Potpourri   This section is a collection of Interesting Sites And Information that we think you will enjoy.

Wedding Anniversary Symbols

Flowers of the Month

Birth Stones & Colors

According to the Gemological Institute of America (ref. G.I.A. Colored Stones Course, Assignment #41, "Birthstones"), the origin of the Western system of birthstones can be traced to the Breastplate of the High Priest. In the Bible, Moses handed down rules governing the Breastplate of Judgment which contained 12 gems, each engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Another arrangement of the 12 gems is described in the Book of Revelation as the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem. The order in which these 12 gems were given was used to determine the succession of birthstones for the months.� On August 12, 1912 the American National Retail Jewelers' Association arbitrarily substituted a new list of birthstones, adding to or changing many of the traditional stones to others which were more commercially viable. In 1938 the American Gem Society adopted this list (with the addition of citrine) for use by its members. In 1952 a variation of this list was approved by the American National Retail Jewelers Association (ANRJA), National Jewelers Association (NJA), and the American Gem Society (AGS). Thus the official list of birthstones was established as follows:

Web Language Translations

Translate Websites into one the 6 Major Languages Instantly!!!

Today, it is truly one planet, one people, one world, one web. Thanks to Web-a-dex and Alta Vista, the speakers of 6 major languages can now browse each others web sites. If I want to view a web page that is in French, Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian or German, I simply type the address in the free language translator to the side. The page will load with just a short second or two added for translation. Even the links will translate for continued ease of browsing! The free language translator is simply amazing! The window to the world is open ...

Fun - N - Facts

Games

Two other sites to find the games you want to play..........

Health

H. Acres

Rev. George Malkmus eliminated his colon cancer and numerous other serious health problems over twenty-five years ago by following biblical principles for a natural diet and healthy lifestyle. He and his wife Rhonda, who also overcame debilitating health problems by adopting this way of life, founded Hallelujah Acres in 1992 to proclaim to people everywhere, "You Don't Have to be Sick!"

We've put everything you need to know about The Hallelujah Diet and lifestyle right here for your free access at any time. We hope you'll join many thousands of others who have adopted The Hallelujah Diets and lifestyle for health preservation and healing, and then tell a friend about the good news you've discovered! We invite you to explore our site for living in optimum health! For More Info...

Inspiration

On Staying Power

Excellence in Performance

(Print On Staying Power Interview)

From an interview with basketball coach John Wooden.

John Wooden is the only man ever enshrined in the basketball Hall of Fame as both player and coach. He retired after 40 years of coaching, leaving a record unparalleled in American sport.

During his 27 years as coach of UCLA, his teams never had a losing season. In his last 12 years there, they won ten national championships, seven of those in succession, and still holds the world's record for longest winning streak in any major sport - 88 games bridging four seasons.

Like most coaches, my program revolved around fundamentals, conditioning, and teamwork. But I differed radically in several respects. I never tried to get my team "up" for a game emotionally, I never worried about how our opponents would play us, and I never talked about winning.

Peaks Create Valleys

I believe that for every artificial peak you create, you also create valley's. When you get too high for anything, emotion takes over and consistency of performance is lost and you will be unduly affected when adversity comes. I emphasized constant improvement and steady performance.

I have often said, "The mark of a true champion is to always perform near your own level of competency." We were able to do that by never being satisfied with the past and always planning for what was to come. I believe that failure to prepare is preparing to fail. This constant focus on the future is one reason we continued staying near the top once we got there.

Develop yourself, don't worry about opponents

I probably scouted opponents less than any coach in the country. Less than most high school coaches. I don't need to know that this forward likes to drive the outside. You're not supposed to give the outside to any forward whenever he tries it. Sound offensive and defensive principles apply to any style of play.

Rather than having my teams prepare to play a certain team each week, I prepared to play anybody. I didn't want my players worrying about the other fellows. I wanted them executing the sound offensive and defensive principles we taught in practice.

There's no pillow as soft as clear conscience

To me, success isn't outscoring someone, it's the peace of mind that comes from self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best. That's something each individual must determine for himself. You can fool others, but you can't fool yourself.

