Thought For The Day 12/03/12

Sharing The News With Children

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http://blog.newbyrealty.com/2011/12/history-of-christmas-wreath-dates-back.html

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     “Advent is concerned with that very connection between memory and hope which is so necessary to man. Advent’s intention is to awaken the most profound and basic emotional memory within us, namely, the memory of the God who became a child. This is a healing memory; it brings hope. The purpose of the Church’s year is continually to rehearse her great history of memories, to awaken the heart’s memory so that it can discern the star of hope.…

     It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope.”

Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger

“Seek That Which Is Above”

1986

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Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent and as I am often a “day late and a dollar short”, I really did not address this very special day in my blog as I should have. I think that is because I generally write my thoughts out a day ahead and where my head was on Saturday was not quite where it is on Sundays. Yes both days it rests squarely on my shoulders but on Sundays, I definitely feel a bit more devout in the things I share. But Advent is truly a magical time of the year. It was magical in the church where I worshipped as a child and it was just as special in the church where I raised my children and where I helped to direct the worship segment for our children’s Sunday School. There were very special advent lessons I would share with the children every year. Even little ones too young to fully understand the true meaning of the season somehow instinctively knew that these four weeks that lead up to Christmas were special and I don’t for one minute believe it was because they knew that gifts would magically appear come Christmas morning!

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Now our children would begin the celebration by lighting  our very own Advent Wreath that they helped to make. Of course, we used the battery operated variety of candles which I painted the colors of purple and pink and white. We would ask the children to bring in greenery and pine cones the week before and we would create the most beautiful wreath as each child would reverently bring their gift to the front where a circle sat on an altar covered with a linen and lace cloth. The candles would be waiting and each child delicately added the treasure of nature they had brought and as they would lay it on the form upon the altar, they would say one thing they were thankful for!

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During week number one, we walked around the church sanctuary and the Sunday School classrooms and asked the children to see what was different. Their answers were wonderfully innocent as some said the room was clean while others said that there were some new colors and decorations. The idea was to make sure they knew that this time was a special time. Then we would return to the gathering room and we would light the first candle….a purple one….and talk about what was so special about the coming of the new baby Jesus. We would talk about the very special gifts we share with each other and then we would remember the greatest gift of all…..God’s special gift. And we would talk about the signs that were given that would foretell the world of His birth! And we would talk about John the Baptist, reading the our first holiday passage of the season from the gospel of Luke as we think about the signs that would herald His birth!

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⁵ In the time of Herod, King of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. ⁶ Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. ⁷ But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.

⁸ Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, ⁹ he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. ¹⁰ And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.

¹¹ Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. ¹² When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. ¹³ But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. ¹⁴ He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, ¹⁵ for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. ¹⁶ He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. ¹⁷ And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

¹⁸ Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

¹⁹ The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. ²⁰ And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”

²¹ Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. ²² When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

²³ When his time of service was completed, he returned home. ²⁴ After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. ²⁵ “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

Luke 1:5-25 NIV

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Please remember the millions of our brothers and sisters as well as furry companions today who are suffering from the effects of Superstorm Sandy. Give as much as you can, as often as you can to the following organizations or groups.

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The American Red Cross

~

Text REDCROSS to 90999

or click

http://www.redcross.org/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Staten Island Gift Cards For Relief

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http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/notes/mandyspath-ministry/staten-island-gift-cards-for-relief/548756548473096

or

http://www.facebook.com/groups/459795404070872/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The American Humane Association

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http://www.americanehumane.org/donate

or by texting HUMANE to 80888

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Copyright © 2011-2012 “MandysPath” Ministry

Thought For The Day 12/02/12

How Did It Get So Late So Soon?

December Is Here…

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How  did it get so late so soon? Its night before its afternoon. December is here  before its June. My goodness how the time has flown. How did it get so late so  soon?

