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  • And... Life Begins!

    Posted May 16, 2016 by Tony Villari

    When does life begin?  Well, any intelligent person would assume that life has to be self-sustaining, like plants and animals.  But are we taking in all of the theological and philosophical arguments when we try to define when life begins?  As a spiritual, God fearing human, I would t...

  • The Cracked Life - Part 1

    Posted May 16, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    by Mary Southerland Today’s Truth “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10, NKJV). Friend to Friend I must be getting older because I have six grandchildren. And they really do say the most hilarious things – sometimes. ...

  • Split Vision

    Posted May 15, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    “A wise man’s heart guides his mouth.” Proverbs 16:23 Isn’t it curious how in the midst of a nasty family argument we can shake our bad mood the instant the telephone rings or a neighbor knocks on the door? Have you ever been brought up short by a small voice questioning suc...

  • Buddha's birthday 2016 note

    Posted May 15, 2016 by Tony T. Williams, MHA, KofC, CAA

    There’s a lot of Buddhist and Confucian history in Korea, as both religions played significant roles in the history of the country. My wife’s family has 2 Confucian Sages (Jangsaeng & Jip Kim), 4 Ceong-back-ri (persons noted for integrity in the official Korean history records) (Yakhan...

  • Believe the Best

    Posted May 14, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    “If one falls down, his friend can help him up.” Ecclesiastes 4:10 The floor at Art and Naomi Hunt’s house was scattered with wrenches, screwdrivers, and a host of oddly shaped pieces of wood and metal. The task at hand? To construct a new gas barbecue. Art knew that Naomi was the...

  • Blessing of the boat River Tyme

    Posted May 14, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    Cap'n Kenny reading the Blessing of the Boat prayers for the christening of the riverboat River Tyme in De Pere, Wisconson on May 13th, 2016. "Hear us, O Lord, to our prayers and bless by Your holy right hand this boat and all who travel in it, as You have done to bless Noe's ark carried upon the w...

  • Your Personal Path

    Posted May 12, 2016 by Tony Villari

    No matter how bad I might think my day is, I always try to remember how great it is to live in a country where I don't have to fight for survival.  In most developed nations, fighting for survival is a choice, or a consequence of a choice, we have freely made.  Our destiny is what we make ...

  • Health

    Posted May 11, 2016 by NCO, Father Carl

    In an attempt to keep my friends informed I am writing this, yesterday I saw my hart doc for the first time in about a year, he did his usual thing and listened to my heart, but then he suddenly looked up and ordered a ultrasound, Durning the procedure he had this look on his face that was not comf...

  • Discrimination again

    Posted May 9, 2016 by Rev. Xiao Shizi

    I congratulate the DOJ for filing suit against NC for refusing to put a stop to its open discrimination against a segment of its citizens. Civil rights taking a turn backwards should scare everyone. Full equal rights in this country still have a way to go, but setting the bar lower just to accommoda...

  • An unlikely unheard of Brotherhood

    Posted May 9, 2016 by Scott Bruno

    JFK and Bin Laden were brothers. But not just ordinary brothers, they were brothers in arms. Don't believe me? Look, Listen:The JFK Bin Laden Connection - Unbeknownst to and even of each other, they were brothers onto the same target.The speech that killed JFK:  https://youtu.be/y8HTr-F-FVM ...

  • Good Corn

    Posted May 9, 2016 by Jay Olson

    This inspiring story that has been the basis for many an analogy was written by "Author Unknown" There once was a farmer who grew award-winning corn. Each year he entered his corn in the state fair where it won a blue ribbon. One year a newspaper reporter interviewed him and learned somethin...

  • Full Blown Yoga

    Posted May 8, 2016 by Jay Olson

    It matters not whether you are short or tall Skinny or fat--happy or sad- good or bad. You may be lonely or have ten thousand friends. Sober or drunk, high or low--it matters not what you do. Run all day or watch tv--pump some iron or drink some tea. You can be ugly o...

  • All scripture is inspired by God

    Posted May 8, 2016 by Reverend Stephen Gaarder

    Before I go forward with this blog, I want to establish that I do so not as a presentation of what is right and to be accepted as such by all who red it.  This is an expression of my faith as I see it for me and I do not expect anyone to accept it as ‘gospel’ because I do cite Scrip...

