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| Country roads' calling Share my soul, Serenity Come...come walk with me. |
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
The Inner Workings Of The Hutterite Team.
Everyone works as a team.
Everyone owns the team.
Everyone is the team.
The structure is familiar, with team presidents, coaches and players.
Every position is important. Sure, you have the captains and co-captains, but rookies and role players are every bit as important. Everyone has their specific duty and responsibility on the playing field. No one can win the game by themselves. They have to pass the puck. Total team effort guarantees success.
Personal gain and pride is forfeited for team gain and team pride. Each one of us makes the other stronger. All of us working towards the same goal makes the team stronger. If a member doesn't want to be a team player and doesn't share the same vision or goal, it creates chaos and makes the whole team weaker.
There are also rules. Dress codes. Equipment rules. Game rules and code of conduct. If these rules get broken, there are penalties. Minor infractions yield warnings, stern or otherwise. Major infractions hold more serious consequences. Gross misconduct leads to suspensions and/or demotions. If there is a repeat offender questions have to be asked. Does this player want to be part of the team? If not, they are welcome (and sometimes even encouraged) to leave and take time out to think things over. If at one point he/she wants to rejoin the team, fine, but then they must earnestly show that they can be a contributor again.
But all this team work and effort is in vain and pointless if there isn't a game plan and an end goal in mind. All players need to buy into and share the vision.
If the vision fades and is put on the back burner, the fruit follows. And it's all very visible to the spectators, who see dress codes fall, equipment rules erode and game plans fading and falling apart. The code of conduct gets violated. Team players are no longer team players. They begin looking outside the league for employment for personal gain or fame.
So what is this vision?
Earthly riches and gain?
Popularity and fame?
The earthly goal is to be sustainable. To keep the franchise healthy. This is a cradle to the grave system. The healthy and players in their prime contribute most, providing and caring for the young and old, the injured, disabled and retired.
But there is another and infinitely greater goal that these players strive and yearn for. A goal that provides the fire, will and energy for this sometimes grueling season, motivating each and every player is to put forward his best effort. This goal or crown and also the road there is best described by the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:6-8 "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."
Yes, by the Grace of God, through His only begotten Son Jesus Christ, be accepted into His Heavenly Hall of Fame.
Everyone owns the team.
Everyone is the team.
The structure is familiar, with team presidents, coaches and players.
Every position is important. Sure, you have the captains and co-captains, but rookies and role players are every bit as important. Everyone has their specific duty and responsibility on the playing field. No one can win the game by themselves. They have to pass the puck. Total team effort guarantees success.
Personal gain and pride is forfeited for team gain and team pride. Each one of us makes the other stronger. All of us working towards the same goal makes the team stronger. If a member doesn't want to be a team player and doesn't share the same vision or goal, it creates chaos and makes the whole team weaker.
There are also rules. Dress codes. Equipment rules. Game rules and code of conduct. If these rules get broken, there are penalties. Minor infractions yield warnings, stern or otherwise. Major infractions hold more serious consequences. Gross misconduct leads to suspensions and/or demotions. If there is a repeat offender questions have to be asked. Does this player want to be part of the team? If not, they are welcome (and sometimes even encouraged) to leave and take time out to think things over. If at one point he/she wants to rejoin the team, fine, but then they must earnestly show that they can be a contributor again.
But all this team work and effort is in vain and pointless if there isn't a game plan and an end goal in mind. All players need to buy into and share the vision.
If the vision fades and is put on the back burner, the fruit follows. And it's all very visible to the spectators, who see dress codes fall, equipment rules erode and game plans fading and falling apart. The code of conduct gets violated. Team players are no longer team players. They begin looking outside the league for employment for personal gain or fame.
So what is this vision?
Earthly riches and gain?
Popularity and fame?
The earthly goal is to be sustainable. To keep the franchise healthy. This is a cradle to the grave system. The healthy and players in their prime contribute most, providing and caring for the young and old, the injured, disabled and retired.
But there is another and infinitely greater goal that these players strive and yearn for. A goal that provides the fire, will and energy for this sometimes grueling season, motivating each and every player is to put forward his best effort. This goal or crown and also the road there is best described by the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:6-8 "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."
