Last night, a priest laid on me his hands, said a prayer, and with oil on his thumb drew on my forehead a cross in the name of Christ and Saint Francis de Sales, my patron saint. After three years of intense searching and a year of dedicated study, I arrived at the moment and took my first holy communion.
So I have turned a page in the chapter of my life and left behind former things for Faith, Hope, and Charity and the Truth and Beauty found, ever so abundantly, therein.
Easter is upon the world. Christians worldwide will be celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ after His humiliation, violent affliction, and brutal death. Christ’s return to life is more than just a miracle. It is God’s own verification that Jesus truly was His Son and the Cross is now established as God’s final declaration on the affairs of mankind. That declaration clarifies much that is confused among men and does so by assaulting the pride than men gladly use to sow confusion for their own selfish gain.
The First Assault
The Cross of Christ is God’s declaration of man’s guilt in light of His perfection. Jesus came to die and save sinners which means that there are sinners who need to be saved. If mankind were innocent, there would be no need for a savior. This assaults the human idea of man being morally perfect in all that he does. After all, in the twenty-first century, man is building a new world based on science, atheism, and universal human rights. By his pursuits toward his own perfection, man has declared his innocence. For God to come and say that man is guilty before Him is an insult to man. Human pride challenges God’s right to make moral judgments over the earth.
The Second Assault
Having declared that man is imperfect before God’s perfection, God again assails human pride by telling man that his efforts to correct his own imperfection are themselves imperfect and thus futile. Again, man points toward his own efforts to promote universal love and perfect personhood as proof positive that he can and will achieve his own perfection without need of the Cross. God insults these efforts by making them null and void and declaring that only Jesus Christ, not science or philosophy or another religion, can make perfect that which is imperfect. Human pride challenges God’s right to set the standard by which man can achieve perfection.
The Painful Victory
Man lusts for his own moral perfection and believes he can achieve it through his own moral works. Christ has come to say that, no, man is guilty and incapable and that only God is wholly capable of fulfilling such things. Despite numerous and obvious failures of man’s determined defiance of his Creator, he persists. In the end, God will establish Himself as being right and just and man will be forced to accept it and it will be a very painful lesson.
Therefore God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11 MEV).
Christianity has been in a state of decay (what others might call change) over the past few centuries. Cultural and political forces proposed the changes and Christianity has obliged. Most of these changes have been an attempt to make an old faith accessible to a new world. What there is not is a consensus on whether or not the changes have been good. Some voices cry for a return to tradition while others happily push for constant innovation.
Christianity now manifests itself in four distinct ways and each has its own particular way of claiming truth.
This is primarily the Catholic Church, but also includes the Orthodox and other churches who base their practices on a long-held historical identity. One of the defining aspects of the traditional church is its connection to ancestors. Not only does this church trace its place in the twenty-first century world to men who lived in the first century world, indeed to Christ Himself, it also practices prayers to Saints, men and women who have physically died, but are believed to be spiritually and eternally alive today. A Catholic on earth today can be in contact with a Saint who entered heaven a thousand years ago. This ancestral connection is the foundation of cherished traditions, such as the sacraments and holy orders. It also is the basis of the Church being called superstitious and pagan. In accordance to tradition, the Catholic Church claims (or used to claim depending on who you ask) that it possesses supreme authority is based on perfect, divinely revealed truth.
With the Reformation, Christians severed themselves from their ancestors and ancestral authority and based their beliefs solely on sacred texts as their authority, the Protestant version of the Holy Bible. The net effect of this is twofold. One, Christianity has moved from practice to theory. Two, conflicting theories emerge, fragmenting a common Christendom, and allowing truth to be divided against itself. Individuals can lay claim to a secondary, individual authority based the Bible’s authority. One authority can lay claim to an idea while another authority can lay claim to a counter idea and both claim authority from the same Bible. Divisions are now common as new groups separate themselves under their own authority in order to practice what each claim is the truth against what each claim is a lie.
One of the fruits of these ongoing controversies is a surplus of intellectual and religious thought preserved in commentaries and sermons and other writings. Truth is preserved by an authority somewhere in row after row of library shelves, even if a final definitive conclusion on a countless number of debates eludes the whole of Christian believers. If you ask the libraries if a Christian can lose his salvation, you will find an agnostic answer.
Once Christians moved from sacramental to evangelical practices they then moved from a collective understanding of knowledge and truth to an individual experience. It is not the authority of ancestors or of libraries that determines the truth for Christians to believe, but the experience of the Christian himself. Each believer lives by the guiding principle that he is guided by an unseen force known as the Holy Spirit.
Truth is relative to the individual and each individual can claim a unique revelation from God to himself to be shared if needed. Expressions of faith in worship have gone from sacraments and intellect to emotional experiences. Non-denominational churches with pop music that liberate themselves from all authority function so the believer can have a needed intense emotional experience in community as confirmation of what he has come to believe through intense emotional experience in solitude. Jesus is real not as historical or objective truth, but as an internal emotional stirring confirmed by contemporary experience and validated by agreement with other believers. Since truth is subjective to the belief of the individual, there are no grounds to determine if such experiences are or are not of God.
Individual Christianity has no connection to the past since a man’s death removes him from this world and disqualifies him from consideration. The current generation of preachers and pastors will be forgotten as soon as they grow old and die to be replaced by the young and the new. Living in the moment for the moment is faith. It is Jesus without religion.
The final change in Christianity is one where skepticism is the overriding principle and the term “Christian” refers to living a life of polite compassion. Truth is derived purely by scientific and natural means, without divine assistance, and even then there are only facts and opinion. An individual may experience something spiritual, but skepticism protects both the individual and others from the danger of religious conviction. It is spiritual, but not religious.
In the twenty-first century, Christians practice their faith in countless different ways, with elements from these four categories being picked and chosen to suit a cause or tastes. Some churches are attempting to recapture lost history while others are attempting to lose excess history in order to recapture lost importance.
The lifeblood of Christianity has always been its claim to the truth, from the existence of God to the divinity of Christ to the Church’s existence being divinely grounded and sustained. Little by little this life is being leached out of the Church and some of the bloodletting is by those who claim devout loyalty. If the Church has no claim to divine truth, she has no claim to the right to exist.
The Church of Jesus Christ has become anemic, even to the point of being declared dead by her own.
The word “Christian” is often used with “hypocrisy” for numerous reasons. Christians often oppose abortion while supporting the death penalty, for example. Christians criticize divorce, but do not accept homosexual marriage, for another. In each instance, these are grounds for accusations that Christians say one thing and do another, which is what hypocrisy is. Never mind that by that standard, the accusers are mostly projecting their own hyper-hpocrisy.
Another area of the tar and feathering of Christians is over violence. From the Crusades to modern acts of criminal destruction, Christians are called hypocrites for not being the pacifist that Jesus was. After all, Jesus commanded that His followers love their enemies and a potential Christian who guns down people at an abortion clinic is not following orders. Again, never mind that the pacifist view of Jesus comes from atheists pretending to be Christians who get their feelings hurt when it is suggested that Jesus is God and as God will most likely use some serious, earth-shattering violence against mankind (oh, I’m so sorry for the micro-aggression … peoplekind) when He returns.
Since Christians are called to love their enemies (by which the atheists / progressives mean submit to the total rule by Communists) violence in the name of Jesus looks like violence in the name of Muhammed. For sure, someone somewhere is fully convinced that Muhammed taught his followers to love their enemies.
If Christians are hypocrites for acts of violence, Muslims are hypocrites for their acts of peace.
Christians are followers of Christ and the primary thing that Jesus did was to die a horrible death voluntarily at the hands of his enemies in order to offer salvation to those who accept it (leaving damned those who will not). One of the last things Jesus is reported as saying is “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
As for Muhammed, Baylor University professor Rodney Stark, in his book God’s Battalions, writes
In what become known as his farewell address, Muhammed is said to have told his followers: “I was ordered to fight all men until they say ‘There is no god but Allah'” … In this spirit, Muhammed’s heirs set out the conquer the world.
Stark then goes on to briefly describe numerous wars of conquest in the name of Islam throughout the seventh, eighth, and ninth centuries, leading up to Christendom’s response to being conquered, the Crusades.
Having this example of violent conquest started by Muhammed and then brought full bore by his followers, when a Muslim commits an act of violence in the name of Allah or Muhammed, they are not hypocrites. They are doing exactly what a follower of Muhammed would be expected to do; kill his enemies in violent conquest in the name of Islam. It is the Muslims who wish to simply live a peaceful, prosperous life (and immigrating to Christian nations to do so) who are hypocrites for not following the example of Muhammed. Islam is not, nor ever can be, a religion of peace.
Christians who seek peace while allowing for violence in extreme situations are not nearly the hypocrites that peaceful Muslims are. Christianity was founded on self-sacrifice and forgiveness. Peace with others is the rule, only be violated in the most dire of circumstances and only in just ways. Islam was founded on merciless conquest. Violence is the rule while peace is merely a facade until violence can be successfully unleashed.
There is nothing for the devout Christian to be ashamed of when a Christian, so-called, commits an act of violence. For there is grace and forgiveness for the violent, for such is Christ. However, there is something for the devout Christian to be concerned with, even afraid of: peaceful Muslims on Christian shores. These are hypocrites pretending Islam is peaceful while knowing full well that at some point, the forgiving Christian must either submit or be killed.
The question of why men in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries avoid active involvement in the organized parts of Christianity, such as going to church, remains an important topic. For example, The Art of Manliness has several articles on the feminization of Christianity and Return of Kings asks why modern Christianity is so weak. And then there are the trends that deliberately rebel against historical Christianity, such as Emergence Christianity and the house church movements.
Time and again, the Church has been brought to task for not doing enough to attract and support its male members. Many blame institutionalized Christianity and say that a decentralized religion free from fixed rituals is the solution. But even the un-church church is feminized in some way.
The problem is said to be that churches are not “guy friendly,” that they do not necessarily provide spaces that allow guys to be guys. On his Church for Men website, David Murrow presents the common and faulty understanding of men.
Men and young adults are drawn to risk, challenge and adventure. But these things are discouraged in the local church.
While this may be true enough, it still does not address a fundamental issue. What Murrow’s statement does is call the local church to be in effect a man-cave, a place where men can be what war movies, muscle cars, and video games stir them to be. While there is nothing wrong about the masculinity in these pursuits, there is still something vital that churches discourage men from doing. When they come to church they are looking for a certain aspect that once defined men and now black list them. They are looking for patriarchy.
What they find is equality. Many men know what both history and scripture declare when it comes to the sexes.
But I would have you know that the head of the woman is the man, the head of every man is Christ, and the head of Christ is God (1 Corinthians 11:3 MEV).
They may also know what women are admonished to do.
Wives, be submissive to your own husbands as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, just as Christ is the head and Savior of the church, which is His body (Ephesians 5:22-23 MEV).
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as it is fitting in the Lord (Colossians 3:18 MEV).
as well as
Likewise, older women should be reverent in behavior, and not be false accusers, not be enslaved to much wine, but teachers of good things, that they may teach the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, and to be self-controlled, pure, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonored (Titus 2:3-5 MEV).
Most men know by teaching if not by common sense that men are to protect and provide for the opposite sex as husbands, fathers, and Church leaders.
But what are men to do when women do not follow the admonition of tradition and scripture? What is to be done when women do not recognize men as their head, when wives do not submit to male authority, and when women do not obey their husbands? In other words, what are men to do when they are called to be guys, but not to be men? How are they supposed to handle Christian equality when Christianity has historically been hostile to the idea?
They either accept their demoted position as “a guy” or they abandon the Church to avoid the demotion.
Men are called to govern, lead, provide, and protect women with the understanding that there are divine consequences for disobedience (1 Peter 3:7). When women rebel against male authority in the name of equality, there is little recourse for men to counter the rebellion because the Church tells them they have no recourse and goes on to blame them for the rebellion. Men are then faced with all of the responsibility of being men with none of the needed authority. As guys, they are reduced to being nothing more than a “best friend” of Jesus and women.
Now, there is an entire counter-equality movement outside of the church where men rely on science, philosophy, and atheism to promote a rebuilding of guys into men and men into a new patriarchy. And the new church continues to promote various shades of feminism, from outright liberalism to the dubious concept of completarianism.
If the Church wants to truly call men to re-enter and re-engage, it would do well to openly embrace the concept of Patriarchal Nationalism. It would mean restoring male authority and openly chastising female rebellion while emphasizing Christianity’s call to men to be Sons of God. Until that happens, the Church will continue to be dominated by women and forced to settle with males whose only statement of identity is “I’m just a guy.”


