Book Review - Unsilenced - By Howard C. Shane, Ph.D. - Publication Date: 1 November 2021

 

People with disabilities have so much to teach the rest of us, it brings tears to my eyes.  There is only praise for this story, written in unapologetic autobiographical form.  This book is as heartfelt and heart-warming as it is astounding, though, at the uncaring, unfeeling and horrific ways disabled people have been treated in the past, in institutions where they had been placed as being "better off," by societies' standards, in years gone by.  Years such as in the 1960's and 1970's.  

Thank God, the young and cocky Howard C. Shane came on board!  Ha, ha!  He did not know what he was getting into but he certainly swallowed a time or two, then landed solidly on his two feet, and became an effective teacher to his "core group" of "teachers"; an advocate for their rights in particular and the rights of people with disabilities, in general; and a champion innovator on their behalf.

From Ron, Ruth, Teddy, Dennis, Wendy, Barbara, Ed and others, of the Belchertown State School 'gang' of residents, Shane went from strength to strength to give them, and almost countless others, who had been silent, a means of communicating and becoming unsilenced.  His Expressor, which he and a couple others developed, was a marvel of ingenuity, instrumental in so doing.

Nowadays, there is still much "prejudice, bias, ignorance and fear" regarding disabilities people have, Mr. Shane states, but his hope is that they will continue to be eradicated.  He hopes caregivers, professionals, the general public and self-advocates will continue to champion and innovate with depth of compassion, empathy and sincere care.  

To finish up the book, there is an epilogue and  some Discussion Questions to help focus one's thoughts on the various issues spoken about throughout the memoir.

May freedom freely ring out for individuals with disabilities, to full potential.  Afterall, their ability counts.  This is likely the most valuable and important lesson to learn from this account.  Now to apply it in life as did Shane, whose humble beginnings as a teacher in a basement classroom continued to progress with all his wonderful helps over the years for the good and benefit of those who needed a boost to help themselves.  Well done!  This book gets my full vote of five stars!

                                             ~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                       September 2021

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the review copy given by the publisher.

Read book review on Goodreads.

Lapis Lazuli Moments

 An ancient treasured gem, lapis lazuli,* was incoporated into the priestly breastplate of the High Priest of the Israelites.  It was one among twelve precious stones.

It's bluish in color but that sounds so mundane to say it like that.  It must have been absolutely stunning (Exodus 28:18 NIV).

What caught my attention was the earlier mention of lapis lazuli back in chapter 24 of Exodus and verse 10 (NIV).  The God of Israel was standing on pavement, yes, that's right, pavement of lapis lazuli, "as bright blue as the sky," so Moses recorded.  At least, he said, it looked something like it.  That would blow you away, wouldn't ya think?

There were many witnesses to this too, besides Moses.  Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and 70 elders of Israel saw it.  It must have been a most spectacular sight! It does get honorable mention but the true awesomness was that they got to see "the God of Israel"!  This gem combined with the others was one small token of how they could relate to what the glory of God's presence embodied.

How often we wish to see God with our naked eyes.  At least, I do.

Only certain people and under special conditions were the people of Old Testament times granted such audiences with their God.  This living God not made with hands, was their God.  

His magnificience had unmeasured and untold proportions.  Moses' comparison was "as bright blue as the sky".  Nowadays we can still gaze up into the sky, espeically on an almost cloudless day and see such beauty for ourselves.  A glimpse of God through His creation.

Isn't God amazing!

Mostly those people of old were terrified of God's holy presence.  They usually feared they would die.  Some did when they held God's ways of approach in contempt.

In His mercy and grace, God had invited these men up to 'see' Him.  Yes, He is real!  Yes, they had to approach according to His terms.  When they did, they could "eat and drink" (Exodus 24:11).  Enjoying God's presence and company.  How precious is that!

God communing with His human beings.  This is what He always desires.  We saw it in the Garden of Eden when He'd come and walk "in the cool of the day" and commune with Adam and Eve.  We see it in the times of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the incidents of interraction.  He still desires our time with Him like He did when He came among the disciples in the upper room on more than one occasion.  

We often like to quote,

"Where two or three are gathered together there am I in the midst" (Matthew 18:20).

Yet when looked at in context, there had been sin that needed confession.  Jesus said He'd be there.  Two or three witnesses denoted proper witness reference in Jewish law.  Jesus would sanction the repentance and confession and restoration process.  That is vindication.

Holiness. He will be there.

The time of His presence among us I refer to, is more towards that of communing with Him and basking in His presence although knowing His holiness, yet His Fatherly attention and care over us and just enjoying being with us, and us with Him.  It could be that it is just you and Him.

His presence is in and with us through the Holy Spirit and Jesus.  Truly, "lapis lazuli" moments.  Look up at an azure sky and commune with Your Heavenly Father, God.  He desires your company.  Desire His.

I wish you well.

                                                   ~ERC  August 2021~

Based on Exodus 21-30.

*Lapis Lazuli, sometimes called 'sapphire' but there is a difference.  Lapis is softer, thus I suppose was easier manipulated into the High Priest's breastplate.

Book Review - CAMA - By Cheyl Beck - Publication Date: 27 May 2021

 There is something special about CAMA, the delightful little elephant that keeps popping up in unexpected places and ways, right when needed.  She has a knack at calming and helping children.  

There are four stories each with its own theme, such as dealing with the transitions that change creates; showing kindness, love and to be forgiven.  CAMA is magically instrumental in aiding the cause in each case.