Yes, by the Grace of God, through His only begotten Son Jesus Christ, be accepted into His Heavenly Hall of Fame.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Account Of A Hutterite Wedding
Amanda and Jonathan's Wedding
by the father of the bride
Long before the June 10th wedding date, my wife Sarah and my daughters Amanda and Lillian are busy preparing for Amanda's upcoming wedding. Making invitations, discussing whom to invite, designing a cake and choosing wedding dresses...it takes a lot more to prepare for a wedding then us menfolk realize.
As time was getting closer I realized that in only a few short weeks Amanda will have left home. (Genesis 1: 24. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.)
It has been a stressful spring with exceptionally dry soil conditions, cool daytime temperatures and frost almost every night. Now I was caught between dealing with whether we should even spray the crop, wondering if there would be more frost, reseeding decisions, concerned about the lack of pasture and buying hay for the dairy cows.
There was so much on my mind. I felt like I was neglecting my darling daughter Amanda, and time was running faster than I could imagine. Our little girl had grown into a lady, and had chased her dreams which would now become a certainty.
Three weeks before Amanda’s wedding on our regular Saturday evening singing, prayer and Bible discussion we realized that this would be our last Heiliger Abend (evening of worship) with Amanda at our home. We reminisced about the good times and the joy of growing as a family and how life goes on. Lead by myself as the father of the house, we each took turns encouraging her to keep going this torch of family love and adoration, the unconditional Love for God , and not to ever lose sight of her husband's and family's salvation. We assured her that we were here if she ever needed us, and that we would love her forever. With a mix of happiness and a few tears, a prayer and many hugs we prepared for Amanda's new journey in life. Praise the Lord!
The Sunday before the wedding, Amanda's husband-to-be Jonathan went to his Colony’s Minister to put forward his desire to marry Amanda, after which the Minister from that Colony gathered with all his colony's members to discuss and arrange the upcoming wedding celebration. After consulting with the members of his Colony and some counselling and well wishes, the wedding celebration officially begins.
On Wednesday afternoon Jonathan, his father John and his favourite uncle arrived at our colony where all folks and children await with great excitement. I’m still busy tying loose ends to make sure all is organized until I finally concede that it's time to let go and join in on this moment of happiness.
After the blessing of our Church and members we moved to our home with only immediate family and a few invited aunts and uncles, where Jonathan (along with his Dad and uncle) asks for Amanda to be his wife. Lead by me, then followed by Sarah and Amanda's brothers and sister, Jonathan and Amanda are reminded that marriage in the Hutterite Church is a lifelong commitment . There will be good and bad days ahead, but with the help of God, and if they choose to serve Him, they will be blessed. After some counselling and words of advice and encouragement Amanda and Jonathan thanked and hugged all in attendance. With the blessing of God through prayers of hope, and the love of God through our Lord Jesus they take the first step to their new life, the celebration of their engagement begins by serving some refreshments and a light lunch.
On the next day friends and invited guests were entertained to a fine supper of scrumptious baby back ribs, black tiger shrimp in oyster sauce, wonton soup and fruit salad in the colony kitchen. After supper we went back to our home and visited with family and friends till 8:30. We then gathered again in the kitchen for hulba to fellowship, lunch and sing songs of spiritual guidance and praise to God. Around 12:30 AM we retired from the community hall as we would get up at 6:00 am and make our way to Amanda's future home at WillowRoad Colony.
6:30 AM the next morning found me sitting in the rocking chair contemplating that this would be Amanda's last hour on the Colony, with a tear running down my face I sombrely thanked God for all that he has done for our family and I prayed that He would continue to guide Amanda's life. It was like the quiet after the storm from the previous night celebrations, sitting by myself with a refreshed mind and body, when Amanda appeared from her room. I could see that she was emotional, realizing these would be her final minutes in her father's home, she squeezed alongside me on the rocking chair. We both shed tears of good memories and joy, hugging each other. I assured her that this was all part of God's plan, it was the way it had to be, and we both understood. We just sat there rocking and enjoyed the moment of just being by ourselves, knowing that we will love each other forever.
Along with 40 members from our Colony we were on our way to WillowRoad Colony, a 4 hour drive. We arrived at noon, where we were met at the road leading to the colony by youngsters on horses; Jonathan and Amanda then rode the final mile with horse and carriage to her new home, where bride and groom along with our immediate family and friends were greeted by a mass of well wishers. After meeting Jonathan's family we had a lunch and visited, meeting old friends and making new ones.
Saturday evening at 8:00 pm we again met in the kitchen for the main hulba, a celebration of singing hymns, a lunch and visiting that went until 11:00 pm. As one can imagine this is our fourth night and I’m getting played out. Amanda and Jonathan were bushed but they’re enjoying every minute of it.
