WORSHIP

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Worship is the purest form of communication between GOD and man.

There are few if any restrictions on the exercise of worship. It can occur at any place at any time and over rule any other actions taking place though they be driven by necessity, fervency or passion.

The one restriction placed upon worship was that it must be as stated in John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.

While the attitude of the believer must be conducive with worship the essence of worship must be from the inner man. There may be that which aids worship such as music and fellowship with other believers. The only thing that matters is full transparency, total openness with nothing hidden. Let it be an unabridged expression whose source is from the spirit of man.

Of course the soul’s involvement is not to be excluded but we desire to rise to a higher level of worship that can only be experienced when your spirit is not hampered by the mental, volition and the momentary restrictions of the soul.

True worship of our spirit cannot occur unless we are in total awe of Him;

Most of us are guilty of what J. B. Phillips called "the sin of reductionism." We reduce God to a manageable size.

We should never to attempt to worship until our concept of GOD matches the person of GOD for only then can we appreciate and worship HIM as we should.

Ed Rowell states the following; “I wonder, we who get so excited about meeting a celebrity -- why is it that we can enter into the presence of God with a yawn and a shrug?”

This is a question we all need to answer for it reveals something about our concept of and our relationship with GOD.

Sooooo, let us enter to His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise with a proper mind set and the emotion of love running high. This is also our reasonable service.

How about a great big Amen to this song! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMpbm2p-1mo

Linking up with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday
http://mydailywalkinhisgrace.blogspot.com/

Also at Jen’s Soli Deo Gloria http://findingheaventoday.blogspot.com/2011/11/bribery-retreats-and-soli-deo-gloria.html

CITY-FIED

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Growing up I wasn’t exactly country because we lived in town part of the time which meant I was a little bit citified.

I suppose you could say I fit in - - either in the city or in the country or maybe I wasn’t at home in either. In any case I didn’t know the difference because the dogs made me feel at home wherever I was and didn’t discriminate against me.

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When in the country I felt more farm-ish and when in the city I was urban-ness.

Having been born a couple of months before the 29’ crash I grew up during the great depression. While most struggled to find anything good about it, it was a time when people found out about themselves. They discovered who they were.

It was a time when much of the facade they had carefully constructed and hid behind simply fell away. There was some ugliness that was exposed while others manifested love and caring for the less fortunate.

For those who were willing it was a time of introspection when they looked beyond those things that made them feel good about themselves and saw the whole me, warts and all.

The depression was a personal psychoanalyst without charge and the treatment lasted for several years.

When change was called for, some accepted that which was revealed while others sloughed it off for some price was usually required.

While it is nothing like the great one the mild depression of today has some of the revealing characteristics as people find themselves hard pressed. It is a good time to examine one self to see if some inner change needs to be made.

1Corinthians 11:28 strongly suggests an action to be taken prior to the partaking of the Lord’s Supper. This was because some were living in questionable conduct. They (and we) are told to do a spiritual checkup

“That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup” For there are dire circumstances ahead for those who don’t.”

Psalms 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

I have never read more challenging words, and more has been said than in these few words for they go to the very heart of my being. Watch and listen to this beautiful song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1y_R7DnMc2I&feature=related


This post was linked to: On Your Heart Blog Hop Tuesday at: http://www.shandaoakleyinspires.com/2011/11/home-made-christmas-potpourri.html

COME OUT

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2 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

We have heard these words preached before and it has been applied to different avenues of life, marriage, work, fellowship and other pursuits. There is certainly reason for consideration of each of these things for within them lies a danger even within the CHURCH,

As many old line churches are unable to maintain mandatory standards demanded by GOD due to a lack of personal spirituality, the spirit of the anti-Christ is prevailing in many congregations.

As these denominations ordain those with a perverted sense of righteousness to become their leaders one is reminded of the scripture  Matthew 15:13-14 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

The scriptures plainly speak of two types of those in the church, the one with right standing before GOD and those who are unrighteous.

The time is here when the righteous must separate themselves from those whom GOD calls unrighteous.

These harsh words are not without cause but emphasize the need for separation from those who accept unrighteousness as righteousness.
There are no mitigating circumstances that modify the serpent’s deceptions.

What will the end of this be?

While there will a time of separation of those who are designated as sheep and goats, there are those who will be totally surprise by the judgment that falls upon them.

On judgment day many will say to me, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'

The lawlessness spoken of here is the deliberate violation of the plain Word of GOD. The arguments of today that have success will fade away in the light of GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Ecclesiastes .11:3 Whether a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where it falls, there will it lie.

The Question for all of us is, will we Come Out and be separate from the world and its ways?

