Is anyone sick? #teamJesus

Over in James, the Apostle asks the question.

The directive is to call the elders of the church.  The elders then have a duty to act by coming to see the sick person, anoint with oil, and pray with the result that the sick person's sins are forgiven.

So, tell us why you do or do not do this?

Breakfast at McDonalds

 I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree. The last class I had to take was Sociology. The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with. Her last project of the term was called “Smile”.

　　 The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions. I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway, so, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally.

　　 Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald’s one crisp March morning. It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son.

　　 We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did. I did not move an inch, an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved.

　　 As I turned around I smelled a horrible “dirty body” smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men. As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was “smiling”. His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God‘s Light as he searched for acceptance.

　　 He said, “Good day” as he counted the few coins he had been clutching. The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation. I held my tears as I stood there with them.

　　 The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted. He said, “Coffee is all, Miss.” because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm). Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes. That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action.

　　 I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray. I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman’s cold hand.

　　 He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, “Thank you.” I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, “I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope.” I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, “That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope.” We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give. We are not church goers, but we are believers. That day showed me the pure Light of God’s sweet love.

　　 I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand. I turned in “my project” and the instructor read it. Then she looked up at me and said, “Can I share this?” I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class. She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed.

　　 In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald’s, my husband, son, instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student. I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn: UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.

　　 Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.

　　 If you think this story has touched you in any way, please send this to everyone you know. There is an Angel sent to watch over you. In order for her to work, you must pass this on to the people you want watched over. An Angel wrote: Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.

　　To handle yourself, use your head. To handle others, use your heart.

　　 God gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into its nest.

Someone wants to talk

Apr 2-Apr 3, 1700Z-2030Z, N4P, Atlanta, GA, Oklahoma City-County Health Department, Southwest Utah Public Health Department, Kennehoochee Amateur Radio Club, Cobb County ARES, and National Association of County and City Health Officials, 28.365, 21.365, 14.265, 7.265. PSK and D-Star contacts planned. QSL. 

Send SASE to Andrew Roszak, NACCHO, 1100 17^th St NW, Seventh Floor, Washington, DC 20036. 

The five listed organizations have come together to enhance communications capabilities within public health agencies and healthcare coalitions through a series of webinars, a licensure class, an exam session, conference presentations and this special event, operating from the exhibit hall at the Preparedness Summit. http://nacchopreparedness.org/?p=378

For more information please contact >   Dave Cox, NB5N 

Are you ready with your cellphone?

The internet and social media are the third most popular way for Americans to gather and share emergency information with loved ones. With effective planning, it is possible to take advantage of technology before, during and after a crisis to communicate with family and friends. Here are some ways to incorporate technology into your emergency plans:

• Learn how to send text updates from your mobile phone to your contacts in case voice communications are not available;
• Program “In Case of Emergency” contacts into your cell phone so emergency personnel can contact those people for you if you are unable to use your phone;
• Purchase a solar powered or hand crank charger to keep your electronics running if you lose power at home; and
• If you do not have a cell phone, keep a prepaid phone card to use during or after a disaster.

FEMA offers several ways to be tech savvy for disaster preparedness. The FEMA smartphone app contains an interactive emergency kit list, emergency meeting location info and more to help you get started. It’s available for Apple, Blackberry and Android devices.  Increase your technological know-how by joining the text message program to receive regular safety tips for specific hazards and to search for open shelters and disaster recovery centers.

Thanks to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for this information.