The Secret ... it's not what you think ...

- Today, February 16, 2007, Oprah Winfrey will be doing a follow up
on last week's show on the film, The Secret, due to overwhelming
public response. And as was expected, her promotion of the DVD
last week is helping to make it a best-seller.
(see Paul McManus' report on The Secret).

On Oprah's website, it states:

One week later ... the reaction to The Secret! Your emails
poured in and Oprah.com went off the charts! The secret to
making more money, losing weight, falling in love, landing
your dream job ... and you want more! The questions, the
successes and the lives changed. Stories you have to hear!
A follow-up to the show everybody is talking about!

While most people may view the new DVD promoted by Oprah
as a safe and effective method to reach their goals and aspirations,
what they do not know may hurt them spiritually. Rhonda Byrne,
the author of The Secret, is a disciple of a couple named Jerry
and Esther Hicks. In the Acknowledgements of The Secret,
Byrne thanked Jerry and Esther Hicks and the teachings of Abraham.
Incredibly, Abraham is a group of spirit guides that Esther Hicks
channels for guidance on spiritual issues.
On the Hicks website, they state:

Abraham, a group of obviously evolved teachers,

speak their broader Non-physical perspective

through the physical body of Esther [Hicks].

Speaking to our level of comprehension, from

their present moment to our now, through a

series of loving, allowing, brilliant yet

comprehensively simple, recordings in print,

in video, and in sound - they guide us to a clear

connection with our Inner Being--they guide us

to self-upliftment from our total self [god-self].

Because Oprah, who is one of the most influential people in the
world right now, is giving The Secret a huge thumbs up, this
could potentially accelerate the paradigm shift we are going
through, which is racing the world into such deception as never
seen before and what the Bible predicts will take place before
Jesus Christ returns. And with contemplative spirituality
(just another form of the same spirituality being promoted
through The Secret) now being embraced by so much of
Christendom, the words of occultist Alice Bailey may indeed
come true, when she said that the Age of Aquarius (that time
when humanity realizes its divinity) will come not around the
Christian church, but rather through it. The Secret is pure
undisguised metaphysics and is the total manifestation of
what the apostle Paul describes as seducing spirits (Abraham)
and doctrines of devils (The Secret). Incidentally, the word
occult means secret or hidden.

Today, when millions of viewers are watching Oprah and
more of The Secret, may God protect those who are
sincerely hurting and looking for answers and truth.
And may Christian leaders who have succumbed to
contemplative spirituality repent and turn back to the
pure gospel of Jesus Christ, and may they speak publicly
about their repentance and quickly warn believers to also turn back.

For additional information:

The Secret: A New Era for Humankind

Take a look at the book that influenced The Secret, The Law of Attraction
by Jerry and Esther Hicks. The foreword is written by staunch New Ager Neale Donald Walsch.

Evangelical Leaders Promote New Age and Eastern Spiritual Practices

This info shared from Lighthouse Trails Research

PLEASE DISCERN THIS AND THROW AROUND SOME
'HEAVENLY SALT' WHERE DISCERNMENT IS LACKING ....

The View from my window ...

This a the view out the front of our house on this snowy winter gray February day ...

The snow is coming,
The wind is howling,
Inside all is cozy and warm.

The trees are covered,
The roads are a mess,
But, inside all is cozy and warm.

The dogs rip and run,
The birds look for food,
Yet, inside all is cozy and warm.

The day starts to unfold,
The coffee is perked,
Oh! Inside it is cozy and warm!

written by pam on this day,
the 13th of February
in the year of our Lord 2007

Hilarious .....

I received this pic some time ago in an email ... I do not know who took it or from where but I had to chuckle when I saw it again .... I'm thinking -- Daryl, Daryl and Daryl!

I have one just like ...... ???

A Hearty Congratulations! ...

My heartfelt congratulations to Pastor Howard Sloan on his Ordination today!

Here is a link to his website --
http://pastorsloan.blogspot.com/2007/01/ordination-service.html

There is some praising going on in Heaven this fine day, I am sure!

