I was listening to the radio when I took the kids to school and was coming home. We have been listening to the Christmas Channel that is just playing Christmas Music.
1. There was a song on about a little girl who wanted her daddy for Christmas, but he was "at the war". It was as though a gentle reminder to me to pray for the families of those soldiers fighting over seas this Christmas. Everyday I make time to pray for our soldiers in harms way...But I can not imagine spending the Christmas without them. In 1990, My brother was stationed in the middle east as the build up to the first gulf war. His son had been born just 6 months earlier...and he missed his first Christmas. I will never forget how it felt like part of our heart was missing.. So, Please join me in praying for our troops families this Christmas.
And 2. There are 3 bridges that connect the "twin cities" here...and there were accidents on 2 of them. This lady called in and said she was stuck in traffic and to avoid that area if you could....and when the guy asked her if she could just rewind and start over...she said "Nah, not really. I am just enjoying listening to the Christmas music this morning in my car." What a wonderful attitude to have this Christmas. It makes me feel guilty for my bah humbug mood lately....but it reminds me that really....nothing is that important. May we all find joy just in the being of Christmas this year.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
The Darkest Hour -Mid Week Epistole by Jim Massey
The Darkest Hour
Today is the sixth anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers in New York City. I imagine everyone remembers where they were when the tragedy happened. I recall many people saying it was one of America’s ‘Darkest Hours.”
I remember the days that I watched people relived the event over and over through the news media and table conversations everywhere. The cry went up from people to “Remember 911!”
And then I think of another “Darkest Hour.” It was during the time that terrorist struck at the heart of the world in a garden near Jerusalem. The Son of Man was betrayed by a kiss and evil motives of others. He was judged guilty by angry crowds, scourged and crucified.
Now people may not see the similarity of these two events, but look closely and you can begin to see ways in which they are. The difference is found in what happens after we stand through such trying times. If we are not careful, we will remain forever caught in the pains of the tragedy.
For Christians, it is the days afterward that we begin to see new visions. In both the tragedy of the Twin Towers and the Crucifixion God was present fighting hatred with the power of His grace and love. He never gives sin and evil power in the midst of tragedy, but the strength and resolve of His people show forth in new ways of care and compassion. You see, the answer becomes visible afterwards. In 911 we should now be a nation of strong resolve toward freedom and truth. In the Resurrection we should have a strong individual resolve toward God’s love and salvation for all.
I find new strength in life’s darkest hours in the words of the Psalmist: “If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” (Ps. 37:23-25)
May God bring His light to your in your darkest hour.
Heavenly Father, today we pray for everyone who faces dark hours in their lives. Though they feel despair, may they know the strength of your children as they encounter them everywhere. You ask us to be a light set upon a hill as a beacon of hope. Let us remember before we can be the light, You must shine in our own heart. Come into our hearts Lord Jesus! Amen. This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week for another mid-week Epistle.
Today is the sixth anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers in New York City. I imagine everyone remembers where they were when the tragedy happened. I recall many people saying it was one of America’s ‘Darkest Hours.”
I remember the days that I watched people relived the event over and over through the news media and table conversations everywhere. The cry went up from people to “Remember 911!”
And then I think of another “Darkest Hour.” It was during the time that terrorist struck at the heart of the world in a garden near Jerusalem. The Son of Man was betrayed by a kiss and evil motives of others. He was judged guilty by angry crowds, scourged and crucified.
Now people may not see the similarity of these two events, but look closely and you can begin to see ways in which they are. The difference is found in what happens after we stand through such trying times. If we are not careful, we will remain forever caught in the pains of the tragedy.
For Christians, it is the days afterward that we begin to see new visions. In both the tragedy of the Twin Towers and the Crucifixion God was present fighting hatred with the power of His grace and love. He never gives sin and evil power in the midst of tragedy, but the strength and resolve of His people show forth in new ways of care and compassion. You see, the answer becomes visible afterwards. In 911 we should now be a nation of strong resolve toward freedom and truth. In the Resurrection we should have a strong individual resolve toward God’s love and salvation for all.
I find new strength in life’s darkest hours in the words of the Psalmist: “If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” (Ps. 37:23-25)
May God bring His light to your in your darkest hour.
Heavenly Father, today we pray for everyone who faces dark hours in their lives. Though they feel despair, may they know the strength of your children as they encounter them everywhere. You ask us to be a light set upon a hill as a beacon of hope. Let us remember before we can be the light, You must shine in our own heart. Come into our hearts Lord Jesus! Amen. This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week for another mid-week Epistle.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Invisible Mom
This is for those times when you feel like you haven't accomplished much, or when you feel, like I do sometimes, that what you do really doesn't matter so much.
It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible.
Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please."
I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a hair clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this." It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."
In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.
A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it." And the workman replied, "Because God sees."
I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."
At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.
When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."
As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.
Great Job, MOM
It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible.
Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please."
I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a hair clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this." It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."
In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.
A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it." And the workman replied, "Because God sees."
I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."
At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.
When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."
As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.
Great Job, MOM
Adequate Shoes
Adequate Shoes
With all the disasters in our world today, we need to hear some words of encouragement. Without such words, we can fall victim to something beyond our understanding and our hearts seem to break completely into and we begin to lose sight of the ways in which God can still come to us.
We are reminded in Romans 8:28 - "...in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." When I read that Scripture, I once again reclaim the promise of Christ when He said, "I am with you till the end of the age."
Then I remember something I read years ago. "God will not send you down a path without adequate shoes." That means His love and assurance will always be with me. Prayers, presence, and friends will affirm it. Nothing will be left out of our situation that is needed. All we have to do is claim it in the name of Jesus Christ.
When you walk in the world today, praise God for the "adequate shoes" that He has supplied for you.
Holy Father, to all who have great need this day, let our words lift fallen spirits and help our presence reaffirm Your glory. We pray this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen. This has been Rev. Jim Massey.
Pray for the nations this day that are caught in hurricanes. Many people will be left homeless, pray that they will not be hopeless. See you next week in our Mid-week Epistle when we talk about naming.
With all the disasters in our world today, we need to hear some words of encouragement. Without such words, we can fall victim to something beyond our understanding and our hearts seem to break completely into and we begin to lose sight of the ways in which God can still come to us.
We are reminded in Romans 8:28 - "...in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." When I read that Scripture, I once again reclaim the promise of Christ when He said, "I am with you till the end of the age."
Then I remember something I read years ago. "God will not send you down a path without adequate shoes." That means His love and assurance will always be with me. Prayers, presence, and friends will affirm it. Nothing will be left out of our situation that is needed. All we have to do is claim it in the name of Jesus Christ.
When you walk in the world today, praise God for the "adequate shoes" that He has supplied for you.
Holy Father, to all who have great need this day, let our words lift fallen spirits and help our presence reaffirm Your glory. We pray this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen. This has been Rev. Jim Massey.
Pray for the nations this day that are caught in hurricanes. Many people will be left homeless, pray that they will not be hopeless. See you next week in our Mid-week Epistle when we talk about naming.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Love Me If You Can
Sometimes I think that war is necessary.
Every night I pray for peace on Earth.
I hand out my dollars to the homeless.
But believe that every able soul should work.
My father gave me my shotgun that I'll hand down to my son, try to teach him everything it means.
(chorus)
I'm a man of my convictions. Call me wrong, call me right. But I bring my better angels to every fight. You may not like
where I'm going, but you sure know where I stand. Hate me if you want to, love me if you can.
I stand by my right to speak freely. But I worry 'bout what kids learn from TV. And before all of debatin' turns to angry
words and hate, sometimes we should just agree to disagree. And I believe that Jesus looks down here and sees us, and if you
ask him he would say
(chorus)
I'm a man of my convictions. Call me wrong, call me right. But I bring my better angels to every fight. You may not like
where I'm going, but you sure know where I stand. Hate me if you want to, love me if you can.
(chorus)
I'm a man of my convictions. Call me wrong, call me right. But I bring my better angels to every fight. You may not like
where I'm going, but you sure know where I stand. Hate me if you want to, love me if you can.
Friday, August 24, 2007
The Mayonnaise Jar And 2 Cups of Coffee
When things in your life seem
Almost too much to handle,
When 24 Hours in a day is not enough,
Remember the mayonnaise jar
And 2 cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his philosophy class
And had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly,
He picked up a very large
And empty mayonnaise jar
And proceeded to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students
If the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles
And poured them into the jar.
He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open
Areas between the golf balls.
He then asked
The students again
If the jar was full..
They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand
And poured it into the jar.
Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He asked once more if the jar was full.
The students responded
With an unanimous
"yes."
The professor then produced
Two cups of coffee from under the table
And poured the entire contents
Into the jar, effectively filling the
Empty space between the sand.
The students laughed.
"Now," said the professor,
As the laughter subsided,
"I want you to recognize that
This jar represents your life.
The golf balls are the important things -
Family, children, health,
Friends, and favorite passions --
Things that if everything else was lost
And only they remained,
Your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter
Like your job, house, and car.
The sand is everything else --
The small stuff.
"If you put the sand into the jar first,"
He continued,
"there is no room for
The pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life.
If you spend all your time
And energy on the small stuff,
You will never have room for
The things that are
Important to you.
So...
Pay attention to the things
That are critical to your happiness.
Play With your children.
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your partner out to dinner.
Play another 18.
There will always be time
To clean the house
And fix the disposal.
"Take care of the golf balls first --
The things that really matter.
Set your priorities.
The rest is just sand."
One of the students raised her hand
And inquired what the coffee represented.
The professor smiled.
"I'm glad you asked".
It just goes to show you that no matter how full
your life may
seem,
there's always room for
a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."
Almost too much to handle,
When 24 Hours in a day is not enough,
Remember the mayonnaise jar
And 2 cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his philosophy class
And had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly,
He picked up a very large
And empty mayonnaise jar
And proceeded to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students
If the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles
And poured them into the jar.
He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open
Areas between the golf balls.
He then asked
The students again
If the jar was full..
They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand
And poured it into the jar.
Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He asked once more if the jar was full.
The students responded
With an unanimous
"yes."
The professor then produced
Two cups of coffee from under the table
And poured the entire contents
Into the jar, effectively filling the
Empty space between the sand.
The students laughed.
"Now," said the professor,
As the laughter subsided,
"I want you to recognize that
This jar represents your life.
The golf balls are the important things -
Family, children, health,
Friends, and favorite passions --
Things that if everything else was lost
And only they remained,
Your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter
Like your job, house, and car.
The sand is everything else --
The small stuff.
"If you put the sand into the jar first,"
He continued,
"there is no room for
The pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life.
If you spend all your time
And energy on the small stuff,
You will never have room for
The things that are
Important to you.
So...
Pay attention to the things
That are critical to your happiness.
Play With your children.
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your partner out to dinner.
Play another 18.
There will always be time
To clean the house
And fix the disposal.
"Take care of the golf balls first --
The things that really matter.
Set your priorities.
The rest is just sand."
One of the students raised her hand
And inquired what the coffee represented.
The professor smiled.
"I'm glad you asked".
It just goes to show you that no matter how full
your life may
seem,
there's always room for
a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Mid Week Epistole -Leave the Stinker Alone
Leave The Stinker Alone!
A mother in Darlington, Maryland was returning home one Saturday afternoon when she noticed how quiet things were around her house. This was a rare occasion since she had eight children. As she walked up to the house and peeked through the screen door, she noticed five of her children sitting in a circle in the kitchen floor. They were huddled close together and staring intently at something in the middle of the circle.As she crept closer to them, she could not believer her eyes. Smack dab in the middle of the circle were five baby skunks. She screamed at the top of her voice, "Quick, children: RUN!
"Each child grabbed a skunk and ran.
Many times we are told in the Bible to flee from sin. We are to resist evil at all cost and even then the devil will flee from us. (James 4:7) and the very next verse then says to "come near to God and He will come near to you."
If there is something in your life that is making you miserable and causing you grief and you know it is sinful, then leave it alone quickly. Maybe a good admonition would be, "if something stinks in your life, then leave the stinker alone."
Loving Father, help us to see once again the way sin can enter our lives and make our pains unbearable. Only by continually finding the purity of Your love and grace can we know the pure joy of a life filled with the fragrance of heaven. In Christ's name. Amen This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week for another Mid-week Epistle.
A mother in Darlington, Maryland was returning home one Saturday afternoon when she noticed how quiet things were around her house. This was a rare occasion since she had eight children. As she walked up to the house and peeked through the screen door, she noticed five of her children sitting in a circle in the kitchen floor. They were huddled close together and staring intently at something in the middle of the circle.As she crept closer to them, she could not believer her eyes. Smack dab in the middle of the circle were five baby skunks. She screamed at the top of her voice, "Quick, children: RUN!
