AGREE or DISAGREE???
-- Ron would like to know your thoughts on this subject.
"SOMETHINGS" GOD WANTS YOU TO DO
YOUR CHRISTMAS CARD ADDRESS LIST - - DON’T PUT IT AWAY
I have a strong belief that as faithful that we might want to be in our service to our Lord, we need reminders to spur us on our mission. One of these reminders can be your Christmas card address list. Instead of putting that list away for another year, place it with the Bible and devotional book that you use as a part of your daily visits with God. Then, as you pray, go to the list and pray for at least one person, going down the list to the very end and then starting over. If you have devotions as a family, then read that name and have each family member say something nice about that person before you offer the prayer.
If you are willing to take this a step farther, it would be very meaningful if you called or sent a note to the ones you prayed for, telling them that you included them in your devotional prayer time. If you care enough about someone to send them a Christmas card, note or letter, I know that you care enough about them to remember them in prayer. Sometimes we just need a little reminder.
God’s peace. See You At The House.
AGREE or DISAGREE???
-- Ron would like to know your thoughts on this subject.
12/05/06
SOMETHING GOD MIGHT WANT YOU TO DO - ANSWERING MACHINE
Have you ever thought of your answering machine being a possible way in which you can witness to your faith? Instead of the programmed "leave a message" wording, or the humorous or informative message, why not leave a Christian message? It can only be a short message and cannot be offensive, just a positive witness to your faith. Here is one something like the message you would hear if you called our home and we were not here:
"Ron and Jane cannot answer your call right now. Remember that God always answers you every time you call on Him. Please leave your name, number and message after the tone. The Peace of the Lord be with you."
Will you try placing a Christian message to those who call when you are not at home? You are welcome to use what I use or to create your own. If you already use a Christian message or you create a new one, please send it to me using the box below. I would like to share the message you use with others and hope that they might consider using such a message. This is one of the SOMETHINGS that I believe God wants us to do. More SOMETHINGS another time.
God's Peace. See You At the House.
Ron would like to hear your ideas on this subject.
12/17/06
A COMMENT RECEIVED - ANSWERING MACHINES
I received the following comment related to my THOUGHT about answering machines. "You mentioned about putting a message on our answering machines. I did a variation of that, but it's only for me. I have a new cell phone and when I turn it on, I can have it show a greeting. I have my greeting set as God's Peace so I can see it every time I turn on my cell phone."
12/19/06
SOMETHING THAT GOD WANTS US TO DO - SOMETIMES WE NEED A LITTLE HELP
From time to time, we want to do those SOMETHINGS that God wants us to do, but we need a little help and/or information. If that need ever arises, please let me know and I will use this space to try to find the help that you need. Christianity always seems to work better when we are sharing and working together.
Someone recently shared with me that they need a little help in doing a project for their church website. They would like to have the sermon in audio form, partly so that people who miss the service while running junior church and the nursery can catch up on what they miss, and particularly for those whose sight does not allow them to read. Ideally, they are looking for something inexpensive (if possible) and fast enough so that the sermon can be posted to the website the same day it is given without involving too much difficulty converting formats, etc., to get it there. If you happen to know the best way to do this, or have an idea of the costs involved, equipment needed, the problems that need to be addressed, and the format to use so that the majority of people with home computers would be able to listen to the sermon, please click below to let me know. I will then pass on your email address and information to this person so that they can contact you.
Ron would like to hear from you.
12/20/06
As I was preparing a continuation of the last few RAMBLING THOUGHTS, there was television coverage of the arrival of the President Ford Funeral Procession in Washington D.C. So far what I have observed has been accomplished with much dignity and respect.
It is not my place to offer comment or commentary on the speeches or the people present. There will be more than enough media coverage for that. As I watched, a RAMBLING THOUGHT came to me that I want to share with you. It may have more meaning if you recall, in your mind, the video of the short segment I refer to.
The casket has been removed from the hearse. The six military pallbearers, with their precision steps, position themselves in preparation for ascending the steps to the House of Representatives Chambers of the Capitol. We had been told of the weight of the casket, the many steps, and the strength needed by these six men as they moved up those steps; step, stop, step, stop, clear to the top.
