Bass Violin Thief

 

In times past, one of our friends at church organized a men’s quartet and they were quite good.  They sang regularly at our church and often were invited to other churches.

My husband Robert a part of the quartet, and the men all decided they needed one of those large Bass fiddles so one person could play while they sang.  Robert was adept at many stringed instruments, so he thought that was a great idea.  The original plan was for all 4 of them to each pay $25 a month for a bass they bought on time at the local music store.

Robert was the second person to make the payment and he told the others, that he would pick up the payments and the bass would become his alone.  They agreed and it was so.

As time went by, the children at church were very interested in this big piece of musical equipment and they would twist and turn the keys and get it out of tune.

One day, Robert noticed in the want ads, a used bass for sale at a very reasonable price.  He went to look at it and although it was not quite as good as his, it was okay and he decided to purchase it.

This meant he could keep his good bass at home, unless the quartet went singing as guests elsewhere.  The new second-hand bass was to be left at church in a side room.

One Sunday morning as we arrived at church, the pastor announced that on Saturday the church had been broken into and the bass and some other equipment had been stolen.

Can you beat that!  Robbers have no respect even for a church and the thief had broken in to destroy and to steal.

Insurance paid for the damage done, but the bass was not replaced.  At least we still had the original.

That reminded me that the devil has NO respect for anyone, whether it be a Christian or Non-Christian and he will rob and steal from anyone if given the even half the chance.

This is why Believers must ever be on their guard and set the burglar alarm to catch him at his work.

That old trickster loves to steal your peace and joy by inserting negative thoughts into your mind.  He enjoys whispering that you have failed, you are not good enough and that you might as well give up. 

We are to protect our thinking by first realizing those kind of thoughts do not come from us or from God, but they are sent direct from Satan himself to destroy us.

Instead let us be quick to substitute this kind of destructive thinking with the positive Word of God.

Philippians 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

 

 

Brown Bag Lunches

 

“Tell your mother to fix you a cheese sandwich instead of the jelly one,” said Lee, my boy friend.

I was sixteen and from the time I was in seventh grade through high school my mother always packed us a brown bag lunch.  Usually it was three halves of sandwiches; a tuna, a deviled egg and a jelly sandwich.  Then there was three cookies, or a cupcake and usually a fruit of some kind.

Lee, the boy who lived down in the next block always walked to school with me, and never brought a lunch.  His single mother and his two younger brothers fared for themselves most of the time.

I suppose he noticed my lunch bag and asked if we could meet and take a walk at lunchtime.

I would tear my sandwiches in half and share with Lee, but one day he got tired of the jelly sandwich.

When I asked my mother for a substitute cheese instead of jelly, she never said a word, but my mom was always thinking and I believe she knew I was sharing my food.

Time went by, and from circumstances beyond my control, we split up and some months later I met Robert and after I graduated from High School, we were married.

Today we still share our food.  We have more than one Free Food center in our town that feeds hungry people, so we donate non perishable foods and supplies.

Then there is the Sunday Fellowship at church.  I often take nut bread or a quick cake to add to the coffee time after church.

Jesus taught us to share with others - - and He was amazing at causing a small lunch to multiply.

But Jesus did not serve jelly sandwiches.

 

 

Give me this Day our Daily Breath

 

Pastor Jerry read from John 14:15-21  where Jesus in the upper room was giving his farewell address; that he was to die, rise again and then go to prepare a place for them, but He would not leave them comfortless.  He promised to send The Holy Spirit to abide with and in them.

Jesus Promises Another Helper

16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

²⁵“These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. ²⁶But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

Pastor told a story about a Bishop who had asthma and at times could hardly breathe.  His daily prayer was, “Give me this day my daily breath.”

We have a need for air and breath; The Holy Spirit is the Wind and Life Force that is our ever present companion.

We have a need to be loved, and even a baby must be held and touched.  Babies in the hospital are held by the mother’s and nurses.  In an orphanage, it is important for the babies to have contact with adults, to be held and spoke softly to.