"Each child grabbed a skunk and ran.
Many times we are told in the Bible to flee from sin. We are to resist evil at all cost and even then the devil will flee from us. (James 4:7) and the very next verse then says to "come near to God and He will come near to you."
If there is something in your life that is making you miserable and causing you grief and you know it is sinful, then leave it alone quickly. Maybe a good admonition would be, "if something stinks in your life, then leave the stinker alone."
Loving Father, help us to see once again the way sin can enter our lives and make our pains unbearable. Only by continually finding the purity of Your love and grace can we know the pure joy of a life filled with the fragrance of heaven. In Christ's name. Amen This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week for another Mid-week Epistle.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
I Remember
Yesterday was 12 years since my mom's passing. It was a very hard day for me...And honestly, I was not sure I could even type the words without crying. Add in Kate's first day of school. She missed so much of my life. The first third of my life, she was trying to get it together, so she could actually be a mom. The second third she was my best friend, and the last third...I have had to live without her.
I just can not seem to get passed all that she has missed. This week would also be my Grandma's birthday. She died almost 2 years ago. I just...Sometimes I feel so alone. I feel so jealous of Brian, because he has this great family who loves him. I have nobody...but him. Today, his mom called me because she wanted to see how I was doing. She wanted to make sure I was ok because she knew how hard this week was for me. Wanted to see what I was doing with the kids all at school. I can not be sure, but I think she might just be an angel sent for me.
I just can not seem to get passed all that she has missed. This week would also be my Grandma's birthday. She died almost 2 years ago. I just...Sometimes I feel so alone. I feel so jealous of Brian, because he has this great family who loves him. I have nobody...but him. Today, his mom called me because she wanted to see how I was doing. She wanted to make sure I was ok because she knew how hard this week was for me. Wanted to see what I was doing with the kids all at school. I can not be sure, but I think she might just be an angel sent for me.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Letting Go
Today was the first day of PreK for my youngest.
I am very proud of her. She was so excited about today. When we got to the school, I walked her to class. I held her hand while we waited for our turn to check in with the teacher. Then she took the teachers hand, and never looked back or even kissed me goodbye.
I have to go buy her a cake today for her first day of school. Where has the time went? They just keep growing so quickly.
I am very proud of her. She was so excited about today. When we got to the school, I walked her to class. I held her hand while we waited for our turn to check in with the teacher. Then she took the teachers hand, and never looked back or even kissed me goodbye.
I have to go buy her a cake today for her first day of school. Where has the time went? They just keep growing so quickly.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Mid Week Epistole Harmony Know how by Jim Massey
Harmony Know-How!
A beautiful scripture is found in Romans 12:16: "Live in harmony with one another." Six simple words that can be filled will either difficulty or rapture.
Being a musician most of my life, harmony is something that is exciting to the ears. The most common form of harmony comes in the form of notes that for a cord that is made up of intervals of a third. That is simple to do and pleasing to the ear. There are also other intervals that sound mellow or somber those are called "minor chords". And there are chords that are filled with dissonance that must be resolved to make it sound pleasing once again.
There is one rule that is necessary though. It takes at least two to make harmony. You cannot do it by yourself. When two people begin making harmony, you find that one usually sings the lead and the harmony is placed as a second sound below it. That teaches me that there must always be someone who is willing to not be the lead in the music and in a way become a "second fiddle."
Are you willing to do that in your life? What about your family? Are you willing not to be in the spot light, but share it to make something that is so harmonious that people will be amazed at the depth of your love and friendship for one another? That is what harmony means.
What about your relationship to God? Are you willing to let Him sing the leading part in your life knowing that the harmony that comes in that music from heaven is also filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God. We have moved from harmony to a symphony that will make the gates of heaven ring.
Lord, help us make the harmony of our lives be filled with the music that can only come from your Holy Grace. We ask this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
A beautiful scripture is found in Romans 12:16: "Live in harmony with one another." Six simple words that can be filled will either difficulty or rapture.
Being a musician most of my life, harmony is something that is exciting to the ears. The most common form of harmony comes in the form of notes that for a cord that is made up of intervals of a third. That is simple to do and pleasing to the ear. There are also other intervals that sound mellow or somber those are called "minor chords". And there are chords that are filled with dissonance that must be resolved to make it sound pleasing once again.
There is one rule that is necessary though. It takes at least two to make harmony. You cannot do it by yourself. When two people begin making harmony, you find that one usually sings the lead and the harmony is placed as a second sound below it. That teaches me that there must always be someone who is willing to not be the lead in the music and in a way become a "second fiddle."
Are you willing to do that in your life? What about your family? Are you willing not to be in the spot light, but share it to make something that is so harmonious that people will be amazed at the depth of your love and friendship for one another? That is what harmony means.
What about your relationship to God? Are you willing to let Him sing the leading part in your life knowing that the harmony that comes in that music from heaven is also filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God. We have moved from harmony to a symphony that will make the gates of heaven ring.
Lord, help us make the harmony of our lives be filled with the music that can only come from your Holy Grace. We ask this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
What's On the Backside by Jim Massey Mid Week Epistole
What's On the Backside?
A man was driving his sports utility vehicle when he came to a detour sign that read, "Road Under Repair." A little construction was not going to stop this man and his S.U.V. from getting to where he wanted to go. So he drove around the sign and navigated the construction site with good success. His success continued for about twenty miles until he came to the end of the road beyond which there was a gorge over which there was no bridge.
The man and his S.U.V. had to turn around and retrace his route. When he approached the back side of the same construction sign, he read what someone had written on the back of the sign: "WELCOME BACK DUMMY!"
How many times in our lives has God tried to warn us about dangers and paths that we have taken that are desperately needing repair? Sin makes us feel invincible and when we try to prove it is right, it turns on us and shows us how silly we can be.
God does not do that to us. In all our ways, He is waiting for us to come to Him and ask forgiveness and guidance. He will open His arms and welcome us home. That is why Jesus tells us so many times of the great joy in heaven over one lost soul that has found it way. If you are looking for that joy today, come to the Christ. If you have found it, show it to others.
Holy God. in the midst of Your love we find that we have joy that can come only from You. Thankfully, we are given such abundance; it overflows from our lives into others. That was Your plan from the beginning, and to affirm it You sent Christ to us. Praise be to Your glory and power. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Methodist are notorious for their love of food. Join me and see what food is to die for.
A man was driving his sports utility vehicle when he came to a detour sign that read, "Road Under Repair." A little construction was not going to stop this man and his S.U.V. from getting to where he wanted to go. So he drove around the sign and navigated the construction site with good success. His success continued for about twenty miles until he came to the end of the road beyond which there was a gorge over which there was no bridge.
The man and his S.U.V. had to turn around and retrace his route. When he approached the back side of the same construction sign, he read what someone had written on the back of the sign: "WELCOME BACK DUMMY!"
How many times in our lives has God tried to warn us about dangers and paths that we have taken that are desperately needing repair? Sin makes us feel invincible and when we try to prove it is right, it turns on us and shows us how silly we can be.
God does not do that to us. In all our ways, He is waiting for us to come to Him and ask forgiveness and guidance. He will open His arms and welcome us home. That is why Jesus tells us so many times of the great joy in heaven over one lost soul that has found it way. If you are looking for that joy today, come to the Christ. If you have found it, show it to others.
Holy God. in the midst of Your love we find that we have joy that can come only from You. Thankfully, we are given such abundance; it overflows from our lives into others. That was Your plan from the beginning, and to affirm it You sent Christ to us. Praise be to Your glory and power. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Methodist are notorious for their love of food. Join me and see what food is to die for.
Friday, August 03, 2007
A favorite picture of the kids
Jake Saying...Please Mom...Rescue me from my sisters. LOL
and another one full of smiles....
4400
I am addicted to this tv show. I am a bit of a geek about it. I even post on 4400 message boards. Talking about what will happen next. It is kind of sad. But anyway...
I love this show...and I love the theme song.
you can hear it here
I love this show...and I love the theme song.
you can hear it here
A Place In Time written by Robert Phillips & Tim Paruskewitz, performed by Amanda Abizaid
Original Air Dates: 2004 - (USA)
So long ago, Another life
I could feel your heart beat
It's not a dream, remember us
I can see it in your eyes
We'll find a place in time
A place in time beyond the sun
We'll find a place in time
A place in time to call our home
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
A Forward - The Soldier
You stay up for 16 hours.
He stays up for days on end.
You take a warm shower to help you wake up.
He goes days or weeks without running water.
You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.
He gets shot at as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.
You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends.
He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.
You make sure you're cell phone is in your pocket.
He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.
You talk trash about your "buddies" that aren't with you.
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.
You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
He patrols the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.
You complain about how hot it is.
He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.
You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He doesn't get to eat today.
Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean.
You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.
You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.
You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.
He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.
You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.
You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.
You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.
You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.
He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.
You see only what the media wants you to see.
He sees the broken bodies lying around him.
You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.
He does exactly what he is told even if it puts his life in danger.
You stay at home and watch TV.
He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.
You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable.
He tries to sleep but gets woken by mortars and helicopters all night long.
If you support your troops, the click "reply to poster" copy all the codes, and repost the bulletin.
If you don't support your troops well, then don't re-post. You won't die in 7 days, your love life won't be affected, and you won't have the worst day ever. You don't have to repost. It's not like you know the men and women that are dying to preserve your rights.
He stays up for days on end.
You take a warm shower to help you wake up.
He goes days or weeks without running water.
You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.
He gets shot at as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.
You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends.
He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.
You make sure you're cell phone is in your pocket.
He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.
You talk trash about your "buddies" that aren't with you.
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.
You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
He patrols the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.
You complain about how hot it is.
He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.
You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He doesn't get to eat today.
Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean.
You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.
You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.
You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.
He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.
You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.
You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.
You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.
You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.
He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.
You see only what the media wants you to see.
He sees the broken bodies lying around him.
You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.
He does exactly what he is told even if it puts his life in danger.
You stay at home and watch TV.
He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.
You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable.
He tries to sleep but gets woken by mortars and helicopters all night long.
If you support your troops, the click "reply to poster" copy all the codes, and repost the bulletin.
If you don't support your troops well, then don't re-post. You won't die in 7 days, your love life won't be affected, and you won't have the worst day ever. You don't have to repost. It's not like you know the men and women that are dying to preserve your rights.
Only God can Fill Your Vessel - Mid Week Epistole by Jim Massey
Only God can Fill Your Vessel
I once read a statement by Alexander McLaren: "God's mercy, like water, takes the shape of the containing vessel." What a wonderful affirmation of the way God comes into our heart when we surrender all to Him.
He does not take just the things that the world recognizes as good, but He takes everything and fills it with His goodness. There is not a corner or cave that sin can hide in that God does not come and sweep it clean and fill it anew.
But yet, the only way He will do this miraculous feat is that you give Him permission to do so. Strange isn't it, the one who designed the universe, created mankind and all around us, still waits for us to invite Him into our hearts? Will you do so today?
Holy Father, come to every part of our lives this day. Take our thoughts, our words, our emotions, our very desires and fill them full of Your Spirit. Then we will be able to offer truth to others in this world today. We desire all that we need, what we must realize is that You are all we need. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week and we will see what is important on the backside.
I once read a statement by Alexander McLaren: "God's mercy, like water, takes the shape of the containing vessel." What a wonderful affirmation of the way God comes into our heart when we surrender all to Him.
He does not take just the things that the world recognizes as good, but He takes everything and fills it with His goodness. There is not a corner or cave that sin can hide in that God does not come and sweep it clean and fill it anew.
But yet, the only way He will do this miraculous feat is that you give Him permission to do so. Strange isn't it, the one who designed the universe, created mankind and all around us, still waits for us to invite Him into our hearts? Will you do so today?
