Check Your Heart; A Picture is Worth...

The meme has the caption: "They be like, 'only God can judge me. And I be like, Dude, that should to scare you.' "

"...I am a great King, saith Jehovah of hosts, and my name is terrible among the Gentiles." 
(Malachi 1:14 ASV)

Think about it. What are people saying? 

Another meme: "Some of the nicest people you meet are covered in tattoos, and sometimes the most judgmental people go to church on Sundays."

Judgmental? No word is a part of speech unless used in real life. This definition of 'judgmental' comes from 'vocabulary.com dictionary:

"Oddly enough, people with good judgment are not usually considered judgmental. Judgmental is a negative word to describe someone who often rushes to judgment without reason.

The adjective judgmental describes someone who forms lots of opinions — usually harsh or critical ones — about lots of people. Judgmental types are not open-minded or easygoing."

So, what's 'open-minded'?

"Open-minded people can consider a problem from both sides, without injecting their own opinions or biases, and can often point you in the right direction."

Judgmental sounds bad, open-minded sounds good, right? But what if as an open-minded person you have considered a problem from both sides, without injecting your own opinion etcetera, and come up with an answer that sounds judgmental? 

Let's take for instance,  how many years have we heard that smoking is bad for our health? Overeating on a constant basis is bad for our health? 

Some things can have a basis in reality and not be judgmental. Other things may be opinion, sound like they have a basis in reality, but in reality be pure bunk. What about:  'eat healthy, low fat, moderate red meat and protein, good grains and carbohydrates...' And now? Such a diet is killing Americans--and fast. To add insult to injury, in certain Italian villages there is an overwhelming number of 100 year old residents, that eat high fat, do not exercise, are overweight, and to top it off--many are smokers. Good gravy, what's this world coming to? 

So, this here's the thing (in the words of someone's granny) being nice won't get you to heaven, tattoos or not. Being open-minded won't get you to heaven. Being judgmental won't get you to heaven either...

Following God will get you to heaven: 

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me." 

(John 14:6 ASV)

Jesus leads the way. The New Testament is our guide book as to how to live and carry out Jesus' commands, and thus God's will for our lives today. Jesus says:

"And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the great and first commandment." (Matthew 22:37-38 ASV)

Being a nice person gives you glory, not God. We aren't told to tell people what they want to hear. A physician telling a person they have a disease isn't being nice. God wants us to tell people what they need to hear. We all have a sin problem, and we will all be judged at the end. That is God's message.  He is the judge. So many people today believe they can give God their opinion and He better listen up. That isn't so, and like the meme said at the beginning, Dude, that should scare you.

"3) Jehovah is slow to anger, and great in power, and will by no means clear the guilty: Jehovah hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. 

4) He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel; and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. 

5) The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt; and the earth is upheaved at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. 

6) Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken asunder by him. 

7) Jehovah is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that take refuge in him. 

                 (Nahum 1:3-7 ASV)

 Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Merry Christmas

Yes, we survived the Thanksgiving holiday, and here we are in December. The weather has been incredibly nice—except for the last two days when the wind has had a bite to it. It has also been trying to chase us into the next state. I'm right on schedule for getting ready for the next major holiday. I'm three weeks behind. That's not a good state to be in, and it has nothing to do with the wind. I'm still looking for my six million dollars. I'm pretty sure I won't win the lottery, since I don't play the game, but having rambled thus far it is the season to be jolly and much much more.

"Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek justice, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith Jehovah: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:"  (Isaiah 1:16-19 ASV)

I find looking at this time of the year to be one long holiday of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving in November for our in-gathering of garden and field produce provided by Jehovah God. Thanksgiving of family and friends as we gather to share and in praise to God for the produce, for our blessings, and a looking forward to God's provisions for us in spiritual realms. December 25th may not be the actual 'birthday' of our Savior, but it is an opportunity to tell the story and rejoice at the miracle of God's redeeming grace and love. It is a good time to repent, to bow in humility and wonder at how an awesome God could care that much for us. It is a time of rejoicing, of giving presents to one another, of joyous greetings, and a merry heart.

"A cheerful heart is a good medicine..." (Proverbs 17:22 ASV)

This is a wish and prayer for family and friends to find not just peace, joy, hope, and salvation, but to find His peace, His joy, His hope, and His salvation for yourselves. God bless and 

Hallelujah! What A Savior!

Dust In The Wind

In times of grief we sometimes feel as if our heart is broken. We feel that we can't possibly go on another day the pain is so great. Yet as in the oldies song our heart does go on beating, the sun does rise, and...

 "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. What is your life? For ye are a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." (James 4:14 ASV)

As I've written before (and probably will again) the scripture often comes to my mind: 'I once was young, but now am old'. I've known the grief and sorrow of losing loved ones. I also recognize that just as people I've known and loved have passed from this life so will I pass from this life. Unless the Lord comes first. 

My grandmother Margaret passed away at the age of eighty-four. She had many quaint sayings. I've tried to pass her sayings and habits on to my children, and even now to my grandchildren. 

 I've noticed is that when people are quiet people, no one really knows what they are inside. Now, sometimes you can read the inside because the outside is like a newspaper; feelings and thoughts written all over the outside. Others are more subtle. Grandma never raised her voice, and 'whatever the little old man did was right', was a fact of life for most women in those days. Divorce was rare, and rightly so, but not everything the little old man did was 'right'.

Sometimes she had her rebellious moments, although they weren't always obvious. It's probably got a name, like passive aggressive behavior, but other than ornery little things she was easy to get along with. She said of herself "I'm just a little old woman trying to get along".

In doing some family research I've come across some family writings. One article was under the title (I believe) of something like Smith Family Logging. Part of the story talked about Great-great Grandfather Smith had gone blind, but he apparently wasn't to be relegated to a corner for the rest of his days. Someone had rigged up wires so he could get around outside, helping with whatnot, and chopping wood, I assume for heating in the house and etcetera. 

