Tradition

Tradition -  the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way.

          We all have traditions - some are good, some probably not so good.

          Too often we continue to do things, without thinking, because that is the way we've always done them.  And when those things change - like church music - we may have a difficult time adjusting or changing.

          But some traditions, especially family traditions, are important.  They can be vital ways of passing important truths to the next generation.  They can be ways to create and maintain family unity.  They are important to developing a family legacy.

          In our family we have tried to develop key traditions over the years.  We have celebrated each of our grandchildren's birthdays with a special dinner where they can chose the menu.  The celebration includes a birthday cake that is uniquely crafted for them until they become a teenager - then they get a heart-shaped cake.  Over the years we have crafted all sorts of cakes - balls, musical instruments, games, athletic equipment, animals, etc.  Unfortunately this tradition is beginning to get harder to maintain since many of the grandchildren are attending college or working elsewhere and aren't always available.  But we have good memories.

          Holidays are great times for special traditions.  We have used Christmas Eve as our time for our family celebration of Christmas.  Many of us attend Christmas Eve services and then come to our home for a special Christmas buffet.  Then we read the Christmas story from Luke and pray.  Next we look at a DVD of the past year that I have made for the family for about 15 years.  Finally we open presents.  It is a night that all of us look forward to.  Again, we have so many good memories of those times.

          One of the great memories that I have of growing up is that every time my father's family would get together for a meal, they would sing the prayer.

We thank Thee Lord for this our food, God is love, God is love.

But most of all for Jesus' blood, God is love, God is love.

These mercies bless and grant that we may live and feast and reign with Thee,

may live and reign with Thee,

God is love, God is love.  Amen.

I have so many wonderful memories of generations of us singing together and blending our voices in thanking God for all He has done for us.

          And that is a tradition that we have continued in our family as we sing this prayer every time we gather for a meal.  Certainly God has been good to us as well as to generations of our family who have walked with Him before us.

          This past Christmas we received a special gift from one of our families - a large, beautiful, hand painted display of the words of this prayer.  It is now hanging in our kitchen for all to see.

          Traditions can be important.  We hope that you are developing them in your family - especially those that lead your family to the Lord and His provision.

1.     I have one deep, supreme desire, 

that I may be like Jesus.

To this I fervently aspire, 

that I may be like Jesus.

I want my heart His throne to be 

so that a watching world may see

His likeness shining forth in me. 

I want to be like Jesus.

2.     He spent His life in doing good; 

I want to be like Jesus.

In lowly paths of service trod; 

I want to be like Jesus.

He sympathized with hearts distressed, 

He spoke the words that cheered and blessed;

He welcomed sinners to His breast. 

I want to be like Jesus.

3.     A holy, harmless life He led; 

I want to be like Jesus.

The Father's will, His drink and bread, 

I want to be like Jesus.

And when at last He comes to die, 

"Forgive them, Father" Hear Him cry

For those who taunt and crucify.

I want to be like Jesus.

4.     O perfect life of Christ, my Lord! 

I want to be like Jesus.

My recompense and my reward, 

That I may be like Jesus.

His Spirit fill my hungering soul, 

His power all my life control;

My deepest prayer, my highest goal, 

That I may be like Jesus.

We Survived

             No matter what the younger generation may think of us as seniors, those of us who were born between 1925 and 1955 are amazing.  We might not be as technological savvy as today's young guys and gals, but we survived and enjoyed the 30's, 40's and 50's!                
          First, we took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes. Then, after that trauma, we were  put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints.  
         We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, locks on doors or cabinets, And, when we rode our bikes, we had baseball caps, not helmets, on our heads. 
          As infants and children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, no booster seats, no seat belts, no air bags, bald tires and sometimes no brakes. Riding in the back of a pick- up truck on a warm day was always a special treat 
          We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle. We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle, and no one actually died from this. 
          We ate cupcakes, white bread, real butter, and bacon. We drank Kool-Aid made with real white sugar. And we weren't overweight. WHY?  Because we were always outside playing ... that's why! 
          We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day .. And, we were OKAY. 
         We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride them down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem. 
          We did not have Play Stations, Nintendo and X-boxes. There were no video games, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVDs, no surround-sound or CDs, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet and no chat rooms.  WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!  
         We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth, and there were no lawsuits from those accidents.   We would get spankings with wooden spoons, switches, ping-pong paddles, or just a bare hand. And no one would call child services to report abuse. 
         We ate worms, and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.    