Dr.  Seuss

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/december.html#vZO2x2ezsr0WUVmO.99

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Theodor Seuss Geisel is the perhaps the world’s most beloved “pundit” of poetry for children of all ages. Never easily satisfied, it often took him a year to write a book of often less than 40 pages. He took great pains in the development of every brilliant character he created….from the hat wearing “Cat” to the fuzzy “Lorax”, his creations have become a part of all of our lives through the 11 television specials, four feature films, a Broadway musical and four television series that have resulted from his “tongue-in-cheek” brilliance! But it is one of his not so beloved of characters that I think about this time of the year.

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It is Dr Seuss’ brilliant “Grinch” that captures my heart this time of the year. Yes,he is indeed an “anti-holiday” creature. However, by his transformation from an anti Christmas humbug to one whose tiny peanut of a heart transformed, is a message that should not be lost on any of us. After all, as the story goes on to say, “They say that the Grinch’s small heart grew three sizes that day…”(1). And it is this magical essence of a miracle in the making that really brings the message of putting the “Christ” back in Christmas.

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Now I am equally certain that it was not Dr Seuss’ original intent to write a story of faith, although we do know that this child of German immigrants was raised a Lutheran in Massachusetts. He has never really tried to paint his words with faith in the way most of us imagine a tale of faith to be written. Never the less, the vibrant hues of faith do, indeed, color every magical word he writes. Yes, even though the Grinch is caught by little Cindy Lou Who as he is stealing the gifts, it is the moment on Christmas morning when the community gathers in front of the town tree, now bare of decorations, to sing their praises of the season, that melts the ice-covered heart of the Grinch. Yes, despite the fact that the material evidence of giving was gone, the heart of giving remained and that is the lesson that matters today, more than a half a century after the words were written!

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So think about a very un-Christmas like creature the next time you become frustrated with finding just the right gift to give Mom or Uncle Dan. Remember the lesson that caused the swelling of a tiny, ice-covered heart. The reason for the season is the feeling of goodwill and a loving heart that becomes positively infectious even as we celebrate the magic of days which reminds us of both our heritage and our faith! Yes, the Grinch now believes, and so do I! I BELIEVE!

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(1) http://www.pedagonet.com/quickies/grinch.htm

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¹⁴⁾Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14 KJV

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Please remember the millions of our brothers and sisters as well as furry companions today who are suffering from the effects of Superstorm Sandy. Give as much as you can, as often as you can to the following organizations or groups.

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The American Red Cross

~

Text REDCROSS to 90999

or click

http://www.redcross.org/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Staten Island Gift Cards For Relief

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http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/notes/mandyspath-ministry/staten-island-gift-cards-for-relief/548756548473096

or

http://www.facebook.com/groups/459795404070872/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The American Humane Association

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http://www.americanehumane.org/donate

or by texting HUMANE to 80888

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Thought For The Day 11/24/12

T’is The Season!

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http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/galleries/TMG9666808/Christmas-shopping-The-best-dressed-festive-windows.html

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“It’s choice, not chance, that determines your destiny.”

Jean Nidetch

Founder of Weight Watchers

http://suite101.com/article/inspirational-small-business-quotes-for-entrepreneur-motivation-a224262

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Last year, I posted a blog based on an email I received from my college roommate. I found the piece again yesterday, and have decided to re-share it this year. I was never able to determine the original author of the piece because it caught on like a “house a fire” in 2011 and was reprinted by every one from bloggers to business owners to religious organizations to the average e-mailer. Now, I did do some minor editing of the original last year to make it a bit more politically correct. However, this year I am going to make a couple more changes because “MandysPath” now boasts a readership that spans every continent in the world (except for Antarctica…..besides research stations, there is probably no internet service there anyway….LOL), and while the original post was geared toward the American Christmas shopper, it is a message transcends the borders of the United States, and even faiths (welcome aboard all of you who shop for Hanukkah or Kwanzaa gifts)! So enjoy the following message once more and think about taking its meaning to heart as you begin your foray into the world of the mall this holiday season!

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CHRISTMAS 2012

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As the holidays approach, factories are kicking into high gear to provide consumers with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods made by machine…..merchandise that has been produced at the expense of many working class men and women and small hometown businesses. This year could and should be different. This year, we all can give the gift of genuine concern for our brothers and sisters in our very own communities. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, cheaper, mass-produced items, are better!