Frank L. StongSeptember 12, 1951
Butler: Frank L. Strong, 65, died Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at his home. Frank was born in Ft. Wayne September 12, 1951 to the late Lloyd and Bernice (Drake) Strong. He married Judith Kay (Ricketts) Strong on June 4, 1974 at the Newville United Methodist Church, and she preceded him in death on October, 26, 2013. He worked for the Steuben County Highway Department for 34 years, retiring in 2013. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his granddaughter. He is survived by a daughter, Stephanie Strong of Butler, and a half-brother, Gary Strong of St. Joe. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, a half-brother, Paul Strong and a half-sister; Sharon Dickerhoof.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, January 9, 2017 at 3:00 PM at Coburn Corner’s Church of Christ, 6813 CR 64 St. Joe, IN 46785 with Pastor Lynn A. Hart officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Newville. Calling will be from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM that same day.
In Lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials be sent to the Coburn Corner’s Pre-School.
Coburn Corner's Church of Christ Pre-School
6813 CR 64, St. Joe IN 46785


Saint Anne's R.C. Church
88 Second Ave, Brentwood NY 11717
Telephone: 631-273-8113 • Fax: 631-436-7914
Parish Website: www.stannebrentwood.org
Monday - Friday: 12:00 Noon and 5:00 PM* (English)
Wednesday: 7:30 PM (French Creole)
Thursday: 7:00 PM (Spanish)
Saturday Morning Daily Mass: 9:00 AM (English)
Saturday: 5:00 PM (English), 7:00 PM (Spanish)
Sunday: 7:30 AM (English), 9:00 AM (Spanish), 11:00 AM (English), 12:30 PM (French Creole), 3:00 PM (Spanish), 5:00 PM (English), 6:00 PM (Spanish)
Daily: Monday – Friday 4:30 PM*
Saturdays: 4:00 - 4:45 PM
* new time as of 10/19/20
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
3/26/23 - Jesus Raises Lazarus - Cycle A
This Fifth Sunday of Lent Jesus hears that his friend Lazarus is very sick, and when he returns to see Lazarus he has been dead for four days. His sisters Mary and Martha are very sad and Martha asks him why didn’t he come sooner? He could have healed Lazarus. Jesus said to Martha your brother will rise again. Yes, on the last day she replies. Do you believe that people who believe in me die, but that I give them life forever? She replies that he is God’s son. Jesus asks where he was buried and when he sees the tomb he weeps with the others. Jesus asks that the stone on the tomb be moved. He prays and commands Lazarus to come out from the tomb. He raises Lazarus from the dead. News of Jesus’ raising Lazarus travels fast. Many people come to believe in him, but many others are questioning his miracles and actions.
When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, he shows us his power over death. We believe that by Jesus’ death and Resurrection, he conquered death and won eternal life for us. Our faith calls us to be like Martha and Mary, and believe that Jesus is the Resurrection and eternal life.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Why do you think Jesus wept? When someone loses a loved one, how can you comfort them in their sorrow? Do you ever think of Jesus weeping with you when you are sad?
Family Prayer: Jesus you are the Resurrection and the life. Help us to live a life of compassion and trust. Amen.
Read more: Family Faith Formation (Religious Education) / Formación de Fe en Familia (Educación Religiosa)
Below is a video of the story of Jesus. Click the link for your language
Visit the Faith Formation page
March 26, 2023- 5th Sunday of Lent
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Lent seems to be long for forty days, but it passes very fast when we stay busy with daily preparation for Jesus Resurrection. Next week we will celebrate Palm Sunday, and the following weekend is Easter. Our Lenten preparations and efforts to be transformed by practice of extra prayer, fasting and alms giving, hopefully brought us closer to the Lord.
Today we have the Gospel of Lazarus being allowed to die, and then being raised from the dead back to life. And interestingly enough, Jesus calls Lazarus dying: “being asleep”, and Jesus promises to awaken him. Is Jesus mocking the death? Is he comparing the death to a sleep? Is it a parable?
3/26/23 - QUINTO DOMINGO DE CUARESMA
Queridas Hermanas y Hermanos,
La Cuaresma parece larga por cuarenta días, pero pasa muy rápido cuando nos mantenemos ocupados con la preparación diaria para la Resurrección de Jesus. La semana que viene celebraremos el Domingo de Ramos, y el siguiente fin de semana es Semana Santa. Nuestras preparaciones para la Cuaresma y los esfuerzos para ser transformados mediante la práctica de oración extra, ayuno y limosnas, esperamos que nos hayan acercado más al Señor.
Hoy tenemos el Evangelio de que a Lázaro se le permitió morir y luego resucito de entre los muertos a la vida. Y curiosamente, Jesus llama a Lázaro moribundo: “estar dormido”, y Jesus promete despertarlo. ¿Jesus se está burlando de la muerte? ¿Está comparando la muerte con un sueño? ¿Es una parábola?
Bishop's Office/Chancery Information
Catholic Schools Week letter
Below, please find a letter from Bishop Barres (English and Spanish) regarding the celebration of Catholic Schools Week.
ENGLISH: Catholic Schools Week letter
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
READ: Most Reverend John O. Barres, Bishop, Diocese of Rockville Centre
God in the streets of Brentwood:
St Anne's Church has a New Tabernacle.
...or click on the links below to read the letters from the Diocese of Rockville Centre
Video links to this important announcement from Bishop Barres:
English Version: https://vimeo.com/539770359/666db7c84d
Spanish Version: https://vimeo.com/539770598/4a8025fe89
Background Screening Update
The Office for the Protection of Children and Young People:
The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (The Charter) promulgated by the Bishops of the United States in 2002 outlines specific practices and guidelines providing standards of safety in parishes and dioceses throughout the United States. As directed in The Charter, the Diocese of Rockville Centre requires all employees, clergy, and volunteers to complete three requirements within thirty days of employment or volunteering:
- Attend Protecting God’s Children Program (Virtus)
- Sign the Codes of Conduct;
- Complete a background screen application. The Diocese requires all those who remain in active ministry be rescreened at 5 yr. intervals. volunteers/employees.
Police Alert Residents of Scams
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UNITED NATIONS FUND BENEFICIARY LETTER
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IMPORTANCE OF PASSWORD SECURITY EFFORTS
The 'Equality Act' discriminates against people of faith and threatens unborn life.Tell Congress you oppose it!
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Divinely inspired after the loss of my son Brett, these colorful origami butterflies offer a fluid, moving piece of art that is continually changing and growing.
In Christianity, the butterfly has long been a symbol of the resurrection of Christ as well as the resurrection of believers. The Japanese view butterflies as souls of the living and the dead and are considered symbols of joy & longevity. To Native Americans, the butterfly is a symbol of change, joy, and color. It is a symbol of life and hope.
The journey of transformation the butterfly symbolizes requires going deep into the cocoon of our hearts and letting all fears and old wounds be released one by one, so that transformation can take place. In the cocoon you experience release and the freedom from what has held you back. You begin to see new possibilities, new ways of being, you feel the rapture of being totally set free. This is a message of what is possible in our own lives, of going beyond what we believe possible--to making the impossible a reality.
We invite you to choose a handmade butterfly and to write a little note, or wish, or prayer and place it on the wall. Together let's support one another in our brokenness while honoring the sacredness of each of our journeys.
What Our Clients Are Saying
"This was my first time getting a massage, and I have to say it was the most amazing hour of my life. I would most definitely refer anyone here. as a matter of fact I already have!!" jACKIE, cORRECTIONS oFFICER


