tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331933242024-03-13T12:58:40.046-07:00Lance's Soul SearchingLancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03136394638938010555noreply@blogger.comBlogger298125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193324.post-75582183735942913832024-01-27T20:23:00.000-08:002024-01-27T20:23:25.465-08:00Handwriting On The Wall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQ91OB4_qiEj1SJhGeQQny3oO2va-BTr4fSz_AXigphm9owHxTN40W__oihIbo6fI3OvHagZ7MXaQpQpBEZNGC1ynXj7pDhjRRD-gne3JVMkskBTVuhS5BFkJp9H_WZtslcPkufxtCcSBODPUyWNcdW0hczSGC0zp6malMAx1dErwBLfBsi6Y/s225/IMG_6422.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQ91OB4_qiEj1SJhGeQQny3oO2va-BTr4fSz_AXigphm9owHxTN40W__oihIbo6fI3OvHagZ7MXaQpQpBEZNGC1ynXj7pDhjRRD-gne3JVMkskBTVuhS5BFkJp9H_WZtslcPkufxtCcSBODPUyWNcdW0hczSGC0zp6malMAx1dErwBLfBsi6Y/s1600/IMG_6422.jpeg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div><br />A weary mother returned from the store,<br />Lugging groceries through the kitchen door.<br />Awaiting her arrival was her 8 year old son,<br />Anxious to relate what his younger brother had done.<br />While I was out playing and Dad was on a call,<br />T.J. took his crayons and wrote on the wall<br />It's on the new paper you just hung in the den.<br />I told him you'd be mad at having to do it again.<br />She let out a moan and furrowed her brow,<br />Where is your little brother right now?<br />She emptied her arms and with a purposeful stride,<br />She marched to his closet where he had gone to hide.<br />She called his full name as she entered his room.<br />He trembled with fear--he knew that meant doom<br />For the next ten minutes, she ranted and raved<br />About the expensive wallpaper and how she had saved.<br />Lamenting all the work it would take to repair,<br />She condemned his actions and total lack of care.<br />The more she scolded, the madder she got,<br />Then stomped from his room, totally distraught<br />She headed for the den to confirm her fears.<br />When she saw the wall, her eyes flooded with tears.<br />The message she read pierced her soul with a dart.<br />It said, I love Mommy, surrounded by a heart.<br />Well, the wallpaper remained, just as she found it,<br />With an empty picture frame hung to surround it.<br />A reminder to her, and indeed to all,<br />Take time to read the handwriting on the wall<br /></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03136394638938010555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193324.post-80217306023592944822024-01-21T23:39:00.000-08:002024-01-21T23:39:29.327-08:00For We Believe <p> 1 Thessalonians 4:14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.</p><p><br /></p><p>This verse embodies all of my Hope, all of my Desires, all of my Dreams, and all of my Loss. For without this one small verse we have no hope. Nothing this world š can offer me, show me, sell me, or entice me with can bring me what this simple Truth can. The older I get, the more I despise the things of this world. The attraction it once had escapes me. For this is only temporal and I long for the things Paul spoke of in his Epistles that are Eternal. Things of this world has be replaced constantly. I have to constantly breathe,eat, drink, sleep, and exercise. Not by choice but by necessity. Iām always trying to fill myself with the desires of this life. It always leaves longing for more. I become thirsty, sleepy, hungry, sleepy once again. I long for the day when I see as I am seen by God. Eternal. I long for my loved ones. To see my son, dad, brother again. This verse tells me they are bringing them back to me. God is allowing His Son to bring my son back to me. Jesus will personally bring him back to me. And all my Hope rest in this because God rose His son from the dead. And He promises to raise mine. And He promises to raise your husband, your wife, your mother, your sister, your daughter, your son, your grandchild, your uncle, your aunt, your stepdad, your stepmom, your cousin, your classmate, your friendā¦ā¦we build upon the Living Hope, the Invisible God, the Friend to the Friendless, President of Presidents, Maker of Me, Lover of My Soul, the One who hears my heartās cry, the only One Worthy to open the scroll- our Only Hope, the Gentle Lamb, the Lion of Judah, the Lily of the Valley, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, the Balm of Gilead, the Healer of Nations, the Prince of Peace, the Peacemaker, the Ultimate Counselor, the Comforter, the Only One Who Can Make All Things New, the Destroyer of Death and Hell, the Reliever of Pain and Suffering, and the Shoulder I Cry On Who Wipes Away My š Tearsā¦ā¦ā¦..Amen. Let it be so. Come soon Lord Jesus and bring our Treasure back to us. Our treasure- our love ones- oh they like You Sweet Jesus is the Treasure Hidden Away in Youā¦..</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_r2QZy5mXWCumH5msJoT84lPnKZyks6uXapN3FzNzCIqu5hzEA7EgIhkXEi3CRCKmz4Kx0PDtUISmc1PO4ggk3u7QvhvMjRrHaH4WUYAj1GB_Csk3srvkxGaoQxNp6F6SZh6nXtaKlcP49FKRsm9Z2So6EAJ71xbQx64Z9MFplesTLsZbXNq9/s1004/IMG_6362.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_r2QZy5mXWCumH5msJoT84lPnKZyks6uXapN3FzNzCIqu5hzEA7EgIhkXEi3CRCKmz4Kx0PDtUISmc1PO4ggk3u7QvhvMjRrHaH4WUYAj1GB_Csk3srvkxGaoQxNp6F6SZh6nXtaKlcP49FKRsm9Z2So6EAJ71xbQx64Z9MFplesTLsZbXNq9/s320/IMG_6362.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03136394638938010555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193324.post-46911788054621875452024-01-21T23:37:00.000-08:002024-01-21T23:37:18.177-08:00Jehovah Jireh <p> Jehovah Jireh. The Lord will provide. Thatās easy to say when everything is dependable. Itās hard to say when you reach for that checkbook and thereās no money there. Or when the car is on empty and your trying to make it to a gas station. And the next one aināt for miles. How about when you shoot that big buck and canāt find him? No matter how long you search. Reaching into darkness and not sure what is there. </p><p><br /></p><p>This is where true Faith starts. I try to patient. I try to understand. I remember the words of Shadrack, Meshack and Abindigo. Whether our God saves or doesnāt we still wonāt worship the statue. Hey, letās be real. That takes a lot of Faith. When that loved one doesnāt come home from the hospital, that job lets you go after all those years, that person tells lies about you and others believe it, or you canāt feel His presence anymore. </p><p><br /></p><p>I shot the biggest buck I ever killed. Big ten point. Walked up to him. Layed out on the ground. Go back to vehicle to bring it down to retrieve him. Heās gone. No blood trail. No indent in the ground. No tracks around where he was. Like he vanished. Who knows what happened? Other hunters speculated with me. But itās still disappointing. But God let me have the experience but not the reward. </p><p><br /></p><p>Cause he knows I might have took the credit and not Him. He allows me just enough of anything thatās sufficient for me. Iām not saying I aināt hurt. But like I said in a previous post. Heās Spirit is better that a 1000 bucks hanging on the wall. </p><p><br /></p><p>Iām learning how to accept the experience and not the reward. Acceptance, contentment, in all circumstances. Paul learned from these examples that God was making his heart over for his heart to feel for others by his experiencesā¦..</p><p><br /></p><p>So that ten point buck has fattened up the coyotes as I hear them yelp. As the sunsets š
