Are You Ready for Some Football?! Lessons From the NFL Bounty Scandal. Update

For “Scripture Sunday”:

Are You Ready for Some Football?!

“Any success worth having requires hard work and dedication.

Fall is in the air, and in the United States that means it is football season. At the start of every Monday Night Football game fans are familiar with the question, “Are you ready for some football?!”
Non-American readers, I beg your indulgence because my point will also apply to what you call football and to other sports as well.

American football

American football passed baseball as America’s pastime long ago. For better or for worse it is part of the national culture. During the autumn, stadiums and couches will be full of spectators rooting for their team. Fans will wear their team colors, fly their flags and agonize over each play.

I have to confess. I am included.
Football, though, is just a game with no long-term value. Which team wins or loses has no lasting importance. It is just entertainment, but since many of us watch football, we might as well learn something from it.

Advice from a famous coach

Legendary Green Bay Packer coach Vince Lombardi said, “Football is like life—it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority.”

Vince Lombardi was right. Look at teams that have sustained success. Any successful team at any level will show those characteristics.
Teams have to persevere through challenges during the season. Players keep themselves in peak physical condition through training, which demands dedication, hard work and self-denial. Successful teams buy into the coach’s vision and respect his authority.

Those same traits will serve us well in life. We have to persevere though the challenges we face. A truly successful life requires moderation and self-denial.
Any success worth having requires hard work and dedication.
And what about respect for authority? We won’t fulfill our ultimate potential if we are constantly at odds with authority figures.

Sports lesson from Scripture?

Did you know that much of Vince Lombardi’s formula for success is found summed up in the Bible?
The apostle Paul wrote about a sporting event that he must have watched. He spoke of running in a race and competing for a crown. He stated that to compete for that prize, the contestants had to go into strict training. He also said he disciplined his body and kept it under subjection. You can read his famous words in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

Watch and learn

Paul wasn’t a professional boxer or runner. He was using the Isthmian Games that took place near the ancient Greek city of Corinth as an analogy to life. These games were similar to our Olympic games. Foot races, boxing and wrestling were just some of the events in the games. It was the great sporting event of that time. The Isthmian Games were as familiar to people then as football is to us now. It was as if Paul had said, “Football is like life.”
Paul told us to live life as if we were in training for a great event with a valuable prize for the winners. Winners at the Isthmian Games would get crowns of leaves, but Paul said he was competing for a crown much more valuable. It wouldn’t decay like leaves but would remain forever.
As we watch our football this season, let’s keep in mind that it is only a game, but one that teaches us some lessons. For another lesson on the value of sports, read “Creating Winning Habits.”  https://www.ucg.org/vertical-thought/creating-winning-habits  This brings us back to our original question:
Are you ready for some football?!”  
From: https://www.ucg.org/vertical-thought/are-you-ready-for-some-football
________

Lessons From the NFL Bounty Scandal

“Scandal has again hit the world of professional sports. This controversy displays a moral failure in the way we as a society approach competition. Is there a better way of sportsmanship available to us?

This scandal that surfaced in professional sports was the discovery of a bounty program instigated by former New Orleans defensive coordinator Gregg Williams during the 2009-2011 football seasons. His plan offered financial incentives to defensive players for purposely injuring opposing players seriously enough to take them out of the game. Ironically, the guilty team’s name is the Saints. Such conduct is obviously anything but saintly in character! In fact it is also contrary to league policy and recent emphasis on reducing player injuries.

Hefty fines and multigame suspensions are the normal punishment for this type of behavior. However, this does not address the root problem—the overemphasis on winning that leads many to resort to inhumane, unethical and unhealthy conduct.

Sports controversy—Winning is not all that matters

The infamous quote attributed to former NFL coach Vince Lombardi, “Winning isn’t everything; it is the only thing,” may in fact be a misquote; but it is certainly a valid assessment of the common mindset of spectators and participants in professional sports. The fact is that winning is where the money is. So the equally famous quote of sports journalist Grantland Rice that “it’s not that you won or lost but how you played the game,” is little more than a noble sentiment that few take seriously.

However, I know from personal experience that playing by the rules, including the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31), is actually more enjoyable and much safer without sacrificing the quality or the excitement of the game. I learned this while playing on the basketball team of the Christian college that I attended.

Kind competition is more rewarding

We were taught that basketball is supposed to be a non-contact sport (something you certainly don’t see in the NBA with nearly as much bumping and shoving as opposing lineman in a football game). We were told to never try to block a fast break layup because of the danger of serious injury. Players and spectators were also expected to show good sportsmanship, including complimenting or applauding a player on the other team for making a good play, and remaining respectfully silent when a player on the other team is shooting free throws. In fact the gym would often become so silent as to be intimidating.

Players also learned the importance of playing by the rules, including the lessons of life that sports should teach. Theoretically, there should never be such a thing as a “good foul,” because that suggests that it can be rewarding to violate the rules—a tragic fallacy with potentially serious consequences in life outside of sports if applied to the laws of God or man. So our league even changed some rules to eliminate any advantage of violations.
We played to win, but winning was not our highest priority. We understood the higher purpose of sports to be building character. Sadly, sports programs today often reward characters rather than character; although many teams have had to learn that talent without character can be detrimental to the team and result in losing games.

God’s way works—Even in sports

Competition is exciting to both participants and spectators, which I also know from personal experience. However, the problem with competition is that for every winner there is at least one loser. And the difference between the ecstasy of victory and the agony of defeat is often measured by inches or fractions of a second.
Mankind has to learn that cooperation offers a far better way of life than competition, because cooperation is based on a win/win philosophy where everyone wins. Realistically, most will never learn that in this life, because the current overemphasis on winning is rooted in self-serving human nature.
However, God has a winning plan for all mankind that will be ushered in after the return of Jesus Christ to establish the Kingdom of God on earth—a time of peace and prosperity, health and happiness, and wholesome entertainment and recreation for all. Human nature will be changed from the hostile, self-centered approach to a mindset and commitment to love and service, resulting in a safe zone of cooperation, mutual support and edification. Sound too good to be true? Maybe in today’s world, but that is exactly what God has planned for the future, and is embodied in the message of the gospel. I invite you to read our free booklet, The Gospel of the Kingdom to learn more about this wonderful time, and how you can enjoy some of these benefits today.”  From: https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/blogs/lessons-from-the-nfl-bounty-scandal
_______
Update.
On Sunday, I went to the Olde Security Flea market with my friend Don, who has a lot of things for sale in the storage place next to my subdivision.  (Looked for you DD, and your wife, but didn’t spot you.) Don was trying to get rid of a lot of small stuff that hadn’t sold at the storage place yard sale, so we set up a $1 table.  The other table had the more expensive things.  Half way we reduced it to 50% off, and things flew off the tables.  It took a lot less time to load the trailer when we left!
 
The next day Zack and I got all my metal and aluminum scrap out to the front yard. Don picked me up and we loaded it, with his scrap, on the trailer and sold it all to the scrap yard.  Now that’s out of the way.
 
Wednesday, Jay and I went into Conroe, but the van died there.  The grounding system just went out completely.  It was towed to a nearby repair facility and I came home van-less.  The next day Hans took me to the Y again, and we did the yoga and senior exercises.  This time we ate free sandwiches there and listened to a spiel about hospice and healthcare
. 
Finally, on Friday, my van was fixed, so I am in debt on my credit card even more!  It is hard on my little bit of pension when these unexpected expenses happen.  I had plenty of potatoes, so I made Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes, and took an 18” round chocolate chip cookie stuffed with sickly sweet frosting, that I had been given.  So on Saturday, it’s plastic container was enormous and it took a special trip to get it to the van to take it to the church potluck.

