ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS

As a small child I sang the song, “Onward Christian Soldiers.” I pictured in my mind, machine guns, mortars and perhaps a plane or two dropping bombs like was performed on the movies I watched in black and white on TV. I didn’t as a small girl know people faced death or became martyrs for Christ.  I lived in the safety net of my mother and father, my church and United States, who allowed freedom of worship.

How would you like to face the possibility of death, watching your love ones hacked to death or gun downed because you attend church? Unfortunately, I held anger against the perpetrators and yes, maybe hatred towards these people who wish to destroy Christianity. Yet, Jesus didn’t teach this. He said in Matthew 5:44 “I say this to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Times are changing and have changed. Today in church I listened to a young woman, a spokesperson for our district from Voice of the Martyrs, discuss but a few for want of time talk about the murders of Christians taking place every day.  A young, African girl described how her parents were gunned down in their church by men. She said, she knew she’d see her parents in heaven.

A man, Max, described how his church family in Columbia were riding in a bus and taken hostage by a gang of terrorists. The group ranging from young to old, lined up according to the instructions of the terrorist and were shot. Max survived after receiving two gun shots. Today, the person who shot him and murdered those blessed saints because Max believed in what Jesus taught him, is now a Christian. After all Jesus is our example. When he hung on the cross He asked God to forgive those who persecuted Him and said, they know not what they do.

Here is another example of a Godly man who lost his life for the glory of Christ. Pastor Lawrence Kazungu Kadenge murdered on February 2, 2014 while guarding the Glory of Ministries Church in Momboasa. He was murdered for preaching the gospel too close to a mosque. He left behind his widow and thirteen children. The mosque is believed to recruiting Islamic expremists for Somalias al-habaab terrorist organization. An alteracation occurred between the youths wielding daggers and the police returned fire when a policeman and a young man was killed. The Mombasa’s pastors fear for their lives because they have received threatening text messages alluding to the fact, they are next if they continue to preach the gospel. Kenya is listed as 40^th on Open Doors World Watch List of the 50 most persecuted nations. In which the persecution comes from Islamic extremists, especially al-Shabaab or at-Shaabab-inspired groups.

http://www.worldwatchmonitor.org/2014/01/2991603/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

　

Another atrocity occurred when Charles Mathole, a leader of Mombasa’s Redeemer Gosphel Church in Mtopanga was found dead on October 20, shot in the head with the Bible in his lap.

On October 21, Bishop Wilfred Lai, Chiarman of the Mombasa Church Forum stated, “that no attack on Christians or their church leader sill deter us from our way of worship and our freedom of religion. To the perpetrators of these heinous attacts, we hereby state that we ill not be intimidated and will continue to worship our Lord in our churches.”

http://www.worldwatchmonitor.org/2013/10/2779656/

Kenya has a Christian majority of 85% and has little history of interfaith tensions. However, in the past recent years persecution has occurred.

Each of these examples touched my heart. Tears fell as I read about these beautiful men for Christ who lost their lives.

I wonder if the church of this country meaning Christians those who attend church and those who don’t attend church but claim they’re Christians would be willing to give up their lives in the name of Jesus. I wonder if those who claim to be Christians and believe they are going to heaven because of their good works would stand up to receive a bullet or watch their son or daughter chopped to death in the name of Jesus?

Wake up my friends, easy street is fast coming to an end in this country. Our freedom to worship without persecution is under attack. We too are going to face persecution the same as my brothers and sisters across the world.

Please pray for the persecuted Christians across the world. Please pray for the families of those murdered and the church members.

For Voice Martyrs web site this is their web address if interested.

<https://www.persecution.com/&gt;

Jesus said “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23

God bless you all. Remember Jesus is coming soon. Are you ready? Have you asked Him to come into your heart?  I John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is able and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Ask and you will receive forgiveness no matter what you have done. Your slate will be wiped clean. It is through his blood we are cleansed. Accept the gift and believe. sle

　

　

　

　

UNITED STATES AND ITS LOSS OF FREEDOM

Today our freedom is dissolving away as quickly as a block of ice does on a hot day.  When President Obama took office in 2009 our nation’s index was listed as 6^th. Our country is the only nation to have recorded a loss for seven years straight. Would you fight to regain the freedom lost like those in the Ukraine or shed your blood like them or as our forefathers did?

WHAT IS MEANT BY ECONOMIC FREEDOM INDEX?

We suffered a loss in property rights, freedom from corruption, and control of government spending. The areas of finance and healthy care have eroded our freedom. We didn’t vote on Obama Care, but the Democrats pushed through this national health care system without even reading the blasted thing. Would it become the law of the land if we had the opportunity to read it and vote on it? I don’t know, but I think anything affecting us to the extent this law does should have been voted on. Also, the growth of the government and increased cronyisms has undermined the rule of the law and the perception of fairness.

Between 2001 and 2013 federal outlays jumped from $1.86 trillion to $3.80 trillion an increase of 104% or about 8% per year.

Federal Government spends now 23% of GDP.

As the government increases in size so does dependency on the government increase. Today, there are 21.8% dependent on the government according to the Heritage Foundation.

http://blog.heritage.org/2013/01/10/morning-bell-see-americas-ranking-in-the-2013-index-of-economic-freedom/

Ronald Regan stated, “There is a threat posed to human freedom by the enormous power of the modern state,” he said in 1982. “History teaches the dangers of government that overreaches: political control taking precedence over free economic growth, secret police, mindless bureaucracy, all combining to stifle individual excellence and personal.”

Because of the Affordable Care Act, the government is going to reduce Medicare Advantage in 2015 in which millions of the aged belong to. According to Avalere Health, a Washington-based health policy firm estimates that at least 13% of the plans will be eliminated as a result of the cuts.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/scottgottlieb/2014/01/06/more-cuts-in-store-for-medicare-plans-heres-the-options-that-will-shrink-most-for-seniors/

Prior to this, Obama stole $716 billion from Medicare. This is the reason for the so called Death Panel. Since the end of 2013, no one over the age of 75 and who is dependent on Medicare will be able to receive stint surgeries or bypass surgeries. Besides, if an emergency arises after hospital hours and on the weekend and the board can’t be notified; those people in this age bracket will either suffer or die before consent is obtained. 

http://www.atr.org/obama-loots-billion-medicare-a7135　

BIG UNIONS

Here are some other contributing factors to the erosion of our freedom.  Believe it or not, China’s unions are strong and so is Russia’s union siding with the government whenever its workers face a conflict. One example of unions in our country at work is the workers of the Volkswagen company denied UAW access into their company. Yet, the UAW because it was refused into a foreign, owned automobile manufacturing company is taking Volkswagon to court. I believe unions undermine pride in one’s work-the backbone of this country. The few times I worked with union laborers, I noticed a pathetic lack of care. To me their attitude consisted of “I can’t be fired.” Consequently, everyone who worked with them and received their slovenly work suffered. They undermine freedom in our country of the american worker.

Today, the workers in Detroit who made large sums of money suffer from not having a paycheck. Whereas, the workers in Mexico reap the benefit and so does the company, A win-win for both the employee and the employer.  Long ago, my dad spoke against unions and stated they had seen their day and served their purpose. I agree with him.

