Friday, July 25, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008
"We are the ones who choose what the next generation will inherit. Our children, whether born of the heart or of the body, will inherit one of two things: God's promises, or our fears. There is no neutral ground for any of us. Each and every generation of women is given the gift of time and influence. How will we choose to spend it on the daughters now before us?"
- Lisa Bevere
Thursday, May 1, 2008
"Suspicion is accompanied by fear and worry while true discernment is accompanied by peace and love."
"We can judge where our wisdom is coming from by what accompanies it. Those who are using the discernment and wisdom of heaven do not have to prove themselves right. They stay true to their convictions without forcing others to agree, because they understand that in the end, truth and goodness will prevail. On the other hand, suspicious people will always pressure you to pass judgement on others, to side with their counsel, while discernement is content to wait."
-Lisa Bevere (from the book Nurture: give and get what you need to flourish)
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anthing we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. -James 3:17-18
Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. - Romans 12:21
Personal note: Some of the most miserable times in my life have been those moments or seasons when I have allowed myself to walk in suspicion rather than in true discernment. Sometimes the line between the two becomes blurred by circumstances although often our confusion is caused by our own series of choices. By ignoring or pushing aside the leading of the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit within we move ourselves step by step further down the wrong path and then further complicate matters by chosing to whine and complain when we find ourselves alone and scared in the darkness entangled in the thick, thorny vines. The Spirit of God within us delights in acting as our internal Global Positioning Satelite but it is up to us to follow His peace-filled promptings to the bright, well marked path He knows we are to be on. Your GPS system will not force you to follow the guidance it gives you to reach your destination. Neither, indeed, will the Spirit of the living God. We must choose moment by moment, day by day, season by season to be led by our Peace.
"We can judge where our wisdom is coming from by what accompanies it. Those who are using the discernment and wisdom of heaven do not have to prove themselves right. They stay true to their convictions without forcing others to agree, because they understand that in the end, truth and goodness will prevail. On the other hand, suspicious people will always pressure you to pass judgement on others, to side with their counsel, while discernement is content to wait."
-Lisa Bevere (from the book Nurture: give and get what you need to flourish)
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anthing we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. -James 3:17-18
Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. - Romans 12:21
Personal note: Some of the most miserable times in my life have been those moments or seasons when I have allowed myself to walk in suspicion rather than in true discernment. Sometimes the line between the two becomes blurred by circumstances although often our confusion is caused by our own series of choices. By ignoring or pushing aside the leading of the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit within we move ourselves step by step further down the wrong path and then further complicate matters by chosing to whine and complain when we find ourselves alone and scared in the darkness entangled in the thick, thorny vines. The Spirit of God within us delights in acting as our internal Global Positioning Satelite but it is up to us to follow His peace-filled promptings to the bright, well marked path He knows we are to be on. Your GPS system will not force you to follow the guidance it gives you to reach your destination. Neither, indeed, will the Spirit of the living God. We must choose moment by moment, day by day, season by season to be led by our Peace.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
"...we are not nurturing when we limit our children to what we have seen and known. We are altogether wrong if we set them up to expect too little. Don't position them by way of fear, worried that if we position them for more they may be disappointed. Perhaps you were disappointed and want to spare them the same pain...don't. Living small is not healthy or safe. Our children inherit either our fears or God's promises." - Lisa Bevere
"Good leaders never embrace a victim mentality. They recognize that who and where they are remain their responsibility -- not that of their parents, their spouses, their children, the government, their bosses, or their coworkers. They face whatever life throws at them and give it their best, knowing that they will get an opportunity to lead the team only if they've proved they can carry the ball. Gilbert Arland offers this advice: 'When an archer misses the mark he turns and looks for the fault within himself. Failure to hit the bulls-eye is never the fault of the target. To improve you aim, improve yourself.' Are you on target when it comes to responsibility? Do others see you as a finisher? Do people look to you to carry the ball in pressure situations? Are you known for excellence? If you haven't been performing at the highest level, you may need to cultivate a stronger sense of responsibility." - John Maxwell
"Remember that a leader can delegate anything except responsibility." - John Maxwell
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
"Whenever you are limited by your self-image, the the image of self becomes your master" - Lisa Bevere
"Remember who you are." - The Lion King
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." - Eleanor Roosevelt
For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. - Psalm 139:13-14
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. - 2 Corinthians 3:18
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery. - Galatians 5:1
Saturday, March 29, 2008
A freind sent this to me this morning. This is not a new story. I don't know if it is a true story. It may simply be a well constructed modern parable. Either way the message is clear and worth consideration.
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There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr. Christianson, a studious man who taught at a small college in the western United States. Dr. Christianson taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course his freshman year, regardless of his or her major. Although Dr. Christianson tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but required drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously. This year, Dr. Christianson had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman, but was studying with the intent of going on to seminary for the ministry. Steve was popular, he was well liked, and he was an imposing physical specimen. He was now the starting center on the school football team, and was the best student in the professor's class. One day, Dr. Christianson asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him. 'How many push-ups can you do?' Steve said, 'I do about 200 every night. 200? That's pretty good, Steve, ' Dr. Christianson said. 'Do you think you could do 300?' Steve replied, 'I don't know.... I've never done 300 at a time.' 'Do you think you could?' again asked Dr. Christianson. 'Well, I can try,' said Steve. 'Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it,' said the professor. Steve said, 'Well... I think I can...yeah, I can do it.' Dr. Christianson said, 'Good! I need you to do this on Friday. Let me explain what I have in mind.' Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts. No, these weren't the normal kinds of donuts, they were the extra fancy BIG kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the day, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christianson's class. Dr. Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked, 'Cynthia, do you want to have one of these donuts?' Cynthia said, 'Yes.' Dr. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, 'Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?' 'Sure!' Steve jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Dr. Christianson put a donut on Cynthia's desk. Dr. Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, 'Joe, do you want a donut?' Joe said, 'Yes.' Dr. Christianson asked, 'Steve would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a donut?' Steve did ten push-ups, Joe got a donut. And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten push-ups for every person before they got their donut. Walking down the second aisle, Dr. Christianson came to Scott. Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good condition as Steve. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship. When the professor asked, 'Scott do you want a donut?' Scott's reply was, 'Well, can I do my own push-ups?' Dr. Christianson said, 'No, Steve has to do them.' Then Scott said, 'Well, I don't want one then.' Dr. Christianson shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, 'Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Scott can have a donut he doesn't want?' With perfect obedience Steve started to do ten push-ups. Scott said, 'HEY! I said I didn't want one!' Dr. Christianson said, 'Look!, this is my classroom, my class, my desks, and these are my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it.' And he put a donut on Scott's desk. Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down. You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow. Dr. Christianson started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry. Dr. Christianson asked Jenny, 'Jenny, do you want a donut?' Sternly, Jenny said, 'No.' Then Dr. Christianson asked Steve, 'Steve, would you do ten more push-ups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn't want?' Steve did ten....Jenny got a donut. By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room. The students were beginning to say, 'No!' and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks. Steve also had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these push-ups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved. Dr. Christianson asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push up to make sure he did the full ten push-ups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all of those uneaten donuts. He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert could count the set and watch Steve closely. Dr. Christianson started down the fourth row. During his class, however, some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that now there were 34 students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it. Dr. Christianson went on to the next person and the next and the next. Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set. Steve asked Dr. Christianson, 'Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?' Dr. Christianson thought for a moment, 'Well, they're your pushups. You are in charge now. You can do them any way that you want.' And Dr. Christianson went on. A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, 'NO! Don't come in! Stay out!' Jason didn't know what was going on. Steve picked up his head and said, 'No, let him come.' Professor Christianson said, 'You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten push-ups for him?' Steve said, 'Yes, let him come in. Give him a donut.' Dr. Christianson said, 'Okay, Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?' Jason, new to the room, hardly knew what was going on. 'Yes,' he said, 'give me a donut.' 'Steve, will you do ten push-ups so that Jason can have a donut?' Steve did ten push-ups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down. Dr. Christianson finished the fourth row, and then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. By this time sweat was profusely dropping off of his face, there was no sound except his heavy breathing; there was not a dry eye in the room. The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular. Dr. Christianson went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, 'Linda, do you want a donut?' Linda said, very sadly, 'No, thank you.' Professor Christianson quietly asked, 'Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn't want?' Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow push-ups for Linda. Then Dr. Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan. 'Susan, do you want a donut?' Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. 'Dr. Christianson, why can't I help him?' Dr. Christianson, with tears of his own, said, 'No, Steve has to do it alone; I have given him this task and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not. When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book. Steve here is the only student with a perfect grade. Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class, or offered me inferior work. Steve told me that in football practice, when a player messes up he must do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your push ups. He and I made a deal for your sakes.' 'Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Susan can have a donut?' As Steve very slowly finished his last push-up, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 push-ups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor. Dr. Christianson turned to the room and said, 'And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, plead to the Father, 'Into thy hands I commend my spirit.' With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, He yielded up His life. And like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten.' Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile. 'Well done, good and faithful servant,' said the professor, adding, 'Not all sermons are preached in words.' Turning to his class, the professor said, 'My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He spared not His only Begotten Son, but gave Him up for us all, for the whole Church, now and forever. Whether or not we choose to accept His gift to us, the price has been paid.' 'Wouldn't you be foolish and ungrateful to leave it lying on the desk?'