The Bible readings were Gen. 42:1-43:15, Isa. 50:10-52:12, Rev. 21:9-27 and all of Matt. 4.  The teaching was about the Trials and Tribulations of those who suffered through persecution, a lot of this from the book of 1 Peter.

The thermostat in the church heating system is haywire, and it is either too hot or cold, but weather was warmer, so it was a nice day.

President George H.W. Bush. Christians Who Don't Celebrate Christmas, Here's Why. Update.

For “Scripture Sunday”:

President George H.W. Bush, How the Mighty Have Fallen!

“Reflections on what the 41st president's achievements and habits have taught me.

helloquence/Unsplash

George Bush made a point of writing notes and letters to his family, friends and acquaintances throughout his life. I think that is the biggest lesson for me from his life.

King David deeply lamented the death of King Saul and his son Jonathan. The three were bonded by critical events at the founding of the monarchy of the nation of Israel. Out of the depths of despair, David wrote, “The beauty of Israel is slain on your high places! How the mighty have fallen!” (2 Samuel 1:19).

Last week’s death of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush brings some of the same sentiment. Mr. Bush served one term as the 41 st American President and his death makes us aware that a generation of Americans—the World War II generation; a generation of common people who were caught up in mighty events—is quickly passing from our time. We will do well to remember them.

George Bush enlisted in World War II at the age of 18 and flew a torpedo bomber in the South Pacific theater. His plane was shot down and he survived, though two of his crewmates died. He never desired to be called a “hero,” saying those who died and never came home were the true heroes. This was a modesty instilled in him by his mother, and it served him throughout his life.

At a significant historical moment in history, this same modesty likely helped shape President Bush’s response to the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. Refusing to gloat over the fall of the Berlin Wall, Bush aided German’s path to reunification and helped shape what he called, and hoped would appear to be, a “new world order.” America at that moment stood astride a new world as the sole global superpower. When Bush and his national security team assembled a coalition of nations to oust Iraq’s Saddam Hussein from Kuwait, it was thought a new moment of international cooperation had appeared. It was not destined to last.

George Bush made a point of writing notes and letters to his family, friends and acquaintances throughout his life. I think that is the biggest lesson for me from his life. No matter how busy we are and how high we go in life, the personal touch of a note or a card is always something that will lift people’s spirits and forge lasting bonds of friendship. I do this often in my work and find it a useful antidote to the instant digital world we inhabit. Words written in ink on paper are always in good taste.

Historians argue whether the times make a man or a man makes his time. I think President Bush was shaped by his time, as most of us are. At his death he is remembered fondly by many Americans for his part in a period of American resurgence of prosperity and world influence. His was a steady hand that guided the state through a unique moment.

A man who stood for beauty and good things in life has died. America was better off for having him as its president.”  From: https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/blogs/how-the-mighty-have-fallen-president-george-hw-bush

_________

Christians Who Don't Celebrate Christmas, Here's Why

 61 comments Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

“Why do some Christians not celebrate Christmas? Here are the reasons some gave for kicking the Christmas habit.

Have you given up celebrating Christmas? If so, why? Our readers share some of their reasons for not keeping Christmas.

“I cannot find Christmas in the Bible nor can I find that Jesus Christ told us to observe Christmas. Santa Claus is a lie that some people teach their children every year. For that matter, Christmas is false since it has nothing to do with Christ or His birthday.

“Beyond this, business people, who make most of their income during this time of the year, have increasingly promoted Christmas. Well-meaning people go in debt during Christmas time to give gifts to other people, which in turn motivates other people to give gifts to them. It makes no sense to keep a religious holiday that is not biblical, that Christ never sanctioned, that promotes lying to children, that puts people in debt and that blinds people to what Christ really taught.”  —P.A., Georgia

“It is a historical fact that Christmas is not the day or the season when Christ was born. So why observe a day that is a lie? Most people do not want to admit this fact. For example, how does the use of Santa Claus depict the birth of Christ? How does the Christmas tree depict Christ? Celebrating Christmas violates at least the First, Second and Third Commandments of God’s Ten Commandments. Observing a pagan holiday is a sin. God condemns the worship of pagan gods.

“The Bible does not command people to observe the birth of Christ as a holiday. This day, Dec. 25, is the date that has been observed for centuries as a pagan holiday in honor of the pagan sun god. God commands those who want to serve Him not to observe pagan holidays or any custom that breaks His holy laws.   —D.S., California

Our family traditionally celebrated Christmas on Dec. 24. We then followed up with a family day on Dec. 25. One day I had a strong desire to walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, which I thought I had been doing up to that point. I met a number of people who were having the same strange experience. We asked ourselves, ‘What does God think about Christmas?’ ‘Are we truly pleasing God?’ ‘Am I doing something that Jesus did and taught?’

“I began to think of the songs we sang, ‘O Tannenbaum’ and ‘Oh! Christmas Tree.’ I had been singing to a tree as though it were alive and had some strange power. We decorated it and placed our gifts below the tree as though the gifts and good feeling emanated from and through the tree.

“I thought about the words to ‘Silent Night, Holy Night,’ a truly beautiful piece of music. I wondered about shepherds and their flocks in the fields on a lovely evening at the end of December. But this was a contradiction. December was a very cold time of the year and sheep wouldn’t be in open fields during that time.

“The Christmas stories about Santa Claus and the shepherds in the fields on Christmas Eve were false. I found out that Jerusalem has rain and cold that time of year and it sometimes snows in the region. Sheep are sheltered in the wintertime, not left out in inclement weather.

“I discovered that the Christmas tree and its ornaments and giving of Christmas gifts come from ancient Roman festivals. I also learned that the Christmas tree represents idolatry, which is an affront to God (Exodus 20:4-5). Jesus Christ never sinned in His life and says we should avoid sin, going against God’s will (Hebrews 12:1-4).

“The gifts our children had asked of Santa Claus created a financial burden on us. The lies about Santa Claus and his flying reindeer were misleading our children.

“Also, the Bible tells us it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). During Christmas time, I saw little joy in giving and I saw children always expecting to receive. I have come to understand that godly blessings come from carefully obeying God. This is why I don’t keep Christmas.” —B.B., Canada

“God tells us to avoid the ways of the ancient pagans. Though modern Christianity observes Christmas, this is where it came from. To be frank, Christmas is a lie. Christmas is a substitute for righteous behavior. It makes people think they are doing good things for God, which somehow does Him service.” — A.H., Australia

“I have heard that Christmas has been around for nearly 4,000 years. If that is true, and I think it is, I do not see any evidence that the early apostolic Church observed Christmas or tried to ‘Christianize’ a pagan festival that predated Christ’s birth.

“It seems clear to me that the apostles and early Church kept the Holy Days recorded in the Old Testament, and there are several Old Testament scriptures that speak about the Holy Days being kept by all people after Christ’s return to earth. The Bible is clear that we are to shun paganism and observe the annual Holy Days and the weekly Sabbath day.” — D.N., Oklahoma

“I figure you can’t go wrong sticking with what the Bible says and by following the example of Jesus Christ Himself and the apostles and early Church. They never kept Christmas or anything like it. They knew what the Scriptures said about trying to use other religions’ practices to worship and honor God. It just doesn’t work; God expects better from us.