Many people go through life searching for their calling. We see all sorts of encouragement to stand out, and make a difference. In times past, my grandparents and others of their era, the real gem in life was to find one person, make a commitment to that person, love each other, and make life important to each other. 

Fretting about being someone special, or making great accomplishments takes time and talent away from your life. My grandmother never did anything above and beyond caring for her home and family. My mother thought grandma was so dumb. My mother, for all of her intelligence and talent didn't raise her own children, couldn't stay married, and in the end didn't make great accomplishments. Neither one were failures, but they both had to walk the valley of death. The only thing that remains of either of them for the future is their offspring. 

My sister and I are coming to our valley. She's never had children, and I've had enough for both of us. The Psalm has come true:  

                                     "God setteth the solitary in families: He bringeth out the prisoners into prosperity; But the rebellious dwell in a parched land." (Psalms 68:6 ASV)

Life is fragile. When we gather as a family I'm so thankful for each one. Forty-five years ago my husband and I were expecting our first child. I was pretty much solitary before then. Today we have twenty-two grandchildren. It is such a blessing to watch our children grow older, and they too can watch their children grow. And soon there will be another generation coming along. My mother, grandmother, and other ancestors are still influencing my children and touching my grandchildren.    

In reading about my Great great grandfather Smith I see myself, as I overcome physical limitations  which I wrestle with daily. Yet, thank God I'm not sitting bemoaning my problems, just as he found ways to be productive so am I. 

"The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but he shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like the whirling dust before the storm." (Isaiah 17:13 ASV)

Our names may be forgotten like whirling dust before the storm. My children may forget family heritage names. My great grand children will probably forget, but our heritage will continue in those who come behind. At this moment I am a bridge touching those before, and the next ones in line. Yet we are all like dust in the wind...

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

The Words We Use

Sunday November 5, we had a 'mass shooting' in a small Texas community church. So much carnage, yet two men stepped up and made a difference. Many have hailed them as 'heroes'. A few months ago there was a horrible flood in Texas. Many volunteers came in with boats, food, supplies, and comfort. These volunteers and many others in that incident were hailed as heroes. During the Las Vegas shootings as well, there were police officers, first responders, and even common citizens, who at great risk to themselves helped others, and were tagged as heroes as well.

The word hero is used a lot lately and with good reason. In the above incidents people have stepped in to help others for good purposes. In many of these instances the recipients of the blessings were strangers to the heroes involved. What is involved in being a hero?

Merriam Webster dictionary gives us this definition of Hero:1) a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability:2) an illustrious warrior:a person admired for achievements and noble qualities:3) one who shows great courage 4):the principal male character in a literary or dramatic work:the central figure in an event, period, or movement

In the first paragraph examples, parts of definitions two and three fit the mold.

• Tomorrow is veterans' day. We often of late hear people say to our military, "Thank you for your service". Those in the military indeed have or are serving by protecting this country and its citizens. 
• A hero can also be a leader in the community that has done, or accomplished an admirable task.
• Completing a noble task with dignity and courage is noteworthy. Some times completing a task no matter how it comes out is noteworthy. Noblesse Oblige ~
• Showing the courage of our convictions; putting our money, time, or something of ourselves where our mouth is.
• However, sometimes a hero can be a simple person doing their every day tasks. A father or mother doing the everyday things in spite of their want to's. 

For example, the  season is upon us when the movie, "It's a Wonderful Life" is shown often. George Bailey wants to travel the world. On his honeymoon he begins a journey to help his fellow humans. Denying himself he eventually comes full circle to where, after years he is repaid by his friends and neighbors. 

Heroes are not only out fighting battles, they are also found in the common lives around us. Yes, they are found on the literal front lines of battlefields, but also in the spiritual battles that rage amongst us at home. Some have wondered out loud in these days when violence seems to surge around us, even in the peaceful valleys of life, what can we do against this violence and hate? What can we do? During an interview a local "Pastor" mentioned in passing that our society has taken God out of everything. He was then asked if he thought that was the problem. His further answer was no, but we as Christians believe that we are in a spiritual battle and...

I would submit that his answer should have been, 'yes and' we are in a spiritual battle for the hearts and minds of people. The violence that we see around us is because when we take God out of everything evil fills that void. When evil fills the void hatred, violence, and spiritual ugliness fills the society. Christians need to 

• stand up,  God hasn't given us a spirit of fear, but of hope, and courage
• speak up, Just as in the days when Chick Fillet was under attack and Christians flooded their restaurant in silent support, Christians or people who call themselves Christians are still the majority in this country.
• step up, Far too long those who are taking this country down the socialist/communist pathway have had their day in the sun. Yes, many of us have grown used to letting Leroy run things. (Leroy is a generic name for anyone else). We don't want to disrupt our lives, so we allow 'other people' to run for government office, fill in the political spectrum. We have a whole mixed bag of characters some good, but many just opportunists in our political machine. 

"And what shall I more say? for the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah; of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, waxed mighty in war, turned to flight armies of aliens." (Hebrews 11:32-34 ASV)

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

A Few Good Men?

The Marine slogan was at one time: WE'RE LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD MEN. At least we knew what the Marines are looking for, but what about God?

This summer there has been quite a buzz about the second coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ. I wouldn't at this time poke that hornets nest, but here are some thoughts on a related subject. There are many fanciful ideas about what the second coming will be like, but I offer the following  passage taken from the fifth chapter of Amos, one of the Old Testament minor prophets. Amos was not a professional prophet, nor a prophet's disciple, but a simple man from the land, a breeder of sheep. God, through this simple prophet warned the people that they needed to repent. They needed to turn to God and change their sinful ways.

• Amos 5:18  Woe unto you that desire the day of Jehovah! Wherefore would ye have the day of Jehovah? It is darkness, and not light. 
• 19)  As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him. 
• 20)  Shall not the day of Jehovah be darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it? 