Sunday morning at 9:30 am we proceeded to the Colony Church where Jonathan and Amanda were married. The wedding ceremony involves a sermon about marital commitment and the couple exchange vows binding themselves together until death parts them. The husband and wife agree not to drag each other into sin, or make trouble with the colony if they should fall from their faith. Hutterites marry for life, and do not allow divorce. Newlywed couples do not express marital bliss at the wedding ceremony with exuberation, but with an inner joy and peace knowing that they have dedicated themselves to one another and to God. They do not give rings, since jewellery is forbidden, and Hutterite brides always take their husband's last name.
We now depart to the newly wedded couple's house where the marriage is celebrated with great jubilation and toasts from family and friends. We ask God to help them keep lit the torch of love that they now share in their hearts, so that by their loving example they may pass on the light of love to their children, and to their children's children forever.
A hearty meal of roast duck with shrimp and fine noodle soup, along with many other dishes is served at 1:00 pm. This celebration goes on until late in the afternoon when it is ended with a supper of pizza, and a final song that seals and closes the wedding celebrations of Jonathan and Amanda.
A final Reading and a Marriage Prayer for Amanda and Jonathan, read by her father:
Greetings of love and peace in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jonathan and Amanda; Congratulations on this special day and wishing God’s blessing to a new life. When we stop and think to appreciate all the good that God has done for us by sending His Son, and for all that confess and want to live His Holy way and purpose awaits a great joy. When we think of Him, who He is, what He did for us, and what He offers us we have to say, how can we do anything less than worship Him? Let us trust Him and praise Him.
As one can imagine there is a lot of work that goes into a wedding, the help of the immediate family, the brothers, sisters, moms and dads and finally the blessings of the colony. It’s always nice to thank each other and to know that we are doing a good job; however we must give all praise and glory to God. Without Him we can do nothing.
Heavenly father we ask you to bless Jonathan and Amanda's marriage, O God, as they begin their journey down the road of life together.
We don't know what lies ahead, for the road turns and bends.
But help them to make the best of whatever comes their way.
Help them to continue to enjoy each other, as they did when they first met.
Help them to realize that nothing, nor no one is perfect, and to look for the good in all things and all people including themselves.
Help them to respect each other's likes and dislikes, opinion and beliefs,
hopes and dreams and fears even though they may not always understand them.
hopes and dreams and fears even though they may not always understand them.
Help them to learn from each other and to help each other to grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Help them to realize that no matter what happens to them, they will hold on to each other, and know that things have a way of working out for the good.
Help them to create for their children a peaceful, stable home of love as a foundation on which they can build their lives.
Life is such joy, all a part of God’s plan. When one-door closes, He opens another one. He always gives us strength for another day. To spend quality time with family and friends is something that all of us cherish. Today we’re strongly blessed by new family members and many new friends. In our prayers, please God bless Jonathan and Amanda, and all our friends with strength, good health and the Holy Spirit and to endure whatever is Your will.
Thank you and may God bless you all!!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
A Hutterite Review Of "American Colony - Meet The Hutterites
The message from the first episode and limited clips I've seen seems to be this;
"Hi there World, we are The Hutterites, a quaint and interesting folk. We have a unique lifestyle with different customs, traditions, and foods. We have hurts and struggles just like anybody else, but deep down our goals in life are to have a good time. We are no angels and neither do we proclaim to be. We lead our life the way we do because that's the way it's always been done. We are Hutterites because we always have been. We have a vague idea how we got here, and a vaguer one on where we are heading. We live in the 21st century now. Why should we be held accountable to the elders? Why should anyone tell us what we should and shouldn't do?"
Rebellion and disrespect seem to be at forefront in this series. Also very little respect is shown for the Third Commandment in Exodus 20:7 "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain."
Jesus commands his followers in Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Well, this light is very dim, some would say extinguished in American Colony.
The only positive I can find is that young Hutterites who watch this series can see the fruit of a rebellious and disrespectful attitude, and treat these episodes as a wake up call and a testament of how far we have and can fall.
And folks, Hutterite (communal) life without Jesus Christ as the founder, leader and centerpiece of our faith is not sustainable. It is as empty and meaningless as a rusted out 5 gallon pail.
