Here is the breakdown for the food drive items for the rest of the year:
April: Peanut Butter/ Jelly
May: Tuna
June: Canned Vegetables
July: Canned Fruit
August: Canned Spaghetti Sauce
September: Dried Pasta
October: Macaroni and Cheese Boxes
November: Canned Pasta Meals eg., spaghettios, ravioli,
December: Canned Chili
The food bank always needs disposable diapers sizes 2,3,4.
The stake received an email from the food bank manager today stating they are completely out of peanut butter and jelly. This is going to be a hard time for the food bank and we need to do what we can to help.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Family Home Evening
This week's Family Home Evening lesson is on The Book of Mormon. To see the entire lesson go to: http://societystuff-fhe.blogspot.com/search/label/Book%20of%20Mormon
There are also additional lessons to choose from, just click on the Family Home Evening icon at the right sidebar, near the bottom.
Are You Reading?
How are you doing with your scripture reading? I am finding it very easy to read just one and a half pages a day. Actually, I am finding it an interesting experience reading The Book of Mormon so slowly. I usually am trying to finish quickly it and move on. This time, I seem to want more. A page and a half doesn't seem like enough; I am doing a little more studing of what I read and a lot more pondering.
I just finished Jacob and have enjoyed it so much. One of my favorite verses, that I have thought about for days is Jacob 6:12. It is so short I almost missed it. It says, "Oh be wise; what can I say more?"
There isn't a mother who wishes she wasn't a little wiser in dealing with a child, there isn't a wife who wishes she wasn't a little wiser in communicating with her husband and there isn't a woman who wishes she had the wisdom to make (or not make) that choice, way back when.
What powerful counsel, to be wise. Wise enough to accept appropriate guidelines. Wise enough to say just the right words to the right person. Wise enough to know what the Lord would like me to do today. I agree with Jacob, "What can I say more?"
I hope you are enjoying reading the Book of Mormon as much as I am.
I just finished Jacob and have enjoyed it so much. One of my favorite verses, that I have thought about for days is Jacob 6:12. It is so short I almost missed it. It says, "Oh be wise; what can I say more?"
There isn't a mother who wishes she wasn't a little wiser in dealing with a child, there isn't a wife who wishes she wasn't a little wiser in communicating with her husband and there isn't a woman who wishes she had the wisdom to make (or not make) that choice, way back when.
What powerful counsel, to be wise. Wise enough to accept appropriate guidelines. Wise enough to say just the right words to the right person. Wise enough to know what the Lord would like me to do today. I agree with Jacob, "What can I say more?"
I hope you are enjoying reading the Book of Mormon as much as I am.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Valiant in the Cause of Christ
A big thanks to our special guest teacher, Jane Thurston, for her instruction on how to be valiant in the cause of Christ.
Joseph Smith was a prime example of being valiant. When Missouri governor Lilburn W. Boggs issued the extermination order on the Mormons in October 1838, Joseph agreed to meet with the officers and negotiate peace. Instead he and other church leaders were arrested, forced to spend the night on the ground during a freezing rainstorm and berated in the process. He was pried from the arms of his sobbing wife and children and taken off to jail. He was wracked with anguish on what would happen to his family left behind with "monsters in the shape of men". From jail he wrote Emma a letter stating, "We are prisoners in chains and under strong guards, for Christ's sake and for no other cause". He then went on to add, "We are in good spirits and rejoice that we are counted worthy to be persecuted for Christ's sake". Joseph Smith showed how "the valiant cheerfully do all they can, even during times of trouble".
Every charge we've been given that helps us develop Christlike qualities also comes with a reward. If we are humble, prayerful, work righteousness, and live with an eye single to the glory of God we will have joy, be given the power to withstand temptation and our souls will be satisfied. To be valiant in cause of Christ is to seek out anything that helps you lift your own spirit as well as the spirits of those around you. At the end of our mortal lives we will have a day of accounting before the Lord. As it says in Matthew 25:21, if we have proven faithful over a few things, we will be made rulers over many things and receive a fullness of joy. We will be given a celestial crown and enter into His rest.
