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The First Thanksgiving

If I had been a Pilgrim child
Among the fields and forests wild
Where deer and turkey used to roam,
A cabin would have been my home
With fireplace and earthen floor
And bearskins hanging at the door.

I would have gathered berries bright
For candles fragrantly alight,
And dug for clams and picked the corn
And laid the table smooth and worn.

Or hunted nuts hard-shelled and good
And helped in any way I could,
With time to laugh and play and run
When Indian children came for fun.

And on the first Thanksgiving Day
I would have met with friends to pray
And thank the Lord for all his care
In keeping us together there.

Margaret Hillert

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Give Thanks

Praise ye the LORD.
O give thanks unto the LORD;
for he is good: for his mercy
endureth for ever.
Psalm 106:1

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,
and into his courts with praise:
be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
Psalm 100:4

I shall wash my hands in innocence,
And I will go about Your altar, O LORD,
That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving
And declare all Your wonders.
O LORD, I love the habitation of Your house
And the place where Your glory dwells.
Psalm 26:6-8

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving,
and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
Psalm 95:2

The Christmas Guest

It happened one day at the year’s white end,
Two neighbors called on an old-time friend
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And they found his shop so meager and mean,
Made gay with a thousand boughs of green,
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And Conrad was sitting with face a-shine
When he suddenly stopped as he stitched a twine
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And said, “Old friends, at dawn today,
When the cock was crowing the night away,
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The Lord appeared in a dream to me
And said, ‘I am coming your guest to be’.
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So I’ve been busy with feet astir,
Strewing my shop with branches of fir,
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The table is spread and the kettle is shined
And over the rafters the holly is twined,
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And now I will wait for my Lord to appear
And listen closely so I will hear
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His step as He nears my humble place,
And I open the door and look in His face. . .”
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So his friends went home and left Conrad alone,
For this was the happiest day he had known,
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For, long since, his family had passed away
And Conrad has spent a sad Christmas Day.
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But he knew with the Lord as his Christmas guest
This Christmas would be the dearest and best,
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And he listened with only joy in his heart.
And with every sound he would rise with a start
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And look for the Lord to be standing there
In answer to his earnest prayer
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So he ran to the window after hearing a sound,
But all that he saw on the snow-covered ground
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Was a shabby beggar whose shoes were torn
And all of his clothes were ragged and worn.
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So Conrad was touched and went to the door
And he said, “Your feet must be frozen and sore,
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And I have some shoes in my shop for you
And a coat that will keep you warmer, too.”
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So with grateful heart the man went away,
But as Conrad noticed the time of day
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He wondered what made the dear Lord so late
And how much longer he’d have to wait,
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When he heard a knock and ran to the door,
But it was only a stranger once more,
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A bent, old crone with a shawl of black,
A bundle of faggots piled on her back.
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She asked for only a place to rest,
But that was reserved for Conrad’s Great Guest.
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But her voice seemed to plead, “Don’t send me away
Let me rest awhile on Christmas day.”
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So Conrad brewed her a steaming cup
And told her to sit at the table and sip.
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But after she left he was filled with dismay
For he saw that the hours were passing away
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And the Lord had not come as He said He would,
And Conrad felt sure he had misunderstood.
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When out of the stillness he heard a cry,
“Please help me and tell me where am I.”
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So again he opened his friendly door
And stood disappointed as twice before,
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It was only a child who had wandered away
And was lost from her family on Christmas Day. .
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Again Conrad’s heart was heavy and sad,
But he knew he should make this little child glad,
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So he called her in and wiped her tears
And quieted her childish fears.
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Then he led her back to her home once more
But as he entered his own darkened door,
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He knew that the Lord was not coming today
For the hours of Christmas had passed away.
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So he went to his room and knelt down to pray
And he said, “Dear Lord, why did you delay,
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What kept You from coming to call on me,
For I wanted so much Your face to see. . .”
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When soft in the silence a voice he heard,
“Lift up your head for I kept My word–
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Three times My shadow crossed your floor–
Three times I came to your lonely door–
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For I was the beggar with bruised, cold feet,
I was the woman you gave to eat,
And I was the child on the homeless street.”

by
Helen Steiner Rice
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~ Scripture ~

“Then the King will say to those on his right,
`Come, you who are blessed by my Father;
take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you
since the creation of the world.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat,
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,
I was a stranger and you invited me in,

I needed clothes and you clothed me,
I was sick and you looked after me,
I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him,
`Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you,
or thirsty and give you something to drink?

When did we see you a stranger and invite you in,
or needing clothes and clothe you?

