Mother’s Day is a day set aside to honor the mother we all have. The celebration has ancient roots to Greece and Rome in forms of worshipping mothers and motherhood. Throughout history, some sort of observance celebrating motherhood has been passed down from generation to generation, mostly as a religious observance. Apart from religion, the “Mother’s Day Proclamation” by Julia Ward Howe, was one of the early calls to celebrate Mother’s Day in the United States. Written in 1870, it was a pacifist reaction to the carnage of the American Civil War and the Franco-Persian War. The Proclamation was tied to Howe’s feminist belief that women had a responsibility to shape their societies at the political level. More commonly known history in our observance of Mother’s Day originated in 1907 with the efforts of a devoted daughter, Anna M. Jarvis of Philadelphia, who conceived the idea of a nationwide celebration. Growing in popularity, in 1912, Anna Jarvis trademarked the phrases “second Sunday in May” and “Mother’s Day” creating the Mother’s Day International Association. On May 8, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May, Mother’s Day, and within a few years, the idea gained worldwide prominence. Thanks to Wikipedia and the Old Farmers Almanac, even I learned something. Telephones are ringing around the world, “Hi, Mom!”
A mother was dropping her son off at a friend’s house. She said to him, “Will you be good while mommy’s gone?” The boy replied, “If you give me a dollar I will.” The mother shook her head and said, “Why can’t you be good for nothing like your father!”
Johnny had been misbehaving and was sent to his room. After a while, he emerged and informed his mother he had thought it over and had said a prayer. “Fine,” said the pleased mother, “If you ask God to help you not misbehave He will.” “I didn’t ask Him to help me not misbehave,” said Johnny, “I asked Him to help you put up with me”
Somebody said a mother can do her job with her eyes closed and one hand tied behind her back …somebody never organized seven giggling Girl Scouts to sell cookies. Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her child got married …somebody doesn’t know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a mother’s heartstrings. Somebody said a mother’s job is done when her last child leaves home …somebody evidently never had any grandchildren. Somebody said your mother knows you love her, no need to tell her …somebody isn’t a mother.
[Proverbs 31: 10-31] Following the book of Psalms, which focuses on our devotional life, we find the book of Proverbs, which focuses on our practical life. The English word “proverb” means a brief saying in place of many words. It would in deed take many more words to honor mothers than are stated in Proverbs, but “The Wife of Noble Character” depicted here can certainly apply to any loving, caring mother. As I read, I can see my own mother going about in her daily routines seldom for self-gratification, rather for the comfort and welfare of her family. I don’t think she felt her work had ever been completed as she was always seeking to please others rather than herself. Peace and tranquility was her foremost goal, but I think she felt she would only find it in the arms of Jesus. “You’ll miss me when I’m gone,” she always threatened. I’m glad she lived a full life. I do miss her, but I know I’ll see her again, with Jesus.
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Sunday, May 02, 2010
What's Your Prediction?
According to Webster, to predict, is to foretell; to state what one believes will happen and a prediction is a forecast or prophecy. Therefore, it must take some sort of knowledge about a certain subject in order to make an intelligent prediction of what might happen next, when and if the subject is altered by outside influences. For example, gasoline is gasoline, until introduced to a spark, and then it becomes an explosion. Knowing this, I have a tendency to avoid flames and sparks when hand-carrying gasoline, but have no fear of driving around with 30 gallons of it stored under the back seat of my car. Knowledge is a wonderful thing, I think. The prediction of weather patterns is something we’re all familiar with. Weather forecasts are totally based on past knowledge and the predictable performance of similar patterns. When I first came to Texas I was told only two people predict the weather here; Fools and Newcomers. Since then we’ve gained the assistance of satellite imagery and good radar and Doppler echo return equipment to aid those predicting the weather making them look a lot smarter than they used to be. If you want to look smarter, listen to the forecasters and plan your day accordingly, amaze your friends and neighbors. If you want a good hoot, look up “Weather Folklore” on the Web, and remember, these people didn’t have anything to fall back on but experience. Enjoy the Texas weather.
Attending a wedding for the first time, a little girl whispered to her mother, “Why is the bride dressed in white?” The mother replied, “Because white is the color of happiness, and today is the happiest day of her life.” The child thought about this for a few moments, then asked, “Why is the groom wearing black?”
