Category Archives: Thought

Stack of Books

Charecteristics, Thought
www.wallingfordlibrary.org

I found this image today. The intent was humor. I saw something more, much more.

Quality versus Quantity comes to mind.

Johnny boasted of reading 6 books this week. Timmy only read one. Johnny was praised by his peers. Timmy was quietly disregarded.

From this picture, we see that Johnny read 6 small books while Timmy read a Novel. What we don’t see is that Paul read several magazine articles about taking care of cats.

The class was told to read every day. They were not given a quantity.

Timmy picked a book that his father used to love. Timmy’s father had died last year. Timmy picked a book that was important to him in a special way.

Paul, is wants to help his neighbor, Ms. Macy, with her cats. Ms. Macy was his grandmother’s best friend. He thinks a lot of Ms. Macy.

Johnny did not read every day. He ran to the library the night before and picked several small books to read.

Now, reread the first part. Go on, I’ll wait.

Did you read it differently the second time … knowing what you learned?

Quality versus Quantity … adding in Perspective

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My Words For Today

Charecteristics, Life Notes, My Life, Thought, ,

While I lived in Jackson, TN, tornados cut throw the region many times over the years. I personally witnessed horrific scenes of destruction. My college Alma Matta (just 2 miles from my home) was almost whipped out in one of those times.

I have had friends lose all they had when wildfires swept through their town in a matter of minutes, in Texas.

I have seen the devastation of flooding and had friends lose what they had to the floods, in Tennessee.

I know of people who have lost their homes because of earthquakes, in Missouri

I know of people who have lost their homes because of Hurricanes, in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

I have a friend who, now retired, spent many years leading brave individuals into the whirlwind of wildfires all over the west side of our country. He was most often on my mind when he was working. I worried for him and all the countless men and women in the middle of those fires.

There are still thousands of people without homes because of this year’s hurricane season. There have been wildfires in various places this past year across our country.

Now, the “high profile” focus is on the lower California area wildfires. Thousands more are now without homes.

We take too much for granted. We are not promised tomorrow. We are to live for today. We are to savor the blessings we have RIGHT NOW. Far too many focus on “wanting more”, while thousands … millions have nothing.

Focus should be on helping, supporting, aiding those who have nothing.

A specific call out here … for those of you who claim to be “Christian” … this …

In John 13:12-17, Jesus had just washed the feet of His disciples. He asked them if they understood what he had just done. (v15-16) He said, “I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message.”
Then, (v34-35) “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

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2024 Christmas Post

My Life, Thought, , , , , , , , ,

There was a time when we would send out a long long list of Christmas cards. Lucenda and I worked together each year to get them out. We gradually shortened the list over time. Then, we only gave out a few.
Since she passed, it has not been high priority for me to send out Christmas cards. And, now that Russ and I have “joined forces” .. and Brian is (um) an “adult” …. (cough) … I see things a bit differently.

This year, first time I remember in my life, I have a REAL Tree in the house. I am NOT having ANY allergic reactions to it!!! Many of my “I have to have them out” Christmas decorations are packed away somewhere as we are still trying to get things set up in our new house (over a year new).
I have lights and decorations in the front yard.

I have LOTS of lights and decorations in the living room.
We have been blessed in many ways.

It has been a slow process … a few moves have been involved … all that to say … I am not the same person I was 10 years ago … or even 5 years go … I am still me, but different … just like a tree growing in the backyard, it changes, it looks different each year … but, it is still the same tree … but yet … it is a different tree.

The ONE constant has been my Lord.

Along the way, there have been a few amazingly wonderful and faithful friends and others have come into my life as well.

My family has grown in many ways.

We celebrate the Birth of Jesus this time of year.
We should be living His example ALL year, every year.

For those who feel distant, GOD is always with you. HE will NEVER leave you nor forget you.

For each and every person on my list .. and beyond .. know that you are loved, you are valued, you are special, you are important.

Merry Christmas to you all.

A Zealot Was

Aside, Bible Study, Rants, Thought

A Zealot was member of a Jewish group noted for their uncompromising opposition to pagan Rome and its polytheism. The Zealots were an aggressive political party who despised even Jews who sought peace with the Roman authorities.

Extremists among the Zealots turned to terrorism & assassination and became known as Sicarii. They carried with themselves, hidden daggers to strike down anyone “friendly to Rome”.

They believed that God would send at military leader who would (figuratively speaking) come charging in on a big horse, swinging swords, and “cleaning house”. In essence, they believed Jesus would be a strong, aggressive, military force.

Remember when Simon Peter drew his sword and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his ear? You know, it is in the Bible (John 18:10-11). Did Jesus condone this action? NOPE. In Fact, Jesus said, “Put your sword away!”

The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) … Jesus told us to GO to ALL Nations … disciplining all nations … teaching them. Remember the “famous 12”? you know … the TWELVE DISCIPLES? Disciples follow a teacher/leader. They are not Forced or Coerced. They are Taught and Nurtured. In Schools, do we chain children to their chairs? Do we lock them in rooms until they do what they are taught? Did the Disciples follow willingly or where they forced to follow Jesus? Did Jesus give them a choice?

Did GOD make us mindless creatures with no Free Will? Did GOD send his Son to mock those who did not follow Him? Does scripture mention that Jesus was constantly pointing out the flaws of the people? Do we see any reference to Jesus demanding loyalty to Himself?

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