  • Ragamuffin Brother

    Posted May 6, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    by Ron Mehl Roy Angel was a dirt‐poor preacher with a millionaire brother. Back in the oil boom days of the late 1940s, Roy’s older brother happened to own the right piece of Texas prairie at the right time. When he sold, he became a multimillionaire overnight. Parlaying that good fortune, th...

  • Return of the Dawn

    Posted May 6, 2016 by Jay Olson

    The light went out inside of my heart--my soul was empty and dark. The fire that burned inside of me had suddenly lost its spark. The sunshine that lights the daytime was hidden and out of sight. The cheer was missing this afternoon--it felt like the dead of night. Where is the joy and the rev...

  • Family Matters

    Posted May 6, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    by Mary Southerland Today’s Truth Therefore encourage one another and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV). Friend to Friend I remember that night well. It was so many years ago, but it seems like yesterday. And what a crazy day it had been! Probably a day like many of yours. I...

  • A Little Girl, Hiding

    Posted May 5, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    by Shirley M Dobson “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.” 1 Peter 2:9 I see a little girl skipping home from school in the late afternoon sun. Her dress is a hand‐me‐down intended for someone two sizes larger. Her shoes are unpolished,...

  • How Did You Die?

    Posted May 5, 2016 by Jay Olson

    Did you tackle that trouble that came your way With a resolute heart and cheerful? Or hide your face from the light of day With a craven soul and fearful? Oh, a trouble's a ton, or a trouble's an ounce, Or a trouble is what you make it, And it isn't the fact that you're hurt that counts, But ...

  • National Day of Prayer

    Posted May 5, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    May 5 Marks Annual Day of Observance for Several Religions in US Falling on the first Thursday in May, the National Day of Prayer was signed into law by President Harry S. Truman in 1952 and encourages people to turn to God in prayer and meditation.

  • Today is Ascension Day

    Posted May 5, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    The Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, also known as Ascension Thursday, Holy Thursday, or Ascension Day, commemorates the bodily Ascension of Jesus into heaven. It is one of the ecumenical feasts of Christian churches, ranking with the feasts of the Passion, of Easter, and ...

  • Be married on a Riverboat!

    Posted May 4, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    Be married on a Riverboat by a real ship's Captain! If you're looking to tie the knot — the one that's not related to speed — the riverboat River Tyme in De Pere, WI will host your bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner or intimate ceremony on board. “We have two captains (Cap'n Ke...

  • Mother's Day

    Posted May 4, 2016 by Tony Villari

    So, who's the ugly mug my mom is with? Yeah, you guessed it - me. What in God's good name happened? Really! I mean, yeah, if you ignore the fact I had to sit in a high chair to gnaw on a 'nanner, I was actually a handsome guy, back in the day. I was such a good looking little kid. Okay, I ...

  • The Greatest Gift

    Posted May 3, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap… yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!” Luke 12:24 Although the battle for healthy self‐confidence is most often fought by women, many men also struggle with the issue. Unlike a woman, a man derives his se...

  • It Is What It Is?

    Posted May 3, 2016 by Tony Villari

    What is art?  Like beauty, it is in the eye of the beholder.  For some folks, there would seem to be much beauty in pooh.  Either they need glasses, or I need a better prescription, because I just don't see it.  Then, there is the artist that doesn't have any clue, exce...

  • Body and Spirit

    Posted May 2, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    “Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:31 In addition to society’s obsession with physical beauty, women face other obstacles to maintaining confidence, including disrespect for wives and mothers who have chosen the traditional homemaking role. ...

  • My wife made me cry 4

    Posted May 2, 2016 by Frank Mitchell

    So on our anniversary, I want you to know how much your love means to me... because I know that giving you my heart was one of the best things I ever did.

  • My wife made me cry 3

    Posted May 2, 2016 by Frank Mitchell

    Most of all, it means we have a lot of things to be proud of... and still more to look forward to.  

  • My wife made me cry 2

    Posted May 2, 2016 by Frank Mitchell

    Having a happy marriage means there's trust between us that's been built with time and commitment and more than a little sacrifice.    

  • My wife made me cry

    Posted May 2, 2016 by Frank Mitchell

          Having a happy marriage doesn't mean life is perfect- at least not all the time.   To me it means we've laughed more than we've cried, celebrated more than we've worried, and loved each other through everything.    