Finding one of her students making faces at others on the playground, the teacher stopped to gently reprove the child. Smiling sweetly, the teacher said, “Bobby, when I was a child, I was told that if I made ugly faces, it would freeze and I would stay like that.” Bobby looked at her and replied, “Well, you can’t say you weren’t warned.”
A mother told her little boy that if he kept sucking his thumb, he would blow up. A few days later, they were visiting her doctor. Entering the waiting room, the little boy saw half a dozen women seated awaiting their appointed turn, which were all pregnant. “Mom!” the boy cried out. “All these women have been sucking their thumbs?”
[Matthew 24:36 - 25:23] Predictions for the end time have been circulated for hundreds and hundreds of years. People gather bits of fact and hearsay, throw them into a blender and pour out a date with enough conviction they’re believable, to some. The end of the world, the return of Jesus, has come and gone three times in my life and another date is fast approaching. The Mayan calendar ends on December 21, 2012 and many people have accredited the Mayan’s with great insight to the end of everything. The Greek word for this type of prediction is “hogwash”. It appears to simply be the end to a movement cycle in the stars and planets, which will start over again the next day. Read the text! “No one knows about the day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” I am to glorify God in all I do, repent of my sins, fight off the evil one and be ready at all times for Jesus’ return, that’s all. The only prediction I dare make is Jesus will return on a first day of the week, the Lord’s Day. What if the Lord were to come right now? Are you ready to go to heaven with Him?
Attending a wedding for the first time, a little girl whispered to her mother, “Why is the bride dressed in white?” The mother replied, “Because white is the color of happiness, and today is the happiest day of her life.” The child thought about this for a few moments, then asked, “Why is the groom wearing black?”
Finding one of her students making faces at others on the playground, the teacher stopped to gently reprove the child. Smiling sweetly, the teacher said, “Bobby, when I was a child, I was told that if I made ugly faces, it would freeze and I would stay like that.” Bobby looked at her and replied, “Well, you can’t say you weren’t warned.”
A mother told her little boy that if he kept sucking his thumb, he would blow up. A few days later, they were visiting her doctor. Entering the waiting room, the little boy saw half a dozen women seated awaiting their appointed turn, which were all pregnant. “Mom!” the boy cried out. “All these women have been sucking their thumbs?”
[Matthew 24:36 - 25:23] Predictions for the end time have been circulated for hundreds and hundreds of years. People gather bits of fact and hearsay, throw them into a blender and pour out a date with enough conviction they’re believable, to some. The end of the world, the return of Jesus, has come and gone three times in my life and another date is fast approaching. The Mayan calendar ends on December 21, 2012 and many people have accredited the Mayan’s with great insight to the end of everything. The Greek word for this type of prediction is “hogwash”. It appears to simply be the end to a movement cycle in the stars and planets, which will start over again the next day. Read the text! “No one knows about the day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” I am to glorify God in all I do, repent of my sins, fight off the evil one and be ready at all times for Jesus’ return, that’s all. The only prediction I dare make is Jesus will return on a first day of the week, the Lord’s Day. What if the Lord were to come right now? Are you ready to go to heaven with Him?
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Planting and Watering
Compared to one year ago, we’re having a wonderful Spring season with abundant rains and moderate temperatures. Cool nights and warm afternoons are the perfect weather conditions for new tree growth and the reemergence of summer grasses. That means it’s time for yard grooming and a renewed effort to rid your property of unwanted guests. It seems we’ve become very intolerant toward several nature tenants around our property, with due cause in some cases. Bees and squirrels and birds and ants and snakes and ground moles, along with the occasional possum or skunk, are all looking for a new residence for the summer to raise their new born. The urban NINBY syndrome (Not In My Back Yard) kicks in and we go to war with whatever we don’t want sharing our nest. Between the squirrels digging up nuts, stored last fall, during the day and a visiting possum rooting for grubs during the night, my yard looks like the lunar landscape. I guess it’s time to get the traps out. Anybody still eat these things?
