...for you, as expressed below:
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
A “Happy New Year” is our wish to you,
Dear family, and friends, and all of you who
Live near us in miles, or very far away,
Whose acquaintance we’ve made some other bright day.
Your year almost past now – happy has it been?
Think about it, please, as you wipe the slate clean,
To enter so soon a completely new year, --
We hope each day brings you true happiness and cheer!
Joy and real blessings may here fill our lives,
Through work, and accomplishment, husbands or wives,
Sports, recreation, concerts, and all
That transforms the humdrum, removes bitter gall.
But always we’re reaching for something that’s higher,
More beautiful or pleasing, our heart’s strong desire;
Whatever it is that we longingly want,
It can’t make us happy, and true joy it may daunt.
For all that this world affords us at times,
There’s something far better in Heavenly climes,
Awaiting each one who in God now will trust,
Approach Him through Jesus, His Son – that’s a must!
We meet the true God, and our Savior, His Son,
In the Book that God left us, finished and done,
Genesis to Revelation, one Bible, one God,
Salvation the theme, and Christ’s grace we applaud!
-- Poet Les
(12-29-2007)
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas
To All Who read this blog today
Christmas Day
Dec. 25, 2007
-
A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU
-
-
Merry Christmas, Ho! Ho! Ho!
So much to do, so far to go!
Christmas comes but once a year,
So praise the Lord, speak words of cheer!
The love we have for you today
Faintly reflects divine love’s display,
Suggests the greatness of His Love,
Who gave us Christmas, came from above!
The reason for the season, noted,
Is found in Scripture, often quoted;
A Baby born to bring us peace,
And from sin’s grip, divine release.
If you on Christmas Day this year,
Are filled with doubt, real dread and fear,
Then find your Peace in God’s dear Son,
With the old now gone, new life’s begun!
-- Poet Les (12-25-07)
So much to do, so far to go!
Christmas comes but once a year,
So praise the Lord, speak words of cheer!
The love we have for you today
Faintly reflects divine love’s display,
Suggests the greatness of His Love,
Who gave us Christmas, came from above!
The reason for the season, noted,
Is found in Scripture, often quoted;
A Baby born to bring us peace,
And from sin’s grip, divine release.
If you on Christmas Day this year,
Are filled with doubt, real dread and fear,
Then find your Peace in God’s dear Son,
With the old now gone, new life’s begun!
-- Poet Les (12-25-07)
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
The Snow Came Down Today!
SNOWFLAKES
Snowflakes white, snowflakes bright,
Floating down through day and night,
Filling up my view today,
As winter’s beauty they portray.
A world of silence, cold, relentless,
All driven by the wind and scentless,
As in my house I contemplate,
How snowflakes’ beauty becomes ornate.
They come from high above our heads,
Cover lawns and walks and sheds,
Now make of all a wonderland,
Where grime and dirt are covered, banned.
Tomorrow’s sun will glisten white,
As snowflakes lie so meek, contrite,
Until comes Spring, then melt away,
To come again another day!
-- Poet Les (12-16-07)
Snowflakes white, snowflakes bright,
Floating down through day and night,
Filling up my view today,
As winter’s beauty they portray.
A world of silence, cold, relentless,
All driven by the wind and scentless,
As in my house I contemplate,
How snowflakes’ beauty becomes ornate.
They come from high above our heads,
Cover lawns and walks and sheds,
Now make of all a wonderland,
Where grime and dirt are covered, banned.
Tomorrow’s sun will glisten white,
As snowflakes lie so meek, contrite,
Until comes Spring, then melt away,
To come again another day!
-- Poet Les (12-16-07)
Monday, December 3, 2007
My Apology to Art
To Art,
Needless to say, I was saddened by your response to my last e-communication with you. If I have offended you by some way that I have expressed myself in writing to you, I apologize sincerely, Art. I am well aware that I am imperfect, and therefore I may be vulnerable to offending others. However, if you or anyone at all is offended by the Gospel of Christ our only Savior, then I really cannot help that.
I didn’t originate or formulate the Gospel. Instead, it came from God alone. What is the Gospel? It is the wonderful plan of our great Creator God, devised and implemented for our redemption. He revealed it to us in His Book, the Bible, and in the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ. He is expressing His great love for you and me, Art, through that plan, -- His love for all the world!
Friend, I want to make it clear that I certainly do not pretend to be better than others, nor to have any special “in” with God, apart from His love and grace, which are available to all. I do know beyond the shadow of a doubt that I am now a child of God, by grace through faith in His Son. And I know that when I complete my earthly journey, I will be at home with the Lord. You, too, can know that, Art. Anyone can. I have NOT worked for it, because I couldn’t succeed in a million years, and neither can anyone else.
There’s more that I want to write you, Art, if you’re willing. You sounded very skeptical when you wrote me on the 27th. You had asked me about the end of the world. Would you like to know more? I don’t claim to have all the answers, but would be glad to pass along to you some of the Bible teachings that I have learned. They can be of tremendous comfort and encouragement to you, Art.
I sincerely care about you, as well as the many other friends that I have known over the years. My desire is to know that you will prepare your self now, to join me someday in the Heavenly mansions that our Savior went to prepare.