          We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, 22 rifles for our 12th, rode horses, made up games with sticks and tennis balls, and although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes. 
         We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them. 
         Little League had tryouts  and not everyone made the team  Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that! 
         The idea of a parent bailing us out If we broke the law was unheard of ... . They actually sided with the law! 
         These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers, and Inventors ever.  The past 60 to 85 years have seen an explosion of innovation and new ideas.  We had freedom,failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all. 
         We have ben fortunate to grow up as kids before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good. 
         Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it ?  

(1) There's the wonder at sunset at evening

The wondrous sunrise I see
But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul
Is the wonder that God loves me
The wonder of it all
The wonder of it all
Just to think that God loves me
Oh the wonder of it all
The wonder of it all
Just to think that God loves me

(2) There's the wonder of spring time and harvest
The sky, the stars, the sun
But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul
Is the wonder that's only begun
The wonder of it all
The wonder of it all
Just to think that God loves me
Oh the wonder of it all

The wonder of it all
Just to think that God loves me

The Joys of English

       I had my troubles learning Latin, French and German when I was in school.  And at times I still struggle with English.  But, fortunately, English is my native language and that meant it wasn't too difficult for me.  But learning English as a second language must be very difficult.  What would you think about the following if you were learning it for the first time?
          Homographs are words that are spelled the same, but with more than one meaning.  A homograph that is also pronounced differently is a heteronym. 
1)    The bandage was *wound* around the *wound*.
2)    The farm was used to *produce produce*.
3)    The dump was so full that it had to *refuse* more *refuse*.
4)    We must *polish* the *Polish* furniture.
5)    He could *lead* if he would get the *lead* out.
6)    The soldier decided to *desert* his dessert in the *desert*.
7)    Since there is no time like the *present*, he thought it was time to  *present* the *present*.
8)    A *bass* was painted on the head of the *bass* drum.
9)    When shot at, the *dove dove* into the bushes.
10)   I did not *object* to the *object*.
11)   The insurance was *invalid* for the *invalid*.
12)   There was a *row* among the oarsmen about how to *row*.
13)   They were too *close* to the door to *close* it.
14)   The buck *does* funny things when the *does* are present.
15)   A seamstress is a *sewer* and fell down into a *sewer*.
16)   To help with planting, the farmer taught his *sow* to *sow*.
17)   The *wind* was too strong to *wind* the sail.
18)   Upon seeing the *tear* in the painting I shed a *tear*.
19)   I had to *subject* the *subject* to a series of tests.
20)   How can I *intimate* this to my most *intimate* friend? 

          And if that isn't enough to convince you that English is a crazy, tough language, how about these?

*    There is no egg in eggplant, nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in a pineapple.

*    Boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.

*    If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth, beeth? One goose, 2 geese.   So one moose, 2 meese? One index, 2 indices?

*    If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught?

*    If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat?

*   Ship by truck and send cargo by ship?

*   Have noses that run and feet that smell?

*   How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites?

*   Your house can burn up as it burns down,

*   English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the creativity of the human race, which, of course, is not a race at all.

*   Why doesn't 'Buick' rhyme with 'quick'?

          And that is just a sampling of the beautiful, but very complex, English language.

