PBS Home Fires

Home Fires Cast

(from the PBS Website)

Most American television is so awful. We've quit watching anything but 'reality shows' and HGTV. Anyone else hooked on PBS Masterpiece Theatre? One of the new ones, Home Fires, has really peaked my interest. There are two episodes that have aired so far and, I must say, it has been consistently entertaining. Very top drawer acting, directing, story, etc. October 18th at 8:00 pm EST Episode 3 is supposed to air. For all my fellow Downton Abbey fans, you'll recognize many of the British actors in the line up.

Synopsis of the story line from their website:

At the heart of a rural English village on the verge of the Second World War, a diverse group of women with personal struggles, conflicting views and a shared mission forge a community that will inspire their finest hour. Samantha Bond (Downton Abbey) and Francesca Annis (Reckless, Cranford) head an ensemble cast in the moving wartime drama, Home Fires. 

In August 1939, war with Germany is all but certain. While citizens of the isolated village of Great Paxford each face the prospect of war in their own way, all agree that they must do everything they can to hold their village—and their nation—together. But when the value of the largely social group, The Women's Institute, is called into question, forward-thinking Frances Barden (Samantha Bond) and snobbish Joyce Cameron (Francesca Annis) clash over the fate of the Institute and the roles its members can play, far from the front. 

Based on Jambusters, Julie Summers’ history of Britain’s Women’s Institute, Home Fires airs in six inspiring episodes on MASTERPIECE, Sundays, October 4 – November 8, 2015, at the special time of 8/7c on PBS.

I would definitely recommend this show.

Sunday Post: What Is The Prayer Of Salvation?

The lesson below from GotQuestions.Org ties in with how we're saved by grace, not by works (see Ephesians 2:8-9) written by our Apostle to the gentiles, Paul, over 2,000 years ago. His teachings are still relevant to us today in this dispensation, the age of grace.

"And with all thy getting, get understanding." (Proverbs 4:7)

By the by, I have a private prayer request please. Jesus knows the situation. I appreciate it very much.

Hope your day is blessed.

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Question: "What is the prayer of salvation?"

Answer: Many people ask, “Is there a prayer I can pray that will guarantee my salvation?” It is important to remember that salvation is not received by reciting a prayer or uttering certain words. The Bible nowhere records a person’s receiving salvation by a prayer. Saying a prayer is not the biblical way of salvation.

The biblical method of salvation is faith in Jesus Christ. John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Salvation is gained by faith (Ephesians 2:8), by receiving Jesus as Savior (John 1:12), and by fully trusting Jesus alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12), not by reciting a prayer.

The biblical message of salvation is simple and clear and amazing at the same time. We have all committed sin against God (Romans 3:23). Other than Jesus Christ, there is no one who has lived an entire life without sinning (Ecclesiastes 7:20). Because of our sin, we have earned judgment from God (Romans 6:23), and that judgment is physical death followed by spiritual death. Because of our sin and its deserved punishment, there is nothing we can do on our own to make ourselves right with God. As a result of His love for us, God became a human being in the Person of Jesus Christ. Jesus lived a perfect life and always taught the truth. However, humanity rejected Jesus and put Him to death by crucifying Him. Through that horrible act, though, Jesus died in our place. Jesus took the burden and judgment of sin on Himself, and He died in our place (2 Corinthians 15). Jesus was then resurrected (1 Corinthians 15), proving that His payment for sin was sufficient and that He had overcome sin and death. As a result of Jesus’ sacrifice, God offers us salvation as a gift. God calls us all to change our minds about Jesus (Acts 17:30) and to receive Him as the full payment of our sins (1 John 2:2). Salvation is gained by receiving the gift God offers us, not by praying a prayer.

Now, that does not mean prayer cannot be involved in receiving salvation. If you understand the gospel, believe it to be true, and have accepted Jesus as your salvation, it is good and appropriate to express that faith to God in prayer. Communicating with God through prayer can be a way to progress from accepting facts about Jesus to fully trusting in Him as Savior. Prayer can be connected to the act of placing your faith in Jesus alone for salvation.