As the first two took the first step up, the casket began its natural tilt. When the first two went up another step, the middle two took their first step up and the casket tilted even more, all of the weight seeming to be placed on those last two men. I wondered how they would make it all the way to the top bearing all of that weight.
The next thing I saw was another member of the Honor Guard at the back of the casket. He put his hands under the casket and pushed up. The casket was now above his head, but it was level. Since the seventh and maybe an eighth had come to help, the weight was born evenly and the casket reached the destination.
As the people of the Old Testament tried and tried to climb out of captivity, oppression and persecution, they could not escape until the Christ Child was born in Bethlehem. Yet there were those who rejected the help.
We often find ourselves in the valleys of depressions, guilt, uncertainty, or sin, and it seems that the valley is so deep, we can never get out. Then the Christ Child who died on the Cross for us, who Ascended into Heaven, sent the Holy Spirit to guide and lead us out of those depths and back to level ground. Yet there are those who reject the help.
Will there be help when I need it? Yes, but only if I accept it. It will be just as available and ready as those extra Honor Guards. From the time of the Psalmist, people knew; "The Lord Is my Shepherd." The Lord was that Christ Child in the Manger. When that Christ Child entered His active ministry, He said, "I am the Good Shepherd" and the people knew that you should follow the Good Shepherd to safety, food and water.
Let us not just pray for help when we need it; let us also daily pray, "Lord, if I can be the help that someone is calling for, then lead me to that person today."
God's Peace. See You At The House.
12/31/06
FLOWER VASES AND CLOTHES HANGERS
Here is another SOMETHING that God might want you to do. Have you ever thought about clothes hangers and flower vases as objects that you should be concerned about? What do you do with the extras you have at home?
Some people throw them in the trash.
Some people keep a whole shelf full of vases just in case they might need one some day, and a portion near the end of the clothes rod in the closet has hanger after hanger, just waiting for those new outfits.
Some people realize that they have too many vases and hangers, so they take them to the church as the church needs everything. They are surprised when they get there to see that there is not room for another vase as one whole cupboard is full of them and there are so many hangers that they get tangled up every time someone tries to hang up a coat.
Some people recycle them. They either put them out for the recycling truck to pick up, or, if they live in a rural area like we do, save them in containers and take them to the recycling center.
Now, let me tell you what we do. My wife keeps a few vases on hand and a few extra hangers in the closet. The extra vases and hangers are set aside by wrapping the vases in paper and putting them in a bag and by using those twisters that tie the hangers together so they don’t get tangled. Then she takes the vases to a local florist and the hangers to the local cleaners for them to use again
Now, you make the decision. Of the above, what is that SOMETHING that God wants you to do with those extra vases and clothes hangers?
God’s Peace. See You At The House.
01/10/07
DOES SOMETHING NEED TO BE FIXED?
As you know, I am a person with special needs. I don’t write this THOUGHT for sympathy or for help. I write this because if this can be fixed, someone may be able to receive the help to remain independent. I was able to afford the cost of this, some others may not be that fortunate.
Each person with a disability may have needs that are totally different from others. I know that there cannot be a program that meets the special needs that each one has.
Here is the problem that I had that I think needs to be fixed. I am not able to stand or walk. To move from my wheel chair to anything else I use a transfer board. The bed became a problem for me. I went to my Home Medical Equipment provider to order a totally electric bed. Her response was that Medicare would pay for a regular hospital bed or a semi electric hospital bed but not for one that is totally electric. The semi electric raises the head of the bed and moves the foot of the bed into the position where you are comfortable when the head is raised.
You may wonder what the problem is. Why would you need to raise and lower the bed once you had it at the right height? What you may not realize is that every bed has two different heights. When I am in my wheel chair next to the bed, the height of the chair and the bed must be nearly even for me to transfer. When I get out of bed the next morning, I have to raise the bed to get the bed and the chair at equal heights. Of course the difference is the mattress. The difference in thickness between when you are sitting on it and when you are not is enough to make it extremely difficult if not impossible to transfer. That is why if I wanted to remain independent and wanted to delay admittance to a Care Facility for a few years, I needed a totally electric bed.
Can the problem be fixed?
Possibly, IF...
....... many people informed Government officials of the problem
....... friends or congregations held a benefit to help defray the cost for those who cannot pay for their own.
