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A website for inspiration, edification, and encouragement. Its my hope that the writings found here will bring light to your path as you walk with the Lord. I welcome your comments about any of the articles here and any suggestions for future articles that you feel would be of interest to yourself and others.

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Wounded in ActionTo often, in our Christian's lives, we find ourselves with wounds suffered for doing what is right. Unfortunately, many times the wounds are deep and we feel they will never heal. Even though we may withdrawal from the fight to recover for a while, we should take comfort from the words of our Lord because He suffered while on this earth but never quit, never gave up. Full TextThe Closing DoorWhen death comes, it always closes the door on life. It is never welcomed but always remembered. Time won't completely heal the broken heart nor should it. Hearts hold memories. Those memories, that can bring us pain can also bring us hope. Harry was a man with the assurance of hope. Full TextFact or Fiction God is still in the miracle business. He still blesses. And He still supplies our every need, but does he do it through forwarded email? The Bible calls for us to test the spirit. Maybe we should also check out some of these claims made by forwarded emails before sending them on. Full TextHeart ThoughtsMega churches lead the way in worship, growth, and evangelism but should everybody follow their lead. Can the method used to draw people in our churches give them a mixed message. Full TextThe LimiterA parable for parents and teens. Sometimes parents are so protective of teens that they damage their spirits as well as their maturity. Teens need protective boundaries with growing parameters as they mature. Full TextHalloween: Behind the Mask October is known by kids and parents alike to be the month for fun and games during Halloween. Parents drape costumes of all kinds on their kids; fairies, witches, goblins, cartoon characters, and a make up of hundreds of other fantasy personalities. Did I say fantasy characters? Well some may be, but others may not be fictitious at all. In researching the origin of October's best know holiday, several startling facts come to light. In this article you may be surprised about some of the hideous practices we are exposing our precious children to. I may have just lost some of my readers. However, if you will continue beyond this point, you will find truth that will set you free from the 'bondage' of Satan's most acclaimed celebration "The Festival of Death." (Articles page)Christmas Decorations: Brief HistoryThe modern Christmas tree seems to have originated in Germany during the Middle Ages. A main prop in a medieval play about Adam and Eve was a fir tree hung with apples. Called the "Paradise Tree," it represented the Garden of Eden. German families set up a Paradise Tree in their homes on December 24, the feast day of Adam and Eve. (Articles page)In God's ArmsA letter to my sister-in-law to be read at my brothers memorial service. It stresses the fact that, while relationships with others are vitally important, our relationship with God should be our foremost desire and concern. Full TextTurkeys and EaglesShort saying about different kinds of people in a church. Full TextNever Worth the PriceWe always seem to focus on who is right or who is wrong, when involved with church conflict. But in the scope of eternity, God is really saddened when our pride and selfishness become stonewalls that prevent people from seeing Jesus in us and may well prevent them from desiring to know God and receiving eternal life. Full TextFall of ManAn ordinary start into a new day is suddenly disrupted. Full Text.Potter's HandsBeing in the hands of God is may not always confmortable but is always beneficial. Full Text.Thin LoveTrue love not only waits, but it lasts. Full Text.TuxedoIt's not my fault I wrote this. An impromptu writing assignment that proves I was brain dead. You have to loosen up some to read this. You'll either chuckle or agree that I've really lost it. Full Text.

