Thank God

Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.
Psalm 75:1

"From David learn to give thanks for everything. - Every furrow in the book of Psalms is sown with seeds of thanksgiving." [Jeremy Taylor]

This post was written by my mother. After my dad's death, she has started writing some, too. This helps me in my soul searching. To help me discover more of who God wants me to be. Here is her post....

I woke up this morning. Looking around my room and thanked God for watching over me last night. And woke up to a bright sunny day.

Thank God for giving me another day to be with my family.

Thank God to be able to reach out to someone in need.

Thank God that at my age I'm able to cook breakfast for my family and clean my house. For most people my age are in the hospital or nursing home.

Thank God for life.

Thank God for my granddaughter of 7 who says the sweet words,"I love you, Mamaw."

Thank God for my grandson of 2 when he hugs my neck.

They light up my life with a child like love and happiness.

Thank God for 2 sons that help me.

Thank God for a daughter in law that lets my grandchildren spend the night.

Thank God for butterflies. My husband loved to watch his granddaughter catch butterflies before he passed. Thank God I can still feel his presence.

Thank God that He waits for me with Jesus.

by

Louise Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,

Soul Searching

Christian Attorney (Christian Lawyer)

Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.

Titus 3:13



Paul calls Zenas "the lawyer." The meaning of this is, that, previous to his becoming a Christian, he had been a Jewish lawyer. The lawyers were that class of Jewish teachers who were specially learned in the Mosaic Law, and who interpreted that Law, and taught it to the people.


They are met with again and again in the Gospels, where they frequently came into contact with Christ, usually in a manner hostile to Him. For example, "A certain lawyer stood up and made trial of him, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" (Lk 10:25). our Lord replied to him on his own ground, asking, "What is written in the law? how readest thou?" Regarding this class of teachers as a whole, it is recorded that "the Pharisees and lawyers rejected for themselves the counsel of God" (Lk 7:30). The term nomikos, "lawyer," applied to Zenas, is in the Gospels varied by nomodidakalos, "a teacher of the law," and by grammateus, "a scribe": all three terms describe the same persons. Before his conversion to Christ, Zenas had been a lawyer, one of the recognized expounders of the Law of Moses.



A different view of Zenas' occupation is taken by Zahn (Introduction to the New Testament, II, 54), who says that in itself nomikos could denote a rabbi, quoting Ambrosiaster, "Because Zenas had been of this profession in the synagogue, Paul calls him by this name." But Zahn gives his own opinion that "since the Jewish scribe who became a Christian, by that very act separated himself from the rabbinic body, and since the retention of rabbinic methods and ways of thinking was anything but a recommendation in Paul's eyes (1 Tim 1:7), Zenas is here characterized, not as legis (Mosaicae), doctor, but as juris peritus. The word denotes not an office, but usually the practical lawyer, through whose assistance e.g. a will is made, or a lawsuit carried on. Plutarch applies this name to the renowned jurist Mucius Scaevola."

Zenas became a Christian and Paul still referred to him as a lawyer. Zenas understood the Mosaic law and Christ's fulfillment of that law. He continued his practice as a practical lawyer doing wills and such as referred to before. So in such, he became the first Christian lawyer. He must have been a good friend of Paul's cause he wanted him near him at a time so close to the end of his life. Paul was unselfish as ever, solicitous that Zenas and Apollos be comfortably provided for on their intended journey. He is full of affectionate regard for them, interested in their welfare at every step; while he himself is far distant in another country, he remembers them with tender and sympathetic friendship. Doubtless the two friends reciprocated his affection.

A question I wrestled with for a long time was whether a man could be a Christian and a lawyer? I had planned on going to law school at one time, and this question confounded me. Now I know the answer is yes.

And though my time horizon has passed for me to practice law. I serve the ultimate power attorney of all, who pleads poor sinners cases before God everyday. He's easy to contact, for He's just one prayer away, and his services are all pro-bono, that means he incurred the cost.

Jesus himself, defends me against the devils accusations in God's high court. His evidence is infallible, He simply points to the cross.

by

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,

Soul Searching

Mesothelioma

In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.
Job 12:10

My uncle got to the point where he could not breath on his own. Unlike my father, who had COPD, he had mesothelioma. The cancer had ravaged his lungs and the rest of his body. Where once stood a strong, vitile man, a frail shadow of his former self emerged. In spite of this condition, he kept a pleasant demeanor. Always with a kind word, and a welcome greeting when you met. The man inside was untouched by the ravages done to his body. Breathing had become labored, but he tried to speak. His disposition always revealed a smile despite his ailment. A positive attitude was something he and my father had inherited from my grandmother. This mindset carried him through war in the south pacific on a naval ship, through the tough times of farm life during the great depression, and now through his final days.

What could instill such a way of thinking? What reassurance was he aware of that kept him upbeat? What hope did he have when the doctors had none for him? His life, his very breath, lay with a man that could make him whole again. This man was no doctor, but he is the great physician. Christ is that man that could make him whole again. So he laid down his tired old body, in exchange for a new one filled with light. And what disease free lungs he must now have. He's now able to shout, and shout he does. As children, being the oldest, Uncle Bob yelled at the younger children to come to supper. My grandmother alerted him first, he passed the message along to his siblings. I'm sure they heard him shout all over heaven, as he called my father to his eternal home, where his mom was waiting on him at the great supper with the lamb.
by
Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,Mesothelioma

Dear Children...

Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.

Luke 20:36



This is a letter that my father wrote to his seven children before his passing. I think of it as a love letter. A father's love never stops for his children, no matter how tall, how old, or how far away they are. He continues to watch over us, even from a distance as far as heaven. Here is his letter....


Dear Children,
I love all of you;

As I write this my heart is somewhat burdened as I look back and realize how many times I have been selfish and let you down, when I could have been alot more compassionate and understanding in spite of a Father' s euphemistic desire for the very best in his children.

It was very foolish for me to expect more from you than you saw exemplified by your very unwise Father, yet, I lived in this shroud of euphemism, a fanciful world of my own, sometimes in a world of self-pity, sometimes in a world of self-incrimination.

My life became a bit cloudy after certain events came about.

Things changed, priorities kind of flip-flopped, and I had great difficulty keeping my balance to the point I could function with any degree of reality with any goal or future at heart, or as a foundation upon which I could base, my base of fundamental values and hold my course that would guide me in this sea of muddled confusion.

But, all in all, I'm very proud of you.

I'm happy to have been your father and pleased that you have shown me love.

Keep true to your values, and I pray they are of good moral healthy ones.

I don't know what the future holds, nor do I wish to, but, I have no desire to pursue any project but the short span I have, with Christ's help.

I fear not passing, I just hope some how, some way, I have helped each of you in a way or ways that may entrench you in a course of consistency toward a very happy and successful journey through life.

My witness of my church life and experience with its function remain ever steadfast, even tho, I neglected for several years the graces it offered, even knowing the wonderful satisfaction of the protection of God's own umbrella of peace and guidance; but thank God I awoke in time to clasp his Holy Hand and reclaim my heritage that my precious mother embraced.

My children have been a constant source of comfort and shared love.

In life you stumble but, God will lift you up.

Keep the faith, don't sell your spiritual life for numbers and popularity.

You guys have had the innocent pure love I so desperately needed.

At times in my life I cried out to God, you have come and put your arms around me.

Thanks, thanks, I love you so.

Ya'll were my buoy in my sea of turmoil.

Always be my children, with a big heart.I know your lives has had its bumps and lumps and I have suffered with you.

Thanks for being my children.I love you very much.

Whatever I was able to pass on to you or teach may you remember them.

Keep your values as eternal ones.

Isn't that like a stubborn father wishing the best for his children?

Your lives have been one of deprivation and depression, disappointment and tragedy.

My heart has broken for you, not only in prayer but in misery in being unable to help you, even at time I really neglected you to my sorrow.

You pretend to be tough and not care but I see your hearts.I've prayed,oh, so very much, with tears for my children.

by
James Gargus, My Father

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Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

On The Anvil

The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.

Psalm 93:1

Stand firm and immovable as an anvil when it is beaten upon. The Christian anvil has broken many hammers.

- St. Ignatius of Loyola

"On the anvil they put us. Thousands of hammers hitting the anvil of my destiny."

The stories of martyrs will move any faithful Christian. What one is given here is a direct human experience, the soul being touched through every human sense. These people who were ready to give all that in them lay for the service of the God who had created them. These martyrs who would not give up because they were overwhelmed with the power of Faith. They could not give up because there were people around them who were in direct need of that same Faith.

One such story takes place during the rule of Emperor Maximian. He continued the persecutions of the Christians. Having them beaten and tortured for their beliefs.

At this time a young couple, newly married only for a few months, with the husband as governor of the Praetorium. Adrian and his wife, Natalia were from Nicomedia. Both were of noble blood and from prominent, wealthy families. They lived a very good life. Natalia was secretly a Christian, unawares to her husband. Adrian, being what he thought of as a true Roman, was a pagan. Denoting the Roman gods as fundamental to Roman society. Refusal to worship these Gods was to cause unrest. Being governor he had seen these Christians before. Now stood before him was a group of Christians. He was to note the names of these 23 Christians that were found in a cave nearby. Under orders of Maximian, they had already been put to torture before they met before him. Under the crack of leather whips and staves, they had been flogged. Here they stood before him after being tormented. Seeing they were still unbent. So docile and peaceful were their faces. He became curiouser. He asked, "What do you hope to gain from this God of yours after enduring such things?" They responded with, "The blessings that our righteous God will bestow upon us when we reach His kingdom." He was taken aback. Never had he seen such loyalty, devotion, and love. No one would ever speak of Roman gods in such a way. The Spirit stirred up inside him. Turning to his scribe he said,"Write my name along with those of these saints. I also am a Christian." The emperor after hearing this was shocked. "Have you lost your mind?" he shouted. Adrian with a thunderous voice exclaimed back,"I haven't lost it, but found it!"