I remember there will always be Jehovah Jireh the God who provides what is sufficient for me. And I can thank Him enough. Hug š¤ Connor Gargus, my son who went on to be with Ypu, a little tighter for me Jesus as I learn to accept Your will not mine.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJY9Paltj2SgJwH_Z5Li4pLbHz3y6D8q5rYPuL4Hxe-U8MiU1eAUZafxsk1PjPprOECFEQDpz-x8rtLGNEp3j2VTxlKc6LWw-gmdIJ_f3f16c8AIun5vPYK1AOVpmBRA7_3lFRlDwvbW-ILmzKE2BsTX7FribbsgToirX90gij0L0eym1Cz6CI/s1334/IMG_6360.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJY9Paltj2SgJwH_Z5Li4pLbHz3y6D8q5rYPuL4Hxe-U8MiU1eAUZafxsk1PjPprOECFEQDpz-x8rtLGNEp3j2VTxlKc6LWw-gmdIJ_f3f16c8AIun5vPYK1AOVpmBRA7_3lFRlDwvbW-ILmzKE2BsTX7FribbsgToirX90gij0L0eym1Cz6CI/s320/IMG_6360.png" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03136394638938010555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193324.post-14965442298063748102024-01-21T23:26:00.000-08:002024-01-21T23:26:24.898-08:00Family <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYx5uJDVu7Es0dFrLxrkrKF05OMlC06pRsT_ULzJK2VzRdYdrTN_csbgo_Tre8EustmL0t45LoZi_DYJnMOlzfCZSeqJQa7NqKpzkjeQzMe2121uXQVMc8xHJbUGdgQTclwnH6RjFBDC3VzHM9dErzSxQZfEYNpzlxrG58peXt37fZ55h1ZCz/s1334/IMG_6364.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYx5uJDVu7Es0dFrLxrkrKF05OMlC06pRsT_ULzJK2VzRdYdrTN_csbgo_Tre8EustmL0t45LoZi_DYJnMOlzfCZSeqJQa7NqKpzkjeQzMe2121uXQVMc8xHJbUGdgQTclwnH6RjFBDC3VzHM9dErzSxQZfEYNpzlxrG58peXt37fZ55h1ZCz/s320/IMG_6364.png" width="180" /></a></div><br /> I want you to think about this. I know your busy scrolling. Looking for something but not sure what- to speak to a need. A need in your heart. So, PLEASE š , give me just a moment. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>A rich man lives in a house all alone. He would give up all his treasure to share it with someone. A wife, a family, friends, anyone. Jesus had all this and more with Heaven. But, He was lonely. He saw us and didnāt want Heaven without us. So. He gave it all up. To rescue us from death and suffering. He chose willing death and suffering. Imagine how hard it is to hold something straight out. The lactic acid burns our muscles. Now imagine holding the whole world for generations straight out on a cross. Arms stretched out. The nails didnāt hold him there. </p><p><br /></p><p>Love did. </p><p>He didnāt want Heaven without us. He wanted His family there with Him. </p><p>Now. Shouldnāt we feel the same about our familyā¦ā¦</p>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03136394638938010555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193324.post-74684199328306171052024-01-21T23:23:00.000-08:002024-01-21T23:23:17.224-08:00The Hunt<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwC52fdtkHRRvwaFc9TZWA1RBKGHQyOslyxwYBnrpUL7UUHKZM3rIU3EFIS4i84VhgJm2Krr-E_y3X67-nnlbqQlccUpHjjNAzO1geuqlkKYUiLTp_uS9y8aHTs_yMbloEVAVILbKZaGQIHjnDIc4rw1DRVLHM7ZctSckxaPIeFKMsdfAfAptO/s1334/IMG_6363.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwC52fdtkHRRvwaFc9TZWA1RBKGHQyOslyxwYBnrpUL7UUHKZM3rIU3EFIS4i84VhgJm2Krr-E_y3X67-nnlbqQlccUpHjjNAzO1geuqlkKYUiLTp_uS9y8aHTs_yMbloEVAVILbKZaGQIHjnDIc4rw1DRVLHM7ZctSckxaPIeFKMsdfAfAptO/s320/IMG_6363.png" width="180" /></a></div><br /> You didnāt kill a deer today. Spring is you didnāt catch a fish today. No I did something much more. Those moments of waiting for that game to appear has taught me to wait upon God. I caught the Holy Spirt on that boat or in that deer blind. Cause in those moments I have to be quiet. I have to be still. Itās like when your forced into a hospital bed from sickness or forced to your knees over losing a love one. You canāt help but hear the still small voice saying to your storm,ā Peace. Be still.ā <p></p><p>So yeah I caught/ got ā¦ā¦the Holy Spirit that is worth more than 1000 bucks or 1000 bass.</p>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03136394638938010555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193324.post-67696214656103254642024-01-17T18:09:00.000-08:002024-01-17T18:09:53.276-08:00Reconciliation <p> Genesis 33:4</p><p>But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept</p><p><br /></p><p>Two truths I can pull from this verse. Jesus parable of the prodigal son. The father ran to the son. Two. Jesus wept. He wept for Lazerus. Wept is a strong word. Itās a sorrowful weep that comes from the soul. </p><p><br /></p><p>Now. Jesus is the Word. The Word is alive. So. At Jesus heart is all this. Reconciliation. Reconciling of family here or there. Our choice. So. We are either Esau. The one who has to accept the forgiving. Or Jacob. The one who has to swallow pride and ask for forgiveness. </p><p><br /></p><p>The result was Jacob becoming Israel. He moved up quite a bit. His blessings became many and reknown. But you have to decide. Level up or level down. Forgive to be forgiven. Your choice. My choice. Make it count. Time is short. Generations are waiting on your decision. Peace.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUsv8OuJhTXuB8C1XAdm49RN2BnP5B6ZxJ1z0RlUsFyRw1JK-KKOu2hLyzsEjPlXBF7XY54ni9dRkO6vlahX59aKGgHZ0Mh3aoLPWYPHPdRupXGsVUbjEg_Kn33IFHNXzclHyKx9uilmEuyb-OrwK4sptXTdmqZYdhAgmllRxJC1nsNmpAEeX/s258/IMG_6257.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="194" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUsv8OuJhTXuB8C1XAdm49RN2BnP5B6ZxJ1z0RlUsFyRw1JK-KKOu2hLyzsEjPlXBF7XY54ni9dRkO6vlahX59aKGgHZ0Mh3aoLPWYPHPdRupXGsVUbjEg_Kn33IFHNXzclHyKx9uilmEuyb-OrwK4sptXTdmqZYdhAgmllRxJC1nsNmpAEeX/s1600/IMG_6257.jpeg" width="194" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03136394638938010555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193324.post-76086850026568346222023-12-19T20:42:00.000-08:002023-12-19T20:42:16.620-08:00Jobās Three Friends<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XZPlaM8FzTMM41zN_TULFWdcCGd2KEcOjy4ZE0ltDweZedJxFndvJ0b630F-6M2V2rwhrtdE3yTa0Kw8UBs6fMpKRH7SSlLiS8iB3rb5GKGRhiGTJ7e4TVZQuVpp1NbIBhmmzBbP1rJxhoXHdwbMZQdMKV9jQfUgIg9jOBztAISM6vBKMFgM/s245/IMG_5697.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="245" data-original-width="206" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XZPlaM8FzTMM41zN_TULFWdcCGd2KEcOjy4ZE0ltDweZedJxFndvJ0b630F-6M2V2rwhrtdE3yTa0Kw8UBs6fMpKRH7SSlLiS8iB3rb5GKGRhiGTJ7e4TVZQuVpp1NbIBhmmzBbP1rJxhoXHdwbMZQdMKV9jQfUgIg9jOBztAISM6vBKMFgM/s1600/IMG_5697.png" width="206" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Job's three friends live a distance from him, but they come together and decide to visit Job in order to help him mourn. For the first seven days, they merely sit with him, quietly. They do not say a word. They support him, let him have his sadness and be there with him in his time of trial. </p><p>Jobās friends start off I believe feeling sorry for Job. But as they started trying. to figure out why Job had this happen to him. They became terrible comforters after that. </p><p>The Bible saysā¦ And He burned with anger against Jobās three friends because they had failed to refute Job, and yet had condemned him. Job 32:3 </p><p>I have often wondered how I have come off giving comfort. This is by no means any condemnation to anyone over my present condition with my son. But it makes me reevaluate my sense of comfort to those hurting. Do I start off good and end it like Jobās friends? Do I start with good intentions and end it with my blabbering that sounds more like preaching and less like being a shoulder to lean on? </p><p><br /></p><p>When the night has come</p><p>And the land is dark</p><p>And the moon is the only light we'll see</p><p>No, I won't be afraid</p><p>Oh, I won't be afraid</p><p>Just as long as you stand</p><p>Stand by me</p><p>So darlin', darlin', stand by me</p><p>Oh, stand by me</p><p>Oh, stand</p><p>Stand by me, stand by me</p><p>If the sky that we look upon</p><p>Should tumble and fall</p><p>Or the mountain should crumble to the sea</p><p>I won't cry, I won't cry</p><p>No, I won't shed a tear</p><p>Just as long as you stand</p><p>Stand by me</p><p>And darlin', darlin', stand by me</p><p>Oh, stand by me</p><p>Oh, stand now</p><p>Stand by me, stand by me</p><p>And darlin', darlin', stand by me</p><p>Oh, stand by me</p><p>Oh, stand now </p><p>Stand by me, stand by me</p><p>Whenever you're in trouble won't you stand by me</p><p>Oh, stand by me</p><p>Won't you stand by</p><p><br /></p><p>Am I someone to stand by someone or am I someone that others would rather avoid? </p><p>As my soul searching unfolds with each chapter of my life I ponder upon these things in my heart.