Yahweh, Day 237

Day 237

Yahweh

... Gives a new spirit ...

"I will honor the holiness of My great name, which has been profaned among the nations-the name you have profaned among them. The nations will know that I am Yahweh"-the declaration of the Lord God -"when I demonstrate My holiness through you in their sight ... I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."
Ezekiel 36:23-26 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

"I will give" says Yahweh.

In the Genesis account of creation, Yahweh forms man from the dust of the ground, then ... breaths ... into the man the breath of life. The Hebrew word for "breath" is the same as the Hebrew word of "spirit" ... Yahweh breathed into the man ... spirit.

Warning the man of the consequence of sin was a powerful two pronged warning. The Hebrew literally says, "Dying thou shalt die." 2 deaths.

Dying, in the incomplete verb form, man would begin the physical process of dying.

Die, in the complete form of the Hebrew, man would die immediately, completed action.

At the fall, man began dying physically, and thus we all die. At the fall, man died spiritually, the spirit of man died that day. Separated from Yahweh pictured in the expulsion from the garden. And ... a person is dead spiritually until Yahweh once again breaths into that person the breath of life.

A person without Christ is spiritually dead.

This is in The Name.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Keeper of my daughter's memory

Losing a child to death brings a myriad of emotions ... all complicated ... all different ... all difficult.


Mickey speaks today about ... preserving memories ...

"The best advice I received is from another angel mom who reached out to me on a grief forum site that I found about two weeks after Marti died. She told me I was the keeper of my daughter's memory and it was up to me to go on each day in order to make sure she is never forgotten. That has been the thought I remember whenever I feel like I can't go on another day without her and it lifts me right back up to my feet again."
Mickey

Father, Yahweh, I pray today for Mickey, and all who have lost a child. I pray that each day of keeping those precious memories alive ... will heal and bring meaning to the life of these grieving parents.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“It is too bad that anything so obvious should need to be said at this late date, but from all appearances, we Christians have about forgotten the lesson so carefully taught by Paul: God’s servants are not to be competitors, but co-workers.”
(A.W. Tozer)

The apostle Paul encourages the Corinthians and us with these words in 1 Corinthians 1:10,

“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

"God, teach us to dwell together as brothers and sisters without jealousy in our service to You.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Give Him glory daily

Everything

Daily Nugget

Monday, January 30th, 2012.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“If you think you are too small to have an impact, try to go to sleep with a mosquito in the room.”
(unknown)

Each of us has limitations, but each also has a purpose. We must be what we can be for the glory of God. The apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:27 reminds us:

“God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.”

"God, use what we have to bring honor to You.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Give Him glory daily.

Daily Nugget

Sunday, January 29th, 2012.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, "All right, then, have it your way."
(C. S. Lewis)

The average person says (either verbally or by lifestyle), “I’ve got this.... I am going to do it my way.” The wise person relinquishes self-control and prays as Jesus did as He prayed in Matthew 26:42,

“Thy will be done.”

"God, let my will conform to Yours.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Give Him glory daily.

Yahweh, Day 236

Day 236

Yahweh

... Gives ...

"I will honor the holiness of My great name, which has been profaned among the nations-the name you have profaned among them. The nations will know that I am Yahweh"-the declaration of the Lord God -"when I demonstrate My holiness through you in their sight ... I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."
Ezekiel 36:23-26 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

"I will give" says Yahweh.

What has the world given us? For that matter, what have we given ourselves?

In this passage we find that our God is the only giver that can give that which is not only new ... but ... that which will eternally remain new. In the world we find the principle of aging. All that we know and experience grows old. Not so with this great 'new' work of Yahweh. There is nothing of more value than that which will never grow old ... that which will never tarnish.

This is in The Name.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Best Advice

Losing a child to death brings a myriad of emotions ... all complicated ... all different ... all difficult.


Marisa speaks today about ... never ...