Holy Father, come to every part of our lives this day. Take our thoughts, our words, our emotions, our very desires and fill them full of Your Spirit. Then we will be able to offer truth to others in this world today. We desire all that we need, what we must realize is that You are all we need. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week and we will see what is important on the backside.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Me
Me
i look in the mirror
and yet, ...do not see my own reflection
my image of me is one of the past
i see before someone i do not know
yet fear all the while
she is my mother in so many ways
that it makes me weep
and i float away on my own tears
back to a land of memories
of old and young and good and bad
i see myself then and imagine myself now
a grown up me still....searching for that lost childhood
the mirror image tells me she is me.
and i am confused and alarmed
my panic rises and my thoughts are lost
i begin the ride of my own fears
i see flashes of my past within the new
the past pain floods my being and overwhelms me
my heart races like a speeding bullet
and yet, the old ways to calm myself are there
the image has eyes to make you cry
within thier depths lie pain and sorror
her feelings and pain a symbol of her life
and yet....all the while she crys
i do not know the image i see
my fear hides her away
the tears i cry blur her vision
and the memories escape to a childhood of long ago
once again the saddness rules
and the image is no longer mine
slthomas
i look in the mirror
and yet, ...do not see my own reflection
my image of me is one of the past
i see before someone i do not know
yet fear all the while
she is my mother in so many ways
that it makes me weep
and i float away on my own tears
back to a land of memories
of old and young and good and bad
i see myself then and imagine myself now
a grown up me still....searching for that lost childhood
the mirror image tells me she is me.
and i am confused and alarmed
my panic rises and my thoughts are lost
i begin the ride of my own fears
i see flashes of my past within the new
the past pain floods my being and overwhelms me
my heart races like a speeding bullet
and yet, the old ways to calm myself are there
the image has eyes to make you cry
within thier depths lie pain and sorror
her feelings and pain a symbol of her life
and yet....all the while she crys
i do not know the image i see
my fear hides her away
the tears i cry blur her vision
and the memories escape to a childhood of long ago
once again the saddness rules
and the image is no longer mine
slthomas
To My Angels
To My Angels
though you may not walk among me
your always by my side
your never from my thoughts
from you my tears i do not hide
you will never walk with others
and no one else will know your touch
you were so alive to me
and i love you very much
today i sat and thought of you
i cried a mothers tears
i dreamed of holding you in my arms
of lifes hopes and fears
but you walk among the angels
you sing thier joyful song
you touch my heart when i need you
and never leave me long
i walk lifes bitter path
and count my angels three
i shut my eyes and see
in my heart your always with me
s.l.thomas
though you may not walk among me
your always by my side
your never from my thoughts
from you my tears i do not hide
you will never walk with others
and no one else will know your touch
you were so alive to me
and i love you very much
today i sat and thought of you
i cried a mothers tears
i dreamed of holding you in my arms
of lifes hopes and fears
but you walk among the angels
you sing thier joyful song
you touch my heart when i need you
and never leave me long
i walk lifes bitter path
and count my angels three
i shut my eyes and see
in my heart your always with me
s.l.thomas
Thursday, July 26, 2007
How Quick 11 Years Goes By
Tomorrow is a sad anniversary for me. It will be 11 years since I miscarried my first baby. I was 11 and 1/2 weeks along, when I started bleeding and miscarried. I was home alone at the time. I have never felt so alone as I did that morning. And Even though I have had 3 other children...They do not really replace that child, or the other children I would lose after that one. It doesnt erase the hurt of that one baby, Who I dreamed of. Who I made plans for. I would have a 10 year old right now. It is suppose to hurt less as time goes on, but it doesnt. That hurt just stays right there.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Life Is All Wrong -Mid Week Epistole By Jim Massey
Life is All Wrong
An older gentleman was driving down the freeway, and his cell phone rang. Answering, he heard his wife's voice urgently warning him, "Herman, I just heard on the news that there's a car going the wrong way on Highway 280. Please be careful!"
“Hey," said Herman, "it's not just one car. There are hundreds of them!"
Maybe if it seems like you are going the wrong way in life, you need to look at the direction you are taking. Maybe you are going against God's guidance and love.
Loving Father, turn our hearts back to the way that You have for us. Do not let us destroy all that You have blessed us with because we have made a wrong turn in life. Come and guide us once again, in Christ's name we pray. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week and we will see about the way God fills a vessel.
An older gentleman was driving down the freeway, and his cell phone rang. Answering, he heard his wife's voice urgently warning him, "Herman, I just heard on the news that there's a car going the wrong way on Highway 280. Please be careful!"
“Hey," said Herman, "it's not just one car. There are hundreds of them!"
Maybe if it seems like you are going the wrong way in life, you need to look at the direction you are taking. Maybe you are going against God's guidance and love.
Loving Father, turn our hearts back to the way that You have for us. Do not let us destroy all that You have blessed us with because we have made a wrong turn in life. Come and guide us once again, in Christ's name we pray. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week and we will see about the way God fills a vessel.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
A New Future
Yesterday, a whole new generation was born. Chloie Rafferty Entered the world. She was 6lbs and 12.5oz.
A few Pictures.
Aunt Kaylyn and Chloie
Aunt Brittany and Chloie
I remember when they were just that small. *sniff sniff* doesn't seem like Matt Should be a dad. What a Blessing from God.
A few Pictures.
Aunt Kaylyn and Chloie
Aunt Brittany and Chloie
I remember when they were just that small. *sniff sniff* doesn't seem like Matt Should be a dad. What a Blessing from God.
Stuck
Well, I guess we are going to be here another year. A year ago, I said I would not stay here past a year. I was so unhappy with the school, with just everything. And now, I am looking at going onto another year here. I can not say I am happy about it. Actually, I would describe it close to uncontrollable panic and fear and anger.
I just want to get in my car and drive away. I feel like the walls are closing in on me. I do not have anyone I can talk to about it. I do not want Brian to feel bad about us being stuck here. He has made an honest effort to get us out of here. He applied for 2 different transfers in the last month. Both times the company had a person picked to fill the job before it was even posted. And nothing has been opening up. I just did not want to be here when school starts. And now, school starts in less then a month.
At church on sunday, the lady was trying to be nice....But she was asking about us moving so much, and we basically told her we just dont know when or if we get to move. She said, you could always leave your industry to find another job to stay here. I swear, I felt the panic swell up in my chest. I just want to get out of here so bad.
Maybe I just need to go home. I wonder how much it would cost to just take the kids and go home to see my family. Just a little time there. Brian is afraid everytime I get in the car I wont come home lately. I do not blame him. I have a hard time making myself come home.
I just want to fly away. I feel like there is no hope, no future, no nothing. Just this darkness that has moved in and sat on my chest and is keeping me from really breathing. I so hate that feeling of depression. That sinking feeling that feels like it is a beast coming in and taking over my body. I just want to start running now, and maybe I can outrun it before it totally grips me. I just want to run fast and far. I just want to out run the darkness.
I just want to get in my car and drive away. I feel like the walls are closing in on me. I do not have anyone I can talk to about it. I do not want Brian to feel bad about us being stuck here. He has made an honest effort to get us out of here. He applied for 2 different transfers in the last month. Both times the company had a person picked to fill the job before it was even posted. And nothing has been opening up. I just did not want to be here when school starts. And now, school starts in less then a month.
At church on sunday, the lady was trying to be nice....But she was asking about us moving so much, and we basically told her we just dont know when or if we get to move. She said, you could always leave your industry to find another job to stay here. I swear, I felt the panic swell up in my chest. I just want to get out of here so bad.
Maybe I just need to go home. I wonder how much it would cost to just take the kids and go home to see my family. Just a little time there. Brian is afraid everytime I get in the car I wont come home lately. I do not blame him. I have a hard time making myself come home.
I just want to fly away. I feel like there is no hope, no future, no nothing. Just this darkness that has moved in and sat on my chest and is keeping me from really breathing. I so hate that feeling of depression. That sinking feeling that feels like it is a beast coming in and taking over my body. I just want to start running now, and maybe I can outrun it before it totally grips me. I just want to run fast and far. I just want to out run the darkness.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Mid Week Epistole - Desert Enticement by Jim Massey
Desert Enticement
A new translation of Hosea 2:14 says: "I will entice you into the desert and there I will speak to you in the depths of your heart."
What could God entice you into the desert with? Material things would slowly waste away. Much like an old prospector that is dying of thirst, the sun parches your throat and will eventually bleach your bones.
What about Ezekiel looking out over the valley of dry bones? What would God use to entice him into the desert? God used the action of the Holy Spirit. When Ezekiel prophesied to the bones, God brought bone to bone and sinew to sinew and then he blew into them the breath of life.
That is what happens to people in the Bible when God comes into their lives. In the desert wanderings of life, they become more than just an empty bag of old bones, rattling around with no meaning or purpose. What God used to entice His children into the deserts of time was Himself.
O God, entice us into the deserts of our souls. There are so many places in our lives where we feel empty and alone. Come there and breathe a new breath into our spirits. Draw us deeper into Your love and will for we ask this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week and we will see the way in which life seems all wrong.
A new translation of Hosea 2:14 says: "I will entice you into the desert and there I will speak to you in the depths of your heart."
What could God entice you into the desert with? Material things would slowly waste away. Much like an old prospector that is dying of thirst, the sun parches your throat and will eventually bleach your bones.
What about Ezekiel looking out over the valley of dry bones? What would God use to entice him into the desert? God used the action of the Holy Spirit. When Ezekiel prophesied to the bones, God brought bone to bone and sinew to sinew and then he blew into them the breath of life.
That is what happens to people in the Bible when God comes into their lives. In the desert wanderings of life, they become more than just an empty bag of old bones, rattling around with no meaning or purpose. What God used to entice His children into the deserts of time was Himself.
O God, entice us into the deserts of our souls. There are so many places in our lives where we feel empty and alone. Come there and breathe a new breath into our spirits. Draw us deeper into Your love and will for we ask this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week and we will see the way in which life seems all wrong.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Parable of the Old Mule
Once there was a farmer who owned an old mule. One day the mule fell into the farmer's well and the farmer heard the mule 'praying' or whatever mules do when they fall into wells.
After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving.
Instead, he called his neighbors together, told them what had happened and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.
Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back, a thought struck him. It dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back HE COULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP! This he did, blow after blow. "Shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up!",
He repeated this to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or how distressing the situation seemed, the old mule fought "panic" and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!
It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, STEPPED TRIUMPHANTLY OVER THE WALL OF THAT WELL! What seemed like it would bury him actually helped him...all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.
THAT'S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity ...THE ADVERSITIES THAT COME ALONG TO BURY US USUALLY HAVE WITHIN THEM THE VERY REAL POTENTIAL TO BENEFIT US! "Never be afraid to try something new.
"Remember that amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic."
Also, remember, more importantly, that when God is for us, who can be against us
After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving.
Instead, he called his neighbors together, told them what had happened and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.
Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back, a thought struck him. It dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back HE COULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP! This he did, blow after blow. "Shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up!",
He repeated this to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or how distressing the situation seemed, the old mule fought "panic" and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!
It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, STEPPED TRIUMPHANTLY OVER THE WALL OF THAT WELL! What seemed like it would bury him actually helped him...all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.
THAT'S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity ...THE ADVERSITIES THAT COME ALONG TO BURY US USUALLY HAVE WITHIN THEM THE VERY REAL POTENTIAL TO BENEFIT US! "Never be afraid to try something new.
"Remember that amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic."
Also, remember, more importantly, that when God is for us, who can be against us
Friday, July 13, 2007
A Blog Thing -What's your Love Style
This one is kind of freaky because it is really me. I am friends with almost every one of my ex's.
Your Love Style is Storge |
 For you, love and friendship are almost the same thing And your love tends to be the enduring, long lasting kind (You've been known to still have connections with exes) But sometimes your love is not the most passionate Leap before you look, and you'll find that fire you crave |
Thursday, July 12, 2007
How do you think?
My score on The 4-Variable IQ Test:
Your brain: 120% interpersonal, 120% visual, 40% verbal, and 120% mathematical!
Congratulations on being 400% smart! Actually, on my test, everyone is. The above score breaks down what kind of thinking you most enjoy doing. A score above 100% means you use that kind of thinking more than average, and a score below 100% means you use it less. It says nothing about how good you are at any one, just how interested you are in each, relatively. A substantial difference in scores between two people means, conclusively, that they are different kinds of thinkers.
Matching Summary: Each of us has different tastes. Still, I offer the following advice, which I think is obvious:
Don't date someone if your interpersonal percentages differ by more than 80%.
Don't be friends with someone if your verbal percentages differ by more than 100%.
Don't have sex with someone if their math percentage is over 200%.
Link: The 4-Variable IQ Test
(OkCupid Free Online Dating)
Pictures
This is my great great grandfather and his 2 sisters and his mother.
This is my Great Great Grandfather and Great Great Grandmother.
This is my Grandma and Grandpap. My Grandpap is the grandson of the Great great Grandparents featured in these photos.
Where We Come From
I have been spending a lot of time lately looking into my ancestory. I can go back in many cases to the early 1700's...and in a few cases much earlier. It amazes me to see where I came from, who I am, and who those before me were. What they did, How they lived, etc.
My family can trace its roots back in my hometown to the first settlers in the area. They crossed back and forth between that area from West Virginia, to Maryland to right on the border in Pennsylvania for over 200 years. I feel lately a little guilty for being the one to break away from that. But there are just not jobs there. No way to make a living. I would do anything to go home again...But atlast, that is one place we all can never go.