Amos, Verses 18 - 20 : The day of Jehovah shall be darkness not light; a day of sorrow not joy. This will be true for the second coming of Christ for those not prepared

• 21)  I hate, I despise your feasts, and I will take no delight in your solemn assemblies. 
• 22)  Yea, though ye offer me your burnt-offerings and meal-offerings, I will not accept them; neither will I regard the peace-offerings of your fat beasts. 
• 23)  Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols. 

Amos, Verses 21 - 23:  These contemporaries of Amos were keeping the letter of the law, but not the heart. 

• 24)  But let justice roll down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. 
• 25)  Did ye bring unto me sacrifices and offerings in the wilderness forty years, O house of Israel? 
• 26)  Yea, ye have borne the tabernacle of your king and the shrine of your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves. 

In place of Jehovah God, they had made themselves God. Keeping the letter of the law didn't please God under the Old Covenant:

 Hosea 6:6  "For I desire goodness, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt-offerings."

 Doing good works can be good, but it doesn't get a person into heaven. What does God desire today?

Matthew 9:13  "But go ye and learn what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." 

Mark 3:35  "For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother." Hebrews 10:7  "Then said I, Lo, I am come (In the roll of the book it is written of me) To do thy will, O God."

 John 4:23  "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for such doth the Father seek to be his worshippers. (24)  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

God wants the sacrifice—not of burnt offerings, meal offerings, or peace offerings, but of a broken and contrite heart and obedience:

• But the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote his breast, saying, God, be thou merciful to me a sinner. (Luke 18:13 ASV)
•   "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven."  Matthew 7:21

John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 20:28  Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

What a Savior!

Watchman, What of the Night?

"...Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will inquire, inquire ye: turn ye, come." (Isaiah 21:11-12 ASV)

11. "(The Oracle Concerning Dumah.

A voice crieth to me from Seir:)

Watchman, what from the night?

Watchman, what from the night?

12. The watchman replieth: - 

The morning cometh, and also the night.

If ye will inquire, inquire ye: come again."

There are many beautiful passages in God's word. Written in the Old Testament this passage is still a beacon for today. A watchman was a person stationed on the top of the city walls in order to 'watch' for the enemy. Today's watchmen are God's servants. 

Why does God allow evil/bad things to happen? God's original world was created without spot or wrinkle. It didn't have evil, no sorrow, nor sin. That changed when humans chose to disobey God. Most of us understand that we are free to choose between doing right or doing wrong, and both of those choices have consequences for our selves--and sometimes for innocent others. Many in the world and this nation have chosen to turn their back on Jehovah. They choose to go their own way, and decide for themselves what is right or wrong.

Romans 1:21  "because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened. 22)  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools," 

Giving this people time for repentance, Jehovah has been long-suffering towards us: 

Psalms 106:14  "But  (Israel) lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, And tempted God in the desert. 15) And he gave them their request, But sent leanness into their soul." 

This nation has been blessed exceedingly above and beyond other nations, yet we can see evil growing in our days. As long as we allow evil to grow—it will grow. 

"Don't judge me, don't judge me, Judge that person behind the tree..."

No one wants to be told the truth. Therefore they don't call on the watchman to warn them, or they don't listen when the watchman does call them. They allow evil, and they practice evil. As people before us have said, self rule will only work for those who have Christ and self discipline. That is one reason why we haven't been successful in exporting democracy. Laws don't control human behavior, or human feelings. Only self-discipline.

The watchman replieth—the morning cometh:  The morning comes when there is a time to turn from evil and to choose good and right. There is a morning for repentance and salvation.

"Wherefore he saith, Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine upon thee." (Ephesians 5:14 ASV)

1Thessalonians 5:1 "But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that aught be written unto you. 2)  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3)  When they are saying, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall in no wise escape. 4)  But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief: 5)  for ye are all sons of light, and sons of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness; 6)  so then let us not sleep, as do the rest, but let us watch and be sober. 7)  For they that sleep sleep in the night: and they that are drunken are drunken in the night. 8)  But let us, since we are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation." 

"...and also the night." When the grace of God will have ended, and the judgement of God has begun. 

1Thessalonians 5:9  "For God appointed us not into wrath, but unto the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10)  who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him." 

Ezekiel 3:17  "Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. 

~Choose life~

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...

"Mirror, mirror, on the wall; Who's the fairest in the land... This is a line from Snow White made by the wicked queen preening in her mirror.

Mirror: "a reflective surface, now typically of glass coated with a metal amalgam, that reflects a clear image".

We know what a mirror is, and we know what it is for. Most of us use a mirror more than once a day. We use it to check our hair, make up, beard, clothing—we want to know if we look right—on the outside.

James 1:23 " For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a mirror:"

There are many who don't hear the Word, yet try to judge others as if they themselves are some great judge. Their standard is themself, and they believe that 'self' to be perfect. 

Matthew 7:1  "Judge not, that ye be not judged." They throw around this scripture (apparently the only one they know) as if it is the whole of the Bible. They must believe that it will insulate them from the judgement day. But it won't.  John 7:24 "Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment."

James 1:24  for he beholdeth himself, and goeth away, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

We look in the mirror to see what we look like on the outside. We want to look the best we can when we make our entrance into the public spectrum. Do we believe that a perfect 'outside' makes a perfect inside? Most people will admit they aren't perfect, but do we believe other people must be?

 When we look into history, if a historical person wasn't perfect does that make their contribution in history null and void? If it does we are in trouble.

• The greatest event in history would still be recorded: hint Jesus is the only perfect person.
•   If only perfect people and their contribution were to remain, history would be small. 
• We are judging people of the past by our present. 
• Our judgement by any standard is flawed. 

Even with only one eye open peering into the mirror, none of us would be perfect. We have to be totally blind to think we are. Again, John 7:24 "Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment." Not that we can't judge at all, but judge with righteous judgement.

