To Give Or Not To Give

On Sunday we made our weekly stop at Wendy's to eat lunch after church.  The line at the window was extra long because there was a large group of Penn State students there eating lunch.  They were part of the annual effort to raise funds to fight cancer in children.  With them was a former staff member of mine, Jackie Miller.  Annually she helps house the students as they come to raise funds with their buckets at busy intersections.  Jackie was there with her son Alex, a fifth grader, who is a childhood cancer survivor.  Actually we see Jackie, Alex, and the PSU students there annually as part of this great statewide effort.  It is a legitimate cause and they raise many thousands of dollars each year for a worthy cause.  I usually ignore folks who gather at key intersections with their buckets because I always wonder how many are legitimate.  I question for example those who say they are raising money to fight hunger - who is getting the money?  A few months ago we saw some ladies who were raising money for a "needy child in Lancaster".  What child?  What is the need?  Could it just be a scam - a way to pocket some quick cash?  Who really knows what happens to money raised by most of these unidentified groups.  But people give.  Folks can be scammed so easily.  Another example are all the pleas for money that come in the mail.  Seniors are especially drawn to these.  We had former good hearted neighbors that sent money to every group that made a plea to them.  They never knew what was happening to their money. Were the filling someone's pockets?  Just last week my wife's widowed step-mother was in a panic over a stack of requests that she had received in the mail. She didn't know how to respond to them - we suggested filing them in the waste can.  Now it is good to have a compassionate heart but I will never understand folks who will so readily part with their money without any accountability. They believe whatever they are told.  But as long as folks are willing to part with their money there will always be folks who will look for ways to take it.  So the question is "to give or not to give"?  I prefer to give, but only to causes that I know are legitimate and accountable, such as my church and missionaries that I know.   I believe that we will be held accountable for the way we use the money that God has entrusted to us.  How are you handling your giving? 

Things Forgotten, Things Remembered

There  are many things that you tend to forget as you age.  For me, one of these is all those mornings for 39 years of getting up every day at 5:45 am. or earlier to go to work.  Now I have gotten up at that hour several times since I retired, especially when we had trips to make (or times I couldn't sleep).  But this week the experience I'd like to forget is back.  For a little over a week we are caring for two of our teenage grandchildren while their parents attend a convention.  And that means daily early morning trips to take them to school in an adjoining district.  Yes, people are alive at that hour.  Another thing I've forgotten is how teens eat.  I am reminded of the days, with three sons at home, that we had to try to hide some of the food when we came home from a shopping trip.  Even so, they always found it, and it disappeared quickly.   I think this week we've only made four trips to the grocery store with a few days yet to go.   I've also forgotten about the times of being a chauffeur - to school, practices, games, lessons, youth activities, etc.  Of course, we were a quarter of a century younger then.  But there are also some things that I do remember and don't want to forget.  I have such great memories of visits and vacations with my grandparents. They were special times that influenced my life, times I never want to forget.   I was fortunate to have grandparents who cared for me and loved me.  I even had the special privilege of spending many weekends staying with my grandparents when I was in college.  But those times are now gone forever although the memories and lessons I learned still are part of me.  Do I mind the early hours this week?  Do I mind the large food bills?   Do I mind the constant running around?  The answer to these questions is a definite NO.  I might be a little tired, but I love it.  These are times of making new memories for us and for our grandchildren.  I hope that we can have a positive influence on their lives as my grandparents did for me.  I hope that they will understand what Grammy and Pop Pop really value in life.   I hope that years from now they will look back and remember the times that we spent together - times that passed by so quickly.  Both are now teens and visits with grandparents will soon be just fleeting memories.  Unfortunately, we can't stop the clock.  Life goes on and things change ... things forgotten ... things remembered ... beautiful experiences which God allows us to have.

Memories

If you don't get anything else out of this blog, please take heed to this one warning - don't put off until tomorrow the opportunity to learn all that you can about your older loved one's background.  Tomorrow might be too late.  We never expected 15 years ago that my mother would be gone so quickly as a result of an auto accident.  But it happened.  Now we realize that we know so little about her life and background and it is now very hard to find much out about this part of her life.  Many things are gone forever.  For example, we've heard that she missed nearly a year of school when she was an elementary student in Herndon.  But nobody knows what physical problem she had.  Two of her sisters are still living but their minds appear to have forgotten most details of mother's early years.  We did discover an extensive genealogy of her mother's ancestors (Herrolds) so fortunately we can now trace her relatives back over 500 years.  But we know little or nothing about these folks except for their names and dates.  But this week while going through pictures that my dad has, we discovered a couple of precious pictures of her as a youngster.  We never saw these before.  These are now prized possessions even though we don't know how old she was when they were taken.  I also came upon some pictures of our home in Lititz from years ago when mother had such beautiful flowers.  I had forgotten how she loved to garden and how beautiful our yard had been when we were growing up.  These pictures have brought back a flood of memories.  I've also found old pictures of relatives and times with my grandparents on both sides - good memories.  Sometimes you wish that you could roll back the years but you know you can't.  So all you can do is hold on to the memories and thank the Lord for those special times and special people in your lives.  So don't wait until it is too late to share pictures and stories and memories with your older loved ones.  And then prepare them to be passed on to your children.  If you need some practical ways to do this, please let me know - this is a topic that I love to share with groups or individuals.  Sharing these memories and history has been a special project of mine since I retired.  Again, don't wait - tomorrow might be too late. 

