Thursday, June 30, 2022

Knee Deep In June

 

Tell you what I like the best

'Long about knee-deep in June,

'Bout the time strawberries melts

On the vine-some afternoon

Like to jes' git out and rest,

And not work at nothin' else!


Eating Ice Cream On The Porch
Picture courtesy/Pinterest





"Knee-Deep In June"
An excerpt from the poem by
 James Whitcomb Riley
(1849-1916)
American writer, poet,
 and best-selling author. 

During his lifetime, this native of Indiana
 was known as "The Hoosier Poet" and
 "The Children's Poet" for his many
 children's poems, including this
 one, as well as such classics as
"Little Orphant Annie" and
"The Raggedy Man".




Watchman Newscast: Israel Government To Officially Dissolve, Lapid Set As Interim Prime Minister

 


Will Benjamin Netanyahu return as Israel's Prime Minister?


Israel Government To Officially Dissolve/
Lapid Set As Internim Prime Minister
The Watchman With Erick Stakelbeck
(June 29, 2022)


Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Saluting Our American Heroes: "The Flag Gave Us Hope"

 


Flag-raising on Iwo Jima
February 23, 1945
Picture courtesy/Wikipedia


"I didn't know anything about the flag raising until Marines around me
began yelling and screaming while firing their weapons in the air and
saying something about a flag.  Jokingly, I have told people that I think
I had my head buried in the sand, but I turned around and the first thing
I saw was the flag.  I jumped up and started doing the same dumb thing
they were doing.  Morale was low at this point, and we had lost so
many men. The flag gave us hope. It was a kind of celebration
at that particular moment."
-Hershel "Woody" Williams



Hershel "Woody" Williams
Photograph courtesy Lance Cpl. Alexa M. Hernandez/U.S. Marine Corp.


The last Medal of Honor recipient from World War II
has died today at the age of 98.

Thank you, Mr. Williams for your courage and service to this nation.
Your selfless heroism, which rose above and beyond the call of duty
 in the ferocious battle to liberate the Pacific island of Iwo Jima
will always be remembered by freedom-loving people everywhere.

Semper Fidelis.   May your soul rest in peace.


Amazing Grace
My Chains Are Gone
(2014)
Chris Tomlin




Juicy Grilled Kabobs/Cowboy Cooking

 

Just in time for the 4th of July!

Firing up the grill with Cowboy Kent Rollins's

mouth-watering  Rib Eye Steak & Vegetable Kabobs!

Thanks for sharing this recipe Kent!


 Juicy Grilled Kabob
Cowboy Kent Rollins
(June 29, 2022)


The Bearded Bible Brothers Discuss The Days Of Noah

 


Thank you to my beloved brothers in the Lord, Joshua and Caleb,
for this timely and  inspirational message
!


Joshua and Caleb Discuss The Days Of Noah
Our Jewish Roots
(June 29, 2022)


Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Kendrick Lamar: This is Why You Never Mess With God


 

An important and inspirational message from beloved
brother in the Lord Joe Kirby from Off The Kirb Ministries.


Kendrick Lamar:
This Is Why You Never Mess With God
Off The Kirb Ministries
(June 27, 2022)


Allen Parr: 7 Different Types of False Teachers In The Church Today!

 

Did you know that there at least 7 different types of false teachers in
the church today?  Well, it's true.   If you don't want to call them false teachers,
let's just say that you need to be on your guard against these people
because they are very dangerous."
-Allen Parr


The Beat by Allen Parr


Through The Bible With Les Feldick: Wink At Evil? Wake Up!

 

An important message for the professing American church
in these uncertain and perilous times we are living in today
from Oklahoma Bible teacher and beloved
brother in the Lord, Les Feldick.


Through The Bible With Les Feldick:
Wink At Evil?  Wake Up!
(2004)
 Rome Gray


Monday, June 27, 2022

How Israel is Fulfilling End-Time Bible Prophecy: Allen Parr With Amir Tsarfati

 



If you want to understand End Times events, keep your
focus on God's prophetic time clock: the nation of Israel.


Israel In End-Time Prophecy
Allen Parr With Amir Tsarfati
The Beat by Allen Parr
(June 21, 2022)


How To Eat Like Benjamin Franklin

 

A fun look at the dietary habits of one of America's
most beloved Founding Fathers and patriots!


