The Ragman

[FineLinen]

Thank you Finelinen, for your wonderful stories!!


Whisper

Hi there WhisperingStarz; listening for His whisper is a wonderful state of heart and mind! Did you know scientists have just discovered the deepest hum of the universe? It is 57 octaves below our keyboard, eminating from deep space. One of the wonderful things about our glorious Father is that as the Master Tuning Fork, He hums and vibrates. And if we will but listen, and by His Spirit be grasped close to His Heart, we also will hum and vibrate in the same frequency.

Welcome WhisperingOne to the Ragman! There are many moving stories hidden beneath the pages of this little thread: I am pleased you have found some of them.

[move]"For the Father Himself dearly loves you."[/move]

 

[FineLinen]

The Two-Hundredth Hug

My father’s skin was jaundiced as he lay hooked up to monitors and intravenous tubes in the intensive care unit of the hospital. Normally a well-built man, he had lost more than 30 pounds. My father’s illness had been diagnosed as cancer of the pancreas, one of the most malignant forms of the disease.

The doctors were doing what they could but told us that he had only three to six months to live. Cancer of the pancreas does not lend itself to radiation therapy or chemotherapy, so they could offer little hope.

A few days later, when my father was sitting up in bed, I approached him and said, "Dad, I feel deeply for what’s happened to you. It’s helped me to look at the ways I’ve kept my distance and to feel how much I really love you." I leaned over to give him a hug, but his shoulders and arms became tense.

"C’mon, Dad, I really want to give you a hug."

For a moment he looked shocked. Showing affection was not our usual way of relating. I asked him to sit up some more so I could get my arms around him. Then I tried again. This time, however, he was even more tense. I could feel the old resentment starting to build up, and I began to think "I don’t need this. If you want to die and leave me with the same coldness as always, go right ahead."

For years I had used every instance of my father’s resistance and raggedness to blame him, to resent him and to say to myself, "See, he doesn’t care."

This time, however, I thought again and realized the hug was for my benefit as well as my father’s. I wanted to express how much I cared for him no matter how hard it was for him to let me in.

My father had always been very Germanic and duty-oriented; in his childhood, his parents must have taught him how to shut off his feelings in order to be a man.

Letting go of my long-held desire to blame him for our distance, I was actually looking forward to the challenge of giving him more love.

I said, "C’mon, Dad, put your arms around me." I leaned up close to him at the edge of the bed with his arms around me. "Now squeeze. That’s it. Now again, squeeze. Very good!"

In a sense I was showing my father how to hug, and as he squeezed, something happened. For an instant, a feeling of "I love you" bubbled through.

For years our greeting had been a cold and formal handshake that said, "Hello, how are you?" Now, both he and I waited for that momentary closeness to happen again.

Yet, just at the moment when he would begin to enjoy the feelings of love, something would tighten in his upper torso and our hug would become awkward and strange. It took months before his rigidness gave way and he was able to let the emotions inside him pass through his arms to encircle me.

It was up to me to be the source of many hugs before my father initiated a hug on his own. I was not blaming him, but supporting him; after all, he was changing the habits of an entire lifetime - and that takes time. I knew we were succeeding because more and more we were relating out of care and affection.

Around the two-hundredth hug, he spontaneously said out loud, for the first time I could ever recall, "I love you."

[move]"For the Father Himself dearly loves you."[/move]

 

[ICE]

Thanx, Finelinen!!

 

[FineLinen]

The Journey

When I was a young child, living with my Parents in our native land, I possessed everything I could imagine wanting.

I was nurtured in the House of Life until one day my Parents summoned me and sent me on a journey from our home in the East to a distant land. My Parents helped me prepare for this journey, giving me a bundle which they had put together for me. The bundle was large, but very light so that I could carry it easily without assistance. It contained many precious stones for my use along the way, as well as food for my journey and a passport affirming my citizenship in the Land of the East, the source of Light. They removed my Garment of Light, which they had woven for me through their Love, and the Red Coat, which showed my rank as a child of the Rulers, dressing me instead in a garment of crystals. The Garment of Light was woven to my exact size, so that it fit me perfectly, but the garment of crystals did not fit me as well.