When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, `I tell you the truth,
whatever you did for one
of the least of these brothers of mine,
you did for me.’

Matthew 25:34-40
KJV

The Celebration

The Father sent an invitation
To the rich and to the poor;
“Come attend a celebration
Like one never held before.”
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He had made a proclamation:
“I will send My Son in love,
To be your friend and Savior;
The Gift – One perfect -
From above.”
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The joyous shouting of the angels,
“Praise to God and peace to men,”
Rings throughout
The endless ages,
And we hear it now as then.
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Jesus came to bring salvation
To the rich and to the poor
Within our hearts a celebration – Like we’d never known before.
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Let us sing out with the angels,
“Praise to God and peace to men,”
For throughout eternal ages,
Celebrations will not end.

The Answer

Is there an emptiness inside you that nothing seems to fill?
Are your burdens just as heavy as a stone?
Do past hurts have the power to agonize you still;
Do you feel so abandoned and alone?

Do memories of a hurtful time keep you awake at night?
Are you often haunted by your painful past?
Does life seem dark and dreary and nothing seems just right
And happy thoughts just never seem to last?

Dear Sister, life may sometimes seem so very cruel
When those around us seem so lacking in sweet kindness
Sometimes it seems that no one obeys the Golden Rule
And deepest dark despair too often finds us -

Even closest loved ones seem not to understand
And our cries for help seem never to be heard
Well, there’s a great solution if on it we will stand!
“The Answer” is right there in God’s own Word!

Yes, dear hurting Sister, the precious Bible tried and true
Is a guide to help you through a troubled life
It’s a lamp unto your feet and a comfort to you, too,
When you’re burdened with such awful pain and strife!

For there within its pages you’ll come to know a man
Who once walked by the sea of Galilee
It still is His desire to take us by the hand.
He can calm our fears and set the captives free!

Just surrender now your heart to the Jesus whom I love
And such precious joy you have not ever known!
For He brings to us the Good News from Our Father up above
And leads us by the hand to God’s own throne!

Yes, Jesus is “The Answer” and He now is calling you
He wants to be your everlasting friend
So reach out your hand, dear Sister, and He will see you through.
He’ll stay right there beside you until the very end!

His Holy Spirit gifts are love, peace, joy and healing
So reach out and take these precious gift of love
And as the Spirit moves, it soon will be revealing
That you’ll have eternal joy in Heaven up above!

Teach The Childern

Late one Christmas Eve, I sank back, tired, but content, into my easy chair.
The kids were in bed, the gifts were wrapped, the milk and cookies waited by the fireplace for Santa.  As I sat back admiring the tree with its
decorations, I couldn’t help feeling that something important was missing. It wasn’t long before the tiny twinkling tree lights lulled me to sleep. I don’t
know how long I slept, but all of a sudden I knew that I wasn’t alone. I opened my eyes, and you can imagine my surprise when I saw Santa Claus,
himself, standing next to my Christmas tree.
He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot just as the poem described him, but he was not the “jolly old elf” of Christmas legend. The
man who stood before me looked sad and disappointed. And there were tears in his eyes.
“Santa, what’s wrong?”  I asked, “Why are you crying?”  “It’s the children,”
Santa replied sadly. “But Santa, the children love you,” I said. “Oh, I know they love me, and they love the gifts I bring them,” Santa said, “but the
children of today seem to have somehow missed out on the true spirit of Christmas. It’s not their fault. It’s just that the adults, many of them not
having been taught themselves, have forgotten to teach the children.” “Teach them what?”  I asked. Santa’s kind old face became soft, more gentle. His eyes began to shine with something more than tears.  He spoke softly.  “Teach
the children the true meaning of Christmas.  Teach them that the part of Christmas we can see, hear, and touch is much more than meets the eye. Teach them the symbolism behind the customs and traditions of Christmas which we now observe. Teach them what it is they truly represent.” Santa reached into his bag and pulled out a tiny Christmas tree and set it on my mantle.
“Teach them about the Christmas tree.  Green is the second color of Christmas.  The stately evergreen, with its unchanging color, represents the hope of eternal life in Jesus.  Its needles point heavenward as a reminder that mankind’s thoughts should turn heavenward as well.”
Santa reached into his bag again and pulled out a shiny star and placed it at the top of the small tree. “The star was the heavenly sign of promise. God promised a Savior for the world and the star was the sign of the fulfillment of that promise on the night that Jesus Christ was born. Teach the children that God always fulfills His promises, and that wise men still seek Him.”  “Red,” said Santa, “is the first color of Christmas.” “He pulled forth a red ornament for the tiny tree. Red is deep, intense, vivid. It is the color of the life-giving blood that flows through our veins. It is the symbol of God’s greatest gift. Teach the children that Christ gave his life and shed his
blood for them that they might have eternal life. When they see the color red, it should remind them of that most wonderful gift.”
Santa found a silver bell in his pack and placed it on the tree. “Just as lost sheep are guided to safety by the sound of the bell, it continues to
ring today for all to be guided to the fold. Teach the children to follow the true Shepherd, who gave His life for the sheep.” Santa placed a candle on the mantle and lit it. The soft glow from its one
tiny flame brightened the room. “The glow of the candle represents how people can show their thanks for the gift of God’s son that Christmas Eve long ago. Teach the children to follow in Christ’s footsteps…to go about doing good.
Teach them to let their light shine before people that all may see it and glorify God. This is what’s symbolized when the twinkle lights shine on the
tree like hundreds of bright shining lights, each of them representing one of God’s precious children’s light shining for all to see.”
Again Santa reached into his bag and this time he brought forth a tiny red and white striped cane. As he hung it on the tree he spoke softly. “The candy cane is a stick of hard white candy. White to symbolize the virgin birth and sinless nature of Jesus, and hard to symbolize the Solid Rock, the foundation of the church, and the firmness of God’s promises. The candy cane form’s a
“J” to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to earth. It also represents the Good Shepherd’s crook, which He uses to reach down into all ditches of the world to lift out the
fallen lambs who, like all sheep, have gone astray. The original candy cane had three small red stripes, which are the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by which we are healed, and a large red stripe that represents the shed blood of Jesus, so that we can have the promise of eternal life.

