I apologize for not having a post yet for the new year. However, I have been working on an entry of a complicated and controversial topic and I have been fine-tuning it for several weeks making it ready for your enjoyment.
So do not despair, my reader. Your new installment is coming soon...
Friday, January 19, 2007
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Find Your Wings
Once again, I realize the importance of my role in the lives of the little children God has given to me for this short time. My responsibility for their basis of faith is paramount to any other call in my life. If there is a time for me to bear the witness of Christ to another, it is this time.
It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth
And If I never told you
I want you to know
As I watch you grow
Chorus:
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings
May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh, but more than memories
Chorus:
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings
It's not living if you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly
Find Your Wings by Mark Harris
It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth
And If I never told you
I want you to know
As I watch you grow
Chorus:
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings
May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh, but more than memories
Chorus:
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings
It's not living if you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly
Find Your Wings by Mark Harris
Sunday, December 17, 2006
What You Need To Know About Gardasil
My husband and I were watching TV one evening when a commercial for a new drug came on. While I don't think drug companies should be allowed to advertise to the public (a major conflict of interest, but that's another post), this commercial caught my attention. The drug was called Gardasil and the women in the ad were praising it for its prevention of "certain types of cervical cancer". What upset me was the lack of the mention that this type of cancer is caused by a STD (sexually transmitted disease). Interesting, they left that part out, and I noticed.
I decided to Google Gardasil and found several websites with information about it. However, one website in particular was not what I expected and I found out some extremely disturbing facts about Gardasil vaccinations.
The first thing I noticed that I thought was a little strange was it was a pediatric website. That's right, a children's' medical information website. Why would a drug to prevent a STD be explained on a pediatric site? What I found out made me very angry.
Gardasil will only be administered to girls before they become sexually active. Consequently, the ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices that proceeds the CDC) recommends that Gardasil be routinely given to girls when they are 11 or 12 years of age. Gardasil can be started as early as age 9 though, and can also be given to women 13 to 26 years old. The goal is to vaccinate girls as young as NINE YEARS OLD for a sexually transmitted disease.
I wonder what these parents are going to tell their daughter she is being vaccinated for? Do they know they are opening the entire Pandora's Box of sexual information with their 9-year-old daughter? If they don't discuss it at that time, when do they tell her she had this vaccine... when she leaves for college? When she gets married? Why did her parents have her get it? Because they didn't think she could wait until marriage before losing her virginity? Our daughter is almost 7, and I can't imagine I will think it is remotely appropriate to have this discussion in two short years.
Although I have not encountered this yet, I expect schools to begin to educate girls about cervical cancer and that they need to get this vaccine to prevent it. I doubt they will proceed this message with the information that the vaccine is unnecessary if girls remain virgins until marriage.
Parents, it is of the utmost importance that you are aware of your girls' pediatrician and what he could give your child. Investigate every vaccine presented prior to permitting that your child receives it. Do not let your doctor override your moral conviction, and be sure to explain why you refuse. Please do not think I don't have my children vaccinated against other childhood diseases, because I do! My children have all their shots within a few months of the recommended age. A pediatric vaccine for a sexually transmitted disease is not the same thing.
What is implied by Merck with the use of Gardasil:
1. Untreated HPV will most likely develop into cervical cancer.
2. You can only get HPV through a sexual encounter with an infected partner.
3. Gardasil is only administered to girls who are virgins.
Christian parents, we must educate our daughters that God loves us and His laws are for our benefit. Our sons have to be taught this lesson as well. They must remain pure for their future wives, so as not to bring disease in their marriage to their beloved wife. Gods design for us is perfect. One man, one woman for life. Parents, understand what is assumed if we allow our children to get this vaccine; we assume they will be sexually active outside of marriage and not monogamous.
Here is the pediatric website I read, I've also included their information about Gardasil below.
Gardasil is a new vaccine being made by Merck & Co., Inc. and which has been approved by the FDA to prevent cervical cancer in females between the ages of 9 and 26 years of age.