Best advice .. that life will NEVER, EVER BE THE SAME!!!
Marisa

Father, Yahweh, I pray today for Marisa, and all who have lost a child. I pray that each one will gently come to understand that with the loss of their child that their lives are changed forever. I know this is very difficult ... but necessary. And, that life will go on ... though never the same.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Saturday, January 28th, 2012.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“Were we to permit to remain even the tiniest little sin which we know our conscience has condemned, we instantly would lose that perfect fellowship with God.”
(Watchman Nee)

Not only does God dislike the break-in fellowship with us, He provides the wherewithal for us to be back in perfect fellowship and harmony with Him. The apostle John tells us,

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
(1John 1:9)

"God, cleanse our hearts from all sin, even the secret sin that causes us to be separated from You.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Give Him glory daily.

Yahweh, Day 235

Day 235

Yahweh

... idols ...

"The nations will know that I am Yahweh"-the declaration of the Lord God -"when I demonstrate My holiness through you in their sight. For I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries, and will bring you into your own land. I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols."
Ezekiel 36:23-25 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Idols.

It is very easy to sit in amazement at Israel's constant tendency to give in to idolatry. However, what would you think that we might have as idols in our day and time ... even though not made of wood or stone?

Yahweh considers anything an idol that might compete for one aspect in our lives ... security.

What are the things that you might look to for security as opposed to trusting in Yahweh first and foremost? A person? A group? A government? An investment?

What is your hope for tomorrow? If it is to be found in anything other than Yahweh ... it is an idol ... and beware ... God is determined to tear down all idols.

This is in The Name.

xtnyoda, shalomed

There's no time limit

Losing a child to death brings a myriad of emotions ... all complicated ... all different ... all difficult.


Teena speaks today about ... time ...

The best advice was given to my by one of my counselors at The Life Center of Tampa. There's no time limit to grieving. Every person is different. We grieve in our own way, in our own time.
Teena

Father, Yahweh, I pray today for Teena, and all who have lost a child. I pray that each one will realize that time can never erase their memories of the children they have given life to.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Friday, January 27th, 2012.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“Let thy words be few.”
(Ecclesiastes 5:2)

At first glance, this is good advice for today’s politicians; however, most of us need that same advice. May our conversation be true, encouraging, and a blessing to those with whom we communicate.

"God, let our communication be a blessing to You and to our acquaintances.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Give Him glory daily.

A turning point for me

Losing a child to death brings a myriad of emotions ... all complicated ... all different ... all difficult.


Karen speaks today about ... belief systems ...

To concentrate on where my son was ... Heaven, with God ... and within all the glories surrounding the belief system of life thereafter ... and to not dwell on where he was not. My friend wrote a very beautiful poem in memory of him that became ... a turning point for me. The poem spoke of these thoughts and how his Spirit is everywhere and surrounded in everything of existence, including me. Her profound words carved the stepping stones toward my pathway to peace and acceptance and were a gentle reminder of my Faith ... of which I heavily lean on to make it through ... God's Blessings to all of you.
Karen

Father, Yahweh, I pray today for Karen, and all who have lost a child. I pray that each one will have that 'special' friend that will shed a glimmer of radiant light ... into the grieving darkness.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Thursday, January 26th, 2012.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“People have a way of becoming what you encourage them to be—not what you nag them to be.”
(Scudder Parker)

I have a friend who can find a way not to do what you try to make him do unless encouraged in the proper way. If you try to force him to do something, he will rebel in every way possible. It has been said, ”Trying to make him do something is like trying to push a chain.” On the other hand, if you properly exploit his proper form of motivation, he can and will perform the task as he should.

The apostle Paul in Romans 12:6-8 tells us,

“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.”

"God, help us to encourage one another in the gifts You give us.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Give Him glory daily.

Yahweh, Day 234

Day 234

Yahweh

... accepted ...

"The nations will know that I am Yahweh"-the declaration of the Lord God -"when I demonstrate My holiness through you in their sight. For I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries, and will bring you into your own land. I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols."
Ezekiel 36:23-25 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

On this day we will simply observe ... included in the meaning of being made clean ... and that by the work of Yahweh ... is the understanding of being made 'ceremonially' clean.

The Old Testament makes great efforts to prescribe/describe the human ceremonies/rituals/obligations necessary to make ourselves ... presentable ... to come before ... to enter the presence ... of Yahweh. Without exception ... we each and every one ... failed.

