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Testimonies
What's
your story about the devotionals in God Calling by Two Listeners?
Email
us your story - we'll share the best testimonies on this page!
Dear Friends,
First, let me thank Carol for taking this site from concept to reality.
It is a part of her personal ministry. Blessings be yours Carol…many
prayers of thanksgiving will be coming back to you, fulfilling the scripture,
‘Cast your bread upon the waters; for thou shall find it after many days.”
Ecclesiastes 11:1
”Forty eight years ago I
was at a Camp Farthest Out, (Founded by Dr. Glenn Clark http://glennclark.wwwhubs.com/
and was browsing through the books at the bookstore. This great man, with
whom I would later go to Russia and have as a personal friend, mentioned a book
in his evening meditation. He said, 'God Calling' is one of the most
profound books I have read and I often use it as a daily source of inspiration
and guidance. Then, just to the right on the table I saw a copy, picked it
up, turned to the page for January 6th. What was written was such a summary
of my life, things I had experienced, as well as my need for discipline...as
necessary to keeping the tools, the gifts sharp and ready, that I knew I had to
have a copy. It is quite interesting that when I was re-introduced to Dr.
Clark by Dr. Sherwood Eddy in Bonn Germany in 1956 when he said of me very kind
and generous things about my abilities then added, "But Glenn, he needs
discipline...so teach him discipline!"
The two women who were the
vessels through which the Holy Spirit poured out the words of our Lord were
indeed chosen for the purpose. They were retired teachers and daily had
the discipline of reading the bible and having prayers. One day, one said
to the other, "I wonder if God still speaks to people!" The
friend, said, 'Well, why don't we find out." So they developed a
plan. They would read the Word daily, pray and add a period of 'listening'
to their devotional time. If they heard anything from God they would write
it down.
The story told to me by a
friend of the publisher, A. J. Russell. For Sinner's Only, a book written by Russell in 1932. (I have
by my side on the table as I write a treasured First Edition of this text, given
to me by the McNichols Family Christmas 2004. I had found a copy in
England for $750 and could not afford it at the time. You can go on
Amazon and seek a copy if you like. Good luck, for I do not loan mine!
:-)) had been read by one of the above-mentioned women.
It is a book about a group
at Oxford that sought daily guidance from God about what they were to do that
day. This group was first called the Oxford Group, Oxford Fellowship, then
later Moral Re-Armament, founded by in 1932 by Frank Nathan
Daniel Buchman. Today it is called Moral
Re-Armament - Initiatives for Change . It is headquartered then
and now in Caux Switzerland. See: Caux
Moral Re-Armament It is important to note: This came to be the
beginnings of the Oxford Group which was at first known as "The First
Century Christian Fellowship". In the Oxford Group confession and sharing
tend to blend. Confession is needed to get over sin and sharing needed to strengthen others and
bring each other closer. The movement started in 1921 moving slowly but surely.
In 1926 the group moved to Oxford where many joined and felt they were able to
open up their lives and tell the truth. From 1927 to 1928 the group
expanded and many services and Bible studies were needed to keep up with the
demand asked for. The name of the group came about when visiting South Africa to
overcome the sundering effects of the acute nationalism. This
movement began with Dr. Buchman having 'house parties' where in fellowship,
people would share their faith. During this time there was an increase in the
number of house parties, which were cosmopolitan. It was during this time also
that the Oxford Group gave the foundation of Alcoholics Anonymous.
The two founders of AA Bill Wilson and Robert Smith, found the strength to
overcome alcohol with the help of the Oxford Group and its principles. Later
the two also formed the famous 12 steps from the principles of the Oxford Group.
This is a fact few in AA know.
Beliefs of the
Group
The beliefs of the
Oxford Group and later MRA have a fundamental basis in Christianity as Buchman
had experienced in his life. The doctrine of the Oxford Group is built on two
fundamental actions: Sharing and Guidance.
The first one is Sharing which includes confession and being a witness.
Confession is sharing one's sins with another man/woman, because the Oxford
Group believes that confession to a fellow man is an indication of true
repentance. Sharing can be either privately to another member of the group or
semi-publicly in a group meeting or house party. Sharing witness is giving
testimony of one's own experiences and so relating to the troubles of another.