How To Eat Like Benjamin Franklin
Townsends
(June 27, 2022)


New Every Morning Is The Love


 "His compassions fail not.  They are new every morning."
(Lamentations 3:22-23)



Garden Bluebirds
Image courtesy/Walmart.com/Pinterest


New every morning is the love

Our wakening and uprising prove;

Through sleep and darkness safely brought,

Restored to life and power and thought.

New mercies, each returning day,

Hover around us while we pray;

New perils past, new sins forgiven,

New thoughts of God, new hopes of heaven.

If, on our daily course, our mind

Be set to hallow all we find,

New treasures still, of countless price,

God will provide for sacrifice.

Old friends, old scenes, will  lovelier be,

As more of heaven in each we see;

Some softening gleam of love and prayer

Shall dawn on every cross and care.

We need not bid, for cloistered cell,

Our neighbor and our words farewell,

Nor strive to find ourselves  too high

For sinful man beneath the sky.

The trivial round, the common task,

Will furnish all we ought to ask;

Room to deny ourselves, a road

To bring us daily nearer God.

Seek we no more; content with these,

Let present rapture, comfort, ease-

As heaven shall bid them, come and go:

The secret this of rest below.

Only, O Lord, in Thy dear love,

Fit us for perfect rest above,

And help us, this and every day,

To live more nearly as we pray.



"New Every Morning Is The Love"
(1827)
John Keble
(1792-1866)
English poet and hymn writer.
Adapted from his poem,
"Hues of the Rich, Unfolding Morn"



Sunday, June 26, 2022

A Child's Faith

 

Jesus loves me this I know

|For the Bible tells me so.

Little children ask no more,

For love is all they're looking for.


"Come and See"
Del Parsons
Picture courtesy/Havenlight


And in a small child's shining eyes

The Faith of all the ages lies-

And tiny hands and tousled heads

That kneel in prayer by little beds,

Are closer to the dear Lord's heart

And of His kingdom more a part

Then we who search and never find

The answers to our questioning mind.

O Father, grant once more to men,

A simple Child-like Faith again.


"A Child's Faith"
Helen Steiner Rice
(1900-1983)
American Christian poetess



Saturday, June 25, 2022

Don't Miss This Message: Rabbi Zev Porat Preaches On Sacrifices

 



A beautiful and inspirational message from beloved brother in the Lord
 Messianic Rabbi Zev Porat in Israel.


"Sacrifices"
Rabbi Zev Porat
messiah ofisrael
(June 25, 2022)


On My Mind: When It Comes To Thy Health, Think For Thyself!

 

In response to a question I answered this morning through a poll asking 
me if I would support having programs like Medicare and Medicaid pay 
 to provide "patient compliance technologies" -like pill bottles with
alarms attached to remind people when to take their medication,
and automatic pill dispensers with smartphone reminders- my
 answer was a flat out, "No!"  I believe that people should take
responsibility for their own healthcare decisions.

This proposal for convenient-sounding technology providing
 "patient compliance" sounds 
to me like one more government scheme
  cooked up to invade 
the medical and personal privacy of American citizens.


A snake is a beautiful creature... fascinating to behold...but watch your back!
 The same goes for "patient compliance" technology.
Image courtesy/Center for Disease Control and Prevention


Last year, I agreed to participate in a program which my doctor suggested,
and which provided me with a home-based "monitor" system for my daily
blood sugar readings, which was connected to a local healthcare facility,
which upon receiving the daily readings, would forward them to my doctor.

 It sounded like a good idea.  Until the nightly visitations began.

 No, it was not an unlawful intruder trying to break into my home. 

 Nor was it the result of meddling around with some otherworldly 
 "paranormal activity " which is so popular today.

The only "ghost" allowed in my home is the Holy Ghost, or Spirit.

Anyway, after starting this monitoring system, I was often awakened in the
wee hours of the morning by an eerie blue light emanating from the monitor,
which was plugged in and sitting atop my bedroom dresser- along with the
murmur of human voices- and  something which sounded very
 much like someone snickering- in the background.

I thought I might have been dreaming at first, until I thought, "Now why is
this monitor turning on by itself in the middle of the night when I only use
it during the daytime hours?  Could it have been pre-set to turn on at this
time before it was delivered to me?  And what about the sound of voices
and laughter I keep hearing coming from it?