Many people are surprised to learn that in 27 years at UCLA, I never once talked about winning. Instead I would tell my players before games, "When it's over, I want your head up. And there's only one way your head can be up, that's for you to know, not me, that you gave the best effort of which you're capable. If you do that, then the score doesn't really matter, although I have a feeling that if you do do that, the score will be to your liking." I honestly, deeply believe that in not stressing winning as such, we won more than we would have if I'd stressed outscoring opponents.

Why do so many people dread adversity, when it is only through adversity that we grow stronger?

There's no great fun, satisfaction or joy derived from doing something that's easy. Failure is never fatal, but failure to change might be.

Your strength as an individual depends on, and will be in direct proportion to, how you react to both praise and criticism. If you become too concerned about either, the effect on you is certain to be adverse.

The main ingredient of stardom

I always taught players that the main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team. It's amazing how much can be accomplished if no one cares who gets the credit. That's why I was as concerned with a player's character as I was with his ability.

While it may be possible to reach the top on one's profession on sheer ability, it is impossible to stay there without hard work and character. One's character may be quite different form one's reputation.

Your character is what you really are. Your reputation is only what others think you are. I made a determined effort to evaluate character. I looked for young men who would play the game hard, but clean, and who would always be trying to improve themselves to help the team. Then, if their ability warranted it, the championships would take care of themselves.

(Print "On Staying Power")

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.

Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.

Sometimes there were two sets of footprints.

Other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life

When I was suffering from anguish, sorrow, or defeat,

I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,

"You promised me, Lord,

That if I followed you,

you would walk with me always.

But I noticed that during the most trying periods of my life

There have only been one set of prints in the sand.

Why, When I have needed you most,

you have not been there for me?"

The Lord replied,

"The times when you have seen only one set of footprints

That is when I carried you."

Anonymous

Footprints Website

(Print This Poem)

Daily Devotions

�

Mere Christianity

Food for the Hungry

Since 1971, it has been our mission to enable people to be the incarnated hands and feet of Jesus -- to follow him into the pain of our world. Food for the Hungry is an international organization that exists to fulfill a God-given mandate to help people overcome both physical and spiritual hungers (Isaiah 58). We follow the example provided by Jesus himself as he went from community to community, preaching, teaching, and healing people along the way (Matthew 9:35-38). Our efforts include integrated, child-focused development and relief programs in more than 25 countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Development efforts include programs that equip entire communities with the tools they need to pull themselves from poverty. Additional relief efforts

For More Info...

Leadership U

About Leadership U. Leadership U is not: an institution--we don't have classrooms or grant degrees a "brochure site"--it's not about our agenda, but this resource is provided as a service making anyone money--our mission is to provide answers to many of science's, religion's and life's weightier issues free of charge. We are sponsored by Christian Leadership Ministries, a non-profit organization an Internet crossroads with links to external sites--we house thousands of resources and multiple Web sites on our own servers Leadership U is : a "one-stop shopping superstore" in the marketplace of ideas a searchable collection of resources and interactive opportunities a ResourceBASE containing thousands of articles, reviews, research papers, essays, books & book chapters, commentaries, video & audio files, poems and more rooted in the university--sponsored by Christian Leadership Ministries, the faculty outreach and training arm of Campus Crusade for Christ International, Leadership U includes resources from the high school to research levels, with an emphasis on the scholarly a multi-disciplinary vehicle to help reach professors, students and other thinkers with the best in Christian thought on a variety of compelling issues a growing community of apologists for the historical Christian faith who are engaging their culture on a variety of fronts the anchor site among several partnering Web sites on subjects ranging from life's origins to sexuality to business and medical ethics a partnership of journals and ministry organizations seeking to affect the public's thinking on a broad scale via shared information and thoughtful interaction a current-issues-based approach to the deeper issues facing humanity (e.g., evil and suffering, morality and ethics, public policy, philosophy, origins and eternity) Get the Latest Updates If you wish to stay informed about the culture, the campus and your faith, you will want to receive our announcements of fresh new material, as it is made available at Leadership U. This is a free service, and will inform you each time a significant update is made. Contact Information Leadership U. is a project of Christian Leadership Ministries, part of Campus Crusade for Christ, International. For more information about this ministry, contact: Christian Leadership Ministries P.O. Box 129 4901 Keller Springs Road Suite 106 Addison, TX 75001 Phone: 972-713-7130 Fax: 972-713-7670 Email: lu@clm.org Web: www.clm.org For More Info...