This post has been linked to:  “Changing the World One Word at a Time”  The word is COME.  Please visit and check out the other great posts at:  http://peterpollock.com/

THE LIGHT AND THE DARKNESS

Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.

Sometimes it is good to remind ourselves of the sharp contrast between the saved and the lost. If you have made a decision to follow Christ it is important to keep your reality ever before you. If this isn’t a controlling force in your life the temptation to become a “Twilight Christian” will be easy to fall into. It is a case of good or evil, right or wrong, light or darkness.

John 8:12 Then spoke Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

From Isaiah we learn not to manufacture our own light when we walk in darkness. Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Luke 11:35 Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.

John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the Armor of light.

1 Thessalonians 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

You must remember you have already made your decision to be light in the LORD and don’t you forget it.

Resolve each day:  "I am light and I’m going to act like it," amen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv6nuDeB-eM&feature=related


This post is linked to Deidra’s Sunday Jumptandem. Please visit to soak up good words you will discover there.  http://www.jumptandem.net/2011/11/sunday_26.html

Also linked to Hear it on Sunday, use it on Monday : http://www.michellederusha.com/2011/11/hear-it-on-sunday-use-it-on-monday_28.html 

PRAYERS NOT ANSWERED?



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 If you ever meet a man who claims that every prayer he prays is answered, then - - you have just met a liar.

I have had to set through sermons where the preacher has tried to convince the congregation that all prayers are answered by God saying sometimes its yes, sometimes its no and sometimes its wait awhile.

Perhaps there is some truth in that but I think it lies somewhere else. If you will pardon me for saying so, in my old age I try to avoid as much B.S. as possible even if it is “Christian B.S.”  The reason being I have already had my share of it.

David Wilkerson has a few thoughts that are worth considering; the link below will take you there. The issue is still how to become more successful in the prayer life. I say prayer life because it is the core of the Christian’s existence.

The book of James doesn’t mince any words when he addresses both conduct and prayer for he doesn’t separate them.

James 4:1-3 From whence come wars and fightings among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 


Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.  Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.


James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.


James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

I am not sure I would attend Pastor James’ church if there was another one in town for it is written on the church marquee, “No B.S. allowed in here.”

The main thing to remember is that the trying of your faith is designed to make you stronger not weaker. In the face of what could be considered defeat, our faith still stands strong in the GOD of the universe unwavering.

Oswald Chambers quote: God wants you to understand that it is a life of faith, not a life of sentimental enjoyment of His blessings.” Faith in the Bible is faith in God against everything that contradicts Him - I will remain true to God's character whatever He may do "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" - this is the most sublime utterance of faith in the whole of the Bible.

I suppose the whole point of this rant is; getting answers to prayer is not the basis for our faith but rather it is our implicit faith in the being of GOD Himself.

If for whatever reason my prayer is not answered as prayed, my faith in GOD remains strong and does not waver.

In any case keep praying!   http://www.tscpulpitseries.org/english/undated/tssixrea.html

This post has been linked to Charlotte’s site. Spiritual Sundays.  Please visit and enjoy other good words at:
http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/2011/11/i-had-to-share-this.html  

THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING

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The day has come and gone and the families have departed for home save for some who will shortly leave and, reluctantly prepare for the daily grind.

It is strange when you have a large group with all the activity thrust upon you. The day that is set aside for feasting and giving of thanks - - then comes silence after all the guests have gone.

Dealing with the leftovers can be a formidable task, not wanting to be wasteful you try to salvage what you can.

How many ways can you fix the leftovers is the question, and when will the stomach rebel against the remaining fragments?

Always waiting in the wings is the guilt of our abundance when there are those who suffer lack.

Having shared in several ways (even providing some extra dog food for the SPCA) squelches that guilt somewhat.

The kickoff for Christmas shopping is in full swing, and the stores welcome the bargain shoppers en mass. The day after always carries with it a bit of a let down and the need to compensate in some way seems to be the order of the day. After many purchases comes buyer’s remorse, the “Day after.”

As I think of all the days whether holidays or exciting special times like when the daughter gets married, and then the “Day after” must be dealt with.

There is a day when the church will be raptured and the “day after” must be dealt with by those who remain.

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At first there will be the let down, and the then euphoria of possessing all of the wealth left behind by the saints.

Those who bought into the act of “Neglecting their salvation” will have to deal with the “Day after” - - each day for the day of salvation will be no more.

2Corinthians 6:2 Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of Salvation.

This post has been linked to Laura’s Brag on God Friday. Please visit and view many good words there at: http://www.beholdingglory.com/

THANKSGIVING RESULOUTION

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Once again the time has come to give thanks unto GOD for another year.

Some are no longer with us except in our hearts and memory.

For some it is only feasting, while with others it is feasting and a time with the family.