"Hi there World, we are The Hutterites, a quaint and interesting folk. We have a unique lifestyle with different customs, traditions, and foods. We have hurts and struggles just like anybody else, but deep down our goals in life are to have a good time. We are no angels and neither do we proclaim to be. We lead our life the way we do because that's the way it's always been done. We are Hutterites because we always have been. We have a vague idea how we got here, and a vaguer one on where we are heading. We live in the 21st century now. Why should we be held accountable to the elders? Why should anyone tell us what we should and shouldn't do?"
Rebellion and disrespect seem to be at forefront in this series. Also very little respect is shown for the Third Commandment in Exodus 20:7 "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain."
Jesus commands his followers in Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Well, this light is very dim, some would say extinguished in American Colony.
The only positive I can find is that young Hutterites who watch this series can see the fruit of a rebellious and disrespectful attitude, and treat these episodes as a wake up call and a testament of how far we have and can fall.
And folks, Hutterite (communal) life without Jesus Christ as the founder, leader and centerpiece of our faith is not sustainable. It is as empty and meaningless as a rusted out 5 gallon pail.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
There Went Out A Sower to Sow
It's springtime on the colony. The doldrums of winter are over, the grass is greening, the trees are budding and it's time for sowing.
The early morning air is filled with the chirping and songs of the newly arrived birds of summer. The April and May showers have replaced the cold dry air of winter with the fresh earthy smells of spring. Newness and excitement fills the air and soul alike.
The equipment operators, restless after a winter full of shop and barn work are bursting with energy and anxious to start the annual sowing season.
The space in front of the shop has been full for some time now as the sprayers, drills, tractors, trucks and augers have been carefully serviced, checked and rechecked.
The equipment is fueled up and ready for action. Everyone is waiting for the field boss to declare ”OK boys, the time is here, let's go seeding!"
Seeding starts in burst of a activity. High clearance sprayers hit the fields first with a preseed burnoff to kill weeds in front of the seeders (gone are the days of the cultivator and shovel that manually weeded and tilled and subsequently dried out the all important seedbed) Zero till is now the order of the day.
The gravel roads are busy with trucks that haul fuel, fertilizer and seed to fill the waiting drills and it's on. The second busiest time of year, next to only the finale of what is started now, the harvest.
From dawn to dusk these big rigs roll. Sunup and sundown, field in and field out, week in and week out, stopped only by the need to refill the massive seed carts and seemingly always empty fuel tanks. And if enough manpower is available there is a shift change to allow some rest for those long hour operators.
But come Sunday morning everything is quiet. All the rigs have shut down and all the men are at home to attend the Sunday Sermon. The fields aren't the only things that have to be seeded, and here at Church the Word of God is planted anew.
The early morning air is filled with the chirping and songs of the newly arrived birds of summer. The April and May showers have replaced the cold dry air of winter with the fresh earthy smells of spring. Newness and excitement fills the air and soul alike.
The equipment operators, restless after a winter full of shop and barn work are bursting with energy and anxious to start the annual sowing season.
The space in front of the shop has been full for some time now as the sprayers, drills, tractors, trucks and augers have been carefully serviced, checked and rechecked.
The equipment is fueled up and ready for action. Everyone is waiting for the field boss to declare ”OK boys, the time is here, let's go seeding!"
Seeding starts in burst of a activity. High clearance sprayers hit the fields first with a preseed burnoff to kill weeds in front of the seeders (gone are the days of the cultivator and shovel that manually weeded and tilled and subsequently dried out the all important seedbed) Zero till is now the order of the day.
The gravel roads are busy with trucks that haul fuel, fertilizer and seed to fill the waiting drills and it's on. The second busiest time of year, next to only the finale of what is started now, the harvest.
From dawn to dusk these big rigs roll. Sunup and sundown, field in and field out, week in and week out, stopped only by the need to refill the massive seed carts and seemingly always empty fuel tanks. And if enough manpower is available there is a shift change to allow some rest for those long hour operators.
But come Sunday morning everything is quiet. All the rigs have shut down and all the men are at home to attend the Sunday Sermon. The fields aren't the only things that have to be seeded, and here at Church the Word of God is planted anew.
Monday, April 30, 2012
What Is The Cowboy?
For what is the cowboy?
He's wild and he's free
Oh, I feel the cowboy
Stirring in me
The cowboy needs spaces
Like an eagle up high
The cowboy wants nothing
'Tween him and the sky.
A campfire in the open
As evening draws nigh
The stars his entertainment
Night sounds his lullaby.
