Beloved children’s programming legend Fred Rogers died early this morning at age 74, from stomach cancer. Song composer, puppeteer, Presbyterian minister–Mr. Rogers’ love for kids took us all, from 1968 to 2001, into the Neighborhood of Make-Believe.
Good-bye, Mr. Rogers, and thank you for being a part of my childhood. You were a blast.
Tag: God
It’s pretty cool when your pastor uses a Monty Python reference in his sermon. In this case, it was the “Department of Redundancy Department.” Tim was talking about how the term “born-again Christian” is redundant, since by definition someone who is a Christian is born again through his new faith in Jesus Christ. He threw in the above Python gag as a further example of said redundancy.
“The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” —Proverbs 15:4/NIV, verseoftheday.com
“Americans are a people who have realized a dream of freedom, who have taken it from an abstract hope and turned it into a living reality. What made this possible was a founding generation that understood the essential principles of liberty, and acknowledged from the very beginning that the basis for human justice, human dignity and human rights is no more–nor less–than the will and authority of our Creator, God.
“The importance of this principle is definitive, because it allows us to understand that since we claim our rights by virtue of the authority of God, we must exercise our rights with respect for the authority of God.
“This truth becomes a sound foundation for discipline in our use of our freedoms. It becomes a bulwark against the abuse of our powers. It becomes also the ground for our confidence that, when we claim those rights, and when we exercise them, we do not have to fear the consequences, because we are a people who exercise our rights in the fear of God.
“This means that as American citizens, we can have confidence in our capacity, ability and character to take care of our own families. We can trust ourselves to raise our own children, to direct our own schools, to run our own communities and states, to do honest business together, and to generally take care of the things that need to be done for our nation and its people.” —Alan Keyes
Last night, I picked up my pre-ordered copy of “Furthermore” by Jars of Clay, their 2-disc studio/stage compilation. Faithfully ripped via iTunes, I’m now listening to the studio disc, mostly re-recordings (as opposed to remixes), with 3 new tunes.
One of my favorite tunes from their last album, “The Eleventh Hour,” is the title track, and the re-recording of that song is fabulous, all acoustic. A decidedly different take of “Liquid” is intensely introspective and worshipful, causing one to take pause even in the middle of work.
A solid addition to anyone’s JoC library. [alternate purchase link]
Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ, our Lord and Savior, who died for the sins of the world.
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” —Luke 2:1-14
“It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its Mighty Founder was a child Himself.” —Charles Dickens
“May the Father of all mercies scatter light, and not darkness, upon our paths, and make us in all our several vocations useful here, and in His own due time and way everlastingly happy.” —George Washington
“Why is it that, next to the birthday of the Savior of the world, your most joyous and most venerated festival returns on this [Independence] day? Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior?” —John Quincy Adams
“A young man whose father is a carpenter grows up working in his father’s shop. He has no formal education. He owns no property of any kind. One day he puts down his tools and walks out of his father’s shop. He starts preaching on street corners and in the nearby countryside. Walking from place to place, preaching all the while even though he is in no way an ordained minister, he never gets farther than an area perhaps 100 miles wide at the most. He does this for three years. Then he is arrested, tried and convicted. There is no court of appeal so he is executed at age 33 along with two common thieves. Those in charge of his execution roll dice to see who gets his clothing—the only possessions he has. His family cannot afford a burial place so he is interred in a borrowed tomb. End of story?
No, this uneducated, propertyless young man who preached on street corners for only three years who left no written word has for 2000 years had a greater effect on the entire world than all the rulers, kings and emperors, all the conquerors, the generals and admirals, all the scholars, scientists and philosophers who ever lived—all put together. How do we explain that? …Unless he really was what he said he was.” —Ronald Reagan
Merry Christmas, one and all!
The world’s shaking with the love of God
Great and glorious, let the whole earth sing
And all you ever do is change the old for new
People we believe that
God is bigger than the air I breathe
The world we’ll leave
God will save the day and all will say
My glorious!
Clouds are breaking, heaven’s come to earth
Hearts awakening let the church bells ring
And all you ever do is change the old for new
People we believe that
God is bigger than the air I breathe
The world we’ll leave
God will save the day and all will say
My glorious!
—Smith/Garrard © 2000 / Delirious?
Well, that’s what Grant has to say about his mom. Keep sending the prayers out.
Grant Hutchinson’s mom suffered a grade V intracerebral aneurysm on Monday. She appears to be improving slowly. Please pray for her and the rest of Grant’s family.
…A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!!!
Guest of Honor: Jesus Christ
Date: Every day. Traditionally, December 25, but He’s always around, so the date is flexible….
Time: Whenever you’re ready. (Please don’t be late, though, or you’ll miss out on all the fun!)
Place: In your heart…. He’ll meet you there. (You’ll hear Him knock.)
Attire: Come as you are… grubbies are okay. He’ll be washing our clothes anyway. He said something about new white robes and crowns for everyone who stays till the last.
Tickets: Admission is free. He’s already paid for everyone… (He says you wouldn’t have been able to afford it anyway…it cost Him everything He had. But you do need to accept the ticket!!
Refreshments: New wine, bread, and a far-out drink He calls “Living Water,” followed by a supper that promises to be out of this world!
Gift Suggestions: Your life. He’s one of those people who already has everything else. (He’s very generous in return though. Just wait until you see what He has for you!)
Entertainment: Joy, Peace, Truth, Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness, Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power, Eternity in Paradise, Contentment, and much more! (All “G” rated, so bring your family and friends.)
R.S.V.P. Very Important! He must know ahead so He can reserve a spot for you at the table. Also, He’s keeping a list of His friends for future reference. He calls it the “Lamb’s Book of Life.”
Party being given by His Kids (that’s us!!)! Hope to see you there! For those of you whom I will see at the party, share this with someone today!