Don't 'cha just love "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star?" To most of us, it is so familiar, something we have known since the time we were very young.
I love to camp with my family and one of my favorite things to do is to sit by the campfire at night and stare up into that dark sky and admire all of those twinkling stars staring back at us. Unfortunately, I don't see much of them during the rest of the year, as we don't really think about going outside to stargaze much. Either that - or when we do go out, we are eaten up by the mosquitoes around our house! (LOL)
The English lyrics by Jane Taylor (1793-1824) were first published with the title "The Star" in Rhymes for the Nursery in London in 1806. There are five verses, but most people only know the first one:
Twinkle, twinkle, little star, How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high, Like a diamond in the sky!
When the blazing sun is gone, When He nothing shines upon,
Then you show your little light, Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.
Then the traveller in the dark, Thanks you for your tiny spark,
He could not see which way to go, If you did not twinkle so.
In the dark blue sky you keep, And often through my curtains peep,
For you never shut your eye, Till the sun is in the sky.
As your bright and tiny spark, Lights the traveller in the dark,—
Though I know not what you are, Twinkle, twinkle, little star.
Isn't the 3rd line most interesting? "When the blazing sun is gone, When He nothing shines upon"... it made me stop and think... does that line mean "when HE (God) shines nothing" after the sun has gone? Or is it talking about the 'traveler in the dark' not being shined upon... or could it be BOTH, perhaps? Hum, food for thought...
Friday, July 17, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Perspective...
Someone said to me today, "...it's all about your perspective..."
And I thought, huh really, so exactly what does that mean? Perspective...in today's world.
So, I decided to look up what "perspective" meant... here were the basic definations:
A view or vista.
A mental view or outlook: “It is useful occasionally to look at the past to gain a perspective on the present” (Fabian Linden).
Okay - look to the past to gain a perspective on the present. That sounds reasonable. Again, I asked myself, so just how does that apply to us here in today's world... Quite honestly, from the way things are going lately in Washington, Hollywood, and the average American's lifestyle, I'd say we actually LACK perspective. Why? Well, when I think about it, I don't see much 'looking at the past to gain perspective on the present' do you?
I mean, seriously, in Washington I have yet to really hear "Wow, look at (this president, administration, ecomonic depression, etc.) did (this thing) and here's how we can learn from them and move forward carefully sidestepping what was done before AND/OR better than that even, "This is what (that president, administration, economic depression) did and how it worked for them - so let's duplicate that part of what they did right." Nope, all I hear is, "Well, they were of this particular party, so we certainly can't admit they did anything right".
As the 'ol saying goes, "History repeats itself". And do you know why it does? History repeats itself because no one was listening the first time". Ouch. We tend to think our ideas are new, fresh, or that THIS TIME it will be different, because it's us, we are in control - I mean really now -don't we?
Instead of Hollywood learning from so many stars that have gone before them - that have crashed and burned - either through drug use, burn out, anexoria, pressure, corruption, divorce or just pick another situation, a deaf ear is turned and Hollywood continues marching on to their own drum beat of selffishness, pride, greed, lust, disgust and mistrust. Tell me I am wrong. After all, one just needs to turn on the tv for 5 minutes to prove my point. Wow.
And what about the average American? The one who is up to their eyeballs in high mortgage payments because they overextended themselves on a house that was "not only huge, but a good buy" at the time - and after all, they could afford it because their job was safe, secure and paid great... not to mention our maxed out credit cards spent on...what? Can't remember...well, that's all right, we had fun, didn't we? And that's what it is all about, FUN, right? Besides - it was cool, there was money, for all of the 'stuff' right?
Sigh. How do we get so off course when the voices of our past - yes, our perspective - are screaming loudly throughout the pages of time and history? The recent unrest in Iran is bringing back memories for those who were there for the chaos 30-years ago, a time that changed Iran's history. People need to be alerted to the probability that if society ignores the past, someone will get hurt.
For example, an examination of the famous 1929 Stock Market crash shows that the conditions and the depression are similar to those of today. However, time represses painful memories and allows historians and others to distort the truth and act as if the 1920s never happened and the depression was an aberration. In today's world, very few Americans remember the depression or for that matter care. EXCEPT when it starts to affect their pocketbook. But, then again - the government will assist us, right? (Will we ever learn!!??)
What about Hitler and the oppression of the Jews? No one would have dreamed such a nightmare could have happened before - and many don't believe it could ever happen again. We need to be watchful. So many countries hate the America's with a passion, and although I am all for diplomacty, sometimes more is needed.. We are foolish to think that if we play nice - so will the rest of the world. It would be wonderful if that was the case, but unfortunately it just is not the way human nature is. And we would be ignorant to think so. And it is even more ridiculous to believe (like some are now claiming) that the Holocost never even happened! (are you kidding me!?)