Jesus promised that he would not leave his followers to become an orphan.  He knew they would suffer loss with him gone, but he was not planning to abandon them.  He would send the Holy Spirit to be their/our companion.  He will often speak softly to our spirit his peace.

Bad things happen, and they will happen again, but we have the assurance that the Holy Spirit will never leave us but will comfort us through it all.  He will not forsake us or cast us out. 

 

When we are frustrated and feel all is lost - - may we remember to pray this prayer - -

Give us this day our daily Breath - - because He lives.

 

Sniffles and a Sore Throat

An Uncommon Cold

 

“I haven’t done it in years, and I don’t want to do it now.”  Those thoughts went through my mind as my aching head, clogged up nose and sore throat called me for some help.

Growing up with frugal parents I was taught to use natural methods when ever possible.  Yes our bathroom medicine cabinet contained some band aids, Methyolade  (I think they quit making the stuff because it contains mercury,” a bottle of Alcohol, some ST37 (a popular disinfectant in those days,) and a bottle of what Mom called “healing oil.”  It smelled something like tea tree oil, and could have been that. There may have been a bottle of aspirin too.

When it came winter time, I always was plagued with a cold and not just any simple common cold, but a snotty unbelievable congestion of a cold that traveled from the top of my head down through the nose and fired my throat and lungs.

Warm Salt Water to gargle
and to sniff !!

Mom’s remedy was as simple as you can get and I can remember her warming a glass of water and stirring a tablespoon full of table salt into the water.

"Here gargle some of the salt water first, then hold out your hand over the sink and pour some salt water into your hand and sniff it up your nose." 

A big handkerchief was ready because after that sniff, Mom commanded, “Now you may blow your nose real good.  Keep doing that until you feel better.”

This always worked and although I haven’t done it in years, I think it is something worthy of re-consideration.

If you do not have good tap water, for safety sake, boil the water first and allow it to cool, and then proceed to add the salt and continue.

Now a-days you can purchase for around ten dollars a Nedi-Pot, but honestly why spend your money on something that must be cleaned and stored away when you can do it yourself for pennies and a bit of salt water.

 

May 22 - Family Traits

Kissed by an Angel

The date was May 22, 1931 and something exciting was happening at Grandma and Grandpa Onwiler’s Ranch home.

Their first grandchild was about to be born and the doctor had been notified.  Bryce was anxious because this seemed to taking a long while and he was concerned for his wife Ruth Hazel and of course the new baby. 

“One more push and we will have the babe,” said the doctor.  Wrapped around the baby’s neck was the strong cord and it took several minutes to untangle the ropelike cable and get the baby to breathe, but soon she did. 

The mother thought to herself, “Satan tried to destroy this child but God has other plans.”

On her forehead, between her eyes was the round red angel kiss birthmark that was familiar to the family. 

They knew that in time it would fade, but it would always be a reminder especially at questioning times that this child was part of the family.

We will name this baby after her mother and her name is Hazel.

Many years later when the child grew up and married; her children had the same facial birth markings, but the family was not concerned because this seemed to be a family trait.

Let us be reminded that God often places his “mark” on us.  It is invisible and unseen to the natural eye, but obviously visible to the spirit world.

 

God wanted everyone to be aware - -  “This child is mine and belongs to the family of God! 

 
Philippians 3:17  Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

Wondering Where the Interest Went?

Interest in Bank Savings is less than 1%

 

Although I am certainly not an investment counselor I do know a good deal in today’s investment market instead of a bank savings account.

For many years, I have held accounts with Church Extension Plan and have always signed up for a five year note.  An account can be opened with $250 and added to until they notify you that no more can be added to that account.  So what I did was open second and a third account for another 5 year term.

Rates at CEP are currently paying  4.33% for a five year note.

Today’s bank savings, CD’s and Money market accounts are paying less than 1%, so why not take a look at CEP?

http://www.cepnet.com/investments/index.cfm

When I retired from my job, I had saved a nice sum into a “457 account” which is similar to a 401 savings.  Most of my funds were in the stock market and I was losing money fast.  This did not make me happy!