It can’t get any better than the opportunity to put behind us those little hurts and forgive and enjoy one another for time is fleeting away.

Ephesians 5:19-20 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

When you speak to yourself you are also speaking to the HOLY SPIRIT for He dwells in you. Every time this truth is quickened to me I am awed.

When one is reborn unto GOD the Holy Spirit moves in and takes up residence within your spirit. Much more could be said but let it suffice to say let no communication be uttered that you don’t want GOD to hear.

It is a good time to make a resolution to give thanks to GOD each and every day for the most important thing in your life which is your relationship with GOD.

2 Corinithians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!


This post has been linked to Joan’s Grace Café. Do visit there for other good words!
http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com/

Also Linking up with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday
http://mydailywalkinhisgrace.blogspot.com/

CLIMB DAT MOUNTAIN

I’ve always been fascinated by the majesty of mountains. The Swiss Alps are magnificent and in California the mountains in Northern California are almost temple like.

When it comes to climbing one of them, this is where I hesitate because while I am amazed by their presence - - I am awed and fearful of them.

The scripture poses a question; Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place? He that has clean hands, and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully Psalms 24:3-4

To draw near to the presence of the LORD requires one to have among other things a pure heart. It is possible to be saved, forgiven and still have unresolved issues within that hinder our ability to go to the place of holiness.

When in this condition some count the cost too great before preparing themselves for the climb. Some hesitate and do not ever realize such an experience.

Others deal with all the issues that impede their progress in GOD and press ahead to begin the climb.

Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt fill me with joy with thy countenance: at thy right hand are delights even to the end Psalms 16:11

This is the mountain top experience in a word.

You never know what you may meet on your journey, perhaps something or someone who will comfort you.


Once you arrive at the top it is important to spend some time there. You will have to return soon enough to earth below where there is turmoil and struggles but linger in HIS presence until your refreshing is complete.

Don’t just make this trip once but again and again for therein is fullness of joy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1GjkrwlbgM&feature=related

All photos for this post are courtesy of Alexandre Buiss

This post has been linked to Joan’s Grace Café. Do visit there for other good words!http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com/

YOU SHOULD HAVE DONE A BETTTER JOB

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It was just another day, hot, busy with everyday pressures.

I stopped at a sandwich shop and grabbed a hot dog, filled with Sodium phosphates, Potassium lactate, meat and the usual substances all of which I loved as long as it had all the trimmin’s.

As usual I was in a hurry and irked by having to stand in a line while others made up their mind, I knew what I wanted which was a hot dog and to get served quickly. I was between jobs and needed to get to the next job or so I thought.

As I was leaving I saw a woman that I didn’t wish to get into a conversation with and having to talk about unnecessary things. But then she spotted me and having caught my eye - - I was stuck for I always tried to be polite in every situation.

After covering all the niceties I enquired after her son who I considered to be a fine young man. She then gave me some bad news I didn’t want to hear. Her son had overdosed on drugs and was dead. All of a sudden I lost my appetite and had that hollow feeling inside.

I taught a Sunday school class and this young man was in it for some time and was progressing in the things of GOD. 

The families in our church were not poor but most were just getting by like so many of us. They were at church every time the doors were opened to worship the Lord.

Then one day the father went into business with his brother and over time they became successful began to make much money. They never had anything before, so when they could afford it they bought the things they desired which was fine.

Then one day they bought a big boat, having spent an outrageous price for it. It was exceptionally large, extremely nice and parked in a boat slip.

After this the family stopped coming to church and the boy never came to my class anymore. When I went to visit to find out why he wasn’t in church and in my class, they would make up some excuse.

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One day they had enough of me coming around and they got a little huffy and the real reason came out.

They told me that they had spent a lot of money for their new boat and they had to get their money’s worth and wouldn't be back to church for awhile; and not to bother them anymore.  (They never returned.)

Amazing isn’t it how money can be a great separator from righteousness if you allow it?

I worked very hard to teach the boys in my class and this sadden me, for each boy was special to me.

It was some time later probably two or three years when I met her at the sandwich shop and she told of his tragic death.

The last thing she said to me was, “If you had done a better job teaching our boy, this might not have happened.”

I must admit that her words angered me, and I thought of several things to respond with, but I saw the pain in her eyes, so I only told her how sorry I was that this had happened and how I cared for this fine young man.

In my heart I wanted to say, “Why did YOU take him away from my influence?”


This post has been linked to Hazel's New Blog Party site:
http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/   Please visit and enter your true story there.

DOODAH?

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I guess doodah is a word for it sounds like one.

Trying to look it up produced some different thoughts about it.  One usage is for that senior moment when you can’t pull up the word you want to say. “You know that doodah thing.”

There is another way to use it by associating it with a statement like as in the song: “Camp town races, sing this song, doodah, doodah.” Most Americans have heard the song at least one time.

