Over the past 10 years I have noticed a directed effort by businesses including the one I work for to avoid the words, “Merry Christmas”.
I’ve heard many, many variations of “Happy Holidays”, and have watched homemade holidays attempt to crowd out the two legitimate celebrations with actual historical significance: Hanukkah, which celebrates the faithfulness of God to His chosen people Israel, and Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus The Messiah, God’s gift of Eternal Salvation to all mankind.
My wife and I went Christmas shopping yesterday, and I was prepared to respond to, “Happy Holidays” with the question, “Which one?” To my pleasant surprise, in nearly every store we shopped someone wished us a Merry Christmas! Even the waitress in the restaurant where we had dinner.
So, I just wanted to say thank you and Merry Christmas to the following:
Winn-Dixie (Groceries)
Wal-Mart
Sears
Target
BJ’s Wholesale Club
Dillards
Mimi’s Café
Carabba’s Italian Grill
Surprisingly, the Salvation Army bell ringers can only say, “Happy Holiday”. I still have to ask them, “which one?” Go figure.
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
"I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day"
Henry W. Longfellow penned the words to what has become a Christmas Classic. His wife had died the previous year in a terrible accident. He then lost his son to death in the War Between the States. In great despair he began the poem, but over the course of its writing, God revealed to him that His Grace was sufficient. You can literally follow the steps back to God in the verses of, "I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I heard the bells on Christmas day their old familiar carols play,
and wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, good will to men.
I thought how, as the day had come, the belfries of all Christendom
had rolled along th' unbroken song of peace on earth, good will to men.
And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"Hate is strong, and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men."
Yet, pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to men."
Then ringing, singing on its way, the world revolved from night to day--
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime of peace on earth, good will to men!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I heard the bells on Christmas day their old familiar carols play,
and wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, good will to men.
I thought how, as the day had come, the belfries of all Christendom
had rolled along th' unbroken song of peace on earth, good will to men.
And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"Hate is strong, and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men."
Yet, pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to men."
Then ringing, singing on its way, the world revolved from night to day--
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime of peace on earth, good will to men!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
My Favorite Father-In-Law's Favorite Hymn...
Started out as a poem by John Newton. A friend of ours asked the other day if we knew that there were more than just the verses that are in our hymnal, so I looked them up and here they are. It's the beautiful testimony of a sinner Saved by Grace, just like me:
AMAZING GRACE
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.
AMAZING GRACE
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
What Do You Think?
Talking with my teenage niece the other day and playing a little guitar, she mentioned how she enjoyed playing and writing music. Then she asked an interesting question. “Uncle Allen, do you think God expects us to use the gifts He has given us in our jobs and our church?”
My answer was, Yes, why would He give you a gift if He didn’t expect you to Glorify Him in your life with it. Then I started to think about it…Yes, absolutely yes, and so I should be…what exactly? Well, perhaps using the gifts He has given me to glorify Him with my life.
That caused me to take some inventory. What exactly has He gifted me with? Which gifts have I given back to Him, and which gifts have I excused myself from using for His glory?
It’s an odd dynamic, but the more I give to Him, the more He blesses me with.
Stay tuned, more to come.
My answer was, Yes, why would He give you a gift if He didn’t expect you to Glorify Him in your life with it. Then I started to think about it…Yes, absolutely yes, and so I should be…what exactly? Well, perhaps using the gifts He has given me to glorify Him with my life.
That caused me to take some inventory. What exactly has He gifted me with? Which gifts have I given back to Him, and which gifts have I excused myself from using for His glory?
It’s an odd dynamic, but the more I give to Him, the more He blesses me with.
Stay tuned, more to come.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Simple Blessings, Powerful Lives
We had a sort of “getting to know you” potluck lunch today between our Sunday School class and one of our Senior Adult classes. The food was fine, but the real treat for me was to see my friend Bro. N sing and play his guitar.
At 87 years young, he still goes at least 3 times a week to the nursing homes to “Play for those old people.”, and he is a regular at the City Rescue Mission Services. Bro. N has for many years been one of my heroes and unknowing mentors of the faith and ministry. An unassuming, gentle in spirit, humble man of integrity.
Several years ago, we were at the City Rescue Mission together. I was leading the music that night with my guitar; Bro. N was there for special music. While we were warming up and tuning up he said, “Hey, how about you helping me out on my songs tonight.” I was blown away that he would actually ask me to play with him. Long story short, I had the privilege of playing guitar with him, and was absolutely thrilled to do so.
Watching him play today brought back a flood of wonderful memories. I trust and pray that I too will be found guilty of Praising God with the talents He has blessed me with all the days of my life.
At 87 years young, he still goes at least 3 times a week to the nursing homes to “Play for those old people.”, and he is a regular at the City Rescue Mission Services. Bro. N has for many years been one of my heroes and unknowing mentors of the faith and ministry. An unassuming, gentle in spirit, humble man of integrity.