I like that, besides the virtues aspects, there are multicultural intimations, and a child with a physical disability, which are matter-of-factly interjected into the stories and spoken of positively and enablingly.  CAMA, of course, turns on her charm to assist.

Younger school chldren, I believe, will really like these stories and this book would make a very worthwhile possession for any child to have and to read; perhaps, even for a parent to read with their young offspring.  The stories even lead to meaningful conversations with one's children.

Another great feature is that this is the first book that is set to potentally launch and develop into a series of CAMA stories.  CAMA lovers will need to stay tuned for more.

Additionally, a link is provided in the book that allows for downloading a free coloring page of CAMA.

                                             ~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                          October 2021

Disclaimer: This my honest opinion based on the review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

Read Book Review on Goodreads.

.

A Teacher's Satisfaction

 

If you want to make a teacher happy and feel like he or she has not been teaching only to the four walls, the student will follow the guidance and do as instructed, completing assignments and so forth.  Yes, there may be a mistake or two along the way - afterall, learning is a process and one, hopefully, learns from one's mistakes.  A teacher can accept this.

It's with great satisfaction, therefore, that one will read through Exodus 31-40 and see Moses' satisfaction.  Moses received commands from God, so many detailed instructions for making the Tabernacle, that "tent of meeting" where God would meet with the children of Israel.

God explained in minute detail, the fashioning of the coverings, tent pegs, boards, the utensils, the tables, and altars, and laver; also of the High Priest's and other priests' clothing.  The craftsmanship was totally amazing to read of and it must have been astounding to see.  Meticulous instructions, meticulously followed.

Hone in on the people, men and women "willing to give...."  They pro-actively gave of their gold, silver, and so on; in abundance.  Then others gave of their skills, which God then enhanced through the Holy Spirit's anointing.

They set-to with purpose and right good will to do everything according to what the LORD had commanded Moses.  I just love Exodus 39:42 & 43 (NIV) which reads,

"The Israelites had done all the work just as the LORD had commanded Moses.  Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the LORD had commanded.  So Moses blessed them."

The teacher's job was done.  The "students" did the work they should have and to the level of perfection according to how they should have.   Satisfaction, not only in Moses' eyes but to the LORD's, which was most imperative.  Moses blessed them.  So did God because in Exodus 40:34, 38 we read,

"...the glory of the LORD filled the Tabernacle..." and stayed with them "during all their travels".

A teacher's wonder!  

As a kind of sequel to this, we, ourselves, can prayerfully examine ourselves to see if we have oriented ourselves to obey our Heavenly Father's commands; to listen to the Holy Spirit's teaching through the Word of God and the guidance in our lives.  Let's be sensitive to His voice, the voice of our Good Shepherd.  If we profess Christ, we will pro-actively rid ourselves of the old ways and habits and form those that are Christ-like ones.  Then we can go out and serve the Lord skillfully, diligently, as Christ-centered disciples of Jesus Christ should.  Let us bring our Divine Teacher great satisfaction.  In so doing, we will be blessed.  After all, He travels the whole journey with us, 'til we reach heaven's shore.

                                                  ~ERC  August 2021~

Based on Genesis 31-40.

Teacher's Appreciation Song.

Book Review - Bats, Bandits and Buggies - Nancy Oswald - Publication Date: 13 October 2021

 

This is a lovely and engaging book of historical fiction that's been set in Colorado Springs.  Meet a very spunky Ruby with her two pet donkeys:  Maude and her foal Willy.  Ruby also has a cat with an interesting name.  Ruby bumps into Roy, a friend from 'away'.  They have some common interests and become partners in a business.  Then uh-oh, they become entangled with a mysterious "Aunt Agnes" and an escapade that was a little more than they'd bargained for.  

Pre- and young teens are the most likely to love the suspense and action of the duo's secretive sleuthing.  Ruby and Maude may not be strangers to some readers, especially when they lived in Criple Creek with her Pa as seen in previous books in the series.  Visit them again in their new home base and find out what in the world bats, bandits and buggies have to do with the book's story.

I love that there is no foul language nor immoral content.  There are also subtle lessons in good morals such as, telling the truth, and so on.  I was well satisfied with this story and would feel very at ease allowing my child or grandchild (if I had any), to get lost in the narrative.  This book gets a 5-Star standing ovation from me!

                                               ~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent by Netgalley and the publisher.

Read Review on Goodreads.

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob

 

The "Faith of the Fathers" was an ambiguous cliche phrase to me until, as one friend termed it, I was binging on Scripture by reading ten chapters-a-day chunks.  It has now come clear to me what this phrase could mean.

Align "faith of our fathers" up against "the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob".  Then go "binge-read" Genesis and then the opening chapters of Exodus.  As you read think of these two expressions and how they could relate to each other.

As highlighted in the previous blog entries:  Lord's Day Devotion - He Built Altars; Dig For Yourself; More About Wells, and Anointed Pillow Pillar, you'll get the drift and feel of these two word groups.

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob feared, revered and called upon the LORD their God; they built altars to Him as signposts of their reliance on Him for His care and protection, and faith in his promises and promise-keeping. Thanksgiving, but also worship - to praise God for Who He is, was their response.  He was their God and Personal Friend.

They would talk to Him.  He heard and answered them.  They were grateful and learned to give thanks and worship Him.  It is significant.  They chose to make Him their God.