This and other songs were written by Stephen Collins Foster (July 4, 1826 – January 13, 1864); known as the "Father of American music."

Foster was the pre-eminent songwriter in the United States of the 19th century and his songs remain popular over 150 years after their composition.

Some take offence about the lyrics today, but he wrote during the times he lived in.

There is no definitive answer as to what the camp town actually was. Some believe it was itinerant camps where people waited for job offers, and others think it more like a hobo camp.

It is reported that there was a real town named Camp-town, and because of the notoriety of the camp town races song they changed its name to Irvington.  

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Another version was that the song originated out of a little town in Bradford County {Pennsylvania] appropriately named Camp-town. Apparently, this well-known Stephen Foster song was inspired by the horse races that ran from this village to Wyalusing. You will find there a historical marker acknowledging Camptown and its famous race located at the junction of routes 706 and 409 in Camptown.

What ever the case maybe when doodah is associated with a happy event it means some thing like whoopee.

There is such an event spoken of in the scriptures called the second coming of Christ for his church. Anytime one thinks of that happening it is a good time to shout doodah, doodah and using the old camp town melody sing, “Jesus gonna come for me, doodah, doodah, I’m ready to go with Him, Oh doodah day. Going to be with Him, going to be with Him, I am going to be with Him Oh doodah day.”

Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKDtIgSDN1c&feature=related


This post has been linked to Sundays in My City.  Do visit and enjoy other good words and photos at: http://www.unknownmami.com/2011/11/sundays-in-my-city-122.html

COMMUNICATION

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Philemon 1:6 That the communication of your faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

I have been challenged and then encouraged by this verse for in it I see that the sharing of my testimony will accomplish much if I recognize and allow what I am through the work of Christ to become my reality. This first begs the question; “What am I?”

In the movie Popeye, he declares “I am what I am that’s what I am!” That worked for Popeye because he knew what he was.

In order to understand who you are in Christ you must know what the Bible says you are. Once you know that, then it’s up to you to acknowledge with your mouth, that what the Bible says about me is true and accept its reality.

It is possible to never know what the new birth has accomplished in you because of failure to accept it. As one Bible teacher said; “We often travel under false documents acting as if we are sinners instead of saints.”

When one is born again and the Holy Spirit indwells us, He brings with Him all of the gifts and fruits of the Spirit, and they are waiting to be manifested by the Christian.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control and is in you waiting to be made manifest by you.

It may be that you need a new vision to see yourself as you truly are.

Ephesians 4:22-24 in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

Notice you are to put on that which has been created in righteousness, holiness and truth. In another words you are a new creation with a new reality whose conduct is governed by the new you instead of the old.

There is an old song titled “Let us have a little talk with Jesus.” It further says “Tell Him all about your troubles,” and work it out together.

While we recognize His majesty we still need to sit down and talk to Him, and converse with Him like he was a friend and not act so lofty.

What a friend we have in Jesus? Do you talk to Him like you do a friend or some far off, hard to touch being with no feeling of our needs?

The song below expresses the way to talk with the Lord, the next step is to wait and listen as he speaks to your heart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8zuyjdQ7VI

This post has been linked to Laura’s Brag on God Friday. Please visit and view many good words you will find there at: http://www.beholdingglory.com/

NEW SUIT

From early on, even before my arrival, my dad could be called a chic dresser, a regular Dapper Dan.

He was always in style wearing a three piece suit, and he always wore a hat, Stetson being his favorite.

For awhile there was an “In look” accomplished by wearing a straw hat.

These hats were stiff as a board, flat topped and not too comfortable, and they would sail away when the wind blew. He would keep a watch in his vest pocket connected to a watch fob. Florsheim shoes and long stockings held up with garters were a must. The one thing he never used was spats, at least as far as I knew.

As a rule he would have three or more suits at all times so he could rotate them.

The reason for this background is that my father was about five foot ten and I grew to be about three inches taller than him. There was a time when we were about the same size as I grew up.

One day he decided that I needed a new suit since I didn’t have one. He went in his closet and brought out one of his suits and said, “Here this is yours so you can dress up.”

Now this suit was just fine for my dad, but I was about fourteen years old and it sure didn’t look as good on me as it did on him. He gave me the rest of the clothing outfit, and I was all set.

I was a little stunned and I was stuck. I couldn’t refuse them and that meant I had to wear them.  My everyday wear was jeans and t-shirt and that was what I always wore no matter where I went. My problem was I never went any place where I needed a suit.

I sure wasn’t going to wear it to school or play baseball in it and I wouldn't think of wearing it to the movies. My eating out consisted of eating at the hot dog stand or at the soda fountain.