My prayer for him --

Most Gracious and Heavenly Father,
I come humbly before You today with joy in my heart
for Pastor Sloan. Your Chosen to feed your sheep.
Father, I pray for his role of leadership in his home and
church family. That as a Pastor, Lord, he knows Your will
for the church he leads. For vision and leading the
church into that vision, encouraging and enabling
church members into ministry. For his preaching
ministry that he is able to have time in the Word to set
at Your feet and then to faithfully communicate that
which You give Him. For the church to have ears to
hear, hearts to obey and eyes to see Your use
of him. Father, for his walk of faith, his time in prayer,
his spiritual growth and His love for you to grow deeper
and stronger in each passing day. I pray for his
schedule Lord, that he seeks Your will for scheduling
between family and church needs. That he is able to
guard his family time and for the church family to
understand and meet him in this need and support
him fully. Today Lord it is hard to develop
relationships but I ask that You provide him
with a solid group of prayer warriors who understand
their call to support their Pastor in prayer daily. For those
men whom you have put in place to keep his iron sharp
and to hear the depth of his soul. For trustworthiness.
For those who will assist him in Your work for this church
to be in unity and have the same vision. For him to be able
to separate himself when he needs to be a husband, father,
and Pastor. To meet the needs of his wife, for her to meet
his and for them to fulfill each other. That they walk
hand-in-hand together as a family, for the gospel and this church
you have entrusted to them. For those times with his child
and the children to come, that they have their own "special
times together", that memories are made and cherished,
that you make his quiver full, and one in which he can
boast of You and Your mighty works.
I pray for his renewal and relaxation and that
the stress of ministry is relieved and understood by his
church family. That in it all and thru it all he brings
honor and glory to Your name! Thanks for this servant
Lord, may he always be a blessing to many. Use him mightily!
God, bless him and his always.
In Your Son's most holy and precious Name I pray,
Amen.

Well done good and faithful servant! My heart is glad
this day!

What's Your Choice?

Tell me! Tell me!
Inquiring minds want to know!



Inquiring minds want to know --
1. What Bible is your preference?
a. Do you care whether it is a red-letter or not?
b. Study Bible with notes or do you prefer a Bible with no notes?
c. Hard-cover, leather, metal?
d. Wide-margin?
e. Versions?
f. Do you carry the same Bible to Church as you use to study with?

2. What is your Bible marking method?

3. What Concordance do you like?

4. Do you use Bible Study software and if so, what?

5. Do you use a Palm or other device to transport Study helps & notes?
a. Do you then carry this along to Church or other places?
b. What program works best for your needs?
c. What device do you currently use?

6. Do you study alone or with a friend or friends or both?

7. How much time do you spend a week in Bible Study?

8. What are you currently studying?

9. What is your favorite Bible Study help?

10. Do you have more than one Commentary set?

11. What online study aid do you use?

12. Are you an Inductive Study method person?

13. What method works best for you?

14. Do you refer to Hebrew/Greek in any form to help you
clarify what you are studying?

15. Do you have a file system of past studies, notes, etc.

16. Do you have a special place where you study?

I am curious how others study, what you use, what you do not like, etc.
I will post mine later.

Thanks for sharing ... perhaps someone will be inspired by you and your methods. Perhaps someone is in a dry-time and this will stir them up again. Perhaps someone does not know where to start ... or they are looking for help on materials ... I look forward to hear from you.

Boy, do I ache! ...

This cold weather is taking its toll on me.
I hurt from head-to-toe today!
I am the manager of the local Sr. Citizen's Center
and we all sat around
drinking coffee, eating goodies and complaining
about our aches and pains.
I turned 50 this past October and some days I feel 80!
I woke up last nite
and had a cramp in my 2nd toe!
That bugger was standing like a continental soldier!
It hurt me all day today and since I am on my feet
from 9am to 1:30pm
I had to come home and soak them. Geesh! ...
My Mom said this would happen, Gram told me
I would feel old on the outside
and young on the inside and it is TRUE!

It was minus one here this morning.
One gal who is 89 walked into the Center
and said she was glad to be here in the warmth -
her furnace went out during the night and she
did not want to call her son so early in the morning and get him up.
Said she was covered up with old Haps and quilts and
could hardly wait for the Senior van to pick her up.
Bless her heart, she is just a little bitty thing too!
Her son gave her the dickens and so did I.