God called the angel in charge of gardening into His office. “You know all about gardens and nature. What in the world is going on down there in the USA? What happened to the dandelions, violets and thistles I started eons ago? I thought I had a perfect no-maintenance gardening plan. Those plants grow in any type of soil, withstand drought and multiply with abandon. The nectar from the long-lasting blossoms attracts butterflies, honeybees and flocks of songbirds. I expected to see a vast garden of colors by now, but all I see are these green rectangles.” “Lord, it’s the tribes that have settled there”, the angel explained, “the Suburbanite’s. They started calling your flowers weeds and went to great lengths to kill them and plant grass.” “Grass!?” “Yes sir. They go to great pains to grow it. They fertilize it in the spring, which also kills any other plant that might want to grow there.” God observed, “The spring rains and warm weather makes the grass grow really fast. That must make the Suburbanite’s happy.” “Apparently not’, said the angel. “As soon as it grows a little they cut it, sometimes twice a week.” “Do they bail it”, asked the Lord? “Not exactly”, explained the angel, “most of them rake it up and bag it.” “So they sell it.” “No sir”, replied the angel, “just the opposite. They pay to throw it away.” In disbelief, the Lord said, “So the Suburbanite’s fertilize the grass to make it grow so they can cut it and throw it away?” “That’s not all”, replied the angle, “when it stops growing in the summer, due to less rain and higher temperatures, they drag out hoses and pay money to water it to make it grow, so they can continue to mow it and pay to get rid of it.” “What nonsense!”, said the Lord. “At least they kept the trees. Beauty and shade in the summer, and when the leaves fall in Autumn, they form a natural blanket to keep moisture in the soil and protect the trees and bushes. Plus they rot and enhance the soil. It’s a natural circle of life.” The angel nervously said, “Lord, I think you better sit down before I continue.”
[1 Corinthians 3] The Word of God is direction for mankind to establish a spiritual relationship with God. The church is a support group to encourage righteous living and maintaining a right relationship with God. Yet, we still see humans, being elevated to the same level, if not higher, than God is. Their authority is accepted when God’s is questioned. All humans can do is plant and water the Word of God. Study and listen to God’s Word every day, and Jesus will make it grow in your life, now and forever.
God called the angel in charge of gardening into His office. “You know all about gardens and nature. What in the world is going on down there in the USA? What happened to the dandelions, violets and thistles I started eons ago? I thought I had a perfect no-maintenance gardening plan. Those plants grow in any type of soil, withstand drought and multiply with abandon. The nectar from the long-lasting blossoms attracts butterflies, honeybees and flocks of songbirds. I expected to see a vast garden of colors by now, but all I see are these green rectangles.” “Lord, it’s the tribes that have settled there”, the angel explained, “the Suburbanite’s. They started calling your flowers weeds and went to great lengths to kill them and plant grass.” “Grass!?” “Yes sir. They go to great pains to grow it. They fertilize it in the spring, which also kills any other plant that might want to grow there.” God observed, “The spring rains and warm weather makes the grass grow really fast. That must make the Suburbanite’s happy.” “Apparently not’, said the angel. “As soon as it grows a little they cut it, sometimes twice a week.” “Do they bail it”, asked the Lord? “Not exactly”, explained the angel, “most of them rake it up and bag it.” “So they sell it.” “No sir”, replied the angel, “just the opposite. They pay to throw it away.” In disbelief, the Lord said, “So the Suburbanite’s fertilize the grass to make it grow so they can cut it and throw it away?” “That’s not all”, replied the angle, “when it stops growing in the summer, due to less rain and higher temperatures, they drag out hoses and pay money to water it to make it grow, so they can continue to mow it and pay to get rid of it.” “What nonsense!”, said the Lord. “At least they kept the trees. Beauty and shade in the summer, and when the leaves fall in Autumn, they form a natural blanket to keep moisture in the soil and protect the trees and bushes. Plus they rot and enhance the soil. It’s a natural circle of life.” The angel nervously said, “Lord, I think you better sit down before I continue.”
[1 Corinthians 3] The Word of God is direction for mankind to establish a spiritual relationship with God. The church is a support group to encourage righteous living and maintaining a right relationship with God. Yet, we still see humans, being elevated to the same level, if not higher, than God is. Their authority is accepted when God’s is questioned. All humans can do is plant and water the Word of God. Study and listen to God’s Word every day, and Jesus will make it grow in your life, now and forever.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Don't Throw Darts
I’ve been to my specialist again for a look-see at my vocal cords. This appointment was somewhat unscheduled. Eight weeks ago at my normal check-up, the doctor wasn’t real happy at what he saw and wanted to see me again soon. I’m not convinced he’s still happy with what he saw the other day, but my vocal cords did indeed look better. I think I had caused the problem over the holidays by slipping off my diet, eating too much of the wrong stuff. In my case, acid control is a must and I’ve learned sugar is a no-no, but very hard to get away from. It seems sugar is in everything by the carload. I recognized this and between appointments, I got back on my diet and it showed in this exam. Health is important and you’ve got to listen to your body. It has needs, likes and dislikes just like anyone else and you can’t force things on it without consequence. What’s the saying? “Too soon old; Too late smarts.” So true.
