
July 7, 2017 Worldly
Stuff
Francis (not his real
name) is a good Christian brother who shared his life verse about finances
early this week:
One
person gives freely, yet gains even more;
Another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
A generous person will prosper;
Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
--- Prov 11:24-25
Ever since Francis
learned of this verse when he turned 17, he has never been in debt and
almost always pays in cash. He retired in his 50s and then later worked
caring for elderly gentlemen. For most of his life he was only earning
minimum wage yet he has (and continues to) support 8 orphans (used to
be 10 until he retired again). Amazingly, he managed to buy cars for his
2 brothers who were in need (paid in cash). He earned more than enough
for his retirement. He lives simply and drives an old car without AC.
With his inheritance money from land from his native Philippines, he is
giving it away to his house helper who became a full time minister.
Francis is single.
He was never blessed with a woman and children to care for. He said he
has suffered loneliness but his loneliness has pushed him closer to God.
And God has been faithful. I jokingly asked if singleness was his secret,
but he quickly pointed out single friends who are in debt. No, it was
God blessing his stewardship of the finances entrusted to him.
When I asked him how
difficult it would be for someone already in debt to follow his example,
he reminded me of the woman who gave all she had (Luke 21:4). When you
believe that everything you own comes from a powerful God who loves you
and wants the best for you, worldly logic takes a back seat to allow God
to will a miracle.
Francis has blessed
me and I hope he has blessed you too. I wish I could take a leap of faith
like that. I know it's hard. But I realize if it were easy, it wouldn't
be called FAITH.
TGIF people!
Noah
Part 2 Contributed by
Tom of Pasadena, CA
In the year 2017, the Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in America
and said:

"Once again,
the earth has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all
flesh before me. Build another ark and save 2 of every living thing along
with a few good humans."
He gave Noah the blueprints,
saying: "You have 6 months to build the ark before I will start
the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights."
Six months later,
the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard --- but no ark.
"Noah!,"
He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the ark?"

"Forgive me,
Lord," begged Noah, "but things have changed. I needed a building
permit. I've been arguing with the boat inspector about the need
for a sprinkler system.

"My neighbors
claim that I've violated the neighborhood by-laws by building the ark
in my backyard and exceeding the height limitations. We had to go to the
local Planning Committee for a decision."
"Then the local
Council and the electric company demanded a shed load of money
for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions,
to clear the passage for the ark's move to the sea. I told them that the
sea would be coming to us, but they would hear none of it."

"Getting the
wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local trees in order
to save the Greater Spotted Barn Owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists
that I needed the wood to save the owls ---- but no go!"

"When I started
gathering the animals the ASPCA took me to court. They insisted
that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the
accommodations were too restrictive and it was cruel and inhumane to put
so many animals in a confined space."
"Then the Environmental
Protection Agency ruled that I couldn't build the ark until they'd
conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.

"I'm still trying
to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how
many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew."
"The Immigration
Dept. is checking the visa status of most of the people who want to
work."
"The trade
unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union
workers with ark-building experience."
"To make matters
worse, the IRS seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave
the country illegally with endangered species."
"So, forgive
me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this ark."
Suddenly the skies
cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky.
Noah looked up in
wonder and asked, "You mean you're not going to destroy the world?"

"No,"
said the Lord. "The Government beat me to it."
Senior
Shock Contributed by
Naomi of North Hollywood, CA

TGIF Videos

Magic
Pranks Sent by Art of Sierra Madre, CA
Another set
of pranks. No explanation needed.
|

Bud's
Patriotic Commercial Sent by Charlie of New Jersey
Remember Adam
Driver, the Bad Guy in Star Wars? He delivers a gift to a soldier's
family. Many complain about the war but there are those who look
at it as their patriotic duty to serve. Tearful.
|

History
of the Star Spangled Banner Debbie of Moreno Valley, CA
America just
recently celebrated its independence. Here's a good history of how
the National Anthem came about. No wonder it brings tears whenever
it is sang.
Good story telling.
|
Parting
Shot Thanks
to Charlie of New Jersey

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Comments
Anonymous
Sat, 07/22/2017 - 16:07
Permalink
Guilty
Dear Raoul,
I smiled and felt somewhat guilty. The life verse you quoted this morning is right on the mark and is practiced by t.Ernie. Unfortunately, I am not there yet :-).
t.Tina of New York
Anonymous
Sat, 07/22/2017 - 16:08
Permalink
Thanks
Thanks for sharing.
Merwynn of Covina, CA
Anonymous
Sat, 07/22/2017 - 16:10
Permalink
Religious Frustration
As much as I enjoy your TGIF and keeping in touch, I'm beginning to be a little frustrated with the continuing religious dogma. I understand your belief and dedication and your desire to have everybody see "the light", I find it off-putting and it's beginning to overshadow the TGIF idea.
- Just my opinion
Naomi of N Hollywood, CA
Anonymous
Sat, 07/22/2017 - 16:14
Permalink
Fabulous!
Thank you !! And thanks for the 'tearjerker' warning, the message was Fabulous !!
Amy E.
Anonymous
Sat, 07/22/2017 - 16:16
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Make me Laugh
Hey Raoul! You make me laugh and I love it and the final cartoon says it all.
Heather of Whittier, CA
Anonymous
Sat, 07/22/2017 - 16:17
Permalink
2 words
Love it.
Thanks
Jacqueline of Pasadena, CA