Then my Parents made a covenant with me, writing it in my heart so that I would not forget it.

After you go down to Egypt and bring back the priceless pearl which is in the sea, in the home of the fire breathing serpent, you will again wear these Garments of Light covered by the Red Coat. You will find perfect peace and happiness, and you will be a joint-heir with your Elder Brother, possessing all that we have.

Chapter 2

I left on my journey, accompanied by two guides, for the way was dangerous and difficult, and I was very inexperienced.

Eventually we arrived at Maishan, the place between the lands. Here my guides instructed me to dress according to the style of Egypt, so that I would not be recognized as an alien, and then they left me. I proceeded to the City of Babel in the Delta of Egypt, where I took up residence in an inn in the Labyrinth, which forms the center of the city.

I immediately looked up the serpent, but I could find no way to obtain the pearl. I saw that I would have to wait for an opportunity to wrest it from him. While I was staying at the inn, lonely without my family and friends, I met a young person of noble birth from my own country who, like me, was born in the Covenant. We became close friends, and I shared with him the mission, which I had been given, warning him against the temptations and defilements of Egypt.

I had followed the instructions of my guides, dressing like an Egyptian so that they would not recognize me as an alien, but they still perceived that I was not one of their countrymen.

They tricked me into eating some of their food, so that I forgot who I was and where I had come from. I also forgot all about the pearl, which my Parents had sent me to obtain. I fell into a deep trance from which I could not awaken.

Chapter 3

My Parents perceived everything that happened to me.

They grieved for me because of the condition I was in after eating the food of the Egyptians. Gathering all their advisors, they devised a plan in my behalf, so that I would not be stranded in Egypt. Then they wrote me a letter, signed by each of their advisors. This is the text of the letter:

Greetings from your Father, the Ruler of Rulers, from your Mother, the Source of Light, and from your Elder Brother, our heir.

Although you are in Egypt, that is not your home. Open your mind to remember your origins. Perceive the reality of your present existence, where you are a slave to the forces of darkness. Remember the pearl for which you were sent to Egypt. Recall the Garments of Light and the Red Coat, which you will again wear when you have returned to us. Then your name will be inscribed in the Book of the Law with those who have been valiant in the service of Truth. You will again dwell in the House of Life where you will be a joint-heir with your Elder Brother, a ruler in our realm.

My Parents sealed the letter with their own seal, which cannot be broken by any power.

The letter assumed the form of an eagle, the ruler of all the birds, and flew off until it landed beside my bed where I was sleeping. Then it became pure sound. Hearing the sound of the letter, I awoke, picked it up, and kissed it. I began to read, and the covenant, which was sealed within me, returned to my conscious mind, for it bore the same message as the letter that I now read. I remembered that I was the child of Divine Parents, and the power of my heritage reasserted itself. I also remembered the pearl for which I had been sent to this land.

Going to the fire-breathing serpent, I began to sing a song to him, naming the names of my Father, my Mother, and my Elder Brother until he fell asleep.

Then I snatched the pearl from him and started for home where my Parents awaited me. Stripping off the filthy rags, which I had put on, I left them behind before crossing the border, and I headed directly toward the Light of our home in the East. On the road I met the letter which had awakened me; just as its voice had roused me from my slumber, its Light now guided me on my way. With its Light guiding me and its voice encouraging me, I hastened toward my Parents= Love until I had left the City of Babel far behind.

Chapter 4

Arriving at Maishan, the place between the lands, I met the guides who had previously led me there.

They carried the Garments of Light and the Red Coat, which I had left behind when I descended to Egypt. Because I had forgotten the Garment, I was amazed to look at it, for it seemed to be a mirror of myself. It was separate from me; yet we were not two but one. The guides who brought it to me were similarly separate from me, yet they were one with me. The division between us broke down as I looked at them, and we flowed into oneness. Each of them had a name written on his forehead, and when I looked at the Garment, it had the same name written on it. Touching my own forehead, I could feel the letters spelling out the same name.