Prayers For Our New President

My friend, Dan Allen, Director of the Pinebrook Bible Conference, has been praying daily for the new president in the 20 days leading up to his inauguration.    These prayers have been shared on the radio and by e-mail and we have decided to share all of them here for your prayer support.   We have not included the background for each prayer, just the daily prayer itself.  So we hope that the prayer will make sense to you. 

             Hi, I'm Dan Allen reminding Christians that one of our duties, according to 1 Timothy 2  is to pray for our leaders.
0 - "Father, we do thank you for blessing our nation. May we continue to see your hand upon us so that the Gospel will have free course here and abroad. Bless our new President. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
1 - "Lord, Mr. Obama is a younger man placed in an awesome position.  Give him wisdom beyond his years.  May he receive good guidance.  In Jesus' Name, Amen."
2 - "Father, we rejoice this day that our nation, once embattled in a terrible civil war over injustices to a certain segment of our population, has advanced and almost filled the dream of another reformer who called for equality, Dr. Martin Luther King. May our country truly become color blind and may it be the person's character that counts, including Mr. Obama's. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
3 - "Lord, give wisdom to our new President as he makes the tough calls concerning our troops. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
4 - "Lord, agree or not agree we pray for our President that he will makes the right decisions. Give him wisdom beyond his years. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
5 - "Lord, ultimately only you know the spiritual condition of an individual. We pray for Mr. Obama and his family that if they do not know you, they will become saved. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
6 - "Lord, being in the most powerful position in the world can take its toll on even the strongest among us. We pray that Mr. Obama will keep things in balance. Keep him from undo stress. In Jesus' Name, Amen"
7 - "Lord, a team of several thousand working together toward particular goals is almost impossible but can be done. Give much wisdom to our new President and his team in regards to this. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
8 - "Lord, America, to our shame, has murdered a lot of babies since the infamous Roe v. Wade decision. With a pro-choice President we could see that number increase. But we pray that he will change his views on this very important life and death decision. In Jesus' Name, Amen"
9 - "Father, we don't fully understand why evils exists, but it is a reality in our world. Give our new President the wisdom to know how to deal with it. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
10 - "Lord, you are the great protector. We pray, in Your will that you will keep our new president safe from harm. Thwart any plans that may bring him injury. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
11- "Lord, You told the children to come to Yourself - for such is the Kingdom of God. May these girls learn about You, become Your children and keep them safe. In Jesus' Name, Amen"
12 - "Lord, it is most difficult for humans to keep their hands out of the cookie jar, but I pray that with our new President he will set, by example, a high level of integrity which will be the envy of the world. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
13 - "Lord, some of the proposed legislation could have a deleterious affect on the Christian witness and the furtherance of the Gospel. We pray that you will give much wisdom to our new President in regard to this and change his mind if need be. In Jesus' Name, Amen"
14 - "Lord, our concern is that Mr. Obama makes the right decisions. They may not be popular to his perceived based, but since the union of the United States is at stake, may he have the courage to do so.
15 - "Lord, we're all tightening our belts right about now. Many are struggling. Although the government is not the answer it can be the vehicle you use to help us thru this. Please give to our new President much wisdom at this time. In Jesus Name, Amen"
16 - "Lord, may church attendance not only be a priority, but may our president be able to take his family. In Jesus' Name, Amen"
17 - "Lord, give to Mr. Obama those who will direct his thoughts toward morally just decisions and keep these religious leaders from falling into the power trap. May they just be spiritual counselors. In Jesus Name, we pray, Amen."
18 - "Lord, may Mr. Obama not only acknowledge Your existence, but seek to submit to You in the governance of this great country. In Jesus Name, Amen.
19 - "Lord, thank you for our new President. We pray for his protection and wise choices during this transition time. In Jesus Name, Amen"

For Pinebrook Bible Conference, I'm Dan Allen wishing you Joy in Jesus.