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It’s time to think outside the box, everyone. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in festive paper? Everyone gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local  hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

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Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, locally owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates. Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down big bucks on a huge flat-screen television? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

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There are a many owner-run restaurants, all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half-dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn’t about big National chains. This is about supporting your home town businesses with their financial lives on the line as they struggle to keep their doors open!

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How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by a local neighborhood working guy?

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Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Wouldn’t she love the services of a local cleaning lady for a day? (I actually did this for my dad and stepmother one year, and it was a gift my stepmother raved about!)

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If you are reading this, you probably have a computer that could use a tune-up, so why not find some young guy who is struggling to keep his repair business running?

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OK, perhaps you were looking for something more personal. Local arts and crafts people spin their own wool and knit it into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes. (I have a friend that has one of these businesses!)

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Are you in charge of setting up a holiday party for your company? Just going out for a bite to eat as a family? Looking for something different to do on a weekend evening? Well, why not plan your holiday outings or dinners at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre on a Saturday night. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

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Honestly, do you really need to buy another light set for the outside of the house? Instead, think about leaving the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice big tip.

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You see, the holidays are no longer about draining consumer pockets so that mass manufacturers can line the pockets of their Chief Executive Officer! Christmas and Hanukkah and Kwanzaa is now about caring about each other and encouraging your local small businesses to keep plugging away to realize their dreams. And, when we care about the little guy, and we support our communities, the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine. After all, this is the time of the year when we look to show those we love how much we care about each other, so why not begin some new traditions as you begin your gift planning this year? Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and of our communities!

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Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43:19 ESV

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Please remember the millions of our brothers and sisters as well as furry companions today who are suffering from the effects of Superstorm Sandy. Give as much as you can, as often as you can to the following organizations or groups.

___

The American Red Cross

~

Text REDCROSS to 90999

or click

http://www.redcross.org/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Staten Island Gift Cards For Relief

~

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/notes/mandyspath-ministry/staten-island-gift-cards-for-relief/548756548473096

or

http://www.facebook.com/groups/459795404070872/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The American Humane Association

~

http://www.americanehumane.org/donate

or by texting HUMANE to 80888

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Copyright © 2011-2012 “MandysPath” Ministry

Thought For The Day 02/04/12

It Doesn’t Have To Cost Much!

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http://www.fotosearch.com/CSP317/k3174996/

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You give but little when you give of your possessions.  It is when you give of yourself that you truly give. 

Kahlil Gibran,

The Prophet

http://www.quotegarden.com/gifts.html

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On Thursday, I was reading my email copy of Godvine. Now usually Godvine has perhaps 5 sappy videos that require a box of tissues in hand to watch, which, by the way, is right up my alley. They also end the  email with a print story of some kind. And, like the videos, they are meant to impart an important lesson of faith in a way that compels your rapt attention to the message being shared. And, once again this is something I like so much because the style is so reflective of my own when I write my posts and thoughts every day. I have referred to these Godvine posts a number of times in the past 6 or so months that I have been a subscriber. They never fail to leave me feeling just a bit more blessed and a lot more thankful each time I read them.

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A Godvine story that appeared on Thursday of this past week was no exception. I looked at it and immediately fell in love with the ideas contained in the article, “8 Gifts That Don’t Cost A Dime”. But in typical Mandy fashion, I began to think up a few of my own that I think would be the perfect gift to present to your loved one on any occasion, but especially now, since Valentine’s Day will be here in less than 2 weeks. And especially appropriate today, since so many pockets are still empty due to the difficult economic times we continue to face, despite recent news reports that proclaim otherwise. There may be an upswing in job creation in some regions of the country, but, I, for one, don’t  see it in my community….at least not quite yet. And so, for those of you that did not see this article, I am sharing Godvine’s gift list and will follow up with a few of my own!

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 8 Gifts That Don’t Cost a Dime (Godvine)

Let’s all try to give at least one of these gifts every day. I know it’s easy to just brush it off, but it really truly does make a difference in your life and the life of the person you give the gift to 🙂

 1. THE GIFT OF LISTENING… But you must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening.

2. THE GIFT OF AFFECTION… Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back, and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

3. THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER… Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.”

4. THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE… It can be a simple “Thanks for the help” note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

5. THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT… A simple and sincere, You look great in red,” “You did a super job,” or “That was a wonderful meal” can make someone’s day.