Teach these things to the children.”
Santa brought out a beautiful wreath made of fresh, fragrant greenery tied with a bright red bow. “The bow reminds us of the bond of perfection, which is love. The wreath embodies all the good things about Christmas for those
with eyes to see and hearts to understand. It contains the colors of red and green and the heaven-turned needles of the evergreen. The bow tells the story of good will towards all and its color reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice. Even its very shape is symbolic, representing eternity and the eternal nature of Christ’s love. It is a circle, without beginning and without end. These are
the things you must teach the children.”
I asked, “But where does that leave you Santa?”
The tears gone now from his eyes, a smile broke over Santa’s face. “Why bless you, my dear,” he laughed, “I’m only a symbol myself. I represent the spirit of family fun and the joy of giving and receiving. If the children are taught these other things, there is no danger that I’ll ever be forgotten.”
“I think I’m beginning to understand.”
“That’s why I came,” said Santa. “You’re an adult. If you don’t teach the children these things, then who will?”

The Storm

After a few of the usual Sunday hymns, the church’s pastor slowly stood up, walked over to the pulpit and, before he gave his sermon that evening, briefly introduced a guest minister who was in the service that evening.

In the introduction, the pastor told the congregation that the guest minister was one of his dearest childhood friends and that he wanted him to have a few moments to greet the church and share whatever he felt would be appropriate for the service.

With that, an elderly man stepped up to the pulpit and began to speak.  “A father and a son, and a friend of his son were sailing off the Pacific coast,” he began, “when a fast approaching storm blocked any attempt to get back to the shore.  The waves were so high, that even though the father was an experienced sailor, he could not keep the boat upright and the three were swept into the ocean as the boat capsized.”

The old man hesitated for a moment, making eye contact with two teenagers who were, for the first time since the service began, looking somewhat interested in his story.  The aged minister continued with his story.

“Grabbing a rescue line, the father had to make the most excruciating decision of his life – to which boy he would throw the other end of the life line.  He only had seconds to make the decision.  The father knew that his son was a Christian and he also knew that his son’s friend was not.  The agony of his decision could not be matched by the torrent of waves.  As the father yelled out, ‘I love you, son!’,  he threw the life line to his son’s friend.  By the time the father had pulled the friend back to the capsized boat, his son had disappeared beneath the raging swells into the black of night.  His body was never recovered.

By this time, the teenagers were sitting up straight in the pew, anxiously waiting for the next words to come out of the old minister’s mouth.  “The father,” he continued, “knew his son would step into eternity with Jesus and he could not bear the thought of his son’s friend stepping into an eternity without Jesus.  Therefore, he sacrificed his son to save the son’s friend.  How great is the love of God that he should do the same for us.  Our Heavenly Father sacrificed His only begotten Son that we could be saved.  I urge you to accept His offer to rescue you and take a hold of the life line He is throwing out to you in this service.”

With that, the old man turned and sat back down in his chair as silence filled the room.

The pastor again walked slowly to the pulpit and delivered a brief sermon with an invitation at the end.  However, no one responded to the appeal.