Saturday Ramblings

Some random thoughts on a lazy Saturday afternoon ... it sure was cold last night.  Our thermometer read 4.7 when we went to bed - not sure how low it actually went ... tomorrow is my "baby" sister's birthday - she sure looks like our mother.  Happy birthday, Kendy ... a few days ago we saw a car with a license plate that said "BikiniGal".  Dianne and I both laughed when we passed the car - I guess an 80+ female could be a bikini gal, but it wasn't quite what we expected ... it is sad to see so many seniors buying lottery tickets of all types when we walk at Park City each morning - but then the Democratic bail-out plans don't provide any of the billions to be given away for retired seniors on fixed incomes - maybe I should start buying - not really ... if we are in a recession, why does the tobacco shop at Park City always have so many customers - maybe topped only by the expensive coffee shops? ... nobody asked me, but I'd love to see an Eagles-Steelers Super Bowl.  Wouldn't it be neat if they could play it at Beaver Stadium?  Oh well, it will probably be the Cardinals and the Ravens - my teams haven't done too well recently ... we had four deer in our yard last week.  We haven't had deer here in decades.  They may have been lost ... and the blue birds have become regulars at our feeders.  Unfortunately, many of the other birds haven't returned ... wasn't that an amazing picture of the survivors standing on the wings of the airplane in the middle of the Hudson River?  What a tragedy it would have been to survive the crash then slide off the wing and drown in the Hudson River! ... yesterday I met a high school classmate of mine who had owned a Dodge dealership until a year ago.  Every car I ever bought I bought from him. Unexpectedly he received an offer to sell and he surprised everyone by doing so.  How fortunate was his timing - I wouldn't want to own such a dealership today ... I already miss college football - next September seems so far away ... We've begun our annual adopt-a-club campaign to raise $3,360 to support our 14 adopted Awana clubs.  We are using our puppets again to generate interest and it is really special to work with our three boys and some of our grandchildren.  They are so good and so creative.  It also brings back great memories of our 26+ years of our family ministry ... we've enjoyed watching the Farm Show on TV this week.  I'm glad that we weren't part of the crowd that had to wait yesterday outside in the bitter cold for over an hour for a shuttle bus.  We didn't experience their great food, but we were much warmer and more comfortable at home in our easy chairs ... I'm also glad that I'm not in the mountains at Pinebrook this weekend.  Some of our grandkids are there with our youth for Sno-Glo.   Burr!   But I guess when I was half a century younger, the weather wouldn't have bothered me either! ... then there is the most recent research that shows that five out of every four students have trouble with fractions ... I've also been wondering why a person who handles your money is called a "broker".  Thanks for stopping by - keep warm! 

Referendum

A few years ago a change in the law made it mandatory for school districts in the state to hold a referendum if their proposed budget increase was over a certain percentage.  Taxpayers applauded this new requirement but school boards worried about how this could eliminate future expenditures for major needs. Nobody will ever vote for a tax increase.  Until this week no referendums have been needed in the state.  But this week the a local school district had to go to the voters for money for a much needed new high school building and improvements to aging elementary buildings.  I have no personal attachment to this district but since it is a neighboring school I have watched with interest their boards operate for a number of years.  The boards have generally been ultraconservative and to keep taxes at a bare minimum they have continually eliminated many requests not only for expansion of programs and staff but more importantly for future care and expansion of their buildings.  Now this history has caught up to them and some buildings are outdated and in need of costly repair and their classrooms are overcrowded.  The projected need to correct this situation is $114 million.  Wow!  And the taxpayers, as expected, turned it down by a 2-1 vote.  It was interesting that the opposition to the proposal was actually led by some former school directors whose past decisions contributed to this problem.  So, by law, the taxpayers had their say.  Now what do they do?  I guess they go back to the drawing board and find a cheaper plan to get by.  Their high school is over 50 years old - not equipped for today's modern technology or needs.  They are using 18 portable classrooms and will probably need more.  Some buildings are really in need of repair  It is interesting that the night of the referendum the heating system in one of the elementary buildings went bad.  They have not been able to hold school in that building for the past three days.  That is some indication of the situation.  Well I am glad that I am not a teacher there - I would be looking for a job elsewhere.  I am glad that I am not a parent there - I would be looking to move or to put my child in a private school.  I am glad that I am not a home owner there - who would want to buy my home n this district and what will happen to property values?  I am glad that I am not a resident there - there is much disunity and anger in what was a nice, quiet community.  It is a district without many of the problems of city schools, but its political and economic problems are considerable.  I will continue to watch with interest the developments there.  Is the referendum law good?  I guess it depends on which side of the issue you stand or if you have school directors who are progressive enough to plan and budget carefully for future needs rather than always cut everything new. Saving money is good.  But, it often just delays the inevitable and then you must pay the price or live with the consequences.  This may not be your district, but please understand, a referendum might soon be coming to you.

Why did the chicken ...