************************************************************
There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr. Christianson, a studious man who taught at a small college in the western United States. Dr. Christianson taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course his freshman year, regardless of his or her major. Although Dr. Christianson tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but required drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously. This year, Dr. Christianson had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman, but was studying with the intent of going on to seminary for the ministry. Steve was popular, he was well liked, and he was an imposing physical specimen. He was now the starting center on the school football team, and was the best student in the professor's class. One day, Dr. Christianson asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him. 'How many push-ups can you do?' Steve said, 'I do about 200 every night. 200? That's pretty good, Steve, ' Dr. Christianson said. 'Do you think you could do 300?' Steve replied, 'I don't know.... I've never done 300 at a time.' 'Do you think you could?' again asked Dr. Christianson. 'Well, I can try,' said Steve. 'Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it,' said the professor. Steve said, 'Well... I think I can...yeah, I can do it.' Dr. Christianson said, 'Good! I need you to do this on Friday. Let me explain what I have in mind.' Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts. No, these weren't the normal kinds of donuts, they were the extra fancy BIG kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the day, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christianson's class. Dr. Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked, 'Cynthia, do you want to have one of these donuts?' Cynthia said, 'Yes.' Dr. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, 'Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?' 'Sure!' Steve jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Dr. Christianson put a donut on Cynthia's desk. Dr. Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, 'Joe, do you want a donut?' Joe said, 'Yes.' Dr. Christianson asked, 'Steve would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a donut?' Steve did ten push-ups, Joe got a donut. And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten push-ups for every person before they got their donut. Walking down the second aisle, Dr. Christianson came to Scott. Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good condition as Steve. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship. When the professor asked, 'Scott do you want a donut?' Scott's reply was, 'Well, can I do my own push-ups?' Dr. Christianson said, 'No, Steve has to do them.' Then Scott said, 'Well, I don't want one then.' Dr. Christianson shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, 'Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Scott can have a donut he doesn't want?' With perfect obedience Steve started to do ten push-ups. Scott said, 'HEY! I said I didn't want one!' Dr. Christianson said, 'Look!, this is my classroom, my class, my desks, and these are my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it.' And he put a donut on Scott's desk. Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down. You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow. Dr. Christianson started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry. Dr. Christianson asked Jenny, 'Jenny, do you want a donut?' Sternly, Jenny said, 'No.' Then Dr. Christianson asked Steve, 'Steve, would you do ten more push-ups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn't want?' Steve did ten....Jenny got a donut. By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room. The students were beginning to say, 'No!' and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks. Steve also had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these push-ups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved. Dr. Christianson asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push up to make sure he did the full ten push-ups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all of those uneaten donuts. He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert could count the set and watch Steve closely. Dr. Christianson started down the fourth row. During his class, however, some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that now there were 34 students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it. Dr. Christianson went on to the next person and the next and the next. Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set. Steve asked Dr. Christianson, 'Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?' Dr. Christianson thought for a moment, 'Well, they're your pushups. You are in charge now. You can do them any way that you want.' And Dr. Christianson went on. A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, 'NO! Don't come in! Stay out!' Jason didn't know what was going on. Steve picked up his head and said, 'No, let him come.' Professor Christianson said, 'You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten push-ups for him?' Steve said, 'Yes, let him come in. Give him a donut.' Dr. Christianson said, 'Okay, Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?' Jason, new to the room, hardly knew what was going on. 'Yes,' he said, 'give me a donut.' 'Steve, will you do ten push-ups so that Jason can have a donut?' Steve did ten push-ups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down. Dr. Christianson finished the fourth row, and then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. By this time sweat was profusely dropping off of his face, there was no sound except his heavy breathing; there was not a dry eye in the room. The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular. Dr. Christianson went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, 'Linda, do you want a donut?' Linda said, very sadly, 'No, thank you.' Professor Christianson quietly asked, 'Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn't want?' Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow push-ups for Linda. Then Dr. Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan. 'Susan, do you want a donut?' Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. 'Dr. Christianson, why can't I help him?' Dr. Christianson, with tears of his own, said, 'No, Steve has to do it alone; I have given him this task and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not. When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book. Steve here is the only student with a perfect grade. Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class, or offered me inferior work. Steve told me that in football practice, when a player messes up he must do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your push ups. He and I made a deal for your sakes.' 'Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Susan can have a donut?' As Steve very slowly finished his last push-up, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 push-ups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor. Dr. Christianson turned to the room and said, 'And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, plead to the Father, 'Into thy hands I commend my spirit.' With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, He yielded up His life. And like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten.' Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile. 'Well done, good and faithful servant,' said the professor, adding, 'Not all sermons are preached in words.' Turning to his class, the professor said, 'My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He spared not His only Begotten Son, but gave Him up for us all, for the whole Church, now and forever. Whether or not we choose to accept His gift to us, the price has been paid.' 'Wouldn't you be foolish and ungrateful to leave it lying on the desk?'
Thursday, March 27, 2008
"Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said."-Author Unknown
"If you plan for one year, plant rice. If you plan for 10 years, plant a tree. If you plan for 100 years, educate a child."-Chinese proverb
Deuteronomy 6
Love the LORD Your God
1 These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, 2 so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. 3 Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, promised you.
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
10 When the LORD your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, 11 houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, 12 be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
13 Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. 14 Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; 15 for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land. 16 Do not test the LORD your God as you did at Massah. 17 Be sure to keep the commands of the LORD your God and the stipulations and decrees he has given you. 18 Do what is right and good in the LORD's sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers, 19 thrusting out all your enemies before you, as the LORD said.
20 In the future, when your son asks you, "What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the LORD our God has commanded you?" 21 tell him: "We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 22 Before our eyes the LORD sent miraculous signs and wonders—great and terrible—upon Egypt and Pharaoh and his whole household. 23 But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land that he promised on oath to our forefathers. 24 The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today. 25 And if we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness."
Deuteronomy 11
Love and Obey the LORD
1 Love the LORD your God and keep his requirements, his decrees, his laws and his commands always. 2 Remember today that your children were not the ones who saw and experienced the discipline of the LORD your God: his majesty, his mighty hand, his outstretched arm; 3 the signs he performed and the things he did in the heart of Egypt, both to Pharaoh king of Egypt and to his whole country; 4 what he did to the Egyptian army, to its horses and chariots, how he overwhelmed them with the waters of the Red Sea as they were pursuing you, and how the LORD brought lasting ruin on them. 5 It was not your children who saw what he did for you in the desert until you arrived at this place, 6 and what he did to Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab the Reubenite, when the earth opened its mouth right in the middle of all Israel and swallowed them up with their households, their tents and every living thing that belonged to them. 7 But it was your own eyes that saw all these great things the LORD has done.
8 Observe therefore all the commands I am giving you today, so that you may have the strength to go in and take over the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, 9 and so that you may live long in the land that the LORD swore to your forefathers to give to them and their descendants, a land flowing with milk and honey. 10 The land you are entering to take over is not like the land of Egypt, from which you have come, where you planted your seed and irrigated it by foot as in a vegetable garden. 11 But the land you are crossing the Jordan to take possession of is a land of mountains and valleys that drinks rain from heaven. 12 It is a land the LORD your God cares for; the eyes of the LORD your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end.
13 So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the LORD your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul- 14 then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and oil. 15 I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied.
16 Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them. 17 Then the LORD's anger will burn against you, and he will shut the heavens so that it will not rain and the ground will yield no produce, and you will soon perish from the good land the LORD is giving you. 18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 20 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, 21 so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the LORD swore to give your forefathers, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.
