Have you seen the news today about the pastor who was fatally shot in IL? He did deflect the first shot with his bible. It's so scary to think that this could happen in America, but honestly I'm surprised it hasn't happened more. Anyone can walk into a church unquestioned - which is how we want it - but this openness also brings it's own risks to our safety.
In light of the recent killings at YWAM and other churches, has your church put safety measures together should something like this happen in your congregation?
So I'm reading the new issue of First Magazine and one of the tips is about curing cabin fever. We all know that "a day spent cooped up indoors can induce stress and feelings of claustrophobia", right? I'm certainly feeling that, but mostly because this winter seems never-ending and the sun rarely makes an appearance lately!
Lighting an apple scented candle eased cabin fever for 86 percent of the subjects in a study at Chicago's Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation. "An apple scent makes rooms seem larger than they actually are," says Alan Hirsch, M.D. neurological director of the foundation. "One reason is that it evokes the outdoors, alleviating that 'boxed in' sensation."
Okay....so I'm heading to Target tomorrow and buying an apple scented candle or two and lighting up! I'll let you know how it goes.
I doubt anyone has missed me, but I'm thinking about getting back to blogging..... not sure where I'll find the time, but who does, huh? It's more like we make the time just like we do for anything else. I think instead of trying to make my posts be so "profound", I'm gonna focus on just sharing with you all what's on my mind from day to day.....whether anyone cares or not! ha!
I guess the thing that's on my mind right now is still being quite upset at The Bachelor, Jason Mesnick. I know...shallow, huh? I love reality shows! Now some of them are quite gross and show way more than anyone would want to see...and I guess The Bachelor could be guilty of that too. I don't see how those girls can do this show knowing that he's kissing all the other girls too!!!
Honestly I've not watched any other season! Not even quite sure how I got into this one. We don't have cable, so I end up watching some shows online after the fact. I think I just stumbled across it and before I knew it I was hooked! Has anyone else been watching it?
I think the thing that ticked me off the most was the fact that instead of just breaking up with Melissa privately, he felt the need to bring her back on national TV and break her heart in front of everyone? I mean, yes, the whole show was in front of everyone, but in the end she won the prize....she knew what she was getting into. She knew that she would either be one of the girls he didn't pick or be the one he did pick. No surprises there. But to think you're coming on a taping to talk about what's happened since the show ended and end up getting dumped by him? Soooooo mean!!! And I really thought Jason was a nice guy!
And to top it off, he can't get Molly off his mind and that's one of the reasons he broke it off! I mean at least he was "honest" in the end...but then within 10 minutes of breaking it off, he's on there with Molly asking her out! I'm very surprised that she jumped at the chance so quickly knowing he just broke it off with Melissa! And to get that physical with him right away?? If she's smart, she'll hear his side then see the way he humiliated her on national TV and wonder what the heck she's doing....and when he'll do it to her!
Anyway..... that's the shallow thinking I have about that..... The thing is, it made me soooo thankful that I'm not single anymore ....... so thankful that I found the man of my dreams..... so thankful that I have my four kids...... so thankful that I have Christ in my life! The thing that does make me sad is that this guy does not .... and he's raising a little boy who will not know Christ either unless someone crosses their path and shares him with them. It also made me my heart so heavy for my kids...... and made me feel more of a burden to start praying for their future spouse and the path they take to get to that point. I pray that they allow the Lord to guide every step they make and that they turn to Him in everything! I also pray that they make being with someone who knows Christ the number ONE priority when they start even thinking about a future spouse!
So.... I guess The Bachelor show made me think about a lot of things..... what a jerk Jason was and how I need to pray for my kids future spouses ....
With that thought, I searched for an organized way to pray for my kids...
Check this out! A Parents Prayer Calendar
Ouch is the only thing that comes to mind here...
Okay...I know this has gone around the email inboxes for a few weeks now (I've gotten it about 5 times!), but just in case it hasn't made it to yours...
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/ver/247.1/popup/index.php?cl=4274384
I really, really want to get back to scrapbooking. If you remember (or maybe I never told you) I lost ALL of my scrapbooking paper in the flood we had in our basement over Christmas. sigh. Therefore, I've been kinda out of sorts in the scrapbooking area.
I got together with my friend Christina a couple of weeks ago and "re-did" a scrapbook that was made for another friend in a magnetic *GASP* album. It was really refreshing to handle pictures and arrange them and decide on colors and get the creative juices flowing and then sit back, take a look at the page and at the moment of satisfaction, slide that page protector on. Ahhhhh.....yes, you know the feeling if you're a scrapbooker. :)
So, having said all that - hmmm....not sure why I said all that ;)... If you feel sorry for me, you could always send me some scrapbooking paper ;)
I've just posted a poem from Teresa of Avila that is worth looking at. You can find it at:
www.spiritualsynergy.blogspot.com
1. Try everything twice. On Madams tombstone (of Whelan's and Madam) she said she wanted this epitaph: Tried everything twice...loved it both times!