The Meadowlark awakens
With a song so clear and pure
The epitome of nature
That the cowboy calls home.
The early morning breezes
Wipes the dew from the rose.
He saddles up his mustang
And westward he goes.
Now I'm sitting in this folks home
Fading dreams and dignity
But no one takes the cowboy
From out of me.
He's wild and he's free
Oh, I feel the cowboy
Stirring in me
The cowboy needs spaces
Like an eagle up high
The cowboy wants nothing
'Tween him and the sky.
A campfire in the open
As evening draws nigh
The stars his entertainment
Night sounds his lullaby.
The Meadowlark awakens
With a song so clear and pure
The epitome of nature
That the cowboy calls home.
The early morning breezes
Wipes the dew from the rose.
He saddles up his mustang
And westward he goes.
Now I'm sitting in this folks home
Fading dreams and dignity
But no one takes the cowboy
From out of me.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Why It's Ethical To Eat Meat
This is my entry to the NY Times essay contest "Why It's Ethical To Eat Meat"
Why is it ethical to eat meat? Here is my argument and moral philosophy.
In my view this is simply a First World ethical dilemma brought on by self-righteous do-gooders who have totally lost sense of where we as a human race have come from and how we got here. Perching on their lofty pedestals whilst perusing petty non-issues such as this one, this may well be a case of loving the creature more than the Creator.
Do we honestly believe that the Pilgrims at Plymouth had the same misgivings about eating their freshly bagged Thanksgiving Turkey?
Could it be that those in society who believe in evolution are now experiencing guilt pangs over eating their supposed ancestors?
Do we have a four-compartment large-capacity ruminant stomach that’s optimized and critical for a vegan diet? One that doesn't need to be fortified with protein shakes, vitamins, essential fatty acids, and numerous other supplements?
Sorry about the questions but sometimes we have to look back in order to see ahead.
We, my friends, are at the top of the food chain. And no, we didn't get here by sautéing spinach or by pressure cooking cauliflower. Absolutely not, we got here by devouring protein and nutrient rich meat, fresh and dripping with blood, cooked on a stick while crouching over an open fire, clothed not in leaves of trees or pumpkin shells but in warm hides of animals.
Domesticated livestock are here to serve us just as we are here to conscientiously care for them. They depend on us to protect, care for and feed them. They in return supply us with a vast array of necessities including meat, gelatin, glue, leather (yup, those plush seats in that BMW, those fancy designer shoes, fine seating furniture, and cozy woolen blanket, they all went moo or baa not so very long ago). Amino acids, vitamins, supplements, hormones, countless medical and pharmaceutical products, replacement valves for the human heart, even food for pets come from animals.
They also supply us with milk and eggs which raises the question of ”Is it ethical to eat eggs or drink milk?” When a chicken gets too old to lay eggs or a cow can't produce milk any more, what should be done with them?
Are there Old Birds Homes for aging chickens or Retirement Pastures for elderly cows? And what would be the ethical thing to do with them when they succumb to old age or disease? Will the taxpayer pay for these services?
I almost feel silly defending such a logical argument that is quickly turning from ”Why it's ethical to eat meat?" into ”Is it ethical to stop a beating heart?”
In summary, I do think that it's ethical to eat meat and fully use all byproducts from the said animal, bird, or fish. I also think that it's imperative that we as farmers and livestock owners respect our source of nutrition, clothing and life essentials by implementing the highest standards to house, feed and care for these creatures of God, whose full potentials are only realized once they arrive at the abattoir. And since this is a free country you can choose to chomp your canines into a crispy carrot, but I will use my omnivorously designed dental structure and digestive system to wade into my next flame-broiled New Yorker. Medium Rare, please.
Louie Vetter.
Western Canadian Farmer.
Why is it ethical to eat meat? Here is my argument and moral philosophy.
In my view this is simply a First World ethical dilemma brought on by self-righteous do-gooders who have totally lost sense of where we as a human race have come from and how we got here. Perching on their lofty pedestals whilst perusing petty non-issues such as this one, this may well be a case of loving the creature more than the Creator.
Do we honestly believe that the Pilgrims at Plymouth had the same misgivings about eating their freshly bagged Thanksgiving Turkey?
Could it be that those in society who believe in evolution are now experiencing guilt pangs over eating their supposed ancestors?
Do we have a four-compartment large-capacity ruminant stomach that’s optimized and critical for a vegan diet? One that doesn't need to be fortified with protein shakes, vitamins, essential fatty acids, and numerous other supplements?