22 If you carefully observe all these commands I am giving you to follow—to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways and to hold fast to him- 23 then the LORD will drive out all these nations before you, and you will dispossess nations larger and stronger than you. 24 Every place where you set your foot will be yours: Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the Euphrates River to the western sea. 25 No man will be able to stand against you. The LORD your God, as he promised you, will put the terror and fear of you on the whole land, wherever you go.
26 See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse- 27 the blessing if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today; 28 the curse if you disobey the commands of the LORD your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known. 29 When the LORD your God has brought you into the land you are entering to possess, you are to proclaim on Mount Gerizim the blessings, and on Mount Ebal the curses. 30 As you know, these mountains are across the Jordan, west of the road, toward the setting sun, near the great trees of Moreh, in the territory of those Canaanites living in the Arabah in the vicinity of Gilgal. 31 You are about to cross the Jordan to enter and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you. When you have taken it over and are living there, 32 be sure that you obey all the decrees and laws I am setting before you today.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Election '08 Resources (www.klove.com)
Voter Information
Q: “Can I Vote?”Find out if you’re registered and where to cast your ballot!http://www.canivote.org/Link sponsored by the National Association of Secretaries of State
Q: “What if I’m an American voting overseas?”VOTER REGISTRATION For Americans & Soldiers Overseashttps://www.overseasvotefoundation.org/overseas/home.htm
Voters Guide To Election Dayhttp://www.eac.gov/voter/docs/votersguideelectionday.pdf/attachment_download/file
General Election Information
Q: “Which States Still Have Primaries Coming up?”http://archive.stateline.org/flash-data/Primary/2008_presidential_primaries.pdf
Q: “How Does the Electoral College work?”http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/
Q: “What are the Religious Affiliations of U.S. House and Senate Members?”http://www.adherents.com/adh_congress.html
Q: “What About The Issues and Races in my Own State?” Stateline http://www.stateline.org/live/issues/Elections
Q: “What Do The Latest Zogby Polls Say About The Presidential Race?”Zogby Presidential Polls -- http://www.usaelectionpolls.com/
Q: “Where Does My Local Lawmaker/Candidate Stand On Issues?”Project Vote-Smart http://www.vote-smart.org/
National Media Links
ABC NEWShttp://abcnews.go.com/us
CBS NEWS http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/politics/main250.shtml
FOX NEWShttp://youdecide08.foxnews.com/
NBC NEWShttp://election.msn.com/
USA TODAYhttp://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/default.htm
YAHOO! NEWS http://news.yahoo.com/election/2008
Official Candidate Websites
Democrats
Democrat National Committeehttp://www.democrats.org/
Senator Hillary Clintonhttp://www.hillaryclinton.com/
Senator Barack Obamahttp://my.barackobama.com/
Republicans
Republican National Committeehttp://www.gop.com/
Senator John McCainhttp://www.johnmccain.com/
Congressman Ron Paul http://www.ronpaul2008.com
Fun Links
Select a Candidate - Take a quiz to pick your candidate! (14 questions on issues and positions)http://www2.wqad.com/av2008/selectacandidate/quiz.php
Election Resources for Pastors
Politics and the Pulpit 2008 A Guide to the Internal Revenue Code Restrictions on the Political Activity of Religious Organizations.http://pewforum.org/docs/?DocID=280
Voter Information
Q: “Can I Vote?”Find out if you’re registered and where to cast your ballot!http://www.canivote.org/Link sponsored by the National Association of Secretaries of State
Q: “What if I’m an American voting overseas?”VOTER REGISTRATION For Americans & Soldiers Overseashttps://www.overseasvotefoundation.org/overseas/home.htm
Voters Guide To Election Dayhttp://www.eac.gov/voter/docs/votersguideelectionday.pdf/attachment_download/file
General Election Information
Q: “Which States Still Have Primaries Coming up?”http://archive.stateline.org/flash-data/Primary/2008_presidential_primaries.pdf
Q: “How Does the Electoral College work?”http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/
Q: “What are the Religious Affiliations of U.S. House and Senate Members?”http://www.adherents.com/adh_congress.html
Q: “What About The Issues and Races in my Own State?” Stateline http://www.stateline.org/live/issues/Elections
Q: “What Do The Latest Zogby Polls Say About The Presidential Race?”Zogby Presidential Polls -- http://www.usaelectionpolls.com/
Q: “Where Does My Local Lawmaker/Candidate Stand On Issues?”Project Vote-Smart http://www.vote-smart.org/
National Media Links
ABC NEWShttp://abcnews.go.com/us
CBS NEWS http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/politics/main250.shtml
FOX NEWShttp://youdecide08.foxnews.com/
NBC NEWShttp://election.msn.com/
USA TODAYhttp://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/default.htm
YAHOO! NEWS http://news.yahoo.com/election/2008
Official Candidate Websites
Democrats
Democrat National Committeehttp://www.democrats.org/
Senator Hillary Clintonhttp://www.hillaryclinton.com/
Senator Barack Obamahttp://my.barackobama.com/
Republicans
Republican National Committeehttp://www.gop.com/
Senator John McCainhttp://www.johnmccain.com/
Congressman Ron Paul http://www.ronpaul2008.com
Fun Links
Select a Candidate - Take a quiz to pick your candidate! (14 questions on issues and positions)http://www2.wqad.com/av2008/selectacandidate/quiz.php
Election Resources for Pastors
Politics and the Pulpit 2008 A Guide to the Internal Revenue Code Restrictions on the Political Activity of Religious Organizations.http://pewforum.org/docs/?DocID=280
Monday, March 17, 2008
Patricius: The True Story of St. Patrick
By David Kithcart700 Club Producer
CBN.com - Before all the festivities focused on shamrocks and leprechauns and good luck wishes, there was truly something to celebrate: a man willing to stand in the gap for Jesus Christ. Reporter David Kithcart reveals the inspiring true story behind this courageous and fervent Irishman we all know as Saint Patrick.
It was an act of defiance that changed the course of a nation. Patrick lit a fire in pagan 5th century Ireland, ushering Christianity into the country. Who was this man who became the patron saint of Ireland?
Ireland was a beautiful island shrouded in terrible darkness. Warlords and druids ruled the land. But across the sea in Britain, a teen-ager was poised to bring this nation to God.
"Patrick was born into a Christian family," says Philip Freeman, author of St. Patrick of Ireland. "His father was a deacon; his grandfather a priest. But Patrick says that from a n early age, he didn't have any serious interest in religion and that he was pratically an atheist when he was a teenager."
Around 400 A.D., Patrick was abducted from his village and thrown onto a slave ship headed for Ireland.
"He saw that as God chastising him, first of all," says Rev. Sean Brady. "That was the first view. He says we deserved what we got. We're carried at 16 years of age over to this foreign land."
Patrick was sold to a chieftain named Milchu. He spent six years tending his master's flocks on the slopes of the Slemish Mountain. Patrick recounts his time as a slave in his memoir entitled The Confession.
"He says, 'I prayed a hundred times in the day and almost as many at night,' " says Rev. Brady, the Roman Catholic Archbiship of Armagh and Primate of All of Ireland. "Through that experience of prayer and trial, he came to know another God -- God the Father, who was his protector. He came to know Jesus Christ in those sufferings, and he came to be united with Christ and he came to identify with Christ, and then of course, also the Holy Spirit."
One night during a time of prayer and fasting, Patrick wrote: "I heard in my sleep a voice saying to me: 'It is well that you fast. Soon you will go to your own country.' And again, after a short while, I heard a voice saying to me: 'See, your ship is ready.' "
Patrick escaped and traveled 200 miles cross country to the west coast. He found a ship ready to sail, but was refused passage. After a desperate prayer, he was allowed aboard.
Patrick eventually returned to his home and family. His experience of God's grace and provision solidified his faith. He began to study for the ministry.
Freeman says, "One night, he had a dream. Thee was a man who came from Ireland with a whole bunch of letters. And he opened up one of the letters and it said 'The Voice of the Irish.' And then he heard a voice coming out of this letter that said, 'Holy boy, please return to us. We need you.'"
Patrick struggled in his soul. Could he return to Ireland and minister to the same people who had enslaved him? Once again, he turned to God in prayer. He received the answer in a dream.
"He talks about how he, in this dream, is trying to pray and yet he can't," says Freeman. "So he hears a voice coming from inside of him which he realizes is the voice of God praying for him."
Patrick knew he had to go and convince his church that he was called to be a missionary to Ireland. He set sail in a small ship.
Patrick landed at the mouth of the Slaney River. When Patrick set foot on this shore, a new era dawned on this island.