Another thing happened at work ...
I had made the decision years ago that I would not color my hair
... I left it go gray ... it started about age 28 ...
anyhow I was setting with my back to the door and
a gentleman came in to register to get his tax work done.
He walked over to the table and asked where Pam was
he needed to talk to her, one of my
fella's said "you are standing right behind her" ...
I turned around and he says,
"My goodness Pam I thought you were one of the old ladies!
When did you get so gray!"
Ya'll ever feel like bopping somebody real good?
This guy just about got it. My folks
thought it was just hilarious!
After he realized what he said he apologized
about 20 times. Embarrassed himself pretty good, so he did!
So I thought I would post a pic of myself ....

Dog Day ....

Our dogs came in from outside in 0 degree weather after a quick romp and they both hit the couch -- well sort of -- Bella our 4 mth. old Drahthaar pup decided it was warmer on top of Dakota, our 2 yr. old Lab's back. She laid there for over a half an hour. Dakota never moved either! I think they both enjoyed each others warmth! We went for shots today for both of them at the Vets. They did real well. We drove over to Dunkin Donuts for some goodies to take home and the gal at the window gave them a treat, too. She handed in 2 Munchkin's each for our doggies! McDonald's Drive-thru and the lady at the Bank has them spoiled rotten, too! They get treats all the time! I just had to share this pic of the two of them snuggling up ... enjoy! Ain't that cute ......

Remembrances ....

Children's Poetry is being posted by various bloggers and linking to Rebecca Writes
Go on over and enjoy some good reads ....

Here is another Poem from my Grandmother's Composition Book.
This one is dated Oct. 26th, 1921.

THE FROG AND THE TURTLE

The Frog and the Turtle had a quarrel one day.
The Frog told the Turtle in a boastful way ...
I'll race you in swimming for to see who'll win;
Agreed said the Turtle and they jumped right in.

Chorus --
They both hit the water with an awful crash.
The frog went plunk and the turtle splash.
I never did believe it but the creek folks say
They heard the water splashing twenty miles away!

The Frog had a bathing suit of pretty green and
old Mr. Turtle in a black was seen.
Ahold takes the Turtle on the Frogs big toe,
The Frog kicks the Turtle on the short black nose.

They kicked all the water from the swimming hole,
and sank to the bottom in a mud left pool.
They each told the other with a painful face,
Take me out and wash me and you win the race!

The Old Hog predicts ...

AN EARLY SPRING!

He saw NO shadow!!

February ....

Feb. 2nd is an important day here in PA. It is GROUND HOG DAY! Punxsutawny Phil, that infamous ground hog who has now gone internationally famous. People are camping out just to be there when 'Phil' comes out of his den and fortels the weather for the next few months. ... This ancient festival marks the midpoint of winter, halfway between the shortest day and the spring equinox. In olden times, many people used to say that the Christmas season lasted for forty days - until the second day of February which was called Candlemas's. They also thought it was the day that decided what sort of weather there would be for the rest of the winter. Hence - Ground Hog Day in the US.

People believe that Ground Hog Day predicted the weather for the rest of the winter. The weather proverbs express the idea that a fine bright sunny Ground Hog day means that there is more winter to come, whereas a cloudy wet stormy Ground Hog day means that the worst of winter is over.

Weather Proverbs ...
If Candlemas Day be fair and bright
Winter will have another fight.
If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain,
Winter won't come again.

If Candlemas Day be dry and fair,
The half o the winter's to come and mair;
If Candlemas Day be wet and foul,
The half o the winter's gane at Yule.

Farmer's Proverbs ...
'A farmer should, on Candlemas Day,
Have half his corn and half his hay.'

'On Candlemas Day if the thorns hang adrop,
You can be sure of a good pea crop.'

German Proverb ...
" The badger peeps out of his hole on Candlemas Day, and, if he finds snow, walks abroad; but if he sees the sun shining he draws back into his hole."

It is said that if the weather is fine and frosty at the close of January and the beginning of February, there is more winter ahead than behind.

When the cat lies in the sun in February
She will creep behind the stove in March.

Of all the months of the year
Curse a fair February.

If it thunders in February, it will frost in April.

If February give much snow,
A fine summer it doth foreshow.

http://www.groundhog.org/

Here is the link to the Official Ground Hog website in PA.

I'll be up early watching the goings on at Gobbler's Knob! Its going to be a cold day -- I'm glad I'll be watching it all unfold on my TV set while lying in my nice warm bed!

Happy Ground Hog Day!

Feasts for the "wild" men ...