I need some variety and humor in my blog, so I am sharing something I found this week.   Why did the chicken cross the road?   BARACK OBAMA: The chicken crossed the road because it was time for a change! The chicken wanted change!   JOHN MC CAIN: My friends, that chicken crossed the road because he recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the chickens on the other side of the road.  HILLARY CLINTON: When I was First Lady, I personally helped that little chicken to cross the road. This experience makes me uniquely qualified to ensure right from Day One that every chicken in this country gets the chance it deserves to cross the road. But then, this really isn't about me.  GEORGE W. BUSH: We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road or not. The chicken is either against us or for us. There is no middle ground here.  DICK CHENEY: Where's my gun?  COLIN POWELL: Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the satellite image of the chicken crossing the road.  BILL CLINTON: I did not cross the road with that chicken. What is your definition of chicken?  AL GORE: I invented the chicken.  JOHN KERRY: Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am now against it! It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misled about the chicken's intentions. I am not for it now and will remain against it.  DR. PHIL: The problem we have here is that this chicken doesn't realize that he must first deal with the problem on this side of the road before it goes after the problem on the other side of the road. What we need to do is help him realize how stupid he's acting by not taking on his current problems before adding new problems. OPRAH: Well, I understand that the chicken is having problems, which is why he wants to cross this road so bad. So instead of having the chicken learn from his mistakes and take falls, which is a part of life, I'm going to give this chicken a car so that he can just drive across the road and not live his life like the rest of the chickens. NANCY GRACE: That chicken crossed the road because he's guilty! You can see it in his eyes and the way he walks.  PAT BUCHANAN: To steal the job of a decent, hardworking American.  DR SEUSS: Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad? Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I've not been told.  BARBARA WALTERS: Isn't that interesting? In a few moments, we will be listening to the chicken tell, for the first time, the heart-warming story of how it experienced a serious case of molting and went on to accomplish its lifelong dream of crossing the road.  BILL GATES: I have just released eChicken 2008, which will not only cross roads, but will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your checkbook. Internet Explorer is an integral part of eChicken 2008. This new platform is much more stable and will never crash or need to be rebooted. ALBERT EINSTEIN: Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the road move beneath the chicken? COLONEL SANDERS: Did I miss one?  ..... So now you know the truth about the chicken.  

A Special Surprise

One of the signs that you are getting old might be that you love to watch the birds - maybe it's just that when you are retired you have the time to do this  Several years ago we added a number of bird feeders and over the years we have enjoyed watching a wide variety of birds come for their feeding.  There have been so many different types that we've lost track of all that we've observed. I've especially enjoyed the woodpeckers and the cardinals. But a few months ago things changed.  Suddenly we had very few birds visiting us anymore.  It was frustrating.  Maybe the hawks discovered our feeding site.  Maybe our neighbor's new feeder was more attractive.  Maybe our food and suet was not good enough.  We don't know why, but suddenly we had very few birds.  Last week I went out and bought more expensive food - wow does that get to be expensive!  But it didn't seem to make a difference.  Then yesterday afternoon I was taken back when I passed our kitchen window and saw a special sight - three beautiful bluebirds were eating our suet.  As I called Dianne to watch, dozens of birds, of various varieties, filled our feeders and our tree.  It was such a special surprise and we watched for about 30 minutes.  Did the threat of bad weather bring them back?  I really have no answer.  Then, suddenly, they all disappeared again.  Was there a hawk nearby?  Will they return?  I don't know, but I certainly hope they come back today.  It is so amazing to watch this beautiful part of God's creation - so many different shapes and colors.  Every time I watch them I am thankful for God's creation but I also think about how God cares for each of them.  And if His eye is even on the little sparrow, then certainly He can care for us.   So despite family challenges and a deepening recession, why should I worry.  He is God and He cares for each of us.  He will provide what we need, when we need it.   So take time to watch the birds - not only is that relaxing, but it should provide you with a daily reminder that all of us need - God does care for us.

I'm Saving Money!

Yesterday I saved several hundred dollars - at least I think I did.  I had an automatic delivery of heating oil - 139 gallons, about 30 gallons less than we usually get at this time of the year.  I guess our conservation, or living in frigid temperatures, has made a difference.  Now if my hands thaw out I can write a check to pay for the delivery.  Actually, I am not really telling the whole story.  You may remember how I originally locked in at $5.20 per gallon last August.  Then, after pushing the issue with my dealer, I was able to get a better price of $4.74.  My last delivery at that price cost me $791.77.  But then a few weeks ago, when I heard how low prices had dropped, I decided to exercise a clause in my contract which allowed me to break the contract for a fee of $599.  I figured that I could still save $500 to $1000 during 2009 by doing that.  Well, yesterday I had my first delivery on my new contract and my bill was $330.21 which is a savings of $328.65 over my previous contract price.  So I only need to save $270 more to break even.  And actually it is a savings of almost $400 over my first contract price.  So, thank the Lord, my heating bills won't be nearly as bad as I had expected.  And I am really even saving more since I wrote a very kind letter to the manager of my heating company in which I admitted that the choice had been mine.  I did kindly suggest some alternative approaches that they could consider for the next heating season.  After receiving the letter they contacted me and were actually  appreciative of my letter - they apparently have been receiving many calls and letters that haven't been very kind.  They told me that they couldn't legally waive the buy-out fee, but they helped me renegotiate a contract and actually provided a few other very nice concessions.  So the moral of the story is that it can be good to make contacts with a company over such issues. Don't assume that nothing can be done.  But it should be done in a positive way - the way that you would hope that a Christian might react.  Sometimes kind words can make a difference.  So maybe I can now turn up my thermostat and let my fingers thaw out.

