Tuesday, May 31, 2005
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day:
“We throw open the doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory.” ROMANS 5:2 THE MESSAGE
“My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing, I will sing praises, even with my soul, Awake, harp and lyre; I will awaken the dawn! I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the peoples, and I will sing praises to you among the nations.”
PSALM 108:1-3 NASB
David understood the importance of music and singing. He was first hired as a musician for King Saul to play and sing to sooth Saul’s uneasy spirit. When the king had an evil spirit about him, David’s music brought him peace. Much music that is programmed into the sound systems of malls, department stores, and grocery stores, has been programmed so that you will be lifted up and above some of your concerns, and spend, spend, spend. Some of the little tunes I hear in the grocery store has me singing, tapping my foot, and going from one item to the next in time to the music. The only place I have found music like the blues played in all the stores was on Beal Street, Memphis, Tennessee. And the business there is selling the blues, so it works out. I am not saying that the blues is not uplifting, it’s just that it probably would not work in a department or grocery store. If psychologist recognize the importance of music on our attitudes, we should realize how much more it can affect our relationship and our communion with God. Some examples of anointed songs that come to mind are Holy Holy Holy, and Amazing Grace. Oh how they can sooth us when we sing them. “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty; Early in the morning my song shall rise to Thee.” This is the same thought that David had, “I will awaken the dawn,” with music. With Amazing Grace I recall to mind when Joan Baez sang acappella at Woodstock to several hundred thousand people and how it soothed. Like a blanket of spiritual grace covering the multitude. Today may my song also rise to God in love and adoration. In return I find God puts a new song in my heart which sooths my spirit and again will rises from whence it came. God is doing for me what I could not do for myself……………….JRE
C. S. Lewis wrote in Reflections on the Psalms, “I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment. It is not out of compliment that lovers keep open telling one another how beautiful they are; the delight is incomplete till it is expressed.”
We cannot praise God until we delight in Him and love Him. We cannot do those things until we know Him intimately. We cannot know Him intimately until we spend time with Him. JACK HAYFORD……………..Living the Spirit-Formed Life
Soothing Praises
Thought for the day:
“We throw open the doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory.” ROMANS 5:2 THE MESSAGE
“My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing, I will sing praises, even with my soul, Awake, harp and lyre; I will awaken the dawn! I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the peoples, and I will sing praises to you among the nations.”
PSALM 108:1-3 NASB
David understood the importance of music and singing. He was first hired as a musician for King Saul to play and sing to sooth Saul’s uneasy spirit. When the king had an evil spirit about him, David’s music brought him peace. Much music that is programmed into the sound systems of malls, department stores, and grocery stores, has been programmed so that you will be lifted up and above some of your concerns, and spend, spend, spend. Some of the little tunes I hear in the grocery store has me singing, tapping my foot, and going from one item to the next in time to the music. The only place I have found music like the blues played in all the stores was on Beal Street, Memphis, Tennessee. And the business there is selling the blues, so it works out. I am not saying that the blues is not uplifting, it’s just that it probably would not work in a department or grocery store. If psychologist recognize the importance of music on our attitudes, we should realize how much more it can affect our relationship and our communion with God. Some examples of anointed songs that come to mind are Holy Holy Holy, and Amazing Grace. Oh how they can sooth us when we sing them. “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty; Early in the morning my song shall rise to Thee.” This is the same thought that David had, “I will awaken the dawn,” with music. With Amazing Grace I recall to mind when Joan Baez sang acappella at Woodstock to several hundred thousand people and how it soothed. Like a blanket of spiritual grace covering the multitude. Today may my song also rise to God in love and adoration. In return I find God puts a new song in my heart which sooths my spirit and again will rises from whence it came. God is doing for me what I could not do for myself……………….JRE
C. S. Lewis wrote in Reflections on the Psalms, “I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment. It is not out of compliment that lovers keep open telling one another how beautiful they are; the delight is incomplete till it is expressed.”
We cannot praise God until we delight in Him and love Him. We cannot do those things until we know Him intimately. We cannot know Him intimately until we spend time with Him. JACK HAYFORD……………..Living the Spirit-Formed Life
Friday, May 27, 2005
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day:
“The mystery of life is that the Lord of life cannot be known except through the act of living. Without the concrete and specific involvements of daily life we cannot come to know the loving presence of Him who holds us in the palm of His hand……Therefore, we are called each day to present to our Lord the whole of our lives.”
HENRI J.M. NOUWEN
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.”