God was already there.  He waited though for them to acknowledge.  They did, so much so, it became noted.  Whose God was He?  He was (& still is) the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

This was the "power and authority" which Moses and Aaron claimed, and in this "seal of credibility", they came recommended to the suffering Hebrews in Goshen, Egypt to bring them the message of hope from this God.

NOT the god of Egypt or elsewhere, but THE God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  Ahh.  This, they could and would listen to!

Besides the power and authority aspect, it is endearing.  There is comfort in knowing which god.  Furthermore, because this God was the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, their ancestors, He'll be ours too; you might "hear" them thinking.

Yes, the Israelites did struggle with this throughout their wilderness trek and life in the Promised Land.  So do we now.  Yet, this is The one and only true God who is stable, Who loves and cares, Who is true to His Word; Who keeps us; Who rescues from slavery - literal for the children of Israel; and from the bondage of sin for us today.  He's the same God.

It is through the faith of these men - the "faith of the fathers" - that this God became known as the "God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob".

Has He become your God?  Do we fear, revere, praise Him; give our thanksgiving and worship to Him through our faith in Jesus Christ?  If you have chosen this God to be your God, you can say He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, yes, but He is also the God of ___________(insert your name).

Start a line of faith in your family if it hasn't already begun.  If not, let the "faith of our fathers" begin with you.  Let your children see and know this one true God is also your God.  Pray they have this same faith through Jesus and will pass it on to the third and fourth generation and beyond.

May the Light of Jesus shine forth, and many find their hope in Him through us.  May the Holy Spirit illuminate this in our hearts, softened by the power of God, give our heart wholeheartedly to Jesus, as Savior and Lord.  God is our Hope from ages past.  He is our present Hope through Jesus and He is our Hope for all eternity to come.

Let us be steadfast and let God be our God.  He is living still.  May the "faith of our fathers" be a mantle over us to be passed on...

                                                     ~ERC  August 2021~

Based on Genesis and Exodus 1-10 (especially 3:5, 15).

Sing, Faith of Our Fathers, along with the Morman Tabernacle Choir

Book Review - Digital Black Feminism - By Catherine Knight Steele - Publication Date: 26 October 2021

Digital Black feminist ladies forge forward using their own survival strategies to nab center stage position, not as a "sub-group" of the white suffragette victories, but in their own rite for their own rights and place to breathe and grow.  My eyes were opened to what I believe is a movement in which these ladies are of digital Black feminists, moved by digital Black feminists, for digital Black feminists, moving and shaking the 'cast aside' place and making inroads and grip, "stitching together" a safer niche of world for themselves.  Women who think, who strive, who succeed for themselves and not on the behalf or for benefit of others.  These ladies are popping up in all echelons of "beauty shops;" literally and figuratively.

This is certainly a thought-provoking discourse on how Black women are using digital means to move forward for themselves.  The author, Catherine Knight Steele, sets up her research in thesis form with many convincing proofs of data she has collected over the course of several years.  Therefore, I believe this contention is a methodical, comprehensive representation on behalf of the digital Black feminists, meant to disrupt 'norm' fossilized thinking.

Due to the very academic style, and perhaps because this reviewer in not Black, it is at times challenging to fully understand the depths of the thoughts, conflicts and world of these valient, often overlooked, women, as presented in this dissertation.  The good news, according to this eye-opening treatise, is that progress is being made and is sticking.  May they continue to have more such successes and greater understanding, empathy and standing tall among folk, men or women, of whatever color.  Find a copy, read and learn how it's all panning out.

                                             ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                        September 2021

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent by Netgalley and the publisher.

Read Book Review on Goodreads.

Book Review - An Unexpected Amish Christmas - By Rachel J. Good - Publication Date: 26 October 2021

 

I felt the tragedy and heartache.  Parents, gone!  Orphans, now.  Keturah, the eldest of four siblings, was suddenly left responsibile for them and their pretzel business.  Somehow, through the fog and haze of deep mourning, the sisters carry on.  Keturah is comforted by an unexpected letter from "A Friend Who Cares."   Enter wheelchair bound Jeremiah helping out at the pretzel stand despite the difficulties his disabilities present.  Is there connection between him and the girls; especially with Keturah?  

An easy read with hints of Amish culture intertwined which I love learning about.  I was surprized by the twists of fate - or, was it the Lord's working for their good?  If only those sparks of romance which lurk and beg to be kindled, would ignite!  Maybe it will happen during Christmas?

                                                     ~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                               September 2021

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the review copy given by the publisher.

Read Book Review in Goodreads.

The Generational Rifts

 

Rifts are rife in the Bible.  Adam and Eve disobeyed God; they'd sinned.  That there was the first colossal rift divulged between God and His human creatures.  Adam and Eve blamed each other for what happened, passing the buck on to each other and even, Adam to God and Eve to the serpent.  That's the second rift.  Catastrophic consequnces ensued.

Cain and Abel's rift ended in murder and was the third major rift recorded.  Let's move on to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to peer at some more infamous rifts.

In Abraham's time, there was rift between Sarah and her handmaid Hagar.  The rift extended to their sons Isaac and Ishmael, although we do see them in brotherly mourning at Abraham's graveside (Genesis25:9).  Today, there is still unpleasantness, to say the least, between the current generations of their offspring.

Isaac had twin sons, Esau and Jacob.  We know the kafluffle that favoritism caused in the boys' lives.  There was rift between Isaac and Rebekah which initiated the breach.  Isaac favored Esau while Rebekah championed Jacob.