ENVIRONMENTALISTS

Have also played a role in the decrease of our freedom. Today, farmers no longer can grow food because of their land becoming zoned as an environmental free zone. The rise of beef and food products are the results of environmentalists.  Our taxes on gas are supposed to help with green energy. Baa humbug! Osama’s attempt to fund green energy is a wash. Besides this China which is the world’s greatest contributor to ozone pollution displays no desire to slow down.

On top of this semi truckers are facing and the small companies are facing great expenses to meet the demands of the federal government.

To me, this does not sound like a democratic country. A government with all its regulations and laws squeaks and stinks like it is a Socialistic company.  

Here is the list of countries that have a freer Freedom index than we do.

The Most Free

1. Hong Kong
2. Singapore
3. Australia
4. Switzerland
5. New Zealand
6. Canada
7. Chile
8. Mauritius
9. Ireland

10. Denmark

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/01/14/u-s-fails-to-crack-annual-top-10-list-of-economically-free-countries/ 

Estonia is No. 11, just ahead of the United States, and Bahrain is No. 13, just behind us. (Bahrain’s relatively high rank among the 178 nations in the Index reinforces that it measures economic freedom.)

The problem I see with all of this is none one of us have ever stood up and said, “Enough!” We’ve allowed for public officials to yap away and about their indignation of what Obama or the democrats have done, but no action has occurred. There’s an old clique, “Birds of a feather fly together.

Can we take America back out of the hands of people with either evil intent or desire to pad their pockets as our nations falters? Is it too late? I don’t know? What do you think?

Please remember God is in control. We can pray for this country to return to the land our forefathers envisioned and not the Socialistic country so many politicians strive to mold our country into becoming. Who is greater? God is.

Remember Jesus saves and because He died on the cross, we have salvation. This is all of us. No sin is greater than the other one. He died and rose again. He lives and wishes to take an active role in our lives. Remember John 3:16.

God Bless you all. sle

ATTENTION DOG LOVERS AND OTHERS – WE NEED HELP

Good day followers and others! We are desperate and need help. This is our Rocky! My husband and I are facing a dilemma with our dog, Rocky. His picture is up above. I was bit last night when a piece of onion fell on the floor and our little guy thought he should have the morsel. I placed my foot on the onion, knowing onions aren’t good for little 4-leggeds as well as big 4-leggeds, and he lunged at my toes with his teeth creating a big hurt.

He turns two-years-old in May.

Needless to say, Rocky saw the pen all night long, and I only allowed him to go outside to potty. The next day I set up new rules. Any type of aggressive behavior Rocky would serve jail time in the pen for unacceptable behavior.  He no longer is allowed to be hanging around when we eat. To the pen he goes. He no longer is able to wander in the kitchen when I’m cooking.

He did view the world behind bars quite a few times after the incident. This is not the first time either my husband or I have found Rocky’s teeth imprints on our hands or feet.

We think some of this behavior stems back to his puppy hood. My friend brought her grandchildren over to visit us.  They were all I think in school at the time. I figured Rocky didn’t face any danger with these children, so I gave my attention to my friend. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed one of her granddaughters throwing Rocky in the air like he was a ball. I couldn’t believe their actions. The night of this incident all this puppy did was cry every time he moved. We, meaning my daughter and I because my husband was out of town, visited the vet who gave him an injection. He told me, he didn’t really find anything wrong with Rocky. Rocky quit eating and drinking and twice he had IV fluids. I coaxed him using sugar water to drink and fed him chicken. One little piece at a time.

Another problem, we didn’t realize is we took our puppy home at six weeks. We later read puppies need to stay with their mother until at least seven or eight weeks. When we came to pick Rocky up, he was isolated by the other puppies. He was apathetic, but his brothers pranced and danced around my feet wanting to get picked up.

I believe he became aggressive after we moved to MA. Maybe he was six months old. I don’t really recall. We didn’t have him neutered because we found out once again my husband’s company closed its door.  We moved back to Florida. He was neutered shortly there after. The vet told us his aggressive actions would calm down. Not! He continued with the same behavior.

I want to let you know our dog is like Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. He can one minute be licking your hand and the next minute growl or give the evil eye, “Leave me the heck alone.”

The vet suggested we take him to obedience training. Well, he became bored with this and decided he wanted to watch the other dogs. He is not dumb. He is easy to train. He performs many tricks which I taught him.

 

We followed two suggestions to no avail. One person told us to pick up Rocky by the scuff of his neck off the floor and when he began to cry, drop him. First, of all I couldn’t do this to him. Second, of all, we would have received numerous bites.

For some of you, I realize you might tell us to get rid of the dog. We love him and won’t get rid of him. There are many things we delight in this dog to “Wild Boy” play when he runs through the house like crazy with ears flying back and his little tongue hanging out. His yelps and little tail waggin’ when we arrive home. His always having and wanting to touch us when we are sitting. He is adorable.

Another problem we experience with Rocky is when he barks. He barks at any animal on TV and unfortunately, any African American man. He is prejudice. We are not and never have been prejudice. He loves men vs. women and loves to hang out with them. Why, I don’t know. He was raised in his early puppy years by a woman. We tried sprays of water from the water bottle which reads, “Rocky’s barking bottle.” This didn’t work.

Okay, dog lovers here’s the question. Do any of you have advice for us and our little guy? Please no crank things such as something which would hurt our dog. IT’S NOT HAPPENING!!

I hope someone sends me some suggestions. Thank you in advance. By the way, we can’t afford expensive procedures. Take care. God bless you. sle    

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

BABY BOOMERS – THE VECRO GROUP

I recently read with interest and with concern that Baby Boomers are one of the largest groups who are committing suicide. Let me define who are baby boomers

BABY BOOMERS were born from 1945 to 1964. This means my friends, my acquaintances and at one time the people I rubbed shoulders with at work.　

Here are some of the reasons given for suicides. We are Velcro group for many of us nothing stuck whatever our plans were as young people and as adults. Disillusion of what and how our life would turn out gave us despair.

1.  Loss of job and companies closings.

I remember when husband’s company closed in  Bradenton due to the main company found pouring chemicals into the sewer. From then on, we faced nothing but company closures and lay offs. Our hopes would soar as he became gainfully employed. Then our hearts dropped when his employment fell through. This took a great adjustment financially and emotionally.

2. Loss of homes.

The next to last job my husband’s corporation closed the branch company where he worked. We watched our hopes of retirement into an comfortable home in Northern Florida become shattered. This devastated us.

3,  Lack of family unity

Because my husband and I are in a second marriage, and we all faced many problems during my children’s and teen years, we despite my wishes never became close.  I swore as a young adult I’d never become like my mother where we, her children grew to be strangers. Yet, before my eyes this very thing happened.

4.  A youth oriented society

I decided to go back to school and obtain my BA degree at fifty. Yet, I found once I graduated from college a resistence to finding an occupation in my chosen field. We were always been told from the time I was a young person nothing can stop you but you.