That presented us with a problem. Yahweh solved our problem.

This is in The Name.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“If there are a thousand steps between us and God, he will take all but one. He will leave the final one for us. The choice is ours.”
(Max Lucado)

As with the prodigal son when we chose to come to God we find He runs to us. He will not force us, we make the choice and find He was there all the time. “The writer of Joshua 24:15 says,

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve.”

"God, thank You for waiting for us, and wanting us.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Give Him glory daily.

One statement anchored me

Losing a child to death brings a myriad of emotions ... all complicated ... all different ... all difficult.


Barbara speaks today about ... an anchor ...

It wasn't exactly advice, but a statement that really lodged in my heart. I lost my son, my only child, when he was 18. After an annual remembrance Mass for him, my priest and I were talking, and he said, "You're still a mother." ... Somehow that one quiet sentence has lived in my heart. I don't know how it is for others, but losing my only child left me feeling adrift; I'd been a mom, but now my child was dead ... so who was I? In some way known only to God, that one statement anchored me back in myself.
Barbara

Father, Yahweh, I pray today for Barbara, and all who have lost a child. I pray that each one will find their anchor ... that reminds them of their worth ... and privilege.
xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Tuesday, January 24th, 2012.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“Communion is strength; solitude is weakness. Alone, the free old beech yields to the blast and lies prone on the meadow. In the forest, supporting each other, the trees laugh at the hurricane. The sheep of Jesus flock together. The social element is the genius of Christianity.”
(Charles Spurgeon)

The blood line of the family of God is stronger and healthier than human DNA can ever create. The writer of Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 tells us:

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.”

"God, thank You for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Give Him glory daily.

Good again

Losing a child to death brings a myriad of emotions ... all complicated ... all different ... all difficult.


Kim speaks today about ... future days ...

"Life will never be the same but it can be good again!!!"
Kim

Father, Yahweh, I pray today for Kim, and all who have lost a child. I pray that there will be a hope for the future that includes joy again.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Monday, January 23rd, 2012.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“You must live with people to know their problems, and live with God in order to solve them.”
(P. T. Forsyth)

Our trials give us experience to encourage others in their situations, but walking with God gives us the compassion to reach out to others in His Love. The writer of 1John 2:6 puts it this way:

“He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”

"God, let our walk with You lead others to You.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Give Him glory daily.

Know God is with me always

Losing a child to death brings a myriad of emotions ... all complicated ... all different ... all difficult.


Susan speaks today about ... trusting ...

"Grieve in my own way, not how others say I should. Others don't know my pain. Take one day, hour, minute at a time to work through this. Know that God is with me always. Kevin, March 26, 1979 - August 14, 2006"
Susan

Father, Yahweh, I pray today for Susan, and all who have lost a child. I ask that their trust in You will become more real and vibrant with each passing day.

xtnyoda, shalomed

The Chaplains Corner

The Chaplains Corner

Guest blogger, Chaplain Paul, is one of the most effective chaplains in America today. He is an emergency responder to every situation.


Hey, this is the Chaplain again.

Sometimes I get in trouble for being - short and to the point. But sometimes people like that, especially when I’m preaching a sermon. I like the word ‘concise’. It means “expressing or covering much in few words; brief in form but comprehensive in scope”. When I ask my Assistant Chaplains to do reports I tell them to be concise.

There are a lot of Bible verses that are concise. Most everyone knows that the shortest verse in the Bible is

“Jesus wept.” (John 11:35)

But, do you know the second shortest verse in the Bible? It’s one that certainly fits the definition for concise. First Thessalonians 5:17 says,

“Pray continually.”

That’s a good reminder for us today; ‘Pray all the time.’ If you’re too busy to pray – then you’re too busy!

Someone has said ‘A day without prayer is a day without blessing; and a life without prayer is a life without power.’ Prayer is our connection to God. Prayer helps keep our spiritual battery charged. Prayer helps us focus on the eternal.

May I ask – how much time do you spend in prayer? Now you don’t have to be on your knees; but you have to be consciously connected to the Lord. Are you there?

