Archive for December, 2011


Same Ol’ Same Ol’

That which has been, is that which is to be, and that which has been done, is that which will be done, and there is no new thing under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9 (BBE) 

The 1960′s ushered in the sexual revolution. They called it the new morality, but it wasn’t new; it was very old. The Greeks and Romans embraced it thousands of years ago, and soon afterwards they were history. It was introduced thousands of years before that in the days of Noah. At that time, God got so disgusted with the filth that He gave the earth a good bath.

And the Lord saw that the sin of man was great on the earth, and that all the thoughts of his heart were evil. And the Lord had sorrow because he had made man on the earth, and grief was in his heart. And the Lord said, I will take away man, whom I have made, from the face of the earth, even man and beast and that which goes on the earth and every bird of the air; for I have sorrow for having made them. But Noah had grace in the eyes of God. Genesis 6:5-8 (BBE) 

With each passing generation, the affairs of the heart continually plot evil and rebellion against God. We are creatures of habit and undoubtedly we will follow in the footsteps of others who have gone before us. It would do us well to study that past and learn lessons from it, but it seems, as history continues to repeat itself, we are slow to learn. Somehow we think that this time it will be different, we can continue do the things that brought ruin to other civilizations and somehow we will escape the same end results.

Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap. For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Galatians 6:7-8 (AMP) 

How is the sexual revolution progressing in the 21st century?

Today ‘the enlightened’ have started a new revolution. They have started to mainstream that which God deems abominable, and perverse. What was considered unclean, and unholy, modern man is attempting to make acceptable. In order to ease our collective conscience toward the untoward, we are being told that it is simply an alternate lifestyle and not a deviation from the norm.

We are being told as a society that we should not judge but learn to be accepting of those who do not hold our viewpoints on sexual matters. After all they say it is between them and none of our business. I would agree if these same folks were not forcing me to acknowledge their personal choices and then asking me to suspend my personal beliefs to embrace theirs. I can not nor will I suspend my personal beliefs for that would be denying my belief in God and His laws. Asking me to become lawless to relieve someone else of the guilt they feel because of their own lawlessness is ridiculous, and yet here we are being told to do just that by the so-called ‘enlightened’ among us.

There is only one problem with this thought process, there is still a God who judges all of us according to his laws and standards.

We know that Moses‘ Teachings are good if they are used as they were intended to be used. For example, a person must realize that laws are not intended for people who have God’s approval. Laws are intended for lawbreakers and rebels, for ungodly people and sinners, for those who think nothing is holy or sacred, for those who kill their fathers, their mothers, or other people. Laws are intended for people involved in sexual sins, for homosexuals, for kidnappers, for liars, for those who lie when they take an oath, and for whatever else is against accurate teachings. 1 Timothy 1:8-10 (GW) 

Although many think that there is no God and that we can do as we please, history bears out that bad actions lead to bad results, bad lives, and the destruction of the civil society, in the end eternal death.

As a result the latter part of the 20th century ushered in an epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases–some of them like AIDS are deadly. The sexual fears began to multiply. To save the revolution, the idea of safe sex was introduced, but it wasn’t safe–it was just as deadly. So much for utopian dreams!

Instead of trying to relive the errors of past generations, why not attempt to learn from the mistake of others and learn to live rightly? Or is that asking too much of the’ enlightened’?

So as we start  a New Year let us not continue in the same ol’ bad habits from yesteryear, instead learn from mistakes of the past and do not repeat them in the new year. A new year, a new beginning, a new outlook on life, a new lesson to be learned from the past. Happy New Year!

And that is just another view from the nest

But those who are waiting for the Lord will have new strength; they will get wings like eagles: running, they will not be tired, and walking, they will have no weariness. Isaiah 40:31 (BBE)

Along for the journey

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Cooperation is not Compromise

Integrity is not a conditional word. It doesn’t blow in the wind or change with the weather. It is your inner image of yourself, and if you look in there and see a man who won’t cheat, then you know he never will.” John D. MacDonald

When a man walks in integrity and justice, happy are his children after him. PROVERBS 20:7

It seems to me that the only time we hear the word compromise, or the concept of compromise is when the democrats do not have control of one house of the congress or the other. When they controlled both houses plus the White House I do not recall ever hearing the word compromise. Now that the American people voted to put some brakes on this current administration, every congressional impasse is met with the term compromise.

Have you noticed how it is usually the democrats telling the republicans that they need to compromise? If you can cite me examples of democrats willing to compromise with republicans I would welcome the response.

Compromising one’s ethics, integrity, and core values does not move morality and ethics forward, it dilutes them at best and negates them at worst.

Cooperation however can be achieved without compromising one’s principles and values. What we need are more men and women of conviction who will not compromise their values just to get along with the opposition.  With that being said I give you an article written by Debra Burgess. Be sure to stop by her website and show her some comment love.

Eagle out.

Cooperation For Integrity
By Debra Burgess

The time has come to learn what cooperation is. When I research it, I find the meaning to be “working or acting together for a common purpose or benefit”. Something stands out however; there is no synonym for its meaning to compromise.

Looking at historical references we can learn much. The downfall of nations all seem to begin in the heart of those who lead, or are in partnership with leaders. The downfalls begin because someone came into an agreement to compromise from what they knew to be right.