Sincerely,
PapaPops
Needless to say, I was saddened by your response to my last e-communication with you. If I have offended you by some way that I have expressed myself in writing to you, I apologize sincerely, Art. I am well aware that I am imperfect, and therefore I may be vulnerable to offending others. However, if you or anyone at all is offended by the Gospel of Christ our only Savior, then I really cannot help that.
I didn’t originate or formulate the Gospel. Instead, it came from God alone. What is the Gospel? It is the wonderful plan of our great Creator God, devised and implemented for our redemption. He revealed it to us in His Book, the Bible, and in the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ. He is expressing His great love for you and me, Art, through that plan, -- His love for all the world!
Friend, I want to make it clear that I certainly do not pretend to be better than others, nor to have any special “in” with God, apart from His love and grace, which are available to all. I do know beyond the shadow of a doubt that I am now a child of God, by grace through faith in His Son. And I know that when I complete my earthly journey, I will be at home with the Lord. You, too, can know that, Art. Anyone can. I have NOT worked for it, because I couldn’t succeed in a million years, and neither can anyone else.
There’s more that I want to write you, Art, if you’re willing. You sounded very skeptical when you wrote me on the 27th. You had asked me about the end of the world. Would you like to know more? I don’t claim to have all the answers, but would be glad to pass along to you some of the Bible teachings that I have learned. They can be of tremendous comfort and encouragement to you, Art.
I sincerely care about you, as well as the many other friends that I have known over the years. My desire is to know that you will prepare your self now, to join me someday in the Heavenly mansions that our Savior went to prepare.
Sincerely,
PapaPops
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Family Get-together at Thanksgiving 2007...
Preparations -- Table for sixteen
Thanksgiving Day, in our
Kitchen!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Art Gets Upset at Me
Hey, PapaPops,
That’s a lot of fancy jargon you’re writing there. Now why don’t you just come down off your soapbox. Come on down to earth where most of us live, and spell it out clearly, about the “end of the world,” “eternal life,” etc. (if there is any such thing)!
In fact I’m getting upset at what seems to be your exclusivity (pardon me for a big word)! Do you think you have a special “in” with St. Peter, or whoever is in charge up there, if there is an “up there?”
Do you think you’re so big and important that you’re going to be in “bliss,” “happiness,” etc. beyond everybody else someday? What about me -- what will happen to me? What about all who have not heard this story of “redemption,” as you call it, or had any interest in it?
Frankly, I’m beginning to think you’re a little daffy if you know what I mean! Maybe you’re “gone off your rocker,” as some people put it.
Just take a walk, and cool off, will you? -- Art
That’s a lot of fancy jargon you’re writing there. Now why don’t you just come down off your soapbox. Come on down to earth where most of us live, and spell it out clearly, about the “end of the world,” “eternal life,” etc. (if there is any such thing)!
In fact I’m getting upset at what seems to be your exclusivity (pardon me for a big word)! Do you think you have a special “in” with St. Peter, or whoever is in charge up there, if there is an “up there?”
Do you think you’re so big and important that you’re going to be in “bliss,” “happiness,” etc. beyond everybody else someday? What about me -- what will happen to me? What about all who have not heard this story of “redemption,” as you call it, or had any interest in it?
Frankly, I’m beginning to think you’re a little daffy if you know what I mean! Maybe you’re “gone off your rocker,” as some people put it.
Just take a walk, and cool off, will you? -- Art
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
In from the cold...
These hanging baskets of tiny flowers were outside on our lawnall summer, and now we have brought them in
to our cool entrance-way to the kitchen
here at the Parsonage.
Notice the close-up below.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
End of the World -- a Reply
Dear Art,
That was a good letter from you. I could enjoy commenting on a number of things to which you referred. But probably the most salient aspect of your letter, as it appeared to me, was when you asked about “The End of the World.” That topic is significant because of the great pressures that exist today between peoples and nations, and various threats of aggression and retaliation, whether ostensible or actual. This seems of greater intensity today, compared to past times, because of the added capacity that exists to destroy other nations, and perhaps even civilization itself!
Now the Bible has two pictures of the future – one is a picture of immense fulfillment, eternal joy, and incomparable happiness, for all human beings who “go God’s way” in this life here and now. The other is a picture of terrible judgment, unbridled and unending wickedness, complete confusion, unmitigated regret, etc., for all who “go their own way” in this life.
Art, you asked in your recent letter, “Does God have a plan to bring about the end of the world?” In answering that, I would say “Yes.” But usually that idea is based upon an attitude of fear. Even the Bible speaks about a time to come when conditions on earth will be so difficult and prospects for the future so threatening that “men’s hearts will fail them, because of fear” (Luke 21:25, 26).
However, as Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon said so long ago about the true and living God, -- “[His] dominion is an everlasting dominion…and he does according to his will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay his hand, or say to him, ‘What are you doing’?” (see Daniel 4:34-35)
Certainly God is good. All that He does now and all that he will do in the future is according to His own perfect and righteous plan. I take that from a study of His being and character in the Holy Scriptures. If we know that He is in control and we trust Him, there is no cause for the fear about which I was writing!
There is no one else who has unlimited wisdom and ability as our great Creator God does. He doesn’t want any of His [human] creatures to face “terrible judgment, unbridled wickedness, complete confusion, and unmitigated regret.”