The rift between the twins was such a gulf that Esau intended to murder Jacob.   Later on there had been some healing of this rift  when Jacob had come back from his 'exile'.  However, judging from his own conniving heart, Jacob did not fully trust Esau and went off to live elsewhere.

The parallel between Isaac and Ishmael with Esau and Jacob  (aka Israel), is that at their father Isaac's death, they were both at the graveside (Genesis 35:29).  Something about death brings siblings together...

Until the will is read, but let's not go off on tangant.  It was not an issue with Abrahams' line here.

Jesus' death and resurrection bridges such rifts.  More on this later.

Jacob's wives Leah and Rrachel were also riddled with rift.  Each were jealous of the other especially with the bitter gall of Rachel's being unable to bear a child.  Leah bore sons, bing, bang boom; one right after another.  Rachel, the one more loved, childless, until finally, God opened her womb and forthwith came Joseph and subsequently, Benjamin.

We all know the "explosions" of rift ignited between Joseph and his ten older half brothers.  Favoritism is an incidious thing.  Isaac and Rebekah each had their favorite son in Esau and Jacob respectively.  Then Jacob favored Rachel over Leah.  Jacob favored, and rubbed it in, in his lavishness bestowed upon Joseph, above his other sons.

Would it never end?

Yes, it would and did.  At least it ended with Joseph, in his family that is, and Jacob Israel was instrumental in the healing of these generational peerage rifts; in Israel's prophetic blessings conferred upon Joseph's sons.  Joseph thought it was a mistake but Israel knew God's will and Joseph accepted his father's explanation.

Joseph tested his brothers when they came to Egypt during the severe famine years.  He purposely singled out his "little" brother Benjamin, giving him extra portions and favor.  The brothers wondered in amazement until Joseph revealed who he was.

Later when their father Israel died, Joseph had to reassure his older brothers that he held no malice against them.  He told them he believed that the harm they'd caused him was actually God's sovereign purpose to bring good to their family and the nations of their known world.  It had turned out a blessing.

We could go on and on even more here of so many other rifts stories among Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their families and up to the coming of Jesus Christ.   Since Adam and Eve's time, the rifts had kept coming on to many terrible consequences.  Nevertheless, the worse rift and consequence was the one Adam and Eve created between God and mankind by their disobedience.

Yet God in His great mercy provided a way to the healing of this great divide.  Jesus is the Way, Truth and Life.  Jesus' death and resurrection, as mentioned earlier, provided the way to bridge this rift.  We each must choose to walk that "Bridge" spanning the divide.

This "Bridge" being Jesus.  Jesus, Who paid the price of atonement for our sins gaining access for us into God's presence.  When an individual accepts this rift-healing gift of salvation through Jesus Christ and faith in Him; the relationship is healed.  There can be divine rest in the souls.  Sins' horrible consequences will no longer be able to sting us nor condemn us.

Won't you come to Jesus today and have your rift healed?  Jesus' arms are outstretched just ready and waiting to heal.

"The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

Here's another word of comfort from God to especially note,

"There is one mediator between God and man, the Man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2; & 6).

Jesus changes rife rift to restful relationship with God.  

Praise the Lord, we have Jesus! 

                                                    ~ERC August 2021~

Based on Genesis 1-50.

Listen to Healing Songs, country mix of inspirational songs.

Anointed Pillow Pillar

 

There was Abraham, there was Isaac and then, there was Jacob.  What a character!  A deceitful conniver but he did have a spark of God-consciousness about him.  He had to be prompted though!  He had not yet overcome his selfishness and greed to fully get to the altar building and God worshiping part as did his father and grandfather, yet.

He had his "famous" Jacob's Ladder dream with the angels of God going up and down on it; Earth to Heaven.  Imagine that in today's terms - perhaps like a boy thrilled with escalator travel, going up the down and down the up.

Anyway, Jacob did get God's message, that He would be with him.  He awoke and turned his rock pillow into a pillar, and anointed it, dubbing it, "Bethel" - House of God.  We are not told that he worshiped God here but he did promise an oath to give God a tenth of all he gained if God would look after him in his exile.  After twenty years spent in 'exile' at his Uncle Laban's, Jacob had become a wealthy man but still a conniver.

He had also gained wives, children and concubines in addition to all his wealth of livestock and so on.  He returned to his own country - conniving a peace offering to appease his brother Esau.  Happily, he met his father Isaac who was old, but still kicking.  Sadly, his mother Rachel had died in the interim.  He still did not initiate building an altar and worshiping the LORD; at least, not that is mentioned.

God had to tell him to do it.  God had to remind him of his vow of tithing.  He had to go back to the place - Bethel - the House of God; that place Jacob had dedicated to the LORD.

To his credit, Jacob did go, and brought his whole family.  He knew enough that they all had to rid themselves of their "foreign gods" and to "purify" themselves.  Only then did they go and this time Jacob is seen building an altar to God in thanksgiving for God's care over him throughout his time away.

It's cool that Jacob and God did have a special relationship though.  When you go to Genesis 46, they're having another conversation.  God is reassuring Jacob of his blessing upon him and that He will go down to Egypt with him to see Joseph but He will also bring him back to the land of Canaan.

Incidentally, in Genesis 33 we do see Jacob building an altar of his own accord.  The spark had sparkled in Paddan Aram.  He named his altar, "El Elohi Israel" (mighty is the God of Israel).  He had made God his "Personal God".

When an individual comes to Jesus Christ, he or she, makes Jesus, their "Personal Savior".  We each need Him.