Sorry about the questions but sometimes we have to look back in order to see ahead.
We, my friends, are at the top of the food chain. And no, we didn't get here by sautéing spinach or by pressure cooking cauliflower. Absolutely not, we got here by devouring protein and nutrient rich meat, fresh and dripping with blood, cooked on a stick while crouching over an open fire, clothed not in leaves of trees or pumpkin shells but in warm hides of animals.
Domesticated livestock are here to serve us just as we are here to conscientiously care for them. They depend on us to protect, care for and feed them. They in return supply us with a vast array of necessities including meat, gelatin, glue, leather (yup, those plush seats in that BMW, those fancy designer shoes, fine seating furniture, and cozy woolen blanket, they all went moo or baa not so very long ago). Amino acids, vitamins, supplements, hormones, countless medical and pharmaceutical products, replacement valves for the human heart, even food for pets come from animals.
They also supply us with milk and eggs which raises the question of ”Is it ethical to eat eggs or drink milk?” When a chicken gets too old to lay eggs or a cow can't produce milk any more, what should be done with them?
Are there Old Birds Homes for aging chickens or Retirement Pastures for elderly cows? And what would be the ethical thing to do with them when they succumb to old age or disease? Will the taxpayer pay for these services?
I almost feel silly defending such a logical argument that is quickly turning from ”Why it's ethical to eat meat?" into ”Is it ethical to stop a beating heart?”
In summary, I do think that it's ethical to eat meat and fully use all byproducts from the said animal, bird, or fish. I also think that it's imperative that we as farmers and livestock owners respect our source of nutrition, clothing and life essentials by implementing the highest standards to house, feed and care for these creatures of God, whose full potentials are only realized once they arrive at the abattoir. And since this is a free country you can choose to chomp your canines into a crispy carrot, but I will use my omnivorously designed dental structure and digestive system to wade into my next flame-broiled New Yorker. Medium Rare, please.
Louie Vetter.
Western Canadian Farmer.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Why Did Jesus Have To Die?
The simplest answer to this question is also the best one. To pay for our sins.
But, why do our sins need to be paid for? Do they carry such far-reaching consequences?
In society there are laws. There have to be, to protect the innocent and to ensure that everything runs smoothly, orderly, and efficiently. And if those laws are broken then there are consequences and a price has to be paid. Sometimes monetarily, sometimes with community work, sometimes with jail time and sometimes with life itself -- as in the death penalty.
In God's far reaching cosmic society it's no different. He has laws for the universe, stars, galaxies, planets and he has laws for us.
So what happens when we break his divine laws? How do we pay? Well, since we can’t reconcile or 'pay' our offenses directly to God, our debts just keep adding up, driving us further and further away from God, reconciliation and salvation.
We think ”Why can’t God just wave his hand, sweep away our debt and say it’s all good, humans are only poor sinners, they don’t really mean to transgress?"
Well, that argument doesn't work in our legal system and much less can it work in God's. If we break God's divine law there are going to be real and severe consequences, and somebody, somewhere is going to have to pay.
God's laws are absolute and it’s impossible for them to be changed or amended in any way. The only way for our transgressions to be rectified with God is through God himself. To send His only begotten Son down to earth to be born as a human, to live as a human, (with human pains, needs and emotions), and to die as a human, but with one major difference; without a spot or a blemish, that is without sin. Only He who had never sinned was deemed worthy to take on the sins of the world, to carry them to Calvary and there pay for them -- while nailed naked to the cross for all the world to see -- with his suffering, pain, blood and finally, His life.
John 3:16 ”For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
So there we have it, all our sins and transgressions paid for, but only, and only, if we come to Jesus, believe in Him, and hand Him our bill that's owing with all the divine laws we broke. Only then will he give us a receipt that's signed with His own blood saying 'Paid in Full.'
But, why do our sins need to be paid for? Do they carry such far-reaching consequences?
In society there are laws. There have to be, to protect the innocent and to ensure that everything runs smoothly, orderly, and efficiently. And if those laws are broken then there are consequences and a price has to be paid. Sometimes monetarily, sometimes with community work, sometimes with jail time and sometimes with life itself -- as in the death penalty.
In God's far reaching cosmic society it's no different. He has laws for the universe, stars, galaxies, planets and he has laws for us.