Guidance is the leading by the Holy Spirit in all actions. God makes his plan
known to us, and we must come to surrender to God's will. There is blessing in
reading the Bible, and blessing in meditating upon it. It is through the Bible
and prayer that we are able to know what God's Will is. 'Quiet time' is the
moment when one tries to listen to what God says applicable to present needs.
Guidance includes, Loyalty which pertains to people obeying the commands of God
and completely surrendering to Christ. Whatever the Will of God might be one is
to believe that where God guides, he provides. There are test to make sure one
understands what God is telling them.
"There are four
tests so that one can discover what is the true guidance of God
- Does
it go counter to the highest standard or belief which we already posses?
- Does
it contradict the revelations which Christ has already made in or through
the Bible?
- Is
it absolutely honest, pure, unselfish, and loving?
- Does
it conflict with our duties and responsibilities to others?
In
case there is still uncertainty, one waits and continues in prayer and consults
a trustworthy friend, who believes in the guidance of the Holy Spirit."
Now back to the "Two
Listeners". They sat for twenty-nine days and received nothing.
Then on the thirtieth day they both, sitting across the table from each other,
began to write. They wrote the very same words for 365 days. (It is
important for the reader who might know of 'automatic writing' in channeling
that this is in no way connected. The concept, experience and results are
quite different) At their death, their will directed that a package be
delivered, unopened to A. J. Russell, the former Literary Editor of the most
virile and progressive London daily newspaper. He was to read it and do
whatever he willed. After reading it, he then passed it to the best-known
and most honored theologians of that day. Each could find nothing that
offended the bible, the Christian faith, or the theology of the church. He
then published "God Calling".
I cannot tell you how many
copies I have given in my lifetime, but it is in the hundreds. With the
tithe always needed elsewhere; it was often into the next ten percent that I had
to go to buy the copies. Some years ago the Methodist Publishing House had
leather covered 'God Calling Journal' with the daily message, scripture and a
place to write. I treasure mine and use it daily.
Carol, at her own expense
has published the website
www.twolisteners.org/ Go
to your birth date and see if you get a reading like I did, that was really a
message of truth about my life and spiritual needs. I have looked at that
of my children, their mother and friends. It never fails to amaze me.
But, I guess, any page with the truth you find here will be a blessing!
I am grateful I found this
book and for the truth it has brought to me. It has been a means of making
my walk closer and often bringing just the news I need for the day I am reading.
I hope it will be a blessing to you. Pray for me, my ministry, my
counseling, as well as the projects we are -working on here locally, nationally
and worldwide. You are welcome to surf www.sage-usa.net
and remember we are available to pray with and for you...for I remain, always
and in all ways,
Yours in The Way,
Dr. Joseph B. Kennedy, Sr.
From Jack ...
I
had considered myself a life-long “Christian.” But like most of us, I
was only a Sunday “Christian,” who had never in his lifetime read a complete
Gospel of the New Testament from beginning to end.
Then,
during a period of impending crisis in my family, I felt compelled to undertake
a complete reading of the New Testament. At
the outset of this crisis, I could only see much uncertainty and pain, feeling
so much hopelessness. It was during this period a friend gave me a copy of the
book God Calling.
As
I began reading daily devotionals, I realized my study of my Gospel summaries
had better prepared me to more fully understand the intricate nuances in the
messages of each day.
With
good intentions, I placed the book on my breakfast table, intending never to
miss a day. As with most good
intentions, my efforts became inconsistent and then ceased. Then
one morning as I began my workday at my computer, I felt compelled to enter
“God Calling” into a Web search and found the Two Listener’s website.
I
was thrilled to be able to more conveniently start each day not only reading the
current devotional, but also re-reading the days before and getting a preview of
the days to come. I can only
encourage others to also put forth daily efforts into changing their lives for
the better, hoping the materials on this website are useful.
As
with my earlier studies of each Gospel, I found that daily efforts and study
were needed for me to be able to more fully understand and appreciate the
messages set forth by the two listeners. In particular, how these
messages can play such a role in understanding how the power of God changes one
from within.
As
new, even more unseen chapters of ordeal and difficulty have unfolded in our
lives, I’ve found myself better prepared to try to meet them in ways that I
know are expected of me.