At the end of his life when he was dying, Jacob blessed Joseph's sons.  That is when we finally see him worshiping God leaning upon his staff (Hebrews 11:21); life fully surrendered.  Conniving ceased.

When we reflect upon our own lives and our journey with the Lord, have we come to that place too?  Victory in Christ, through faith in Him making Him our Savior as well as Lord.  Giving thanks, worshiping Him.  Offering our tithes.  Dying in peace.  BUT ... but don't wait until you are on you deathbed.  No one can guarantee you actually get that "priviledge".  

May the fruit of the Holy Spirit be seen in each of us followers of Jesus Christ throughout our whole lifetime in more than a spark and flicker here and there.  Find a pillow and make a pillar to commemorate and remind ourselves of God's intervention and care over us and of our convictions to serve, honor and glorify Him.  Let us be found worshiping Him regularly in thanksgiving.  Anoint your pillar with the oil of joy in the Lord, verbally, with our finances and in service to Him.

                                                    ~ERC  August 2021~

Based on Genesis 28; 35 and 46; Hebrews 11:21.

More About Wells

 The wells Abraham dug, and that had gotten "stopped up" were reopened by Isaac. However, Abimelech's men claimed them for themselves.  Isaac had more dug.  Again, these springs of water were claimed by Abimelech's men.  After all, they needed this essential of life too.

Yeah, I know, why couldn't they dig their own?

As was noted from previous chapters of Genesis, Abraham and Isaac also built altars to call upon the LORD.  This was specific action on their part.  They feared and reverenced God the Creator.  They worshiped Him.  In God they put their trust.  They knew their spiritual thirst was quenched in Him.  The wells of water only quenched their physical thirst.

Abimelech and men did not seem to connect to God as did Abraham and Isaac.  They tried to get satisfaction from "stolen" water not realizing their true resource was God.  Abraham and Isaac knew it though.  We see Isaac "surrendering" his wells to Abimelech's men quite possibly on this reasoning.

The road from this ancient Old Testament account leads me to Jesus, the Living Water.  In the New Testament Jesus told the Samaritan woman He could give her water that would cause her to never be thirsty again.

She was skeptical, at first, but as the conversation continued, she really did "get it"; the understanding and insight that this man Jesus, was that Living Water.  Significantly, she left her water pots at the well.  She now had the Real Source of soul thirst quenching.  She hurried to tell others the good news.  They came and were satisfied.

In Jesus Christ, one and all can be satisfied when they put their faith and trust in Him.  He is still the Living Water where we can quench our spiritual thirst.  Accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Drink deeply.  Be satisfied.

                                                         ~ERC  August 2021~

Based on Genesis 21-30 and John 4:4-42

Sing, Fill My Cup, with CRC worship

 

Book Review - Notable Native People - By Adrienne Keene - Publication Date: 19 October 2021

 

This book is so crammed full of many notable native people it's difficult to choose a favorite.  All have accomplished great things in their particular gifting and/or skill, often spending a lifetime of commitment to them for the sake of teaching and/or benefiting others.  Some are artists, filmmakers, beadwork makers; linguists (Sequoyah was pretty cool); carvers, activists, dancers, basket makers, educators, advocates of their causes and more.

All have a common goal, or actually a two-faceted goal.  One facet is to educated their younger generations to know and appreciate their Native culture and traditions, and to stand up for their Native rights.  The other is to give more accurate representation to non-Native people of their Native ways and history; to give knowledge, understanding and insight, which in turn, will hopefully impact the non-Native peoples into infinitely better treatment of the Native peoples with justice, kindness and respectful dignity.

It struck me that many of these notable native people are so environmentally caring, passing this deep desire to protect the land, not just for themselves, but for Earth, in general.  I have learned much but am aware I've only just scratched the surface.  We non-Native people have much more to learn.

                                              ~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                          September 2021

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the review copy given by the publisher.

See Book Review on Goodreads

Dig For Yourself

 

What's with Isaac and Abraham's 'thing' with altars and wells?  Like father, like son too, in this good thing.  We saw in He Built Altars, that Abram built altars at various points in time in his life and "called on" and "worshiped the LORD".

Isaac, the son who'd brought laughter and joy to the hearts of Abraham and Sarah in their old age, watched, listened and observed throughout his life, the fear and reverence his father had had for God.  God was integral for his father and therefore He would be for him, Isaac, too.

In these chapters of Genesis (21-30) we see Isaac building an altar and calling upon the LORD (Genesis 26:25 ESV).  Isn't this a good thing to pass on to our next generations too?!  The worship of the One True God and Jesus Christ, for us.  However, not just in theory but in visual, authentic practice; that which one's offspring can see and observe and emulate.

I recall my own father often sitting quietly, absorbed by the Scriptures - reading and meditating upon God's Word.  He was always telling us to have personal times in the Word too.  He and Mom would plan ample time per day to have family Bible time reading as well.

No doubt Isaac's being "the offering" upon one of his father's altars imprinted (branded?) him indelibly, for life.  The deep dedication of his father's love of God, over and above his love for his precious, promised son Isaac overrode all else.  Isaac got the point, up close.

Praise the Lord, God stopped Abraham from fully carrying through.  "Yes, Abraham; you do love Me,  I knew it but wanted you to realize it too."

Then the wells...wells of water.  Refreshing.  Essential for life.  Abraham had dug a few.  They'd gotten "stopped up" by the locals,  Isaac tried to "revive" them.  Eventually, he had to dig his own new wells of life-giving liquid.