EPHESIANS 1:18-19 NASB
Many scholars think that the letter the apostle Paul wrote to the Church at Ephesus, had more than one city and church in its view when written. It is called an encyclical letter. One that was meant to be read, and then passed on to another city and church.. Most good thoughts will work in our lives in different times in different ways. I find the Word of God to especially have this nature. I have heard it said that Scripture is “timeless and timely.” I have found nothing else to have this characteristic. Most things change and become obsolete over a period of time. I have a box in my closet that has manuals contained in it. Some of them were put there fifty years ago by my grandparents. When I get something new like an answering machine, a VCR, or my DVD player, I take the manual and put it in that box. Most times I never go back to read it, whatever the appliance may be, becomes old and is replaced by something of a newer technology. When I was a young man in my twenties I thought I had a good understanding of the spiritual ways of life. I considered the Bible and the Word of God to be an outdated manual, and couldn’t see how it applied to my life in this day and age. I thought that the realm of the spirit was limitless and was to be explored however I wanted. I did psychedelics seeking to understand deeper meanings of life and myself. I drank alcohol until I was in a preaching frenzy, I smoked pot until I was in a total stupor and thought this must be what I am looking for. Everything I tried soon wore off, vanished, or was replaced by something else. Out of desperation I took note of the tears of a prison guard who was standing on the promises of God. I received a copy of the Timeless and Timely Word of God we call the Bible. Nothing else had worked, but these ancient words cut across thousands of years straight to my heart and into the nature of my problem, myself. Today I am so grateful that twenty-three years later I am able to read these sacred words and find them to be fresh and new. I do not understand how it works other than the fact that God and His Word cannot be separated. I find god to be doing for me what I could not do for myself……………JRE
“We must drink deeply from the very Source the deep calm and peace of interior quietude and refreshment of God, allowing the pure water of divine grace to flow plentifully and unceasingly from the Source itself.” MOTHER TERESA
Timeless service manual
Thought for the day:
“The mystery of life is that the Lord of life cannot be known except through the act of living. Without the concrete and specific involvements of daily life we cannot come to know the loving presence of Him who holds us in the palm of His hand……Therefore, we are called each day to present to our Lord the whole of our lives.”
HENRI J.M. NOUWEN
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.”
EPHESIANS 1:18-19 NASB
Many scholars think that the letter the apostle Paul wrote to the Church at Ephesus, had more than one city and church in its view when written. It is called an encyclical letter. One that was meant to be read, and then passed on to another city and church.. Most good thoughts will work in our lives in different times in different ways. I find the Word of God to especially have this nature. I have heard it said that Scripture is “timeless and timely.” I have found nothing else to have this characteristic. Most things change and become obsolete over a period of time. I have a box in my closet that has manuals contained in it. Some of them were put there fifty years ago by my grandparents. When I get something new like an answering machine, a VCR, or my DVD player, I take the manual and put it in that box. Most times I never go back to read it, whatever the appliance may be, becomes old and is replaced by something of a newer technology. When I was a young man in my twenties I thought I had a good understanding of the spiritual ways of life. I considered the Bible and the Word of God to be an outdated manual, and couldn’t see how it applied to my life in this day and age. I thought that the realm of the spirit was limitless and was to be explored however I wanted. I did psychedelics seeking to understand deeper meanings of life and myself. I drank alcohol until I was in a preaching frenzy, I smoked pot until I was in a total stupor and thought this must be what I am looking for. Everything I tried soon wore off, vanished, or was replaced by something else. Out of desperation I took note of the tears of a prison guard who was standing on the promises of God. I received a copy of the Timeless and Timely Word of God we call the Bible. Nothing else had worked, but these ancient words cut across thousands of years straight to my heart and into the nature of my problem, myself. Today I am so grateful that twenty-three years later I am able to read these sacred words and find them to be fresh and new. I do not understand how it works other than the fact that God and His Word cannot be separated. I find god to be doing for me what I could not do for myself……………JRE
“We must drink deeply from the very Source the deep calm and peace of interior quietude and refreshment of God, allowing the pure water of divine grace to flow plentifully and unceasingly from the Source itself.” MOTHER TERESA
Thursday, May 26, 2005
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “Patience is more than a virtue for long lines and slow waiters. Patience is the red carpet upon which God’s grace approaches us.”
MAX LUCADO
“He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Through the youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.”
ISAIAH 40:29-31 NASB
Once again I have used one of my favorite Scriptures. These verses by the prophet Isaiah have given me spiritual strength and encouragement over the years. It wasn’t until about six years ago that I came to the true meaning of one of the Hebrew words, which changed how I understand what Isaiah had been given by the Holy Spirit. The word that I am referring to is “wait.” “Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength.” I had always understood this to have a meaning of being patient, something having to do with time. And then once I heard that it could mean to “wait on” as a waiter, or to serve. This is understandable and I reached a point where I had two meanings for the verse, and both applied. But then having heard that the Hebrew word translated wait in English had more meanings I began to search it out. The Hebrew word is “qavah,” and the primary meaning that I find for it is “to bind together by twisting.” I get in mind a rope which has many strands that are twisted together to form one strong strand. Other meaning I find for the word qavah are to expect, now there’s a meaning that has substance. Not just to wait and think “well, maybe,” but to expect from God. Another meaning I find is “gather together,” Once again here is a meaning that has much substance. Yet those who gather together for the Lord will gain new strength. This is with out a doubt true, many of us gather together daily and weekly to encourage each other, and lift one another up. Then I find last in the many meanings of the word qavah, to look patiently for. All the meanings have understanding in this Scripture, but my favorite and the one that changed how I read the words penned by Isaiah, is to “bind together by twisting.” I like this, to be woven together to form one strong strand with God is my desire. Of course patience is something I work on, but to have God to be a inner part of my life gives new strength alone. Thanks for letting me share today, once again I find God to be doing for me what I could not do for myself………………….JRE
“There is a unique kind of transparence about things and events. The world is seen through, and no veil can conceal God completely. So the pious man is ever alert to see behind the appearance of things a trace of the divine, and thus his attitude toward life is one of expectant reverence.”
ABRAHAM JOSHUA HESCHEL
“As we go through the day we pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right thought or action.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 87
Twisted
Thought for the day: “Patience is more than a virtue for long lines and slow waiters. Patience is the red carpet upon which God’s grace approaches us.”
MAX LUCADO
“He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Through the youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.”