When we look into the Word of God we find that none of us is righteous, no not one. Why do we judge ourselves by one standard and others by another standard? Or as Stephen M.R. Covey has said,
“We judge ourselves by our intentions and others by their behaviour.”
James 1:25 "But he that looketh into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and so continueth, being not a hearer that forgetteth but a doer that worketh, this man shall be blessed in his doing."

Too many have stopped looking into the perfect law, the perfect Word of God. They have stopped respecting God and are rejecting His Word as their guide for their lives. As a great prophet once said:

"Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." 

(Matthew 3:2 ASV)

Hallelujah! What a Savior! 

Each Day

Monday is so exciting, being the first working day of the week, and Tuesday is as well. Since Monday was 'wash day', Tuesday was for ironing. The only place I remember Tuesday as ironing day was at my mother's home. Monday after the laundry was done, we would take the clothing to be ironed, lay it on a flat surface such as a table and sprinkle it with clean water. Then we would fold the outside in toward the middle (such as the sleeves on a shirt would be laid in the middle). Starting at one end  we would roll the article up and place it in a plastic bag or sack. After all of the 'ironing' was rolled up and in the sack, it would be placed in the bottom of the refrigerator over night. I don't remember starching the clothes, but we may have. I was only 5 and 6 when at that time frame. I've read that people used to wash starch into the clothing, but I just don't remember doing it. At five years old I began ironing on sheets, pillow cases, and handkerchiefs. When I was seven years and beyond, my sister and I returned to live with my Grandparents I had graduated to regular things such as shirts and dresses as well.
I've included two pictures in this post. This one is of a wringer type washer and the rinse tubs. At the bottom is a picture of a refrigerator such as one that we would have had when I was young. More on that later. 


At my grandparents house our wash day was different and so was our ironing day. When I was very small (my grandparents would have been 55 the year I was born, so when I was a five year old they would have been 60) I do remember the wringer washer set up on the front porch and my grandmother washing and hanging things on the clothes line. However, by the time I was 6 or 7 they were over 60 and pumping enough water to fill the wringer washer, heating it on the gas stove, and then carrying it out to the porch wasn't an easy task. At that time we began taking clothes in to the laundry mat on Saturday. We would put the clothes in the washers then go two doors down to Ed and Martha's locker and grocery store to do our shopping. That's where we had our meat butchered and stored, so we would go pick up our weekly allotment of meat and canned goods. There was a few fresh produce items, but not many. As we got old enough my cousin, Dakota and I would go across to the 'Drug Store' and read through the comic books. We got a 25 cent allowance which would cover the cost of one comic book and one cherry coke. After our time at the soda fountain at the Drug store we would go back to the laundry mat and help sort and fold the clothes coming out of the driers. We went home and did our chores and helped with supper. There would be three baskets of ironing, which we divided between my sister, my cousin, and myself. I don't remember sprinkling the clothes and putting them in the fridge at that point, but we may have done so. At some point we graduated to spray starch.

"neither did we eat bread for nought at any man's hand, but in labor and travail, working night and day, that we might not burden any of you: not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you, that ye should imitate us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, If any will not work, neither let him eat. For we hear of some that walk among you disorderly, that work not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well-doing." 
(2 Thessalonians 3:8-13 ASV)

One of the tasks we have done for quite a number of years is to raise as much of our own food as is possible. God has blessed us in that we've lived 'country' most of our lives. Although we have lived carefully, and raised our own, when I can afford it we take our chickens (that we hand raise ourselves) to a butcher. About fifteen years ago I went to pick my chickens up from said butcher and one of the helpers, a middle-aged teen boy was helping me load them into the back of my vehicle. I asked him about his job, and he said it wasn't his favorite job in the world. My response was: it pays and it's honest, be thankful for it. Paul the Apostle was a tent maker. He wasn't hesitant to work with his hands, and he encourages others to work as well. The work we were busy with when I was young wasn't always easy, but it had it's rewards and blessings. Scripture encourages each of us to work willingly at whatever work we find to do. 

Halelujah! What a Savior!

Monday Morning

Monday morning is so full of possibilities. Personally, Monday for me is a freedom day, not as so many portray it as a 'back to work' day. Monday is like a blank white sheet of paper. As a writer a blank piece of paper has so much potential. Or, it could be more like a white canvas waiting for the picture to be filled in.

In the days before time—as a young married couple—each day had its chore. Monday was 'wash' day. The laundry day. And an all day occupation it was. My first washing machine was a wringer washer. Now for ya'll younger gals that was a round motorized tub washer with an attached wringer. I would fill it with hot water, add the soap, and then the white clothes. Usually white shirts were washed first. There were two rinse tubs that stood beside the washer, and my first load I would set the timer for them to wash so many minutes. When that timer went off (those first years my washer was down in the cemented basement) I went down stairs, turned the washer off and ran the clothes through the wringer and into the first rinse tub filled with warm water. I would swish that around, working the garment up and down to rinse the soap out. Next I would flip the knob on the wringer to turn it enough and wring the garments into a second rinse tub, where I would repeat the rinse, and at last wring the clothes into the laundry basket. Before I carried the clothes basket out to be hung on the clothes line I would put the next load of clothes in the washer and turn the agitator back on. I always began with the white, then light clothes, proceeding to the darker colors and the work clothes. 

Since it was the days before time, we also used cloth diapers. That meant diaper pails. Each time baby's diaper was changed it went into a large what we called a diaper pail. It was just a round plastic container about two and a half foot tall with a plastic lid, and no handle per se. Most often there was either a small amount of laundry soap or borax or both in hot water in the pail. As the pail filled with diapers more hot water was added. At certain times, at least once a day, the old water would be drained out and fresh hot water/soap/borax would be added. I didn't wash diapers but once a week. (Remember I had to fill the wringer washer with hot water, and etc. and only did laundry once a week.) So it had to be a large pail, and we had a large amount of diapers. The diaper pail sat in the bathroom close to the stool. Pooey diapers would be emptied/rinsed into the stool then wrung out and tossed into the pail. Potty diapers just went into the pail. When it was time to carry the diapers down to wash I would wring each one out, empty the pail, and carry them down to the washer. They would be washed after the delicate and whites, but before the work clothes. 