“It’s a shame that most people have never looked into the Bible and history to learn for themselves the true origins of Christmas. It’s an eye-opening study, one I started when I was only a teenager. I’ve learned so much more about what God is all about and what He wants and expects from us since I started relying on His Word rather than human traditions that have no basis in the Bible.” — R.A., Colorado”  

I was appalled when I heard the second line of “Oh Christmas Tree”, which is “How I love your branches.”    Now really!  People really need to read Jeremiah Chapter 10 and stop doing the pagan things which God detests.    SVT, Houston, TX

A Satire on Idolatry - Jeremiah 10

10 Hear the word which the Lord speaks to you, O house of Israel. ² Thus says the Lord,

“Do not learn the way of the [pagan] nations,
And do not be terrified and distressed by the signs of the heavens
Although the pagans are terrified by them;
³
For the customs and decrees of the peoples are [mere] delusion [exercises in futility];
It is only wood which one cuts from the forest [to make a god],
The work of the hands of the craftsman with the axe or cutting tool.
⁴
“They adorn the idol with silver and with gold;
They fasten it with hammers and nails
So that it will not fall apart.
⁵
“They are like scarecrows in a cucumber field;
They cannot speak;
They have to be carried,
Because they cannot walk!
Do not be afraid of them,
For they can do no harm or evil,
Nor can they do any good.”

 61 comments      https://www.ucg.org/the-good-news/christians-who-dont-celebrate-christmas-heres-why

_________

Update.

This week I have been spending quite a bit of time helping a friend organize their stuff for sale at the bi-weekly “Yard Sale” at the storage place next to my subdivision.  We loaded three tables where everything is a $1. The more expensive things were marked separately on different tables.  This streamlined  it a lot better as they have so much stuff that it couldn’t be marked individually.

Zack and I cleaned the rug that my daughter had brought me with my carpet shampooer.  Now that I have had one eye done and the rug is cleaner, I could see the colors better.  It was not going to go with the carpet that I had got out of the attic, so we rolled it up and put it back up there. 

We put some more of that window film on the frames of my windows.  I have double paned windows, but that dead air space makes a big insulating difference.

As I had to go to Conroe on Thursday for another eye check-up, we loaded the van with several boxes of things donate to the Women’s Center.  They were very grateful.

I have another cat.  Yes, Gracie the one whose house burned is still here, but I took in a sweet, loving, starving, hurt, homeless, neutered, black Manx.  I call him Manxie.  He had dog bite marks on his neck, an infected eye and he was so skinny.  He is so grateful for anything that I do for him.  But I have to keep him in another part of the house from Gracie until he has been checked out by the vet.  My SPCA boss has said that I can run him through the SPCA system, so his vet bills will be paid by them.  I am too old to adopt an animal, so he would be going through the SPCA eventually for a ‘furever’ home, but for now he is mine.

As the pastor’s wife was sick with a bad cold, I went to the church early to ramrod the potluck.  She sent some cooked sweet potatoes, pea salad and brisket, and I took a ground turkey shepherd’s pie, and some dinner rolls. Some brought other dishes, so I had to make sure everything was warmed up to a safe 165 deg., and put the salads out.

The Bible readings were Gen. 25:19-28:9, Mal. 1:1-2:7, and Rom. 9:1-31.  The Teaching was “Narrowness Rebuked”  about Mark 9:38-40. The weather was wet and dreary, and I went around with wet feet all day.

People Cause Suffering, CAUSE AND EFFECT, The problem with evil. The Honey Crisis. Update.

For Scripture Sunday”:

CAUSE AND EFFECT. The problem with evil.

“For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

That’s a fundamental law of the world we live in. As a fish makes its way through the ocean, it pushes against the water with its fins—and the water pushes right back, allowing the fish to swim. The only reason a basketball player can dribble is because after he pushes the ball toward the ground, the ground pushes the ball back up to him. And if we make the mistake of running into a wall, the pain we feel comes from the fact that the wall pushes back.

It’s cause and effect in action. If x happens, you can count on y happening in response. If you put a plate of food in front of a hungry teenager (cause), you can count on the food disappearing (effect). If you spend two months drinking five cups of coffee every day and then suddenly stop (cause), you can count on experiencing one incredible headache (effect). And if your friends find out you know how to work on cars (cause), you can count on a lot of people asking you for favors (effect).

None of that is particularly surprising. It’s how the world works. We know, instinctively, that things typically don’t just “happen.” They’re caused. Now, there might be multiple causes, or the cause might be a subtle one, but it’s still a matter of cause and effect. Y happens because of x.

When tragedy strikes—when we’re left reeling from the news of another kidnapping, another shooting, another terrorist attack, another casualty of war, the obvious, easy question to ask is, “Why is God allowing this to happen?”

The less obvious, more difficult question is, “What caused this?”

Suffering doesn’t exist on its own. Suffering is caused. And if we want to understand why God allows it to happen, we need to start by understanding the cause behind the effect.

Thousands of years ago, nestled away in an idyllic garden, a husband and wife lived a perfect, peaceful life. They had food, they had safety, and they had a close relationship with God. Theirs was a world without suffering.

Until …

Until they ruined it.

It’s a story you’ve probably heard already—the story of Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden, as told in the first three chapters of the Bible. But it’s more than just a story. It’s a powerful piece of history, preserved for us through the ages to help us find the answers to many of the questions we’ve been asking on this Journey.

Created to inhabit a garden planted by God Himself, Adam and Eve lived in a literal paradise. The garden was filled with “every tree … that is pleasant to the sight and good for food” (Genesis 2:9). Within the bounds of the garden, there was no lack of any good thing—but there was a rule.

“And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die’” (Genesis 2:16-17).

One tree. Out of the whole garden, God placed one single tree off limits, giving the newly created human race unfettered access to everything else. But the tree proved to be too great a temptation. A cunning serpent, later revealed to be Satan the devil (Revelation 12:9), convinced Eve to eat of the tree, promising, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:4). Falling for Satan’s sales pitch, Eve ate from the tree, and Adam followed her lead, forever impacting the course of human history.

Eating from that tree represented a choice. By disobeying God, Adam and Eve decided that it was within their power to define good and evil—and if you know the story, then you know that things went from bad to worse in record time.

Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden—from paradise—to a world that would prove far less gentle. Without God’s blessings, the ground would be less willing to yield its crop (Genesis 3:17). There would be thorns and thistles to contend with (verse 18). Childbirth would be a painful ordeal, and without following God’s standards, marriage would become a battle of wills (verse 16). Then, at the very end of it all, Adam and Eve would die, returning to the dust from which they had been formed (verse 19).

And they did die—but not before their firstborn son murdered his younger brother out of jealousy and rage (Genesis 4:8). As generations came and went, things continued to decline until at last “the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and … every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5).

Suffering came with that wickedness. Humanity was so corrupt that God looked down and saw that “the earth was filled with violence. … Indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth” (Genesis 6:11-12).

Within generations, the earth transitioned from a peace-filled paradise to a place filled with violence and suffering. And what caused it?

People.    People cause suffering.”      Continued at: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/learning-center/journeys/journey-2-the-problem-of-evil/2/

________

The Honey Crisis

An Amazing Fact: To produce about 1 pound of honey, bees must make 25,000 trips between their hive and the flowers from which they gather precious nectar. Furthermore, that same pound of honey contains the essence of about two million flowers! In the process of making this honey, bees provide a crucial service to nature—pollination. Albert Einstein once remarked that “If bees were to disappear, man would only have a few years to live.” This statement is especially sobering when you consider the recent decimating plague among U.S. bee colonies called colony collapse disorder (CCD).

Just before the beginning of 2007, beekeepers from all over North America began reporting colonies of their bees dying off in unprecedented numbers. Twenty-four U.S. states reported honeybees vanishing at an alarming rate, leaving beekeepers struggling for survival and farmers worried about pollination of their crops. The mysterious disappearance of bees ranges from 30 to 70 percent in some states. Blooming orchards that used to roar with buzzing bees are now strangely silent. One California beekeeper said, “I have never seen anything like it. Box after box after box is just empty. There’s nobody home.”