Joseph Smith was a prime example of being valiant. When Missouri governor Lilburn W. Boggs issued the extermination order on the Mormons in October 1838, Joseph agreed to meet with the officers and negotiate peace. Instead he and other church leaders were arrested, forced to spend the night on the ground during a freezing rainstorm and berated in the process. He was pried from the arms of his sobbing wife and children and taken off to jail. He was wracked with anguish on what would happen to his family left behind with "monsters in the shape of men". From jail he wrote Emma a letter stating, "We are prisoners in chains and under strong guards, for Christ's sake and for no other cause". He then went on to add, "We are in good spirits and rejoice that we are counted worthy to be persecuted for Christ's sake". Joseph Smith showed how "the valiant cheerfully do all they can, even during times of trouble".
Every charge we've been given that helps us develop Christlike qualities also comes with a reward. If we are humble, prayerful, work righteousness, and live with an eye single to the glory of God we will have joy, be given the power to withstand temptation and our souls will be satisfied. To be valiant in cause of Christ is to seek out anything that helps you lift your own spirit as well as the spirits of those around you. At the end of our mortal lives we will have a day of accounting before the Lord. As it says in Matthew 25:21, if we have proven faithful over a few things, we will be made rulers over many things and receive a fullness of joy. We will be given a celestial crown and enter into His rest.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Relief Society Birthday Remarks
Opening Remarks by our fabulous Enrichment Leader, Cathy Nielsen
Happy 167th birthday Relief Society!
What a wonderful history we have in this great organization. Just think that some of our grandmothers and great grandmothers and perhaps beyond probably gathered in a meeting like this to celebrate the society’s organization in 1842.
Membership has grown to millions worldwide. But regardless of time or place, Relief Society still means lifting one another spiritually, loving and taking care of one another, and absorbing insight and inspiration from other women headed in the right direction.
When Emma Smith stated with no small amount of vision: “We are going to do something extraordinary”, she was certainly prophetic. What has transpired through the past 167 years has been nothing short of extraordinary. Women have responded magnificently to a multitude of pressing calls. Relief Society spans the globe and represents women who come in every age, shape and color.
Throughout the world, other women’s organizations have come and gone. But if anything, the relevance of Relief Society in the lives of women and its importance to the Church are greater today than ever. And yet, as was articulated by Mother Smith, our basic goal as Relief Society sisters has remained the same, it is to “cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction, that we may all sit down in heaven together.”
Happy 167th birthday Relief Society!
What a wonderful history we have in this great organization. Just think that some of our grandmothers and great grandmothers and perhaps beyond probably gathered in a meeting like this to celebrate the society’s organization in 1842.
Membership has grown to millions worldwide. But regardless of time or place, Relief Society still means lifting one another spiritually, loving and taking care of one another, and absorbing insight and inspiration from other women headed in the right direction.
When Emma Smith stated with no small amount of vision: “We are going to do something extraordinary”, she was certainly prophetic. What has transpired through the past 167 years has been nothing short of extraordinary. Women have responded magnificently to a multitude of pressing calls. Relief Society spans the globe and represents women who come in every age, shape and color.
Throughout the world, other women’s organizations have come and gone. But if anything, the relevance of Relief Society in the lives of women and its importance to the Church are greater today than ever. And yet, as was articulated by Mother Smith, our basic goal as Relief Society sisters has remained the same, it is to “cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction, that we may all sit down in heaven together.”
Friday, March 20, 2009
Relief Society Birthday Party
Happy 167th Birthday! We had a great time sharing the Relief Society Birthday with you. Thanks to all of you for your support. A special thanks for Peggy Jackson for the beautiful flute medley, Deborah Haynie and the Young Women leaders (Cheryl, Brenda, Anne, Suzanne, and Tonya) for that absolutely beautiful song, and to our wonderful Enrichment Committee for everything from the invitations to the clean up--they are the best. Also, give a big thank you, when you see them, to Brother Webster, Brother Weber, Brother Brady, Brother Nielsen, and Brother Knaphus not only for serving but for cleaning up the gym and kitchen. Our High Priests Rock! Last but not least, the high light of the evening was the DVD Penny arranged with so many willing sisters, thank you. We couldn't have put it together without you and also the help of Nancy Giles and her fancy computer skills. We hope you sisters who were not there enjoy watching the DVD and feeling the spirit of sisterhood. Felicita Ward's Relief Society is AWESOME!!!!!