Imagine the possibilities if our leaders could be surrounded by those whose hearts are willing to cooperate but never compromise? Integrity could use some good press these days, but until we value it within ourselves we cannot appreciate its truth in others.

I love to encourage the heart of people to be who they are meant to be in Christ. My hope is anything offered of myself would be pleasing first to my Heavenly Father and secondly to bring a blessing to others.

http://www.debrabee.org

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The Real Night Before Christmas Story

The true night before Christmas story does not annouce the arrival of Santa Clause but of the arrival of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. So here once again is the real night before Christmas story:

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2: 1-20 (NIV)
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!
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No El: A Christmas Message

image001A View from the Nest
Random Ramblings from the Resident Raptor
Insight from the Journey across the Sky

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:8-14 (ESV)

Hear ye! Hear ye! Have you heard the good news? Today in the city of David a Savior was born who is Christ the Lord!

Birth announcements do not usually cause visits from heaven nor bring an angel choir and a brand new star. Wise men from the east traveled many miles to pay homage to this new-born King. Relatives might make a trip across the country to see a new-born but to bring gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. I would think not.

The angels sang Joy to the world! They proclaimed good news to all men! He shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace! What a birth announcement! What a proclamation!

My birth announcement amounted to a small space in the local newspaper. No fanfare or celestial beings in attendance to announce my arrival and certainly no bright new star shining overhead. No one came from afar to witness my birth nor were any kings or governors quaking at the thought of a new king being born. Other than a three-day blizzard my arrival onto this planet was less than spectacular.

For most people, their entrance into the world is usually without much fanfare or production. I performed a Google search to see if I could find any famous person’s birth announcements and found none. I guess the lack of those is due primarily to the birth of most infants is not considered extraordinary. To be famous one has to do something in this life to be worthy of such acclaim. Merely being born would not need a royal announcement of heavenly proportions.

On this night angels were dispatched to Mary, Joseph and lowly shepherds, to proclaim the birthday of a King. The angels foretold of the greatness of this child. All of heaven was dispatched to make this special delivery. This was no ordinary birthday. This was no ordinary child. This was not just another birth.

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There is a report from Nielson revealing what kids desire for Christmasin 2011.

24 percent want an iPad
18 percent want a computer
18 percent want an E-Reader
17 percent want a television
17 percent want a tablet computer
16 percent want a Blu-Ray player
15 percent want an iPhone
14 percent want a Smartphone
12 percent want a Xbox Kinect
9 percent want the Nintendo Wii
9 percent want a Playstation 3
8 percent want an iPod Touch
8 percent want a Microsoft XBox 360
5 percent want a Playstation Move
5 percent want a Nintendo DS
4 percent want a Mobile Phone
3 percent want a Playstation Portable

A Christmas Story

Image via Wikipedia

In the Christmas classic movie A Christmas Story, Ralphie, a young boy growing up in the ’40′s, dreams of owning a Red Rider BB gun. He sets out to convince the world this is the perfect gift. But along the way, he runs into opposition from his parents, his teacher, and even good ‘ol Santa Claus himself. “You’ll put your eye out” was the constant rebuff, but undeterred little Ralphie pressed on with his desire for a Red Rider BB Gun with a compass in the stock.

When I was growing up the presents we desired were a bit more useful but there was always that one big item we all wished for. Whether it was a bike or the latest hot toy advertised on the radio or TV.

Baseball gloves and bats where big items for boys, and dolls and a doll house were the items most requested by the girls. I grew up in the era of Tonka trucks and Lego building blocks.

Looking over this years wish list I do not see any bikes, roller skates, hula hoops, jump ropes, Tonka trucks or Red Rider BB guns. Every item on this list is one electronic gadget after another. All of which none of us growing up in the old days ever knew of or thought of. Notice also how none of these gadgets require any real outdoor activity to take place. And we wonder why our children are so hyper active today and overweight. Could it be there are not enough roller skates, baseball gloves and Red Rider BB guns under our Christmas trees?

Over the years, the legendary Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog has featured some pretty extravagant gifts. The 1963 catalog offered his-and-her submarines for $18,000. In the 1964 catalog, you could buy a hot air balloon for $6,000. In 1967, the catalog’s offerings included a pair of camels for $4,000. And in 1971, an actual mummy case was selling for $16,000. But in 2006, Neiman Marcus upped the ante with a trip to outer space for $1.7 million.

In comparison to a trip to outer space, an Ipad is a far less extravagant gift but with its use a child could take a trip into virtual space for a lot less money. Perhaps you have certain expectations of what you hope to find waiting for you under the Christmas tree. If you put your hope in what Christmas offers, however, you will be very disappointed.

But if you can get past that to what Christmas is really all about, it truly can be “the most wonderful time of the year.”

The wise men brought the rather unusual gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus. But the first Christmas gifts were not gifts to the Child. The first Christmas gift was the gift of the Child.

And that is this week’s tail feather

But those who are waiting for the Lord will have new strength; they will get wings like eagles: running, they will not be tired, and walking, they will have no weariness. Isaiah 40:31 (BBE)

Along for the journey

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