Articles

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Fact or Fiction

The Limiter

DOCUMENTS

ATICLES

The Light Beyond the Dust.pdf

Wounded in Action

Fall of Man

The Festival of Death.pdf

Potter's Hands

Closing Door

Thin Love

Heart Thoughts

Tuxedo

In God's Arms

Turkeys & Eagles

Never Worth the Cost

Decoration of Christmas

Wounded in Action Wounded In ActionIt was in 1969 that he found himself in one of the rice patties in South Viet Nam. With his shoulder pressed against the burrow of the patty and AK47 fire cracking over his head, he knew the squad leader would give a hand sign to advance against the enemy fire. He saw the sergeant’s hand go up and motion for us to move out. He pulled himself out of the muck and over the berm of the rice patty, and advanced towards the enemy position.Only a few seconds elapsed when a powerful blast threw him forward into the air, six to eight feet ahead, where he landed on his back-numb and stunned. The sound of the explosion put everything in slow motion and somehow separated him from the firefight that raged all around. Seconds passed like minutes, but finally, there was a familiar and welcomed sound approaching. The popping blades of a Medivac chopper coming in to pick up several wounded soldiers.After several days at the 23rd Medivac Hospital in Chu Lai, he was released for recovery in the rear echelon of the battalion headquarters. The days passed slowly with only assignments of light duty, giving time for wounds to begin healing. Although the environment was considered safe, the sounds of artillery fire continued in the distance, throughout the night. A couple nights a week, a movie was shown for the men in the rear area. The Enlisted Men’s Club offered company for both wounded and rear echelon soldiers, but once the night returned and the artillery fire commenced, he was haunted again by sounds that brought his thoughts back to the front line where he knew he belonged.Even with a soft mattress on a cot that held him off the ground, leisure time, and social entertainment, the hours in the rear area became days and the days, with their light duty and entertainment, hung like an albatross around his neck, bringing misery rather than relief. He knew it was only a matter of time before he would be able to leave the recovery area and get back where he belonged. He longed to return to his unit, but knew it would place him in harm’s way again. Nevertheless, nothing would be right until he returned. The occasional film and familiar music at the EM club seemed out of place. He was more comfortable with the sounds of the night in a moonlit jungle, the dampness of the ground, and the occasional cracking of rifle fire than with the safety the rear area.Although the rear echelon sergeant kept him occupied with menial tasks during the day, mixed emotions haunted his nights. He found himself comfortable on the cot, but longing to return to the jungle. Why would anyone desire to be back out there, he thought? Yet he longed for the moment when he could catch a bird back to his unit. The long, sweat-soaked marches through the jungle, the daily soapless showers of rain, the continual threat of ambush and sniper fire, and sleepless nights at listening posts in torrential down pours of monsoon rains, were all things he missed but knew not why.It is hard for most of us to understand why anyone would miss such a repulsive environment, yet as wounded Christians we face a similar experience. We face many battles of our own, both in the physical and spiritual realms. Wounded Saints, who withdraw for a time of recovery, at some point long to return to the front line. We will never be satisfied staying in the rear, even with soft cots, soft duty, or soft life. Even while wounds heal, God stirs us once again to service. It may not be back in the same jungle, but it will be in some jungle, where spiritual warfare flares and because of our nature (that of Christ), we will not be satisfied, until we are once again involved with our comrades in arms in the fight against the powers of darkness. Take heart, take hope, take some time; then raise up your arms and return to the fight, the good fight, for the time is short. Rev 010608
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The Limiter The Limiter A certain son had watched his father tend the flock and was certain, he too, could be a shepherd. He asked, “Father, let me also herd the sheep. I am sure I can do it.” The father, having wisdom far beyond that of a shepherd, took one of the young lambs from the flock and placed it into the son’s care. The son was so proud of his little lamb. He was determined to love and nurture it, just as his father did the entire flock. He knew his lamb needed to graze, so he tied him to a stake with a small rope and left him to eat, while he went about his daily chores. Over time, the lamb ate, grew in size, and developed a beautiful, shinny coat of wool. The days became weeks and the son and the lamb developed a special relationship of love and trust as they spent time together each day. As the time went on the lamb was unable to extend his grazing area; being restrained by the tether. He pulled and jerked against his limiter, but to no avail; the fresh grass lay just beyond his reach. Although the son came each day to tend his lamb he did not realize the lamb’s need for a larger grazing area. Every day he came and lovingly tended his lamb, but the lamb seem to become resentful of his care; even his touch. He bucked and jumped, and pulled against his rope which had protected him from straying off into dangerous ground. “Why are you acting so ungrateful