=========================================================
/ REST TO ALLEVIATE STRESS 8/1 on: Today at 09:30:53am
Rest to Alleviate Stress
by Ann Doupont



Most Americans aren’t resting. They’re stressing. They’re trying to do more in a shorter amount of time. Their priorities are out of whack.



They’re not analyzing what is causing the stress in their lives. Instead of going to God, they’re going to man. They then add man’s opinions to their ideas and get more stressed.



What stressed them was having an overload of thoughts, ideas, and opinions. What stresses many Americans is wrong food choices.



Change is required in order to get free. Yet, many don’t take the time to think through. They keep on going until a break down of some sort occurs.



Carrying the weights of the world is not their job. It’s God’s. Those who try to do this will not only fail in their endeavor, but it will also weigh them down unnecessarily, making their burden heavy.



Although Jesus said to come to Him and that He would then give them rest, some people, even Christians, don’t do that often enough – as in daily – and therefore go through life burdened down, carrying weights God never intended.



In these days of multi-tasking, more is required of people by their employer, but I am not a hard taskmaster. I am the liberator of the souls of men and women and boys and girls. Yet, those who go to other sources for their liberation cannot become fully freed – not until they know My voice and heed what I am saying to do.



Vain is the help of man. I’m the only one who is able to be present in every situation, one who sticks closer than a brother.



I have the answers and solutions to life’s situations. But My people need to know Me and follow My instructions. I will free each one who does this. Everyone who comes to Me, I will in no wise cast out.



Come to Me now, My sons and My daughters. I am here for you and I will reveal to you what is My way.









4 PROPHECY: / Praise and Devotionals / BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB....8/1 on: Today at 06:07:30am
Daily Golden Footprints
By the Blood of the Lamb & the Word of Your Testimony
Friday, August 1, 2008

God is a miracle working God. He is a God of signs and wonders. He moves for us in some very powerful ways. I wanted to share with you the supernatural way that God dealt with us last month in July. (Revelation 12:11) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

When we get together to share the Word of God and the testimonies of what He has done for us, our faith grows to receive His promises for ourselves. I want to share with you a testimony of how he supernaturally leads us.

As I prepared for the trip to Washington, the Lord dealt with me about many things. He instructed me to decree over areas and regions where He sent me that the poverty spirit was broken. I was to loose a spirit of God’s prosperity over whatever area that He took me to and any other ruler demons that He showed me over that region.

Let me back up just a little. The call for the invitation came. I pretty much just blew it off because of the number of miles involved. I thought “it will come one day.” It was then that my friend James Collard, wrote me an email. The gist of that word was “don’t talk yourself out of what God has told you to do.” I didn’t really understand what God was saying to me. My husband caught it very quickly. He said it the trip to Washington. We have to go. It is time. Several times those same words were related to me, “don’t talk yourself out of what God has told you to do.” I knew the instant my husband had spoken it that it had to be. We had to go. My spirit heard it that time. I had no clue just how it would be accomplished. The Lord would certainly have to supply that. I really had no clue what it would end up costing us. It took almost an average of $450 per day for gas, food and lodging for three weeks. God did supply it every step of the way.

A lady in Tulsa wrote to me via email and suggested that I contact Len Phelps when I got to Colville, Washington. She said that he would likely have me to speak at his church when I was there. I called Brenda Price, the lady who had first invited me. I had already told her I was coming. I ask if she knew Len Phelps. She told me that he was her pastor and she had already set me up to preach there on Sunday. Small world? The lady in Tulsa used to live in Colville which is a tiny town near Canada.

Anyway, let me go back. A few months back I got a call from Deborah and Tom Gliebe. They had read a “Footprint” and had been touched by it. I told her that I didn’t know anyone in Washington, except for Brenda Price. She said I know her. I preached in her church last Sunday. The only person I knew in Washington, she knew.

When I got to the tent revival last month, Brenda had invited Deborah Gliebe to minister on Monday to give me the opportunity to rest after the long trip (5500 miles round trip). Deborah had asked me to minister to a couple of people. Then I ministered a word to her. She came back on Tuesday night to hear me preach. She also brought some guests with her.

After the tent meeting, she invited me to her home in Spokane on Saturday. I ended up praying on the phone for several people who were ministry friends of hers. She told me that the Lord told her to give me a beautiful watch and ring. She said that the Lord told her it was her sign of prosperity. She said it was to be that for me as well.