But God wants human beings to experience, instead, what I described as “immense fulfillment, eternal joy, and incomparable happiness.” The latter can be ours if we listen to God, i.e. if we pay attention to Him by reading and believing His Word the Holy Bible, which is His “Owner’s Manual” for human beings. And above all else that we may factor in, surely we need to focus on knowing and doing His will – being available to fulfill His plan for us, right here and now!
Art, my friend, the God of the Bible, Who is the great Creator and Redeemer, indeed has a plan for history. He is interested in you and me. His deep interest is in each human being on planet earth, now and for the future. He has made us in His image, and expects us to take responsibility for our decisions, especially for the decision whether we will “go God’s way” in this life and leave the results to Him!
Above when I wrote that perhaps human beings could destroy “even civilization itself,” I was only expressing a conjecture made by those who have an inadequate view of God and what He is like. He has given us in the Bible a trustworthy revelation of His acts and His plans, so far as we need to know them. And that Book indicates that God will someday in the future judge this world and destroy it, but will in its place create “new heavens and a new earth” (see Rev. 21:1).
So when you look at this scenario, there is nothing of man’s ability to destroy civilization in it. God’s Book shows that He is involved in His creation; and this aspect of His character is called His immanence. At the same time we see that He is above His creation and separate from it (i.e. not dependent on it for His own existence), and that is known as His transcendence. He is deeply interested in this world, and especially interested in you and me, so He sets up the rules, (surely we need to know our limitations), and we ought to keep them! At the same time, He is kind and merciful toward us, so that we can trust Him to be fair and loving toward us at all times.
Now, Art, this brings me back to the tremendous declaration of God’s love to all human beings in these words: “For God so loved the world [men and women, boys and girls everywhere] that HE GAVE His only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him [GOD’S SON] will not perish [be lost forever at the end of life on earth] but have [has now, that is, and always will have] eternal life!” (John 3:16).
Then, Art, if you ask, “is the world coming to an end? I’d say “Yes.” If you ask, “Is it something to be afraid of?” I’d say, “Not if you rightly understand God’s program of the ages, and get in line with His plan of redemption!”
If you ask, as you did, I believe, “What is this world coming to?” I’d say, “It’s coming to Jesus!” Dr. Adrian Rogers used to put it that question-and-answer exchange on his radio broadcast, “Love Worth Finding”. And that is because the Lord Jesus Christ not only lived here on earth for thirty-three years, was crucified, and rose again, but He is going to return to earth to rule in perfect righteousness. And that is the best future this old world can ever hope to have, before it is finally destroyed, and a new heavens and new earth created.
I hope that this information is useful to you. And I trust that it gives you some reassurance about life on earth, -- that life and its outcome are not random, but that the great Creator God Himself is in charge! He has a wonderful purpose for all His creation. And He loves you and me, Art, so that He has a truly amazing plan for your life and mine!
Here’s hoping that you will recognize Christ for Who He is, and will give the allegiance of your life to Him.
Sincerely, -- “PapaPops”
That was a good letter from you. I could enjoy commenting on a number of things to which you referred. But probably the most salient aspect of your letter, as it appeared to me, was when you asked about “The End of the World.” That topic is significant because of the great pressures that exist today between peoples and nations, and various threats of aggression and retaliation, whether ostensible or actual. This seems of greater intensity today, compared to past times, because of the added capacity that exists to destroy other nations, and perhaps even civilization itself!
Now the Bible has two pictures of the future – one is a picture of immense fulfillment, eternal joy, and incomparable happiness, for all human beings who “go God’s way” in this life here and now. The other is a picture of terrible judgment, unbridled and unending wickedness, complete confusion, unmitigated regret, etc., for all who “go their own way” in this life.
Art, you asked in your recent letter, “Does God have a plan to bring about the end of the world?” In answering that, I would say “Yes.” But usually that idea is based upon an attitude of fear. Even the Bible speaks about a time to come when conditions on earth will be so difficult and prospects for the future so threatening that “men’s hearts will fail them, because of fear” (Luke 21:25, 26).
However, as Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon said so long ago about the true and living God, -- “[His] dominion is an everlasting dominion…and he does according to his will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay his hand, or say to him, ‘What are you doing’?” (see Daniel 4:34-35)
Certainly God is good. All that He does now and all that he will do in the future is according to His own perfect and righteous plan. I take that from a study of His being and character in the Holy Scriptures. If we know that He is in control and we trust Him, there is no cause for the fear about which I was writing!
There is no one else who has unlimited wisdom and ability as our great Creator God does. He doesn’t want any of His [human] creatures to face “terrible judgment, unbridled wickedness, complete confusion, and unmitigated regret.”
But God wants human beings to experience, instead, what I described as “immense fulfillment, eternal joy, and incomparable happiness.” The latter can be ours if we listen to God, i.e. if we pay attention to Him by reading and believing His Word the Holy Bible, which is His “Owner’s Manual” for human beings. And above all else that we may factor in, surely we need to focus on knowing and doing His will – being available to fulfill His plan for us, right here and now!
Art, my friend, the God of the Bible, Who is the great Creator and Redeemer, indeed has a plan for history. He is interested in you and me. His deep interest is in each human being on planet earth, now and for the future. He has made us in His image, and expects us to take responsibility for our decisions, especially for the decision whether we will “go God’s way” in this life and leave the results to Him!