Experts are exploring several theories to explain the losses from CCD. These include viruses, mites, pesticide contamination and, strangely enough, poor bee nutrition. The mysterious colony collapse disorder highlights the fundamental role that honeybees play in the natural chain of God’s economy, providing fruit and vegetables. Honeybee pollination contributes more than $14 billion worth of North American harvests each year. A broad assortment of crops like apples, peaches, avocados, soybeans, pears, pumpkins, cucumbers, cherries, kiwis, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and many more, depend on honey bee pollination.

Some have suggested that if all honeybees suddenly died off, it would bring their vital work of pollination to an end. This environmental breakdown could easily cause an agricultural and economic chain reaction leading to a financial collapse and possibly a national famine.

Who would have guessed the work of these little creatures was so important! Maybe that’s why the Bible has so much to say about honey! David writes about God’s law: “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:103). And Solomon says, “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24).    

KEY BIBLE TEXTS
And the men of the city said unto him on the seventh day before the sun went down, What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion? and he said unto them, If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle. Judges 14:18”

________

Update.

Zack painted the shelves which will be ‘catifying’ the mini-house. Then we spread them out all over the place to dry.  If, or when, I move in there, even if I don’t still have this foster cat, Gracie, the one who was in a fire, then I will take care of another one for the SPCA.  It is nice to have another living, breathing thing around the house, so why not help out.  I am too old to adopt a pet, so fostering works well for me.  One year I didn’t have a pet, so I bought a goldfish!

As my back is still bothering me, I saw the doctor about getting a referral to see the chiropractor again.  Also went to the Tuesday seniors “do”, dominos or cards, lunch and Bingo again.  This is really for people who have nothing else to do, and they meet two more times a week for dominos or cards, and then lunch.  I did run over there on Thursday, because I said I would help, but I can’t keep that up, I have to earn a living selling my stuff online.

But when I left there my ‘battery’ light came on, so I stopped at Interstate Batteries.  They put another battery in, (more $$$) then on Sunday that light came back on, but O’Reillys Auto Parts tested it and found nothing wrong.  So I will have go to Interstate next time I go into Conroe.

On Wednesday, a carpenter was supposed to come and investigate a soft spot in the mini-house living room floor.  But he decided to high-jack his price before he had even seen it, so Zack and I did it.  The week before I had taught Zack how to ‘plunge-cut’ with a circular saw, so knew we could do it.  (My bad wrist won’t let me use a big saw anymore).  I just wanted to know why it was soft before installing any floor covering.  It was a defect in the orginal plywood which is 29 years old, as that part of the mini-house was moved up here on this hill after it had 4½ feet of water in it in the flood of October 1994.  We had just finished building that house after the previous house had burned down in 1989.

Friday, I just stayed home, worked, and made a potluck dish for the Sabbath.  I had come across a good deal on avocados, so I made a big Avocado Salad with lemon juice, black beans, non-gmo corn, onion, tomato, seasonings, and a little avocado oil. It was a smash hit, and folks took some home for later. 

Before church on Saturday I stopped down the road and helped a friend get their stuff out for the bi-monthly “Yard Sale” at the storage place.  I bought 2 flat TVs very cheap, as they couldn’t try them out there. Several of the storage unit tenants have these sales and the gates are left open then.  The rest of the time you have to have a code to get in.

At the morning church, and the Bible readings were Deut. 29:10-30:20, Isa. 61:10-63:9, and Rom. 10:1-13.  The Message was “Seven Earnest Men”, and their different cries.  Jacob cried for help. Moses for intersession, Solomon for wisdom, David for cleansing, etc.   By the time I had helped the pastor’s wife clean up the kitchen and dining hall, I didn’t go to the afternoon church, especially as I had food for Zack in the van.  Now, we are getting ready for the Holy Days. 

Transatlantic Turmoil Escalates. Which Commandments Do Christians Have to Obey? Update.

 

For “Scripture Sunday”

Transatlantic Turmoil Escalates

“For 70 years now the military and economic partnership between the United States and Western Europe has produced unparalleled peace and prosperity. Now a growing rift threatens that alliance, and many question whether it can or should survive. Where will this divide lead?

When German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited Donald Trump shortly after he took office, the new U.S. president, according to officials, immediately stirred the pot, brashly declaring, “Angela, you owe me a trillion dollars.”

That was his estimate of what Germany agreed to contribute to its own defense under a North Atlantic Treaty Organization arrangement versus what it actually spent over the past 14 years.

Since then, Mrs. Merkel has issued her own barbs that Europe can no longer count on the United States and must take matters into its own hands.

The divide between these two leaders has often been painfully visible, as Mr. Trump has made the German chancellor one of his favorite rhetorical targets, often assailing Germany’s anemic defense, trade and migrant policies.

At the NATO summit in July the president raised the level of contention, shellacking Germany for being “totally controlled by Russia” because of its dependence on the Kremlin’s monopoly on energy.

Labeling the EU “a foe” on trade

“Since the Soviet collapse,” according to The Economist, “the sense of threat has receded and the barriers to working together have risen.” Because of this, “the Western alliance is in trouble. That should worry Europe, America and the world.”

Foreign Policy went even further, announcing, “RIP [Rest in Peace] the Trans-Atlantic Alliance, 1945-2018.”

Differing priorities, divergent beliefs and clashing political cultures have fueled a dangerous escalation in the war of words. President Trump lashed out at the European Union for allegedly ripping off the U.S. on trade and freeloading on security. He even stated that the EU is “a foe” on trade, “set up to take advantage of the United States, to attack our piggy bank.”

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker—whom Mr. Trump has also sharply disparaged—voiced Europe’s need “to replace the United States, which as an international actor has lost vigor, and because of it, in the long term, influence.”

Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, echoed that blast, chastising the American president by saying:

• “With friends like that [President Trump], who needs enemies?”
• “He is on a mission against what we stand for.”
• “Dear America, appreciate your allies. After all, you don’t have that many.”

Economic giants across the Atlantic

Because nearly one-third of the global trade in goods occurs between the EU and the United States, a transatlantic rift morphing into a trade war would have enormous impact. U.S.-EU trade totaled nearly $1.1 trillion in 2016, with the U.S. running a trade deficit with the EU of $92 billion that year.

The EU’s 500 million consumers make it America’s largest export market. It buys nearly $270 billion in goods from the U.S.—more than twice the total U.S. exports to China—and over $230 billion in services. With over 70 percent of all foreign direct investment into the U.S. coming from the EU (a figure that has doubled in the last 15 years), Europe is also the largest investor in the American economy. (Though the numbers for the EU will change with Brexit, the percentages for all of Europe remain the same.)

Quarrels between friends

Continued at: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/discern/september-october-2018/transatlantic-turmoil-escalates/?

________

Which Commandments Do Christians Have to Obey?

“Many believe Jesus taught that Old Testament laws were canceled or replaced.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/QUqMSPQ8jS8

Transcript:

[Steve Myers] “If you’re like me you love a discount. I love a deal. You never know what might be waiting on the often overlooked shelves and corners of a thrift store. It’s always interesting, sometimes entertaining and occasionally an educational experience.

A while ago I stopped by a local thrift shop and began my search. I was looking through all kinds of oddities hoping I might find something valuable.