....... a congregation, veterans organization, or service organization had a fully electric bed that people could borrow or rent at a low fee.
Maybe you can’t fix this problem, but does God want you to do something about another Medicare problem that needs to be fixed? If you are concerned about one, let me know and I will post it for others to learn about.
Isn’t it strange that you can receive assistance to maintain a sex life but not to get in and out of bed?
God’s peace. See You At The House.
1/12/07
A COMMENT RECEIVED -- DOES SOMETHING NEED TO BE FIXED?
That was a very profound ending to today's Rambling Thought -- how ironic that maintaining a sex life is more important than someone being able to get in and out of bed! It ought to be sent to our government officials. Our priorities are definitely warped. And, then after I read it, they had a story on the news that the manufacturer of Viagra wants to make it become over the counter. Can you imagine the problems they could have with that and the people taking it who shouldn't?
I sent out some emails to government officials about Medicare and totally electric beds, and I referenced the website. In addition to my own senators and representatives, I included others that I think are influential. That's one of those things that you aren't aware of if it doesn't affect you directly. It needs to be brought to their attention.
Before, when I was looking for those SOMETHINGS that God wants me to do, I didn't realize that a simple thing like a letter or an email would count as doing something God wants me to do. You are making it much simpler to figure out a way to do something. --A Faithful Reader
1/13/07
A RAMBLING THOUGHT FOLLOW UP --- RE: DOES SOMETHING NEED TO BE FIXED?
On January 12th I posted a THOUGHT - Does Something Need to Be Fixed. The subject dealt with electric hospital beds and Medicare. You may locate the previous thought here. Following the THOUGHT, there is a response from a reader. Within the response, she stated that she had sent messages to her two Senators and the Representative from her Congressional District. Here is the response she received yesterday from her Representative:
"Thank you for your email regarding the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) regulations concerning totally electric hospital beds. I understand you have been told that Medicare will not cover a totally electric bed.
In an effort to assist you, I have contacted CMS on your behalf. I have requested a review of the guidelines concerning CMS' coverage for totally electric beds. In addition, I have asked for a response that addresses the conditions that must be present for a totally electric bed to receive Medicare reimbursement. I will be in contact with you when I receive a reply from CMS."
I have printed this response in order to encourage you to write to your Senators and your Congressional Representative about this or any other issue. To me it is remarkable that the THOUGHT was posted on the 12th and she received a reply on the 20th. If she sent her message on the 12th, that is only 8 days.
Thanks to all of you for your continuing assistance in this ministry.
GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.
01/21/07
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF THIS WEATHER?
As you read this, on the 21st of January, 2007, here in our little part of the world in Northwest Ohio, we are supposed to be receiving our first ground-covering snow of the winter. Instead I read about the devastation in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, Missouri and other states, even in New England. WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF THIS WEATHER?
I still shudder at the tremendous loss of life as a result of the earthquakes in the waters off the Coast of Indonesia and neighboring countries. WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF THIS WEATHER?
New Orleans gets all of the publicity but the loss of lives and massive destruction from the Hurricane and flooding are still present in our minds and on the newscasts. WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF THIS WEATHER? I wish I knew the answer to that question, but I don’t.
I have heard about global warming, but I don’t understand it.
I have heard about a hole in the ozone layer, but I don’t understand it.
I have heard about warmer water in the Gulf and the Oceans, and they call it El this or El that, but I don’t understand it. Maybe I should understand it as I know that I should be concerned about it. I want to know more than just the fact it is warm water, I want to know why the water is warm.
I know one thing and that is that it cannot be blamed on God. When God created, God created and He gave to man everything needed to care for His Creation.
Thus the only conclusion that I can come to is this: If it was Good when God placed the land, the water, and the air in the hands of man, then man, including me, must be the cause of that which is bad. If man has caused the weather to be bad and has done it without God’s help, just imagine what mankind can do with God’s help to repair the damage.
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF THIS WEATHER?
Can you help me find out?
Can you suggest a book or article that suggests causes in NON-SCIENTIFIC terms?
Do you know of a published list of things that might be causes of global warming? I am not thinking of industrial as at this point I am asking the question, What can I do as an Individual?