Above when I wrote that perhaps human beings could destroy “even civilization itself,” I was only expressing a conjecture made by those who have an inadequate view of God and what He is like. He has given us in the Bible a trustworthy revelation of His acts and His plans, so far as we need to know them. And that Book indicates that God will someday in the future judge this world and destroy it, but will in its place create “new heavens and a new earth” (see Rev. 21:1).
So when you look at this scenario, there is nothing of man’s ability to destroy civilization in it. God’s Book shows that He is involved in His creation; and this aspect of His character is called His immanence. At the same time we see that He is above His creation and separate from it (i.e. not dependent on it for His own existence), and that is known as His transcendence. He is deeply interested in this world, and especially interested in you and me, so He sets up the rules, (surely we need to know our limitations), and we ought to keep them! At the same time, He is kind and merciful toward us, so that we can trust Him to be fair and loving toward us at all times.
Now, Art, this brings me back to the tremendous declaration of God’s love to all human beings in these words: “For God so loved the world [men and women, boys and girls everywhere] that HE GAVE His only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him [GOD’S SON] will not perish [be lost forever at the end of life on earth] but have [has now, that is, and always will have] eternal life!” (John 3:16).
Then, Art, if you ask, “is the world coming to an end? I’d say “Yes.” If you ask, “Is it something to be afraid of?” I’d say, “Not if you rightly understand God’s program of the ages, and get in line with His plan of redemption!”
If you ask, as you did, I believe, “What is this world coming to?” I’d say, “It’s coming to Jesus!” Dr. Adrian Rogers used to put it that question-and-answer exchange on his radio broadcast, “Love Worth Finding”. And that is because the Lord Jesus Christ not only lived here on earth for thirty-three years, was crucified, and rose again, but He is going to return to earth to rule in perfect righteousness. And that is the best future this old world can ever hope to have, before it is finally destroyed, and a new heavens and new earth created.
I hope that this information is useful to you. And I trust that it gives you some reassurance about life on earth, -- that life and its outcome are not random, but that the great Creator God Himself is in charge! He has a wonderful purpose for all His creation. And He loves you and me, Art, so that He has a truly amazing plan for your life and mine!
Here’s hoping that you will recognize Christ for Who He is, and will give the allegiance of your life to Him.
Sincerely, -- “PapaPops”
Thursday, November 15, 2007
The End of October....
Last pickings from our 2007 Vegetable Garden, which I picked before going to bed on the night of October 28, 2007. Amazing!
Friday, November 2, 2007
Art asks about the End of the World
Hello, PapaPops,
Here’s what I’ve been doing, -- my wife and I attended a Portland Symphony Concert, and it was wonderful! Then I dug out some old classic books, and did a little reading. One was Pilgrim’s Progress, -- remember that? It was right in the midst of our library selections, jut waiting to be picked up. It reminded me somewhat of the things you were writing about in your last letter to me. It’s quite mysterious though, isn’t it – strange names for characters and places – “Hopeful,” “City of Destruction,” “Slough of Despond,” etc.?!?
The other classic book I’ve started recently is In His Steps, by Charles Sheldon. That’s quite famous, too, isn’t it? Seems to me that it has something to do with acting today like Jesus might act, in various situations, if He were here in the world, as we are. Is that about right? In fact, I’ve just done a little searching, and find that this book, written in 1896 was, by one hundred years later, the tenth most-read book in the world. Amazing! It seems to have an odd twist to it – a tramp comes to church, speaks to the congregation, and then dies there! Don’t know whether I’ll get through it or not, but at least I’ve started. I think my wife said that she read it, many years ago.
No, we’ve done no traveling recently, but next Spring we may “pull up stakes,” and set out. Bryce Canyon sounds good. Would you recommend it, PapaPops? And Pike’s Peak must be magnificent, too, especially if you see it from the right spot! And what about the Grand Canyon? And Yellowstone National Park, etc., etc?
As far as a new career is concerned, I don’t think I’m ready for that yet. Too many things to do, and I want to go at my own pace, at least for awhile. Then of course there are the “Honey, do” lists. I suppose you know all about them!?!
Here’s something I’ve been thinking about – when will the end of the world happen – in our lifetime? And under what circumstances will this happen? I’ve heard some rumblings that sound pretty ominous. Have you? It just occurred to me that perhaps you’ve made a study of this for your preaching work. Does God have a plan to bring about the end of the world? Or is it possible that mankind will cause such a thing to happen by improper and undisciplined uses of power, such as nuclear power? What can you tell me about this?
It really is scary, isn’t it, when you think of the countries that have large armies? And then of course, there are so many countries now that either have missiles with possible nuclear warheads on them, or are working on getting them “as we speak!” What’s the world coming to, anyway???
Now, PapaPops, I’m not interested in just a lot of speculation about these matters. But if you can give me some reliable and trustworthy information about future happenings, I’d like to know about it.
Thank you very much. And “so long” for now!