</p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03136394638938010555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193324.post-32316789273927903402023-12-19T20:39:00.000-08:002023-12-19T20:39:49.735-08:00Love that doesnāt make sense. <p> This is the agape love of Christ. Love that doesnāt make sense. Love your enemies. That goes against the rules of this world. Showing kindness to unloveable even when you receive nothing in return. Not even a thank you. Iāve already lost one more family member who felt unloved. Iām determined to love even harder. To be a fool for Christ. I will unclench my fist. I will walk the extra mile. Say whatever you want about me. But Iām not gonna let go. Connor didnāt let go. I will work to regain your trust if I have some how wronged you. I will be the first to say Iām sorry. Time is not my own. It belongs to God. Even I am a stumbling block to another or I bring dishonor to His name may He take me on out of here. Like when I was doing ministry, no one should be trying to get to God while climbing over me. Itās not about me. Hate me if you like. Forget me once Iām gone. But please see Christ and not me. Feel His love not mine. Remember His name not me. Less of me and my ego. I only want Him to be seen. And only tapping into his agape love can I love the unloveable like He does. </p><p>Jesus love ā¤ļø so much through me thereās no more of prideful, hedonistic me left. Allow me to die like Connor, loving his fellow man in service to You. Amen</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLgk5Cg3GJh86FkJxbDC1dcB_F7yircQxt3EaldWSTas5QC0-Z6dPOn5sC-xCR326yh62BQoi3jPESCPqzy-GpLRh8ypWUpGBAzVdC7AKaI1dLoHGPOkpAvAK4szrr2kVPzM9DNpqa0ajSYvJ9BTJFovwGq6Gt7wlE2Mu7fDfCpr9Z2l37Mfh/s275/IMG_5694.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLgk5Cg3GJh86FkJxbDC1dcB_F7yircQxt3EaldWSTas5QC0-Z6dPOn5sC-xCR326yh62BQoi3jPESCPqzy-GpLRh8ypWUpGBAzVdC7AKaI1dLoHGPOkpAvAK4szrr2kVPzM9DNpqa0ajSYvJ9BTJFovwGq6Gt7wlE2Mu7fDfCpr9Z2l37Mfh/s1600/IMG_5694.png" width="183" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03136394638938010555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193324.post-66845037272340245542023-12-19T12:27:00.000-08:002023-12-19T12:27:10.425-08:00How long. O Lord?<p> How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? Psalm 13:1. The verse I spoke aloud that day over my son. Words I spoke over and over holding and cradling my child. Sitting on a hillside begging for someone to help me. Could they resurrect my sonās lifeless body? All I knew in that moment I needed, I looked for, I longed for my Savior to appear. For now I was the child in need of a Father. Begging for the breath of life to come back into his body. Yet, it remained cold. Cold as it was when the Father watched from afar as His Son was taken down from the Cross. As one father talking to another I felt just a bit of His pain and frustration. He could do nothing that day to stop His Sonās death. It was the only way my son could live again. But I wanted that moment to be now. Not later. So I cried to Him,āHow long must us mortals die? How long must we suffer loss? How long before we can see them again? How long will You hide Your face from me? Can You see me? I think I have a right now to ask?ā Through sobs and cries of anger I spoke this over and over for two hours until the first responders came. They gave me my space to grieve. Almost like meā¦.waiting to see what happened next. Waiting to see if He appeared. But like so many scenes like this. Nothing but silence. So I wait. Still back there that day until the end of my days. How long? O Lord. How long? How long until I personally see Your face? I will wait. Itās all I can do. For You know the loss of a Son. You know the pains of a father. And you hold every tear I cry in a jar. And someday You will look me in the face and wipe away each tear that streams down my cheeks. With my eyes I will see You crying my tears with meā¦ā¦.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37S97LJWkqK_7AtGDjjFZd462ObXCXN4oJ5r6D-n6N1RUgo1C0KdMfZG0YwaDYhGOsT4c8EMb1LCXQ6wLU9T_yU7wmHdqsxnckoFz9SQiD8hisM4UbTz47_-GV3UqNjuqj0Bqwt5ZsvhtN6d6F9BrhTRBLkr9ZC8Ls0yP2GPZIrtfwDXklhQV/s274/IMG_5690.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="274" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37S97LJWkqK_7AtGDjjFZd462ObXCXN4oJ5r6D-n6N1RUgo1C0KdMfZG0YwaDYhGOsT4c8EMb1LCXQ6wLU9T_yU7wmHdqsxnckoFz9SQiD8hisM4UbTz47_-GV3UqNjuqj0Bqwt5ZsvhtN6d6F9BrhTRBLkr9ZC8Ls0yP2GPZIrtfwDXklhQV/s1600/IMG_5690.jpeg" width="274" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03136394638938010555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193324.post-35516915617375431272023-12-16T22:27:00.000-08:002023-12-16T22:27:37.124-08:00God of Saturday Night <p> Once everyone stopped coming aroundā¦..my loss for my son didnāt stop. I close my eyes and imagine the sun going down. Panic sets in. I feel like I should be looking for him. Trying to find him. Then I realize I did. And I was too late that day. He was gone. I failed to protect my child. And I try to sleep. Instead I soak my pillow with my tears. No one hears my heartās cry. I ask God why. I listen to the advice of friends. Their words of sympathy. They quote scripture and condolences. The few who remain and follow. But mostly this is a battle you fight alone. The world around is full of get and gain. Hustle and bustle. But I stand in my mindās eye and wait on Godās still small voice to answer me. I wait for the sun to rise to end the long night. My pillow is soaked with my tears. The God of Saturday night comforts me not the god of this world. The God of Saturday night is the one who feels the cross, feels my pain, knows my anguish, is real to my needs. The god of this world is neatly packaged and promises a life of no trouble if you just follow him. The God of Saturday night says He will be with me in my troubles not a life free of heartaches. I like the God who is real not the god of this world.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOv_dob5uslBjp82U0uXqoU2g6aO6PcwZtQ27gaKg26t1wBJTSV67VI3T-wzqE1Zc07Y5pn5HYkPtBtVWvyAytjdDHSqEYJacoJe8sM3r8fFExTlVMlcHThlzKjUuvRZ01GZ7CxWU8Uj4Ho0oCKtXh4y6t1XuN4AKrHABiLPl6_wG2iM2qLGR0/s256/IMG_5652.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="192" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOv_dob5uslBjp82U0uXqoU2g6aO6PcwZtQ27gaKg26t1wBJTSV67VI3T-wzqE1Zc07Y5pn5HYkPtBtVWvyAytjdDHSqEYJacoJe8sM3r8fFExTlVMlcHThlzKjUuvRZ01GZ7CxWU8Uj4Ho0oCKtXh4y6t1XuN4AKrHABiLPl6_wG2iM2qLGR0/s1600/IMG_5652.jpeg" width="192" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03136394638938010555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193324.post-17757787029052726362023-12-05T21:27:00.000-08:002023-12-05T21:27:58.732-08:00My Grandchildren<div> </div>
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<br /><div>My two grandchildren are a boy 4 and a girl 9. To some people it may not mean much, but to me they are the joy of my life. The cute things they say sometime fills my heart with happiness.<br /><br /><br /><br />Like one day I pick my grandddaughter up from school. We started to leave. She said,"Oh, Mamaw, wait I left something. I need to go get it."<br /><br /><br /><br />"What did you leave?"<br /><br /><br /><br />With big, blue eyes she looked up at me and said,"Flowers I pick up in the yard. They are in my desk."<br /><br /><br /><br />"They will be alright till tomorrow."<br /><br /><br /><br />She reached over and hugged me saying,"Mamaw, I pick them for you. It's your favorite color, purple."<br /><br /><br /><br />So I let her go get them. Coming back to the car, she put them in my hands while saying,"I love you."It made me cry with happiness.<br /><br /><br /><br />On another occasion, my grandson was at my house. I was setting in the living room just resting. He came in and set down by me. I reached over and pat him on the head.<br /><br />"You so cute,"he exclaimed.<br /><br />"You my sweet grandson."<br /><br />Looking at me and he said,"You my pretty and sweet Mamaw. I love you," as he put his little arms around my neck.<br /><br />I lost their grandfather almost three years ago. And when I am a sad they are there so help me go on. I start thinking all I have to be thankful for. Two wonderful sons who are here for me, a sweet daughte-in-law, and grandchildren. I have a good family.<br /><br />By</div>