Some pictures to share...
My Great Grandma Gallagher with 3 of her siblings. She is the 3rd woman pictured. Madeline Wyndham Gallagher
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Mid Week Epistole By Jim Massey - Are You Waving Your Lantern?
Are You Waving Your Lantern?
In 1891 a train company was being sued because a person had been killed at a train crossing. The plaintiff's lawyer interrogated the night watchman at the crossing. When asked if he was on duty, he responded in the affirmative.
"Did you have a lantern?" Again the answer was yes.
"Did you wave the lantern?" Again the same answer. His testimony was so convincing that the plaintiff lost the case. Afterwards, the president of the company congratulated the watchman, telling him that his testimony had saved the company a great deal of money, and that he would be compensated accordingly. The president then asked the watchman, "Were you nervous on the stand?"
"Well, sir, I was a bit afraid they would ask if my lantern was lit." There are many people in the world today trying to wave the Word of God in the face of danger, and what we find is that the light of God is not lit in their own hearts. That is the true danger - telling others about Christ and not knowing Him yourself.
Loving Father, do not let our words ring empty, but let them be filled with all the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells in our hearts. Let our lives be true lights for all to see, and let us help others turn from danger to salvation through Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week and we will talk about the way the desert can entice us.
In 1891 a train company was being sued because a person had been killed at a train crossing. The plaintiff's lawyer interrogated the night watchman at the crossing. When asked if he was on duty, he responded in the affirmative.
"Did you have a lantern?" Again the answer was yes.
"Did you wave the lantern?" Again the same answer. His testimony was so convincing that the plaintiff lost the case. Afterwards, the president of the company congratulated the watchman, telling him that his testimony had saved the company a great deal of money, and that he would be compensated accordingly. The president then asked the watchman, "Were you nervous on the stand?"
"Well, sir, I was a bit afraid they would ask if my lantern was lit." There are many people in the world today trying to wave the Word of God in the face of danger, and what we find is that the light of God is not lit in their own hearts. That is the true danger - telling others about Christ and not knowing Him yourself.
Loving Father, do not let our words ring empty, but let them be filled with all the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells in our hearts. Let our lives be true lights for all to see, and let us help others turn from danger to salvation through Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week and we will talk about the way the desert can entice us.
Moments and My own life
Title: Emerson Drive - Moments lyrics
Artist: Emerson Drive
I was coming to the end of a long long walk
When a man crawled out of a cardboard box
Under the E. Street Bridge
Followed me on to it
I went out halfway across
With that homeless shadow tagging along
So I dug for some change
Wouldn't need it anyway
He took it lookin' just a bit ashamed
He said, You know, I haven't always been this way
I've had my moments, days in the sun
Moments I was second to none
Moments when I knew I did what I thought I couldn't do
Like that plane ride coming home from the war
That summer my son was born
And memories like a coat so warm
A cold wind can't get through
Lookin' at me now you might not know it
But I've had my moments
I stood there tryin' to find my nerve
Wondering if a single soul on Earth
Would care at all
Miss me when I'm gone
That old man just kept hanging around
Lookin' at me, lookin' down
I think he recognized
That look in my eyes
Standing with him there I felt ashamed
I said, You know, I haven't always felt this way
I've had my moments, days in the sun
Moments I was second to none
Moments when I knew I did what I thought I couldn't do
Like the day I walked away from the wine
For a woman who became my wife
And a love that, when it was right,
Could always see me through
Lookin' at me now you might not know it
But I've had my moments
I know somewhere 'round a trashcan fire tonight
That old man tells his story one more time
He says
I've had my moments, days in the sun
Moments I was second to none
Moments when I knew I did what I thought I couldn't do
Like that cool night on the E. Street Bridge
When a young man almost ended it
I was right there, wasn't scared a bit
And I helped to pull him through
Lookin' at me now you might not know it
Oh, lookin' at me now you might not know it
But I've had my moments
I've had my moments
I've had my moments
Everytime I hear this song lately it leaves me reflective of my own life. I have not been all that happy lately. I feel kind of stuck here in Louisiana. I hate the school system. I want so much better and different for my kids. The house we are renting is falling down around us. We dont care for our church, so we found a new one. Only, they got a new preacher and we are not real thrilled with him. In the year we have been here, Not one person has really made us feel welcomed here. They are all friendly enough, the south is known for thier friendly people....but Making a person feel welcome is not the same as being friendly enough.
I do not like the person I am most days. I was reading a book earlier, and it made me realize that I have not been real crazy about the person I have been for a while. The person my kids see, is not that person who used to shine. I just do not know how to fix it. To be that person again.
I had my moments in the sun. The first time I sang a solo in church on Christmas Eve, with the church barely lit during midnight mass. Singing about the birth of our Lord and Savior. Graduating from high school, and getting a special award from the school. An Award, I or my parents had no clue I was getting. The Principal stood there and said the nicest things about me, Telling everyone how much I had done. Standing on the stage doing social issues improv theather. Having all those people watch me and be focused on me and know from things they said, it made a differance. Talking to someone about rape, and helping them through it, and knowing I made a differance. The day my children were born, holding them in my arms, watching them grow...knowing everything they needed to survive they took from me.
Sometimes I regret deeply putting my health ahead of having more children. I wanted more. I really did. But the last pregnancy was so hard with my arthritis. Instead of going into remission, it got worse. They wanted me to start these new drug thearpys to fight it....the numbness in my arms. I was afraid all the time of dropping the kids. I had to do something. And the bedrest during the pregnancies. It put so much on everyone else. Not having a family ready to jump and help of my own...it put a lot on Brian's family. His mom, Dad...and expecially him. I started to feel like a burden...sometimes I guess I still do.
Sometimes, that seems to stop me from having any special moments. Sometimes, I think it is the fear of everything that has happened. Losing my mom, worrying that I will die like her. Those babies I lost in the 2nd trimester of my pregnancies. A future I had all planned out and never reaching that goal....and now too afraid to try. The babies I will never have or hold. I love my 3 wonderful children. They are blessings to my life. But I mourn for those babies that died, and those that wont be because of my RA too. The depression lately has just wrapped around me and taken hold. I know it is just that it is July. 12 years since my first baby died at only 11 and 1/2 weeks into the pregnancy. 12 Birthdays for my mom since she died. She would of been 53 this year.
Since she died, The only moments have been about the kids. Maybe that is the way it is suppose to be. Please, God....dont let me miss one of thier moments.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
The West
This poem is one of my favorites. It was written by E. A. (Earl Alonzo) Brininstool, who was born in 1870. Something about this poem calls to my soul and expresses a feeling that I hold deep inside my heart.
The Poem is called, The West.
The Poem is called, The West.
The West
When you have lived out in the West,
Till it becomes a part of you,
And you've a feeling in your breast
No other spot on earth will do;
When you can call the desert home,
And love the ranges vast and drear,
Then every butte and rocky dome,
And stretch of sage will grow more dear.
When every flaming sunset seems
To hold you by a magic spell,
And you have visions in your dreams
Of mesa tops and chaparral;
And when the rolling prairie land
You love more than the city street,
Then shall you know and understand
The charm which draws your eager feet.
When all God's great out-of-doors
You worship with a new delight;
When rocky ridge and canyon floors,
Show added wonders day and night;
When wide, free plains seem reaching out
To welcome you with open arms,
You will have learned, without a doubt,
The secret of the great West's charms.
When you can ride each lengthening trail
Without a sense of loneliness;
When every coulee, draw and swale
Hold beauties which you may possess;
When you can read the starry Skies
Beneath which you lie down to rest,
Then shall you know and realize
The fascination of the West!
From Trail Dust of a Maverick, 1914
Understand Freedom -Mid Week Epistole by Jim Massey
Understand Freedom!
As we once again draw near to celebrating the birth of our great nation, I am reminded of the witness of the men and women who have gone before us in the cause of freedom. Some have been warriors on the field of battle and others may have worked behind the scenes giving strength and sustenance to all as it was needed.
We were founded as a nation upon an idea of freedom that may seem strange to some because they do not truly understand what it can mean. Abraham Lincoln once said: “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and under a just God, cannot long retain it.”
You see that is the key of freedom, the justness of a Creator God who looks at this world as the fulfillment of His love. He wanted His creation to come before Him and love and care for others. Yet, we as a people become confused and sometimes find ourselves deeply in war just like today. We create new words such as “terrorists” and “improvised explosive devices” because we cannot find words that will describe the fear and pain we find in the darkness of days shattered with pain and suffering of such depths.
I once read a wonderful statement of trust: “And I said to a man who stood at the door of the year, ‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’ And he replied, ‘Go out into the darkness, and put your hand into the hand of God. That will be to you better than a light, and safer than a known way.’”
That is the answer to our lives today. Putting our hand in God’s and knowing that His guidance will bring us to a new understanding of freedom. You see, there are two freedoms: The false, where we are free to do what we like, and the true, where we are free to do what we ought.
O God of the nation, come into our hearts this hour and give us strength. Let these prayers for our soldiers in harm’s way bring calmness to their hearts so they can begin to see what the cost of freedom can be. Give those of us who live in this great nation an assurance that Your Holy presence is truly guiding this land to a place where our children will love and care for all Your children everywhere. We know this is possible because Your Son came and told us that the light of the Kingdom is seen in the children. O God, bless the children. Give them Your freedom. We pray this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week for another Mid-week Epistle.
As we once again draw near to celebrating the birth of our great nation, I am reminded of the witness of the men and women who have gone before us in the cause of freedom. Some have been warriors on the field of battle and others may have worked behind the scenes giving strength and sustenance to all as it was needed.
We were founded as a nation upon an idea of freedom that may seem strange to some because they do not truly understand what it can mean. Abraham Lincoln once said: “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and under a just God, cannot long retain it.”
You see that is the key of freedom, the justness of a Creator God who looks at this world as the fulfillment of His love. He wanted His creation to come before Him and love and care for others. Yet, we as a people become confused and sometimes find ourselves deeply in war just like today. We create new words such as “terrorists” and “improvised explosive devices” because we cannot find words that will describe the fear and pain we find in the darkness of days shattered with pain and suffering of such depths.
I once read a wonderful statement of trust: “And I said to a man who stood at the door of the year, ‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’ And he replied, ‘Go out into the darkness, and put your hand into the hand of God. That will be to you better than a light, and safer than a known way.’”
That is the answer to our lives today. Putting our hand in God’s and knowing that His guidance will bring us to a new understanding of freedom. You see, there are two freedoms: The false, where we are free to do what we like, and the true, where we are free to do what we ought.
O God of the nation, come into our hearts this hour and give us strength. Let these prayers for our soldiers in harm’s way bring calmness to their hearts so they can begin to see what the cost of freedom can be. Give those of us who live in this great nation an assurance that Your Holy presence is truly guiding this land to a place where our children will love and care for all Your children everywhere. We know this is possible because Your Son came and told us that the light of the Kingdom is seen in the children. O God, bless the children. Give them Your freedom. We pray this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week for another Mid-week Epistle.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
A Joke To Share
A Montana cowboy was overseeing his herd in a remote mountainous pasture when suddenly a brand-new BMW advanced out of a dust cloud towards him.
The driver, a young man in a Brioni suit, Gucci shoes, Ray Ban Sunglasses and YSL tie, leans out the window and asks the cowboy, "If I tell you exactly how many cows and calves you have in your herd, Will you give me a calf?"
The cowboy looks at the man, obviously a yuppie, then looks at his peacefully grazing herd and calmly answers, "Sure, why not?"
The yuppie parks his car, whips out his Dell notebook computer, Connects it to his Cingular RAZR V3 cell phone, and surfs to a NASA Page on the Internet, where he calls up a GPS satellite navigation System to get an exact fix on his location which he then feeds to another NASA satellite that scans the area in an ultra-high-resolution photo.
The young man then opens the digital photo in Adobe Photoshop and exports it to an image processing facility in Hamburg, Germany.
Within seconds, he receives an email on his Palm Pilot that the image has been processed and the data stored.
He then accesses a MS-SQL database through an ODBC connected Excel Spreadsheet with email on his Blackberry and, after a few minutes, receives a response.
Finally, he prints out a full-color, 150-page report on his hi-tech, miniaturized HP LaserJet printer and finally turns to the cowboy and says, "You have exactly 1,586 cows and calves."
"That's right. Well, I guess you can take one of my calves," says the Cowboy.
He watches the young man select one of the animals and looks on amused as the young man stuffs it into the trunk of his car.
Then the cowboy says to the young man, "Hey, if I can tell you exactly what your business is, will you give me back my calf?"
The young man thinks about it for a second and then says, "Okay, why not?"
You're a Democrat Congressman for the U.S. Government", says the cowboy.