The Church has done well in relief work both nationally and internationally. God’s people have usually done well in responding to people in emergency situations. I am afraid that we have not done well in seeking to prevent the situations from taking place. If you have any knowledge as to the human participation that is a part of the CAUSE of the weather, I hope you will respond so that together we might begin, one by one and without fanfare, to right the wrongs that we have done to God’s wonderful creation.
Let us remember to pray for God’s wisdom and guidance.
GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE
01/21/07
KEEPING PEOPLE WARM - A SOMETHING GOD MIGHT WANT YOU TO DO
During this time of year many Church Women’s Groups have weekly sewing days scheduled. One of the major projects is making blankets for those who need them to keep warm. People gather together regardless of their specific talents. Some cut squares from material, others lay out the squares to form the design of the quilt, others sew the pieces together, and still others do the knotting that puts the quilt top, the middle, and the bottom together. These people put a lot of pride in what they do, as they want the people who receive these quilts to not only be warm but also to find pleasure in the beauty of the quilt.
The finished quilts are distributed in many ways. Some are sent overseas through various World Relief Agencies; others go to local homeless shelters or places of refuge for women or children who need protection as well as shelter. In our area, a church provides a large Christmas package for families in need. Along with the food and gifts, one of these quilts is always included. Another group provides baby blankets for people served through Children and Family Services.
To keep people warm is an opportunity that goes beyond the people that gather together to sew. They need your help. They need donations of material, thread and yarn: Material such as gently used or new sheets that can be used for the backing; Material that can be used for the middle that gives the warmth; Material that can be cut up to make the squares for the beautiful tops. These materials might be found in the back of your closet, just in case you might need them someday, or in a box of sewing supplies that you have not used for years. These supplies can be found at sales in stores, garage sales and auctions at fairly inexpensive prices. Even used jeans can be cut into squares to make denim quilts for boys. It should not be hard to find a group near you who would welcome these donations.
You might also find a group that you can join with them in sewing and fellowship. While some groups only sew for a few weeks or months, others sew year round. Some people will make tops at home, even when the group is not sewing, so that when they gather together again as a group, there will be plenty of work waiting to be done.
Just think, while you are having good fellowship and fun, you can be helping in KEEPING PEOPLE WARM
GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.
01/23/07
IT WAS FROZEN AND IT WOULD NOT BUDGE
Sitting in the Mall Parking Lot this morning, I watched the refuse truck stop at a local fast food restaurant. The driver got out of the truck and went to the gates of the fenced enclosure where the trash containers are kept. Very soon it was obvious that he was not going to get the gate open. He knew what was wrong, and as I observed his actions, I saw that the iron pipe that was attached to the gate and went into the ground was frozen, and it would not budge, Of course, that was the way they kept the gates closed and the trash inside the fence.
I wish I knew the correct name for tools, so just let me say that he took this extra long cigarette lighter type thing, pressed a button and lit it. He moved the flame around the pipe at the level of the blacktop, and it was not long before the ice had melted enough for the pipe to come loose.
As usual, I wondered what this had to say about everyday life. Don’t we sometimes get an idea in our head that gets stuck there, frozen if you will? No matter what someone says negative about our thought, we will not budge. Some call it sticking to their convictions. Their friends call it down right mule type stubbornness. Whatever it is, we do get some ideas in our minds that get frozen and we will not budge.
Now we as friends can’t use a flame to melt them. What we can do is coat them with the warmth of love, understanding and caring – but, only if it is God’s love, understanding and caring that is flowing through us into that life.
It may be frozen in our mind or in our lifestyle, but God’s Love can melt anything. Try it.
GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.
01/27/07
Which would you rather meet: a dog that growls at you
or a cat that walks up to you and purrs? You would probably agree with me
and select the purring cat over the growling dog, unless you are allergic
to cats.
In our daily life we encounter many people who are like growling dogs and
only a few who are like purring cats, and that is a tragedy.
Those who growl are the ones that are always tearing others down,
complaint after complaint. Some spew venom while letting you know that
they believe in God. Most who growl don’t care whose feelings they hurt
because they have it coming.