After the trip, I took the ring to the jeweler to be sized. Upon looking at the ring the jeweler told me two interesting facts, no three. She told me the value of the ring, that the stones were garnet which stand for prosperity and there were initials inside the ring which could not be seen without the jeweler eye glass. You will never guess what the initials were. They were FHL. My name is Frances H. Lloyd. It was already engraved with my initials. How cool is God?!!!!!!!

I tell you that to give glory to God for his miracle working power, His leading by His Holy Spirit and to tell you that four more times since that day, I have received prophecies through totally unrelated people of the fact that God had given me a fresh anointing which began on the trip. They described it in detail; word for word. The Lord also said that I would be speaking to regions and areas. He said I would be decreeing prosperity and breaking poverty off God’s people, in His ministries, and areas and regions along with some other ruler demons from the cities that He would send me to.

When I left Washington, my husband and I had already begun to seek God as to where we were to be going next. The Lord clearly told us Tulsa, Oklahoma. Then there will be another as He speaks. I know we will be going to Austin, San Antonio, Florida, and Mississippi. We are seeking God for the exact places and for the exact timing of the Lord.

I felt led to share this word with you today. I pray that you are encouraged to seek God for your direction. I remind you of what the Lord told me long ago. “Don’t trust in your ability to hear my voice, but in my ability to get through to you.”

Tomorrow, I will be taking a preliminary trip to Oklahoma to meet the Gliebes in Clayton, Oklahoma. She will be introducing me to some people that I believe the Lord has ordained that we should meet.

I know we will be going to Tulsa and then some more places. God is in this. I know that He is moving by His spirit.

I know that He is moving in your behalf as well. Get ready for the supernatural to begin happening all around you. A spirit of favor has come upon you. Expect some great things. Expect some manifestations of the Holy Spirit.

My husband had some physical manifestations of the Holy Spirit today. It is “AWESOME” as the kids say!

In Him,
Prophetess Frances Lloyd
Daily Golden Footprints
footprints@dailygoldenfootprints.com
www.dailygoldenfootprints.com






6 PROPHECY: / Daily Prophecy Corner / THE RIGHTEOUS ACTS OF SAINTS 8/1 on: Today at 06:01:55am
JUDY BAUMAN
Jewels From Judy
www.thefathersloveim.org
www.jewelsfromjudy.org



The Righteous Acts of the Saints

August 1, 2008

One thing is needed and I desire for you to choose what is better. Sit at My feet and learn. (See Luke 10:42) The enemy has come and stolen something very precious to Me and to you. Satan had stolen the betrothal gown of My beloved. He has come along and used his gift of soothsaying and lies to strip you of your true covering - which is to be in right standing with Me. He has tricked many into trading true righteous acts for unfruitful and self-motivated works. I have gone into the enemy's camp and demanded back that which was taken. It has been returned to Me and I give it to you.

Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)
Revelation 19:7-8

The righteous acts of the saints are those things that I have asked each individual to do as well as what I have asked My Church to do corporately. Many feel they have to be on some important mission field before they will believe that they are doing "righteous acts" but I tell you this is not so. A righteous act is something I have asked you to do and it is something that may be insignificant in your eyes and the eyes of others but to Me it is a thing of beauty. If I have told you to pick up a piece of trash on your way into a store, it is more significant to Me that you obey My voice in that small gesture than if you go on a mission trip to build an orphanage if I have not asked you to do it. If I have called you to build an orphanage then build an orphanage, but if I have asked you to pick up trash then pick up trash. Taking care of your children and raising them in the admonition and love of God is something precious to Me. Obedience to Me carries the same reward in My kingdom whether large or small. Obedience is what creates righteous acts - which are the fabric, the thread, the lace, the buttons and the jewels of the bridal gown.

The righteous acts of the saints are not about self-exaltation or about doing things that make you feel better about yourself. Righteousness is your mind, will and emotions lining up with Mine. A righteous act is an act that has been initiated by Me and carried out by you. It is not even carried out in your own strength but by My grace that is upon you. It is possible to turn a righteous act into an unrighteous act when one seeks to receive glory for doing it. It takes My grace to pick up trash that you did not throw down, it takes My grace to cheerfully change a dirty diaper, and it takes My grace to build an orphanage. So give Me the glory for the grace I have given you and I will give you more.