As I said, with the first load I set a timer, but after that I just carried out a load, came back ran the next load through the wringer, put another load in, carried out, and the cycle went on into the afternoon. I had a big double line that ran east and west, and turned and ran north and south. I couldn't hang everything out all at once, but once it was full I could start bringing in the first hung out stuff. That added to the mix. Diapers dried rather quickly, and everything smelled so fresh and clean when brought in. 

Birds do seem to have a sense of humor, not that I care for their humor, but mulberry trees grow well out here in the country. Birds eat mulberries, then seem to take delight in trying to hit anything white hanging on clothes lines with bird pooh. I have had that happen more than I care to remember. 

Laundry day was an all day task. When finished hanging the clothes out on the line, there was the task of bringing them in. Late in the day I had clothes to fold and put away. 

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, whither thou goest." (Ecclesiastes 9:10 ASV)

"The appetite of the laboring man laboreth for him; For his mouth urgeth him thereto." 
(Proverbs 16:26 ASV)

"The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much; but the fulness of the rich will not suffer him to sleep." (Ecclesiastes 5:12)

"Behold, that which I have seen to be good and to be comely is for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy good in all his labor, wherein he laboreth under the sun, all the days of his life which God hath given him: for this is his portion."(Ecclesiastes 5:18 ASV)

What Causes Glory To God?

Through out the scriptures we are given a history of humanity. It's a rather gritty history. Like a poor portrait that fails to cover the flaws so that we see the reality of the person; our heroes-- warts and all are included in scripture.

In the recent study of the incident of Elijah where we see his triumph over the defeat of the prophets of Baal. Shortly thereafter we note his discouragement and flight away from the threats of Queen Jezebel.

"But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper-tree: and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, It is enough; now, O Jehovah, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers." (1 Kings 19:4 ASV)

Elijah has gone from triumph to tragedy. However, remember the Apostle Paul who penned these words through inspiration:
"And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ASV)

We as Elijah had done are wont to forget where our power comes from. It isn't who we are, but who our God is. Our strongest point is often our weakest point as well. How often do people glory in their 'strong point' to their downfall?

Just because someone is a great hero, they are not perfect. Another scripture that comes to mind is: "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."(1 Corinthians 10:12 ASV)

All no matter how talented are only earthen vessels. Earthly role models are not perfect.
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves;" (2 Corinthians 4:7 ASV)

• Often the problems come because of erroneous expectations. These can be our expectations for ourselves, or our expectations for others.
• We look at the earthly human story and wonder what is wrong with ourselves and otherselves because we find ourselves struggling, or worse we don't understand the struggles others are suffering. 

There are some take aways here:

• In I Kings we see Elijah in chapters 17 and 18 as strong, productive, victorious, and occupied.
• In I Kings chapter 19 Elijah is weak and famished.
• After being fed by God Elijah is then commissioned by God.

Quite a few years ago (and several times since) I heard a sermon pointing to the sins of different Bible heroes. How each had feet of clay, such as Noah being found drunken (one time after the flood). I'm sure it was meant to encourage each of us that everyone has those feet of clay. However, as a student in a ladies class where Job's wife's famous one time speech is found:
"Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still hold fast thine integrity? renounce God, and die."
(Job 2:9 ASV)

This dear lady said, "I sure hope I'm not remembered for one foolish statement I make out of my entire life."
Read Hebrews chapter 11. It's known as 'God's hall of faith'. Yes, God's heroes all were earthen vessels, but when it is all said and done, it should never be our weaknesses that define us.

James 5:17 tells us:

"Elijah was a man of like passions with us, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain; and it rained not on the earth for three years and six months. And he prayed again; and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit." (James 5:17-18 ASV)

You and I may be only one lowly person, but we need to remember it isn't who we are but who our God is. 

"Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working." James 5:16

Hallelujah! What a Savior!  

Elijah II

"1)And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the sojourners of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As Jehovah, the God of Israel, liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.
2) And the word of Jehovah came unto him, saying, 
3)Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before the Jordan." (1 Kings 17:1-3 ASV)

This is the first we see of Elijah. It is our introduction, but King Ahab and the people of that day were probably already familiar with the prophet. He was a Tishbite --indicates he was from a town in northern Israel. 

He was a sojourner of Gilead  a common man. A side point here from the Master himself when he asks:

"Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to behold? a reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out to see? a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft raiment are in king's houses. But wherefore went ye out? to see a prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. " (Matthew 11:7-9 ASV)

This was John the Baptizer, a likeness of Elijah. 

"For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, that is to come." (Matthew 11:13-14 ASV)

What were the days of Elijah like? Wicked rulers (Ahab and his wicked queen Jezebel were top of the heap). The foundation of the nation was crumbling, the people worshiped Baal. There was no law and order, no justice from the rulers. (Naboth's vineyard I Kings 21:1-16) These were the days of Elijah. 

We are often reminded that we are all 'common men (and women)'. There have been many perilous times, and will continue to be perilous times until the Lord comes. Psalms 11:3 asks the question:

"3)If the foundations be destroyed, What can the righteous do?"

 -7 and answers:

4)Jehovah is in his holy temple; Jehovah, his throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. 5)Jehovah trieth the righteous; But the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. 6)Upon the wicked he will rain snares; Fire and brimstone and burning wind shall be the portion of their cup. 7)For Jehovah is righteous; He loveth righteousness: The upright shall behold his face." (Psalms 11:3-7 ASV)

The important thing is not who we are, but who our God is.

