SEND THEM AWAY

I teach a Sunday School class and I am never exactly sure where the lesson will go.  It is usually my fault when a lesson takes a U-Turn.

“When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place.  Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns.  When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.  As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late.  Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away.  You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.

“Bring them here to me,” he said.  And he directed the people to sit down on the grass.  Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves.  Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.  They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve baskets full of broken pieces that were left over.  The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.”     Matthew 14:13-21 NIV

This lesson was going as planned.  Jesus was going away, because he had heard that John the Baptist had been beheaded.  The people from “towns” — plural — followed him.  Being Jesus, he did what Jesus did.  He healed the sick and felt compassion for them.  This was no short devotional time...not even a Sunday morning hour service.  The teaching, in this place where Jesus sought solitude, went on longer than those mornings when the minister is long winded and our tummies begin to growl.  It became evening and the disciples wanted Jesus to send the people away.  Now, I think the disciples were hungry and wanted to head toward the local McDonald's and sending the people away would mean they could get on their way.

Jesus had a better idea.  He wanted to continue feeding their souls and feed their bodies.  Are you thinking:

• Crowds
• Five loaves of bread — This would not have been an Aunt Millie’s loaf with 20 slices of bread.  This was like a small McDonald’s hamburger bun.
• Two fish — Do not picture two large trout.  Picture a McDonald’s tiny fish square.

And the crowd was five thousand men plus the women and children.  JESUS SHRUGGED AND TOLD EVERYONE TO SIT DOWN. 

Jesus thanked God.  All the people were fed and there were leftovers! A LOT OF LEFTOVERS!

We talked about how all those people would leave, go back to their towns - plural - and tell others.  Can you hear them?

• Jesus healed so many.
• You should have seen the compassion Jesus had for the ill and the hurting.
• Jesus taught and healed and listened for a very long time.
• There was a big crowd.  At least 5,000 ...  plus the women and children.
• He blessed two fish and five loaves — and there were leftovers.  Leftovers.
• YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE!

Yup, the lesson was going as planned, until — until my mind looked at the words and lines I had drawn ...  what if:

• I marked out the word people and wrote us?
• I marked out fish and bread and wrote mercy, forgiveness, hope, peace.....?
• What if those baskets were now full of all the blessings we have available to us?

That is when the discussion really began —

• How fast would the Word of God spread and how many people would find the salvation of Jesus if we spread the word.
• How amazing that we can take everything we need out of the basket and there is still plenty to give to others.
• I needed forgiveness, but my goodness; there is still forgiveness for you and you and you.  The basket is still full. 
• I have taken out mercy, grace, peace, and salvation, but the basket is still full. 
• I have learned wisdom from the Word of God, but look...right on top is the Word of God waiting for the next person.  The basket is still full.

We realized it is our responsibility to offer God’s grace, mercy, peace, salvation, wisdom, and forgiveness to all.

Sadly, too often, we are like the disciples.  We are tired and hungry.  It has been a long day.  We don’t want to make sure those around us are fed.  We just want them to leave.  We want Jesus to ourselves.  We want him to listen to us and take care of our needs. 

Sadly, too often, we are like the disciples.  We are tired and hungry…and someone goes away without peace or mercy or grace or salvation or wisdom or forgiveness or…..

NAME THAT TUNE – ANSWER SHEET

Google Music Quizzes and you will find:  Name That Tune, Beetles Song Quiz, Find The Song Title Quiz, and Can You Finish These 60’s Song Titles Quiz.  So here we go…

FIND THAT HYMN

Traditional and Contemporary

Some faith journeys begin at birth, because the person spent their life growing up in Jesus.  Some faith journeys begin slowly, but are built on the church’s one foundation.  Some faith journeys take a lifetime before a person becomes gracefully broken.

My journey?  My parents did not attend church, but they sent us kids off to church with a smile.  Truth be told, the only reason I went was because I was made to go.  Although I did not go down to the river, I was baptized and joined the church.  I was such a good little Christian.  I went to church.  I went to Sunday School.  I listened to the old church choir sing “To God Be the Glory.”  Finally, I remembered my grandmother, a woman who read her Bible and believed the good news, had told me to take time to be Holy. 