Then it caught my eye. It wasn’t a useless trinket, a broken gadget or an old knickknack. It wasn’t just any old junk item. There it was on a shelf amid the clutter of discarded decorations and cast-off curios. It seemed to me to be a priceless possession, but it was marked with a blue sticker that read only one dollar!

It was a charming plaque inscribed with the Ten Commandments, the law of God, certainly worth more. After all they are God’s guidelines to a successful life, yet marked for only a buck.

This brought a question to my mind, “How much is God’s law worth to me?” What price do you place on God’s law?

The decoration reminded me that the most widespread controversy about the teachings of Jesus concerns God’s law. Do you think that Jesus’ instructions in the New Testament discounted or replaced the teachings of the Old Testament?

Most churches and denominations believe Jesus brought new doctrine that was very different from the instructions of the Old Testament. Many believe that Christ did away with the teachings of the Old Testament, in a sense casting them off to the thrift shop.

So, what exactly does Jesus have to say about the law? Has he relegated it to a quaint plaque? You need to know the surprising answer, “Which Commandments Do Christians Have to Obey?””

Continued at: https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/beyond-today-television-program/which-commandments-do-christians-have-to-obey

__________

Update.

Zack, my neighbor, and I managed to clean off and move the yard sale tables back into the 10 x 20’ storage tent. The company settled about sending the wrong size top for it, and I will just have to make do with it. But this time we didn’t put the end flaps down, so the breeze is blowing through there all the time.  It is so much easier to just walk in it than having to put down whatever, and unzip the front panel to get in.  The carport looks so much better, as we took down all the plastic sheeting walls, too.  We used some of the plastic to cover the items on the tables in there so they wouldn’t get dusty.

We also cemented the Formica back splashes in the mini-house kitchen.  I am getting so tired of working on that place, now I need to put in a whole new breakerbox, as the old one is really outdated, but better safe than sorry.  I have had one house burn down, and I sure don’t want to go through that again.

Most of the last two weeks have been taken up with learning more about nutrition in ten 2-hour webinars each week.  Now that two hours cuts out quite a bit of the day, so I became really behind with my online jobs, or even getting stuff listed for sale.   Taking Lauri places until she can go for her TX driving test on the 30th. takes up time too.

On the 11th, as I had planned to go to two Willis churches, I made zucchini and yellow squash for the first church’s potluck, and egg salad for the afternoon church.  At the morning church, the Bible readings were Num. 33:1-36:13, Jer. 2:4-28, 3:4, and James 4:1-12.  The Teaching was about “Our Father”.   I gobbled down a few veggies at the potluck, and then went on to the afternoon church.  The Teaching there was “Do You Not Know?”  We have such easier access to the Bible, but are we more spiritual?  You know about God, but do you know God?

On the 18th, to the morning church, I took long strips of roasted yellow squash done in the air fryer with only 1/2 teaspoon of avocado oil and some seasonings.  I made more egg salad, but this time there wasn’t any minced onion or red bell pepper in it as some folks don’t like them.

The Bible readings were Deut. 1:1-3:22, Isa. 1:1-27. and Acts 9:1-21 and 1 Tim 3:1-7, and the Teaching was “Common or Unclean” about when Peter said he had not eaten anything common or unclean. Then it tells that the Jews were eating with the Gentiles, which was unheard of, and God made all men clean, no matter who they are.  In other words, do not a racist be!  I didn’t make it to the afternoon church.

Thank you all!  On the 17th, my FaceBook page came alive with greetings for yet another birthday.

How to Forgive. Nag, Nag, Nag!. Update.

For Scripture Sunday”:

How to Forgive

““To err is human; to forgive, divine” (Alexander Pope). This sounds good in theory, but what about serious trespasses? Can we learn how to forgive those?

Forgiving someone who has hurt or offended us is not the natural human reaction. The natural reaction is to harbor resentment and, sometimes, to try to get even. But learning how to forgive is not only the right thing to do, it is the healthy thing to do. It is also difficult in many cases.

Forgiving someone else boils down to a choice for each of us. Actually choosing to forgive others can be a very challenging thing to do, and it requires thought about some basic concepts. The following ideas can help you learn how to forgive.

Forgiving helps to heal our own human emotions

Forgiving others does not just help to heal their emotional wounds. It helps you in healing yours. According to an article on the Mayo Clinic website, the following benefits can be reaped through forgiveness:

“Letting go of grudges and bitterness can make way for compassion, kindness and peace. Forgiveness can lead to:

• Healthier relationships
• Greater spiritual and psychological well-being
• Less anxiety, stress and hostility
• Lower blood pressure
• Fewer symptoms of depression
• Lower risk of alcohol and substance abuse.”

Letting go of old resentments and ill will frees you mentally to go on with your life, embracing positive emotions and experiences.

Realize that forgiving does not mean that injustice will go unpunished

Forgiving is not synonymous with excusing wrong or hurtful actions on the part of others, and it does not mean that injustice will go unpunished forever. God is the One who ultimately decides what is fair and when justice will be done.

Consider this statement from 2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”

In the short term, things often seem unfair. The old saying “cheaters never prosper” often does not ring true when we observe the actions of others around us. And when people do us wrong, God does not want us to take vengeance or retribution on them.

Notice the instruction Paul gave us in Romans 12:18-19: “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

The fact is that God is patient and does not mete out punishment the instant a wrong is done. Note this statement from Matthew 5:45: “That you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

In His own time and manner, God will righteously judge all for their actions. When we choose to forgive another person, it does not condone wrong or hurtful actions, it just means that we have chosen to let go, move on with our lives and leave things in God’s hands.

Learning how to forgive is the right thing to do

Jesus Christ’s teachings constantly point us toward forgiving others for their offenses against us. When Peter asked how many times he should forgive someone, he asked if he should forgive seven times. Presumably Peter may have thought that number was more than adequate.

Christ responded by telling Peter to forgive “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21-22). The clear principle is that we should be willing to go on forgiving, and that there are no limits on how many times we should forgive.

In another passage, Christ gave the parable of the unforgiving servant. The account is found in Matthew 18:23-35. In the parable, there is a servant who is unable to repay a very large debt, so his master commands that he be sold into slavery, along with his family, in order to repay it. The servant begs for mercy and receives it (verses 23-27). Upon being forgiven, however, the servant goes out to ruthlessly collect much smaller debts owed to him, showing no mercy at all (verses 28-31).

Christ gave His own sinless life to forgive our sins! And while He was dying at the hands of His persecutors, He cried out to the Father asking Him to “forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” In verses 32-33, the master pronounces his judgment on this servant who didn’t learn how to forgive: “Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?”’ The master then had him delivered to “the torturers” until all his debts could be paid.

Jesus Christ’s example of forgiving

Christ gave His own sinless life to forgive our sins! And while He was dying at the hands of His persecutors, He cried out to the Father asking Him to “forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” This was a profound statement and example for all of us!

Many times, people cause harm without really thinking or knowing it was wrong. If a person really knew it was wrong to cause offense, he or she would have most likely not committed the act.

Notice what Paul wrote to the Corinthians after Christ’s resurrection: “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1 Corinthians 2:7-8).

The truth of God is hidden from most people today, and the values and morals of God are not understood by most. So, a very important step in the forgiveness process is to follow Christ’s example: “Forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”

Ephesians 4:31-32 summarizes this very well: “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

Realize that harboring anger and resentment can destroy you

Here is another quote from the Mayo Clinic website about the destructiveness of harboring anger and refusing to forgive:

“If you’re unforgiving, you might pay the price repeatedly by bringing anger and bitterness into every relationship and new experience. Your life might become so wrapped up in the wrong that you can’t enjoy the present.”