Daily Nugget

Sunday, January 22nd, 2012.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
(C. S. Lewis)

Christianity is the following of Christ. God loves us so much that He sent His son Jesus Christ to bring salvation to us. Jesus tells us in John 3:16,

“For god so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Following Him is infinitely important.

"God, thank You for sending Your son to make a difference in our eternal destination.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Give Him glory daily.

This is as good as it gets

Losing a child to death brings a myriad of emotions ... all complicated ... all different ... all difficult.



Gill speaks today about ... hearing the breaking news ...

"The Police officer who stood with me in the garden shortly after breaking the news of my 16 year old son's death and as I was rambling in shock said 'make the most of this time (he meant time in shock) this is as good as it gets'.........he was so so right for many years"
Gill

Father, Yahweh, I pray today for Gill, and all who have lost a child. I pray that each day will provide some small measure of ... distance ... from the first shock.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Joe Bastardi hammering Warming Alarmists

Joe Bastardi, of Weatherbell Analytices, formerly of The Weather Channel, has had a belly full of the lies and coverup by the global warming alarmists.

I strongly suspected that Joe's growing concerns over the lying alarmists was a major reason for his departing The Weather Channel a year or so ago, and this new release by Joe adds to that feeling. He gets pretty down right explicit in his revelations about what is going on with the economy and the mess coming out of the EPA and Washington, and the tremendous negative economic impact on our nation and the world.

Of course the poorest people are the ones that are being most severely hurt by all of this, the least of these, as Christ would say.

Global temps in a Crash as AGW proponents Crash the Economy
By Joe Bastardi, Weatherbell Analytics

When the PDO turned cold, most of the meteorological and climate community understood that the pattern was turning very similar the last time of the PDO reversal, the 1950s, and it was a matter of time before the global temperatures, which have leveled off, would start falling in the same herby jerky fashion they had risen when the PDO turned warm at the end of the 1970s. I am not going to rehash the sordid details of how the AGW crowd simply ignores the major drivers of a cyclical nature. We all know that. Nor am I going to question them as to why they believe a trace gas like co2 (needed for life on the planet) with a specific gravity of 1.5 as compared to the atmospheres 1.0, was going to mix with air in a way to affect the earth’s temperatures. Instead I am going to drive home points I have been making since 2007 and are now dramatically validating.
....
Currently, with gas so high because we are being handcuffed by an administration that won’t drill (if gas was a 1.50 lower, it would be worth a half trillion dollars to the economy) and an EPA that is causing untold economic damage (I would conservatively etiolate a half trillion dollars, from jobs lost to burdensome regulations) along with a 100 billion dollar subsidy to fight global warming world wide, it is costing each ACTUAL TAX PAYER close to 7000 dollars (1.1 trillion divided by 150 million tax payers).

One has to wonder, how even the most dogmatic of them don't look at the actual facts, how they can continue to carry on their denial while the results of such things handcuff the American economy and cause untold misery for many as our wealth is not only redistributed, but dwindles. One can only conclude this is being done on purpose, and with purpose.

Go read the full PDF by Mr. Bastardi, complete with graphs ... then ponder the evil madness of the global warming alarmists, and the damage they are committing to those least able to help themselves.

H/T Mr Bastardi!!!

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Saturday, January 21st, 2012.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

Jesus in Matthew 6:14-15 tells us,

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

It is not as easy for us humans as Jesus makes it sound. That gives credence to the expression by Alexander Pope, “To err is human, to forgive divine.”

"God, help us to learn to forgive as You forgive us who have sinned against You.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Give Him glory daily.

Yahweh, Day 233

Day 233

Yahweh

... clean ...

"The nations will know that I am Yahweh"-the declaration of the Lord God -"when I demonstrate My holiness through you in their sight. For I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries, and will bring you into your own land. I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols."
Ezekiel 36:23-25 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Not only does Yahweh maintain the right to locate who He wishes ... to where ever He wishes (this is work on the outward circumstances of humans) notice here the first work of God on individuals. He cleanses us.

All the efforts of any of us would never cleanse us nor prepare us ... to walk in The Glory ... with The Holy One. This is the exclusive work of Yahweh alone.

What a relief to be ... clean.