"Wow! That's correct," says the yuppie, "but how did you guess that?"
"No guessing was required." answered the cowboy. "You showed up here even though nobody called you; you want to get paid for an answer I already knew, to a question I never asked. You tried to show me how much smarter than me you are; and you don't know a thing about cows...this is a herd of sheep.
Now give me back my dog.
The driver, a young man in a Brioni suit, Gucci shoes, Ray Ban Sunglasses and YSL tie, leans out the window and asks the cowboy, "If I tell you exactly how many cows and calves you have in your herd, Will you give me a calf?"
The cowboy looks at the man, obviously a yuppie, then looks at his peacefully grazing herd and calmly answers, "Sure, why not?"
The yuppie parks his car, whips out his Dell notebook computer, Connects it to his Cingular RAZR V3 cell phone, and surfs to a NASA Page on the Internet, where he calls up a GPS satellite navigation System to get an exact fix on his location which he then feeds to another NASA satellite that scans the area in an ultra-high-resolution photo.
The young man then opens the digital photo in Adobe Photoshop and exports it to an image processing facility in Hamburg, Germany.
Within seconds, he receives an email on his Palm Pilot that the image has been processed and the data stored.
He then accesses a MS-SQL database through an ODBC connected Excel Spreadsheet with email on his Blackberry and, after a few minutes, receives a response.
Finally, he prints out a full-color, 150-page report on his hi-tech, miniaturized HP LaserJet printer and finally turns to the cowboy and says, "You have exactly 1,586 cows and calves."
"That's right. Well, I guess you can take one of my calves," says the Cowboy.
He watches the young man select one of the animals and looks on amused as the young man stuffs it into the trunk of his car.
Then the cowboy says to the young man, "Hey, if I can tell you exactly what your business is, will you give me back my calf?"
The young man thinks about it for a second and then says, "Okay, why not?"
You're a Democrat Congressman for the U.S. Government", says the cowboy.
"Wow! That's correct," says the yuppie, "but how did you guess that?"
"No guessing was required." answered the cowboy. "You showed up here even though nobody called you; you want to get paid for an answer I already knew, to a question I never asked. You tried to show me how much smarter than me you are; and you don't know a thing about cows...this is a herd of sheep.
Now give me back my dog.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Feel the Nails
Click Here to watch the video.
Artist: Ray Boltz
Song: Feel The Nails
Album:
1st verse
They tell me Jesus died
For my transgressions
That he paid that price a long, long time ago
When he gave his life for me
On a hill called Calvary
But there's something else I want to know
Chorus
Does he still feel the nails
Every time I fail
Can he hear the crowd cry "Crucify" again
Am I causing him pain
Then I know I've got to change
I just can't bear the thought of hurting him.
2nd verse
It seems that I'm so good at breaking promises
And I treat his precious grace so carelessly
But each time he forgives
What if he re-lives
The agony He felt on that tree
Chorus 1x
Holy, holy
Holy is the Lord
Holy Holy
Holy is the Lord
Do you still feel the nails
Every time I fail
Have I crucified you Jesus with my sins
Oh I'm tired of playing games
I really want to change
I never want to hurt you again
Holy, Holy
Holy is the Lord
Holy, Holy
Holy is the Lord
Revenge is So Sweet! Mid Week Epistole by Jim Massey
REVENGE IS SO SWEET!
It is amazing how many people in this world today would love to have a bit of revenge. I know you have seen them, the people who feel anger when they are cut off by an individual driving down the freeway and nearly cause an accident. Or someone cutting in front of you in a parking place that you have tried to get to from the other side of the parking lot.
That happened once to a driver of a Rolls-Royce who was carefully backing into a parking space when a teenager in a snazzy sports car zipped in and stole the space.
Getting out of his car, the youth grinned and said: “You’ve got to be young and quick to be able to do that, Pops.”
The older gentleman smiled as he continued to back up his Rolls, crunching the tiny sports car into a total wreck. “And you have to be old and rich to be able to do that,” he retorted.
Can you imagine the look on the teenagers face and the tremendous feeling of satisfaction that came to the driver of the Rolls? Maybe that is what they mean by the cliché “Revenge is so sweet.”
Would you care to hear God’s way? Psalm 94:16-19: “Who rises up for me against the wicked? Who stands up for me against evildoers? If the Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. When I thought, ‘My foot is slipping,’ Your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolations cheer my soul.”
It is God who is allowed to gain the revenge, what we seek is His love.
O God, when I feel betrayed and alone, remind me of the cross. You overcame those feelings without revenge, but the power of love. Grace me in the same way, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. One of my greatest loves is my wife and she is an only child. Next week, we will celebration the birth of our nation. May God gloriously guide it for His peace.
It is amazing how many people in this world today would love to have a bit of revenge. I know you have seen them, the people who feel anger when they are cut off by an individual driving down the freeway and nearly cause an accident. Or someone cutting in front of you in a parking place that you have tried to get to from the other side of the parking lot.
That happened once to a driver of a Rolls-Royce who was carefully backing into a parking space when a teenager in a snazzy sports car zipped in and stole the space.
Getting out of his car, the youth grinned and said: “You’ve got to be young and quick to be able to do that, Pops.”
The older gentleman smiled as he continued to back up his Rolls, crunching the tiny sports car into a total wreck. “And you have to be old and rich to be able to do that,” he retorted.
Can you imagine the look on the teenagers face and the tremendous feeling of satisfaction that came to the driver of the Rolls? Maybe that is what they mean by the cliché “Revenge is so sweet.”
Would you care to hear God’s way? Psalm 94:16-19: “Who rises up for me against the wicked? Who stands up for me against evildoers? If the Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. When I thought, ‘My foot is slipping,’ Your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolations cheer my soul.”
It is God who is allowed to gain the revenge, what we seek is His love.
O God, when I feel betrayed and alone, remind me of the cross. You overcame those feelings without revenge, but the power of love. Grace me in the same way, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. One of my greatest loves is my wife and she is an only child. Next week, we will celebration the birth of our nation. May God gloriously guide it for His peace.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Fred Thompson and those who bash Him
This week there was an article that appeared out of Newsweek.
The article is misleading but shows the fear that people have over Fred Thompson running for President.
From the Article
Real shame he reaches apart cross party lines and all to try to be a civil human being.
Votes Conservative...still trying to figure out what is wrong with him...
Goes after the bad in government no matter where he finds it? What is wrong with Fred Thompson? Nothing. That is why people are so scared of him.
The article is misleading but shows the fear that people have over Fred Thompson running for President.
From the Article
The Monica Lewinsky scandal was dominating Washington that year and Thompson, like every other Republican, was critical of Bill Clinton in public. But away from the cameras, he quietly reached out to the president in a letter sent through Clinton's chief of staff. "If the President is going to have any good cigars left over," he relayed to Clinton, who had once sent him a stogie, "in the spirit of bipartisanship I might be willing to help him out."
Intimate correspondence like this usually doesn't see light until long after a politician is dead and gone, or at least done with politics for good. Thompson apparently believed he had forever traded Washington for Hollywood when he agreed to put his eight years of Senate records, including personal correspondence, in a public archive at the University of Tennessee. The papers, which have gone largely unnoticed, offer an unusual glimpse at his life as a Washington fixture, and clues about how he might lead as a president—hints that might not please conservative voters who are intrigued by him but who know little about him.
Real shame he reaches apart cross party lines and all to try to be a civil human being.
But if Thompson was conflicted about the issue, his voting record didn't show it. He joined with conservatives to block federal funding for abortions and supported a partial-birth-abortion ban. National Right to Life, an anti-abortion group, gave him a 100 percent rating. Recently, Thompson has suggested a personal shift on the issue. He told Fox News that he's always been against abortion, but that the issue has "meant a little more" since he saw the sonogram of his 3-year-old daughter. "I'll never feel that same way again," Thompson said. "Not only is it in my head, it's in my heart now."
Votes Conservative...still trying to figure out what is wrong with him...
Like McCain, Thompson showed he was willing to buck his party, even if it meant making enemies. In 1997, he was appointed to lead hearings into Democratic fund-raising abuses in the 1996 campaign. It was a starring role for a first-term senator and a nod at his popularity within the GOP. But the warm feelings didn't last. When Thompson broadened his investigation to look into alleged abuses by Republicans, he became an enemy to his party. "Fred was under considerable pressure to turn up and publicize evidence of wrongdoing [by Clinton], but his goal throughout was to be thorough and fair, and that didn't endear him to either side," says Sen. Susan Collins, a friend of his.
Goes after the bad in government no matter where he finds it? What is wrong with Fred Thompson? Nothing. That is why people are so scared of him.
Lucky Man
Click Here
Montgomery Gentry
Montgomery Gentry
Artist: Montgomery Gentry
Song: Lucky Man
I have days where I hate my job
This little town and the whole world too
Last Sunday when the Bengals lost
Lord it put me in a bad mood
I have moments when I curse the rain
Then complain when the sun's too hot
I look around at what everyone has
And I forget about all I've got
But I know I'm a lucky man
God's given me a pretty fair hand
Got a house and a piece of land
A few dollars in a coffee can
My old trucks still running good
My ticker's ticking like they say it should
I got supper in the oven, a good woman's loving
And one more day to be my little kid's dad
Lord, knows I'm a lucky man
Got some friends who would be here fast
I could call em any time of day
Got a brother who's got my back
Got a mama who I swears a saint
Got a brand new rod and reel
Got a full week off this year
Dad had a close call last spring
It's a miracle he's still here
But I know I'm a lucky man
God's given me a pretty fair hand
Got a house and a piece of land
a few dollars in a coffee can
My old trucks still running good
My ticker's tickin' like they say it should
I got supper in the ove, good woman's loving
And one more day to be my little kid's dad
Lord, knows I'm a lucky man
My old trucks still running good
My ticker's ticking like they say it should
I got supper in the oven, a good woman's loving
And even my bad days ain't that bad
Yeah, I'm a lucky man
I'm a lucky lucky man
THE NEW DAY - Mid Week Epistole by Jim Massey
THE NEW DAY
Did you see it? Did it just overwhelm you with it’s glorious presence or quietly steal into your heart? Or tragically, did you just rise this morning and begin working and never look for it?
“What is it?” you say. It is the beginning of a new day! It is the rising of the sun upon a world that was battle weary the night before. It is the coming of the new possibility of conquest and celebration.
What if today was the day when a new and dynamic cure for cancer was discovered? Would you quickly arise and await the good news or would you simply drag out of bed?
Many of us would have a hard time answering these questions if not for Jesus Christ in our lives. He is the promise of today written upon our hearts and spirits. He is the One who comes victoriously every new day. And He is the one who offers us to the world. Did you hear? He offers us to the world, and not the world to us. We are the continued promise of God that was made in the very beginning - the new creation of God and the descendants to fill this world with God’s Good News. Come and rejoice this day and show the world how glorious it is to be caught in God’s love.
Dr. Heartsill Wilson once wrote: “This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good, but what I do today is important, because I am exchanging a day of my life for it! When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something that I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, and not loss; good, and not evil; success, and not failure; in order that I shall not regret the price I have paid for it.”
Come Lord Jesus, bring this bright new day to us so we can bring the Son to the world to hear and see His glorious salvation. We ask this in the glory and power of our Heavenly Father. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Next week we will find the sweetness of revenge.
Did you see it? Did it just overwhelm you with it’s glorious presence or quietly steal into your heart? Or tragically, did you just rise this morning and begin working and never look for it?
“What is it?” you say. It is the beginning of a new day! It is the rising of the sun upon a world that was battle weary the night before. It is the coming of the new possibility of conquest and celebration.
What if today was the day when a new and dynamic cure for cancer was discovered? Would you quickly arise and await the good news or would you simply drag out of bed?
Many of us would have a hard time answering these questions if not for Jesus Christ in our lives. He is the promise of today written upon our hearts and spirits. He is the One who comes victoriously every new day. And He is the one who offers us to the world. Did you hear? He offers us to the world, and not the world to us. We are the continued promise of God that was made in the very beginning - the new creation of God and the descendants to fill this world with God’s Good News. Come and rejoice this day and show the world how glorious it is to be caught in God’s love.
Dr. Heartsill Wilson once wrote: “This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good, but what I do today is important, because I am exchanging a day of my life for it! When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something that I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, and not loss; good, and not evil; success, and not failure; in order that I shall not regret the price I have paid for it.”
Come Lord Jesus, bring this bright new day to us so we can bring the Son to the world to hear and see His glorious salvation. We ask this in the glory and power of our Heavenly Father. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Next week we will find the sweetness of revenge.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Are You Dead? Mid Week Epistole by Jim Massey
ARE YOU DEAD?
