Proper Attire : For CHURCH ???

One Sunday morning an old cowboy entered

a church just before services were to begin.

Although the old man and his clothes were spotlessly clean,

he wore jeans, a denim shirt and boots that were very

worn and ragged.

In his hand he carried a worn out old hat and an

equally worn out old BIBLE.

The church he entered was in a very upscale and

exclusive part of the city. It was the largest and most

beautiful church the old cowboy had ever seen.

It had high cathedral ceilings, ornate statues,

beautiful murals and stained glass windows,

plush carpet, and velvet like cushioned pews.

The building must have cost many millions of dollars

to build and maintain.

The men, women and children of the congregation

were all dressed in the finest and most expensive suits,

dresses, shoes, and jewelry the old cowboy

had ever witnessed.

As the poorly dressed cowboy took a seat

the others moved away from him.

No one greeted him. No one welcomed him.

No one offered a handshake. No one spoke to him.

They were all appalled at his appearance and did not

attempt to hide the fact. There were many glances in his

direction as the others frowned and commented among

themselves about his shabby attire. A few chuckles and

giggles came from some of the younger members.

The preacher gave a long sermon about Hellfire and

brimstone and a stern lecture on how much money

the church needed to do GOD's work.

When the offering plate was passed thousands of

dollars came pouring forth.

As soon as the service was over the congregation

hurried out.

Once again no one spoke or even nodded to the stranger

in the ragged clothes and boots.

As the old cowboy was leaving the church the preacher

approached him.

Instead of welcoming him, the preacher asked the cowboy

to do him a favor.

"Before you come back in here again,

have a talk with GOD and ask HIM what

HE thinks would be appropriate attire for worshiping in this

church," the preacher said.

The old cowboy assured the preacher

he would do that and left.

The very next Sunday morning the old cowboy

showed back up for the services wearing the same

ragged jeans, shirt, boots, and hat.

Once again the congregation was appalled at his appearance.

He was completely shunned and ignored again.

The preacher noticed the man still wearing his ragged clothes

and boots, and instead of beginning his sermon,

stepped down from the pulpit and walked over to where

the man sat alone.

"I thought I asked you to speak to GOD

before you came back to our church," the preacher said.

"I did," replied the old cowboy.

"If you spoke to GOD,

what did HE tell you the proper attire should

be for worshiping in here?" asked the preacher.

"Well sir", said the old cowboy,

"GOD told me that HE wouldn't have the slightest idea

what was appropriate attire for worshiping

in your church.

HE says HE's never been ask in here before, either!

AMEN

The Most Magnificent Cathedrals!!

Are all made by the MASTERs' hand.

The most magnificent cathedrals,
That I've been blest to see,
Have filled me with great wonderment,
And deep humility.

These magnificent cathedrals,
Stand tall on hallowed ground,
Structures of great magnitude,
Indestructible and sound.

Built majestically and grand,
By the MASTER Architect,
Who had a holy place in mind,
When HE put HIS plans into effect.

These magnificent cathedrals,
Have solid rocks for walls,
No stained glass windows or no panes,
But wide open over all.

The colors and the hues displayed,
Not mixed by ordinary man,
So vivid and intense are they,
They're surely from the MASTER's hand.

GOD's fresh air, most welcome there,
HIS favorite kind of incense,
Mixed with the scent of growing things,
All part of the magnificence.

These magnificent cathedrals,
Have spires that touch the sky,
Pure white at their very tops,
Because they rise so high.

Music for the FATHER's hymns,
From the finest instruments.
Breezes blowing through the trees,
Bird songs, sweet accompaniments,

These magnificent cathedrals,
Greet birds and beasts and men, alike,
To worship in sweet harmony,
At their CREATOR's pure delight.

These cathedrals are GOD's mountains,
Whose great magnificence
Reminds naive mankind,
Of men's insignificance.

I can't see a mountain from afar,
Nor climb up to its peak,
Without feeling I have come upon
A sacred place, unique.

I can't inhale fresh mountain air,
That is crisp and clean and clear,
Without thinking it's the perfume,
Of heaven's atmosphere.

I can't appreciate the mountains,
With their tints and tones and shades,
Without praising GOD and thanking HIM
For each cathedral made.

Virginia (Ginny) Ellis

http://www.llerrah.com/

Please feel free to visit her wonderful site right HERE.
This midi along with more wonderful compositions and/or
performances are available at Ms. Harrell's site on CDs.
If you wish to use her music on your personal web site
you must contact Ms. Harrell.

Heavenly FATHER ,

I lift up my praises,

and give all the glory to YOU.

I know it matters not to you, what I wear.

I know that you see

past the earthly rags I wear.

I know you see whats in my soul and see

that I am wrapped in YOUR Praises and I'm thanking

YOU , for letting me enjoy and marvel at all

YOUR beautiful creations and all

YOUR MAGNIFICENT CATHEDRALS.

AMEN

TO GOD BE THE GLORY