Welcome 2009

Best wishes for a year filled with God's richest blessings.  May He be your strength, comfort, and guide during the days ahead. "From everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him."  Psalm 103:17

Meaningless Words

Sometimes the things that we say are really meaningless and although we don't want them to be, we just don't realize it.  This often happens when we are trying to comfort someone who has just experienced a death or a tragedy.  Often the first things that come to our mind are clichés.  Here are three that I've learned to try to avoid.  First there is "I know just how you feel".  But unless you have gone through the very same situation, you really don't know.  So please don't say this unless your situation was exactly the same as the person you are trying to comfort.  Otherwise it is meaningless and it hurts rather than helps the person facing the present sorrow.  Then there is the well meant but meaningless statement, "If there is anything I can do for you, just let me know."  At my mother's funeral we heard this so often that we developed a reply.  We said, "Please invite my dad out for a meal and visit him once in awhile in the days ahead.  He'll be lonely."   But we wasted our breath.  Only one non relative has taken him out to eat and the only non family visitors appear to be those who come to have him do their income tax - which he does free.  After a few weeks the sorrowing one is generally forgotten.  If you really want to help - just do it, don't wait to be asked.  All people have needs and they usually don't want to ask for help.  We still remember the family that showed up unannounced at our house the week of the funeral and without asking they raked all of our leaves.  What a special gift that was and we have never forgotten it.  We also remember the family that brought us a large platter of cold meats and cheese as well as rolls.  That was such a blessing during a time when nobody felt like preparing meals for our family.  So instead of saying "let me know", just do something!  Otherwise your words are meaningless.  Finally there is the most common comment "I'll be praying for you!"  Really, that is a tremendous promise, if it is really sincere.  But I've come to realize that there are very few prayer warriors around.  It is so easy to be so spiritual and say this when we know that we will remember the person and his needs in a few fleeting comments before the Lord until we've soon forgotten about it.  It's sort of like saying to a person "How are you doing?" and then walking away before they can answer.  You don't really want to be bothered, you just want to be polite and then move along.  I wonder, however, if the Lord will hold us accountable for all of our promises to pray for someone when our words are often meaningless.   Now I admit I have been guilty of speaking meaningless words but having gone through some sorrow and tragedy, I have become much more aware of what I say and do.  Comforting a person can be difficult but let's make sure that we are honest before the person and the Lord when we do so.  Otherwise our comfort is meaningless.

One For The Birds!

Today I was looking through my coupons to see which ones were still valid.  I found that I had four BOGO coupons for a local chain of restaurants that sells special sandwiches with bird names.  Since all four ran out on Wednesday, I thought that we should at least use one of them this evening.  So Dianne and I went to the restaurant expecting to get one free  sandwich.  After an enjoyable meal (a finch and a pterodactyl) we went to pay the bill.  I gave the waitress the coupon and a gift card.  Minutes later she came back and told me that she had to take the entire bill off my gift card and she couldn't honor the coupon because their "machine wasn't working".  I was astonished and challenged her about this but she insisted that the coupon couldn't be honored tonight and that I could use it another night.  I reminded her that it expired on Wednesday and she said that her manager said we could still use it anytime.  She knew I was upset and since other customers were watching I decided not to make more of a scene.  So we left - without leaving a tip.  As we drove home I became more upset thinking about things I should have done.  I planned to write one of my famous letters but thought that I should first call the manager.  Fortunately the manager answered and she knew nothing about the problem.  She asked for the name of the waitress and I found it on our receipt.  She then put me on hold while she talked to the waitress. Moments later she returned and said that the waitress had scanned our gift card before seeing my coupon and she didn't know how to correct her mistake.  I reminded the manager that the coupon was on top of the gift card when I gave it to her.  It appears that the waitress tried to cover up her mistake by telling me several lies - I no longer feel bad about not leaving her a tip.  The manager apologized and said that she would sent me three BOGO coupons for future use.  I told her that this was not satisfactory since I didn't intend to pay for three sandwiches to get my one free sandwich.  She replied that she would try to find some coupons for free sandwiches and mail them to me.  I told her that would be satisfactory.  Now I will watch the mail to see if that indeed happens.  I have a feeling that the waitress might be in a little trouble - as the Bible says, your sins will find you out.  If only she would have admitted her mistake and asked for help.  But instead she thought she could lie her way out of the mistake - but, unfortunately for her, she did it to one who is willing to write or call and complain when he is taken advantage of.   We live in a world where dishonesty is becoming the norm.  So the moral of the story is to watch all your transactions and be ready to stand up for yourself when you are taken advantage of.   After all, we have the responsibility to be diligent with the money and possessions the Lord has allowed us to have.  In future blogs I might relate two other similar situations that I had to deal with concerning purchases.  Now the dilemma I face is - do I really want another sandwich named after a bird?

One Of The Most Beautiful Stories

Here is one of the greatest stories ever written.  I never tire of hearing it.   Luke 2:1 - 20   "1  And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.  2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)  3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)   5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.   6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10   And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,  14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.  16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.  18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them." 