Love you all,
Ginger, Angela, Aundrea & Billye
Love you all,
Ginger, Angela, Aundrea & Billye
Relief Society Birthday Message
Encouraging remarks by our Relief Society President, Ginger Proffitt
Relief Society was born 167 years ago when a handful of women gathered in Joseph Smith’s red brick store to unite their strength. Emma Smith told the women, “We are going to do something extraordinary—we expect extraordinary occasions and pressing calls.”
Those Saints responded to the needs of their day. I am certain that their strength came from their ability to step forward with a resounding “Here am I, send me.” Then they were off on the Lord’s errand.
President Spencer W. Kimball said “A righteous woman is a blessing to all those whom her life touches.”
In that great interchange between Heavenly Father and His Eldest, only begotten Son, when asked who would come to Earth and prepare a way for us, Jesus’ response was “Here am I, send Me.”
Sisters; You have responded the same way.
If you need a woman who will shun vulgarity and dress modestly and speak with dignity and show the world how joyous it is to keep the commandments, here am I, send me."
"Father, if you need a woman to rear children in righteousness, here am I, send me."
"If you need a woman to make a house, a home filled with love, here am I, send me."
We are part of a grand whole. We need each other to make our sisterhood complete. Sisters, I ask you to stand close to one another. We are bonded as we try to understand what the Lord has to say to us, what He will make of us.
As sisters in Zion, we still have pressing calls. We have calls to teach the gospel, to lift our families, to bless our neighbors, to aid our friends, to live by example, to share our understanding with others, and to bring souls unto Christ by the way we live and the way we love one another.
Yes, as sisters in Zion, we are going to do something extraordinary.
Relief Society was born 167 years ago when a handful of women gathered in Joseph Smith’s red brick store to unite their strength. Emma Smith told the women, “We are going to do something extraordinary—we expect extraordinary occasions and pressing calls.”
Those Saints responded to the needs of their day. I am certain that their strength came from their ability to step forward with a resounding “Here am I, send me.” Then they were off on the Lord’s errand.
President Spencer W. Kimball said “A righteous woman is a blessing to all those whom her life touches.”
In that great interchange between Heavenly Father and His Eldest, only begotten Son, when asked who would come to Earth and prepare a way for us, Jesus’ response was “Here am I, send Me.”
Sisters; You have responded the same way.
If you need a woman who will shun vulgarity and dress modestly and speak with dignity and show the world how joyous it is to keep the commandments, here am I, send me."
"Father, if you need a woman to rear children in righteousness, here am I, send me."
"If you need a woman to make a house, a home filled with love, here am I, send me."
We are part of a grand whole. We need each other to make our sisterhood complete. Sisters, I ask you to stand close to one another. We are bonded as we try to understand what the Lord has to say to us, what He will make of us.
As sisters in Zion, we still have pressing calls. We have calls to teach the gospel, to lift our families, to bless our neighbors, to aid our friends, to live by example, to share our understanding with others, and to bring souls unto Christ by the way we live and the way we love one another.
Yes, as sisters in Zion, we are going to do something extraordinary.
Brother Craig's List
“Brother Craig’s List” is here! See the new ads posted from sisters in our stake! You can post things for sale, for free and work for hire and hire for work! You can also post service opportunities! If you have excess produce from your orchards and gardens you can post “picking days!” Go to www.oursundaythoughts.com and click on “Brother Craig’s List” at the top of the blog.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Living With Others in Peace and Harmony
A group of armed militia men barged into the home of Joseph Smith's parents in Far West. The said they were there to kill Joseph because of some crime he supposedly committed. Joseph, who was there visiting at the time, got up and with a smile offered his hand to each of the men. The men were taken back by his courage and his pleasant manner. Joseph sat down with them and engaged in a conversation. He explained what the Mormons had been through and how they had never broken the law but if they had, they were willing to be tried by the law. The manner in which Joseph boldy yet kindly spoke to these men, helped them quickly change their opinion him. This group of militia men went from wanting to kill Joseph, to liking him, to wanting to defend him.
"Jesus said, 'Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God'". We have been given a charge to cultivate peace with one another. We can do this out of our determination to not find fault with one another, to respect the freedom others have to believe as they choose and to develop charity in our own hearts.