What Gardasil Is Used For:
Gardasil is a vaccine against the HPV or Human Papillomavirus. The Gardasil vaccine protects recipients against 4 types of HPV, including the two types that cause most cervical cancers and the two types that cause the most genital warts.
HPV Facts:
HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that causes genital warts, abnormal Pap tests, and cervical cancer.
About 20 million people are infection with HPV in the United States and almost 3,700 women die of cervical cancer in the US each year.
Since many people have no symptoms and not even know that they are infected with HPV, they can pass on their HPV infection to their sexual partners without knowing.
There is no cure for HPV infections.
Gardasil Facts:
Gardasil won't prevent all forms of genital warts or cervical cancers, but it is highly effective at preventing genital warts and cervical cancers that are caused by the types of HPV that the vaccine targets.
Who Should Get Gardasil:
Since Gardasil prevents HPV, a sexually transmitted disease, it is important that it be given before people become sexually active. In fact, the ACIP recommends that Gardasil be routinely given to girls when they are 11 or 12 years of age. Gardasil can be started as early as age 9 though, and can also be given to women 13 to 26 years old.
Gardasil Side Effects:
According to the CDC, so far in testing, 'there appear to be no serious side effects. The most common side effect is brief soreness at the injection site.'
Gardasil Controversy:
Some experts think that Gardasil may lead to controversy because some parents will have problems thinking about giving a vaccine against a STD to pre-teens. Other parents might not want a vaccine against a STD at all, believing that their children could not be at risk. And still others think that Gardasil might encourage promiscuity, since it could foster the belief that it protects against STDs.
What You Need To Know:
Gardasil is not a 'STD vaccine' in the sense that it prevents all STDs. It simply provides protection against certain types of HPV, but not other STDs, such as HIV or herpes.
Cervarix is another HPV vaccine that is being developed by GlaxoSmithKline.
References:
Genital HPV Infection - CDC Fact Sheet.
HPV Vaccine - CDC Fact Sheet.
CDC Cervical Cancer Screening Fact Sheet.
Immunization against genital human papillomaviruses. Bonnez W - Pediatr Infect Dis J - 01-NOV-2005; 24(11): 1005-6.
I decided to Google Gardasil and found several websites with information about it. However, one website in particular was not what I expected and I found out some extremely disturbing facts about Gardasil vaccinations.
The first thing I noticed that I thought was a little strange was it was a pediatric website. That's right, a children's' medical information website. Why would a drug to prevent a STD be explained on a pediatric site? What I found out made me very angry.
Gardasil will only be administered to girls before they become sexually active. Consequently, the ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices that proceeds the CDC) recommends that Gardasil be routinely given to girls when they are 11 or 12 years of age. Gardasil can be started as early as age 9 though, and can also be given to women 13 to 26 years old. The goal is to vaccinate girls as young as NINE YEARS OLD for a sexually transmitted disease.
I wonder what these parents are going to tell their daughter she is being vaccinated for? Do they know they are opening the entire Pandora's Box of sexual information with their 9-year-old daughter? If they don't discuss it at that time, when do they tell her she had this vaccine... when she leaves for college? When she gets married? Why did her parents have her get it? Because they didn't think she could wait until marriage before losing her virginity? Our daughter is almost 7, and I can't imagine I will think it is remotely appropriate to have this discussion in two short years.
Although I have not encountered this yet, I expect schools to begin to educate girls about cervical cancer and that they need to get this vaccine to prevent it. I doubt they will proceed this message with the information that the vaccine is unnecessary if girls remain virgins until marriage.
Parents, it is of the utmost importance that you are aware of your girls' pediatrician and what he could give your child. Investigate every vaccine presented prior to permitting that your child receives it. Do not let your doctor override your moral conviction, and be sure to explain why you refuse. Please do not think I don't have my children vaccinated against other childhood diseases, because I do! My children have all their shots within a few months of the recommended age. A pediatric vaccine for a sexually transmitted disease is not the same thing.