Natalia rejoiced at this news. He now shared in their suffering, being chained in the prison with them. He showed the new love of Christ in him. Encouraging them and ministering to each of the 23 Christians. In return, his wife encouraged him during the floggings and tortures to endure to the end.

Their time had come to a closing. The emperor ordered for their arms and legs to be broken with hammers on the prison anvil. Refusing to renounce his decision, Adrian breathed his last along with the 23 others. Natalia fled to Constantinople. Taking their remains there to be buried. Days went by and she longed for him. One day he appeared to her. He was covered in a bright, light that filled the air around him. He had the look of beauty beyond anything she had ever seen. Oh, how she had weeped bitterly for him. Longing to be with him and to see the wonders he beheld. The thoughts of sharing this together was her longing. Now he stood before her with hand extended calling her to God. Taking his hand she released her soul. Placing it into God's hands. Together forever to share in the beauty of Christ.

Their special moment together makes me think of these words. "God make something beautiful out of all this suffering." Broken on the anvil were they but like the anvil they stayed the same. No matter how many times a blacksmith would beat an anvil, it stayed an anvil. No matter how many times they beat these Christians, they remained a Christian. This is one of the reasons why an anvil had come to represent the Martyr as a symbol.

May, Christ- with my anvil- shape me into who I am to become. May I find the strength to endure the troubles, trials, and tribulations of the hammer's blows. Heated in the fires of this life.

by

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Financial Stewardship

and the borrower is servant to the lender.
Proverbs 22:7

God's Word commands us to be good stewards of our finances. Dave Ramsey and other Christian financial advisers speak on this topic. They refer to it as grandma's common sense advice. More appropriately it's a Great Depression mentality. If you can't afford it, don't buy it.

The advice continues with prepare for the worst, and pray for the best. It's not lack of faith to prepare for hard times. Joseph put food away for the coming famine according to the bible. As we should be, with what God gives us.

What happens if you lose your job? Have an emergency fund of 6 months or more. Invest in your retirement accounts to prepare a way. Save for your kid's college, and their future. Limit your debt as much as possible. Credit card companies will eat your lunch. Debt has destroyed many marriages and families. So live within your means. Don't try to keep up with the Joneses.

And most importantly remember Deuteronomy 8:17-18,"And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth.."

by
Lance Gargus
Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Ring The Bells Of Heaven

In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses,
HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD;
Zechariah 14:20

Bells on horses symbolized the coming of someone important on horseback. Our Lord Jesus Christ will come on a white horse with bells that have inscribed on them-Holiness Unto The Lord.







Ring in the valiant man and free, The larger heart, the kindlier hand; Ring out the darkness of the land; Ring in the Christ that is to be.



Author: Lord Alfred Tennyson




In medieval times, the ringing of bells was believed necessary to chase evil spirits from doorsteps, to quiet storms at sea, or to protect a person's soul at death. Common belief was that the ringing of the bells drove away the storms bothering the ships and calmed the sea. Helping those in peril on the sea. Evil spirits such as demons standing at the foot of the bed and about the house might try to molest or harass the soul departing. The evil spirits were afraid of the bells. Thus, driving the evil spirits away. The larger and louder the bell, the further they were drove away. The custom was to baptize the bells to endow them with power to do this.

It was during this time that the custom of affixing symbols and inscriptions on bells was born. Each inscription told of the purpose for that particular bell. They were inscribed with a special prayer or to mark it with the soul of the donor.

Bells were used as early timekeepers telling villages when to eat and when to sleep and, as necessary, alerting them of dangers such as imminent invasion from opposing camps. Bells tolled whenever someone lay near death to remind the community to pray for the sick, and upon death, the bell tolled out his age. A church bell was rung as death drew near, the purpose of this "Passing Bell" was to remind people to pray for the dying. It is said that a person never forgot the sound of his village bell, no matter how many years he was away from home.

Church bells were the most popular and remembered of all bells. The ringing of the bells symbolized things and events in daily live. But also represented major changes such as a baptism, wedding, or a death.

The sound of a church bell is sincere and revered, while the rolling of several church bells is like a gallant concert for royalty. The mighty roll of bells has an effect on our inner sensitivity, arousing our souls from spiritual slumber. The sounds of the bells awakens the soul to a new life with God and runs away the feelings of hopelessness, doubt, and depression. The bells ringing was signal to come and gather at God's house. The calling to join other believers in songs of praise to God and the joy of being around others who loved God. The bells crying out to come rest from your work and troubles. A call to be at peace.

The resounding noise of bell rings as far as east is from west. All the people could hear it in the town or village. Sometimes as a warning signal of something approaching. At sea, it was given as a warning sign of poor visibility or fog.

Ringing your own bell, particularly a hand bell, was commonly used in households to summon someone. For example, to call for someone to help you if you are ill and you need a caregiver. Hand bells were paticularly used in worship settings. They were in use to play special hymns. The hand bells were utilized to make various melodies. It takes practice to make beautiful music with hand bells. At Christmas time, many songs are sung to the sound of hand bells. In past times, only holy men could touch the hand bells at the church.

Bells had symbolic meaning. A bell together with an hour glass means transitoriness, an impermanence that suggests the inevitability of ending or dying. Before the advent of the chronometer, time at sea was measured by the trickle of sand through a half - hour glass. One of the ship’s boys had the duty of watching the glass and turning it when the sand had run out. When he turned the glass, he struck the bell as a signal that he had performed this vital function. From this ringing of the bell as the glass was turned evolved the tradition of striking the bell once at the end of the first half hour of a four hour watch, twice after the first hour, etc., until eight bells marked the end of the four hour watch. The process was repeated for the succeeding watches. This age-old practice of sounding the bell on the hour and half hour has its place in the ship's daily routine. A tolling of keeping time. As many church bells in their towers mark the hour through out the day. Stopping only at night at most churches. An hour glass representing the passage of time. The bell marking the time each hour by the hour glass until the last toll of the bell for the day.

God's protection is even symbolized in the shape of a diver's bell. The shape protecting the diver on a deep dive.

My father wrote on his deathbed about bells. He wrote of heaven's bells as,"A bell can't be a bell till you ring it." Writing this on a tablet with his trembling hands. All a day or two before his death.

I believe his bell was rung with his name on it. He had to ring it personally to send his prayer inscribed on it to God. Calling him to help him at that dark point in his life. To cause the demons to flee from him and take their whisperings of fears and doubt with them. Calming the storms that had come against his soul. The closer the light of Christ came the louder the bell tolled. Driving the dark ones farther away. Ringing that one last toll himself to mark the end of time as he knew it. Calling him to God's holy place where time is no more. Where the hour glass is broken and no more telling the bell to toll out time. The bell called him to take his rest in the holiest of holy. The darkness was over. Time to sing the praises to God with the others whose bells had finally tolled. Our last prayers had been spoken on his behalf. Now he spoke directly with God. Before him he stood a holy man ringing out songs with his voice and maybe even hand bells to the most wondrous orchestra ever known.

This is just one of many things he wrote and told us preceding his death. He exclaimed of stories of sounds, visions, and love our Savior let him behold to encourage him. But also in my clumsy way to try to share this with you. He told me that I had to strike the bell to hear the tones of the bell for myself. Lord, may my own personal bell be rung for you, thus, ringing me home.

His mother rung a dinner bell to call him home. He answered the call. Our heavenly father rings a bell for us calling us home. We ring our bell signaling him were ready to go home.

Ring the bells of heaven, dad. Ring the bells of heaven.

by
Lance Gargus

For Whom the Bell Tolls
John Donne

PERCHANCE he for whom this bell tolls may be so ill, as that he knows not it tolls for him; and perchance I may think myself so much better than I am, as that they who are about me, and see my state, may have caused it to toll for me, and I know not that. The church is Catholic, universal, so are all her actions; all that she does belongs to all. When she baptizes a child, that action concerns me; for that child is thereby connected to that body which is my head too, and ingrafted into that body whereof I am a member.

And when she buries a man, that action concerns me: all mankind is of one author, and is one volume; when one man dies, one chapter is not torn out of the book, but translated into a better language; and every chapter must be so translated; God employs several translators; some pieces are translated by age, some by sickness, some by war, some by justice; but God's hand is in every translation, and his hand shall bind up all our scattered leaves again for that library where every book shall lie open to one another. As therefore the bell that rings to a sermon calls not upon the preacher only, but upon the congregation to come, so this bell calls us all; but how much more me, who am brought so near the door by this sickness.

There was a contention as far as a suit (in which both piety and dignity, religion and estimation, were mingled), which of the religious orders should ring to prayers first in the morning; and it was determined, that they should ring first that rose earliest. If we understand aright the dignity of this bell that tolls for our evening prayer, we would be glad to make it ours by rising early, in that application, that it might be ours as well as his, whose indeed it is.

The bell doth toll for him that thinks it doth; and though it intermit again, yet from that minute that this occasion wrought upon him, he is united to God.

