Okay, so my kids blows me away! He's just amazing. I praise the Lord for what can be learned from listening, really listening to our children. I mean, afterall, didn't Jesus say we had to become like little children?
For Bible class in home school, I assigned Michael one of the fundamental beliefs of our church. I read it with him, made sure he understood what all the "big words" meant and asked if he had any questions. Then, I asked him to put it in his own words.
Seventh-day Adventists Believe…
We are God’s stewards, entrusted by Him with time and opportunities, abilities and possessions, and the blessings of the earth and its resources. We are responsible to Him for their proper use. We acknowledge God’s ownership by faithful service to Him and our fellowmen, and by returning tithes and giving offerings for the proclamation of His gospel and the support and growth of His church. Stewardship is a privilege given to us by God for nurture in love and the victory over selfishness and covetousness. The steward rejoices in the blessings that come to others as a result of his faithfulness.
Fundamental Beliefs 20
What Michael wrote:
“God gives us blessings and responsibilities. His blessings are under our lawful care. God’s ownership is shown by our stewardship. Stewardship is a God-given exercise of victory. A steward’s faithfulness opens the way for blessings to others.”
I don't know about you, but I could sure use some more victory in my life!
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Eloping
It kind of came on sudden, but they did stop and ask a couple of family members if they could have their blessing on their desire to get married. So, I suppose it wasn't a true eloping, but still, it has been sudden and a bit of a whirlwind.
They went to another state and got a marriage license and blood tests. Came back and told everyone their plans and then they were supposed to go back to that same town and get hitched. Haven't heard from them since. Some are a little worried.
Why? Because it's my 80 year old grandmother! She has a few health problems and sometimes can't remember to take her medicine, and she has even taken the wrong medicine in the past. So yeah, a few of us are a little worried. Hopefully, her new husband, (her deceased husband's younger brother) will be able to keep up with it all.
If passion and joy can be revived in the "golden years" surely God can revive that "first love" experience in us. That we will be full of passion and joy to serve Him and tell others of His love.
They went to another state and got a marriage license and blood tests. Came back and told everyone their plans and then they were supposed to go back to that same town and get hitched. Haven't heard from them since. Some are a little worried.
Why? Because it's my 80 year old grandmother! She has a few health problems and sometimes can't remember to take her medicine, and she has even taken the wrong medicine in the past. So yeah, a few of us are a little worried. Hopefully, her new husband, (her deceased husband's younger brother) will be able to keep up with it all.
If passion and joy can be revived in the "golden years" surely God can revive that "first love" experience in us. That we will be full of passion and joy to serve Him and tell others of His love.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Common Era
Should Congress pass a law making BC/AD the official method of dating time?
This is the question that you will see in bold and huge letters on the website for the American Family Association, petitions area. I've included the link so you can see it for yourselves. http://www.afa.net/petitions/bcad/takesurvey.asp
From the website:
"The new secular system of time dating will appear in the curriculum and other materials used by Kentucky educators. This new system is already being included in textbooks across the nation.
The new method will replace the birth of Christ as the dividing point in history. For example, the new system would change 2006 AD (Anno Domini) to 2006 CE (Common Era)."
Is this really necessary? God doesn't force Himself upon us, do we need to force Christianity on our fellow countrymen? Would forcing people to use BC and AD really bring about a change in their lives?
This email asking people to go to this site and vote is going around, you may have already gotten it, or you may be getting it within the next few weeks. I think the better question to ask ourselves is, what have we done lately to show the love of Christ to others, without forcing?
This is the question that you will see in bold and huge letters on the website for the American Family Association, petitions area. I've included the link so you can see it for yourselves. http://www.afa.net/petitions/bcad/takesurvey.asp
From the website:
"The new secular system of time dating will appear in the curriculum and other materials used by Kentucky educators. This new system is already being included in textbooks across the nation.
The new method will replace the birth of Christ as the dividing point in history. For example, the new system would change 2006 AD (Anno Domini) to 2006 CE (Common Era)."
Is this really necessary? God doesn't force Himself upon us, do we need to force Christianity on our fellow countrymen? Would forcing people to use BC and AD really bring about a change in their lives?
This email asking people to go to this site and vote is going around, you may have already gotten it, or you may be getting it within the next few weeks. I think the better question to ask ourselves is, what have we done lately to show the love of Christ to others, without forcing?
