Gabriel the Angel

   Have you ever been visited by Angels? An Angelic event is a magnificent thing! Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (Israel), Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, David, Solomon, Isaiah and the Prophets, Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds, Zechariah the Priest and many others experienced this amazing presence! What was it like? Have you ever wondered?
   This week, author David Simon will take you into the Holy Place of the Temple in Jerusalem as Zechariah (father of John the Baptist) is greeted by Gabriel the Archangel of God. What was it like? The New Testament gives a glimpse at the story ... but did you know there was more?
   A Jewish writing called the Mishnah tells more details about what went on inside the Temple during the lifetime of Jesus. This account, when paired with the Bible adds many more details to the amazing story of Christmas. Why was Zechariah in the Holy Place? What does the Bible mean when it says, “chosen by lot”? How often did a Priest get to do what Zechariah did? Exactly what did he do? Why was it special?
   The Christmas Devotion book Advent Journeys will help you understand. The book is set out as journal entries of about 350 words each day. It is an easy read. {Zechariah’s Journey won a literary award for its content!} In seven short readings the mysterious figure Zechariah will come to life as he tells his story.
   The week will begin as Zechariah leaves home for duty. You will meet Elizabeth, his wife and a kinsman of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Then you will travel the short distance to Jerusalem with Zechariah the Priest.
   The story will take you into the living quarters of the Jewish Levites. You will learn their morning routine. You will visualize standing alongside as the sacrifices are made at the altar. And you will be present as Zechariah is chosen by lot.
   You will feel the presence of Gabriel as the archangel delivers God’s message to Zechariah. What was his reaction? Read Advent Journeys and find out! Better yet, ask a friend (or your Bible Study group) to join you. The book is available as an e-book, so you can take delivery today!
   Begin your reading, and experience the Bible and Christmas in a whole new wonderful way!

What is Advent?

     For many people Advent is an unknown. It is a word, but there is no tradition and no meaning other than knowing this word is attached to Christmas. To a person without Advent, Christmas is simply a tradition and celebration without its best meaning.
     For many people in our world the Advent season is consumed business and activity. People get caught up in the tradition of purchasing gifts, attending events, visiting family members, and pleasing children. While the obligations of Christmas can be fun, if people do not take control of their calendars the multiple expectations can control their lives to the point that the celebration of the coming of Christ gets pushed into the background.
     Some people enjoy the aesthetics of Advent. Enthusiasts believe Advent involves Candles, Poinsettias, Holly, Lights, Gifts, and a Nativity. This group finds their joy in home décor, church decorations, community displays, and parades. But Advent is to be more more, Advent is the season to unwrap and share the wonder of Christ’s arrival in order to bring salvation to all who will receive and believe. Advent without meaning is simply cosmetic.
     Many people get caught up in the tradition of Advent. This tradition involves worship services at church, advent candles, and advent readings. There is meaning in this Advent and an honoring of Jesus Christ who was born on Christmas Day.
      To thousands Advent is a celebration of Christ. The season of Advent is the season of celebrating the birth of Christ. This advent can involve business, decorations, and tradition. But will always seek to honor Christ. During the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas thousands of Christians seek to worship Christ in their Christmas.
      To some Christians, Advent is mystery. This is not to say that they do not know what is going on, but the Advent season is designed as a time of discovery, of walking through the story of how God sent His Son into the world to save us from our sins. Advent is a walking through of the story, anxiously awaiting the birth of the long awaited Christ.
     Advent by definition means “a coming; approach; visitation.” The season of Advent is a time of getting ready. Although there are traditions we keep during the Advent season, we must seek to keep the days before Christmas fresh, full of Christ, full of meaning, alive. Advent is meant to be an Adventure.

Thankful for Family

That’s a really odd subject! From the start, we need to admit it, we all have “different” family members. Sometimes they are evil, inept, odd, have bad habits, too “sweet”, obnoxious … well, with that out of the way, we can think about our family.

During the creation, on the sixth day, God created family. Think about the words of our Bible: “the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” Man looked up, and saw all the things God gave him. First, there was the garden, then there were four beautiful streams. God provided gold, precious stones, aromatic smells within nature, stars in the sky by night, and the sun during the daytime. God gave man food and He gave man animals. But the Bible says there was no suitable companion. Man was lonely.