<br /><div>Louise Gargus</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznMtINkhz2Xc3n5m0MngL4jcT66iPDlZOBy40Ev7w3Tul90XxzOfEcoXQMjYW7Qkglvu09yzFSKcAqv8Ps-aUbLEDrEMFGW7hdhcU6TPpyZXo353JiS4zWdUz4gTcEkXGPhy4aQK4_omcsAOvb-KhXSClzsnrjbixKuix0lfbOS7bjJxczxVj/s419/IMG_4925.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="419" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznMtINkhz2Xc3n5m0MngL4jcT66iPDlZOBy40Ev7w3Tul90XxzOfEcoXQMjYW7Qkglvu09yzFSKcAqv8Ps-aUbLEDrEMFGW7hdhcU6TPpyZXo353JiS4zWdUz4gTcEkXGPhy4aQK4_omcsAOvb-KhXSClzsnrjbixKuix0lfbOS7bjJxczxVj/s320/IMG_4925.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03136394638938010555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193324.post-72103993603602583832023-09-03T23:05:00.000-07:002023-09-03T23:05:24.222-07:00 Weeping Willow Tree of God<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQGwhpE-7dsYVghOyVjddHLgAqV72FdgHLutMfBODItzHzhMel7IV2gqUaOypv2e5YkC7rezNKUSPpDXDeKlZZIJGgmhCXH7wsgYH02ZIIFWYp9RYQ9LtNKaK1qRQ5ae_8HOR/s1600-h/2679240145_f3a3b1ae95_o[1].jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323494257362269330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQGwhpE-7dsYVghOyVjddHLgAqV72FdgHLutMfBODItzHzhMel7IV2gqUaOypv2e5YkC7rezNKUSPpDXDeKlZZIJGgmhCXH7wsgYH02ZIIFWYp9RYQ9LtNKaK1qRQ5ae_8HOR/s400/2679240145_f3a3b1ae95_o%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em>Rain rivulets run down my windshield as I turn into the drive.The storm from earlier has soaked the long driveway.I'm carrying my mother home after a night with the family.She has a far off distant look in her eyes of a time I can't see."I can remember when..."she goes<br />on to say.Speaking of days long past of family closeness and love."It's not the same anymore.""What do you mean?""People just don't have time for each other.<br />Family ties don't mean much.They come unraveled with the passing of years,"she seemed to tear up as she said it.Falling silent after that,I walked her to the door and kissed her good night.Driving back up the driveway and down the road I have traveled down a hundred times I wonder.I notice the weeping willow as it's long branches stretch out into the wind. Normally they droop as if saddened.Now it's as if reaching to something that just isn't there.Mom is alot like that.Reaching to the past and finding noone there to reach back to her.So much of her family has passed on. As I observe that tree, I see roots stretching up out of the very ground to reach the water that comes from the spring rains. My hands feel like the roots of that tree trying to find water to sustain life.Oh,so desperately trying to sustain life to our family ties.</em>
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<br /><div align="center"><em>The family tree has become like a weeping willow, mourning for the loss of family.And as each root searches for that connection to a family tie, that family member cuts that root off as soon as it starts to appear either by death or neglect.Pretty soon enough family members do that the tree dies.I ,in my way, have become the gardener of that tree.Grasping at the ties that bind,only to discover the unraveling. I reach out only to have my hand slapped away, and the roots cut.So I struggle in vain to keep memories of simpler times alive.For memories is what the family tree lives on.That is the living water it so longingly searches for.When the tree finds the water,it only discovers another tree has been planted in it's place.So the old tree's roots are cut by one more person and left to die.But the new tree never grows very big.In the process of trying to forget their past, they create a future with little eyes watching and learning.These little eyes grow up believing that old things are to be discarded,even family ties.So they cut the new tree down when it grows old.And so I struggle to remember stories,of times I recall,so my children know who they are and that family comes first.You always stand up for family.They may not be perfect,but they are after all part of the same tree.Whether connected through grandparents,cousins,aunts or uncles,there is something to be said about pulling together in the tough times.No branch is better or more important than the other in the family tree, and the roots run deep underneath the rich,southern soil.<br />So my search carried me, in a dream,to the shade of a weeping willow tree long neglected and forgotten by others.Underneath I find the Father.I hear a sobbing sound."What is that sound?"I ask."That is the sound that you just now begin to hear,"he explains,"For you see, I made the tree to weep.""But why I ask?"I inquire."Because you cannot at times.For too long you have refused to shed a tear for your fellow brothers and sisters.So I have made something to cry for you.Each time a hurt comes, a drop of water falls from the leaves of that tree. It cries with those who are alone and no comfort can find."</em></div>
<br /><div align="center"><em>I awaken to discover my soul searching has carried me to a place where I find another piece of my soul. A piece that lain beneath the Weeping Willow Tree of God.</em></div>
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<br /><div align="center"><strong><em>By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.<br />We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. </em></strong></div><br /><br />
<br /><div align="center"><strong><em>Psalm 137:1-2</em></strong></div><br /><br />
<br /><div align="center"><em>By</em></div><br /><br />
<br /><div align="center"><em>Lance Gargus</em></div></div></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03136394638938010555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193324.post-82232302327225175812023-03-31T18:24:00.001-07:002023-03-31T18:24:53.666-07:00The Blood<div> One night in a church service a young woman felt the tug of God at her heart. She responded to God's call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs, and prostitution. But, the change in her was evident. As time went on she became a faithful member of the church. She eventually became involved in the ministry, teaching young children. It was not very long until this faithful young woman had caught the eye and heart of the pastor's son... The relationship grew and they began to make wedding plans. This is when the problems began. You see, about one half of the church did not think that a woman with a past such as hers was suitable for a pastor's son. The church began to argue and fight about the matter. So they decided to have a meeting. As the people made their arguments and tensions increased, the meeting was getting completely out of hand. The young woman became very upset about all the things being brought up about her past. As she began to cry the pastor's son stood to speak. He could not bear the pain it was causing his wife to be. He began to speak and his statement was this: "My fiancĆ©eās past is not what is on trial here.. What you are questioning is the ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin. Today you have put the blood of Jesus on trial. So, does it wash away sin or not?" The whole church began to weep as they realized that they had been slandering the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Too often, even as Christians, we bring up the past and use it as a weapon against our brothers and sisters. Forgiveness is a very foundational part of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. If the blood of Jesus does not cleanse the other person completely then it cannot cleanse us completely. If that is the case, then we are all in a lot of trouble. What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! End of case!!!! </div>
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<br /><div>"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." </div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03136394638938010555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193324.post-78308179543519448572022-12-25T21:41:00.001-08:002022-12-25T21:41:07.713-08:00God's Cake<div>Sometimes we wonder, "What did I do to deserve this?" or "Why did God have to do this to me?" Here is a wonderful explanation!