Who casts not up his eye to the sun when it rises? but who takes off his eye from a comet when that breaks out? Who bends not his ear to any bell which upon any occasion rings? but who can remove it from that bell which is passing a piece of himself out of this world? No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.

If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were: any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.

Neither can we call this a begging of misery, or a borrowing of misery, as though we were not miserable enough of ourselves, but must fetch in more from the next house, in taking upon us the misery of our neighbours.

Truly it were an excusable covetousness if we did, for affliction is a treasure, and scarce any man hath enough of it.

No man hath affliction enough that is not matured and ripened by it, and made fit for God by that affliction.

If a man carry treasure in bullion, or in a wedge of gold, and have none coined into current money, his treasure will not defray him as he travels.

Tribulation is treasure in the nature of it, but it is not current money in the use of it, except we get nearer and nearer our home, heaven, by it.

Another man may be sick too, and sick to death, and this affliction may lie in his bowels, as gold in a mine, and be of no use to him; but this bell, that tells me of his affliction, digs out and applies that gold to me: if by this consideration of another's danger I take mine own into contemplation, and so secure myself, by making my recourse to my God, who is our only security.

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Nails In The Fence

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

Ephesians 4:31



The best remedy for a short temper is a long walk. ~Jacqueline Schiff



There was a little boy with a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, to hammer a nail in the back fence.

The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Then it gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.

Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.

The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.

The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence.

You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out, it won't matter how many times you say "I'm sorry," the wound is still there. A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.


Source Unknown



For our anger and short temper Christ took a long walk to control it; all the way to Calvary. He let angry men put him on a cross with three, rusty nails. And as the nails were pulled out anger had been conquered. His scars like the fence are there cause of our anger to remind us of the cost. Love is stronger than hate.

by

Lance Gargus



He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Proverbs 16:32

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Life Is So Wonderful

Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

Isaiah 25:1

The things that have been and shall be no more, The things that are, and that hereafter shall be, The things that might have been, and yet were not, The fading twilight of joys departed.

Author: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Life is so wonderful. But few of us realize it when we are young.

When our body starts breaking down, we feel so bad.

Trouble putting one foot before the other.

Then we realize; we are on way down the hill.

Once we were on top.

And didn't realize how good it was to be up there.

So you see.

Life is up hill, then down hill.

Finally, you hit bottom.

Simply let God be with us as we are going.

Always with us, even if we are falling off that hill.

Life without Him isn't worth much.

Through heartaches, God is there.

Through sickness, God is there.

When we feel life is over, God is there.

Thankfully, one of these days, if we follow him, we will be there with Him.

by

Louise Gargus

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Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Mamaw's Dogwood Tree

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree

1Peter 2:24

The trees are God's great alphabet:

With them He writes in shining green

Across the world His thoughts serene.~Leonora Speyer

As legend has it, the cross on which Jesus was crucified was made from a dogwood tree.When Christ was on earth, the dogwood grew to a very large size. Its branches were strong, and for Christ's cross, its timber was chosen.
Being distressed at the use of this wood, Christ made a promise that never again shall the Dogwood tree be large, but would have slender and twisted limbs, with cross-shaped blossoms. Thus, the dogwood tree is small. It could never be used for a cross again. The petals would have four bloodstains marked in each flower, representing the nails that were driven in His hands and feet, the petals also make the shape of a cross and in the center of the blossom would be a crown of thorns with bright red, clustered fruit representing the blood of Christ. The lovely tree and blooms bear symbolic signs of how the greatest love of all mankind was slain. This, to be a reminder that all who looks at the tree will remember Christ and the pain He endured.

It still grows and blooms every year very near to the time when Christ was crucified and rose from the dead. He grew the tree so that we might go free. And was crucified on the tree he created.

My mamaw Cantrell loved this story of the dogwood tree. And my mamaw Gargus had a dogwood tree. Together in heaven they will see the dogwood tree that is forever. Planted by God himself. Sharing it with each other, and sitting under it. Watching and talking about the welfare of their searching grandson.

by

Lance Gargus

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Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Joy

And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

John 16:22

Never let anyone steal your joy.

Mike Richards

Joy is defined as an emotion of great happiness. I think nobody represented this greater than my dad. Always in good spirits even when he felt bad. A person can only make you feel bad if you let him. If you seen him out, he had a smile on his face. Never meeting a stranger did he. A person may see him out somewhere, and he always walked up to them first. Life is too short to let it get you down. Place it in God's hands was his words of wisdom. Let God do the worrying for you. This joy bubbled over to everyone he met.

He was a morning person. Getting up in a good mood. I, on the other hand, got up like I was rising from the dead. Good morning, sunshine, he would laugh. I would just mumble something like I miss my bed or why does morning have to come so early. Always a teaser and practical joker at times.

My daughter tells me that she can't help but tease cause she's like her papaw. Often times he loved to tease little kids. Oh, how he used to love to pinch our cheeks when we were little to get sugar. Not hard or anything just teasing like. He was never mean or cruel with his teasing. For example, pretending to make a sound like a dog to a two year old. Asking him where that dog was at;laughing while the toddler looked everywhere for that dog.

He had great flexibility, strength, and stamina. Going down on one knee while holding his arms straight out. Going all the way down while holding the other leg out in front of him. Still can't do it myself. Laughed to no end watching me try.

In the pulpit, he liked to mix in a little humor from time to time. He took situations and turned them around with humor. One Sunday morning, a little boy just kept throwing a temper tantrum during one of his sermons. Every time he tried to speak the boy got louder. The mother had finally had enough and picked the boy up. Taking her son out of the auditorium. The whole congregation turned and stared at the woman leaving with the boy. The child looking back at everyone. You could hear everyone whispering about why does she allow her child to act like that and so on. My dad saw an opportunity to lighten the mood and bring everyone back to the sermon. He smiled that warm smile. Getting tickled before he even spoke.

Let me tell you a story of a little boy just like that. Everyone listened expecting to hear something very serious. In the story he told of the little boy acting up in church and the mother carrying him out. He said,"As the little boy looked back at the people with a sad look. He spoke these words. Y'all pray for me; you hear." The congregation began to laugh. With that small chance, he turned everything around with his wit.

Doctors say laughter is the best medicine. It relieves stress and helps you live longer. My father lived a long full life. His life was not without sorrow though. But when he went to Christ the joy that no one can steal came back to his heart.

C.S.Lewis is quoted as saying,"Joy is the serious business of Heaven." I think he personified that very much in his lifetime.
by
Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Not One Of Them Is Forgotten Before God

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
Luke 12:6

How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!
My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.

Psalms 84: 1-3

There are joys which long to be ours. God sends ten thousands truths, which come about us like birds seeking inlet; but we are shut up to them, and so they bring us nothing, but sit and sing awhile upon the roof, and then fly away. ~Henry Ward Beecher

I was thinking about all the verses where it talks about God's heart being for the small, seemingly insignificant sparrow. The reference God makes about the sparrow represent mankind. How often we find ourselves feeling as insignificant as the sparrow. The light of Christ in the darkness lights upon the sparrow with the rising of the sun. And so does that same light shine upon us, often times upon a foolish young man, such as myself. Never taking time to honor the One who made it. In that present moment, I have to stop. As I did before I wrote this. Looking at the setting of His sun. I felt a sense of sadness. The birds songs become almost sadder as the sun went down. I bowed my head but with my eyes looking heavenward.

I was carried back in my memories. As a small child, I loved nature. Fascinated by all things and creatures in God's creation. Something about birds seemed to speak to my little heart. Reminding me of God somehow to me. About the age of 4-5, I was running and playing in the backyard. Only to discover a little bird fallen from his nest. My dad, of course, broke out the movie camera. So I was scampering about the yard after this little bird. Catching him ever so gently in my hands. Even now as I write about this, I can recall the feel of that tiny, soft life in my hands. He snuggled up in my warm hands with his delicate feathers. I held him up to the camera. Smiling as big as I could. The time came to put him back in his nest. The nest was in a tree that was not that tall. So my dad lifted me up to put him back in his home. I was happy he was home. That night I dreamed the little bird was with his mom and dad. Snuggling up close like he did in my hands.

My parents continued to look in on that minuscule bird. Taking time to make sure that he was looked after by it's mother. The lessons I learned that day were many. But the one I learned the most was the cornerstone it laid in my heart. If the little boy I was is still in there, I would like to tell him thank you. For reminding a ofttimes, misguided young man of the importance of all life; no matter how insignificant or how small. How love is the rock upon which everything is lain. And in that time of lost youth and innocence I was closer to God than I realized. Because if a young boy's heart broke for a baby bird. How much more does God's heart break for a wandering young man; who falls out of his place from time to time.

by

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Pick Them Up and Hold Them

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.


Mark 10:15-16


The soul is healed by being with children.
Author: English Proverb

This is a story of a father with his two children. As he was showing his daughter of about 5-7 years of age photos in a photo album she inquired about who the people were."Are all these my family members?" she inquired."Yes," was the father's response back,"Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Grandpas and Grandmas,too." "Wow, that's alot of family. Where are all of our families' pictures?" she asked while little hands picked up images of long ago and looked at them. "Well, it is like this," the father explained,"the pictures we have are all on discs and then we put the digital pictures on the computer. This way we will have them forever. Never having to worry about them wearing out or tearing up with time." The daughter nodded her head in agreement. But then looking down at the picture she held and remarked,"Daddy, I like pictures I can pick up and hold best."

