The changing of the political landscape in the Utah territory by the passage of the Poland Act did little to redefine the importance of Utah for Mormons, even after the death of Brigham Young. Mormons continually migrated to Utah in search of a sanctuary. Most laws were ignored by the Mormon population in Utah, even those specifically targeted at them, such as the Poland Act and the outlawing of polygamy by Abraham Lincoln. 1 A report from General O.E. Babcock, placed in charge of establising military posts in the area, states “The act of congress of 1863, prohibiting polygamy, has never been enforced.” 2
Despite the events of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, Mormons continually moved to Utah in search of protection, as referenced in “Mormon Migration”.
- Joseph Fielding Smith, Essentials in Church History: A History of the Church from the Birth of Joseph Smith to the Present Time, with Introductory Chapters on the Antiquity of the Gospel and the “Falling Away”, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co. for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1979, 253, Available at http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/Sabin?dd=0&h2=1&af=RN&locID=viva_gmu&srchtp=a&d1=SABCP03248600&c=1&an=SABCP03248600&ste=11&d4=0.33&stp=Author&dc=etoc&docNum=CY402604217&ae=CY102604217&tiPG=1.
- “Report of General Babcock,” Deseret News, February 20, 1867, Retrieved from: http://mountainmeadows.unl.edu/archive/mmm.news.dn.18670220.html.


The national celebration of the 65th anniversary launched at the 2015 Women’s Day on Friday, June 26, in Overland Park, Kansas, and will conclude at the 2016 national events for women and girls in July, 2016. You are encouraged to plan 65th anniversary celebrations in your congregation, area/association, or region/state events at any time in 2016. “American Baptist Women’s Ministries will be celebrating 65 years of encouraging and empowering women to be Godly women! I remember my own journey that
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New Grant Opportunity for American Baptist Churches – Check it out! Churches and organizations are invited to submit their own stories for our “Ministry Story Opportunity!” The deadline has been extended, and all entries are now due by May 1, 2015. Grants totaling $5,000 will be given to the top stories, and these will be celebrated at the Biennial Mission Summit in Kansas City in June 2015. The stories may be shared
MISSION FOCUS: 14-15 Mission Focus “Crisis at the Border” From 2004-2011, the number of unaccompanied children arriving in the U.S. averaged 7,000-8,000 annually. In 2012, that number rose to over 13,000 children; in 2013, it was over 24,000. In 2014, the projection is that over 60,000 children will attempt to find refuge in the United States. What the numbers don’t reveal, however, is that the population of unaccompanied children arriving in the United States is changing: now there
ABC’s Biennial Mission Summit will be returning to Overland Park…June 26-28, 2015. We want to see you there! Join us in fabulous Kansas City for the celebration – bigger, better than 2013!!! Additional events occur before and after the official Mission Summit dates.
G.I.R.L.S. Leadership Academy June 25-29, 2015 Overland Park, Kansas at the Chase Suite Hotel 6300 W. 110th St, Overland Park, Kansas, 66211 www.chasehoteloverlandpark.com • (913) 491-3333 For girls 12-18, or having completed 6th grade through seniors in high school Concurrent with the Biennial Mission Summit of American Baptist Churches USA “Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I arrive, give
Discipleship: A Journey of Grace Titus2:11-13 One of the third-generation writings of the New Testament known as the Pastoral Epistles, Titus addresses problems related to transmitting the faith from generation to generation, the spiritual health of Christians, and distortions of Christian teachings—issues that are pressing today. After enumerating several “must-dos,” the letter to Titus reminds us of the foundation of those imperatives, namely God’s grace. The epitome of Christian teaching is that discipleship is grounded always in
Making Disciples of Jesus Christ – Making Women Followers of Jesus Christ.
Empowering and Encouraging Women to fulfill God’s purpose for their lives.
Building Women Lives in order to build homes, our Nation and the World.
Theme: 1Corinthians13:1-13 Manifesting 1Cor13 in Women Lives. The Love of Jesus Christ is ever giving and ever caring. Our misson is to manifest 1Cor13 in Women lives and thus in our communities.


Today I dedicate this post to my Mommy! Yes I still call her Mommy! I am who I am because of who she is. She is such a free spirit, always evolving into something more beautiful than before.
I am proud of her in so many ways! She is writing a book about her life and what a life she has had but the awesome thing about her, is that through it all she continued to trust God and taught me to do the same. I think the biggest mistakes some parents make is hiding the truth from their children, kids find out anyways! My mom was the opposite, if she wanted to cry she would, if she was angry we knew it but in those moments she would always turn to God. We would join hands and pray and believe God and He would show up EVERY TIME!
She is the reason I know God, the reason I know to trust Him in every storm, the reason I am who I am. She allowed me to grow freely in who I am.
I love writing and sharing my life mainly because she taught me that! She writes poetry and is always asked to do speaking engagements! And funny because so many people look at her one-sided but I have had the pleasures of seeing every side of her! And I know that God gave her to me!
She writes me love notes and the funny thing is, I would always write her little notes as a child. And in her book she is including a lot of things me and my siblings have written to her.
Just last week, I found this picture she gave me. It’s now hanging in my room!
If you don’t have anything to give people, give them your words and your love, those are the things that last in life!
Love you Mommy,
Ms. Karen Minor-2nd Born


Francisco Arias Net Worth is
Francisco Arias Bio/Wiki, Net Worth, Married 2018Francisco Arias (1533 – 15 May 1605) was a Spanish Catholic author, known as a writer of ascetical treatises.Arias was born in Seville and joined the Society of Jesus at the age of twenty-six. He studied in Alcalá and was later professor of scholastic theology at Córdoba, and professor of moral theology at Trigueros. He also served as rector of the colleges at Trigueros and Cádiz.Arias was commonly regarded as a saint, and was known for his gift of prayer and his spirit of penance. He was especially devoted to the care of blacks, Moors, and the inmates of hospitals and prisons. Arias was held in high esteem by John of Avila, and his works are recommended by St. Francis of Sales in his "Introduction to a Devout Life".
|Date Of Birth||1533-01-01|
|La última voluntad||2011||Short||Pap (voice)|
|Lo que la gente vive||2009||Short|
|Deseo #8||2015||Short associate producer completed|


As a scientist I know that one must generate a logical set of ideas about what, why, how, when, and where in order to partake in the discovery process. Seldom does one have a dream of a new compound or a new architectural or engineering structure and then immediately develop it without change to the original idea. Ignoring that Ironman made it look so incredibly easy to make an entirely new element the generation of that element was necessary because his initial invention was killing him. So, was the initial invention a failure, or just a stepping stone to a better one?
In our ideas about the decisions that make up our every day and those that lead to what looks like failure from many perspectives we should remember that although we may have chosen incorrectly we can still achieve success. When it comes to our ideas about God the Father, about Jesus, about the Holy Spirit and about how much attention we pay to each of them throughout the day we must view the times we failed to include or recognize Him as steps to an increasing awareness of His presence.
The great thing about Failure is that it happened? It may or may not happen again. The place where we have a willingness to risk failure is the place where faith increases. The place where we are willing to step forward in the midst of doubt is the place He is made strong.
Even Honda seems to recognize the value of 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
But he said to me, “My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” So then, I will boast most gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong. – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NET


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We are so excited that you have made the decision to stand with us to Fuel the Mission of Fullturn Church. The bible teaches us in Malichi 3:10 to, “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” Through your partnership, we are able to help those that are in need throughout our community and beyond. Through the generosity of your heart to give, lives will be changed, cities will be opened for the gospel to be preached, and we will be able to change our nation. Thank you for giving, and may the Lord bless you in all that you do!
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Education: M.S., Mathematics Education, Radford University; Kappa Delta Pi, Phi Kappa Phi, Departmental Outstanding Student. B.S., Physics, Roanoke College; Sigma Pi Sigma, Omicron Delta Kappa. Years of Service: Since 2013 Hobbies/Interests: Alex is a published education researcher and college-level curriculum consultant. He enjoys spending time with his "better half" and their two dogs; much of their free time is spent on restoring their old home. Other hobbies include reading, writing, hiking, kayaking, drinking coffee, old houses, searching for answers (42), and exercising. Outside of academics, Alex leads an active spiritual life as an Episcopalian. He is involved in various ministries including Eucharistic visitation, pastoral care, Bible study, and various roles in worship; he also taught Sunday School for several years.


Candlelight Remembrance in Caroline County, hosted by Compass Regional Hospice. Sunday, November 3rd. at 4:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s Methodist Church in Denton, MD 21629.Free and open to the public to help us honor and remember your loved ones who have passed away. For more information, please contact Wayne Larrimore at 443-262-4108 or firstname.lastname@example.org.
Date and Time
Sunday Nov 3, 2019 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM EST
St. Luke’s Methodist Church 100 S 5th Ave Denton, MD 21629


Last sunday we had the visit of the Pope Benedict XVI, he visited the city of Prague and Brno, around 100 000 people came to see him, people from Poland, Austria, Germany etc.
So while I was looking into my archive I found some that I would like to share.
This is photo was taken in bar in Mazatlan. Strange place for such a image.
An image of Jesuschrist on top of some kind of alter in the street du to the celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Manzanilo, Mexico.
Procession of the Lord of Gualamita (Señor de Gualamita) in the town of Lamud, Amazonas, Peru.
A nice and expressive sculpture of Jesus Christ in a park close to my home.
Thanks God for all what I have.
Everybody has his own heroes and paradigms, from family, work and pop culture icons, everybody always admire someone, his work or personali...
One of the thing I enjoy photograph more are portraits. I don't believe that single picture can show the personality of a subje...
an exhibition: In Full Spectrum. Photography 1900-1950 from the Collection of the Moravian Gallery in Brno. 1st part.Art nouveau, Art deco, beginnings of the Avant-garde. Well before the end of the 19th century, art photography ceased to be a matter for i...


