Mon, Dec 26th - 10:52AM
New Ministries? Dear Miss Manners With A Twist
http://invisionfree.com/forums/Grace_Today/index.php?showtopic=5027
Join in! There or here. All Q are answered with an A.
Ask your question. Serious, silly, seeking or sad; all replies will be answered by the Pew Sitter Gal who steps in when the pastor can't. Based on a forum where the pastor has been absent since September of 2005.
Example:
Dear Pew Sitter Gal,
"It is better to give than to receive" and "It's the thought that counts." How can I really accept that I got no, nada, zip Chritmas gifts this year? Signed, Coffers are empty
Dear Coffers are empty, Every day is a gift if you accepted Christ Jesus' offer of salvation/eternal life. You did receive! Rejoice! BTW, who bought this computer for you that you are corresponding on?
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Sun, Dec 25th - 10:33AM
How Do You Celebrate Christmas?
What does Christmas mean to you? What traditions do you cling to? Did you celebrate CHRIST?
Asia celebrates Christmas with a twist
By Nur Dianah Suhaimi
SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Few Asians are Christian but people across the vast continent are embracing the holiday as a great excuse for shopping, partying and even romance.
Come December, Christmas lights brighten shopping streets in cities from Beijing to Colombo, while images of Santa Claus and Rudolph adorn office buildings, shops and restaurants.
Shopping malls in Indonesia, the country with the largest number of Muslims, play carols like "Silent Night" and "Jingle Bells" through speakers during the year-end holiday season.
"Most workers here are Muslim but we also celebrate Christmas just like we celebrate Eid al-Fitr. We are complementing each other with these costumes and ornaments," said Jakarta restaurant receptionist Lina Novianti, wearing a red Santa Claus hat. The Moslem celebration Eid al-Fitr marks the end of fasting during Ramadan.
Every year the Indonesian president and top officials attend national Christmas celebrations with church groups.
In atheist China -- where Catholics banned from recognizing Rome hold secret vigils -- Christmas does not enjoy official sanction, but Christmas Eve has become one of the biggest party nights of the year for young professionals.
"Bars, karaoke halls, restaurants, they all get completely packed on Christmas Eve," Zu Min, who sells Christmas trees and wreaths from a Beijing parking lot, told Reuters. "More and more Chinese people are buying Christmas trees now."
Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka, which already enjoys at least one public holiday each month to celebrate the Buddha's teachings, has also adopted Christmas, Easter, Ramadan and the Hindu festival of lights Deepvali, making it a world leader in days off.
Tinsel has even been put up inside commercial aircraft that fly from mainly Buddhist Colombo to predominantly Hindu Jaffna.
"I'm a Buddhist, but we celebrate Christmas because my kids insist on it. We decorate the house and have a Christmas tree so my kids will be happy," said a mother-of-two, laden with gifts.
In Japan, Christmas Eve has taken on a meaning similar to Valentine's Day, being the time for romance among young couples.
Christmas issues of Japanese magazines highlight dating hot spots, complete with hotel recommendations and discount coupons.
"We will spend the day together in some romantic place like this," said Akikazu Hamazawa, 22, a student shopping with his girlfriend at the swanky Roppongi Hills in Tokyo.
For an early dose of Christmas spirit, come to Singapore, a shopping haven where lights and baubles go up in October.
"Other festive celebrations here, such as Chinese New Year or the Indian Deepvali, cannot compete with Christmas," said Siva Kumar, 25, a university student in a supermarket stocked with canned cranberry sauce and instant turkey stuffing.
"And it's not just the adults who think Christmas is big. My four-year-old niece wants to wear a Santa hat but refuses to wear the Indian sari," he said, chuckling.
(Additional reporting by Telly Nathalia in Jakarta, Joel Kirkhart in Beijing, Linda Sieg in Japan and Ranga Sirilal in Sri Lanka)
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Wed, Dec 21st - 5:58AM
The True Cost Of Christmas
And to think God knew He would accomplish it with 3 nails. Have a blessed Christmas!~~editor's note
True cost of Christmas: $18,348.87
By MSN Money staff
You think saving for a new flat-panel plasma television or iPod Nano for the holidays is daunting? Be thankful you don't have to save for the original gifts of the "12 Days of Christmas."