5.  Disability and infirments

These are things my husband and I never considered. I have a laundry list of problems. Some of the problems Baby Boomers face are hypertension, obesity, depression.  Yes, I’ll admit during these times of stress I mourned the lack of jobs, financial security, loss of our home, relocation, saying goodbye to friends made, and oh so many disappointments. I haven’t been so sadden when I watched my husband waste away. He went through nine doctors and finally we found the reason for his illness. However, all of the doctors visits, hospitalization, diagnostic tests, depleted the little nest egg we saved once again for our retirement home, Again grief over loss.

6.  Over use opiates and substances such alcohol and illegal drugs.

I believe this started with the glorification of the flower children and Beatles and many of the famous rock groups of the day.

7.  I’ll group this into one. Vietnam Veterans and their lack of acceptance by their country as well as their illnesses attributed to fighting a war along with the spraying of Agent Orange and their consumption of drugs.

We have the feminists who were promises never added up. Many of  the women lost home, husband and family because they were married to their jobs.

There are all types of examples found in the internet. We had a friend who ran an successful business as a ophthalmologists who suffered from depression. The couple faced the lost of their home because of financial bills, and this man couldn’t deal with the burden. He jumped from a bridge into a dry river. He died instantly.  What a loss. What a tragedy. A wife without a husband and pregnant, and a little girl who worshipped her daddy.

As I read page after page of the reasons suggesting for the escalation of suicides never once did I see an solution to the problem.

SOLUTION TO WHAT WE SUFFER AS BABY BOOMERS

What I’m saying God-Jesus is the answer for our strength as we weathered each of the storms or sometimes many storms at the same time. He was and is our anchor. I don’t know the reason why we suffered each of these upsets in life, but we did.

For me the only way to survive these rough days ahead of us with a government who seems to not care about its citizens with a society who worship youth and a world which is all about the “me”, the only answer is Jesus.  Jesus died for you and me. He is coming again. All we have to do is ask him to come into our lives to forgive us. He wants to be our friend, our God. I hope you decide to accept Him into your life. Read John 3:16 and know He loves you. This is the reason for His dying on the cross.

God bless you all. sle 

　

    

 

  

　

Bible Verses For The Soul- Song of Songs A Book Of Love

First of all folks, I apologize for not blogging. I’m attempting to determine the number of blogs I can post.  Continue to incorporate the critiques of my novel as well as take a writing short story class and produce a good worth while to read without errors, blog. I’ve decided to continue to post blogs on the Bible as well as blog my normal blog about the events of the day and possibly incorporate a personal blog regarding my struggles as a writer from the beginning until now.

I must say how about those Sea Hawks. I yelled and screamed, and we munched on our snacks. They won, Hooray! 

February is the month of love, and I decided what a better way to blog about but in the book of love, Song of Songs by Solomon.　

Song of Songs Chapter 1

1 This is Solomon’s Song of Songs, more wonderful than any other.

Young Woman

2 Kiss me and kiss me again,
for your love is sweeter than wine.
3 How fragrant your cologne;
your name is like its spreading fragrance.
No wonder all the young women love you!
4 Take me with you; come, let’s run!
The king has brought me into his bedroom.

Young Women of Jerusalem

How happy we are for you, O king.
We praise your love even more than wine.

Young Woman

How right they are to adore you.

5 I am dark but beautiful,
O women of Jerusalem-
dark as the tents of Kedar,
dark as the curtains of Solomon’s tents.
6 Don’t stare at me because I am dark-
the sun has darkened my skin.
My brothers were angry with me;
they forced me to care for their vineyards,
so I couldn’t care for myself-my own vineyard.

7 Tell me, my love, where are you leading your flock today?
Where will you rest your sheep at noon?
For why should I wander like a prostitute
among your friends and their flocks?

Young Man

8 If you don’t know, O most beautiful woman,
follow the trail of my flock,
and graze your young goats by the shepherds’ tents.
9 You are as exciting, my darling,
as a mare among Pharaoh’s stallions.
10 How lovely are your cheeks;
your earrings set them afire!
How lovely is your neck,
enhanced by a string of jewels.
11 We will make for you earrings of gold
and beads of silver.

Young Woman

12 The king is lying on his couch,
enchanted by the fragrance of my perfume.
13 My lover is like a sachet of myrrh
lying between my breasts.
14 He is like a bouquet of sweet henna blossoms
from the vineyards of En-gedi.

Young Man

15 How beautiful you are, my darling,
how beautiful!
Your eyes are like doves.

Young Woman

16 You are so handsome, my love,
pleasing beyond words!
The soft grass is our bed;
17 fragrant cedar branches are the beams of our house,
and pleasant smelling firs are the rafters.

Footnotes: 

The headings identifying the speakers are not in the original text, though the Hebrew usually gives clues by means of the

<http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Song+of+Solomon+1&version=NLT&gt;

When I first read this chapter I became awe struck  by the words of love which flowed between the two lovers. How beautiful. They delighted in each other. How many of you who are in a relationship or were in a relationship felt this way about you husband or love one. After almost thirty-eight years of marriage, for me to know my husband is sitting watching TV in the front room brings me pleasure. I love his presence. The sound of his voice warms my heart. I love his kisses and his hugs. I respect him. We are growing older now. The wrinkles are plentiful, the hair is thinner, and no longer is my figure curvaceous as it once was. Yet, we love each other more than the first day we fell in love.

The chapter describes the imagination of each other’s touch. We are reminded God made us all alike. It doesn’t matter what era we came from. This young maiden faces the insecurities we women face today. “Am I pretty enough. Will he love me if he know and sees this about me?”  The young maiden doesn’t realize her lover accepts her for herself. As Jesus accepts us for who we are.

In some respects we can compare this relationship to Jesus and our relationship. In Matt. 5:13-16 He spoke on The Sermon on the Mount and described we Christians are the salt of the earth. Without us, the world loses the understanding of what is right and wrong. Jesus continues and describes the salt which has lost its flavor. What good is it? No longer does the salt provide taste, so we throw the stuff away.  The Christian who can’t be distinguished from the world loses their flavor. The issues of the day which seem to keep popping up are abortion, living together, gay rights, and slowly euthanasia is gaining attention, and pedophilia is no longer frowned upon by a growing number in the world. These things are totally against God’s laws. Jesus describes us as the light of the world. Without us, darkness will exist. I shudder to think about an earth where no Christians exist. His great commission is vs. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and gorify your Father which is in heaven.

In ancient times, salt was a precious commodity. It was used as money to trade for things. The Romans paid with salt. This is maybe where the old clique comes from.” They’re worth their salt.”

Let me tell you what Jesus did for me as a small child. He took a little, scared four-year-old who found herself moving from one foster home to another and placed her into the welcoming arms of a couple named David and Lois Evans. Little did any of us know my dad was Welsh and so was my birth father. My mother was Swedish and my birth mother was Norwegian.  My parents raised my up in a Swedish Baptist church, and I experienced the culture. How fortunate and blessed could I be?  Do I find fault with God because I wasn’t raised up with my biological family. The answer is no. My God knows everything, and He knew what was best for this person now grown and old. He still knows what is best for me. I did meet my birth mother and siblings. My birth mother has since passed away, but at least, I got to see her. I still am contact with my brothers and sisters and love them dearly. I  have a brother whom I was raised up with, and we share a lot of family experiences together. I love him as well. So, all told I have three brothers and one sister. One of my biological unfortunately passed away in her early sixties, but not until I met her.