A-B-C-D-E-F-G,
Jesus died for you and me
H-I-J-K-L-M-N,
Jesus died for sinful men, AMEN!
O-P-Q-R-S-T-U,
I believe God's word is true,
V-W,
God has promised you
X-Y-Z,
A home eternally

Z Y X and W V
God is watching over me.
U T S R Q P O
Jesus loves me this I know, That's so!
N M L K J and I
I will meet Him in the sky.
H G F E 
God has promised me,
D C B A
I'll be with Him some day.

          And that is the truth in any language!

The Truth Is Offensive

        I have been fortunate to live my life during a period of time and in a location where Christian values were excepted or at least tolerated.  I have not faced much criticism of my beliefs and certainly have not faced anything that I would consider persecution.

         But times are quickly changing and Christian values are being challenged daily.  Those of us who hold and teach these values are being termed intolerant and bigoted.  Our values are being overturned by laws and regulations.  Can real persecution be far behind for believers?

          Now we know that the Scriptures tell us to expect such persecution but we have been sheltered from it while believers in other countries have even lost their lives for standing up for Christian teachings.  But if you are like me,  we probably felt that those times and actions would not happen in the good old USA.  But we have been wrong.

          Now I have watched change happening and in recent years the speed of rejection of Christian values has rapidly increased, especially in terms of things like abortion, marriage  and gay rights.  Standing for Christian morality is beginning to cost something.

          This became even more obvious to me when a resident of East Hempfield Township wrote the following letter to the Lancaster Newspaper which they published on February 18, 2019.  Here is what she said.

           In response to the Feb. 9 letter "Only hope is faith in resurrected Christ," I must admit shock.  Shock that this highly bigoted, prejudiced, ignorant letter was printed.  Unfortunate shock that there are still small-minded people around me who believe in only their religion saving us.  How dare the writer damm all people and claim to be a man of God?  How dare he state that all religions, other than Christianity, will lead to eternal death?

          To the wrier, I say: "Your would never survive outside Manheim.  In the real world, we are many colors and faiths.  Our country is made up of many religions, all devoted to faith and kindness.  The letter's thoughts are close-minded.

         Did the writer forget that Jesus was a Jew who would be very comfortable in a synagogue?  Jesus believed in loving all.  In my view, the writer is not a true Christian, but merely a man afraid of other faiths and ideas.

          Unfortunately, I believe this writer's thoughts are held by more folks than we realize.  They form their own truths in their own wisdom and reject the Bible and truth.  But that doesn't change the truth that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God and that the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ who said that He is the only way to heaven.

          My reaction is not to criticize the writer for her misguided opinions.  But, unfortunately, her errors will have eternal results.  So instead I am adding her to my prayer list and praying that her eyes may be enlightened and that she will accept the truth of the Gospel before it is eternally too late.  I invite you to do the same.

1.     A mighty fortress is our God, 

a bulwark never failing;

Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:

For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;

His craft and power are great, and, 

armed with cruel hate,

On earth is not his equal.

2.     Did we in our own strength confide, 

our striving would be losing;

Were not the right Man on our side, t

he Man of God's own choosing:

Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;

Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,

And He must win the battle.

3.     And though this world, with devils filled, 

hould threaten to undo us,

We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth 

to triumph through us:

The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;

His rage we can endure, for lo, 

his doom is sure,

One little word shall fell him.

4.     That word above all earthly powers, 

no thanks to them, abideth;

The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him 

Who with us sideth:

Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;

The body they may kill: 

God's truth abideth still,

His kingdom is forever.