after all I have done for you,” the son thought? He left and returned home perplexed about the changed attitude of his lamb. The next day, when the son came to check on his lamb, he found him pulling violently against the rope; almost to the point of pulling up the stake. Seeing this rebellious spirit, he chastised him. Now the relationship between the son and his lamb had changed. The lamb, which had once been loving and kind, and always happy to see the son, had become rebellious and unappreciative of the care he had received. Still, the son did not recognize the real need of his lamb. No adjustment was made in the length of the rope, which limited him to a small area and restricted him from the nourishment he needed. The lamb gradually lost weight and became malnourished. After the father had settled his flock down one evening, he accompanied his son to the place where he kept his lamb. The son had complained to his father about the attitude of the lamb and his father had promised to come and see about him. When they arrived they saw the lamb lying on the ground unconscious. As they examined him it was obvious what had happened. The little lamb, pulling and stretching to reach fresh grass, had tightened the rope around his neck to the point of choking. The father immediately loosed the binding limiter and the lamb gasped for breath. In just a moment the lamb was breathing fine, once again. The father was very displeased with the son’s disregard for the needs of the growing lamb and asked, “Son. Why did you not extend the rope as he grew and needed a larger grazing area?” The son replied, “He had always done well right where I had him tied and I did not realize he needed more rope. I thought he was only becoming ungrateful for what I had given him.” The father, lovingly placed his hand on the boy’s shoulder, “Son, just as you had need to raise and care for your own lamb in the process of becoming a shepherd, so your lamb needed to reach out beyond his youthful boundary to larger and greener pastures. The son realized what his father was saying, and from that day forward, changed his care for his lamb to include lengthening the limiter periodically, allowing natural growth and maturity. The father was pleased, the son was fulfilled, and the lamb grew in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Rev 020508
The Closiing Door The Closing Door Harry was a gruff looking tower of a man standing at a good six-foot. Skin tanned by a harsh sun testified to his outdoor life as a construction worker. A pitted face gave evidence of his teenage years and his large nose appeared almost swollen. Now at age 72, Harry's features did not invite conversation. Hard lines creased his skin. Slashes on each side of his nose angled their way to the outside corners of his mouth. Deep horizontal crevasses laid imbedded across his forehead, and his ears exhibited the same swollen character as his nose. The harshness diminished as a gracious smile appeared and rays of warmth softened the lines of his hard face. His smile exposed a loving soul that lay hidden beneath the harsh, aged surface. When he got within arms reach, our hands met, and a gentle shake was passed as he gave his approving nod of the morning's sermon. The passing weeks gave way to months, and it was now a cool fall morning in October. I pulled into the long graveled drive that funneled my car to a weathered mobile home. Through the years it had acquired the same rough exterior of its owner-the way a dog and his master at times appear to have similar external characteristics. As I approached the cinder block and mortar steps, the door swung open and Hazel stood with a gaze that went through me and into another realm. I smiled as I passed by her and stopped in the small dining room. It was a room, only as neat as seemed necessary for the day, but never set up for guests. The latest Country Living laid open on the table as if being read, but the overlapping of old mail on its edges revealed the colorful pages had not been enjoyed for at least several days. Hazel was a wife of forty-seven years. A woman who, for all the time I had known her, was usually vigorous and full of joy, but had now, herself, become weary of the battle. The continuous care now required by Harry had stolen her bright smile and crippled the spring in her walk. The fight had exhausted both the soldier and the rear echelon support. The cancer was an relentless adversary for even the strongest of garrisons. She motioned me down the hall and into his room without the sound of words breaking the silence. As I started she lagged behind to allow me time alone with Harry. This had become the ritual of my weekly visit. It seemed like she wanted Harry and me to have time alone, a time for just Harry, God, and me. Hazel had called a couple hours earlier that same morning to say Harry had asked for me.Upon entering the bedroom, only the renegade rays of sunlight broke around the edges of the densely dark, magnolia flowers that rolled like waves across the draped fabric covering the only window. The rays revealed a man lying on his back, stretched out straight, and in the final hours of his life. His body, too long for the bed, had pushed the cover from between the mattresses and his feet hung unsupported over the floor. One thin, paisley imprinted sheet served as his cover, while colliding with the waves of magnolias above the headboard. His head cocked back on an old, thin, feathered pillow; the two seemed to be in the twilight of their time. Harry's eyes were closed, but just barely. He might have been seeing something far beyond the room that had now held him