"The Ireland of his day really wasn't much different from the Ireland of a few years ago here where we are sitting here at this moment," notes Most Reverend Dr. Robert Eames, Church of England Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland. "It was an Ireland of tribalism, an Ireland of war, an Ireland of suspicion, an Ireland of violence and death. Here he came as a virtual stranger to this country of warring factions."
"They worshipped multiple gods of the sky and the earth and the water," says Freeman. "And so that was his first challenge: to convince the Irish that there was only one God and that his God really did love them."
Patrick came face to face with the chieftains and their druid priests. The showdown came on the morning of his first Easter in Ireland.
Monsignor Raymond Murray, parish priest of Cookstown in Northern Ireland explains further: "Part of the pagan worship of fall to spring, from the beginning of the summer, was that a fire was lit, and first of all, the fire on the hill of Tara and no other lights at all in Ireland."
This monastery on the hill of Slane is where Patrick -- in direct defiance of the high king of Tara -- lit a forbidden fire.
Notes Rev. Brady, "He was summoned before the king, and he explained that he wasn't a threat, because he was bringing the new light, the light of Christ, the Savior of the world, the Light of the world."
"The first light of Easter day was dawning. Patrick brought the hope of Easter day to Ireland," says Rev. Eames.
The weather can be absolutely brutal here in Ireland. But just imagine how it must've been for Patrick in the 5th century as he trekked across the countryside bringing the Gospel to the pagan Celts.
"People sometimes made fun of him because he said that God often gave him a message there was danger ahead," says Freeman. "But, he said, 'Laugh at me if you will. This is something that has protected me in Ireland.'"
Listen to Patrick's poem of faith and trust in God, "The Breastplate":
"Christ be within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ inquired, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger."
Myths and legends have grown up around this hero of Ireland.
As Monsignor Murray explains, it is sometimes difficult to describe the triune aspect of God. So, according to the story, to better illustrate the central teaching of the trinity, Patrick took a shamrock and pointed out the three leaves on it. Interestingly, it is only in Ireland that you find this shamrock. Therefore, the people believed.
"One of the famous legends, of course, is that Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland," says Irish historian Harold Calvert.
In fact, any snakes in Ireland had disappeared during the Ice Age.
"The legend about the driving of the snakes may, in fact, really symbolize the driving out of evil," says Calvert.
In 432 A.D., Patrick built a church on the site of the present day St. Patrick's Memorial Church in Saul -- the first ever Christian church in all of Ireland. It's considered the cradle of Irish Christianity.
"Preaching the Gospel, of course, baptizing converts, confirming them, appointing clergy," continues Calvert.
Patrick's ministry lasted 29 years. He baptized over 120,000 Irishmen and planted 300 churches.
"What Patrick did was really lay the groundwork for Christianity," says Freeman.
To this day, no one knows where Patrick is buried, but many believe that it is somewhere beneath the church on the hill at Down Cathedral.
Rev. Sean Brady concludes, "He was a man who came to face and help his former enemies who had enslaved him. He came back to help them and to do them a great favor -- the greatest favor he possibly could."
Rev. Earnes concurs, "I honestly feel that what Patrick taught Ireland was that there is a cost to discipleship, but it's a cost worth paying. And I believe, to bring this right up to date, the church of St. Patrick must be constantly saying to people, 'Discipleship demands of you, but it's a cost that Christ will help you to pay.'"
By David Kithcart700 Club Producer
CBN.com - Before all the festivities focused on shamrocks and leprechauns and good luck wishes, there was truly something to celebrate: a man willing to stand in the gap for Jesus Christ. Reporter David Kithcart reveals the inspiring true story behind this courageous and fervent Irishman we all know as Saint Patrick.
It was an act of defiance that changed the course of a nation. Patrick lit a fire in pagan 5th century Ireland, ushering Christianity into the country. Who was this man who became the patron saint of Ireland?
Ireland was a beautiful island shrouded in terrible darkness. Warlords and druids ruled the land. But across the sea in Britain, a teen-ager was poised to bring this nation to God.
"Patrick was born into a Christian family," says Philip Freeman, author of St. Patrick of Ireland. "His father was a deacon; his grandfather a priest. But Patrick says that from a n early age, he didn't have any serious interest in religion and that he was pratically an atheist when he was a teenager."
Around 400 A.D., Patrick was abducted from his village and thrown onto a slave ship headed for Ireland.
"He saw that as God chastising him, first of all," says Rev. Sean Brady. "That was the first view. He says we deserved what we got. We're carried at 16 years of age over to this foreign land."
Patrick was sold to a chieftain named Milchu. He spent six years tending his master's flocks on the slopes of the Slemish Mountain. Patrick recounts his time as a slave in his memoir entitled The Confession.
"He says, 'I prayed a hundred times in the day and almost as many at night,' " says Rev. Brady, the Roman Catholic Archbiship of Armagh and Primate of All of Ireland. "Through that experience of prayer and trial, he came to know another God -- God the Father, who was his protector. He came to know Jesus Christ in those sufferings, and he came to be united with Christ and he came to identify with Christ, and then of course, also the Holy Spirit."
One night during a time of prayer and fasting, Patrick wrote: "I heard in my sleep a voice saying to me: 'It is well that you fast. Soon you will go to your own country.' And again, after a short while, I heard a voice saying to me: 'See, your ship is ready.' "
Patrick escaped and traveled 200 miles cross country to the west coast. He found a ship ready to sail, but was refused passage. After a desperate prayer, he was allowed aboard.
Patrick eventually returned to his home and family. His experience of God's grace and provision solidified his faith. He began to study for the ministry.
Freeman says, "One night, he had a dream. Thee was a man who came from Ireland with a whole bunch of letters. And he opened up one of the letters and it said 'The Voice of the Irish.' And then he heard a voice coming out of this letter that said, 'Holy boy, please return to us. We need you.'"
Patrick struggled in his soul. Could he return to Ireland and minister to the same people who had enslaved him? Once again, he turned to God in prayer. He received the answer in a dream.
"He talks about how he, in this dream, is trying to pray and yet he can't," says Freeman. "So he hears a voice coming from inside of him which he realizes is the voice of God praying for him."
Patrick knew he had to go and convince his church that he was called to be a missionary to Ireland. He set sail in a small ship.
Patrick landed at the mouth of the Slaney River. When Patrick set foot on this shore, a new era dawned on this island.
"The Ireland of his day really wasn't much different from the Ireland of a few years ago here where we are sitting here at this moment," notes Most Reverend Dr. Robert Eames, Church of England Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland. "It was an Ireland of tribalism, an Ireland of war, an Ireland of suspicion, an Ireland of violence and death. Here he came as a virtual stranger to this country of warring factions."
"They worshipped multiple gods of the sky and the earth and the water," says Freeman. "And so that was his first challenge: to convince the Irish that there was only one God and that his God really did love them."
Patrick came face to face with the chieftains and their druid priests. The showdown came on the morning of his first Easter in Ireland.
Monsignor Raymond Murray, parish priest of Cookstown in Northern Ireland explains further: "Part of the pagan worship of fall to spring, from the beginning of the summer, was that a fire was lit, and first of all, the fire on the hill of Tara and no other lights at all in Ireland."
This monastery on the hill of Slane is where Patrick -- in direct defiance of the high king of Tara -- lit a forbidden fire.
Notes Rev. Brady, "He was summoned before the king, and he explained that he wasn't a threat, because he was bringing the new light, the light of Christ, the Savior of the world, the Light of the world."
"The first light of Easter day was dawning. Patrick brought the hope of Easter day to Ireland," says Rev. Eames.
The weather can be absolutely brutal here in Ireland. But just imagine how it must've been for Patrick in the 5th century as he trekked across the countryside bringing the Gospel to the pagan Celts.
"People sometimes made fun of him because he said that God often gave him a message there was danger ahead," says Freeman. "But, he said, 'Laugh at me if you will. This is something that has protected me in Ireland.'"
Listen to Patrick's poem of faith and trust in God, "The Breastplate":
"Christ be within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ inquired, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger."
Myths and legends have grown up around this hero of Ireland.
As Monsignor Murray explains, it is sometimes difficult to describe the triune aspect of God. So, according to the story, to better illustrate the central teaching of the trinity, Patrick took a shamrock and pointed out the three leaves on it. Interestingly, it is only in Ireland that you find this shamrock. Therefore, the people believed.
"One of the famous legends, of course, is that Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland," says Irish historian Harold Calvert.
In fact, any snakes in Ireland had disappeared during the Ice Age.