Business & Non-Profit- Salvation Army
Salvation Army lists five things that show their impact in the world. Salvation Army meets human needs without discrimination, assist 25 million Americans annually, serving 131 countries globally, and contains over 1.8 million members that are one of either officers, soldiers, or adherents, and they have been around since 1865. With this impact, the Salvation Army is an international movement spreading messages based off the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God and to preach the Bible.


Truly, the children of Haiti and in particular, the children of St Vincent’s Center for Handicapped Children in Port au Prince Haiti, are in the eyes of the world the least of God’s children in the kingdom.
We are celebrating our 11th year of ministering both physically and spiritually to the children of St Vincent’s. The team members led by Dr Susan Nelson have witnessed many changes both exciting and challenging us to our very souls.
In 2010, Haiti suffered one of the greatest natural disasters in recorded history. Over 250,000 people were killed in a blink of an eye and millions were left without shelter for extended periods of time, some for years. This catastrophe did not leave St Vincent’s untouched. Seven children and staff were killed in the earthquake, and the building our children called home was rendered uninhabitable.
After a short stay in Montrouis, the children returned to the boys foyer where the older boys had been living before the quake. This is where they currently are living and going to school; not an ideal situation for the staff or children.
But remarkably, the children are coping, learning and even thriving mentally, physically and spiritually in less than optimum circumstances, thanks in large part to your help.
The Episcopal Church USA along with the Diocese of Haiti has purchased a large piece of land out of the chaos and grime of Port au Prince, upon which the new St Vincent’s will rise as a shining beacon to all children with physical challenges.
We envision doubling the size of the school to accommodate more physically challenged students. Spacious and well-lit dormitories powered by solar panels will provide a great space for our children. Vegetable and fruit gardens will supplement our children’s diet. A sustainable aquaponics garden will provide both fish for protein and a steady year-round crop of vegetables.
There will be green grass for our children to play at being children. A soccer field and even a basketball court are in the future. Who knows whether the first Haitian will enter into the NBA. Now they will have a chance. A decent kitchen for the cooking staff where the temperature is not over 120 degrees. A safe and secure environment that will serve notice to the world that our children are valued and loved by God as God’s own.
So come and join us in this ministry. When you travel there on one of our two trips a year, I promise you, you will return changed for the better. If you are unable to travel, rest assured your money, every penny, goes to the care and nurturing of these kids at St Vincent’s. I am proud to call these children: Drew’s kids.
Deacon and Founder
West Tennessee Haiti Partnership


Jan Janssens (1590 - after 1650) was a Ghent painter of religious scenes of which this remarkably vivid canvas is a good example. We can recognise the realism and the strong and dramatic chiaroscuro effects of the Italian painter Caravaggio; this style is therefore called Caravaggism.The archangel Gabriel "who looks a lot like the boy next door, except for his wings" announces to Mary that she is to be the mother of Jesus, the Son of God. At the same moment, the Holy Ghost descends on her, in the form of a dove. The Virgin has knelt in front of her prie-dieu and folded her hands before her breast in a gesture of humble acceptance. The room is strikingly bare. The scene seems to be set on a stage.
The theme of the Annunciation was much loved by artists, already before the time of the Flemish Primitives. Of the four evangelists, only Luke briefly mentions it. It only became a story when the core was embroidered upon in popular medieval devotion. Paintings such as this, often quite small, must have adorned many a private room. The scene is often situated in a contemporary house, and more in particular in a bedroom, where the Virgin sits reading piously. In older depictions, the Virgin is usually placed in an open building.
SizeH: 258,5 cm
MediumOil on canvas


ELKIN VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
Elkin Valley Baptist Church hired West Depot Architecture to develop a new facilities Master Plan, based on their existing site assets and the needs of their growing church. We created an online Master Planning Questionnaire and used it to work closely over the course of 12-months with the Vision Team to develop a new Master Plan for the church. The new plans included the addition of a 22,000 square foot 3-story education building, a 560 person sanctuary and a common connector to their existing Christian Life Center (multi-purposed facility). The Master Plan was unanimously adopted by the congregation.


Jesus himself was a communist.” So how would that be for a political slogan. How would most who attend Christian services respond to this statement in church on Sunday morning! It is said this early church experiment was a failure. Miranda clearly points out a case can be made that the sermon on the mount was a failure…yet “its normative character remains intact”. (Though how well lived into is the sermon on the mount?) So it seems he is saying failure is not a reason to ignore either the sermon on the mount or the lived structure of the first century Jerusalem church.
Most interesting for me is that I was raised in one of the “biblical literalist” traditions. Yet this passage was dismissed as a failure. It was socialist or communist and utopian. It would work in a perfect world but not in a fallen world. No one I can remember ever said we should seriously study this aspect of the early church as something taught by those who walked with Jesus in the flesh. No one ever said that maybe we should take this seriously as just maybe, maybe Jesus actually was promoting something like this. It raises this prospect for me; is failure even relevant to learning to live into the “christian communism” Miranda is writing about.
Of course the difficult part is giving up our wealth, some of our individual choice and learning to work in a community setting that involves submitting to the whole. The submission also needs to be infused with divine grace so that all have what they need. I wonder if Miranda is hoping to redirect our focus so that we struggle with just what it means to live into this early christian style of community. The Acts account provides a very harsh “reality” check regarding the role of personal integrity as it relates to living in this early christian community.
Gollwitzer makes a salient point…if we think the first century church failed at “christian communism”…then find a better way to do it! If we say we want to follow Jesus then maybe we need to be more willing to set aside any of our current attitudes. Gollwitzer prods me to re-evaluate my perspectives and my lifestyle. I will need to put aside my biases and really study what Jesus was about and how that led to the Acts account of the life of the early followers of the way. And, am I willing to then live out what I learn from Jesus…even if it means failing?
On page 41 Gollwitzer provides us with words to meditate on. He addresses being ensnared. He addresses our excuses. He addresses sin and grace. Making it personal for me he dares to address coffee. He addresses how we benefit from government policies. He addresses freedom. He addresses and asks us to address the question of how can we carry on as before?
My very biased perspective is that Gollwitzer hits the proverbial nail on the head. If I try to reinterpret the life of the early church and make it comfortable I will be missing the point. It was important enough that our spiritual ancestors made sure it was passed down. At the least I want to be honest…I don’t yet live fully this way. I am very intrigued to learn to live into this type of communism and discover the freedom Gollwitzer points to as he concludes the essay.


It’s Sunday afternoon, and I realize my church attendance has severely waned. And really, it does affect me emotionally and spiritually. So, with that in mind, I figured I’d write about my absence from services.
It’s something ingrained within my being. Since I was young, my parents had brought me to church. And, as I think back, remembering the young boy I was, there was always a certain uplifting feeling that came from attending. As a child, listening to the benediction inspired mild elation; the feelings at the end of a service haven’t changed much.
I had always believed, figuring that mingling with friends and family would come after church, that the soaring spirits resulted from successfully sitting through another service – and not being scolded during the sermon. Now, I realize it’s a little deeper than that. Maybe it stems from fulfilling an obligation to me and God.
The only reason I don’t attend service now is that, and it’s a horrible excuse, it would interfere with my workday routine. I know, I should make sacrifices for my spiritual health.
I don’t mean to preach God, and don’t intend to offend anyone. But I feel my Christian faith is part of me, and should be discussed. Yet, I’m not one for pushing the word of God on someone – most people find that offensive and annoying.
I know, Jesus urged Christians to spread the Gospel. However, that was 2,000 years ago; the world wasn’t as connected as it is today- and back then, Jesus’ message was brand new.
Today, people are exposed to the word of God easily. With that said, mentioning my faith, and explaining how it has helped me, might make someone feel more secure in their own beliefs. And believe me, this is about as much as I talk of God in public.
Usually my mentions, when talking of the man upstairs, are limited to, “God must be punishing me for bragging about that!” You know what I mean: those little half jokes that may hold a nugget of truth.
I think those remarks do two things. First, it shows that I recognize God, and, that he is a powerful entity. Second, maybe someone has something similar going on, and, maybe, turning to God might seem like a solid option.
Don’t get me wrong, although I believe God has his hand in everything, I also believe you are in control of you. So,success, friendship, relationships and well being, while ultimately decided by God, are very much in your control as well. You can only select your chosen path, and rely on the big guy for guidance. Ultimately, he decides what you are allowed in life, but if you help yourself, most likely, you will be rewarded.
At least that’s my outlook on life.