Take time?  Be Holy?  God is a mighty fortress, I tried to find time for a sweet hour of prayer, and I had told Jesus, “I believe.”  Was I missing something?

Even then, I needed someone to remind me who I am, so I had just a little talk with Jesus.

“Mary, are ye able to understand that I just want you?”

Why me, Lord?  I ….

“You are what?  Afraid?  My child, do not be afraid.  Fear is a liar and will make you doubt yourself and me.  Take a minute to just breathe.  My Son did not remain on the old rugged cross and because he lives, it is a glorious day and, in my eyes, you are flawless!”

That’s it?  I only need to believe, to confess and to trust and obey?  I only need to say, “Here I am” and ….

“I do expect you to grow your faith, share your faith, help others …but yes, when the roll is called up yonder your name will be on the roll.  MARY in big bold letters will proclaim you have arrived!  Now what do you think of that?”

I think I need to shout, “Joy to the World.”  Then do a happy dance.

“I have given you a few talents.  I expect you to use them!  BUT the talents you received did not include singing or dancing.”

Okay.  Okay.  I received your blessed assurance loud and clear.  How about if I make a quiet joyful noise and shuffle my feet?

“Deal.  Now go give thanks and spread some wonderful words of life.  Just write them, not sing them.”

AND ALL THE PEOPLE SAID AMEN!

NAME THAT TUNE

Google Music Quizzes and you will find:  Name That Tune, Beetles Song Quiz, Find The Song Title Quiz, and Can You Finish These 60’s Song Titles Quiz.  So here we go…

FIND THAT HYMN

Traditional and Contemporary

Some faith journeys begin at birth, because the person spent their life growing up in Jesus.  Some faith journeys begin slowly, but are built on the church’s one foundation.  Some faith journeys take a lifetime before a person becomes gracefully broken.

My journey?  My parents did not attend church, but they sent us kids off to church with a smile.  Truth be told, the only reason I went was because I was made to go.  Although I did not go down to the river, I was baptized and joined the church.  I was such a good little Christian.  I went to church.  I went to Sunday School.  I listened to the old church choir sing “To God Be the Glory.”  Finally, I remembered my grandmother, a woman who read her Bible and believed the good news, had told me to take time to be Holy. 

Take time?  Be Holy?  God is a mighty fortress, I tried to find time for a sweet hour of prayer, and I had told Jesus, “I believe.”  Was I missing something?

Even then, I needed someone to remind me who I am, so I had just a little talk with Jesus.

“Mary, are ye able to understand that I just want you?”

Why me, Lord?  I ….

“You are what?  Afraid?  My child, do not be afraid.  Fear is a liar and will make you doubt yourself and me.  Take a minute to just breathe.  My Son did not remain on the old rugged cross and because he lives, it is a glorious day and, in my eyes, you are flawless!”

That’s it?  I only need to believe, to confess and to trust and obey?  I only need to say, “Here I am” and ….

“I do expect you to grow your faith, share your faith, help others …but yes, when the roll is called up yonder your name will be on the roll.  MARY in big bold letters will proclaim you have arrived!  Now what do you think of that?”

I think I need to shout, “Joy to the World.”  Then do a happy dance.

“I have given you a few talents.  I expect you to use them!  BUT the talents you received did not include singing or dancing.”

Okay.  Okay.  I received your blessed assurance loud and clear.  How about if I make a quiet joyful noise and shuffle my feet?

“Deal.  Now go give thanks and spread some wonderful words of life.  Just write them not sing them.”

AND ALL THE PEOPLE SAID AMEN!

---------

There are 34 songs.  The answer sheet will post Wednesday, March 11, 2020

FEBRUARY

My hubby says the reason February is short is because we can only take 28 dreary and grey days.  As if 28 days is not enough, every four years February is blessed with an extra day.  Gee thanks. 

Even the special days in February are a bit unusual.  We all know Groundhog Day, President’s Day and Valentine’s Day, but what about these:

       9th         Toothache Day

     16th         Do A Grouch A Favor Day

     18th         Battery Day

Those are a stretch even for my imagination.  Then I saw February 26 – Tell A Fairy Tale Day

Who does not like a story that begins Once upon a time…?  Those words bring up images of a princess and a charming prince.  Seven dwarfs.  Three bears.  Giants.  And a slow turtle.