There was a lot of pressure on me that I didn’t need.

Luckily for me (as far as wearing the suit went) my dad took off for parts unknown and that solved my suit problem. I found a nice place for it in the closet and there it stayed until some years later, I got rid of it for I had outgrown it.

In order to fully appreciate my reluctance to wear my new suit you can try to get your teenager to wear some of grandma’s old dresses to school and to parties.

I’m sure they can explain it to you!!

This post has been linked to Play Dates with God at: http://www.lauraboggess.com/2011/11/playdates-with-god-sleeping-garden.html

And to: “A Pause on the path” Do visit and devour some good words at: these great sites: http://www.shandaoakleyinspires.com/2011/11/chosen.html

Secular Sayings

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LUNCH ANYONE?

Often we are prone to give away to pithy secular sayings when in a trying time.

They become a somewhat mainstay in our life. We hope they will give us a little rebound and improve our status. They are tried and proven sayings for every event; some encourage; some are designed as a caution.

How about this one “There is no such thing as a free lunch.” It surely strikes fear into you when you are about to make an important deal.

One I would like to focus on is FOUND ON “GOODNESS GRACIOUSNESS.”

"The Best Things in Life are Free"

In a world that seems crazily hungering for things, possessions, and stuff, I thought I would list some of the best things in life... The things that are free!

Smiles, compassion, bed time stories, Sunday breakfasts, honesty, friends, hugs, support, kindness, a walk on a beach, growing, belief, glimpsing a sunrise, holding a new born baby, comfort, shooting stars, listening to the wisdom of our elders, seeing a butterfly, calling a sibling, breathing deeply, looking into the eyes of our beloved, singing happy birthday, gratitude, passion, coloring with a child, the flickering of fireflies, listening to awaken us to dawn, hope, standing up for something good, caring, sunsets, sharing a poem, good memories, learning something, forgiveness, lovely dreams, laughter, tenderness, love songs, decency, a pat on the back, sharing a special treat, sleeping in a soft bed, family, acceptance, accomplishment, sitting by a fire in winter, finding a seashell, dedication to a cause, moonlight, compassion, finding animals in the clouds, listening to the questions of a child, clear water, family dinners, bubble baths, children's recitals, flowers, love making, fancy chocolates, silence, snow angels, starfish, dancing, devotion, making a difference, God’s salvation.

I thought that was a pretty good list. Perhaps you can add some of your own the main thing is not to ignore and to fail to appreciate these gifts.

Many times we live our lives in a way where we focus on the negative things that come along and forget that always waiting in the wings are the best things and that they are free.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6raAdR-1s0o

This post has been linked to: “Changing the World One Word at a Time” Please visit and check out the other great stories at: http://peterpollock.com/

OLD ROCKING CHAIR

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I woke up the other day and found myself taken captive by that old rocking chair.

I knew it would get me some day but I didn’t expect it to happen so soon.

I fought it the best I could but in the end it got me.

After some effort I get going and try to do the young me but it don’t last.

With each step taken my huffing and puffing increases and I sound like a choo choo train. Then I hear it calling me; get in here where you belong. I can do nothing else but obey.

I have gotten so used to rocking away that I can't recollect any other way of living. I’m sure I must have done something afore but just can't recall what it was.

The exception to that is when some faint memory comes floating up from somewhere and then fades away.

The time will come when the old rocking chair will come for you and you will resist but in the end it will prevail and you will sing this old rocking chair has got me just like me.

One day my chair will stop rockin’ there will be no need to look for me for I have went with the upper taker to the land of the free.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aitSe9QDOuk
(Mills Bros)

Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81uOcHk8Kno&feature=related
(Mildred Bailey)

I love both versions of this song, Hope you enjoy good music !!

This post has been linked to: Hear it on Sunday, use it on Monday. Do visit there at:
http://www.michellederusha.com/2011/11/hear-it-on-sunday-use-it-on-monday_13.html

MY FIRST SHAVE

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I was about five years old when I noticed my father in the bathroom doing something odd.

He had a pan of hot water and reached up to a shelf and brought down a mug and brush. I was somewhat entranced as I watched him take the brush, wet it and proceed to create a foaming lather from the soap in the mug.

Of all things he put that soap on his face which I didn’t understand at all for I tried to avoid getting my face washed. This was due in part to when my mother washed my face I was sure that she was going to rub the skin off.

There he was rubbing that soapy brush all over his face and then he did something else that was very odd, he took a hot towel and covered his soapy face. I stood there quietly, enraptured, not speaking for fear of destroying the next moment to follow.

Now I was in the primal learning stage and many things were new to me. While I considered myself to know everything; on occasions like this I was also willing to submit to new information.

