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HOW SHOULD WE ACT THESE DAYS

A SIGN FOR THE TIMES

Hey Jim,

Along with the signs everywhere these days that warn us of cataclysmic times ahead for mankind, I noticed this sign below.

While attending a conference yesterday at the Fairmont Hotel in downtown Dallas and walking back to my car, I noticed this peculiar headline for the upcoming sermon by pastor Jeffress at First Baptist Church:

"How to act in Church?"

Since we attend this church once or twice quarterly along with attending Watermark regularly, this struck me as quite odd: especially given the conservative atmosphere.

As I continued walking, I wondered to myself...is this a sign?

No...I mean...is this a sign from God?

Or is it just a cute ad to hook "those people" like me into attending church this Sunday?

After rasseling with the notion, I concluded that maybe people these days act up and behave insensitively toward other Believers in church...just as non-believers do outside church!

Hummm...now there's a sermon worth preaching....why do Christian Believers act no differently than non-believers?

I can only guess that this doesn't bodewell.

Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ

EPH4 - As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

02/28/24 02:41 PM

#29132

Last Saturday Martha and I went to a concert at the Eisemann in Richardson starring Brian Stokes Mitchell. "Stokes" originated the role of Coalhouse Walker, Jr. in the musical Ragtime. Our son joined the cast after Stokes left it, but we did have a chance to see him in the role. We also saw him in the Broadway opening night performance of Kiss Me Kate. and in concert at the American Airlines Center with several other performers.

Two items below:

A feature on CBS News about Stokes's unusual performance during COVID.
A Kennedy Center performance of a duet from Ragtime with multiple Tony winner Audra McDonald, who played Sarah, opposite Stokes's Coalhouse. The action takes place in the early 1900s, and Sarah has very recently delivered a baby. It's a wonderful song.

02/28/24 04:34 PM

#29133

DON'T CRY FOR ME SHANGHAI CHINA

Well, David,

That guy has an impressive voice.

However, I'm afraid that Shanghai beats The Big Apple when it comes to Covid Chorus from balconies!

Come to think of it...I may try singing from my 3rd-floor balcony tonight!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLqqe-dLHt8

02/28/24 09:35 PM

#29134

Lance,

I have not been able to use our computer until now.

You asked earlier if I would give some advice, of sorts, to our classmates who might write in to our forum to ask about religious questions, or who might not understand my statements about my interpretation of Christianity, as the Bible has taught me, insofar as I have been able to glean over many years of study. I will be glad to answer questions addressed to me about such, but I don't want to try to proselytize to others. I have found that most of our classmates are uncomfortabe talking about a matter they think is personal and private. They don't need me as an intermediary. They can find the truths of The Bible on their own, either by buying necessary books and aids/guides at a bookstore, or by visiting a library, or by attending a church of their choice.

02/28/24 09:59 PM

#29135

David,

I can understand why you and Martha went to hear Brian Stokes Mitchell sing, recently.

What a beautiful voice to hear, and to know that he sings from his balcony to his neighors, is a wonderful gift to learn about in the happenings of this country. I wish he would come sing for my cul-de-sac in the summer evenings. I would make a wine toast to him and to my neighbors, giving him a bottle of my favorite vino, as a gift of gratitude and joy.

02/29/24 07:27 AM

#29136

Sandra Spieker (Ringo)

02/29/24 11:59 AM

#29137

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Lp2mMpSa1E&t=12s

PEERS WITH EARS

Pros·e·lyt·ize - verb

convert or attempt to convert (someone) from one religion, belief, or opinion to another.
"the program did have a tremendous evangelical effect, proselytizing many"
advocate or promote (a belief or course of action).
"Davis wanted to share his concept and proselytize his ideas"

Hey Janalu…I’m so thankful for your reply….and equally thankful for your warm presence on this Forum…as a fellow proselytizer.

Using the dictionary definition above, I’d like to invite you to consider that you and I have different personalities and gifts…while eager to share similar beliefs and opinions.

In politics, it is evident that you are well-studied and informed…passionate to share your opinions…while inviting debate…hoping to advance communication vs. contention.

In faith, (I hope) it is evident that I am well studied and informed…passionate to share my opinions…while inviting debate…hoping to advance communication vs. contention.

To be clear, my position and purpose is that ‘Faith is always personal, but never private’: https://gracetruth.blog/2021/05/01/faith-is-always-personal-but-never-private/

That said, I fully appreciate that not everyone (especially those claiming to be of the Christian faith) is equally passionate or comfortable concerning our Biblical mandate…as referenced below:

Matthew 6:16: "When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you".

Romans 14:22: "Whatever you believe about these things, keep between yourself and God".

2 Peter 3:15: "Always be ready to give a defense of the faith that is in you".

Revelation 2:7: “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”

Now concerning your, my, and our peers’ posts on this Forum; it has become painfully obvious that acknowledging and affirming the political beliefs of others…while welcomed…is often not well received.