Venison Cheese Dip
.........................................
1 lb. ground venison
3/4 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup chopped green pepper
2 Tbs. vegetable oil
1 lb. cubed Velveeta Cheese
1 15 oz. can Chili (no bean type for on hot dogs)
1 12 oz. bottle Chili Sauce
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
(optional: dash of tobassco if you want to heat it up)
dash of Liquid Smoke flavoring (but you do not need to go out and buy it if you don't have it on hand.)

In a large skillet (I prefer cast iron) over medium heat, cook the venison, 1/2 cup of the onion and 1/2 cup of the green pepper in oil until meat is cooked, then drain. Add in the next 6 ingredients and cook, stirring until cheese is melted.

Transfer to a fondue pot or small electric crock. Sprinkle on remaining cheese, peppers and onions. Yields about 6 cups.

I serve this with bread chunks and nacho chips.

Good with Elk meat, too. Consider this one for the Super Bowl this Sunday!

What Value Does The Bible Have To You? ...

If they dusted your Bible for fingerprints,

would they find any fresh ones?

Over at OldTruth.com Jim has a post that is heart-wrenching. It is a must read/watch post.
http://www.oldtruth.com/blog.cfm/id.2.pid.443

He tells us about a Puritan evangelist, John Rogers, who warned his congregation against neglecting Scripture by telling them what God might say: "I have trusted you so long with my Bible - it lies in some houses all covered with dust and cobwebs, you care not to listen to it. Do you use my Bible that way? Well, you shall have my Bible no longer". Thomas Goodwin was so moved by Rogers's presentation that when he left church he wept upon his horse's neck for fifteen minutes before he felt strong enough to mount it.

When was the last time tears stained the pages of your Bible?
When was the last time you went on your knees before your Holy God?
When was the last time you spent longer than 15 minutes in the Word?
When was the last time you were cut to the quick by the Holy Spirit like Thomas Goodwin?
When was the last time the Lord called you out of your slumber to pray for someone?
When was the last time you gave praise to the Lord for an answer to prayer found in His Word?
When was the last time you got up and spent time in the word before you looked at the morning paper?
When was the last time you shared an understanding of a verse with a friend that you had been struggling to grasp?
When was the last time you read scripture aloud just to yourself and the Lord when no one was home?
When was the last time you gave your personal Bible to someone else who did not have one?
When was the last time you opened the Word of God in a public place like the Doctor or Dentist's office?
When was the last time you handed out a New Testament?

I guess this is my "Enter the List" like over at Rebecca Writes!

I'm just asking you to ponder how important your Bible is to you. I am not one good at memorizing scripture. I can tell you whether the scripture is on the right or left hand page, top, middle or bottom ... but I struggle with memorization. My Bible is precious to me. I have the whole Word of God, all 66 books, in various translations and formats. I have been convicted as of late contemplating what it would be like to have perhaps only one page of scripture or a chapter only ... it is hard for me to comprehend this. How much more precious would the Word be to me? How much more would I be reading that one page of verses? How much more would I push to memorize? How much more would my tears stain that page?

What say you? ...

Devotional Time Ideas ...

Looking for ideas for your devotional time? I will share mine and I ask you to share yours.

I have used a few different ideas for my devotional time but the one that was/is the best for me – a Prayer Basket.

I purchased a nice basket with a handle. Rather large sized to hold my items I keep in it. Here is the list of items:

** My Devotional Bible (this is a bible that I record dates, notes, answers to prayer, etc. I recently started a new one – the ESV’s Journaling Bible. It is small but mighty! Has lots of room to write in the margins, it reminds you of Moleskin notebook, and it has a stretch band to go around it to keep notes inside. http://www.gnpcb.org/product/158134838X)

** My Prayer Notebook – I took a 5x8ish zippered notebook, purchased blank tabbed pages, monthly calendar, blank note paper and created a tool I can take with me wherever I go. You can even print off pages of the Bible, punch them and insert them into this notebook. I even removed Psalms and Proverbs from a paperback Bible and punched them to fit inside. You do not need to have the whole book but just the pages you are studying/reading that day. I like a Psalm and a Proverb a day. Each day of the week is a different prayer focus. Monday is for Me; Tuesday is for Family; Wed. is for Friends & Others; Thurs. is for Missions; Friday is for Church; Sat. is for the Pastor, SS teachers, who will bring the Word to the Church family on Sunday; Sunday is Praise & Worship.