Fr. S.J. Berchmans was born
in the year of 1949 at Madurai,
Tamil nadu. Fr. S.J. Berchmans distinguished his call for the service to
humanity in the very young days itself. He determined to dedicate his life and
talents for the glory of God and joined a Roman Catholic Seminary.
During the seminary days, he
further developed his music talents and by the time of Priest hood, he had
become a good singer well known in the circle. He started his ministry as the
Priest of Satharasanpatti in 1978.
He was doing it effectively
but the soul of young Fr. S.J. Berchmans was thirsty for something better and
creative. Prayer Garden is the realization of the dream
of Fr. S.J. Berchmans, being a Testimony to the Lord, a pasture for Lord's
Children, a meeting point for love and deliverance course a house of Prayer and
Fr. S.J. Berchmans a person
specially gifted by God. He was a priest of Satharasan Patti in Roman Catholic
Church, Sivagangai District, Madurai in India.
Being a priest, he was involved in a number of spiritual activities such as
conducting Music concerts, Conventions Prayer meeting and release of Gospel
audio cassettes. During the latter 80's he was touched by the Charismatic
movement and it became a burden as the spirit moved continuously with his
Soon Fr. S.J. Berchmans
started regular conventions and healing crusades and over 10,000 people
attended the meetings every week and 85% of them were from other religion like
Hinduism and Islam.


Web site design, Development, Online Content Management System based on OS Administrative Platform (html, PHP, mySQL)
Visit web site:
St Andrew Church has catered to the spiritual, physical and social needs of a diverse Orthodox community in the Chicago metropolitan area since 1926. The church also serves inter-Christian families and other Orthodox doctrines (e.g. Ethiopian, Serbian, Bulgarian).
The leaders of this Church were seeking new ways to reach and communicate with its followers and hired us to develop a web site that would be eye pleasing and effectively convey its message over the Internet, a new and unfamiliar medium for this institution.
We innovatively designed a database driven website that reflects the church's spirit. To make updates and site expansion easily accomplishable, we implemented a highly effective and user-friendly content management system. Our client was delighted with the result, remarking that the site's excellent appearance and structure makes it a great communication tool, allowing the church to reach the not so tech-savvy customers, too.


Welcome! Riverside Church is a Christian community in North Perth, Scotland.
We are always glad to meet new people and try to be involved in our neighbourhood, sharing Jesus’ love and his story.
Relaxing of lockdown rules now allows limited access to church buildings. We are deeply aware that many are missing worshiping together. Lots of groups and small businesses also use Riverside facilities and would value access.
However, we are not, at present, allowed to open for hall lets, or to open our church office. Once we can reopen the building we will first have to meet very restrictive Covid-19 related standards of hygiene, access and social distancing.
So currently, Riverside’s building remains closed. We will regularly review the situation and provide an update soon.
The Covid-19 pandemic has put a great strain on the church’s finances. We have lost several month’s income from hall lets and plate giving during services but our expenses have not fallen significantly. We are now running at a heavy loss. If you would like to make a donation to the church please contact our treasurer, James Christie, on 07525 056643, or email@example.com
As a church we remain active online through regular reflections, small group meetings and the use of online resources, some of this is available in the following links:
Our staff and volunteers continue to support our congregation and wider neighbourhood during this crisis. Details of these activities are given below.
North Perth Covid-19 Support
Covering, Letham, Tulloch, Fairfield, Muirton and North Muirton and Berth Park during the Corona Virus Pandemic.
Providing help to the most vulnerable for example shopping, picking up prescriptions, or a host of other things.
If you are in need of support please either call
or fill in the form here
if you wish to volunteer in your area call
Or click here
Help and Support in North Perth
Help and Support in North Perth provides lots of useful information during the Covid-19 crisis.
Here is a printable version of this information to share with neighbours who are not online – Covid support note
Riverside Church staff and volunteers can be contacted during the Covid-19 Shutdown, call: 07557 404 430 or the contact numbers on the staff page.


Volunteer helps do the most good
LITTLE ROCK (KATV) -
Over 1,000 families and 3,500 children will benefit from this year's Salvation Army Angel Tree program.
Tuesday we heard from a woman who is living out the adage that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
It's been at least 15 years since Georgiana Soderberg first volunteered with the Salvation Army's Angel Tree distribution.
Let's hear her explain in her own words why she is still doing it, what she gets out of it and why you too have something to give.
"Frankly I love the people. And when I saw the Salvation Army officer stop everything that was going on around her and say a prayer for a young woman who asked for prayers...I thought...this is pretty good. And that is what has kept me coming back."
"And you have been doing it ever since."
"Ever since. I enjoy the sense of completion that we are helping a family. I help with registration so I can follow families through the entire process. I like being able to take things to parents' cars and wish them Merry Christmas."
"What I get out of volunteering both here and elsewhere is the sense that I am giving back to the community. That's part of my faith...to give back. It's what I'm supposed to do as a human being in this world. I'm supposed to make this world a better place."
"Everybody can contribute something."
We don't do a person of the week...that is ABC World News Tonight's gig...but if we did...Georgiana Soderberg would be this week's honoree. She encourages us all to find opportunities to give back and help others.
600 families picked up food boxes and gifts today. Another 400 more will do the same on Wednesday. Thanks to all who bought gifts for kids on the Angel Trees.
Air date: December 18th, 2018


Hiding (feat. Lil Seyi)
Hailing from Laurel, Maryland but born to Nigerian parents, Omolola has always had a love for songwriting and music, from singing in church since she was a child, to writing her first song back in middle school. From the support of friends and family, and joining the collective Supa, she is able to share music that can be both a blessing and a soundtrack to life. She released her first two singles “Under the Sun” and “Awkward Length” and gained recognition after being featured on Spotify’s fresh finds playlists. She hopes to continue releasing music that resonates with people worldwide.
“Hiding” details the struggle that comes from vulnerability, even to God. Inspired by the story of Jonah in the Bible, Omolola and Lil Seyi describe the resistance to open up and the desire to hide, even to the depths of the ocean. However, Hiding then shows that no matter how far we go and how hard we try, we can’t hide ourselves from God because He always meets us where we’re at.


Once a quarter we recognize the clients of our Adult Residential Care (ARC) and Chaney Allen (Women's) Residential Programs that have completed the work required to become graduates of The Crossroads Center. On December 10, 2019 we recognized 12 graduates.
The client participant graduation celebration consisted of readings from our graduates and current residents, selections from our Recovery Choir, a time of reflection and story telling and an inspiring message from our Chief Executive Officer, Jamahal C. Boyd, Sr. Graduates received a certificate of completion and served as an encouragement for our current residents who are on their journey to become graduates themselves.
One of the most powerful and moving parts of the graduation celebration is when graduates and current residents share their stories of healing, hope, and wholeness. Here is a powerful excerpt from a reading one of our graduates permitted us to share:
"Abusing heroin will beat you down to a beastly level. It is arguably the lowest form of humanity, literally walking dead, absent a soul, degrading any moral compass one might have. There is no doubt in my mind that I am here today for reasons, my purpose is a gift from my Heavenly Father, my creator gets ALL the GLORY. I had to endure so much. I know today it was and will always be the polish to my testimony. I am living breathing glory to my all-merciful, all-gracious, forever-forgiving, first and last Father. Ms.George I am so much more than I have ever been. Up is the only direction I have. There is and will be bumps and bruises along the way of course. I welcome them today, cause what doesn't kill me makes me stronger. Today I open my eyes and thank my God for everything the day will bring because I know it belongs to me. Today I praise my Heavenly Father for the good the bad and the ugly. Today I speak my existence into reality I say out loud NEVER STAGNANT NEVER AGAIN. The words "I am" are very important words they will be your elevation or they will be your detriment. Your choices will dictate your outcome. Today my choice is to get busy living or get busy dying, for me there is no in the middle, there is no more getting cool, there is no more partying, for me one more means death. I will leave you all with this, my last time using was horrifying, it was all miserable, it was desperation, it was self-mutilation, it was all evil, so far from God, so far from blessed, so far from loved, so far from home, so far gone, so close to death. Today my choice is very simple live or die. Change I must or die I will...."
It is such a privilege for The Crossroads Center to partner on this journey with these amazing women and men who have worked so hard to turn their lives around. Graduation is one of those special moments when you get to see that what we do matters!


