By now if you are connected by email to the internet you will have received at least five Happy New Year greeting cards.
That's not counting all the personal greetings if you were with other people last night. So can you stand it if you hear once again, Happy New Year! ?
I hope you have a happy New Year.
You might think, well if I do, it's about time.
Which is an interesting phrase. Not the Happy New Year, but the "it's about time".
I suppose Happy New Year is interesting, too, but it's pretty straight forward.
The writer of Ecclesiastes had an interesting take on time and the seasons of life. We know it well:
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance...
That is a passage that I find very . . .
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Right now, all I want to do is go to bed! I've not felt all that good this week, but had been getting better the past two days. But, over did it today, running around with my husband all day. Then, came home and went to clean the church. Had to get out all the Christmas decorations for Church tomorrow. And, I'm not as young as I used to be. I was wishing the whole time I had asked someone to come help! But, cleaning the Church is my job, so I grinned and bore it. But, I came home, tired to the bone.
As for ?ringing in the New Year?, it won't be happening here - party wise, that is. I will probably be sitting in my easy chair, computing, or watching the ball drop in Time Square. Didn't even make it that far last year. When the bed beckons, I?ll go tonight!
But, today is the end of a year, and tomorrow will bring in the new. It seems to come earlier and earlier each year. I think it's because, the older we get, time has a way of getting away from us. But, although the year seemed shorter, and we are about to embark on another one, I thank the Lord for every minute and every day. Each day is a blessing from above. We aren't assured another day, not even another breath, so I count it a privilege to . . .
As for ?ringing in the New Year?, it won't be happening here - party wise, that is. I will probably be sitting in my easy chair, computing, or watching the ball drop in Time Square. Didn't even make it that far last year. When the bed beckons, I?ll go tonight!
But, today is the end of a year, and tomorrow will bring in the new. It seems to come earlier and earlier each year. I think it's because, the older we get, time has a way of getting away from us. But, although the year seemed shorter, and we are about to embark on another one, I thank the Lord for every minute and every day. Each day is a blessing from above. We aren't assured another day, not even another breath, so I count it a privilege to . . .
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I'm a romanticist at heart and learned this one, as you did, years ago...a traditional bride's outfit includes "something old, something new, something borrowed and something _______--BLUE!" You remember it too! Good--for we're about to replay that old rhyme of "good fortune" for the Bride of Christ and the coming new year!
You see, we've already got the "Old" and the "New" - God's Word of truth, inspiration, comfort and direction - for our year's journey. Claim God's promises--they are never OLD-fashioned; they are NEW each day-and each year!
And the "borrowed"? No way can we borrow the burdens from tomorrow and load them onto our shoulders today.....now we may each need to borrow a friend's shoulder to cry on--and that's OK--but let's "take our burdens to the Lord and leave them there!"--past, present AND future!
And the "blue"? It may be as light blue as a cloudless sky--it may be as dark blue as a stormy heart. See life through heaven's eyes, not your own--and your year will be a BRIGHT blue--as bright as the promises of God! And oh yes...another idea....when you're blue this year, surf on over to the BLUE ROOM at Peggie's Place and I dare you to stay blue very long! Blue's not your hue when you're here, for where the Lord is, there is "fullness of joy"--and He is here!
Bride of Christ, you've got God's . . .
You see, we've already got the "Old" and the "New" - God's Word of truth, inspiration, comfort and direction - for our year's journey. Claim God's promises--they are never OLD-fashioned; they are NEW each day-and each year!
And the "borrowed"? No way can we borrow the burdens from tomorrow and load them onto our shoulders today.....now we may each need to borrow a friend's shoulder to cry on--and that's OK--but let's "take our burdens to the Lord and leave them there!"--past, present AND future!
And the "blue"? It may be as light blue as a cloudless sky--it may be as dark blue as a stormy heart. See life through heaven's eyes, not your own--and your year will be a BRIGHT blue--as bright as the promises of God! And oh yes...another idea....when you're blue this year, surf on over to the BLUE ROOM at Peggie's Place and I dare you to stay blue very long! Blue's not your hue when you're here, for where the Lord is, there is "fullness of joy"--and He is here!
Bride of Christ, you've got God's . . .
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Was there water on Mars, and why is it so important to know?
The first of these questions can be answered with an almost certain "Yes". There is a lot of evidence which points to the conclusion that Mars used to have large amounts of water flowing about on its surface - as was reported at a recent Lunar and Planetary Science Conference where some 1,200 scientists gathered to compare notes.
The general picture is one of a planet once encircled by briny, acidic lakes and rivers.
Some general evidence includes layering of sediments, and what appear to be dried up river and stream beds, but these could have been formed by other forces.
Steven Squyres, lead scientist for the two Mars rovers (Spirit and Opportunity) spoke about what looked like the effect of water-flow at Meridiani Planum, and Gusev crater. He described the discovery of haematite (meaning red), a mineral usually found in the presence of water. Haematite forms as mineral-rich water flows through layers of loose sediments. The same mineral concretions have been found in the arid Navajo sandstone formations of Utah, where very briny . . .