One of my guides set before me the Garment of Light and the other handed me the Red Coat.

Their beauty was beyond description, and I saw knowledge moving over their surface. Then they spoke to me. AAll that you have done is reflected on us. We have increased in Light as you have worked. When you acquired the pearl, we were filled with its luster, and we have come to regain our appropriate place with you. I felt compelled to reach out to them, and they flowed over me like water, fitting themselves perfectly to me until no separation could be perceived.

I proceeded to the gate of my Parents city, where I prostrated myself before them.

I rejoiced with their mighty ones for I had done the work that I had been sent to do. I was received with rejoicing, and entered the city to bask in the presence of my Parents and my Elder Brother. I presented them with my pearl, but after holding it aloft for all to see, they placed it on my breast where it melded with me, my Garment, and my Coat. Then I was filled with Light, and I took my seat beside my Parents and my Elder Brother to feast with them in celebration of my return.

 

[MaGaZiNa]

Hello everyone!

I was just watching something on tv called "Jesus, Mary, and Da Vinci." It was all about how scholars think that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene.

I found it to be rather annoying...because WHO CARES if Jesus was married?

He is our loving sinless father and I don't think it should matter if Jesus was married. What does everyone else think?

 

[FineLinen]

Hello everyone!

I was just watching something on tv called "Jesus, Mary, and Da Vinci." It was all about how scholars think that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene.

I found it to be rather annoying...because WHO CARES if Jesus was married?

He is our loving sinless father and I don't think it should matter if Jesus was married. What does everyone else think?

Hi there Zina: I think there are still many dorks at the foot of the mountain that have never beheld the Glory One!


If you click on the following pictures, you will have an enlargement to behold one of the more recent sights of the heavens.



http://www.northernlightsnome.com/AuroraPage20.html



[move]"Many my God are Your wonderful works which You have done, and in Your plans for us there is none to equal You."[/move]

 

[Whisperingstarz]

Hello Everyone..
While FineLinen is away, I told him I would try to
pop in and post. So here I am. LOL
Since the Christmas season is almost here, I thought
I would post this story.

The Doll And The White Rose​

I hurried into the local department store to grab some last minute Christmas gifts. I looked at all the people and grumbled to myself. I would be in here forever and I just had so much to do. Christmas was beginning to become such a drag. I kinda wished that I could just sleep through Christmas. But I hurried the best I could through all the people to the toy department.


Once again I kind of mumbled to myself at the prices of all these toys. And wondered if the grand kids would even play with them. I found myself in the doll aisle. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a little boy about 5 holding a lovely doll. He kept touching her hair and he held her so gently. I could not seem to help myself. I just kept looking over at the little boy and wondered who the doll was for. I watched him turn to a woman and he called his aunt by name and said, "Are you sure I don't have enough money" She replied a bit impatiently, "You know that you don't have enough money for it. The aunt told the little boy not to go anywhere that she had to go get some other things and would be back in a few minutes. And then she left the aisle.


The boy continued to hold the doll. After a bit I asked the boy who the doll was for. He said,"It is the doll my sister wanted so badly for Christmas. She just knew that Santa would bring it." I told him that maybe Santa was going to bring it.He said "No, Santa can't go where my sister is...I have to give the doll to my Mamma to take to her." I asked him where his sister was. He looked at me with the saddest eyes and said "She was gone to be with Jesus." My Daddy says that Mama is going to have to go be with her. My heart nearly stopped beating. Then the boy looked at me again and said, "I told my
Daddy to tell Mama not to go yet. I told him to tell her to wait till I got back from the store." Then he asked me if I wanted to see his picture. I told him I would love to. He pulled out some pictures he'd had taken at the front of the store. He said "I want my Mamma to take this with her so she don't ever forget me." "I love my Mama so very much and I wish she did not have to leave me." "But Daddy says she will need to be with my sister."