I later called the medical facility company's on-call technician about the
problem. During our conversation, I only told him that the machine kept
coming on in the middle of the night and waking me up. I mentioned 
nothing to him about hearing voices. He then asked me,

 "Do you hear sounds coming from the monitor like people talking?

When I answered yes, his rather glib response was,

"Oh, just turn the volume down and you won't hear a thing."

I did better than he suggested. I went right into my room, unplugged the
monitor from the wall, repackaged it in the box it had come in, and sent it
back pronto to the healthcare facility from where it came.  Although in
hindsight I now realized I should have questioned the technician further,
and demanded he tell me the source of the voices and laughter
 I had been hearing, the experience really unnerved me.
I just wanted that thing out of my home as quickly as possible.

I  also realized that this experience provided a valuable lesson 
 which I thought I already had learned.  
 Think for yourself, Pamela!

  And from now on, be responsible for your own daily monitoring and recording 
of your blood sugar- in a notebook with a pen.  It  might sound old-fashioned, but,
the only one invading my privacy will be myself, the way it should be!



Friday, June 24, 2022

The Roots Of Reformation: John Wycliffe


 Dr. Katrina Marchant brings us an excellent discourse on the
  life and legacy of  John Wycliffe, a man who has been referred 
to as the "Morningstar of the Reformation".


The Roots Of Reformation: John Wycliffe
Reading The Past
(June 24, 2022)


Prophecy Watchers: The War Beyond Roe Vs. Wade

 


A major battle for life has been won.  But is the war over?
Host Tim Moore of the Lamb & Lion Ministries provides
prophetic perspective on this historic day in America.


The War Beyond Roe Vs. Wade
 Prophecy Watchers
(June 24, 2022)


O Lord, Life Is Sacred

"Thou didst form my inward parts.
Thou didst knit me together in my mother's womb."
(Psalm 139:13)

Image courtesy/Pinterest


O Lord, life is sacred,

A gift from above;

Each person is worthy

Of honor and love.

Your works are so marvelous.

We're wonderfully made;

We each bear Your image,

Conception to grave.

Your hands shaped and formed us

Before we took breath;

You knit us together

And clothed us with flesh.

You give us our life

And ordain all our days;

Your works, Lord are wonderful;

We lift our hearts in praise.

Upheld since conception

And carried since birth,

To old age and hair of gray,

We're still of great worth.

We still bear Your likeness,

The stamp of Your hand;

You made us in Jesus

For all the works You planned.

And so, may we honor

Each person we meet;

The kindness You've shown us,

We wish to repeat.

From children to aged-

We'll serve them in Your name;

As You honor us, O Lord,

We pledge to do the same.



Today the Supreme Court of the United States of America overturned
 the long-standing, controversial decision called Roe vs. Wade, which
ends federally protected abortion in America.  The decision will now
be returned to the individual 50 states for citizens to vote on-
as it should of been done 49 years ago in 1973.

This is an historic day for America.  May it be a turning point 
 in regards to the sanctity of human life.

May God bless the Supreme Court justices who ruled on the side of life.


"O Lord, Life Is Sacred"
(1998)
Susan Helen Peterson
(1950-2004)
American hymn writer



Friday Flashback: Sometime In The Morning

 



A fun look back at the America that used to be,
with 60's television's pop rock sensation, The Monkees, and
featuring the vocal talent of surviving band member Mickey Dolenz .


Sometime In The Morning
(1966)
The Monkees


Closer Walk With Thee

 

"For you shall go out from the spiritual exile caused by sin and evil
into the homeland, with joy and be led forth by the Lord Himself
and His word with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break
forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall
clap their hands.  Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress
tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree;
and it shall be to the Lord for a name of renown, for an
everlasting sign of jubilant exaltation and memorial to
His praise, which shall not be cut off."
(Isaiah 55:12-13)


Trust In The Lord
James L. Johnson
 Painting courtesy /Fine Art America



I am happy, O my Savior.

For I know that I am Thine,

Thro' the pure and perfect cleansing

Of Thy precious blood divine:

But my soul would rise still higher,

There are greater joys for me;

I am longing I am praying

For a closer walk with Thee.