Again, though, it is crucially important that you do not base your salvation on having said a prayer. Reciting a prayer cannot save you! If you want to receive the salvation that is available through Jesus, place your faith in Him. Fully trust His death as the sufficient sacrifice for your sins. Completely rely on Him alone as your Savior. That is the biblical method of salvation. If you have received Jesus as your Savior, by all means, say a prayer to God. Tell God how thankful you are for Jesus. Offer praise to God for His love and sacrifice. Thank Jesus for dying for your sins and providing salvation for you. That is the biblical connection between salvation and prayer.

Baptist Village Event

Today, Hubby, I and several other motorcyclists from local Christian biker clubs, donned riding gear and sloshed our way in the pouring Autumn rain to Baptist Village in Waycross, Georgia. The event was a miniature Bike Show for the elderly that reside there. They lined up inside a pavilion while we rode by to the hail of cheers and applause. Afterwards, the residents that could brave the rain, came out and looked at the various wheels represented there.

This was a rare moment of sunshine. I am chatting with a new "biker" Brenda. She did really well for being on a cruiser.

That's my set of wheels on the left in a sea of Hardly-Goes-At-Alls. *grin*

I had so much fun adding a little sunshine to someone else's day. I hope we can do this more often.

And, just in passing, my husband snapped the above photo on Wednesday. One of our farm neighbors decorated their field for Halloween with a Minion from the cartoon "Despicable Me". Isn't that adorable? Now I want one. Guess it's time to get out the scarecrow's, pumpkins, and Fall wreath's. We're having homemade chicken chili sprinkled with cheese for lunch, then homemade pizza for supper. I love this time of year!

Hope your day is blessed too.

Funny Friday: Fawlty Towers BBC - I Know Nothing!

Instead of cartoons, I thought I'd share one of my favorite British comedies. Just recently, I obtained the entire DVD set of Fawlty Towers. John Cleese is a comedic genius, to be sure.

Brilliant! *lol*

Dull: Uninteresting, Boring, Tedious, Monotonous, Unrelieved, Unvaried, Unimaginative, Uneventful

“I sometimes feel I have nothing to say, and I want to communicate this.”

-- Damien Hirst

You're been warned. *grin*

That pretty much sums up my feelings for this post. After the carport renovations, it’s been dull as dishwater in this neck of the woods.

Riding has been unattainable lately. Seems I’ve twisted my right knee. It’s developed this lovely popping, burning and hurting act. I appreciate the man that created Aleve. (What a life safer!) My husband is in the same pitiful situation. I suspect this is a result of the four or so days of standing on solid concrete floors, climbing ladders, swinging the paint roller around, moving the new cabinets into place, and so forth. Our situation has put any motorcycling activities on temporary hold.

All work -- No play -- makes Sparky --something-- --something--.

Viral

http://www.spike.com/video-clips/kohrhp/halloween-shining-episode

Ok, it’s not that bad. *lol* At least it's finally Fall. My favorite time of the year. More than likely I'll be up and cruising in a few days. And I’m only being lazy by not penning any correspondence. I suffer from these temporary episodes of brain freeze in the blogging department. I am enjoying everyone else's writings though.

Anyway, that’s my situation at the moment.

If you're still awake, hope your evening is blessed.

Sunday Post: Of whom was Cain afraid after he killed Abel?

This week's Bible lesson reminded me that I had a long time question concerning Cain and his banishment. My quandary was that when Cain was banished after murdering brother Abel, who where the people of whom he was afraid? I've asked many "experts" to explain it and none of them have given me a satisfactory answer. I think the study below answers that question. I would elaborate with my theory, just guessing here, in that I would go so far as to speculate that there where other humans developing differently, parallel with us modern Homo Sapiens. I base that on all the ancient fossils scientists have been finding. These people may not have been a part of the civilization plan of the Lord, living in the wilderness and thus where savage. They either died out or bred with Sapiens.

What are your thoughts on this subject?

Question: "Of whom was Cain afraid after he killed Abel?"