This is in The Name.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Never stay

Losing a child to death brings a myriad of emotions ... all complicated ... all different ... all difficult.



Denise speaks today about ... never staying ...

"My therapist said it was okay to grieve, it's okay if you go, BUT never "stay" there. I try to remember that, because my son is in my heart and on my mind every second of everyday. I Love you baby!"
Denise

Father, Yahweh, I pray today for Denise, and all who have lost a child. I pray that each day will carry it's own burdens ... and at the end of the day we will be able to close the door ... and open tomorrow.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Friday, January 20th, 2012.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

Habitat for Humanity started officially in 1976, but it began unofficially when founder Millard Fuller went to Zaire with a church group to build not-for-profit houses in 1968. With a beginning undergirded with little except prayer and vision for what God could do, Habitat has grown into one of the nation’s largest home builders. Fuller describes Habitat as an “alive, dynamic, Christ-centered movement” that welcomes Christians and non-Christians to participate in building houses for the poor. Fuller takes special delight when people listen to the message behind the sweat, nails, and saws. Recently, he returned to the sight of a Jimmy Carter Work Project in Charlotte, N.C. He spotted a five-year-old boy playing in the yard of the house that Carter had helped build. After Fuller complimented the boy on his beautiful home, he asked him who built it, expecting to hear the boy say, “Jimmy Carter.” Instead, the boy said, “Jesus built my house.”
—The Columbus Dispatch, 6-20-92

The young man "got it." The most important thing is not who we are, but whose we are. The apostle Paul give us this advice in 2 Corinthians 3:2-3,

“Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.”

"God, let others see You in all we do.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Give Him glory daily.

Good advice

Losing a child to death brings a myriad of emotions ... all complicated ... all different ... all difficult.



Anne speaks today about ... good counsel ...

"The best thing that I was told was to join compassionate friends and go to their meetings."
Anne Liddell

Father, Yahweh, I pray today for Anne, and all who have lost a child. I pray that will step out and find the support that is available, and thank you for those who give of their time to give.
xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Thursday, January 19th, 2012.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

"If a man is at variance with his fellow men, if he is a quarrelsome, competitive, argumentative, trouble-making creature; he may be a diligent church attender, he may even be a church office-bearer; but he is not a man of God. But if a man is at one with his fellow men, if his relations with his fellow men are marked by love and unity and concord then that man is on the way to being a man of God."
(William Barclay)

The apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 6:3-5 says,

“If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.”

May our walk be reflective of our time spent with God.

"God, let us walk with You lead others to You.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Give Him glory daily

You'll never hear him complain

You'll never hear him complain



Semper Fi! Marine!

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Wednesday, January 18th, 2012.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“The first great gift we can bestow on others is a good example.”
(Thomas Morell)

The greatest example to walk the earth challenges us with these words in John 13:15,

“For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”

"God, let our walk with You teach others to follow You, also.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Give Him glory daily.

Everybody wants to "fix" it

Losing a child to death brings a myriad of emotions ... all complicated ... all different ... all difficult.



Tami speaks today about ... appreciation ...

My husband said to me one day shortly after my daughter's death..."I know I can't fix it for you but if there is anything I can do to help you please just tell me." I really did appreciate those words. Everybody always wants to "fix" it but they can't!
Tami

Father, Yahweh, I pray today for Tami, and all who have lost a child. I pray that those around them will be willing to help, for often the willingness ... is more important than what might be done.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“No man ever listened himself out of a job.”
(Calvin Coolidge)

The ability to listen effectively is a gift in itself. The wise man who wrote Proverbs 1:5 gives us this advice:

“A wise man will listen and increase his learning, and a discerning man will obtain guidance.”

"God, teach me to listen for Your words of wisdom.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Give Him glory daily.

Yahweh, Day 232

Day 232

Yahweh

demonstrating holiness

"The nations will know that I am Yahweh"-the declaration of the Lord God -"when I demonstrate My holiness through you in their sight. For I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries, and will bring you into your own land."
Ezekiel 36:23-24 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Notice here how God reserves the right and power to relocate entire people groups. When He does, as in this case, it will always have a spiritual purpose, and that purpose is to convince all nations that Yahweh alone is The Living God. And He is good.