Right now much of my church is running around naked - though they think they are clothed. They are poor and blind and pitiable. You need the anointing oil for your eyes so that you can see your true state. (I sense here the Lord is speaking specifically to the American and Western churches.)

Because you say, ?I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
Revelation 3:17-19

Will you take serious My call for My people called by My name to pray and seek My face? Will you humble yourselves and turn from your wicked ways in order for your land to be healed? (See 2 Chronicles 7:14) Beloved, I Am not asking the lost sinner to repent, I Am asking My church to repent! For too long My church has told homosexuals and the abortionists that they need to repent when it is My church that needs to repent. I Am there to bind up the wounds of the hurting and lost, but My church goes around Me and uses the very Sword I placed in their hands (the Word of God) to cause harm. They further wound the very ones I seek to save by misusing My words as a weapon instead of a scalpel. They have not rightly divided the Word of Truth and have used My words to bring death instead of healing. The Word is a weapon for fighting against Satan and his cohorts, but My Church is using it to fight against flesh and blood. This must end! Where there is flesh and blood the Word must be used like a scalpel in the hands of a skilled surgeon who knows how to cut cancer out of a body.

Yes - many are in sin. Yes - they need to repent, but would it not be better for the lost sinners to see My Body working in unity and love? Have I not told you that people would know you belong to Me because of your love for one another? How much strife in the house will it take for you to grow weary of it? I did NOT command you: Do not grow weary in striving with one another! NO! My Church behaves as if I did! I commanded you not to grow weary in well doing. Well doing is the RIGHTEOUS ACTS which I seek the earth to find. (See Galatians 6:9 and John 4:23)

What extremes must I take to win your heart back to your First Love? Why can you not listen and heed the warnings from My prophets. Both the old and the new prophets give warning with one voice, yet you continue to walk in your own will and way. I will not strive with flesh forever. Do you realize the position you have put Me in to bring you back into relationship with Me? A better question would be: Do you know what position you have placed yourself in by your willful disobedience? (I do not speak to those who have sought out My will and continue to seek My face each day, I speak to those who are walking in their own will.)

I Am coming to restore My church to Myself, and I will not be stopped or slowed down. I have taken back the beautiful gown that was stolen by Satan so that the acts which you wear as your garment will not be found missing, stained or tattered. I Am not going to wed a naked bride! I will be wed to a bride clothed in the righteous acts of the saints.

Remember this: a righteous act does not have to be grandiose, but it does have to originate from Me. Whether small or large, if it is a command from Me to you, then it is a righteous act. Listen for My voice. My sheep hear My voice and another they will not follow. (See John 10:4)




7 PROPHECY: / Daily Prophecy Corner / RISE UP AND TAKE BACK WHAT HAS BEEN STOLEN 8/1 on: Today at 06:00:41am
August 1, 2008: Think about how it was when you walked in confident boldness to accomplish what you had been called to do. Then, realize that your courage has been undermined. Where you once walked in trust and certainty, you have succumbed to apprehension, self-depreciation, doubt and mistrust. This attack against you has been for the purpose of shutting you down so that you cannot fulfill your kingdom destiny. Rise up and take back what has been stolen and go forth again with a sense of purpose and power, says the Lord.

Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge.




8 PROPHECY: / Daily Prophecy Corner / PRESSING FORWARD 8/1 on: Today at 05:54:47am
PRESSING FORWARD

From the Rhema Journals of Sandy Warner

www.thequickenedword.com


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RHEMA 3/23/08 PRESSING FORWARD



VISION: I saw a female and her arm and hand were above her head as she was walking. Someone much taller was bracing her and pulling her back up from a leaning forward position.



I do the same thing with my grandson when we are walking together. He may be pressing forward and lose his balance, and so my hand is there to stabilize him as he walks and presses forward.



HEARD: Walka walka. This is standing. I believe. Thirsty. To touch the hem of His garment. Do not be afraid. This is the time to advance and move forward by faith.



WORD TO PONDER: PRESSING THROUGH 3/23/08

After a time of waiting upon Me and crawling at a snail’s pace with each advancement, I will be picking you up and bringing you into a new position and alignment. I need you to press in and I will stabilize you through this transition. Arise! Stand up and move. Press through the crowded distractions, right into what I have called you to do. When your faith connects with Me, just one touch will give you all that you need.



