Okay, haven't posted a Ten on Tuesday for a while. But Crayl's challenge for today is too much fun...so here goes.
Ten silly things that I am thankful for.
1. My husband. People don't often see that side of him, but he can be a real goof.
2. Daughters, K, E & A. All following the family tradition of silliness.
3. The rest of my silly, silly family.
4. That funny sound that a McDonald's straw makes when you move it up and down in a McDonald's cup lid. Yes, it has to be McDonald's...something about the relative size of lid opening and straw. I've always enjoyed that sound...don't ask.
5. Peanut Butter
6. Lattes
7. Animated movies...specifically, Pixar, Disney and Dreamworks
8. Romantic comedies
9. The smell of hot lights and hair spray. If you've spent any time in the theatre, you'll get that.
10. CRAYL! I've never had to be self concious about being silly around her because she's usually willing to be silly with me. She speaks my language.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Regarding Paul
I always have to admire the way the apostle Paul opened and closed his letters. Of course I appreciate the content of those letters as well, but I think some of us may have a tendency to skim over the opening and closing in favor of the "meat" of the letter, much the same way that we often skim over genealogies, ('So-and-So begat So-and-So...') . In so doing, we miss some truly artistic and inspiring writing.
For example, Paul opens his letter to Philemon with these words, "(1)Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, (2) to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home:
(3) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Not just "Dear Philemon, Apphia and Archippus..."
Wouldn't you love to receive a letter that opens with "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ"? Most of Paul's letters open with those words. In Romans 1, that phrase is prefaced with "(7) To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints" How great is that? He starts right off by reminding them that God loves them and has called them for a purpose. Then there's 1 Corinthians 1, which addresses the recipients with the words "(2) To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours", reminding us of our brotherhood in Christ with "all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ", not just the particular church that we happen to attend on Sunday mornings. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul follows the "Grace and Peace" greeting with "(4)who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, (5) to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Sometimes we all need a little reminder of who we serve and why. These beautiful openings are often followed by expressions of thankfulness for all those to whom the letters are addressed and specific reasons why Paul is thankful for those people. Another great letter writing example to follow!
His closings are every bit as eloquent as his greetings. For example, 2 Corinthians 13:14 "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." and Ephesians 6:24 "Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love"
But I think what strikes me the most about Paul's letters is the love expressed throughout every letter. Whether he's scolding, praising, pleading, admonishing or handing out gold stars and smiley faces, Paul's love for the churches he wrote to is clearly evident. From beginning to end, his letters just exude the love and concern that he felt for all of the believers, everywhere. Not bad for a guy who had previously been dedicated to rounding up the faithful and tossing them into prison! Why the change of heart? Two words...Jesus Christ. The love and compassion that Paul felt for the churches he helped to establish were gifts from God. There are many people in this world that we will find "unlovable", but through Jesus we can show them love. If concentration camp survivor Corrie ten Boom could, through Him, find the courage, strength and forgiveness to shake the hand of a former Nazi prison guard, at whose hands she had personally suffered...we, too, can allow Him to show love through us to those we find unlovable.
I didn't set out today to present a sermon and, having no experience at such endeavors, I will not pretend to be capable of doing so! But I have been enjoying reading through Paul's letters lately and wanted to share my thoughts on what impressed me about them...even if no one ever reads this post, I've enjoyed putting my impressions down in type. And to anyone who does read this post, I sincerely hope that you, too ,will find inspiration in Paul's letters!
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
For example, Paul opens his letter to Philemon with these words, "(1)Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, (2) to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home:
(3) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Not just "Dear Philemon, Apphia and Archippus..."
Wouldn't you love to receive a letter that opens with "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ"? Most of Paul's letters open with those words. In Romans 1, that phrase is prefaced with "(7) To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints" How great is that? He starts right off by reminding them that God loves them and has called them for a purpose. Then there's 1 Corinthians 1, which addresses the recipients with the words "(2) To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours", reminding us of our brotherhood in Christ with "all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ", not just the particular church that we happen to attend on Sunday mornings. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul follows the "Grace and Peace" greeting with "(4)who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, (5) to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Sometimes we all need a little reminder of who we serve and why. These beautiful openings are often followed by expressions of thankfulness for all those to whom the letters are addressed and specific reasons why Paul is thankful for those people. Another great letter writing example to follow!
His closings are every bit as eloquent as his greetings. For example, 2 Corinthians 13:14 "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." and Ephesians 6:24 "Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love"
But I think what strikes me the most about Paul's letters is the love expressed throughout every letter. Whether he's scolding, praising, pleading, admonishing or handing out gold stars and smiley faces, Paul's love for the churches he wrote to is clearly evident. From beginning to end, his letters just exude the love and concern that he felt for all of the believers, everywhere. Not bad for a guy who had previously been dedicated to rounding up the faithful and tossing them into prison! Why the change of heart? Two words...Jesus Christ. The love and compassion that Paul felt for the churches he helped to establish were gifts from God. There are many people in this world that we will find "unlovable", but through Jesus we can show them love. If concentration camp survivor Corrie ten Boom could, through Him, find the courage, strength and forgiveness to shake the hand of a former Nazi prison guard, at whose hands she had personally suffered...we, too, can allow Him to show love through us to those we find unlovable.