Answer: In Genesis 4:13-14, shortly after he killed his brother Abel, “Cain said to the LORD, ‘My punishment is more than I can bear. Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.’” Whom exactly was Cain afraid of? The only people the book of Genesis had mentioned to this point are Adam and Eve (Cain’s parents) and Abel (who was now dead). Who would possibly be a threat to Cain?

It is important to recognize that Cain and Abel were both full-grown adults at the time that Cain killed Abel. Both Cain and Abel were farmers, who tended to their own lands and flocks (Genesis 4:2-4). The Bible does not tell us how old Cain and Abel were, but they very likely could have been in their 30’s or 40’s. The Bible does not specifically mention Adam and Eve having any children between Abel and Seth (Genesis 4:25). However, it is highly unlikely that the two most perfect human beings in the history of the world, Adam and Eve, would not have any children over several decades. Adam and Eve had many children after Seth (Genesis 5:4), so why would they not also have had other children between Abel and Seth? The Bible does not say that Seth was Adam and Eve’s first child, or even first son, after Abel was killed. Rather, it states that Seth was born as a “replacement” for Abel. Genesis chapter 5 traces the genealogy of Seth. Prior to his death, Abel was likely the “chosen” son that would eventually produce the Messiah (Genesis 3:15). It is in this sense that Seth “replaced” Abel.

So, whom was Cain afraid of? Cain was afraid of his own brothers, sisters, nephews, and nieces, who were already born and would be capable of seeking revenge. The fact that Cain had a wife (Genesis 4:17) is a further evidence that Adam and Eve had other children after Cain and Abel, but before Seth.Recommended Resources: Bible Answers for Almost all Your Questions by Elmer Towns and Logos Bible Software.

Found at: http://www.gotquestions.org/Cain-afraid.html

I'm A Pickin' And I'm A Grinnin'

After our Saturday chores, Hubby and I took the cage and did some pickin'. It's just too difficult to carry fragile items on two wheels.

This is my favorite, the Cardinal Clock. I wish the photograph would show how vibrant the colors are. It's quite lovely. The bird tiles, Hubby found. I thought they where a nice compliment to the clock.

Decorative cups. They appear to be hand painted, but I wouldn't swear to it on a stack of Bibles. *grin*

Cardinal Music Box. I don't recognize the tune. It's a nice addition to the dining room table.

All these items where only $1.00 each!

Now you know why I'm A Grinnin'.

(Deepest apologies to the good folks at Hee Haw for the pun ... *lol*)

Funny Friday: More Minion Humor

Throw Back Thursday: Constitution Day

Today we Americans celebrate, even if only in our hearts, the 228th Constitution Day.

Remember how the government was once divided into three branches in order to ensure a more perfect union? That was back when there was liberty for all free thinking people's at our shores. Sure, it wasn't perfect. No man made thing is. But at least we had the ability to achieve freedom is so desired. Apparently though, after 100 plus years of chopping at the tree, it does not exist anymore. Our country has gone black and it may never go back.

We The People need to be especially careful about who the next President will be. Pray, and seek His guidance I humbly implore.

It's Been A Hard Five Days Night

Honestly, Hubby and I are dog tired this evening from five hard days of work. This post was going to wait until tomorrow but I'm so excited to share how good the carport looks now, I had to share. The house remodel is reaching the end. The only room lacking an upgrade is the guest bedroom. By mutual agreement, we have decided to possibly wait until after a short jaunt to South Carolina on the bikes. It will be a well earned respite from the persistent remodeling that has lasted nearly a year.

Here in the country, the carport door is often used as a front entrance. It's just a friendly way of letting people into one's home. The now 23 year old stick-built house and carport had been looking as tired as I feel tonight. The colors where faded, there where old spider webs seemingly glued to the ceiling, mold was everywhere (it's nearly a losing battle to eradicate mold entirely in the South but one must make an effort). I was weary of guests being weaved past filthy, tired looking walls.

First, the white ceiling was 'washed' via a pump spray bottle with a mild solution of bleach and water. Hubby performed this task and did a very nice job. It now sparkles as if there never was any dirt there.