captive. He might have been seeing another place--another time, but his still condition and expressionless face gave no clue. I pulled up the old chair that I had relocated from the kitchen many weeks before and planted it in the usual position close beside the bed. I sat, leaned forward, and placed my elbows on my knees, supporting my head by folded hands under my chin. Staring at him for a long moment and finding nothing to read in his face, I placed my hand on his. My fingertips could feel lines of a hard life that were mimicked on his face and rolls of skin that could have been a glove covering an unseen hand inside. My touch sparked a twitch in his eyelids but without cognition. The only movement was the slow, continuous rise and fall of his chest forced by the air passing through a wide open mouth, creating a semi-gasp as it was drawn in and then released. The false teeth had long since been retired to their plastic box on the dresser adjacent the foot of the bed, having forgone any usefulness to their owner. The absence of the substitutes allowed his lips to roll over the gums and appear to be falling into the open cavity. Hazel came in and stood beside me. She rested her hand on my shoulder. "Called for you this mornin'¼" She paused. "But don't know if he knew what he was sayin'." Her voice was weak from the months of faithful service supplied to a life long mate. "Would ya pray and ask God to give'm the peace I know he wants?" Without looking up at her, I nodded. "Dear God, please put your loving arms around my friend and give him your peace. Thank you, Lord." I spoke the words to God, but loudly enough that she too would hear. His chest rose and sank and rose and sank, again. The regulated breathing shifted to a gasping sound-the chest still rising and falling back. A gasp--then silence, and peace.
Thoughts from the Heart Morning Coffee and Thoughts from the Heart I found an article on the web that caused me to think about many of our large churches and their efforts to reach more people. Many people look to them as having the formula for church growth. They end up being an example of recruitment for all churches but should they be? Many of our smaller churches today are looking to the big boys to set worship styles, tell us how to recruit and enlist workers, as well as new ways of doing evangelism. Are they all wrong in what they are doing? Are new ways wrong? Certainly notat least not in themselves. I am not against change or new ideas. Im not even against new ways of doing old things. However, I see a problem with what is happening in some of our churches. Too often, the gimmicks and hype bring in trouble not converts. Being tolerant of ungodly lifestyles might get more folks to church, but when you bait them with tolerance and then preach the intolerant word of God you are sending them a mixed message. What originally got their attention now proves to be unacceptable to much of the congregation. Recently I saw a 'worship fest' on TV. Youth were saturated with loud music (Christian rock) in a concert that employed a lot of hype and emotionalism (I dont mean this in a negative sense) and the result was that kids came and made decisions to accept Christ. The problem, as I see it, is that when they get back to their churches we have a totally different approach. If it was hype and emotionalism that moved them it is short lived. Hype and emotionalism should not be the motivator for people to come to Christ. Christ did not die for us because he got hyped up and emotional. He died for us because he loves us. Therefore, the only motive for a lasting relationship with Christ it that we fall in love with Him and accept Him as our Savior. My heart hurts for our young people. Yes, it is true we send them to Youth camps and they come back wanting to really worship. The Bible refers to this as in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), but Lord forbid we lift our hands, get emotional as we express repentance through tears of weeping, or give a hearty Amen to a scripture truth. I believe the church, even with its best intentions, is giving people, especially our youth, a mixed message. If anything is true today, it is that we have too many dead churches. One is too many. Enthusiasm for Christ is an inevitable by-product of a relationship with Christ and so the church should be full of fervent worshipers, prayers and workers. Wherever you attend church, why not focus on Christ in all you do. Worship leaders are there to lead you into worship but they can not worship for you. I wonder what would happen to our churches if we came to worship, worshiped, and then served! Maybe revival!
In Gods Arms In God's ArmsAlthough distance may separate us, love binds us together. Our family is stretched across the country from California to Florida and in a time like this we cant help but wish we had been in closer proximity to each other.I thank God that I know my brother is wrapped in the arms of His Lord now and able to be with Mom. I take such comfort in knowing his parting this world is not the end, but a door opening to what is not only more real than what we see here, but is also eternal, offering a never ending joy being in the presence of God. My prayers for our family and friends have not ceased, yet my desire is to be with you now that we might comfort each other. The apostle Paul encouraged those in the church at Thessalonica concerning their loved ones that had died. He wrote to them, Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. (1 Thes. 4:13-14 NIV)We are reminded that in difficult times we are not like the rest of men, who have no hope. Our hope does not