ISAIAH 40:29-31 NASB
Once again I have used one of my favorite Scriptures. These verses by the prophet Isaiah have given me spiritual strength and encouragement over the years. It wasn’t until about six years ago that I came to the true meaning of one of the Hebrew words, which changed how I understand what Isaiah had been given by the Holy Spirit. The word that I am referring to is “wait.” “Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength.” I had always understood this to have a meaning of being patient, something having to do with time. And then once I heard that it could mean to “wait on” as a waiter, or to serve. This is understandable and I reached a point where I had two meanings for the verse, and both applied. But then having heard that the Hebrew word translated wait in English had more meanings I began to search it out. The Hebrew word is “qavah,” and the primary meaning that I find for it is “to bind together by twisting.” I get in mind a rope which has many strands that are twisted together to form one strong strand. Other meaning I find for the word qavah are to expect, now there’s a meaning that has substance. Not just to wait and think “well, maybe,” but to expect from God. Another meaning I find is “gather together,” Once again here is a meaning that has much substance. Yet those who gather together for the Lord will gain new strength. This is with out a doubt true, many of us gather together daily and weekly to encourage each other, and lift one another up. Then I find last in the many meanings of the word qavah, to look patiently for. All the meanings have understanding in this Scripture, but my favorite and the one that changed how I read the words penned by Isaiah, is to “bind together by twisting.” I like this, to be woven together to form one strong strand with God is my desire. Of course patience is something I work on, but to have God to be a inner part of my life gives new strength alone. Thanks for letting me share today, once again I find God to be doing for me what I could not do for myself………………….JRE
“There is a unique kind of transparence about things and events. The world is seen through, and no veil can conceal God completely. So the pious man is ever alert to see behind the appearance of things a trace of the divine, and thus his attitude toward life is one of expectant reverence.”
ABRAHAM JOSHUA HESCHEL
“As we go through the day we pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right thought or action.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 87
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “God is the friend of silence. Trees, flowers, grass grow in silence. See the stars, moon, and sun how they move in silence.”
MOTHER TERESA
“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
GALATIANS 5:13-14 NASB
“The whole Law is fulfilled in one word.” I take this word to be love. The Law that is referred to is the Law that was given to Moses, the Ten Commandments and the more than six-hundred rules and regulations that the Israelites had to observe. I can also apply this word “love” to civil laws and come up with the same results. If I truly have love in my heart for my neighbor, than I won’t do anything that might offend him. Love does not wish others to suffer pain in any form. Some examples of love applying to everyday laws are: I won’t speed if I care about the welfare of my neighbor; I won’t judge and accuse someone if I care about how it might affect their feelings; I won’t take something from someone that they have a need of, if I care about their needs; I would never inflict physical pain on someone if I loved them and could feel their pain as if it was my own. Why is love such a difficult thing to apply outside of our circle of family and friends? Possibly because we have become so self-centered, relying on ourselves more and more. Today even the family has lost much of its importance, we all seem to go our own ways being separated many times by miles and miles. The words “love your neighbor as yourself” are found written by Moses, they were said by Jesus, and quoted by the apostle Paul. They are one of the main threads from the beginning to end in the Word of God. Nothing that is good works without love. Today may I remember to have compassion, understanding, and a caring attitude toward my neighbors. May I remember to apply love to all situations and God will do for me what I could not do for myself………..JRE
“God is with us in the midst of our daily, routine lives. In the middle of cleaning the house or driving somewhere in the pickup…… Often it is in the middle of the most mundane task that He lets us know He is there with us. We realize, then, that there can be no “ordinary” moments for people who live their live with Jesus.”
MICHEAL CARD
“In God’s economy, nothing is wasted. Through failure, we learn a lesson in humility which is probably needed, painful though it is.” BILL W. a letter dated 1942
Neighbors
Thought for the day: “God is the friend of silence. Trees, flowers, grass grow in silence. See the stars, moon, and sun how they move in silence.”
MOTHER TERESA
“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
GALATIANS 5:13-14 NASB
“The whole Law is fulfilled in one word.” I take this word to be love. The Law that is referred to is the Law that was given to Moses, the Ten Commandments and the more than six-hundred rules and regulations that the Israelites had to observe. I can also apply this word “love” to civil laws and come up with the same results. If I truly have love in my heart for my neighbor, than I won’t do anything that might offend him. Love does not wish others to suffer pain in any form. Some examples of love applying to everyday laws are: I won’t speed if I care about the welfare of my neighbor; I won’t judge and accuse someone if I care about how it might affect their feelings; I won’t take something from someone that they have a need of, if I care about their needs; I would never inflict physical pain on someone if I loved them and could feel their pain as if it was my own. Why is love such a difficult thing to apply outside of our circle of family and friends? Possibly because we have become so self-centered, relying on ourselves more and more. Today even the family has lost much of its importance, we all seem to go our own ways being separated many times by miles and miles. The words “love your neighbor as yourself” are found written by Moses, they were said by Jesus, and quoted by the apostle Paul. They are one of the main threads from the beginning to end in the Word of God. Nothing that is good works without love. Today may I remember to have compassion, understanding, and a caring attitude toward my neighbors. May I remember to apply love to all situations and God will do for me what I could not do for myself………..JRE
“God is with us in the midst of our daily, routine lives. In the middle of cleaning the house or driving somewhere in the pickup…… Often it is in the middle of the most mundane task that He lets us know He is there with us. We realize, then, that there can be no “ordinary” moments for people who live their live with Jesus.”