Ultimately in this we see the purpose of Yahweh for all of humanity, and that is to demonstrate His love, provision, protection, and compassion.

This is in The Name.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Always with a hole in your heart

Losing a child to death brings a myriad of emotions ... all complicated ... all different ... all difficult.



Peg speaks today about ... leaning ...

"The best advice I got was to seek counseling, lean on others when you need to, and that this grief process is gonna be a life-long process. It is nothing you get over, or get through - it is learning to COPE, each and every day, and though the grief gets "softer" in time, it will never go away, but you are eventually able to smile, even able to enjoy life again, though always with a hole in your heart that never goes away..."
Peg

Father, Yahweh, I pray today for Peg, and all who have lost a child. I pray that each day brings them a little more joy, a little more healing, and a lot more love.

xtnyoda, shalomed

"Pretty is cherished. Hotness, on the other hand, is a commodity."

This thoughtful rendering taken from Brutally Honest

Pat Archbold laments the loss of pretty:

Once upon a time, women wanted to project an innocence. I am not idealizing another age and I have no illusions about the virtues of our grandparents, concupiscence being what it is. But some things were different in the back then. First and foremost, many beautiful women, whatever the state of their souls, still wished to project a public innocence and virtue. And that combination of beauty and innocence is what I define as pretty.

By nature, generally when men see this combination in women it brings out their better qualities, their best in fact. That special combination of beauty and innocence, the pretty inspires men to protect and defend it.

Young women today do not seem to aspire to pretty, they prefer to be regarded as hot. Hotness is something altogether different. When women want to be hot instead of pretty, they must view themselves in a certain way and consequently men view them differently as well.

As I said, pretty inspires men’s nobler instincts to protect and defend. Pretty is cherished. Hotness, on the other hand, is a commodity. Its value is temporary and must be used. It is a consumable.

Nowhere is this pretty deficit more obvious than in our “stars,” the people we elevate as the “ideal.” The stars of the fifties surely suffered from the same sin as do stars of today. Stars of the fifties weren’t ideal but they pursued a public ideal different from today.

The merits of hotness over pretty is easy enough to understand, they made an entire musical about it. Who can forget how pretty Olivia Newton John was at the beginning of Grease. Beautiful and innocent. But her desire to be desired leads her to throw away all that is valuable in herself in the vain hopes of getting the attention of a boy. In the process, she destroys her innocence and thus destroys the pretty. What we are left with is hotness.

Hotness is a consumable. A consumable that consumes as it is consumed but brings no warmth.

Most girls don’t want to be pretty anymore even if they understand what it is. It is ironic that 40 years of women’s liberation has succeeded only in turning women into a commodity. Something to be used up and thrown out.

Of course men play a role in this as well, but women should know better and they once did. Once upon a time you would hear girls talk about kind of women men date and the kind they marry. You don’t hear things like that anymore

But here is the real truth. Most men prefer pretty over hot.

I can't help but think that a piece like this would be seen by most as prudish and puritanical. It's sad but true. I found it to hit the nail on the head though maybe I need to come to grips with the fact that I'm simply an old prude. Not sure. I really do however think that most men prefer pretty over hot, at least those men who are looking for life long mates.

The piece finishes with a plea for girls to bring back pretty.

To that I give a hearty amen.

H/T Brutally Honest

The Chaplains Corner

The Chaplains Corner

Guest blogger, Chaplain Paul, is one of the most effective chaplains in America today. He is an emergency responder to every situation.


Hey, this is the Chaplain again.

Say, do you remember this; “Plop Plop Fizz Fizz oh what a relief it is.” If you’re over fifty then you probably know I’m talking about, Alka Seltzer; it brings relief.

Relief, that’s a great word and an even better feeling. Webster defines relief as, ‘the removal or lightening of something oppressive, painful, or distressing.’

The Bible says,

“In Christ we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.”

And then it says,

“Because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our sins.”
(Eph. 1:7-8 & 2:4-5)

Talk about Relief with a capital R – that’s what Redemption is. There are two kinds of heart burn; physical and spiritual. Alka Seltzer can make your belly feel better – but only having Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord will relieve the pain in your heart. That’s Divine Relief; ‘the removal of something oppressive.’; your sins are gone!