Hang onto your hat ... here's the "after".

(Feeling kinda proud of myself here ... *giggle*)

How do you like the two-tone green/gray?

I wish I could claim this as an original idea 

but I learned this little trick from my always

creative step-mother Myra (now deceased).

She was ever so clever.

 Anyway, and just for fun, I found this tin replication

for an antique Hudson Granary Feed & Seed.

Obviously I had to have this!

And hopefully, dat's dat ... for now. *grin* The weather has turned lovely and cool in SE Georgia. It's feeling a bit like early Fall. We plan to roast a few weenie's at the fire pit this evening, and toss back a few whilst making plans for the future.

Hope your evening is also blessed. 

Sunday Post: Who Was Gehazi In The Bible?

I thought for this week's reading, I would continue with lessons from the GotQuestions.Org website.

I pray this lends understanding for all of us in God's Kingdom that our lives may please Him.

Question: "Who was Gehazi in the Bible?"

Answer: Gehazi is mentioned in the Bible a few times, in the book of 2 Kings, as the servant of Elisha the prophet. Gehazi is featured in a story about a Shunammite woman’s dead child whom Elisha raised to life (2 Kings 4:18–37) and later in a story about how the king of Israel restored that same woman’s stolen property to her (2 Kings 8:1–6). But the most well-known story about Gehazi concerns a sin he committed, the cover-up he attempted, and the punishment that followed (2 Kings 5:15–27).

The story of Gehazi’s downfall starts with a man named Naaman who commanded the army of Syria. Naaman was a mighty warrior, but had an incurable skin disease called leprosy (2 Kings 5:1). Elisha the prophet healed Naaman of his leprosy by the power of the Lord (verse 14), and Naaman praised God and offered Elisha a gift, which Elisha refused to accept (verse 16). Naaman departed for Syria, but Elisha’s servant Gehazi ran after him and told a lie in order to get Naaman’s gift for himself. In his lie, Gehazi invoked his master’s name, making it appear as if Elisha wanted the gift after all: “My master sent me to say, ‘Two young men from the company of the prophets have just come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing’” (verse 22). Naaman was only too glad to comply—he was happy to be able to give something out of gratitude for his healing—and he urged Gehazi to take twice as much silver as he had asked for. Gehazi went home with the silver and the garments, which he hid. Later, when Gehazi came before Elisha, he lied again in response to Elisha’s direct question as to where he had been (verse 25). It soon became apparent that Elisha knew the truth, its having been revealed to him by God: “Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you?” (verse 26). Then came Gehazi’s punishment: “Naaman’s leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever” (verse 27). And, just like that, Gehazi was a leper.

Elisha asked Gehazi an important rhetorical question: “Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes—or olive groves and vineyards, or flocks and herds, or male and female slaves?” (2 Kings 5:26). His point was that the miracles of God cannot be bought. The power of God in our lives is not meant for personal enrichment, and God’s servants should not be doing ministry for the sake of earthly rewards. Every one of us should remember that it is not money that cares for our needs—it is God (Hebrews 13:5).

Gehazi witnessed a miracle, an undeniable display of God’s power that involved the redemption of a man’s health, life, and soul. But all he could think about was money. Naaman needed to see the grace of God in the free and abundant blessing he received; Gehazi destroyed grace by demanding payment.

“The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10), and “you cannot serve both God and money” (Luke 16:13). After years of seemingly faithful service, Gehazi fell. His sin began in the heart, as he covetedwhat Naaman was offering. Other sins soon followed in a series of lies. Gehazi would have been wise to heed Moses’ warning of long ago, “You may be sure that your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23).

Wordless Wednesday: Outside My Window

Tiger Swallowtail (male) on Butterfly Bush

Silver-Spot Skipper visiting Mexican Petunia

Not identified mushroom

(They're bright yellow if anyone knows what they are.)

Jackie Boy 'helped'.

Sunday Post: GotQuestions.Org

For this Sunday's post, I thought it might be nice to take a different tack for discussing God's Holy Word. Lately, I've been reading the weekly writings of GotQuestions.Org and thought I'd share one of their posts. I'm finding them really insightful so far. This week's mailing was "Why study the Old Testament?" I pray you'll enjoy their work too.