MICHEAL CARD
“In God’s economy, nothing is wasted. Through failure, we learn a lesson in humility which is probably needed, painful though it is.” BILL W. a letter dated 1942
Monday, May 23, 2005
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “If God is here for us and not elsewhere, then in fact this place is holy and this moment is sacred.” ISABEL ANDERS
“The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
DEUTERONOMY 31:8 NASB
A Point Man is someone who goes out ahead of the main element in a combat situation. They stay in communication with, and most times in visual sight with the group. Point is a lonely job and at times every nerve in your body will tingle with the anticipation of the enemy. I speak from experience. In 1967 and 1968 I was in Vietnam and had the opportunity to walk point several times. Almost all the men I served with would walk point when called upon. It was an honor to be chosen. I considered myself and the men I served with in Vietnam to be good soldiers, we did our job well. My problems in life started when I came home and continued to walk point for myself as a civilian. With my military experience behind me I thought I could detect the enemy I had to face in everyday living. How wrong I was, I led myself into many ambushes unaware of the cunning nature of sin and self-centeredness. Walking point I thought that the path of drugs and alcohol would be all right as long as I didn’t get busted or travel too long down the path. The lying ways of addiction led me way past the point of a safe return, the only way I could get back to the life I desired of joy, peace, serenity, and freedom, was to surrender to myself and allow a loving God to walk point in my life. This was how it was meant to be even from the times of Moses and Joshua. Today at times I still think that I know what is best, and decide to take a path of my own choice. Walking point by myself, it doesn’t take long to detect the battle ahead and come to the realization that I cannot win this on my own. I don’t have the battle equipment, my armor must come from God, and I must allow God to take point to be victorious. Today I must remember to surrender my self-centeredness to a loving God who said “I will go ahead of you.” God is doing for me what I could not do for myself………………..JRE
“The battle is the LORDS.”
1 SAMUEL 17:47
“Elisha’s is the type of ministry which may be ours. No one of us may be an Elijah, but everyone of us may be an Elisha. If possessed by God’s Holy Spirit, we may perform deeds of mercy which will seem like miracles in other men’s eyes. The character and career of Elisha are often disparaged in comparison with the more heroic figure of Elijah. Yet his beneficent life, less spectacular and more humane, is the inspired symbol of a ministry which lies within the reach of us all. Small kindnesses, small courtesies, small considerations, habitually practiced, give a greater charm to the character and often do more good in the world than great accomplishments.”
RAYMOND CALKINS
“God could and would if He were sought.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 60
Walking point
Thought for the day: “If God is here for us and not elsewhere, then in fact this place is holy and this moment is sacred.” ISABEL ANDERS
“The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
DEUTERONOMY 31:8 NASB
A Point Man is someone who goes out ahead of the main element in a combat situation. They stay in communication with, and most times in visual sight with the group. Point is a lonely job and at times every nerve in your body will tingle with the anticipation of the enemy. I speak from experience. In 1967 and 1968 I was in Vietnam and had the opportunity to walk point several times. Almost all the men I served with would walk point when called upon. It was an honor to be chosen. I considered myself and the men I served with in Vietnam to be good soldiers, we did our job well. My problems in life started when I came home and continued to walk point for myself as a civilian. With my military experience behind me I thought I could detect the enemy I had to face in everyday living. How wrong I was, I led myself into many ambushes unaware of the cunning nature of sin and self-centeredness. Walking point I thought that the path of drugs and alcohol would be all right as long as I didn’t get busted or travel too long down the path. The lying ways of addiction led me way past the point of a safe return, the only way I could get back to the life I desired of joy, peace, serenity, and freedom, was to surrender to myself and allow a loving God to walk point in my life. This was how it was meant to be even from the times of Moses and Joshua. Today at times I still think that I know what is best, and decide to take a path of my own choice. Walking point by myself, it doesn’t take long to detect the battle ahead and come to the realization that I cannot win this on my own. I don’t have the battle equipment, my armor must come from God, and I must allow God to take point to be victorious. Today I must remember to surrender my self-centeredness to a loving God who said “I will go ahead of you.” God is doing for me what I could not do for myself………………..JRE
“The battle is the LORDS.”
1 SAMUEL 17:47
“Elisha’s is the type of ministry which may be ours. No one of us may be an Elijah, but everyone of us may be an Elisha. If possessed by God’s Holy Spirit, we may perform deeds of mercy which will seem like miracles in other men’s eyes. The character and career of Elisha are often disparaged in comparison with the more heroic figure of Elijah. Yet his beneficent life, less spectacular and more humane, is the inspired symbol of a ministry which lies within the reach of us all. Small kindnesses, small courtesies, small considerations, habitually practiced, give a greater charm to the character and often do more good in the world than great accomplishments.”
RAYMOND CALKINS
“God could and would if He were sought.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 60
Thursday, May 19, 2005
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “There is nothing but God’s grace. We walk upon it; we breathe it; we live and die by it; it makes the nails and axels of the universe.”
ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written, ‘He scattered abroad, He gave to the poor, His righteousness endures forever.’
Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.”