rest in what this life has to offer, but in the certainty that our heavenly Father has prepared for us a place, where one day, we will all certainly be together as one family.To us Jim was a husband, a dad, a brother, a friend; but most importantly he was a servant of the Most High God and it is for this that I am most proud. His life of compassion for others and love for Christ should be an encouragement as well as a challenge for his family and friends. He is on the other side of a door through which we will all pass, but it is today that we must be sure we have made preparation, according to Gods Word, so that we might be reunited forever.So let me ask, what I believe is the most important question you will ever answer: What have you done with Gods son, Jesus. Many reject Him in favor of following their own desire in life. But life is not all about you. When you come to know God, you realize that everything is about Him. He gave His only Son that you might know Him and have eternal life with Him. God is waiting for you to accept the sacrifice His Son made for you and to replace the will you have for your life with the will He has for your life. Maybe you should make that decision now. If you already have then you owe God your whole life, since He paid for it on the cross. Is your life centered on yourself or is it centered on God?In light of the suddenness of Jims passing, we should all take this time to evaluate our relationship with our God and creator, to see if we are living up to the life for which we are called. I believe Jim would want this.September 18, 2007The Younger Brother
Never Worth the Cost Never Worth the CostWhats a little conflict in the church? All churches experience conflict at one time or another. In reality churches experience some kind of conflict regularly. Why would we think that Satan would just leave us alone, unhindered, to do Gods kingdom work?When conflict invades the serenity of a church, it normally does not, initially at least, involve many members of the church. Sometimes, it may only be a difference between two people, and it would be easy to resolve if it stayed that way.Someone once said that confession of sin should only be as public as the sin itself. I believe that is wise counsel. The same thing holds true with conflict. I think everyone would agree that when there are differences within the body of Christ, members should make every effort to address and resolve the problem as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, in a lot of cases the gossip line burns with more fervor than do our hearts, when it comes to solving issues and reconciliation.Erik Tryggestad, a writer for the Christian Chronicle (October 2006)[1], wrote that some churches in Africa were experiencing dissension within their congregations. The issue arose concerning communion and singing. Some congregations incorporated singing with the Lords Super, while others did not. This had never been an issue before and had never prevented the churches from celebrating the Lords soon return with each other.It was not until someone decided they were not doing it right and started teaching the young churches that singing during communion is wrong. As a result, some of the Malawain churches asked visitors about the issue and, based on their response, either welcomed them or showed them the door. Missionaries are quick to point out how this illustrates what can happen when churches in the U.S. export their divisions to the mission field.Here were several congregations of Gods people, singing, serving, and fellowshipping with each other, until someone injected wrong doctrine that they themselves had accepted. We must remember an important fact; truth is not determined by whether one believes something or not.Is there not some irony here between what we see with some churches in Africa and possibly our own? I see several parallels, which are worth addressing.1. Our church, which usually exhibits love, respect, compassion, and trust, from time to time finds itself with some sort of disturbance between spiritual siblings usually initiating from pride or selfishness.2. Sometimes, senseless divisions evolve within a loving body because people choose to believe something they think is true. This often happens because of an individuals perception of what someone has said. It is caused from not having all the factspeople base their entire belief and attitude on what someone told them. As the gossip spreads, someone else will eventually share the same news (gossip) with them. Most often the story remains in tack, with only slight variations of the facts whether true or not. When a story is restated from another source, it seems to reinforce in a persons mind that the information must be true. Jim Henrys study for deacons teaches servant ministers in the church how information travels fast on the church hotline. He refers to the rapid transfer of gossip as the rumor mill.