A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.
Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, "Absolutely Mom, I love your cake."
"Here, have some cooking oil," her Mother offers. "Yuck" says her daughter.
"How about a couple raw eggs?" "Gross, Mom!"
"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?" "Mom, those are all yucky!"
To which the mother replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! "
God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!
God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning.
Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpaRvmLLxnfCWsk2eveWj7Q7KTYG6JRYbakVY1LBHGwbYKQcqDZrhKcCcEbL4EAYmRNXOlJqJ9-0r2S5GakC3pEGQDKsgcVAUg2Kmg4WDLM_EiL0O0Od043-tim5cBdp2hAfUi3q1xs6GALa5dCZd9QV4xX6a2WWHgdvkiqb3bUKTscJTYw/s229/CB2100FD-E42C-4817-9917-58D90FDF9C86.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="229" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpaRvmLLxnfCWsk2eveWj7Q7KTYG6JRYbakVY1LBHGwbYKQcqDZrhKcCcEbL4EAYmRNXOlJqJ9-0r2S5GakC3pEGQDKsgcVAUg2Kmg4WDLM_EiL0O0Od043-tim5cBdp2hAfUi3q1xs6GALa5dCZd9QV4xX6a2WWHgdvkiqb3bUKTscJTYw/s1600/CB2100FD-E42C-4817-9917-58D90FDF9C86.jpeg" width="229" /></a></div><br /></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03136394638938010555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193324.post-8668363148382677472022-11-24T18:16:00.002-08:002022-11-24T18:16:19.569-08:00Overwhelmed<div><em><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3W1axlVr-htlQfIf8ARNIvgT_QsqT4RBCkUJ7Z16OZR59tsyyWtz6WvMrS4gDKO5MJ0mhp6ryghr3tJSqZemszxxtzt5zbIfzuD64nVMeLuJHdQkNDnU5rkhJgCQI-ZE6PIZLXC0kO4gDhdpgNn0-Vwa5yiOsyqQucl3P0OK3jIyfN3bkA/s310/2939F746-93C9-4215-BB92-8EA0F1D7A579.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="310" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3W1axlVr-htlQfIf8ARNIvgT_QsqT4RBCkUJ7Z16OZR59tsyyWtz6WvMrS4gDKO5MJ0mhp6ryghr3tJSqZemszxxtzt5zbIfzuD64nVMeLuJHdQkNDnU5rkhJgCQI-ZE6PIZLXC0kO4gDhdpgNn0-Vwa5yiOsyqQucl3P0OK3jIyfN3bkA/s1600/2939F746-93C9-4215-BB92-8EA0F1D7A579.jpeg" width="310" /></a></div><br />Savior,</em></div>
<div><em> I</em> <em>feel so overwhelmed.The old car is about to fall apart, and the stove quit last week.Momma is not feeling so good anymore.One of the kids may need braces.I didn't get much work this week and I got bills to pay.Two kids and a wife depend on me and I'm just one man.</em></div>
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<div><em> I work so hard, I live so fast.And I do the best that I can, but I don't know how long I'll last.I try to be tough.But I'm just not strong enough.I can't do this alone.God I need You to hold on to me.I try to be good enough.But</em> <em>I'm nothing without Your love.</em> <em>Please help me stand.I</em> <em>fall so hard.Savior,please take my hand.</em></div>
<div><em>Amen.</em></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03136394638938010555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193324.post-32765431635406429232022-09-27T09:02:00.003-07:002022-09-27T09:02:39.699-07:00A Thanksgiving Prayer<div><strong>For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:</strong></div>
<div><strong>Matthew 25:35</strong></div>
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<div>Oh,God,when I have work,help me </div>
<div>to remember the jobless;</div>
<div>When I have food,<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgij17cXrLX32PBnTRa3tYZV8dj4rN4D0qrJMfVdZAe_rA_gp_quqMklP7WXjXfqnX4Da4QB94YzPZE5D70tbpWyy7Z0MqTdKCO8LYpbhEe2pEDHbM3dHbYn9cchKdXCvVn9JB9Zx3J7-UzVyCRTExb0hwEbCRNZOhhPh58U1EK2hcfT9fH-w/s259/4FF2F2F0-4CF8-4C15-9DFE-00B12FD5E9C0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgij17cXrLX32PBnTRa3tYZV8dj4rN4D0qrJMfVdZAe_rA_gp_quqMklP7WXjXfqnX4Da4QB94YzPZE5D70tbpWyy7Z0MqTdKCO8LYpbhEe2pEDHbM3dHbYn9cchKdXCvVn9JB9Zx3J7-UzVyCRTExb0hwEbCRNZOhhPh58U1EK2hcfT9fH-w/s1600/4FF2F2F0-4CF8-4C15-9DFE-00B12FD5E9C0.jpeg" width="259" /></a></div><br /></div>
<div>help me to remember the hungry;</div>
<div>When I have a warm home,</div>
<div>help me to remember the homeless;</div>
<div>When I am without pain,</div>
<div>help me to remember those who suffer;</div>
<div>And remembering,help me</div>
<div>to destroy my complacency</div>
<div>and bestir my compassion.</div>
<div>Make me concerned enough</div>
<div>to help,by word and deed,</div>
<div>those who cry out</div>
<div>for what we take for granted.</div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03136394638938010555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193324.post-43818706402704676332022-06-14T08:43:00.001-07:002022-06-14T08:43:50.867-07:00Rose's<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRUk9bTWtAfEbpbQbXr_Yfb5reMXtG9RQixOJKKEg0H_LPN7Q8pPctDnzS27BiHJCtPgufPEj8zBHCk4W78HvXm1jQtuQ5mWYsJOLY_fHZzEwG1vbFFIoLOXNsvdsNLHsRYhyi4OEIze3xB5nXNY0ov7jyHGt06EfUsEdXC1DJFZ08p-uxA/s697/8C29BECA-3AD7-4AA8-99D5-7F62A73FEAA8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="684" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRUk9bTWtAfEbpbQbXr_Yfb5reMXtG9RQixOJKKEg0H_LPN7Q8pPctDnzS27BiHJCtPgufPEj8zBHCk4W78HvXm1jQtuQ5mWYsJOLY_fHZzEwG1vbFFIoLOXNsvdsNLHsRYhyi4OEIze3xB5nXNY0ov7jyHGt06EfUsEdXC1DJFZ08p-uxA/s320/8C29BECA-3AD7-4AA8-99D5-7F62A73FEAA8.jpeg" width="314" /></a></div><br />The person who did this was Jack Benny.... > > > > You have to read this it is absolutely beautiful...... > > > > Each year he sent her roses, > > And the note would always say, > > I love you even more this year, > > Than last year on this day. > > My love for you will always grow, > > With every passing year.' > > > > She knew this was the last time > > That the roses would appear. > > She