Because of my age I was required to begin withdrawing an amount each month.

Then I realized that CEP had an IRA where I could transfer my 457;  So I did.  Then I began to take out the required amount each month, but my interest was more than I took out, so my IRA funds did not diminish. 

You do NOT need to belong to the Assemblies of God to invest.  Just understand if you are a Christian, then you are a “Friend of the A of G.”  That is the requirement, just be a friend and begin with a $250 investment.

Perhaps your church organization has a similar plan - - check it out and then also view what CEP can do for you!

 This post is my personal opinion

and not that of an investment broker.

 

Note: There are higher interest paying annuities, but you sign up to give your money away and settle for monthly interest payments.  Your equity is gone.

 

Our Spiritual Home

Explaining the Scriptures



Pastor Jerry was ministering Sunday from I Peter 2:2-10.  I gleaned from his sermon.

I Peter 2:4-5 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

When Jesus rose from the dead, the disciples at first were trembling and fearful but they were comforted as He taught them and after they viewed Him going up in a Cloud to heaven and the angels proclaiming He shall return.

 

In a few days the Holy Spirit poured over them added courage and an unction to go forth and share the good news.

There were the Jews, Gentiles and now a third group of people, belonging to “The Way.

They were viewed as backward people without education and no social standing.  It was not until later the early believers were called Christians at Antioch. 

The Romans saw these “new people” as a threat because they refused to worship the Emperor, and the Jews branded them as heretics.

There were many terms to describe this new “race.”  Peter declared that they were “Living stones and a Holy priesthood, bound together with a common cause by the Resurrection of Jesus and shortly followed by their baptism of the Holy Spirit with tongues of fire.

At one time they were like all men, “Sinners,” but now they had received Salvation.  They were cleansed, free from sin, and also free from despair, and were now accepted by God and their new community of Christian Brothers and sisters.

Not perfect, but learning, striving and maturing in their faith; they were like family as they loved and cared for one another.

How did they grow?  Yes they went forth to reproduce by their traveling and teaching.  They scattered the seeds of Truth and while some sowed, others watered and God gave the increase.

Paul teaching

From place to place, Paul and Barnabas taught from the Holy Scriptures explaining fully the meaning of Jesus life, and his death and resurrection.

This was serious stuff, and for some it meant a break with their families and friends. 

In many ways Christians were and still are strangers and aliens in this present world and we await our eternal home.

Pastor ended his sermon by saying, “The power of the Resurrection is still true and powerful today.  Believe it - - I’ve see it too many times not to believe it.”

 

Living Stones by mike bullock   

 

Church is made of people

A thriving rockery

We're living stones brought in by God

To set The Spirit free

From all religious claptrap

All things bound by the past

A wind that's blowing through the place

Revival counterblast.

The devil doesn't like this

he loves the church to die

The ageing flock cut off from life

Will perish, bye and bye

But where we are he's had it

Unwelcome little toad

We claim the place in Jesus name

Send Satan down the road. -

 

 

Are Movies Sinful? 2

 

The church I attended as a child taught us that attending the movies was a sin. 

I asked why?  And my mother told me that many of those who watched the movies wanted to dress and act just like the movie stars.  The stars were their idols.

Many of the stars were (and are) sinful in their personal lives, let alone what they portrayed on the screen.  They smoked, drank beer and liquor, painted their faces, and ran after other lovers instead of being faithful to their spouses, all of which we frowned upon! 

I saw my first movie at about ten years old when my girl friend treated me to the show. Bambi was playing, and there also was a news reel and a second feature.  Bambi was sad, and I never went back. 

Today movies come right in our homes through the TV, and we need to be selective as to what we watch. 

Thankfully there are many good programs for children on TV that are educational and informative.  Children seem to realize that cartoons are not real, and we once forbid our children to watch the “Three Stooges,” because the real stooges would hit one another and our children began to do likewise.