If you do not know who Jesus is, I hope you accept Him before it is too late. God bless you. Remember Jesus died on the cross for you and me and rose again.  John 3:16  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have ever lasting life.  CONFESS your sins-Repent. ASK Jesus to come into your life.  ACCEPT the gift. TELL someone you accepted Christ into your live. ATTEND a church that preaches the Bible from cover to cover. Take care. sle 

KIDS SAY THE DARNEST THINGS – LAUGHTER FOR THE SOUL

Hello, everyone! Since this next month centers on love, courtship and couples. I thought I’d give you a few laughs and smiles. Here’s what our children think about courtship and marrigage.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU FALL IN LOVE?

“I think you’re supposed to get shot with an arrow or something, but the rest of it isn’t supposed to be so painful.” — Manuel, age 8

WHEN DO YOU THINK YOU MIGHT GET MARRIED?

“Once I’m done with kindergarten, I’m going to find me a wife.” — Tom, age 5

“[Being] single is better . . . for the simple reason that I wouldn’t want to change no diapers. Of course, if I did get married, I’d figure something out. I’d just phone my mother and have her come over for some coffee and diaper-changing.” — Kirsten, age 10

WHAT KIND OF MAN DO YOU WANT TO MARRY?

“My mother says to look for a man who is kind. That’s what I’ll do. I’ll find somebody who’s kinda tall and handsome.” — Carolyn, age 8

WHAT ABOUT MARRIAGE?

“It gives me a headache to think about that stuff. I’m just a kid. I don’t need that kind of trouble.” — Kenny, age 7

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A MAN PROPOSES TO HIS GIRLFRIEND?

“When somebody’s been dating for a while, the boy might propose to the girl. He says to her, ‘I’ll take you for a whole life, or at least until we have kids and get divorced.'” — Anita, 9

WHAT ABOUT FINDING A HUSBAND?

Most men are brainless, so you might have to try more than once to find a live one.” — Angie, age 10

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT LOVE?

“Love is foolish…but I still might try it sometime.” — Floyd, age 9

“I’m not rushing into being in love. I’m finding fourth grade hard enough.” — Regina, age 10

“Love will find you, even if you are trying to hide from it. I been trying to hide from it since I was five, but the girls keep finding me.” — Dave, age 8

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT KISSING?

“Never kiss in front of other people. It’s a big embarrassing thing if anybody sees you. But if nobody sees you, I might be willing to try it with a handsome boy, but just for a few hours.” — Kally, age 9

“It’s never okay to kiss a boy. They always slobber all over you. That’s why I stopped doing it.” — Tammy, age 10

“I know one reason kissing was created. It makes you feel warm all over, and they didn’t always have electric heat or fireplaces or even stoves in their houses.” — Gina, age 8

(on seeing a couple kissing) “He is trying to steal her chewing gum!” — Boy, age 6

THE GREAT DEBATE: IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?

“It’s better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need somebody to clean up after them!” (Lynette, 9) 

“It gives me a headache to think about that stuff. I’m just a kid. I don’t need that kind of trouble.” (Kenny, 7)

CONCERNING WHY LOVE HAPPENS BETWEEN TWO PARTICULAR PEOPLE

“No one is sure why it happens, but I heard it has something to do with how you smell. That’s why perfume and deodorant are so popular.” (Jan, 9) 

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF TWO ADULTS EATING DINNER AT A RESTAURANT ARE IN LOVE?

“Just see if the man picks up the check. That’s how you can tell if he’s
in love.” (John, 9)

“Lovers will just be staring at each other and their food will get cold. Other people care more about the food.” (Brad, 8) 

“It’s love if they order one of those desserts that are on fire. They like to order those because it’s just like how their hearts are.. on fire.”
(Christine, 9)

HOW TO MAKE LOVE ENDURE?

“Spend most of your time loving instead of going to work.” (Tom, 7) 

“Don’t forget your wife’s name…That will mess up the love.” (Roger,8) 

“Be a good kisser. It might make your wife forget that you never take out the trash.” (Randy, 8)

I can’t believe how smart our children are. When I was the age of these children, I knew nothing about love, marriage or kissing.  On second thought, I did have a boyfriend kiss me under the porch. Also, around eight or nine, the same boy told me, “I’ll show you my pee pee if you show me your pee pee.” I thought for a moment, “Okay” and giggled. He pulled down his pants and I looked. I think I said, “Oh my goodness,” and scurried out from underneath the porch.  This ended the boyfriend and girlfriend thing. Again in fifth grade, a boy named Dennis and I used to walk home from school holding hands. Not until I reached sixth grade and the girls and boys were each divided to view a movie on the “birds and the bees,”  did I learn anything about how babies were born.

Take care. Remember Jesus is our creator. If you don’t know him, CONFESS your sins. REPENT. ASK Jesus to come into your life. He will. ACCEPT the gift. TELL someone you are now a Christian. ATTEND a church that believes in the Bible from cover to cover. John 3:16 “For God so loved the World that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have ever lasting life.”

My next blog is tomorrow, January 31  on Bible Verses Food For the Soul and on Sunday, February 2, my usual blog. God bless you each and everyone of you. sle 

　

 

　

　

SNACK RECIPES FOR SUPER BOWL SUNDAY PLUS THE MENU FOR THE DAY

 

Well good Super Bowl Week to all of you. As I promised here are th snacks I’m serving for Super Bowl Sunday. Here is the menu. Best Ever Chili For Super Bowl Sunday or Anytime and Mini Man Burgers. For snacks, Tasty Guacamole with Home Made Corn Tortilla Chips, and Daisy Potato Skins. For dessert, I’m going to serve my Absolutely Divine Brownies. I hope you all try one of these if not all of these and let me know if you like these recipes or not. Until then, GO SEAHAWKS!!!

TASTY GUACAMOLE

When choosing your avocados choose ones that are blemish free and have a slight give when squeezed lightly. There are so many different varieties in which color is not a good indication. Sure this has a lot of fat in it, but it’s the good fat that our bodies need to keep are skin supple and our joints lubricated.

If you think you’ll have leftovers, safe the avocado pits and store them in the same container with the leftovers — that will keep it from discoloring & turning black.

If you want your guacamole super-chunky, blend & mix all the other ingredients first, then add the chopped avocados last. That way they will hold their shape better.

Another added suggestion is to use chopped jalapeno according to your taste. Make sure you remove the seeds and wear gloves as you cut them up. Wash your utensils used with hot sudsy water.

Either buy avocadoes in advance, or find a grocery store with a good Spanish-Latino cooking section. You won’t be putting up with slimy cilantro or rock hard avocados. What my husband taught me if you can’t find any ripe avocados, pick three of them and wrap paper around them. Place them in a darkened area like in a drawer, If you buy them today or tomorrow, they should be ready to be unwrapped by Saturday. Take off the paper and leave them open to air until ready for use. DELICIOUS!

INGREDIENTS

3/4 tsp ground cumin 3 avocados – peeled, pitted, and mashed  2 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced (You can use any type of tomatoes if desired. )

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 pinch ground cayenne pepper (optional)

1 lime, juiced

1/2 teaspoon salt or according to taste

1/2 cup diced onion . (You can use green onions or other types of onions according to your taste.)