Your friend, -- Art
Here’s what I’ve been doing, -- my wife and I attended a Portland Symphony Concert, and it was wonderful! Then I dug out some old classic books, and did a little reading. One was Pilgrim’s Progress, -- remember that? It was right in the midst of our library selections, jut waiting to be picked up. It reminded me somewhat of the things you were writing about in your last letter to me. It’s quite mysterious though, isn’t it – strange names for characters and places – “Hopeful,” “City of Destruction,” “Slough of Despond,” etc.?!?
The other classic book I’ve started recently is In His Steps, by Charles Sheldon. That’s quite famous, too, isn’t it? Seems to me that it has something to do with acting today like Jesus might act, in various situations, if He were here in the world, as we are. Is that about right? In fact, I’ve just done a little searching, and find that this book, written in 1896 was, by one hundred years later, the tenth most-read book in the world. Amazing! It seems to have an odd twist to it – a tramp comes to church, speaks to the congregation, and then dies there! Don’t know whether I’ll get through it or not, but at least I’ve started. I think my wife said that she read it, many years ago.
No, we’ve done no traveling recently, but next Spring we may “pull up stakes,” and set out. Bryce Canyon sounds good. Would you recommend it, PapaPops? And Pike’s Peak must be magnificent, too, especially if you see it from the right spot! And what about the Grand Canyon? And Yellowstone National Park, etc., etc?
As far as a new career is concerned, I don’t think I’m ready for that yet. Too many things to do, and I want to go at my own pace, at least for awhile. Then of course there are the “Honey, do” lists. I suppose you know all about them!?!
Here’s something I’ve been thinking about – when will the end of the world happen – in our lifetime? And under what circumstances will this happen? I’ve heard some rumblings that sound pretty ominous. Have you? It just occurred to me that perhaps you’ve made a study of this for your preaching work. Does God have a plan to bring about the end of the world? Or is it possible that mankind will cause such a thing to happen by improper and undisciplined uses of power, such as nuclear power? What can you tell me about this?
It really is scary, isn’t it, when you think of the countries that have large armies? And then of course, there are so many countries now that either have missiles with possible nuclear warheads on them, or are working on getting them “as we speak!” What’s the world coming to, anyway???
Now, PapaPops, I’m not interested in just a lot of speculation about these matters. But if you can give me some reliable and trustworthy information about future happenings, I’d like to know about it.
Thank you very much. And “so long” for now!
Your friend, -- Art
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Letter to Art
To my old friend, Arthur D. Zee
Dear Art,
Letter-writing is so easy today, isn’t it? We have tools -- computers, word processors, and even the availability of an on-line thesaurus, and an on-line rhyming dictionary, -- maybe even “old fashioned” pen and paper, if one is so inclined!
But I fear that letter-writing is a lost art, or very close to it. We all get so busy, that even if we think of writing to a friend, it’s just too easy to “put it off,” isn’t it? That has happened to me – it’s been over a month since I received the last letter from you. Several times I’ve intended to reply, but just couldn’t find one of those little yellow disks that I’ve heard so much about -- a “round tuit”! (Note: Previous letters in this series can be found on the blog by going to “Previous Posts”).
Now I wonder, Art, what you have been doing recently for enjoyment? Have you done more traveling, or planned a new career? Have you found a good book to read, or gone to a symphony concert? Speaking of traveling, my wife and I took the opportunity to travel across these continental United States, and back. What a wonderful trip! The scenery was terrific. One of our favorite places was Bryce Canyon, to the north of the Grand Canyon. Spectacular views! And then I remember photographing Pike’s peak from the parking lot of a restaurant one day – amazing!
You raised an interesting question, Art, when you seemed to look askance at “relying on somebody else for a payment on our behalf.” I believe that you had in mind the teaching of the Bible that you and I could never in the world do enough, or live so perfectly, that to be fair, God would have to take us to Heaven on our own merits. Did I understand you correctly, Art?
You know, my friend, the Bible does make it clear that since you and I could never save ourselves from eternal ruin by our own efforts, God took upon Himself the initiative to procure our redemption. It is perfectly clear from His Book that He created us for a purpose, expressed in a plan that He knew would be best and most fulfilling for each one of us over the long haul. And He loved us enough, that He was willing to expend an astronomical sum to rescue us, thereby procuring our redemption, in spite of our own rash rejection of Him and His plan for our lives. Such rejection as this is very, very common.
But to live forever, in the presence of God, delighting in His boundless love and goodness, and enjoying unlimited gifts from Him, -- what a tremendous prospect that is! When I write about “eternal life,” I may scare you – don’t mean to do that! Perhaps you object, that it’s really too long for us to comprehend. And, besides, the way our bodies age, being subject to an increasing barrage of aches, pains and disease, we may not have a very great interest in anticipating an endless array of a life like that!
However, “eternal life” doesn’t mean an unending existence in this present human body, with its aches, pains, and other vulnerabilities. The body will die eventually, but the human person is much more than that, and what will happen to the immaterial side of a man or woman – the soul and spirit?
Apart from this wonderful redemption, so that we could be in His presence and thoroughly enjoy it forever, we would have no better prospect than endless loneliness, regret, meaninglessness and despair. And it would be filled with emptiness, -- it would be hollow, pointless and full of grief – all associated with great pain. Personally, Art, I don’t look forward to any such litany of futility. And I don’t think you do, either. But, the six million dollar question is, -- How does one avoid that?