Blue Bible

Our mission is to facilitate in-depth study of God's Word through an on-line interactive reference library continuously updated from the teachings and commentaries of selected pastors and teachers who hold to the conservative, historical Christian faith. We desire to operate this website as a ministry.

This is a zero revenue site. There will be no charge for any services, nor will there be banner ads to generate revenue. Development and programming labor, hardware and web space have been provided by our co-sponsors, Koinonia House and Sowing Circle ministries. In addition, many individuals and ministries have donated content to the library. We wish to thank all of them and ask for God's blessing upon their ministry.

To Visit This Website...

Daily Devotionals By

Bob Hoekstra's Devotional

Oswald Chamber's Devotional

Charles Spurgeon's Devotional

Josh McDowell Ministries

While a college student in the early '60s, Josh McDowell was challenged by a group of Christian students to examine the claims of Christianity.

Josh was sure that Christianity was worthless, but accepted the challenge. He� focused his energy on discrediting the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Instead, he discovered compelling historical evidence for the reliability of the New Testament and the Resurrection.

He was convinced intellectually, but struggled with the idea of giving control of his life over to Jesus. One night, unable to sleep, Josh asked Christ to come into his life and forgive his sins.

In the months following that decision, Josh noticed a change in his life. The biggest area of change was in his relationship with his�father - the town alcoholic. Josh's hatred for him turned to love by the power of God at work in his life.

Soon after, he began speaking at churches� and evangelistic meetings. In 1964, after going to Talbot Theological Seminary,� Josh joined the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ. His Campus Lecture Series began in 1970, and soon after Josh began publishing books and recording his�talks on tape.

Today, Josh is a popular youth speaker, having spoken to more than seven million young people in 84 countries, including 700 university and college campuses. Josh has authored or co-authored 52 books. He also has a weekly radio and television show.

Josh and his wife� Dottie have been married for more than 25 years and have four children. They� live in Dallas, home of the Josh McDowell Ministry.

"Few individuals have had as wide an impact for the Christian faith on university audiences as Josh McDowell.� He has a unique ability to deal clearly and directly with ... issues facing college students."

Billy Graham

"Every time Josh speaks, hardened skeptics turn to Christ. His approach is both well-reasoned and personable."

Bill Bright Founder and President Campus Crusade for Christ� International

For More Info...

K-House

Koinonia is a New Testament word which is most often translated to mean "communication", "fellowship", or "communion". Koinonia House, or K-House as we are affectionately called, is dedicated to the development and distribution of materials for encouraging and facilitating serious study of the Bible as the inerrant Word of God. We are a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization.

K-House was founded by Chuck and Nancy Missler. Chuck, a Naval academy graduate and former Branch Chief of the Dept. of Guided Missiles, had a remarkable 30-year executive career. He served on the Board of Directors of 12 public companies and was CEO of 6 of them. For twenty years Chuck balanced his high-profile corporate career with his teaching commitment to a weekly Bible study at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa in Southern California. Nancy, while raising their four children, has touched the lives of thousands through her in-depth teaching of Biblical discoveries in her "Way of Agape" and "Be Ye Transformed" books and tape series.

Lambert's Library

From time to time I write, and rewrite, short studies based on my understanding of the Bible. These thoughts are by no means the last word on a subject, though I strive for accuracy and will endeavor to correct mistakes when they are pointed out to me. These are working files for your perusal, and hopefully your edification in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For More Info...

For Lambert's Links...

Darwin Awards

... Darwin, the Darwin Awards are given, usually posthumously, to the individual(s) who remove themselves from the gene pool in the most spectacular fashion. ...