I didn't set out today to present a sermon and, having no experience at such endeavors, I will not pretend to be capable of doing so! But I have been enjoying reading through Paul's letters lately and wanted to share my thoughts on what impressed me about them...even if no one ever reads this post, I've enjoyed putting my impressions down in type. And to anyone who does read this post, I sincerely hope that you, too ,will find inspiration in Paul's letters!
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Quote For The Day
"God bless America, despite all her faults. She is still the greatest nation of all."
-Unknown
-Unknown
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Little Red Teaser
This is a bit of a departure for me, since I've only ever posted Ten on Tuesday lists. But my brother in Korea is making this film which happens to star a couple of folks right out of the Schubox. Check it out and be sure to leave him a comment!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Ten on Tuesday
Okay, I've slacked off for a couple of weeks. I'm just going to pick up where I left off. A simple list, most of these don't require a lot of explaination.
The list of "F".
1. Faith
2. Family
3. Friends
4. Fun!
5. Food
6. Freedom
7. Fridays
8. Fudge
9. Fathers...my Heavenly one, my earthly one and the one to my children
10. Forever.
The list of "F".
1. Faith
2. Family
3. Friends
4. Fun!
5. Food
6. Freedom
7. Fridays
8. Fudge
9. Fathers...my Heavenly one, my earthly one and the one to my children
10. Forever.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Ten on Tuesday
Ten things I'm thankful for...E edition
1. Emily. Tender hearted little angel.
2. Eggs. A great way to start the day!
3. Energy. In short supply these days... sure appreciate it when I've got it.
4. Eagles. Fascinating birds that lend themselves well to some fantastic imagery.
5. Eyesight...eyeglasses. Visual clarity is a wonderful blessisng.
6. Education. Once you have it, no one can take it away.
7. Employment. Such an important part of so many of our lives.
8. Eagerness. Especially when it is shown by my kids over doing their chores...HAHA!
9. Entry. As many times as I've been locked out of places lately, being granted entry is a wonderful thing!
10. Electricity.
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
1. Emily. Tender hearted little angel.
2. Eggs. A great way to start the day!
3. Energy. In short supply these days... sure appreciate it when I've got it.
4. Eagles. Fascinating birds that lend themselves well to some fantastic imagery.
5. Eyesight...eyeglasses. Visual clarity is a wonderful blessisng.
6. Education. Once you have it, no one can take it away.
7. Employment. Such an important part of so many of our lives.
8. Eagerness. Especially when it is shown by my kids over doing their chores...HAHA!
9. Entry. As many times as I've been locked out of places lately, being granted entry is a wonderful thing!
10. Electricity.
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Ten on Tuesday
Featured letter this week..."D"
1. Dad. My dad. I never could imagine a better one on earth. Words are not sufficient!
2. Diane. Immensely appreciated friend and chef extraordinaire. Again, words are not sufficient!
3. Daniel Doss Band. Thoroughly enjoyed their excellent music and leading in worship this weekend. Haven't heard them? Listen to song samples from their website !
4. Dogs. Not all dogs...a select few, past and present.
5. Dance. I have no talent for it personally, but love to watch it...especially my beloved dancing niece!
6. Disengage. Great song, fantastic album, terrific artist! Check it out here
7. Distance. Sometimes hurts, but gave me a tremendous appreciation for my family when we moved back close to them.
8. Dinner. Hate to skip it. Also, I'm in the business of good dinners!
9. Driving. An activity I've always enjoyed, especially because it gets me where I want to go.
10. Delivery. When I just don't want to go out to get that pizza, no matter how much I enjoy driving.
1. Dad. My dad. I never could imagine a better one on earth. Words are not sufficient!
2. Diane. Immensely appreciated friend and chef extraordinaire. Again, words are not sufficient!
3. Daniel Doss Band. Thoroughly enjoyed their excellent music and leading in worship this weekend. Haven't heard them? Listen to song samples from their website !
4. Dogs. Not all dogs...a select few, past and present.
5. Dance. I have no talent for it personally, but love to watch it...especially my beloved dancing niece!
6. Disengage. Great song, fantastic album, terrific artist! Check it out here
7. Distance. Sometimes hurts, but gave me a tremendous appreciation for my family when we moved back close to them.
8. Dinner. Hate to skip it. Also, I'm in the business of good dinners!
9. Driving. An activity I've always enjoyed, especially because it gets me where I want to go.
10. Delivery. When I just don't want to go out to get that pizza, no matter how much I enjoy driving.
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