Then couple all of these things with the fact that we have removed God from just about every American business, our government, schools, most recently our currency, and sadly our family life - and even some churches. So where does that leave us?
Singer, Carman, has a song that sums it up well, "We need God in America again":
Here is a link to a video of the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW_l55MTpqI
Here are the lyrics:
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson Samuel Adams, First Chief Justice John Jay -
Names synonymous with the spirit of our country, Founding fathers of the U.S.A. Over 200 years ago they shook off the chains of tyranny from Great Britain by divine call. Citing 27 biblical violations they wrote the Declaration of Independence With liberty and justice for all.
But something happened since Jefferson called the 'Bible' the cornerstone for American liberty then put it in our schools as a light, or since "Give me liberty or give me death...", Patrick Henry said, "...Our country was founded on the Gospel of Jesus Christ."
We eliminated God from the equation of American life, thus eliminating the reason this nation first began. From beyond the grave I hear the voices of our founding fathers plead, "You need God in America again!"
Of the 55 men who formed the Constitution, Fifty-two were active members of their church. Founding fathers like, Noah Webster, who wrote the first dictionary - could literally quote the Bible chapter and verse. James Madison said, "We've staked our future on our ability to follow The Ten Commandments with all our heart..." These men believed you couldn't even call yourself an American - If you subvert the Word of God.
In his farewell address, Washington said, "You can't have National morality apart from religious principle," and it's true. 'Cause right now we have nearly 150,000 kids carrying guns to these war zones we call 'public schools'. In the '40's and '50's student problems were chewing gum and talking - In the '90's, rape and murder are the trend. The only way this nation can even hope to last this decade is to put God in America again!
The only hope for America is Jesus, the only hope for America is him, If we repent of our ways stand firm, and say, "We need God in America again!"
Abe Lincoln said, "The philosophy of the schoolroom in one generation, will be the philosophy of the government of the next" So when you eliminate the Word of God from the classroom and politics, you eliminate the nation that Word protects.
America is now number one in teen pregnancy and violent crime, number one in illiteracy, drug use, and divorce. Every day, a new holocaust of 5,000 unborn die, while pornography floods our streets like open sewers. It's time to send the alarm from the Church house to The White House And say, "We want God in America again."
My prayer is that we will hear the voices of the history and have true perspective. A biblical perspective like our HEAVENLY FATHER and our earthly founding father's intended.
Your thoughts welcomed and encouraged.
May God Bless America!
And I thought, huh really, so exactly what does that mean? Perspective...in today's world.
So, I decided to look up what "perspective" meant... here were the basic definations:
A view or vista.
A mental view or outlook: “It is useful occasionally to look at the past to gain a perspective on the present” (Fabian Linden).
Okay - look to the past to gain a perspective on the present. That sounds reasonable. Again, I asked myself, so just how does that apply to us here in today's world... Quite honestly, from the way things are going lately in Washington, Hollywood, and the average American's lifestyle, I'd say we actually LACK perspective. Why? Well, when I think about it, I don't see much 'looking at the past to gain perspective on the present' do you?
I mean, seriously, in Washington I have yet to really hear "Wow, look at (this president, administration, ecomonic depression, etc.) did (this thing) and here's how we can learn from them and move forward carefully sidestepping what was done before AND/OR better than that even, "This is what (that president, administration, economic depression) did and how it worked for them - so let's duplicate that part of what they did right." Nope, all I hear is, "Well, they were of this particular party, so we certainly can't admit they did anything right".
As the 'ol saying goes, "History repeats itself". And do you know why it does? History repeats itself because no one was listening the first time". Ouch. We tend to think our ideas are new, fresh, or that THIS TIME it will be different, because it's us, we are in control - I mean really now -don't we?
Instead of Hollywood learning from so many stars that have gone before them - that have crashed and burned - either through drug use, burn out, anexoria, pressure, corruption, divorce or just pick another situation, a deaf ear is turned and Hollywood continues marching on to their own drum beat of selffishness, pride, greed, lust, disgust and mistrust. Tell me I am wrong. After all, one just needs to turn on the tv for 5 minutes to prove my point. Wow.
And what about the average American? The one who is up to their eyeballs in high mortgage payments because they overextended themselves on a house that was "not only huge, but a good buy" at the time - and after all, they could afford it because their job was safe, secure and paid great... not to mention our maxed out credit cards spent on...what? Can't remember...well, that's all right, we had fun, didn't we? And that's what it is all about, FUN, right? Besides - it was cool, there was money, for all of the 'stuff' right?
Sigh. How do we get so off course when the voices of our past - yes, our perspective - are screaming loudly throughout the pages of time and history? The recent unrest in Iran is bringing back memories for those who were there for the chaos 30-years ago, a time that changed Iran's history. People need to be alerted to the probability that if society ignores the past, someone will get hurt.
