National Prayer Day Approaching

May 1st is our National Day of Prayer. Just thought I would give you a few days to think about what is in your heart. I was wondering if perhaps it might be worth some thought to think about our needs on a smaller scale. When we think of the "nation", of course, peace would be right at the top of the list. That is something very valuable to me and an issue I address in prayer daily. I know, peace must begin with me. So, with that in mind, I will begin the day praying for peace of mind for all those who are in my circle.....and friends, I have learned, that means I will be praying for myself as well.
May any issue of peace that you are dealing with be given to the King of Peace.
Again, you remain in my prayers.
Pat Howes
Prayer Minister Holy Cross MCC Pensacola FL.

We Are Called To Be Like Children

I am so blessed to tutor 2 afternoons a week. I have 2 of the greatest children on the face of the earth to share life with me. One, Annie, I have worked with for over 2 years. Annie represents what I think the Lord was talking about when He spoke of being like a child. She loves life, she has to work hard, friends are few but those she has are cherished gifts, she hurts when others hurt, she never brags, never says an unkind word. Even when she is trying to explain something that has happened, she never blames or speaks ill of others. She is quite a remarkable 11 year old.

Yesterday we were working on some Math, which was mastered on Tuesday and forgotten by Wednesday. I asked her to try to explain to me why she got confused, was she mixing the concepts perhaps? After attempting to explain, she just looked at me and said, " I don't know, it just blew out of my brain." Annie also has a great sense of humor, we both laughed.

My brain got to thinking after I left Annie, just what has been blown out of my brain! I got to thinking, what would I never want to give up knowing, believing. I realized after coming up with a rather long list, the only thing I never want to "blow out of my brain" is the fact that I have the 24/7 love of my God. All the rest, as important as it seems, is really not that important. Does that mean I do not have important information, memories, dates, names, knowledge stored? Of course not. We all have information stored that we deal with on a daily basis, some information on a back burner, and some ready at a moments notice. But what is really important?

May God bless each of you.
Pat Howes Prayer Minister Holy Cross MCC Pensacola, FL

Words Can Kill

Words can kill everything from a reputation to a person's spirit. Lord, please protect my mouth from spreading death. The following is borrowed from the "Vision of Ministry"
Pat Howes...Prayer Minister

"Scripture: Leviticus 19:16
"Don't spread gossip and rumors” MSG
According to the dictionary I am known as “general talk that is damaging to one’s reputation.”

And when I speak --- you better believe people stop whatever they are doing and listen: My Name Is Gossip.I am nobody's friendI maim without killingI gather strength with ageI am cunning and maliciousI break hearts and ruin livesI have no respect for justiceI make headlinesI make headachesI make heartachesI ruin careersI end ministriesI generate griefI ruin marriagesI destroy familiesI spawn suspicionI trigger indigestionI topple governmentsI cause sleepless nightsI make innocent people cryThe more I am quotedThe more I am believedI flourish everywhere I goMy victims are helplessI have no name and no faceTo track me down is impossibleThe harder you try, the more elusive I becomeOnce I tarnish a reputation, it is never the same
I AM CALLED GOSSIP.
Shop gossipParty gossipOffice gossipChurch gossipOn-line gossipTelephone gossipBefore passing on a questionable story ask:Is it true?Is it fair?Is it necessary?Would I want this said about me?"

Prayer: Father help me to speak words of respect, love and kindness that reflect you. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!