Within minutes after the service ended, the two teenagers were at the old man’s side.  “That was a nice story,”  politely stated one of the boys, “but I don’t think it was very realistic for a father to give up his only son’s life in hopes that the other boy would become a Christian.”

“Well, you’ve got a point there,” the old man replied, glancing down at his worn Bible.  A big smile broadened his narrow face. He once again looked up at the boys and said, “It sure isn’t very realistic, is it?  But I’m standing here today to tell you that story gives me a glimpse of what it must have been like for God to give up His Son for me.  You see, I was that father and your pastor
is my son’s friend.”

What I Believe

I. About the Scriptures

My family and I are members at Galilean Baptist Church, it is a Bible believing congregation. We recognize only the King James 1611 Authorized Bible, as the inspired, preserved, and infallible Word of God in English. All that is preached, taught, and practiced comes from this Bible and nothing else. Although this is not a ‘Galilean Baptist’ website but rather my own personal website, I do of course believe exactly as is stated below and make NO apologies for it.

Psalm 12;6-7.- “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purrified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.”

Matthew 4:4b; “…Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth our of the mouth of God,”

II_Timothy 3;16 17.· All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine for reproof for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

II. About God

We believe that God is one All-Powerful and All-Holy God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, and that He is a God of both love and wrath. We recognize that Jesus Christ was God come to earth to dwell among men in the body of a man, for the purpose of dying on the cross for men’s sins. In this way, the love of God was manifested to all who will repent of sin and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as their sin bearer. All who reject this free gift must suffer eternal punishment for their sins in a horrible lake of fire. In this way, the wrath of God will be revealed against all wickedness and unbelief.

I John 5:7: “For there are three that bear record in heaven. The Father The Word and The Holy Ghost: and these Three are One.”

Hebrews 12:29 “For our God is a consuming fire,

1 Timothy 1:15 “This is a faithful saying, and worthy ofall acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief:

Revelation 21:8; “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth withfire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

III. About Salvation
We believe that mankind is hopelessly lost in sin and that without the new birth all men will die in their sins and go to Hell.

We know that Jesus Christ died to save individuals from the penalty of sin by bearing their sins in His body on the cross. This act provided the payment for sin and God has accepted it. This payment is the free gift of God and it can only be obtained by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and by your acceptance of Him as personal Savior. No amount of good works, church membership, baptism, or religious exercise is sufficient to atone for sin. Only the blood of Jesus Christ can save.

We encourage you to repent of your sin and ask Him to become your personal Savior today, If you will put your trust in Him, God promises you a place in Heaven when you die.

John 3:3; “Jesus answered and said unto him, verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom ofGod.”

I Peter 3:18: “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.”

Titus 3;5a: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…

Phillippians 3:8b-9: “. .. and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And befound in Him, not having mine own righteousness which is of the law but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”

Smile

MAY I GIVE TO YOU
A SMILE, HOPE, AND LOVE

“HOPE”
does not disappoint us,
for GOD has poured out HIS love
into our “HEARTS”.

A “SMILE’”
Cost nothing,
but it creates much.
It happens in a flash,
but the memory of it may last forever.
It enriches those who receives it
without impoverishing those who give it.

None are so rich
that they can get along without it,
and none so poor
that they cannot be richer for its benefits.

It creates happiness in the home,
fosters goodwill in a business,
and is the countersign of friends.

It is the rest to the weary,
daylight to the discouraged,
sunshine to the sad,
and nature`s best antidote for troubles.

Yet it cannot be begged,
bought, borrowed, or stolen,
for it is something
that is worth nothing
to anyone until it is given away.

In the course of the day,
some of your acquaintances
may be too tired to give you a smile,
Give them one of Yours.

Nobody needs a Smile
so much as those
who have none left to give .

And last , but not least,
I give you “LOVE”
we do not fall in love,
as many believe,
We “Grow” in love
and “LOVE” grows in us.

Let this be the DAY
that will truly be:
the “FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE”
And start IT With the Gifts
I give You
“HOPE, A SMILE, and LOVE”.

And may you find the happiness
You always wanted,
and see the dreams
in your heart come true.

So now, with all the LOVE
in my heart I give to You
HOPE, with a SMILE

Sisters

Teddy bears, doll and dress up clothes,

The time went by so fast;

Tea parties filled with giggling girls,

Sweet memories from the past.

You were always there beside me,

As we grew up through years;

You shared my sorrows and my joys,

My laughter and my tears.

There’s something God has given me,

A gift so sweet and rare;

A love for my sister deep in my heart,

And a friend who will always be there.

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