What is implied by Merck with the use of Gardasil:
1. Untreated HPV will most likely develop into cervical cancer.
2. You can only get HPV through a sexual encounter with an infected partner.
3. Gardasil is only administered to girls who are virgins.
Christian parents, we must educate our daughters that God loves us and His laws are for our benefit. Our sons have to be taught this lesson as well. They must remain pure for their future wives, so as not to bring disease in their marriage to their beloved wife. Gods design for us is perfect. One man, one woman for life. Parents, understand what is assumed if we allow our children to get this vaccine; we assume they will be sexually active outside of marriage and not monogamous.
Here is the pediatric website I read, I've also included their information about Gardasil below.
Gardasil is a new vaccine being made by Merck & Co., Inc. and which has been approved by the FDA to prevent cervical cancer in females between the ages of 9 and 26 years of age.
What Gardasil Is Used For:
Gardasil is a vaccine against the HPV or Human Papillomavirus. The Gardasil vaccine protects recipients against 4 types of HPV, including the two types that cause most cervical cancers and the two types that cause the most genital warts.
HPV Facts:
HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that causes genital warts, abnormal Pap tests, and cervical cancer.
About 20 million people are infection with HPV in the United States and almost 3,700 women die of cervical cancer in the US each year.
Since many people have no symptoms and not even know that they are infected with HPV, they can pass on their HPV infection to their sexual partners without knowing.
There is no cure for HPV infections.
Gardasil Facts:
Gardasil won't prevent all forms of genital warts or cervical cancers, but it is highly effective at preventing genital warts and cervical cancers that are caused by the types of HPV that the vaccine targets.
Who Should Get Gardasil:
Since Gardasil prevents HPV, a sexually transmitted disease, it is important that it be given before people become sexually active. In fact, the ACIP recommends that Gardasil be routinely given to girls when they are 11 or 12 years of age. Gardasil can be started as early as age 9 though, and can also be given to women 13 to 26 years old.
Gardasil Side Effects:
According to the CDC, so far in testing, 'there appear to be no serious side effects. The most common side effect is brief soreness at the injection site.'
Gardasil Controversy:
Some experts think that Gardasil may lead to controversy because some parents will have problems thinking about giving a vaccine against a STD to pre-teens. Other parents might not want a vaccine against a STD at all, believing that their children could not be at risk. And still others think that Gardasil might encourage promiscuity, since it could foster the belief that it protects against STDs.
What You Need To Know:
Gardasil is not a 'STD vaccine' in the sense that it prevents all STDs. It simply provides protection against certain types of HPV, but not other STDs, such as HIV or herpes.
Cervarix is another HPV vaccine that is being developed by GlaxoSmithKline.
References:
Genital HPV Infection - CDC Fact Sheet.
HPV Vaccine - CDC Fact Sheet.
CDC Cervical Cancer Screening Fact Sheet.
Immunization against genital human papillomaviruses. Bonnez W - Pediatr Infect Dis J - 01-NOV-2005; 24(11): 1005-6.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Christmas Traditions
I adore Christmas. This is a time of great nostalgia for me, thinking of the times with family who have gone from this world, of family living many miles apart, of the awesome sacrifice of God to take on human flesh and live a pure an sinless life. Having young children is making everything about it even more special. We have a lot of decorations in our home, and I have been able to share with them their Biblical meanings.
Christmas Tree- I am reminded of the blessing to always walk in the way of the Lord whenever I see my evergreen Tree.
Psalms 1:1-3
1 Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
Poinsettia- The star shaped leaves of this traditional Christmas flower are used to remind us of the Star of Bethlehem that the Three Wise Men followed to find the boy king, Jesus.
Matthew 2:10-11
10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
Christmas Holly- The spikey leaves are reminders of the Crown of Thorns placed on Jesus head, the red berries represent His shed blood.