Paul tells us in the book of Ephesians that anger can give Satan a chance to work on our minds if we do not forgive and let go:

“‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:25-26). Paul is quoting from Psalm 4:4 in this passage: “Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.”  Do not let anger control you!

The healthy mind chooses to let go of negative emotions and anger.

Choose to forgive!

Forgiving comes down to a matter of personal choice. Many people choose not to forgive because they have the feeling that the wrongdoing will go unpunished or because an injustice will never be righted if something is not done about it.

In fact, if you refuse to forgive and move on, you may actually punish yourself more than what the offending party has done to you. Consider the benefits and positive outcomes described above, and do yourself a favor. Choose to forgive!”

From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/change/forgiveness/how-to-forgive/

_______

Nag, Nag, Nag

“Jesus didn't nag, and neither should we.

The Bible tells us that words can be like continual dripping on a very rainy day.

One definition of the word “nag” is to “worry or annoy continually.” Almost all people love peace and quiet and try to escape from a continual barrage of reminders or criticisms. Too often, the word is applied to women, but men can also be nags.

The Bible tells us that words can be like continual dripping on a very rainy day (Proverbs 27:15-16). It seems true that a person who constantly finds fault, worries or urges us to do something will grate on our nerves in time, whether they are a man or woman. The problem lies in the nature and character of the one doing the nagging. Sometimes they do not realize that they are getting on everyone’s nerves. Sometimes they simply will not believe that they are nags.

The gift of God is eternal life to all who believe. Believing carries with it the responsibility to change. Every flaw within us needs to be recognized and worked with. Finding something wrong with everything and everybody is an attitude that not only needs to, but can be, changed. God would not require us to be a new person every day if it were not possible. We can start by paying attention to our words.

Stop and think before the words spill out of our mouths. When we pause and think, we can learn how to make our speech show love and concern to all we meet. We can even learn to speak with words that will make people want to listen (Colossians 4:6). When Jesus spoke, crowds gathered because His words were words of encouragement. Never once did Jesus nag. Be like Him.”

From: https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/blogs/this-is-the-way/nag-nag-nag

________

1 Corinthians 10:10 and Philippians 2:14-15  both say “Quit Your Bitchin’!

________

Update.

Well, Monday brought more ferrying Lauri around, in three different cities this time.  She wanted to take her written driving test 25 miles north at the Huntsville (TX,) office because she didn’t think it would be so busy.  She says she can’t be around cellphones because they give her a migraine.  We waited about an hour outside with everybody else, and then the officer came out and said the AC wasn’t working, so the officers and applicants were all sent to the Conroe office.  So back on the freeway for about 35 miles south to Conroe. 

At the Conroe DPS Lauri had to sit in a special area while I sat in her place in line with all the people who were texting and messing with their phones.  It took ages for them to see her as she had a PO Box for two years, but had just got her address changed to her real street address because there are so many things that you can’t do with a PO Box.  So her new address was only two weeks old, which they didn’t like, and she doesn’t get utility bills as it is included in her rent. They take getting a TX ID very seriously.

Finally, they took her picture so we could leave, so we stopped at the grocery store in Willis and then on to my house.  There Lauri had to watch a DPS video, for an hour, all part of the certification before they will give you a road test appointment.  Then the next appointment was on AUG 30th.!!  So I took her home, and will be ferrying her around some more.  Wow, I didn’t even have to go through all that to get a Commercial Driver’s License. 

Zack, my neighbor who helps me, had to mow again, the rain surely is making the grass grow.  One morning we cut down a big prickly bush that had a habit of reaching out and spiking passersby.   And somehow, spots had got on my beige living room carpet, so he shampooed it again with my carpet steamer. 

But the highlight of the week was that Diana and her husband went to the Willis church together for the first time in about a year. This is why I started this with “Forgiveness”, as I prayed some had rubbed off between them.  First, I went to the Conroe church as I had hoped to see someone there, but found out they are a “Potluck Christian”, and only go on potluck days. 

I made a chicken, new potatoes and veggies dish for the Willis church, who have potlucks every Sabbath, so I put it in the fridge at Conroe while I went to the Bible Study and service.  The pastor was away so an old friend of mine was giving the message, “To Be A Slave of Christ”.  Their services are kinda short and you don’t really feel like you have gained much unless you go to the Bible Study, too.   Then I went to the Willis church, and arrived in time for their Teaching “Hallowed”.  It was so good to see Diana and her husband both there, hopefully their troubles are over.

More of my yard sale items were sorted to take to the consignment place, and another box is ready to donate to the Women’s Center. It is going to take a long time, but as I come across things in the house that I don’t need anymore I sort it into a box, and more is getting packed each day.

A Forgotten Memorial Day: The Feast of Pentecost. Why Should Christians Celebrate It? Update.

For “Scripture Sunday”:

A Forgotten Memorial Day: The Feast of Pentecost

Monday, May 28, was Memorial Day in the U.S. But there is another memorial day that commemorates one of the most momentous days in all of history.

On Monday, May 28, most schools, federal offices and some businesses in the United States were closed to observe Memorial Day.  Memorial Day is a U.S. holiday remembering the Americans who died in all the wars fought throughout American history.

A day even more important than Memorial Day—it is the biblical Feast of Pentecost (or Feast of Weeks).

The unique feast of counting

In Leviticus 23 God gave Israel a list of special observances that He declared “the feasts of the LORD” (verse 2). These festivals were to be observed by God’s people as “holy convocations” (verse 2). Israel was to assemble together on these days to worship and learn.

The third festival in this list was unique. Instead of having a fixed date, the date of its observance was based on counting: “You shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath [during the Days of Unleavened Bread], from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath” (verses 15-16). In fact, the name Pentecost is simply the Greek term for “fiftieth.”

Every year when Christians gather to celebrate this day, they remember the events of the Pentecost that began the New Testament Church.A New Testament observance

Many, unfortunately, make the mistake of thinking that this day was just an Old Testament Jewish observance.

But the Bible paints a very different picture!

This special day is featured prominently in the New Testament. In fact, one of the most important events in the history of Christianity took place on this day. And that is no coincidence. Acts 2 tells the story of the beginning of the New Testament Church. You may have heard about some of the events of that day—tongues of fire, speaking in different languages, Peter’s powerful sermon, baptisms, etc. But have you paid close attention to why all these people were together in the first place?

Notice Acts 2:1: “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.”

Yes, the first Christians were assembled to observe Pentecost! What happened on this day would change history forever. On that day, God began the Church of God—a group of people called out of the world and together to be “His own special people” (1 Peter 2:9). No longer would God work only with the nation of Israel. Through the Church, He would now begin calling people of all ethnicities, races and nationalities into a relationship with Him (Romans 9:24; 11:11; Galatians 3:14).

The Bible shows that the Church continued to observe the Feast of Pentecost after this day (Acts 20:16; 1 Corinthians 16:8).       Continued at: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/life/blog/a-forgotten-memorial-day-the-feast-of-pentecost/

________

Dear Friends,

The annual festival Pentecost, which takes place during the second of three festival seasons each year. Have you and your children been counting the 50 days from the wave sheaf offering day during the Feast of Unleavened Bread?

The wave sheaf offering and the symbolism of the firstfruits are well worth a review as you prepare for this joyful feast day. Reflect on the gift of the Holy Spirit and what the fruit produced looks like when we allow God’s Spirit to work in our lives. Refresh your knowledge on these topics as well as the miraculous events of the Pentecost service recorded in Acts 2, and be inspired by the beautiful significance of this festival!