3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro(We love the taste of cilantro, so we always add more,)

DIRECTIONS

In a medium bowl, mash together the avocados, lime juice, and salt.

Mix in onion, cilantro, tomatoes, and garlic.

Stir in cayenne pepper. Refrigerate 1 hour for best flavor, or serve immediately. GET READY TO EAT AWAY.

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You only need three stapled to make these absolutely scrumptious chips. They are oil, corn tortillas and salt. The chips are the most wonderful, fresh, crunchy, perfectly golden, tortillas. In fact, if you are cooking light, you don’t even need oil. So there’s no excuse not to make them, only every ounce of will power I possess.

There are three basic ways that we make homemade tortilla chips around here. The first is the classic way, fried in a little oil. The second is to bake them in the oven. The third is to bake them in the microwave. Fried in oil tastes the best (of course), but if we are in the mood for cutting back on calories, we’ll bake them. 

Homemade Tortilla Chips

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Yield:

1 dozen tortillas yields 72 chips. You’ll need oil if you are frying the chips. If you are baking or microwaving, all you need are the tortillas and salt.

INGREDIENTS

About 3/4 to 1 cup canola, grape seed, or corn oil (a high smoke point oil), more or less depending on how many chips you are making Corn tortillas (get the standard kind, not the super fancy kind), each tortilla will make 6 chips, 12 tortillas will yield 72 chips, a good snack for 2 to 3 people.

Kosher salt

The tortilla chips will fry better if they are a bit dried out first. Either leave the whole tortillas out overnight, exposed to air so they are stale the next day, or dry them out a bit in the oven or microwave.

To dry them in the oven, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in a 350°F for 5 minutes or a 200°F oven for 10 minutes. Or lay them out in a single layer (working in batches) on a paper towel in a microwave oven and microwave them for 20 to 60 seconds, depending on how strong your microwave is and how many tortillas you are drying. You don’t want them crisp at this point, just as dry as they would be if you left them out overnight.

1. Cut each tortilla into 6 triangle shaped wedges.

2. Pour oil into a medium skillet to a depth of 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch. (Make sure you are working with a completely dry pan or the oil will sputter as it heats.)

Heat the oil on medium high heat until a small piece of tortilla placed in the oil sizzles, about 350°F. (This is where an infrared thermometer comes in handy!) Do not allow the oil to get so hot that it smokes. (If that happens, move the pan off the heat immediately.)

3 Place a paper towel onto a large plate and have several other paper towels ready. Place a handful of tortilla triangles into the hot oil, in a single layer. Use metal tongs or a metal slotted spoon to distribute the tortilla triangles so that they aren’t overlapping and so that all sides get coated with oil.

Fry for approximately 2 minutes until the chips just begin to color and they are firm, no longer pliable.

Use tongs or a slotted spoon remove the chips from the oil to the paper-towel-lined plate. Sprinkle with salt. Place another paper towel over the top of the chips to be ready for the next batch. Note that as soon as you put the tortilla triangles into the hot oil, because you are working with such a small volume of oil, the oil temperature will lower. Usually I compensate for this by increasing the heat to high. And as soon as the chips begin to color, reduce the heat to low, so the oil doesn’t overheat in between batches of chips. Continue to cook the chips, working in batches, placing the freshly fried chips over a new layer of paper towel each time, and sprinkling with salt. When the chips are all fried, pat any excess oil from them with a fresh paper towel, and eat! These chips are best freshly made.

Baked Tortilla Chips

 Pre heat oven to 350°F.

1.Cut the tortillas into wedges

2 Spread the tortilla wedges out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake the tortilla wedges for about 6 minutes, then use tongs to turn the wedges over. Sprinkle with a little salt, and bake for another 6 to 9 minutes, until they are just beginning to color. Remove from the oven and let cool. Sprinkle with more salt to serve.

Microwave Tortilla Chips

1 Cut the tortillas into wedges.

2 Line your microwave oven with a paper towel. Working in batches if necessary, spread the tortilla wedges over the paper towel in a single layer, with an inch or so between the wedges. Microwave until the tortilla chips are crispy, but not burnt. The time will vary depending on the strength of your microwave and how many tortillas you are cooking. In many microwaves, it’s about a little less than 1 minute per tortilla. But start at half of that and add time as needed. Sprinkle with salt to serve.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Make your own baked potato skins–these are buttery, cheesy, filled with bacon, and topped with a dollop of Daisy (I use whatever sour cream I have that might be on sell) and a sprinkle of chives!”(don’t use chives. I use green onions. I prefer them.

DAISY BRAND POTATO SKINS      Ready in 1 ½ hours

INGREDIENTS

6 small baking potatoes

2 tablespoons butter, melted

2 teaspoons seasoned salt

3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (If you don’t have it. The skins taste just as good without it.)

1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

3/4 cup Daisy Brand Sour Cream

2 teaspoons finely diced fresh chives

DIRECTIONS

1.Lightly grease the outside of potatoes, cut small slit in the top and bake at 425 degrees for 45 minute or until soft.

2. Let stand until cool enough to handle (about 15 minutes).

3.Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the cooked potato, leaving a very thin layer of potato. (Save the cooked potato for mashed potatoes or hash browns.)

4. Brush the outside and inside of skins with melted butter.

5. Sprinkle the inside with seasoned salt and Parmesan cheese.

6. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet.

7. Bake for 8 minutes or until crisp and bubbly.

8. Fill each with Cheddar cheese and bacon.

9. Bake 3 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

10.Top with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle of chives.

SOME ADDED SUGGESTIONS

You might have toleave it in the oven a little longer the second time (about 5 min) to get the skin crispy.

You can use some of the bacon grease to coat the potato inside and out (after scooping out the potato), and baked. Yes it’s more calories and fat, but there’s nothing healthy about it anyway. Use a measuring spoon to help scoop out the insides, works perfectly!

Also put melted butter inside the potato halves.

For some ovens one might need to bake at 450 for about 15 min to get crispy.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

I hope you have a wonderful Sunday eating, rooting for your favorite team. Remember, Jesus wants to be your friend and Savior. He died on the cross for you and me. If you have never asked Him to come into your life, all you have to do CONFESS your sins. REPENT. ACCEPT the gift. TELL someone you accepted him as your Savior. FIND a church that teaches the Bible from cover to cover. John 3:16 “For God so loved he world that He give His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have ever lasting life.” God Bless you, all. My next blog is going to be January 30, Thursday on Humor; January 31, Friday Bible Verses For The Soul and February 2, Sunday my normal blog. sle

Barack Obama – Lies Given to Americans Out Of Over 500+ Fibs & Growing

　

For me, I don’t know about you, I’m deeply distressed over the condition of our government and where my country is headed. I watch my countrymen demonstrate yet, some of them are like sheep lead astray marching to the slaughter. To date, Obama has lied to the Americans 537 times. I’m sure at the State of the Union Address, lies are going to fall out of his deceiving mouth. I’ve come to believe this man is nothing but a pathological liar.  I listed only a some of the lies he’s told. I don’t believe any other president has ever told more lies even when compared to Nixon and Clinton. Each one of these lies could be become a blog.

