The light.....

LONG AGO, or maybe not so long ago, there was a tribe in a dark, cold cavern. The cave dwellers would huddle together and cry against the chill. Loud and long they wailed. It was all they did. It was all they knew to do. The sounds in the cave were mournful, but the people didn't know it, for had never known life.
But then, one day, they heard a different voice. "I have heard your cries," it announced. "I have felt your chill and seen your darkness. I have come to help."
The cave people grew quiet. They had never heard this voice. Hope sounded strange to their ears. "How can we know you have come to help?"
"Trust me," he answered. "I have what you need."
The cave people peered through the darkness at the figure of the stranger. He was stacking something, then stooping and stacking more.
"What are you doing?" one cried, nervous.
The stranger didn't answer.
"What are you making?" one shouted even louder.
Still no response.
"Tell us!" demanded a third.
The visitor stood and spoke in the direction of the voices. "I have what you need." With that he turned to the pile at his feet and lit it. Wood ignited, flames erupted, and light filled the cavern.
The cave people turned away in fear. "Put it out!" they cried. "It hurts to see it."
"Light always hurts before it helps," he answered. "Step closer. The pain will soon pass."
"Not I," declared a voice.
"Nor I," agreed a second.
"Only a fool would risk exposing his eyes to such light."
The stranger stood next to the fire. "Would you prefer the darkness? Would you prefer the cold?
Don't consult your fears. Take a step of faith."
For a long time no one spoke. The people hovered in groups covering their eyes. The fire builder stood next to the fire. "It's warm here," he invited.
"He's right," one from behind him announced. "It's warmer." The stranger turned and saw a figure slowly stepping toward the fire. "I can open my eyes now," she proclaimed. "I can see."
"Come closer," invited the fire builder.
She did. She stepped into the ring of light. "It's so warm!" She extended her hands and sighed as her chill began to pass.
"Come, everyone! Feel the warmth," she invited.
"Silence, woman!" cried one of the cave dwellers. "Dare you lead us into your folly? Leave us and take your light with you."
She turned to the stranger. "Why won't they come?"
"They choose the chill, for though it's cold, it's what they know. They'd rather be cold than change."
"And live in the dark?"
"And live in the dark."
The now-warm woman stood silent. Looking first at the dark, then at the man.
"Will you leave the fire?" he asked.
She paused, then answered, "I cannot. I cannot bear the cold." Then she spoke again. "But nor can I bear the thought of my people in darkness."
"You don't have to," he responded, reaching into the fire and removing a stick. "Carry this to your people. Tell them the light is here, and the light is warm. Tell them the light is for all who desire it."
And so she took the small flame and stepped into the shadows.
by Max Lucado

1. "The sounds in the cave were mournful, but the people didn't know it, for they had never known joy.
The spirit in the cave was death, but the people didn't know it, for they had never known life?"
A. How can someone not know their true condition?
B. What people do you know who are unaware of their true condition?

2. "Light always hurts before it helps," he answered. "Step closer. The pain will soon pass."
A. Why does "light" always hurt before it helps? What does the light represent in this parable?
B. How does light finally help? How important is the pain?

3. "Carry this to your people. Tell them the light is here and the light is for all who desire it."
A. What is the point of this passage?
B. What light have you been asked to carry to your own people? Who are your own people? Are they seeing light in your hands?

1. Read John 1:3-13.
A. In what way is Jesus our light?
B. How are men prone to respond to this light (verse 10-11)?
C. What promise is given in verses 12-13?

2. Read Romans 1:13-17.
A. What was Paul's goal in verse 13?
B. What was Paul's attitude in verses 14-15?
C. What was Paul's confidence in verses 16-17?

3. Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.
A. What was Paul's commitment in verse 19?
B. What was Paul's method in verses 20-22?
C. What was Paul's goal in verse 23?

FRIENDS:

Father, if I can be the light to someone, please give me the courage to show it to them. Give me the knowledge to share the Word with them. Give me the heart to care for their souls. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
February 21
Matthew 19:16-30; Acts 26:19-32; Psalms 43; Leviticus 16-17
February 22
Matthew 20:1-16; Acts27:1-26; Psalms 44; Leviticus 18-20

FOOD:
Hints:
A sealed envelope - Put in the freezer for a few hours, then slide a knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed. (hmmmmmm..)
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Use Empty toilet paper roll to store appliance cords . It keeps them neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs to.
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For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water and put Dawn dish washing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won't refreeze. (I wish I had known this for the last 40 years!)
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To remove old wax from a glass candle holder, put it in the freezer for a few hours. Then take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The wax will fall out.
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Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped in baking soda . Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is!).
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Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt BLUE!) rubbing alcohol on paper towel.
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Whenever I purchase a box of S.O.S Pads , I immediately take a pair of scissors and cut each pad into halves . After years of having to throw away rusted and unused and smelly pads, I finally decided that this would be much more economical. Now a box of S.O.S pads last me indefinitely! =============
Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works every time! (Now, where to put the body?) LOL
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Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal for inside windows. This way you can tell which side has the streaks. Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don't wash windows on a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak.
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Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely light scent in each room when the light is turned on.
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Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will smell freshly washed for weeks to come. You can also do this with towels and linen.
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Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning..
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To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm.
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To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet , simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stove top
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Spray your TUPPERWARE with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains.
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Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.
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When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the corn's natural sweetness
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Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half, and rub it on your forehead.. The throbbing will go away.
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Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces .......
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To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area and you will experience instant relief.
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Ants, ants, ants everywhere ... Well, they are said to never cross a chalk line. So, get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march. See for yourself..
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Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still,
leaves a lovely smell to the shine.
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When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle. Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, and then pull it off. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily.
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Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer........ Clean a toilet. Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets , wait twenty minutes, brush and flush. The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous China .
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Clean a vase.
To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets
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Polish jewelry.
Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes. Careful with costume jewelry.
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Clean a thermos bottle.
Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets , and let soak for an hour (or longer, if necessary).
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Unclog a drain.
Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes,
and then run the hot water.
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FUN:
The Pasta Diet and Your Health

ITALIAN PASTA DIET -- IT REALLY WORKS !!

1.. You walk pasta da bakery.

2... You walka pasta da candy store.

3.. You walka pasta da Ice Cream shop.

4.. You walka pasta da table and fridge.

You will lose weight!