How will you do on this quiz?

1. ____________ stole from the rich to give to the poor.
2. The miller’s daughter spun ____________ into gold.
3. Paul Bunyan was the greatest ____________?
4. Henny Penny told everyone the ____________ was falling.
5. When ____________ lied, his nose grew longer.

But if you really like to tell stories, get your imagination going and begin with “Did you hear about….

• the people who shouted the walls of Jericho down?  Just picture the priests leading a whole lot of people and the people in Jericho laughing at them.  Where is Jericho?  In a land far, far away…

• Daniel?  With all the royal food he could eat, he only wanted vegetables and water.  I know!  How crazy is that…or…was it….

• the woman who turned into a pillar of salt?  They were escaping and her husband, Lot, told her not to look back…Why were they escaping?...What would a pillar of salt look like?  Let’s find out.  Google Lot’s Wife and pillar of salt….

• the fish that was so large it could swallow a man?...Yes, a man!!!...Why was the man in the water?...Well, the crew threw him overboard…….

Fairy tales are fun and good for the imagination, but if you want to tell a really, really good story..if you want to get really, really excited telling that story…if you want those little ears to hear about heroes and villains and good and evil…dig into the Bible…and find a windstorm coming out of the north – an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light.  The center of the fire looked like glowing metal, and in the fire was what looked like four living creatures.  (Are those little eyes getting bigger?)  (Continue reading very animated and quickly.)  In appearance their form was that of a man, but each of them had four faces…YES, FOUR FACES…and four wings…….I saw that from the waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him.  YES, ALL AROUND HIM…(Now finish slowly and quietly, until you are almost whispering.)  Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him.  This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD.  (From Ezekiel)

THAT MY FRIENDS WILL BEAT A FAIRY TALE ANY DAY OF THE WEEK!

Answers in case you have not heard or read a fairy tale in a very long, long time: 

Robin Hood, Straw, Lumberjack, Sky, and Pinocchio

PROTECTING ME?

The minister was talking about the arrest of Jesus.  During the message, Pastor Larry said Jesus died for our protection.  PROTECTION?  To have my sins forgiven --Yes.  But protect me from what?

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.  2 Thessalonians 3:3

I must admit the evil one comes in many forms.  For me, misdirection does get me in a bit of a pickle.  I can be oh so determined to send a card, clean house, call a friend, or find a place to volunteer, but something to google pops into my tiny brain and I am very quickly misdirected.  Now, not cleaning house is no biggie (It is picked up, the bathrooms are clean, the laundry done, and the dust does not show until the sun shines.), but maybe the card I didn’t send or the call I didn’t make or the volunteering I didn’t do would have changed someone’s day.  LORD PROTECT ME WHEN THE EVIL ONE MISDIRECTS ME FROM DOING YOUR WORK.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”  John 10:27-28

Who is this “no one” who wants to snatch me out of Jesus’ hand?  I don’t know anyone who is trying to yank me away from God’s Son.  And yet…. whose voice do I listen to?  FOX news is telling me one things and CNN is telling me something else.  What the left says is true.  What the right says is true.  Wear this.  Look like this.  Wine is wrong.  Wine is good for you.  This pill will … do not say that … it is okay if you do that … the Bible does not say that.  Who is trying to yank me away from God’s Son?  Who:  Those that are trying to tell me what to think and how to live.  LORD PROTECT ME FROM THOSE THAT WANT ME TO FOLLOW BLINDLY INSTEAD OF LISTENING TO YOUR VOICE AND LEARNING FROM YOUR WORD.

So say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can mere mortals do to me?”  Hebrews 13:6

Maybe mere mortals are no match for the Lord, but mere mortals can sure do a number on me.  What chance do I have?  I mean, really!  I am 73.  A mere mortal could whoop my backside.  A mere mortal can destroy my confidence.  A mere mortal can use words that frighten me:  Cancer.  A loved one is very ill.  Alzheimer’s.  A mere mortal … LORD PROTECT ME FROM THE ACTIONS AND THE WORDS OF MERE MORTALS WHICH FRIGHTEN ME.