Looking around he saw his son enter the room. Toddling that toddle that two years do toward him. "UHHNN, UUHHNN pick me up," coming from a small, gentle voice. He looked down at him and saw his son wanting in his lap to look, just like his daughter was. Reaching down to pick up his son to put the boy on his knee he realized something. A voice spoke inside his head and echoed a small, hidden truth."Pick them up and hold them," for the man's children are just like the pictures were to his daughter. He sat there with them on each knee sharing the past with them together. In that small moment, the Holy Spirit through his daughter's voice had revealed something to him. He felt such love holding them.

He remembered how he felt being picked up and held as a child. Recalling the love he felt around him. The warmth of being held by his heavenly father and earthly father. A tear came to his eye to streak down his face. His daughter looked up with big, blue eyes and saw the tear rolling down his face. Answering his tears, she wrapped her arms around his neck. "I love you, Daddy." His toddler saw this and responded in kind. Wrapping his arms around him now. Both covering him in kisses. Tears swelled up in blurry eyes again. He thinks to himself, "This is worth it. All the long hours and sleepless nights. All the skinned knees and loud cries. Even with the heartaches that lay ahead. Pick them up and hold them. This is worth it. Oh, how it is worth it." There's something about being able to feel and hold something in your hands that makes you appreciate it more. Makes it more real to you.

The times that our Heavenly Father held us in His hands are innumerable. We feel His presence and the overwhelming love of a father. I think when we reciprocate this love back that he responds with these words,"It was worth it. Oh, it was worth it."
by
Lance Gargus
Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

To Gain The Whole World

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Matthew 16:26

He does not possess wealth that allows it to possess him. Author: Benjamin Franklin

Are we blessed by God as the poor in spirit or do we pray to be blessed with wealth of this world of shifting sand?

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

Luke 16:19-26

Matthew understood this more than anybody. He had a choice to make. To follow this man who he felt God was with or to hold on to life as a publican. Publican was a tax collector. Despised by other Jews because they collected taxes for the Romans. In exchange, they were rewarded handsomely by the Romans with social status as a class of equities. Equestrians were of upper social class in Roman society. Ranked among business men and Roman cavalry men, thus the modern reference to equerian and horses. Horses symbolizing power over other men. It was very profitable financially to the publican. He received interest off taxes collected and turned it in at the end of the collection period. The real money came with anything collected over the amount of taxes. This was pure profit to him. You can imagine the corruption that ensued in their dealings. Yet, Matthew faced a choice like we all do in life. As Jesus walked by, he made that choice. Giving up his old life of lavishness and ease that he had made at other's expense in order to go and follow this man. A man unlike any who had ever walked the earth before. In losing what he thought to himself was his whole world, he regained his soul back in return. In this moment, he received wealth beyond measure from God.

In the story of King Midas, he had a decison to make, too. He, at first, wanted to be even more wealthier than he was. So he wished for the power of gold. Everything touched, the Midas touch, turned to gold. So excited was he that he went about touching everything. Gold was everywhere. The time came to eat. And he had grown hungry. So he called his servants in to bring him his dinner. Being tired, he sit down to eat only to discover that the food he touched was transformed to gold. Now he could not even eat. All this gold and no way to feed himself. He started to panic and went to his daughter. She, the love of his life and most beautiful, came to him. In trying to console her father, he touched her. In an instant she was changed to gold as all the other things. Oh, how he weeped and howled for his loss. His pursuit of getting everything had cost him everything he really held dear. He thought back to the beautiful flower she had shown him. Telling him before had wonderful it smelled. And how with his touch had transformed it into pure gold. She had called it ugly. Saying you can't touch it and smell it like a real one. Only now staring at his loving, innocent daughter now a golden stature did he see how much it cost him. In the end, he was given the power to rid himself of the golden touch. Realizing it was a curse and not a blessing. Washing his hands in the river, it disappeared. And, thus, gathering water in a vase took it to his child. Pouring it on her restored her to life.

Every choice is a blessing or curse. Even as I read stories about those who find fortune instaneously or build wealth off the expense of others, how it corrupts their souls. Losing all they hold dear, even their very souls. May I never forget that anything I have accumulated is because of you, Jesus. And to always use it to help someone in need. May the Holy Spirit bless me with a generous heart. May He bless us all. So the Holy Spirit continues to try to guide an often stubborn soul on his search of God's truth. Leading me where I need go, not always where I want to go.

by

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Holy Spirit Live In Me

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

Romans 8:26

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, co-equal with God the Father and Jesus Christ. He is the one who pulls at you when you sin. That still small voice that convicts you when you sin. And the one who reveals the truth to you to turn away from sin. The word translated into "Spirit" in the Bible has its root meaning as "breath" or "wind". He dwells with Christians as a guide and comforter. Having these characteristics similar to a mother as a comforter in times of trouble and guiding us when as we try to make spiritual decisions in our lives. Paraclete comes from the Koine Greek word παράκλητος (Parakletos) (Strong's G3875) meaning "one who consoles - a comforter" or "one who intercedes on our behalf - an advocate". Other titles for the Holy Spirit include 'Spirit of Truth', Lightfull Spirit of God Almighty, Holy Breath, Almighty Breath, Giver of Life, Lord of Grace, Helper, 'Comforter', 'Counsellor' and 'Supporter'. He helps an individual see the world more clearly around him. By dwelling in someone He produces fruits of the Spirit. Which are:

Charity
Charity is just like it sounds. It's love of your neighbor and love of God above one's own wants.
In addition, Paul explains in 1 Corinthians, 13, that Charity is the greatest gift from God. Charity is about giving of oneself. When Jesus died on the cross, it wasn't about anything other than Charity.
1 Cor 13:4-7 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Joy
Joy is the happiness found in being united with the Lord. As C.S. Lewis described it, it is a glimpse of the perfect happiness of heaven that leads us to desire heaven.

Peace
Peace refers to being content with the world and God. And having no animosity toward any.

Goodness
Goodness is the tendency to avoid sin and pursue good.

Generosity
Generosity is an willingness to sharing one's own gifts and goods with others. It is the opposite of both gluttony and envy.

Gentleness
Gentleness, also known as mildness, is the tendency to allow provocations and attacks to go unanswered.

Faithfulness
Faithfulness is the standing strong in faith, and strength against anything that comes your way.

A list of gifts that may be bestown include the gifts of prophecy, tongues, healing, and knowledge. In addition, wisdom, indepth supernatural understanding of the Word of God, spiritual power to perform miracles-healings-prophecy-visions-speak in an unlearned language-interpet toungues-drive out demons-even raise the dead, hear a calling to a special office in the church, being merciful and giving, hear God speak, see angels and demons at work, and love and forgive beyond normal abilities because of a strong personal connection with God.

Isaiah 11:2-3
The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. His delight is in the fear of the LORD, And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, Nor decide by the hearing of His ears;

1 Corinthians 12: 8-10
for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.

My prayer is...Sweet Holy Spirit, comforter and friend, live in me. Help me to trust in Thee. May my body become a clean temple to dwell in. May my heart be a place ever welcome to you. Touch me with your presence and bless me with Your love. Give me ears to hear Your voice. Flow out of me. May it be like a healing fountain to others I touch. Amen.

by

Lance Gargus

This Do In Remebrance Of Me

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."
Luke 22:19

and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me."
1 Corinthians 11:24


"Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light; I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night." ---Sarah Williams

He "Christ," broke and blessed the bread.

He "Christ," gave it to the disciples.

(Symbolically) take-eat,"this (experience) (this occasion) and remember-I gave my very life for you.

Why could He not let his disciples break and pass it? I believe because He was demonstrating His humility. "Let he who would be master, be the servant of all." He did surely give His life a ransom for-all.

His life was one sacrifice after another, from restraining Himself in times of provocation, to the discipline of 40 days in the wilderness-to the disregarding of pangs of hunger and thirst and Satan's temptations, to the Lord forgive them at the cross and refusal to save himself physically.

Why did He want them to remember Him?

It was not necessarily because He was the son of God, though that was important, but what He did with His life!

He was and ever is the prime exemplar.

When you come together, it is not the Lord's Supper you eat, 1 Corinthians 11:20

They were eating the Lord's supper like it was a festival in the church. Ignoring its significance in 1st Corinthians. To do in remembrance of Him.

Blessed is the cup of wine, drink ye all of it!

A lukewarm, part time service will not do it!Drink ye all of it, or none at all--and remember-and if we believe, and we remember, we will drink all of it.

This is what He wished them and us to remember His life as He lived it!

They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, "Surely not I, Lord?"Matthew 26:22

Isn't that what we all say? Not I Lord. Do we learn our lesson of The Last Supper and take it to heart.

The lessons of humility, the lesson in seeing these events as examples, the life lesson: the long loving duty of all day long enduring adverse conditions, the lesson of suffering, the lesson of not griping and complaining, and the lesson in not only living right but the lesson on dying with complete honor.

by James Gargus

Martyr

Martyr- Greek word for "witness". One who chooses death rather than to deny Jesus Christ or His work.

The only apostle’s death the Bible records is James' (Acts 12:2). King Herod had James put to death “with the sword” – likely a reference to beheading. The circumstances of the deaths of the other apostles can only be known based on church history.

The most commonly accepted church history in regards to the death of an apostle is that the Apostle Peter was crucified, upside-down on an x-shaped cross, in Rome, in fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy (John 21:18).