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Serving Families in Crisis: Understanding What Is Needed in Light of the ‘One Thing Needed’
This article first appeared in Issues on Lutheran Education, a resource provided by the Office of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education for Martin Luther College, New Ulm MN.
By Dr. Joshua Mears, Christian Family Solutions
A child suddenly loses a parent. A teen begins acting out after years of abuse. A natural disaster destroys a family home. Chronic illness. Suicide. Divorce. Addiction. All of these situations shake individuals to the core and threaten to destroy the foundational units of society – our families.
Those of us in the clinical counseling field seek to help and heal individuals and families in crisis by applying our knowledge of the theoretical frameworks of crises, assessing needs, and intervening with appropriate treatment. Our knowledge and training in social and behavioral sciences is essential; yet, as Christians in a counseling vocation, we rely steadfastly on Christ and his work in restoring souls during times of crisis and hardship. True healing can happen when evidence-based clinical treatment and the foundational truths of Scripture are fully integrated.
As such, when it comes to ministering to families in crisis, we see the partnership between clinically trained Christian counselors and called workers essentially linked. Called workers who become aware of the theoretical frameworks and resources can enable families to deal with crises more adequately. In addition, there are resiliency factors that enable some families to cope with crises better than other families. YOU as a called worker are equipped for the important work of supporting those resiliency factors, regardless of whether or not you ever counsel a family in crisis.
Called workers often have the distinct opportunity to minister to families in their times of greatest need. I want to encourage and embolden you, “and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).
First, let’s consider the types of crises families face and the opportunities they present. In doing so, we can see the inextricable linkages I describe between ministry and evidence-based treatment.
These include natural disasters, house fires, violent crime, or other significant calamites that cause grief and loss. In these situations, it is natural human tendency to ask “why.” The confusion around these events often leads the sufferer to explore an existential understanding of authority and power in this world.
Physical and mental illness:
Nearly half of adult Americans will at some point be diagnosed and treated for a major mental health condition. A family may also be impacted by chronic health related conditions that inhibit the overall ability of the family to function well. Being able to minister and support this family, knowing when to suggest other intervention, is critical and can prevent further escalation of the crises.
Whether chemical addictions or behavioral addictions, the consequences are overwhelming and extremely destructive for individuals and families. A treatment approach that focuses on moral deficiency might apply too much Law; a treatment approach on a medical model, while admirably grace-centered, could apply too much Gospel. The Christian (particularly Confessional Lutheran) worldview of our dual nature as described in Romans 7-8 equips us with a unique view of the addict, as well as a unique approach to support and treatment.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is the term used to describe all types of abuse, neglect, and other potentially traumatic experiences that occur to people under age 18. The secular world often suppresses the Christian community’s attempts to help people who are suffering from the impact of a sinful world: Self-determination strategies are often recommended for health and well-being. It is extremely important that Christians are able to articulate and defend the faith even if the societal and cultural view opposes a Christ-centered view of health and well-being.
Nearly half of the children born into marriages will go through a divorce prior to age 18. This is happening to approximately one million children every year, each one beginning an emotional journey as victims of a devastating process. There are many misguided reasons why individuals or churches choose not to offer support: privacy is one reason. Another is that religious views speak against divorce, and therefore we should not show grace and support to a divorced family unit. The result is a family in distress left to be counseled by the secular world.
Gaining a theoretical understanding of how to interact with and comfort a family in crisis is extremely important because it can guide the interventions when emotions are running high. One of the most important facets of ministering to a family in crisis is to help them make sense of what they are going through. The primary theoretical frameworks can do just that – articulate what is making the stress occur and how that stress is making the individuals within the family resort to maladaptive coping patterns. As a called worker, you may be the person who first sees the family’s state of confusion and guides them to appropriate intervention.
In addition, Christians have the wonderful opportunity to integrate clinical science and interventions with Christ-centered ministry. We know that Christ is the Wonderful Counselor who has cured all suffering or crises, and Scripture affirms this: “I lift up my eye to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2). The best science and evidence-based practice for assisting families in crisis must always rely on Christ and his work in restoring souls during times of crisis and hardship.
Having a firm foundation in Christ-centered methods of healing may mean that we have to challenge people’s thoughts and interpretations about crises/tragedies. One of the most important foundational issues for some people when dealing with stress is why God allows them to go through these types of situations. Many well-meaning Christians develop certain catch phrases such as “God has a plan” or “He never allows you to go through more than you can handle” in order to grapple with this concept. Many times, these statements and cognitive interpretations of God’s providence can be detrimental to the development of realistic and positive adjustment to crises.
It is important to explore the issue of “why” with the family you are ministering to. Be empathic and patient as someone expresses their frustration and sadness. Lamenting to God is one of the most important tools that we have in these scenarios. We must learn to cry out to God for mercy when we feel that his promises for safety, blessings, and comfort are hollow.
In my work with families and in helping many get through life crises, the single most important predictive variable for the likelihood of positive outcomes is the daily ritual of family devotions. The daily gathering around God’s Word is helpful as the Holy Spirit joins with the members of the family unit around the Family Altar. It is key to building resilience.
I have provided an overview of the many crises that impact families today, and I’ve encouraged you familiarize yourself with the theoretical frameworks for diagnoses and intervention. Having appreciation for what we do on the clinical side helps you understand when and what type of clinical intervention may be needed. I hope you also can appreciate how important it is to integrate crisis treatment with our foundation and hope in Christ. As a called worker, know how important your work is, both in the midst of crisis and in helping families develop habitual time in God’s Word as a resilience measure. We in the clinical sector see our partnership with you as essential ministry to souls.
Joshua T. Mears, PSYD, LP, BC-TMH is Minnesota Clinical Director for Christian Family Solutions. Dr. Mears specializes in psychological assessments, child and adolescent behavioral disorders/family conflict, as well as chemical abuse issues.
Price, C.A., Bush, K.R., & Price, S.J. (2017), Families and Change: Coping with Stressful Events and Transitions (5th ed.). London: Sage
Barna Group (2019), “What Makes a Spiritually Vibrant Household?” https://www.barna.com/research/spiritually-vibrant-household/


John Calvin, commenting on Genesis 21:7
"And she added, "Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age."
Genesis 21:7 NIV
"If God Almighty came to you and said, "I myself have designed a special food that will strengthen your baby's body and develop his brain, which will comfort him and cheer his heart, and lay the foundation for his lifetime health and well-being. I have given this food into your keeping; I have placed it in your body; it is my loving provision for your child" - who would reply, "No thanks, no divine gifts, I'd rather give him a can of Similac"?"
Juli Loesch Wiley
Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother's breast. From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God. Do not be far from me.
Psalm 22:9-11 NIV
"For you will nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you will drink deeply and delight in her overflowing abundance." For this is what the LORD says: "I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees. As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem."
Isaiah 66:11-13 NIV
Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.
Isaiah 49:15,16 NIV
Want more breastfeeding related scriptures? Breastfeeding and the Bible.
Mother's milk, time-tested for millions of years, is the best nutrient for babies because it is nature's perfect food.
Robert S. Mendelsohn


The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, but the angel said “Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”
The shopping is over. The cooking is done. The presents are wrapped. It is time to gather with friends and family and focus on the true meaning of the holidays. Friends. Family. Peace and tranquility.
As another year draws to a close, we, at AngelsWin.com want to thank you, our friends, our family, our fans for making the website your internet home.
This year began with hopes and dreams. It weathered tough times and struggled through a long season. And yet, once again, we pause to reflect at all the good that is AngelsWin.com.
Though we debate and rehash issues, we are drawn together by our common bond—our love for the Angels. Through our passion for baseball comes friendship and devotion to many.
This year we did much good; We raised thousands for charity. We shared food, good humor and cheer. We helped those in need, offering physical and spiritual comfort to all. We were the #AngelsFamily.
Thank you AngelsWin.com for making our lives richer. Because of you, our work has a purpose.
May your holidays be truly blessed and bright. May you all find comfort and peace. And may you continue to call our website your home.
Holiday Wishes & Reflections from the Angels from AngelsWin.com on Vimeo.
On behalf of everyone, Merry Christmas AngelsWin.