Matt 14:35-36 NKJV

And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick, and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well.



Matt 9:20-22 NKJV

And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said to herself, "If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well." But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, "Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well." And the woman was made well from that hour.






9 PROPHECY: / Daily Prophecy Corner / ALLOW MY SPIRIT TO FLOW 8/1 on: Today at 05:51:59am
Allow My Spirit To Flow



Allow My Spirit to flow within you. You cannot produce what you desire
within your own self. You cannot free yourself as you look at your self
but only as you continue to look to Me and trust in Me to finish the
process that I have begun in you. What I am doing in your life requires
that you continue to yield to Me and that you do not try to speed the
process with your own works.

I know your struggles and your desire to be free of the things that
plague you in your thoughts and in your flesh. I know your desire to
walk free with Me, and I am doing what is necessary for you to be free.
So, let go, and let Me flow. I want to flow more through your life, and
as I do, I will progressively remove more of your self life and replace
more of My divine life within you to enable you to walk as an overcomer.

My Bride cannot be an overcoming end time Bride if she is continually
beset with things within herself, and also with the things of the world.
So, I am showing her all that lies deep within her in this season, and I
am bringing her through it all by the pressures and the winds of
adversity to fully remove the last vestiges of the residues in her, that
resist Me from living fully through her. As it is with you, My Child,
receive My Winds gladly and let the things go. Do not overly examine the
things within you anymore, but let Me have them, and let Me remove them,
My Way.

You have begun to experience the freedom that you have desired, as I
have been coming progressively to you. This has delighted you but it has
also frustrated you, as you have looked at yourself in the process and
you still have not fully trusted Me to finish it all. Stop warring
within your being, and give Me your full attention. I am your Healer,
and Deliverer! I will be faithful to complete My Work within you. I will
flow through you even more. I will amaze you with My Transforming Hand,
as I continue to unfold in you.

Also do not compare your process with the process of those around you. I
am bringing you through in the way that I have ordained solely for you.
You continually frustrate yourself and also My Workings within you, when
you compare yourself to others, and when you let others tell you what to
do and what you should be. Have I not made you? Have I not called you?
Then why do you seek that which only I can give to you, from the others
around you? I know what I am doing. Stop, and look to Me!

Your answer lies within Me. I am the Wellspring of Life that flows deep
within your being. I will flow more within you, as you daily draw from
Me. I will also cause you to drink deeply of Me, as you decide to hunger
and thirst for more of Me. When you desire Me more than any of your
comforts and more than any of your solutions, then I will be able to
fully complete the work that I have begun within you. What I desire is
all of you. What I require is all of you. What I command, is that you
give Me all of you, and love Me more than all. Can you give yourself to
Me and take Me as your own life? It has to be, Child, for only My Life
within you, can fully transform you. Stop struggling, and let Me flow,
and then you will see yourself even more fully grow.

Watch as I increase My Works within you, and do not resist the flowing
that surges from within, let it flush everything out that I desire, so
that I can burn in you even more. For My Fire is increasing as you do,
and it will purge you, through and through. You will rejoice, as you
stand before Me, new. Many I have called, but I desire that you be among
the chosen few. The Ones that allowed Me to fully flow through. The Ones
that are transformed and that are as Me, while they walk among the lost
humanity.

You shall be as Me, as you daily walk with Me. For I am giving you the
eyes to see, and to comprehend all that daily comes and also all that
shall be. For My Bride will walk with Me, and be as Me, and shall
overcome till the end with Me. Rejoice today, as you tand in your place,
and pick up your cross, and follow Me.

The end is not yet, but the Season of Breaking Forth has brought you
forth into your destiny. Stand with Me confidently, and as you do you
will see what you shall be, and you will understand what I shall do
through thee. For I will be glorified through thee.


-Susan Cummings



10 PROPHECY: / Praise and Devotionals / FATHER KNOWS BEST 8/1 on: Today at 05:50:30am
Father Knows Best
Natasha Cooksey
July 31, 2008

So what do you do when God totally knocks over your apple cart? You know, when you think that you have everything under control and life is beginning to settle down. Life is good. God’s moving. You’re hearing His voice. Everything is falling into place. Your faith has never been stronger. And then, bam! The unexpected happens and life as you know it is over. Sound familiar?