There will come a time when, we children will need to take respoinsibility for our own spiritual growth, and dig into the well of God's Word for ourselves.  Don't just rely on what Dad taught; nor the Sunday school teacher and/or pastor.  

DIG FOR YOURSELF!

Refresh yourself with the Holy Spirit's help and then refresh your children and others.  "Pitch your tent' at this well.  Build your own altar and call upon the LORD.  Pass it on.

Others will see and want the blessing of the Lord.  Feast upon the Scriptures.  May we each find favor with the Lord and others.  Make God your Personal Friend Deity, through Jesus.  Be revived, refreshed as was Isaac and his father before him.  May we find favor with the Lord and others.  By His grace, we can dig and worship.

                                                   ~ERC  August 2021~

Based on Genesis 21-30.

No Half Truths

 

For all his faith and worship of God, Abram operated at times, according to selfish, foolish folly.  How could he have told half truths about his wife and put her in danger only to preserve his own life?  What kind of person does stuff like that?!

Didn't the fact that if God had asked him to leave his life of comfort in Ur of the Chaldeans and venture forth to the great unknown, that He would take care of those scary "what if's"?

Pharoah of Egypt and then King Abimelech were astounded at Abrahams' audacious studpidity.  Again, I ask, what kind of husband would conspire to put his wife in such danger?  Abraham's actions put so many at risk and harm, actually; very possible potential violation of Sarah; closed wombs of royalty and maidservants; how he wronged the innocent, unsuspecting rulers and their people.

Abraham did this twice!  Incidently, if you read further into Genesis, Abraham's son Isaac did the same dastardly 'trick'!  Like father, like son.

Yes, there are times, such as during persecutions that a believer may have to omit certain details to protect others.  However, I feel that is a different matter than Abraham and Isaac's types of not so "white lies".  Whom do we think we are protecting?  I don't know about you but I absolutely HATE being lied to!  Let's all take warning from these stories that half truths and outright lies do hurt and harm others, often resulting in grave consequences.  No matter how faith-filled one may be in other areas of our lives, beware, take heed, lest we fall and take others with us.

Seek God and His care and protection in uncertain situations; well, at all times, really.  I had a junior high school teacher who liked to say, "Tell the truth and shame the devil."   I'd like to tweak that and say, "Tell the truth and honor Jesus who is Truth."  If we are followers of Jesus Christ, let us speak the whole truth and nothing but the truth.  May our child of God testimony and faith in His care over us be pure and upright in God's eyes.  So help us, God.

                                                   ~ERC  August 2021~

Based on Genesis 11-20 NIV.

Attainable Holiness

 Do you think holiness is unattainable?  Perfect, 100% holiness as intrisic as God is Holy, yes.  Wow!?  God does not ask you to do the impossible, however.  He says, to "be holy as He is holy" (Lev 19-20 & 1 Peter 1:16) and He gave us His holiness.  We must therefore, aim all the more for holiness by perfecting it (2 Corinthians 7:1).

Yes, on the one hand God did impute His holiness upon the one who has accepted Jesus Christ as Savior.   The other side of that though is the progressive sanctification which brings us to living a holy life; holiness like God our Father is Holy.  This is Christian living.

We are in His family.  Being holy is a family trait; it's what we do.

In day-to-day living be conscious of who our Father is: of what He is like - holy - this remembrance will help us to live holy.  Go outside of yourself to the Holy Spirit in Jesus Name for His help. The Holy Spirit will teach us and convict us so this seeming impossible goal will be more possible.  Ask and it shall be given.  Therefore, we cannot brush this aside nor forget about it.

People of the living Holy God, be holy as He is.  Therein is attainability, by God's power and grace.

                                                   ~ERC  August 2021~

Prayerrfully Sing, Take my Life/Holiness, with Scott Underwood

Pulpiteer's Trumpet Call (Prayer)

 Father God, many people don't believe one should "toot their own horn," so on behalf of preachers and teachers of Your word and the gospel of Jesus Christ, may this "little talk with You" be a benediction upon those spiritual leaders in the congregations of Your children, worldwide.

We often pray for missionaries and their work in foreign countries but neglect those of Your servants on our own doorstep.  I want to call them the "pulpiteers" and this is a trumpet call of encouragement and uplift for those who faithfully feed and shepherd Your flock on a regular basis on the homefront.

Abba Father, You sent Jesus upon the earth to redeem the souls of mankind and we thank and praise You from the bottom of our hearts.  Jesus was also a teacher of Your will and ways, teaching the hordes of people in word pictures they could easily relate to and understand.  His words convicted many and angered many, especially the religious leaders.  No doubt these similar reactions come from that spoken from the multitudinous numbers of pulpits around the world.  

These speakers need our prayers, love and support.  Help each "pulpiteer" to speak as Your Son Jesus spoke - with courage and boldness, straight to the ears, minds and hearts of their congregants.  May their words be Spirit-filled and therefore as sunlight and showers of rain blessings, watering the spiritual lives of their hearers, sprouting up with flourishing growth therein.

Thank-You for the speakers in _________ (reader, name your specific church/assembly), for their willingness to speak for You.  I pray specifically for _________ (name each individual who speaks from the pulpit in your church and/or small gatherings).  May these pulpiteers be mighty men and women of God, filled with Your Holy Spirit.  May they be marked by integrity, faithfulness, and be steadfast in their faith.  May there be no fakers among them.