Matthew 27:27-31
27 Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. 30 They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. 31 After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.
Candy Cane- Tradition has it that in Cologne Cathedral, France, circa 1670 some restless youngsters were attending ceremonies around the living Nativity. To keep them quiet, the choirmaster persuaded confectioners to make sticks of candy bent at the end to represent shepherds' crooks, then he passed them out to boys and girls who came to the cathedral.
When the red striped cane appeared at the turn of the 20th century, Christian pastors used the colored candy cane as an example of Jesus virgin birth in the pure white candy, three small red stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by which we are healed, and the large red stripe for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life.
Matthew 1:18-23
18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."
Nativity- I love having the Nativity Scene in our home to show our children all the parts of the birth of Jesus including the Three Wise Men, the shepherds, the animals, the Angels, Mary and Joseph. Many non-protestant traditions exist regarding the timing of adding each figure to a Nativity Scene. Since the Wise Men did not come to the stable at Jesus birth, they are placed away from the Scene, the rest of our Italian Nativity Scene is displayed together throughout the Christmas season without the baby Jesus. He is placed in the manger Christmas morning.
My most treasured pieces in our Nativity Scene are the shepherds and angels.
Luke 2:8-20
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 "Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Santa Claus- While our children are young, we will continue with the tradition of Santa Claus without the "naughty or nice" list. We expect our children to behave to an acceptable level without presents from Santa as bribery. When they can understand the importance of thinking of others rather than themselves, we will introduce Saint Nicholas.
Nicholas was born in the 4th century to relatively affluent Christian parents in Patara, Lycia in Asia Minor. His parents died when he was relatively young and Nicholas received his inheritance but is said he gave it away to charity.
The most famous story of Saint Nicholas tells of a poor man who had three daughters but could not afford a proper dowry for them, meaning they would remain unmarried and, in absence of any other possible employment might have to become prostitutes. Being too modest to help publicly, Nicholas went to their house under the cover of night and threw three purses filled with gold coins through the window opening onto the man's floor. The father discovered their benefactor and confronts him, only to have Nicholas say it is not him he should thank, but God alone. People then began to suspect that Nicholas was behind a large number of other anonymous gifts to the poor, using the inheritance from his wealthy parents. After he died, people in the region continued to give to the poor anonymously, and such gifts are still often attributed to Saint Nicholas.
While our family has been giving anonymous gifts for several years, we will begin soon to include our children in this wonderful tradition of giving selflessly. It truly blesses the giver more that the receiver.
Acts 20:32-35
32 "Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
I hope these insights have inspired you to find out more about your own family Christmas traditions. I pray for God's blessings for each of you. Not just at Christmastime, but always.
Christmas Tree- I am reminded of the blessing to always walk in the way of the Lord whenever I see my evergreen Tree.
Psalms 1:1-3
1 Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
Poinsettia- The star shaped leaves of this traditional Christmas flower are used to remind us of the Star of Bethlehem that the Three Wise Men followed to find the boy king, Jesus.
Matthew 2:10-11
10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
Christmas Holly- The spikey leaves are reminders of the Crown of Thorns placed on Jesus head, the red berries represent His shed blood.
Matthew 27:27-31
27 Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. 30 They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. 31 After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.
Candy Cane- Tradition has it that in Cologne Cathedral, France, circa 1670 some restless youngsters were attending ceremonies around the living Nativity. To keep them quiet, the choirmaster persuaded confectioners to make sticks of candy bent at the end to represent shepherds' crooks, then he passed them out to boys and girls who came to the cathedral.
When the red striped cane appeared at the turn of the 20th century, Christian pastors used the colored candy cane as an example of Jesus virgin birth in the pure white candy, three small red stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by which we are healed, and the large red stripe for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life.
Matthew 1:18-23
18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."