Over time, there have been many changes in this world, and some things that once were called sin, are now accepted as okay.  Other life styles once considered sinful are now termed politically correct.  Many movies and TV series portray sniffing

cocaine, doing drugs, adultery, fornication, and same sex affairs as acceptable ??  

 

Some wonder if God may eventually need to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.

To be perfectly honest my husband and I enjoy a good plot of a story, and many of the TV series are fun to watch.  We also like detective stories, and the old classic movies and the Western stories seem to be a good watch.  My husband loves to watch cooking shows and the auto races plus the ball games.

The language in many modern movies has become so terrible that my husband purchased a TV Guardian that blanks out the cursing and other offensive words. 

As I think about it, I wonder if God has a video player that views us as we go about our daily tasks. 

 

I do hope his DVD about us is at lest G rated.  I believe the G stands for God rated! 


 

Why Was She So Angry?

Why Was She So Angry?



 Although I was an onlooker, my friend was raging with anger as she spouted to her co-workers. 

She was very disturbed and offended about one of her fellow Christian friends who had said some remarks about her living with her lover for many years without the benefit of marriage.

In anger she said, “I am a 'committed Christian,' and my lover and I are so much in love and have been for a good many years, and I can’t believe how cruel and horrible my Christian ‘friend’ was with her unkind criticism of my way of life.”

I was amazed as her co-workers quickly rallied around her in defense of her errant lifestyle.  They agreed with her that some Christians are clueless about this Hip generation and are simply hateful.  They all attempted to justify what they knew in their hearts was wrong.

As I contemplated why the complication of these two precious lives had not found a solution to arrange a wedding it baffled me. 

 

Financially, and emotionally a marriage would improve her situation, plus it would be an example to others who wondered if “Christians” (or anyone) living together outside of Marriage was okay if you merely declared your love for the person.

It was not my place at this time to preach, but only to observe.  I questioned to myself, “Why is she so angry at hearing “Truth.” 

Then I was reminded about Jesus when he spoke truth; it infuriated the Scribes and Pharisees.  They were so enraged at the ministry of Jesus that they hated him and planned how they might kill him.

Then as I continued to ponder “Why was she so hopping mad at hearing truth from her ‘Christian’ friend?” another thought occurred to me.

It was the story of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery brought to Him for stoning.  He wrote in the sand (was it the sins of the accusers?) and then he said the words, “He that is without sin let him cast the first stone.”

What to do?  We all are guilty of some sort of past sin and I certainly was not in a position to cast any stones, so my duty is to pray for my friend that she and her lover of many years will seek wisdom and find a lawful solution to their obvious problem.  

At least it was obvious to me;

       and also to her Christian Friend.   J

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and  out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction. - - 2 Timothy 4:2

 

What a Church

Pulling together

I took notes as Pastor Jerry ministered from Acts 2:42-47. 

 

He likened the church to a ship, perhaps the “Old Ship Zion.”  The benches or pews represented the old fashioned rowers and everyone working together. 

 

The wind of the Holy Spirit catches the sails to complete the mission.  The chart for direction would be the Scriptures.

 

Acts 2:46-47 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

 

The early church did not have a building, because they secretly met in homes, in the catacombs or at the Jewish Synagogue.  Yet the church grew by leaps and bounds. 

 

After Peter’s sermon, three thousand were added to the “Church.”  The crowds were from different social groups gathered around a common table.  They listened to Peter and opened their hearts to receive the Holy Spirit and went out ministering with the anointing.

 

What was their form of meeting?  The scripture indicates they met to learn more about Jesus, to share and search the scriptures, for fellowship and breaking bread together. 

 

Why did they grow?  The only explanation is Easter. They allowed the light of Easter to continue to shine.  The reality of the Resurrection was foremost.  Jesus was alive and He had promised to return.

 

The Early church expected Jesus to return very soon, so it was not important to build structures for worship.  It was not until The Emperor Constantine ruled that the Christians were allowed to build churches.

 

Many growing churches today do not own a building.  They meet in schools, theatres and rented spaces.

 

There is a church in Las Vegas that meets twice a week in 15 homes and they use their offerings for Mission work.