[2]3. The end result of spreading information, true or not, is that the entire issue usually takes on the bias of those retelling it with someone being hurt in the process. Such gossip never has a positive out come and is always detrimental to the fellowship of the body, and the eternal work of Christ through His Church. Whatever the issue, or however personal it becomes, the question must be asked if it is worth what it costs in Kingdom souls. Is the issue we support or oppose worth even one person continuing on their way to hell? Will pride win at the cost of an unbeliever failing to accept Christ, because of our lack of love for one another? Selfish pride is so often the culprit that fuels the fires of gossip, envy, jealousy, and strife.Of course our first inclination is to justify our position. Weve been hurt. Theyve been hurt. The bottom line is that the Christian will recover from hurts; even serious wounds. Yes, there may be scabs or scars, but recovery is certain in Christ. But what about the person out in the world who is watching or hears about the dissension within the church? He may have been at the point that of considering coming to church, now that he has that new baby. Or what of the couple who are trying to work through some marital problems and think those loving folks down at that church might be able to show them the way.In Bruce Wilkinsons study Secrets of the Vine, he illustrates how everything we do today counts for all eternity. This fact is never truer than when a soul wants no part of Christ because they see unchristian behavior and attitudes from those who claim to be His disciples.Christs disciples are not only learners who employ the teachings of the Master, but also are His representatives to the world. Jesus said that all would know His disciples by the love they have for one another. Love one another was not only a new command, but a new concept. These inspired words are authoritative and refute an idea that one has the option of choosing to love one another or not. It is a command, which is serious, binding, mandatory, and compelling. Look how often scripture reiterates the idea of disciples loving one another:John 13:34-35 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.Romans 13:8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.Ephes. 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.1 Peter 1:22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.1 John 3:11 This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.1 John 3:23 And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.1 John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.1 John 4:11-12 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. [12] No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.2 John 1:5 And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one that we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another.Are you about to holler Ok, ok. I get the message! So what will you do with this scriptureinspired by the Holy Spirit of God Himself. What change do you need to make in your life to be able to really love your brother? We have no option here.There is no room for discussion, debate, or justification of our actions. If we are disciples of Christ, then we must conform to His teaching; we must love (agape) one another!
(continued) Conflict among the people of God is despicable, when we consider what Christ has done for each of us and the state of the lost world around us. Tryggestad concluded his article in the Christian Chronicle by stating that, People are starving to death, babies are dying of malnutritionvillages are not hearing the gospel, and Muslims are trying to make deep inroads in Africa.Church conflicts diminish proportionally to the degree that Christians keep focused on Christ. Ive never witnessed Christians who have a deep hunger for the things of God (relationship, hearing His voice, submitting to His will) who are involved with or contribute to divisiveness in Gods church. We should nip in the bud conflict, disunity, or any other scheme of Satan by refusing to be a sounding board for gossip of any kind.You and I can make a difference for the Kingdom of God, if we will obey Christs command to love one another. This type of love always takes a sacrifice and it is only possible when as you deepen your relationship with the living Lord.__________________________________________ Food for Thought Why do people seem to believe whatever they are told? Why dont they sit down together, address the issue, and search the scriptures? Why dont people decide for themselves that they are not going to let a song interfere with their fellowship and ultimately, love for one another? Why?[1] Pulpit Helps, Vol. 31, No. 12, pp. 7.[2] Deacons: Partners in Ministry by Jim Henry.
Turkeys Eagles Turkeys and EaglesThere can be found two distinct species in the Christian community: turkeys who flap vigorously agitating the air around them and eagles who extend their wings in support of others and are themselves sustained by the very breath of God.
Decorations of Christmas Christmas Decorations:Some Interesting OriginsAncient, pre-Christian winter festivals used greenery, lights, and fires to symbolize life and warmth in the midst of winter's cold and darkness. These usages, like gift giving, have persisted. The most splendid symbol of a modern Christmas is the brilliantly decorated evergreen tree with strings of multicolored lights.The use of evergreens and wreaths as symbols of life was an ancient custom of the Egyptians, Chinese, and Hebrews, among other peoples. Tree veneration was a common feature of religion among the Teutonic and Scandinavian peoples of Northern Europe before their conversion to Christianity. They decorated houses and barns with evergreens at the turn of the new year to scare away demons, and they often set up trees for the birds in winter. For these Northern Europeans, this winter celebration was the happiest time of the year because it signified that the shortest day of the year--occurring on about December 21--had passed. They knew the days would start to get longer and brighter. The month during which this festival took place was named Jol, from which the word yule is derived. The word yule has come to mean Christmas in some countries.The modern Christmas tree seems to have originated in Germany during the Middle