But
throughout this painful time, we found ourselves supported by others in ways I
had never hoped for nor imagined. At the conclusion of this ordeal, I was
overwhelmed by a sense that a more beautiful script and ending could not have
written for us. Although our lives were forever changed, we knew
that God’s blessings had been given to us through the surprising intervention
of many individuals
In
1969, I found myself in the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. Within
that program are many books on prayer and meditation. For my own
meditation, I chose the Hazeldon Twenty Four Hour book. It was a great
comfort to me and helped me in my walk back to a power greater than myself.
After I had been a member for two years, my mother sent me God Calling, The
Omnibus Edition, by Two Listeners. If I had thought I had comfort
before, this was bliss. I had lost my way as a Christian and this book
took me right back to where I was when I was eight years old. This book
saved my life in many sorrows and griefs...it was always by my side and became
totally dog-eared. When I began to sponsor women in Alcoholics
Anonymous, I always recommended that they purchase the book...and they
did. Three years ago, I had a heart attack. My daughter packed up
all my belongings and put them in storage..that is where my copy of the book
is today. Recently, I found that I could receive a daily reading of God
Calling from the Internet. Such a powerful daily gift. Thank you
so much. Faye A. Martin - Arkansas, USA
I
am delighted to find "God Calling" online. This opens up so many more
opportunities to share this book with others. God bless all of you for
your efforts to share this book with others. I just found "God at
Eventide" last night and see that you are also putting it online. I
pray that your project is blessed and God bless you and yours, In Christ, Eddie
Marthin
I
receive daily e-mail devotions from other organizations but have always liked
this book the best. My problem is that sometimes I forget to read it
before I start my day. Do you have any plans to do something similar.
I would love it if this showed up in my inbox every day. Thanks, Stu
I
was given a copy of "God Calling" by a friend for Christmas in 2002. I
have read it each year since then. I can't tell you how many times that the
day's reading fit so appropriately for whatever I was going through. I
lead a ministry for overeating at my church and we include a copy of this
devotional with the materials we give them. We always have women asking to buy
extra copies to give as gifts. I am so thankful for the "two
listeners" who listened to the leading of our Lord and Savior and created
this devotional. It is truly amazing and a blessing to anyone who reads it.
Joanne Boice Santee, CA
It
takes only a moment to read the God Calling devotionals every morning. Starting
the day off with these reminders, which are written in easy-to-remember “plain
speaking,” gives me a clear focus for the day. I can think about the
devotional from time to time during the day, and it is like having a Bible
passage explanation that is custom-made for each and every day of the year. It’s
surprising how each day’s devotional usually corresponds to the events of the
day! Annie
Thank you for putting God Calling online. I've sometimes wondered why the
Oxford Group/MRA spiritual practices aren't more popular nowadays. In the
1950s this movement was growing and growing. Perhaps it declined because of
Buchman's political views. Perhaps it lost direction after the death of both
Buchman and his successor. Or perhaps the "sharing" part of its
process gave it a cult-like character that eventually repelled people. And in
any case, a daily Quiet Time is essentially a contemplative practice, and most
people simply aren't called to a contemplative way of life. Anyway, thanks for
making it better-known, and also for all the other top-quality classics you've
put on your site. As one of the two listeners noted, this kind of prayer is much
more powerful when practiced in a small group, and perhaps your site will lead
to the formation of such groups. Derek.
Thanks
so much for your wonderful site--bless you! Kathy Miller
I
often wondered if growing up in church was my testimony, but had never felt
anything and wondered what was missing. I was taught to pray "not my
will but yours be done." One evening I sat alone crying and wondering
why I had been in church if I didn't feel anything for 18 years. It
suddenly dawned on me I was lacking faith. I prayed that God would help me
to find him and my meaning in life. Not long after that a lady I worked
with moved. She knew I believed in God so she gave me God Calling.
It changed my life. I realized faith was not something I was born with it
was a "gift from God daily" as the book put it. I began to pray
for more love and faith. I never understood the importance of prayer until now.
This book makes us as followers realize our importance in the world. I
know that in heaven one day I will be able to thank you guys in person! I
look forward to that day! Much love in Jesus~ Angela
My
mother gave me a copy of God Calling some 20 years ago. I had kept it with me
for many, many years, and referred to it so often, that the pages were literally
falling out of the book. I had to move several months back, and the book got
lost in the shuffle. What a delight to find the entire book on the internet. I
wanted to thank you for this labor of love, for it still never ceases to amaze
me how these entries apply to what is going on in my life, and the peaceful
comfort that the words bring. My mother is now very ill, and is receiving
hospice treatment. My father has also taken very ill. We are also in the process
of buying our first home, and it has been nothing but extreme stress all around.