Jesus died to protect me, but how do I know he will? 

Jesus is faithful,

Jesus is holding me in His hand,

Jesus is my helper,

and

I TRUST HIM!

A RED HEART, CANDY, AND ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Warning:  My usual process is to pull up a blank blog page, put the date on…at that point I realized the 14th is Valentine’s Day…and add a title.  This is the title which appeared and I have absolutely no idea where this is going or in what order a red heart, candy and kidding me will appear. 

June 4, 2020 will be our 55th Anniversary.  During that time, some Valentine’s Day were spent looking into each other’s eyes, as we held hands in a very nice restaurant.  (Of course, in the beginning the “very nice restaurant” was our kitchen.  No money!)  Some Valentine’s Days were preceded by writing the names of every child in our kid’s class, on those Valentine envelopes which usually had a minimal amount of glue on them -- which resulted in the envelope coming apart when the sweet “You are my friend forever, Happy Valentine’s Day” card was stuffed in by a first grader.  And said first grader took an extremely long time to print their name.  Well, the daughter took a long time.  The son did not care so much about his signature and whipped those cards out in no time. 

We have spent Valentine’s Day in Indiana, Michigan, and Alabama.  Two years ago, we were in Alabama and were holding hands as we walked down the hall to our hotel room.  (Yes, we still hold hands.)  The nice gentleman sweeping the hall asked how long we had been married.  Then asked what room we were in.  Fast forward to after our romantic Valentine’s Day dinner.  We opened the door to our room and there on the desk – here comes the “are you kidding me? – was a bottle of bubbly, two wine glasses, and some fancy candy.  A fun and enjoyable surprise.

Candy?  The Sweetheart candies began in 1866 and today over 8 billion flow into stores where they sell out in six weeks.  Question 1:  Is there anyone who really likes the special heart candies that will last from February 14 till the ants come in during the summer.  Not sure they eat them either, but when you see ants on them, it is okay to throw the candy away.  Question 2:  The words started out with Be Mine, but later included such romantic phrases as Email Me and Fax Me.  Do you sort through the candies to find the one which conveys your undying love?  If not, you might want to reconsider.  The gleam in the eyes of your sweetie might change from loving to confusion, if the candy heart says chill out.

What about the red heart?  I have a very old, red, heart shaped, candy box.  It belonged to my mother.  I like to imagine my dad, handing her the box, and --- taking the first piece.  Hey, he liked candy!  My parents, like most parents of their generation, were not lovey, dovey and rarely said, “I love you.”  But that box!  That box tells me that my daddy loved my mommy.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

The End.

WHY DID THEY PUT THAT IN?

I have a bottle of white-out sitting on my desk.  I have often thought about using it when I come across a scripture I do not like.

Please explain why any hard working person would leave in Romans 13:6?  This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.  I get the pay your taxes.  Well sorta.  I do want good roads and schools and libraries and… BUT maybe someone should send an email to all those ‘authorities’ and explain to them they are God’s servants.  Okay.  Okay.  The verse about taxes stays in.

I always tell people I am going to remove the word ‘patience’ because it is a struggle to be patient.  Isaiah 7:13:  Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David!  Is it not enough to try the patience of humans?  Will you try the patience of my God also?  I do not like to think about trying God’s patience.  What if he got as impatient with me as I get with some of the… Oh.  Pretty sure I need to reword that.  I need to be as patient with God’s children as God is with me.  Patience stays in.

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:44-45  Who was Jesus talking to?  The first four Disciples?  Surely Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew and James, son of Zebedee, and his brother John were the only ones who would pray for their enemies.  Sadly, Jesus was talking to a crowd and these words would also be meant for me.  How do I pray for a person who hates me?  Or tries to harm me?  I put the white out away.  Love and prayer for those who persecute me stays in. 

The Bible – will I ever understand every passage?

The answer would be NO!

But I am trying.