To buy the partridge in a pear tree, the 12 drummers drumming and all the gifts in between in the verses of the famous song you'd have to shell out $18,348, according to PNC Advisors' annual survey. And if you were really true to the song, buying all the gifts including the repetitions? Those 364 items would cost a cool $72,608, up 9.5% from last year's $66,344.
| The Christmas Index |
|
1984 |
2004 |
2005 |
chg 04-05 |
| One Partridge in a Pear Tree |
$32.52 |
$93.00 |
$104.99 |
12.90% |
| Partridge |
12.57 |
15.00 |
15.00 |
0.00% |
| Pear Tree |
19.95 |
78.00 |
89.99 |
15.40% |
| Two Turtle Doves |
47.71 |
40.00 |
40.00 |
0.00% |
| Three French Hens |
14.78 |
45.00 |
45.00 |
0.00% |
| Four Calling Birds |
280.00 |
396.00 |
399.96 |
1.00% |
| Five Gold Rings |
275.00 |
255.00 |
325.00 |
27.50% |
| Six Geese-a-Laying |
150.00 |
210.00 |
300.00 |
42.90% |
| Seven Swans-a-Swimming |
7,000.00 |
3,500.00 |
4,200.00 |
20.00% |
| Eight Maids-a-Milking |
26.80 |
41.20 |
41.20 |
0.00% |
| Nine Ladies Dancing |
1,511.50 |
4,400.13 |
4,576.14 |
4.00% |
| 10 Lords-a-Leaping |
1,679.45 |
4,039.08 |
4,039.08 |
0.00% |
| 11 Pipers Piping |
770.56 |
2,053.20 |
2,053.20 |
0.00% |
| 12 Drummers Drumming |
834.78 |
2,224.30 |
2,224.30 |
0.00% |
| Total Christmas Price Index |
12,623.10 |
17,296.91 |
18,348.87 |
6.10% |
| True cost of Christmas in song |
62,427.10 |
66,334.46 |
72,608.02 |
9.50% |
| "Core" index, excluding swans |
|
13,796.91 |
14,148.87 |
2.60% | | Source: PNC Advisors
This year's headlines had an impact on the index. Avian flu? Those swans and geese are going to cost you more because of a spike in the price of large birds. And the French hens? You can't import them from France this year -- though there are domestic suppliers. Meanwhile, energy prices are driving up some delivery costs.
The bling will cost you more
The holiday survey is used as a tongue-in-cheek indicator of inflation, though this year's increase in the Christmas Index outpaces the government's measurement. PNC's Christmas Price Index is up 6.1% from 2004. The core Christmas index -- excluding the swans -- is up just 2.6% this year, though.
Inflation fears have stoked the price of gold, and so you'll have to dig a little deeper if you want those five gold rings. They'll cost you $325, up 27.5% from last year. The jump in price for those six geese -- up 42.9% to $300 -- outstripped even the hike in gold bands, though.
“The Christmas Price Index reflects the economic trends that we have witnessed during the past year,” Jeff Kleintop, chief investment strategist for PNC Advisors, said in a statement. “Not only are avian flu fears and fuel costs driving prices higher, but gold prices are also on the rise. Meanwhile, wages for skilled laborers are struggling to keep up with rising expenses.”
Not much to leap about
The prices in one area of the index seem to be holding steady. The wages of Maids-a-Milking, Lords-a-Leaping, Pipers Piping and Drummers Drumming did not budge in 2005, PNC Advisors reported, demonstrating that it was a difficult year to keep up with higher costs of living.
According to Philadanco, the Philadelphia Dance Company, the Nine Ladies Dancing received a pay raise of 4%, but they were the only lucky ones to get a raise this year.
PNC also checks the cost of Christmas on the Internet, which is significantly higher. The Christmas Internet Index rose 5.7% to $29,322.80 primarily because of shipping costs, up due to rising fuel prices, PNC said.
Any way you look at it, bringing the song to life is an expensive proposition, romantic though it may be. Maybe your true love would just rather have the cash.
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Wed, Dec 14th - 9:46AM
Narnia
| Narnia Rakes In $67 Million Opening Weekend |
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"Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" dominated the box office this past weekend, taking in $67 million, the second biggest December opening ever. Based on C.S. Lewis classic. Critics and audiences gave Narnia positive reviews for its fantasy tone and faithfulness to the author's vision. Moviegoers found that faith elements of the Narnia movie subtly portrayed, according to USA Today, with some saying the religious message is there. Nevertheless, believers saw Aslan as a Jesus figure who sacrificed himself for the sins of others.
Many attribute the movie's successful debut with churchgoers who would normally not attend movies often. Some churches have adopted campaigns, similar to that of "The Passion of the Christ," boosting both church and movie attendance. ~~newsbrief
I guess Christians need a new savior in the light that Harry Potter rocks even in Christian circles. We are looking for a film we can embrace. Not since Passion has churches gathered together to promote one since Narnia.
I digress and go back to the point on this blog being apologetic.
See Sat, Nov 5th - 5:32AM Why Didn't I Think Of That?
Please tell me why Christians can not be there first on a cutting edge? Please tell me why we can not be the head and not the tail as Scripture promises? Please tell me why we have to revert to fiction to titillate others and ourselves as the Left Behind series did?
I don't for a doubt for a moment or believe I am turning the world upside down as the band of gatherers who surrounded Jesus did. They did have Truth (the Way and the Life) . Is that the difference?