** A recently purchased Trinity Hymnal from my Church. I pray and sing hymns during my devotional time. Have you ever tried praying a hymn? What a blessing!

** Colored pens and pencils for marking in my Bible. Anything having to do with women gets marked in PINK! That way it jumps out at me on the page – telling me it is just for me.

** A Pretty hankie from my Grandmother’s collection she gave to me and of course paper ones! I just like the pretty ones – makes me feel feminine. Yes. Fluff is good once in a while!

** A very nice pen just to write in my Prayer Notebook or for taking notes. Mine right now is a nice fountain pen with turquoise ink.

** A Notebook for writing down what the Lord is teaching me during this time with Him. I will admit it is tear-stained for sure.

** Whatever devotional book I am using at this time – I used to use Oswald Chambers, “My Utmost For His Highest”, I am currently using Spurgeon’s “Cheque Book of the Bank of Faith”.

** “The Valley of Vision” a book of Puritan prayers.

** A nice tea cup and saucer for a special spot of tea for drinking after prayer time and during devotional reading. You could put special tea bags and a fancy spoon in there, too! (Sometimes its coffee in a big mug.) My dear sweet friend from God, Joanne, gave me a matching Tea pot, tea cup and saucer from Colonial Williamsburg on my 50^th birthday this past Oct. I treasure this gift from her and I use it for my “special time” with my Awesome God. Thank you again dear friend!

** A small fragrant candle. I received a gift of a fancy white milkglass candle holder with a MacIntosh apple scented candle, this gives a nice sweet smelling aroma to my space. (more fluff!) I live in a home with my husband, 2 sons, 2 hunting dogs, camo everywhere – my shower curtain even has a hunting scene on it! I hunt and fish, too .. but I need some fluff gals! Plus – I DO NOT stare at the candle flame nor do any repetitive stuff! ;-))

With my Basket setup like this I can just pick it up and go. If I want to go to a park and have my devotions I’m ready to go (all but the hot water or coffee thermos and a scone!) Sometimes I go to the woods and set down on a log; I might go to the local park or dam; in the back yard at the picnic table; or with a good friend to her house. I have taken it along camping; on fishing trips; archery festivals; it can go anywhere! I have also removed the items from the basket and put them into a very large duffle with Bible Study material and went on trips.

I have a cloth napkin or towel on the bottom that can be used on the picnic table or such as is needed. You can also make stretchy cloth bands out of seasonal printed material for the outside of your basket to FLUFF it up a bit if you so desire!

Try creating your own Prayer Basket and let me know how it works for you ... may the Lord bless your time with Him.

pam <><>

Discernment on Prayer ...

Contemplative Prayer & Spirituality

Contemplative Prayer – is a method or technique that helps an individual empty their mind of thought through repetition using a word or phrase or breathing exercise. Contemplative prayer’s purpose is to allow an individual to enter into an altered state of consciousness in order to find one’s true self, therein finding God. This true self relates to the belief that man is basically good. Contemplative prayer teachers (spiritual guides) teach that all human beings have a divine center and that all, not just born again believers, should practice contemplative prayer.

Thomas Merton, (http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/merton.htm) in his book, “Thoughts on the East” – page 34 states, “Contemplative consciousness is a trans-cultural, trans-religious, trans-formed consciousness … it can shine through this or that system, religious or irreligious.

Jodi Mailander Farrell states in “A Quiet Revolution”, a Miami Herald article, – “Sparked by Eastern meditative techniques, today’s version of centering prayer is bent on stilling the mind.” (This article has been removed from the Miami Herald archives.)

Here is what Contemplatives Have To Say About This Form of Prayer and the Contemplative Lifestyle:

"For Fr. Bede, being universal meant to be centered and grounded. He generated this universality of heart through his daily practice of meditation and contemplative prayer, and this opened him ever more to the myths, symbols and teachings of the other great religions of the world."
“Man, Monk, Mystic” by Pascaline Coff, O.S.B. Speaking of Bede Griffiths.

