God forgave all our sins. He canceled the debt, which listed all the rules we failed to follow. he took away that record with its rules and nailed it to the cross." Colossians 2:13-14 (ncv)

There are many uncertainties in life but one thing to sure; we will hurt the ones we love and they will hurt us. How we handle that hurt determines the health of our soul.

Part of true forgiveness is releasing the hurt and choosing to let go of the pain! To truly forgive means that we " quit fishing" in the emotional water of out past! When we refuse to allow ourselves to get past the past, in part we are "gluing" our emotions to these mistakes. Tightlyclutching the hurt, in silence, holding on to the past as though life depended on it.

What past hurt still has power in my life?

Why have I held on to those hurts for so long?

How can I choose to forgive?

How do I let go and pick up the new?

My granny had a shirt she loved to wear as she worked in the garden. It was plaid and made of flannel. She wore that shirt until it had holes she could not mend. My Mom bought her a brand knew shirt exactly the same, but she would not to wear it. Mother ask her why she would not wear the new shirt. Her reply was " I know where the holes are in my shirt." In other words it was comfortable and she did not mind the tears or the holes. That story helps me to remember God loves me holes and all. It also tells me I can let go of the past riddled with holes and tears and wear a brand new future.

Notice that God never said we have to feel like forgiving. Honestly, our feelings are irrelevant and not trustworthy. Forgiveness is not a feeling; it is a choice. Forgiveness is an independent act between us and God. Remembering when we hold on to the hurt we are refusing to truly forgive and become a hindrance to God. God can not work freely in our lives without forgiveness.

Let go of the Hurt. Forgive!

Thank God for the precious gift of forgiveness that is made possible by the death of Jesus on the Cross. Nail your hurt to the cross. Forgive yourself and others and walk away from the feeling of unforgiveness.

Daily Rules from God:

1. Wake up!!... Decide to have a good day. "Today is the the day Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it " Psalms 118:24
2. Dress Up!! ...The best way to dress up is to put a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve you looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." 1st Samuel 16:7
3. Shut up!!... Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul. " Proverbs 13:3
4. Stand Up!!.. For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10
5. Look Up!... To the Lord. " I can do evertyhing through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
6. Reach Up!!... For something higher "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding, In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path." Proverb 35-6
7. Lift up!!... Your Prayers, "Do not worry about anything; Instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Philippians 4:6

Joseph Locker has a new web-site and THE VINE is sending you the link

http://www.josephslocker.com/mission.html

Do not forget the Valentine Night Dinner

Contact Joanne King or Helen Anderson, You can also contact Bob at the

Church office 817-579-0509 The Tickets are 16.50 and need to be purchased ahead of time. The dinner will be at the Mery Heart Tearoom on the 14th.

Child care is available for an extra charge Contact Klarise. You can obtain her telephone number from the office.

The musicians and performers are gearing up for the all church sing. If you have a performance in mind contact Monty at 917-559-4454 or Connie at 817-726-5943. The concert will be held on March the 27th at 7.00 pm . Normally the All Sing is on a Sunday night. Change is in the air ( no pun intended). The concert will be on a Friday night March the 25th at 7.00 pm. The concert will conclude the annual chili cook off. Joanne King will provide more information on the Chili Cook Off ( Later)

Fly by the Seat of Abrahams Pants meetson Sunday afternoons 3.30 in the youth building. Dixie has been sick and is recovering and will be back to facilitate the study of Daniel. This is a DVD series by Kay Arthur. All are welcome.

Beth Moore will be held at 5.00 pm in the youth room. There is still plenty of time to get involved in this in depth look at Psalms. Linda Harvey is the leader of the study. She can be reached through the office or 817-579-1713.

Marvin Hull is leading a prayer session on Thursday nights. This group is meeting in the sanctuary at 6,30, beginning by 7.00pm. This is open for every one in the church and in the community. Intersession and Healing Prayers are offered. Miracles are happening and we can be a witness. Submitting to God opens doors and allows wounds to be healed. Contact Marvin at 812-279-0727 or you can contact the office for further information.

Wednesday nights Gateway is still covering the Bible on book at a time. There are different facilitators each week and each bring a different point of view. Wednesday Bible School is held for children . A light supper is served along with a biblical lesson. Class starts promptly at 6.00pm and lets out at 7.00pm.

Margaret is coornidator of the prayer service a 6.00 pm on Wednesday nights. She begins at 6.00 and this service lasts about 20 minutes.Please have all request into her by 3.oo on Wednesdays. Margarets email address is MargaretBHayward@aol.com .

The food pantry at GATEWAY CHURCH still needs your help. Canned Meats, canned milk, diapers and personal items. We do not think about these items for food banks. Trash bags, paper towels, toilet paper are alwoays needed. Think about what you could use.

LEND A HAND ...BRING A CAN

This Blogs WAY TO GO : GOES TO

Rick and Betty Davidson.

They have installed a prayer center in the sanctuary.You can post prayer requests and best of all PRAISE REPORTS.

http://new.music.yahoo.com/videos/--50874809

OKEY DOKEY THEN

Let The Vine Know where you Go and What you Know

Let it always be said

GET INVOLVED..INFORMATION PARTNER..CONNECT -THE-VINE