That said, I’d invite you to join me here by affirming the presence and diverse opinions of Sandra, Jan, Tommy, and others who willingly and bravely post here…while knowingly subjecting themselves to subsequent ridicule from you who proselytize opposing views.

Of course, we all love the quote “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it”...attributed to the 18th-century French philosopher Voltaire.

This stands resolute…even as few of us have the wisdom and maturity to “defend” our words…without “deathly” consequences.

To this end, I humbly pledge to temper my zeal with uplifting words that strive to inform but not offend.

Leaping Joyfully,

LanceChop

...

02/29/24 12:01 PM

#29138

Probably the reason the news media runs to the ice cream shoppes in the cities Biden visits, is because that's about the only time they can get the President to speak to them. He very rarely comes before them to answer questions, which is unusual to have occurring in our country. Most presidents of the past spoke regularly before the media, AND THEN most of them took many questions tossed to them to answer. But with Biden, after he makes announcements, his staff hustles him out of the room quickly, sometimes when turning up the Marine Band's patriotic music to drown out the shouts of the media firing questions.

Or, other times the media gets to try to shout questions for Biden, is when he is shuffling out to a helicopter, at which times the drone of the 'copter's engine noise, is so loud, the answers the illustrious prez makes can barely be deciphered. That is, of course a PLUS for Biden, since his answers very often make his staff cringe, having to scramble to 'do a clean-up' of the mess, with clarifying answers to totally rearrange the message.

02/29/24 12:11 PM	#29139
Jan Alexander Oh Leaping Joyfully,Lance-chop ; you gave me a chuckle for the day. Thank you...now back to taxes.

02/29/24 12:30 PM

#29140

Okay, Lance,

Just as I post my above response to Sandra's 'dig' toward the conservatives who post here regularly, you come forth with your nicely phrased and well-meaning admonishment of my rather stinging style of answering others.

As a Christian, I understand why you make your request of me.

I should always try my best to be courteous and understanding of others taunts, and I should 'turn the other cheek' to their clever and snarky snipes.

I admit that I am a human sinner, full of failings before our God, and at the end of the day, I always say my prayers, firstly, to ask for forgiveness for my silly weaknesses. I will ask The Almighty for the strength to avoid letting taunts rankle me, but it is very hard for me not to add rejoinders. I know that Jesus was able to avoid in almost every instance, the insults and indignations thrown his way, as he mingled and spoke with many groups, but I think that is because he was a perfect man. I, on the other hand, am not by any means the same. However, I realize that I should STRIVE to change and follow the example of Jesus, so I will endeavor to do so. It will be very difficult for me, but I get the jist of your post to me.

It may cause me to develop mental frustrations with which to cope. As you know, it is not healthy to repress feelings, holding them within. I may have to ask my doctor for medications, dontcha know, as mental frustrations make my BP go up!

02/29/24 12:53 PM

#29141

Jim Bedwell

Saw ACE Greg Koch for the 3rd time in the last 2 years here in Knoxville. He performed this version of the classic Zeppelin song (instrumental - the HUMOROUS Koch, rhymes with "chalk" said after all, nobody can sing like Robert Plant, even Robert Plant these days). And yes, his drummer/son is also 6'7" tall - organist is only about 5'8":

02/29/24 01:17 PM

#29142

Sandra Spieker (Ringo)

Jan,

We (meaning Danny) did the taxes this past weekend. First my mom's , then ours. Good ole Turbo Tax. Glad it is done! I do the corporate (or prepare the books for the accountant). That was sent off over a week ago. Good to have it all done.

02/29/24 05:00 PM

#29143

Income taxes? Our refund hit the bank yesterday! Of course, most financial advisers would say that if you receive a substantial refund, you let the government use your funds interest-free. Although that is true, it sure feels good to see a substantial sum hit your account.

02/29/24 05:19 PM

#29144

Lance,

I am rather certain that no one on this forum is likely to change their political beliefs as a result of anything that anyone says on this forum.. Similarly, I am almost certain that no one is likely to be converted to anyone else's particular, stated religious views. But if you insist on persisting, perhaps you could do so in a smaller font so it won't seem like you are shouting from your pulpit and using up all the pixels!

02/29/24 06:40 PM

#29145

Yes Janalu....I'll join you...breeeeethe before I post!

Well David,

It's not always about those people...and their faith conversion.

Most often its about these people...as in group prayer for classmates like Steve Keene...and our faith confession.

Do you see what I'm saying?

If not...kindly share a font that would help me Pixelmator sooner than later!

02/29/24 07:35 PM

#29146

David,

I'll try to post about past remembrances of Richardson days, but it's getting more difficult for me, as I've already told of so many instances that come to mind easily.