"This understanding of the unity of the human family is central to Christianity. Our spiritual journey, especially contemplative prayer, together with its practices for daily life, are processes of becoming aware of just how profound that unity is with God, ourselves, other people, other living beings, the earth, and all creation." Thomas Keating in “The Transformation of Suffering”

"... beyond our methods and understanding is an ultimate reality that is open to all people regardless of their religious traditions. The overwhelming sense of this groundbreaking conference was the unifying force of a contemplative prayer practice."
Jena Hatchett WCCM 2001

Contemplative Terms "inside" terms used by contemplatives: Labyrinths Enneagrams Prayer Stations Breath Prayers Jesus Candles The Jesus Prayer Lectio Divina Taize Palms Up, Palms Down Yoga The Silence Sacred Space Ancient Prayer Practices A Thin Place Divine Mystery Spiritual Direction Ignation Contemplation Contemplative Centering Centering prayer Prayer of the Heart Dark night of the soul Practicing the Presence Divine Center Inner light Mantra Awareness of Being Slow Prayer Being in the Present Moment Beyond Words Spiritual Disciplines Spiritual Formation

Many of these terms are considered "inside" terms according to many contemplatives, such as Youth Specialties writer, Michael Perschon. On April 16th, 2006, Youth Specialties issued a new article by Perschon that coincidentally illustrates the very thing we are saying here. "Fitness buffs have an inside language. The really serious ones like to use proper anatomy terms, like gluteus maximus instead of bum. They still mean bum but, like most experts, enjoy having some special knowledge others don't have. People who practice contemplative prayer are often no different. Like any other practice, contemplative prayer has its own inside language, which is clear to the initiated but means little to outsiders. Much of the writing on contemplative prayer uses this inside language." �Michael Perschon, Contemplative Prayer Practices

Eugene Peterson’s “The Message Bible” – promotes contemplative spirituality – it uses terms like “as above, so below”; The Message "Bible" Omits "Lord Jesus" The King James Bible refers to Jesus as "Lord Jesus" about 115 times. The New King James Bible uses this term about the same amount of times and the New American Standard about 100 times. How many times does Eugene Peterson's The Message use the phrase "Lord Jesus"? None! Not once. Never! (Check it out at (www.biblegateway.com) I would not use this Bible nor have it in my home!

Promoters of contemplative prayer believe this mystical experience is a bridge between Christianity and other religions, particularly Islam and Buddhism. Read these Contemplatives as they speak of their interspirituality:

"Those who have practiced Transcendental Meditation may be surprised to learn that Christianity has its own time-honored form of mantra meditation ... Reliance on a mantric centering device had a long history in the mystical canon of Christianity." —Ronald Miller, As Above, So Below, p. 52.

"This mystical stream [contemplative prayer] is the Western bridge to Far Eastern spirituality." —Tilden Edwards, Spiritual Friend, p. 18.

"Our job is to construct a bridge that connects the ancient text with our contemporary audience, making it easier for them to see the immediate application of God's Word." – Rick Warren, Pastors.com

Pastor Bob DeWaay over at Critical Issues Commentary has an excellent informative article about “The Dangers of Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Disciplines” I highly recommend the reading of it. http://cicministry.org/commentary/issue91.htm

I also highly recommend the following websites for sharpening your discernment in days such as these …

www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com

www.str.org

www.erwm.com

www.letusreason.org

www.diceptioninthechurch.com

www.crossroad.to

www.oldtruth.com

Just to name a few. I ‘lurk’ these sites often just to keep my iron sharp and my salt salty. Spend some time reading these sites – especially Lighthouse Trails – excellent stuff on Today’s Christian Women, Christianity Today magazines and their connections to contemplative spirituality.

Rosemary over at “Seasonings of the Heart’, and Jules at “Everyday Mommy” has some good posts going. I commend Jules for asking for scripture proof in the comments on this topic. “You go Girl!”

This I leave with you from the Word of God Himself:

ESV – 2 Tim. 3 -- 3:1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men. 10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom [1] you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God [2] may be competent, equipped for every good work.

AND – 2 Tim. 4:1-5 ESV -- 4:1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound [1] teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

AMEN!

My Survey Results for Kim @ Hiraeth ...

Kim over at Hiraeth http://hiraeth.squarespace.com/journal/2007/1/24/reading-as-a-christian-discipline-survey.html has asked her blog readers the following questions. My responses are in green.

I'd like to open a discussion on the virtues of reading as a Christian Discipline as it relates to blogging and reading blogs. To begin the discussion, I'd like to ask you a few questions:

Has reading Christian blogs increased your desire to tackle weighty Christian tomes?

Absolutely! As iron sharpens iron! I have been blessed beyond measure.