John was a student in a Christian university. One of his teachers was known for his elaborate objectivity lessons. John walked into class one day and knew they were in for some fun. On the wall was a big target, and on a nearby table were many darts. The students were invited to draw a picture of someone they disliked, or had made them angry. He and his classmates quickly started drawing. The images were pinned to the target on the wall and one by one, the students were invited to throw darts at their image. Some of the students threw the darts with such force their pictures were ripped. John looked forward to his turn and was filled with disappointment when, because of time limits, the teacher asked the students to return to their seats. As John sat thinking how angry he was because he hadn’t had a chance to throw any darts at his target, the teacher removed the pictures and the large target from the wall. To everyone’s surprise, underneath the target was a picture of Jesus. A hush fell over the room as the students viewed the mangled picture of the Lord. Holes and jagged marks covered his face; His eyes were pierced where the darts had penetrated deeply. The teacher softly uttered a few words to the quiet class, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)
[Luke 6: 37-42] Before U were thought of or time had begun, God stuck U in the name of His Son. And each time U pray, you’ll see it’s true; You can’t spell out JesUs and not include U. You’re a pretty big part of His wonderful name; For U, He was born, that’s why He came. And His great love for U is the reason He died; It even takes U to spell crUcified. Isn’t it thrilling and splendidly grand, He rose from the dead, with U in His plan? The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew, and this word resUrrection is spelled with a U. When JesUs left earth at His Upward ascension, He felt there was one thing He had to mention. “Go into the world and tell them it’s true, that I love them all – Just like I love U.” It all depends now on what U will do, He’d like all to know, But it all starts with U. God has definitely approached mankind with an invitation to come to Him in a spiritual relationship that will last for eternity. I find that God really hasn’t asked much in return when I look at all He has given me. He wants me to forgive others as He has forgiven me, give freely what I have been given, judge others as I would want to be judged and love as I want to be loved. Don’t throw darts blindly with anger, because the one you hurt most is the one that loves you most.
John was a student in a Christian university. One of his teachers was known for his elaborate objectivity lessons. John walked into class one day and knew they were in for some fun. On the wall was a big target, and on a nearby table were many darts. The students were invited to draw a picture of someone they disliked, or had made them angry. He and his classmates quickly started drawing. The images were pinned to the target on the wall and one by one, the students were invited to throw darts at their image. Some of the students threw the darts with such force their pictures were ripped. John looked forward to his turn and was filled with disappointment when, because of time limits, the teacher asked the students to return to their seats. As John sat thinking how angry he was because he hadn’t had a chance to throw any darts at his target, the teacher removed the pictures and the large target from the wall. To everyone’s surprise, underneath the target was a picture of Jesus. A hush fell over the room as the students viewed the mangled picture of the Lord. Holes and jagged marks covered his face; His eyes were pierced where the darts had penetrated deeply. The teacher softly uttered a few words to the quiet class, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)
[Luke 6: 37-42] Before U were thought of or time had begun, God stuck U in the name of His Son. And each time U pray, you’ll see it’s true; You can’t spell out JesUs and not include U. You’re a pretty big part of His wonderful name; For U, He was born, that’s why He came. And His great love for U is the reason He died; It even takes U to spell crUcified. Isn’t it thrilling and splendidly grand, He rose from the dead, with U in His plan? The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew, and this word resUrrection is spelled with a U. When JesUs left earth at His Upward ascension, He felt there was one thing He had to mention. “Go into the world and tell them it’s true, that I love them all – Just like I love U.” It all depends now on what U will do, He’d like all to know, But it all starts with U. God has definitely approached mankind with an invitation to come to Him in a spiritual relationship that will last for eternity. I find that God really hasn’t asked much in return when I look at all He has given me. He wants me to forgive others as He has forgiven me, give freely what I have been given, judge others as I would want to be judged and love as I want to be loved. Don’t throw darts blindly with anger, because the one you hurt most is the one that loves you most.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Spring Has Sprung
Well, Spring has certainly sprung. After the super dry conditions and the lack of cold weather last year, I think everyone has been looking forward to this year’s wild flower season and we haven’t been disappointed. It takes cold weather and moisture to sprout wildflowers and we had plenty of that this past winter. The fields are full of brilliant reds, whites and yellows and the always awaited, last to appear, Bluebonnet, which steals the show by upstaging the rest with its contrasting blue. It seems like over night the trees have put on their summer garb awaiting their chance to lent space for nesting birds and squirrels, shade some barbecue cooks and make a comfy cool spot for an old hound dog or two. The weeds in the yard haven’t totally given up yet, but the grass is coming on with the longer days and warmer nights. Of course, there’s always a down side to beautiful things. Warnings have been posted about the abundance of rattlesnake activity and the bugs are on their way. I discovered squirrels in the church building having found their way into the attic space. I heard them running and tumbling around like out of control first graders, performing their acts of nature, which means I’ve got to get them evicted before there’s a dozen more of them running around. I pray we don’t have to tear half the building down to remedy the situation. Nevertheless, it’s a beautiful time of year and I’m going to enjoy it, pollen reactions and all.