I am going more and more into the enemy's camp to take back what was taken from me. After 6 years of Christian outreach for a small audience, I just began a new outreach on a secular site, and am pleased to see I am number one in rankings.
I just had a secular radio station ask me to be a guest. I am, by trial, error and persistence, getting read. Gathering dues. Making Christ's name (like it or not) heard. May also turn down opportunities-- but knowing reaching the lost must be my first consideration.
I think we need to think inclusive, rather than exclusive. (John 3:16) I hope we get is down right soon.
Tell me how you are coping and advancing in the Army of God.
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Tue, Dec 13th - 6:23AM
Capital Punishment
I am opening a can of worms today to get your opinion. I have had a poll and a vote on whether Christians should accept or reject capital punishment a few times on my message boards. Answers were hot. Moderating was tricky. You are either a firm believer for or against.
This came in light of today's headlines:
Convicted killer Williams put to death in Calif.
Former gang member's appeals, requests for clemency fail
The case became the state's highest-profile execution in decades. Hollywood stars and capital punishment foes argued that Williams' sentence should be commuted to life in prison because he had made amends by writing children's books about the dangers of gangs and violence.~~news brief
How are we saved? Is it through good works, or is it through Christ alone? Is this really the point about death's eternal dwelling? I don't know from all I read that he did became a Christian. That is all I was trying to glean from his life. What I do know was he refused a last word. If we are Christians, that is the time to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by our testimony. (Rev. 12:11)
All I know is this: Law and Grace;
Gen 9:6 Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: For in the image of God made he man.
2Co 6:2 (for he saith, At an acceptable time I hearkened unto thee, And in a day of salvation did I succor thee:Behold, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation): and
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Sun, Dec 11th - 4:43AM
Christmas Card Survey
This is probably a totally pointless post, or is it? It is a request that you note how many Christmas cards you receive this year that are religious, and how many are secular. There is a theory that when the economy is depressed the sale of religious Christmas cards increase. Note that no greeting card company wants to credit it to revival.
I have always sent out religious cards. I mean, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that Christmas is about Christ. My witness is 365 days a year. I make no bones that I am a Christian and so far I still have friends and family that will talk to me. But not return the favor of a Christian greeting card for the most part.
This year it already looks hopeful. I only have 4 cards, but 2 are religious. That is batting pretty good. Wouldn't it be something if Jesus "outweighed" Santa Claus?
I'll keep you posted and I hope you will run a mental survey in your mind this year or perhaps let me know.
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Thu, Dec 8th - 7:15AM
Forbes: The Fictional 15 Richest
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Perhaps you've heard of ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM), Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO), and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ)? If, in 1980, you had purchased $2,000 of each, today you'd be sitting on a portfolio worth close to $360,000 by deferring taxes and reinvesting dividends.~~news brief
Admittedly we have all grown up with the fictional characters mentioned. I knew of 11 out of the 15 mentioned. How many names did you recognize?
Where am I going with this, you say? Well, with the "prosperity gospel". You've all heard of it and perhaps you even bought into it. The name it--claim it generation, which includes a list of "ministries profiting" which I need not mention here.
Jesus was not a fictional character or a prosperity preacher. No where do we find a rags to riches story of His life in the Bible. In fact, if you balk, here is a Scripture which should cross your mind. Mat 8:20 And Jesus saith unto him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the heaven have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head."
My dh invested in stock for his retirement. It was his employer World Com (formerly know as MCI). It went bankrupt through fraud and not a penny was returned on his IRA. The administrators did go to prison for stock fraud, but no reimbursement will ever be made. That is why I mentioned the "hot stocks". Was it dumb luck for some, and the wrath of God for others? Consider carefully taking this in mind: We tithed and offered throughout this time and I can hardly credit wrath. It is a matter of the rains fall upon the just and the unjust.
My point today is to encourage you to trust in God, whether it storms or the sun shines. Our life should not be played out by whether we plant one seed in the Gospel and expect a hundred-fold return. It should be based on the Good News: Joh 6:35 "Jesus said unto them. I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall not hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."
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Mon, Dec 5th - 4:55AM
Hanukkah
Hanukkah, which means "dedication" and is also referred to as "The Festival of Lights", is a Jewish festival which begins on the Hebrew date of the 25th of Kislev and lasts eight days, through the 2nd of Tevet. Hanukkah commemorates the victory of the Maccabees (led by Judah) over the Hellenistic Syrians in a revolt that took place around 165 BCE (note: Jews use BCE--Before the Common Era and CE--the Common Era instead of BC and AD). ~~from http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/5493/hanuka.html
It is amazing to me that Christians have the privilege of different religions celebrating Christmas by observing the tradition of card giving, family gatherings, Christmas tree decorating, gift giving and in some extreme cases even a visit to a candlelight Christmas Eve service. We take so much for granted that we are being watched and observed by others.