Arena To The Cross Ministry
To The Cross Ministry began from a vision God placed in Lynn
's heart in 1987 to
conduct a Barrel Racing Clinic which included teaching the Word of God
in addition to barrel racing. It was held at
Over 120 students attended and everyone was tremendously blessed by the event. More than 50 people received their salvation; over 30 received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit; many ministries were birthed; people were healed, delivered, and set free, just to name some of what occurred. Today there are still reports coming in from people who attended the event.
The purpose of this page is to have a place where we can include
devotionals on a regular basis for those of you who have been fed and
blessed by Lynn
and Arena To The Cross
The following was written by our daughter, Jennifer Burgess (formerly Jennifer Mercer). Jennifer has really been "on fire" for God over the last year and we are so proud of her for doing so. Both she and Wendy have a depth in the Word that is so amazing to us since they have been pretty laid back about expressing it. All that has changed now. Wendy is finishing her second year of Bible school in May and Jennifer has started doing services at some of the barrel races. When she sent this to us, we were so touched, we asked her for permission to put it on the website. We believe most of you (if not all) will be blessed and ministered to by it.
by Jennifer Burgess
just felt impressed to share with you all what I have been going through
lately. I want you all to be encouraged by this and to know that
even as we sometimes struggle with life, we are never alone.
I got home yesterday, I went out and rode and was praying over Lee Akin
and God really started dealing with me on some things. I called my
mom and was telling her about it and she said sounded like I better pay
attention. I keep letting all this stuff distract me and didn't
realize that the enemy was sneaking into my camp. When I started
off trotting on Sassy, she just didn't feel right. God reminded me
of that passage of scripture (John 10: 10) where it talks about the
enemy sneaking in unnoticed into your life. God said sometimes even in
the form of friends. He used an analogy. When I was a kid
and going to rodeos with my parents, we would always go to the fair after the
rodeo was over. Usually, because it was already late the guys running
the ride would sometimes let us ride until we said stop. Our favorite
ride to ride was the Merry-Go-Round. You could hear the music
playing before you would ever see it and we would let the music lead us
to where it was. As soon as we would turn the corner and be able
to see it, my sister and I would take off running to get in line
for it. Even if mom and dad were calling to us, we had already
seen the Merry-Go-Round and heard the music and there was no
turning back, because the music and bright lights and beautiful colors
and the excitement of the ride were more enticing to us then
listening to our parents telling us to wait. So we would get on
and go round and round and round. In our minds we were on a great
adventure in a magical land. But in reality, we were going nowhere
but in a bunch of circles, past all the same sights and sounds each
get into life and certain aspects of it become much like this Merry-Go-Round.
We keep getting on and going around and around the same problems
and situations time and time again. But Jesus is standing there
saying “not this time, I have something better,” yet we hear that
all too familiar tune of the Merry-Go-Round and are drawn
right back to it. So this week, this is the place I got to. But
because it was all so familiar and enticing, I didn't even realize I had
stepped away from God. I began to pursue that Merry-Go-Round
life because I heard the music. And God said to me that if I
wanted to get back on that ride and have another go around; if that
is what I wanted to do, then He would not stop me. See I have been
to this place where I am at right now before, heard the music, and
jumped right on the ride. Then I was no longer in control, no
matter how it seemed, because that Merry-Go-round had a set and
unchanging course it was on. And you can't move forward when the
ride you are on just keeps going in the same old circles.
wants me to push to a higher level in Him and in doing that, it brings
every aspect of my life to a different level. There are things
that I know God has been asking me to do, yet I put it off. Why?
Because I allowed myself to be in pride over those things. I
have not truly let myself and my spirit be broken for Him. I still
hold on to that pride and I can still hear the faint music playing in my
head. I spend my time chasing after relationships with people who
either put a real drain on me and give nothing back, or they themselves
are stuck on that Merry-Go-Round and don't want off, or maybe even
don't realize they need to get off. I let trivial unimportant
things in general day to day living get me off track. I let myself
get so tied up with busy work that I don't make time for the most
important thing in my life. And I think “well God will
understand; He can see all this I have going on.” We begin to
make excuses to justify what we are doing and because we show up in
church, or say “praise God” when we are talking to someone, we fool
ourselves into thinking that we have are not off course and are still in
contact with God. But we are not praying or reading His word and
finding the revelation truth in it. And we really are not listening to
Him when He asks us to go out of our way to share a moment with a total
stranger in the middle of Wal-Mart. And we sure aren't seeking His
counsel regarding where we are going and who we are going there with.
And we sure don’t want to hear what He has to say about the type
of people we allow to speak into our lives. Do you see where I am
going? Understand this, all
of that is the music and it’s pulling you right back in.
gives us opportunities in our lives, but certain ones are only offered a
few times and then they pass and you have to settle on something else.
His desire is for us to be exceedingly above what we thought we
could do or be, but that opportunity is not always available to us.
Sometimes we have to be at the place where we can see it for what
it is and choose to lay everything else aside, whatever life
we think we have going, and go after what God is calling us to.
You see, before I let myself get distracted, I had been
studying about the different ways that Jesus acquired his disciples in
the Bible. Some of them he walked by and asked them to get out of
the boat. Then there were those who came and asked Him and He told
them what they needed to do first. Then there was Paul, who had
I rode my horse and God began to reveal these things to me, I recognized
the gentle discipline. I cried and I repented; and as I released
it to God, I noticed a change in the way Sassy was traveling. She
began to extend her stride, her feet hit the ground better, and her eye
relaxed. But to me it didn't mean that what I had felt when I
first started to ride her was something wrong with her, it was an
indication that I was letting the enemy in. So I said out loud
that I shut the door I left open to the enemy. I will only pursue
what God puts on my heart to pursue and I will let go of the things that
are in not my pursuit and not of Him.
my question to all of you today is, “What is your music? What
are you letting keep you from going ahead with God? Do you really want
to begin to pursue that next level of intimacy with Him? Is it
fear? Is it strife among friends or family in the past or present?
Is it relationships God wants you to surrender? Or like in
my case, is it just a matter of pride?” I encourage you face
whatever it is and release it to God. Then get busy doing what He
is asking. Change your ride and sing a different tune.
Want a great, FREE Bible study program? Go to http://www.e-sword.net/ and click on Downloads for FREE software you may use at any time. Once you download and install what you want, you then do not have to be online to use it. It's what we use almost exclusively now.
Our vision is for people to meet Jesus and realize that knowing Him, as their personal savior, is the utmost human experience a person will ever have. This vision is for people to know Him through His Word and by personally experiencing Him in their lives, and to understand that the ministry of the Holy Spirit far exceeds any man made religion or doctrines. The Bible becomes very real to us as we experience Jesus through the ministry of the Holy Spirit actually living His life in us and through us.
We believe the Bible is the whole Word of God; that it is accurate and complete, it should be interpreted literally, and it is God's will for mankind. We believe Jesus came to Earth as a man, made an eternal covenant with mankind, died on a cross, was buried in a borrowed tomb, was resurrected from the dead, and applied His blood to the Holy Of Holies in Heaven, which paid the price for our sins and gives us the right to a full covenant relationship with the Father. He now sits at God's right hand and is interceding for us and He is our Savior and Lord. We believe that we have been commanded by our Lord Jesus to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and that it should be a normal event in the life of all New Testament believers.
We welcome everyone from any walk of life whether they are "horse people" or not. Simply those who desire to meet Jesus and have a closer relationship with Him, to really "know" Him and not just to know "about" Him.
Links to other sites in Cowboy Ministry:
All Around Cowboy Church - Pastors Sonny & Gloria Rice
Arena Of Life - Pastor Ty & LouAnn Jones
Amazing Grace Fellowship - Pastor Lynn & Dorett Schaal
Christian Cowboys & Friends - Ronnie Christian
Cowboy Bistro - Rockin' W Rodeo Ministry - Ted & Linda Wiese
IWWOC - Rodeo Cowboy Ministries - Glen & Ann Smith
Maranatha Church - Dr. Ronnie & Sandy Trice
New Frontiers Cowboy Church of Canton, TX Pastors Randy & Grace Sadler
Pro Rodeo Ministries - Coy and Donna Huffman
White Riata Ministries - Candice Myers
Willow Tree Ministries - Mary Styer & The Styer Family
http://www.cowboychurch.net/ - Directory of Cowboy Churches & Ministries
These are just a few of our great friends in Cowboy Ministry. For a complete listing see either the cowboychurch.net or Christian Cowboys & Friends site in the above list.
Be Blessed in Jesus name!!!!!!


Hello friends! I am super excited to share these simple course materials with you. I have been teaching what I call "Best Life Practices" for as long as I have led workshoppes and I am super passion about people becoming all they are created to be.
You can call them exercises, habits, disciplines, or daily intentions. In short, these are the little things we do daily to live our best lives. In the past I have always taught them from a cognitive
stand point. However, I recently decided to marry my love of daily habits and spiritual disciples to create a "Small Group Class" to teach along side my husband, and best bud, Kyle. He's a pastor, I'm a sinner. I though we'd make a good teaching team. Haha.
We overviewed the following 15 "Best Life Practices/ Spiritual Disciplines", and created a simple note sheet for each, that you can download below. The sheets, contain a simple definition, scripture references, a few things to remember, and some very easy action steps to help you implement the practice.
Out of the dozens of Spritual Disciplines, why did I choose these? Because these are the ones I have been actively pursuing for many years, and I didn't want to teach on things I am not doing myself. Basically, I am just a regular joe trying to follow Christ. If you want something more in depth, look to the likes of Dallas Willard and C.S. Lewis. They both have extensive literature on the subject.
*Also, one of my go to resources has been the "Art of Manliness" study on the disciplines. I reference them often.
Why should we create spiritual disciplines?
It's how we can live our best lives.
Jesus did it.
God commanded it.
1 Timothy 4:7
“But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;”
2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
A few things to note. First, spiritual disciplines are activities. They are not attitudes. They are not character qualities or personality traits.They are not graces. They are not the fruit of the Spirit. Spiritual disciplines are things we do to become more like Jesus. They are us, creating oprtunities so that we can hear from God. They are habits of devotion and experiential Christianity that have been practiced by God’s people since biblical times. And quite frankly, some are a heck of a lot easier than others.
Next, they do not make us more godly just because we practice these spiritual disciplines. The Pharisees tried that. Didn't work to well for them. They thought that by doing these things they were more godly than others. Nope. That just made them arrogant jerks. However, when our heart is in the right place, thay can help us look more like Jesus.
Another thing, they are not a way to get into heaven. Only Salvation through blood of Jesus Christ can achieve that. Disciplines don’t set aside our need for grace, our need for Jesus himself. And they do not earn us anything. They are simply a practice to help us be with Jesus, so we can become like him. And that is how we live our best lives!
Whether you start this journey on your own or with a group, I hope these easy to follow worksheets make your travels a bit less complicated and hopefully more fun. Be sure to go slow, and please don't attempt to accomplish them all at once. Try them, see what resonates with you. Remember we all were created to worship differently! My prayer for you is that you find a few ways to grow closer to Christ and even make a difference for others.
Dowloadable PDF Guide Sheets:


Our Program is dedicated to providing students in grades 1-10 with an excellent opportunity to understand their catholic faith through formal classes, community activities, and attending mass. Students build upon a core foundation of catholic values and participate in a variety of activities that allows the students to experience their faith as a life long journey. Our program is coordinated by Director of Religious Education Ann Sorokes with over 20 years of service to our parish.
St. Francis of Assisi once said, "It makes no sense to go anywhere to preach, unless our walking is our preaching".
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|Other titles||A treatise on the imitation of Christ|
|Statement||written in Lation by Thomas a Kempis ; abridged and published in English by the Rev. John Wesley.|
|The Physical Object|
|Pagination||2 microfiches (86 fr.).|
|Number of Pages||86|
Full text of "The Christian's pattern: or, A treatise of the imitation of Jesus Christ, in See other formats Google This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for general ions on library shelves before il was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project to make the world's books discoverable online. The Imitation of Christ is a Christian devotional book by Thomas à Kempis, first composed in Latin (as De Imitatione Christi) ca. – It is a handbook for spiritual life arising from the Devotio Moderna movement, of which Kempis was a member.. The Imitation is perhaps the most widely read Christian devotional work next to the Bible, and is regarded as a devotional and religious : Thomas à Kempis. The Christian's Pattern: Or, a Treatise of the Imitation of Jesus Christ, in Four Books, by Thomas À Kempis, Render'd Into Engl. to Which Are Added, M, ISBN , ISBN , Like New Used, Free shipping in the US Seller Rating: % positive. Note: Citations are based on reference standards. However, formatting rules can vary widely between applications and fields of interest or study. The specific requirements or preferences of your reviewing publisher, classroom teacher, institution or organization should be applied.
Thomas à Kempis, The Christians Pattern, or, A Divine Treatise of the Imitation of Christ, London: Printed by Eliz. Redmayne, , Lisa Unger Baskin Collection, Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University. THE CHRISTIAN'S PATTERN: OR, A TREATISE OF THE IMITATION OF JESUS CHRIST IN FOUR BOOKS TO WHICH ARE ADDED, MEDITATIONS AND PRAYERS, FOR SICK PERSONS Author Thomas a' Kempis (trans. George Stanhope) Format/binding LEATHER BOUND Book condition Used - Very Good Quantity available 1 Edition First Edition Binding Hardcover PublisherBook Edition: First Edition. Christian's Pattern; Or, a Treatise of the Imitation of Jesus Christ: George Stanhope, General Books: : LibrosFormat: Pasta blanda. The Christian's Pattern: Or, A Treatise of The Imitation of Jesus Christ Written Originally Item PreviewPages:
The Christians pattern, or, A divine treatise of the imitation of Christ. [Thomas, à Kempis;] some directions for the better reading of this or any other spiritual book and for the attainment of divine knowledge, an account of the former English translations and of this edition wherein the English is brought to a near conformity to the. Buy The Christian's Pattern or a Treatise of the Imitation of Jesus Christ by Thomas A Kempis, John Wesley (Translator) online at Alibris. We have new and used copies available, in 8 editions - starting at $ Shop now. Home / Products / A Christian's Pattern or a Treatise on the Imitation of Christ A Christian's Pattern or a Treatise on the Imitation of Christ. Thomas à Kempis. $ A Christian's Pattern or a Treatise on the Imitation of Christ. Thomas à Kempis. $ Choose format (softcover/ebook). Imitation of Christ. As editor and translator he was not without faults, but thanks to him the Imitation became and has remained, after the Bible, the most widely read book in the world. It is his edition that is here rendered into English, without deletion of chapters orFile Size: KB.


Advent begins today. For many it has come to mean an extra piece of calendar based chocolate each day until Christmas Eve – but what is it really about and when and where did it start (we don’t mean the 1st December)?
So, as the build up to Christmas really starts to stretch its legs, here’s advent explained along with a look at some of the best advent calendars …
What is advent?
Advent is a Christian seasonal belief and preparation of the Nativity of Jesus. It’s an expectant time as excitement builds for the big celebrations on Christmas Day. But it also has a second meaning in that it anticipates the second coming of Christ. An analogy for our modern world would be the trailers and promotional activity for a new film sequel or TV series – except that the subject matter is a little different and deeply faith based.
When is advent?
Advent traditionally starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, but in our consumer driven world it has come to mean 1st December. In the middle ages it began at the Feast of St Martin on November 11th, and was also a time of fasting. In the Eastern orthodox church it still represents a fasting and is called ‘Lenten’ rather than advent.
When did it start?
It’s thought that Advent was first observed in the 4th Century, when it was part of the ritual for preparing oneself for baptism. During the middle ages it gained popularity as the preparation for the second coming.
Advent also provides a loose marker for when you can begin putting up decorations. Traditionally these are the advent wreath and the ubiquitous calendar. Whilst the wreath has heritage – it was conceived in northern Europe as a celebration of life (when constructed with evergreen leaves and candles) – the calendar is a relatively new addition and thought to have been invented in Germany sometime in the 19th Century.
3 great Advent Calendars
Original advent calendars were a laminated poster with 24 perforated and numbered doors. As Christmas counted down you open each door to reveal a small festive image. Since the late 1970s though, the advent calendar has evolved with the commercialisation and excess of Christmas. Most of us will be familiar with the Chocolate variety, but what else is out there…
#1 Lego Advent Calendar
The block based toy phenomenon just lends itself to an Advent calendar – and The Lego City Advent calendar is the result. It’s a calendar packed with 24 hidden gifts, some in kit form so you’ll construct them over more than one day. It goes a new meaning to the phrase – The Build Up to Christmas.
#2 Gin, Giminey
A calendar opening strictly for adults and definitely one to leave until the evening – the Gin advent calendar includes 24 3cl bottles of gin, concealed behind those little doors. We wonder if they’ve also included pictures and recipes for Gin based cocktails as part of the package. Crimbo Singapore Sling anyone?
#3 Top Shop Jewellery
OK – we’re not talking Boodles and Dunthorne, but the Top Shop Jewellery Advent Calendar is just the job for the party season. Including jewellery surmises like stud earrings, charm necklaces and bracelets, it’s sure to be a hit with the girls who need something different to accessorise the office party(ies).
Hmmm… maybe we should make a special ABC Selfstore Advent calendar – with storage unit doors – and behind each day a little tiny stored object shaped chocolate treat inside. What would your favourite day be – home belongings, shop stock, an archive box?


The ago-old question rings again: “What is the meaning of life?” In the above picture (which I found on the internet), “life’s whatever you want it to mean.” First impression: what a careless, carefree answer!
After reading the message on the picture, without thinking twice, I flung it into the trash at the backstage of my mind. But on second though I began to see what I could actually learn from it. So I got the picture back from the trash and saw just how it’s message was true.
Is life really whatever you want it to mean?
My answer’s YES.
God made us free moral agents. We decide our paths. Even though our Creator would like to hold us by the hand and lead us in the right paths, He still allows us choose what we want (and we’re fully responsible for the actions we take). He gave us a mind. He gave us a will. We’re so different from robots who have been programmed to act based on a limited set of instructions. This is the sense in which we determine what we call our own destiny. It’ll be stupid of anyone to think his destiny’s so fixed he has no role to play in determining what becomes of him and therefore he can live and act recklessly. Since, by the sum total of your actions and thoughts, you determine what your life and what it’s meaning is, I’ll maintain a YES on the question: Is life really whatever you want it to be? YES and YES. Determined by how you live it.
Life is what you make of it. If you seek life’s meaning in all the wrong places, it could translate to mean you reflexly want life to be meaningless. If you seek God (who has the answer to our questions about life’s true meaning), it means you reflexly want your life to be meaningful.


The summer holidays are now a warm and distant memory for many; the kids are back at school and, with the advent of the John Lewis Christmas Advert, the nation is now collectively bracing itself for Christmas 2014.
For Sheringham, it’s largely business as usual. A handful of businesses close down or operate on a reduced timetable over the winter months, yet this tiny resort on the outstanding North Norfolk Coast remains open and busy throughout the winter months.
The clocks have gone back and it’s dark outside, yet your path through Sheringham will be lit up with the Christmas lights adorning the High Street. These will be officially switched on at 6.30pm on the 5th of December.
The North Norfolk Railway is one of the main attractions in Sheringham and it runs a couple of big ticket events over Christmas and New Year, starting with the Santa Specials.
This service runs between the 29th of November and the 24th December, taking children of all ages on an exciting steam train journey from Sheringham Station to Santa’s Grotto based at Weybourne Station. There will be fun and games during the journey and children will meet Santa Claus himself to collect their Christmas gift. Biscuits and juice will be provided for the younger travelers and the grown ups will be offered a mince pie and a glass of sherry.
From 26th December to the 1st January the service will continue to run as the Mince Pie Special; a great way to enjoy the beautiful winter scenery.
Your visit to Sheringham would not be complete without visiting The Little Theatre. This year the pantomime is Robin Hood; a traditional story with a unique twist. Directed by West End star Killian Donnelly and starring Russel Hicken as the traditional dame, Nanny Polly Ticks, this promises to be great fun!
If you are staying in Sheringham over Christmas you are welcome to join in the celebrations at one of the local churches:
St. Andrew’s Methodist Church, Cromer Road
- Christingle Service on the 7th December at 4pm
- Christmas Tree Festival between the 11th and the 16th December
- Carols around the Trees on the 16th December at 7.30pm
- Carols & Readings at 10.30am & Candlelit Carols at 6.30pm, on the 21st December
- Midnight Communion at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve
- Christmas Praise at 10.00am on Christmas Day
For more details on services at St. Andrews, click here.
St. Peter’s Parish Church, Church Street
- 13th December: Brass Band Concert at 7.30pm
- 20th December: Christingle Service at 4.30pm
- 21st December: Nine Lessons & Carols at 6.30pm
- 24th December: Nativity Family Crib Service & Nativity Play
For more details on services at St. Peters, click here.
Our Lady and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Cromer Road
- 24th December: Morning Mass of Christmas Eve at 9.00am
- 24th December: Carols at 11.30pm followed by Midnight Mass
- 25th December: Christmas Day Mass at 10.30am
For more details on services at St. Joseph’s, click here.
Lighthouse Community Church, Cromer Road
- 14th December: Christmas All-Age Celebration at 10.15am
- 21st December: Christmas Celebration with drama and carols at 4.00pm
- 25th December: Christmas Day Celebration at 10.15am
For more details on services at the Lighthouse Church, click here.
Salvation Army, Co-Op Street
- 14th December: Carol Concert at 3.30pm
- 21st December: Carol Service at 6.00pm
- 25th December: Christians Awake! at 7.00am around the town with the band
- 25th December: Christmas Day Service at 10.30am
We highly recommend the local pubs, cafes and restaurants, especially after a long coastal walk in the bracing winter breeze. There is nothing better than a warm Norfolk welcome, hot food and a roaring fire to get the circulation going again!
Please click here if you are interested in booking The Prairie for Christmas or New Year – ideal for a large family get together!