Savior come, abide with me,

I am longing, I am praying,

For a closer walk with Thee,

For a closer walk with Thee,

For a closer walk with Thee.

Savior, come abide with me,

I am longing, I am praying,

For a closer walk with Thee.

'Tis Thy hand, the clouds removing

Scatters sunshine o'er my way;

I am feasting at the banquet

Of Thy mercy every day;

But my soul would drink more deeply

At the Fount of Life so free

O my Savior, I am pleading

For a closer walk with Thee,

For a closer walk with Thee,

For a closer walk with Thee.

Savior, come abide with me,

I am longing, I am praying,

For a closer walk with Thee.

To the heights of sacred rapture,

That I never yet have known,

Let me soar away in triumph,

Till my faith shall touch Thy throne;

In the wide unfathomed ocean

Of Thy mighty love so free,

Let the tidal wave roll o'er me,

Till my soul is lost in Thee,

Till my soul is lost in Thee,

Till my soul is lost in Thee.

Savior, come abide with me,

I am longing, I am praying,

For a closer walk with Thee.



"Closer Walk With Thee"
(1885)
Frances Jane "Fanny" Crosby
(1820-1915)
Prolific American hymn writer



Thursday, June 23, 2022

American Poetry Classic: Out Where The West Begins

 


Out where the handclasp's a little stronger,

Out where the smile dwells a little longer,

That's where the West begins;

Out where the sun is a little brighter,

Where the snows that fall are a trifle whiter,

Where the bonds of home are a wee bit tighter,

That's where the West begins.


Casuals On The Range
(1909)
Frederic Remington
(1861-1909)
American painter, illustrator
sculptor and writer


Out where the skies are a trifle bluer,

Out where the friendship's a little truer,

That's where the West begins;

Out where a fresher breeze is blowing,

Where there's laughter in every streamlet flowing,

Where there's more of reaping and less of sowing

That's where the West begins.


Out where the world is in the making

Where fewer hearts with despair are aching,

That's where the West begins.

Where there is more of singing and less of sighing,

Where there is more of giving and less of buying,

And a man makes friends, without half trying.

That's where the West begins.


"Out Where The West Begins"
(1910)
Arthur Chapman
(1873-1935)
Newspaper columnist, author
 & cowboy poet




Wednesday, June 22, 2022

On My Mind: We Need More Gumption, Not More Gun Control!

 

Gumption: shrewd or spirited initiative and resourcefulness.
In other words, having the guts to think for one's self,
 to stand up to bullies, and to do the right thing!



"This bill won't stop the violent shootings by deranged criminals.
But it will restrict the freedoms of law-abiding Americans and put too
much power in the hands of politicians and political officials."
-Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas)  via Twitter

Senator Cotton is right.  This latest proposal to advance the agenda
of Far Left gun control advocates will not prevent more gun violence from 
happening in America.  It will prevent law-abiding American citizens from
 exercising their right to keep and bear arms under the Second Amendment.

According to a statement from the National Rifle Association:

"This legislation can be abused to restrict lawful gun purchases, infringe
upon the rights of law-abiding Americans, and use federal dollars to fund
gun control measures being adopted by state and local politicians.
This bill leaves too much discretion in the hands of government
officials and also contains undefined and overbroad provisions-
inviting interference with our constitutional freedoms."

However...according to Senator Lindsey Graham...

"I believe the legislation announced today has a very good chance of
saving lives... Unless your adjudicated mentally ill or a convicted violent 
 criminal...your Second Amendment rights won't be affected."

Words, words, and more words.  Meaningless words. 
On par with another meaningless statement:
 "Let's keep abortion legal, safe, and rare."

Sorry Mr. Graham, your excuses for compromising with the likes
of Chuck Schumer and the rest of the deceitful Democrats are
 as lame and pathetic as yourself.  Ditto for Senate Minority
Leader Mitch McConnell who also voted for this bill.

However, I have to compliment you two gents for
finally allowing your true colors to come shining through
in regards to defending the Constitutional rights of Americans.

Lily-livered yellow.  Or is it perhaps,  pea green slime?

The bottom line is, in addition to the tainted media circus 
 surrounding the latest "mass shootings" in New York and Texas,
 crimes which include the murders of innocent people are
 happening every single day in cities and towns across America.