Expand your personal study on topics related to Pentecost and

timely activities to be reviewing with your kids now:  https://lifehopeandtruth.com/learning-center/youth-development/

_________

Why Should Christians Celebrate the Feast of Pentecost?

“Jesus Christ chose the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot in Hebrew) or Pentecost to begin His Church. What is the meaning of Pentecost for Christians today?

Nitin Bhosale/Unsplash

Why should Christians celebrate the Feast of Pentecost?

The third of God’s annual festivals (after the Feast of Unleavened Bread) is the Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost (Leviticus 23:16-21; Acts 2:1). This festival, also called the Feast of Harvest or Firstfruits (Exodus 23:16; Exodus 34:22), was also the day God first granted His Spirit to the New Testament Church of God (Acts 2).

Pentecost portrays God as the Lord of His harvest, choosing and preparing the firstfruits of His coming Kingdom by giving them His Holy Spirit (Matthew 9:38; Luke 10:2; Romans 8:23; James 1:18). The preceding festival of Unleavened Bread pictures our commitment to come out of a sinful life and live our lives by God’s perfect laws. But we can’t do this on our own. Pentecost pictures God’s willingness to give His Holy Spirit to provide the power those He has called need.

God’s Holy Spirit empowers us with the love of God, the motivation to obey Him and a sound mind to discern His truth (2 Timothy 1:7; John 15:26; John 16:13). Only those who are led by God’s Spirit are called the sons of God (Romans 8:9, Romans 8:14). These Christians have a pledge or down payment on eternal life (2 Corinthians 5:5) and can look forward to the first resurrection, which is to eternal life in God’s family.

The Church of God, which began on Pentecost (Acts 2), is given the mission of preaching the good news of the Kingdom of God in preparation for the next step in God’s plan, the return of Jesus Christ. This is pictured by the next festival, the Feast of Trumpets.”  From: https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/bible-questions-and-answers/why-should-christians-celebrate-the-feast-of-pentecost

_________

The Miracle and Meaning of Pentecost

“Noisy and amazing things were happening in Jerusalem nearly 2,000 years ago. But a silent miracle turned out to be the most powerful of all—and it continues to happen to this day!”

https://lifehopeandtruth.com/life/plan-of-salvation/pentecost/miracle-and-meaning-of-pentecost/?

________

Update.

So why am I showing you articles about Penetost now? 

Because our church, along with many other churches, is celebrating the Holy Day today, 24th. June, 2018.  It is all about how the time is figured from the new moons and when the times and seasons began in Gen. 1:14.  “And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:”.

Zack and I spent a couple of mornings putting away the stuff on two tables of the yard sale.  Some went into the van for donating and the better stuff into the greenhouse.  Then at least those two table could be folded up out of the way.  We moved the shelf units out of the 10’ x 20’ storage tent with the torn roof and put them in my greenhouse.  Everything is going to have to be stored in there for now, except that there are still two long tables full of yard sale items in the mini-house carports. But it is going to have to stay there for now, until I have time to sort it out.

This was the week that had been designated to get those annual medical appointments out of the way.  Eyes tested, blood drawn, EKG at the cardiologist.  They did tell me that I have cataracts, and the cardiologist said that I am doing great. He thinks it is because I don’t take any prescriptions!  Rare words coming from a doctor these days. I get the results of the blood next Tuesday at my doctor’s office. 

For the church potluck I made an all organic meal of farro and veggies, (organic  farro, onion, carrots, celery, seasonings).  This was for Lauri, a church member who lives down the road from me, who says that if she doesn’t eat organic she gets migraines.  I also made organic chicken breast with all organic seasonings in a separate crock pot.

I had taken Lauri to Conroe Social Security office to get some paperwork sorted out so that she could transfer her drivers license to TX, as she let her out-of-state one expire, so now I am driving her where she needs to go.  She gets sick very easily, and wouldn’t be going to the Sabbath service, but said that she would be better by today, Sunday, to go to the Pentecost celebration.   All she eats is processed health food out of boxes, and she will not try to improve her diet.  There aren’t any living enzymes in dried food, but she doesn’t seem to understand that. 

The Bible readings were Psa. 119:1-24, Num. 8:1-12:16, about the Passover, Zech.21:10-4-7, 1 Cor 10:6-13, and the Teaching was Are You a Normal or Nominal Christian?

Lauri and I went to the Pentecost service, and she did eat a little bit of the organic farro and chicken dishes that I had prepared for her, but wouldn’t take any home for later.  Just as well, as others in the congregation thought that it was great and ate it all up.

The Bible readings for Pentecost were Exo. 19:1-20:26, Verse 1 says it was the third month since they had left Egypt, which would make it June that they were getting washed and ready for some special event, which turned out to be giving them the 10 Commandments. Then, Isa. 10:31- 12:6, Acts 1:4-8 and 2:1-32. The Teaching was about The Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and the Spirit being in the Old Testament not just the New Testament.

It was a great day.

6 Tips for Being a Good Dad. The Power of the Tongue, Rosanne. Update.

For “Scripture Sunday”:

6 Tips for Being a Good Dad

“Our world is made up of good and bad fathers. What makes a good father? How can you be better at it? Consider these six suggestions for being a better father to your children. 

In my last blog post, I asked the question “Where Have All the Fathers Gone?” That post showed the consequences of absent fathers and why fathers are important.

But if you are a dad (or are expecting to be one soon), how can you become a better father and have a positive impact on your children? I asked various fathers, mothers, sons and daughters, what does a good father do?

Here are some of the answers I got.

A good father:

1. Spends time with his wife. The strongest relationship in the family must be the husband-wife relationship, not the parent-child relationship. This may seem contrary to some modern ideas that say the child is the most important person in the family. But according to family psychologist John Rosemond: “The most important person in an army is the general. The most important person in a corporation is the CEO. The most important person in a classroom is the teacher. And the most important [people] in a family are the parents.” Jesus taught, “What God has joined together, let not man separate” (Mark 10:9). Nothing, including children, should come between a husband and wife. Stronger marriages lead to stronger and more stable children. 
2. Spends time with his children. It is vital for fathers to spend quality time with their children. It is not only important to tell them that you love them, but to demonstrate that love through time together. Some examples could be hiking, fishing, ball games and even menial tasks and activities. A good father tries to avoid (as much as possible) telling his children, “I am too busy.” Sometimes we need to just turn the TV or mobile device off in order to spend quality time with our kids.
3. Hugs and kisses his children. Jesus, though not a physical dad Himself, set an example of embracing children (Mark 10:16). Fathers can learn from this example by regularly showing affection to their kids. Affection helps children know they are loved and worthy of love. Studies show that affection can help children have higher self-esteem, improve their academic performance, develop better parent-child communication and result in fewer psychological and behavior problems.
4. Is consistent. Consistency helps a child feel safe and secure. When a dad abuses alcohol or often loses his temper, he treats his children inconsistently. In these circumstances, children will feel they are walking on eggshells and never know what to expect from their dad. Consistent, kind and loving behavior helps a child feel safe and grow up to be a more stable adult.
5. Lovingly disciplines his children. Good dads set clear and fair household rules and explain the consequences if they are broken—and good dads are consistent with those consequences. Of course, while they are both firm and fair, good dads never abuse their authority. The Bible advises fathers not to be heavy-handed with their children, but to “bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
6. Helps his children build good character. A common mistake is for parents to primarily seek “happy” children. Happiness is not the ultimate goal—character is. If we desire only happy children, we’ll avoid training and discipline in order to keep them happy. This can lead us to bend the rules and ignore bad behavior. Focusing on character building means we do what’s best for our children, even if it makes them unhappy for a while. Good fathers know that good character will ultimately bring their children true happiness in life.