Friday, April 14, 2006
Easter Cookies
Cookies vs. Hot Cross Buns
So what do hot cross buns and early morning sunrise services have to do with Jesus rising from the grave.
NOTHING.
That's right. Absolutely nothing. Neither do bunny rabbits, eggs or marshmallow chicks.
So here's hot it goes. Tamuz was a pagan god that people offered bread to once a year in the spring time. The "cross" in the hot cross buns is actually a "T" for Tamuz. And it goes on and on from there and if you wanted to do some searching, you'd be able to find many websites denoting the pagan origins of many of our "Easter Celebrations."
So, should we do nothing? Absolutely not! This is an incredible time to celebrate the gift of life that Jesus has given to us. We should be rejoicing that He rose from the grave. We are thrilled at His sacrifice and the power of God that resurrected Jesus, because that means that in the twinkling of an eye, we can be changed as well. Those who are already sleeping in their graves will be resurrected. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a testimony of His power in our lives! Yes we should celebrate and praise the Lord!
Instead of bunnies, chicks and colored eggs, check out this website for cookies. That's right, cookies. Easter Cookies. Cookies that from the beginning to the end tell the story of a sinless life, a willing sacrifice and a glorious resurrection.
Check it out at http://www.herbaltreas.com/EasterCookies.html
Warning, there may be a few tears shed as you realize what God has done for you.
Celebrate God's gift. Celebrate our risen Savior!
So what do hot cross buns and early morning sunrise services have to do with Jesus rising from the grave.
NOTHING.
That's right. Absolutely nothing. Neither do bunny rabbits, eggs or marshmallow chicks.
So here's hot it goes. Tamuz was a pagan god that people offered bread to once a year in the spring time. The "cross" in the hot cross buns is actually a "T" for Tamuz. And it goes on and on from there and if you wanted to do some searching, you'd be able to find many websites denoting the pagan origins of many of our "Easter Celebrations."
So, should we do nothing? Absolutely not! This is an incredible time to celebrate the gift of life that Jesus has given to us. We should be rejoicing that He rose from the grave. We are thrilled at His sacrifice and the power of God that resurrected Jesus, because that means that in the twinkling of an eye, we can be changed as well. Those who are already sleeping in their graves will be resurrected. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a testimony of His power in our lives! Yes we should celebrate and praise the Lord!
Instead of bunnies, chicks and colored eggs, check out this website for cookies. That's right, cookies. Easter Cookies. Cookies that from the beginning to the end tell the story of a sinless life, a willing sacrifice and a glorious resurrection.
Check it out at http://www.herbaltreas.com/EasterCookies.html
Warning, there may be a few tears shed as you realize what God has done for you.
Celebrate God's gift. Celebrate our risen Savior!
Friday, April 7, 2006
Code Adam
We were shopping at Wal-Mart last night when the dreaded announcement came over the intercom. Attention all associates, we have a Code Adam. The announcer proceeded to describe a 5 year old girl so everyone could help to locate her. We were in the big town north of us to shop and celebrate. It was Greta's third birthday. As I sat there and thought about this little girl that was lost, and my own precious children, I was just overwhelmed with what we needed to do. Right there, in the middle of a shopping aisle, we all bowed our heads and Karl led us in prayer for the little girl to be found safe and sound. When we finished our shopping, everything seemed to be normal and the Code Adam alarm had stopped, so we believe that she was found and returned to her parents.
There are many stores and places that use the Code Adam alarm system. It is not unique to Wal-Mart. Here is a little more information about the whole system.
On July 27, 1981, 6-year-old Adam Walsh and his mother Revé went to a department store about a mile away from their home to shop for lamps. When they entered the store Adam saw several children playing video games on a television monitor and asked if he could stay to play. His mother let him stay and went to the lamp department, which was about 75 feet away. Because the lamp she wanted was not in stock she returned rather quickly, less than 10 minutes later, but couldn’t find Adam. After looking for Adam on her own for two hours, someone finally called the local police department. By the end of that week thousands of fliers with Adam’s photograph were distributed through the local area. Sixteen days after Adam disappeared from the store his body was found and identified.
There are six steps employees are trained to follow when a Code Adam is activated
1. If a visitor reports a child is missing, a detailed description of the child and what he or she is wearing is obtained.
