Simple Heart, Simple Love

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have ever lasting life! -- John 3:16

If you would Google or Yahoo images of hearts, all kinds of pictures will come up. You would find an assortment of designs. Valentine shapes, human heart pictures, even two cats lying mirrored next to each other in the form of a heart, would grace your screen. Valentine shapes have become exotic and fancy; sometimes they are simple letting the basic design of the heart shape itself speak the language of love.

Sometimes I get very flowery in my words. But I'd like for this blog to be simple in design instead of complex. I'd like the scripture for our lesson to simply remind us what true love is all about.

Dear God, please teach us simple, life-supporting, God pleasing love, just as you have shown it and Jesus demonstrated it. Thank you, in Jesus name! Amen.

Candlemas Day?

According to the www.stormfax.com weather almanac, Groundhogs Day had its early beginnings with a pagan celebration of Imbolc! When the German settlers arrived in America in the 1700's they brought the celebration of Candlemas Day with them, which was based on this celebration. According to the tradition, if the weather was fair on Candlemas Day, which was half way between the start of winter and the start of spring, it was a sign that the ravages of winter would continue. If, on the other hand, the day was not so nice, the folklore pronounced that early spring was surely on its way. Interestingly enough, the Germans watched for the shadow of a badger. In Pennsyvania, the groundhog was chosen as it would arise mid-winter from its hibernation. In February, 1841, a store keeper, James Morris of Morgantown, PA, noted this in his diary: ..."Last Tuesday, the 2nd, was Candlemas day, the day on which, according to the Germans, the Groundhog peeps out of his winter quarters and if he sees his shadow he pops back for another six weeks nap, but if the day be cloudy he remains out, as the weather is to be moderate."
x
1Timothy 4:7 reminds us: "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly."
x
Of course, Groundhogs Day is a fable, an old wives' tale. And of course, it has nothing to do with our salvation or even our Christian life. Like many other celebrations, it was started by pagans and followed by the world. These kinds of things are a lot of fun to study and know about, but certainly are not for the gain of Christian. I wouldn't say don't enjoy Groundhogs Day. But I would say, we need to spend as much time or more time learning the truth of God's word for our lives.
x
Current statistics tell us that 10 out of 10 of us will die! Do you find that statistic shocking? We probably would say we don't, but we may not have really thought about it! Follow Paul's advice to Timothy! Don't pay attention to the fables; train yourself to be Godly!
x
Dear God: We have a lot of fun with the traditions of man. But please help us to be able to know where and how to draw the line. Help us to become very serious about knowing you. We will die! Help us to be ready to stand before you because we have accepted Jesus!. In His name, Amen!