  • Happy Beltane

    Posted May 1, 2016 by Tom Asdell

    The Wheel of the Year turns to its next station and again we tell the story. As there is no beginning or end, we start so that the story ends now. **Remember The Summer Solstice... At mid-day the Sun was said to stand still in the sky, and with it'sdescent, the Lord's attention began to slowly tur...

  • Anti descrimination vs religious freedom

    Posted April 30, 2016 by Rev. Xiao Shizi

    I honestly do understand the need or desire for religious freedom, but if that freedom requires the discrimination of others I don't think the government needs to step in to give someone's freedom to religious expression a free pass to do so. These religious freedom laws being passed in some states ...

  • Fickle Values

    Posted April 30, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    “I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 If I (jcd) were to draw a caricature of an adult experiencing a lifelong crisis of confidence, I would depict a bowed, weary traveler. Over his shoulder, I would place the end of a mile‐...

  • Johnny Lingo’s Eight-cow Wife

    Posted April 30, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    by Patricia McGerr When I visited the South Pacific islands, I took a notebook along. I had a three‐week leave between assignments in Japan, so I borrowed a boat and sailed to Kiniwata. The notebook was supposed to help me become a junior‐grade Maugham or Michener. But when I got back, among all my...

  • Answering a Call - Minister or Salesman?

    Posted April 29, 2016 by Tony Villari

    Ever come across a shyster disguised as clergy?  They're pretty easy to spot.  Like a used car salesman, they act like they get a percentage on the side for each sale they bring in.  It doesn't take them long to realize they should have their own dealership.  They can t...

  • Holocaust Remembrance

    Posted April 28, 2016 by Tony Villari

    The stories of the Holocaust are the stories of us.  They are an unfortunate reminder of our own ultimate, sometimes inevitable, ability for cruelty and evil beyond measure.  We only think we are different, however, as we keep evidencing with people and groups like ISIS, we remai...

  • Black Sunday

    Posted April 28, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    by Shirley M Dobson “If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.” Luke 17:4 Every family has moments they’d rather forget—moments that later call for understanding and forgiveness. When our ch...

  • THE DELIBERATE OBSCURING OF THE FEMININE ASPECT OF GOD

    Posted April 26, 2016 by Rev. Lori Holt

    Our Western Civilization has been severely crippled since its inception by the fact that the Divine Feminine has been deliberately obscured and negated from the Biblical references to God at the beginning of Genesis. The direct result of this deletion of the feminine aspects of God, including the no...

  • Rest in Peace Dad April, 25, 2016

    Posted April 26, 2016 by Rev. T. Tucker Forensic Psychologist (Ret.)

    My father succumbed to cancer and passed April, 25th of 2016 in his home. Family has been by his side up until the end. I am urging each and everyone one of you to make donations in any way you can to St. Jude’s children’s hospital, as well as the Make-A-Wish foundation in his honor. D...

  • “I Choose to Forgive”

    Posted April 25, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 C S. Lewis pointed out that “forgiving does not mean excusing… if that were so, there would be nothing to forgive.” The people of Paducah, Kentucky, understood this. A few years ago, fourteen‐year‐old Michael Carneal ...

  • The Cost of Bitterness

    Posted April 24, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    “I tell you, [forgive] not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18:22 Just as we must act on Scripture’s instruction to forgive, we should also consider the great cost of failing to do so. Withholding forgiveness brings on bitterness, which Neal T. Anderson says is like ...

  • This was written for my FaceBook wall but sharing here as well,

    Posted April 23, 2016 by Reverend Giovano 'Koala' Fusco

    Hi Everyone, I am having trouble with my mind n heart n soul, I can't stop thinking worrying about the 2 homeless girls; I feel like I need to do something more then praying for them but what, as a recovering alcoholic I you can't help an someone till they want help!!! I really don't know these gir...

  • Proselytization

    Posted April 23, 2016 by Rev. Xiao Shizi

    Proselytization. An odd word I wish we could disinvent. The word only has meaning to some of the world's religions. Drafting laws that everyone has to abide by is a form of proselytization in my view, if the underlying purpose for this law is to impose a religiously based ideology into our system of...