Most of the big cities in America have been controlled
   by corrupt successions of Democratic Administrations
  for decades, and have some of the strictest gun control
 measures on the books and yet, in the mean inner-city streets
violent crime remains unhindered because these cities do not
 seek to enforce their gun restrictions on the criminal element.

In fact, it seems to me that these laws are in place not only to prevent 
 law enforcement from doing it's job, but to wrest away control  
  from law-abiding citizens in their right to self-defense.

  How many times has the media's focus centered around what
 caliber gun the urban homeowner used, and whether or not they 
 were legally permitted to use it to defend themselves, rather than
the motives of some scumbag for breaking into their home 
 with the intent to rob and possibly murder them?

  What Senator Chuck Schumer desperately wants, is CONTROL,
 along with the rest of the boot-licking, pusillanimous traitors who 
are supporting this bill (which in addition to Graham and McConnell 
includes 12 other Republicans).

 The ultimate goal of this measure is to disarm the American people so that we will 
 have no way of defending ourselves and our families, not only from lawless intruders
trying to break into our homes and businesses, but from the unlawful actions of an
  out-of-control government, which under the questionable leadership of Joe Biden
has consistently mirrored the indictment against the despotic King George III of
Great Britain, as stated in the Declaration of Independence:

"He has erected a multitude of New Offices and sent hither swarms of Officers
to harass our people and eat out their substance."






Plant Happiness

 


Some timeless tips...and not just for the growing season!



A Quiet Place
Robert Duncan
American artist
Picture courtesy/Pinterest


First, plant five rows of "peas":

Prayer,

Perseverance,

Politeness,

Promptness,

Purity.


Next plant three rows of  "squash":

Squash gossip,

Squash criticism,

Squash indifference.


Then five rows of "lettuce":

Let us be faithful to duty,

Let us be unselfish,

Let us be truthful,

Let us follow Christ,

Let us love one another.


No garden is complete without "turnips":

Turn up for church,

Turn up with a smile,

Turn up with new ideas,

Turn up with determination to make
 everything count for something
good and worthwhile.

Amen.


"Plant Happiness"
Grace V. Dore




Wednesday's Word: Teach Us To Pray


"O God, You are my God, earnestly will I seek You;
 my inner self thirsts for You, my flesh longs,  and is faint for You,
in a dry and weary land where no water is."
(Psalm 63:1)


Cave Entrance in Adullam
 David sought refuge here after being expelled from
 the city of Gath by King Achish.   The book of I Samuel refers
 to the Cave of Adullam where David hid from King Saul.

Photograph courtesy
 Davidbena/Wikipedia
(2014)


"LORD, teach us to pray.  Some of us are not skilled in the art of prayer.
As we draw near to Thee in thought, our spirits long for Thy Spirit and 
reach out for Thee, longing to feel Thee near.  We know not how to
 express the deepest emotions that lie hidden in our hearts.

In these moments, we have no polished phrases with which to impress
one another, no finely molded, delicately turned clauses to present to Thee.
Nor would we be confined to conventional petitions and repeat our prayers
like the unwinding of a much exposed film.

We know, our Father, that we are praying most when we are saying least.

We know that we are closest to Thee when we have left behind the things
that have held us captive for so long.

We would not be ignorant in prayer, and like children, make want lists for Thee.

Rather, we pray that Thou wilt give unto us only what we really need.

 
We would not make our prayers the importuning of Thee, an omnipotent God,
to do what we want Thee to do.  Rather, give us the vision, the courage, 
 that shall enlarge our horizons, and stretch our faith to the adventure
of seeking Thy loving will for our lives.

We thank Thee that Thou art hearing us now.

We thank Thee for the grace of prayer.

We thank Thee for Thyself.

Amen.



"Teach Us To Pray"
Reverend Peter Marshall Sr.
(1902-1949)
Scottish-American preacher
Twice-appointed Chaplain of the United States Senate.




Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Return Of Summer

 

"It was You who set all the boundaries of the earth;
You made both summer and winter."
(Psalm 74:17)


Meadow Menagerie
Picture courtesy/Peakpx


We hail thee, glorious summer,

We welcome thee today,

With all thy flowery legions

And all thy songbirds gay.


The happy rills to meet thee

With merry laughter run;

While woodland banners greet thee,

Beneath a smiling sun.

We hail thee, joyous summer!