Have you learned of Christian authors and theologians that you might not have otherwise known or read?

Having recently left a ‘partial reformed’ (4 point Calvinistic, but not Covenant) church and searching for material that now falls in line with a reformed, covenantal view has been expensive! The material in my bookshelf was a blend. I have realized I have more reformed works and I am enlarging and moving books and materials. Some views are different in reformed circles but much worth the read.

Have you purchased or borrowed books that were recommended by bloggers?

The following blogs/sites have been a tremendous help: The Thirsty Theologian; The Shepherd’s Scrapbook; Pyromaniacs, Fide-O; Unchained Radio (what a blessing this has been – we are die-hard listeners, esp. Covenant Thursdays); Grace To You; Reformation Theology; Camponthis; Calvinistgadfly; Riddleblog; Old Truth; In the garden; Rebecca Writes; Morning Coffee with Gomarus; Presbyterian Thoughts; Seasonings of the Heart; The Vossed World; Hip and Thigh; The White Horse Inn; Truth Matters, Challies; monergism; Hiraeth; plus more.

Have you read fewer "real" books as your blog reading has increased?

No! I am reading more books. I just have had to rearrange my time and given up some sleep time or rise earlier.

Has the availability/searchability of great Christian works caused you to rely upon them merely as resources?

No, I need to read them for myself. I want them in my hands. I mark up most books.

Do you think reading the great Christian authors and theologians is important and/or profitable?

Amen! The Reformers and Puritans! Thirsty Theologian blogged about the book “Meet the Puritans” by Beeke and Pederson. I bought it right away and it has been a tremendous read! I love that book! My new church I am attending, an OPC, has a recommended book reading list plus I can purchase books from the church at very affordable prices. Amazing – my other church never promoted reading and studying like the encouragement I receive now. Here is a link to the reading list -- http://www.hollidaysburgopc.org/hundredbooks.php

And check out the prices! My/our personal library has more than doubled. I am like a sponge – I can’t get enough. I would much sooner pay $20 for a book/books rather than pay $20 for a current women’s bible study that CBD is promoting. My study flavor has shifted for the better me thinks! ;-)

Do you read them?

Yes, we do. But my husband and I also discuss things of Scripture more now than we ever did. He reads his choice and I read my choice and then we talk about what we are discovering and looking up the truths found in the Scriptures. Bible Study has taken on a whole new dimension. Our Bibles are opened along with these books. The Bible always comes first, then the other reading. But how the Lord causes everything to fall into place!

If so, who do you recommend?

Spurgeon, Watson, Sproul, MacArthur, both Vos’s; O. Palmer Robertson; Godfrey; Edwards; Pink; Riddlebarger; Horton; Boettner; Machen; I. Murray; Ryle; Piper; Williamson; Gruden …

A real big THANKS to Kim at Hiraeth and those of you whose blogs I lurk! You have been a blessing!

Blessings! – pam <><

Remembrances ...

Rose of No Man's Land ...

There's a rose that grows on no man's land,
And its wonderful to see.
Tho' its brave with tears,
It will live for years,
In the garden of memory.
Its the one red rose,
A soldier knows,
Its the work of the Master's hand.
Mid the wars great curse stand the
Red Cross Nurse.
She's a rose of no man's land.

I have found a link here to the music ... http://www.ww1photos.com/TheRoseOfNoMansLand.html

I have been up in my attic cleaning out and re-organizing things better and I came across my Grandmother's school books. Gram was born in 1906. She has since gone to be with our Lord but she has been on my mind much as of late. In her school composition book she has written in pencil and ink poems and songs from her studies in a one-room school house with grades from 1 thru 8.

Penmanship was much desired in days gone by. When you look back over the past years their penmanship was beautiful. I have an old autograph book with dates from in the 1920's thru 40's and it is artful to say the least. They used quill pens, nibbed pens and some of the inks colors were pretty. Greens, ruby red, turquoise blue, but the fanciful scripts really draw your eye. Some even have small drawings on the pages next to their signatures. The little ditties they wrote, well, here is a neat one -- "Yours till Niagra Falls freezes over!" Well, thats for a long time isn't it! I haven't seen anyone use an autograph book in years.