6. THE GIFT OF A FAVOR… Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

7. THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE… There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

8. THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION… The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone. Really, it’s not that hard to say, Hello or Thank You.

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8 Gifts That Don’t Cost Much (Mandy)

1. THE GIFT OF YOUR TIME… Today we live such busy lives that we all too often forget that it is our life partner that will still be here with us when our days end and when our working years are over. Don’t let that become a time when we discover, sadly, that we have somehow, drifted apart.

2. THE GIFT OF MEMORIES CREATED… Don’t put off making wonderful memories with your loved ones. Entice your partner to join you in the kitchen and make an ice cream sundae for each other. Or sit and listen to some favorite music and sing along at the top of your lungs….. TOGETHER!

3. HIDE LITTLE LOVE NOTES AROUND THE HOUSE… Tape a note or card to the bathroom mirror or hide one in the refrigerator or put it under that first steaming cup of morning coffee or tea. It doesn’t matter where you decide to put it, just as long as it’s an unexpected surprise for the one you love, to start their day!

4. SURPRISE YOUR PARTNER WITH AN UNEXPECTED LUNCH… Clearing this with the boss first usually helps, but arrive, picnic basket in hand, with fruit and cheese and crackers or some other treat you both enjoy. You needn’t dine in a 4 star restaurant to make a lasting memory!

5. PLAN A SURPRISE GET TOGETHER WITH FRIENDS FOR NO REASON AT ALL… We all enjoy the time we spend together with our friends but all too often, we reserve these hosting duties for special occasions. Why not make Tuesday night your special occasion?

6.  GATHER THOSE PHOTOS THAT ACCUMULATE AND BUY A DOLLAR STORE ALBUM OR FRAME… We are all guilty of storing so many special memories in a drawer. Why not dig them out, organize them and put them in your living room where you can share them with others.

7. TAKE A RIDE IN THE CAR… Just take your partner’s hand, say we’re going out together, and just drive. No cell phones, no music, no children, no distractions, no destination. Just drive….at least 30 minutes round trip….and talk! The fresh air and time spent holding hands in the car, might just evoke memories of a time of courtship, and can be so therapeutic to a relationship.

8. PRAY TOGETHER… Make sure to set apart at least one time each day, to pray together. Hold hands, close your eyes and bow your heads and thank God for all the blessings he has bestowed upon you as a family. It needn’t be long but it must be heartfelt! Sharing the intimacy of prayer as a family cements the values so carefully cultivated and assures that the one who has provided for those blessings is not forgotten!

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“Many seek favors from a ruler; everyone is the friend of a person who gives gifts!”

Proverbs 19:6 (NLT)

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Happy Birthday to a little gift that ran away with our hearts 2 years ago!

Landon John Hilliard

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http://mandyspathministry-ulc.webs.com

Copyright © 2012 “MandysPath” Ministry-ULC

Thought For The Day 12/25/11

Merry Christmas

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At Christmas, all roads lead home.

Marjorie Holmes

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I have a friend who is a tremendously talented singer-songwriter. He performed in an 80’s band and is a talented actor who is still waiting for that acting break that seems to elude so many talented people. But the world’s loss in my gain as he has recorded a series of Christmas videos that you can find on YouTube if you put michaelf12 in the search box. And so, today, my gift to you is the link to all his wonderful Christmas videos. Please feel free to share them as well on your social media sites or via email! And when you do, say a little prayer of thanks to the Almighty for my friend, Michael Fawcett!

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To view Michael’s videos, click the link below!

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http://www.youtube.com/user/michaelf12?blend=1&ob=video-mustangbase

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Merry Christmas to you all!

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http://mandyspathministry-ulc.webs.com

Copyright © 2011 “MandysPath” Ministry-ULC

Thought For The Day 12/24/11

The Most Beautiful Story Ever Told!

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I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys.