We welcome thee today!

With all thy flowery legion,

And all thy songbirds gay.

We hail thy smile of gladness

Of Summer fair and sweet;

O let us lay all sadness

And sighing at thy feet.


The woodland ways are ringing

With many a merry lay;

Oh let us join in singing

With nature's choir today.

We hail thee, joyous summer!

We welcome thee today!

With all thy flowery legion,

And all thy songbirds gay.

O Summer, thou has brought us

A message sweet and fair;

O Summer, thou has taught us

Of Heaven's brooding care.


Thy gleaming skies of glory

Watch o'er the world in love;

They tell a glad sweet story

Of summer lands above.

We hail thee, joyous summer!

We welcome thee today!

With all thy flowery legion,

And all thy songbirds gay.


"Return Of Summer"
(1898)
Alice Jean Cleator
(1871-1926)
English-born American hymn writer
and schoolteacher




Monday, June 20, 2022

June In All Her Beauty

 


Roses and honeysuckle melting into the blue,

Green bowers overhanging; tall grass drenched with dew.



Dorothy Rose


Small birds, twittering; warbling,

Hidden in the shade.

Sweetest fragrance wafted;

From every hedge and glade.

All as full of sweetness and song

As it can hold;

June in all her beauty of blossoms manifold.


"The Nature Notes Of An Edwardian Lady"
(1905)
Edith Holden
(1871-1920)
British artist and art teacher




America's Christian Heritage: That Old Cross

 


A young evangelist had a song for the world.

"On a hill far away..."



Old Rugged Cross Memorial
Reed City, Michigan
Image courtesy/CardCow.com



Almost halfway around the world from the Jerusalem hill of Golgotha,
where Jesus was crucified, George Bennard wrote his immortal hymn,
"The Old Rugged Cross".

Today a fitting memorial still stands in the tiny village of Pokagon, Michigan
Visitors often turn off the scenic M-51 highway halfway between Niles and
Dowagiac to view the crumbling monument in the abandoned 
church yard.  The decaying structure has since been replaced by the
Pokagon Methodist Church which stands across the street
from the old sanctuary.*

On January 13, 1913 the Rev. L.O. Bostwick, pastor of the Pokagon
Methodist Episcopal Church, penned a letter to the Reverend George Bennard
of Albion, Michigan.  Pastor Boswick had felt an urge to hold a series of
revival meetings and invited Bennard to preach.  Bennard accepted the
invitation and arrived in Pokagon with a lyric he had been working on.

Shortly before being called to Pokagon, Bennard had undergone soul-
searching contemplation of the importance of the cross in Christian life.
He realized the that the cross and Christ were one,
entwined in a verse of Scripture:

  "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only 
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should 
 not perish, but have everlasting life."
(John 3:16)

Bennard had already titled his hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross".
The evangelist then began working on the body of his song,
but was having difficulty with the words. As he prepared for
the Pokagon meeting, Bennard picked out a melody on his
guitar, constantly changing the wording. He would walk 
 into the kitchen and sing the words with Mrs. Bostwick.

One afternoon, Bennard appeared in the kitchen and
 announced that the song was complete. 

 He sang the finished product for the Boswicks.

"On a hill far away stood an old wooden cross
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross
where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain."

Silence followed, and Mrs. Bostwick spoke softly: "That song
will surely win the hearts of people everywhere."

That evening, Bennard sang the new hymn for the congregation
and taught it to the choir.  Florence Jones played the organ, accompanied
by Arthur Dodd on the violin.  Forty years later, "The Old Rugged Cross"
topped the polls as the favorite hymn of the American people
 and remained there for several years. 

 Mrs. Bostwick lived to see her prediction fulfulled.



Image courtesy/Amazon.com


George Bennard was born in 1873 to Scotch-Irish parents in
Youngtown, Ohio.  When his father died of coal-mining injuries,
George quit school and began working in the mines to support
his mother and four sisters.  He was only 15.

He later married and, as a born-again Christian, enlisted in the
Salvation Army for eight years, playing the drum during services
and learning to play the guitar.