I’d like to hear what you have to say and what you think. To me it doesn’t matter if you agree to disagree. 

　

Sixteen months ago, a murderous assault took place at U.S. diplomatic outposts in Benghazi, Libya, resulting in the savage slayings of a U.S. ambassador and three other heroic Americans. Numerous hearings and investigations have taken place. Yet the national new media has failed to continue to print and publicize about those guilty of this deception except for a few news networks. Those not afraid to tell the truth.

A stunning report from CNN claims that three dozen CIA personnel were on the ground the night of the attacks — several, the network says, were seriously injured. All were “secretly evacuated” and have been kept hidden from congressional investigators ever since.

Adding to the mystery is the fact that these personnel must submit to monthly polygraph tests. Why? To ensure they’re not talking to the media or members of Congress.

Such secrecy and intrigue demands answers — especially considering the fact that four Americans were slaughtered.

How many lies can one president tell and still retain any credibility? What you are about to see is absolutely astounding. It is a long list of important promises that Barack Obama has broken since he has been president. There is not enough space in this little blot to cover them all. Here are a some of the lies, he’s told.

If he had only told a few lies, perhaps the American people would be willing to overlook that. After all, pretty much all of our politicians our liars. Unfortunately, many of the lies that Obama has told appear to have been quite cold-hearted in nature. For example, Barack Obama repeatedly made the promise that “you will be able to keep your health care plan <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpa-5JdCnmo&gt;” under Obamacare. But now we are learning that he knew that this was a lie all along. Not only that, the Democrats in Congress knew that this was a lie all along too. In fact, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a Democrat, said the following <http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/11/17/Gillibrand-we-all-knew&gt; when she was asked about Obama’s promise to the American people recently: “He should’ve just been specific. No, we all knew.”

#1<http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2009/06/15/obama-if-you-like-your-doctor-you-can-keep-your-doctor/&gt;

“If you like your doctor, you will be able to keep your doctor. Period. If you like your health care plan, you will be able to keep your health care plan. Period. No one will take it away. No matter what.” Well , many of you realize this isn’t true especially if you are one of those who received a slip from your doctor telling you they could no longer care for you.

#2  <http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/TransparencyandOpenGovernment/&gt;

“My administration is committed to creating an unprecedented level of openness in government.” Didn’t he say transparency. His administration is the most tightly kept administration. He uses social media extensively. Of course these are lies.

#3<http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-after-meeting-with-senate-democrats&gt;

“We agree on reforms that will finally reduce the costs of health care. Families will save on their premiums…” Well my when did this happen? Maybe for those on Medicaid. 

#4 http://www.theatlantic.com/daily-dish/archive/2007/11/-the-fierce-urgency-of-now/223719/“

I don’t want to pit Red America against Blue America. I want to be the president of the United States of America.” Oh my goodness when did this happen. This has not happened. He first blamed Bush for evreything going wrong in his government and now he blames the Republicans for everything gone wrong. The concept sounded great. He is not like Clinton who did cross the aisle from the Democrats to the Republicans. It is his will or none at all!

Read more at http://freedomoutpost.com/2013/11/list-23-famous-obama-quotes-turned-broken-promises-cold-hearted-lies/#Bm8vqkXatGd9igGk.99 <http://freedomoutpost.com/2013/11/list-23-famous-obama-quotes-turned-broken-promises-cold-hearted-lies/ \ Bm8vqkXatGd9igGk.99>

#5 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=85080&st=&st1=

“We’ve got shovel-ready projects all across the country that governors and mayors are pleading to fund. And the minute we can get those investments to the state level, jobs are going to be created.” Oh my, when did this happen? Our unemployment is highest its been since the 80’s.

#6 <http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=85788&st=million&st1=homeowners&gt;

“And we will pursue the housing plan I’m outlining today. And through this plan, we will help between 7 and 9 million families restructure or refinance their mortgages so they can afford-avoid foreclosure.” Hmm, from what I know the middle class continues to be squeezed more and more. Pretty soon, there will be no more squeezing. The middle class is going to disappear. I dare say most of those folks who lost their homes never did get a sure foot and had to say goodbye their home.

#7 <http://www.nationalreview.com/article/360617/obamacare-snake-oil-charles-c-w-cooke&gt;

“I will sign a universal health-care bill into law by the end of my first term as president that will cover every American and cut the cost of a typical family’s premium by up to $2,500 a year.” All I can say is LIAR!

#8 <http://www.mediaite.com/online/look-at-all-the-pretty-things-the-democrats-promised-in-2008-and-failed-to-deliver/&gt;

“We reject the use of national security letters to spy on citizens who are not suspected of a crime.” To some people Mr. Edward Snowden is a traitor, but to others he is a hero. I feel he is a hero. The turn coast in this country lie in the Obama administration. The pass Secretary of State, “What difference does it make, Hillary Clinton who married to Willy- Bill Clinton experienced a difficult time keeping his pecker in his pants during his presidency. He brought dishonor to the position. Then there is Eric Holder, Attorney General. From all accounts, he needs to have his butt in jail. We have Kathleen Selegelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services. By all accounts her butt should be in jail for Contempt of Congress and lying to the American public. Last but not least our wonderful Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel who insists on not allowing our men to speak of God to own a Bible in their lockers. Yet, the military is allowing Muslims to have facial hairs and carry prayer beads and wear turbans.

   

#9 <http://www.nationalreview.com/article/360617/obamacare-snake-oil-charles-c-w-cooke&gt;

“For people with insurance, the only impact of the health-care law is that their insurance is stronger, better, and more secure than it was before. Full stop. That’s it. They don’t have to worry about anything else.” You know what I have to say about this lie is Bull Crap.

#10 <http://dailycaller.com/2012/09/04/in-party-platform-democrats-soften-on-obamas-2007-promise-to-close-gitmo/&gt;

“We will close the detention camp in Guantanamo Bay, the location of so many of the worst constitutional abuses in recent years.” If I’m not mistaken we are fighting a war. All of those men unbeknownst to Obama are prisoners of war and should have been tried and convicted to face the firing squad. They are treated with kid gloves. For goodness sakes feed them pork seven days a week.

#11 <http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/obameter/promise/71/allow-imported-prescription-drugs/&gt;

“Allow Americans to buy their medicines from other developed countries if the drugs are safe and prices are lower outside the U.S.” According to the Prescription Drug Marketing Act of 1987, it is illegal for anyone other than the original manufacturer to bring prescription drugs into the country.