thought, he ordered roses > > In advance before this day. > > Her loving husband did not know, > > That he would pass away. > > > > He always > liked to do things early, > > Way before the time. > > Then, if he got too busy, > > Everything would work out fine. > > She trimmed the stems and > > P laced them in a very special vase. > > > > Then, sat the vase beside > > The portrait of his smiling face. > > She would sit for hours, > > In her husband's favorite chair. > > While staring at his picture, > > And the roses sitting there. > > > > A year went by, and it was > > To live without her mate. > > With loneliness and solitude, > > That had become her fate. > > > > Then, the very hour, > > The doorbell rang, and there > > Were roses sitting by her door. > > > > She brought the roses in, > > And then just looked at them in shock. > > Then, went to get the telephone, > > To call the florist shop. > > > > The owner answered, and she asked him, > > If he would explain, Why would someone would > > do this to her, causing her such pain? > > > > 'I know your husband passed away, > > More than a year ago,' > > The owner said, > > 'I knew you'd call, and you would want to know.' > > > > The flowers you received today, > > Were paid for in advance. > > Your husband always planned ahead, > > He left nothing to chance. > > > > There is a standing order, > > That I have on file down here, > > And he has paid, well in advance, > > You'll get them every year > > > > There also is another thing, > > That I think you should know, > > He wrote a special little card...he did this years ago. > > Then, should ever I find out that he's no longer here, > > that's the card that should be sent to you the following year.' > > > > She thanked him and hung up the phone, her tears now flowing hard. > > Her fingers shaking, > > As she slowly reached to get the card. > > > > Inside the card, she saw that he > > Had written her a > note... > > Then, as she stared in total silence, > > > > This is what he wrote.. > > > > 'Hello my love, I know it's been a year > > Since I've been gone. > > I hope it hasn't been too hard for you to > > Overcome. > > I know it must be lonely, > > And the pain is very real. > > Or if > it was the other way, > > I know how I would feel. <>> > > The love we shared made everything > > So beautiful in life. > > I loved you more than words can say, > > You were the perfect wife. > > You were my friend and lover, > > You fulfilled my every need. > > I know it's only been a year, > > But please try not to grieve. > > I want you to be happy, > > Even when you shed your tears. > > > > That is why the roses will be sent to you for years > > When you get these roses, > > Think of all the happiness that we had together, > > And how both of us were blessed. > > > I have always loved you and > > I know I always will. > > But, my love, you must go on, > > You have some living still. > > > > Please...try to find happiness, > > While living out your days. > > I know it is not easy, > > But I hope you find some ways. > > > > The roses will come every year, > > And they will only stop, > > When your door's not answered, > > When the florist stops to knock. > > > > He will come five times that day, > > In case! You have gone out. > > But after his last visit, > > He will know without a doubt! > > To take the roses to the place, > > Where I've instructed him > > And place the roses where we are, > > Together once again. > > > > Sometimes in life, you f ind a special friend; > > Someone who changes your life > > Just by being part of it. > > > > Someone who > makes you laugh > > Until you can't stop; > > Someone who makes you believe > > That there really is good in the world. > > > > Someone who convinces you > > That there really is an unlocked door > > Just > waiting for you to open it. </div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03136394638938010555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193324.post-72956459197348789112022-05-09T10:15:00.003-07:002022-05-09T10:16:30.888-07:00Purifier Of Silver<div>
<span face="Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); color: #4d5156; font-size: 18px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1JhJAmTS-9MLXEbotX_DdzNkA0mS5dWLjanAduo5GMrLrUksv9WmmlqBU2Dh0Nqtqk7BWkKBVPqJa047CwSzJaKg0IyUz-iGWlLX1Dkc3Vcie91m0ElpDYlnTO-OsVxgz0u4LuLXA0XjJDz-zFpJcLzI3Y34SqnWPoWVgVeW2Z8j88DgJKw/s233/755D245C-E70D-4441-A7D7-155A2468DF7C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="217" data-original-width="233" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1JhJAmTS-9MLXEbotX_DdzNkA0mS5dWLjanAduo5GMrLrUksv9WmmlqBU2Dh0Nqtqk7BWkKBVPqJa047CwSzJaKg0IyUz-iGWlLX1Dkc3Vcie91m0ElpDYlnTO-OsVxgz0u4LuLXA0XjJDz-zFpJcLzI3Y34SqnWPoWVgVeW2Z8j88DgJKw/s1600/755D245C-E70D-4441-A7D7-155A2468DF7C.jpeg" width="233" /></a></div><br />āThe tongue of the righteous is as choice silverā (Proverbs 10:20). He even uses this image as a picture of His own Word: The words of the LORD are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven timesā (</span><b style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">Psalm 12:6</b><span face="Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); color: #4d5156; font-size: 18px;">). Seven is the number of completion, perfectionāGod's Word is perfect and complete. </span></div><div><strong><br /></strong></div><div><strong>Malachi 3:3 says: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'</strong>
This verse puzzled a group in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of them offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.' She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.