I saw that the little boy had lowered his head and had grown so very quiet. While he was not looking I reached into my purse and pulled out a handful of bills. I asked the little boy, "Shall we count that money one more time?" He grew excited and said "Yes, I just know it has to be enough".


So I slipped my money in with his and we began to count it. Of course it was plenty for the doll. He softly said, "Thank you Jesus for giving me enough money." Then the boy said "I just asked Jesus to give me enough money to buy this doll so Mama can take it with her to give to my sister." "And he heard my prayer. "I wanted to ask him for enough to buy my Mama a white rose, but I didn't ask him, but he gave me enough to buy the doll and a rose for my Mama." "She loves white roses so very, very much."


In a few minutes the aunt came back and I wheeled my cart away. I could not keep from thinking about the little boy as I finished my shopping in a totally different spirit than when I had started. And I kept remembering a story I had seen in the newspaper several days earlier about a drunk driver hitting a car and killing a little girl and the Mother was in serious condition. The family was deciding on whether to remove the life support. Now surely this little boy did not belong with that story.


Two days later I read in the paper where the family had disconnected the life support and the young woman had died. I could not forget the little boy and just kept wondering if the two were somehow connected. Later that day, I could not help myself and I went out and bought some white roses and took them to the funeral home where the young woman was. And there she was holding a lovely white rose, the beautiful doll, and the picture of the little boy in the store. I left there in tears, my life changed forever.


The love that little boy had for his little sister and his mother was overwhelming. And in a split second a drunk driver had ripped the life of that little boy to pieces.

Author Unknown

 

[Whisperingstarz]

The 7 Ups

1. Wake Up !!
Decide to have a good day.
"This is the day the Lord hath made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up !!
The best way to dress up is to put on a smile.
A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.
Man looks at outward appearance,
but the Lord looks at the heart."
I Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up!!
Say nice things and learn to listen.
God gave us two ears and one mouth,
so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.
"He who guards his lips guards his soul."
Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up!!
. . . for what you believe in.
Stand for something or you will fall for anything.
"Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time,
we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good."
Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up !!
. . . to the Lord.
"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me".
Philippians 4:13

6. Reach Up !!
. . . for something higher.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and lean not unto your own understanding.
In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path."
Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up !!
. . . your Prayers.
"Do not worry about anything; instead
PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING."
Philippians 4:6

A POSITIVE THOUGHT
If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
He sends you flowers every spring, and a sunrise every morning.
Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen.
He could live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.
What about the gift He sent you in Bethlehem;
*not to mention that preparation day at Calvary.
*Face it, He loves you.

God answers Knee-Mail!

 

[MaGaZiNa]

Lucky and Mary Mary and her husband Jim had a dog, Lucky. Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy.

Inevitably someone would forget and something would come up missing. Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's favorite toys.

Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box.

It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease... she was just sure it was fatal.

She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her...what would happen to Lucky?

Although the three year old dog liked Jim he was Mary's dog through and through.

If I die Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him.

The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death. The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks.

Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully but the dog just drooped, whining and miserable.

But finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom.

Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap. Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed.

When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot.

Panic soon gave way to laughter though when Mary realized the problem.... she was covered, literally blanketed in every treasure Lucky owned!

While she had slept the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement and back bringing his beloved mistress his favorite things in life. He had covered her with his love.

Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every night.

It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free.

Lucky?

He still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure.

 

[MaGaZiNa]

Nice stories Whispering!

 

[Whisperingstarz]

Nice stories Whispering!

Thanks kiddo.. Pretty neat ones you are posting also.

Am glad to see someone else is posting.. cool beans!!

Huggiesssssssssss

 

[Whisperingstarz]

Here's another one for you.


GOD KNOWS

Author: Kelly Caron

When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless efforts....
God knows how hard you have tried.
When you've cried so long and your heart is in anguish.....
God has counted your tears.
If you feel your life is on hold and time has passed you by...
God is waiting with you.
When you're lonely and your friends are too busy even for a phone call.....
God is by your side.
When you think you've tried everything and don't know where to turn...
God has a solution.
When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated.....
God has the answer.
If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope...
God has whispered to you.
When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for.....
God has blessed you.
When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe.....
God has smiled upon you.
When you have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to follow....
God has opened your eyes and called you by name.
Remember that wherever you are or whatever you're facing.....
God knows.