Following are the church history in regards to the deaths of the other apostles:

Matthew suffered martyrdom in Ethiopia, where he had drawn to take the gospel. There he performed many miracles and great teachings. King Aeglippus of Ethiopia liked the Christians. But upon his death King Hyactus took the throne. He was an unbeliever who hated the Christians. While Matthew was teaching in his church, he had him arrested. Matthew was dragged outside, nailed to the ground with short spears, and beheaded.

John faced martyrdom when he was boiled in a huge basin of boiling oil during a wave of persecution in Rome. However, he was miraculously delivered from death. John was then sentenced to the mines on the prison island of Patmos. He wrote his prophetic Book of Revelation on Patmos. The Apostle John was later freed and returned to what is now modern-day Turkey. He died as an old man, the only apostle to die peacefully.

James, the brother of Jesus (not officially an apostle), the leader of the church in Jerusalem, was thrown over a hundred feet down from the southeast pinnacle of the Temple when he refused to deny his faith in Christ. When they discovered that he survived the fall, his enemies beat James to death with a club. This was the same pinnacle where Satan had taken Jesus during the temptation.

Jude, brother of James the Just and younger brother of Jesus, who wrote the book of Jude travels included Mesopotamia, Syria, Arabia, and Persia (now Iran). In Edema he angered the pagan priest by preaching against idol sacrifices and worships. They saw they were losing money and followers. So they attacked him with sticks and clubs, beating him to death in 68 AD.

Bartholomew, also know as Nathanael, was a missionary to Asia. He witnessed in present-day Turkey and was martyred for his preaching in Armenia, when he was flayed to death by a whip.

Andrew was crucified on an x-shaped cross in Greece. After being whipped severely by seven soldiers, Andrew's body was tied to the cross with cords to prolong his agony. His followers reported that, when he was led toward the cross, Andrew saluted it in these words: "I have long desired and expected this happy hour. The cross has been consecrated by the body of Christ hanging on it." He continued to preach to his tormentors for two days until he died.

The Apostle Thomas was stabbed with a spear in India during one of his missionary trips to establish the church there.

Matthias, the apostle chosen to replace the traitor Judas Iscariot, was stoned and then beheaded.

Phillip's travels include going to Samaria. When the apostles later drew lots to divide the known world between them, he drew what is now Turkey and Syria. He planted many churches. Ending up at Hierapolis in Phrygia. He worked many miraculous signs there. The idol worshippers cared little for these miracles or the message he brought. Ancient historians say he was tied to a pillar and stoned to death. Others say they whipped him, threw him in prison, and later crucified him. He was the second apostle to be martyred.

Simon the Canaanite traveled in Egypt, North Africa, Mauritania-an island in the Indian Ocean, and in the Great Britian islands. Some say he was crucified in Great Britian. Others say after traveling with Jude he was tortured and crucified by a governor in Syria.

The Apostle Paul was tortured and then beheaded by the evil Emperor Nero at Rome in A.D. 67.

It is not so important how the apostles died. What is important is the fact that they were all willing to die for their faith. If Jesus had not been resurrected, the disciples would have known. No one will die for something he knows is a lie. The fact that all of the apostles were willing to die horrible deaths, refusing to renounce their faith in Christ – is tremendous evidence that they had truly witnessed the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

by

Lance Gargus

Huguenots

Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Acts 6:57-60

"Ours is the seed-time; God alone Beholds the end of what is sown;Beyond our vision, weak and dim,The harvest time is his with Him." --Whittier.

"What sought they thus afar?Bright jewels of the mine?The wealth of seas, the spoils of war?They sought at faith's pure shrine.Aye! call it holy ground,The soil where first they trod,They've left unstained what there they found--Freedom to worship God."

The corruption of the established church was rampant in France. There were those who opposed these teachings. Man had a right to read God's word himself instead of taking the priest's word. He did not need a priest to intercede for him for forgiveness of sins.The church was also corrupted by power and money. Taking upon them the pre-forgiveness of sins. Paying a sum of money for forgiveness before committing the sin. That was the final straw. Those opposed to these teachings were labeled heretics. They came to be called Huguenots.

They were French Protestants most of whom eventually came to follow the teachings of John Calvin, and who, due to religious persecution, were forced to flee France to other countries in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The new "Reformed religion" practiced by many members of the French nobility and social middle-class, based on a belief in salvation through individual faith without the need for the intercession of a church hierarchy and on the belief in an individual's right to interpret scriptures for themselves, placed these French Protestants in direct theological conflict with both the Catholic Church and the King of France in the theocratic system which prevailed at that time. Followers of this new Protestantism were soon accused of heresy against the Catholic government and the established religion of France, and a General Edict urging extermination of these heretics (Huguenots) was issued in 1536.

Since the Huguenots of France were in large part artisans, craftsmen, and professional people, they were usually well-received in the countries to which they fled for refuge when religious discrimination or overt persecution caused them to leave France. Most of them went initially to Germany, the Netherlands, and England among other countries, although some found their way eventually to places as remote as South Africa. Considerable numbers of Huguenots migrated to British North America, especially to the Carolinas, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York. Their character and talents in the arts, sciences, and industry were such that they are generally felt to have been a substantial loss to the French society from which they had been forced to withdraw, and a corresponding gain to the communities and nations into which they settled.
The exact origin of the word Huguenot is unknown, but many consider it to be a combination of Flemish and German. Protestants who met to study the Bible in secret were called Huis Genooten, meaning "house fellows." They were also referred to as Eid Genossen, or "oath fellows" meaning persons bound by an oath.

The First Martyr
It is impossible to even refer to the many struggles of the Huguenots through the dark centuries embraced in their history. We can only in a general way point out some of the leading events. Jean Le Clerk, one of the earliest reformers of Meaux, permitting his zeal to exceed his discretion, entered several Catholic churches, broke images and posted placards denouncing the corruptions of the Pope and church. For this he was apprehended, condemned as a heretic, and burned at the stake in the city of Metz in 1525. He was the first conspicuous martyr of the Huguenots. Notwithstanding the great persecutions which were now instituted the Protestants continued to increase in numbers and influence.

So large was the numbers of those martyred it equaled in the thousands. My ancestors Matthiew Garrigues and his wife were among those that fled France. One version was later to be changed to my families spelling of Gargus. My other family members stood among those who were martyred and knew friends who refused to renounce their faith at the cost of their lives.
Making their way eventually to America to enjoy religious freedom. This ancestry makes me appreciate the freedom that I have to worship God. But it also makes me think would I have the courage to stand up in the face of death and speak. To speak out against corruption by money and greed infecting the church. To hold fast to my faith even till death. My soul searches for an answer and none comes. May the God who strenghtened my ancestors in their dark history strengthen me.

by
Lance Gargus
Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Wedding Band

I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine. Song of Solomon 2:16

With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow.- Book of Common Prayer

Open your bible to anywhere in it. Then take a wedding ring and place it on end inside the bible between the pages. Put some light behind the ring. Notice the shadow that it casts. It looks like a heart shape. Neat trick or is it something more?

The story behind the wedding band is a unique one.The ring symbolizes seeing the circular band with no break representing eternity and love, endless devotion, with no beginning and no end. Even the ring hole has the meaning of a door to events known and unknown for two committed to each other. It being placed on the third finger of the left hand, in the belief that a vein - called the vena amoris in Latin - ran directly from that finger to the heart, hence the vein of love. In medieval England, a bridegroom would slide the ring part way up his bride's thumb, index and middle finger, saying "In the name of the father, the son, and the holy ghost" as he passed each one. He then put the ring on the next available finger - the third finger of the left hand. In the middle ages, rings were inscribed inside with poems or love messages and continued to be popular through Victorian times. Inscriptions inside wedding bands endure to this day.

It comes right down to two souls and two hearts becoming one through God. Place your marriage in God's word, let the light of Christ shine through, and love will cast it's shadow over your union.

by

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Never Realized

In my time on this earth there are things I never realized,

just fanciful dreams a young man idealized.

But the older I get I have come to a realization of you,

Not in how you look but the things you do.

But what is it about you that makes me love you?

It's your gracious smile that makes all things new.

Your self sacrificing heart of putting others first,

the bountiful love you have dispersed.

Thinking of the family I have through you,

Their little eyes glowing sky blue.

Seeing how you unwaveringly love them,

Your eyes sparkle back like a gem.

For the love you give to our children two,

Is reflected back in my eyes to you.

by

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Unworthy To Be Called Your Son

And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

Luke 15:20-24

"It is not flesh and blood but the heart, which makes us fathers and sons." - Johann Schiller

I don't want the man I was to rise up in me again,

He keeps me awake at night.

I try to silence this storm coming from within,

I yearn for peace and rest from this fight.

The waters coming rushing over me,

Pushing and pulling me underneath its rage.

Shouting here I am Lord and I'm drowning,

Trembling hands reaching for the rock of age.

Echoing in my mind that I'm just one mistake away,

Back to where you found me on that day.

Tears have filled my eyes with the coming of the dawn,

Here I am trying to carry on.

Daddy, please, don't leave me this way.

As the rushing waters begin to weigh.

The oncoming waters are drowning out your truth,

Asking me where is my proof?

This world has gotten me thinking for myself,

Saying answers come from a book on a shelf.

Seeking for the truth that your word reveals,

Praying for the peace only you can seal.

Looking at the world I had made my friend,

The ones always reminding me of my sin.

They flow like a raging river driven on by a storm,

The tattering of my heart's sails being ripped and torn.

I've held out as long as I can,

Letting go and holding out my hands.