Bennard was as enthusiastic with a small audience as he was in
a large auditorium. He gave unselfishly of his time and energy, and
he had a great love for people and his evangelistic message.  He
resigned from the Salvation Army in 1907 and moved his family
to Albion, New York to become a traveling evangelist and minister
of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

In 1918, Bennard became hard-pressed for money and sold the
hymn to Homer A Rodeheaver, who wrote hymns, and traveled as 
a choir director for the popular evangelist Billy Sunday.
The Rodeheaver Company, founded by Billy Sunday, 
revealed that Bennard was paid more than $5,000 before
he died; his widow continued to receive royalty
payments every three months.

In 1953, Bennard was invited to attend the Rose Bowl Parade
in Pasadena, California.  He rode in a flower-covered float and
played his masterpiece on a flower-decorated organ for
the largest crowd he would ever have.

When Bennard's health began to fail, he retired to Reed City, Michigan.
In 1954, the Reed City Chamber of Commerce erected a 20-foot rough
wooden cross near Bennard's retirement home as a tribute to the author.

Soon afterward, Bennard  was buried in Englewood, California.

George Bennard, who often said he hoped to be remembered as
a Gospel minister rather than a composer, was added to the list
 of composers in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1976.

But to thousands who have been moved by "The Old Rugged Cross"
this may have been his greatest sermon.


"The Old Cross"
Written by J.B. Cearley
From the book, "Bringing In The Sheaves"
House of White Birches
Copyright 
(2000)

* Since this article was written, The Old Rugged Cross Foundation, along 
 with numerous other volunteers, has raised the funds required to complete 
the restoration of The Original Old Rugged Cross Church in Pokagon, Michigan
 where the final version of George Bennard's hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross"
was first sung in 1913 during a revival.

For more information check out their website at theoldruggedcross.org


American Eagle Day 2022


Today is American Eagle Day a special observance to remember the choosing of 
 the Bald Eagle as our National Symbol and to celebrate the return of the eagle
to America's skies. Governors in 49 states have designated June 20th
 as American Eagle Day.



"About To Launch"
(2016)
 American Bald Eagle ready to take flight near Kachemak Bay, Alaska
Photograph courtesy/Andy Morffew/Wikipedia






But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength,

They shall mount up with wings as eagles;

they shall run, and not grow weary;

and they shall walk, and not faint."

(Isaiah 40:31)




Sunday, June 19, 2022

To My Dad On Father's Day

 

You never said I'm leaving,

You never said goodbye,

You were gone before I knew it,

And only God knew why.


Picture courtesy/Pixels


A million times I needed you,

A million times I cried

If love alone could have saved you,

You never would have died.


In life I loved you dearly

In death I love you still

In my heart you hold a place,

That no one could ever fill.


It broke my heart to lose you,

But you didn't go alone

For a part of me went with you

The day God took you home.


In loving memory of my father
Anthony Michael Brida Sr.

💗 I love you Daddy! 💗



"Father's Day Poem"
Author unknown
courtesy/Pinterest



A Small Boy & His Father's Prayers


"Only be on guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget
the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart
as long as you live.  Teach them to your children and grandchildren."
(Deuteronomy 4:9)


Spiritual Warfare
Ron DiCianni
American artist



When Father prays, he doesn't use

The words the preacher does;

There's different things for different days

But mostly it's for us.


When Father prays, the house is still-

His voice is slow and deep.

We shut our eyes, the clock ticks loud,

So quiet we must keep.


He prays that we may be good boys,

And later on, good men;

And then we squirm and think we won't

Have any quarrel again.


You'd never think to look at Dad

He once had tempers, too.

I guess, if Father needs to pray,

We youngsters surely do.


Sometimes the prayer gets very long

And hard to understand,

And then I wiggle up quite close

And let him hold my hand.


I can't remember all of it-

I'm little yet, you see;

But this one thing I can't forget-

My father prays for me!


"A Small Boy & His Father's Prayers"
Written by Mrs. L.W. Hall


Have a beautiful and blessed Father's Day!



Saturday, June 18, 2022

On My Mind: And The People Chose Life


"I call to heaven and earth to record this day against you,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing;
therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live."
(Deuteronomy 30:19)


Image courtesy/Creative Communications



And the people chose life.

This simple statement is what defines the very heart 
of the Pro-Life Movement in America today.

According to an e-mail I received  from the Liberty Council 
 about the recent pro-life rally and prayer service in Washington DC:

Black-robed men and women began arriving on the scene during
the prayer service and began screaming obscenities over those praying.