I JUST NEED A FEW THINGS

I am not a shopper.  There are many things I love to do, but shopping is not one of them.  I enjoy looking around an antique store, but clothes shopping happens, maybe, twice a year.  I like going to wineries, but Target holds no magic.  I enjoy art museums and book stores, but only go to Walmart when absolutely necessary.  If I am in need of material for baby blanket material I can spend a long time matching the border to the main pattern, but I try to be in and out of most stores in the least amount of time as possible.  But sometimes shopping cannot be avoided.

The list is short.  I just need a few things.  It will not take long.  I needed shampoo – oh, look, it is on sale.  Toothpaste – better get a couple new brushes too.  This darn sinus requires Kleenex.  And all those battery operated decorations seem to drain AA batteries as if they were drinking a milkshake – buy two and get one free.  What a deal!  And, just like that, before I even realize it, the cart is full.  What happened?  The list was short.  Honest.  There were only a few things. 

I have a rather vivid imagination – surely the result of no TV until I was around 13, having to visualize the story told on the radio, and reading books.  Lots of books.  Yes, I have an imagination and I can close my eyes and picture Jesus setting up a booth at the Friday morning farmer’s market.  An empty booth!

< < < <   > > > >

Jesus is standing there, under a stripped tent held up by poles, and waiting.  The market will open shortly, but there he stands while all the other merchants are scrambling to set out their fruit and vegetables and pottery and rope.  They all have so much to offer.  And Jesus stands there.  He is nodding to the merchants walking by and they snicker because they see nothing to sell.  The women, with handmade items, walk quickly by and then talk about the strange man at the table.  They whisper, “Is he for real?  Is he waiting on someone to deliver his goods?  Oh, we better get set up.  It is almost time.”

The gates open and --

A child walks right up to Jesus.  Kneeling down, he looks at the child and smiles.  At first the child’s mother is uneasy, but one look into Jesus’ eyes and she knows this man would always cherish her child.  And she trusts.

A young man walked by and Jesus called his name.  The young man looked up and said, “Do I know you?”  You will.  With a bowed head and heavy heart, the young man whispered his greatest fear.  You do not need to worry about tomorrow.  Wait till then.  Tell me how I can help you right now.  And the young man calmly walked away.

A woman slipped from behind Jesus’ tent, looked around, and asked, “Would you have a sip of water for me.  I am very thirsty.”  Of course, but come around here.  “Oh no.  I am a Samaritan…”  It will be okay.  Here…this water will quench your thirst.  After one sip the woman ran away to tell the others.

The elderly man bumped into Jesus.  “I am sorry.  I should have been watching where I was going.”  Maybe you are on the wrong path.  The LORD has a special plan for you and a future.  “For me?  But I am old.  Useless.”  No.  Would you go talk to the young man…the one in the red sandals…red sandals, can you believe what these kids wear today… you are a potter, right?  “Yes, but how did you know?”  The red sandal guy is in need of your skills in his new shop.  “Are you sure…oh, yes.  I will go immediately.”  Changing direction, the elderly man was soon shaking the hand of the kid in the red sandals.

Jesus was taking down his tent and a merchant stopped and asked, “Did you not have anything to sell?”

You are right.  I had not one thing to sell.

“But everyone talked to you.  Were you selling something they had to go pick up?  Or was Amazon delivering?”

Is your house far?  I am going to be your guest tonight.  We need to talk about salvation and how the lost can be saved. 

< < < <   > > > >

Yes, I have a vivid imagination.

But what if…

what if Jesus set up a booth at the local farmer’s market?

What would you find?

Scriptures:  Luke 18:16-17,   Matthew 6:34,   John 4:10,   Jeremiah 29:11, and Luke 19:10

PROTECT OUR CHILDREN

If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.  Matthew 18:6

----------------------------------

Today’s blog is different than any I have ever posted, but it is something I feel very strongly about.  It is an issue we all need to realize is spreading across this country and into every school and into the mind of every child:  Extreme Sex Education.  More and more states are implementing sex education beginning in kindergarten.  These children are receiving information too early.  Information they are not mentally, emotionally, or physically ready to understand. Information which will shape their future sexuality.  Information which contains illustrations that would not be allowed on Facebook.  Excerpts from various articles are indented.