What I have written above assumes, and I believe this to be true, that every human life is precious to God. He is that big! He has unlimited capacity to love and care for the people He has created, who live in every corner of the globe. And He desires each person to be on the best of terms with Him. No matter what his or her name is, whether Jack, Sarah, Todd, Nancy, William, Carol, Sam, Tina, Hank, Joanne, Dick, Rose, or…, God loves each one, and wants us all to be close to Him, and in harmony with Him.
In other words, He wants you and me to have a personal relationship with Him. If it is true that He is our Creator, and it is, and that He loves each one of us supremely, as the Bible says, and He does, then we can be sure that whatever He wants for you and me, is much, much better than our best plans can ever be. There’s an old quotation I’ve heard in the past, and it goes like this, “The chief end of man is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.” What a great thought that is!
When I say “personal relationship” I’m thinking of something much different from religion. There are many different religions available to ordinary human beings like us! But the very idea of “religion” is built on a structure of work, self-help, positive mental attitude, individual reformation, etc. That seems entirely too impersonal, -- and far removed from any thought of “enjoying” God.
Some temporal good, of course, can be done through self-help, and certainly there is a wide array of higher education that can be beneficial to a human being, up to a point. But as good as these may be in the short run, what do they give to us that is really worthwhile, if we are not led to a right relationship with God, our Creator? God is truly personal, and He has a direct interest in each one of us. In fact, He made us to be personal beings, not robots, or mere mechanical machines. Doesn’t this make sense to you, Art?
The plan that our great Creator-God devised for our rescue from oblivion, -- the plan that would fit our individual need perfectly, involved a substitute, i.e. it required one who would “take the fall” for us in our disconnectedness from God. That way, you and I could be free to come close to God and receive an authorization to participate in His own [divine] life.
This substitute had to be able to “stand in” for many people, i.e. as many as would be willing to say “yes,” agreeing to the substitution for him or her. And the substitute also had to be suitable to us human beings. No animal or bird could begin to qualify in that way, -- no sheep, goat, ox, dove, bull, or whatever it might be. These two tests require a substitute who is both God and man. Only God could provide a sacrifice big enough for all human beings of all time who would fulfill the faith-condition. And only a man (i.e. a human being) could provide a sacrifice suitable for us human beings.
Now you may follow this reasoning, but still you may be wondering: Why does the divine plan for our redemption require a substitute? Why can’t we, each one, just take care of our own destiny? The answer to that is, -- the alienation from God from which all of us human beings suffer every day, must be overcome, if we are to be in harmony with God. There is not enough money in all the world, to buy our redemption. And you know, Art, you and I could never work hard enough to overcome the ways in which we have offended God, never in a million years! My preaching ministry won’t do it, and your business acumen won’t, either – no offence meant at all!
Because of this, a substitute is called for, if one who is adequate can be found! May I be so bold as to say that one has been found? It’s the one described in that famous Bible verse John 3:16 as God’s “only begotten son.” Art, I have taken this substitute as my own substitute, personally. And I hope you will consider making the same move, if you haven’t done so!
With warm regards to you and your family,
-- PapaPops
P.S. To the reader – If you’d like to see previous letters between my friend and me, just go to the bottom of the screen and click on “Older Posts.” You may have to repeat this process, to get back to the first “Open Letter,” posted on or about July 29, 2007.
Dear Art,
Letter-writing is so easy today, isn’t it? We have tools -- computers, word processors, and even the availability of an on-line thesaurus, and an on-line rhyming dictionary, -- maybe even “old fashioned” pen and paper, if one is so inclined!
But I fear that letter-writing is a lost art, or very close to it. We all get so busy, that even if we think of writing to a friend, it’s just too easy to “put it off,” isn’t it? That has happened to me – it’s been over a month since I received the last letter from you. Several times I’ve intended to reply, but just couldn’t find one of those little yellow disks that I’ve heard so much about -- a “round tuit”! (Note: Previous letters in this series can be found on the blog by going to “Previous Posts”).
Now I wonder, Art, what you have been doing recently for enjoyment? Have you done more traveling, or planned a new career? Have you found a good book to read, or gone to a symphony concert? Speaking of traveling, my wife and I took the opportunity to travel across these continental United States, and back. What a wonderful trip! The scenery was terrific. One of our favorite places was Bryce Canyon, to the north of the Grand Canyon. Spectacular views! And then I remember photographing Pike’s peak from the parking lot of a restaurant one day – amazing!
You raised an interesting question, Art, when you seemed to look askance at “relying on somebody else for a payment on our behalf.” I believe that you had in mind the teaching of the Bible that you and I could never in the world do enough, or live so perfectly, that to be fair, God would have to take us to Heaven on our own merits. Did I understand you correctly, Art?
You know, my friend, the Bible does make it clear that since you and I could never save ourselves from eternal ruin by our own efforts, God took upon Himself the initiative to procure our redemption. It is perfectly clear from His Book that He created us for a purpose, expressed in a plan that He knew would be best and most fulfilling for each one of us over the long haul. And He loved us enough, that He was willing to expend an astronomical sum to rescue us, thereby procuring our redemption, in spite of our own rash rejection of Him and His plan for our lives. Such rejection as this is very, very common.