Our mission is to see multitudes at home and abroad, from every walk of life, come to an unwavering faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; to lead them in worship and instruction that they may be integrated into the Christian community, possessing the hope of eternal life as well as maintaining a love which binds them together.
Calvary First…bringing faith hope and love to the heart of Florida
Our Purpose and Values
Reaching: We value those in our community who have not yet chosen to unite with Christ and His Church
Renewing: We value the process of transformation that Christ is working in His followers to make them more like Him
Releasing: We value the ministry of every individual within the congregation and the community


Together we spread the message of Love in S.A.
FOUNDER & VISION CARER OF QHUDENI SKILLS DEVELOPMENT SINCE 2009 | FOUNDER OF YOU ARE YOUR OWN DESTINY WOMEN OF GOD EST. 2014 | FOUNDER OF OUR CHILDREN-OUUR-FUTURE EST.2018|ACTIVE CANDIDATE MEMBER OF PROFESSIONAL SPEAKERS ASSOCIATION S.A 2007-2012 | FORMER FREELANCE WRITER FOR SHINE ONLINE MAGAZINE|MEMBER OF THE WOMEN MENTOR ASSOCIATION | MEMBER OF NCAW | CHAIRPERSON OF SMART CHOICES S.S PARTNERS | ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF UMNEDI OYINGCWELE SOUP KITCHEN | AUTHOR | FULL TIME RECEPTIONIST
lToyi: “I am honoured for being nominated as a Top 100 Difference Maker by such a distinguished and valued organization such as DMI-SA Difference Makers Int. SA, presenting to me a great opportunity to do my best to serve the people of S.A. Thank you Julie (https://www.differencemakers.co.za/julie-b-steynberg.html) for making me part of this initiative which I promise to do my best in changing lives in a minute or less. Also to move this drive across to each and every individual I come across. I love the slogan: From one person to another to another, changing lives”. As an experienced public speaker since 2007; Mentor; and Author I use my experiences to impact the lives of those around me and spread the message about love and forgiveness. I call myself an “Ambassador of faith & forgiveness”. I am privileged to have written 12 books so far. My first book titled “From a frying pan to a fire” which I wrote by sharing my testimony; countless lives have been touched and transformed to see that God does indeed give us an opportunity and a second chance in life.
My message to everyone is: “Be your best at where God has planted you. God’s hand will touch you wherever you are and use you the way He needs you for His Glory”.
Umndeni oNgcwele Holy Family Soup Kitchen -Making a difference is not by the size of the act, but more importantly the impact and change it brings. I distributed fruit parcels to the elders in celebrating my birthday in 2016.
My main focus is to live my life to the fullest and always have a good relationship with my own-self. You are your own Destiny Women of God and Our Children-Our Future, the aim and vision is to see change in each and every one; starting from nurturing our children; give them hope for the future. Through this entity I am aiming to enhance my vision; and on a bigger scale I do community development projects which addresses youth and young women. This includes: Youth mentoring, life coaching; skills development program and assisting the needy children through schooling; Basic Life Skills leading to Excellent Customer Services as the Corporate world demands.
The Deeper side of Toyi:
From the heart to God: “He lifted me up; from the deep muddy clay; and He planted my feet on the king’s highway; and that is the reason; I sing and I shout; for Jesus came down and He lifted me up”.
Being a woman who had her first child very early in life with an uncertain future and finding myself somewhere between merely existing and being in a cocoon, I was privileged to come across people who motivated me through God that forever changed my life and my future. My passion extends to reaching out and improving the quality of family lives in all walks of life, so that we can fulfill the destiny to which God has called each one of us. When I acknowledged and access the greatness God had put in me and when I realized what He had saved me from, I made a vow to God to never overlook another person at the crossroads of her life.
Recently been healed from Colon Cancer - God wants me to minister healing through faith to His people.
My greatest honour was being a delegate at a Morning Live breakfast show with the Minister of Women and Children for the 16 Days of Activism for no violence against Women and Children which took place on Monday 7th December 2015. Meeting Minister Shabangu confirmed the commitment and love she has for Women and Children; and the community at large. Book interview slot with 1KZNTV since October 2018. Also being one of the Authors recognised at the Durban's Articulate Africa book fair at ICC in March 2019..


Why is intercessory prayer necessary?
- 1 Why is intercessory prayer necessary?
- 2 Can God bring a person back into your life if you pray for it?
- 3 Does God answer intercessory prayer?
- 4 What causes God not to answer prayers?
- 5 Is there a difference between prayer and intercession?
- 6 What is an example of a prayer of intercession?
- 7 Can you pray for someone to love you back?
- 8 What is the difference between prayer and intercessory prayer?
- 9 What if God doesn’t answer your prayers?
- 10 What is the prayer that never fails?
- 11 What are the qualities of an intercessor?
- 12 How do you end an intercessory prayer?
- 13 Can God save a broken relationship?
- 14 How do you tell if someone is using you?
- 15 How do you know when God has answered your prayers?
- 16 Why does God take so long to answer prayers?
- 17 What is the most beautiful prayer dedicated to Mary?
- 18 What is the most miraculous prayer?
- 19 What are the responsibilities of an intercessor?
- 20 How do I know if God wants me to be with someone?
- 21 Is there a gift of intercession?
- 22 Why are atheists not interested in 12 Step recovery?
- 23 Are there any positive results from intercessory prayer?
- 24 How many studies are there on intercessory healing?
- 25 Do you get ” keep coming back ” from atheists?
- 26 Why did I change my mind about being an atheist?
- 27 Who are the modern day threat to atheism?
- 28 Why did Devin Rose change from atheist to Christian?
- 29 Who is an example of a reasonable atheist?
Why is intercessory prayer necessary?
Prayer acts as a way for St. Paul to acknowledge God’s power. Intercessory prayer also acts as a way for the Apostle to “share in the Father’s redemptive love”. Paul believed that prayer transformed the person doing the praying, as much as the one being prayed for, which creates a stronger bond between him and God.
Can God bring a person back into your life if you pray for it?
Can God Bring Someone Back Into Your Life? The answer is an emphatic, “Yes”! However, the process will likely not be easy and you need to be willing to allow God’s will to come to pass. He knows best.
Does God answer intercessory prayer?
The prayers offered by Christian intercessors requested a quick recovery with minimal complications. Later studies confirmed the correct inference, namely, that God does not answer intercessory prayer.
What causes God not to answer prayers?
– As long as your prayers are for selfish motives, driven by pride hidden in your heart, God will not answer them. He that turneth away his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination.
Is there a difference between prayer and intercession?
Prayer is to our lives what fuel is to an engine. Intercession is a step up from prayer. Intercession is praying God’s heart into a specificsituation or standing in the gap of behalf of a person orregion who is in need of mercy and grace.
What is an example of a prayer of intercession?
Please help us to live and love together in a way that brings glory to your name. May the word of Christ dwell in us, teaching us in all wisdom. Whatever we do, in word or deed, may we do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God, the Father. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.
Can you pray for someone to love you back?
As a believer, one of the ideal things to do is say a prayer for someone you love to come back. A prayer goes a long way in mending broken relationships. God has a unique way of creating relationships. He knows who you love, he only needs you to say it to him through prayer, and your soul mate will come to you.
What is the difference between prayer and intercessory prayer?
What if God doesn’t answer your prayers?
Takeaway. God always answers prayers even when the answer is no. Sometimes we don’t get what we want because God wants us to be independent. Instead of using God as a crutch he wants to know if we still have faith even when he doesn’t give us what we ask of Him.
What is the prayer that never fails?
Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech You from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity. (Make request). There are none that can withstand Your power. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee (three times).
What are the qualities of an intercessor?
These are the exhortations of a man who understands the power of prayer. In Paul we see the personal characteristics of courage, steadfastness, endurance, consecration, and self-sacrifice. Just as he possessed these unique attributes, every intercessor must have these same spiritual qualities.
How do you end an intercessory prayer?
Gratitude Prayer We have had a wonderful time, and we want to thank you for filling this place with joy and peace. As we close this meeting, we ask you, Lord, to walk with us everywhere we go. Help us to keep your word in our hearts that we may not sin against you. Through Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
Can God save a broken relationship?
A famous quote does, after all, say: “If God could restore us back to himself, he can restore any relationship back to us.” In the Gospel of Luke chapter 2 verse 13-16, we read of Jesus going up to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. Jesus does not discard broken situations, what he starts, he maintains.
How do you tell if someone is using you?
9 signs someone is using you in a relationship
- The conversation is always about them.
- They always let you pick up the check.
- You always have to come to their rescue.
- They never say thank you.
- They’re always asking for favors.
- You start to resent them.
- Your emotional needs are never considered, let alone met.
How do you know when God has answered your prayers?
God Is Answering Your Prayers Through Your Desires God may also answer your prayers by planting a desire in your heart. Or He may give you a vision or dream in answer to your request. Like He did for Cornelius, who was a God-fearing, praying man (Acts 10:1-2).
Why does God take so long to answer prayers?
Originally Answered: Why is God taking so long to answer our prayers? God doesn’t answer prayers (in the sense most people might be prone to thinking). We pray and our faith is boosted and we are encouraged and those changes are the force of change that can help answer our prayer.
What is the most beautiful prayer dedicated to Mary?
O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me herein and show me here you are my Mother.
What is the most miraculous prayer?
Most Powerful Prayer For A Miracle Lord Jesus, I come before Thee, just as I am, I am sorry for my sins, I repent of my sins, please forgive me. You are the miracle-working God.
What are the responsibilities of an intercessor?
Intercessors make requests, urge, plead, beg, counsel, discuss, risk, sacrifice, and make war on issues relating to the weaker ones, and thus they have an impact on the final outcomes for those they serve.
– As long as your prayers are for selfish motives, driven by pride hidden in your heart, God will not answer them. – If you knowingly condone sin, whether it’s happening to you or to someone else, and you don’t correct them, you ‘regard iniquity in your heart’ and thus should forget about God answering your prayers.
How do I know if God wants me to be with someone?
18 Signs God Wants you to be with the one sent by Him
- He speaks the words of God.
- He practices what he speaks.
- He doesn’t lie.
- He doesn’t corrupt your good character.
- He honors and respects you.
- He is just and merciful.
- He makes sacrifices.
- He forgives you.
God Is Answering Your Prayers Through Scripture Often when you’re praying about something specific, He’ll answer by repeatedly bringing similar scriptures to your attention. So you see, God may answer your prayers through His word. But you need to stay sharp and pay attention if you’re going to hear Him.
Is there a gift of intercession?
If intercession is a gift, then supplication, prayer and thanksgiving are also gifts. If intercession is elevated above other gifts, then supplication, prayer and thanksgiving must also be elevated.
Why are atheists not interested in 12 Step recovery?
Some of these people will get loaded again and eventually die of their addictions because they can’t bear to come back through those doors minus the badge of however many years they had without a drink or a drug. That pride in their clean and sober time was in essence their new drug. They’re not your concern.
Are there any positive results from intercessory prayer?
A Cochrane review of intercessory prayer found “although some of the results of individual studies suggest a positive effect of intercessory prayer, the majority do not”.
How many studies are there on intercessory healing?
For instance, a meta-analysis of several studies related to distant intercessory healing published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2000 looked at 2774 patients in 23 studies, and found that 13 studies showed statistically significant positive results, 9 studies showed no effect, and 1 study showed a negative result.
Do you get ” keep coming back ” from atheists?
At you. It’s all on the label, after all. Often as not you’ll get a condescending “Keep coming back,” with an unspoken, “You’ll eventually get it if you don’t die first,” from these sorts.
Why did I change my mind about being an atheist?
Some converts only reach a deistic belief in God (an areligious position that God is “impersonal”) but the leap is still monumental; and it opens new, unforeseen horizons. The factors that lead to faith are often diverse. It is clear that every former atheist has walked a unique path to God.
Who are the modern day threat to atheism?
Modern historical scholars like Craig Blomberg and N.T. Wright have advanced the area of historical theology and the study of the claims of the Gospels to exciting new heights. The results of such ground-breaking studies are one of the greatest threats to modern day atheism.
Why did Devin Rose change from atheist to Christian?
One former atheist who was profoundly affected by prayer and the Scriptures is author Devin Rose. On his blog, he describes the role that God’s Word played in his gradual conversion process from atheism to Christianity: “I began praying, saying, “God, you know I do not believe in you, but I am in trouble and need help. If you are real, help me.”
Who is an example of a reasonable atheist?
Dr. Ordway mentions the eminent 20th century Oxford thinker, C.S. Lewis. Lewis is a prime example of a reasonable but unbelieving thinker who was willing to read from all angles and perspectives. As a result of his open inquiry, he became a believer in Christ and one of modern Christianity’s greatest apologists.