I also have her "Gospel Primer." The person who used it before her wrote their name in it. A John Franklin Miller, Dec. 6th, 1900. On the inside it says it was published by Pacific Press Pub. Co. Oakland Cal. - New York - Kansas City and Review & Herald Pub. Co. Battle Creek, Mich., Atlanta , GA. 1900. The pages has a Bible verse printed on it -- "And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Tim. 3:15 There is 128 pages.

Here are pics of her Gospel Primer and Composition book ...

Hymn for the Lord's Day

Ivory Palaces

Henry Barraclough
Psalm 45:8

My Lord has garments so wondrous fine,
And myrrh their texture fills;
Its fragrance reached to this heart of mine,
With joy my being thrills.

Chorus:
Out of the ivory palaces
Into a world of woe,
Only His great eternal love ...
Made my Savior go.

His life had also its sorrows sore,
For aloes had a part;
And when I think of the cross he bore,
My eyes with tear-drops start.

Chorus ...

His garments too were in cassia dipped,
With healing in a touch;
Each time my feet in some sin have slipped,
He took me from its clutch.

Chorus ...

In garments glorious He will come,
To open wide the door;
And I shall enter my heav'nly home,
To dwell forever more.

Chorus ...

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/v/ivorypal.htm

Feasts for the "wild" men ...

Crock Pot Venison Stew

1 med. onion, sliced thin
1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cups of Venison cubed
Saute above ingredients till
onions are limp.
Put into Crock Pot then add:
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 tsp. dried currants,
cranberries or raisins
3 Tbs. tomato paste
1/4 cup burgundy wine
1 Tbs. wine vinegar
1 Tbs. brown sugar
dash of cinnamon
dash of cumin (optional)
dash of ground cloves
1/4 tsp. garlic powder

Stir together in Pot then add the meat and onions and stir again.
Cover and cook on low heat for 7 to 9 hours or on high for 3 to 4.
20 minutes before serving, cover with 1/3 cup of grated Monterey
Jack cheese (or any Cheddar cheese) and 1/4 cup of broken
walnuts. Cook on low for 15 more minutes.

I serve this with buttered noodles, mashed or boiled potatoes, or rice.

Can also be cooked in the oven for 2 hours on 350 degrees.


The meat in the pot today is from my guys WV Deer Hunt 2006
Let's go hunting baby!!! ....

Tune in next Thursday for another
"Feast for the "wild" men ...

Remembrances ...

As I was walking by my pond today I began to hum a tune I haven't heard for a few years. It brought back a flood of memories and some tears. Here in PA the weather has been goofy. One day it is warm and you don't even need a jacket. The next day you are all bundled up. I noticed that my goldfish in the pond were getting a little frisky with the warming up of their water in the pond. I have a small pond and it warms faster than the big ones. The fish were swimming around as opposed to their floating in the same spot for days. I asked my friend if I should feed them but she said not to, they would be fine. As I gazed down into the water it turned my thoughts to how my two frogs are passing thru this winter. I have not seen them, they are down under leaves on the bottom. The little child in me wanted to poke around and stir them up but the adult in me said to just leave them alone. Then this tune popped in my head, one my Grandma Anna used to sing and teach us. She went to school in a one room schoolhouse with 8 grades of children being taught all at once. She learned alot of poems sung to tunes. I believe they called it 'rote'?

Twenty Froggies she called it.
I have it written down in her handwriting, it goes like this --

Twenty Froggies went to school,
down beside a rushy pool;
Twenty little coats of green,
twenty vests all white and clean.
"We must be in time," said they,
"First we study, then we play;
that is how we keep the rule,
when we froggies go to school."
Master Bullfrog, grave and stern,
called the classes in their turn;
Taught them how to nobly strive,
likewise how to leap and dive.
From his seat upon a log,
showed them how to say, "Ker-chog!"
Also how to dodge a blow
from the sticks which bad boys throw.
Twenty froggies grew up fast;
Bullfrogs they became at last.
Not one dunce was in the lot,
not one lesson they forgot.
Polished in a high degree,
as each froggie ought to be.
Now they sit on other logs,
teaching other little frogs.

Oh Grandma I love you so and miss you dearly!
As she taught me, so I look forward to the day when
I can teach this to my grandkids.

Thank you Lord for life's little blessings.
Though tears may fall my heart is blessed beyond
measure. I have felt the touch of The Master's Hand.
All this while gazing into a small pond wondering at His creation
and thanking Him for these remembrances on a cold gray day in PA.