Who We are
The vision of Resurrection Life Church and World Ministry Center is to be a center of ministry, continually bringing:
"Life, Love and Laughter
to one another and the world
Power, Passion and Presence of
It is our prayer and heart's desire to see people set free, healed, saved and walking in the fullness of God. Out of this center of activity -- bathed in worship, the Word, prayer and a love for God and others -- we hope to encourage healthy homes, strong families and see ministries birthed, developed and sent forth into all the nations of this world.


Christmas in Italy
a wonderful Holiday experience
Christmas in Italy, like seemingly all those occasions where Families and Friends give themselves the opportunity to get closer to each other and back in contact possibly after months (if not years) of carelessly going by without even a phone call to say "hello" (ok, I'm a bit melodramatic here), is one of those occasions nobody would want to miss.
Christmas in Italy (the italian term is "Natale", directly referring to the "Birth" of Jesus) is so deep in the national culture that a common way of saying tells "Natale con i Tuoi e Pasqua con chi vuoi", that is "Christmas with your Folks and Easter with whomever you want": that should really tell something about the importance for italian families to get together in such an intimate and rare occasion.
It is "rare" because of its meaning, of its atmosphere and because families around the world re-unite under a unique roof (and yes, around the same table...) even from distant parts of this world.
If this is commonly true for many of the non-Italian people around the globe, I can assure you that it is even more so for Italians.
The thought of spending Christmas far from the places of youth and of the familiar memories is an almost unbearable one.
I am not saying this simply because I believe it true, but because I know it true.
Family in Italy has always had and keeps having today a special meaning.
Bonds with the roots are deep and warm and there are plenty of examples where you can see (very) grown-up kids (...30+ years old) still living with Mama and Papa... ok now, back to our business!
Where were we... Christmas in Italy.
What would you think about if I said "Vatican" and the "Church"?
The Vatican State and the Italian one have found, over the millennia and several up's and down's, an almost indissoluble co-existence in the Eternal City of Rome.
Italy will not be the same without Rome and Rome would not be the same without the Vatican and the Roman Church.
Italian culture is so, I wouldn't say helplessly, but unavoidably imbued with beliefs, values and cultural paradigms deriving from the fact that its very territory have been shaped and touched by this strong influenced.
So it is with all the (most of them) religious Holidays that are celebrated throughout the calendar Year.
I would therefore add the third component to the celebrations of the Christmas in Italy and that is "Church".
I am personally retaining fond memories of those days when, with the elder components of my Family (Grandmother, Grand-Aunt, Grand-Uncle, etc.) the christmas season initiated with activities and commemorations at the Church of our town.
First and foremost, the Christmas Holidays following the lithurgic calendar begin on Dec 24th: as the day approaches the evening in the so called "Vigilia di Natale" (Christmas Eve), the people, the fidels, symbolically wait throughout the night and until the following morning for the Birth of Jesus Christ.
The night is a period of prayer and of intimacy and the meal in the evening (the so called "Cenone", i.e. the big dinner) is typically not containing any meat, in observation of the sacrality of the wait.
Upon the arrival of the 25th of December, the Christmas day, religious celebrations proceed throughout the day and Families re-unite to sanctify this newly-found communion in the "Pranzo di Natale".
The forms and ingredients used to prepare these meals are varying throughout the Boot, but all tend to respect a common symbology and, as told before, shall all mainly be based on fish for the Cenone and more specific, local ingredients for the 25th.
For the pleasure of all those who cannot stand my culinary (or rather feasting) reports, I will not miss the opportunity to publish material from "My" Christmas in Italy soon after I will have recollected my senses...
From to Italian Traditions


Come and enjoy a lovely breakfast (just $8 per person) and hear our guest speaker:
Rev John Mason (retired Uniting Church Minister)
John served as a Uniting Church Minister in Dubbo.
He then served in the NSW Legislative Assembly
as the member for Dubbo for nearly twenty years
and as leader of the opposition for four years.
RSVP to the church office on 68854200 by 31 May 2019
If you have dietary restrictions please advise at the time of booking


Our mission is to empower women in different stages and aspects of
their lives. To help women develop their spiritual walk with walk, to
live a Christ-centered life.
To Encourage the youth to use their individual talent for the glory of
God. To provide impactful volunteer services to the community.
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set
an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in
faith and in purity.
To help kids build a proper relationship with Christ and trust him as
a savior, to submit to him and to live as Christian’s wherever they
are. To make disciples of Jesus Christ. Developing opportunities for
them to pray, worship, evangelize, pray, preach, and serve one
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when
he is old, he will not depart from it.”


At almost the same time, a magnificent fireworks display in honour of the apostle. Even though the main days of celebration are the 24th and the 25th of July, different activities and entertainment take place in the city starting in the last fortnight of the month. The historic Christian liturgies are divided between Eastern and Western usages. Sign up for our weekly newsletter and be the first to hear about new products, events and exclusive offers. Feast of Saint James the Apostle (Santiago Apostol), otherwise called James the Great, St James, son of Zebedee or as Saint James the Greater, is celebrated on July 25. Pope John Paul II said, "To go in a spirit of prayer from one place to another, from one city to another, in the area marked especially by God's intervention, helps us not only to live our life as a journey, but also gives us a vivid sense of a God who has gone before us and leads us on, who himself set out on man's path, a God who does not look down on us from on high, but who became our traveling companion. St. ChristopherSt. Learn more about St. James here and here It is traditional in Spain to make a yearly pilgrimage to St. James of Compostela on July 24. Its date of composition is still disputed, but most authorities propose a fourth-century date for the known form, because the anaphora seems to have been developed from an ancient Egyptian form of the Basilean anaphoric family united with the anaphora described in The Catechisms of St. Cyril of Jerusalem.. He is one of those that Jesus called Boanerges, "son of thunder," the brother of John the Evangelist and the son of Zebedee the fisherman from Galilee. Public transport services generally run to a reduced schedule, although there may be no services in rural areas. In those communities that worship in Syriac the neumes are mirror images of those used by the authocthonous Greek and Cyrillic Orthodox Churches and written and read right to left in accordance with the Syriac script of the prayer texts. The Liturgy of St. James is commonly celebrated on the feast day of Saint James (October 23) and the first Sunday after Christmas, and then almost exclusively[clarification needed] celebrated on a daily basis in Jerusalem, in the Eastern Orthodox Church. From then on he served Him with greatest fidelity. Like other compositions in the Byzantine tradition, the Divine Liturgy of St. James as celebrated in Greek forms the basis of the English transcription. Public life is generally quiet. Saint James was martyred at the hands of a mob incensed at his preaching about Jesus and his "transgression of the Law" - an accusation made by the Jewish High Priest of the time, Hanan ben Hanan. Christopher has become a giant who wished to enter the service of the most powerful of lords. The Liturgy of Saint James is long, taking some hours to complete in full. The liturgies attributed to Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Basil are the ones most widely used today by all Byzantine Rite Christians, including the Eastern Orthodox, Byzantine Rite Lutherans, and some Eastern Catholic Churches. Circus, music, cinema and humour join the traditional events of these dates: the Torneo de Chave, the Día do Traxe, Gigantes y Cabezudos and the Día de Padrón. St. James, known as the Greater, in order to distinguish him from the other Apostle St. James, our Lord's cousin, was St. John's brother. 26 (1950). The cathedral is illuminated by eye-catching multidimensional projections. If so you will find this, For children from the Baldwin Project the. St. James the Greater (Feast Day – July 25) Feast Day, Saint of the Day Follow @ShareCatholic 4,294 views St. James was one of the first martyrs of the Church. It is also occasionally used in the Eastern Orthodox Church and Melkite Catholic Church. According to local legend, the tomb of St James was discovered in 813AD by a shepherd named Pelayo. Since the ninth century Spain has claimed the honour of possessing his relics, though it must be said that actual proof is far less in evidence than the devotion of the faithful. Stay up to date with the latest Camino news, events and webinars. Also, you can see the setting on fire of an impressive firework castle that represents the cathedral’s facade.  The Liturgy of Saint James is long, taking some hours to complete in full. The recitation of the Divine Liturgy is performed according to the worship rubrics of a particular Rite, with specific parts chanted by the presider, the lectors, the choir, and the congregated faithful, at certain times in unison. Home > Blog > Feast of St James, the patron saint of Santiago de Compostela. (Readings on USCCB website). The sound of the cathedral bells ringing out at noon on the 24th is one of the main acts to announce the big event that will take place at night. The Botafumeiro ritual is suspended until further notice. St James was discovered in 813AD by a shepherd named Pelayo. The liturgy is associated with the name of James the Just, the brother of Jesus and patriarch among the Jewish Christians at Jerusalem. It means that it is a day off for the general population, schools and most businesses are closed. Our Camino advisors will be very happy to help you design a tailor-made Camino for you. You can take a virtual tour and learn all about this area of the world, Plan your own pilgrimage to a nearby shrine. It is the oldest complete form of the Eastern Christian liturgies, and is based on the traditions of the ancient rite of the Church of Jerusalem, as the Mystagogic Catecheses of Cyril of Jerusalem imply. When July comes, Santiago de Compostela dresses up to celebrate the feast of St James (“fiesta de Santiago” in Spanish), the patron saint of Santiago, Galicia and of all Spain. Another important focal point is inside the Santiago cathedral, where you can see the Botafumeiro and the pilgrim mass. The Apostle’s festivities bring proposals for all audiences in smaller and safer formats, giving a boost to local and nearby artists, complemented by other more renowned artists to make a program for all audiences. Definitely a show that it’s worth seeing. When the Feast of St James falls on a Sunday that year will … Saint James Day is likewise Galicia Day, which is fitting as St. James is the patron saint of Galicia as well as Spain. With Peter and John he was one of the witnesses of the Transfiguration, as later he was also of the agony in the garden. All the activities are free and require a reservation through reservations.gal in order to limit the number of attendees. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. The name of the city is directly related to St James. The Feast Day of St James. The older martyrologies say that he suffered death for Christ; in more recent centuries piety has woven garlands of legend about his name. Santiago de Compostela, located in northwest Spain, is the capital of the Autonomous Community of Galicia. The Most Flexible Camino Tour Company - No Change Fees* - Up to 10 Days Before Departure. 1. If you want to plan your Camino and to experience this big celebration contact us. The annotation was recorded in close correspondence to the text (for sample codices, see those collated by the North American Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. Anthony in Arizona) with neumes indicating the melodic tones and their duration used before the adoption of the Western system of staff and scales became established in medieval times. In 2020 the Feast of St James will be celebrated from 17 to 31 July. The Liturgy of Saint James is a form of Christian liturgy used by some Eastern Christians of the Byzantine rite and West Syriac Rite. Download programme: Festas do Apóstolo 2020, Helping you celebrate the feast of St James, Saint James Day | Patron Saint of Spain and Pilgrims. The Plaza del Obradoiro is filled with lights and colours.