"The legend about the driving of the snakes may, in fact, really symbolize the driving out of evil," says Calvert.
In 432 A.D., Patrick built a church on the site of the present day St. Patrick's Memorial Church in Saul -- the first ever Christian church in all of Ireland. It's considered the cradle of Irish Christianity.
"Preaching the Gospel, of course, baptizing converts, confirming them, appointing clergy," continues Calvert.
Patrick's ministry lasted 29 years. He baptized over 120,000 Irishmen and planted 300 churches.
"What Patrick did was really lay the groundwork for Christianity," says Freeman.
To this day, no one knows where Patrick is buried, but many believe that it is somewhere beneath the church on the hill at Down Cathedral.
Rev. Sean Brady concludes, "He was a man who came to face and help his former enemies who had enslaved him. He came back to help them and to do them a great favor -- the greatest favor he possibly could."
Rev. Earnes concurs, "I honestly feel that what Patrick taught Ireland was that there is a cost to discipleship, but it's a cost worth paying. And I believe, to bring this right up to date, the church of St. Patrick must be constantly saying to people, 'Discipleship demands of you, but it's a cost that Christ will help you to pay.'"
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Five scams you may not know about
Fri Mar 14, 2008 7:08PM EDT
y_tech: http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/hughes/24616
on Yahoo!
Identity theft has become a huge problem in the United States. The FTC recently reported that identity theft was the number one complaint again last year for the eighth consecutive year! There are literally thousands of scams out there, and you're probably familiar with most of them, but new scams are getting more sophisticated as people get savvier. For this reason, I thought I'd highlight some of the newest scams making the headlines.
Here are the top five scams you may not know about:
Tax and Rebate Scams
The Scam: Consumers get a call or e-mail claiming to be from a government agency, such as the IRS or Social Security Administration, that asks for personal information to process a rebate check. These crooks ask consumers to provide personal information like their social security number, bank account number, or other details they can use to commit identity theft. If they resist giving out information, they're told they cannot receive the rebate unless the information is provided. The Don'ts: Never give sensitive information to anyone over the phone or email. If you get a suspicious email, delete it immediately. Don't click on any links either, for they might take you to a phishing site or install spyware on your computer. Keep in mind that most government agencies don't collect information by phone or email. The FTC recommends you contact the IRS or SSA directly if you have any questions or concerns. To learn more about other tax scams check out the IRS Top 2008 "Dirty Dozen" Tax Scams.
Cheap Electronics Scam
The Scam: Shopping website that appears legit sells electronic products at extremely low prices. The site is so sophisticated, even the most savvy consumer will have a hard time telling it's a fake. One recent article on PCMag, mentions these scamming sites may be part of a bigger network, since they all have a $500 minimum purchase requirement, and may ask for payment in the form of a Western Union money order to be mailed to a foreign address.
The Signs: Things a like a foreign address, a $500 minimum purchase, or the lack of a secure payment transaction form should raise red flags. A site may appear legitimate, but if you have a hard time recognizing the validity of the website, watch out for things like a new domain registration, questionable contact information, grammatical and spelling errors, a no return policy, and untraceable payment methods. Do do some research online because chances are others may already be expressing their concerns on forums or blogs.
Chatroom Scams
The Scam: Russian cyber-crooks have developed a software robot that poses as a human in chatrooms. These bots can chat with up to 10 people simultaneously, and easily persuade them to hand over phone numbers, photographs, birthday, address, and other personal information. The site claims "Not a single girl has yet realized that she was communicating with a program!" Information harvested by these bots can be used by fraudsters to carry out various forms of fraud. Unsuspecting victims may also be tricked into visiting a 'personal site' that could load malware onto their computers. Sergei Shevchenko, Senior Malware Analyst at PC Tools said CyberLover, "employs highly intelligent and customized dialogue to target users of social networking systems. It can monitor Internet browser activity, automatically recognize and fill in the fields in the web pages, generate keystrokes and mouse clicks, and post messages, URLs, files and photos."
The Dont's: Common sense says never, ever give out personal information to anyone you just met online.
Local Charity Scams
The Scam: Fraudsters claiming to be from the local police department or DARE program are calling or approaching private citizens and businesses soliciting donations purporting to benefit police officers. What's convincing some people into handing over personal and financial information to these imposters is the spoofed number that pops up in the caller ID. Police say many victims have reported a phone number that appears to be from the local police department, so don't be fooled.
The Do's: If you want to support the local police or fire department, find out when they hold their annual fund drives. Most departments don't solicit donations via telephone, so it's best to check out their site to find out when and how they seek donations.
Cancer Cure Scam
The Scam: As more people turn to the web for medical advice, they're encountering websites that advertise natural products they claim will prevent or cure everything from cancer to diabetes. Scammers know people are searching for natural remedies online, so they exaggerate the language on their site, and even add a few medical terms to sound legitimate. Oftentimes, they'll claim their supplies are not sold anywhere else, and sell them at a high price. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a miracle cure for cancer, but these scammers will have you believe there is, and will even discourage you from taking real medicine. The reality is many of these products are not proven, effective, or safe, and the sites are full of false testimonials.
The Do's: Canada has already started to crack down on such sites, demanding they remove any false claims quickly. Andrea Rosen, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Canada's Competition Bureau, says consumers should be skeptical of health-related products or services that look too good to be true. People should talk to their doctor before trying any new treatment. Check out the Anatomy of an Online Health Scam before you buy medicine online.
There are plenty of other scams out there, so the Federal Trade Commission has put together a nice list of Dot Cons to help you spot a scam.
Fri Mar 14, 2008 7:08PM EDT
y_tech: http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/hughes/24616
on Yahoo!
Identity theft has become a huge problem in the United States. The FTC recently reported that identity theft was the number one complaint again last year for the eighth consecutive year! There are literally thousands of scams out there, and you're probably familiar with most of them, but new scams are getting more sophisticated as people get savvier. For this reason, I thought I'd highlight some of the newest scams making the headlines.
Here are the top five scams you may not know about:
Tax and Rebate Scams
The Scam: Consumers get a call or e-mail claiming to be from a government agency, such as the IRS or Social Security Administration, that asks for personal information to process a rebate check. These crooks ask consumers to provide personal information like their social security number, bank account number, or other details they can use to commit identity theft. If they resist giving out information, they're told they cannot receive the rebate unless the information is provided. The Don'ts: Never give sensitive information to anyone over the phone or email. If you get a suspicious email, delete it immediately. Don't click on any links either, for they might take you to a phishing site or install spyware on your computer. Keep in mind that most government agencies don't collect information by phone or email. The FTC recommends you contact the IRS or SSA directly if you have any questions or concerns. To learn more about other tax scams check out the IRS Top 2008 "Dirty Dozen" Tax Scams.
Cheap Electronics Scam
The Scam: Shopping website that appears legit sells electronic products at extremely low prices. The site is so sophisticated, even the most savvy consumer will have a hard time telling it's a fake. One recent article on PCMag, mentions these scamming sites may be part of a bigger network, since they all have a $500 minimum purchase requirement, and may ask for payment in the form of a Western Union money order to be mailed to a foreign address.
The Signs: Things a like a foreign address, a $500 minimum purchase, or the lack of a secure payment transaction form should raise red flags. A site may appear legitimate, but if you have a hard time recognizing the validity of the website, watch out for things like a new domain registration, questionable contact information, grammatical and spelling errors, a no return policy, and untraceable payment methods. Do do some research online because chances are others may already be expressing their concerns on forums or blogs.
Chatroom Scams
The Scam: Russian cyber-crooks have developed a software robot that poses as a human in chatrooms. These bots can chat with up to 10 people simultaneously, and easily persuade them to hand over phone numbers, photographs, birthday, address, and other personal information. The site claims "Not a single girl has yet realized that she was communicating with a program!" Information harvested by these bots can be used by fraudsters to carry out various forms of fraud. Unsuspecting victims may also be tricked into visiting a 'personal site' that could load malware onto their computers. Sergei Shevchenko, Senior Malware Analyst at PC Tools said CyberLover, "employs highly intelligent and customized dialogue to target users of social networking systems. It can monitor Internet browser activity, automatically recognize and fill in the fields in the web pages, generate keystrokes and mouse clicks, and post messages, URLs, files and photos."
The Dont's: Common sense says never, ever give out personal information to anyone you just met online.
