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Morning Devotional...


God's Celebration

Phil. 2:5-11.  "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.  Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

This is about an advent celebration.  In fact, it involves the greatest celebration of all time and eternity.  The Celebrant is the Almighty Lord God, and His celebration has to do with an event that has resulted in infinite benefit to us all.  The celebration is an expression of His own view of His Son's coming into this world - with focus upon His life, His crucifixion, and His death.

God expressed His celebration when He raised His Son from death and exalted Him to His own right hand in glory.  In fact, "He HIGHLY exalted Him and gave Him the Name which is above EVERY name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow - of those in heaven, and those on earth, and those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father!"

If God the Father so celebtrates the advent of His Son, should not we also celebrate it?  Oh let us bow our hearts and confess anew that Jesus Christ is indeed our Lord, to the glory of God our Father.
Al Moak

Good Morning Everyone!

Well, yesterday was a very busy day for me with visitors and I was hardly near my computer.  Rebecca was though--playing the bowling game that we have here in our games area.  It was so cute to hear so many "I Feel Great" as she got strike after strike!

I was so tired when they all left late evening that I sat in a chair to watch some news and fell asleep and then woke up so cold and chilly so off to my bed I went!

Hope you all have a wonderful day today.  I'm leaving now to get some stamps and then I have my last pre-Christmas Avon order to pack.

Great reminder today, Al, of why we celebrate Christmas!  Thanks for that.

Good morning.

Marilyn, I didn't repond to your comments regarding Christians, in particular those in leadership, drinking, because there are differing views on this.

I can't find any place in the Bible where we are told absolutely not to drink.  Not to become drunken, or to excess, for sure.

On the other hand, alcoholism has run like an evil thread through my family, and I've watched people's lives destroyed.  Personally I think I'd not have the confidence in a pastor who drank......because of the history in my family.  We know the devil will use any means to kill, steal and destroy.

For me...it isn't an issue of rights, but in being careful not to cause others to stumble. 

I have Christian brothers and sisters who will have a glass of wine, or occasionally a beer, and are not convicted of wrong doing by the Holy Spirit.  I have other Christian brothers and sisters who could never do that in good conscience.   Each answer to the Lord to whom they belong.

That's my point of view on it anyway. :)  I thought about it, but just didn't post anything.   It only becomes important if it becomes an issue with loved ones, ie a church family.



I can see sunshine on the hills aroud my place, so looks like we might have nice day.  No frost that I can see.  I know it warmed up, as my bones feel it. :)

Gotta go and finish my coffee and take Angel to school, so will say goodbye for now.

Hi Nita...

Thanks for that.   Great words of wisdom.

Nice that you see sun on the hills.  Wish I could see hills for the sun to shine on.  :)

Thank you Nita. I also know some Christian friends who take a glass of wine now and then I do not condemn them for doing so, but would not do it myself. But when I hear the Bible quoted out of context in saying that it is alright then I cringe. For a Pastor to justify himself by saying it is alright to drink or to blow it off by saying "everything in moderation" is not right.

I did want the opinions of others to see if perhaps I am being too harsh. As I said I know this pastor and he is a wonderful teacher, he had this problem even before he became a pastor or even went to Bible School. He was very honest about his past but very deceptive about his life as a pastor. Both he and his wife were very secretive. He and his wife met in a bar where she worked and he drank.

I am trying not  to be a gossip here  just presenting the facts as I know them. I am not judging them here either for they will answer only to God not to me or anyone else.

TTYL

Monday!  It seems Mondays always come with so many things to get done..........I guess I need to get busy.

I am trying to find out if my ladies want to have class tomorrow, since on Thursday we have to go to Amarillo so Darrel's doc can check him out.  But I'm having trouble getting hold of them...........

I need to go to Hugoton today to borrow those costumes, so we will have time to make any needed adjustments . They can try them on Wed. night at practice.