As Christians we do not celebrate Hanukkah or might I venture to say, return the favor with so much as a greeting card to those that celebrate our season. I know because I have a cousin-in-law who is Jewish and sends us a greeting card each year. I have a best friend who is Jewish and sends us a greeting card each year also. It never dawned on me how selfish I am and how un-accepting I am of those I claim to love and seek out in the name of Christ Jesus.
has a lovely collection of free email cards for Hanukkah. Why don't we really try to touch hearts this year!
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Sat, Dec 3rd - 11:49AM
Extreme Makeovers
1st ever face transplant. Nov 30. A team of French doctors successfully carried out the first ever face transplant...the operation carries a number of ethical questions.~~news brief
I can sympathize with the scarred and disfigured. I cry tears of joy as I see those that have plastic surgery that "restores" facial cruelty by accident or birth. I can only hope that God does not toss this burden my way on my face.
I believe in medical technology. I believe in what we now accept as "miracles." I believe in helping the suffering, no matter how we go about it, outside of any illegal means.
I draw the line at the tower of Babel. Gen 11:6 "And Jehovah said, Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language; and this is what they begin to do: and now nothing will be withholden from them, which they purpose to do."
I am no longer amazed at what technology purposes to do, after we embraced cloning. Perhaps it went back farther than that for me to medical implant chips. I do not know where we as Christians draw the line or speak out against medical technology.
When do we use our voice and be heard as we spiral toward the end of time? When will Christian authors jump ahead in most read articles? When will we feel we are making an impact for Christ and speaking the truth in Him? When will we just say no?
I don't know the answers, just like you don't have the answers. But at the least, let us report and monitor, as Christians with opinions, where our world is heading.
Dan 12:4 "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased."
Knowledge is increasing. I am living the end of times. Can you see them? Can you give an example? Where is our world as we know it heading? It is heading toward the extreme earth makeover. (2 Peter 3:7)
Watch and pray and may I add, speak out.
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Thu, Dec 1st - 9:51AM
International Day Of Disabled Persons
You won't find this on your calendar come 12/2 as a special day of recognition but it is legit. You may not be familiar with someone who is a bona fide handicapped person. We may have labels, even placing them upon ourselves, but this day is dedicated to someone who is truly disabled and has beat all odds to make an impact on others.
Joni Eareckson Tada stands out in my mind (Joni and Friends exists to communicate the gospel and equip Christ-honoring churches worldwide to evangelize and disciple people affected by disability.)
Mind you it could be the person behind you in the grocery line. It could even be the working person I see packing groceries at my local store. (Her name is Julie and she has Down syndrome and has been working there faithfully for about three years)!
I see counterfeits. I see those that collect welfare, unemployment or BVR benefits. I see those who refuse to go on with their life. I do not take my hat off to them today. I take my hat off to those that beat all the odds, despite the support that we may not have given.
Jesus had something to say about overcomers, a time or two, but this is what I highlight for us today: Rev 2:17 "He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him that overcomes, to him will I give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a whitestone, and upon the stone a new name written, which no one knows but he that receives it."
I cannot possibly imagine or guess what you have overcame in your life to shine for Jesus. But I can understand a disability and thank you for being an overcomer. This is for you to pray with gratitude from me.
Prayer Of The Disabled
Father God, we are told to come to You just as we are. I come to You feeling browbeaten and helpless. I come to You seeking relief from my disability.
The multitudes sought Jesus for a cure. The disabled came to Him seeking the only way out of their dilemna--a miracle.
I find myself legally disabled. In Jesus' time they gave alms but did not have governmental supplements to support such a diagnosis. I believe that is why they came seeking Him. I find myself trapped into the system. I want to support myself without begging, and I would rather be made whole and able bodied once more.
I ask to be mindful that there are others who suffer more than I do, Lord.
I ask for wholeness in my life, Lord.
I ask for healing when all other means have failed me, Lord.
I ask that You grant me the faith to keep on coming to You in prayer and petition for this need, Lord.
I ask that You remove self-pity and condemnation far from me, Lord.
I ask You to make a way for me to have a productive life, Lord.
I ask that You either grant me contentment if this is Your will, or great persistence if it is Your will to heal me, Lord.
Most of all, I ask that I might be a great witness to Your grace and mercy, Lord.
I know You and I rejoice in the plans You have for me because I know they are all working together for my good.
Grant me faith, trust, hope and a willing spirit to face each day and accept it as You have ordained.
Help me not to fall into the trap of self-pity, but keep me content in whatsoever state You have called me to.
I believe Lord, help Thou my unbelief as we sojourn through this time in my life. Because Christ Jesus lives, and through Him I live and ask and seek Your blessings. Amen
Posted at 02:28 am by editor
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