A good beginning article is The Super-Sexualization of Children:  Time to Take Notice.  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-your-child-needs-know-about-sex-and-when/201109/the-super-sexualization-children-time-take?fbclid=IwAR2BixLHhfGdm4KEojA8AqqeFth7NQ5C5iHC38K__YBKk_POaT7_fI0mMSY

So make no mistake about it; your child will be exposed to an enormous amount of sex-related content no matter how hard you try to shield them from it.

The biggest impact however that the super-sexualization of children can have is its overall looming effect on the day-to-day existence of kids. Sexuality becomes much more of a player than it should, irrespective of the child's age. It's as if children's normal curiosity towards sexuality gets ratcheted up a number of notches as if on steroids. 

If you (parents) take it upon yourself to speak honestly, lovingly, and on a regular basis with your child about the sexualized world around her, you will help her make sense of it, help her to put it into an understandable context, and help her to counter any potential negative consequences to all this exposure.

The problem is parents are no longer the ones teaching their children about sex and when the parent believes them to be emotionally, mentally, and physically ready to understand various concepts.  The schools are taking over that role and beginning at a much younger age.  Sex education is no longer teaching girls about menstruation and boys about puberty.  It is teaching them graphic sex.

EXAMPLE 1:  Early Elementary Sex Education Curriculum (grades K-3)

http://www.seemore.mi.org/portfolio/sex-ed/?fbclid=IwAR2xCh7n-nnvc2d2n5OAx-7Z_lHkA_t6xdPyMEc5jiPXT0j1WjBDwUcg-hI

This curriculum is aimed at early elementary students (grades K-3) in the public school. It addresses developmentally appropriate issues for children who have not yet reached puberty in six key concept areas: human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health and society.

Day One: Human Development

·       Begin with direct instruction to help the children become comfortable with sexual terminology. Provide dittoes of naked boys and girls with clearly labeled body parts, and instruct them to "color the feet green" and "color the scrotum orange."

·       Lead a concept attainment lesson on body diversity. Help the children name the ways in which our bodies can be different: color, shape, size, ability, gender, age, etc. Provide pictures of many different body types (an excellent cartoon-style drawing of body diversity can be found in It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris).

·       Provide hands-on, realistic models of the male and female genitalia for children to touch, take apart and examine. This may be some children’s only chance to see adult genitalia up close before they become adults themselves, and it may help them feel much more comfortable with themselves and others.

This is a lesson plan for grades K-3.  Provide hands-on, realistic models of the male and female genitalia for children to touch, take apart and examine.  This was written by http://www.seemore.mi.org/portfolio/

EXAMPLE 2:  Here Are The Details On California’s Sex Education

https://dailycaller.com/2019/07/08/california-sexual-education/?fbclid=IwAR3cHAxREufm7jBFYK-Lm_LF6tKtDIRjHD6TgL0Q11IRaYDnCm8NPgpUQWM

AB-329 allows for parents to opt their children out of sexual education. However, the bill prohibits parents from opting their children out of materials that discuss gender, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation.

“They talk about mutual masturbation,” he added.  “They discuss gender roles, the gender spectrum, and in the support materials … they take it even further. They discuss everything, topics like roleplaying for different genders, blood play, dental dams … fisting is mentioned. I mean, they mention it all.”

There is a video, about half way down this article, about California’s new sex plan.  You have to register to see it because it has some graphic pictures.  Pictures which are being shown to students.

EXAMPLE 3:  NJ Schools Test New Mandatory LGBT Curriculum for Math, History, Grammar

https://pjmedia.com/lifestyle/nj-schools-test-new-mandatory-lgbt-curriculum-for-math-history-grammar/?fbclid=IwAR1qGX8jNdGP8XjEPhG-de0eJotZcHnS8f8gGNGRAKIA4ovaH7d8Noz5LJ0

The curriculum will be mandatory across the state beginning in the 2020-2021 school year, with no parental opt-out provision. Last year, Gov. Phil Murphy (D-N.J.) signed a bill mandating this kind of curriculum, making New Jersey the second state after California (2011) to do so. Illinois followed later last year.

"The intent of the law is for material to be weaved across subjects rather than taught as a stand-alone history lesson, said advocates and legislators who supported it," the magazine reported. In other words, not only will parents not be given the option to opt their kids out of the program, but children will not necessarily be aware of the LGBT lessons when they are taught.