Nativity- I love having the Nativity Scene in our home to show our children all the parts of the birth of Jesus including the Three Wise Men, the shepherds, the animals, the Angels, Mary and Joseph. Many non-protestant traditions exist regarding the timing of adding each figure to a Nativity Scene. Since the Wise Men did not come to the stable at Jesus birth, they are placed away from the Scene, the rest of our Italian Nativity Scene is displayed together throughout the Christmas season without the baby Jesus. He is placed in the manger Christmas morning.
My most treasured pieces in our Nativity Scene are the shepherds and angels.
Luke 2:8-20
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 "Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Santa Claus- While our children are young, we will continue with the tradition of Santa Claus without the "naughty or nice" list. We expect our children to behave to an acceptable level without presents from Santa as bribery. When they can understand the importance of thinking of others rather than themselves, we will introduce Saint Nicholas.
Nicholas was born in the 4th century to relatively affluent Christian parents in Patara, Lycia in Asia Minor. His parents died when he was relatively young and Nicholas received his inheritance but is said he gave it away to charity.
The most famous story of Saint Nicholas tells of a poor man who had three daughters but could not afford a proper dowry for them, meaning they would remain unmarried and, in absence of any other possible employment might have to become prostitutes. Being too modest to help publicly, Nicholas went to their house under the cover of night and threw three purses filled with gold coins through the window opening onto the man's floor. The father discovered their benefactor and confronts him, only to have Nicholas say it is not him he should thank, but God alone. People then began to suspect that Nicholas was behind a large number of other anonymous gifts to the poor, using the inheritance from his wealthy parents. After he died, people in the region continued to give to the poor anonymously, and such gifts are still often attributed to Saint Nicholas.
While our family has been giving anonymous gifts for several years, we will begin soon to include our children in this wonderful tradition of giving selflessly. It truly blesses the giver more that the receiver.
Acts 20:32-35
32 "Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
I hope these insights have inspired you to find out more about your own family Christmas traditions. I pray for God's blessings for each of you. Not just at Christmastime, but always.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Holy, Holy, Holy
About two months ago I was watching the NRB network, channel 378, on Directv. (If you have Directv I recommend you add this channel to your list of favorites.) As I was working in my kitchen I overheard a show and the message delivered was so compelling that I had to sit down and watch. The program title was The Jewish Jesus taught by Messianic Jewish Rabbi Kirt Schneider. The message he brought was so profound I've been telling people about the insights he presented, but I would like to share it with more people so I'm posting it. Sometimes it takes me a while to get a grip on what the Scripture is saying and put my thoughts into words.
The point Rabbi Schneider made on this episode was the need for Christians to view the Bible as a whole book of truth, both the Old and New Testaments are about God and His love for us. Many churches today disregard the Old Testament as "the Law" and since Jesus came to be our sacrifice once for all, we can ignore the teaching there. Jesus didn’t come to start a new religion.
Matthew 5:17
17 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
Jesus and Paul saw themselves as proclaiming the completion of Judaism. Many of the churches today have become disconnected from their Jewish roots. The church established by Jesus has been grafted into the olive tree of Israel (Romans 11:17; Ephesians 2:12, 13).
Rabbi Schneider pointed out that the Old and New Covenants connect. When Jesus rose from the grave and appeared to His disciples on the road to Emmaus, they did not recognize Him at first. He then revealed to them who He was, by taking them on a journey through the Hebrew Scriptures.
Luke 24:27
25 He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
But the last and best illustration Rabbi Schneider used to bridge the Old and New Testaments was the example of the only time a word is used in three-time succession in the Bible. There is no description of God as "all loving, all loving, all loving" although we know that He is. He is not described as "all knowing, all knowing, all knowing" although we know that He is. There are only two times where we see a description of God in three word succession and it is in the Old AND New Testaments.
The first example is when Isaiah sees the Holy God in Heaven:
Isaiah 6:1-3
1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another:
"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory."
The second example is when the apostle John sees the revelation of God, also at His throne in Heaven:
Revelation 4:6-8
6 Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. 8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying:
"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD God Almighty,
who was, and is, and is to come."