The way I see it is when we are faced with this roller coaster we have some choices to make:

A. We can pitch a fit and live in a state of anger and resentment yelling at God, “How could you let this happen?” (This will ultimately get you nowhere, and you’ll end up having to take the same test over again.)
B. We can sulk and ignore the still small voice (God) who is trying to speak to us in our current situation, and eventually we’ll come around. (This could lead us to having to take the test AGAIN!)
C. We can be like Mary, who upon finding out she would conceive God’s Son, said, “I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said," (Luke 1:38). (This is our ULTIMATE goal.)

Now I must confess. I haven’t made it to the place where I can answer “C” all the time—not even half the time. In the natural, I don’t handle change well---especially when it’s not in my plans or when it’s something I can’t control. I don’t like surprises…. Point blank: I don’t like my apple cart being knocked over! But, I’m beginning to realize that I’m not the one in control of my life. God is. When I accepted Him as Lord over my life, I handed Him the keys. (Not that I haven’t tried to be a backseat driver! I’ve done my fair share of that and for the record—backseat driving doesn’t work!) Sometimes He doesn’t always take me down roads that I want to go.

I have to realize that His plans are not always my plans. His plans for me (and you) go back to the foundations of the earth. Jeremiah 29:11 states, “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” I must learn to trust His plans for my life and know that He is always in control—whether I like the situation or not. His plans are for my good. His plans are to prosper me. His plans are to give me hope. His plans are to give me a good future. His plans are to keep me from harm. So, since He’s God and He promised us a good life (God cannot lie)—we can rest assured He knows what He’s doing and it’s for our good.

Remember the old television show “Father Knows Best?” Well, as we continue on life’s journey, I think we should try to live by that motto “Father Knows Best” because He really does know best whether we like it or not. He’s God—we’re not. It’s that simple. So, when our apple carts are overturned and our plans are ruined, remember, “Father Knows Best.”

Creative Blessings Always!
~Natasha




11 PROPHECY: / Daily Prophecy Corner / ENDLESS POSSIBILITIiES 8/1 on: Today at 05:47:56am
Endless possibilities....
Fire Bride Ministries
Aug 1 2008 08:45AM


Endless possibility! Jesus was addressing the man who wanted his son delivered because a spirit was throwing the son into convulsions and he would roll on the ground foaming at the mouth...Jesus asked his Father ..."How long has this been happening to him?" He replied..
"since his childhood it had often thrown him into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But, IF YOU CAN DO ANYTHING, take pity on us and help us!" Jesus replied..."IF YOU CAN? all things are possible to him who believes." I have read this scripture many times and know all things are possible to him who beleives...but today as I read I saw the words IF YOU CAN, and Jesus reply to the man "IF YOU CAN"... like are you kidding??!!!! In the Fathers desperation, he was asking in doubt and unbelief...Jesus had already done many miracles, fed the multitudes, taught...so forth. The man had to of heard all that was going on to even ask. Now after Jesus replied to him...IF YOU CAN..all things are possible, the man cried out to Jesus, "I do believe; help my unbelief." To the man, he saw years and years of his son being tormented by this spirit, he saw what he thought was impossibility. I can't imagine what he tried to do over the years to help his son and nothing worked, and the painful times of him foaming at the mouth. So now he sees the miracle working power of God and thinks maybe this is a possibility! but then again, thinking ..what if it doesn't work? He just never met Jesus before! and now..he began to believe something may finally work! could it be? I want to believe but ...his hope was finally stirring and he got the nerve to ask Jesus...He didn't realize how BIG God is..and Jesus taking pity, in His marvelous way...allowed all these things in the mans life to pave the way for the miracle. The Apostles even tried to cast the devil out, and they could not, they had to go get Jesus...they asked.."why they could not drive it out?" Jesus told them..it could not without prayer and fasting. The man in his total desperation, still went ahead and asked Jesus. And Jesus showed him in this impossible situation...HE made it possible.
Jesus showed His sovereignty and restored the son. The Father still pressed in despite the doubt, and asked. So even in uncertainty, or doubt, or what all else has been done, there is still endless possibility, because HE CAN DO THE IMMPOSSIBLE! Hallelujah
on yahoo.. www.firebrideministries.com
firebrideministries@hotmail.com



12 PROPHECY: / Daily Prophecy Corner / YOUR FOUNDATION 8/1 on: Today at 05:44:54am
your foundation
by Steven Bliss
Aug 1 2008 03:33AM



I am to be your foundation. My pathways are true.
It is now time for you to take the step. Move beyond what you see and know.
Walk where I am about to lead you. Follow my voice and not what you do not
see. Trust in me. I am your confirmation.