I had been longing to read this book again, and by luck found your website. I
now visit it every day, and am once again enjoying the peace these words bring.
Thank you so much and God Bless - Dorothy Farias
Hello, I
would first like to thank you for all that you are doing in providing this
website. My wife and I have been reading "God Calling" for years and
recently discovered "God at Eventide". Having them both online now
allows me to reread and reflect on the days message from work at lunchtime or
anytime I need to. Steve Ulbert
For
a year I typed out the daily God Calling and emailed it to a group of people who
were blessed each in their own time by the daily word. And then I moved and was
unable to continue typing in every day the text. Just today I found you! I have
gone out on the internet before looking for this very thing but didn't find it.
Thank you so much for doing this! It is a HUGE blessing to many and I cut and
paste into a group of about 15 folks who will now be getting their daily God
Calling once again! Bless you!!! Anne Connors
I started
reading "GOD Calling" about 7 years ago. It saved my marriage as well
as giving me a whole knew look on my prayer life. I felt that this was written
just for me every day when I picked it up. The things that I was dealing with or
the problems in my separation always seem to have the answer to what I was
supposed to do that day. I now buy "GOD Calling" 50 at a time. I give
them to anyone that I think can use one. Most everyone that has given me
feedback on the book feel the same way I did. There comment is "this was
written just for me and for what I am dealing with". I have even had one
lady to tell me she was thinking of suicide until she started reading it on a
daily basis. It is a true blessing and I hope and challenge everyone to buy them
by the case and give them away. This is my way of witnessing. I hope and pray
that it will stay in publication and that we will always live in a free country
to where we can hand them out and not fear for our lives for doing so. God
Bless, Rodney Parsons, Lexington, KY
I am a
young woman from regional Australia. I have never been one for going to church.
And sometimes I find it hard to read or understand the Bible. Perhaps because
the words were received in more contemporary times, my Friend God seems to speak
to me through God Calling with more clarity and precision, speaking right into
my heart. Sometimes I think I see God in a dragonfly, in a rainbow or in a sea
shell. To me God Calling is the same as these things of simple and intense
beauty - direct messages of love from the Great Heart to my heart. Thank
you very much for the opportunity to receive this beauty daily. Fiona,
Western Australia.
Twenty Five
years ago my Dearest Friend introduced me to God Calling book - she has since
gone on to be at home with the Good Lord. More than 20 years she suffered with
MS and although her disability was manifested on the outside she was used by God
to let me see how I too was disabled - but it was all inside emotionally and
mentally. God Calling wrapped its love around my heart in the same way
that Audrey (my friend) let God use her to wrap His Arms around me and slowly
and gently cleanse my mind body and soul from the ugliness that invaded my
life...I am still on the POTTERS WHEEL. I found this site today because I
wanted to send April 23 message along to someone whom I have not met but felt an
urge to do so . I was very surprised and Blessed to see this book and other
wonderful things on here because I really didn't expect to get it...but as I
said before, I followed through with the NUDGE that I believe was from
God. A Grateful Reader Jean Durant
My
loving mother gave me photo copies of this book many years ago. One day a copy
of the book was placed on her desk by a co-worker who recommended that she read
it. After reading it, my mother photo copied the book so that she could give me
a copy. Through the years I have moved and lost many pages, but by the grace of
God I looked you up and found you on the web. I can now print the missing
pages. Please know that these words speak to me daily! Through these words
I have come to know my Heavenly Father in a way that has been most profound. I
give thanks for these words for they are truly my most prized possessions. Thank
you for this site and an opportunity to fill in the gaps. I love you; may God
our Heavenly Father keep you always safe in his loving arms. Peace and Blessings, Kat
Robertson
I
picked up a copy of "God Calling" on March 29, 2006. My husband
and I, along with one of my very dear friends had just left a "Christian
Lecture" at a nearby church and decided to stop in our local "Joseph
Beth Book Store" and browse around for a while before we headed home.