Off To The Mall

Twas the day before Christmas, and all through the mall ... the shoppers were shopping and having a ball.  There were bargains everywhere, if you had any money to spend.  But do you know what we noticed as we did our daily walk this morning at Park City?   The vast majority of the shoppers were men!  And maybe they were smart this year in waiting, as most men usually do, to the last minute.  For there were bargains as merchants tried desparately to unload their merchandise in a year when most folks have been forced to cut down.  Oh well, time to shop is now over.  Next comes the time to open the gifts.  Then comes the time to pay the bills. And shopping in the mall has become an international experience with so many languages heard.  So, accept my wish for a Merry Christmas, no matter where you may be this year or how you may say it. Afrikaans: Gesëende Kersfees, Afrikander: Een Plesierige Kerfees, African/ Eritrean/ Tigrinja: Rehus-Beal-Ledeats, Albanian:Gezur Krislinjden, Arabic: Milad Majid, Argentine: Feliz Navidad, Armenian: Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand, Azeri: Tezze Iliniz Yahsi Olsun, Bahasa Malaysia: Selamat Hari Natal, Basque: Zorionak eta Urte Berri On!, Bengali: Shuvo Naba Barsha, Bohemian: Vesele Vanoce, Brazilian: Feliz Natal, Breton: Nedeleg laouen na bloavezh mat, Bulgarian: Tchestita Koleda; Tchestito Rojdestvo Hristovo, Catalan: Bon Nadal i un Bon Any Nou!, Chile: Feliz Navidad, Chinese: (Cantonese) Gun Tso Sun Tan'Gung Haw Sun, Chinese: (Mandarin) Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan, (Catonese) Gun Tso Sun Tan'Gung Haw Sun, Choctaw: Yukpa, Nitak Hollo Chito, Columbia: Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo, Cornish: Nadelik looan na looan blethen noweth, Corsian: Pace e salute, Crazanian: Rot Yikji Dol La Roo, Cree: Mitho Makosi Kesikansi, Croatian: Sretan Bozicm, Czech: Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok, Danish: Glædelig Jul, Duri: Christmas-e- Shoma Mobarak, Dutch: Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar! or Zalig Kerstfeast, English: Merry Christmas, Eskimo: (inupik) Jutdlime pivdluarit ukiortame pivdluaritlo!, Esperanto: Gajan Kristnaskon, Estonian: Ruumsaid juulup|hi, Ethiopian: (Amharic) Melkin Yelidet Beaal, Faeroese: Gledhilig jol og eydnurikt nyggjar!, Farsi: Cristmas-e-shoma mobarak bashad, Finnish: Hyvaa joulua, Flemish: Zalig Kerstfeest en Gelukkig nieuw jaar, French: Joyeux Noel, Frisian: Noflike Krystdagen en in protte Lok en Seine yn it Nije Jier!, Galician: Bo Nada, Gaelic: Nollaig chridheil agus Bliadhna mhath ùr! German: Froehliche Weihnachten, Greek: Kala Christouyenna!, Haiti: (Creole) Jwaye Nowel or to Jesus Edo Bri'cho o Rish D'Shato Brichto, Hausa: Barka da Kirsimatikuma Barka da Sabuwar Shekara!, Hawaiian: Mele Kalikimaka, Hebrew: Mo'adim Lesimkha. Chena tova, Hindi: Shub Naya Baras, Hausa: Barka da Kirsimatikuma Barka da Sabuwar Shekara, Hawaian: Mele Kalikimaka ame Hauoli Makahiki Hou!, Hungarian: Kellemes Karacsonyi unnepeket, Icelandic: Gledileg Jol, Indonesian: Selamat Hari Natal, Iraqi: Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah, Irish: Nollaig Shona Dhuit, or Nodlaig mhaith chugnat, Iroquois: Ojenyunyat Sungwiyadeson honungradon nagwutut. Ojenyunyat osrasay., Italian: Buone Feste Natalizie, Japanese: Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto, Jiberish: Mithag Crithagsigathmithags, Korean: Sung Tan Chuk Ha, Lao: souksan van Christmas, Latin: Natale hilare et Annum Faustum!, Latvian: Prieci'gus Ziemsve'tkus un Laimi'gu Jauno Gadu!, Lausitzian:Wjesole hody a strowe nowe leto, Lettish: Priecigus Ziemassvetkus, Lithuanian: Linksmu Kaledu, Low Saxon: Heughliche Winachten un 'n moi Nijaar, Macedonian: Sreken Bozhik, Maltese: IL-Milied It-tajjeb, Manx: Nollick ghennal as blein vie noa, Maori: Meri Kirihimete, Marathi: Shub Naya Varsh, Navajo: Merry Keshmish, Norwegian: God Jul, or Gledelig Jul, Occitan: Pulit nadal e bona annado, Papiamento: Bon Pasco, Papua New Guinea: Bikpela hamamas blong dispela Krismas na Nupela yia i go long yu, Pennsylvania German: En frehlicher Grischtdaag un en hallich Nei Yaahr!, Peru: Feliz Navidad y un Venturoso Año Nuevo, Philipines: Maligayan Pasko!, Polish: Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia or Boze Narodzenie, Portuguese:Feliz Natal,  Pushto: Christmas Aao Ne-way Kaal Mo Mobarak Sha, Rapa-Nui (Easter Island): Mata-Ki-Te-Rangi. Te-Pito-O-Te-Henua, Rhetian: Bellas festas da nadal e bun onn, Romanche: (sursilvan dialect): Legreivlas fiastas da Nadal e bien niev onn!, Rumanian: Sarbatori vesele, Russian: Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom, Sami: Buorrit Juovllat, Samoan: La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou, Sardinian: Bonu nadale e prosperu annu nou, Serbian: Hristos se rodi, Slovakian: Sretan Bozic or Vesele vianoce, Sami: Buorrit Juovllat, Samoan: La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou, Scots Gaelic: Nollaig chridheil huibh, Serb-Croatian: Sretam Bozic. Vesela Nova Godina, Serbian: Hristos se rodi., Singhalese: Subha nath thalak Vewa. Subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa, Slovak: Vesele Vianoce. A stastlivy Novy Rok, Slovene: Vesele Bozicne Praznike Srecno Novo Leto or Vesel Bozic in srecno Novo leto, Spanish: Feliz Navidad, Swedish: God Jul and (Och) Ett Gott Nytt År, Tagalog: Maligayamg Pasko. Masaganang Bagong Taon, Tami: Nathar Puthu Varuda Valthukkal, Trukeese: (Micronesian) Neekiriisimas annim oo iyer seefe feyiyeech!, Thai: Sawadee Pee Mai or souksan wan Christmas, Turkish: Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun, Ukrainian: Srozhdestvom Kristovym, Urdu: Naya Saal Mubarak Ho, Vietnamese: Chung Mung Giang Sinh, Welsh: Nadolig Llawen, Yugoslavian: Cestitamo Bozic, Yoruba: E ku odun, e ku iye' ..... Now for Happy New Year in each of those languages .... no, I won't go there .....  Merry Christmas. 