  • “The Face of My Enemy”

    Posted April 23, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    by Corrie ten Boom It was in a church in Munich that I saw him—a balding, heavy‐set man in a gray overcoat, a brown felt hat clutched between his hands. People were filing out of the basement room where I had just spoken and moving along the rows of wooden chairs to the door at the rear. The ...

  • Spirituality Basics

    Posted April 22, 2016 by Rev. T. Tucker Forensic Psychologist (Ret.)

    Spirituality Basics Spirituality is the general term for a worldview that places an emphasis on interconnection and the presence of larger forces beyond the realm of the individual human being. This worldview differs from a strictly religious orientation, which seeks to describe reality in terms of...

  • Lifestyle Evenangleism

    Posted April 22, 2016 by Rev. T. Tucker Forensic Psychologist (Ret.)

    Spiritual ways can vary widely, and are based on the differing histories and beliefs of individual tribes, clans and bands. Spirituality is learned early on in childhood. There are many persons from various parts of the world that may not be involved in organized religion, but are very spiritual non...

  • Proverbs 6:12-19

    Posted April 22, 2016 by Bishop Dale Day Hudson

    A scoundrel, a viscious man,    he goes with a leer on his lips,  winking his eye, shuffling his foot,     beckoning with his finger. Deceit in his heart, always scheming evil,    he sows dissension. Disaster will overtake him sharply for this,  &n...

  • Christ for Fun and Prophet

    Posted April 22, 2016 by Tony Villari

    If your pastor is wealthier than the people he serves, is he here to serve us or are we here to serve him?  As Christians I have come to believe we're a lazy lot.  We seem to buy into the tithing, the donations, and the televangelist hype.  Want an eye opener?  Check out this lin...

  • Proverbs 17

    Posted April 21, 2016 by Bishop Dale Day Hudson

    Better a dry crust and with it peace    than a house where feast and dispute go together. Where the son is profligate the shrewd slave is master,     with the other brothers, he will share the inheritance. A crucible for silver, a furnace for gold,    but Yahw...

  • Proverbs 16`

    Posted April 20, 2016 by Bishop Dale Day Hudson

    Man's heart makes the plans,     Yahweh, however, weighs the motives.  Command what you do to Yahweh,     and your plans will find achievment.  Yahweh made everything for its own purpose,     yes, even the wicked for the day of disaster.&nb...

  • Proverbs 15

    Posted April 18, 2016 by Bishop Dale Day Hudson

    A mild answer turns away wrath,    sharp words stir up anger. The tongue of wise men distils knowledge,    the mouth of fools spews folly. The eyes of Yahweh are everywhere:    observing the evil and the good.  The tongue that soothes is the tree of life; &n...

  • I Do This for You

    Posted April 18, 2016 by Tony Villari

    People constantly tell me their faith isn't strong, or my faith is stronger than theirs. We all have the same faith. Faith was written across the hearts and minds of mankind because we kept misinterpreting the written word. Instead of giving us laws to argue over, God gave us the spirit of...

  • When You Wonder if God is Concerned About You

    Posted April 18, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    by Sharon Jaynes Today’s Truth The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. (Exodus 3:7 NIV) Friend to Friend Moses was on the far side of the wilderness whe...

  • Proverbs 14

    Posted April 17, 2016 by Bishop Dale Day Hudson

    Proverbs 14 Wisdom builds herself a house;    with herown hands Folly pulls it down.  He whose course is honest fears Yahweh,    he whose paths are crooked scrons him.  The fool's mouth contains a rod of pride,     the wise man's lips watch over him...

  • Differing Assumptions

    Posted April 16, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    From Night Light For Couples, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson   “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.” (Romans 15:5)   As in last night’s story, “The Argument,” a difficult...

  • Listen up!

    Posted April 16, 2016 by Jay Olson

    In Heaven as on Earth ------------------------- One day, there was a catastrophic event that caused all living creatures on Earth to die. To sort things out, everyone went to heaven. God came and said, "I want the men to form two lines. One line for the men who ruled their women on Earth and ...

  • The Argument

    Posted April 15, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    by Gigi Graham Tchividjan He walked out, closing the door firmly behind him. I heard the car drive away, and with a heavy, aching heart, I leaned against the closed door. Hot, angry tears filled my eyes, spilled over, and ran down my cheeks. How had it happened? How had things built to this point? ...