I once read a very challenging statement: “Jesus came to raise the dead.” What an interesting comment. The only qualification for the gift of the Gospel is to be dead. You don’t have to be smart. You don’t have to be good. You don’t have to be wise. You don’t have to be wonderful. You don’t have to be anything. You just have to be dead. That’s all.”
You see Jesus said we must die to our sins. In fact one time he was speaking to Nicodemus, one of the leaders of the Jewish people who came to Him in the dark of the night, and he told him, “You must be born again.”
Is there any thing you need to die to? What about jealousy or your feelings of inadequacy to do the bidding of the Master? Or what about your feelings of superiority toward others or your feelings of distress in the face of gossip and untruths?
You see, there is no one on this earth who will not die at one time or another. The main difference between dying right now and when your final breath comes, is that you consciously chose to gain new life and serve God here on earth and not wait until you are offered a home in glory.
Almighty God, do not let us insist on holding only a life that destroys us. Come to us in Your love and grace and then we will know without a doubt that we are alive and not dead. In the blessed name of Christ we pray. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week and we will look at a New Day.
I once read a very challenging statement: “Jesus came to raise the dead.” What an interesting comment. The only qualification for the gift of the Gospel is to be dead. You don’t have to be smart. You don’t have to be good. You don’t have to be wise. You don’t have to be wonderful. You don’t have to be anything. You just have to be dead. That’s all.”
You see Jesus said we must die to our sins. In fact one time he was speaking to Nicodemus, one of the leaders of the Jewish people who came to Him in the dark of the night, and he told him, “You must be born again.”
Is there any thing you need to die to? What about jealousy or your feelings of inadequacy to do the bidding of the Master? Or what about your feelings of superiority toward others or your feelings of distress in the face of gossip and untruths?
You see, there is no one on this earth who will not die at one time or another. The main difference between dying right now and when your final breath comes, is that you consciously chose to gain new life and serve God here on earth and not wait until you are offered a home in glory.
Almighty God, do not let us insist on holding only a life that destroys us. Come to us in Your love and grace and then we will know without a doubt that we are alive and not dead. In the blessed name of Christ we pray. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week and we will look at a New Day.
Fred Thompson
You can visit Fred Thompson's Presidental Run Website.
Join me in Supporting Him for President of the United States. It is time for a politics to be shaken up.
Join me in Supporting Him for President of the United States. It is time for a politics to be shaken up.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Fred Thompson
We need someone like Fred Thompson for President of the United States. You can read and listen to his commentary at abc radio. It is called the Fred Thompson Report.
I have little doubt he will be the next President of the United States.
Strength for Daily Living by Rev Jim Massey
Strength for Daily Living
Have you ever had things go wrong in your life? You know what I mean, the washing machine breaks down, the dog runs away, the children are rebellious, and everything that you touch seems to fall apart.
Well, we all have days like that. They can become moments in our lives when we feel so out of control and helpless that it is heart-breaking.
I once found a beautiful prayer that seemed to answer a lot of what I feel at times in my own life and maybe in yours as well. It goes like this:
"Lord, things are as they are. My richly embroidered daydreams do not alter them any. Some things just are.
So...now what? Do I spend the next thirty years, or the next thirty days, or even the next thirty minutes blubbering about it?
I could, Lord. You'd listen. But it wouldn't change things.
Except me.
It would diminish me.
It would leave me spent.
And frustrated. And less than I was meant to be.
Better I should use my next thirty years -- yes, and my next thirty minutes -- working with the situation, as it is.
Better I should look it square in the face and accept it and then pick life up and start from here. God, give me the serenity to accept those things which cannot be changed. Amen."
That prayer came from a book by Jo Karr. She must have experienced many of the same things in her life that you and I have as well. Or perhaps, maybe her life is normal, just like yours and mine.
Loving Father, let us claim this day in the name of Jesus Christ. Let nothing happen to us this day that Your loving presence is not clearly a part of it. Let us not become discouraged, but encouraged as we offer ourselves to your loving grace and power. We pray this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Remember to share your love with a very special mother this Sunday and join me next week and we will share ten ways to conquer worry.
Have you ever had things go wrong in your life? You know what I mean, the washing machine breaks down, the dog runs away, the children are rebellious, and everything that you touch seems to fall apart.
Well, we all have days like that. They can become moments in our lives when we feel so out of control and helpless that it is heart-breaking.
I once found a beautiful prayer that seemed to answer a lot of what I feel at times in my own life and maybe in yours as well. It goes like this:
"Lord, things are as they are. My richly embroidered daydreams do not alter them any. Some things just are.
So...now what? Do I spend the next thirty years, or the next thirty days, or even the next thirty minutes blubbering about it?
I could, Lord. You'd listen. But it wouldn't change things.
Except me.
It would diminish me.
It would leave me spent.
And frustrated. And less than I was meant to be.
Better I should use my next thirty years -- yes, and my next thirty minutes -- working with the situation, as it is.
Better I should look it square in the face and accept it and then pick life up and start from here. God, give me the serenity to accept those things which cannot be changed. Amen."
That prayer came from a book by Jo Karr. She must have experienced many of the same things in her life that you and I have as well. Or perhaps, maybe her life is normal, just like yours and mine.
Loving Father, let us claim this day in the name of Jesus Christ. Let nothing happen to us this day that Your loving presence is not clearly a part of it. Let us not become discouraged, but encouraged as we offer ourselves to your loving grace and power. We pray this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Remember to share your love with a very special mother this Sunday and join me next week and we will share ten ways to conquer worry.
How To Deal With Worry by Jim Massey
How to Deal with Worry
Have you ever tossed and turned at night, worrying about something that you are sure is going to happen tomorrow and it never does? Then you are probably one of those people who this will really help a lot. I found a wonderful article once about the way to conquer worry. Let me list some of them for you.
l. Recognize that there is a big difference between nervous worry and healthy concern.
2. Get plenty of rest. Your problems look so much bigger when you are tired than when you are relaxed and refreshed.
3. Do not forget that problems have a way of diminishing in size as you get closer to them. Tomorrow's troubles look so much bigger today than they will look tomorrow.
4. Remember there is just as much chance it will not happen, as that it will.
5. Count on your hidden reserves. You have deep within you sleeping power which come forth in hours of crisis.
6. Learn to distinguish between those parts of life which you can control and those parts which you cannot.
7. Be wary of jealousy. Other people only look like they do not have a worry. Do not get the idea that worry has singled you out for its victim.
8. Check your goals. You may be worrying over false ambitions which really are not worth the effort.
9. When you are anxious, stop and something for someone, for a shut-in or a troubled friend. In extending yourself you will lose your frustrations.
10. Count on God. He has handled problems like yours long before you came along. There is just as much Divine power for you as for anyone else. Use His daily help and strength.
Now that may seem like a long list of things to do, but as you hear these things, the worry seems to begin to fall away. And please do remember that God is with you, so you have a strength that is greater than any trouble this world may bring to you.
Let us pray: Heavenly and eternal Father. Today we ask that you grant us the patience to wait on Your grace in our times of trouble. If we will do so, then Your power will fill our lives and we will not be caught in our worries.
Calm our Spirits and guide our lives. We pray these things in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week and we will talk about living a life of Risk.
Have you ever tossed and turned at night, worrying about something that you are sure is going to happen tomorrow and it never does? Then you are probably one of those people who this will really help a lot. I found a wonderful article once about the way to conquer worry. Let me list some of them for you.
l. Recognize that there is a big difference between nervous worry and healthy concern.
2. Get plenty of rest. Your problems look so much bigger when you are tired than when you are relaxed and refreshed.
3. Do not forget that problems have a way of diminishing in size as you get closer to them. Tomorrow's troubles look so much bigger today than they will look tomorrow.
4. Remember there is just as much chance it will not happen, as that it will.
5. Count on your hidden reserves. You have deep within you sleeping power which come forth in hours of crisis.
6. Learn to distinguish between those parts of life which you can control and those parts which you cannot.
7. Be wary of jealousy. Other people only look like they do not have a worry. Do not get the idea that worry has singled you out for its victim.
8. Check your goals. You may be worrying over false ambitions which really are not worth the effort.
9. When you are anxious, stop and something for someone, for a shut-in or a troubled friend. In extending yourself you will lose your frustrations.
10. Count on God. He has handled problems like yours long before you came along. There is just as much Divine power for you as for anyone else. Use His daily help and strength.
Now that may seem like a long list of things to do, but as you hear these things, the worry seems to begin to fall away. And please do remember that God is with you, so you have a strength that is greater than any trouble this world may bring to you.
Let us pray: Heavenly and eternal Father. Today we ask that you grant us the patience to wait on Your grace in our times of trouble. If we will do so, then Your power will fill our lives and we will not be caught in our worries.
Calm our Spirits and guide our lives. We pray these things in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week and we will talk about living a life of Risk.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Just Wait! Mid Week Epistole by Jim Massey
Just Wait!
Have you ever felt like your life was in a state of suspension? You don't know what to do because you feel as though your world has ceased to exist? That must have been the feelings of many in Jerusalem the day after the crucifixion of Jesus. The day before three men hung on crosses together, was the height of amazement and curiosity for everyone gathered on Golgotha.
Two of these were thieves and some people said their punishment was justified. One of them mocked and hurled insults at Jesus saying "Are you not the Messiah? Then save yourself and us!"
The other thief said, "Have you no reverence for God. You have been sentenced to the same punishment as He has been, and we with justice, for we are getting what we deserve for our misdeeds, but He has committed no crime. Jesus," he said, "remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
And then Jesus replied: "Very certainly you will be in Paradise with me today." Can you imagine speaking of Paradise while hanging from a cross? That must truly have been hell on earth!
There were so many questions during the hours that followed. Questions that were of the earthly realm: "Where do we bury the body? Who will be responsible? What now of the disciples who were called the faithful followers? Where did many of them disappear to? Now, what do we do?"
Those are questions we would all be asking if we were there, but God's answer to all of them is the same that was given then: "Wait, Something glorious is about to happen!"
Father, at times in our lives we feel as though no one has control of this world. It is running away with all the things that we would call sacred and we cannot stop the maddening pace with which it is happening. Help us to realize even in the times when we feel lost; You are in control of Your Kingdom. Evil will never win because you have proven that even the most horrible of man's evil schemes will be defeated by the power and love of God. Let us remain in prayer and meditation until the glory of Your Resurrection Day surrounds us with the light of Thy salvation. Then we shall rise and rejoice in the glorious power of Your Risen Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
I pray that you will go to God's House this coming Easter Day to celebrate the Glorious Resurrection of His Son! May His love shine in your heart this day.
Grace and Peace
Jim Massey
Have you ever felt like your life was in a state of suspension? You don't know what to do because you feel as though your world has ceased to exist? That must have been the feelings of many in Jerusalem the day after the crucifixion of Jesus. The day before three men hung on crosses together, was the height of amazement and curiosity for everyone gathered on Golgotha.
Two of these were thieves and some people said their punishment was justified. One of them mocked and hurled insults at Jesus saying "Are you not the Messiah? Then save yourself and us!"
The other thief said, "Have you no reverence for God. You have been sentenced to the same punishment as He has been, and we with justice, for we are getting what we deserve for our misdeeds, but He has committed no crime. Jesus," he said, "remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
And then Jesus replied: "Very certainly you will be in Paradise with me today." Can you imagine speaking of Paradise while hanging from a cross? That must truly have been hell on earth!
There were so many questions during the hours that followed. Questions that were of the earthly realm: "Where do we bury the body? Who will be responsible? What now of the disciples who were called the faithful followers? Where did many of them disappear to? Now, what do we do?"
Those are questions we would all be asking if we were there, but God's answer to all of them is the same that was given then: "Wait, Something glorious is about to happen!"
Father, at times in our lives we feel as though no one has control of this world. It is running away with all the things that we would call sacred and we cannot stop the maddening pace with which it is happening. Help us to realize even in the times when we feel lost; You are in control of Your Kingdom. Evil will never win because you have proven that even the most horrible of man's evil schemes will be defeated by the power and love of God. Let us remain in prayer and meditation until the glory of Your Resurrection Day surrounds us with the light of Thy salvation. Then we shall rise and rejoice in the glorious power of Your Risen Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
I pray that you will go to God's House this coming Easter Day to celebrate the Glorious Resurrection of His Son! May His love shine in your heart this day.
Grace and Peace
Jim Massey
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
April Fool
APRIL FOOL
young boy had a fiery temper and it often caused him to do and say unkind things. One day, after an argument had sent one of his friends home in tears, his father told him that for each thoughtless, mean thing he would do from now on, he would drive a nail into their gatepost. Every time he did a kindness or good deed, a nail would be removed.