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. (keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches;)
3. Keep learning : Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain get idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop."
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with HIM/HER.
6. The tears happen: Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. LIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love: Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. I love you, my special friend.
11. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second time.
~Author Unknown
If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their infamous sketch, "Who's on First?" might have turned out something like this:
COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT
ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?
COSTELLO: Thanks. I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking about buying a computer.
ABBOTT: Mac?
COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou.
ABBOTT: Your computer?
COSTELLO: I don't own a computer. I want to buy one.
ABBOTT: Mac?
COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou.
ABBOTT: What about Windows?
COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?
ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows?
COSTELLO: I don't know. What will I see when I look at the windows?
ABBOTT: Wallpaper.
COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.
ABBOTT: Software for Windows?
COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have?
ABBOTT: Office.
COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?
ABBOTT: I just did.
COSTELLO: You just did what?
ABBOTT: Recommend something.
COSTELLO: You recommended something?
ABBOTT: Yes.
COSTELLO: For my office?
ABBOTT: Yes.
COSTELLO: OK, what did you recommend for my office?
ABBOTT: Office.
COSTELLO: Yes, for my office!
ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows.
COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, let's just say I'm sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need?
ABBOTT: Word.
COSTELLO: What word?
ABBOTT: Word in Office.
COSTELLO: The only word in office is office.
ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.
COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows?
ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue "W".
COSTELLO: I'm going to click your blue "w" if you don't start with some straight answers. What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with?
ABBOTT: Money.
COSTELLO: That's right. What do you have?
ABBOTT: Money.
COSTELLO: I need money to track my money?
ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer.
COSTELLO: What's bundled with my computer?
ABBOTT: Money.
COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer?
ABBOTT: Yes. No extra charge.
COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?
ABBOTT: One copy.
COSTELLO: Isn't it illegal to copy money?
ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money
COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money?
ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT!
(A few days later)
ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?
COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off?
ABBOTT: Click on "START"...........
--Author Unknown
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Galatians 6:14
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
[Added by the compilers of Hymns Ancient and Modern]
To Christ, who won for sinners grace
By bitter grief and anguish sore,
Be praise from all the ransomed race
Forever and forevermore.
Charles Wesley reportedly said he would give up all his other hymns to have written this one.
From http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/w/a/t/watts_i.htm
Isaac Watts
Born: July 17, 1674, Southampton, England.
Died: November 25, 1748, Stoke Newington, England.
Buried: Bunhill Fields Cemetery, London, England.Watts’ father was Nonconformist imprisoned twice for his religious views. Isaac learned Greek, Latin, and Hebrew under Mr. Pinhorn, Rector of All Saints, and headmaster of the Grammar School in Southampton. Isaac’s taste for verse showed itself in early childhood, and his promise caused a local doctor and other friends to offer him a university education, assuming he would be ordained in the Church of England. However, Isaac declined and instead entered a Nonconformist Academy at Stoke Newington in 1690, under the care of Thomas Rowe, pastor of the Independent congregation at Girdlers’ Hall; Isaac joined this congregation in 1693.
Watts left the Academy at age 20 and spent two years at home; it was during this period that he wrote the bulk of his Hymns and Spiritual Songs. They were sung from manuscripts in the Southampton Chapel, and published 1707-1709.
The next six years of his life were again spent at Stoke Newington, working as tutor to the son of eminent Puritan John Hartopp. The intense study of these years is reflected in the theological and philosophical material he subsequently published.
Watts preached his first sermon at age 24. In the next three years, he preached frequently, and in 1702 was ordained as pastor of the Independent congregation in Mark Lane. At that time he moved into the house of a Mr. Hollis in the Minories. His health began to fail the next year, and Samuel Price was appointed as his assistant in the ministry. In 1712, a fever shattered his constitution, and Price became co-pastor of the congregation, which had moved to a new chapel in Bury Street. It was at this time that Isaac became the guest of Sir Thomas Abney. He lived with Abney (and later Abney’s widow) the rest of his life, mainly at Theobalds in Hertfordshire, then for 13 years at Stoke Newington.
In 1728, the University of Edinburgh awarded Watts a Doctor of Divinity degree. Watts’ works include:
- Speculations on the Human Nature of the Logos
- Horæ Lyricae, 1706-1709
- Hymns and Spiritual Songs, 1707-9
- The Divine and Moral Songs for the Use of Children, 1715
- The Psalms of David Imitated in the Language of the New Testament (London: J. Clark, 1719)
- Sermons, 1721-1727
- Reliquiae Juveniles: Miscellaneous Thoughts in Prose and Verse, on Natural, Moral, and Divine Subjects (London: 1734)
- Remnants of Time (London: 1736)
- The Improvement of the Mind, 1741
- Logic
- The World to Come, 1745
- Catechisms, Scripture History, 1732