Give them renewed strength as they spend quality time communing with You and meditating upon Your Word, so that their preaching and teaching will not be ritual meaningless duty and drivel that sounds good to "itching ears" but rather be from the depths of their own hearts, birthed from personal soul-searching, encapsulating their words spoken forth with the clarion ring of sincerity and truth.  May their messages be relevant to their hearers and bring great conviction and revival.

Again, may these pulpiteers be strong and courageous as You told Joshua of old to be.  Thus, to speak the truth with love so that the hearers will be convicted and motivated by Your Holy Spirit to not just be hearers, but to take appropriate action to grow in their spiritual lives to become more Christ-like and especially to draw closer to You, Father (James 1:22-24; Matthew 4:23-5:2).

If any of these speakers feel they lack wisdom as to what to convey to their listeners or even how to deal with their own family (or church) issues, may they seek You and Your wisdom.  Your word says that You give wisdom freely and without reproach.  May they be encouraged to always ask of You without any reticence (James 1:5).

By seeking Your direction may their own spirits be renewed and refreshed.  May many souls be added to Your kingdom due to the messages spoken through the dynamic power and authority of Your Holy Spirit rippling through these pulpiteers' anointed mouths and lips.

We know Your steadfast love never ceases.  Let these pulpiteers and their families know Your presence and love which surrounds and blankets them.  Bless and keep them in Your will and ways due to this envelope of love.  May they each have fruitful lives for you.

May they each be kept faithful to You through whatever storms of life hit them.  Send encouragers to them so they know they are not alone.  Yes, we know there is none like You Father but I know You are gracious, kind, loving and also work in tandem with Your other "children" and even use them to help one another, poor and feeble though we many be.

Raise up more "mouth-pieces," sanctifying and anointing their lips too, with Your power and authority.  Combined with all the other pulpiteers, may great revival come to this world so that all nations and peoples will extol and praise You, oh LORD God (Psalm 117).

Thank-You for the many and varied sacrifices these preachers and teachers of Your Word make for You and on their hearers behalf to bring Your Words of life to the rest of us

This trumpet call goes up to You Father, in the most precious name of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Praise the Lord.

                                                       ~ERC May 2021~

Sing Pastor's Song by Donna Jackson

Clergy Appreciation (10 October 2021)

Book Review - The Empire of Rubber: Firestone's Scramble For Land and Power in Liberia - Gregg Mitman - Publication Date: 12 October 2021

 

This is a big reveal, whistleblower biography of the purported 'advancement' of the country of Liberia.  Under cover of economic advancement and humanitarian deeds (snort!) to benefit the people of Liberia, the US based Firestone Tire and Rubber Company reigned, or thought they did.  Essentially, they lined and padded their own coffer pockets with great machinations and attempted manipulations, using trusted Firestone employees and cronies (often from high echelons of US government), to wield much power; attempting to mentally and politically armwrestle, outwit and hoodwink the Liberians.  

It was a huge power play but the Liberian Presidents pushed back - almost like a chess match between professional status players.  It would have been amusing if it was not reality.  Kuddos to the Liberians, especially to Prsident Barclay, an intelligent, astute politicaian who knew how to thwart, and to be a thorn-in-the-side of, the Firestones.  The Empire of Rubber, although somewhat rooted and maintained for many decades, in the end, had only a tenuous hold and did not take over Liberia by the covert ways and means it had wished.

Historians and history lovers will love this book, which is chock-full of detail and methodically written dates and timelines; although it may make it a plodding read for the less attuned to detail.  There are black and white pictures interspersed among the pages, documenting the years and key players, which supplement the factual historical narrative.

Additional information such as Acknowledgements, Notes, About the Author Gregg Mitman and an Index, follow the main comprehensive work of Mitman, who seems to have done his research homework well.  What a mammoth task to which he was obviously equal!

                                              ~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                            September 2021

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the review copy given by the publisher.

Book Review on Goodreads

Esteem God's Holiness

 

Do we esteem God's love more than God's holiness?  God says, 

"Be holy, as I am holy" (Leviticus 19-20; 1 Peter 1:1-17).

Moses was commanded to take his sandals off when he got too close to the "burning bush" that was not burning.  It was holy ground because Holy God was there.

The Holy of Holies with the mercy seat was sacred ground too.  The High priest could only enter if certain requirements were in place.  He could not simply rush into the presence of God for the sake of so doing.

Isaiah felt his sinfulness in the presence of God's holiness.  Do we?  Do we even enter our living God's presence with bold confidence and remember,

 "Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed (holy) be Thy Name..." (Matthew 6:9-13)?  

If we do, we won't be flippant.  We will humbly bow before Him in contrition, repenting and confessing our sins.  We will become more holy in our Christian living.

Peter was so smacked and smitten by his sinfulness in the presence of Jesus, Son of God, the Holy One of Israel, he put his clothes on, jumped into the sea and swam ashore and then asked Jesus to leave him.  Peter found it so very difficult by the contrast of Jesus' holiness up against his sinful nature.  

Be holy as He is holy.  Be repentant.  Make your confessions and come before our Heavenly Father with, 

"...hallowed be Thy Name" 

imprinted upon our minds, hearts and upon our lips.

Esteem God's holiness equally and perhaps even more than, His love, which also knows no bounds.  "Holy" is His Name.  Let Him govern your life of holiness before Him; in His presence.

Take off your shoes.

Bow before Him, revere Him.  Be holy as He is. 

 Cry out,

"Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty."