Ages. A main prop in a medieval play about Adam and Eve was a fir tree hung with apples. Called the "Paradise tree," it represented the Garden of Eden. German families set up a Paradise tree in their homes on December 24, the feast day of Adam and Eve. On it they hung wafers, symbolizing the bread distributed in churches at the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, or communion. Because the Christmas holiday followed immediately, candles representing Jesus as the light of the world were often added to the tree. Eventually cookies and other sweets were hung instead of wafers.In the same room as the tree, Germans kept a Christmas pyramid made of wood, with shelves to hold figurines. The pyramid was also decorated with evergreens, candles, and a star. By the 16th century the pyramid and the Paradise tree had merged, becoming the Christmas tree popular today.The Christmas tree was introduced into England early in the 19th century, and it was popularized by Prince Albert, the German husband of Queen Victoria. The trees were decorated with candles, candies, paper chains, and fancy cakes that were hung from the branches on ribbons.German settlers brought the Christmas tree custom to the American Colonies in the 17th century. By the 19th century its use was quite widespread. Trees were also popular in Austria, Switzerland, Poland, and Holland. In China and Japan, Christian missionaries introduced Christmas trees in the 19th and 20th centuries. There they were decorated with intricately designed paper decorations.The use of evergreens for wreaths and other decorations arose in Northern Europe. Italy, Spain, and some other nations use flowers instead. Holly, with its prickly leaves and red berries, came into holiday use because it reminded people of the crown of thorns worn by Jesus on the way to the Crucifixion--the berries symbolizing droplets of blood.The custom of hanging mistletoe during the Christmas season originated in England during the 18th century. It was once believed that a woman who was kissed by her suitor beneath this plant would marry the following year. In modern times, anyone caught standing underneath the mistletoe is subject to a friendly kiss.Another plant often used for decoration during the holidays is the poinsettia. Mexican legend holds that these beautiful red flowers, thought to resemble the shape of the Star of Bethlehem, first grew miraculously for a poor child who wanted to bring a gift to the manger scene at the village church but did not have any money. Poinsettias were introduced to the United States in the early 19th century by Joel Poinsett, the first United States Ambassador to Mexico.
Fact or Fiction Fact or FictionDon't you want to know? Many of us get a number of emails that could be classified as chain letters, get rich quick schemes or miracle occurrences. I read one recently about the scientific community mathematically proving something about a lost day on the calendar. You may have received one claiming a miracle in someone's life or other announcement that really sounded good; even great. Further more, you might have been one who got the email about the attorney who substantiated a simple way to get rich. I'm sorry if I am not one who jumps at the opportunity to "share" news, even good news, that does not list a source or origin. You may also be reluctant to "forward to ten more people" the opportunity to get a $3,000 plus check if you will just do so and so. This article is for those who might feel tempted to write to a company to get free money, fwd mail to get a blessing, or any other such extravagant escapade. Before you write, forward mail, or anything else why not check it out for yourself. Certainly, please do so before you send it to me. You may wonder why such an article would appear on this web site? Isn't this page for spiritual edification of the saints? Yes, it is and that is why I've posted it. Saints don't need to be involved in the spreading of unsubstantiated information. I believe the Bible might call that as gossip. I hope you understand my reasoning for this post. It is to help the body act like the Body. We need to know things are true before we "share" them as being true. It seems I remember an incident in a church where this policy, had it been followed, would have prevented some pain. Some months ago I got an email I really enjoyed. It was part of an article that I wanted to quote in one of my writings, so I began to trace the source. Finally, after four or five back tracks, I found the person who sent it, but they could not remember where they had found the information. Here is a helpful web site I found (I'm sorry. I don't remember how I came across it.) that can help you substantiate the authenticity of many forwarded emails you might receive. Stories of miracles and fortune are great, but if they are later proved fictitious they can do more harm than good. Why not, the next time you get one of those (fwd, fwd, fwd, fwd' you get the idea) emails check it out for yourself. The site link below is a great place to begin.____________________________Truth or Fiction websiteSnopes website