That is how families came into being. First there was Eve. Then God gave Adam and Eve children: Cain, Abel, Seth, and others. They had a large family, and probably enjoyed seeing their children playing. Families, as God made them provide for good support, communication, and entertainment.

Families can span multiple generations. I know that old people enjoy watching the youth in families. The older generation can also provide wisdom for every other person in the family, no matter what age. The middle generations provide support, and often do heavy lifting, caring for young children (or teenagers) and the elder generation. About the year 2000, I remember one man talking about his great-grandmother, born in 1803. He said, it is amazing, I remember sitting on her lap, and now that I am old, between the two of us, we have experienced two centuries.

Families have a past. Sometimes that is good, and sometimes that is bad. It all depends on what the past is. If it is one of harmony, we forget about that. If it is one where there were one or more ‘problem children,’ the offences are not easily forgotten. Lots of hardships exist in families, whether economic, health related, drug related, or criminal. Families cover for one another, and support one another, but members of the family get hurt, and have a long memory. That is sad.

Families often give care beyond the call of duty for one another. As I write this blog, I am caring for a relative who lives 2,000 miles from my home, for two months. It is inconvenient, but that is what families do. They provide for each other, either out of love or obligation, at times of need. The service saves money, and is more comforting than using a service, because we know each other, likes and dislikes.

We can be thankful for what our family has done for us. Sometimes we do not realize that. But ask the questions, who would have fed us, dressed us, cleaned up or poop … if God had not given us parents. Who would help us in our years of ill health or dementia, if it were not for children (or other relatives). Who would have helped us get our first car, our first house, or our first job … if it were not family. Families who are caring and supportive make a huge difference in life. Make sure this Thanksgiving … to give Thanks to those who have really helped (In the past year, or further back). Few people would make it in life without family support.

We can be thankful for families beyond our own: Friends, neighbors, work, for these people are present in our times of need also. Some people who do not have biological family find a strong network of friends is very helpful. They even call them family … and they are, because family includes people you identify with, talk with, assist, and who assist you.

We can be thankful, when family is near, because we can get together. Even when discussions are difficult and we wish we could impeach our sibling for their political beliefs, it is still good to be family. No matter what the discussion, remember the good things that obnoxious people in family have done (or those close to them), and give thanks to God for being part of a family. It takes all kinds to be a family, probably because we need the different skills God gives to each.

November is a month where thanksgiving is highlighted, and we are to give thanks for our family … whoever, and wherever they are. At least we have family, and for that we are thankful.

Health

   Today I celebrate health. I am currently caring for a relative who has lost his health, and can not enjoy life as I do. This relative used to climb the mountains, and enjoy the outdoors, before a fall. Now he is confined to bed. On good days he can communicate with people, watch movies (we watched Free Solo together the other night), and do some work on his computer. On bad days … I will not get into that.

Today's walk = 4 miles each way.
I was inspired to climb to the top of Mount Carbon
and look at Bear Creek Lake 1,000 feet below.

   This week, I have received calls from another friend. He used to be a construction foreman, who was dedicated to his work, maybe too dedicated. He ignored the flu, and continued to work while in his early 50’s. It turned into pneumonia, then congestive heart disease. Because of health problems, he lost his job … and is now in a power assisted wheelchair. This week he went into a nursing home.

Helicopter landing at Swedish Medical Center

   Each week, sometimes daily, I hear of people who lose their health. This week it was a man who has shingles. Last week it was someone diagnosed with dementia. A woman once told me she has five gentlemen who call on her daily: Charlie Horse, Ben Gay, Arthur Itus, Vertie Ghoe, and Rudi Tysim. Good health is a blessing.

Snow at Swedish Medical Center

   Poor health is not a respecter of age. It can strike anyone at any time. We are entering the flu season. I know people who have bad allergies, migraine headaches, and other ailments. Young and old alike have their bad days.

Road block where I should have come out of a 2 mile trail
The road is 50 feet away! I had to retrace my steps. 
Sometimes life gives us unexpected dead ends...

   I talk to many who say they have continual problems. These people can count them for you … and in the process, even help you feel as bad as they do. Often they do not look bad, or act like the problems affect them. I suspect, some of them are actually feeling good when they are complaining of poor health. I know, they are just making conversation. Let us count the good days, and give thanks.