                                                         ~ERC  August 2021~

Sing, Holy, Holy, Holy, with Audrey Assad

Lord's Day Devotion - He Built Altars

 Abram, for all his ancient years, was quite the pilgrim migrant.  What stamina he had had to be trekking here and there.  Then at certain milestones along his wanderings, to have the energy, not to flop down on his bed and snore, but to build an altar!

"He built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the LORD" (Genesis 12:8 NIV).

Amazing man who knew where to place his trust - in the LORD.  That was his secret strength.

If you read the narrative in chunks like from Genesis 11 to 20 in one go, you can take better note of Abram's faith in the LORD of His promises.  He liked to show it by his altar building - a visual memorial, NOT to be worshiped, but to give worship to the LORD, as

 "he went from place to place" (Genesis 13:3-4MIV).

He found a shady place of repose near the great trees of Mamre at Hebron and built another altar (Genesis 13:18 NIV).  If you trace his footsteps and follow in his wake, you'll be able to know and say, when you see yet another altar in the middle of nowhere,

"Ah, Abram was here."

The altar to the LORD, showed it.

In many ways I see this as good practice.  In our own personal lives we can make "altars" of remembrance of how the Lord preserved us; our faith and answers to prayer, and vindication thereof.

Abram, or as he was later known, Abraham, did see the son he had been promised by God, but he did not get to see the uncountable multitudes as many as the grains of sand on the seashore, nor the numbers of stars in the sky...but...he believed it would happen.  Yet through all the years of waiting for the promised son, he still built altars and worshiped the LORD, God Most High, Who is the Creator of heaven" (Genesis 14:22 NIV) and made covenant with Him.  God was a Personal Friend as well as Diety to be worshipped.

For us today, one of our "altar" remembrances can come, 

"as often as we eat the bread and drink from the cup" (2 Corinthians 11:26),

on any given Lord's Day.  We  can meet together physically or virtually and remember what Jesus has done for us through His death on the cross and through His resurrrection.  Our strength and salvation come from the Lord.  We do well to build altars and worship Him, even if it is only in our closet.

                                                        ~ERC  August 2021~

Based on Genesis 11-20 NIV.

Before It's Too Late

 

Noah's Ark with all his family and the creatures within landed; bump! and perched atop Mt. Ararat.  Nowadays Mt. Ararat is 5,137 meters high.  Not sure how high it was back in Noah's millenia but it is referred to as, "a mountain".

Try to imagine the ark resting there when the floods had receded, the land had dried and new foliage growth had sprouted and garnished the forests and plains.  If anyone had survived outside of that ark, which from the Bible account, we deduce they didn't, since the LORD God had declared afterwards,

"Never again will I destoy all living creatures as I have done" (Genesis 8:21 (NIV),

just picture it anyway.

They would have looked w-a-a-y up and have seen it there; clear, as clear as can be, they'd have seen it.  It was a beacon to the tragedy and pain inflicted upon God's heart by the wickedness of mankind, yet showing God's mercy in making a way of escape and safety.  If only more than eight souls had entered that ark!  For those others, it was devastatingly, too late.

Let us followers of Jesus Christ be that beacon of light and guidance to Jesus, the Savior, not just in this COVID era, but for all time.  The "flood" of God's judgement is coming.  Be there for those who haven't yet put their faith and trust in Jesus.  May they see each of us children of God, as clear as clear as can be.  Be still before the Lord, learn from Him and be the light we should be.

May the lost souls come before it is forever, devastatingly, to late, for them.

                                                   ~ERC  August 2021~

Sing Here I am to Worship with Michael W. Smith

What's in the Wind?

 There was a "mighty rushing of wind".  It "filled the entire house."  It was to be the Pentcost of all Pentacosts for those believers sitting there.  They didn't sit for long though.

The Holy Spirit filled them.  They must have popped right down those stairs and out into the throngs of people.  They

 "began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance".

Devout Jewish men had gathered from "every nation under heaven" whose mother tongues were not necessarily Hebrew, Greek or Latin.  Their native languages were from places such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Libya, Arabia and Rome, to name a few.  How was it they could undestand, in their own tongues, the mighty works of God"?

Isn't this truly amazing and astounding especially since the men telling out this good news in the various known languages were deemed Galileans and therefore supposed "unlearned"!?  Our God works wonders!  All made possible through the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit Who had come to indwell them; comfort and guide them.

Wind is a symbol of the breath of God.  God had breathed into Adam's nostrils the "breath of life" at his creation.  Now the "wind" came again, breathing new life into the apostles and other disciples present that momentus day.

Have you "felt the wind" of the Holy Spirit's workings in your life?  Come to faith in Jesus Christ and You will have the Holy Spirit indwelling.  He aids and abetts the believer in this life on earth.  He comforts, convicts, guides and directs.  His presence is with us.

Maybe we do or do not suddenly speak in other languages not our own mother tongue (how wondrous that would be), but this power is at work within us and can manifest in this or other ways.  May we all realize God's almighty rushing wind and be filled and bask in His presence.

Sit and be with Him.

You never know what He wants to tell you.  You never know what's in the wind.  He'll pleasantly surprize you.  May we each "feel His wind" and have our own personal pentacost.  May there indeed be revival within us and through us out to others so they too, may know Jesus Christ as Savior and His wondrous working power, personally.

                                                    ~ERC  August 2021~

Based on Acts 2 (ESV)

Sing, Breathe on Us, with Kari Jobe