Does God Answer Prayer?

God can work in amazing ways - here are a few things that we experienced during the past few days.  (1)  I took our car for inspection and while the car passed they told me that I needed four new tires before winter - $500!  I refused their "offer" because I had just had them checked a month earlier.  But right after a 400 mile trip we found that we had picked up a screw in a front tire so I went to a tire dealer that I trust.  He told me that my tires would last another year, but because there was some early cracking and they were guaranteed, they could replace them for $240, including alignment.  I accepted and replaced all four not realizing all the driving we would do, in snowy icy weather, the following week when Dianne's dad died.  How much safer we felt.  PTL!  (2)  We needed to find a motel in the Sunbury area and at our third stop we met a manager who had been a neighbor of Dianne's dad several years ago.  And while we didn't know her, because of his death, she gave us a bargain price for the three nights that we stayed there. PTL!  (3)  When we received the call about her dad at 1 in the morning, I was concerned because they were predicting sleet and freezing rain.  So we decided to leave for Sunbury early in the morning and we drove through sleet for an hour until suddenly, above Harrisburg, the weather cleared.  We were able to do all the funeral planning that day in clear weather, while back home they had slick roads.  PTL!  (4) When we heard that Dianne's dad's condition was terminal, we were concerned that because of the holiday the church would not be available.  We also knew that the pastor would be away on vacation for the week.  But God's timing was perfect and we were able to bury him on Saturday morning before Christmas week.  PTL!  (5)  The week of his death we experienced a series of winter storms.  They had predicted six inches or more of snow in Sunbury on Friday before the Saturday funeral.  But the snow turned to rain late Friday afternoon allowing our children to safely make the trip.  Saturday was clear and very cold and while we couldn't get into the cemetery because of the ice and snow, we were able to have the graveside ceremony from the church parking lot only about 40 yards from the grave.  PTL!  (6)  We were perplexed about how much food to purchase for the luncheon held after the service since we didn't know how the weather would affect the attendance.  In fact we had planned not to eat if we had more people stay than we predicted.  The cold icy weather did prevent many from coming and we had an adequate amount of food for all who stayed.  PTL!  So were all of these situations just lucky coincidences or did the Lord intervene and answer many prayers, including those about the weather?   You may have your own opinion, but I personally believe that the Lord does answer prayer and we had many folks on our prayer chain taking our concerns before the Lord.  I am reminded of a song that our family used to sing when we did programs as part of our family ministry.  "He holds the future in the palm of His Hand, And He has never failed me yet, I know He's leading and still has control, So why should I worry or fret. I know He holds the future, and I know He holds my hand, I know just as sure as I'm singing this song, I'm a part of His almighty plan. I believe, I believe, I believe, So why should I worry or fret."  Now if only I could learn to get over the worry and fretting, because He really is in control.

A Christmas Wish

Somebody just sent me this Christmas greeting and I thought that you might enjoy it.  So, take your pick.

To All My Liberal Friends:          

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2009, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere . Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.