That day I was on the eve of discovery, my father took a knife which he later informed me that it was called a straight razor, and warned me that it was very sharp and I was not to touch it. He then did something strange; he took what was called the razor strap.

I was surprised that the strap had a secondary use. The primary use was one that I had experienced several times and considered it an instrument of torture but here he was sliding the razor back and forth putting an edge on it.

For the next few moments I could hardly believe my eyes he was attempting to cut the hair off his face with that knife. After a few minutes he was satisfied, washed his face and put everything away.

After he left I got close to the mirror and looked to see if I had any whiskers. Not being able to see any I figured they must be there I just couldn’t see them.

After watching this event several times, I figured I knew how to do it and when alone I prepared everything just like my dad. I got some water, the mug, brush and of course the strap and razor. After cutting the strap on the edge, I decided to forego that step and get to the lather process.

Then my big moment came. With razor in hand I made my first stroke and another until most of the soap was gone. Then I saw this red stuff running down my face. I was bleeding. Then there was another place and another, there were cuts everywhere. About this time I began to panic.

I had ruined myself.

My razor sharp mind then flashed back to when my dad cut himself. I remember what he did. I grabbed the toilet paper and started to apply it to my cuts. It was amazing; this must be magic stuff for after several applications the bleeding slowed and then stopped.

I was saved although I looked funny with my face plastered with toilet paper. It took some time for my cuts to heal and I’m glad to say the scars were minimal.

It must have been a good shave for I didn’t need another one for ten years.

This post has been linked to On Your Heart Tuesday's Blog Hop. Please visit and view many good words at: http://www.shandaoakleyinspires.com/2011/11/chosen.html

Also linked to: Laura’s Brag on God Fridays  http://www.beholdingglory.com/1/post/2011/11/not-about-me-november-day-9-brag-on-god-friday.html 

NEO NAZIS Vs. Michele Bachmann

image courtesy photo bucket

In 1921 Adolf Hitler formed his own private army called Sturm Abteilung.

The SA (also known as Storm-troopers or Brown-shirts) were instructed to disrupt the meetings of political opponents and to protect Hitler from revenge attacks.  Hitler's Storm-troopers were often former members of the Freikorps who had considerable experience in using violence against their rivals.

In an interview with one leader of this attack on Representative Michele Bachmann he said; “The protest speaks for itself.”

The group later sent a press release to NBC saying "We took advantage of the moment to address the system and the people within it as to the unjust role of corporate money in politics."

This was a mob attack on a United States Congresswoman by a group of Neo Nazis. The only thing lacking was the brown shirts and arm band.

This is the same tactic used by Hitler as he came to power.

As these mobs cohere they will develop an agenda to be enforced by these storm troopers. Violence is just around the corner for this will be their milieu to gain power.

The one thing lacking is a leader which will come forth shortly. At that time they will no longer call themselves the 99 percent but will have a new identity emulating Hitler’s Storm-troopers.

They cry “free speech” for themselves but deny free speech to others. Sieg Heil

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/10/8739200-occupy-wall-street-protesters-interrupt-bachmann-speech

MY FRIEND???

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Sometimes we are told things that don’t ring true or at least before we put it away in our storehouse of facts we want to think about it for awhile.

One such thing I was told was that "pain is our friend."

At that time being young all I knew about pain was it should be avoided at all costs. I must admit that pain is a great teacher, unfortunately some lesson have to be taught over and over.

It took many skinned knees to cause me to exercise some caution in running and playing.

Another thing it taught me was to lie. A lie is a device you use when trying to avoid pain of some types.

Since becoming a Christian I have limited its use to a great degree but there are times when I have had to use it to save someone else while conviction was grating on me not to do it. At times I concluded that the price of their friendship is more than I was willing pay and just told the truth.

Over the years I have notice that some find it easier to use their version of repenting for lying than it is to tell the truth.

There are times when pain will let you down. I believe if I had more tooth aches I would have better teeth today. Back when I was raised you only went to the dentist when the pain got so bad that you needed to seek some relief. This was due to the “not-so-painless” dentists and a lack of funds to pay for dental care.

Too often by the time pain shows up the problem was out of hand and it was too late for remedy. As I have aged pain shows up in ways I have not known before and it keeps telling me that something is out of kilter and needs attention.

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I attended a funeral where the minister spoke of death being a friend. The deceased had been in a bad state, suffering and death was a release and preferable to the pain continuing.  

Pain is a two edged sword, at times it does me good but if the time comes when there is no relief then my friend becomes my former friend.

There was a rare man who only would preach for fifteen minutes and then stop. He was able to say more in those few minutes than some say in an hour. I heard one such sermon where he said that some pain will produce a pearl and he gave the story of the oyster’s plight in producing pearls.