 

[MaGaZiNa]

Thanks, that was good!

 

[FineLinen]

Hi there Dancing Star and Whispering Starz. I have missed you and appreciate your contribution to the thread. Keep digging deeply; FineLinen has extended travel until early Feb. /04. The Outer Laminar spheres of the unspeakable unknown beckon! May His rich Presence continue to be yours in these glorious
days of His preparation.


Heavenly Mail




http://www.promiseofgod.com/hmail/

 

[FineLinen]

Greetings again friends. The following will take a few moments to load, but I thought you might enjoy it. In His awesome love and grace, David

He Will Be

http://www.andiesisle.com/He-Will-Be.html

[move]"From now on it is not because of your testimony that we believe in Him, for now we have heard and understand, that here, truly, stands the Anointed Life-Giver of the universe."[/move]

 

[Whisperingstarz]

Hi there Dancing Star and Whispering Starz. I have missed you and appreciate your contribution to the thread. Keep digging deeply; FineLinen has extended travel until early Feb. /04. The Outer Laminar spheres of the unspeakable unknown beckon! May His rich Presence continue to be yours in these glorious days of His preparation.

FineLinen.. good to see you... I hope you enjoy your travels. How neat! Will be looking forward to hearing about your fun..

God Bless You and keep you safe...

Whisper

 

[Whisperingstarz]

Is it too soon for a Christmas story? I have one for you..


The "W" in Christmas

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful
experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive
card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet
still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious
family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.
My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting
season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for
his school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd
be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining
moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress
rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to
attend that evening were welcome to come then.
Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise. So, the
morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a
spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw
several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited,
the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their
teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one,
rose to perform their song.
Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the
holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun,
commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes
and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas
Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.
Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy
mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in
the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to
spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for
Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for
Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had
presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."
The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a
small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down
- totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W". The audience of
1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But
she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly
holding her "W".
Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter
continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it
together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In
that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we
celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, here
was a purpose for our festivities.
For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and
clear: "CHRISTWAS LOVE" And, I believe, He still is.

 

[BlackPanther]

great stories, thanks. very encouraging.

 

[MaGaZiNa]

--ULTIMATE BEAUTY TIPS:

For attractive lips: speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes: seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure: share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair: let a child run his fingers
through it once a day.

For poise: walk with the knowledge you'll never
walk alone.

 

[MaGaZiNa]

Another thing I got from an email...

Directions to Home!!!!!

I really like this one.
Someone spent a lot of time creating this...
¸... ______________
·´º o`·, /__/ _/\_ ____/\
```)¨(´´´ | | | | | | | || |l±±±±|
¸,.-·°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°·-. :º° ·~·~·-..,¸

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
DIRECTIONS TO OUR FATHER'S HOUSE.
Make a Right onto Believeth Blvd.
Keep straight and go through the Green Light, which is Jesus Christ.
There, you must turn onto the Bridge of Faith, which is over troubled
water.
When you get off the bridge, make a Right turn and Keep Straight.
You are on the King's Highway - Heaven-bound.
Keep going for three miles: One for the Father, One for the Son, and One
for the Holy Ghost.
Then exit off onto Grace Blvd.
From there, make a Right turn on Gospel Lane.
Keep Straight and th! en make another Right on Prayer Road.
As you go on your way, Yield Not to the traffic on Temptation Ave.
Also, avoid SIN STREET because it is a DEAD END.
Pass up Envy Drive, and Hate Avenue.
Also, pass Hypocrisy Street, Gossiping Lane, and Backbiting Blvd.
However, you have to go down Long-suffering Lane, Persecution Blvd. and
Trials and Tribulations Ave.
But that's all right, because VICTORY Street is straight ahead!

AMEN!!!!!