Elijah: My God is Jehovah. 

We know who and what was Elijah's God. A burning question is who and what is our God? Do we claim faith in Jesus (Christian), yet live like practical atheists? 

Where is our treasure and who is our treasure? 

"for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also."(Matthew 6:21) 

To Be Continued 

Hallelujah! What a Savior! 

Days of Elijah

 Elijah— his very name elicits mental pictures of strength and courage. He had the courage to face down Jezebel's prophets of Baal in the 'contest on Mount Carmel' and he showed the people that 'Jehovah, he is God'.

Did he think Jezebel would take defeat lightly? Did he think Ahab would be the leader he should have been? Neither of those things happened.

"And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers." (1 Kings 19:1-4 KJV)

"And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. (1 Kings 19:13-14 KJV)

It may have been a lapse in faith. The key may lie in Elijah's answer:

•  It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
• And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. 

Some times when we want to make a difference in the world, strife and conflict reminds us we are all but human beings, earthen vessels if you will. Elijah explodes onto the scene back in I Kings 17 where he confronts weak King Ahab. In Melchizedek fashion he has no parentage or earthly lineage. His name Elijah = Eliyahu or 'My God is Yahweh'. We don't know who his 'father' was, only who his God is. We know that Elijah has been jealous for the Lord, and Elijah thinks it's all over. Perhaps he thinks he has failed. Failed God and himself. 

This reminds me of Joshua when Israel is defeated at AI; and God's answer to Joshua:

7)"And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord Jehovah, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over the Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to cause us to perish? would that we had been content and dwelt beyond the Jordan! 
8)Oh, Lord, what shall I say, after that Israel hath turned their backs before their enemies! 
9)For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will ... cut off our name from the earth: and what wilt thou do for thy great name? 
10)And Jehovah said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore art thou thus fallen upon thy face? 
11)Israel hath sinned;..." (Joshua 7:7-11 ASV)

God gently tells Elijah he's not finished yet. God commissions Elijah to anoint Hazael King over Syria, anoint Jehu to be king in Israel, and anoint Elisha prophet after Elijah. God tells Elijah:  

"And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay. Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. 

(1 Kings 19:17-18 KJV)

To be continued.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Praise God

 "Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? A man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the hardness of his face is changed."  Ecclesiastes 8:1

Many times in my life I have wondered about people: Why did they do that?

"Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also." (Matthew 13:24-26 KJV)

Wheat is what we make bread out of. It's a good, useful grain. Tares are wheat look alike weeds, not merely weeds in the wheat. What is the significance of wheat look alikes and not just weeds in the wheat? Well, 'the wheat brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also'. It adds credence to Jesus words 'by their fruit ye shall know them'. The wheat and tares looked much the same until fruition. 

 If you read the remaining account in Matthew 13:27-30 the wheat and tares grew together until the harvest and the 'fruit' appeared. At that time the tares were gathered and burned. The wheat was gathered into the barns. 

***

I'm the kind of person that sees the light at the end of the tunnel and that's where I'm headed. What you see is what you get, so to speak. I have to be careful because when people ask me what I think, often I tell them honestly. Good or bad there it is. 

Not all people are like that. People don't appear with signs that tell others who and what they are. A few years ago a catch phrase was, 'sustainability'. Now people are warned not to use that phrase. Or if you hear that phrase, back away. Why is that? It denotes an agenda. 

I have a sparrow trying to build a nest in a chink in my siding. To me that's bad, to him that's good. Agendas are like that. People with agendas are out to change something, either for the good or for the not so good. And which it may be is often is hard to discern. Like the tares in the wheat we must look beyond how pretty and green the idea may be today, but what will its fruit be tomorrow, or some time down the trail of time. 

July 31, 1930 a radio program called, 'The Shadow', made its debut. One of the lines that came from that show was, "Who knows what evil lurks in the minds of men? The Shadow knows! I have wondered why the so called 'Progressives' have sought the changes they have pursued. Those changes have not made our country better by any means, just made our country different. 

The end they are pushing for is social engineering. They have removed Jehovah God as the ruler of our nation, (and yes, in the beginning Jehovah was considered the head). Originally our rights came from God, and God was the standard setter. Now that the Progressives have (attempted to) remove(d) Jehovah, who do they want to replace him with? Themselves of course, and that makes them the decider of our 'standards'. That makes them the judge of who can do what, who is eligible for 'life, liberty, and freedom'. 

Back to the wheat and the tares. Here is Jesus own explanation of the parable:

• "He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; 
• The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; 
• The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. 
• As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. 
• The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 
• And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth."  (Matthew 13:37-42 KJV)

That is frightening. It calls the Progressives out for what they are--children of the wicked one. Not really progressive at all. It also warns them and all who would follow them to repent, turn back, don't go that way. That end will not be good. It also gives children of light a warning, and a calling.

"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 5:21-23 KJV)

"Whoso keepeth the commandment shall know no evil thing; and a wise man's heart discerneth time and judgment:" (Ecclesiastes 8:5)  

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Do You Know the Cost?

"Now there went with him great multitudes: and he turned, and said unto them, If any man cometh unto me, and hateth not his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. Whosoever doth not bear his own cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doth not first sit down and count the cost, whether he have wherewith to complete it? Lest haply, when he hath laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all that behold begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish."  (Luke 14:25-30 ASV)

Minnie Pearl, a performer on The Grand Ole Opry, would come out on stage with a loud, country sounding "HOWDEE". She wore a hat with a $1.98 price tag dangling from it.

Counting the cost.

As in anything else in this life, if it isn't worth your everything it isn't worth anything to you. Not to say a new car, boat, or new clothes and jewelry can't be expensive, yet most everything has it's limits. There isn't much that I value over my family and true friends. Would I trade the life of one of my loved ones for a car? Of course not, nor any other worldly item would be worth the life of a loved one. 