My favorite contemporary Christian musician is Nichole Nordeman. She was at the Women of Faith conference I attended last week. She sang a song from her newest album that puts me on my knees every time I hear it.
Holy by Nichole Nordeman
How many roads did I travel
Before I walked down one that led me to You?
How many dream did unravel
Before I believed in a hope that was true?
How long? How far?
What was meant to fulfill only emptied me still
And all You ever wanted…
Only me on my knees
Singing holy, holy
And somehow
All that matters now is
You are holy, holy
How many deaths did I die
Before I was awakened to new life again?
How many half truths did I bear witness to
‘Til the proof was disproved in the end?
How long? How far?
What was meant to illuminate shadowed me still
And all You ever wanted…
Only me on my knees
Singing holy, holy
And somehow
All that matters now is
You are holy, holy
All I have is gratitude to offer You
It is easy to view the God of the Old Testament as a strict Lawgiver and the God of the New Testament as a God of grace. However, His plan from the beginning of the world was to send the Messiah to save the lost. The entire Bible tells of God's love for us. His reaching, longing desire for us to be with Him. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. It is not in His nature to change who He is, that would alter His faithfulness. The Holy Bible is His living Word, Jesus Christ. I am constantly amazed at the ability of that Word to have implication to my daily life, from BOTH the Old and New Testaments.
Praise God for His wonderful gift!
John 1:1-2, 10-14
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning.
10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
The point Rabbi Schneider made on this episode was the need for Christians to view the Bible as a whole book of truth, both the Old and New Testaments are about God and His love for us. Many churches today disregard the Old Testament as "the Law" and since Jesus came to be our sacrifice once for all, we can ignore the teaching there. Jesus didn’t come to start a new religion.
Matthew 5:17
17 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
Jesus and Paul saw themselves as proclaiming the completion of Judaism. Many of the churches today have become disconnected from their Jewish roots. The church established by Jesus has been grafted into the olive tree of Israel (Romans 11:17; Ephesians 2:12, 13).
Rabbi Schneider pointed out that the Old and New Covenants connect. When Jesus rose from the grave and appeared to His disciples on the road to Emmaus, they did not recognize Him at first. He then revealed to them who He was, by taking them on a journey through the Hebrew Scriptures.
Luke 24:27
25 He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
But the last and best illustration Rabbi Schneider used to bridge the Old and New Testaments was the example of the only time a word is used in three-time succession in the Bible. There is no description of God as "all loving, all loving, all loving" although we know that He is. He is not described as "all knowing, all knowing, all knowing" although we know that He is. There are only two times where we see a description of God in three word succession and it is in the Old AND New Testaments.
The first example is when Isaiah sees the Holy God in Heaven:
Isaiah 6:1-3
1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another:
"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory."
The second example is when the apostle John sees the revelation of God, also at His throne in Heaven:
Revelation 4:6-8
6 Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. 8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying:
"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD God Almighty,
who was, and is, and is to come."
My favorite contemporary Christian musician is Nichole Nordeman. She was at the Women of Faith conference I attended last week. She sang a song from her newest album that puts me on my knees every time I hear it.
Holy by Nichole Nordeman
How many roads did I travel
Before I walked down one that led me to You?
How many dream did unravel
Before I believed in a hope that was true?
How long? How far?
What was meant to fulfill only emptied me still
And all You ever wanted…
Only me on my knees
Singing holy, holy
And somehow
All that matters now is
You are holy, holy
How many deaths did I die
Before I was awakened to new life again?
How many half truths did I bear witness to
‘Til the proof was disproved in the end?
How long? How far?
What was meant to illuminate shadowed me still
And all You ever wanted…
Only me on my knees
Singing holy, holy
And somehow
All that matters now is
You are holy, holy
All I have is gratitude to offer You
It is easy to view the God of the Old Testament as a strict Lawgiver and the God of the New Testament as a God of grace. However, His plan from the beginning of the world was to send the Messiah to save the lost. The entire Bible tells of God's love for us. His reaching, longing desire for us to be with Him. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. It is not in His nature to change who He is, that would alter His faithfulness. The Holy Bible is His living Word, Jesus Christ. I am constantly amazed at the ability of that Word to have implication to my daily life, from BOTH the Old and New Testaments.