I need to get busy, the day is fast fleeting, and I have miles to go before I sleep; miles to go before I sleep........ ;)

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Saturday was a busy day for me with the chiropractor in the morning and then the 60 Chix at lunch.  Kitty set a beautiful table for 8 of us and the food was delicious. (https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmy.core.com%2F%7Eettasue%2FSmileys%2FClapping.gif&hash=1a965a35460682bfa001beff7b198507967c763b) No one knew what the other was bringing but we had punch, crackers, soup, fried chicken, corn, green beans, macaroni and cheese, salad, homemade bread, and desserts!  (https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmy.core.com%2F%7Eettasue%2FSmileys%2FEatingchocolates.gif&hash=a5a5ee6dc6e4f0bf1892d06189d136813ca29466)Everything a lunch would need. 

Then that evening Ivalou and I went to Tony and Charlene's for our Christmas and out to eat.  I crocheted Tony a nose warmer in orange, black and white (Harley colors) for a joke but I think he plans on wearing it in cool weather.  He told me, I may become a millioniaire in selling them.  (https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmy.core.com%2F%7Eettasue%2FSmileys%2FThumbsUp.gif&hash=581ce742899fc6926b09b2346eb2561d04a184de)Haha! 

Saturday night driving home wasn't fun because the wind was drifting the road and more snow was coming down. (https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmy.core.com%2F%7Eettasue%2FSmileys%2FSad.gif&hash=52ba792b01176af1204b73e5c8192c807fd9a68a) But when I got up yesterday, I thought...I don't know if I can make it to church or not if I don't get out there and try.  So I went to church.  Great services.  I came home right after church since I had leftover salad for lunch.  It was snowing again on the way home. 

Today I awoke to a beautiful view outside...hoar frost.  But I didn't take photos...(https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmy.core.com%2F%7Eettasue%2FSmileys%2FThumbsDown.gif&hash=26c1a78a8d10d22ee7bb47cacc241e4ddc920087)

Tonight is another pitch-in at the Kilbuck Photo Guild.  Hope I can stick to my diet.  (https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmy.core.com%2F%7Eettasue%2FSmileys%2FToothySmile.gif&hash=69472e19c2a0198d26a024746806f05a37fc670e)  My big problem is I love food.  (https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmy.core.com%2F%7Eettasue%2FSmileys%2FInLove.gif&hash=70728b2805cec310bb3d5226b30ae40cc5adc405)But if I don't, I won't cry.  (https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmy.core.com%2F%7Eettasue%2FSmileys%2FCrying.gif&hash=52e425ee2ed6d101430960fd5eec2b8e38e8f026)

I am praying that everyone has a great day today.  (https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmy.core.com%2F%7Eettasue%2FSmileys%2FThrowingKisses.gif&hash=187116ee11af6e7defc53aca7f8b507038d202fa)

Brrrr....'tis chilly here on the island!

Nice devotional, Pastor Al.  Thanks.

I have not been at the computer lately and so had lots of reading to do. 
Marilyn, I accidently deleted an e-mail from you and would you consider sending it again?  Things have been a little strange around here and I had lots to delete from the computer....Got carried away :idiot:

My SIL's mother is in the last stage of cancer and not expected to live more than a day or so.  The family has kept her home and so everyone has been there and Wendy has been taking over huge meals to feed many mouths.  I have been baking and making salads, etc.  Trying to help from here and keep Wendy from becoming ill...she is in so much physical and emotional pain.  Difficult to cope with and Ralph is taking it hard.  They both spend long hours with the family and take turns at her bedside.  Wendy is what so many of us would like to be as a Christian.  Filled with love for people, even when they have hurt her.  Wish my heart could be this warm and kind. I hope that when all is over, the family will remember how much she loves them....

Guess this Christmas will not be terribly happy for anyone and I feel badly for them.  We will probably cook a big dinner here for those that want to come.  They always got together on Boxing Day and some on Christmas Day.  Big family with six kids and many granddchildren.  Will see what happens!

I always feel badly at Christmas as we don't know where my son is and have not heard in ten years.  He threw his life away and I ran out of ways to rescue.  Drugs are a terrible thing and only lead to sadness.  So Wendy and I always feel that something is missing and we can't find the answer.