Hope your day is blessed. ~:)


Question: "Why should we study the Old Testament?"

Answer: There are many reasons to study the Old Testament. For one, the Old Testament lays the foundation for the teachings and events found in the New Testament. The Bible is a progressive revelation. If you skip the first half of any good book and try to finish it, you will have a hard time understanding the characters, the plot, and the ending. In the same way, the New Testament is only completely understood when we see its foundation of the events, characters, laws, sacrificial system, covenants, and promises of the Old Testament. 

If we only had the New Testament, we would come to the Gospels and not know why the Jews were looking for a Messiah (a Savior King). We would not understand why this Messiah was coming (see Isaiah 53), and we would not have been able to identify Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah through the many detailed prophecies that were given concerning Him [e.g., His birth place (Micah 5:2), His manner of death (Psalm 22, especially verses 1, 7–8, 14–18; 69:21), His resurrection (Psalm 16:10), and many more details of His ministry (Isaiah 9:2; 52:3)].

A study of the Old Testament is also important for understanding the Jewish customs mentioned in passing in the New Testament. We would not understand the way the Pharisees had perverted God’s law by adding their own traditions to it, or why Jesus was so upset as He cleansed the temple courtyard, or where Jesus got the words He used in His many replies to adversaries. 

The Old Testament records numerous detailed prophecies that could only have come true if the Bible is God’s Word, not man’s (e.g., Daniel 7 and the following chapters). Daniel’s prophecies give specific details about the rise and fall of nations. These prophecies are so accurate, in fact, that skeptics choose to believe they were written after the fact.

We should study the Old Testament because of the countless lessons it contains for us. By observing the lives of the characters of the Old Testament, we find guidance for our own lives. We are exhorted to trust God no matter what (Daniel 3). We learn to stand firm in our convictions (Daniel 1) and to await the reward of faithfulness (Daniel 6). We learn it is best to confess sin early and sincerely instead of shifting blame (1 Samuel 15). We learn not to toy with sin, because it will find us out (Judges 13—16). We learn that our sin has consequences not only for ourselves but for our loved ones (Genesis 3) and, conversely, that our good behavior has rewards for us and those around us (Exodus 20:5–6).

A study of the Old Testament also helps us understand prophecy. The Old Testament contains many promises that God will yet fulfill for the Jewish nation. The Old Testament reveals such things as the length of the Tribulation, how Christ’s future 1,000-year reign fulfills His promises to the Jews, and how the conclusion of the Bible ties up the loose ends that were unraveled in the beginning of time.

In summary, the Old Testament allows us to learn how to love and serve God, and it reveals more about God’s character. It shows through repeatedly fulfilled prophecy why the Bible is unique among holy books—it alone is able to demonstrate that it is what it claims to be: the inspired Word of God. In short, if you have not yet ventured into the pages of the Old Testament, you are missing much that God has available for you. 

Link

A Day Trip To The Big City

Isn't life just like this. I set off to do one thing, and end up doing another.

Yesterday, to lighten the mood, Hubby and I drove to neighboring big city of Brunswick to buy a Halloween costume for me (I love Halloween ... just a big kid really), and ended up toting home something entirely unrelated.

This bedspread is called the "Cassandra" from JC Penney. They where having a Big Sale and I couldn't say No. It looks quite nice in the room, don't ya think? These colors and pattern compliment the new carpeting, in my opinion.

So, I'm a little bit poorer but still must find, or come up with, some kind of costume that does not entail any masks for our Second Annual Halloween Party. Any suggestions? Which holidays do you enjoy the most?

Absent From Our Presence, Forever In Our Hearts

It's been two years. Two very long years since Maxie died. But don't worry, dear reader, every day is better and I promise not to dwell on this subject much. I only wanted to remember her for a few minutes before moving on.

FindAGrave Memorial

Miss ya little angel puppy. Rest in peace.