 

Would you like to be a part of a church like the early church?  The truth is you already are. We are in a church like that already.  Think about it. 

 

Church is for the imperfect ones and we draw closer to our Lord and to each other.  We gather to study, learn, worship, pray, laugh and cry, care for one another and enjoy the fellowship.

 

May God add to the church those who are being saved. 

Turn your focus to Jesus!
He is full of possibilities !
 

 

 

 

 

Mothers Were Created by God 2

Thank you God for Mothers

 

MOTHER'S WERE CREATED BY GOD 

Soon I will be sending a wee one to another world,

Who will watch over and care for this tiny life?

Who will teach this one to learn and to love?

To instruct in kindness, not in hate and strife!

 

Who will feed and clothe this child?

Who will kiss away the tears when they fall?

Where will I find such a one, a paradigm?

Who will be there when they weep and call?

Looking high and low, no one could be found,

Where is one I can trust? – is there no other?

The answer is simple and plain to see,

I will give this child a loving mother!

Then there are other lives, so tiny and some not,

I will search until a home I find - - -

Where shall I place these forgotten babes?

There must be a mother’s heart longing to be kind!

I sought and found some who were barren,

Yet they desired a child to love and hold,

Yes, I will consign this adopted one

Into the safe arms of this “mother” to enfold!

Where else may I place a child who needs an abode?

Not all children born into families do fare,

Because of the many realities of life,

Existence is complicated and difficult to bear!

The saying “Life happens,” is true and often - -

Reasons beyond belief send many to despair,

I have found an answer for this child,

In a “good” Foster Home, they will find solace there.

What I seek is a Mother’s heart,

For those who are not a mother in kind, can be,

For according to My word,

The need is great for “Mothers in Israel” you see!

 

Reach out and love a child with kindness and encouragement!

 

by Hazel Moon 05/08/2011

 

Mothers are Mighty

This Post is Courtesy of Day Spring

 

You Are Mighty Because You Mother

Kingdom Business. Jesus work.
The shaping of souls.
This raising tiny humans.
There are those who say that this is ordinary.
Don't buy that for a second.
Mighty.
You are mighty because you mother.
-Lisa-Jo Baker

Moms Are Like Super Heroes

Motherhood should come with a cape.
A really cute one with sparkles.
Don't you think?
You make being a super hero look easy.

For I can do everything with the help of Christ
who gives me the strength I need.  Philippians 4:13

Here's to the mothers.
Here's to the boo-boo kissers.
Here's to the get up and warm the milk at 2am women.
You are braver than you know. You make the music that makes the life that gives the rhythm to the day in and out and in again.

Slowly, a harmony rises from the collection of tasks every mother cycles through in a day - this sacred marriage of the mundane and the eternal. The small directly related to the massive. Kids walking around like so much eternity with skin on.

There is no part of your everyday, wash-and-rinse-and-repeat routine that isn't significant.

You make the music that makes the life that gives the rhythm to the day in and out and in again.
You are braver than you know. Because you mother.

-Excerpt of Lisa-Jo Baker's new book, Surprised by Motherhood.

 

Teaching with Visual aids

A Diorama Showing a Favorite Bible Story

 

My blogger friend Floyd recently wrote a post entitled: Castles Bird Houses and Memories that reminded me of some of my childhood crafts.

I can remember making paper Mache maps at school, showing trails of the explorers and Indian villages along the way.  We also did puppet shows for extra credit.

When I began to teach Sunday school there were at times the quarterly gave instructions on how to make a diorama showing a scene from the Bible. 

As I searched the inter-net for a simple picture of a diorama, I found samples that showed a box on its side and a full view of the setting.

Three Hebrew Children were Thrown into the Fire because they Would Not Bow
Whoa - Who is that Fourth Man???  - It Was The Son of God and they were NOT burnt !
 

The visual aids my teacher’s quarterly described for this occasion was a peep box using a cardboard shoe box.  I glued the figures on a piece of cardboard and then placed it into the box and set the lid on top.  On the narrow side of the box, I cut a peek hole large enough for the students to peer inside and view the story that was being taught.  