Several years ago, we were at the City Rescue Mission together. I was leading the music that night with my guitar; Bro. N was there for special music. While we were warming up and tuning up he said, “Hey, how about you helping me out on my songs tonight.” I was blown away that he would actually ask me to play with him. Long story short, I had the privilege of playing guitar with him, and was absolutely thrilled to do so.
Watching him play today brought back a flood of wonderful memories. I trust and pray that I too will be found guilty of Praising God with the talents He has blessed me with all the days of my life.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
The Name Game
I have always believed that you shouldn't give your child a name that you couldn't use in the song, "The Name Game" (Anna, Anna, Bobanna, etc.)
Some time ago at the urging of a friend, I started the odd hobby of collecting interesting names of people I have had personal phone contact with. Over a ten year period, I have added many to my list. Perhaps you have spoken with them also. The following is a small sample from my collection:
Malode Outhouse,Larry King, John Lennon,Edward Murphy, Joseph Kennedy, Grace Kelly,
Robert E Lee, Hercules T Koulis, Helen Keller, Shirley McClain, Marry Barry,
Steve McQueen. Danny Thomas, Iva Hart, Yen Yaing, Cliff Edge, Anna Niemiec,
Hulda Heine, Alice Cooper, Shirley Curley, Warren Beattie, Otis Campbell,
James Chames, William F Cody, Springfield Banks, Thomas Canham,
Constant Joy Centella, Richard Cunningham, Rose Bush, Robin Hood.
Have a Banana Fanana Day :)
Some time ago at the urging of a friend, I started the odd hobby of collecting interesting names of people I have had personal phone contact with. Over a ten year period, I have added many to my list. Perhaps you have spoken with them also. The following is a small sample from my collection:
Malode Outhouse,Larry King, John Lennon,Edward Murphy, Joseph Kennedy, Grace Kelly,
Robert E Lee, Hercules T Koulis, Helen Keller, Shirley McClain, Marry Barry,
Steve McQueen. Danny Thomas, Iva Hart, Yen Yaing, Cliff Edge, Anna Niemiec,
Hulda Heine, Alice Cooper, Shirley Curley, Warren Beattie, Otis Campbell,
James Chames, William F Cody, Springfield Banks, Thomas Canham,
Constant Joy Centella, Richard Cunningham, Rose Bush, Robin Hood.
Have a Banana Fanana Day :)
Friday, September 7, 2007
Have Some Fun On The Journey
Over the past 28 years we have lived in 15 houses and 4 towns. Big towns, small towns, nice houses, apartments and one really tiny house (around 900 sq ft).
When we moved to Vero Beach, for the very first time the Welcome Wagon people came with a bunch of coupons for local business freebies. I said, “We should drive around and get all this free stuff.” My Bride felt it would be totally tacky for us to go from place to place just for free stuff. To avoid embarrassment, I went by myself.
One of the coupons was for the local funeral home. Since I worked at the church behind said funeral home, I thought I would seize the day and drop in on my lunch break.
It was a slow day for them, so I walked in and was immediately greeted in the foyer. “May I help you sir?” The nice lady asked. “Yes, I’m here for my free embalming.” I replied. “Your, uh, free wha…?” “My free embalming.” “Um, could you wait right here??”
She went to the back and another lady came out. “Can I help you sir?” “Yes, I’m here for my free embalming.” “Uh, what makes you think you’re going to get a free embalming?” I pulled the coupon out of my jacket, “I got this coupon from the Welcome Wagon that said to come here for a free gift. I can’t think of anything else you folks would be giving away, and if we could hurry up a bit, I only have about 45 minutes left on my lunch.” “Oh my, um, well that’s not for a uh..”
At that point I couldn’t help but laugh. I introduced myself as the new Minister at the church behind them. She was greatly relieved. Over the years I was blessed to develop a very good working relationship with them. I did many funerals for families that had no church.
When we moved to Vero Beach, for the very first time the Welcome Wagon people came with a bunch of coupons for local business freebies. I said, “We should drive around and get all this free stuff.” My Bride felt it would be totally tacky for us to go from place to place just for free stuff. To avoid embarrassment, I went by myself.
One of the coupons was for the local funeral home. Since I worked at the church behind said funeral home, I thought I would seize the day and drop in on my lunch break.
It was a slow day for them, so I walked in and was immediately greeted in the foyer. “May I help you sir?” The nice lady asked. “Yes, I’m here for my free embalming.” I replied. “Your, uh, free wha…?” “My free embalming.” “Um, could you wait right here??”
She went to the back and another lady came out. “Can I help you sir?” “Yes, I’m here for my free embalming.” “Uh, what makes you think you’re going to get a free embalming?” I pulled the coupon out of my jacket, “I got this coupon from the Welcome Wagon that said to come here for a free gift. I can’t think of anything else you folks would be giving away, and if we could hurry up a bit, I only have about 45 minutes left on my lunch.” “Oh my, um, well that’s not for a uh..”
At that point I couldn’t help but laugh. I introduced myself as the new Minister at the church behind them. She was greatly relieved. Over the years I was blessed to develop a very good working relationship with them. I did many funerals for families that had no church.
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