Months passed, Every time the child passed the gate, he was reminded of the reasons for those ever-increasing nails, until finally; getting them out of the gate post became the challenge for his life.
At last the wished-for day arrived -- only one more nail! As his father pulled it, he danced around exclaiming, "See Daddy, the nails are all gone." The father gazed at the gatepost and then thoughtfully replied, "Yes, the nails are gone -- but the scars remain."
In the coming days, sin will drive nails into the hands of Our Savior. The sound of the nails piercing both the hands and our heart will be strong and painful. But there will come a day when the nails will be removed, and all that will be left is scars. They are as necessary as the nails for people to know the depth of Jesus’ love.
Will you continually try to remove the nails from your hearts? Will you look deeply at the scars of your life and see so fully that God has fooled the devil. Satan tried to claim you, but Jesus shows the scars so you will know for sure the depth of the battle that God was willing to do for you and me.
Loving God, come into our hearts today and encourage us. Many times we see the scars and feel they are times of destruction and failure, but in the depths of the scars we find the energy of Your love. In Christ's blessed name we pray. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Next week we will talk about waiting. I know for some of us it is the most difficult thing we have to do. Maybe this will help?
young boy had a fiery temper and it often caused him to do and say unkind things. One day, after an argument had sent one of his friends home in tears, his father told him that for each thoughtless, mean thing he would do from now on, he would drive a nail into their gatepost. Every time he did a kindness or good deed, a nail would be removed.
Months passed, Every time the child passed the gate, he was reminded of the reasons for those ever-increasing nails, until finally; getting them out of the gate post became the challenge for his life.
At last the wished-for day arrived -- only one more nail! As his father pulled it, he danced around exclaiming, "See Daddy, the nails are all gone." The father gazed at the gatepost and then thoughtfully replied, "Yes, the nails are gone -- but the scars remain."
In the coming days, sin will drive nails into the hands of Our Savior. The sound of the nails piercing both the hands and our heart will be strong and painful. But there will come a day when the nails will be removed, and all that will be left is scars. They are as necessary as the nails for people to know the depth of Jesus’ love.
Will you continually try to remove the nails from your hearts? Will you look deeply at the scars of your life and see so fully that God has fooled the devil. Satan tried to claim you, but Jesus shows the scars so you will know for sure the depth of the battle that God was willing to do for you and me.
Loving God, come into our hearts today and encourage us. Many times we see the scars and feel they are times of destruction and failure, but in the depths of the scars we find the energy of Your love. In Christ's blessed name we pray. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Next week we will talk about waiting. I know for some of us it is the most difficult thing we have to do. Maybe this will help?
WHO KNOWS YOUR NAME?
WHO KNOWS YOUR NAME?
A middle-aged woman went into an apartment building and took the elevator to the twelfth floor. When she arrived at her destination, she rang the doorbell impatiently. The door opened slowly, almost mysteriously, and she was welcomed by the smell of incense and smoke.
She entered and was greeted by a young woman in a long white robe who announced her presence by striking a huge gong. With this the young woman said, "Do you wish to the see the WONDERFUL one -- the All-Knowing, all-powerful, Maharishi Narru?"
"Yeah," the woman said, "Tell Sheldon his mother is here."
No matter the titles we may gain from studies or duty in this world, there is one who will always come and call us by our name. The reason we will allow that to happen is because that person has been with us in our life struggles, and has helped us grow and become who we are. They have earned the right to call us by our first name, and it would truly seem strange for them to do otherwise.
The wonderful truth about God is that He knows all our names. The question of life is do we know the power of His? Paul said in Romans 10:13 - "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Why not try saying the name of Jesus today and receive His wondrous love.
Loving God, come and fill our minds with the power of Your Holy name. Let us be bold and faithful in our desire for the love only You can offer when we simply call upon Your name. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me again next week and we will draw closer to Easter as we talk about empty nail holes.
A middle-aged woman went into an apartment building and took the elevator to the twelfth floor. When she arrived at her destination, she rang the doorbell impatiently. The door opened slowly, almost mysteriously, and she was welcomed by the smell of incense and smoke.
She entered and was greeted by a young woman in a long white robe who announced her presence by striking a huge gong. With this the young woman said, "Do you wish to the see the WONDERFUL one -- the All-Knowing, all-powerful, Maharishi Narru?"
"Yeah," the woman said, "Tell Sheldon his mother is here."
No matter the titles we may gain from studies or duty in this world, there is one who will always come and call us by our name. The reason we will allow that to happen is because that person has been with us in our life struggles, and has helped us grow and become who we are. They have earned the right to call us by our first name, and it would truly seem strange for them to do otherwise.
The wonderful truth about God is that He knows all our names. The question of life is do we know the power of His? Paul said in Romans 10:13 - "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Why not try saying the name of Jesus today and receive His wondrous love.
Loving God, come and fill our minds with the power of Your Holy name. Let us be bold and faithful in our desire for the love only You can offer when we simply call upon Your name. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me again next week and we will draw closer to Easter as we talk about empty nail holes.
LITTLE BLUE BICYCLES
LITTLE BLUE BICYCLES
Every day a man would ride a blue bicycle through a customs checkpoint. The basket held three jars: one filled with sand, one filled with water, and one filled with nuts and bolts. The customs agents were suspicious and knew he was smuggling. They would open all the jars -- but the sand was just sand, the water was just water, and the nuts and bolts were just nuts and bolts.
They would search the man, and occasionally even take the bicycle apart but no contraband was found. Every day he would come back and forth and the knowledge that he was smuggling grew more and more, but they could not find how he was doing it.
Several years later one of the customs agent stopped the man on the little blue bicycle and said: "Today is my last day. I am going to retire. I have no desire to catch you but for the sake of my piece of mind, could you tell me what you've been smuggling all these years?"
The man replied, "I've been smuggling little blue bicycles."
Many would applaud the ingenuity of the man. Imagine putting something so obvious right under the noses of the customs agents and they never find what it is that you are doing. What a laugh!
Yet I recall the words of 1 Peter 1:13: “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled, set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do…”
When we come to the season of Lent, we must realize that in a unique way that God has been doing the same with the evil of this world. Every day Jesus comes into the lives of people and brings the one thing that we need the most. Some people feel like they need an answer to the questions of life, while others need a reason to continue. But in God’s way, He smuggles in the same thing every day. The grace and love of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Almighty God, continue to touch our lives with the Your special power. Remove the doubts from our minds and affirm the power of Your strength in the face of evil. Change our lives continually we pray, in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me again next week for our Mid-week Epistle and we will see who knows your name.
Every day a man would ride a blue bicycle through a customs checkpoint. The basket held three jars: one filled with sand, one filled with water, and one filled with nuts and bolts. The customs agents were suspicious and knew he was smuggling. They would open all the jars -- but the sand was just sand, the water was just water, and the nuts and bolts were just nuts and bolts.
They would search the man, and occasionally even take the bicycle apart but no contraband was found. Every day he would come back and forth and the knowledge that he was smuggling grew more and more, but they could not find how he was doing it.
Several years later one of the customs agent stopped the man on the little blue bicycle and said: "Today is my last day. I am going to retire. I have no desire to catch you but for the sake of my piece of mind, could you tell me what you've been smuggling all these years?"
The man replied, "I've been smuggling little blue bicycles."
Many would applaud the ingenuity of the man. Imagine putting something so obvious right under the noses of the customs agents and they never find what it is that you are doing. What a laugh!
Yet I recall the words of 1 Peter 1:13: “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled, set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do…”
When we come to the season of Lent, we must realize that in a unique way that God has been doing the same with the evil of this world. Every day Jesus comes into the lives of people and brings the one thing that we need the most. Some people feel like they need an answer to the questions of life, while others need a reason to continue. But in God’s way, He smuggles in the same thing every day. The grace and love of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Almighty God, continue to touch our lives with the Your special power. Remove the doubts from our minds and affirm the power of Your strength in the face of evil. Change our lives continually we pray, in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me again next week for our Mid-week Epistle and we will see who knows your name.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Mid Week Epistole by Jim Massey Harmony Know-How
HARMONY KNOW-HOW!
A beautiful scripture is found in Romans 12:16: "Live in harmony with one another." Six simple words that can be filled will either difficulty or rapture.
Being a musician most of my life, harmony is something that is exciting to the ears. The most common form of harmony comes in the form of notes that for a cord that is made up of intervals of a third. That is simple to do and pleasing to the ear. There are also other intervals that sound mellow or somber that is called "minor chords". And there are chords that are filled with dissonance that must be resolved to make it sound pleasing once again.
There is one rule that is necessary though. It takes at least two to make harmony. You cannot do it by yourself. When two people begin making harmony, you find that one usually sings the lead and the harmony is placed as a second sound below it. That teaches me that there must always be someone who is willing to not be the lead in the music and in a way become a "second fiddle."
Are you willing to do that in your life? What about your family? Are you willing not to be in the spot light, but share it to make something that is so harmonious that people will be amazed at the depth of your love and friendship for one another? That is what harmony means.
What about your relationship to God? Are you willing to let Him sing the leading part in your life knowing that the harmony that comes in that music from heaven is also filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God? We have moved from harmony to a symphony that will make the gates of heaven ring.
Lord, help us make the harmony of our lives be filled with the music that can only come from your Holy Grace. We ask this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week for another Mid-week Epistle.
A beautiful scripture is found in Romans 12:16: "Live in harmony with one another." Six simple words that can be filled will either difficulty or rapture.
Being a musician most of my life, harmony is something that is exciting to the ears. The most common form of harmony comes in the form of notes that for a cord that is made up of intervals of a third. That is simple to do and pleasing to the ear. There are also other intervals that sound mellow or somber that is called "minor chords". And there are chords that are filled with dissonance that must be resolved to make it sound pleasing once again.
There is one rule that is necessary though. It takes at least two to make harmony. You cannot do it by yourself. When two people begin making harmony, you find that one usually sings the lead and the harmony is placed as a second sound below it. That teaches me that there must always be someone who is willing to not be the lead in the music and in a way become a "second fiddle."
Are you willing to do that in your life? What about your family? Are you willing not to be in the spot light, but share it to make something that is so harmonious that people will be amazed at the depth of your love and friendship for one another? That is what harmony means.
What about your relationship to God? Are you willing to let Him sing the leading part in your life knowing that the harmony that comes in that music from heaven is also filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God? We have moved from harmony to a symphony that will make the gates of heaven ring.
Lord, help us make the harmony of our lives be filled with the music that can only come from your Holy Grace. We ask this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week for another Mid-week Epistle.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Pictures!!
Here are two slideshow links....Today was my youngest 4th birthday. Sniff sniff...
The 2nd slide show was pictures i took yesterday after school.
Slide Show 1
Slide Show 2
The 2nd slide show was pictures i took yesterday after school.
Slide Show 1
Slide Show 2
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Watch the Lamb
Lent is the season to prepare...a time to ready ourselves for the Holy week...the time for Easter. Yesterday, My children and I were talking about lent and easter on the way to school....and my 7 year old son said Mama, "why do we call it Good Friday if that is the day they killed Jesus? That is not good. " I have spent a lot of time thinking about how to explain to him in terms he can understand....in words that my heart can wrap him up in.
I have been thinking about this song too the last few days. (there are some images from passion in this...and it is graphic to some degree)
I love music. I think in so many ways it touches us, and moves us to faith. It is a beautiful expression of our love, and God's love for us. But this song.... It sum's up easter in such a way... During Lent...as we prepare...May we remember to Watch the Lamb.
I have been thinking about this song too the last few days. (there are some images from passion in this...and it is graphic to some degree)
I love music. I think in so many ways it touches us, and moves us to faith. It is a beautiful expression of our love, and God's love for us. But this song.... It sum's up easter in such a way... During Lent...as we prepare...May we remember to Watch the Lamb.
Watch The Lamb
Walking On the Road
To Jerusalem,
The time had come to sacrifice,
Again,
My two small sons,
They walked beside me on the road,
The reason that they came,
Was to watch the lamb...
"Daddy daddy,
What will we see there,
There's so much that we don't understand,"
So I told them of Moses,
And Father Abraham,
Then I said dear children,
"Watch the lamb....
There will be so many,
In Jerusalem today,
We must be sure the lamb,
Doesn't run away,"
And I told them of Moses,
And Father Abraham,
Then I said "Dear children,
Watch the lamb...."
When we reached the city,
I knew something must be wrong,
There were no joyful worshippers,
No joyful worship songs,
And I stood there,
With my children,
In the midst of angry men,
Then I heard the crowd cry out,
"Let's Crucify Him!"
We tried to leave the city,
But we could not get away,
Forced to play in this drama,
A part I did not want to play,
Why upon this day were men condemned to die?
