| Thursday, July 23, 2009 |
| Fast Food From the God Box: Shock 'n Awe |
I was shocked, confused, bewildered
As I entered Heaven's door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
Nor the lights or its decor..
But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp--
The thieves, the liars, the sinners,
The alcoholics and the trash.
There stood the kid from seventh grade
Who swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbor
Who never said anything nice.
Herb, who I always thought
Was rotting away in hell,
Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
Looking incredibly well.
I nudged Jesus , 'What's the deal?
I would love to hear Your take.
How'd all these sinners get up here?
God must've made a mistake.
'And why's everyone so quiet,
So somber - give me a clue.'
'Hush, child,' He said, 'they're all in shock.
No one thought they'd be seeing you.'
Every saint has a PAST, every sinner a FUTURE.
 Labels: Fast Food From the God Box |
Stumble It!
.......posted by Margaret @ 8:35 PM   |
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| Sunday, March 09, 2008 |
| Fast Food From the God Box: 8 PHILOSOPHY QUESTIONS |
1. How do you know anything really exists?
-Unless I'm under the influence of cough syrup, I trust my five senses. Granted, some things require a second glance or a follow up sniff for assurance.
2. What is the essence of being human?
-I believe it is our emotions. The ability to love and care for another. To exhibit genuine feelings of compassion or adoration. Also the fact that most of us have morals and think of how our actions would effect others. We tend to intellectually behave ourselves.
3. If a tree falls in the forest, and there's no one there to hear it, does
it make a sound?
-Of course! In fact it makes many sounds such as cracklings, moaning and a great big whoosh.
4. How do you know you're not just a brain in a vat, hooked up to a computer
simulation of life?
-Because my brain is more like a hunk of scrapple popping away in a frying pan over high heat.
5. Can our minds exist separately from our bodies?
-I believe we all have a soul. A spirit if you may, that has a will to exist and can exist beyond the physical realm of a blob of gray matter.
6. Is there a God?
-Yes. When I see how massive, awesome and incredible the universe is compared to how tiny we are - I am humbled. Out of the millions of stars, planets and universe this one called Earth just so happened to be in just the right distance from the sun and have just the right elements for life. Life so beautiful and in so many different forms. In this magnitude alone - I feel blessed. I feel like I'm just a tiny part of a small-in-size yet magnificent miracle.
7. What is the nature of Knowledge?
-Curiosity.
8. What is the meaning of life?
-I don't know. You'll have to ask Dr. John because I have a feeling he's holding out on telling us. But seriously, why do we have life? Perhaps because life has a will. A will that was exercised by a desire or need. It's all up to the individual whether he or she believes they exist because they were "meant to be."Labels: Fast Food From the God Box |
| Stumble It!
.......posted by Margaret @ 2:32 PM |
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| Sunday, December 23, 2007 |
| Fast Food From the God Box: "Go Tell it to the Mountain" |
 I love the watching the History Channel because I love to learn. However, often is the case when certain topics cause me to secretly question my faith. It is very much like when a child starts to question the validity of Santa Claus.
This past week the History Channel has been doing many interesting episodes on Christmas. In six days they successfully dried up my Christmas tree and shriveled it's decorative balls. Our stockings became evil dream catchers and Santa turned into Satan. Even the myth of the German Christmas Pickle was debunked.
Television took away everything that signified Christmas to me. Right down to it being the day when Jesus Christ was born when they claimed His birthday is in September.
Do I believe all of these tales of our history? Yes indeed, but my issue is regarding on what to do about it now that I'm considering that Jesus may not be the reason for this season.
It was us who caused the whole thing. From our imaginations, our hopes, our compassion and spirits. Our beliefs, our dreams, our wishes and innocence.
Gifts that not even the most intelligent History Channel episode can squeeze out of our hearts and souls.
"Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world. You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding."
- YES VIRGINIA THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS
Sorry History Channel, you can go tell it all to the Mountain. There is a reason for the season! As long as there is a gift to unwrap, a dream to come true or a prayer to be answered...
My faith will remain just like that there mountain.Labels: Fast Food From the God Box |
| Stumble It!
.......posted by Margaret @ 3:06 PM |
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| Sunday, May 06, 2007 |
| Fast Food From the God Box: "Pride vs. Peace" |
I don't understand. A 17-year-old girl was murdered about a week ago for disgracing her family.
The stoning, performed by men from her family (and possibly others also) trying to regain their honor, was a brutal slaying. The girl was dragged into the crowd of angry men by her neck and thrown to the ground. The men then began to throw stones - which were more like jagged pieces of broken cement than rocks - and kick her until she finally died. According to a video of the murder that was briefly available on youtube yesterday until it was removed for its graphic content, it took the girl about 30 minutes to die
Growing up nearby many Amish communities it was very interesting to see how they applied "Biblical" doctrine to their culture and colonies. Yes, the Bible does recommend such honor killings - but that is in the Old Testament, or if you rather the "old law of the land."
The New Testament brings to us Jesus and the Christians. Yes, He stopped the stoning of the prostitute by saying, "He who is without sin cast the first stone." He also spoke of the Honoring Sabbath law by asking, "Who here would let his sheep fall into a crevice and not fetch him out on the Sabbath?"
In the Old Testament, people would have to sacrifice animals to atone for their sins. Blood was spilled on the behalf of family pride. Islam being birthed through Abraham are still locked into the "old law of the land."
Jesus came not to abolish the old law but to fulfill it. If blood must be spilled for man/woman to be atoned, and forgiven - He would be the lamb without blemish - perfect, and sinless to be sacrificed and take the hit for us. Why? Because God so loved the world. (John 3:16)
Returning to the Amish, who are very conservative. They have embraced the good news of the New Testament and Jesus. Every man is their brother and every woman their sister. Their children are allowed to make their own spiritual decision and choices at whatever time they are ready. They are allowed to go out into the world to sow their oats and will always be welcomed home as prodigal sons and daughters. This gives their family pride because it gives their Lord pride - no matter what they've done.
Self pride and vanity is mentioned many times in the Bible, in the Old and New Testaments. It's not a good thing. For a Christian to be born again it is the first thing they must dispose of. One must humble themselves and understand that they've made mistakes. To be sincerely sorry for them and understand that harming others is not the way to peace. Nor the way to God.
Who here wasn't touched or moved by the Amish last year after the school slayings. When they mourned and welcomed the family and children of that awful man that did these awful things to them? There was no talk of revenge or anger - great sadness, yes and of course.
But did you witness and sense the humble peace and unconditional love?
 Labels: Fast Food From the God Box |
| Stumble It!
.......posted by Margaret @ 1:50 PM |
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| Sunday, March 18, 2007 |
| Fast Food From The God Box: "Savior's Happy Meal" |
Someone out there found my blog after running a Google Search on the term, "Savior's Happy Meal." Although I never mentioned the term at all. The finding got me to thinking about all of the supper times in the Bible that included Jesus and wondering which one gave our Lord the most joy?
I believe it would have had to be the time when Jesus was teaching to a crowd of 5,000 hungry people. When a faithful little boy offered his packed lunch basket to feed the multitudes. That must had made Jesus smile and it surely gave Him such joy to see such a faithful, caring and sharing attitude in this small little child.
If you've been feeling down lately, know that life becomes much more in the hands of God. Do whatever you can with what has been given to you. God isn't looking for you to perform a miracle for it is not about you... it is about Him.
God asked a little shepherd boy David, "What is in your hand?" For David it was just a slingshot, yet God used that slingshot to bring the giant Goliath down.
God also asked an imprisoned man named Paul, "What is in your hand?" Paul replied, "A pen." God replied, "Then write! Write to the the churches and places of the world and tell them about Me!"
When a little boy approached Jesus before a crowd of 5,000 hungry spectators, Jesus asked, "What have you there?" The child revealed the contents of his Happy Meal of two fish and five loaves of bread and offered to share it. Our Savior then offered it to God, giving blessings and thanks and was able to feed the multitudes.
Life does become much more when it is in the hands of God. If you're feeling small, then offer what is in your hands and your abilities and let the Lord Supersize your offerings and spirit of Joy.
 Labels: Fast Food From the God Box |
| Stumble It!
.......posted by Margaret @ 11:47 AM |
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| Sunday, March 04, 2007 |
| Fast Food From The God Box: "Jesus is Alive!" |
Long lines of visitors from all over the world wait patiently day after day to visit Lenin’s Tomb and view his embalmed body. Although he died in 1924, the corpse of that Communist leader has seemingly suffered no decomposition. It looks deceptively lifelike. And its appearance is indeed deceptive. Skillful artists monitor the preserved corpse, artificially coloring its face and using wax to fill in any lines or the smallest spot of decay.
People also regularly visit Jerusalem to see the place where Jesus died and was buried. But there’s a striking contrast - there is NO body of the crucified Christ anywhere! There is one rock-hewn tomb, where the nail-scarred, spear-driven, thorn-crowned corpse of Christ was laid. However when resurrected by the power of God His Father, the Savior left His grave clothes behind when He emerged from the tomb, like a butterfly abandoning its cocoon.
Tonight, the Discovery Channel is featuring a documentary on "The Lost Tomb of Jesus". A controversial segment that claims they have found the tomb of Jesus and His family. Supporting the fictional Dan Brown novel -"The DaVinci Code" - by suggesting our Lord was married to Mary Magdalene and had children.
Over 2000 years ago Satan and his minions were defeated because of Jesus' atoning death and the empty tomb. (1 Cor. 15: 20-22) Today, Satan seeks to spin the Greatest Story Ever Told and twist it into The Greatest Lie Ever Told. Jesus IS alive! His empty tomb guarantees our full salvation and the promise of a peaceful eternal life.
Don't be deceived. Don't let Satan use the instrument of the Discovery Channel this evening to rip away your hopes, your promises and your faith. Do not be shaken, "Instead, continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Glory belongs to him both now and on that eternal day!" (2 Peter: 3:18)
 Labels: Fast Food From the God Box |
| Stumble It!
.......posted by Margaret @ 1:57 PM |
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| Sunday, February 25, 2007 |
| Fast Food From The God Box: "Marriage Issues" |
Marital disagreements can range from money, sex, in-laws, children, and household responsibilities. Many couples believe that if they argue about these things they're automatically headed for divorce. Conflict doesn't have to ruin relationships, you can carve your future together by how you deal with your issues.
God didn't make a mistake when he included anger as part of our emotional make-up; but He does wants us to handle it right (Ephesians 4:26 ) If it feels like marital disagreements are eroding your marriage it's time to think, listen, and calm down before you react.
(1) Think about your history together.
Chances are you started out as good friends. So ask yourself how you'd treat your best friend if you were having relationship issues. Not by being critical and defensive, right? What initially attracted you to one another anyhow? When did you fall in love? How did you act when things were good? Recall and rehearse your best moments.
(2) Listen and keep your thoughts focused on what God can do.
Zero in on your mate's best qualities, then start believing that God can turn your relationship around. Remember, you have more ability than you realize to change your perception of your partner. So concentrate on all the things in your marriage that are "of good report" (Philippians 4:8)
(3) Calm down and start building thoughtful behaviors back into your relationship.
List some of the things you know would make your spouse happy. Be specific. For example, hugging your husband when he comes home from work after a hard day, or helping your wife with the laundry. Show you care! Inject consideration back into your relationship.
(4) React by viewing your partner through God's eyes.
Trying to love others like God loves you is a good rule for all your relationships, not just marriage. And if you don't love yourself, start by remembering what God says about you: that you're blessed… loved… valued… and wonderfully made.
May... God... give you a spirit of unity.
Romans 15:5Labels: Fast Food From the God Box |
| Stumble It!
.......posted by Margaret @ 3:58 PM |
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| Sunday, February 18, 2007 |
| Fast Food From The God Box: "Talents" |
There was a lesson I learned very young in Sunday School. The teacher gave us all $3 one morning for at the end of the month there was going to be a fair and flea market to help raise money for our summer camp fees. Each child was asked to make something to sell on our class table at the fair.
One girl made cupcakes and sold them for .25 cents a piece ending up turning her $3 into $12. Another boy made a dozen birdhouses and sold them for $5 and turned his $3 into $60. We even had a kid march to the corner store to buy lots of candy and he ate it all before the month was through, making nothing.
The teachers initial investment of about $30 (10 kids) multiplied tenfold due to her belief in us and our efforts. The lesson of the Talents (Matt 25: 15-30) combined with her investment has turned into millions by now. Even the kid who spent all his money on Jolly Ranchers is now the owner of a chain of Pizzerias.
The definition of Talents extends further than the means of money or gold. The classic, "Legend of Bagger Vance" has an interesting quote:
"Inside each and every one of us is our one, true authentic swing. Something we was born with. Something that's ours and ours alone. Something that can't be learned... something that's got to be remembered."
Maybe your talent isn't swinging a golf club, baking cupcakes or hand tossing pizza pies. Perhaps it is as simple as a natural ability towards human kindness and compassion. Wishing someone a good day or helping someone put their shopping buggy to the parking lot corral. Acts of kindness or a simple smile can multiply to many when practiced. Remember to invest in your talents today.
 Labels: Fast Food From the God Box |
| Stumble It!
.......posted by Margaret @ 11:03 AM |
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| Sunday, February 11, 2007 |
| Fast Food From the God Box: "Laodicean Era" |
In Daniel 12:4 it reads, "…even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.”
Because of the internet, mass transportation and other technological advancements we can travel "to and fro" across the globe and our knowledge is greatly expanding. With this ever increasing knowledge comes also increased opinion and many types of character.
For the first time ever in history, many of the world's religions actually agree on one thing. That being that we are now living in the last and final era. Even those with no religion at all seem to agree that either conflict, disaster and change is right around the corner through events like global warming and nuclear war. What follows is change - described in many ways such as Paradise, Heaven, Transformation, Spiritual Awakening, Immortality, Peace and for some the extinction of all mankind.
Similar to other doctrines, the Bible describes this climate as the Laodicean Era. The name means, "the people rule, judge and decide." In such a climate, politicians cater to the whim of the people’s demands by sitting on fences and not making stands. CEOs must keep their shareholders happy. It's an age when the people have a voice and an opinion.
Thus here we are Blogging! As soon as a Blogger clicks "Publish" their thoughts go out for all to see and enables the individual to have a voice that is heard and most importantly, it counts.
If it counts, then eventually something is added up. What does your Blog add up to?
 Labels: Fast Food From the God Box |
| Stumble It!
.......posted by Margaret @ 2:24 PM |
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| Sunday, February 04, 2007 |
| Fast Food From the God Box: "Entertaining Angels" |
Our Curbie-Can from Waste Management has a warning on it's lid, "Do NOT Roll With the Lid Open." While cleaning out our cars yesterday I felt this warning didn't apply to me and attempted to wheel the can over to my husband's car without first putting the lid up.
I ended up tripping on the hanging lid flap and ended up head first in the Garbage Can with my feet straight up in the air. The worse part wasn't over - for then I had to thrash myself back and forth trying to rock the can over on it's side so I could get out.
Thank heavens nobody saw what had happened. There is no embarrassing YouTube of the incident spreading over the internet like wildfire to ruin my future employment prospects. I'll never suffer the humility of being asked, "Hey, aren't you the girl who got owned by that trash can?"
However, according to my faith there must be a few Angels who have hurting sides this morning after laughing so hard yesterday. I'm sure that even God himself gave a chuckle or two. Jesus is often acquainted with being the Man of Many Sorrows but do we really know the Author of all Joy?
The ending of Ernest Lawrence Thayer's famous rhyme, "Casey at the Bat" describes the situation well:
"Oh, somewhere in the this favored land
the sun is shining bright;
The band is playing somewhere
and somewhere hearts are light;
And somewhere men are laughing;
and somewhere children shout,
But there is no joy in Mudville --
Mighty Casey has struck out."
Many people today are stuck in Mudville thinking that if only Casey slammed the ball out of the park, there would be laughter and rejoicing. If they could win the lotto or if they could land that next great job - then Mudville will become Joyville. Attaching all of their dreams and hopes on earthly events.
As a Christian I am joyful. Not because I am blind to injustice and suffering, but because I am convinced that these things are not ultimate. There has been many times in my life when I was sad, confused and angry but I have learned not to worry. The purpose of God is to bring all things in heaven and earth together into peace with great rejoicing.
Not to throw us all head first into trashcans.
 Labels: Fast Food From the God Box |
| Stumble It!
.......posted by Margaret @ 12:58 PM |
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