"Jesus said, 'Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God'". We have been given a charge to cultivate peace with one another. We can do this out of our determination to not find fault with one another, to respect the freedom others have to believe as they choose and to develop charity in our own hearts.
Missionary Service
I saw a woman in distress. Her car wouldn't start and she was running late. She approached a man nearby and asked if he had any jumper cables. He, in a hurry himself, quickly stepped past her, mumbling something about how he couldn't help her. I called over to the woman and told her that I had cables and would be right over with my car. To get this woman's car started took mere minutes of my time but she thanked me profusely as if I had saved her life.
I reflected on this in light of the lesson I was preparing, a lesson on missionary work. We are surrounded daily by people who's spiritual batteries are either drained or have never been charged. Those of us with testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ, have what these people need. While most of us would not hesitate to jump to the aid of someone in physical distress, we too often scurry past those in spiritual distress.
I reflected on this in light of the lesson I was preparing, a lesson on missionary work. We are surrounded daily by people who's spiritual batteries are either drained or have never been charged. Those of us with testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ, have what these people need. While most of us would not hesitate to jump to the aid of someone in physical distress, we too often scurry past those in spiritual distress.
Joseph Smith has said "After all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel". Upon speaking to those early missionaries who left their families to spread the Gospel throughout England, Joseph Smith said, "A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race."
I was grateful I had a set of jumper cables in my car and that I knew how to use them. We should be grateful that we have the tools of the true gospel at our disposal and know how to use them. We know how to recharge our own spiritual batteries through the power of the Holy Ghost. May we be as willing and eager to seek out and help those in spiritual distress and offer them the same tools.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Interfaith Needs You
Interfaith Services has quadrupled recently and needs your help. Please bring one item to church each week if possible and put in the collection box in the kitchen. They need: Tuna, Canned Fruit, Canned Vegetables, Canned Chili, Peanut Butter/Jelly, Canned Pasta Meals, Spaghetti Sauce, Dried Pasta, Macaroni & Cheese, Diapers Size 3,4,5, Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
NEW ENRICHMENT GROUP
Every Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. is open gym for moms with preschool age children and younger. Bring your children and let them run around the gym while you visit. Bring balls and toys to share.
Monday, March 16, 2009
You are invited!
A Fabulous Evening of Fun, Entertainment, Food and Friends!
It won't be the same without your smile! So..........Pack up the babies, grab the old ladies and EVERYONE GO!!!
Tuesday, March 17th (You don't have to wear green)
6:30 pm. at the Church
Dinner will be served (of course!)
IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER
IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER -by Erma Bombeck (written after she found out she was dying from cancer).
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime..
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.'
There would have been more 'I love you's' More 'I'm sorry's.' But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute, look at it and really see it , live it and never give it back.
STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!! Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what. Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime..
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.'
There would have been more 'I love you's' More 'I'm sorry's.' But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute, look at it and really see it , live it and never give it back.
STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!! Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what. Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Family Home Evening
This week's Family Home Evening lesson is on prayer. To see the entire lesson go to: http://societystuff-fhe.blogspot.com/2009/03/prayer.html There are also additional lessons to choose from, just click on the Family Home Evening icon at the right sidebar.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Smart Kids
TEACHER: George Washington not only chopped down his father's cherry tree, but also admitted it. Now, Louie, do you know why his father didn't punish him?
LOUIS: Because George still had the axe in his hand.
TEACHER: Now, Simon, tell me frankly, do you say prayers before eating?
SIMON: No sir, I don't have to, my Mom is a good cook.
TEACHER: Clyde , your composition on 'My Dog' is exactly the same as your brother's. Did you copy his?
CLYDE : No, sir. It's the same dog.
TEACHER: Winnie, name one important thing we have today that we didn't have ten years ago.
WINNIE: Me!
LOUIS: Because George still had the axe in his hand.
TEACHER: Now, Simon, tell me frankly, do you say prayers before eating?
SIMON: No sir, I don't have to, my Mom is a good cook.
TEACHER: Clyde , your composition on 'My Dog' is exactly the same as your brother's. Did you copy his?
CLYDE : No, sir. It's the same dog.