Local Charity Scams
The Scam: Fraudsters claiming to be from the local police department or DARE program are calling or approaching private citizens and businesses soliciting donations purporting to benefit police officers. What's convincing some people into handing over personal and financial information to these imposters is the spoofed number that pops up in the caller ID. Police say many victims have reported a phone number that appears to be from the local police department, so don't be fooled.
The Do's: If you want to support the local police or fire department, find out when they hold their annual fund drives. Most departments don't solicit donations via telephone, so it's best to check out their site to find out when and how they seek donations.
Cancer Cure Scam
The Scam: As more people turn to the web for medical advice, they're encountering websites that advertise natural products they claim will prevent or cure everything from cancer to diabetes. Scammers know people are searching for natural remedies online, so they exaggerate the language on their site, and even add a few medical terms to sound legitimate. Oftentimes, they'll claim their supplies are not sold anywhere else, and sell them at a high price. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a miracle cure for cancer, but these scammers will have you believe there is, and will even discourage you from taking real medicine. The reality is many of these products are not proven, effective, or safe, and the sites are full of false testimonials.
The Do's: Canada has already started to crack down on such sites, demanding they remove any false claims quickly. Andrea Rosen, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Canada's Competition Bureau, says consumers should be skeptical of health-related products or services that look too good to be true. People should talk to their doctor before trying any new treatment. Check out the Anatomy of an Online Health Scam before you buy medicine online.
There are plenty of other scams out there, so the Federal Trade Commission has put together a nice list of Dot Cons to help you spot a scam.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
"You and I live and breathe by our organizers and calendars--while Jesus lived each interruption as God's divine appointment. Think about that: living daily to expect an interruption as a divine appointment with God. Regarding circumstances in our lives, we perhaps are quick to say, 'What a coincidence.' Or 'You won't believe what happened!' Jesus was never surprised by the activity of God. In fact, He only did what the Father told Him to do. In Matthew, chapter 8, Jesus was interrupted eleven times. Each interruption met the needs of the people, showed His power, and displayed God's glory. He kept stopping along the way, embracing the interruptions, so that He could minister, heal, and offer eternal life. What an example! Consider living in the expectancy of interruptions turned into divine encounters."
- Esther Burroughs, excerpt from the book Women at the Well
Monday, March 3, 2008
And now just as you have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to Him. Let your roots grow down into Him and draw up nourishment from Him so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all He has done. Colossians 2:6-7 (NLT)
I got a book in the mail today that I had forgotten I ordered. The funny part is that it is a devotional book that looks like it is just what the doctor (The Great Physician) ordered. It's called Women at the Well and it is a compilation of several different authors including Betty Robinson, Lisa Bevere, CeCe Winans, Thelma Wells, and many other Christian women who wear a lot more hats than I do. It should be a very useful tool for not only restoring my devotional time but also for rebooting my perspective in general. I ordered it because Lisa Bevere was listed as the author (by mistake...or was it more like divine intervention just for me?) I probably wouldn't have noticed it otherwise.
...anyway I'm thrilled and once again amused at how wonderfully God works in and through me in spite of myself.
I got a book in the mail today that I had forgotten I ordered. The funny part is that it is a devotional book that looks like it is just what the doctor (The Great Physician) ordered. It's called Women at the Well and it is a compilation of several different authors including Betty Robinson, Lisa Bevere, CeCe Winans, Thelma Wells, and many other Christian women who wear a lot more hats than I do. It should be a very useful tool for not only restoring my devotional time but also for rebooting my perspective in general. I ordered it because Lisa Bevere was listed as the author (by mistake...or was it more like divine intervention just for me?) I probably wouldn't have noticed it otherwise.
...anyway I'm thrilled and once again amused at how wonderfully God works in and through me in spite of myself.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
This morning I found myself worrying again. It happens far more often than I care to admit. While we were praying at church this morning the thought came to me again that fear is False Evidence Appearing Real. I forget that sometimes. I hate how often and how easily I can slip into thinking in terms of worst case scenarios sometimes based on past hurts and sometimes just a product of a hyperactive imagination (being imaginative is a mixed blessing for sure). Overall my life is very blessed. I know it is not reasonable or healthy to fear the future. But knowing it and operating in the freedom from fear that truly walking in God's love provides are two very different things. I think the key is that I haven't been spending much, if any, quiet time with God lately. The kids are early risers and quiet is only in their repatoire when they are sick or sleeping. When they go to bed I'm still trying to get things done and never seem to have anything left for any type of "me" time. I have to give it more thought and figure out what areas could be more efficient and what things need to be cut out to make time. I once heard an old time minister quoted as saying something like "I have too much to do today not to take time to pray and seek God's wisdom". It's true. Time is too precious to waste it worrying. I've also heard time management experts say that it is never an issue of not having time to do the important things it is a matter of making time for them. So that's where I am right now. I need to do some restructuring of my day. I go through my house on a regular basis to purge things that we no longer use or need. I've just got to do the same thing with regards to my time...
Friday, February 22, 2008
Washington's Birthday
"Washington was the directing spirit without which there would have been no independence, no Union, no Constitution, and no Republic. . . . We cannot yet estimate him. We can only indicate our reverence for him and thank the Divine Providence which kept him to serve and inspire his fellow man." - Calvin Coolidge
"Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence." - George Washington
George Washington (www.whitehouse.gov )
On April 30, 1789, George Washington, standing on the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York, took his oath of office as the first President of the United States. "As the first of every thing, in our situation will serve to establish a Precedent," he wrote James Madison, "it is devoutly wished on my part, that these precedents may be fixed on true principles."
Born in 1732 into a Virginia planter family, he learned the morals, manners, and body of knowledge requisite for an 18th century Virginia gentleman.
He pursued two intertwined interests: military arts and western expansion. At 16 he helped survey Shenandoah lands for Thomas, Lord Fairfax. Commissioned a lieutenant colonel in 1754, he fought the first skirmishes of what grew into the French and Indian War. The next year, as an aide to Gen. Edward Braddock, he escaped injury although four bullets ripped his coat and two horses were shot from under him.
From 1759 to the outbreak of the American Revolution, Washington managed his lands around Mount Vernon and served in the Virginia House of Burgesses. Married to a widow, Martha Dandridge Custis, he devoted himself to a busy and happy life. But like his fellow planters, Washington felt himself exploited by British merchants and hampered by British regulations. As the quarrel with the mother country grew acute, he moderately but firmly voiced his resistance to the restrictions.
When the Second Continental Congress assembled in Philadelphia in May 1775, Washington, one of the Virginia delegates, was elected Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. On July 3, 1775, at Cambridge, Massachusetts, he took command of his ill-trained troops and embarked upon a war that was to last six grueling years.
He realized early that the best strategy was to harass the British. He reported to Congress, "we should on all Occasions avoid a general Action, or put anything to the Risque, unless compelled by a necessity, into which we ought never to be drawn." Ensuing battles saw him fall back slowly, then strike unexpectedly. Finally in 1781 with the aid of French allies--he forced the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown.
Washington longed to retire to his fields at Mount Vernon. But he soon realized that the Nation under its Articles of Confederation was not functioning well, so he became a prime mover in the steps leading to the Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia in 1787. When the new Constitution was ratified, the Electoral College unanimously elected Washington President
He did not infringe upon the policy making powers that he felt the Constitution gave Congress. But the determination of foreign policy became preponderantly a Presidential concern. When the French Revolution led to a major war between France and England, Washington refused to accept entirely the recommendations of either his Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, who was pro-French, or his Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, who was pro-British. Rather, he insisted upon a neutral course until the United States could grow stronger.
To his disappointment, two parties were developing by the end of his first term. Wearied of politics, feeling old, he retired at the end of his second. In his Farewell Address, he urged his countrymen to forswear excessive party spirit and geographical distinctions. In foreign affairs, he warned against long-term alliances.
Washington enjoyed less than three years of retirement at Mount Vernon, for he died of a throat infection December 14, 1799. For months the Nation mourned him.
"Washington was the directing spirit without which there would have been no independence, no Union, no Constitution, and no Republic. . . . We cannot yet estimate him. We can only indicate our reverence for him and thank the Divine Providence which kept him to serve and inspire his fellow man." - Calvin Coolidge
"Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence." - George Washington
George Washington (www.whitehouse.gov )
On April 30, 1789, George Washington, standing on the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York, took his oath of office as the first President of the United States. "As the first of every thing, in our situation will serve to establish a Precedent," he wrote James Madison, "it is devoutly wished on my part, that these precedents may be fixed on true principles."
Born in 1732 into a Virginia planter family, he learned the morals, manners, and body of knowledge requisite for an 18th century Virginia gentleman.