So what happens when we break his divine laws? How do we pay? Well, since we can’t reconcile or 'pay' our offenses directly to God, our debts just keep adding up, driving us further and further away from God, reconciliation and salvation.
We think ”Why can’t God just wave his hand, sweep away our debt and say it’s all good, humans are only poor sinners, they don’t really mean to transgress?"
Well, that argument doesn't work in our legal system and much less can it work in God's. If we break God's divine law there are going to be real and severe consequences, and somebody, somewhere is going to have to pay.
God's laws are absolute and it’s impossible for them to be changed or amended in any way. The only way for our transgressions to be rectified with God is through God himself. To send His only begotten Son down to earth to be born as a human, to live as a human, (with human pains, needs and emotions), and to die as a human, but with one major difference; without a spot or a blemish, that is without sin. Only He who had never sinned was deemed worthy to take on the sins of the world, to carry them to Calvary and there pay for them -- while nailed naked to the cross for all the world to see -- with his suffering, pain, blood and finally, His life.
John 3:16 ”For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
So there we have it, all our sins and transgressions paid for, but only, and only, if we come to Jesus, believe in Him, and hand Him our bill that's owing with all the divine laws we broke. Only then will he give us a receipt that's signed with His own blood saying 'Paid in Full.'
Sunday, December 25, 2011
What is Christmas?
Christmas is that hamlet small,
That offered haven to them all
That Judean night,
There came a light
To mend man's plight.
Christmas is that manger worn
Wherein the Son of God lay born
For you and me
So patiently
'Mid poverty.
Christmas is that shining star
That summoned Magi from afar
Adore this King
Gifts to Him bring
While angels sing.
Christmas is that warming glow
That in man's heart begins to grow
Till we're full of
That gift of Love
From God above.
That offered haven to them all
That Judean night,
There came a light
To mend man's plight.
Christmas is that manger worn
Wherein the Son of God lay born
For you and me
So patiently
'Mid poverty.
Christmas is that shining star
That summoned Magi from afar
Adore this King
Gifts to Him bring
While angels sing.
Christmas is that warming glow
That in man's heart begins to grow
Till we're full of
That gift of Love
From God above.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Who Stole Christmas From Out Of Our Town? (The Poem)
Who stole Christmas from out of our town?
Who committed that crime that brings us all down?
It wasn't overnight, it's been going on for long,
And it won't be satisfied till Christmas is gone.
We took Him from our schools, now we'll take His Birthday
We'll call it something else, say a Happy Holiday.
We'll take His Praise and Glory and we'll trade it for our Own
We'll worship our passions and we'll make them our home.
They can steal Him out of Town, but they can't steal our hearts
We'll worship Him forever till death do us part
And when the trumpets blow, we'll see this King again
Who was born that Silent Night, back there in Bethlehem.
Who committed that crime that brings us all down?
It wasn't overnight, it's been going on for long,
And it won't be satisfied till Christmas is gone.
We took Him from our schools, now we'll take His Birthday
We'll call it something else, say a Happy Holiday.
We'll take His Praise and Glory and we'll trade it for our Own
We'll worship our passions and we'll make them our home.
They can steal Him out of Town, but they can't steal our hearts
We'll worship Him forever till death do us part
And when the trumpets blow, we'll see this King again
Who was born that Silent Night, back there in Bethlehem.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Who Stole Christmas From Out Of Our Town?
This post was written as a response to libbiali as she wrote "Wow, Louie, I don't know how things are in Canada, but I'm in California, and Christmas is alive and well here."
"Well, libbiali, It's nice to hear that Christmas is alive and well in California, but Christmas isn't doing so well here.
I would say Christmas was doing a lot better around here 20some years ago. I remember going to town and man was the city ever dressed up! Going down a certain street there were big green and red banners with streamers that spanned the street declaring 'Merry Christmas', huge decorated stars depicting the star of Bethlehem, nativity figurines, and wishes of peace and goodwill on earth. Just the sight of all those colorful decorations made you feel all warm and fuzzy and Christmassy.
Now those same streets are bare but for a few sparsely spaced decorated candles and greenery on top of lamp poles. Further down the street small banners state: 'Tis The Season'.
Season of what? Is Christmas a bad word? Has is declined that much in importance?
Storekeepers had their stores dressed to the hilt with Christmas decorations, Overhead speakers belted out Christmas Carols and songs, O Little Star of Bethlehem and Silent Night, clerks were dressed up and extra friendly, cheerful and helpful, and every customer received a very robust and meaningful 'Merry Christmas' and answered in kind. There seemed to be a special bond between all who wished each other a 'Merry Christmas'. Excitement filled the air, there was no doubt that this was a special holiday.