An elderly couple sat in their porch rockers watching a beautiful sunset and reminiscing about the good old days. Suddenly, she turned to him and asked, “Honey, do you remember when we first started dating and how you would just casually reach over and take my hand?” The man looked over at her, smiled and obligingly took her hand. With a wry little smile, she spoke again, “Honey, do you remember when after we were engaged, you’d sometimes lean over and surprise me with a kiss on the cheek?” The man slowly leaned over and gave her a soft kiss on her wrinkled cheek. Growing bolder still, she asked, “Honey, do you remember how, after we were married, you’d kind of nibble on my ear?” The man rose from his rocker and entered the house. Confused she asked, “Where you going?” He yelled out, “To get my teeth!”
[Romans 8] Has your life ever reached a plateau? I know it has, I don’t want to be alone here. I’ve been there several times and seem to be there at the moment. I return to this chapter of Romans to regain my bearing on life. It’s hard to not slip back into the old habits of worldly living when life becomes a little mundane. We feel we need something new and exciting to get our blood peculating again. I’m not about to confess some sort of juicy foolishness so settle down. My point is, life just seems to be on hold. Personally, I’m satisfied with the little vacation, so to speak. But, I’ve been here before, many years ago. Being young in the faith, I slipped away for several years. I never became comfortable in my relationship with God just by being good at life. Until I returned to live by the spirit and do life in my Lord’s name, did I become comfortable in life. Through this chapter I can look back to see where I came from, where I am and where I’m going with the confidence of knowing I’m on the right road. My study habits and prayer life are no longer sufficient for who I want to become, hence the plateau. I’m mature enough not to slip away ever again, but I also know I’m not what I ought to be spiritually. The meat of God’s Word is what I need. Where are my teeth?
An elderly couple sat in their porch rockers watching a beautiful sunset and reminiscing about the good old days. Suddenly, she turned to him and asked, “Honey, do you remember when we first started dating and how you would just casually reach over and take my hand?” The man looked over at her, smiled and obligingly took her hand. With a wry little smile, she spoke again, “Honey, do you remember when after we were engaged, you’d sometimes lean over and surprise me with a kiss on the cheek?” The man slowly leaned over and gave her a soft kiss on her wrinkled cheek. Growing bolder still, she asked, “Honey, do you remember how, after we were married, you’d kind of nibble on my ear?” The man rose from his rocker and entered the house. Confused she asked, “Where you going?” He yelled out, “To get my teeth!”
[Romans 8] Has your life ever reached a plateau? I know it has, I don’t want to be alone here. I’ve been there several times and seem to be there at the moment. I return to this chapter of Romans to regain my bearing on life. It’s hard to not slip back into the old habits of worldly living when life becomes a little mundane. We feel we need something new and exciting to get our blood peculating again. I’m not about to confess some sort of juicy foolishness so settle down. My point is, life just seems to be on hold. Personally, I’m satisfied with the little vacation, so to speak. But, I’ve been here before, many years ago. Being young in the faith, I slipped away for several years. I never became comfortable in my relationship with God just by being good at life. Until I returned to live by the spirit and do life in my Lord’s name, did I become comfortable in life. Through this chapter I can look back to see where I came from, where I am and where I’m going with the confidence of knowing I’m on the right road. My study habits and prayer life are no longer sufficient for who I want to become, hence the plateau. I’m mature enough not to slip away ever again, but I also know I’m not what I ought to be spiritually. The meat of God’s Word is what I need. Where are my teeth?
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