Thank you folks for your indulgence. I do appreciate your kindness. Comments turned off.

Carpeted In Shame

Ok, I know. Stupid title. I was trying to be funny but titles are hard and I'm physically worn out this evening.

I do apologize for not visiting all my friend's blogs lately. What have we been doing? What haven't we been doing should be the question. Picking up the remodeling project again has been more exhausting than I anticipated. The Master Bedroom was first on the list. All the 23 year old Mauve what was I thinking?! carpeting was removed to make room for the new. I can't get over how much dirt was under the old padding. Yuck! It was a lot of elbow grease to make it sweet smelling again. So I think I can safely say, that for all intensive purposes, the Master Bedroom is completed. Done and done! (Can I hear a hallelujah?) *grin* Next is the last Guest Bedroom to have new flooring. That old carpeting will be removed and replaced with Pergo laminate that matches the remainder of the house.

So, without any further ado, here's the before's and after's.

Moving furniture that I swear got heavier

the longer it sat it our room, is that possible?

I ache from the top of my head to my tippy toes.

Stripping the old carpeting and padding is always good for a laugh ...

if you're into S&M, that is. *giggle*

Take a breath, honey, we're half way there!

Vacuuming the years of dirt and grime took a little time.

There went any delusions about my being a good housekeeper.

Our house is built off-grade, so, Hubby had to hammer down all the 23 year

old nails that had pulled up over the years to ensure a smooth new flooring.

A clean floor is a happy floor.

Smells better too. *whew*

Ta Da! We're back in business.

This color is called "Rich Taupe" by Beaulieu.

Now comes the fun part of putting everything back in it.

*sigh*

I'm getting too old manual labor. Someone needs to invent a device that will levitate furniture for easier moving. Or I really start playing the Lotto. *lol*

Two Minutes With The Bible ~ What Is a Church?

What Is a Church? 

by Pastor Cornelius R. Stam

Berean Bible Society

Printer Friendly Version

It is strange but true that most people — even the great majority of religious people — do not know what a church is. Ask the average man what a church is, and he’s apt to reply: “Well, anybody knows that! A church is a building where people go to worship God.” But this is not correct. The word translated church, in our Bibles, simply means assembly. A church is not a building, but the assembly that meets in the building. Technically, a church is not even a religious gathering, for the same word is used in Acts 19:32 of a riotous mob which had assembled at Ephesus, and this verse says that this assembly was confused and that “the greater part knew not wherefore they were come together.” Perhaps this could apply to many a church today, but the point is that a church is not a building but an assembly of people.

The church of which the Bible has most to say is “the Church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28), and St. Paul calls the church of this present dispensation, “the Body of Christ,” or “the Church which is His Body” (I Cor. 12:27; Eph.1:22,23).

Men cannot join this Church by water baptism or any other religious rite, but only by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. With regard to believers in Christ St. Paul declares: “By one Spirit are we all baptized into one Body” (I Cor. 12:13). And in Rom. 12:5 the Apostle says that “ye, being many, are one body in Christ.”

Many sincere people have had their names on local church rolls for many years before learning this great truth — that the true Church of God is not a building, but the assembly of those who trust in Christ as their Savior. Doubtless, people in and out of many of the religious organizations we call churches belong to this one great Bible Church, while others, with all their religious profession, do not. The question is: Have we sincerely trusted in Christ as the Savior who died for our sins?

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To the Reader:
Some of our Two Minutes articles were written many years ago by Pastor C. R. Stam for publication in newspapers. When many of these articles were later compiled in book form, Pastor Stam wrote this word of explanation in the Preface:

"It should be borne in mind that the newspaper column, Two Minutes With the Bible, has now been published for many years, so that local, national and international events are discussed as if they occurred only recently. Rather than rewrite or date such articles, we have left them just as they were when first published. This, we felt, would add to the interest, especially since our readers understand that they first appeared as newspaper articles."

To this we would add that the same is true for the articles written by others that we continue to add, on a regular basis, to the Two Minutes library. We hope that you'll agree that while some of the references in these articles are dated, the spiritual truths taught therein are timeless.