Do you know what I’m talking about?

Daily Nugget

Monday, January 16th, 2012.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.”
(William Carey)

Our God is an awesome God. He is able to do greater things than we are able to begin to comprehend. The writer of Micah 7:7 said it this way:

“Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.”

"God, You are Holy and dependable and able to do all we can ask or dream.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Give Him glory daily.

Daily Nugget

Sunday, January 15th, 2012.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“Opposition is a fact: the Christian who is not conscious of being opposed had better watch himself for he is in danger.”
(J. I. Packer)

The apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12,

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

When we think we have no enemy, we should check to see if we might be walking hand-in-hand with the opposition.

"God, help us to see and know the ways of the enemy so our ways might be pleasing to You.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Give Him glory daily.

A little humor for today

Tebow has elevated himself to a rare level of interest ... now the witches are after him!

Enjoy!

(By the way, xtnyoda, is still pulling for the Saints!

Salem witches plan to give Tom Brady a spiritual lift for Tebow rematch
By Doug Farrar

God may be Tim Tebow's co-pilot, but it seems that Tom Brady, the quarterback Tebow's going up against this Saturday in the divisional round of the playoffs, has some otherworldly support from an unexpected source. A group of witches (Wicca? We want to be politically correct around here) in Salem, Massachusetts (yes, that Salem, Massachusetts), planned to gather on Friday the 13th (spooky!) to try and beat the Sports Illustrated cover curse for the New England Patriots quarterback, and give him the most supernatural force possible when going up against Tebow's Denver Broncos.

We're pretty sure we're not making this up.

Sorceress Laurie "Lorelei" Stathopoulos said that her coven wasn't quite as successful when planning a recent spiritual intervention for Charlie Sheen (for which Mr. Sheen was not actually present), but there are better hopes this time.

"You know, we had a hard time getting all the girls [fellow witches] to come," Lorelei told the Boston Herald of the Sheen attempt. "But when we told them this Circle was for Tom Brady, oh, everybody will be there!"

Ah — so attendance is key. According to the Herald, this is how it goes:

At the 10-minute ceremony at Crow Haven Corner, the city's first witch shop, there will be an altar set up with a Brady puppet — sewn for the occasion by another local sorceress — and mojo bags filled with herbs and stones for every Patriots player.

Lorelei said she will use the Tebow gesture and chant the following: "Tom Brady will see what he needs to see, be where he needs to be and will take the Patriots to another victory."

The nice part is that the coven will not actually be trying to put any sort of bad juju on Tebow himself — these Magical Mystery Tourists are staying positive with this action and just helping out their main man. But to actually Tebow while doing so? Isn't that playing both ends against the middle?

"We want the true champion to come out on Saturday night," fellow broom-rider Lori Bruno told the Herald. "But since we live in Patriot Land, it's red, white and blue and make the dream come true!"

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who may want to talk to these folks about a consultancy (he is an outside-the-box strategic thinker, after all) could not have said it better himself.

All in good humor I'm sure!

Too funny! At least they will not be burned in a pile of rubbish!

God Bless and protect both the Patriots and the Broncos!

xtnyoda, shalomed

She was part of me

Losing a child to death brings a myriad of emotions ... all complicated ... all different ... all difficult.



Angelique speaks today about ... advice ...

"No best advice... most said to move on... and that after I've lost my 19 year old daughter... It made me angry and still does... she was part of me and will always be..."
Angelique

Father, Yahweh, I pray today for Angelique, and all who have lost a child. I pray that they will understand that when one loses someone that is a part of their very fiber ... then that relationship never ceases ... the one lost will always be a part of who they are. And may there be some peace in that truth.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Saturday, January 14th, 2012.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“Some men see things as they are and ask why. I dream things that never were and say, why not?.”
(George Bernard Shaw)

God gives us the wisdom to see a finished solution before we begin. We just need to follow the advice of the writer of James 1:5 who says,

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given Him."

"God, remind us to ask for Your wisdom and then to walk in it.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Give Him glory daily.