View Original Notice → Doris Copeland
Doris Dillard Copeland was born in 1929 in Laddonia, MO to Florence and Homer Dillard. She passed away peacefully on May 1, 2018 in Surprise, AZ. Doris grew up in Laddonia, MO and attended Mexico High School.
She married Howard R. Copeland in Mexico, MO in 1949. They had a son Bruce and daughter Julia. Over the years she and Howard lived in San Francisco, CA, Philadelphia, PA, Morris Plains, NJ, Mexico, MO, Mississauga, Ontario, and Chesterfield, MO. They retired in Sun City West, AZ.
While in Chesterfield, MO, Doris was a real estate agent. In Mexico, MO she served on the Mexico School Board. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Mexico, MO and Desert Palms Presbyterian Church in Sun City West, AZ. She was part of Stephen Ministry through Desert Palms Church. Doris was an avid bridge player, and liked to entertain.
She is survived by her daughter Julia and family, son Bruce and family, and sister Opal Rohr. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday May 6 at Desert Palms Presbyterian Church in Sun City West, AZ. Donations can be made to Desert Palms Presbyterian Church or to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve ‘Toys for Tots’ program.


We are currently pursuing several projects in south central Indiana.
We are going to be canvasing Martinsville, IN Walmart and Krogers asking for donations Saturday morning with plans of other locations in the future. If you would like to take a group and canvas an area in Indiana, please let us know.
We will be stationing several drop off locations for food drives. The Haitian people are going to be in desperate need for the following supplies and food:
Non-Perishable Food, Flashlights and Batteries, Generators
Shampoo, Soaps, Diapers Wipes, Canned Food, Peanut Butter
Rice, Beans, Tarps, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste and Staple items
DROP OFF SITES FOR ALL DONATIONS:
Grace Church – 4172 East Allison Road, Mooresville, IN
Hoosier Harvest Church – 4085 Leonard Road, Martinsville, IN
First United Methodist Church – 3150 E. Myra Lane, Martinsville, IN
Paragon New Life Christian Church – 2450 S. Guy Road, Paragon, IN
World Outreach Church – 173 Fletcher Avenue, Spencer, IN
Also, we will be locating collection jars at several locations in Morgan, Johnson, Hendricks, Owen, and Monroe county. If you are interested in helping out with this venture, we could use your help. We need people to find jars and locations that will allow us to drop them off at. We would need you to collect the money at least once a week and get it back to us. We have flyers ready to attach to the jars, just do not have the manpower to get them out everywhere possible. If you are interested, contact Larry Ralph Jr. 317-403-6999.
If anyone is interested in getting on the phone and contacting any business owners or churches that they know for donations OR a collection jar drop off site, please do so, and let us know about it.
Pam Weiss is organizing a Bake Sale...Silent Auction...Craft and Antique Sale
This will be help on Saturday, January 16th from 8am-3pm at the First Baptist Church, Martinsville. All funds from this event fundraiser will be sent immediatley into Haiti to Larry and Linda Ralph to help with the aid and relief for this devasted country.
A drop-off for any donations of bake goods..silent auction items will be tonight, Friday, January 15th from 6pm-8pm at the First Baptist Church, Martinsville...questions you may contact Pam or Jeff Weiss at (765)342-0957..
For those supporters that are out of the state of Indiana, you could be also apply these same techniques in your area. I have a detailed list of what we are doing so if you want it, please email me for the request firstname.lastname@example.org.
Larry Ralph Jr 317-403-6999
Becky Ralph 317-966-6812
Eric Lashbrook 812-879-4018
1992 Old St. Rd. 44
Martinsville, IN 46151
God Bless everyone's efforts and please continue to pray for the Haitian people,
Larry Ralph jr.