He pursued two intertwined interests: military arts and western expansion. At 16 he helped survey Shenandoah lands for Thomas, Lord Fairfax. Commissioned a lieutenant colonel in 1754, he fought the first skirmishes of what grew into the French and Indian War. The next year, as an aide to Gen. Edward Braddock, he escaped injury although four bullets ripped his coat and two horses were shot from under him.
From 1759 to the outbreak of the American Revolution, Washington managed his lands around Mount Vernon and served in the Virginia House of Burgesses. Married to a widow, Martha Dandridge Custis, he devoted himself to a busy and happy life. But like his fellow planters, Washington felt himself exploited by British merchants and hampered by British regulations. As the quarrel with the mother country grew acute, he moderately but firmly voiced his resistance to the restrictions.
When the Second Continental Congress assembled in Philadelphia in May 1775, Washington, one of the Virginia delegates, was elected Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. On July 3, 1775, at Cambridge, Massachusetts, he took command of his ill-trained troops and embarked upon a war that was to last six grueling years.
He realized early that the best strategy was to harass the British. He reported to Congress, "we should on all Occasions avoid a general Action, or put anything to the Risque, unless compelled by a necessity, into which we ought never to be drawn." Ensuing battles saw him fall back slowly, then strike unexpectedly. Finally in 1781 with the aid of French allies--he forced the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown.
Washington longed to retire to his fields at Mount Vernon. But he soon realized that the Nation under its Articles of Confederation was not functioning well, so he became a prime mover in the steps leading to the Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia in 1787. When the new Constitution was ratified, the Electoral College unanimously elected Washington President
He did not infringe upon the policy making powers that he felt the Constitution gave Congress. But the determination of foreign policy became preponderantly a Presidential concern. When the French Revolution led to a major war between France and England, Washington refused to accept entirely the recommendations of either his Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, who was pro-French, or his Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, who was pro-British. Rather, he insisted upon a neutral course until the United States could grow stronger.
To his disappointment, two parties were developing by the end of his first term. Wearied of politics, feeling old, he retired at the end of his second. In his Farewell Address, he urged his countrymen to forswear excessive party spirit and geographical distinctions. In foreign affairs, he warned against long-term alliances.
Washington enjoyed less than three years of retirement at Mount Vernon, for he died of a throat infection December 14, 1799. For months the Nation mourned him.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Meditations From Iraqby Fr. Steve Dundas
“O God, who hast made of one blood all the peoples ofthe earth, and didst send thy blessed Son to preach tothose who are far off and to those who are near: Grantthat people everywhere may seek and find thee, bringthe nations to thy fold; pour out thy Spirit on all flesh;and hasten the coming of thy kingdom; through thesame thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” From the Book of Common Prayer
Father Steve Dundas (center of circle) leads a prayer with servicemen in Iraq.Seven months ago I set out on a journey to serve as Chaplain to the Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and others who serve as advisors to the Iraqi Army and security forces in Al Anbar Province. From my youth I had felt the call to be a Navy Chaplain and serve in harm’s way. I was the first Navy Chaplain to do this since Vietnam. Traveling the entirety of the province, my assistant and I logged close to 4500 miles on 30 air missions and about 35 convoys to over 30 bases where our teams served, both US and Iraqi.
We were blessed with wonderful ministry, the highlight being the celebration of Christmas Eve and Day at small Iraqi bases near the Syrian border. It’s hard to imagine from the States just how little life has changed for many in this part of the world since that first Christmas, meeting and having “Chi” (tea) with Bedouin families in their tents.
Watching them tend their flocks and seeing mangers tended by young Bedouin boys took me to a place 2000 years ago when the Holy Family celebrated Christmas with shepherds. The cold, barren desert and the simple, harsh life gave me a new appreciation of that first Christmas. When I read the Gospel passage of the birth of Jesus from Luke during services with the Marines, I found myself with tears in my eyes. No tinsel, no fancy trimmings, but the grace of God in the wilderness.
The Lord was good; wherever we traveled we spent time with wonderful Americans and some equally wonderful Iraqis. We had numerous encounters that only the Holy Spirit could have arranged. In the little Southwest Asia huts, airfields, and Iraqi military bases, we ministered to guys who in many cases had not had a chaplain stay with them during their tour. I really do think that the Lord used us to reach people who would never step into a church or chapel. Likewise, we were encouraged by the faith of many of these fine men, some of whom have calls to ministry or other Christian service.
Most of the advisors we served lived in primitive conditions -- nothing like the states or even the bigger bases here. Travel is difficult. It took two days of air travel and convoys to reach some of our teams. Out of the limelight, they build relationships that are impacting Iraqis and hopefully will bring about peace in this country.
I was privileged to meet some great Iraqi military officers -- professionals determined to see their country freed from the tyranny of extremists. One young officer, a Sunni Moslem, found me one night and told me how much he appreciated what I did as a chaplain and priest for our Marines and his country. Another Sh’ia Moslem officer told me that he wished that his Army had people like us to care for the soldiers. A General showed me his Arabic-English Bible which he said that he read because it had things that the Koran did not contain. Yet another General invited us to dinner at his home where we establish bonds of fellowship over some great food and the ever present “Chi.” I saw him last when we crossed paths at an airfield and he gave me a bear-hug in front of his security detachment and American Soldiers.
There were many other instances during the tour: Iraqi soldiers thanking me for blessing the vehicles of our mixed US-Iraqi convoys, meeting with the first class of female Iraqi police officers and seeing them with tears in their eyes when I thanked them for their service and the sacrifice of their families. I told them that I prayed for them daily, something that I told every Iraqi that I met.
All of this ministry with the troops, proclaiming the Gospel and building friendships with Iraqis is about the Gospel that God, who “through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” War destroys. The Iraqi people have suffered greatly during almost 30 years of war, dictatorship and terrorism. Through our love, care, prayer and practical deeds as Christians, as well as the sacrifices of our troops and the Iraqis themselves, maybe someday (as one Iraqi officer told me) we will all live in peace.
I pray for Iraq every day and will miss my Iraqi friends when I leave. I ask you to continue to pray for the troops, as well as the people of Iraq.
This WeekPray for everyone serving in Iraq. Also pray for the Iraqi people that they may know the Prince of Peace.
Prayer"Father, send your Holy Spirit to guide and care for those serving in Iraq. Empower those who believe in You to share your love and hope with the suffering people across the Middle East."
Fr. Steve Dundas is a US Navy Chaplain holding the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He is a priest in the Charismatic Episcopal Church and worked at Life Outreach International from 1990-1993 as a staff counselor. He has served in the military 26 years. He and his wife Judy live in Virginia Beach where he is Chaplain of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek.
“O God, who hast made of one blood all the peoples ofthe earth, and didst send thy blessed Son to preach tothose who are far off and to those who are near: Grantthat people everywhere may seek and find thee, bringthe nations to thy fold; pour out thy Spirit on all flesh;and hasten the coming of thy kingdom; through thesame thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” From the Book of Common Prayer
Father Steve Dundas (center of circle) leads a prayer with servicemen in Iraq.Seven months ago I set out on a journey to serve as Chaplain to the Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and others who serve as advisors to the Iraqi Army and security forces in Al Anbar Province. From my youth I had felt the call to be a Navy Chaplain and serve in harm’s way. I was the first Navy Chaplain to do this since Vietnam. Traveling the entirety of the province, my assistant and I logged close to 4500 miles on 30 air missions and about 35 convoys to over 30 bases where our teams served, both US and Iraqi.
We were blessed with wonderful ministry, the highlight being the celebration of Christmas Eve and Day at small Iraqi bases near the Syrian border. It’s hard to imagine from the States just how little life has changed for many in this part of the world since that first Christmas, meeting and having “Chi” (tea) with Bedouin families in their tents.
Watching them tend their flocks and seeing mangers tended by young Bedouin boys took me to a place 2000 years ago when the Holy Family celebrated Christmas with shepherds. The cold, barren desert and the simple, harsh life gave me a new appreciation of that first Christmas. When I read the Gospel passage of the birth of Jesus from Luke during services with the Marines, I found myself with tears in my eyes. No tinsel, no fancy trimmings, but the grace of God in the wilderness.
The Lord was good; wherever we traveled we spent time with wonderful Americans and some equally wonderful Iraqis. We had numerous encounters that only the Holy Spirit could have arranged. In the little Southwest Asia huts, airfields, and Iraqi military bases, we ministered to guys who in many cases had not had a chaplain stay with them during their tour. I really do think that the Lord used us to reach people who would never step into a church or chapel. Likewise, we were encouraged by the faith of many of these fine men, some of whom have calls to ministry or other Christian service.