Fall of Man The Great Fall of Man The "fall of man", that we read about in the Bible, took on a whole new meaning that morning as I rushed out the door after resolving that there was no time for even a light breakfast. I slung the door closed behind me without checking to see if it was locked and prepared to negotiate the three steps that lie before me off the landing of the front porch. One, two, three; I cleared each one perfectly with my smooth jump from top to bottom. It was then that an ordinary day seemed to disappear into a foggy haze. Gliding through the air, in a manner that obviously lacked any degree of grace, I landed with my right foot coming down first. It was at then that a shooting pain obscured the plans of the day. My foot rolled over the small rock and I heard my ankle pop. With my other foot still lingering behind, It tired desperately to help it find its way to the ground and offer support for my weight, but to no avail. Pain flashed as lightening as it made its way from the ankle to the brain and upon arriving, forced reality into a haze that impaired my senses. Time hung like moss from an old Spanish oak as I as was suspended between my last step and the ground, which lay waiting to receive the blow of my weight. My body, suddenly consumed with a flash of heat, refused to make any response to the cognitive commands formed in my mind. Suddenly, all was in motion again; my left leg now trying with all its might to leap ahead of the other, but only finding itself hindered by the momentum already obtained by its counterpart. The ground was now approaching at what seemed like an incredible speed as my body found itself plummeting toward it. My mind reminisced the pain of the twisting ankle just milliseconds earlier as it imagined a repeat of the same if my body continued in its projected course. I fought to hold time in a headlock to find a way to interrupt the inevitable crash on the ground. Like many have found before, time is slave to no man and fleeting brought on an encounter with a second wave of suffering. My consciousness, which tried so hard to flee at the cracking of the ankle now demanded to be released and did so as I hit the ground. Like two ice skaters who jump, spin, and come down in perfect unison, so did my shoulder and forehead collide in unison with the ground that refused to give an inch to the pressure applied to it. Blackness filled my sight, heat consumed my flesh, and I laid helpless. Beaten half to death, it seemed, by a small pebble. Overcome by an undiscovered foe, one whose attack was without warning or justification, I found myself on the ground defeated and cold as darkness boiled in around me. Heat and cold mixed without one diluting the other consuming my thoughts and feelings, which assisted unconsciousness, allowing it to become the victor.
Potters Hands In the Palms of the PotterClay, in its pliable form, is very manageable in the hands of a skillful potter. He can easily mold it, shape it, and transform it into a useful vessel. From time to time, as it spins on his wheel, he must add a little water to make its flexibility persist against the drying element of the wind. If the humidity is low and the temperature high it has a tendency to dry quickly in his hands.It is because of this drying that he must apply more pressure to make it conform to the image in his mind. It doesn't look like much as it spins now on the wheel before him, but soon it will take on new character, shape, and purpose. He tediously allows it to spin in the palms of his hands. Continually adding moisture to insure it pliability; he is almost done when an impurity is detected under the light touch of his skillful hand. Every revolution verifies the imperfection. A lump in the clay now surfaces which was previously unseen. The vessel, which was shaping up, must now be torn down. No impurity must exist if this vessel is to become a vessel of honor.The potter's hands begin to squeeze as he applies the pressure to reshape the clay after removing the flawed material. Now the process must be repeated. Still holding tight to the vision in his mind he tenderly begins again, knowing what he has started he is also able to bring to completion. At that point he will have recreated his creation into a presentable vessel of honor; a creation which was purposed in the palms of the potter.
Thin Love Thin Love is No Love at AllMarried in the twilight of teenage yearsHer petite lines complimented his tall frameYears passed, kids grew, and the two of them mellowedShapes were rounded as time smoothed the edgesLove, which was born in sight and touch, now maturedAnd eros, though not lost, was surpassed by agapeShapely lines blurred into bulges and potsWhile love took on the beauty of an old Spanish oakRising and falling hills are pulled down by timeAnd in their place new mountains of a greater love abound
Tuxedo A Mule Dressed in a Tuxedo is Still a MuleHe caught our eye when he first came to town. Tall, dark, and dressed in a black tuxedo, he was soon found mingling in the crowd. His charismatic personality quickly captivated the attention of the influencials of the community where he was promptly accepted and became an intricate part of the aristocratic sect.Within the next few months his constituents promoted him to the second highest position in the court. So intrigued by his uniqueness, he soon replaced the out going leader at the end of the term. It was then that it happened! While approaching the podium to address his new found crowd of followers he attempted to straighten his black bow tie when it came loose and tangled in his fingers. His tie now loosed gave freedom to his long tailed coat, which slipped from his large rounded shoulders, dropping to the ground. This was followed, almost immediately, by the tailored black tuxedo pants.The audience gasped in awe. Betrayed by the sight before them of an unclothed mule, and realizing the deception they had fallen victim to, the entire crowed responded in the most undignified manner "Hey haw! Hey haw!"
SYNOPSISTruth In FocusCopyright TIF 2011, Stan G. Proctor, MEd.Administrator

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