We walked into the store and three of us scattered in three different
directions. My husband headed toward the "Science & Nature"
section, my friend went straight to the "Self-help" section, and I
just found myself meandering amongst the books. After around fifteen
minutes of browsing, I found myself in the "Spiritual/Christianity"
section. I looked at the seemingly endless bookcases of books in this
section and spotted sitting face forward on a shelf "God Calling."
It was almost as though all the other books on the shelves backed away, because
this one stood out among the rest and caught my eye. I walked over, picked
it up and began reading. Well, needless to say, I purchased "God
Calling" that evening, and have been reading the devotionals each day.
I find I carry it with me wherever I go, as I have found great comfort, guidance
and wisdom from the words written on the pages. They truly feel Spirit
breathed. Perhaps the most amazing part of my testimony is that
because of the messages received through the daily reading of this extraordinary
book, I've been able to turn around and use what I have been given to help
counsel, encourage, and comfort others in my circle of friends (and influence.)
Being able to extend words of comfort and encouragement to a friend whose
husband is battling cancer, and helping another friend find some sense in the
seemingly senseless death of her granddaughter, were priceless gifts. This
small, but powerful book contains an important message for today's generation!
It contains God's message of LOVE, of HOPE, of PROMISE! I didn't know that
my life was about to change that chilly March evening, but it has. My life
has been blessed and changed by this remarkable publication....and I thank God
for the all of the lives of those who made its publishing possible. With
gratitude and blessings - L. Schulte, Cincinnati, Ohio
God
Calling has played a very important part in my life. I came across the
book several years ago in the home of an old lady who stayed alone in a remote
village. Whenever I visited she would tell me "read, read,
Promises". She was not well educated but knew every reading by heart.
I asked her where she got the book and then she told me to ask someone in the
U.K. to send it to me. I had a cousin in the U.K. and it took me two full
years to get the book which I cherished and then one day my carrybag in the
office got stolen. I lost my book and then I made enquiries and found that
the book was available in New Delhi. I bought so many copies of the book
from New Delhi that there was no more stock left. I have shared this book
with many people and it has brought many people to Christ. One more thing - my
brother is an alcoholic and he was far from God but when he entered Alcoholics
Anonymous he got a book called "24 hours" and the meditations in this
book are based on "God Calling". So you see God Calling is a
very special book for me and I read it everyday. Take care and get well soon.
I am from Kolkata, India. Love - Anne
Blessings
more to you who became an instrument to bring God's promises to His people in
the world especially in the Philippines. I'm Mariel from Philippines. I'm a
member of a Catholic Christian community in Manila, Philippines. I started to
read the printed ones while organizing the library materials because I'm a
librarian. Because of the book, I gain strength and courage to continue my life.
My parents both died already. So now, your emails as early as 6:00 a.m, my
first thing to do as I open GC is to forward them to 50 people I have known
(friends and friends and friends). They were touched and moved by the grace of
the holy spirit, through those powerful words on God Calling emails.
Everyday GC is a source of strength. I started to forward the emails because
after many months of reading the book, I tried to look on I-net if there's an
existing website. Luckily, I found and subscribed. Almost of my friends have no
time to search on the I-net so I thought of sharing the gift of joy I found on
GC through forwarding the soft copy.
Bless
you for this service - my wife and I have been reading GC daily for 7 years now,
and discuss it together either before I leave for work or by phone at the first
opportunity in the morning if I am traveling - no matter where we are in the
world. Regards, Anthony, Queensland Australia.
Dear
twolisteners - I came across this book seeking more of Him about 4 years ago
now. I remember holding on to my bible crying when I was at my darkest moment, I
knew there was a God and I wanted to hear from him I wanted comfort but I was
being held prisoner in worldly bondages (drugs, wrong relationships). I would
type letters to God asking for help, asking for forgiveness and this was when I
was under the influence at times. I was seeking and wanting the peace that only
God can bring and through my cry's I know today God led me many little angels
and messages to soothe and calm my soul. After I was saved I was so hungry for
more and I am not a reader but I could read God calling without stopping until I
would fall asleep and then upon waking up in the morning. I have shared many of
the devotionals when I felt discernment for others to word from the book and
they too were able to be relieved even if it was for that moment. Thank you for
having this online, wishing you many blessings of abundance. What I also truly
love and it touches my heart is how this two sisters in Christ want no praise.