Goodness, this is not the best post ever!  Marilyn, I agree with Nita and mostly don't go down the road of trying to know what is best for others.  I don't drink and never really liked the taste.  Was taught it was not for Christians and have thought it the best choice for me.  Someone once wrote:

The Closer we get to Jesus,
the less religious doctrine means in our life.

I wish that my faith was as strong as yours Marilyn, and also of others here.  My faith is strong, but the quiet, reserved kind.  Not that good a witness.

Etta Sue, you make my day :)

Pleasant Day all and God Bless.

Liz

Marilyn~I also read your post but did not respond for the same reasons Nita gave.  I do not have the same problems of alcoholism in my family as she does.  I did not comment because it just seemed like it could start a discussion of right or wrong and I hate controversy.   :)  Don't feel slighted because there were no responses to your post, though. It was nothing personal.   :)

I do believe that any spiritual leader should be careful to set an example.  I also believe that we should never do anything that would cause someone to stumble.  As Nita said, however, everyone must answer to God for himself.  

Hi there LIZ!!  You came in while I was posting.   ;)

I received this from our cousin Danny this afternoon.  It is good and right on base.  Thought you would enjoy it.  Anyone see the 7th Heaven Christmas last night?  It was one of the good ones.

'Twas the night before Christmas
And all through the town
Not a sign of Baby Jesus
Was anywhere to be found.


The people were all busy
With Christmas time chores
Like decorating, and baking,
And shopping in stores.


No one sang "Away in a manger,
No crib for a bed".
Instead, they sang of Santa
Dressed-up in bright red.


Mama watched Martha Stewart,
Papa drank beer from a tap.
As hour upon hour
The presents they'd wrap

When what from the T.V.
Did they suddenly hear?
'Cept an ad.. Which told
Of a big sale at Sears.

So away to the mall
They all flew like a flash...
Buying things on credit...
And others with cash!

And, as they made their way home
From their trip to the mall,
Did they think about Jesus?
Oh, no... Not at all.

Their lives were so busy
With their Christmas time things
No time to remember
Christ Jesus, the King.

There were presents to wrap
And cookies to bake.
How could they stop and remember
Who died for their sake?

To pray to the Savior...
They had no time to stop.
Because they needed more time
To "Shop til they dropped!"


On Wal-mart! On K-mart!
On Target! On Penney's!
On Hallmark! On Zales!
A quick lunch at Denny's

From the big stores downtown
To the stores at the mall
They would dash away, dash away,
And visit them all!

And up on the roof,
There arose such a clatter
As grandpa hung icicle lights
Up on his brand new step ladder.


He hung lights that would flash.
He hung lights that would twirl.
Yet, he never once prayed to Jesus...
Light of the World.

Christ's eyes... How they twinkle!
Christ's Spirit... How merry!
Christ's love... How enormous!
All our burdens... He'll carry!


So instead of being busy,
Overworked, and uptight
Let's put Christ back in
Christmas and enjoy
Some good nights!

Merry Christmas, my friends

Very good, JUDYB.. Thanks :thumbsup:

Hi everyone!

Marilyn - I personally would lose faith in any preacher, pastor, etc.  that I might see with an alcoholic drink out in public.  ( especially in a bar, of course, what business would either of us have being in one! LOL!)  I mean seeing one in a restaurant that serves alcohol.  I know we are not to judge, but that would be a big stumbling block for me.  Now what one does in the privacy of their home, that is something else.  If they drink wine for the stomachs sake, like before bed.  But if they sit down with a 6 pack, well, you get what I mean? :ticked: 

In my family one thing always lead to another.  My father and my brother were alcoholics (recovered)

I have no use for the stuff, myself.

And there you have my opinion :crazy:

Samantha

Nice to see everyone here so far today...

Liz, I'm sorry what your family is going through.  Yes, it's a sad time of year to lose someone. 

Quote from: Babycakes on December 12, 2005, 04:07:23 PMone thing always lead to another. 

