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Showing posts from March, 2014

Ode To Joy

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I attended a graduate class last night at Belmont University. It was a blessing, to be among other adults who love words. I entered, not knowing what an "ode" was and left loving the "ode" so much that I wanted to try my hand at crafting one. I learned last night how every writer indeed has a voice and each has their own beauty that no one can copy. We are all unique, by creation and then by experience. Each voice has value for it speaks about a life lived --worthy to be heard. So here is my first ode: (Unbelievable Joy by phantastes on deviant art) Not happiness-- That charading counterfeit Of pleasure, which we Lust for. Hypocritical and proud, Aware only of yourself-- Subtly irritable, Fickle Given over To circumstances in sight. This World Cares Choked Unfruitful. Oh, to joy! Absolute surrender Self-sacrificing offered For the One, Who sent Him to do. Who for joy, He endured the cross. And we--you and me-- What can we do Any le

Tolerance and Truth

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When can you agree to disagree? When can you tolerate a difference of opinion? (by reoplusone by d4aygea on deviant art) We can always agree to disagree with people, but when God reveals truth to us we must yield to Him. It is stiff-necked and sinful to be shown truth by God, clearly in His Word, and for us to choose to believe differently. The Holy Spirit is an able teacher. God's Word illuminates Itself. I can always agree to disagree with another person's opinion, but I should never agree to disagree with God. What right do I have? When I stand before the King of Kings and the Lord of Lord, my creator and the creator of the universe, what arrogance it would take to try to convince Him that He is "old fashion," not 21st Century, not relevant to the trends and times. God does not ordain homosexuality, just as He does not condone adultery, pre-martial sex, or perverted participation in porn. More strongly than not ordaining or condoning, God commands his

Fasting - An Ash Wednesday Experience

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We have a lovely Anglican Liturgical Orthodox church in our town, St. Patrick's Anglican Church, which is a new growth out of a separation from an Episcopal congregation several years ago. Some of the members and leaders felt the Episcopal church in America had drifted too far from the Scriptures in their teachings. Out of a desire to cling wholly to God's Word several wonderful Anglican Churches have sprouted. St. Patrick Anglican in Smyna, TN is one of them. Ash Wednesday art by Ladyofshadow at DeviantArt This morning I attended the Ash Wednesday Lent Mass. It was a blessing. Being raised a Roman Catholic, I remembered much of the symbolism but did not understand the meaning. Now, an evangelical Christian of 30 years, I understand the deep Biblical meaning and at the same time am endeared to the liturgical ceremony of the service. I was brought to tears as I returned to my pew after being crossed on the forehead by the Priest with ashes as he spoke, "Remembe