Sing Along

        For most of my life I have been involved in sharing the Gospel with children.  In junior high I began helping to teach a Good News Club. In senior high I led the children's department in our Sunday School.  After I graduated from college and was married it became a joint ministry as my wife and I again led the children's department.  We then began a family ministry that lasted over 25 years.  And finally we organized and led an Awana ministry for about 32 years.  But health issues have now limited us to prayer support and supplemental help in Awana.   But we have many good memories of those years.
          An important part of our ministry was always music.  We loved to hear the children sing enthusiastically and often do motions. We taught many Bible verses by putting them to music.  We still remember dozens of those,  But times have changed and now most of the singing is done to tapes, videos or computers.  Our songs and methods are seldom used by teachers today.  I guess they are too old fashioned for students and teachers today.
          A few weeks ago we were stopped at a traffic light near an elementary school. The crossing guard was preparing for school dismissal and he walked in front of us carrying a cardboard stop sign.  Suddenly many memories came to my mind and many of the choruses we loved to sing came back to me.  So I've decided this week to share some of them.  If you are old enough to remember them, sing along.  Here goes.

Do you remember the red stop sign and the green go visuals?

Stop; and let me tell you what the Lord has done for me.

Stop; and let me tell you hat the Lord has done for me.

He forgave my sin and He saved my soul,

He cleansed my heart and He made me whole.

Stop; and let me tell you what the Lord has done for me.

Go and tell the story of the Christ of Calvary,

Go and tell the story of the Christ of Calvary:

He'll forgive their sins, He will save their souls,

He'll cleanse their hearts, He will make them whole.

Go and tell the story of the Christ of Calvary.

How about the watch visual?  This chorus was sung to the same tune.

Watch and be ye ready, for the Lord may come today.

Watch and be ye ready, for the Lord may come today.

He will come again In the clouds for me

And take me home for eternity.

Watch and be ye ready, for the Lord may come today.

Do you remember the motions to either of these?

Running over, running over

My cup is full and running over

Since the Lord saved me

I'm as happy as can be

My cup is full and running over

Rolled away, rolled away, rolled away,

Every burden of my heart rolled away.

Rolled away, rolled away, rolled away,

Every burden of my heart rolled away.

Every sin had to go,

Neath the crimson flow, HALLELUJAH!

Rolled away, rolled away, rolled away,

Every burden of my heart rolled away.

And here is another favorite also sung with motions.

Deep and wide

Deep and wide

There's a fountain flowing deep and wide

Deep and wide

Deep and wide

There's a fountain flowing deep and wide

Here's one that the kids really sang with great enthusiasm.  And what a great testimony it was.  I often wish I could hear kids sing it once again.

I'm going to heaven, can't wait!

Going to see Jesus, can't wait!

Heaven is wonderful, bright and fair,

Praise the Lord I'm going there.

I'll be there for ever, can't wait!

Going to leave never, can't wait!

And I know I'll not be very late,

'Cause I'm going to heaven and I can't wait.

I'm going to heaven,

And I —- can't —- wait! (can't wait!)

I think my favorite chorus with motions was this one - and we used to make up all sorts of extra verses for it.

Jesus is the Rock of my salvation

His banner over me is love

Jesus is the Rock of my salvation

His banner over me is love

Jesus is the Rock of my salvation

His banner over me is love

His banner over me is love

* There's one way to peace through the power of the cross

* He's the shepherd and we're the sheep.

* He's the vine and we're the branches.

* I love Him and He loves me.

* He brought me to His banqueting table.

* He is preparing a home for me

Then how could I skip this one which the kids also loved to sing?

I have the joy, joy, joy, joy,

Down in my heart, (where?)

Down in my heart, (where?)

Down in my heart,

I have the joy, joy, joy, joy,

Down in my heart, (where?)

Down in my heart to stay.

And I'm so happy, so very happy

I have the love of Jesus in my h e a r  t!.

And I'm so happy, so very happy

I have the love of Jesus in my heart.

*   I have the love of Jesus, love of Jesus,

*  i have the peace that passeth understanding

*  I have the wonderful love of my blessed Redeemer down in the depths of my heart.

Now how many did you remember?   Maybe someday I will do this sing-along once again for there are many more from years ago.  I pray that kids today will have memories of these truths from the music they sing today.  Let me close with the one that we always used in Awana just before our award time.

God is so good

God is so good

God is so good

He's so good to me