As the current sweeps along,

In that instant of weakness I found where I belong.

Daddy, take my hands.

From that moment I'm lifted on to dry land.

I am so unworthy to be called your son again,

All the while your wrapping me in your light.

Before my final amen,

No more wandering, no more plight.

You embrace me with your arms,

Holding me close to you.

Son, this is just the beginning,

I'm here now to see you through.

by

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Christian Brotherly Love

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
John 15:12


Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.
Peter 1:22


Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
1 Peter 2:17


Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
1 Peter 3:8


Above all, love each other deeply,
1 Peter 4:8


and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
2 Peter 1:7


This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.


This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.


We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death.


This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.


If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?


Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.


And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.
1 John 3


Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.


Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.


If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
1 John 4


I ask that we love one another.
2 John 1:5


Whoever loves his brother lives in the light
1 John 2:10


Therefore encourage one another and build each other up....


always try to be kind to each other
1 Thessalonians 5:13 and 15


and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.
for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.
1 Thessalonians 4:9


Love must be sincere. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:9-10


If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.


If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.


If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.


Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.....


But the greatest of these is love.
1Corithians 13:1-13


the love of most will grow cold,
Matthew 24:12


Oh Jesus, they have built these churches for the sake of their own glory, and embellished them with silk and melted gold. . . . They left the bodies of Thy chosen poor wrapped in tattered raiment in the cold night. . . . They filled the sky with the smoke of burning candles and incense and left the bodies of Thy faithful worshipers empty of bread. . . . They raised their voices with hymns of praise, but deafened themselves to the cry and moan of the widows and orphans. Come again, Oh Living Jesus, and drive the vendors of Thy faith from Thy sacred temple, for they have turned it into a dark cave where vipers of hypocrisy and falsehood crawl and abound.
Kahlil Gibran(1883 - 1931)
Source: Wisdom of Gibran


In our eyes, what do others see? Do they see love? Have we lost our love for our brothers and sister in Christ? Do we select little cliques and groups and push others away in His house? How is the house also seperated? Seperated not just in doctrine but rich/poor, between races, countries, you name it. We find any reason to distinquish ourselves from other believers. Why do we do this? We are in the Laodecian chuch age.


One of the most frightening group of verses in the Bible are found in Rev 3:14-19, when Christ is talking to the Church of Laodicea. He is addressing the people of a city known for its wealth. But despite its financial prosperity, it was spiritually impoverished. He says to the people "You are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of My mouth. For you say 'I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing.' You don’t realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked." What’s frightening about this statement is that most people in this world who call themselves Christians are lukewarm. Yes we might go to church on Sundays, make an appearance, and think to ourselves, hey, I don’t sell drugs, I haven’t killed anybody, I never robbed a bank, I even give to charities. But think what Christ is saying here "I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing." Not too many years ago, the Dow Jones average had a tough time breaking 1000. Since then, it has been over 10,000. IRAs have come into the picture, and many typical people have savings well into the six figures. And every average neighborhood seems to have a quiet millionaire living in it. But with all this prosperity also comes a falling away from God.


There is a group of prophecies in Zechariah 6:1-8 that I think ties in with Revelation 3:14-19. In the Zechariah prophecy there are four different colored horses with chariots that are sent out across the earth. Although these horses resemble the four horses in the book of Revelation, don’t mix them up, the Revelation prophecy has not taken place as of yet, but the prophecy in Zechariah, Chapter 6, has already been fulfilled. In these prophecies, two of the horses, the black followed by the white, go to the "north country." Then comes the statement "Behold these that go to the north country have quieted My Spirit in the north country." What I believe God is saying here is that the black horses are Capitalism and prosperity, and that the north country represents Europe, the United States and Canada. Then the white horses follow, which I believe are false religions and idol worship, and will hinder God’s Spirit in the rich north countries. All these north countries are basically Christian, and due to the great riches of these countries, many false religions have popped up. I believe most people are worshiping money more than God. Money seems to be the Number 1 idol, and pride is another idol.


As for the other two sets of horses, the dappled gray go to the south, and the red patrol back and forth across the earth. The dapple grays I believe are poverty, disease and hunger. They go to the southern area of the globe, such as Africa and South America, where the economy isn’t so good, along with famine, starvation, and widespread disease. The red horses represent war and unrest, and as they patrol back and forth across the earth, war follows. God foretold 2500 years ago in Zech 6:1-8, what the economy and situations would be like in the northern and southern areas of the globe.


Now Jesus understood riches, luxury and opulence can become idols, creating a false sense of security. They bestow a power that can easily drive a person to arrogance, cheating and selfishness. For this reason, Jesus said wealth posed a challenge to the spirit. It was harder for a rich person to fulfill his true purpose in life than for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle (Matt 19:24). Which brings us back to Rev 3:14-19 "So because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Here we have God Himself condemning us, for worshiping money and other idols, instead of worshiping Him. We have become whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones" (Matthew 23:27). We have turned our churches into social clubs.


John the beloved knew about love. He stood by his friend. We cannot even be corjual to each other. We won't speak to others treating them like they have leprosy or something. Speak only when spoken too is our mantra. And even then we can't wait to get away from that person talking. Uncaring about their troubles or cares. Lukewarm is what we have become. Cold and unfeeling are we. Sour looks upon our faces. Come on my christian sisters and brothers we are suppose to be so loving and kind to each other.We have little family cliques others cannot enter. We are so unloving toward each other, how can we love those who are not believers. They see this among us. "House of hypocrites are they," is their taunt. How not very far from those words are we. We are supposed to love everyone that come through those doors and mean it. We should not have that phoney love but agape love. We have lost our natural affection. Let's quit trying to be the church big shot or compete to see who runs the show.


What has happened to Christian brotherly love?
by
Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Abandoned

Then everyone deserted him and fled.

A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.

Mark 14:50-52

For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica;

At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

2 Timothy :14 and 16

And I alone of all mankind
Were left in loneliness behind.
Author: Barnes, William

Jesus and Paul were abandoned by their friends. In their darkest hour everyone ran off. But there was one in each situation that stayed. John the beloved stayed and watched the proceedings of Jesus trial and execution. Comforting Jesus mother at the foot of the cross. Luke alone stayed with Paul as written in 2 Timothy verse 11,"Only Luke is with me." In many situations in our lives, others just leave.

In a day when everyone seemed not to care, a co-worker who I consider a friend came to me. He asked could he pray for my troubles. He never prays. This was very unlike his character to do such a thing. When I thought no one cared, God used him. And not to many days after this, when we did a morning devotion prayer, he prayed. He asked God to forgive him for become angry at another worker that morning. I pray this is an ongoing trend for him and not just a fluke. God can work miracles with a seed.

God used him in my moment when I felt abandoned by everyone. If we ask God, He sends a glimmer of hope at our moments of discouragement. So has been the story of my life. In my darkest hours, I have seen a small glimmer of light. God is there for us always if we look for Him.
Now we know how it feels to be abandoned at sometime in our lives and He stands by us. But how does He feel when we abandon Him like the apostles did that night. As the guards came, they ran away scared. How can we judge them? We would have probably done the same thing. Or would we have hung close by like John the beloved?

In worship to God, it can be easily seen the self abandonment of a person to the Lord by their hindered or unhindered worship. John and Luke abandoned themselves to follow God going against conventional wisdom. Many saints lived a life that was recklessly abandoned to Jesus Christ. They lived a life of simplicity, poverty and humility and called others to do the same. They continually sought to follow fully the way of life demonstrated by Christ. I believe that by relying on Jesus for our hope, and by loving others unconditionally, we can have the same desire as that of the saints -- drawing closer to the Savior. Though I fall short of that mark every day, my prayer is that God will take my efforts and the pieces of my life, combine them with His strength and grace, and make something beautiful out of my life. I long to be totally and recklessly abandoned to the cause of Christ and the pursuit of God -- to know the relentless tenderness exhibited by my Lord and Savior.

Take time to offer Jesus your whole self in utter joyful, selfless abandonment.
by
Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

A Letter From My Grandmother

I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

2 Timothy 1:5

Grandmas hold our tiny hands for just a little while, but our hearts forever. ~Author Unknown

This letter was written in 1988. My dad wasn't the only patriarch or matriarch concerned about their children and grandchildren. My grandmother on my mother's side wrote this letter from her deathbed. Even then pleading with all loved ones to turn around and see Christ. For all of us not to take our eyes off the prize.

Here is her letter:

Dear love ones,

I love everyone of you all. Your daddy, you three kids, all the grand kids, my sister, and all the rest of my love ones. I don't like some of their ways, but I still love them. I don't know of anyone I hate. I just hope and pray all my love ones and everyone else will get saved before its too late.

For if we miss heaven we have missed all. So don't let anyone cause you to turn back. So don't worry about me. The Lord is going to let me be alright. If I don't come back, I don't want any of you to worry about me for I go to rest.

I love you all so much. And have wanted you to live for the Lord for so long. Please, don't worry about me. The Lord is going to be with me.

Love to you all. I'm going to quit. Go to bed for I am getting sleepy.

Love you all very much,

Mother

by

Myrtle Mae Wren Cantrell

I look at your photograph,

And I write about you,

Realizing I am not who I was,

No longer that teenager you once knew.

Wanting to see you now,

To tell you all that I have been through since you left,

Would you be disappointed in what I've become?

Finding myself in the midst of bereft.

Recalling the moments we would sit together,

Talking while you would tell me stories of the Lord,

Sharing your faith with your grandson,

Telling of heaven's great reward.

