Senator McCain picks Gov. Sarah Palin for V.P.

Mom & Dad - Through The Years 1948-2008

Joan & Marion Smith from Buddy Smith on Vimeo.

"Alabaster Box" by Mandy Smith

Our daughter-in-law, Mandy Smith, singing "Alabaster Box" at Enon Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Ackerman, Mississippi.

Stephen Curtis Chapman on Good Morning America

The Philosphy of Peanuts

Philosophy of "Peanuts"
David Langerfield

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of Miss America.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
   

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
   

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

The people who make a difference in your life are the ones who encourage you in your Christian walk, who encourage you with spiritual strength in times of trouble and the ones who help you see your value to the Kingdom of God.

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Subscribe to David Langerfield's "The Daily Encourager" by sending an e-mail to: The_Daily_Encourager-subscribe@MyInJesus.com (Subject: SUBSCRIBE)

An excellent way to begin each day

Here is a simple prayer and an excellent way to begin each day. John Stott, the well-known author and much-beloved former pastor of All Souls Church in London, begins each day with this prayer to each person in the Holy Trinity:

Good morning heavenly Father. Good morning Lord Jesus. Good morning Holy Spirit. Father I pray that I may live this day in Your presence and please You more and more. Lord Jesus I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow You. Holy Spirit I pray that this day You will fill me with Yourself and cause Your fruit to ripen in my life, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity, three Persons in one God, have mercy upon me, Amen.

This wonderful prayer encapsulates in only a few words our need to be filled with the fullness of who God is.

We need the Father.
We need the Son.
We need the Holy Spirit.