Most of the advisors we served lived in primitive conditions -- nothing like the states or even the bigger bases here. Travel is difficult. It took two days of air travel and convoys to reach some of our teams. Out of the limelight, they build relationships that are impacting Iraqis and hopefully will bring about peace in this country.
I was privileged to meet some great Iraqi military officers -- professionals determined to see their country freed from the tyranny of extremists. One young officer, a Sunni Moslem, found me one night and told me how much he appreciated what I did as a chaplain and priest for our Marines and his country. Another Sh’ia Moslem officer told me that he wished that his Army had people like us to care for the soldiers. A General showed me his Arabic-English Bible which he said that he read because it had things that the Koran did not contain. Yet another General invited us to dinner at his home where we establish bonds of fellowship over some great food and the ever present “Chi.” I saw him last when we crossed paths at an airfield and he gave me a bear-hug in front of his security detachment and American Soldiers.
There were many other instances during the tour: Iraqi soldiers thanking me for blessing the vehicles of our mixed US-Iraqi convoys, meeting with the first class of female Iraqi police officers and seeing them with tears in their eyes when I thanked them for their service and the sacrifice of their families. I told them that I prayed for them daily, something that I told every Iraqi that I met.
All of this ministry with the troops, proclaiming the Gospel and building friendships with Iraqis is about the Gospel that God, who “through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” War destroys. The Iraqi people have suffered greatly during almost 30 years of war, dictatorship and terrorism. Through our love, care, prayer and practical deeds as Christians, as well as the sacrifices of our troops and the Iraqis themselves, maybe someday (as one Iraqi officer told me) we will all live in peace.
I pray for Iraq every day and will miss my Iraqi friends when I leave. I ask you to continue to pray for the troops, as well as the people of Iraq.
This WeekPray for everyone serving in Iraq. Also pray for the Iraqi people that they may know the Prince of Peace.
Prayer"Father, send your Holy Spirit to guide and care for those serving in Iraq. Empower those who believe in You to share your love and hope with the suffering people across the Middle East."
Fr. Steve Dundas is a US Navy Chaplain holding the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He is a priest in the Charismatic Episcopal Church and worked at Life Outreach International from 1990-1993 as a staff counselor. He has served in the military 26 years. He and his wife Judy live in Virginia Beach where he is Chaplain of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Valentines Birthday
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Voter's Guide link
Benjamin Franklin observed, "Make yourself sheep, and the wolves will eat you," and Thomas Jefferson wisely advised, "In matters of principle, stand like a rock!"
http://wallbuilders.com/downloads/newsletter/VotersGuide.pdf
http://wallbuilders.com/downloads/newsletter/VotersGuide.pdf
The Secret Message of Valentine's Day by Kayla Smith
It’s that time of the year again: candy-colored hearts, pink-and-red greeting cards and naked babies shooting people with romance-inducing arrows (which is a little weird when you think about). It’s a time of bliss for the lovebird and contempt for the single, an excuse to dress up and act mushy with the one you love.
Like many of the modern holidays we observe, the true meaning and origins of Valentine’s Day are often forgotten in a commercialized frenzy of money and mass-produced teddy bears. But a little research shows that though February 14 may have little resemblance to the saint it remembers, the heart of the celebration is the same: the mystery surrounding St. Valentine is a love—of sorts.
For whatever the holiday may look like in our culture today, legends say it was created to memorialize the saint (or saints) called Valentine of long ago. Research shows at least three saints by that name were martyred on the day we celebrate love. While the details in the actual story of St. Valentine are largely a mystery, there is an underlying theme for every legend associated with the holiday—a theme that is centered around sacrificial love for one another.
Some believe that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men so that his crop of potential soldiers would multiply; all current engagements were also nullified. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied the emperor and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. Swooning yet?
When Valentine's actions were discovered, he was arrested and imprisoned by the emperor. While in prison, it is said that Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s blind daughter, whose vision he restored by a saintly miracle. The emperor found out about the healing and ordered that Valentine be beheaded. On the eve of his execution, he wrote a farewell note to the jailer’s daughter, dripping with love and words of affection, signing it “from your Valentine.”
Nowadays, the commercialization of the holiday may have distorted our understanding of the passion of this event by incorporating cards with SpongeBob SquarePants on them signed, “from your Valentine.” However, the original story is as achingly romantic as they come. It is further believed that the “from your Valentine” tradition carried on after the saint’s execution through an annual Roman festival where young men gave handwritten letters of affection to the young women they wished to court. The festival was held on February 14, and determined the romantic fate for young people in the coming year. Fortunately, present-day Valentine cards that kids pass out during class do not determine their romantic destinies, so the switch to candy was probably a smart move in this case—unless arranged marriage is what you have in mind for your children one day.
Another legend holds that Valentine was a martyr for the Church in Rome. According to some theories, he was executed after trying to help several prisoners escape harsh conditions where they were often beaten or tortured. This type of brotherly or Christ-like love is not often associated with Valentine’s Day, but the premise of the holiday clearly lies in the idea of a sacrificial love—to whomever that may be. Even Russell Stover can’t top that.
Another view on this mysterious Valentine character asserts that he was an outspoken priest and volunteer physician who healed the sick. He allegedly combined his professions to work all day healing people and then praying all night for their recovery. When Valentine grew old and became bedridden, he continued his ministry by sending letters to those he couldn’t visit in person. Like the other Valentines, he was imprisoned and sentenced to execution. His offense? Refusing to denounce Christianity in a time when Protestantism was under fire by the Roman government. While incarcerated he received notes, candy and flowers from young children whom he had healed. Even though incarceration followed by execution seems to be the dominant theme for the lives of Valentine, this may explain why today we send chocolate, roses and love notes to our special someone.
So what can we say Valentine’s Day really encompasses? In all cases, it is the effort to protect the sanctity of love—the holiday has become synonymous with all things tender. The idea of celebrating love on the date of a saint’s execution may seem strange, but it is as much a celebration of the life of Valentine and those he helped as it is a memorial of his death. Valentine’s Day is as closely tied to the love of a romantic interest or a friend in need as it is to a passion for God and serving a greater purpose.
Whether you’ll be gallivanting around with your significant other or cursing all things cute, take some time to remember the real meaning of Valentine’s Day: sacrifice and true love. In a society that continues to grow more and more independent and out of touch with those around them, the concept of sacrifice and genuine love should be fought for.
Author: Kayla Smith Kayla Smith is an Editorial Intern at RELEVANT Magazine.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Important Message From David Barton
January 28, 2008Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! (2 Peter 1:2)In the latter months of 2007, there was a flurry of incidents attempting to censor America's religious heritage (e.g., the capstone at the Washington Monument, the flag folding ceremony in the Veterans' Department, the flag certificates from the Architect of the Capitol, etc.). In each case, citizens learned of the incidents and in large numbers made their feelings known; each policy was promptly reversed.In response to those (and other) incidents, Congressman Randy Forbes of Virginia introduced a Congressional Resolution affirming America's Godly heritage through dozens of documented historic examples.That measure, H.Res.888 <http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=5799>, declares its two-fold purpose:Affirming the rich spiritual and religious history of our Nation's founding and subsequent history and expressing support for designation of the first week in May as "American Religious History Week" for the appreciation of and education on America's history of religious faith.The House has agreed to consider and debate this excellent resolution. There are three things you can do to help:1. Call your Member of Congress and ask him or her to co-sponsor H.Res.888 (to identify your Member of Congress, visit www.house.gov, enter your zip code in the upper left hand portion of the page, and hit "GO.")2. Call Randy's office (202.225.6365) and thank him for standing up for our religious heritage. (All folks appreciate encouragement, but especially those on the front lines of battle.)3. Forward the resolution to others (it is downloadable here <http://www.wallbuilders.com/downloads/newsletter/H.Res.888.pdf>). It will remind Americans what God has done for them and instruct the next generation about God's hand in America's history.God bless!David BartonTo sign up on the WallBuilders email list and receive future information about historical issues and Biblical values in the culture, visit www.wallbuilders.com.To contribute to WallBuilders, visit www.wallbuilders.com/store/contribute.html.Don't forget to listen to WallBuilders' daily radio program, WallBuilders Live!, the intersection of faith and culture, or you can download the daily podcast. Visit www.wallbuilderslive.com for more information.
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