Charles Dickens

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I wanted to do a post today of the true Christmas story and while doing my research I discovered something that astounded me, though perhaps not you all. Did you know that the story of the Nativity is not consistent through the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John? As a matter of fact, neither Mark nor John even reference the Nativity Story at all! And the true story seems to have been woven between the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke…as if some finely woven tapestry of faith! And while the version from Matthew is essentially the same, it is, in fact, “The Nativity Story” that we read in Luke that, to me, is not just the most complete, but beautifully written, as well!

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And so today, Christmas Eve, I want you all to take a journey with me to a time long, long ago ….2011 years, in fact, and to a country far, far away ….across a great ocean, many, many thousands of miles away, as I read to you the most beautiful story ever told! In fact, one of the most beautiful love stories ever told, as well!

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Luke 1:26-38

The Birth of Jesus Foretold

²⁶ In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, ²⁷ to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

²⁹ Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. ³⁰ But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. ³¹ You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. ³² He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, ³³ and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

³⁴ “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

³⁵ The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called^[a] the Son of God. ³⁶ Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. ³⁷ For no word from God will ever fail.”

³⁸ “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

 

Luke 2:1-20

The Birth of Jesus

¹ In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while^[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register.

⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

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And so to you all, our loved ones, whether we are near or far, we want to wish to you, from our house to yours …..

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

Mandy & Dan Bruscella

Sabrina & Henry Hilliard & Landon

Danny & Melissa Bruscella

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http://mandyspathministry-ulc.webs.com

Copyright © 2011 “MandysPath” Ministry-ULC

Thought For The Day 12/23/11

The Sacrifice!

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Although no sculptured marble should rise to their memory, nor engraved stone bear record of their deeds, yet will their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored.

Daniel Webster

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Today I read a story that broke my heart. But I am very certain it is a story that is more “the norm” than “the exception”! It is a story of a true American hero who, now home on leave, is struggling, just like millions of us are these days! He is also a man who, determined to give his children as happy a Christmas as he can, has chosen to part with an honor bestowed upon him by a grateful nation!

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The person making this sacrifice has asked that his privacy be respected and it has been. His name has not been released by the person to whom he went to for financial help. Although the story is now known, and he has been offered the opportunity of being interviewed to provide his side as well as his opinion on the plight of returning service members, he has declined despite the possibility that to accept might just have proven financially lucrative. Honor and self-respect such as this is not as common a commodity today as one might believe, which just might explain the very reason he had the opportunity of parting with the item I am about to reveal to you all.

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In November, a serviceman on leave went to the A-Z Outlet in Holland, Michigan, a pawn shop owned by Bryan VandenBosch, and sold one of his two Purple Hearts. (The Purple Heart award was established in 1932 and is awarded by the President to anyone wounded or killed while serving in the armed forces.) He earned them after he was wounded while serving in Afghanistan. He told the same story to the shop owner that most tell when entering this particular business…..that he was falling on hard times! And, despite their service to our country, veterans struggle more than most. The veteran unemployment rate in Michigan, where this story takes place, is almost 30 percent, triple the state’s overall unemployment rate and higher than that of any other state.

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Our military heroes give so much to us all and get so little in return. I know. My nephew and niece are both Marines and their commitment to service for their country has caused them months apart as a family, felt more acutely now that they have a child of their own. I admire the commitment and courage they show in the face of adversity such as this and I want you all to know how much I love them and how proud I am of them. And because they are my heroes, I am going to ask something of you all, in their honor.

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For

 Cpl George Murphy, USMC

 &

Cpl Brittnye Hurt, USMC

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Most of us know someone who is serving or has served at one time in our Armed Forces. So I am asking that each of you reach out to these people and thank them for what they have given to us all. And if you are able, I want you to do something special for them. Perhaps you can try writing a letter of thanks. Or perhaps you can give a token gift, such as a book. Or, perhaps, you might invite them to dinner one night. The size of the gift is of little consequence. The point is to let them know you are grateful and that you care! And I think that is a gift all of us can afford this Christmas!

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“And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.””