The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire... If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?' He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire , remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you. ! </div>
<div> And, whatever they're going through, they'll be a better person in the end. 'Life is a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once.'</div>
<div>by</div>
<div>Lance Gargus</div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03136394638938010555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193324.post-85690657732774104732022-04-08T09:06:00.001-07:002022-04-08T09:06:47.446-07:00Reveal<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPetU5kPniHaj1OFZCh6OsqnXAkO4FGi41OMkJEPwzdtVoT3Ne8_OMsL-0itrhEH1Tjz2xCn7KoIq9WZt5lq1qVph2epF0DdQ9zeDOmgCK_mwqfV12dUhweLZ7TwED5puyZV8/s1600-h/210938875_71723fd999_o%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305176436048005986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPetU5kPniHaj1OFZCh6OsqnXAkO4FGi41OMkJEPwzdtVoT3Ne8_OMsL-0itrhEH1Tjz2xCn7KoIq9WZt5lq1qVph2epF0DdQ9zeDOmgCK_mwqfV12dUhweLZ7TwED5puyZV8/s400/210938875_71723fd999_o%5B1%5D.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> <strong><em>And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost,</em></strong></div>
<div><strong><em>Luke 2:26</em></strong></div>
<div><strong><em></em></strong> </div>
<div><em>My soul searching has lead me down this road that is so uncertain.</em></div>
<div><em>This path is ever winding.</em></div>
<div><em>With each twist and turn, I find myself lost again.</em></div>
<div><em>Feelings creep up inside me of loneliness.</em></div>
<div><em>Struggling to find the faith that's gone.</em></div>
<div><em>When will this road ever end?</em></div>
<div><em></em> </div>
<div><em>I grow tired on this road.</em></div>
<div><em>Tired of losing hope and taking chances on the roads that lead me</em></div>
<div><em>further from You.</em></div>
<div><em>Holy Spirit reveal to me what to do.</em></div>
<div><em>Cause I've been trying to find my own way.</em></div>
<div><em></em> </div>
<div><em>My ways leads me further down darken paths.</em></div>
<div><em>Let me follow your lead.</em></div>
<div><em>I know that it's the only way I can get back home to You.</em></div>
<div><em></em> </div>
<div><em>By</em></div>
<div><em>Lance Gargus</em></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03136394638938010555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193324.post-45825774828360930172022-02-21T07:36:00.000-08:002022-02-21T07:36:01.383-08:00Closet Space<div>CLOSET SPACE> =============> > Is your closet too crowded?> > Perhaps the single greatest indicator of the overload that we> have in life are closets.> > They are packed.> > It doesn't matter how big our closets are.> > Sooner or later we fill them up.> > Why?> > There is a closet rule of life that states:> > 1. Clothes expand to fill all available closet space> 2. Sooner or later if you keep getting more clothes> you either have to:> A. Get more closet space> B. Get rid of some clothes> > 2B is what we hate to do.> > But if we are TO BE what we are TO BE,> we need to learn the rule of 2B and get rid of some clothes.> > Time is like closet space. We have a limited amount of it.> > We keep putting more and more things in until our time is> cluttered.> > The more cluttered it gets, the more things are out of place.> > The time that we should be sleeping, we've got something else in> that space.> > The time that we should be spending with family, we've got> something else in that space.> > The time that we should have to ourselves to do whatever we do> to help our spirit, we've got something else in that space.> > Even as our closet hinges strain to keep from bursting, we still> try to put more stuff in.> > Take a look around your closet of time right now.> > How much has accumulated> that you should have gotten rid of long ago.> > They still may be good clothes, but your closet is just too full.> > We have habits that we formed in our teenage years> that should have long ago been removed from our closets.> > Some even have friends that should have long ago been removed,> for they no longer fit our style or destination.> > As you change and grow, you should change what's in your closet.> > Maybe we don't need more stuff in the closet.> > Maybe we don't need a bigger closet.> > Maybe we just need to clean out some stuff> and not with the purpose to make room for more stuff.> > We may just need some space,> > In a lot of areas,> > For a lot of reasons.> > There is a spiritual saying> that tells you to go into your closet to pray.> > For many of us, there's simply no room.> > Go look at your bedroom closet right now.> Chances are, it will reflect your closet of time.></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03136394638938010555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193324.post-26847649474153253842022-01-06T23:23:00.000-08:002022-01-06T23:23:00.302-08:00The Comforter<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjvEfOs2-e5kOaMLERm1QywzL-S5Iemwst3KQz0WEoqk6O9H2SHV4kKmaByrurWo1-DgsNb5tXI30sJmiBv8lwhZK51nVWQW3OcNO6F_-wV3zwHoJXBNShBnwrcWCrh1ae8xc/s1600-h/comforter%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289915154655241250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjvEfOs2-e5kOaMLERm1QywzL-S5Iemwst3KQz0WEoqk6O9H2SHV4kKmaByrurWo1-DgsNb5tXI30sJmiBv8lwhZK51nVWQW3OcNO6F_-wV3zwHoJXBNShBnwrcWCrh1ae8xc/s400/comforter%5B1%5D.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 285px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 275px;" /></a>
<div><strong></strong></div>
<div><strong>And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
John 14:16</strong></div>
<div><strong></strong></div>
<div><strong><em>"If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth..."
C.S. Lewis</em></strong></div>
<div><strong><em></em></strong> </div>
<div><em> The Greek word for Comforter is āparakletosā, which literally means called to one's side, was used to describe someone who pleaded another's cause, or who helped others by defending or comforting them. </em></div>
<div><em></em> </div>
<div><em>The Comforter came to me in a dream. In the dream, I felt a prayer in my soul, but I couldn't find the words. A bible verse came to mind from Romans 8:26,"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." My deepest feelings were uncovered, and in that moment I felt the hands upon my shoulders like when I was young. The times I was at my saddest, when I was most upset, my father would come up, as a loving parent does, and place his hands on my distressed form. Trying to comfort me when I was most vulnerable. In some way, it felt as though he was transferring his strength into me. That is how I felt in that dream. A sense of reassurance was laid upon me. </em></div>
<div> </div>
<div><em>I awoke from my night vision with a feeling I will never be alone.</em> <em>No matter the difficulty or hardship I carry the Comforter inside me. As I search my soul, I find this Truth,"In the dark nights of your soul ā death, divorce, disease, betrayals, loss of job, bankruptcy, failures ā you may feel so broken and alone that all the future appears to be as dark as your present. Itās then that God provides the Comforter to stand along side you and embrace you in your hour of need."</em></div>
<div><em>by</em></div>
<div><em>Lance Gargus</em></div></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03136394638938010555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193324.post-18657574724765377422021-12-23T22:28:00.001-08:002021-12-23T22:28:55.222-08:00The True Meaning Of Christmas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrvXkzQRPTemy_tYgPjXfYLdknsPRB61R3f2saeMk1J0C5Xp1U2_EJJQQSaWC2u130li6b_xjvgc3IOxMuM0_RZ0gy47PnSRHwm3XPBDP1j_qrTn76o-eJxKwKA11lk_jhH9C/s1600-h/90849625_82753b9cca%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278206833793256338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrvXkzQRPTemy_tYgPjXfYLdknsPRB61R3f2saeMk1J0C5Xp1U2_EJJQQSaWC2u130li6b_xjvgc3IOxMuM0_RZ0gy47PnSRHwm3XPBDP1j_qrTn76o-eJxKwKA11lk_jhH9C/s400/90849625_82753b9cca%5B1%5D.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 325px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>
I had just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the front room, and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out from behind the Christmas tree. He placed his finger over his mouth so I would not cry out.
"What are you doing?" I started to ask.
The words choked up in my throat, and I saw that he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know. He then answered me with a simple statement: "TEACH THE CHILDREN!"
I was puzzled, what did he mean?
He anticipated my question, and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood bewildered, Santa said, "Teach the children. Teach them the real meaning of Christmas. The meaning of Christmas that nowadays has been forgotten."
Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle. Teach the children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind. All the needles point Heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward Heaven.
He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. Teach the children that the star was the Heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of the fulfillment of His promise.
He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE. Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light, we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness.
Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love Christ showed for us. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection.
He then pulled from his bag an ornament of HIMSELF. Teach the children that I, Santa Claus, symbolize the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December.
He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF. Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent the blood that He shed for us.
Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said, "Teach the children that God so loved the world that whoever believes in Him shall have everlasting life." (John 3:16) Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift. Teach the children that the wise men bowed before the Holy Babe and presented Him with gold, frankincense and myrrh. We should always give gifts in the same spirit of the wise men.
Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree. Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherd's crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring strayed sheep back to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper.
He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men of good will."
Suddenly I heard a soft tinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL. Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should bring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.
Santa looked around and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes. He said, "Remember, TEACH THE CHILDREN the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship Him, Our Lord, Our God, and Savior. Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03136394638938010555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193324.post-38867535996703977872021-08-21T23:05:00.000-07:002021-08-21T23:05:31.979-07:00Man's Best Friend<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3kFoPlaKk0WXESmcc918RExwH5cttDCvbbc2BswAXVIQRPT3RXb_ftRmtnGOV8R1df-hw0-MGGDXEyjNoK5eS_1QLaY9xj2wTgBuqG9nR7BwnBwLf6Ryqls9meTYhStoLImP/s1600-h/1353077135_18aba3c71d%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286179406386193538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 292px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3kFoPlaKk0WXESmcc918RExwH5cttDCvbbc2BswAXVIQRPT3RXb_ftRmtnGOV8R1df-hw0-MGGDXEyjNoK5eS_1QLaY9xj2wTgBuqG9nR7BwnBwLf6Ryqls9meTYhStoLImP/s400/1353077135_18aba3c71d%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong><em>"No man can be condemed for owning a dog.
As long as he has a dog, he has a friend;
and the poorer he gets, the better friend he has."