When the lesson was over, I could remove the cardboard with the figures attached, and the box could be used again for the next time it was needed.

There have been so many changes that today the children need a video that helps tell the story.

One thing that we must not do is get so carried away with the video that the Bible story seems more like a make believe fairy tale.  Our children must learn the reality of Jesus and the truth of the Bible.

As adults we enjoy Christian study books, but we must not cast aside the Scriptures themselves but search to see if these things be so. 

When it comes to Christian movies, I do hope most realize they are for entertainment and some movies get carried away with a bit of fiction here and there.  

 

Just be sure to read the Bible to get the “Real Story.”

 

 

Taking Leave of Our Senses

 

On the Road to Emmaus

 

I gleaned from today’s sermon given by guest minister Emmett Pogue.

 

The Scripture reading for Sunday’s sermon was from Luke 24:13-35 about the Emmaus Road.  As two followers of Jesus were walking, Jesus appeared to them and asked what they were talking about.  But they did not distinguish this was the Lord.

 

^{Luke 24:13-16 NASV} Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, ¹⁴ and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. ¹⁵ While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, ¹⁶ but their eyes were kept from recognizing him.

 

Many of us have associated with someone who was just a bit “off, or a bit daft.”  We wonder how these men failed to acknowledge that this was Jesus walking with them. 

 

The Bible indicates their eyes were prevented from seeing Him.  Was it fear, grief, doubt and unbelief that clouded their natural eyes? 

 

To those men, nothing made sense.  Their natural senses and intelligence could not fathom the events of the past three days.

 

May we focus on ourselves?  How many times do we miss realizing that Jesus is walking with us day after day?  Do we fail to incorporate His ever presence into our daily lives?

 

How often do we ask Jesus to stay with us in our times of need, and then fail to become conscious that he has promised to never leave us or forsake us?

 

At the end of our Emmaus story, Jesus did a vanishing act and disappeared from their sight.  At once they became aware that it was Jesus and they were astounded and said, did not our hearts burn within us as he spoke to us?

 

Their response was to quickly return to Jerusalem and meet with the others and share the good news.  They had seen the Lord with their physical senses.

 

A while later most of the disciples met in a locked room.  It was a bit crazy to lock the door, because Jesus entered where they were - - apparently through the walls.  You might say extra sensory perception.

 

Today we do not see and touch Jesus today with our physical senses, but we must experience Him in the Spiritual Sense. 

 

It is essential and a necessity to enter into the supernatural sense by an intimate personal encounter with Jesus.

 

Then like the disciples, we will be compelled to rush out and proclaim that Jesus is alive.

 

We should not be surprised if some will say of us “They have taken leave of their senses.

 

Watch That First Step Cause it is a Dilly

I should have seen that hose looped there in the entrance ! 

 

“After you feed the dogs, please give the garden a watering,” said my husband as I went out the door.

The 12 tomato plants from Home Depot were doing well, and the squash was just starting to peek out

Tomato plants looking good

from their silent row.
 

See the tiny squash plants coming through

The chard needed to be sprinkled and I was ready with the hose and attachment to spray the lot.

I suppose I was not paying attention to the long hose that was looped across the garden opening, and I did not step high, because I slid right into the loop catching my foot and falling forward flat on my face.

Our two dogs were no help and Robert was busy elsewhere, so I lay there for a moment until I could decide if I was all in one piece.  Rolling over, I gingerly pushed my way to a standing position and realized my eye was full of dirt.  Anyway, since I was there, I gave the garden its duly watering and then brushed myself off and went inside.

One look at me and Robert knew I was in trouble.  I excused myself and went to wash my face and change my clothes and administer some eye drops.  Robert gave an ice pack and told me to be sure to put some Aloe Vera on my skinned face which I did.

(NOT me but close) Courtesy Photobucket

Then Robert gave me something to drink and I laughed and told him they will probably ask me questions at church on Sunday, and I will tell them, “You should see the other guy.”