Ellen G. White    Verses from the Bible on Joy (KJV) “Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” Proverbs 15:13 “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16 “Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20 “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” Psalm 126:5 “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”  1 Thessalonians 5:18 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”  James 1:2-4  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.” Galatians 5:22 ” Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. “Luke 15:10 ” Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:24 ” But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:13 ” For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”  Psalms 30:5 “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his...

Royal Superstar! by Dianna Martin Today I realized since before birth I was destined to become a Royal Superstar. As you can see being royal is not easy, but things always come together for my good. If you are wondering how can this be, Dianna a celebrity? Well, listen closely! Every event in my life has been guided and produced by the greatest producer in the world. I have starred in many great productions and some of the best known to mankind. These films are the result of my personal decisions and life’s response to them. I will admit, all of my films are not always recorded with innocence, at times, there can be mistakes. However, my producer continues to give me opportunities to be chosen for the best roles at the right time in my life. He specializes in forgiving my mistakes, strengthening me in all of my weaknesses, and picking me up each time I have disappointed him, myself, or those around me. My producer not only cares about my life, but he has cared for everyone around me. Therefore, I would to take this moment to personally, “thank each of my stars and co-stars” which are my family and friends. In every part of my life you have played a significant role whether or not you were aware. You see, my producer has challenged me on many levels and today I am introducing you to my producer, God. In addition, I want to pass a challenge on to you. If you accept, your life will have a unique transformation; this is a promise, because I stand as a witness. My challenge to you is to look back on your life and ask yourself who has been the producer in your life and what kind of relationship do you have with them? If you are unable to reflect or relate, then, remind yourself of the life challenges you had to overcome to be where you are today. What life choices were you subconsciously guided to make? If your memories have touched a soft spot in your heart and made you cry, it is OKAY! They say having these feelings opens the doorway to mental freedom and crying has a way of cleaning up the issues and mistakes, in which, we find a hard time forgiving ourselves for. If you have come this far in reading this message, I urge you to take a second look at your life in order to know the royalties you possess as a child of God. The gifts and talents you have been given are free. They are free because someone stepped in on your behalf to claim your life and forgive...

 Verses from the Bible Genesis 1:1 – In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 3:1-24 -[The Temptation and Fall of Man] Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?   (Read More…) Genesis 50:20 – But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Exodus 9:16 – And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee My power; and that My name may be declared throughout all the earth. Deuteronomy 33:26-29 – There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.  (Read More…) Joshua 24:15 – And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. 1 Chronicles 29:11 – Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. 2 Chronicles 20:5-12 – And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court,    (Read More…) Psalms 3:1-8 – (A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.) LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.     (Read More…) Psalms 22:28 – For the kingdom [is] the LORD’S: and he is the governor among the nations. Psalms 24:1 – (A Psalm of David.) The earth is the LORD’S, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. Psalms 47:1 – (To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.) O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. Psalms 99:1-9 – The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: He sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.     (Read More…) Psalms 115:3 – But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased. Proverbs 16:4 – The LORD hath made all things for Himself: yea, even the wicked...

Star Fruit also known as (Carambola) is rich in antioxidants, potassium, and vitamin C; and low in sugar, sodium, and acid. It is also a potent source of both primary and secondary polyphenolic antioxidants.  Averrhoa carambola has both antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.  Extracts showed antimicrobial activity against E. coli, Klebsiella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Wikepedia] Health Benefits Star fruit ( Carambola) an excellent source of Vitamin C which is important to the health of our body. It helps in maintaining bones, teeth, mucous membranes, skin and improve the immune system.. A single slice of star fruit has 37.2 mg of Vitamin C (USDA.nutrition data) The fruit has beta-carotene, which can be converted into retinol or vitamin A in your body for good vision and appetite.  The star fruit is rich in soluble fiber, which can be useful to reduce cholesterol levels and keep your bowels healthy. The star fruit provides little amounts of the B vitamins such as vitamin B5  and the derivatives may help lower cholesterol and speed up wound recovery. Star fruit also contains folate or vitamin B9 that is essential for preventing birth defects as well as for reducing the risk of stroke and heart attacks. Note : If you have Kidney problems check with your doctors before eating star fruit.  On Hemodialysis or starting hemodialysis Always AVOID star fruit (carambola). [The National Kidney Foundation] Disclaimer Sources:  Fruits of warm climate. Julia F. Morton, Florida Gardener....

“There is no valley, there is no darkness There is no sorrow greater than the grace of Jesus. There is no moment, there is no distance, There is no heartbreak He can’t take you through. So before you think that you’re too lost to save, Remember there is nothing greater than grace.” Point of Grace in the Crystal Cathedral. “There is Nothing Greater Than Grace.” This song is written by Marshall Hall, Sam Mizell, Antonio Neal. It’s been arranged/adapted by Marc...