Yet, the love of God and Jesus should be above any other tie. When Jesus says to 'hate your own father, mother, wife, children, etc. he's meaning to love them less than our love for Him. If we honestly love God and Jesus above all else, we will love our father, mother, wife, children, and brethren so much more than we would love them if we had put them first. 

Meaningless. It is meaningless to tell others 'we should love Christ first because he loved us and died for us'. It won't mean anything to them if they have not love. Consider:

•  "If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments." (John 14:15 ASV)

• "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46 ASV) 

I don't know how the love of God becomes implanted in the hearts of the children of men. I have seen the results, but some hearts never allow it to take root and grow. That is a sad phenomenon. How much better lives are when built on the true foundation of Jesus and His teachings:

"Every one that cometh unto me, and heareth my words, and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like: he is like a man building a house, who digged and went deep, and laid a foundation upon the rock: and when a flood arose, the stream brake against that house, and could not shake it: because it had been well builded. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that built a house upon the earth without a foundation; against which the stream brake, and straightway it fell in; and the ruin of that house was great." (Luke 6:47-49 ASV)

"The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly." (John 10:10 ASV)

Jesus knew the cost and he paid it anyway. He paid a debt He didn't owe; We owed a debt we couldn't pay. That either means everything to us, or it means nothing. Abundant life is your choice.

Hallelujah! What a Savior! 

More From Later

     “What an elegant house. It looks like something out of a magazine,” Julius said.

            The old woman leaned against the counter. “As a bride the first home I had was a cabin. The first years, we didn’t have running water. Our bathroom was a little room—about forty feet out the kitchen door at the end of a long path.”

“Ha, ha,” Julius laughed. “You mean one of those old outhouses?”

She smiled. “And our children were half raised before we had what many people today would call necessities. In time things became easier. Easier, not better. Water in a faucet doesn’t make life better, just different. As Charles Spurgeon wrote, Happiness does not consist of how much you have, but how much you enjoy….”

The above is an excerpt from my coming book, "If I Should Die". 

As I have confessed I grew up through the 1950's, 60's and became an adult in the 1970's. Just as the 'old woman' in the story said, times have become easier, but not better. As I look around me I wonder why...

• why does everyone just expect married folks to be two income families?
• why do so many people say, 'we just can't live on one salary'.
• why do people believe they have less money than families had during the depression?
• why do we have less time for our friends and families than any generation before us? (so it seems)
• why do we always seem to want to 'get somewhere', but we're never quite sure where that somewhere is?
• why do we never know when 'enough is enough'? 

"The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, Yea, four that say not, Enough: Sheol; and the barren womb; The earth that is not satisfied with water; And the fire that saith not, Enough." (Proverbs 30:15-16 ASV)

Through the years ordinary people in this country have allowed things to happen. With a shrug of the shoulders we ask, 'who am I, and what can I do'. We feel helpless against the Goliaths of this world and rightly so. One of the reasons we rob Peter to pay Paul is who we've chosen to be our gods. Our lives are dominated by the 'horseleaches of this world. 

Many years ago before my children were in school an acquaintance whose son was in high school complained to me about a class that had become known as 'sex ed'. She had gone to view the content of the class to see if it was suitable for her Christian son. She was shocked and dismayed at what she saw. It's just pornography, she told me, but what can I do? They say he must take this class in order to get his diploma and graduate. 

At that moment I realized several things. Even though I appreciate education, there are some things more important to me than graduation and a diploma. And, especially in this country where we value our freedoms and liberties, no government entity should sit on a throne of power and force us to do something which we find abhorrent and repulsive, because some things are right, and some things are wrong, and some things are more important than graduation and a diploma.
What can we do? Here are some suggestions:

• Pray to Jehovah God,  "And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days; and I fasted and prayed before the God of heaven, and said, I beseech thee... (Nehemiah 1:4-5 ASV)

• Take a long hard look at your life, where you are now, and where you want to go and ask God's blessings on your journey. "O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who delight to fear thy name; and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day..." (Nehemiah 1:11 ASV)

Stop following the horseleaches of this world. Stop letting the horseleaches dictate how you live. Remember:

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?" (Romans 8:31 ASV)

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

New Post on: Another Day

I saw a monarch butterfly today. So many memories come from this sighting. The first year we homeschooled I had dill growing in my herb garden to go with my homemade dill pickles. Except wouldn't you know it swallowtail butterflies like dill (and carrots). We cut the dill heads with the caterpillars and put several in jars to watch them eat...and turn into chrysalis...and eventually the finished butterfly. They are truly a wonder. 

Many years ago when we still watched 'Doctor Who', there was one show on a species that tried to dominate and eradicate a second species that the first species believed was substandard. The second species was (it runs in my mind) an insect-like being. In the end it turned out that the second species was in a 'stage' in their life cycle, and similar to butterflies at the end of their stage they turned into something like a creature of light and beauty. They just had to get through the ugly stage first. 

In comparison, we humans seem to need our earthly struggles, and yes, even sometimes stages of ugliness. The more we turn toward the light of God's love and teaching the more ugliness we leave behind for true beauty.  

What we begin with is what some religious circles call 'man's fallen nature'. I read recently of a woman who had 'struggled' with the idea of humans having a fallen nature...until her child reached the two year old mark. Now, apparently, she has come to a new understanding.

I digress, however, the scriptures let us know that people are not born 'wicked' per se, but they become wicked with the wicked choices they make. 

"Behold, this only have I found: that God made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions."  (Ecclesiastes 7:29 ASV)

Yes, life is a struggle, but if we hold on as Christians it will be worth it. 