But to live forever, in the presence of God, delighting in His boundless love and goodness, and enjoying unlimited gifts from Him, -- what a tremendous prospect that is! When I write about “eternal life,” I may scare you – don’t mean to do that! Perhaps you object, that it’s really too long for us to comprehend. And, besides, the way our bodies age, being subject to an increasing barrage of aches, pains and disease, we may not have a very great interest in anticipating an endless array of a life like that!
However, “eternal life” doesn’t mean an unending existence in this present human body, with its aches, pains, and other vulnerabilities. The body will die eventually, but the human person is much more than that, and what will happen to the immaterial side of a man or woman – the soul and spirit?
Apart from this wonderful redemption, so that we could be in His presence and thoroughly enjoy it forever, we would have no better prospect than endless loneliness, regret, meaninglessness and despair. And it would be filled with emptiness, -- it would be hollow, pointless and full of grief – all associated with great pain. Personally, Art, I don’t look forward to any such litany of futility. And I don’t think you do, either. But, the six million dollar question is, -- How does one avoid that?
What I have written above assumes, and I believe this to be true, that every human life is precious to God. He is that big! He has unlimited capacity to love and care for the people He has created, who live in every corner of the globe. And He desires each person to be on the best of terms with Him. No matter what his or her name is, whether Jack, Sarah, Todd, Nancy, William, Carol, Sam, Tina, Hank, Joanne, Dick, Rose, or…, God loves each one, and wants us all to be close to Him, and in harmony with Him.
In other words, He wants you and me to have a personal relationship with Him. If it is true that He is our Creator, and it is, and that He loves each one of us supremely, as the Bible says, and He does, then we can be sure that whatever He wants for you and me, is much, much better than our best plans can ever be. There’s an old quotation I’ve heard in the past, and it goes like this, “The chief end of man is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.” What a great thought that is!
When I say “personal relationship” I’m thinking of something much different from religion. There are many different religions available to ordinary human beings like us! But the very idea of “religion” is built on a structure of work, self-help, positive mental attitude, individual reformation, etc. That seems entirely too impersonal, -- and far removed from any thought of “enjoying” God.
Some temporal good, of course, can be done through self-help, and certainly there is a wide array of higher education that can be beneficial to a human being, up to a point. But as good as these may be in the short run, what do they give to us that is really worthwhile, if we are not led to a right relationship with God, our Creator? God is truly personal, and He has a direct interest in each one of us. In fact, He made us to be personal beings, not robots, or mere mechanical machines. Doesn’t this make sense to you, Art?
The plan that our great Creator-God devised for our rescue from oblivion, -- the plan that would fit our individual need perfectly, involved a substitute, i.e. it required one who would “take the fall” for us in our disconnectedness from God. That way, you and I could be free to come close to God and receive an authorization to participate in His own [divine] life.
This substitute had to be able to “stand in” for many people, i.e. as many as would be willing to say “yes,” agreeing to the substitution for him or her. And the substitute also had to be suitable to us human beings. No animal or bird could begin to qualify in that way, -- no sheep, goat, ox, dove, bull, or whatever it might be. These two tests require a substitute who is both God and man. Only God could provide a sacrifice big enough for all human beings of all time who would fulfill the faith-condition. And only a man (i.e. a human being) could provide a sacrifice suitable for us human beings.
Now you may follow this reasoning, but still you may be wondering: Why does the divine plan for our redemption require a substitute? Why can’t we, each one, just take care of our own destiny? The answer to that is, -- the alienation from God from which all of us human beings suffer every day, must be overcome, if we are to be in harmony with God. There is not enough money in all the world, to buy our redemption. And you know, Art, you and I could never work hard enough to overcome the ways in which we have offended God, never in a million years! My preaching ministry won’t do it, and your business acumen won’t, either – no offence meant at all!
Because of this, a substitute is called for, if one who is adequate can be found! May I be so bold as to say that one has been found? It’s the one described in that famous Bible verse John 3:16 as God’s “only begotten son.” Art, I have taken this substitute as my own substitute, personally. And I hope you will consider making the same move, if you haven’t done so!
With warm regards to you and your family,
-- PapaPops
P.S. To the reader – If you’d like to see previous letters between my friend and me, just go to the bottom of the screen and click on “Older Posts.” You may have to repeat this process, to get back to the first “Open Letter,” posted on or about July 29, 2007.
Friday, October 26, 2007
BEAUTIFUL TREES OF FALL
In the Fall season, a beautiful tree
Spreads its bright colors, gorgeous and free;
Peers down upon us, looks up from a field,
To beauty so vivid we eagerly yield.
Sporting bright colors, now yellows, now reds,
Trees on green lawns, or near the roadbeds;
On hills or in valleys, in swamps or upland,
For such a short time, it’s a view simply grand!
Bright colors fade, then leaves all turn brown,
Riding on air, they soon will fly down!
Surely we must with pleasure look up,
Give thanks for the colors that now fill our cup!
This beauty is good, and gives us a hint,
There’s something beyond an earthly footprint;
Design and rich insight invade quiet thought,
‘Til close to our God and Creator we’re brought!
Had He not made it, from where would it come?
Something from nothing by chance, random, dumb?
Oh, now may Fall’s colors, so bright and so fair,
Lead to His Book, to faith and to prayer!