So also if we understand that some of life’s struggles are painful but they are able to produce in us a quality of pearl in our character instead of a root of bitterness.

This post is linked to Grace Café. Please visit and view many good words found there at:
http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com/2011/11/he-provides/

GRANDMA’S LYE SOAP

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Isn't it wonderful how the passing of time makes nostalgic moments out of usual experiences? Something that was usual way back when - - was the making and using of home made lye soap.

I liked the description by the soap shed; “This homemade lye soap is an Appalachian tradition, with its historical use including the elimination of head and body lice, bed bugs, mites, as well as general household and floor cleaning. There was a time when a Lye Soap recipe provided the only source of basic hygiene available. Lye soap was generally made once a year, coinciding with Autumn Harvest and the killing of hogs in preparation for winter.”

As time passed soap was improved upon and became available in many forms such as bars, granules and liquids with or without perfume and lye soap lost its appeal.

Most married men have experienced times when wives get bored and look for some kind of relief. At that time husbands know that they are going to encounter something they are not looking forward to.

One of the main fears is that some old flame might show up, and might not be fat and bald but still look good, and would ask the magic question “Are you happy?”

What husbands hope for is that the wife will instead choose some almost harmless endeavor that isn't too expensive.

One such period of time that I lived through was when my wife had a great inspiration which was to make some lye soap. I knew this was going to affect me in a negative way.

In the weeks that followed my entire existence was bordering on misery. She was gathering lard from every source imaginable. She tried to recruit all her friends to get involved it this project. Our entire home became a soap factory and grease was everywhere. That disgusting muck was placed in my soap dish for me to use. It left a greasy spot everywhere it was laid.

I’m happy to say that after a few weeks of this experiment, lye soap making lost its appeal, and life returned to what was our norm.

Then I prepared for the next time when boredom returned, and new inspirations would open up new and untouched horizons.   
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr_XQjBEgzk

This post is shared at: Tell Me a Story

 

WHY I HATE SHORT PANTS

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While I wear long pants both winter and summer, many guys will wear shorts.

I was about six years old before I graduated, that is I graduated from short pants to long ones. As soon as it was warm enough I had to put away my knickers and don the shorties.

It has been suggested by some, that mothers forced their boys to wear the short pants because they were easier to wash and dry. This was when everything was washed by hand on a wash board.

While most boys were subjected to this sissy wardrobe some guys graduated earlier than others.

Seeing boys the same age as you wearing long pants was really a put down. Now boys have disagreements and trying to stand up to a guy with long pants while you were in shorts was embarrassing.

Before I made the transition to long pants being naughty was a bad thing to do. The reason for that was the fact that there were bushes growing every where that provided switches for discipline.

Echoing in my ears, I can still hear the words my mother would say “Go out and cut me a switch.”

I knew that the switch was going to be used on me and with nothing on my legs but short pants the switch marks were a sure sign I had been punished. Every place that switch touched it would leave a red welt and I would sting for hours. Usually I had a collection of both old and new ones.

I recalled my dad was going to take me to a ball game, I was about six and I very excited. As it happened shortly before it was time to go I broke the rules and had to pay the penalty for it. I knew better but did it anyway. A few minutes later my legs looked like plaid. There were welts running in all directions.

Then it was time to go to the ball game, and I was really embarrassed for everyone knew I was disobedient, and had been punished. I lost all interest in the game all I could think about was how my legs looked.

Finally the time came when I got my long pants, no more shorts, no more knickers and no more welts showing for the pants covered them.

I still was as ornery as ever but my legs were covered up and the welts didn’t show.

I knew they were there, but my sins weren’t evident to the world any longer!


This post has been linked to Shanda’s “A Pause on the Path” Please visit there at:
http://www.shandaoakleyinspires.com/2011/11/more-than-rice-paddy.html  

BLESSED HOPE

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Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure. 1 John 3:2

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. -John 14:1-3

I recall some time ago a man was ridiculing the Christian church and he ended up by saying they are sitting around “waiting for the blessed hope.” I must confess I felt offended by his ranting out of his dead spirit. He surely fit the description of the man who is a fool for he concluded there is no GOD.

Why is the true church excited about the Blessed Hope? It is simply because we all face the time when we will die. Death will come upon us and we will cease to be on the earth as a living being. If that was all there was to life then we would have the right to be most unhappy.

Man was not created to be a temporal being but to be everlasting and would have been so if death through sin had not fasten itself upon man’s spirit, soul and body.

While attending a funeral the pastor there spoke of death being a friend. I was somewhat taken back by that until she said the deceased was in physical torment with no hope of recovery, and death was the release he needed to relieve his suffering. I understood this a little better when my uncle was dying with cancer, and had to have a shot of morphine every 2-3 hours. He wanted desperately to pass on.