Please know that I love you dearly and thank you dearly, funny I feel them
smiling at me for some reason. Thank you kindly. Happy
Joy Joy Blessings, angel
I
was working the evening shift at the 211 call center when I discovered a copy of
this devotional book lying on the desk. I read from January 1 to January 20. It
inspired me to purchase a copy for myself and my friends. The few moments I
spent reading the devotional was Food for My Soul.
Gatha R.
Green
Years
ago I learned how to listen to God’s voice. After taking the course
“Communion with God” I began to write down what He said. I wondered at the
time, if what He was speaking was just for me or for others, too. Eventually I
stopped. About a month ago I found the book God Calling in one of our spare
bedrooms. We had hosted some ministry teams over the summer and someone had left
it behind. When I began to read, God’s presence came, and I realized how
starved I was for His voice. ... I am so glad that the book God Calling reopened
a well for me that had been clogged. Thank you to the wonderful person who left
it at my house. And now that well flows out and reaches others. Uta Milewski
Greetings,
I would like to thank you for putting this wonderful, life affirming book
online. God Calling literally saved me. Christ entered my life in a moment so
quick, yet so powerful, that for this ex-atheist the truth will never more be
denied. My wife waited for many years for the needed change and once it happened
she showed me this book. We read the next days devotional every night. What
peace it brings… what love it shows. God bless you and all involved with your
wonderful web site. Dan Waller
We (my husband, my daughter and I ) are
very blessed as we go to our computer daily, in our separate places, to glean
whatever message the Lord has for us each morning during our devotional time. In
His Service, A fellow listener...and a fellow servant, Dianna
Greetings in the matchless Name of Jesus God
Calling has been a part of my life for since giving my life to Jesus over 20
years ago. Yes, sometimes it would sit on the bookshelf then other times it was
in my hands to open up to the days message. The book read and prayed every night
now for the last 2 1/2 years not able to put it down. Little did I know that God
was going to use it for ministry to others through a ministry HE called me to 20
years ago. Thanks be to God through Jesus and the blessed Holy Spirit am now in
Bible College and soon will be a Chaplain. This book will be used in ministry of
prayer and guidance for others who God sends for prayer. The Holy Spirit moves
as God our Father by Christ Jesus directs. So listen carefully dear ones to what
HE has to speak to you in the silence of your hearts. In His service, JAF
I just want to thank you for all your
great work and everything you do for the Christ .Your messages are very helpful
and uplifting - they always give me precisely what I needed at that
moment. Keep up the good work ...Sascha
The first thing I do each day is read the two emails sent by
you….they are my ‘plumb line’! Gob bless you mightily! Melanie
I was given "God Calling" in 1985. I
read it then but did not keep it up. I, too, lack discipline. My father died in
1979. My husband had assured my father that he would take care of my mother.
Four years later my husband died. I was 58. I had my mother, the business I knew
nothing about, the unfinished boat he had started, and my oldest son. My son
died in 1989. Mother entered a nursing home, kicking and screaming so to speak,
in 1992, the same year I sold the business and the boat. Mother had resented
being old and wanted me to care for her 24/7. Not possible for anyone although
many of us are prone to try. Although I felt as if I were hanging onto life by
my fingernails much of the time and was lax about going to church, I never gave
up praying. God heard me. He always hears, I do not always hear him. I have
suffered severe illness, several serious surgeries, and depression. Now, at 83,
reaffirmed in church, a member of the Daughters of the King, and living happily
with my daughter and son-in-law in my own little private apartment, I am once
again reading that wonderful little book. I began Jan. 1, this year. I have
found it profound, comforting, awakening, and increasing my faith. Olive
McMillin
thank you for your devotion to GOD and my lord
and savior JESUS CHRIST... life would not be the same or as full if it was not
for your willingness to carry HIS love.. the majority of the internet does not
reflect the true nature of this world ... it was a pleasant surprise the day i
was led to your web site.. it was after reading " for sinners only " a
beautiful book on a unpopular subject sin... your courage is attractive and your
willingness enlightening... it is amazing how little is required to make a
difference in a wayward soul.. i sometimes feel alone in this selfish population
of lost souls.. hope is the by-product of very day i read your spirit guided
love.. may GOD continue to bless your willingness and courage.. sincerely james |