Hi Sam.  You could say that "one beer leads to another" or "one drink leads to another" and that would be true.  One of the reasons I belong to the church that I belong to is they have in the church discipline no alcohol, except for medicinal purposes. 

I used to drink and have not since 1975. I lost the taste and do not want to get it back.  Iced tea now, thank you.

I know that some ministers drink, as i have seen them.  How that affects their ministry I do not know....I just know that I/me...do not like to see them drink, even a "social drink."  No, not one.

That said.....God let me know long ago to "Never impose on someone what I have imposed on you."   While it may be OK for others...it is not for me.  That includes a myriad of things, one of which is alcohol...smoking another....and gambling another.

I hate to be a middle of the roader, but I tend to agree with what seems to be the consensus here about alcohol.  I do believe the Bible teaches rather strongly that excess is totally wrong, but I don't find any teaching in it against moderate use.  The only exception to this is that it must never be a stumbling block to others.  I may or may not feel that it is ok to drink a beer occasionally, but if by doing so I cause a brother or sister to stumble, then it is absolutely forbidden.  I think we need to leave one another's judgement, though, to our Lord.

Okay!  New question now!  How do you all feel about singing the old Christmas carols as opposed to singing just a few little choruses in church this time of the year?

I LOVE the old Christmas carols!  And for the past several years, we haven't gotten to sing them.  I am always disappointed when we don't sing them.  I like to start by the first Sunday in December, and sing them the whole month.

What's your opinion?

Guess what Abby has on her Christmas want list???  10 steaks!!  Yes, the meat kind!  :lol:  She loves steak, and says that way the whole family can have steak!  She's so funny.

It's been refreshing to read ya'lls views about alcohol.  I myself, am a tee-totaler.  (Means I never drink alcohol for any purpose).  But, I have a strong Christian friend who may drink a glass of wine, etc. on a rare occasion. 

That said, I think so many times (and we Baptists seem to be the worst of the bunch) we group sins.  Big sins, little sins, absolutely NOT sins, etc.  All of it is sin to God.  There is none of us clean compared to Christ, and our righteousness is as filthy rags compared to Him.  To me, that always puts things in a perspective for me.  I look pretty good compared to some in the world, but when I am compared to Christ, ouchie. ;)

Janet, I like the old and the new.  In the program we did at church Sunday, it was mostly new, but from now until Christmas, it is the "standards."  Heck, I just like Christmas music. ;)

Liz, I am saying a special prayer right now for you son.   Wherever he is, whatever he is doing. . ..

Take care, all!

   


I am feeling much better today infact I reported to work.

Mel has just arrived home from Best Buy and now needs the computer.

The whole discussion on alcohol I agree 100% as my mom said;  as we were children growing up if what we did was a bad example; do not participate, as it could be a stumbling block to others.


Ruth 

Well it is evening and a cold one.  I skipped small group as Kassie has been under the weather.  Melaura is pushing through but she is not well either.  We are all looking forward to the Christmas break and a time of rest.  I think I will be letting the girls sleep till they wake, whenever that will be.  Teen can sleep well into the day can't they?

John is gone and has been running through Chicago.  He reported that the roads are as bad as ever!  Some things never change. 

My personal belief in tne alcohol discussion is simple.  It is between each individual and God.  But as Al says we must never be a stumbling block to our brothers and sisters.   I put gambling and smoking in the same context.  I know christians that gamble in public but would never take a drink.   Can't that be as big a stumbling block?   My mother had a good way of puting things into perspective.  Can you do (blank) with Jesus Christ sitting beside you?  The answer to that will guide the footsteps. 

I am making the last costumes for our Christmas Pagent.  The pattern I was given is missing parts, and the parts are unfortunately the ones I need most.  Sooooo back to the drawing board.

Well the cats are out, dogs are asleep and I am heading to bed. 

Night all

Janet, yes I love the old Christmas carols.  It used to be that on our radio stations we had them for the whole month but not now.

So, I'm off to get another one for here.

 

Folks, I am exhausted, so the NEM is going up a bit early.  Hope that is okay.

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Locking, now.

(I see several reading, so I am trying not to bonk anyone on the head)