Why were we standing here,
Where soon they would pass by?
I looked and I said,
"Even now they come,"
The first one cried for mercy,
The people gave him none,
The second one was violent,
He was arrogant and loud,
I still can hear his angry voice,
Screaming at the crowd.
Then someone said,
"There's Jesus,"
I scarce believed my eyes,
A man so badly beaten,
He barely looked alive,
Blood poured from His body,
From the thorns upon His brow,
Running down the cross,
And falling to the ground.
I watched as He struggled,
And I watched Him when He fell.
The cross came down upon His back,
And the crowd began to yell.
In that moment I felt such agony.
In that moment I felt such loss.
Till the roman soldier grabbed my arm and screamed,
"YOU! Carry his cross!"
At first I tried to resist him,
But his hand reached for his sword,
So I knelt and I took
The cross from the Lord.
I placed it on my shoulders
We started down the street
And the blood that He'd been shedding,
Was running down my cheek...
They led us to Golgatha
They drove nails,
Deep in His feet and hands,
And yet upon the cross,
I heard him pray,
"Father, forgive them..."
Never have I seen such love
In any other eyes
"Into thy hands I commit my spirit,"
He prayed,
And then He died.
I stood for what seemed like years,
I lost all sense of time,
Then I felt two tiny hands
Holding tight to mine
My children stood there weeping,
And I heard the oldest say
"Father, please forgive us,
The lamb,
Ran away...
Daddy, daddy,
What've we seen here?
There's so much that we don't understand."
So I took them in my arms,
We turned and faced the cross
Then I said
"Dear children
Watch the lamb..."
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Mid Week Epistole - Toot and Pray by Jim Massey
“TOOT” AND “PRAY”
There was a man who was having trouble with the brakes on his car so he took it to a local mechanic. When he returned for his car, the mechanic told him he couldn't fix the brakes so he made the horn on the car louder.
Sometimes I think that is the way the world tries to solve its problems. We just make a louder noise and perhaps you will not notice that we are hurting or do not have an answer or desire to search for a pathway that will bring us to a solution to our problems. We simply talk more, play music louder, and get angrier.
For the Christian, the answer to a challenge is to return to the loving arms of Jesus Christ. Paul tells about the two parts of our life - the good and the sin that seem to live side by side. One is simply a loud horn type response to life, the other is life itself. Which do you chose?
Loving Father, give us the strength this night to find the desire to not be "noisy gong and clanging cymbal" that Paul speaks of in 1 Corinthians 13, but let us be a part of the glorious praise for Your glory for the world to find strength and truth in all we do. In the blessed name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Everyone hears music from many sources. Next week we will talk about understanding the work of “Harmony” in life?
There was a man who was having trouble with the brakes on his car so he took it to a local mechanic. When he returned for his car, the mechanic told him he couldn't fix the brakes so he made the horn on the car louder.
Sometimes I think that is the way the world tries to solve its problems. We just make a louder noise and perhaps you will not notice that we are hurting or do not have an answer or desire to search for a pathway that will bring us to a solution to our problems. We simply talk more, play music louder, and get angrier.
For the Christian, the answer to a challenge is to return to the loving arms of Jesus Christ. Paul tells about the two parts of our life - the good and the sin that seem to live side by side. One is simply a loud horn type response to life, the other is life itself. Which do you chose?
Loving Father, give us the strength this night to find the desire to not be "noisy gong and clanging cymbal" that Paul speaks of in 1 Corinthians 13, but let us be a part of the glorious praise for Your glory for the world to find strength and truth in all we do. In the blessed name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Everyone hears music from many sources. Next week we will talk about understanding the work of “Harmony” in life?
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
A SALVATION QUESTION -Mid Week Epistole by Jim Massey
A SALVATION QUESTION
A man was returning home after a night on the town with a few of his friends in a small Pennsylvania town. A visiting evangelist stopped him and asked, "Brother, are you saved?"
The long-bearded gentleman did not respond verbally immediately. He pulled out a piece of paper and wrote on it, then handed it to the stranger. "Here," he said, "are the names and addresses of my family, neighbors, and the people I do business with. Ask them if they think I am saved. I could tell you anything."
How would you answer that question if it were posed to you today? Or perhaps there is a friend that you have wanted to ask this question for years? It is one that has plagued mankind forever.
God knew it would be difficult, that is why he had the Apostle Peter write: "...in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." (I Peter 3:15)
That is the answer - gentleness and respect from the one who gives us life. "Brother, are you saved?"
Lord, come into our hearts this day. We have such a need to know the words of hope that we long to hear. The world would tell us of despair and doubt, but when we hold onto You, we have the promise and assurance of Your saving grace. Give us the power to touch a life this day as You have touched ours. In the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week when we talk about the way to “toot” and “pray”.
A man was returning home after a night on the town with a few of his friends in a small Pennsylvania town. A visiting evangelist stopped him and asked, "Brother, are you saved?"
The long-bearded gentleman did not respond verbally immediately. He pulled out a piece of paper and wrote on it, then handed it to the stranger. "Here," he said, "are the names and addresses of my family, neighbors, and the people I do business with. Ask them if they think I am saved. I could tell you anything."
How would you answer that question if it were posed to you today? Or perhaps there is a friend that you have wanted to ask this question for years? It is one that has plagued mankind forever.
God knew it would be difficult, that is why he had the Apostle Peter write: "...in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." (I Peter 3:15)
That is the answer - gentleness and respect from the one who gives us life. "Brother, are you saved?"
Lord, come into our hearts this day. We have such a need to know the words of hope that we long to hear. The world would tell us of despair and doubt, but when we hold onto You, we have the promise and assurance of Your saving grace. Give us the power to touch a life this day as You have touched ours. In the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week when we talk about the way to “toot” and “pray”.
Monday, February 19, 2007
PROBLEM CONSISTENCIES -Mid Week Epistole by Jim Massey
PROBLEM CONSISTENCIES
One day I was visiting with a lady that seemed to be deeply distressed. She was telling me all the things that had gone wrong in her life and when she came to the end of her list, I asked her: "Is there one thing consistent in all these things?" Her reply was, "Yes, problems!" To her with the rising of the sun, she was certain the problems of the day would arise as well.
One of my favorite cartoons is Peanuts. One day Linus and Charlie Brown were walking along and chatting with one another. Linus says, "I don't like to face problems head on. I think the best way to solve problems is to avoid them. In fact, this is a distinct philosophy of mine. No problem is so big or so complicated that it can't be run away from!"
No problem will be defeated by desertion of the battle. For Christians, the opportunity to battle the trials of our daily routines can be the most glorious battle of all for we have Christ on our side. Only by desertion can we be defeated. When Christ is present the victory is certain.
A wise man once said, "We can lose the victory by flight but not by death. Happy are you if you die in battle for after death you will be crowned. But woe to you if by forsaking the battle you forfeit at once both the victory and the crown."
Maybe this is a day of battle for you. If that is true, invite Christ to join you and I promise you the victory.
Loving Father, today we promise to meet the problems of our living with new zeal. You have promised us that nothing can defeat You, so we lay claim to that glorious Word. Remove from our hearts the anxiety and frustrations that we might feel and place there the warmth and assurance of Your holy love. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
One day I was visiting with a lady that seemed to be deeply distressed. She was telling me all the things that had gone wrong in her life and when she came to the end of her list, I asked her: "Is there one thing consistent in all these things?" Her reply was, "Yes, problems!" To her with the rising of the sun, she was certain the problems of the day would arise as well.
One of my favorite cartoons is Peanuts. One day Linus and Charlie Brown were walking along and chatting with one another. Linus says, "I don't like to face problems head on. I think the best way to solve problems is to avoid them. In fact, this is a distinct philosophy of mine. No problem is so big or so complicated that it can't be run away from!"
No problem will be defeated by desertion of the battle. For Christians, the opportunity to battle the trials of our daily routines can be the most glorious battle of all for we have Christ on our side. Only by desertion can we be defeated. When Christ is present the victory is certain.
A wise man once said, "We can lose the victory by flight but not by death. Happy are you if you die in battle for after death you will be crowned. But woe to you if by forsaking the battle you forfeit at once both the victory and the crown."
Maybe this is a day of battle for you. If that is true, invite Christ to join you and I promise you the victory.
Loving Father, today we promise to meet the problems of our living with new zeal. You have promised us that nothing can defeat You, so we lay claim to that glorious Word. Remove from our hearts the anxiety and frustrations that we might feel and place there the warmth and assurance of Your holy love. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
Mom and Birthdays
What power that word holds. Only one person can ever be that person, and no one can come along and fill that space no matter how hard they try. And yet, we are shaped by the person who fills that role. Who is mom.
I would like to say that only the last 12 birthdays have been hard, but that would be a lie. I dont know what it is about this time of year that makes me feel so miserable and hopeless. Most people enjoy thier birthday, but I hate it. Every year it becomes one terrible disappointment after the next. This year is lining up to be no exception. The only good memories I have of any parts of my birthday involve my mom. She always tried to make it so great....but yet, it seems like there was always something.
When I was turning 5, My mom was planning this party for me. My parents had finally divorced the year before...and for my first birthday, minus my father's responisibility...she was trying. Then she got sick, ended up in the hospital during my birthday. Her best friend Bev came and hosted my little party. Bev got me a little satin and lace purse and hat. Funny how you remember the little things. But, she wasnt there.
Then there was the year I was in the hospital for my 8th birthday. On my 9th it was really sunny outside. My grandpa fixed the car that day. 10, 11, ....For my 12th i had a sleep over. It was the only time in my whole childhood I was allowed to invite any friends into my grandparents house. My 14th, I had my first girl/boy party. The boy I like lied to me. I can not believe how much that lie still hurts all these years later. My 19th, my mother bought me a lace nightie and informed me...I needed it to make her grandbabies. She did not care for son-in-laws...but she wanted grandbabies.
It was my 21st that was the rock bottem. It was 5 days after it, I took a bottle of pain pills and a bottle of sleeping pills and washed it down with a fifth of Vodka. My dad showed up with my stepmom in tow...first time i had seen him in years. I had been raped a few months earlier...and my life was so out of control. My dad proceeded to make my birthday hell. The next day, mom and johnna were suppose to come down to spend the day with me. Only, Johnna showed up. Mom had a headache. Johnna stopped and picked up a cake, with whip cream icing i hate. Fought with me for an hour, and then turned around and left. It was a hell of a birthday.
I spent the next one in a psych ward for depression...my mom in the hospital for a drug reaction she was given for her migraines. Then by the time a year rolled around and I was 23, my mom was dead.
I hate this time of year. God, Please do not let me fail my kids when it comes to birthdays and please, let them remember good things.
I would like to say that only the last 12 birthdays have been hard, but that would be a lie. I dont know what it is about this time of year that makes me feel so miserable and hopeless. Most people enjoy thier birthday, but I hate it. Every year it becomes one terrible disappointment after the next. This year is lining up to be no exception. The only good memories I have of any parts of my birthday involve my mom. She always tried to make it so great....but yet, it seems like there was always something.
When I was turning 5, My mom was planning this party for me. My parents had finally divorced the year before...and for my first birthday, minus my father's responisibility...she was trying. Then she got sick, ended up in the hospital during my birthday. Her best friend Bev came and hosted my little party. Bev got me a little satin and lace purse and hat. Funny how you remember the little things. But, she wasnt there.
Then there was the year I was in the hospital for my 8th birthday. On my 9th it was really sunny outside. My grandpa fixed the car that day. 10, 11, ....For my 12th i had a sleep over. It was the only time in my whole childhood I was allowed to invite any friends into my grandparents house. My 14th, I had my first girl/boy party. The boy I like lied to me. I can not believe how much that lie still hurts all these years later. My 19th, my mother bought me a lace nightie and informed me...I needed it to make her grandbabies. She did not care for son-in-laws...but she wanted grandbabies.
It was my 21st that was the rock bottem. It was 5 days after it, I took a bottle of pain pills and a bottle of sleeping pills and washed it down with a fifth of Vodka. My dad showed up with my stepmom in tow...first time i had seen him in years. I had been raped a few months earlier...and my life was so out of control. My dad proceeded to make my birthday hell. The next day, mom and johnna were suppose to come down to spend the day with me. Only, Johnna showed up. Mom had a headache. Johnna stopped and picked up a cake, with whip cream icing i hate. Fought with me for an hour, and then turned around and left. It was a hell of a birthday.
I spent the next one in a psych ward for depression...my mom in the hospital for a drug reaction she was given for her migraines. Then by the time a year rolled around and I was 23, my mom was dead.
I hate this time of year. God, Please do not let me fail my kids when it comes to birthdays and please, let them remember good things.
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