Those who purr are the few who never say anything bad about anyone and
always look for ways to compliment. They are the ones who make us smile,
maybe embarrass us because we were not looking for praise, and maybe urge
us to do some purring ourselves.
Can you imagine how wonderful our world would be if we no longer would
growl but would only purr? I recently talked with a couple that we have
known for 25 or so years. I told them that, at the event where we first
met them, they were so kind and gracious to talk with us as we had not met
before. After the event was over and we had returned home I remarked about
what a special couple they were. Then I said to them that things had not
changed and after all of these years they are still a very special couple
They thanked me and walked toward the door. Just before he opened the
door, he said, "We have to get outside before she starts to cry." She
looked at me and smiled. I simply responded, "I’m glad."
Wouldn’t this be a wonderful world if we all would purr and make people
cry?
GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.
02/17/07
FORGOT IT -- WHERE DID I PUT IT?
For as long as I can remember I have carried several pens in my pocket.
One of those pens is always my favorite at the time. When a person wants
to borrow a pen, I never give them the special one. I always try to put
the pen back in my pocket when I am finished with it. Every so often I
forget, put it on the writing surface and walk away. Later I reach for my
pen, it isn’t there, and I waste a lot of time looking for it. I could use
another pen, but I think I need that special one.
We carry three other pens with us. These pens do not write, as they have
no ink. Yet they are filled and used at various times. One would be God’s
pen. It is filled with His gifts to us of love, forgiveness, mercy and
compassion, among many others. Then there is the World’s pen. It contains
the gifts of opportunity, freedom, friendships and equality, along with
other things that people dream about and reach for. The third pen is
Satan’s. Of course it is filled with greed, deceit, false promises, evil,
and temptations to every kind of sin imaginable.
Most people probably use the pens of the World and Satan most often. We
adjust the World’s pen so that opportunity begins to flow. At many levels
of society we seek the opportunity for more, more, more. As we seek more
and more, we see people as we pass by; people that have not received the
world’s gift of opportunity. They may be poor. They may be people who have
used Satan's pen and are now recovering alcoholics or recovering drug
users. They may have been rehabilitated and released from prison. The
World’s pen taunts these people that Satan’s pen tried to destroy.
As you walk by you know that you need to do something, but what? Maybe you
write to your elected officials, but they say there is not enough money.
Maybe you say something to your Pastor, he says the church does not have
the resources. You go to well respected people in your community or
church. They say that these people can pick themselves up and earn a
living; there is no time and money to waste on them.
You know that there must be something that you can do, that there must be
a reason why you should do it, but you can’t remember what it is. You
reach into your pocket and there is that third pen, God’s pen. You adjust
it and God’s gifts to you come flowing out. When you see mercy and
compassion, you realize that those were what you were looking for, and
they were in your heart all the time. All of a sudden those words from
Jesus come racing into your mind, "Inasmuch as you have done it unto the
least of these my brethren, you have done it unto Me."
Think of the time we waste by waiting for government or committees to show
compassion and mercy. While they are looking for what is lost, concern for
the least of these, we know that mercy and compassion are found in the
Love that Jesus brings into our hearts. Look around you, see who needs a
helping hand, not money, not well wishes, not letters to important people,
just a hand of mercy and compassion to help the on their way.
God’s pen, filled with His marvelous gifts, is called LOVE. Keep it
central in your heart so you will not lose it. You can act NOW because you
don’t have to waste time looking for it.
GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.
A COMMENT RECEIVED:
This was a wonderful article. C. C.
03/10/07
I HEARD A SERMON TODAY THAT....
Did you ever send an email to a friend that began with the words, "I heard
a sermon today that......."? Why don’t you try it sometime, maybe even now
if you have time. Think of the Sermon that you heard this morning, last
Sunday, or on Radio or TV. Then think of your friends and pick the one who
might be most in need of that message. The person you choose could be
member of a church or one who never attends Worship.
Why should I send this person a message about a Sermon that I heard?
As you type and think of what you want to say, it will help you to
remember what the Sermon taught.
It may let someone know that you really care about them.
It may be just the message that someone needs at this time in their life.
It definitely will be better for them than some of the things we forward
without giving them any thought.
The MOST IMPORTANT REASON may be that this could be a SOMETHING that God
wants you to do.
GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.
03/18-19/07
