Spiked Flies

From the book, Windows On God’s World, by James A Tucker comes a story about a young scientist who won first prize in a high school science fair with an exhibit of her experiments with spiders and their webs. Her project involved a comparison between the webs spun by normal spiders and those spun by spiders under the influence of alcohol.

At first the girl collected a number of common house spiders for her experiment, but she had difficulty with them. When she injected the wine directly into them, they all dropped dead. Then she adopted the plan of feeding wine-injected flies to the spiders. The spiders did not die, but they did not spin webs, either. Somewhat discouraged, she took her problem to her teacher and learned that house spiders are not much for making webs. They simply make strands of silk that are strung in all directions with no particular pattern. She was advised to find some of the common garden species, long know for their talent for constructing beautiful orb webs.

Thus encouraged, the girl again got busy with her project. She found a number of garden spiders and fed them wine-injected flies. This time her efforts were rewarded. The drunken spiders began to spin all sorts of wild and unorganized webs that did not at all resemble the intricate and near-perfect designs they were able to spin under normal circumstances.

After eating the spiked flies, a spider would begin spinning frantically, totally without method or reason. And the tipsy creature would keep on spinning without stopping until it passed out cold. I wonder if that drunk spider was near the computer – hummm – maybe that’s how we got web pages? Groan! Just checking to see if you’re still with me!

A pearl to string: In all good consciousness one should not plan to eat spiked flies. The Bible tells us that God has a superb design for our lives. We have something beautiful to do for our Lord and we don’t want to get drunk on the ways of the world and go web crazy! “He leans on his web, but it gives way; he clings to it, but it does not hold”. (Job 8:15) See! It’s all in the Good Book. Every direction we need to follow Jesus. It’s all written down for us. How cool is that. So dear hearts “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ”. (Colossians 2:8) And “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will”. (Romans 12:2)

Delighting in His Word,
Lyndi

OTL: Like Father, Like Son - ESPN VIDEO

Full Circle

We remember Sal



















Washington Huskies and LSU Tigers pray together
September 5, 2009 (#17 TC McCartney)

















Sal Aunese............................................TC McCartney
May 8, 1968 -September 23, 1989

Read the whole story
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=090925/aunese

Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Cant believe the hopes He’s granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But we’ll keep you close as always
It won’t even seem you’ve gone
cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

Chorus:
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord’s the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
cause the welcome will not end
Though it’s hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetimes not too long to live as friends.

With the faith and love God’s given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you’ll live in
Is the strength that now you show
But we’ll keep you close as always
It won’t even seem you’ve gone
cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

Chorus
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord’s the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
cause the welcome will not end
Though it’s hard to let you go
In the Fathers hands we know
That a lifetimes not too long to live as friends.

Words: deborah d. smith
Music: michael w. smith

The Smallest Piece

Associate Pastor David Langerfeld from Harrisburg Baptist Church in Tupelo, Mississippi (I just love spelling that) tells a story about a fourteenth-century Italian stained-glass artist who was summoned to design a huge portrait for the window of a cathedral in Chartres, France. The artist laid all of the pieces he was going to use out on the floor of the cathedral. They were beautiful to behold; most of them were large and colorful. Some of the colors from that time cannot even be reproduced today. Among these awesome pieces of glass was a small, clear piece about as big as your fingernail.

As the stained-glass portrait was assembled, that little piece remained on the floor. Only the big colorful pieces of glass were used. On the day of the window's completion, the tiny piece of clear glass was still lying on the ground.

The entire city gathered to witness the unveiling of the brilliant and beautiful stained-glass portrait. The artist stood in front of the crowd, made his speech, and dramatically pulled down the cloth cover. The crowd gasped at the beauty of the colorful window glowing in the sunlight. After a few seconds, however, the crowd grew silent. They sensed that something was missing, that the portrait was unfinished.

The great artist then walked over to where the little clear piece of glass lay, picked it up, and placed it in the portrait, right in the center of Jesus' eye. As the sun hit that little piece, it gave off a dazzling sparkle. The magnificent stained glass window still draws visitors. The first thing they see is that sparkle in Jesus' eye.