For example, an examination of the famous 1929 Stock Market crash shows that the conditions and the depression are similar to those of today. However, time represses painful memories and allows historians and others to distort the truth and act as if the 1920s never happened and the depression was an aberration. In today's world, very few Americans remember the depression or for that matter care. EXCEPT when it starts to affect their pocketbook. But, then again - the government will assist us, right? (Will we ever learn!!??)
What about Hitler and the oppression of the Jews? No one would have dreamed such a nightmare could have happened before - and many don't believe it could ever happen again. We need to be watchful. So many countries hate the America's with a passion, and although I am all for diplomacty, sometimes more is needed.. We are foolish to think that if we play nice - so will the rest of the world. It would be wonderful if that was the case, but unfortunately it just is not the way human nature is. And we would be ignorant to think so. And it is even more ridiculous to believe (like some are now claiming) that the Holocost never even happened! (are you kidding me!?)
Then couple all of these things with the fact that we have removed God from just about every American business, our government, schools, most recently our currency, and sadly our family life - and even some churches. So where does that leave us?
Singer, Carman, has a song that sums it up well, "We need God in America again":
Here is a link to a video of the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW_l55MTpqI
Here are the lyrics:
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson Samuel Adams, First Chief Justice John Jay -
Names synonymous with the spirit of our country, Founding fathers of the U.S.A. Over 200 years ago they shook off the chains of tyranny from Great Britain by divine call. Citing 27 biblical violations they wrote the Declaration of Independence With liberty and justice for all.
But something happened since Jefferson called the 'Bible' the cornerstone for American liberty then put it in our schools as a light, or since "Give me liberty or give me death...", Patrick Henry said, "...Our country was founded on the Gospel of Jesus Christ."
We eliminated God from the equation of American life, thus eliminating the reason this nation first began. From beyond the grave I hear the voices of our founding fathers plead, "You need God in America again!"
Of the 55 men who formed the Constitution, Fifty-two were active members of their church. Founding fathers like, Noah Webster, who wrote the first dictionary - could literally quote the Bible chapter and verse. James Madison said, "We've staked our future on our ability to follow The Ten Commandments with all our heart..." These men believed you couldn't even call yourself an American - If you subvert the Word of God.
In his farewell address, Washington said, "You can't have National morality apart from religious principle," and it's true. 'Cause right now we have nearly 150,000 kids carrying guns to these war zones we call 'public schools'. In the '40's and '50's student problems were chewing gum and talking - In the '90's, rape and murder are the trend. The only way this nation can even hope to last this decade is to put God in America again!
The only hope for America is Jesus, the only hope for America is him, If we repent of our ways stand firm, and say, "We need God in America again!"
Abe Lincoln said, "The philosophy of the schoolroom in one generation, will be the philosophy of the government of the next" So when you eliminate the Word of God from the classroom and politics, you eliminate the nation that Word protects.
America is now number one in teen pregnancy and violent crime, number one in illiteracy, drug use, and divorce. Every day, a new holocaust of 5,000 unborn die, while pornography floods our streets like open sewers. It's time to send the alarm from the Church house to The White House And say, "We want God in America again."
My prayer is that we will hear the voices of the history and have true perspective. A biblical perspective like our HEAVENLY FATHER and our earthly founding father's intended.
Your thoughts welcomed and encouraged.
May God Bless America!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The best parts of life are the little ones - all added up
Have you ever sat and reflected upon the best parts your life? I mean really reflected.
Using a 'looking glass', as they used to say in the old days when referencing a mirror. And when you peer into that perverbial looking glass, what do you think of? Do you think back to the lunch you had today with a friend or maybe the date you had last night? Perhaps your mind wanders back to a vacation and all of the fun had with family and friends.
It may be thoughts of your wedding, the birth of your children, or some other special life event that brings you joy in remembrance. Does a loved one who passed away come to mind and all of the special memories soon flood your senses? Do you find yourself smiling when you think of all the holidays spent with those you hold dear, laughing together around a decorated table full of bounty, remembering the dinner rolls that got burned without fail - which soon became family tradition?
The children laughing, the anticipation, and most of all, the love... yes, that awe inspiring emotion that drives each one of us and ultimately gets us through whatever we may be facing until we reach the next little one of life, which we quickly add to our special collection. Very similar to what a child does when adding treasured seashells into their bucket at the seashore. What would we ever do without it?
God is love - so scripture says. And I am so glad He cares enough to share His love with us, His creation, so we would not only enjoy it ourselves - but pass it along to others on our journey. Yes, the best parts of life are truly 'the little ones all added up.' Wouldn't you agree?
So just what are some of the 'little ones' that you treasure?
Using a 'looking glass', as they used to say in the old days when referencing a mirror. And when you peer into that perverbial looking glass, what do you think of? Do you think back to the lunch you had today with a friend or maybe the date you had last night? Perhaps your mind wanders back to a vacation and all of the fun had with family and friends.