This man, this creature that God has made, has now turned aside from God, and God must deal with him and must judge him.
The serpent is certainly not the slithering creature that we think of today. He was different at the beginning, and there has now been pronounced upon him this judgment from God.
God pronounces a judgment upon Satan which has a tremendous effect upon man. I would urge you to memorize the following verse, for this is one that you certainly ought to know.
This verse is the first prophecy of the coming of the Messiah, the Savior, into the world:
Genesis 3:14-19 KJV
 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;
 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life.
Since the serpent has been the instrument of deception, God addresses him first in judgment.
God’s pronouncement of a curse on the serpent above all cattle, and above every beast of the field seems to say that all other creatures will suffer negative effects as a result of sin’s entrance into the world (see Romans 8: 22 , 23 ), but the serpent will be punished more severely than they.
Some suggest that the words upon thy belly shalt thou go imply that the serpent stands upright prior to this curse. But this phrase may mean that the serpent’s crawling will now carry with it a meaning of contempt that was not present previously.
The idea of eating dust likely signifies humiliation or shame, which it does elsewhere in Scripture (see Psalm 72: 9 ; Isaiah 49: 23 ; Micah 7: 17 ).
In the previous two verses, God directly asked Adam and then Eve if they had disobeyed His command and had eaten from the restricted tree. Adam essentially said, “Yes, but the woman gave it to me, and you’re the one who gave me the woman.”
Eve admitted she had been deceived by the serpent and had eaten the fruit.
Now God turns to the serpent, but with a notable difference: He doesn’t ask the serpent what he did. He doesn’t look for a confession or to engage in debate with the serpent. As discussed previously, this serpent is consistently understood by conservative Bible scholars to be Satan himself.
Apparently, Satan either possessed a snake created by God, or he took the form of a snake. As Jesus will say centuries from this moment, Satan is a liar (John 8:44). God chooses not to give the liar a chance to speak in this moment.
Instead, God begins to pronounce a series of curses on the serpent, the man, and the woman. In each case, the curse is for each of them and for the future generations of their offspring. In this verse, God begins His curse on the serpent and on all of his species to follow, as well as on Satan himself.
Why curse serpents if the Devil was just using that form or body to commit his evil?
Apparently, God intended for the serpent to serve as a reminder to all future generations of humans both of who the Devil is and of God’s power over him.
The serpent would be uniquely cursed in comparison to all other animals on earth. That serpent and all of those to follow would crawl on the ground, unable to avoid eating the dust of the earth, from that point forward.
Does this mean that all serpents or this particular species of serpent had legs before this time?
This is possible, though it’s also possible that the change of earth’s nature after the fall might be part of this curse, as well.
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
“And I will put enmity between thee [that is, Satan] and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it [that is, Christ] shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel,” This is a tremendous statement that is given to us here.
The most prominent thought is not the ultimate victory that would come, but the long-continued struggle. This verse reveals the fact that now there is to be a long struggle between good and evil. This is exactly what you will find in the rest of the Scriptures.
The Lord Jesus made this statement in His day concerning this struggle: “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44).
“The devil” is Satan. The Lord Jesus Christ made the distinction between children of God and children of Satan.
John again mentions this conflict in 1 John 3:10: “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.”
Thus we have brought before us the fact that here is a conflict, here is a struggle, and here are two seeds in the world. There will be the final victory—but the long—continued struggle is important to note. Every man must face temptation and must win his battle.
Before Christ came, the victory was through obedience in faith. After Christ came, we are to identify ourselves with Christ through faith.
What does it mean to be saved?
It means to be in Christ.
Man was one of three orders of creation: angels, man, and animals. Animals were given no choice, but man and angels were given a choice. Here you have, if you please, man’s choice. He has made a decision, and he is held responsible for the decision that he has made.
Notice that it says “her seed.” It does not say the man’s seed. Here is at least the suggestion of the virgin birth of Christ. When God went into that garden looking for man, He said, “Where art thou?”
Any anthology of religion tells the story of man’s search for God. My Christian Siblings, that is not the way God tells it. Let’s tell it like it is: Salvation is God’s search for man. Man ran away from Him, and God called to him, “Where art thou?”
God seeks out man, and He offers man salvation, but there is going to be a long struggle that will take place. The enmity, or hostility, mentioned here is reflected to some extent in the aversion most people have to snakes.
But the language of this verse, especially toward the end, points to a deeper spiritual hostility that understands the seed of the serpent to be linked with Satan and all who carry out his evil intentions (compare John 8: 44 ).
Satan’s continuing desire is to ruin lives by deceit (just as he ruined Eve’s ), thereby thwarting God’s righteous purposes toward those created in His image (compare Revelation 12: 9 ).
In time, however, one seed (descendant) of the woman fulfills God’s purpose by dealing Satan a death blow. This is pictured here as striking the enemy’s head. Jesus does this by means of His death on the cross ( Hebrews 2: 14 , 15 ; compare 1 John 3: 8 ).
That Satan is to bruise his heel indicates that Satan inflicts a measure of suffering on the Son of God, but this in no way causes the kind of damage that Jesus inflicts on Satan.
In direct response to the serpent’s deception and Adam’s and Eve’s disobedience, God pronounces curses on each of them, as well as on the generations to follow.
In the previous verse, God began his curse on both the serpent and on Satan, who took the serpent’s form or body. In this verse, the curse is focused entirely on Satan. God promises to make enemies of Satan and the woman. In fact, their offspring—or “seed”—will remain enemies throughout all generations.
Eve’s offspring, of course, includes all of humanity, born one generation after another up to the present day.
But who is Satan’s offspring?
It’s unlikely this refers to actual biological children of the Devil. Satan’s offspring may include all of the fallen angels, demons, who will follow him. It definitely includes those humans who will come to believe and practice his lies.
Jesus, calling out the Jewish religious leaders in John 8:44, said this: “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
God’s final curse or oracle to the serpent was that the offspring of the woman will crush, or bruise, Satan’s head, and Satan would strike or bruise his heel. Many Bible scholars see this as a reference to Christ, the Son of God, and also the ultimate member of Eve’s offspring.
Satan would damage Christ, but He would have the ultimate victory on behalf of humanity. Those in Christ will celebrate the victory with Him for eternity.
The bottom line of God’s curse on Satan is this: He has been the enemy of humanity since the beginning. He can never be trusted. As Peter wrote, he continues to hunt and seek to devour humans to this very day (1 Peter 5:8), though he won’t be allowed to do so forever.
Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
This is the judgment upon woman. She cannot bring a child into the world without sorrow.
Isn’t it interesting that that should be true?
The very thing that brings joy into the life and continues the human family has to come through sorrow. God turns His attention to the woman.
Childbearing was to occur as a part of God’s plan prior to the fall ( Genesis 1: 28 ), but now the process of multiplying through childbearing will be accompanied by a multiplying of sorrow, referring primarily to the pain involved in giving birth.
Some suggest that a part of this sorrow includes the understanding that any child will enter a world greatly tainted by sin.
Who can foresee what aspects of the curse of sin lie ahead for a newborn baby as he or she matures?
Despite a parent’s best intentions, a child will experience the sorrows of life in a fallen world— and for some that sorrow will be especially tragic.
Another consequence for the woman is stated, one that affects the relationship between husband and wife: and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. This has been interpreted in various ways.
One idea is that it means she will still desire her husband in spite of the pain of childbirth, and that he will use that to dominate her in the relationship.
It seems better, however, to view this statement as a description of the tension, in the sense of a power struggle, that will characterize the relationship between a husband and a wife as a result of the fall.
The harmony and unity that was so eloquently expressed by Adam when the Lord brought the woman to him ( Genesis 2: 23 ) will now be a struggle to maintain. No man should interpret the language of this verse as a license to mistreat his wife.
He must honor God in the way he treats his spouse, a principle discussed by Paul, who uses Christ’s love for the church as a model ( Ephesians 5: 25 ).
In direct response to the serpent’s deception and Adam’s and Eve’s disobedience, God pronounces curses on each of them, as well as on the generations to follow. Here, God turns to the woman who was deceived and willfully ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
His oracle or curse for her has to do with her relationships and family life. Having children may bring her great joy, but bearing and giving birth to them would require severe pain. More children would always bring more pain.
The marriage relationship would now be strained instead of simply being the source of love, comfort, and belonging the woman would desire. It’s unclear exactly how the second part of the curse about husbands and wives should be read.
Scholars have offered various interpretations of this subtle Hebrew phrasing. Most interpret this to mean that the woman would desire to be in control of her husband, but he would be the master. Others see this as implying that the woman’s desire for her husband would be frustrated by his role as an authority in her life.
Male headship in the marriage relationship is not part of the curse and this idea is not implied here. On the contrary, God’s response to this incident proves that Adam’s role as leader and protector was intended before sin entered the world.
The New Testament makes clear that God’s design for human marriage, with husband as the self-sacrificing head, is meant to be a beautiful picture of Christ and the church. Paul even quotes Genesis 2:24 when he paints that picture in Ephesians 5:22–33.
Instead, it seems this curse involves conflict over the God-given marriage roles. Adam and Eve both failed to uphold God’s intended pattern of spiritual leadership, and it caused the greatest disaster in history.
This is especially felt in our individual lives as each spouse fails to live up to God’s design for selfless love and respect between husbands and wives.
And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee , saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life.
Now addressing the man, God makes Adam’s blame clear: he hast hearkened unto the voice of [his] wife rather than to God’s voice. Then the man’s punishment is pronounced: cursed is the ground for thy sake.
Like the woman, the man will experience his own version of sorrow; it will come in his efforts to bring forth food from the ground. God had placed the man in the Garden of Eden “to dress it and to keep it” ( Genesis 2: 15 ).
This task was intended to be a source of satisfaction as the man worked in harmony with his Creator. Now, however, such work will be much more of a drudgery or toil.
Thus the important tasks given for the man and the woman will still be done: children will to be born and crops will be harvested. But the struggle to carry out these duties will always be a reminder of the high price of disobeying God.
After pronouncing curses on the serpent/Satan in response to his deception and on Eve in response to her sinful choice, God now turns to Adam. Compared to the punishments given to Eve and the serpent, this curse is longer and more detailed.
Adam’s sin was not, simplistically speaking, that of listening to his wife. Taking godly counsel is always a good thing (Proverbs 15:22). Instead, Adam sinned by not standing up and speaking the truth to his wife when she invited him to participate in her sin.
And, judging by the description of Eve’s conversation with the serpent, for failing to protect and lead her as he should. God makes clear that Adam was independently responsible for his choice to eat from the tree. He wouldn’t be allowed to get away with passing the blame to her or anyone else.
As with Eve, Adam’s curse is one of hardship in doing the necessary work of life, in doing something that would otherwise have brought great joy and meaning to his existence.
Instead of easily producing crops as seeds were planted, as had been the case in the garden up to this point, the ground would be cursed. Adam will suffer great pain in getting the ground to yield edible crops in doing his daily work. And this curse will afflict him all the days of his life.
It’s interesting to notice that Eve’s curse involved pain and struggle in her family relationships, while Adam’s involves pain and frustration in his working life.
Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;
Thorns and thistles were not originally in the creation of God, this being a result of the curse, which is a result of the sin of man. This would not now grow freely, as originally intended, but only now with great care and great labor.
This verse continues God’s curse on Adam for his sin. Adam disobeyed the command not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. And, he failed to guide and protect His wife according to God’s original plan. This remark from God to Adam has to be read along with the previous two verses to be fully understood.
God has pronounced that Adam’s lifelong work of getting food from the ground would now bring him great pain and frustration.
The ground itself would be cursed. Part of that curse, revealed here, includes thorns and thistles coming up with the crops, making it more difficult to sustain and harvest them. Rather than the earth being a cooperative partner, it would now be an uncontrolled landscape.
However frustrating it becomes, though, Adam and all of his offspring would not be able to quit the work. They would need to eat the plants of the field in order to live, so the painful work must continue.
In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
This is the judgment upon man. Death now comes to man.
What is death?
Physical death is a separation of the person, the spirit, the soul, from the body. Ecclesiastes says: “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it” (Eccl. 12:7). Man ultimately must answer to God.
Whether he is saved or lost, he is going to have to answer to God. But Adam did not die physically the day that he ate. He did not die until more than nine hundred years later. The whole point is simply this: he died spiritually the moment he disobeyed; he was separated from God.
Death is separation. When Paul wrote to the Ephesians that they were “dead in trespasses and sins,” he did not mean that they were dead physically but that they were dead spiritually, separated from God.
In that wonderful parable of the prodigal son, our Lord told about this boy who ran away from his father. When he returned, the father said to the elder son, “For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found . . .” (Luke 15:24).
Yes, he was dead, not physically, but he was separated from the father. To be separated from the Father means simply that—it means death. The Lord Jesus said to Martha, “. . . I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (John 11:25).
Again, “dead” means death spiritually, that is, separation from God. Man died spiritually the moment he ate. That is the reason he ran away from God. That is the reason he sewed fig leaves for a covering.
This food will be obtained by hard labor. The life-source, which was formerly in God, is now in food, and which is woefully insufficient. The Power of God alone could keep the dust alive; that being gone, to dust man returns.
This verse concludes God’s curse on Adam for his sin, and it has a devastating ring of finality. In the previous two verses, God revealed that Adam’s working life in the fields would be marked by pain and frustration. The ground itself would be cursed, making it difficult to get the crops they would need to live.
Now God concludes by saying that instead of work being a joyful source of purpose and meaning in Adam’s life, it would be a lifelong source of necessary frustration. It would be hard and sweaty. And it would end in Adam’s eventual death.
God, who formed Adam out of the dust of the ground, announces that Adam will one day die and return to dust. Death would be the final consequence of Adam’s choice to sin, just as God had warned when giving the command.
It’s true that Adam did not stop breathing on the day he ate of the tree, but death entered into his life on that day. In modern language, we sometimes refer metaphorically to a person with a fatal injury or disease as “already dead.”
Adam’s heart may have continued to beat for many years, but the poison which killed him entered his body when he sinned.
In addition to being separated from God’s presence in a spiritual death, every day of Adam’s life from this moment on would be marked by an awareness that he would one day die.
That’s the curse all humans have lived under ever since. For those in Christ, though, the curse of death will be overcome (Ephesians 2:1-10).
I hope that you have really enjoyed this post,