Because of the dead end,
I was able to enjoy this duck pond ... not once,
but twice, and the rest of the trail also.

Each day, we should celebrate our health as a gift, and not take it for granted or squander our well being. I admire those who stay healthy to 90, or even 100. I hope to be one of them. I feel fortunate I can exercise (some cannot), and seek to eat right (with some latitude for ice cream and other sweets). Life is good to me, and for that I am thankful.

Life can be good ... even when the unexpected happens,
If we look to God and count our blessings!

   If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
   For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
   How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you.

Israel

   Today, as I walked half-way around the globe, I met a man and we talked about Israel. Not about the Bible (although he does believe the words of the Scripture), but about water. As we looked down at a water resigour here, and he explained to me how there are four tunnels (one of the constructed before the Civil War) and where they carry water for irrigation and drinking, I pointed out the back of my shirt, which contains a “Tel Gezer” diagram. A year and a half ago, I was cleaning steps leading to a water source that predates Joshua. (Video)

Steps up from the Water Tunnel at Gezer

   I have several stories about the water project, and about Gezer in my book Israel: Stories for Your Journey. The book contains 250 stories about the Holy Land to help you understand geography … and if you want to go on a trip, to help you prepare … better than any other book on the market! Having been on three tours and read widely, I can tell you with assurance, this is the book to get if you are going on a tour!

A book you should own!!

   This month, as I express thanks for many things, I am thankful for the land of Israel, and the promises it holds. The land is a place of my heritage. I am descended from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. From infancy, I have heard their stories. Parts of the stories I have memorized. These stories have guided me in life. They offer direction and promise. When I walked where these great men have walked, I felt excitement inside. There was a realization I was standing on the very ground where these men walked!

Shepherds in Beer Sheva going out as did Abraham

When I was young, my mother read me stories about King David. I carry his name. (Actually the name of my great-grandfather … but if you go way back in the family tree, King David is there). I read of how he killed Goliath, how he cared for sheep, how he fled King Saul, and then spares Saul’s life (I have that in my book also!) I enjoy the Psalms David wrote, and sing the words in my heart at times. I am thankful God placed them in the Bible.

The Sea of Galilee from Capernaum

The stories of the New Testament are of encouragement also. I have tread that sacred ground where Jesus, along with his disciples walked. I have entered synagogues where Jesus prayed and taught. I have visited the village of Capernaum, and sailed on the Sea of Galilee. I am thankful for the life I have received as a believer.

Arches Reservoir in Sippori, Israel

I have written before, in earlier blogs, about Sippori, and the archeological dig I did there. I am thankful for the privilege of visiting Israel four times … I stayed for two months on the last trip. I would like to go again, June 30-July 9, with 25 people who will accompany me on a trip. Can you come? E-mail me at www.KosherCopy for more details. It will be a small group, which will enable us to see much more than huge tour groups.

Picture as I climbed the Mount of Olives ... Come with me!

I am thankful for the experiences God has given me traveling the world. Especially Israel. “It is a land the Lord your God cares for; the eyes of the Lord your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end.” Deut 11:12

Colorado

   Recently I have been in Colorado. I have been thankful that most days the weather is nice. The beautiful weather enables me to enjoy the outdoors. I am thankful I have two feet (some people do not … and I get reminded that sometimes, when a person is injured their feet are useless … Be thankful if you can walk! Be thankful if you can jog or run!)

Bear Creek Trail

   I get out and walk every day i can. Sometimes it is just in the neighborhood. Denver has beautiful walkways where I can take an off the road, along a stream stroll. I have enjoyed walking along small streams that run close to the condo where i am staying.

The Platte River

   On cooler days, I have walked along the Platte River. There are great walkways on both sides. The water is clear, and has been reworked to run through chutes. Boaters float through these obstructions (or walk their boats around), which prevent erosion. I need to think about how to put these in my creek at home.

Golden Colorado below South Table Mountain

   One day I went to hike on South Table Mountain. The climb is steep, but short. The view is worth the effort. There is a rock Mesa at the top. A restaurant used to sit on the top, but not any more. The 49 steps remain, and are fun to walk up. There is a great view of Lookout Mountain and of Golden.

South Table Mountain above the Coors Plant

The rock outcropping sits above the Coors plant along Clear Creek. I took time to visit the bottom, and see the Geese swimming in formation in the park close-by.