Mark 9:1 ESV

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Copyright © 2011 “MandysPath” Ministry-ULC

Thought For The Day 12/21/11

The Christmas Angels

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Angels have no philosophy but love.

Terri Guillemets

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The following story has been hitting the internet like a house on fire and I have done my part to see that it continues to move at lightning speed from reader to reader by sharing it every time I possibly can. It is generosity of the human spirit demonstrated at the highest level humanly possible and I am in awe of these many mysterious men and women who are bringing the true meaning of Christmas to so many who truly deserve to have a happy Christmas!

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Anonymous Donors Pay Off K-Mart Lay-away Accounts

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 By Margery a. Beck, Associated Press/AP

Friday, December 16th, 2011 11:33 AM EST

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 OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The young father stood in line at the Kmart layaway counter, wearing dirty clothes and worn-out boots. With him were three small children.

He asked to pay something on his bill because he knew he wouldn’t be able to afford it all before Christmas. Then a mysterious woman stepped up to the counter.

“She told him, ‘No, I’m paying for it,'” recalled Edna Deppe, assistant manager at the store in Indianapolis. “He just stood there and looked at her and then looked at me and asked if it was a joke. I told him it wasn’t, and that she was going to pay for him. And he just busted out in tears.”

At Kmart stores across the country, Santa seems to be getting some help: Anonymous donors are paying off strangers’ layaway accounts, buying the Christmas gifts other families couldn’t afford, especially toys and children’s clothes set aside by impoverished parents.

Before she left the store Tuesday evening, the Indianapolis woman in her mid-40s had paid the layaway orders for as many as 50 people. On the way out, she handed out $50 bills and paid for two carts of toys for a woman in line at the cash register.

“She was doing it in the memory of her husband who had just died, and she said she wasn’t going to be able to spend it and wanted to make people happy with it,” Deppe said. The woman did not identify herself and only asked people to “remember Ben,” an apparent reference to her husband.

Deppe, who said she’s worked in retail for 40 years, had never seen anything like it.

“It was like an angel fell out of the sky and appeared in our store,” she said.

Most of the donors have done their giving secretly.

Dona Bremser, an Omaha nurse, was at work when a Kmart employee called to tell her that someone had paid off the $70 balance of her layaway account, which held nearly $200 in toys for her 4-year-old son.

“I was speechless,” Bremser said. “It made me believe in Christmas again.”

Dozens of other customers have received similar calls in Nebraska, Michigan, Iowa, Indiana and Montana.

The benefactors generally ask to help families who are squirreling away items for young children. They often pay a portion of the balance, usually all but a few dollars or cents so the layaway order stays in the store’s system.

The phenomenon seems to have begun in Michigan before spreading, Kmart executives said.

“It is honestly being driven by people wanting to do a good deed at this time of the year,” said Salima Yala, Kmart’s division vice president for layaway.

The good Samaritans seem to be visiting mainly Kmart stores, though a Wal-Mart spokesman said a few of his stores in Joplin, Mo., and Chicago have also seen some layaway accounts paid off.

Kmart representatives say they did nothing to instigate the secret Santas or spread word of the generosity. But it’s happening as the company struggles to compete with chains such as Wal-Mart and Target.

Kmart may be the focus of layaway generosity, Yala said, because it is one of the few large discount stores that has offered layaway year-round for about four decades. Under the program, customers can make purchases but let the store hold onto their merchandise as they pay it off slowly over several weeks.

The sad memories of layaways lost prompted at least one good Samaritan to pay off the accounts of five people at an Omaha Kmart, said Karl Graff, the store’s assistant manager.

“She told me that when she was younger, her mom used to set up things on layaway at Kmart, but they rarely were able to pay them off because they just didn’t have the money for it,” Graff said.

He called a woman who had been helped, “and she broke down in tears on the phone with me. She wasn’t sure she was going to be able to pay off their layaway and was afraid their kids weren’t going to have anything for Christmas.”

“You know, 50 bucks may not sound like a lot, but I tell you what, at the right time, it may as well be a million dollars for some people,” Graff said.

Graff’s store alone has seen about a dozen layaway accounts paid off in the last 10 days, with the donors paying $50 to $250 on each account.