"It must have been taken between 1904 (when she married and moved to Edgard) and 1918 when she moved back to Houma. "
Recently, there were two churches in Louisiana to have been destroyed by fire. A post from the LALGS indicated that the records of the Immaculate Conception Church may have been saved. The church is the oldest one in St. Landry Parish. The Diocese of Lafayette built it in 1836 however, it was established in 1756. The church records may have been saved from the fire by being stored in the rectory.
Here is link to an exterior shot of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church taken in 2006. And here is one of the interior. If you open the exterior shot in a new window you can compare the photos.
Newslink - Rising from the ashes


I have been thinking a lot about contentment lately. With all of the things that I have been going through, it just wants me to let things go and let them just be. Not worry about what I should wear, how much I should weigh, or constantly looking for the newest, greatest, thing. Just doing what makes me happy. I looked up the meaning of contentment and it says: the state of being contented; satisfaction; ease of mind. Synonyms of contentment are: gratified, pleased, happy.
I did some cross-referencing in the bible and I came up with a verse that I just want to meditate on James 4:2-3: You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
When I first read this, I just had to sit back and think about some of the things that I am doing and just think...why?
I am going to really take an inventory of my current choices and ask myself why? But most importantly, is this in God's will and plan for me. I worry about things and compare myself to other people, but why?
Once I reflect on things, I will post another Spiritual Sunday post with my discoveries. I encourage everyone of you to read over the verse and really think about your life. If there is something that you are constantly worrying about or not satisfied with, just be honest with yourself. And ask yourself why? If you want, post it below and the comments.
There is more to come on the topic of contentment!


6 edition of Suffering found in the catalog.
Richard J. Gilmartin
August 1984 by Affirmation Books .
|The Physical Object|
|Number of Pages||118|
North to adventure
Becketts Football Card Price Guide #14
Borehole data: Witwatersrand system
Ornamental Carpentry on Nineteenth Century American Homes
new study of Thomas Chatterton 2 and 3
Tracer kinetic studies of glucose and lactate metabolism in trained and untrained animals
Values in conflict
Development and Validation of a Localized Murine Candidiasis Model
Learning about lace.
The Reading needs of the hard of seeing
Catalogue of 160 lots of land, and 5 wharves, in the South Cove
Over the river & thro the woods
Recent developments in the theory of social structure
Third powerplant, Grand Coulee Dam.
It will come and find us. Sooner or later, suffering at a catastrophic level will wreck our lives. Paul Tripp understands that personally.
He also understands the gospel personally. His new book does not trivialize our sufferings with glib formulas. This wise book leads us deeper into the gospel of the cross and closer to the Man of Sorrows. Jul 17, · Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life Doesn't Make Sense [Paul David Tripp] on lowdowntracks4impact.com *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers.
“This book is a balm to the soul that you will pick up and not be able to put down. ―Ann Voskamp/5(). Jul 17, · Walking with God through Pain and Suffering is the definitive Christian book on why bad things happen and how we should respond to them.
The question of why there is pain and suffering in the world has confounded every generation; yet there has not been a major book from a Christian perspective exploring why they exist for many years. Walking with God through Pain and Suffering [Timothy Keller] on lowdowntracks4impact.com *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers.
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Prodigal Prophet Timothy Keller Suffering book the definitive Christian book on why bad things happen and how we should respond to them.
The question of why God would allow pain and suffering in the world has vexed believers and nonbelievers Cited by: 2. “The Suffering” is the perfect book for any young adult (or adult, for the matter) fan of horror, suspense, or Japanese folklore. While it is a companion to “The Girl from the Well”, please know that it /5.
Sep 08, · “The Suffering” is the perfect book for any young adult (or adult, for the matter) fan of horror, suspense, or Japanese folklore. While it is a companion to “The Girl from the Well”, please know that it can be read as a standalone.
All that you need to know is covered throughout the book in a way that doesn’t interrupt the flow/5. To reach from within the place of great suffering—and not to a means of escape, but to Jesus—is rare.
The multi-storied pages of this book tell of that kind of woman, one with a deep reach for the Jesus who moves through every single tear. Search the world's most comprehensive index of full-text books. My library. Suffering is often connected to the spiritual advancement through hardship, the mortification of the flesh, penance, compassion, the notion of destiny (salvation and damnation) and ultimately, the reign of good over evil.
In Christianity, the concept of suffering is related to the life, and death, of Jesus. Catholic Books on Suffering null. Free standard shipping (Contiguous U.S. only) will be automatically applied at checkout for subtotals of $75 or more after discount has been applied.
Oct 12, · W alking with God Through Pain and Suffering Timothy Keller (Dutton) $ This is a truly amazing book, perhaps one of the very best of its kind. Not unlike, say, Philip Yancey or Gerald Sittser, Keller draws on wide sources, but is rooted in robust.
While suffering is the chief theme of the book, a reason for suffering is not given. Instead, we are told that God is the highest law in the universe and that often his reasons are known only to him. We also learn that an invisible war is raging between the forces of good and evil. Satan sometimes inflicts suffering on human beings in that battle.
Mar 15, · Suffering will indeed come, but God can give us grace and power to overcome every trial and to fulfill our purpose and mission in His kingdom. The Bible gives counsel on the meaning of suffering and how we can best endure it. Read the list below of scriptures mentioning the suffering we all.
Prayer for a Suffering Church. Lord Jesus Christ, through your Incarnation you accepted a human nature and lived a real, human life. Setting aside the glory of your divinity, you met us face to face in the vulnerability of our humanity.
Any and all profits from the sale of this book will go to trusted charities that support the victims of sexual abuse. Letter to a Suffering Church: A Bishop Speaks on the Sexual Abuse Crisis "Bishop Barron's 'Letter to a Suffering Church' is the exhortation to stay and fight that many Catholics need." - Dr.
Chad Pecknold "Barron urges. The Suffering of God: An Old Testament Perspective is a book by Old Testament scholar Terence E. lowdowntracks4impact.com it appeared as number 14 in the Overtures to Biblical Theology series published by. It is certainly full of suffering. It’s a beautiful book about family and identity in its own right, but it is the nuanced, complicated, specific depictions of queer women in relationships that make this book so breathtaking.
Castillo’s depiction of a complicated relationship between two. The death of Liesel's brother causes her great suffering. It also seems to create empathy and prepares her to understand Max's suffering.
Chapter 7 Death. Every night, Liesel would nightmare. one still in a dream, the book thief, also known as Liesel Meminger could see [ ] that her younger brother, Werner, was now sideways and dead. His. “Dealing daily with quadriplegia and chronic pain (and having battled stage III cancer), I know something about suffering—and to be honest, there’s hardly a book on the subject I haven’t read.
But when Paul David Tripp offers his insights on our afflictions, that gets my attention. And this book does not disappoint. What do many religious teachers say about suffering. What does the Bible teach. 5 Pastors, priests, and religious teachers often say that it is God’s will that people suffer.
Some may say that everything that happens to a person, including tragedies, has already been decided by. James English Standard Version (ESV) Patience in Suffering.
7 Be patient, therefore, brothers,  until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
9 Do not grumble against one another. Walking with God through Pain and Suffering is the definitive Christian book on why bad things happen and how we should respond to them.
The question of why there is pain and suffering in the world has confounded every generation; yet there has not been a major book from a Christian perspective exploring why they exist for many years. The Suffering is a first and third-person shooter video game, developed by Surreal Software for PlayStation 2, Xbox and Microsoft lowdowntracks4impact.com game was published by Midway Games for PlayStation 2 and Xbox.
The PC version was published by Encore in North America and by Zoo Digital Publishing in Europe. In North America, the game was released for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in March, and for Developer(s): Surreal Software. Aug 05, · Here is the Consuela's Archive unlocked.
I tried to make a combination of the Consuela's Journal with the game to make it more enjoyable. There was a. Suffering. The experience of physical pain and/or mental distress. The words and phrases in the Bible expressing this concept are too numerous to list. The Old Testament, intertestamental literature, and the New Testament present two perspectives on human suffering.
On the one hand, suffering is the consequence of the flawed nature of creation. ThriftBooks sells millions of used books at the lowest everyday prices. We personally assess every book's quality and offer rare, out-of-print treasures.
We deliver the joy of reading in % recyclable packaging with free standard shipping on US orders over $ Oct 28, · 50+ videos Play all Mix - CRYPTOPSY - The Book of Suffering (Tome 1) YouTube Cattle Decapitation The Anthropocene Extinction Full Album - Duration: Death Metalviews.
***I received an electronic copy of "Letter to a Suffering Church" in exchange for an honest review.*** When I saw the marketing email last Monday from Word on Fire advertising the new book Letter to a Suffering Church - a book about the sex abuse crisis plaguing every level of the Church - I stopped.
Whether or not you re suffering today, read this book and prepare yourself for the days ahead." - Dave Furman, Senior Pastor, Redeemer Church of Dubai; author, Kiss the Wave and Being There "Paul Tripp always writes with honesty, authenticity, and gospel sanity.
But in his new book, Paul gifts us with a vulnerability that is rare, freeing, and /5(9). Suffering and The Book of Job The concepts of suffering addressed in "The Book of Job" have no relevance to the ideas of suffering expressed in eastern religions such as Buddhism and Jainism.
In fact, for Buddhists, the cause of suffering was discovered some 2, years ago by a prince from India named Sidhartha Gautama. The end result is that The Suffering is terrifying on every level and delivers a relentless litany of scares.
Readers might want to think twice about reading this book late at night because you will have the most bizarre nightmares.5/5. Apr 01, · If God is so good, why is this world filled with suffering and death.
The answer is plainly described in Genesis 1–3. God created a “very good” world, but Adam’s rebellion brought a curse and death. The disease and death in the fossil record reflect this curse. Jan 13, · In his book Man’s Search for Meaning, Suffering in general, as well as specific to chronic pain, is a function of imbalances in physical, mental, emotional, and/or spiritual functioning.
the book is not totally on the man Job and his suffering, though he and his suffering are certainly central, but also on God Himself and His relationship to His supreme creation. Job therefore is a book dealing with human suffering,6 even though the suffering of the innocent7 does not encompass the author’s entire purpose.
book answers one of the greatest needs of our times—to affirm the sovereignty of God and to ponder the meaning of human suffering. We need this book. ALBERT MOHLER, JR. President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, Kentucky For all who don’t live a charmed life, for all who have given themselves.
Oct 27, · The Antidote to Suffering is the first book to explore the pervasiveness of suffering in our healthcare system, and to provide the strategies and tools to: * Identify and measure suffering throughout your organization * Create a system in which every clinical response is informed by compassionBrand: McGraw-Hill Education.
Reflections on Suffering from the Book of Job Job is truly a wisdom book. The basic concept of wisdom has always been connected with skill and "know-how,"15 for "wisdom was the art of achieving," and the "emphasis was on.
This Republic of Suffering has received a great deal of attention, which it clearly deserves. If you read only one book on the Civil War this year, make it this one. Originally published in the June issue of American History. To subscribe, click here. Paul’s Suffering (Acts ) Bible Commentary / Produced by TOW Project Paul needs every ounce of courage because of the heavy sufferings he knows his work will bring.
“The Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and persecutions are waiting for me,” (Acts ) he says. Leadership in a broken world entails.
Sacred Scripture is a great book about suffering. Let us quote from the books of the Old Testament a few examples of situations which bear the signs of suffering, and above all moral suffering: the danger of death(5), the death of one's own children(6) and, especially, the death of the firstborn and only son(7); and then too: the lack of.
Apr 08, · What Suffering Does. By David Brooks. April 7, ; Over the past few weeks, I’ve found myself in a bunch of conversations in which the unspoken assumption was .Complete summary of Dorothee Solle's Suffering.
eNotes plot summaries cover all the significant action of Suffering. lowdowntracks4impact.com will help you with any book or any question. Our summaries and.Nov 17, · Suffering from bad knees, some look for alternatives to surgery “It was, all and all, a lengthy process,” said Bedard, who has written an e-book about his successful effort to fix his Author: Sally Squires.