What isn’t necessary for a good father?

What was interesting about the results of my survey was what was not said. Notice some of the things people didn’t say were required to be a good dad:

• Financial success. In our society where wealth is viewed as the primary indicator of success, no one mentioned money as a requirement to be a good father. Of course, it’s important for a father to be able to feed and support his family (1 Timothy 5:8), but it is dangerous to put financial success before our family (Mark 4:19).
• Best childhood ever.   Some want to give their children the childhood they never had. That can mean spoiling children with luxuries and everything they ask for. But this can lead to ungrateful kids who don’t learn to appreciate what they have. It’s important that fathers help teach their children the value of hard work and that life isn’t all about accumulating things we want (Luke 12:15).

Parenting is not easy. Each of us has our own challenges, and we will all make mistakes along the way. But a father’s greatest goal is to help his children become godly (Malachi 2:15).”  From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/life/blog/6-tips-for-being-a-good-dad/

________

The Power of the Tongue

“Do We Use It for Life or Death

  Harli Marten/Unsplash

“Everyone needs encouragement in this difficult world. Many people are going through so much. Let us all work to use our tongues to make a difference in raising people up instead of tearing people down.

Recently, it was in the headlines of the cancelation of the very popular TV show Rosanne.  It was a comedy show from many years ago that was brought back and became an instant hit.

The cast was on top of the world and headed for awards. It was the number one watched show for ABC. However, all of that came crashing down!

Sadly, the main star of the show tweeted some racist comments that got her fired and led to the cancelation of the show. Her actions left all of her cast and crew without a job.

This recent occurrence made me reflect on how serious how the use of our tongues can affect so many others around us, for good or for bad.

However, the power of our tongue used in a positive way can make a huge difference. Like the true story about Edward. Edward was a six-foot-tall teen whose life was changed by the use of the tongue in a positive way. 

Edward’s music teacher noticed that Edward always sat in the back of the room, all slumped down. She also noticed that Edward had no friends and always ate lunch by himself, often times under a tree. The music teacher would walk by and try to engage him in conversation.

The teacher felt compelled to reach out and encourage him. Her heart went out to this young man.

Edward struggled in her class. His grades were not good at all.

When the students came in to get their last grade from their last exam, the teacher kept looking for Edward in line but did not see him.

The night before, the teacher fretted all night long over the grade she had to give him. It was a D but she wanted so badly to give him a better grade.

While she was getting ready to lock up and go home, Edward finally walked in. He looked horrible. His eyes were all sunken in, he had the same clothes on that he had worn for weeks and his hair was all matted.

He looked at the teacher and said: “I know that I am getting a low grade on my final. I realize that I have not been participating in class and that I am an embarrassment to others. I am lazy, selfish, stupid and an ugly no-good-for-anything person. I have no place on this earth and what’s more, no one can ever love a person like me. I am a hopeless case with absolutely no future.” The teacher let him continue while holding back tears and trying to maintain professionalism.

When he was finished, what she said next turned this young man’s life around. She looked directly into his very sad eyes and said, “Edward, your final grade is an A.” His reaction was one of total and complete surprise. “You are giving me an A? Me? Why would you give me an A when I did such a poor job in class, on my assignments and on my final exam? Why would you do that?”

Her answer to Edward was: “You may appear to be a D student, but you are an A person. I believe in you now, and I will always believe in you. I am here for you now, and I will always be here for you. Never, ever forget that. Now, go and create the life you dream of. Believe in yourself. I will be watching. And by the way Edward, I love you.”

Early the next morning she was awoken at 3 a.m. It was a call from a priest. The priest told the teacher she had saved Edward’s life! The priest went on to tell her that Edward was planning to kill himself after he left her office to receive his grade. He already had it set up and had a written suicide note.

All his life, Edward only heard constant put-downs from his brother. The constant words of hate broke him and nearly drove him to commit suicide. The priest told the teacher her words gave Edwards hope that he was indeed worth something. Her words turned that young man’s life around that day.

Because of this awesome teacher, who spoke the right words, Edward went on to marry and have children and is now a dentist. You can read all of the story here about Edward.

There is so much power in that small member in our mouth, the tongue. “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21, New International Version).

Our tongues can be the life and death of a marriage. It can be the life and death of friendships and, yes, life and death of careers. It can even push someone like Edward to become so discouraged they contemplate, or may even commit, suicide.

Our tongues can also do the opposite by lifting someone up. Our tongues can be an instrument for life, like the schoolteacher’s were to Edward. Her words gave Edward life! She gave him a reason to go on.

We live in a very negative, hate-filled world that offers words of death and lies bent on destroying people, attacking everyone in general who do not think or believe the same as we do.

How many times have we heard encouraging words of gratitude and appreciation?

“Jesus said, ‘Out of the abundance of the heart [the] mouth speaks’ ” (Luke 6:45). A critical heart produces a critical tongue. A self-righteous heart produces a judgmental tongue. A bitter heart produces an acerbic [hate-filled] tongue. An ungrateful heart produces a grumbling tongue. What does our heart say?” (“Fill Your Mouth With Life, Not Death,”  Desiring God).

The words we speak will depend on what is in our heart already. We must ask God for a pure heart.

God tells us in Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

“The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence” (Proverbs 10:11). We should always look for the best in each other. In Ephesians 4:32 Paul wrote, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Everyone needs encouragement in this difficult world. Many people are going through so much. Let us all work to use our tongues to make a difference in raising people up instead of tearing people down.

Be a healer to others by your words! Ask God to inspire you to say the right thing at the right time. The world is in desperate need for love, so let us do what we can to spread the love that comes from our Father in Heaven.

Use the power of your tongue for healing!”  From: https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/blogs/the-power-of-the-tongue-do-we-use-it-for-life-or-death

_______

Update:

This week Zack showed up each day, so we washed some windows that I have advertised, but the prospective buyer didn’t show up.  Then we started to move stuff out of my canvas 10 x 20’ garage/storage tent. After 4 years the roof had rotted and we need to install the new one. 

We set up big tables in the 3 carports in front of the mini-house and put the stuff out for dispay for a yard sale.  The sale was Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, but some ignorant person stole my pretty blue ‘Yard Sale’ signs, which really slowed down the traffic.  Also, it is not a good time of the year because people don’t to want to get out of their air-conditioned vehicles into the heat.  Anything big that I wanted gone, I sold for pennies on the dollar, just to get it out of here.  But I had to sort the sfuff out anyway, so this was a good way to do it.

The forecast is for rain for the next few days, so when we closed it down on Friday, everything was stored on the tables covered in plastic in the enlosed carports where we had installed plastic last week.  Now maybe when weather allows, we can put the new roof on the canvas garage/storage tent.   By the time it was all over it was just a muggy, humid day and we were glad that we were done with the yard sale stuff for now.

As I hadn’t even had time to go shopping, I didn’t have any fresh veggies to make for the church potluck.  With the yard sale going on I had to keep my eyes on the front yard. So I defrosted some Ground Turkey Hungarian Goulash that I had made a couple of months ago, and I made a pot of organic lentils in a crockpot.  Another lady, Lauri, who lives down the road needed a ride to church and a stop at the Post Office, so I picked her up and we went together.

The Bible readings carried on where we left off last week at Num. 4:21-7:89, Jud. 13:2-13:25 and Acts 21:17-26. And the Teaching was about the Arrogance of Militant Homosexuals.  I don’t know what got into the Preacher about that, but something must have happened. Maybe Lev.18:22. ‘You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.” KJ.

The lentils were well received, some had never had any before.  It is such a shame that people don’t remember the healthy foods these days.