 Yet the people who chose life continued to pray.

As the prayer team's worship music continued, a pro-abortion demonstrator
brought a wagon carrying a boom box loudly blaring "satanic music" and noise.
The demonstrator increased the volume to drown out the songs of praise.

The people who chose life still prayed and sang praises to the Lord.

According to one of the staff members of the Liberty Counsel, a woman
named Peggy, the longer the pro-lifers prayed, "the more anxious
and agitated the Satanists became."  

 The evil surrounding the intercessors did not want
the Word of God proclaimed!  

Fortunately, the Holy Spirit was present at the prayer service too,
 which caused the irritated demons to scream-but provided a sense
of comfort and protection to the people who have chosen life,
these earnest prayer warriors, who kept right on
praying for the unborn and praising God.

Then women dressed like prostitutes began to arrive at the prayer service.
It is reported that their skimpy attire left very little to the imagination.
  They too joined in the fracas that the alleged black-robed, "witches, warlocks,
and Satanists"  had started earlier against the pro-lifers.

But still, the people who honor human life and the Creator of all life
 and everything on earth continued praying and singing praises to Him.

At one point, a woman walked right up to the prayer group's podium and
 boldly stood next to the pro-life speaker.  Every time the speaker spoke, 
 the woman spewed filthy cuss words into a megaphone pointed in
 the direction of the podium microphone. 

A candidate for Exorcism, or merely a sign of the times?

Spewing profanity in order to make a point is all the rage these days.

I suppose it made the spewee? feel good about herself, 
like the big, bad bully of the school playground, knocking
  little kids down and ripping off their lunch money.

Perhaps she merely liked to hear the sound of her own voice. 

And today, may be she is still nursing a sore throat for her efforts.

But she too, failed to stop the prayers and praise of earnest men
 and women who honor life as sacred-which availeth much.

Meanwhile, some in the crowd of rabid infanticide activists
rose up and began to curse 
the Supreme Court Justices.

Then to curse God Himself.

 And yet,  the prayers and praise to the God of life continued unabated.


In their desperation, the Satanists took to covering the sidewalks with black magic
 ritual circles and candles, muttering their dark incantations near midnight.
  Half-burnt candles and other paraphernalia of active witchcraft 
 lay scattered on the public spaces around the Court.

I have to ask myself, where were the Capital police at when all of this
harassment and defacement of public property was going on due 
 to the strident efforts of these "witches, wizards, and Satanists"?
Were they too intimidated to act?  Or were they given orders to
  "stand down" and let the criminal mischief continue unchecked?

   What about the parade of prostitutes "flaunting their wears"
 while demonstrating alongside of these cursing black-robed occultists?
Isn't someone's participation in the world's oldest profession
   still considered a crime in The District these days?

  While I am not implying that some of these people were not real practitioners
of the black arts, or actual streetwalkers,  I have to wonder how much of this
 latest three-ringed circus of madness and mayhem was genuine, and
   how much of it was yet another staged event-possibly inspired
by a rediscovered script from a long forgotten, cheesy horror
  flick- found by an ultraliberal witchcraft enthusiast at a flea market .

This latest event also reminds me of when a large crowd of socialists and other
 Far Left groups descended on the Capitol in October, 2010 to stage a "counter rally" 
 to Glenn Beck's "Restoring Honor" gathering held in August of that same year.

The so-called, "One Nation Working Together" rally, which included group
attendees like the Communist Party USA and Code Pink, left the grounds
of the Washington Mall area an absolute pigsty, littered with left behind
signs and food wrappers, soda and water bottles, and other garbage.

In contrast, those who had attended Glenn Beck's celebration of 
everything good and right about America were respectful enough
 to throw away their trash or take it with them, thus leaving
the beautiful Mall better than they found it.

  We were already a divided nation back then, with an ever increasing distinction
separating those who truly care about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
 for all Americans, and those of the entitlement mentality, whose appalling show
of self-centered greed takes precedence over everyone and everything else.

Now that the latter group has apparently gained the upper hand in
this nation, we are currently witnessing the fruits of their labor. 

But those who have chosen life and honoring the Master of Life
will keep right on praying and praising Him.  Amen!

May God bless the Pro-life Movement in America.