- Will Rogers
</em>Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
Proverbs 27:9</strong></div>
<div><strong></strong> </div>
<div><em>"What do you expect to do with that puppy?" He stared at me with glaring eyes. "I'm gonna get him some dog food," he explained that cold night. The ball of fur snuggled deeper into his jacket. It poked out between his zipper. My brother could barely stand, he'd been drinking. I tried to get him out of there before the boss saw him. He was off the clock, but I was working that night. "Get out of here before you get in trouble." "No! Not until I get my new best friend some dog food," he demanded. "Alright, here, let me help you." I took the little thing and hid him in my jacket this time. I was getting off shortly. As we rambled down one aisle after another, we finally found the dog food. I purchased it, and snuck a pup and a passed out brother into my car. We got out of there unnoticed even after his partying that night. Sneaking home I tried to get both past my mother. The plan was to get him to bed, but the pup gave us away with his whimpering. "Oh, no. She's gonna flip out to find him drunk." I sat my brother on the couch as my mom came in.</em></div>
<div><em></em> </div>
<div><em>"What was that noise?" came her questioning. "That's nothing," he grumbled in a voice he was hoping sounded sober but just sort of slurred out. "Here, let me fix him some coffee," she exclaimed. "Don't tell, Dad," he said in a worried teenager's voice. I think he didn't even realize he was taking to Mom. "He came up to work drinking and I covered for him...." HHMM..... UUNNN.... "That's the sound I heard earlier," she declared. "Oh, that's a puppy one of his friend's gave him. It's a chow, I think. Look, mom, don't be mad at him. He asked this girl out, and he really liked her. He had been talking to her for months. Well, you know how they do him. He talked to a friend, and he went to drown his sorrows." </em></div>
<div><em></em> </div>
<div><em>"Well, the puppy sure is cute. And his hangover will be quite painful tomorrow. I'm not saying I'm not disappointed in him, but I can understand the hurt," she said, "Go to bed and he can sleep it off." </em></div>
<div><em></em> </div>
<div><em>"Funny, the dog starts whining when I try to take him away from him." "Just leave him with him tonite. He'll be alright," she stated. So began the time that Bear, as we called him that night came into our lives. We had owned many dogs before but this one lived the longest and touched our lives the deepest. I think from that small moment on he was put here to comfort us in times of distress. He never was the type of dog that jumped up on you, he only came over when you sat down, to place his head in your lap to be petted. He never got excited like most chows. He patiently waited on you until you returned. All with a pleasant demeanor.</em></div>
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<div><em>I spent many nights, when I was at my saddest, just sitting on a front porch swing looking at the stars. Those times he came and laid his head in my lap to let me know he cared was innumerable. He was like that to us all. But he especially knew when my brother was sad. Animals who love us can sense these things. He cared and paid special attention to my father in his last few years. Always gentle with the children. Even as he got too old, Boo-Bear, as they called him, was a member of the family. The day he died closed a chapter in my life. We have never had a dog like him since. </em></div>
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<div><em>God gave him to the most distraught member of our family that night. He gave us all 13 years of love. Maybe God has given such an animal as this to you at sometime in your life. </em></div>
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<div><em>This is just another layer I peel back in understanding God's immense love. He uses even a dog to show affection and understanding when all other friends are gone. Like God, he never cared if I was rich or poor, good looking or ugly, dumb or smart. He didn't care what kind of car I drove, how big my house was, or what kind of clothes I wore. He was always glad to see me and loved unconditionally. His feelings never changed, they were unwavering. He was my friend. He saw me and the rest of us through some tough times. There will be a day, a perfect day, when my soul searching is done, when I'll play chase with him again. And I'll sit underneath one of heaven's trees and my friend will lay his head in my lap once again.</em></div>
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<div><em>By</em></div>
<div><em>Lance Gargus</em></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03136394638938010555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193324.post-82264318297589805762021-07-18T21:34:00.001-07:002021-07-18T21:34:34.748-07:00Sunset<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wotPqH_dpCpO3noLN091z0Ms3Utu_teEJYAUMAfKIPXV7bUr3Tq_eOurOp83rrvvnGudvp_HVwXU4fFl6nDjWas3wYkrH1wNW5tZqrXlR4mi2NTWVARyOeq9NT2loKCrIOIz/s275/A260537C-78FD-4428-B5B8-ED9C63759CD6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wotPqH_dpCpO3noLN091z0Ms3Utu_teEJYAUMAfKIPXV7bUr3Tq_eOurOp83rrvvnGudvp_HVwXU4fFl6nDjWas3wYkrH1wNW5tZqrXlR4mi2NTWVARyOeq9NT2loKCrIOIz/s0/A260537C-78FD-4428-B5B8-ED9C63759CD6.jpeg" /></a></div><br />"Daddy look the sunset. My Friend,God,made it."
by
Connor Gargus
<div>My son pointed the obvious to me when he was just 5 years old. </div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03136394638938010555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193324.post-81922051081243512772021-06-29T21:17:00.002-07:002021-06-29T21:17:09.862-07:00Unicorn-In The Garden of Eden<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aMPiTW0DPeeRezKhGcDcNeM2_ALD7v0EtiaUvLUrK5KrUE7RxVwy5noI8pgUmw5mvGD-wt4eXrsZSHtdbQDcFYeGkYtR21ng2OBJncNtwNY0b9lwWMRfEJnpjHBIuvBG9nPw/s1600-h/unicorn%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273881842455739634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aMPiTW0DPeeRezKhGcDcNeM2_ALD7v0EtiaUvLUrK5KrUE7RxVwy5noI8pgUmw5mvGD-wt4eXrsZSHtdbQDcFYeGkYtR21ng2OBJncNtwNY0b9lwWMRfEJnpjHBIuvBG9nPw/s400/unicorn%5B1%5D.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> </div>
<div><strong>Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib?
Job 39:9</strong></div>
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<div><em>THE FIRST ANIMAL NAMED
When God created the earth, he made a river which flowed from the Garden of Eden over braided veins of onyx and gold. The river split into four branches: one was called the Pison, one was the Euphrates, one flowed east toward Assyria, and one circled Ethiopia. Everywhere the rivers ran, the land was filled with living things. There were vines, spiky yucca and dry-dropping quince, mosses, papyrus reeds and citrus. And there were creatures. They all were beautiful. But only two of them had names-Adam and Eve, who did not realize that they had dominion over the others. Then God told Adam to name the animals. All the creatures gathered around: those that crawled and those that flew and those that swam in the rivers; creatures with four legs and creatures with two, those with bushy tails and those who could see in the dark. They were all equal, and Adam had always been one of them. Yet as he began to name them, he drew himself apart. And the first animal he named was the unicorn. When the Lord heard the name Adam had spoken, he reached down and touched the tip of the single horn growing from the animal's forehead. From that moment on, the unicorn was elevated above other beasts. Adam and Eve rode upon the unicorn's back through the winding pathways of the garden, and all of creation lived in peace until Adam and Eve became curious about that which had been forbidden. Then they tasted the fruit of the tree of knowledge and, ashamed, they clothed themselves with woven leaves. When God saw what they had done, he drove them from the Garden of Eden and barred the entrance with cherubs who waved flaming swords. But the Lord gave the unicorn the choice of remaining in paradise or accompanying Adam and Eve out into the world, where there was pestilence and war, and pain in childbirth and in death. The unicorn looked to the angels hovering above the gate with their burning swords, and looked to Adam and Eve-and followed them. Forever after the unicorn was blessed for its compassion, for it could have stayed in that place of ideal beauty and delight, but instead, out of love, it chose the hard way-the human way.</em></div>
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<div><em>Jewish Fable</em></div>Lancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03136394638938010555noreply@blogger.com