Lake Harriman with snow

   Many mornings, I enjoy the ducks at Lake Harriman, which is just over a mile from the Condo. I have walked to this park when the weather is warm, and when there is snow on the ground. The ducks are always there, and the mountains are always in the background.

Atop Mt. Falcon with Bear Creek Lake and Marston Lake beyond

   One day I was challenged to climb Falcon Peak. I went to Lake Harriman to ask where it is. No one (even a water department employee who works there every day) knew where it was. I climbed the mountain, and looked down on Lake Harriman. Now, I know where it is. I enjoy connecting things. The climb, and the scenery are beautiful. I am thankful.

View from Green Mountain to South Table and beyond

   I also climbed Green Mountain, which is between Lake Harriman and South Table Mountain. It is 6,800 high, and has no trees. It is a mountain of the Great Planes. One person asked why I would climb a mountain with no trees … the view! I could see Denver, Bear Creek Lake, South Table Mountain, and all over!

View from Bear Creek Lake to the front range

   Isaiah wrote, “The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Church ??? … ! YES

We live in a generation where religious gatherings are either neglected or put down. The thought of this is very sad. My life has been enriched through attendance, not just in worship services, but also in Sunday School (Bible Study, Small Groups, Life groups, cell groups, home groups … the names are endless … because people are trying to make it attractive, but if we would only understand what it is … we would be thankful and attend!)

Before I go too far, I need to say, it really doesn’t matter what brand of religion you prefer. Some are Christians, some Jewish, some Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Bahai, or some other faith. Some are liberal, some fundamentalist, conservative, neo-orthodox, Chasidic, or some other label. What I am saying is that we should not just look on from afar, or attend sporadically … we should go often so we can be part of the community.

Religion at its best makes people better. Each faith has a book. The Jewish Bible is over 3,500 years old, and still read daily by millions of people. (What New York Times bestseller can claim that!) The Christian Bible, which adds the New Testament (and maybe the Apocrypha) to the Jewish Bible has consistently topped the best seller list, and is published in almost every language of the world!

Why would that many people read a book?? There must be something worthwhile in it! The Bible is even quoted - often - by people who claim not to believe it! I am thankful for the words of wisdom contained in the Bible.

I am thankful for the teachings of my church. As I said, there are many different faiths. You should be thankful for the teachings of your religious group … if not, you should find a group where the teachings will enhance your life. In the United States (and many other countries) we enjoy freedom of religion. That means we can choose. Don’t get stuck somewhere you are unhappy and unfulfilled.

The worship service of churches includes prayer (should always be foremost), music, and teaching. This is often in a large group. People enter … and exit … and often do not meet anyone. That is sad. One of the reasons we meet together is to encourage one another. If we don’t talk to each-other, we fail at that!

I personally support Sunday School (or small groups), because the ‘home church’ is less formal. There is a teacher (or two or three), who guides the study, but optimally, anyone can speak and share an opinion … and not get put down. The small group is for learning. Discussing is part of learning. It is also for fellowship. I am thankful for the fellowship … and friends I have in Sunday School. Some are lifelong, and I would have been robbed of the friendship if I had not attended. My Sunday School friends are my most active supporters in times of need .... and I hope I am active in supporting them. I am thankful for Sunday School. Are you?

The Bible says, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

The World!

   One of the things I enjoy doing most in life is traveling. When I was young, and often now, that is in an automobile. I can see infinitely more in an automobile than on an airplane. (and even more on my bicycle or when I jog or walk!) I enjoy seeing sights, plants, animals, houses, and life itself.

Prairie Dog in Denver, Colorado
I could watch them for hours!

   I have been blessed to travel to many different parts of the United States (although not all 50 states … yet). Each area is different, has its own culture, traditions, foods, and highlights. Through the years I have met and known many different people from various regions. As I travel I enjoy reconnecting with these friends. Life is good.

Pinocchio at the Cincinnati Art Museum
Did he tell a lie?

   Because the world is smaller today than ever in the past, world travel has become easier also. I have visited three continents and various islands. I have gone for learning, to assist in crisis relief, and to tour. I always taste the foods, and meet the people. There is so much to learn.