A pearl to string: Psalm 17:8 tells us that God thinks of you as the “apple of his eye”. You may struggle to see yourself as measuring up to others or doing anything big for God. You may think you are “all that” and need a little ‘tude check. Regardless of your impression of yourself God finds you so valuable that He sent His Son Jesus to die for you and keep you with Him for all eternity if that would be your heart desire too.
Is there anyone who would like to say the sinner’s prayer? I’ll say it with you. Sinner's Prayer? That's not for me you think- I'm not a Sinner! "Sinner" is a word that gets a bad rap these days - and well it should. Unfortunately, the bad rap it is getting is for the wrong reasons. Confronted with our shortcomings, we are quick to defend ourselves with words like, "I'm not a sinner! I don't go around sinning! I've never murdered anyone or anything like that!" The problem is - we don't really know what the word sin means. We think it only applies to some despicable act that repulses "church people" who want to hang big scarlet letters around our necks. But sin simply means to miss the mark; to fall short of the goal. The fact is, we are all sinners, for there is no one, save Christ alone, who has lived a life that did not in some way fall short of the perfection God requires. We all deserve to pay the penalty for that sin, which is to spend eternity in hell. There are no "magical" words that result in salvation. It is only faith in Jesus' death and resurrection that can save us. Respond to God’s call by crying out to the Lord, repenting of your sins, and believing on the Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah Yeshua). And please, come just as you are; Jesus will clean up your life as you faithfully seek and follow Him. Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20)

You are the sparkle in His eye,
Lyndi

Soul Catch-up Day

After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring.
He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him.
The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.

"Be still, and know that I am God". Psalm 46:10/NLT. With the surge of activity for the new school year upon us that could be a timely verse though not in time for the mouthy lion. There is a story I came across, reportedly from the writings of Rabbi Kushner, about a group of tourists who went on a safari in Africa and hired several native porters to carry their supplies for them. After three days, the porters announced they would have to stop and rest for a day. When the tourists inquired as to why (they did not appear to be tired) the porters confirmed that fatigue was not the reason: “but we have walked too far too fast and now we must wait for our souls to catch up to us."

The soul is the part of us that longs for God—that tells us how spiritually hungry we are. It’s also the part that reminds us of the truth. For David, the psalmist, his soul was like his inner compass that told him the right way to go. He often had to stop and listen to his soul. Over and over again, his soul is thirsty (Psalm 107:9), it longs for God (Psalm 143:6), his soul cries out for salvation (Psalm 199:81), and it recognizes the truth about himself—that he is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). If we don’t listen to our souls we become spiritually disconnected. It’s impossible to know God and not connect to your own soul but every once in a while we need a Soul Catch-up Day. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord” (Psalm 37:23) but as Charles Spurgeon rightly noted “so are His stops”. Teachers, Professors, students and parents it may be time to take a stop. Is there some matter plaguing you today--an issue, an obstacle, a problem that stands in your path? Wait on the Lord to give your soul a chance to catch up and in His time, He will clear the way for you to see your way through.

A pearl to string:
Hal Chadwick said, “No one appreciates the value of constructive criticism more thoroughly than the one who’s giving it”.

Remember He gives us grace so we can give grace to others. :D

Know that the God who holds the universe is the God who is holding you,
Lyndi

OUR HEARTS REMEMBER 9/11

Turning Tragedy into Triumph
by Os Hillman

"So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you" (2 Cor 4:12).

On 9/11/01, New York City firefighter Stephen Siller had just completed his shift when he heard on his truck's scanner that a plane had hit one of the World Trade Center towers. Siller quickly turned his truck around and attempted to drive back to Manhattan via the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel but found the entrance blocked by abandoned vehicles. Desperate to join his elite Squad One brothers, Siller donned 75 pounds of fire gear and ran a mile-and-a-half through the tunnel, before an emergency vehicle picked him up and dropped him off at Tower Two.

Siller had been orphaned at the age of 10 and raised by his much older brothers and sisters. Siller died that day trying to save others. He left behind a wife and five children.

His story proved so inspirational that it became a legend in the newsrooms and firehouses of New York City. His six siblings - who in many ways viewed Siller as a son, as well as a brother - found themselves grappling with a dilemma: should they allow the tragic circumstances of their brother's death to paralyze and embitter them or use it as a catalyst to help others and preserve his memory?

The Siller family chose the latter.

Once they made that decision, and armed with no extraordinary wealth or political clout, the siblings combined forces to convince New York officials to close down the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel the last Sunday morning of each September and stage the "Tunnel to Towers Run" to commemorate their brother's heroic last run.

Each year since 9/11 tens of thousands of runners have retraced the steps of a hero. As part of the event 343 New York City firefighters, each representing a fallen comrade and holding an American flag, stand throughout the length of the tunnel. They are joined by firefighters from across the United States, each holding a poster-size picture of a firefighter who perished on 9/11.

The Siller family has raised more than $1 million and donated the money to charities that benefit families of those affected by the 9/11 attacks.

This is a tribute to one heartbroken family who opted to channel its energy into triumph out of tragedy.