Make apple pie!

<><

John

An worn out old mule is plodding along on a bumpy old dirt road. He is pulling a two wheeled cart made of wood. The wheels click and clack over the ruts. There is a store of beautiful apples, oh so neatly piled in the cart. They are heaped up to an extremely well rounded pile high above the sides of the cart. They are beautifully red and shimmering in the sun.

As the mule and cart progress, the way before them becomes ever rougher. The beautiful apples are justled this way and that and they begin to tumble and to fall one by one along the wayside. As the scene progresses, the pile becomes noticeably depleted. A voice speaks and says, Will you have anything left to sell when you arrive at the market?"

Moral:

Beware that as you progress along the ever roughening path of this life of faith, that you do not lose your beautiful fruit and pearls of wisdom. They are so easily jostled loose from the pile and let fall. Know what you believe and why you believe it! Do not take anything for granted. If you are unsure, find out! The blind cannot lead the blind! Doctrinal correctness is incumbent to any enduring success. The stress of engaging the enemy is likely to dislodge your fruit and to allow many of your gems to bruise and to fall by the wayside.

Be strong in the faith, or be in danger of the loss of your apples of gold. If you can not play with the big boys, (Satanists, atheists, agnostics, alternative Christian viewpoints etc) stay out of the playpen. It will be medicine to your soul! Basic concepts of the "seemings" of God are hard to be understood by those who have no spiritual discernment! Their objective reasoning will try to discredit real truth.

Nonetheless, fundamental truths are ripe for the picking. But be able to support the weight of issues with scripturally accurate leadings and if unable, do not venture forth. It will save you from much hardness.

God will not support vain meandering from His truth. Truth has the appearance of being in the eye of the beholder. What is interpreted as truth in this eye is seen as gross error in the next one. If you can attest to your brand of truth with all affirmation, then say on. If not, mum is the word. God's word is truth. It is subjective and must be Spirit led.

Prov 25:8 Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame. 9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: 10 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away. 11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. 12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

OK Maz and Lois! You've drawn this cart story out of me.


There was once a king who grew tired of the usual fare at his supper table. So tired was he that one day he had his chief cook beheaded! The king then published an appeal in all the land for someone who could bring back some flavour to the king's table. The reward: a cart full of the most precious commodity in the realm.

Farmer John, upon hearing this, thought to himself that surely his onions would please the king. So early next morning he loaded his cart full of onions and set out for the king's palace. His neighbour, farmer Ed, stopped him to ask where he was going with a cart full of onions. Farmer John replied...well to see the king....he will surely love my onions at his table. But you are risking your neck, said farmer Ed....don't you know what happened to the king's cook?

Undeterred, Farmer John took his cart to the king's palace. The guards at the palace studied him warily, as he arrived, but soon he found himself in the kitchen where he was told that he was to prepare supper for the king. The king was delighted with the meal and summoned the cook to explain his secret. Upon learning that the cook had brought a cart full of the delicious onions for him, the king rewarded Farmer John with a cart full of gold!

Straining under the weight of the gold, Farmer John took the cart back home. Now, farmer Ed noticing the success of his neighbour asked what had happened. Well, said farmer John, the king rewarded me with themost precious commodity in the land...a cart full of gold as you see...for my onions! I am so very rich now!

Farmer Ed thought for a moment, and said, surely the king would love my garlic...perhaps even more than your onions!

So the next day Farmer Ed set out for his own fortune in the direction of the king's palace. Sure enough the king was even more delighted with the garlic. Summoning Ed to the table the king then rewarded him with the realm's most precious commodity... a cart full of onions!

The moral: Don't get me started on cart stories.

Or... What works the first time doesn't necessarily work the next. If you wait for others you will likely miss your turn. Serve the Lord with what you have while you can.

<><

John

Ha! alright!
When God knocks over my apple cart I am surely going to feel foolish for not growing peaches instead!

I am sure it will be a peach of a story....

well, I always like the Emporer story...
if you tell a yarn long enough you may just expose yourself...
something like that.

signet