If any man's work shall abide which he built thereon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as through fire. 
(1 Corinthians 3:14-15 ASV)

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward. For the earnest expectation of the creation waiteth for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but by reason of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God." (Romans 8:18-21)

"For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for our adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For in hope were we saved: but hope that is seen is not hope: for who hopeth for that which he seeth?" (Romans 8:22-24)

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

A New Post

Who knows and who can tell what is in the heart and soul of a person? Only God can know with a certainty. For example Horace Mann. Many people don't even know or remember who he was. He was born in 1796. From ten years of age to twenty, he had no more than six weeks' schooling during any year, yet at twenty years of age he enrolled at Brown University and in three years graduated as valedictorian. He attained many interesting positions. One of his most famous accomplishments was in establishing public education. Horace Mann began his 'education reform in 1837.

One may wonder was it his struggle for an education as a young person that spurred his interest and zeal in this area? What was it that prompted his oration "The Progressive Character of the Human Race (I assume as valedictorian). 
This oration may give a clue as to his thoughts and feelings. The direction he sent public education was revolutionary and to this day its tentacles reach everywhere.

 In 1848 Karl Marx wrote/published his Communist Manifesto. As is often the case what may sound like a good idea philosophically doesn't translate well into real life, or real world experience.  Socialism isn't a good answer to any question, unless it's a question something like, 'name something you should never try in real life'. 

In 1936 George Orwell fought in the Spanish Civil War. He became a life long anti-Stalinist. In 1945 he wrote 'Animal Farm', a novel about Stalin's betrayal of the Russian Revolution. Toward the end of his life he wrote his famous '1984' which detailed a chilling account of what life would become under a totalitarian regime.  

  Charles Darwin published his Origin of the Species in1859. This work published as if there were actual evidence and a fossil record has been a great disservice to this nation and indeed to the entire world. In 1924, for instance, the horrendous murder committed by Leopold and Loeb in Chicago is termed the tragedy of three lost lives. The two murderers (Leopold and Loeb) were defended by Clarence Darrow. Part of Darrow's defense was that the two young men were not accountable because: 

'the infinite forces that conspired to form him [Richard Loeb in this instance], the infinite forces that were at work producing him ages before he was born, that because out of these infinite combinations he was born with out it? If he is, then there should be a new definition for justice. Is he to blame for what he did not have and never had? Is he to blame that his machine is imperfect?'

In other words—they couldn't help themselves because of their evolutionary journey, as Darrow says: 

'This weary old world goes on, begetting, with birth and with living and with death; and all of it is blind from the beginning to the end. I do not know what it was that made these boys do this mad act, but I do know there is a reason for it. I know they did not beget themselves.'

Many have lived and died honorably. In recent news articles have highlighted people who have received medals of honor for heroic deeds. None of us are chance evolutionary objects with no will, no sense of right or wrong—with no sense of choice.

"But as for me I know that my Redeemer liveth, And at last he will stand up upon the earth: And after my skin, even this body, is destroyed, Then without my flesh shall I see God; Whom I, even I, shall see, on my side, And mine eyes shall behold, and not as a stranger. My heart is consumed within me." (Job 19:25-27 ASV)

Hallelujah! What a Savior! 

Another Day

"They soon forgat his works; They waited not for his counsel, But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, And tempted God in the desert. And he gave them their request, But sent leanness into their soul." (Psalms 106:13-15)

Through out history it has been an up and down cycle. God's people of the Old Testament when things got bad they murmured and complained. When things became good they believed they had made their own prosperity, and were unthankful. Move into the Christian era. Christians were and are encouraged to be thankful, to remember from where their blessings come from. For some reason, though it still happens that when times get good Christians forget God. They often have the 'Shenandoah complex'.

Shenandoah was a movie starring Jimmy Stewart. The main character, Charlie Anderson, a wealthy widower, refused to become involved in the Civil War until it became personal. The Charlie Anderson in the beginning of the movie always offers this prayer:

• Lord,
  We cleared this land;
  We plowed it, sowed it, and harvested it.
  We cooked the harvest.
  It wouldn't be here—we wouldn't be eating it—if we hadn't done it all ourselves.
  We worked dog-bone hard for every crumb and morsel
  But we thank you just the same anyway, Lord, for this food we're about to eat.
  Amen.

At the end of the movie, after there has been much chaos and carnage in his family and life, he has an a-ha moment. Yes, he had worked 'dog-bone hard', but peace, goodness and prosperity don't follow just because we work hard, or because we somehow 'deserve' it. In reality I'm glad I don't get everything I 'deserve'. My come-upence would probably outweigh my prosperity ten fold. 

At the beginning of Shenandoah the Main Character, Charlie Anderson, starts out as hard boiled farmer, who believes everything he has is because he worked for and earned it. It doesn't end that way, but— That's the way over half of the people in my neighborhood view things as well. How, you might ask, do I know this? Am I familiar friends with everyone in my neighborhood?

In this neighborhood most everyone does know who their neighbors are, at least in a cursory way. But no, I've not sat with, nor had intimate conversations with many of my neighbors. However, my cousin has asked some of her acquaintances and neighbors if they go to worship on Sundays, and their answers are pretty standard. "Well, we used to, but we don't any more. I don't know why, we just don't." And viewing how many of my neighbors attend worship on a regular basis that would reflect these folks as well.  

How, you might ask, does this translate into thinking we've worked for and earned everything we have? Glad you asked. 

Worship on the Lord's day (First day of the week) is an act of submission, and fills several purposes. 

• partaking of the Lord's supper to remember his sacrifice (commanded for every first day of the week)
• listen to words of encouragement
• give words of encouragement
• humbly bow before he King of heaven and earth, and ask his favor for our lives in the coming week in song as well as prayer
• lift others up in prayer, be lifted up in prayer

The following poem I found in a church bulletin (apparently penned by the ever popular anonymous) makes a point:

"When I pass the church building,
I always go in for a visit,
So that when I'm carried in,
The Lord doesn't say
Who is it?"

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. (James 4:10)

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: (1 Peter 5:6 KJV)

Hallelujah! What a Savior!