“To be honest, in retail, it’s easy to get cynical about the holidays, because you’re kind of grinding it out when everybody else is having family time,” Graff said. “It’s really encouraging to see this side of Christmas again.”

Lori Stearnes of Omaha also benefited from the generosity of a stranger who paid all but $58 of her $250 layaway bill for toys for her four youngest grandchildren.

Stearnes said she and her husband live paycheck to paycheck, but she plans to use the money she was saving for the toys to help pay for someone else’s layaway.

In Missoula, Mont., a man spent more than $1,200 to pay down the balances of six customers whose layaway orders were about to be returned to a Kmart store’s inventory because of late payments.

Store employees reached one beneficiary on her cellphone at Seattle Children’s Hospital, where her son was being treated for an undisclosed illness.

“She was yelling at the nurses, ‘We’re going to have Christmas after all!'” store manager Josine Murrin said.

A Kmart in Plainfield Township, Mich., called Roberta Carter last week to let her know a man had paid all but 40 cents of her $60 layaway.

Carter, a mother of eight from Grand Rapids, Mich., said she cried upon hearing the news. She and her family have been struggling as she seeks a full-time job.

“My kids will have clothes for Christmas,” she said.

Angie Torres, a stay-at-home mother of four children under the age of 8, was in the Indianapolis Kmart on Tuesday to make a payment on her layaway bill when she learned the woman next to her was paying off her account.

“I started to cry. I couldn’t believe it,” said Torres, who doubted she would have been able to pay off the balance. “I was in disbelief. I hugged her and gave her a kiss.”

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“And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”

Matthew 24:31

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Thought For The Day 12/16/11

 

Twas The Week Before Christmas

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There has been only one Christmas – the rest are anniversaries.

W.J. Cameron

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Twas the week before Christmas and all through the house,

were feet running crazily, especially the lady of the house.

For the stockings were all hung but nought bought for their fill,

not candy nor tangerines nor peppermint nor dill.

For the spirit was interrupted by the hand of man,

The need to see to the healing of a foot long in pain!

And the man of the house was doing his best,

To attend to domesticity, he did not even grouse!

But the strangeness of the switch within the household was felt

By all who entered and witnessed the burden he was dealt.

So remember all you friends, who read this….my post,

Never allow a man unlimited rein in the house!

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I am feeling a bit better today though if any Doctor ever says to you that there should not be much pain following surgery on a foot, you have my permission to remind them…and not so gently… that they are full of baloney. This sucker hurt like crazy and I am surveying black and blue toes too tender to put into a shoe. Oh well…..this too shall pass……and in a month, I will be dancing and wondering what the fuss was all about. Thus is the way the miracle that is the human body heals!

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What may not survive is my husband’s household help. Have you ever said to a man, you need to go to the store, head to the meat department, choose some things for a few day’s dinners, then you finish shopping making sure you buy the things you need as sides to accompany your meat selections? That is a disaster in the making! What is not a disaster is the fact that through it all, my better half has stepped up to the plate and made a “herculean” effort at home management. And that is not necessarily a bad thing. It will most certainly, reinforce to him and make him appreciate the things most of us take for granted as we lead our daily lives…..that there is always someone who makes sure everything runs as smoothly as is humanly possible at home! But it is, after all, the two joined that create a family and a household! And so, I must say thank you to my partner in life for all his help this week!

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Now the reason for my surgery was to fix something broken in my foot, because I want to walk again! And perhaps jog…..some day! We’ll see! Just out of curiosity, how many of you jog? It is not something that I was ever capable of in the last 15 years. I, for one, am grateful just to be able to walk! But I watch them…those disciplined runners and I marvel at their determination! And I think it is the same way for a Christ filled life. Isn’t it important that we keep on a steady course toward our finish line of faith? Whether we are walking, which is the goal I have for myself within the next few weeks, or we are jogging or we are sprinting full tilt. Christian life is not to be lived in spurts and jumps and stops and starts….but rather steadily onward! Our goal? Reaching that finish line that leads us to being with our Lord and Savior forever! I do know that is the one race I can most certainly finish!