"I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God; Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech. Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You, from those who rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings, From the wicked who oppress me, From my deadly enemies who surround me" (Psalm 17:6-9). My God, what a privilege to be the apple of Your eye, loved beyond comprehension and nurtured to grow into that prized fruit of Your making. I thank You and praise You for Your lovingkindness and Your protection. I pray that You will also hide our troops in the shadow of Your wings, those brave men and women who fight for freedom and long for peace. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Chameleon Cleaning

camouflage by Evangeline Than

Have you ever hidden your mess when company is coming?
Oh yeah – it’s a classic at our house.
Chameleon cleaning: pile it in a corner, throw an attractive blanket over the pile, add a pretty tray and a lovely vase with magnificent flowers. Now our mess blends in with the décor.

Of course everyone sees it. Not fooling anyone. It just looks better to me than the mess without the camouflage. What I sometime do in the physical seems to reveal what I do in the emotional realm also. I push pain or things I do not want to deal with into a corner. Put up a smokescreen and cover up the distress or agony I don’t want you to see. Do you ever do that?

Of course people close to you can see your pain in your countenance. Not really fooling anyone. Everyone has pain in their life. Many suffer life altering experiences that I cannot even imagine the cumulative difficulties they go through. But nothing in this entire world, including my heart or your heart, is hidden from God. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight”. (Hebrews 4:13) Our very thoughts are known to Him, and they are not even a surprise. God doesn’t say, “Hmmmm, imagine that, what was she thinking”….or, “Gee, look what he just did!” No nothing we do is news to the Lord.

A pearl to string: In the first six verses of Psalm 139 we can clearly see that God knows us inside out, through and through. Everything we do, every thought that goes through our mind, every step we take, every plan we make, every word we speak, He knows them before they ever happen. God knows what is behind us and before us. And, He loves us anyway. And furthermore He is ever ready to bless us. We don’t have to hide or cover up – we only need to let go and let God. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live in Jesus all encompassing love.
"And I will bless you... and you will be a blessing." Genesis 12:2.

In Sonshine and joy
You are loved,
Lyndi


09-09-09
Wow, nine represents the Holy Spirit;
this is going to be a very, very, very good day.

Chain of Blessings

Pastor Larry Rowland explains the law of nature is that blessing only continues to flow as it is passed on to others. “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38 NIV)

There are two bodies of water in the land of Israel. These 2 seas are as different as night and day, as death and life. The Southern of the 2 is actually called the Dead Sea. It is named well because there is not one living creature in it. With a salt concentration 9 times that of the Ocean, there aren't even any birds around it. No boats dot it’s rocky beaches. Even though roughly 5 million tons of fresh water are poured into it every day, the Dead Sea contains 24% solid matter - mostly salt along with magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride and magnesium bromide. When you swim in the Dead Sea, you come out feeling like you have baby oil all over your body. Not the clear, clean look of baby oil more like a greenish brown yuk color and very grainy.

In contrast, some 80 miles north of the Dead Sea is the Sea of Galilee. And what a difference there is found in this body of water. Teeming with life, this Sea even today provides the livelihood for scores of fishermen. When one visits the Sea of Galilee, they see the beaches dotted with fishing boats. Jesus spent a good portion of his ministry here, because the people were here. Catching the fish for food and profit, farming the fertile land around the Sea, building their towns and cities by the water's edge, this formed a major hub of activity during the days of Christ and it remains so even to this day.

If the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea have the very same water, what accounts for the stark difference between the two? The answer is very simple. The Sea of Galilee receives its life giving water from the Hula River and then passes on the blessing down the Jordan River. The Dead Sea, on the other hand, is the lowest spot on the face of the earth - some 1,286 feet below Sea level. It receives all of that life-giving water, but it doesn't give any away. It just takes and takes and takes. And in its hoarding, it turns life-giving water into death.

A pearl to string: The world tells us that happiness and fulfillment is found in getting and making and accomplishing as much as you can any way you can. The American Dream? That message runs in direct contradiction to the law of nature that God has set forth as a principle of life. The chain of blessing only continues as the author of blessing is recognized and as the flow of blessing continues. When either the author of blessing is denied or the flow of blessing is stopped, the blessing becomes a curse, life becomes death. And we are seeing this process happening all around us today. In a nation of unbelievable affluence and prosperity, we are seeing more unhappiness and discontentment and unfulfilled lives than ever before in the history of man. Seems as a people we have missed God’s heart. The chain of blessing that God bestows on us must pass through us and on to others. The blessings came from God. So as we have freely received, we freely give of ourselves to others.

“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously”. 2 Corinthians 9:6

Pass it on …..
You are loved,
Lyndi