The time will come when we shall be beyond the power of death pain and suffering and that which is temporal.

The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 1 Corinthians 15:26

"If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead ...even so in Christ shall all be made alive." 1Corinthians. 15:19

We dwell not on dying but on living and for whatever reason the thought of death passes through our mind we remind ourselves of THE BLESSED HOPE for our reality is rooted within it.

Please click on the link below to listen to this beautiful song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhdNUQrZ9uw

THE TINKERS DAMN

“So to say that something ‘It isn’t worth a tinker’s damn’ is to say that it’s of no value at all, not worth even a moment’s consideration.”   (World wide words)

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Worthlessness, ineptitude - having no qualities that would render it valuable or useful; this is especially applicable when it comes to the opinion of so called atheists.

The hew and cry of many atheist organizations is they are being denied their civil rights just because the Christian religion exists, and is being displayed in public view.

The cross is an offence to them, and the display of it must be eradicated. They are fighting the Christian believers at every turn, which in fact qualifies them as Anti-Christs.

As far as their arguments go - - I wouldn’t give “A tinkers damn” for them.

Without filling a lot of space with argument; the bottom line is they have misinterpreted the convicting power of the Holy Spirit upon sin and their need for redemption. They refuse to free their inherent faith that lies within them to bring them to Christ; the faith that GOD has given to every man.

This denial of their GOD given right to be saved has embittered them, and their rejection is leading them to eternal damnation, and a vine of bitterness flourishes within their soul.

I was surprised at the names of those found in the list at the site below; perhaps you will recognize many of them as I did such as Bill Gates.   http://www.celebatheists.com/wiki/Main_Page

The Steve Martin quartet sings “Atheists have no song” at: 
http://pacificvs.com/2010/05/28/atheists-dont-have-no-songs-video-and-lyrics/
You may need to copy and paste, but please do so to enjoy the song.

MAKE IT DIFFERENT

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When my wife, Hazel started to work some fifteen years ago, I began to do the cooking instead of waiting for her to get home and cook for me.  It is a habit I got into and I still cook most of the time.

I feel I have had some success since I haven’t poison us as of yet. When she was the cook I seldom complained about her menus, but on occasion I would make a suggestion concerning a dish or so.

This brings me to what I would call an occasional screwed up mess that I prepared, something hardly fit to eat. I notice she doesn’t come right out and say this is terrible; but rather she will say, “Well this is different.”

She might go on to say, “I don’t think I would want it all the time, but maybe once in awhile it would be all right.”

Well she knows I recognize when I mess up. and it isn’t necessary to point it out, so she tries to mitigate the situation by not criticizing it.

Besides that she also knows if she said much I would invite her to do the cooking from now on, something she doesn’t necessarily want to do.

She knows her Bible pretty well and believes, Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Pleasant words have a calming effect like pouring a little oil on troubled waters.

When encountering a troubled soul, one who is stress out pleasant words are the order of the day, remembering that timing is everything.

Proverbs 15:23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!
Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in baskets of silver.

“A word spoken with propriety, opportunely and suitably to the occasion, is as much in its place and as conspicuously beautiful as the golden fruit which appears through the apertures of an exquisitely wrought silver basket.” (Treasury of scripture knowledge)

What you say to someone in the time of stress says more about you than him.

Matthew 12:35 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.

One other to consider is that edifying words will build up both the speaker and the hearer so take heed how you speak.

No matter how lousy your cooking is, a fitly word (and some Tums or Rolaids) can convince you to try it again.   Check this out on youtube: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKBRjZdy8WY&feature=related

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s, Food on Fridays at http://annkroeker.com/
Do visit her site and gather up some delicious recipes and perhaps a story or two.

TRUTH AND OTHER POLITICIAL MISNOMERS

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When pressed for the truth, people in general try to mitigate any harm to them-selves by lying. They will try to substitute partial truth, something that sounds like truth or just an outright lie instead of the truth.

We must give the standing President an A+ in this endeavor.

President Bill Clinton was one of the best due to the subject matter and now we have a newbie Herman Cain showing his talent for deflection. Unfortunately he doesn’t measure up.

While the Democrats don’t have a choice as to who will represent them the Republicans have what you might call a Calvary charge for the office.

We have had to endure three years of amateur hour with Obama it is time to get a professional President in office. We need one who knows at least something about running this country as it should be run.

This last three years of neo-socialism should convince most Americans of the folly of this experiment.

So far the Republicans have only one running who understands the ins and outs of this Republic. In today’s world experience is what America needs with someone who can work with the other branches of government.

Whether you like him or hate him Newt Gingrich, he is the only one qualified that is running today.

Romney is bluster, Perry is confused, and Cain is an amateur.

Newt is the man.