You have touched my life even now,

Guiding me in someways,

Remembering the loved ones who sought the great light,

May the Lord impart that wisdom on me to the end of my days.

by

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Young Love

Love is patient, love is kind.It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.It is not rude, it is not self-seeking.It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.Love never fails.

I Corinthians 13:4-8


This is my beloved, and this is my friend.

Song of Soloman 5:16



When my wife and I married, this is what we wrote each other after the birth of our first child. The poems reflect young love in its beginning stages of life together and the start of a family. May you find something in them that makes you stop and reflect on someone special to you.




If I was not meant to love you, why does your hand fit so well into mine?

When you are not near, you cause my heart to pine.






Why do I look at you like I do?

Why does my soul long for you?






Why do you drive me so mad to only love you more?

Looking at you the one I adore.



Why did I have to make you my wife?

How did you know when to show up at the right time of my life?






Why do I long for the touch of your hand against my cheek?

Hanging on to every word you speak.






Why did I want to make a home with you?

May reflections of our love continuously renew.






How amazing the love that gave us such a lovely little girl,

Waiting and watching her life unfurl.






Why can't I stand the thought of being alone without you?

Our days on earth are so few.






Why do you make my pulse quicken and lose my breath?

May we only be separated in death.






Why do I want you by my side when I die?

At that moment when you may cry.






Dying is something we all must do,

But we will be together again cause our Lord will make everything new.

by

Lance Gargus






How I love your strong, loving embrace,

Everytime I look into your gorgeous face.






You loved me all along,

You make me feel strong.






I longed for you to talk to me when I first saw you,

And my heart didn't know what to do.






Being like chocolate melting in your hand,

The boundless love that did expand.






Your big beautiful blue eyes make me feel that way still,

Our lives together waiting to fulfill.






Our brand new daughter is made from you and me,

With God's breath inside her set free.

by

Gina Gargus



At different times in our lives we had met briefly. Never to talk but only exchange glances over the years. Never realizing we grew up just across the state line from each other. Only two miles between our homes. Seperated by fate, never to meet until a preordained time. God plans things and unfolds them in His own way.



My prayer is ...

Dear God,

May we be not just lovers ordained by God in marriage, but friends that share our innermost thoughts.

May we dream about each other so we can be together all the time.

May I always allow myself to be loved by her. Continuously tearing down all the barriers I built up against love.

May we not kill our love with the one thing that can kill it - neglect.

May the gift of my love be a gift I never ask to take back.

May I always want good for her and celebrate in her accomplishments.

May love vanquish time in each others moments together.

May she be the one I talk to, the one to share the beauty of the stars with, to laugh with, to touch, and the one to bring joy to my life.

May my heart never wither from not hearing from hers.

May the love she give continue to bring out the best in me.

May I continue to learn how to love others in the way she loves me.

May her love continue to flow back and soften my heart.

May our hopes rest in Christ who proved love is stronger than death.

Amen.
Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

In The Garden

10Then the disciples went back to their homes, 11but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
13They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?"
"They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." 14At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
15"Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?" Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him."
16Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).
John 20

A little faith will bring your soul to heaven, but a lot of faith will bring heaven to your soul. ~Author Unknown

I come to the garden alone

While the dew is still on the roses

And the voice I hear, falling on my ear

The Son of God discloses

And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

He speaks and the sound of His voice

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing

And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

I'd stay in the garden with Him

'Tho the night around me be falling

But He bids me go; through the voice of woe

His voice to me is calling

And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known
- Words and Music by Charles Austin Miles, 1913

Miles gave the background to this beautiful hymn in his own words:

Quote:"I read the story of the greatest morn in history. The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, while it was yet very dark, unto the sepulcher. Instantly, completely, there unfolded in my mind the scenes of the garden, where out of the mists comes a form, halting, hesitating, tearful, seeking, turning from side to side in bewildering amazement."Falteringly, bearing grief in every accent, with tear-dimmed eyes, she whispers, 'If Thou has borne Him hence.'"He speaks, and the sound of His voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing. He said to her "Mary!""Just one word and forgotten are the heartaches, the long dreary hours, all the past blotted out in His presence."End of Quote.

Miles recounts a vivid vision of Mary Magdalene coming to the tomb at daybreak. While reading John chapter 20, he recalls seeing all this unfold against his wall. He saw Mary's despair then her joy as she recognized the gardener as Jesus. He recalls awakening and quickly writing the poem. That evening he wrote the music. The first account is given through Mary's eyes and are written in the first two verses as she comes to the garden "while the dew is still on the roses." Afterwards she rejoiced to recognize the voice belonging to her risen Lord. Lastly, she talks about Jesus 's command to go tell what she had seen in the last verse.

This was my Dad's favorite hymn. The hymn has given comfort to many people. And it gave him comfort that God was always walking with him. Listening to every word he said with understanding. Then Christ's words would return to him so soft and low to soothe his weary soul.

I hold a fondness for this song also. In the song it talks of Him talking with you. I am sure he talks with me. But I have to silence my soul to hear Him. May, Lord, I hear you speak to my heart as you did Mary Magedline and my father. Reveal yourself to me.

by

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Birds Of Heaven

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Matthew 6:26

Do you ne'er think what wondrous beings these? Do you ne'er think who made them, and who taught The dialect they speak, where melodies Alone are the interpreters of thought? Whose household words are songs in many keys, Sweeter than instrument of man e'er caught! - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Did you know that birds have long been used as symbols in Christianity? Not just doves either but other birds.

There is a story or more appropriately a legend of the robin. It tells how the robin received his red breast. Story goes that as Joseph, Mary, and Jesus as a child was resting on their flight to Egypt sparks of a fire flew toward Jesus. The robin caught the sparks of fire on his breast instead thus protecting Jesus. His reward was the beautiful red breast that robins are known for.

Another bird the peacock is a symbol for immortality because of a legend that its flesh does not decay.

The crane symbolizes good works, loyalty, order, vigilance because legend has it that cranes are appointed to watch over their king while he sleeps.

The eagle represents constancy, faith, and the resurrection because on an ancient belief that the eagle would renew its youth and plumage by flying near the sun and then plunging into water.

Next, the falcon is symbolic of conversion cause they can be tamed with their hunting instincts turned towards good.

The goldfinch represents the Passion of Jesus cause of its fondness to thorns and thistles.

The rooster is symbolic of the response to God's grace by the soul's awakening.

The goose is the symbol for vigilance and providence because of a legend that the Capitoline geese saved Rome from the Gallic invasion.

The lark as it flies so high and while singing only in flight toward heaven represents humility.

The owl represents Christ to some as a night owl looking into the darkness for sinners to save.

The partridge is for truth and the church.

The raven is a wonderful symbol for solitude.

The sparrow stands for the lowliest among people cause its the least among birds.

The swallow takes the symbol of The Incarnation because it hides itself in the mud during winter.

The stork a symbol of chastity, piety, vigilance, and prudence because it announces the coming of spring.

Also, the pelican represents the Redeemer and atonement because of a legend that it feeds its young with its own blood.

The mythical phoenix represented Christ with its rebirth from the ashes.

The turtledove symbolizes Christ's fidelity cause they take a mate for life.

Last but not least, the dove representing the Holy Spirit, peace, a harbinger of hope, and the release of the soul from the body in death.

by

Lance Gargus

Every bird that upwards swings Bears the Cross upon its wings. - Marcus Valerius Martial

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

My Dove

I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest-
Psalm 55:6

Listen, sweet Dove, unto my song, And spread thy golden wings in me; Hatching my tender heart so long, Till it get wing, and flie away with Thee. Author: George Herbert

Wings Of A Dove (Hymn)

On the wings of a snow white dove, He sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above, On the wings of dove.

When troubles surround us, When evils come
The body grows weak, The spirit grows numb
When these things beset us, He doesn't forget us
He sends down His love, On the wings of a dove.

On the wings of a snow white dove, He sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above, On the wings of dove.

When Jesus went down To the river that day
He was baptized In the usual way
And when it was done, God blessed His Son
He sent Him His love, On the wings of dove

On the wings of a snow white dove, He sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above, On the wings of dove.

When Noah had drifted, On the flood many days
He searched for land, In various ways
Troubles he had some, But wasn't forgotten
He sent him His love, On the wings of a dove.

On the wings of a snow white dove, He sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above, On the wings of dove.

The Dove was, by far, one of the most important birds in the Bible. For it was the poor man’s sacrifice and widely kept as a domestic bird. Various cultures and religions conceived of birds, the denizens of the heavens, as divine revelations, and the bearers of heavenly messages of guidance. The bird was man’s soul or spirit as it was released from the body in ecstasy or in death. It was seen as the embodiment of liberty and the transcendence of the soul, the victory spirit over matter.

In Judaism, the dove signified the love of God for His Chosen People, the Israelites. White doves, signs of purity, were sacrificial offerings offered for purification at the Temple in Jerusalem. The Old Testament symbolized the dove in various forms. The dove was frequently used in the "Song of Songs," largely to convey terms of endearment: in their behavior, the doves paired for a long time. "Oh how beautiful, your eyes are like doves ..." (Songs 1: 15).

The Hebrew word for dove is Yonah, coming from the root meaning of a moaning sound, "I moan like a dove" (Is 38: 14). This would explain the call of many species of doves.