This year’s Christmas Market, in support of St. Margaret’s Church, will be held on the afternoon of Saturday 3rd December, from 4pm to 6:30pm. As in recent years, the market will be located behind The Bell Inn, and in the adjacent barn.
The market will be formally opened by Cllr. David Powell, Mayor of Chippenham.
Come along for homemade fare including Christmas cakes & puddings, roast chestnuts, mulled wine, mince pies and soups, artisan crafts including decorations, welcome garlands, candles, wood-turning, gifts and cards, as well as the popular Santa’s Grotto and Calne Silver Band.


"Paco leafed forward to read a second passage. 'Listen to your soul and not to false prophets, for they will come as locusts in every guise and garb. Many will claim my robes, but only the hierophant will speak for me.'" -p. 97
Ancient Greeks used the term "hierophant" to describe a holy man who led believers into the presence of God by interpreting sacred wisdom. In the Italian Renaissance the Hierophant became the fifth trump card in the game of Tarot, representing a young priest-like figure who channels the power of the universe for the benefit of mankind.
In He Can See Heaven, Ellen Shea meets a modern-day hierophant, a troubled youngster with extraordinary insight and intuition that allows him to see beyond the spiritually mundane, to pierce the clerical fog, and to hear above the din of today's squabbling sects. Like the first hierophants, he interprets newfound scripture and gives Ellen what she's been seeking: a glimpse of the way to heaven.
It's too late for a new prophet to appear, isn't it? Could a modern hierophant be living among us?


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Information for FamiliesWe provide Christian au pairs, primarily from Europe, to live with Christian families in the UK, the USA and Australia. Our au pairs are looking for Christian families where they can help with childcare and be part of a Christian household and church. Each au pair is an active member of her church and comes with good references from her pastor. In the USA these au pairs are sometimes referred to as Christian nannies. For our young people being an au pair is a mission. We work internationally.
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Information for Au PairsChristian families in USA, UK and Australia are available. If you are a Christian girl and you want the opportunity to spend a year, or a little less (in the UK) living with and helping a Christian family in an English speaking family this is the right place for you. We are the only Christian agency of our kind in the world. We will take care of you. Explore our pages and testimonials. Apply early for the best options, any time of the year. Get your parents to check us out.
Countries you can goThese are the main countries you can go to. The easiest possibility is to come to the UK, USA or Australia. The ideal is a one year commitment but six months or more is sometimes possible in the UK. The USA is probably the biggest opportunity but also requires the greatest financial commitment. Pray about the options and explore the pages.
Welcome to Christian Au Pairs
We have a unique mission to help Christian families to find a Christian girl who will fit into their family and build a relationship that often lasts for many years afterwards.
Our task is not only to find a good match but also to be available right throughout the year to ensure a successful conclusion.
Twice a year we offer training days for au pairs.
Through a closed group page on facebook the girls arrange many social events together across the world.
Many of our au pairs keep in touch with us and their family for many years ahead.
We began in 1991 after having 13 au pairs of our own. Since then we have placed wonderful au pairs from many countries.The difference is WE ARE NOT A DATABASE. All of our girls are genuine and legal, which can never be guaranteed on a database site.


Summary: This psalm is basically praising God for giving man the earth and all the things that make it possible to survive. It also discusses man's place in the world and creation, such as when it says, "For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels and crowned him with glory and honor." (verse 5) It is saying that humans are not as divine as angels, but God gave them glory and honor and control over the things that He made.
1. In what ways does this psalm draw upon the first chapter of Genesis?
This psalm relates to the first chapter of Genesis because it discusses when the earth was made and man's role in the creation of the earth.
2. a) In what verse is the theme of the role of humankind in creation first sounded?
The theme of the role of humankind in creation is first portrayed in verse four when mankind is first introduced and it’s role is questioned.
b) What place do humans occupy in relation to heaven and the rest of creation?
Humans are lower than God and other divine beings such as angels, but they are higher than the rest of creation on the earth and were given “Dominion over the works of thy hands.” (verse 6)
c) What does this unique place suggest about the relationship between humans and God?
It suggests that God has a personal relationship with humans, but they will never be able to be on the same level as Him especially because they can’t understand him.
Summary: This psalm talks about how God rules over everything on Earth, and how great of a feat this is. It also discusses God’s laws and why they are important and uses sinning as an example in verse 13.
1. How do the two distinct poems in this psalm differ in what they praise?
The first part praises how God rules over everything and his power extends throughout the entire earth. The second part of the psalm praises how strong God is and the way that he governs people and the earth and how people should follow his rules because they will make you a better person.
2. a) Identify the two prayers that are in the end of the psalm.
The first prayer is in verse 13 and says, “Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.” The second prayer is in verse 14 and says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight.
b) What is the author requesting of God in each case?
In the first prayer, the author is asking God to help him be free of sin and give him the strength to not sin. The second prayer is asking God to hear the first prayer and accept it and know that the person who is asking to have the strength to be free of sin really means it.
Summary: This psalm explains the relationship between God and humans and how God gives humans strength, leads them through life, and provides what they need to survive.
1. Which verse best summarizes the theme of the Psalm?
I think that verse 3 summarizes the theme of this Psalm because the first two are like and introduction, and verse 3 it summarizes what the psalm is about, and the rest of the verses go into more detail about the main point of the verse.
2. What may gave caused this psalm to be adopted as a prayer of last resort?
I think this psalm is used as a prayer of last resorts and in moments of crisis because it is a prayer of strength from God, so people recite in when they need strength from God.
Summary: This psalm is about the Babylonian exile and how the Israelites do not want to forget about Jerusalem. It is also a prayer asking God to punish the people who exiled them.
1. To Which qualities of God does this psalm appeal to and why?
Instead of appealing to God’s goodness and mercy, it appeals to his ruthlessness. This psalm appeals to this quality of God because it is asking Him to punish the people who exiled the Israelites out of Jerusalem.
2. a) In what way are verses 5-9 an answer to the command in verse 3?
In verse 3 the Babylonians command the Israelites to sing them a song about Zion and verses 5-9 are the song that they sing in response to the Babylonians.
b) What is ironic about this “answer”?
The thing that is ironic about their response is that it is not really a song about Zion, it is more about the Babylonians and what will happen to them because the forced the Israelites 0ut of Zion.
c) How are verses 5-9 also an answer to the question in verse four?
Verse four is asking how they can live life with God or let Him guide them in a land that they did not grow up in and doesn’t belong to them. Verses 5-9 answer this question by saying that they should live in a different land by never forgetting about Jerusalem and Israel and where they came from.