TEACHER: Winnie, name one important thing we have today that we didn't have ten years ago.
WINNIE: Me!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Christian Courage
Deborah Haynie was our special guest teacher on February 22nd. She took her lesson from Robert D. Hales' conference talk "Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship". Deborah started her lesson with an account of a young college student's experience at an intercollegiate leadership training conference. The students were taken outside where there were several trees marked with "strongly agree", "agree", etc down to "strongly disagree". They were asked a question and told to run to the tree that posted their opinion. One of the questions was about premarital sex. This young man ran to the tree marked "strongly disagree" and found himself to be standing there alone. The other students were pointing and laughing at him, some not believing he was serious. But there he stood, strong in his conviction on the issue. Later on during the conference several students commented to him, with regret in their voices, that they wish they had known what he knew.
In his talk, Robert D. Hales, shows us what a true disciple of Christ is like. A true disciple of Christ sees opportunity in the midst of opposition they way Abinadi bravely stood before King Noah's court and gave his testimony knowing it would be the death of him. A true disciple of Christ seeks guidance from the Spirit to know how to handle each encounter as it arises. Just as Christ responded differently in every situation. He remained silent when confronted by King Herod. To Pilate, he bore a "simple and powerful testimony of His divinity". When He came across the moneychangers defiling the temple, he acted on his responsibility to "preserve that which is sacred". Sometimes before we can receive that guidance from the Spirit, we need to ask for forgiveness ourselves. A true disciple of Christ will avoid being judgemental of others' views. We need to stay on the higher ground of mutual love and respect.
A true disciple of Christ is concerned about the welfare of others more than personal vindication. They are without guile. When we encounter someone who is offensive or clearly in the wrong, we should not feel that we are better than they are but that we know a better way of being. In meekness, humility and love we need to stand up courageously for what is right. As always, we need to listen to the Spirit as we exercise Christian courage.
In his talk, Robert D. Hales, shows us what a true disciple of Christ is like. A true disciple of Christ sees opportunity in the midst of opposition they way Abinadi bravely stood before King Noah's court and gave his testimony knowing it would be the death of him. A true disciple of Christ seeks guidance from the Spirit to know how to handle each encounter as it arises. Just as Christ responded differently in every situation. He remained silent when confronted by King Herod. To Pilate, he bore a "simple and powerful testimony of His divinity". When He came across the moneychangers defiling the temple, he acted on his responsibility to "preserve that which is sacred". Sometimes before we can receive that guidance from the Spirit, we need to ask for forgiveness ourselves. A true disciple of Christ will avoid being judgemental of others' views. We need to stay on the higher ground of mutual love and respect.
A true disciple of Christ is concerned about the welfare of others more than personal vindication. They are without guile. When we encounter someone who is offensive or clearly in the wrong, we should not feel that we are better than they are but that we know a better way of being. In meekness, humility and love we need to stand up courageously for what is right. As always, we need to listen to the Spirit as we exercise Christian courage.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection? I never noticed this....
The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes. The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.
Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!' Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple outran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.
Is that important? Absolutely! Is it really significant? Yes!
In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin,you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day.The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition. When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished.
Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done'. But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin,and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because..........The folded napkin meant, 'I'm coming back!'
He is Coming Back!
Thanks to Cherie Denison for sharing
The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes. The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.
Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!' Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple outran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.
Is that important? Absolutely! Is it really significant? Yes!
In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin,you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day.The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition. When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished.
Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done'. But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin,and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because..........The folded napkin meant, 'I'm coming back!'
He is Coming Back!
Thanks to Cherie Denison for sharing
Monday, March 2, 2009
Make A Decision
We cannot afford to flip-flop between virtue and vice, between integrity and vanity. There is not time to take dangerous detours into forbidden territory, either out of curiosity or by design. "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve" Moses 6:33. If eternal life is what we desire; if the continuation of the family unit is what we long for; if peace and happiness here and a glorious reward hereafter is what we covet, then the price is virtue. It is a lifetime pursuit to become a virtuous woman, not a spiritual condition we can spring into suddenly or attain through spiritual marathons; like the oil in the lamps of life, virtue must be deposited one tiny drop at a time. But first we must decide what we want most. Then we must commit to our Lord to walk in His ways all the days of our lives.
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