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Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.

Ecclesiastes 4:9ESV

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Copyright © 2011 “MandysPath” Ministry-ULC

Thought For The Day 12/15/11

The 12 Days of Christmas

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The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.

Burton Hillis

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My friend, the Rev. Michael Weissman wrote of something rather extraordinary about a beloved Christmas song that I’m betting most of you have not heard. I certainly was not aware of this interesting claim, but I certainly feel it is important enough to share as a blog with you all. So here’s what he wrote and I have expanded on slightly courtesy of Christine Nyholm.

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Rev. Michael Weissman

Posted 12/10/11

This week, I found out. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

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On the First Day of Christmas my true love gave to me a partridge  in a pear tree – The partridge is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. ‘Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does  her chicks, but you would not have it so…” (Luke 13:34)

On the Second Day of Christmas my true love gave to me two turtle  doves – The two doves represent the Old and New Testaments of the  Bible.

On the Third Day of Christmas my true love gave to me three  French hens – The three French Hens represents the three  theological virtues, faith, hope and love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)

On the Fourth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me four calling birds. The four calling birds are the Four Gospels of  Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Bible. The Holy Gospels proclaim the Good  News of God’s reconciliation to the world in Jesus Christ.

On the Fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me five gold  rings. The five golden rings are the first five books of the Old  Testament, known as the Torah or Pentateuch. The five books are Genesis, Exodus,  Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

On the Sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me six geese  a-laying. The six geese are the six days of creation described in  Genesis 1.

On the Seventh Day of Christmas my true love gave to me seven  swans a swimming. The seven swans are the seven gifts of the Holy  Spirit: prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading and  compassion. (Romans 12:6-8; Corinthians 12:8-11).

On the Eighth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me eight  maids a-milking. The eight Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-10.

1. Blessed are the poor in spirit.
2. Blessed are those who mourn.
3. Blessed are the meek.
4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
5. Blessed are the merciful.
6. Blessed are the pure in heart.
7. Blessed are the peacemakers.
8. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.

On the Ninth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me nine ladies  dancing. The nine ladies are the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love,  joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self  control. (Galatians:5:22)

On the Tenth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me ten Lords  a-leaping. The ten Lords are the Ten Commandments in Exodus  20:1-17.

1. You shall have no other gods before me.
2. Do not make an idol.
3. Do not take the Lord’s name in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. Do not murder.
7. Do not commit adultery.
8. Do not steal.
9. Do not bear false witness.
10. Do not covet.

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas my true love gave to me eleven  pipers piping. The eleven pipers are the eleven faithful Apostles,  including: Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew,  Thomas, James bar Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas bar James. (Luke 6:14-16).  This list excludes the twelfth Apostle, Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me twelve  drummers drumming. The twelve drummers are the twelve points of  the doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed.

1. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
2. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our lord.
3. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin  Mary.
4. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He  descended into Hell.
5. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at  the right had of the Father.
6. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
7. I believe in the Holy Spirit.
8. the Holy catholic (Christian) Church.
9. the communion of saints,
10. the forgiveness of sins,
11. the resurrection of the body,
12. And life everlasting.

The Traditional Twelve Days of Christmas begin on Christmas Day and last  until the epiphany on January 6.

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Now as an aside, “Snopes” says this is not necessarily true as the report seems to date only to the 1990’s. They also say that no supporting evidence exists to prove the accuracy of this claim. However, as I see it, there is no supporting evidence to support the tenets of faith either and yet they exist, and flourish to this day.  Yes, I for one like this explanation! Doesn’t reading about a hidden meaning behind the words, somehow make them even more profound and most certainly more endearing? And this is something that I can cling to and think about as I sing this wonderful song! Yes, I believe this story! Do you?

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And what a difference between our sin and God’s generous gift of forgiveness. For this one man, Adam, brought death to many through his sin. But this other man, Jesus Christ, brought forgiveness to many through God’s bountiful gift. And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but we have the free gift of being accepted by God, even though we are guilty of many sins. The sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over us, but all who receive God’s wonderful, gracious gift of righteousness will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.”

Romans 5:15-17

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