2 CORINTHIANS 9:8-10 NASB
You can’t eat your seed. If you do you will not have a harvest. I speak from experience on this, God has many times in my life blessed me by some means, and I have used it only for myself and ended up with nothing left but a memory. Several weeks ago I planted green beans in my garden. At the time when I bought the seed beans I could have taken them soaked them in water for a little while and cooked them with a few slices of bacon and ham in the pot. I then could have taken some fresh cornbread and put it down in a bowl, dipped the beans and ham on top, put a few diced onions on top of that and enjoyed my meal of beans. I did not do that and I am so grateful, because today as I look at my garden I see two rows of healthy beans growing that will give an increase of way over a hundred fold. I could have enjoyed a wonderful meal of beans once, or I can enjoy beans from June to next May. It’s hard to look ahead sometimes to the increase of our giving, but I have never seen the spiritual principle of giving fail. When God blesses us we cannot afford to eat our seed. We have all been blesses by God in some gift, some material blessing, or even just the gift of being a friend. Don’t sit down and feast on what you have by yourself, share it with another and you will find that God will do for your what you could not do for yourself………………………JRE
“The New Testament does not teach us simply to give away possessions for the sake of giving them away or appearing virtuous. Nor does it encourage us to adopt a ‘simple lifestyle’ because simplicity has merit in itself. Rather, all of these commands are put in the context of glorifying God and furthering the work of His kingdom, and of laying up treasures in heaven and increasing our heavenly reward.”
WAYNE GRUDEN
“To keep what you have, you must give it away.” AA Slogan
Don't eat the seed
Thought for the day: “There is nothing but God’s grace. We walk upon it; we breathe it; we live and die by it; it makes the nails and axels of the universe.”
ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written, ‘He scattered abroad, He gave to the poor, His righteousness endures forever.’
Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.”
2 CORINTHIANS 9:8-10 NASB
You can’t eat your seed. If you do you will not have a harvest. I speak from experience on this, God has many times in my life blessed me by some means, and I have used it only for myself and ended up with nothing left but a memory. Several weeks ago I planted green beans in my garden. At the time when I bought the seed beans I could have taken them soaked them in water for a little while and cooked them with a few slices of bacon and ham in the pot. I then could have taken some fresh cornbread and put it down in a bowl, dipped the beans and ham on top, put a few diced onions on top of that and enjoyed my meal of beans. I did not do that and I am so grateful, because today as I look at my garden I see two rows of healthy beans growing that will give an increase of way over a hundred fold. I could have enjoyed a wonderful meal of beans once, or I can enjoy beans from June to next May. It’s hard to look ahead sometimes to the increase of our giving, but I have never seen the spiritual principle of giving fail. When God blesses us we cannot afford to eat our seed. We have all been blesses by God in some gift, some material blessing, or even just the gift of being a friend. Don’t sit down and feast on what you have by yourself, share it with another and you will find that God will do for your what you could not do for yourself………………………JRE
“The New Testament does not teach us simply to give away possessions for the sake of giving them away or appearing virtuous. Nor does it encourage us to adopt a ‘simple lifestyle’ because simplicity has merit in itself. Rather, all of these commands are put in the context of glorifying God and furthering the work of His kingdom, and of laying up treasures in heaven and increasing our heavenly reward.”
WAYNE GRUDEN
“To keep what you have, you must give it away.” AA Slogan
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “Be sure to remember that nothing in your daily life is so insignificant and so inconsequential that God will not help you by answering your prayer.” OLE HALLESBY
“And in all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
MATTHER 21:22 NASB
Why do I have a hard time praying? Not only do I have a hard time, but, I have met many others that say that they also have a hard time. It’s not that I don’t pray, I do, and I have times I have set aside for prayer. Also I have learned to be spontaneous in prayer when needed. It’s just that when I am praying it seems like such a chore. As I look inwardly this morning I realize that the chore maker, the task master, of my prayer is myself. To pray takes time always from self to recognize God, the needs of others, and God’s will for my life. I see myself as having become some what selfish in my spiritual life. I enjoy reading the Bible, I enjoy playing and listening to Christian music, I love to hear the Word of God preached, I enjoy talking about Jesus and how my life has been changed, but prayer, why does it seem difficult? If we only knew the results of our prayers the moment we prayed, I am sure that we would pray more and with more ease. Jesus said to “believe and you will receive.” Pretty simple stuff if you ask me. Yesterday I had a prayer answered, I have been believing and praying for something for four months, and my prayer was answered affirmatively yesterday. This has strengthened my prayer life today. Once more god has done for me what I could not do for myself….JRE
“Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light.”
ALBERT SCHWEITZER
In all things
Thought for the day: “Be sure to remember that nothing in your daily life is so insignificant and so inconsequential that God will not help you by answering your prayer.” OLE HALLESBY
“And in all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
MATTHER 21:22 NASB
Why do I have a hard time praying? Not only do I have a hard time, but, I have met many others that say that they also have a hard time. It’s not that I don’t pray, I do, and I have times I have set aside for prayer. Also I have learned to be spontaneous in prayer when needed. It’s just that when I am praying it seems like such a chore. As I look inwardly this morning I realize that the chore maker, the task master, of my prayer is myself. To pray takes time always from self to recognize God, the needs of others, and God’s will for my life. I see myself as having become some what selfish in my spiritual life. I enjoy reading the Bible, I enjoy playing and listening to Christian music, I love to hear the Word of God preached, I enjoy talking about Jesus and how my life has been changed, but prayer, why does it seem difficult? If we only knew the results of our prayers the moment we prayed, I am sure that we would pray more and with more ease. Jesus said to “believe and you will receive.” Pretty simple stuff if you ask me. Yesterday I had a prayer answered, I have been believing and praying for something for four months, and my prayer was answered affirmatively yesterday. This has strengthened my prayer life today. Once more god has done for me what I could not do for myself….JRE
“Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light.”
ALBERT SCHWEITZER
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “There is not a heart but has its moments of longing, yearning for something better, nobler, holier than it knows now.”
HENRY WARD BEECHER
“[God] reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…………..Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us.” 2 Corinthians 5:18 and 20
In myself I find a longing for something. A desire to reach higher, to go further, to be better, to be more loving, to be more understanding, to just be more than I am. In my spiritual self-examination this morning I come to one conclusion that this longing I have is partly made up of my wanting to be reconciled to Father God. I believe that in each one of us there is a desire to know God. God breathed the spirit of life into us and we have a longing to have our spirit live in communion and communication with the Spirit of God. This is what reconciliation is about, after having been separated from God by our own choices, we are able to make a decision on our own, and to come into the presence of God. God will intervene in our lives, but when we make the decision that we want to be in His presence, our will becomes His will. That is exactly what Jesus did for us by going to the cross. He became the doorway to the Father. Many people say that there are many ways to God. I myself have tried several. But when I stepped into the Doorway, which is Christ, I entered in to a spirit to Spirit life, and I don’t want to go back outside. God did for me what I could not do for myself…………………JRE
“There is far more to your inner life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the ravens, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, carefree in the care of God. And you count for more.” Luke 12:22-23 THE MESSAGE
Enter in
Thought for the day: “There is not a heart but has its moments of longing, yearning for something better, nobler, holier than it knows now.”
HENRY WARD BEECHER
“[God] reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…………..Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us.” 2 Corinthians 5:18 and 20
In myself I find a longing for something. A desire to reach higher, to go further, to be better, to be more loving, to be more understanding, to just be more than I am. In my spiritual self-examination this morning I come to one conclusion that this longing I have is partly made up of my wanting to be reconciled to Father God. I believe that in each one of us there is a desire to know God. God breathed the spirit of life into us and we have a longing to have our spirit live in communion and communication with the Spirit of God. This is what reconciliation is about, after having been separated from God by our own choices, we are able to make a decision on our own, and to come into the presence of God. God will intervene in our lives, but when we make the decision that we want to be in His presence, our will becomes His will. That is exactly what Jesus did for us by going to the cross. He became the doorway to the Father. Many people say that there are many ways to God. I myself have tried several. But when I stepped into the Doorway, which is Christ, I entered in to a spirit to Spirit life, and I don’t want to go back outside. God did for me what I could not do for myself…………………JRE
“There is far more to your inner life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the ravens, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, carefree in the care of God. And you count for more.” Luke 12:22-23 THE MESSAGE
Monday, May 16, 2005
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day:
Listen and be still and wait,
You’ll hear all kinds of things:
A moth up on the windowpane,
Whir of wild birds on the wing.
Listen, be still and hear
The language of the wildflowers.
Be serene and patient; wait
For new sounds every hour.
MAMIE OZBURN ODUM
“For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”
2 CORITHIANS 4:16, 17, 18, and 5:1 NASB
Mamie says to listen to the sounds of the world around us. Paul says we look not at the things which are seen. I find these two concepts to not disagree as it may appear, but to agree. I am sure that as the apostle Paul walked the roads of Europe that he took the time to smell the flowers and to enjoy the greening of spring. He probably enjoyed a cool dip in the sea on a hot summer day. And probably took the time to look at the many colors as they changed in the fall. If it snowed where Paul was, he probably was in awe at the beauty and purity of the first snow. When Paul said “we look not at the things which are seen,” he was referring to momentary light affliction. This was an area I consider Paul to be an expert in. Everywhere he went he was persecuted and suffered physical, and emotional discomfort. He understood not concentrating on the problem, but to look beyond it to the answer. Look to eternity. This old world is always changing and will afflict us in many way, look to the eternal where there is everlasting peace and we can grasp some of it and take it with us today. As we travel, don’t forget to “Listen, and be still and wait.” Listen to the “language of the wildflowers.” “Be serene and patient, wait for new sounds every hour.” When I take the time to smell the flowers, I find that God will do for me what I could not do for myself…………….JRE
“Don’t ever let yourself get so busy that you miss those little but important extras in life, the beauty of the day….the smile of a friend…..the serenity of a quite moment alone. For it is often life’s smallest pleasures and gentlest joys that make the biggest and most lasting difference.” Author unknown
A moth up on the windowpane
Thought for the day:
Listen and be still and wait,
You’ll hear all kinds of things:
A moth up on the windowpane,
Whir of wild birds on the wing.
Listen, be still and hear
The language of the wildflowers.
Be serene and patient; wait
For new sounds every hour.
MAMIE OZBURN ODUM
“For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”
2 CORITHIANS 4:16, 17, 18, and 5:1 NASB
Mamie says to listen to the sounds of the world around us. Paul says we look not at the things which are seen. I find these two concepts to not disagree as it may appear, but to agree. I am sure that as the apostle Paul walked the roads of Europe that he took the time to smell the flowers and to enjoy the greening of spring. He probably enjoyed a cool dip in the sea on a hot summer day. And probably took the time to look at the many colors as they changed in the fall. If it snowed where Paul was, he probably was in awe at the beauty and purity of the first snow. When Paul said “we look not at the things which are seen,” he was referring to momentary light affliction. This was an area I consider Paul to be an expert in. Everywhere he went he was persecuted and suffered physical, and emotional discomfort. He understood not concentrating on the problem, but to look beyond it to the answer. Look to eternity. This old world is always changing and will afflict us in many way, look to the eternal where there is everlasting peace and we can grasp some of it and take it with us today. As we travel, don’t forget to “Listen, and be still and wait.” Listen to the “language of the wildflowers.” “Be serene and patient, wait for new sounds every hour.” When I take the time to smell the flowers, I find that God will do for me what I could not do for myself…………….JRE
“Don’t ever let yourself get so busy that you miss those little but important extras in life, the beauty of the day….the smile of a friend…..the serenity of a quite moment alone. For it is often life’s smallest pleasures and gentlest joys that make the biggest and most lasting difference.” Author unknown
Thursday, May 05, 2005
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “The biggest problem is my reaction to the problem.”
Author unknown
Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place. And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.”
MARK 5:10-11 NKJV
These words of Jesus recorded by Mark show to me, how our attitude is important in what we do. Jesus was talking about rejection, something that none of us like, and probably few of us handle well. Why is rejection so hard to accept? For me I find that it cuts right to the center of who I am, the “Big I.” I seem to take rejection as a personal attack on who I am, but the truth of the matter is that many times what I feel as rejection has nothing to do with who I am. Rejection comes from people, not so much from places or things so what I feel sometimes is a person to person feeling. What I am learning is that many times people are busy in their own lives and could have experiences some difficulties or other matters of importance and really don’t have the time for what I think is so important. Jesus said to shake off the dust of your feet, and split. He didn’t say to react in an abusive way and give them a piece of your mind. After all rejection hurts, so many times we want to at least say something. Jesus did not say to open your mouth, but to just shake the dust off and split. Many times in my life when I feel I have been wronged and I open my mouth and let them know just how I feel, the situation only gets worse. And with each opening of my mouth it gets more complicated. Today may I remember the words of Jesus and just leave. That always leaves the door open for possibly another time. Harsh words have a way of shutting doors that are difficult to open again. Thanks for letting me share, God continues to do for me what I could not do for myself……………..JRE
********************
ATTITUDE
By Charles Swindoll
“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company…..a church…..a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past…. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude…..I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you……..We are in charge of our attitudes.”
Just shake the dust off and split
Thought for the day: “The biggest problem is my reaction to the problem.”
Author unknown
Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place. And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.”
MARK 5:10-11 NKJV
These words of Jesus recorded by Mark show to me, how our attitude is important in what we do. Jesus was talking about rejection, something that none of us like, and probably few of us handle well. Why is rejection so hard to accept? For me I find that it cuts right to the center of who I am, the “Big I.” I seem to take rejection as a personal attack on who I am, but the truth of the matter is that many times what I feel as rejection has nothing to do with who I am. Rejection comes from people, not so much from places or things so what I feel sometimes is a person to person feeling. What I am learning is that many times people are busy in their own lives and could have experiences some difficulties or other matters of importance and really don’t have the time for what I think is so important. Jesus said to shake off the dust of your feet, and split. He didn’t say to react in an abusive way and give them a piece of your mind. After all rejection hurts, so many times we want to at least say something. Jesus did not say to open your mouth, but to just shake the dust off and split. Many times in my life when I feel I have been wronged and I open my mouth and let them know just how I feel, the situation only gets worse. And with each opening of my mouth it gets more complicated. Today may I remember the words of Jesus and just leave. That always leaves the door open for possibly another time. Harsh words have a way of shutting doors that are difficult to open again. Thanks for letting me share, God continues to do for me what I could not do for myself……………..JRE
********************
ATTITUDE
By Charles Swindoll
“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company…..a church…..a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past…. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude…..I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you……..We are in charge of our attitudes.”
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “The cage within me where I stuff my painful feelings, can become the cage around me.” Author unknown
“Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.
Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”
JAMES 5:13-16 NASB
Stuffin’ stuff. For years I stuffed a lot of stuff in this old mind of mine. Only in the last thirteen years have I learned the importance of being honest with myself and others, and how to bring to the surface some of the issues that I have stuffed over the years. There is a man at the VA hospital that I have talked to since 1991. We have become friends and I can confide in him on all the issues that I have stuffed, even going back to when I was a small boy. He is a Christian and understands the spiritual principle of confessing and turning over to God the things that brother us the most. I have found that issues that I stuffed years ago, when uncovered tend to have an odor about them that is not pleasant. But after being exposed to the air and sunlight of friends who care, in time the odor is not so bad. Oh, the issues that I stuffed and tried to forget are not made right by being exposed, but the uncovering makes me conscious of what happened and the next time I find myself in a similar situation, I learn to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Stuffin’ stuff is like opening a gym locker after your gym clothes have been sitting there all sweaty and stinky. After the locker airs out a little it’s not so bad. The apostle James knew of the importance of airing our lives to each other. James even goes so far as to say that by airing our lives to each other we become healed. I believe that hidden sin in our lives can make us physically sick and spiritually sick of ourselves. May I be honest today about myself, and God will do for me what I could not do for myself………..JRE
********************
They took away what should have been my eyes, (but I remembered Milton’s Paradise).
They took away what should have been my ears, (Beethoven came and wiped away my tears).
They took away what should have been my tongue, (But I had walked with God when I was young).
He would not let them take away my soul.
Possessing that, I still possess the whole.
HELEN KELLER
Stuffin' stuff
Thought for the day: “The cage within me where I stuff my painful feelings, can become the cage around me.” Author unknown
“Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.
Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”
JAMES 5:13-16 NASB
Stuffin’ stuff. For years I stuffed a lot of stuff in this old mind of mine. Only in the last thirteen years have I learned the importance of being honest with myself and others, and how to bring to the surface some of the issues that I have stuffed over the years. There is a man at the VA hospital that I have talked to since 1991. We have become friends and I can confide in him on all the issues that I have stuffed, even going back to when I was a small boy. He is a Christian and understands the spiritual principle of confessing and turning over to God the things that brother us the most. I have found that issues that I stuffed years ago, when uncovered tend to have an odor about them that is not pleasant. But after being exposed to the air and sunlight of friends who care, in time the odor is not so bad. Oh, the issues that I stuffed and tried to forget are not made right by being exposed, but the uncovering makes me conscious of what happened and the next time I find myself in a similar situation, I learn to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Stuffin’ stuff is like opening a gym locker after your gym clothes have been sitting there all sweaty and stinky. After the locker airs out a little it’s not so bad. The apostle James knew of the importance of airing our lives to each other. James even goes so far as to say that by airing our lives to each other we become healed. I believe that hidden sin in our lives can make us physically sick and spiritually sick of ourselves. May I be honest today about myself, and God will do for me what I could not do for myself………..JRE
********************
They took away what should have been my eyes, (but I remembered Milton’s Paradise).
They took away what should have been my ears, (Beethoven came and wiped away my tears).
They took away what should have been my tongue, (But I had walked with God when I was young).
He would not let them take away my soul.
Possessing that, I still possess the whole.
HELEN KELLER
Monday, May 02, 2005
jralphengland@yahoo.com
Thought for the day: “There is no key to happiness, the door is always open.”
Author unknown
“Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the Lord, what is meant by this term? The English translation of the Hebrew word “Anag” is somewhat different than what I find in the Hebrew. The Hebrew word “anag” means to be soft or pliable. I can therefore read it to mean to be soft of heart to the teachings of the Lord. To be pliable, to be bendable, and to be teachable. Not to be rigid in my spiritual life and only see everything from my eyes only. How different do I find the English definition of the word “delight.” Webster has it as “to give great joy or pleasure, to be highly pleased.” I find it unfortunate that such a misunderstanding of words can be found in translation. I am also inspired to really search out the Hebrew and Greek words used in some of the first manuscripts, to get a better grasp on what the Holy Spirit was getting across through the writer. If I am obedient and teachable to the ways the Lord has shown to be the most spiritually profitable, then the Lord will delight in my ways and give me the desires of my heart. That would be my paraphrase of the verse. I can’t just sit around and be a delight to the Lord. God expects me to be pliable, to get up and do something, to bend over and “reach out and touch someone.” In AA we have a saying that I hear often, “stay green and grow.” The other side of the coin is to be “an old stick in the mud.” Today I choose to be pliable and soft of heart to the teachings and the direction that the Lord would desire I travel. May I be “Anag” in the Lord. God continues to do for me what I cannot do for myself………………….JRE
“There are four things that we ought to do with the Word of God. Admit it as the Word of God, commit it to our hearts and minds, submit to it, and transmit it to the world.”
William Wilberforce
“Give God the gift of a thankful heart. Try to see causes of thankfulness in your everyday life. When life seems hard and troubles crowd, then look for some reasons for thankfulness. There is nearly always something you can be thankful for. The offering of thanksgiving is indeed a sweet incense going up to God throughout a busy day. Seek diligently for something to be glad and thankful about. You will acquire in time the habit of being constantly grateful to God for all His blessings. Each new day some new cause for joy and gratitude will spring to your mind and you will thank God sincerely.”
HAZELDEN………………Twenty-Four Hours A Day
Stay agreen and grow
Thought for the day: “There is no key to happiness, the door is always open.”
Author unknown
“Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the Lord, what is meant by this term? The English translation of the Hebrew word “Anag” is somewhat different than what I find in the Hebrew. The Hebrew word “anag” means to be soft or pliable. I can therefore read it to mean to be soft of heart to the teachings of the Lord. To be pliable, to be bendable, and to be teachable. Not to be rigid in my spiritual life and only see everything from my eyes only. How different do I find the English definition of the word “delight.” Webster has it as “to give great joy or pleasure, to be highly pleased.” I find it unfortunate that such a misunderstanding of words can be found in translation. I am also inspired to really search out the Hebrew and Greek words used in some of the first manuscripts, to get a better grasp on what the Holy Spirit was getting across through the writer. If I am obedient and teachable to the ways the Lord has shown to be the most spiritually profitable, then the Lord will delight in my ways and give me the desires of my heart. That would be my paraphrase of the verse. I can’t just sit around and be a delight to the Lord. God expects me to be pliable, to get up and do something, to bend over and “reach out and touch someone.” In AA we have a saying that I hear often, “stay green and grow.” The other side of the coin is to be “an old stick in the mud.” Today I choose to be pliable and soft of heart to the teachings and the direction that the Lord would desire I travel. May I be “Anag” in the Lord. God continues to do for me what I cannot do for myself………………….JRE
“There are four things that we ought to do with the Word of God. Admit it as the Word of God, commit it to our hearts and minds, submit to it, and transmit it to the world.”
William Wilberforce
“Give God the gift of a thankful heart. Try to see causes of thankfulness in your everyday life. When life seems hard and troubles crowd, then look for some reasons for thankfulness. There is nearly always something you can be thankful for. The offering of thanksgiving is indeed a sweet incense going up to God throughout a busy day. Seek diligently for something to be glad and thankful about. You will acquire in time the habit of being constantly grateful to God for all His blessings. Each new day some new cause for joy and gratitude will spring to your mind and you will thank God sincerely.”
HAZELDEN………………Twenty-Four Hours A Day