  • Memories of Youth

    Posted April 15, 2016 by Tony Villari

    Ever found an old friend from your youth, one you haven't seen in, oh, say... forty-five years?  I was happy and privileged to have been blessed with such an episode, just recently.  Happy because she was numbered among the few I loved, privileged because she took the time to look me up, a...

  • Men of the Bible - Boaz

    Posted April 15, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    His name may mean: "In Strength" His work: He was a wealthy landowner. His character: Boaz was a capable and upright man, so touched by the loyalty and generosity of a young widow named Ruth that he responded to her with extraordinary generosity, playing the role of kinsman-redeemer for her and he...

  • Child of Man, Face of God - Part III

    Posted April 14, 2016 by Tony Villari

    In the age of the second coming, which face of the less of us will we protect?  Which child of God, this time, will we deny three times?  And we place so much faith in a book written by men and touted as the Word of God; will we accept its sexist tone to deny that the Christ may reappear a...

  • Child of Man, Face of God - Part II

    Posted April 14, 2016 by Tony Villari

    According to Nelson Mandela, "There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children."  Children are a gift, a heritage, to mankind from the Lord.  They are a reward which we have endeavored to corrupt through our abuse.  We have forgot...

  • Choices and Consequences

    Posted April 14, 2016 by Tony Villari

    As I look back at my life I see much that I wish I could go back and change.  As we get older comes this annoying benefit of hindsight.  Unfortunately, we usually find our hindsight is really of little or no benefit to us, at our advanced age the probability of having to make similar decis...

  • Child of Man, Face of God - Part I

    Posted April 13, 2016 by Tony Villari

    When I look into the face of a child, I see the many faces of an emotional God.  In children of want, I see a face that asks the question of Christ, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?"  And, in this face, I...

  • Proverbs 13

    Posted April 12, 2016 by Bishop Dale Day Hudson

    A wise son loves discipline,    a mocker will not listen to reproof. When a man has good things to eat, it is the fruit of his own words,    but the appetite of the treacherous feeds on violence. He keeps his life who guards his mouth,    he who talks to much is lo...

  • Error Or Opportunity?

    Posted April 12, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” Proverbs 12:25 Many years ago, at what was then Standard Oil Company, an executive’s mistake cost the firm more than two million dollars. On the day the news leaked, the firm’s employees feared the wrath of...

  • What is Education?

    Posted April 11, 2016 by Bishop Dale Day Hudson

    ed·u·ca·tion [ej- oo- key-sh uhn] NOUN 1. the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life. 2. t...

  • Sticks and Stones

    Posted April 11, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    “The poison of vipers is on their lips.” Psalm 140:3 The old adage “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” simply isn’t true. Anyone who has felt the stinging barb of criticism knows that words can deeply wound. Lewis Yablonsky, author of F...

  • Transforming Love

    Posted April 10, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    “In all our distress and persecution we were encouraged…” 1 Thessalonians 3:7 When I (jcd) was thirteen, we adopted the most wonderful dog in the world. Penny, as we called him, was smart and obedient. He loved everybody, and everybody loved him. But when I went off to college an...

  • Side By Side

    Posted April 9, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    “Encourage one another daily.” Hebrews 3:13 The Greek translation for the word encouragement is parakletos, which literally means “called alongside to help.” It brings to mind the scriptural image of two people yoked side by side, as when Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon...

  • A Most Extraordinary Event

    Posted April 8, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    by Jo Ann Larsen Larry and Jo Ann were an ordinary couple. They lived in an ordinary house on an ordinary street. Like any other ordinary couple, they struggled to make ends meet and to do the right things for their children. They were ordinary in yet another way—they had their squabbles. Mu...

  • Congregation for Religious Tolerance - Three Years Later

    Posted April 8, 2016 by Tony Villari

    It has been three years since I founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance and its associated blog, "The Path."  Since that time, I have published 542 posts, at last count, and those have garnered 21,000 pageviews from over 65 countries.  These numbers should make me p...

  • Faith Without Ego

    Posted April 7, 2016 by Tony Villari

    What the Vatican, and other world religious leaders, seem to always forget in the fog of pride and ego, their zeal to keep the masses bowing down to kiss the pope's Piscatory Ring, is a faith that goes beyond their petty desires and agenda. It is a faith which transcends religious denomina...

  • Empty Castles

    Posted April 6, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    “This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” Luke 12:20 The utter folly of materialism hit home dramatically for me during a trip to Britain years ago. As I toured the museums and historical buildings, I was struck by what...