Today these same stores are busier than ever, but the buzz is missing. You have to look hard for decorations, signs of 'Merry Christmas' and nativity figures are nonexistent. Store flyers have now inserted the word 'Holiday' where not so long ago it read 'Christmas'. It's all Holiday Savings, Holiday Stocking Stuffers, Holiday Gifts, Holiday Trees, Holiday this and Holiday that. People, what is wrong with the word Christmas? Overhead speakers now sing generic tunes for fear of offending potential customers, store policy commands check-out and courtesy clerks to wish customers 'Happy Holidays' instead of 'Merry Christmas'.
Walking into places of business you just felt that something important was going on. Decorated Christmas trees were prominently displayed, handshakes and 'Merry Christmases' were all around, it was a special time of year and everybody was affected by Christmas.
But alas, those times are gone, except for a few exceptions here and there, where store and business owners still hold the values of Christmas, where you can still get a warm and heartfelt 'Merry Christmas' but these places are few and far between.
So libbiali, the Question is 'Who stole Christmas? And why?
Are we not still a Christian Country? Did not the first flag that flew on this Great Land bear a cross?
Or is it that we are now a multicultural society and do not want to offend anyone?
Or is all this just natural progression that we as a society have now accepted adultery, abortions, gay rights and gay marriages, and don't want to be reminded of Christian values shared by our founding fathers, with the Birth of Jesus Christ : Christ-Mas, or even of His death : Easter, which has now turned into 'Spring Break' or 'Spring Holiday' , but that is the subject for a whole other rant."
"Well, libbiali, It's nice to hear that Christmas is alive and well in California, but Christmas isn't doing so well here.
I would say Christmas was doing a lot better around here 20some years ago. I remember going to town and man was the city ever dressed up! Going down a certain street there were big green and red banners with streamers that spanned the street declaring 'Merry Christmas', huge decorated stars depicting the star of Bethlehem, nativity figurines, and wishes of peace and goodwill on earth. Just the sight of all those colorful decorations made you feel all warm and fuzzy and Christmassy.
Now those same streets are bare but for a few sparsely spaced decorated candles and greenery on top of lamp poles. Further down the street small banners state: 'Tis The Season'.
Season of what? Is Christmas a bad word? Has is declined that much in importance?
Storekeepers had their stores dressed to the hilt with Christmas decorations, Overhead speakers belted out Christmas Carols and songs, O Little Star of Bethlehem and Silent Night, clerks were dressed up and extra friendly, cheerful and helpful, and every customer received a very robust and meaningful 'Merry Christmas' and answered in kind. There seemed to be a special bond between all who wished each other a 'Merry Christmas'. Excitement filled the air, there was no doubt that this was a special holiday.
Today these same stores are busier than ever, but the buzz is missing. You have to look hard for decorations, signs of 'Merry Christmas' and nativity figures are nonexistent. Store flyers have now inserted the word 'Holiday' where not so long ago it read 'Christmas'. It's all Holiday Savings, Holiday Stocking Stuffers, Holiday Gifts, Holiday Trees, Holiday this and Holiday that. People, what is wrong with the word Christmas? Overhead speakers now sing generic tunes for fear of offending potential customers, store policy commands check-out and courtesy clerks to wish customers 'Happy Holidays' instead of 'Merry Christmas'.
Walking into places of business you just felt that something important was going on. Decorated Christmas trees were prominently displayed, handshakes and 'Merry Christmases' were all around, it was a special time of year and everybody was affected by Christmas.
But alas, those times are gone, except for a few exceptions here and there, where store and business owners still hold the values of Christmas, where you can still get a warm and heartfelt 'Merry Christmas' but these places are few and far between.
So libbiali, the Question is 'Who stole Christmas? And why?
Are we not still a Christian Country? Did not the first flag that flew on this Great Land bear a cross?
Or is it that we are now a multicultural society and do not want to offend anyone?
Or is all this just natural progression that we as a society have now accepted adultery, abortions, gay rights and gay marriages, and don't want to be reminded of Christian values shared by our founding fathers, with the Birth of Jesus Christ : Christ-Mas, or even of His death : Easter, which has now turned into 'Spring Break' or 'Spring Holiday' , but that is the subject for a whole other rant."
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