#12 <http://reason.com/blog/2012/08/23/look-at-all-the-civil-liberties-democrat&gt;

“We will revisit the Patriot Act and overturn constitutional executive decisions issued during the past eight years.” This is what the Patriot Act allows. Secret FBI and police searches of your home and office without your knowledge; secret government wiretaps on your phone, computer, and Internet activity; secret investigations of your bank records, credit cards, and other financial records; secret investigations of your library and book activities; secret examinations of your medical, travel and business records; freezing of funds and assets without prior notice or the right to appeal; the creation of secret “watch lists” that ban or restrict those named from air and other travel activities. 60 Minutes discovered that the list included the president of Bolivia, dead people, Sen. Ted Kennedy, Yusuf Islam (aka Cat Stevens), political activist Naomi Wolf and dozens of common American names like Robert Johnson and John Williams. This out-of-control list stands at 917,000 names as of March 1st, 2008 and, according to a report issued by the Inspector General of the Department of Justice, has grown by 20,000 a month. http://www.buddylogan.com/newlaws.html

Nov 10, 2013 – The Patriot Act would have been a nice reversal but, not only did that remain intact, Barack went and signed the National Defense Authorization

　

#13 <http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/obameter/promise/30/end-no-bid-contracts-above-25000/&gt;

“Will ensure that federal contracts over $25,000 are competitively bid.” Liar, liar pants on fire. Contracts are awarded to his cronies and to those who support him and paid large amounts of money towards his runs for president.

 

#14 <http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2012/03/will-democrats-strip-civil-liberties-from-their-2012-platform/254896/&gt;

“We reject sweeping claims of ‘inherent’ presidential power.” On a sunny day on a wednesday afternoon in Cleaveland, Ohio, the President announced his plans to act in total and utter disregard of the U.S. Constitution <http://www.heritage.org/initiatives/first-principles/primary-sources/the-constitution-of-the-us&gt; with his illegal appointment of Richard Cordray to serve as director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

It’s an astonishingly reckless exercise of executive authority that Heritage’s Todd Gaziano described <http://blog.heritage.org/2012/01/04/a-tyrannical-abuse-of-power-obama-attempts-to-appoint-cordray-to-cfpb/&gt; as a “tyrannical abuse of power.” Never before in the 100-plus years of precedent on the recess appointment power has a President taken such an action while the Senate was still in session. Yet notwithstanding that fact, President Obama yesterday decided that he would be the first.

Here’s why the President finds himself so far outside of constitutional bounds. Under Article II, section 2, clause 2 of the Constitution <http://www.heritage.org/initiatives/first-principles/primary-sources/the-constitution-of-the-us&gt;, the President has the power to fill vacancies that may happen during Senate recesses, as Gaziano writes <http://blog.heritage.org/2012/01/04/a-tyrannical-abuse-of-power-obama-attempts-to-appoint-cordray-to-cfpb/&gt;. In this case, President Obama was seeking to fill the vacancy in the CFPB, a new agency that has come under significant criticism <http://blog.heritage.org/2011/12/06/consumers-need-protection-from-consumer-protection-bureau/&gt; given its unparalleled powers <http://blog.heritage.org/2011/06/02/new-evidence-reveals-vast-powers-of-consumer-finance-bureau&gt; to issue expansive regulations with virtually no accountability <https://www.askheritage.org/how-is-president-obama-abusing-presidential-power/&gt;

On November, 2013 with a sweep of a pen, Obama now has control of climate change policies. This does not reflect all the abuses Obama has committed by using executive order as a guise to gain power.

#15 <http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/obameter/promise/24/end-income-tax-for-seniors-making-less-than/&gt;

“Will eliminate all income taxation of seniors making less than $50,000 per year. This will eliminate taxes for 7 million seniors – saving them an average of $1,400 a year- and will also mean that 27 million seniors will not need to file an income tax return at all.”

As of  today senior citizens are double taxed because they paid taxes on their income the first time and now they continue to be taxed every year for the Social Security monies received.

Read more at http://freedomoutpost.com/2013/11/list-23-famous-obama-quotes-turned-broken-promises-cold-hearted-lies/#Bm8vqkXatGd9igGk.99 <http://freedomoutpost.com/2013/11/list-23-famous-obama-quotes-turned-broken-promises-cold-hearted-lies/ \ Bm8vqkXatGd9igGk.99>

<http://freedomoutpost.com/2013/11/list-23-famous-obama-quotes-turned-broken-promises-cold-hearted-lies/&gt;

Take care. Remember God is in control. If you have never accepted Christ as your Saviour, CONFESS your sins.REPENT. ASK him to come into your heart. ACCEPT the gift. TELL someone of your decision. FIND and ATTEND a church that believes the Bible from cover to cover. Until then, God bless you. sle.

My next blog will be on January 28, Tuesday, Snacks for the Super Bowl; January 30. Thursday, Laughter is the Best Medicine; January 31, Friday, Bible Verses Food For the Soul and Sunday, February 2, Super Bowl Sunday, my regular blog.

BIBLE VERSES FOR THE SOUL

Hi everyone,

I thought these Bible verses would be appropriate because the Super Bowl is drawing near as well as the Olympics. Tell me what you think of these verses and your thoughts on them. I loved to hear what you have to say.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize

Here is from the Message. You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out

　

Here is a little history of the Greek Stadiums during Paul’s time, the writer of this book. Now the Greek word for the chariot place where they raced horses was a hippodrome: a hippos, a horse; an adromos, a course; a hippodrome. And the Latin name for the same thing was a circus. Circus is a Latin word; hippodrome is the same thing in Greek. It was a large arena with tiers of seats all around and a little partition in the middle. And they drove those chariots in the races round and around that middle partition. And the people, being above, could see the course of the race.

Now a stadium was different from that. A stadium was a place where they had their games of physical prowess, and most of it racing, most of it running. A stadium was always built exactly the same. The course never varied. It was 600 Greek feet long, or 606 three-fourths of a foot, English feet.

Now there were two places in ancient Greece that were the most famous for those stadium games. One was at Olympia, the Olympic Games. They have taken that word Olympian and made it Olympic. The name refers to the big, international physical contests that are held every four years. This is one of the famous Greek stadiums, the one at Olympia. Now the other one was at Corinth, the Isthmian Games they call them there, from the little isthmus connecting between Peloponesis and Attica, at which place the city of Corinth was located.

Not only were those stadiums there in Greece, but they were everywhere. All over the Mediterranean world, wherever the Greek civilization, the Roman civilization went, there you would find the stadium and those games. So, when Paul uses the figure here, he was using a figure that everybody had witnessed and everybody shared in, “Know ye not that they which run in a stadium run all,” they all run, the contestants run together, “but one receiveth the prize? So run that you may win it, so run that you may obtain it.”

Now the way that the stadium games were held is this; they had a kerux, the Greek word for preaching, for heralding, not just quietly talking.

Now the kerux is a herald- the announcer. The herald comes forth, and he announces the contest is to be run. And then he leads all of the contestants around the course before all of those thousands of tiered spectators. He yells, “Is there anyone here can lay anything to the charge of any of these contestants?”

For ten months they had to go into rigorous training. Have they been faithful in their training? Have they been guilty of any crime or depravity in life or morals or manner? The herald leads them around and announces to the spectator, “Does any spectator know anything?”

Then when the time of the race comes, the kerux, the herald, the announcer, the master of ceremonies introduces each contestant by his name, by his country, and by his city. When the race is run, he stood at the end of the course with a garland of victory in his hands. In the case of the Olympian Games, wreaths was made out of wild olive leaves. In the case of the Corinthians, the Isthmian Games, it was made out of pine leaves.

And that honor was the most coveted honor in the ancient Greek world. To win this race brought honor to the country, dignity to the city and glory to the contestant. The victor was escorted to his home and escorted to his city with great pomp and ceremony.