  • Forgiveness of Injuries

    Posted April 5, 2016 by Bishop Dale Day Hudson

    Matthew 18:21-22   21Then Peter went up to him and said, 'Lord, how often must I forgive my brother if he wrongs me? As often as seven times?' 22*Jesus answered,'Not seven, I tell you, but seventy-seven times.   If you dare, please continue reading the scripture on what it is to be exp...

  • The Tin Monster

    Posted April 3, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    “A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15 At least my intentions were good. I (jcd) once ordered a swing set for my children identical to a shiny display model I’d seen at the store. What arrived, however, was a long box containing rough...

  • Holy Habits Under Pressure

    Posted April 2, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    Daniel 6:1–28 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. (Daniel 6:10) Some years ago a m...

  • Commanded To Love

    Posted April 2, 2016 by Pastor. Nathan Schoessow

    INTRODUCTION   1. In the minds of many, love is simply an emotion...  a. A feeling that cannot be forced  b. An emotion that can come and go (e.g., “I don’t love you anymore...”)   2. Yet we are commanded to love...  a. And not just in the sense of active...

  • COME AND DIE

    Posted April 2, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. John 12:24 When our children were young, we would often sing before dinner the chorus, “Come and dine the master calleth, come and dine...&rdquo...

  • The Peanut Vendor

    Posted April 1, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    by Sam Kameleson Once upon a time, there lived a peanut vendor in South India. Every day he walked up and down the beach calling out, “Peanuts! Peanuts for sale! Peanuts!” The man was miserably poor. He barely earned half a living, hardly enough to feed his family. But at night he bragg...

  • What is Grace ?

    Posted April 1, 2016 by Patricia Stephens

    On December 28, 2005, I experienced "Grace." I'm sure it wasn't the first time in my life I received grace, but it was the only time I can recall it being so bold and consequential.   With grace, I stopped smoking. And it was easy. Despite having a 25-year-old relationship with nicotine, I q...

  • Faith Is Not a Book

    Posted April 1, 2016 by Tony Villari

    Faith isn't a book of scripture. Putting faith in a book will garner nothing. What the book says, however, might show you how and why to have faith, because your decision to have faith is a choice. We are inundated in film and book by images of the faithful holding the Bible in front of them as if i...

  • Daily Meditation for April 1, 2016 - Friday in Easter Week

    Posted April 1, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    From Forward Day by Day Acts 4:11 This Jesus is “the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.” What an appropriate reading for April Fool’s day! It makes me a little wary of those things I presume to “reject” in my own life. If thes...

  • Hard times

    Posted March 31, 2016 by Pastor. Nathan Schoessow

    Hello everyone,It has been a very hard few years. I have been ordained since 10/20/2007. Everything was going good My wife and I would attend church service where my wife has been attending for many years. I was talking to another pastor and he said to me for someone to be able to teach the word of ...

  • Daily Meditation for March 31, 2016 - Thursday in Easter Week

    Posted March 31, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    Luke 24:39 Jesus said, “Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.”Easter isn’t easy to comprehend. There are places in the scriptures, such as this one, where post-resurrection Jesus goes out of his way to prove that he is as real as you or...

  • Watch Out For Traps

    Posted March 30, 2016 by Kenny Sallee

    “Whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 We’ve found that retired couples and stay‐at‐home spouses are especially likely to fall into four traps that can take the joy out of life. Here they are, along with some suggestions for avoiding each trap...

  • Self Growth

    Posted March 29, 2016 by Rev. Donna Donovan

    I received this email today from Tommy Rosen...and it was so fitting to the discussion I have been having recently regarding the inmates who do our courses. For many people, not just addicts, it is very difficult to look inside oneself. Yet, that is what is needed for personal growth. The cour...

  • Abou Ben Adhem

    Posted March 29, 2016 by Jay Olson

    Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!) Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace, And saw, within the moonlight in his room, Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom, An angel writing in a book of gold:— Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold, And to the Presence in the room he said What ...

  • Laughter at the sake of others

    Posted March 29, 2016 by Bishop Dale Day Hudson

    While I was busy and up somewhat late last night, I stumbled across something here which I found very disturbing. I can understand the initial reaction of laughter when someone falls or does something accidentally. The noises, the words they use or the face they  make can strike up some giggles...