Praise God for His wonderful gift!
John 1:1-2, 10-14
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning.
10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Third Time's the Charm
I had intended to post this entry on Sunday night, but I unfortunately got the flu from my kids (again). So, here goes!
This past Sunday, our worship message was about Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night of the betrayal. My eyes were opened to a point in scripture that I hadn't seen this way before.
Mark 14:32-42 NIV
32-They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 33He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34"My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch."
35-Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36-"Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."
37-Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38-Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
39-Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. 40-When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.
41-Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42-Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"
So, the first thing I noticed was Peter having to be told something three times, again. ("Peter do you love me? Feed my sheep." John 21:15-17 & "You will deny me three times." Mark 14:66-72) Jesus came and found Peter, James and John sleeping when He had told them specifically to stay awake. Poor Peter, he had nothing to say in his defense. He had been caught. I often identify with Peter, he is so willing to speak what is on his mind, but often without understanding the weight of his commitment.
I have a theory about why Peter had this "rule of three" when it came to Jesus telling him something important. It seems that the first time something is presented, Peter goes it with his gut response and doesn't necessarily contemplate what Jesus says. The second time, he might think "Hmm. That was weird. I've heard that before." but his response is the same as the first. The third time the same thing happens AGAIN, a light-bulb goes on. Peter finally gets the point. There is no way he can say it was only a coincidence, there must be more going on here.
Once again, I find myself alike to Peter. How many times has God tried to get my attention, and I just nod my head and say "Sure God, whatever... you know how I feel... I'm already on board" But because He loves me, God continues to pursue me. I am convicted in my own complacency of faith in the times I don't feel the true dimension of what I am agreeing with. How trivial I make the call of the Spirit when I don't acknowledge the greatness I am joining. The blood of Christ requires complete devotion, every day, with each call, and to this I pledge my undivided attention.
This past Sunday, our worship message was about Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night of the betrayal. My eyes were opened to a point in scripture that I hadn't seen this way before.
Mark 14:32-42 NIV
32-They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 33He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34"My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch."
35-Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36-"Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."
37-Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38-Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
39-Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. 40-When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.
41-Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42-Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"
So, the first thing I noticed was Peter having to be told something three times, again. ("Peter do you love me? Feed my sheep." John 21:15-17 & "You will deny me three times." Mark 14:66-72) Jesus came and found Peter, James and John sleeping when He had told them specifically to stay awake. Poor Peter, he had nothing to say in his defense. He had been caught. I often identify with Peter, he is so willing to speak what is on his mind, but often without understanding the weight of his commitment.
I have a theory about why Peter had this "rule of three" when it came to Jesus telling him something important. It seems that the first time something is presented, Peter goes it with his gut response and doesn't necessarily contemplate what Jesus says. The second time, he might think "Hmm. That was weird. I've heard that before." but his response is the same as the first. The third time the same thing happens AGAIN, a light-bulb goes on. Peter finally gets the point. There is no way he can say it was only a coincidence, there must be more going on here.
Once again, I find myself alike to Peter. How many times has God tried to get my attention, and I just nod my head and say "Sure God, whatever... you know how I feel... I'm already on board" But because He loves me, God continues to pursue me. I am convicted in my own complacency of faith in the times I don't feel the true dimension of what I am agreeing with. How trivial I make the call of the Spirit when I don't acknowledge the greatness I am joining. The blood of Christ requires complete devotion, every day, with each call, and to this I pledge my undivided attention.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Something New
Well, I guess my friends are wondering about my life and what's going on so I figured I'd better update my blog. I just hate checking other blogs to find they haven't been updated in over a month, so goes my life! Always time to read, never time to write.