I remember going over to Virginia Hooter's house many afternoons, after school, and doing cheer practices at the side of her house, right by Marshall Netherland's driveway and house. He would come out sometimes and talk to us, always making us laugh with his quips and jokes. His older brother took us for a ride on his motorcycle one time, after he drove up the driveway from somewhere. Virginia begged him to take us for a ride on the backend of his bike, which I had been cautioned not to do at any time, on any such bike. He just took us for a brief spin, but I remember almost falling off as he hit a bump in the road. I was right at the tailend of the cushion seat, and I think Virginia got a slight burn on her leg from the hot tailpipe. The lesson to be learned from this little tale, I guess, is don't allow teenybopper gals to talk you into giving them rides on your Honda. They might get hurt, and their parents will probably get pissed a little, to the point of scolding you about being too nice, listening to their daughters' pleas for rides.

I know this tale is kinda lame, so I'll try to come up with something better soon.

03/01/24 08:07 AM

#29147

Lowell Tuttle

Here in Chattanooga for a few days visiting Brother in law in hosp.

Reviewing my renewal offers online, I realized there were no renewals paid or due yesterday. Leap Year.

Janalu, I chuckled at your use of the term "lame." In my mind, a sort of modern adjective. Well done.

Nothing lame about riding a motorcycle...one of my fears (thirlls?) in life...and burning Virginia Hooter's leg...? Not lame.

03/01/24 12:08 PM

#29148

David Wier

Please help me and my memory remember something.

The first thing is that I need to know the name of the band that played at our senior prom.

At that point, my memory completely splinters into Neverland. the way I remember it was that 2 members left and created England Dan and John Ford Coley. One of which (Dan) was the brother (I think) of 'Seals' of Seals & Crofts

OR - it was Seals & Crofts
OR - they morphed into another rock band called Bloodrock.

Anyone know?

03/01/24 12:49 PM

#29149

Hey Lowell,

Did Luke Wulfjen and his family live near you when you were living near the end of Thompson Dr.? I think they may have lived on Lockwood Dr., maybe about 5 or 6 houses from Thompson, but I'm not sure. I used to see Mrs. Wulfjen, her daughter Lucy, and son, Luke, almost every Sunday at church. I would see the lady with her hair always in the exact same style, always curled exactly the same way without a hair out of place, and as I sat a few pews behind her, I would try to figure out how she managed to keep her hair that exact, same way for many years. I found out after a while, from my mother who knew her well from the ladies' study and service groups, that she was formerly a WAC in the Army, from way out in west Texas somewhere. She also wore the same silver wireframe glasses as long as I knew her.

I'll bet she ran a regimented house; a tight ship, so to speak. She was friendly, but very conservative and kinda quiet most of the time I was around her, and she was always reading. She would sit down in a pew before church, always with a book in her hand, and would begin reading, up until church started. I found her interesting and, as you might guess, predictable. I never saw her with a husband and wondered, of course, where he might have been. Maybe he was deceased, making her a widow....just don't know. Her hair was blonde and always parted on one side, with the hair combed smoothly over the top and then flipped up with a rather close-to-the head flip, all the way around. I just couldn't quite figure out how she kept it looking exactly the same way, even on windy days, when most of us ladies would look a little windblown. Not Mrs. Wulfjen! She was an unchanging WAC for her whole life, I think. She nearly always had my attention, for some reason.

You can understand a little bit of how my brain functions at this juncture, can't you? Did I ever focus on the church sermon, and listen? Yes, at least some of the time..........I know....I'm a fruitcake!

03/01/24 01:34 PM

#29150

Lance -- excellent font and type size! What a guy!!

Janalu -- Marshall lives in Santa Fe with his partner Adan, who is from Brazil. Martha and I have had dinner/drinks with him on four occasions. I also saw him at a funeral in Dallas. Can't remember whose funeral it was. He spent many years in Brazil, working as a translator, especially for technical manuals.

Lowell and Janalu -- I've told this story before. I had a Honda 50 in 9ith grade. One night I stayed at Debbie Dupree's house on Westwood way too late, and my father drove over there to call me home. I rode my Honda home, or at least half way home. It was raining heavily and I ran into the back of a car that was parked on the on the wrong side of the road on the Newberry bridge (which is only a couple of hundred feet from Virginia's house). I flew onto the hood of the car after my thighs made solid contact with the handle bars. I went to the emergency room, but was only badly bruised. Football coach Gib Hough got wind of the accident and declared that football players were not allowed to ride motorcycles.

When the accident happened, all I could think of is how badly I had screwed up. It never occurred to me what was going through my father's mind. He was right behind me and saw the whole thing happen.

03/01/24 01:34 PM

#29151

Everyone -- HELP!

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03/01/24 02:40 PM

#29152