Daily Nugget

Friday, January 13th, 2012.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“As long as a word remains unspoken, you are its master; once you utter it, you are its slave.”
(Solomon Ibn Gabirol)

Our words can make or break us. With our words, we have the power to make others smile or crush their spirits.

The writer of James 3:7-8 says,

“For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”

"God, help us choose and use the words You give us wisely.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Give Him glory daily.

Grieving is never ending

Losing a child to death brings a myriad of emotions ... all complicated ... all different ... all difficult.



Sandra speaks today about ... receiving ...

"After the loss of my son I was given two bits of advice. 1) allow people to help and become comfortable and gracious with receiving; 2) when asked how many children you have respond with the total number you had not how many are surviving. Best advice aside from that fact that grieving is a never ending lifelong emotional state just like never forgetting my loved one."
Sandra

Father, Yahweh, I pray today for Sandra, and all who have lost a child. I pray that they will receive help from others with Your Grace ... and that they will realize that their grief will last as long as their love for their child.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Thursday, January 12th, 2012.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“Good character is more to be praised than outstanding talent. Most talents are, to some extent, a gift. Good character, by contrast, is not given to us. We have to build it piece by piece—by thought, choice, courage, and determination.”
(John Luther)

As we walk in a world where deceit and wickedness runs rampant, let us build and guard our character to make a difference in the realm wherein we dwell. Let us join the writer of Psalms 116:9 by following this advice:

“I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.”

"God, let us walk before You in such a way as to influence our world.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Give Him glory daily.

Awesome

Losing a child to death brings a myriad of emotions ... all complicated ... all different ... all difficult.



Brenda speaks succinctly today about ... the power of release ...

Brenda to Nancy: "Bawling...******Awesome!!!"

Father, Yahweh, I pray today for Brenda, Nancy ... and all who have lost a child. I pray that they will never feel ashamed at the healing power of expressing their grief.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“Let us keep our mouths shut and our pens dry until we know the facts.”
(Anton J. Carlson)

This is timely advice also for our computers. How many times have rumors burned across the Internet only to be retracted because not all the facts have been told. The apostle Paul gives this good and positive advice in 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.”

When we follow either (or both) of these words of wisdom, we will find and keep peace.

"God, keep our hearts from secret sin.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Give Him glory daily.

Yahweh, Day 231

Day 231

Yahweh

to 'profane' The Name

"Then I had concern for My holy name, which the house of Israel profaned among the nations where they went. "Therefore, say to the house of Israel: This is what the Lord God says: It is not for your sake that I will act, house of Israel, but for My holy name, which you profaned among the nations where you went. I will honor the holiness of My great name, which has been profaned among the nations-the name you have profaned among them. The nations will know that I am Yahweh"-the declaration of the Lord God -"when I demonstrate My holiness through you in their sight."
Ezekiel 36:18-23 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

To 'profane' God's name is the equivalent of treating Yahweh with contempt. This is really rather simple to accomplish ... simply live as though there is no God. Ignore Him, deny Him, avoid Him, speak ill of Him, try to live without Him ... all examples of profaning The Name.

Then ... make no mistake ... you will find one day that Yahweh will use you to demonstrate the consequences. You will become a living illustration for all to see.

This is in The Name.

xtnyoda, shalomed

All that keeps me going

Losing a child to death brings a myriad of emotions ... all complicated ... all different ... all difficult.



Char speaks today about ... trust ...

"Memories of my beloved Grandson & trust in the Lord is all that keeps me going. My love for him keeps growing. I will never "get over it", but faith allows me to know I will be reunited with him again."
Char

Father, Yahweh, I pray today for Char, and all who have lost a child/grandchild. I pray that their trust in You will grow each day ... and that their faith will be rewarded.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Tuesday, January 10th, 2012.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“If you can’t win, make the fellow ahead of you break the record.”
(Anonymous)

Even as we strive for excellence, we challenge others to do their best. The writer of Proverbs 27:17 says,

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”

Let us encourage one another to be the best we can be for God’s glory.

"God, let us encourage others and celebrate their victories as well as ours.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Give Him glory daily