The kids are doing well. Our oldest is in first grade, still adjusting to all day school. I think there is a lot of seat work that she is not used to, and she is a very active girl. I understand that she needs to be aware there is time for quiet and time for play, but it is hard to communicate that to a six year old. She seems to have a lot of friends and does well with her work. I think it is good for her to be away from home for a while, but I miss her all day.
Our son is a great kid. Everyone who meets him says so, so it's not just his Mom bragging on him. He is easily entertained, cooperative and is excited about anything (sounds like his older sister!) Everyone in his preschool class knows him, and his teachers go out of their way to hug him goodbye at the end of the day.
The baby is smart. She talks a lot and has the patience to figure out things if she wants to. She would probably toilet train by two, if I'd devote the time. I am still in awe at how fast she is growing. I think I'll have my work cut out for me on this one.
Dan's work is going well. I'm amazed he can be at home with us all the time and still provide for us. What an incredible blessing for our children that they have Daddy around anytime they need him.
We are so blessed with our beautiful home and wonderful friends here in AZ. If you are ever in the area, please stop by and have some tea and cake, our house is always open for you!
The kids are doing well. Our oldest is in first grade, still adjusting to all day school. I think there is a lot of seat work that she is not used to, and she is a very active girl. I understand that she needs to be aware there is time for quiet and time for play, but it is hard to communicate that to a six year old. She seems to have a lot of friends and does well with her work. I think it is good for her to be away from home for a while, but I miss her all day.
Our son is a great kid. Everyone who meets him says so, so it's not just his Mom bragging on him. He is easily entertained, cooperative and is excited about anything (sounds like his older sister!) Everyone in his preschool class knows him, and his teachers go out of their way to hug him goodbye at the end of the day.
The baby is smart. She talks a lot and has the patience to figure out things if she wants to. She would probably toilet train by two, if I'd devote the time. I am still in awe at how fast she is growing. I think I'll have my work cut out for me on this one.
Dan's work is going well. I'm amazed he can be at home with us all the time and still provide for us. What an incredible blessing for our children that they have Daddy around anytime they need him.
We are so blessed with our beautiful home and wonderful friends here in AZ. If you are ever in the area, please stop by and have some tea and cake, our house is always open for you!
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Christmas is Coming Soon
Ok, so not really that soon, but I love just thinking about the Holiday season approaching. My favorite time of year is the weekend before Thanksgiving all the way through the month of December. In fact, I build up the Christmas experience so much that I usually go through a mild depression after New Year's day. I love the decorations, the shopping, the food, the music, the family, the Savior. Since I usually have my gifts purchased by Oct 1, I really get to enjoy the season with my family and friends. Christmas and Thanksgiving are a special time for my family and I'll love doing more this year with our Church family as we have so many dear friends in our town.
It's tough living in the southwest during the fall because there isn't a change of seasons to mark the way to Christmas. I've often said southern California has two seasons: "Summer" and "not Summer". Arizona has two seasons as well: "what summer is everywhere else" and "you have got to be kidding me".
In my vain attempt to get in some kind of a mood for fall, I've changed my bedroom linens, put out new fall-colored table linens, and changed my fake plants to dried leaves and flowers. If nothing else, it's at least something new to look at as I try to convince myself it won't always be 100 degrees outside!
I hope I've inspired you to think a little about the holidays, I can't wait.
Seasons Greetings!
It's tough living in the southwest during the fall because there isn't a change of seasons to mark the way to Christmas. I've often said southern California has two seasons: "Summer" and "not Summer". Arizona has two seasons as well: "what summer is everywhere else" and "you have got to be kidding me".
In my vain attempt to get in some kind of a mood for fall, I've changed my bedroom linens, put out new fall-colored table linens, and changed my fake plants to dried leaves and flowers. If nothing else, it's at least something new to look at as I try to convince myself it won't always be 100 degrees outside!
I hope I've inspired you to think a little about the holidays, I can't wait.
Seasons Greetings!
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