This law violates the fundamental and constitutional rights of parents to direct the moral and educational upbringing of their children," the petition says. "It was written with no protections for families – families cannot opt their child out of the content for any reason, not even if they have religious or moral objections!

While it is important to acknowledge the Nazis' oppression against gay people, many LGBT activists have sought to redefine history in pursuit of their agenda. Some have claimed that the Bible figures of King David and Jonathan were homosexual or bisexual, while others have insisted that the Bible figures Deborah, King David, and the Apostle Paul were "transgender" or "gender non-conforming." While many historical figures did engage in homosexual activity — the ancient Greeks were notorious for pederasty — the concepts of "lesbian," "gay," "bisexual," and "transgender" as identities are extremely modern, and it would do violence to history to apply them anachronistically to figures who never considered themselves that way.

This last article is about mandatory LGBT curriculum, but it is included to show how extensive the sex education, of our children, has become.  It is included in classes such as math. 

EXAMPLE 4:  Sex Ed Book Seeks to Groom Children For Early Onset Of Sex

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/11/06/former-planned-parenthood-trainer-sex-ed-book-seeks-groom-children-early-onset-sex/?fbclid=IwAR3xatMAF3tTreWpZJ5vYluk2yk5siysBENfvjw_QmpyU0mRof1dCOELyoc

Planned Parenthood is also contributing to sex education in our schools:

The first chapter of the book is titled “Can You Die from Masturbating Too Much?” Subsequent chapters include “Do Guys Really Cum in Their Sleep?” and “Is Twelve Too Young to Know I’m Bi?”

They justify their actions by stating that they are simply answering the questions of curious youth,” explained Cline, who left Planned Parenthood and ultimately founded her own website and organization called It Takes a Family. Now, she urges parents to “reclaim parenthood” and provides them with resources needed to build up trust in family bonds.

“Hooking up?” asked Planned Parenthood in a recent tweet. “Here are 12 ways to do it right.” The tweet contains a link to a Teen Vogue article, titled “How to Be an Ethical Hook-Up Partner,” which targets adolescents.  Despite the often-negative press, hookups, or, short term sexual/intimate encounters, like one-night stands, summer flings, and semester-long friends-with-benefits relationships, can come with a lot of descriptors: “casual,” “fun,” “random,” and “spontaneous” can be some, but can they also be ethical, considerate, and satisfying? We think yes!

There could be link after link after link.  Is this what we want for the children in our local communities?  In our states?  In our country?  Do not think for one minute it will not be taught in your local school.  Taught to your children or grandchildren.  Unless we speak up.  Unless we stop this..it will be mandated.  Our schools will have no option.  Our teachers will have no option.  Parents will have no option.

My concern – a concern we should all have – is that our children – of all genders -- are being introduced to sexual content before they are emotionally, mentally, or physically ready to understand.  No student in K-3 should be given realistic models of the male and female genitalia for children to touch, take apart and examine.  School children should not be having condom relay races. 

But if we keep quiet … the model of a penis will be passed around the classroom.  And condoms will be passed during a relay race.  And the innocence of our children will be lost.

Find your voice.  Speak to school boards and ALL elected officials.  This must be stopped.

Thank you for reading to the end.

THE LOST NECKLACE

It was a typical morning.  Hubby and I were enjoying our morning coffee with friends – when my necklace fell off.  I must not have gotten it hooked properly.  Back around my neck it went. 

After coffee, I went to CVS to get a few things, put them away, fixed lunch, and realized my necklace was ….. gone.

I have two, very nice cross necklaces I wear to church, but this one is my everyday necklace.  I put it on when I get up and take it off at night.  It just feels right to have it on.  And it was not there.

I looked in the car, around the car, and where I had been in the house.  NO NECKLACE!

I called the bakery – no they had not found a necklace.  I called CVS – no they had not found a necklace.  I would go look!

Knowing I was upset, hubby drove me to the bakery.  I looked where the car had been parked and under the chair where I had been sitting.  NO NECKLACE!

We drove to CVS.  I looked where the car had been parked.  NO NECKLACE! 