The Advent season has traditionally been the season for preparations for Christmas. As the days grow shorter and darker, we begin to light the candles in our homes to guide our way towards this warm, light-filled festival. In many homes there will be an Advent wreath decorated with four candles representing the four Sundays of Advent. It is a season of sharing where family members join for baking and wrapping gifts, candlelight, and singing. It is a magic time full of secrets and treasures. To mark the beginning of Advent, each year we create the Advent Garden for our preschool and kindergarten children and their families in the Great Hall. The children are led one by one into the pathway of a spiral garden lit by candlelight and decorated with stars and crystals. Each child walks into the spiral to light his/her own candle from the center candle.Please see your class teacher for details and schedule.


Today is -
EASTER SERVICES HOLY WEEK REFLECTIONS Monday 10th - Wednesday 12th April, 8pm at the Good Shepherd
MAUNDY THURSDAY Holy Communion
Thursday 13th April, 8pm at St. Peterís Church GOOD FRIDAY FAMILY ACTIVITIES See panel below.
2 - 3pm at St. Peterís Church
9am at St. Peterís
10.30am at the Good Shepherd
Today is -
Making a meal of it…
Have you ever noticed how much time Jesus spent eating and drinking with others? This Lent we want to do the same.
6 - 7.30pm at St. Peter's Sunday 5th March to Sunday 9th April
Every Sunday evening in Lent we'll be hosting a simple meal of soup, bread and cheese, at St. Peter's Church. After the meal, there will be a an informal discussion about an Easter theme - prompted by discussion questions on the tables. The evening will draw to a close with ‘Night Prayer’.
If you'd like to come, you can sign up each week, or you can email bridget:
We're a growing Anglican church in Lee, South East London.
We have two congregations, one at the Good Shepherd on Handen Road, and one at St. Peter's on Eltham Road.
Our two churches are seeking to be thriving churches at the heart of our local community, where all are welcome, and all have the opportunity to grow in faith.
Whether you're new to church, new to the area, or wanting to try church again, you're welcome to join us on Sundays, 9:00am at St. Peter's and 10:30am at the Good Shepherd.
To find out more about our services
An Inclusive Church
The Good Shepherd and St. Peter's are part of the Inclusive Church network, which means we believe in inclusive Church - church which does not discriminate, on any level, on grounds of economic power, gender, mental health, physical ability, race or sexuality. We believe in a Church which welcomes and serves all people in the name of Jesus Christ; which is scripturally faithful; which seeks to proclaim the Gospel afresh for each generation; and which, in the power of the Holy Spirit, allows all people to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Jesus Christ. Click here for more about the ‘Inclusive Church Network’
What is Christianity? ††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††
What do Christians believe?
If you'd like to know more about the Christian faith, then contact us to find out when our next Alpha Course starts, or take a look at www.christianity.org.uk


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Our Guest for this Episode
Get to know Bob Johnson:
From 2003 to 2018, Bob served as the Executive Pastor at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, a church of over 7,000 members and 11 weekend worship services in Houston, TX. Prior to that appointment, he served for 7 ½ years as the Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church of Mineola, TX. He retired at the end of 2018.
Bob was born and reared near Boston, Massachusetts. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Lowell Technological Institute (now the University of Massachusetts at Lowell) and was employed for 12 years by the DuPont Company, first in Gibbstown, New Jersey, and later in Beaumont, Texas. Bob believes his experience in the secular work world proved to be a real asset in his ministry. Prior to entering the ordained ministry, he served in various capacities in lay ministry, including Sunday School teacher, youth counselor, evangelism work area chair, finance committee member, and lay leader.
In 1987, Bob responded to the call to ordained ministry and was appointed as a student pastor to the Edom/Sexton Chapel charge in the Tyler district of the Texas Annual Conference while he attended seminary at Perkins School of Theology at SMU. After graduating with high honors with a Master of Divinity degree in 1991, Bob was appointed to serve Payne Springs UM church in the Palestine district followed by his first appointment to Chapelwood UMC in Houston in 1993. After 3 years as the Minister of Discipleship and Singles at Chapelwood, where he and lay colleague Marilyn Brown developed the curriculum “Discover Your S.H.A.P.E. for Ministry and Life,” he was appointed in 1996 to be the Senior Pastor at First United Methodist in Mineola. While there, church attendance increased from 160 to nearly 300 as the church expanded to a second campus. In late 2003, Bob was reappointed to be the first Executive Pastor at Chapelwood where he remained until his retirement.
In 2012, Bob became frustrated that he lacked a sufficient answer to the question, “What is the gospel?” Despite being in ordained ministry for 25 years by that point, he realized that the usual answers to the question about the Good News did not take adequate account of the Old Testament, which comprised two thirds of the Bible. During a sabbatical that year, he began work to answer his own question. That work led to teaching, and then writing and publishing, The Genesis Project: The WHY of Discipleship.
Bob continues to serve on the Texas Annual Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, a position he has held for over a dozen years. In that capacity, he has led several peer learning groups and served as the Psychological Officer. He also served as the chair of the Central South District Clergy Excellence Team and as a member of the District Leadership Team. In retirement, Bob remains a coach for the Vibrant Church Initiative of the Texas Annual Conference and is an adjunct discipleship coach with Ascending Leaders. He also continues to coach individual churches and leaders and conducts teaching workshops and revivals.
Bob is married to Susan, and they have three married adult children; Michelle, Lauren, and Eric, and four delightful grandchildren, Ella, Claire, Ruthie, and Calvin. Susan is a retired elementary school teacher who loves to volunteer and do community service.


Liquid Control Corp.
acquired by Graco
Graco Inc., of Minneapolis, MN, USA, has purchased the stock of Liquid Control Corp. and affiliated company Profill Corp., of North Canton, OH. The acquisition includes Liquid Corp. subsidiaries Decker Industr… Read More »
LIQUID CONTROL CORP., North Canton, OH, USA — Kenneth A. Jacobs has been named president of this Graco subsidiary. He will also preside over affiliated companies Decker Industries, Palm City, FL; Liquid Control, Ltd., Wellingborough, UK;… Read More »
We just finished reading Psalm 46 the other Sunday morning in church. Our pastor had begun his sermon and I was urging myself to listen. But something from Psalm 46 kept tugging at me. I couldn’t concentrate. I kept thinking of verse 7, which r… Read More »


A platform for change
When you start with a desire to learn, to grow, to do better, there’s no place to go but up. Find out more.
Howard is facilitating Managing Abrasive Behavior at the Daystar Center in Chicago, IL.
June 27, 2015
Howard is presenting at the Apostolic Church of God’s Annual Career Conference in Chicago, IL.
July 13-18, 2015
Howard is presenting at Fielding Graduate University’s All-Schools National Session in Chicago, IL..
November 19-21, 2015
Howard is presenting at the European Mentoring and Coaching Council’s Annual Conference in Istanbul, Turkey.