"My dove, that hides in holes in the cliff or in crannies on the high ledges" (Songs 2: 14) is a confirmation of their nesting habits. Doves make nests of twigs and scraps of debris, sometimes on rocks or in holes in cliffs, but mostly in trees and bushes. Jeremiah’s simile in the "Judgment of Moab," telling the people "to be like a ‘dove’ that makes its nest inside the hole’s mouth," confirms the nesting habit of the bird in ancient times.

In Christian lore and tradition, the dove is usually the symbol of the Holy Spirit or "heavenly messenger," particularly found in portrayals of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. It is also seen denoting the Holy Spirit descending on Christ at His Baptism: "He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove to alight upon Him ..." (Matt. 3: 16-17). Later on, in Matt. 10: 16, "be wary as serpents, innocent as doves," seems to imply the meaning of gentleness.

Christian art depicts the dove as hovering over the Virgin Mary’s head, symbolizing Mary’s submissive innocence. Numerous saints have also been depicted with hovering doves (sign of Divine inspiration), such as St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Fabian, St. Gregory the Great, St. Louis, and St. Dustan. In early Christian paintings, the dove’s head is surrounded by a "Golden Nimbus," frequently seen in the form of a cross or of seven rays terminating in seven stars to symbolize the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The dove also became the Christian symbol of "Peace" as seen in the catacombs of Rome. Figured on tombs and sarcophagi, the dove also represented grief and martyrdom.

It has been stated that no birds were more persecuted than doves — yet the Bible regarded them as worthy of being offered upon the altar.

Doves were also the only domesticated birds kept in large numbers by the Israelites. It became fashionable, at the time, to build huge dovecotes on the ledges inside the walls. King Herod was referred to as a breeder of doves, as recorded by Josephus the Jewish Historian. During the Roman period, historical references mentioned that these dovecotes sometimes housed as many as 5000 birds. Even large caves were adapted for this purpose. E.g. An example can still be seen in the Judean Hills near Beit Guvrin.

Relationship of doves within the flock, as well as with man, inspired images of love. The representation of lovers clearly was a reflection of the monogamous faithfulness of a dove couple that jointly raised their brood. The homing instincts of doves suggested the image that the bird was a harbinger of good tidings — like the dove in the story of the Flood. "She came back to him towards evening with a newly plucked olive leaf in her beak ..." (Gen. 7: 11).

This characteristic is why doves served both as navigational functions as well as message bearers. And in my moment when I needed an answer to a prayer, He sent his messenger a dove. I prayed for peace in my heart and with others. As I raised my head, I seen the dove appear from nothing. It flew straight at me at what seemed slow motion. I was able to see every detail of the dove in flight. This dove landed on the church top after this. As I started my vehicle to leave this dove followed me. It went to the house across the road from the church to wait on me. It acted as if it wanted me to follow it. I went on. And it went back to land upon the church.

The next few days I seen my pure white dove. It shone with a brightness I had never seen upon anything before. It flew in a continuous circle like it was waiting for someone. I looked up and it landed a short distance from me. As I entered the building the dove walked back and forth outside, continuously looking at the building. It felt like its eyes were upon me. I can't explain it.

I had never seen a white dove before in my life in the wild. This one seemed to have taken up with me. I don't know if it's the holy spirit, my father's spirit permitted by God to watch over me, or just a dove. But I know one thing it was sent to me by God regardless. At a moment when I needed to see His love. There are no coincidences in life. God plans each step. We may not understand it now but one day we will.

Oh, how wonderful, this soul searching has become with its ups and its downs. Blessed be Your name be for the ages.

by

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

I Just Pray

By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life.
Psalm 42:8

"I just pray."

These words resound in my head as I look into his eyes. My words fail me so many times.

After facing mockers at work, I run into one who mocked me and now asked me for prayer. Tears steamed down his eyes for his father who was now ill. I was there to pray for a friend's grandmother facing surgery. This in another city so many miles from where we lived. We got lost and ran into him. What was I going to do? There I stood with the chance to just ignore him or just say some small prayer and be on my way. Instead, my heart broke. All wrong done to me mattered not. Love for him welled up inside me. I prayed from the heart with my feeble words. I embraced him as I left. His sorrow was now tears of reassurance.

I am not skilled to understand what God has willed or what God has planned. I just feel others burdens and pain. This leaves me vulnerable to be hurt while being open. But I still pray. I pray to tell them that there is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary, love for the broken hearts, of God's grace and forgiveness, His mercy and healing that will meet them where ever they are.

I pray for the marriages that try to hang on and have lost their faith and love. I pray for those who try to break the addictions and chains that grip their lives. I pray that they know their not alone in their shame and suffering. I pray for the widow who suffers from being alone as she wipes the tears from her eyes. I pray for the children around the world without a home. I pray for so many things.

I just pray...

I know my weak prayers are not enough.

Give me words to speak.

But my God you are with me, so whom shall I fear.

Though others may mock and laugh at me, your perfect love casts out fear.

Lord let me not turn back.

Help me fear no evil.

For you never let go of me through the calm and through the storm.

Help me to hold on, Lord.

I know there is coming a day when these struggles will end.

In my highs and lows hold me near.

I can see a light that's coming to the heart that holds on.

A glorious light beyond all compare.

Please, let me not dismiss your miracles and signs as coincidence.

Help the naysayers have their eyes opened.

Help me to have love within me.

If I have not love, then it just a resounding noise, an empty sound.

Let me love the unlovable.

Give me eyes to see them as you see them.

All the empty claims of men upon this earth amount to nothing.

It's all about your sacrifice.

Guide my steps as you would one learning to walk.

In this walk never let me be too busy to help a fallen brother or sister.

Let it be so.

Amen.

by
Lance Gargus
Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Alone

O LORD, you deceived me, and I was deceived; you overpowered me and prevailed. I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me.

Cursed be the day I was born!

May the day my mother bore me not be blessed. For he did not kill me in the womb, with my mother as my grave, her womb enlarged forever.

Why did I ever come out of the womb to see trouble and sorrow and to end my days in shame?

Jeremiah 20

Alone. Who hasn't at one time or another felt alone? "You don't know what it's like to be. To have people stare at you like they hate you. To be alone in a crowd."
The words he spoke hung heavy in the air as if it was awaiting a response. I sat on my father's tombstone and listened to his words. The sun was beginning to sit on that hot summer day. My mother listened to his words of pain as he shouted at the world. I came to visit my father's grave trying to do my own soul searching. And here stood one who knew me better than anyone struggling with his hurt soul.


I just hung my head and said nothing. Her pleading with him about brothers getting along. Him ranting about the infidelity of his ex-wife and how she had hurt him. No children ever came from the marriage. She left with someone he thought he trusted. Alone and growing older his prospects for happiness seemed few. The women he met were superficial and cared for other things. Born with a heart condition called Noonan Syndrome it left him with a small frame and with a chest bone that sunk in. Ugly by no means is he but not up to the standards of most women,I guess, in appearance. Most unable to see his heart.


Though damaged in its function from birth was in much better shape than others. For his heart genuinely cared for others. But just as he felt deep love, he also felt deep hurt that manifested itself as anger unleashed in a tirade of words. Never violent or one to raise his hand, his words did the carnage for him. His words never came from a heart of hatred but born of suffering. Desperately wanting to help him my own words failed me. "I can't make someone love him," I thought,"But dear, Jesus, what can I do?"


He sees others with their children playing and how happy they are. The wife standing with her husband no matter what. He longed for what others had. Is this wrong for someone to long for? He cursed everything under the sun. He cursed the day he was born."Why didn't God just let me die when I was born?"

"For others even in church to look down upon me for having no one.""To think something is wrong with you cause you don't have a wife and kids.""I just want what they have and to be happy.""Hell is all that awaits me for me. I have accomplished nothing with my life." Wave after wave the words flew from an aching heart. I sat there on that tombstone and looked at my dad's grave and felt so numb. The hurt and pain he felt was so raw. Each word like a solid fist. In my frustration of trying to help, I was taken in by his anger. I found it consuming me. His hurt became my hurt. His anger my anger. In those still small moments my mind just whirls.


Earlier at church I had prayed with all my heart for peace within and for us all. In that moment I suddenly raised my head to see a white dove. Never had I ever seen one around here except mourning doves. This one was flying straight at me. It landing just a short distance from where I was. It was of the purest white I had ever beheld. I hadn't told the rest of my family what I had been doing at the exact moment the dove had appeared. It had appeared out of nothing before my unbelieving eyes. The dove stayed back and watched. As I left the dove took flight to follow my vehicle. My father loved doves and had two mourning doves follow him back and forth to church the last year of his life.


This dove though was radiantly white like light. As we left, it circled back to the church. My prayer was simply that we and especially, my brother could find peace. Will peace come to him? I don't know. If Christ loves us like a brother and won't give up on us, how could I do any less for my own brother no matter the cost.

Soul Bound (Pt. 2)

Walking through this darkness
All alone
Nothing left but darkness
I'm cold as a stone
people are just shadows I have known
Life is almost gone
Numb to the bone

Trying to remember my happy face
Anger is all that has took your place
And in this darkness
This empty space
I am alone

Now the night is falling
All hope is gone
Love's mocking laughter floats through dark trees
No wife, no children, no accomplishments, everything you've done, you've done wrong,
The clouds of despair rain all night
Time's up, love is truly gone
The end of your song

Hold on
Hold on
For my soul was bound, too
Take my hand, brother, let's break on through
My soul's shadow blinded me
But our father's gentle dove broke me free.
by
Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven