Thanksgiving Proclamation

It is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God; to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scripturesand proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the LORD.

We know that by His divine law, nations, like individuals, are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world. May we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war which now desolates the land may be a punishment inflicted upon us for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole people?

We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown.

But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to, feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.

--Abraham Lincoln - October 3, 1863

Funny...isn't it?

Come to think of it (the phrase in and of itself being of a curious nature: that there is a thought you have merely began to give due reverence to in your mind—happening upon a preexistent thought and dwelling on it for the time being), the momentary satisfaction of being funny is rather hollow,--or rather, to live for such a pleasure is hollow (the former being far too pessimistic to be true...or at least far too pessimistic to be stated without opposition or support).

What fulfillment is there in being funny?Why do we judge men based on humor? Why not values? Why does a man of humor warrant the title: "a good guy," when the only pleasing aspect of the man is his humor? We are to delight in each other’s righteousness, why is humor our way of delighting in the conversation itself and not the edifying experience of fellowship in God? Is something delightful to you without humor integrated with it? Or do you see humor as "a necessity, not a goal"?

What is humor? Has it over stepped its bounds? How often words do not matter when it is, "a joke." That merely because it is said with a light heart all moral consequence is lifted from it. Does intent play into the judging of humor? How flagrant are we with a word? Is that humor? Do you delight and make light of the tragic situation of man that Christ died for? Do you laugh at what He died for?

When did we decide that "funny" was a note worthy standard in the scheme of life? That it could hold such a weight as it does? Since when do we judge a man's character by his sense of "humor"?

I do find the concept of humor to be over all intergraded with the nature of many men, is it to be so in all? Why not? There is something loving in it—of course only when it is pure: free of perversity. There is something healing and uplifting in laughter (the natural fruit of humor), such is the same with a smile.

Is to live a moment apart from portraying the spirit of Christ an attempt to take the time you have been given stewardship over for yourself? If so, humor must reflect morals…does this exclude sarcasm? What place does this have in life?

I merely cannot justify most of the common “humor” of this generation to: “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” If you can I am very eager to hear how, if you would be kind enough to share.

In short: the entertainment matters, be it humor or art...do not forget it. There is a weight in everything you do, whether you accept it or reject it. "Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." May the Fruits of the Spirit become self evident in your life, thus proclaiming the Gospel through word and action. Now live man—and not for yourself! But for somthing higher, something whole, live for God, and the betterment of your soul.

(Forgive me if I offend, but correct me if I am wrong, and answer a question if you feel so inclined. The sharing of the perceptions you are blessed with is valued.)

My God, I pray for humility—a glimpse of Your splendor to keep us in awe. Holy Triune-Godhead, thy mystery shall forever be, thy Holy Trinity. My God ineffable, may we never forget thy infinitude, and come to believe that we have in some way confined You to our words, but may we stay our tongues where You are silent, and speak in truth, in You, as true as these words of ours can be. May we live in humility.

God Bless and Guide you Christian! Live a life in Faith, and fight the Good fight! Do not be deterred by the schemes of the devil, but be bold and sure in the Lord. “God be with you, he is with you, only I pray that you may know it.”—George MacDonald. Live in the assurance of that which is to come. Have a mind set on Eternity! God Bless and Live as a servant, live in obedience. The Fruit of Faith is not confidence, but Obedience, therefore Live a life of sheer Trust in humility. God Bless!

Chorale: pronouced k-'räl

My beloved sister Sarah, blessed with a voice similar to that of a muse (so very warm indeed), has a Chorale concert at Biola on the 18th of November, at the time of 7:30 PM I believe. Futhermore, i am convinced that if anyone were to come they would have a monstrously good time, as there is plenty of joy to be had. It would also do man well to take part in an all too rare opportunity to better his soul through the means of heavenly music.

Money in life is a means, not an end, therefore the desire to merely horde it is all too illogical. There is nearly no doubt in my mind that you are meant to spend the $7 in your possession to attend this event...use the means given to you by God to better yourself. (What is an advertisement without a bit of conviction?) But on a more serious note, they are brilliant, and it would be very agreeable with your ears if you were to come.

"A penny for a guy"

"Remember, remember the fifth of November,
The gunpowder, treason and plot,
I see of no reason why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent
To blow up King and Parliament.
Three score barrels of powder below,
Poor old England to overthrow:
By God's providence he was catch'd
With a dark lantern and burning match.