Harefoot, in the above post, Spanish was simply chosen for fun, and due to the fact that so many of the "poor" South of us speak this language. Glad you liked the tweaked communique'.  Needless to say, one can be poor and yet very rich in SPIRIT.  And like Kari states, let's redeem the time and be of use physically and spiritually in this life. Matthew 6:19-21   -  There is even more than just happiness or contentment in this life - for example as a further extension to contentment, there is pure - JOY. Experiencing the pure unadulterated JOY of being Alive -  Also the pure JOY of knowing, and having awareness in one's heart of hearts, concerning the beauty of GOD's Plan.

When my wife Barbara was down in Central America doing a Medical Mission with other nurses and doctors, she was impressed with the attitudes of the people who were seeking medical attention.  They were dirt poor, but kept themselves and their children clean as whistles. They seemed incredibly beyond being happy and content, they seemed to be truly  'A Joyous People'. Unlike their brothers and sisters in North America who seem often to be quite   jaded and discontent with life. Up here, we seem to have been fed  "The Great American Dream lie" you know, the opportunity to be a  "True American Success Story".    Like you say Trydude, minimalistic work or living definitely has it merits. These people also had an   'Extreme Attitude of Gratitude'.   Because of this  'attitude'  they had great 'JOY'. Where did this attitude of gratefulness come from? They seemed to be so grateful to the Doctors and Nurses, but ultimately very thankful to GOD for LIFE and for the help that had arrived. They lived in cardboard shacks and only had the clothes on their backs. There seemed to be little or no competition, they were purely enjoying LIFE and being ALIVE. Ironically, it seems as though people often loose this attitude of gratefulness when they become rich and independent. But when in need of help and dirt poor, and life's basic needs start being met, a true gratefulness for the help and LIFE itself, really begins to shine through. Perhaps we can all learn from these   "poor"   people -                               GWB- you know that the type of contentment that comes from having the toughest dog on the block only lasts a short time, eventually he will become old and useless. 

Approximately 2000 years ago the Holy Spirit fell on the 120 gathered in the upper room. Right there in Jerusalem, the City of GOD's Peace, the Holy Spirit came down in a glorious flooding wave. And Peter preached that day and 3,000 were saved. We are now in the 21st century. We have heard much talk and much preaching concerning a 'Latter Rain Revival' also known as 'Joel's Outpouring' or 'Hosea's Revival'. While we have seen some showers of Holy Spirit revival in the past century it doesn't seem that they have come anywhere near the glory that was described in scripture. The Pentecostal movement itself, which began early in the 20th century, has faded to great extent. It now seems to be just another denomination. Much excitement often occurs around local revivals, it does not seem to me that we have yet seen this Great Latter rain as described in the Old Testament. But we must not lose hope.The scriptures clearly tell of a genuine Blockbuster Holy Spirit revival which will power up towards the End of this Age. (Joel 2:28-32, Isaiah 60:1-5, Zechariah 12:10-13:1 etc.) If the revivals we have today all seem to wind down, then all this means to me is that there is still something much bigger coming our way. Some think that the Latter Rain revival is the revival some people have been experiencing in various places like Toronto and Brownsville. But the true great Latter Rain and outpouring may be much closer than we think. It is not to be confused with the present day so-called 'Latter Rain Movement' or the 'Kingdom Now Movement' that is now prominent in some Church circles. These groups seem to be joining up with some of the ecumenical movements. Here is the big question, are these movements the final ultimate Big Outpouring of GOD's spirit? Is the LR Movement that we see in these churches the genuine Latter Rain Revival that Joel saw and wrote so vividly about in Joel 2:28-32? It is my suspicion that what Joel talks about is going to be on a Grand Global Scale and it is believed, will come in waves of indescribable splendor probably just before or during the Great Tribulation itself. Joel seemed to see this Epic future Outpouring of the GOD's Spirit climaxing with the encirclement of Jerusalem by the armies at the very End of the Age. I guess the next question should be, do we see armies that are beginning to encircle this Holy City again? -

I sort of thought so     Thanks for the feedback -   you too Trydude -  Hope to visit you all  in person sometime maybe we can play it in person    -  Please don't let me interfere with the interaction here though  - cousin  bob

Thinking you are right GWB - unless of course Newt or Willard were to super falter.

Kari many of the Biologist's will bring up other postulates concerning the origin of man such as Intelligent Design. Some would be more discretely supportive for Creative/Intelligent Design than you might imagine. Not all refer to Evolution as fact and most recognize that it is a theory.  It is true that there is a atheistic aspect to Science and naturally so.  Scientist want to be able to prove everything, feel it, touch it and measure it.- they want to use proper mathematical analysis to see if the results of the experiment support or refute their hypothesis etc. It seems that it is naturally difficult for such people to rely on faith as opposed to demanding concrete results. There are definitely 'reasons to believe' but those who opt to believe otherwise, are usually not going to be convinced, unless they too, have had their own personal experience with GOD.

Wow,   I have been interchanging with a relative, pleased to meet you Ashley, so yes, that sure does make us cousins, a little bit removed - but nevertheless cousins, that is great.  Look forward to meeting you sometime.

 GWB  I think Kari’s above point is related to, WWJD, especially in relation to the dilution of Judeo Christian Principles here in America and is worthy to look at . Throughout Biblical history when the Israelites would mix or intermarry with other nations, they inevitably brought back with them the pagan cultures, religion, their idols and their traditions.  God warned them over and over against this.  Now in context with the open door emigration policies here in US -  WWJD?   First of all HE never got involved in the politics, HE had a completely different task in this life.  However, I do know that he also was well aware of the social distinctions of Religion & Culture. Since this is our relationship to GOD we are talking about and not politics - Would HE. for example, think that it would be a good idea for America to incorporate Sharia law?  I suspect that he would be very opposed to other religions being able to dictate or take over the Judeo –Christian set of beliefs     WDYT  ?

  Santorum seems to have considerable experience for his age, and he represents desirable values. However, the Republicans are still having a struggle finding that 'outstanding leader'. Maybe he could become 'the one' theyhave been looking for. What would be his chances against Obama, not certain? It appears that a significant portion of Bachmann's supporters are shifting to Santorum. Perhaps his opportunity for success would be greater than Romney's. -  This has got to be one of the strangest Republican races in our lifetime!

 Remembering that this year provides one more opportunity to love GOD and all of his children -