 

To All My Conservative Friends who do not care for political correctness:

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

A Perfect Christmas Gift

It was a great Christmas present. Late Monday night God sent his angels to usher home my father-in-law, affectionately known to us as Gramps.   They took his hand while he was sleeping and together made the journey to a better home. Gramps spent 96 years here on earth and he wanted to go home to heaven. He had walked closely with the Lord for many years and had a special personal relationship with His Creator. He had a rough life in his early years and had to quit school when he was in eighth grade. He often regretted not being able to write or spell better, but he more than made up for that with his sound business sense. After years of earning a living by selling coal and doing other odd jobs, he went to Middletown where he worked at the Olmstead Air Force base. Wanting to go back into business for himself, he took a chance on a piece of run-down property in Sunbury where he began a water business using the spring that was there. He also ran a country store and a weekly auction until the water business became profitable. Over the years the Tulpehocken Water Company grew and he made it a very successful business. When he reached retirement age, he sold it to its present owner who has since built it into a multimillion dollar business now delivering in several states. Gramps was proud to be called the founder of the company.  During the years of transition, before moving to Sunbury, he came to really know and love the Lord. He gave up some bad habits and became actively involved in his church and in the Gideons. There are two things which really stood out about his Christian walk. First, he was a real prayer warrior. Every morning and at other times he fervently talked to the Lord and prayed over a long list of family and friends and their needs. He believed in prayer and rejoiced in many answers. Several folks have already remarked that they feel the loss of his daily prayers for them. When he was ill he apologized for not being able to pray as he had done before. The second outstanding feature was his gift and zeal for evangelism. He was always handing out Gideon New Testaments and explaining the way of salvation. And he was able to talk to folks in such a non threatening manner that was never offensive. He won many folks to Christ over the years. It was remarkable. And when we talked about his gift he would claim that it wasn't a gift. He was just being obedient to the Lord's commands to share the Gospel to everyone. He felt that anyone could and should do this. He often said that the Lord kept him here on earth because there was somebody else left for him to win to the Lord. And he did this, even during his hospitalizations. His final three weeks were amazing. After years of apparent good health, two hospitalizations and entrance into a nursing home gave him a chance to see all his children and grandchildren for what turned out to be the final time on earth. Then, on Monday, we were summoned to the nursing home for a meeting concerning his request to return to his apartment. When we arrived he was reading the morning newspaper and commenting about Bush and the shoe thrower. The doctor and his team then came and said that his condition was terminal. Dad asked how much time he had left and the doctor said he probably would not see the new year. Dad then rejoiced that he was soon going to his new home with friends and family. Then he began to sleep the rest of the day and he was doing that when we left for home. Later that night a nurse helped him with his oxygen mask and when she returned ten minutes later, he had gone home in his sleep. That was what he wanted. We received the call at 1 am, only 15 hours after our meeting and the doctor's announcement. Only ten days in the nursing home and then released in his sleep to heaven - a fitting move for a special man. We already miss him but we know that he is now celebrating with his Lord and his wife Mary. What a perfect Christmas present. 

Recession and Religion

Check your mail - it's that time of the year.  Early in December our mailbox always gets filled with requests for end of year charitable donations.  Religious and service organizations are always hopeful of getting those donations from folks who are either generous during the holiday season or looking for deductions for their annual income tax.  This year the requests have been coming but with a new urgency.  Most religious organizations are facing severe shortages because of a drop in donations, much of which has been caused by the recession.  But the problem also stems from the fact that many believers are not honoring the Lord with their finances.  As a result, some reputable organizations, like Focus On The Family, have already made major updates.  Others are being forced to do the same and  reduce their ministry because they are operating deep in the red.  Organizations such as Pinebrook are facing major deficits and if the economy continues to decline, they may be forced to make difficult decisions about their existence.  Pinebrook has already made major cuts in staff and in programs.  Churches are also running in the red as contributions decline.  I know of two Bible Fellowship churches that are facing deficits of over $100,000 and $60,000.  Our church has been running between $50,000 to $60,000 behind budget.  We should break even for 2008 but only because many planned expenditures have not been made.  But we, like many churches and organizations, have huge mortgages to meet because of recent building.  Those were decisions made in a time of plenty.  Failure to meet budgets brings up the possibility of cutting more programs, eliminating staff, or even, as a last resort, foreclosure.  And as more members face layoffs, the problem deepens.  Will we see religious organizations and churches close their doors?  Let's pray that this doesn't happen.  Let's pray that more folks will honor the Lord with their tithe and make a commitment to support the work of the Lord, even in tough times.  Unfortunately, too many believers have not done that in good times.  If all church members would just give their tithe, we'd be looking for places to expand ministry.  The solution is really that easy.  Maybe the Lord will use the recession to force believers to examine their priorities before God.  And churches will need to be much more diligent in the use of the Lord's money and maybe that is a lesson that we need to learn.   However, lest we forget, our Father does "own the cattle on a thousand hills" and the recession is not a problem for Him.  The question is really how will each of us respond with what He allows us to have.