-- Poet Les (10-25-07)
In the Fall season, a beautiful tree
Spreads its bright colors, gorgeous and free;
Peers down upon us, looks up from a field,
To beauty so vivid we eagerly yield.
Sporting bright colors, now yellows, now reds,
Trees on green lawns, or near the roadbeds;
On hills or in valleys, in swamps or upland,
For such a short time, it’s a view simply grand!
Bright colors fade, then leaves all turn brown,
Riding on air, they soon will fly down!
Surely we must with pleasure look up,
Give thanks for the colors that now fill our cup!
This beauty is good, and gives us a hint,
There’s something beyond an earthly footprint;
Design and rich insight invade quiet thought,
‘Til close to our God and Creator we’re brought!
Had He not made it, from where would it come?
Something from nothing by chance, random, dumb?
Oh, now may Fall’s colors, so bright and so fair,
Lead to His Book, to faith and to prayer!
-- Poet Les (10-25-07)
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Thursday, October 4, 2007
TO A MORNING GLORY
A beautiful blue bloom now lifts its head high,
Draws my attention, tilts toward the sky;
So fragile it lasts but one day at a time --
So strong is its draw that it gains its own rhyme!
A glorious morning more marvelous is made
By the rarest blue tints in a burgeoning arcade;
Stepping out my door, what greets my stunned eyes
But a splendid array, as I welcome sunrise?
Array of blue bells that make not a sound,
Vines climbing heavenward on a trellis now crowned
With blazes of azure, that daze the clear mind,
On strands of a trellis, visibly entwined!
Each morning anew I look for the Glory,
Silent in praise, yet telling a story;
A refrain that now warms my heart and my soul,
The Creator of such beauty I surely extol!
-- Poet Les (10-03-07
A beautiful blue bloom now lifts its head high,
Draws my attention, tilts toward the sky;
So fragile it lasts but one day at a time --
So strong is its draw that it gains its own rhyme!
A glorious morning more marvelous is made
By the rarest blue tints in a burgeoning arcade;
Stepping out my door, what greets my stunned eyes
But a splendid array, as I welcome sunrise?
Array of blue bells that make not a sound,
Vines climbing heavenward on a trellis now crowned
With blazes of azure, that daze the clear mind,
On strands of a trellis, visibly entwined!
Each morning anew I look for the Glory,
Silent in praise, yet telling a story;
A refrain that now warms my heart and my soul,
The Creator of such beauty I surely extol!
-- Poet Les (10-03-07
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
What Is Accounting?...
ACCOUNTING IS…
Accounting is a piece of pie,
A bowl of cherries, smoked ham on rye,
A fertile seed, a drop of rain,
A problem solved, which comes again!
Accounting is a loaf of bread,
A chocolate malt, a table spread,
A sticky bun, a sunny day,
A laughing child in blissful play.
Accounting is a fine new suit,
A trumpet blast, snap-to salute,
A restful snooze, a banquet set,
An afternoon with friends just met.
Accounting is a mountain peak,
A waterfall, a winding creek,
A hungry grizzly held at bay,
A cloudless sky, a booming hooray!
Accounting is Red Sox baseball,
A cooling breeze, a supper call,
Accounting is a hearty laugh,
A tiny pooch, a large giraffe.
Accounting is a cat well fed,
A flock of geese, night sky that’s red,
A run, a hike, an auto race,
A silken gown, with frilly lace!
Accounting is so many things,
A lump of clay, a set of wings,
A way to classify expenses,
A scheme that’s used to build strong fences.
Accounting calls, and we must go,
A plan in mind, a tale of woe,
Accounting ends where we begin
A journey home, sweet rest to win!
Poet Les (9-26-07)
This is dedicated to the Accounting teams of which I used to be a part, over more than fourteen years, and for whom I used to write bits of poetry!
Accounting is a piece of pie,
A bowl of cherries, smoked ham on rye,
A fertile seed, a drop of rain,
A problem solved, which comes again!
Accounting is a loaf of bread,
A chocolate malt, a table spread,
A sticky bun, a sunny day,
A laughing child in blissful play.
Accounting is a fine new suit,
A trumpet blast, snap-to salute,
A restful snooze, a banquet set,
An afternoon with friends just met.
Accounting is a mountain peak,
A waterfall, a winding creek,
A hungry grizzly held at bay,
A cloudless sky, a booming hooray!
Accounting is Red Sox baseball,
A cooling breeze, a supper call,
Accounting is a hearty laugh,
A tiny pooch, a large giraffe.
Accounting is a cat well fed,
A flock of geese, night sky that’s red,
A run, a hike, an auto race,
A silken gown, with frilly lace!
Accounting is so many things,
A lump of clay, a set of wings,
A way to classify expenses,
A scheme that’s used to build strong fences.
Accounting calls, and we must go,
A plan in mind, a tale of woe,
Accounting ends where we begin
A journey home, sweet rest to win!
Poet Les (9-26-07)
This is dedicated to the Accounting teams of which I used to be a part, over more than fourteen years, and for whom I used to write bits of poetry!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Changing of the Guard
Seasons Come and Seasons Go!
These Morning Glories just appeared at end of summer, to bless us with their beauty, and encourage thanksgiving to the Giver!
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