A school group in Sri Lanka

   The Psalmist wrote, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.” (Psalm 24)

Andromeda Rock in Yafo Harbor

Where boats departed to travel the world

   Truly I am thankful to be able to visit many parts of the world, and to see the handiwork of God in creation. Many people have shared they have a favorite part of the world (mostly they favor ‘home’). I have enjoyed every part of the planet I have visited. Each place has a uniqueness worth noting!

Hidden Figures of Christmas

   The routine of Christmas is so familiar to so many of us! Why is that? Because we do the same thing the same way every year.
   I am not saying there is nothing to that, because there is something in our human spirit that loves the familiar. And as we replicate what has been done in the past, several years in a row, we create traditions. And traditions (if they are good) can be remembered and enjoyed for generations.
   But repeating the same thing can also get stale! It is good to sprinkle some new ideas and thoughts into our traditions.
   Like, take for instance, the Christmas story. Many people have a tradition of reading Luke 2, on Christmas Eve, every year! What are they missing? The fullness of the story, and they full joy of Christmas!
   What do you know about the Hidden figures of Christmas? No, I am not talking about Mary, Joseph, Jesus, or even the Donkey. I am not thinking of the Shepherds or Magi (as a group). I am thinking of the other people of Christmas, There is the Innkeeper (and his wife), the Tax Collector of Nazareth, Zechariah (the father of John the Baptist) and his wife Elizabeth. What about Joseph’s boss, Mary’s family, the people that Joseph and Mary met on the way. I hate to mention Herod the Great or his official court, but he is part of the story also. There were, of course, the soldiers, the family the Magi left behind in Persia, the Priests to whom the shepherds sold sheep, and many others.
   I have written a simple book, Advent Journeys, that talks about many of these people, and puts them into easy context, at about 350 words per day during the month of December. An easy read!
   This is a simple addition to your normal Christmas. There are many books on the market containing current day (or 19th century) Christmas stories. These are heart-warming. As I browse through book stores, I do not see many books that will help the reader walk alongside the cast of Bible Characters in a contemporary way. Advent Journeys will help you join the Christmas Story, and will bring the Christmas Story closer to your heart. Please give it a try! …. And ask a few friends (or your Bible Study Group) to read it with you! It will bring a freshness to the season that will give you a Merry Christmas!

NOT NOW! It’s too soon for Christmas!

     I KNOW! Christmas is almost two months away, but if you have a family or a community you want to impact with the gospel of Jesus this Christmas, it is not too soon. In fact, you will find yourself behind if you do not take a little time this week to calendar and plan the season.
     WHY?? Because the closer we get to Thanksgiving the busier we become. I have always found if I put family plans on my calendar the first week of November I could relax and enjoy the holiday myself because each morning when I woke up, I had a plan of what to share with my children.
     SO!! It is not too early to write down: 1) what scriptures you will share each morning; 2) special nights when you will share portions of the Christmas story; 3) community events you want to attend; 4) and things you want to share with friends. Once your Christmas plan is in place you can sit back and know each day of December will become the special time you really desire: full of faith and full of meaning.
     TO START.... The season of Advent (building anticipation and meaning into the meaning of Christmas morning) begins the Sunday after Christmas. This year (2019) that occurs late, December 1. Beginning on this day, and daily until Christmas enter into your personal calendar a Bible verse to read personally which will also be shared with others. I have put ideas you can use on my website under a tab “Advent this year.”
     EACH WEEK on of Bible readings on my calendar is designed with a theme. Because I have worked with children for so long, I designed my plan with ideas they can understand (concrete understanding), a series of weekly themes which tells the story of Jesus. These include: 1) Prophecy; 2) The Journey of Joseph & Mary; 3) The Shepherds; 4) The Magi. Other more symbolic themes can be found on-line.
     SHARE: the book: Advent Journeys, with a reading each day to enhance the season. I have been amazed as people shared with me the blessing they found in reading this book. Several non-believers and skeptics were given this book, were captured by the first chapter and read the book, discovering for the first time the real meaning of the Christmas story. If you read the book last year, you know how this happened for them. Please pray about who would benefit by reading Advent Journeys … and then order copies (so you will have them to give to friends on Thanksgiving Day). When you Advent Journeys to others as a gift, you will reap the blessing of having them share from their perspectives the discoveries and joys they receive from the book.