It may be thoughts of your wedding, the birth of your children, or some other special life event that brings you joy in remembrance. Does a loved one who passed away come to mind and all of the special memories soon flood your senses? Do you find yourself smiling when you think of all the holidays spent with those you hold dear, laughing together around a decorated table full of bounty, remembering the dinner rolls that got burned without fail - which soon became family tradition?
The children laughing, the anticipation, and most of all, the love... yes, that awe inspiring emotion that drives each one of us and ultimately gets us through whatever we may be facing until we reach the next little one of life, which we quickly add to our special collection. Very similar to what a child does when adding treasured seashells into their bucket at the seashore. What would we ever do without it?
God is love - so scripture says. And I am so glad He cares enough to share His love with us, His creation, so we would not only enjoy it ourselves - but pass it along to others on our journey. Yes, the best parts of life are truly 'the little ones all added up.' Wouldn't you agree?
So just what are some of the 'little ones' that you treasure?
Monday, July 6, 2009
When is Enough...Enough?
Have you ever sat and contemplated that? Exactly WHEN is enough... enough?
Enough of what, you may be thinking? Enough of self. Do you ever get so sick of yourself that you can't stand it?
Does your mind, will, and emotions tend to stand in the way of your future?
Many times we may blame others for our lack of launching out or living what we know have been called to do in this life. Have you ever wanted to step out in complete faith and do something that you never have done before - something challenging, something that you only dare think about in the deep recesses of your mind, or just dream about when you rest your weary head and close your eyes at night?
Do you ever wake up thinking, "TODAY is the DAY that I am going to break FREE of what has been holding me back!" Only to have your "but" get in the way once again? You know, "I would, should, am going to do what I have been really wanting to do for so long... BUT... (fill in the blank)."
Ah, yes, I have a sneaking suspicion that I am not alone in this struggle.
We all have hopes, dreams, and aspirations - things that would complete us and make us whole, if we only dared to step out and actually allow them to venture out from our inner self into the reality of this world - yes, into that bright sunshine and piercing blue sky. Personally, I say, ENOUGH is ENOUGH.
It is time to say, "so long self" (as the singing group, Mercy Me so aptly states in their awesome song, video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpyKXcMYMS8)
And DO what I have been instructed to DO by God..."Trust and Obey...without ME in the Way." (A little rhyme I made up - and a paraphrase of scripture, of course!) LoL.
It's time for me to take a leap of faith, so what about you? I'd really love to hear about any hopes, dreams, or aspirations that you have. Please feel free to share, if you'd like. Sometimes, just talking about them makes that stretch from the inner being to the outside world a much easier transition.
God Bless!
Enough of what, you may be thinking? Enough of self. Do you ever get so sick of yourself that you can't stand it?
Does your mind, will, and emotions tend to stand in the way of your future?
Many times we may blame others for our lack of launching out or living what we know have been called to do in this life. Have you ever wanted to step out in complete faith and do something that you never have done before - something challenging, something that you only dare think about in the deep recesses of your mind, or just dream about when you rest your weary head and close your eyes at night?
Do you ever wake up thinking, "TODAY is the DAY that I am going to break FREE of what has been holding me back!" Only to have your "but" get in the way once again? You know, "I would, should, am going to do what I have been really wanting to do for so long... BUT... (fill in the blank)."
Ah, yes, I have a sneaking suspicion that I am not alone in this struggle.
We all have hopes, dreams, and aspirations - things that would complete us and make us whole, if we only dared to step out and actually allow them to venture out from our inner self into the reality of this world - yes, into that bright sunshine and piercing blue sky. Personally, I say, ENOUGH is ENOUGH.
It is time to say, "so long self" (as the singing group, Mercy Me so aptly states in their awesome song, video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpyKXcMYMS8)
And DO what I have been instructed to DO by God..."Trust and Obey...without ME in the Way." (A little rhyme I made up - and a paraphrase of scripture, of course!) LoL.
It's time for me to take a leap of faith, so what about you? I'd really love to hear about any hopes, dreams, or aspirations that you have. Please feel free to share, if you'd like. Sometimes, just talking about them makes that stretch from the inner being to the outside world a much easier transition.
God Bless!
It's a new day!
Today is a new day.
The series of events that happen in this 24 hour time-span have never happened before and will never happen quite this way again.
You only have one chance to live out this day to its fullest -
So let me encourage you not to waste it...
Personally, I don't want to ever get so complacent that I forget that. Do you?
The series of events that happen in this 24 hour time-span have never happened before and will never happen quite this way again.
You only have one chance to live out this day to its fullest -
So let me encourage you not to waste it...
Personally, I don't want to ever get so complacent that I forget that. Do you?
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