Dwight Peck's personal website
Two weeks in Piemonte and Tuscany
in northwest Italy's worst weather in yonks
You may not find this terribly rewarding unless you're included here, so this is a good time for casual and random browsers to turn back before they get too caught up in the sweep and majesty of the proceedings and can't let go.
We wanted to visit Lucca and environs, and did so, but now our time is running out
Lucca 5: Basilica di San Frediano
All week we've been pacing back and forth in front of the Basilica of San Frediano, between our flat at the northern end of the walled city and the free carpark outside the walls, so now we'll have a look at it.
San Frediano, or Fridianus if you prefer, or even Frigianu, was said to have been an Irish "prince" from Ulster who wandered down to the hills above Lucca to live the life of a hermit. In about 560, however, Pope John II talked him into becoming the Bishop of Lucca, and he built a church on this spot dedicated to St Vincent at first, but later, when he was buried here, to himself.
The church was expanded into a Roman-style basilica in the years 1112-1147, but this fabulous Byzantine-style gold mosaic, representing Christ's ascension in an almond-shaped vehicle, was evidently made by Berlinghiero of Lucca in the 1230s. We're told that the Madonna was mixing with the apostles, there in the centre, but when that lancet window needed to be put in, she had to go.
The nave with two side aisles, with a wonderful Romanesque simplicity, with arches supported by columns ripped off from the Roman amphitheatre down the street.
Just inside the door on the right, this is the 12th century Romanesque baptismal font and, behind Kristin, the chapel of St Zita of Lucca (1218-1278, or 1212-1272, pick one), patron saint of domestic servants, with her peaceful mummy therein. As a lifelong maid in the brutal Fatinelli household, she was always smiling and gave things to the poor, so following approximately 150 miracles after her death she was venerated throughout Europe and became a saint in 1696.
A side chapel just inside the front door on the left, with a baptismal font
The raised presbytery and altar, the ambo or pulpit on the right
In the Trenta chapel, the Roman sarcophagus of St Richard the Pilgrim, called the 'King of Wessex', who died in Lucca in 722 on a pilgrimage to Rome. He happened also to be the father of at least three additional Anglo-Saxon saints. He was probably venerated, too.
Also in the Trenta family chapel, Jacopo della Quercia made these fine slab tombs of the merchant Lorenzo Trenta and his wife, Isabetta Onesti, in about 1416. It was he who had, in 1406, made the beautiful tomb of Ilaria, young wife of Paolo Guinigi, in the Cathedral of Lucca.
Something else interesting, I can't recall what
The raised prebytery and the altar (under which, by the way, St Frediano enjoys his eternal nap)
One of St Fridianus's many saintifying miracles was rerouting the course of the River Serchio, which was frequently flooding and discomfitting the citizens. He took a rake (see above) and commanded the river to follow where he indicated with the rake, and supposedly it did. This fresco by Amico Aspertini, ca. 1509, however, in the Chapel of the Cross, makes the job look a lot more complicated than that.
I have no notes on what this is, but it's very nice.
Kristin and St Fred's Basilica
Once again, the 12th century baptismal font, with a tempietto (or tiny temple) on pillars, inside the basin. The story of Moses decorates the basin. A gentleman named Master Roberto has signed the whole work. The terra cotta Annunciation in Zita's lunette above the font is one of two either by Andrea della Robbia or by someone from the family studio.
Another font, this still in use, was carved in 1489 from an altar by Lucca's Matteo Civitali.
The huge belltower or campanile, with more and more windows as you go up, alongside the apse at the back of the church
San Frediano's apse and campanile -- apparently the tower was originally connected to the entrance, as would be expected, but the church had to be re-oriented back-to-front during the 12th century renovations and additions because the circle of city walls that was being built at the same time cut too closely across the then entrance.
The platform covering the San Frediano footpath to the northern suburbs (and our free carpark), with the campanile behind
A stretching-the-legs sort of scenic drive northward up the Garfagnana valley towards the headwaters of the River Serchio -- the mountainous valley, and its principal towns like Barga and Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, were incorporated into the Republic of Lucca in the mid-13th century, but it was subsequently owned by the Este family of Ferrara and eventually by the Duchy of Modena.
This is the Magdalene Bridge (Ponte della Maddalene, from a statue in the church) crossing the Serchio in Borgo a Mozzano -- also called the Devil's Bridge, because (like nearly every other old bridge in the world) the builder got the Devil to build it for him in return for the first soul to cross it when it was finished, and he tricked Old Nick by sending a dog across before any humans came along.
Back from the Garfagnana in the afternoon
The Platform of San Frediano
The Sortita (or Exit) of San Frediano
The Osteria Baralla -- we're sorry to be leaving
A final trek out through the city walls to the carpark. Whilst here, we've been able to visit Lucca, Pistoia, San Gimignano, Volterra, and Prato; next stop, Sillavengo!
Bibliographic note: the best book I've seen in English on what may have been Lucca's height in the earlier part of the 14th century is Louis Green, Castruccio Castracani: a study on the origins and character of a fourteenth-century Italian despotism (Oxford, 1986) and on the dire later 14th century is Christine Meek, Lucca 1369-1400: politics and society in an early Renaissance city-state (Oxford, 1978).
and suggestions are welcome if positive, resented if negative, .
All rights reserved, all wrongs avenged. Posted 14 January 2015.


Who we are: Black Church Ministries is a fellowship of more than 30 churches that are member churches of the ABCOFLASH region. Following leadership changes in the last several years, this ministry within the ABCOFLASH region was dormant for 15 years. Under the new leadership of Rev. Andy Quient, Executive Minister, and Dr. Tahlib McMicheaux, Regional Resource Minister for Black Church Ministries, we have formed a new board to address the needs of the Black churches within our region.
What we do: The Black Church Ministries aims to assist pastors and churches in growing, developing, and expanding their ministry base within their cultural context. We have various programs planned to support church ministry – leadership, Sunday school, and discipleship training, and we plan to have retreats for pastors and a Juneteenth Celebration.
Where God is leading us: We seek to initiate a new and renewed relationship with the Black churches in our region. We pray that you will join us as we seek to strengthen the relationship with ABCOFLASH.
We also will have Monthly Zoom Meetings at 12 Noon. The dates are below. Click on the date to join the meeting.
To connect to Zoom meetings by phone dial 1-669-900-9128. The Meeting ID is 81438442041 and the passcode is 202404
Postponed…Rescheduling information will be coming soon.


I am a Christian. I am a Mormon. "I know it. I live it. I love it!"
My faith has everything to do with who I am and what I do. I am so thankful for Jesus Christ. I am thankful for what His gospel has done for me and my family.
I loved this quote by George Albert Smith that I heard in church today:
Live in such a way, in love and kindness, that peace and prayer and thanksgiving will be in your homes together. Do not let your homes just be a place to hang your hats at night and get your meals and then run off some place else. But let your homes be the abiding place of the Spirit of the Lord.


Dr. Cedric Maddox
Cedric is not only a pastor in the York Baptist Association, he is a gifted leader and influencer. Cedric received his Ph. D. in Leadership from Carolina University. He is an expert in using theological and philosophical principles to effectively lead, instruct, and coach organizations to improve teamwork effectiveness and enhance organizational communication. The Y.B.A. has provided several opportunities through partnering with Cedric to help develop pastors. Click the link below to learn more.
These four-month leadership cohorts are designed to bring pastors together to not only learn, but to learn from one another. Please click the link and contact Cedric to take advantage of these opportunities.
Understanding the Leader
This cohort is designed for the pastor to better understand themselves and their personal leadership style.
This cohort is designed to refresh the pastor in the principles of leadership, and to realign their perspective to what God has called them to do.
Change: The Challenge for Every Leader
This cohort is designed to equip the leader with the tenants of how to lead the organization through change and maintain self-awareness to prevent burnout.
These six-month leadership tracks are designed as a more personal coaching opportunity for the pastor. Please click the link and contact Cedric to take advantage of these opportunities.


Love, Again and Again
I wasn’t one of those girls who had dreams about a fairy tale wedding and a white picket fence when I was young. I just never thought about settling down, getting married and having kids. How quickly that all changed when I met “the one”. My whole attitude about life, in general, changed. I wanted to be with this man forever. I wanted to procreate with him and spend the rest of our lives together. I still do, and I always will.
Sometimes it’s great to just sit and remember these moments, reflect every so often on the “why“. Dig back to our roots and recall the easy love times. The kind of love where nothing else mattered, there were no responsibilities together, everything was a piece of cake because love blinded us. Now it takes two of us, and we can love the same way we did those some-odd years ago when we first fell in love. Simply bring that memory back into reality and groove on.
It’s hard not to say things to him like “You complete me.” and “You’re my other half.”, because as corny as it is, it’s true. No, I don’t say those things to him, really. We have our own ways. Besides, there are so many other ways he completes me. As we grow old together, there are many things we do each day that couples often do. We finish each other’s sentences. We know what the other is going to say before they speak. We laugh at each other’s jokes, hokey or not. We laugh together and cry together. There is no one in this world that completes me better.
We have two tiny reasons why we continue falling in love over and over again. It’s almost unbearable sometimes to see these little creations, made out of pure love. It makes our hearts want to burst! What an amazingly beautiful wonder God has allowed us to witness. For this, we are always grateful. The love we have been given is so wonderful. We all remind each other time and again. We know they feel it too.