And they didn’t deign to let him enter the city through the regular gate, but they made a breach in the wall. They tore down a section of the wall in the city in order the Greek victor of the games might ride triumphantly into the city. His name was immortalized in poetry and in song.

This was the most coveted honor in the ancient Greek world to win in these stadium contests.

And there is an interesting Greek word, agonizomai. We have the English word agonize. “Every man that strives for it, presses for it, agonizes for it, is temperate in all things.” This is a good translation of the word. He is self-disciplined, he is continent, he is abstinent, he practices self-control, he is getting ready for the race. “Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown.” How long would a crown of olive leaves or pine leaves last?

<http://www.wacriswell.org/printTranscript.cfm/SID/958.cfm&gt;

To me this is what these four verses but mighty in meaning say to me. We as Christians need to practice as the athletic. We need to read the Bible, pray, run and not walk on the path or righteousness, We need to keep our eyes on the goal. We are sent here for a purpose to use our individual talents God has given each of us to tell others about Christ. We need to become strong. Our desire is suppose to be centered on God’s wants. This is to tell others. We are to live a life which is pleasing to Him. All the time, realize our rewards are not going to occur on earth but in heaven. Yet, as the angels rejoice when a person is saved, so we too can dance like David and sing to the Lord in celebration of someone accepting Him into their hearts. 

Like the sun which rises and sets so does our day of living end. We can know we fought the good fight. We did everything He wanted us to do and our just rewards are now waiting in heaven. What a wonderful knowledge to know our life doesn’t end at death, but our soul leaves our lifeless body to reign in heaven forever.

To all who do not know him. ACCEPT the gift of eternal life. REALIZE Jesus died on the cross for you and me. REPENT. CONFESS your sins. TELL someone you became saved. FIND a church which preaches and believes in the Bible from cover to cover. My next blog is going to be on Sunday, January 26, my normal blog. sle

　

HUMOR FOR THE SOUL

 

Well hello again! Yes it is the time to give a smile and laugh for a second or second or two. Maybe even share this with someone. I hope you like them. I searched high and low for these jokes. If you have any you can share by all means do so. J   By the way let me know if you liked the jokes as well.　

                                                  GOD AND FOOTBALL

Peyton Manning, after living a full life, died. When he got to heaven, God was showing him around. They came to a modest little house with a faded Colts flag in the window. “This house is yours for eternity, Peyton,” said God. “This is very special; not everyone gets a house up here.”

Peyton felt special, indeed, and walked up to his house. On his way up the sidewalk, he noticed another house just around the corner. It was a 3-story mansion with a blue and red sidewalk, a 50 foot tall flagpole with an enormous Patriots logo flag, and in every window hung a red Patriots towel.

Peyton looked at God and said “God, I’m not trying to be ungrateful, but I have a question. I was an all-pro QB, I hold many NFL records, and I even went to the Hall of Fame.”

“So what’s your point Peyton?”, God asked.

“Well, why does Tom Brady get a better house than me?”

God chuckled, and replied “Peyton, that’s not Tom’s house, it’s mine.”

　

One day the Devil walks up to God. the devil says god I challenge you to a football game. God says, “Why I have the best players,”.but then the devil said, “I have the refs.” 

 

                                               WOMEN AND FOOTBALL

Anyone who thinks women…

Anyone who thinks women talk too much has never sat through a six-hour Super Bowl pregame show.

—Nora Barry

Miss World Kicks Off The reigning Miss World – from Brazil – was invited to start The charity football match by performing the ceremonial kick-off. After an excellent game, which raised a great deal of money, a dinner was held. During the speeches which followed, Miss World made the evening for all present when, in broken English and with great charm, she said, ‘It eez great honour for me to kick off your ball; I will be pleased to come back any time to English football clubs and kick all your balls off.’

                                            How To Annoy During TV Football

1) Take the batteries out of all of the remote controls

2) Show a sudden interest in every aspect of the game, especially have him define the offside law for you, many times

3) Tell him that there is no popcorn in the house.

My Wife Should Be A Goalie “My wife would make a great goalie,” one man said to his friend. “I haven’t scored for months.”

 

What Are They Doing A football widow decided to take an interest in the game in order to share her husband’s pastime. One Saturday afternoon she accompanied him to the local match. It was a good game: plenty of open play, good attacking movements and strong defense. She was enjoying the game when suddenly all the players except one froze and stood like statues. The active player grabbed the ball and shoved it up his jersey. Then he too remained motionless. The woman looked at the referee to see what action he was going to take, but he too was in a statue-like position. ‘Whatever are they doing?’ she asked. ‘Oh, they’re posing for the “Spot-the-Ball” competition’, replied her husband.

                                    She’ll Let You Do Anything

Ron and Terry were talking about football in the bar after work.

“Are you going to the Raiders football game on Sunday?” asked Ron.

“No,” replied Terry. “My wife won’t let me.”

“It’s easy to get out of that,” said Ron. “About an hour before the game, what you do is pick her up, take her to the bedroom, rip off her clothes and make mad, passionate love to her. Then she’ll let you do anything you want.”

“OK, I’ll try that,” said Terry.

All You Think About Is Football Wife: ‘Football, football, football! That’s all you ever think about! If you said you were going to stay at home one Saturday afternoon to help with the house’ work, I think I’d drop dead from the shock!’ Husband: ‘it’s no good trying to bribe me, dear.’

 　

ADVICE FROM WOMEN TO MEN 1. The reason why our bras don’t always match our underwear is because WE actually change our underwear; 2. The next time you and your buddies make jokes about armed women in combat, take a poll to see which of you successfully aim at the toilet rim; 3. If we’re watching football with you – it’s not bonding – it’s their butts; 4. Whenever possible, please try to say whatever you have to say after the movie; 5. Lay off the beans several hours before bedtime; 6. Please don’t drive when you’re not driving; 7. If you were really looking for an honest answer, you wouldn’t ask in bed; 8. The next time you make jokes about female drivers, research the number of accidents caused by rubber-necking mini-skirts; 9. If only women gossip, how do you and your friends keep track of “who’s easy”? 10. Stop telling us most male strippers are gay: we don’t care; 11. When you’re not around, I belch loudly, too; 12. We don’t mind if you look in the mirror to check your appearance – in fact, please do! 13. When you’re out with us, please wear “our” favorite outfit rather than “yours” – the torn jeans and dirty T-Shirt will last longer that way; 14. If you must grunt in reply, please develop a system to indicate a positive vs. a negative grunt; 15. Don’t insist that we “get off the stupid phone” and then not talk to us; 16. Eye contact is best established above our shoulder-level; 17. Cleaning the house is not necessarily “women’s work”; besides, most of the “dirt” and clutter is yours anyway 18. Yes, we know most of the great chefs are men, why is it then you never want to cook? 19. We go to the Ladies Room in groups to talk about you; 20. Yes, we know you can probably beat us arm wrestling… however, very few raises or promotions were gained by arm wrestling

　

Remember Jesus saves and He wants to be your Savior. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have ever lasting life.” CONFESS your sins. REPENT ASK the Lord to come into your heart. ACCEPT the gift. TELL SOMEONE. FIND a church that believes in the Bible from cover to cover. God bless you