  • Karma: It's not what you think. A Suzanne Ranu Blog!

    Posted March 27, 2016 by Bishop Dale Day Hudson

    Since Sue has spoken to many admin and can't seem to get an answer as to why her blog feature isn't working, I am posting this blog for her, as a request. You may all respond to this blog through comments, however remember this is a blog by Suzanne Ranu, and not myself.   Karma: It's not what...

  • Easter 2016

    Posted March 24, 2016 by Tony Villari

    Ever wonder what the state of Christianity is in the world today?  Ever thought about why Christianity seems to be losing the battles and the war?  Take a minute and look up Easter Images on Google.  You'll find voluminous images of bunnies and eggs, but very ...

  • The Marital Journey

    Posted March 23, 2016 by Rev. Meghan Gurley

    I write this on the occasion of my husband, Scott, and my 20th Anniversary. In the first year, he wrote the most amazing prose of my internal and external grace and beauty, and how lucky he was that our paths crossed so perfectly that he had the honor of gaining my eternal love. He called it, &ldquo...

  • How real is real?

    Posted March 20, 2016 by Lloyd Hargrove

    Each of us exists at the center of our own universe, at the center of our perceptions. Those perceptions which most of us happen to share in common we term "reality", but the corollary says reality as perceived is quite a subjective matter. Does that mean "truth" is also subjective? Each person's...

  • I had a strange dream:

    Posted March 19, 2016 by Reverend Giovano 'Koala' Fusco

     I had a strange dream: I was still using my electric wheelchair (not the strange part of the dream) but some how I was wandering around n saw a church that looked like it wasn't being used; church like it was built in early 1900's n wasn't really handicapped accessible... I was looking arou...

  • The Price for a Day of My Life

    Posted March 19, 2016 by Tony Villari

    They say you can't go back home again, and this is true, for the most part.  When we leave we grow in ways those who stayed don't experience.  Some of us experience the world, others a small part of it.  At the end of our journey, when we try to go back, we see home in a different lig...

  • Palm Sunday

    Posted March 18, 2016 by Tony Villari

    I vote we remember those "heroes who have recently died without denying their faith.  Let us remember the heroes of Christianity, Judaism, and of peaceful Islam, who stand and confront this newest of evils infecting our world, and let us give them our praise as "medals of honor" to those who wi...

  • Empty Seats and Open Fields

    Posted March 14, 2016 by Jay Olson

    Without the promise heaven--without the threat of hell. There is no need to fill the church nor heed the tolling bell. There is no prize at the finish line--no medals or ribbons of blue. Why sit and listen to old ideas when there are better things we can do? The chur...

  • Clergy Apparel Help

    Posted March 8, 2016 by Rev. Michael Daily

    I'm looking for an online apparel store for robes/collars/supplies/etc.  I'm on a budget, so I'm looking for the best value I can get. Who has the great deals, and the largest selections?   Who's got the best Bang for the Buck?!   Peace and Love, Rev. M. Daily    

  • Pa. marriage lic.

    Posted March 4, 2016 by Rev. Christopher Mumie

    can someone tell me what to do with a Pa. marriage Lic. on what part goes to the state and what part goes to bride and groom i see what part i get [ this is my first wedding]

  • The Fall of the Western Empire

    Posted March 4, 2016 by Tony Villari

    Some would say this unavoidable outcome of democracy is why our forefathers founded the United States of America as a republic and not a democracy. The best laid plans of mice and men oft go astray.  Looking at the United States we see irrefutable evidence Sir Alex knew of what he spoke.  ...

  • Spring Gardens

    Posted March 1, 2016 by Jay Olson

    Ask not what tomorrow brings--it is but just a dream. Think not unkindly of days gone by--they are but water in a stream. Now is the time, it fits the bill--it lies before my eyes. The present is reality--not made of fiction or of lies. We all walk down a path of life--a field of shifting ti...

  • If it Weren't for Sundown it would Never get Dark

    Posted February 28, 2016 by Jay Olson

    As darkness settles in and silence fills the void--I bid farewell to the day. Seemingly effortless the day becomes a memory slowly slipping away. Stardust and moonbeams cover my weary face--waves of sleep are the tide. No longer awake or able to see the last vestige of yesterday's ride. Lyin...