I went inside and walked up and down every aisle.  I looked around the shampoo and toothpaste.  I looked around the Christmas sale items.  I starred at the floor next to the cards and in front of the pharmacy counter.  NO NECKLACE!

I walked again – yes again – down the aspirin aisle – and there – in the middle of the aisle – where I had walked minutes before --- was the --- chain.  I picked up the chain and looked really hard.  I looked from every angle.  A chain but no cross. 

I thought – which aisle had I been on before this one?  I retraced my steps.  And there – was the cross!

I have two, very nice cross necklaces and received a new one for Christmas, but this one ….. It was lost and I wanted to find it.

Where am I going with this?  Simple – if I looked this hard for a necklace, which could easily be replaced, how hard does the Shepherd look for lost souls?

Jesus speaks:  “Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one.  Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it?  When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Celebrate with me!  I’ve found my lost sheep!’  Count on it – there’s more joy in heaven over one sinner’s rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.”                Luke 15:4-7 – The Message

Jesus ate with tax collectors.  He talked with sinners.  He wants ALL his sheep to be in the flock.  ALL!!!

Do you ever feel lost or not good enough?  Do you ever feel like there is no way God would want a person like you?

Listen up!  The GOOD NEWS is that the Shepherd is looking for you!  He will not rest until each of His sheep is rescued.  And that includes YOU!

AND LIFE QUICKLY CHANGES

It happens in a heartbeat.  Life is no longer the life you had.  In a heartbeat, your life will never be the same.

All you have to do is pick up a newspaper, listen to the news, open Facebook, or answer the phone and a tragedy touches your life.  Sometimes we can help with a donation.  Sometimes we can send a card.  Sometimes we can visit.  And, sometimes, sometimes we can ………

I am not sure how to finish, because sometimes there is nothing we can do.  Except realize how valuable and precious life is.

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God, are you listening?

“Of course.  Don’t I always listen?”

Yes, but ‘Hey God’ did not seem the best way to get your attention and I wanted to talk with you.

“Well, you are good at talking so talk away.”

How do we – how do I – prepare when life changes in an instant?  Many years ago, my dad died un-expectantly.  This week, a member of my church family died in a tragic accident.  It is hard.  It hurts.  It is confusing ….

“I could give you a number of Bible verses to look up, but right now I think you need …”

Do you really know what I need?  You are GOD!  The big G!  What I need is …

“What you need is to take a breath and answer me a question. --- Ready? --- Are you afraid?”

Yes. 

“Now we are getting somewhere.  Let’s change directions.  Please look up these verses and then we will continue.”

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Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.     Joshua 1:9

My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.     Psalms 119:28

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.     Isaiah 41:10

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.     Matthew 6:34

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.     2 Corinthians 1:3-4

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“What did you learn?”

My fear is nothing new.  Joshua was afraid after Moses died.  David’s soul was “weary with sorrow.”  You assured the descendants of Abraham that you would strengthen and help them.   

“Don’t forget about my righteous right hand holding you up.”

May I continue?  -- I learned I should not worry about tomorrow.  And…

“And…?”

I learned that because you give me compassion and comfort during my troubles, I can use that gift to comfort others.

“Are you feeling better?”

Do you want me to be honest?

“Of course.  I can handle your anger, your fears, and your honesty.”

I am still afraid.  What if ….

“Mary, my child, -- I love calling you my child – let me ask you another question.  You have no control over what might happen tomorrow or even the next minute, can you apply “what if” to today?  To right now?”

I can try.  What if today I  -- I am thinking – What if today I

• give a stranger my smile?
• give a flower to a neighbor?
• take time to watch the sunset?
• call a friend?
• share your comfort?

“You got this.  Keep going.”

What if I tell my family I cherish them?

What if I trust you?

“Bingo.  Better now?”

For now.  If I need you …

“I’m right here.  I’ll listen for you to say, “Hey God.”

-----------------------------

“Gabriel, you can put the 2 X 4 away.  All she needed was to know it would be okay.”

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Tragedies happen so quickly and touch so many lives.  May you find the courage to trust God with your fear, your anger, and your grief.  His love will surround you with a healing strength which will allow you to breathe.  Which, eventually, will allow you to heal through forgotten moments and treasured memories.