The first of these questions can be answered with an almost certain "Yes". There is a lot of evidence which points to the conclusion that Mars used to have large amounts of water flowing about on its surface - as was reported at a recent Lunar and Planetary Science Conference where some 1,200 scientists gathered to compare notes.
The general picture is one of a planet once encircled by briny, acidic lakes and rivers.
Some general evidence includes layering of sediments, and what appear to be dried up river and stream beds, but these could have been formed by other forces.
Steven Squyres, lead scientist for the two Mars rovers (Spirit and Opportunity) spoke about what looked like the effect of water-flow at Meridiani Planum, and Gusev crater. He described the discovery of haematite (meaning red), a mineral usually found in the presence of water. Haematite forms as mineral-rich water flows through layers of loose sediments. The same mineral concretions have been found in the arid Navajo sandstone formations of Utah, where very briny . . .
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"Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!"
But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be.
And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Luke 1:28-30
In the sixth month of her cousin Elizabeth's pregnancy, Gabriel, the angel of God comes to Mary.
Like the shepherds who hear of Jesus birth, she is frightened.
No doubt.
Just think about it. Here is a teen age girl like any teen age girl going about her business. She was not a school girl, but would have been helping out with the household chores. Perhaps she was sweeping or doing laundry for her mother.
Maybe she was alone so the angel could talk with her privately. Perhaps on her way home from some errand, alone in her thoughts when the angel appears to her.
How would he appear? As an angel in glowing tunic, or like they did with Abraham and Sarah, as ordinary travelers?
However he appeared, what he said clearly frightened Mary. He says, "Greetings, you who are highly favored. The Lord is with you."
So you are a young girl going about your business and . . .
But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be.
And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Luke 1:28-30
In the sixth month of her cousin Elizabeth's pregnancy, Gabriel, the angel of God comes to Mary.
Like the shepherds who hear of Jesus birth, she is frightened.
No doubt.
Just think about it. Here is a teen age girl like any teen age girl going about her business. She was not a school girl, but would have been helping out with the household chores. Perhaps she was sweeping or doing laundry for her mother.
Maybe she was alone so the angel could talk with her privately. Perhaps on her way home from some errand, alone in her thoughts when the angel appears to her.
How would he appear? As an angel in glowing tunic, or like they did with Abraham and Sarah, as ordinary travelers?
However he appeared, what he said clearly frightened Mary. He says, "Greetings, you who are highly favored. The Lord is with you."
So you are a young girl going about your business and . . .
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The Spur Article Count: 92
Marcia Laycock is a pastor's wife and freelance writer living in Alberta Canada. Her devotional book The Spur of the Moment has been endorsed by Janette Oke, Phil Callaway and others. To order, and to view more of Marcia's writing, see her web site - www.vinemarc.com
Wonders of Creation Article Count: 37
Written By Richard Gunther.
Harris Dvores Article Count: 1
Harris Dvores is a corporate lawyer in Orlando, Florida. But only from 9 to 5. For more than 20 years, he has pursued his passion to create: everything from Christian music and church skits, to Star Trek scripts and board games. His new website, www.harrisdvores.com, is a playground for the mind and spirit. A Jewish believer, Harris has been given truly amazing stories to share about the power of God.
Rev. Spence Laycock Article Count: 49
Rev. Spence Laycock pastors at Church of the Open Bible, Ponoka, Alberta, Canada.
Pastor Bert Nieuwenhuis Article Count: 2
Pastor Bert Nieuwenhuis is the interim pastor at Somerset Bible Chapel, Manitoba, Canada.
Diane Davis Article Count: 1
Diane Davis, a former policewoman in Toronto, recently retired from a lengthy career as a civilian member of the Ontario Provincial Police. Amongst many things, she is now turning her attention to writing, music, and her 5 grandchildren. She is also Pastor Tim's mom.
Melva's Devotions Article Count: 48
Blog Writings by Melva Cooper.
Melva Cooper is a wife, mother and grandmother from Jonesboro, Arkansas. God has given her, in her retirement years, the ministry of writing for HIM. "Even in old age, you will still produce fruit" is a verse He has given her (Psalm 92:14). And it is her desire to serve Him all the days of her life.
Barb's Mantle Article Count: 59
Barbara, a Christian homemaker, began her Web Site through encouragement from her son, and a dream. It quickly became a ministry for the Lord. She began writing devotionals to encourage, inspire, and build up spiritually those coming to her site. Barbara is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.
Sandra Boyte Article Count: 10
Writing poetry that brings glory to God is Sandra's passion. No matter where she has lived, or what she has gone through, she has found that God is always there before her to lead her in His paths and to catch her when she falls. Married, with two sons two granddaughters on the way, Sandra's future goals include writing more poetry trying her hand at writing short devotionals for children.
Dr. Harold McNabb Article Count: 98
Dr. Harold McNabb pastors at Westshore Presbyterian Church in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Peggie's Den Article Count: 77
"Ever feel as though life is a lions' den and like Daniel, you're right in the middle of it all? Enjoy these "Devotions from the Den" (Lions 'n Life at Peggie's Place) and delight in God's promises of love, joy and peace for whatever is happening in YOUR den today!"
Misc Article Count: 77
Miscellaneous archived items.