2. The employee goes to the nearest in-house telephone and pages Code Adam, describing the child’s physical features and clothing. As designated employees monitor front entrances, other employees begin looking for the child.
3. If the child is not found within 10 minutes, law enforcement is called.
4. If the child is found and appears to have been lost and unharmed, the child is reunited with the searching family member.
5. If the child is found accompanied by someone other than a parent or legal guardian, reasonable efforts to delay their departure will be used without putting the child, staff, or visitors at risk. Law enforcement will be notified and given details about the person accompanying the child.
6. The Code Adam page will be canceled after the child is found or law enforcement arrives.
I think it is very profound that the Code name is Adam. Because there was another Code Adam alarm given thousands of years ago. God got on the universal intercom system and said, we have a Code Adam. Adam is lost. Mankind of planet Earth has fallen. Then God starts giving the description, Adam looks like Me, because mankind was made in Our Image.
Jesus answered that Code Adam alarm. He did what was necessary to restore mankind to our Creator and Sustainer.
Praise the Lord!
There are many stores and places that use the Code Adam alarm system. It is not unique to Wal-Mart. Here is a little more information about the whole system.
On July 27, 1981, 6-year-old Adam Walsh and his mother Revé went to a department store about a mile away from their home to shop for lamps. When they entered the store Adam saw several children playing video games on a television monitor and asked if he could stay to play. His mother let him stay and went to the lamp department, which was about 75 feet away. Because the lamp she wanted was not in stock she returned rather quickly, less than 10 minutes later, but couldn’t find Adam. After looking for Adam on her own for two hours, someone finally called the local police department. By the end of that week thousands of fliers with Adam’s photograph were distributed through the local area. Sixteen days after Adam disappeared from the store his body was found and identified.
There are six steps employees are trained to follow when a Code Adam is activated
1. If a visitor reports a child is missing, a detailed description of the child and what he or she is wearing is obtained.
2. The employee goes to the nearest in-house telephone and pages Code Adam, describing the child’s physical features and clothing. As designated employees monitor front entrances, other employees begin looking for the child.
3. If the child is not found within 10 minutes, law enforcement is called.
4. If the child is found and appears to have been lost and unharmed, the child is reunited with the searching family member.
5. If the child is found accompanied by someone other than a parent or legal guardian, reasonable efforts to delay their departure will be used without putting the child, staff, or visitors at risk. Law enforcement will be notified and given details about the person accompanying the child.
6. The Code Adam page will be canceled after the child is found or law enforcement arrives.
I think it is very profound that the Code name is Adam. Because there was another Code Adam alarm given thousands of years ago. God got on the universal intercom system and said, we have a Code Adam. Adam is lost. Mankind of planet Earth has fallen. Then God starts giving the description, Adam looks like Me, because mankind was made in Our Image.
Jesus answered that Code Adam alarm. He did what was necessary to restore mankind to our Creator and Sustainer.
Praise the Lord!
Sunday, April 2, 2006
Cooing
A lesson I was recently studying is talking about symbols of the Holy Spirit. One particular part was the symbol of the dove. The lesson asked why a dove? What does a dove make you think of and why is that a good symbol for the Holy Spirit. Well, besides the purity, peace and gentleness, I also came up with one more. Cooing. I know that sounds strange, but there are plenty of preachers on the radio and tv that yell and scream at you that you are going to burn in hell fire if you don't change your ways. Perhaps, some of us have even had “so called” Christians yelling and screaming in our faces as well. They yell and scream so hard that their faces turn red and their veins pop out and it gives the appearance that they've been there and know what they are talking about.
But doves coo. They call gently and sweetly to one another. The Holy Spirit also calls gently and sweetly to us. He doesn't yell and scream at us, making us feel inferior and already too slimy to save. Instead, the Holy Spirit coos gently to us. If we stop, rest, and listen, we can hear the Holy Spirit gently guiding and leading us, and asking a simple question. Jesus is coming soon. Are you ready?
Sharon Leukert
But doves coo. They call gently and sweetly to one another. The Holy Spirit also calls gently and sweetly to us. He doesn't yell and scream at us, making us feel inferior and already too slimy to save. Instead, the Holy Spirit coos gently to us. If we stop, rest, and listen, we can hear the Holy Spirit gently guiding and leading us, and asking a simple question. Jesus is coming soon. Are you ready?
Sharon Leukert
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