Napoleon Was Right About That One!

American Minute with Bill Federer

April 30

The size of the U.S. doubled APRIL 30, 1803, with the Louisiana
Purchase.

Nearly a million square miles, at less than three cents an acre – it
was the greatest land bargain in history!

President Thomas Jefferson commented on it in his Second Inaugural
Address, March 4, 1805:

“I know that the acquisition of Louisiana has been disapproved by
some from a candid apprehension that the enlargement of our territory
would endanger the union, but who can limit the extent to which the
federative principle may operate effectively?”

For fifteen million dollars, France sold its land west of the
Mississippi, called the Louisiana Territory, because Napoleon
Bonaparte needed money quickly for his military campaigns.

Napoleon fought in Europe, Egypt and Russia, but was finally exiled
to the island of Elba.

Napoleon returned to rule France again for 100 days, but after losing
at Waterloo in 1815 he was banished to the tiny island of St. Helena
in the South Atlantic, where he commented to General Count de
Montholon:

“Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and myself founded empires; but upon
what foundation did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force!

But Jesus Christ founded His upon love; and at this hour millions of
men would die for Him.”

 

He Speaks Your Language!

Many years ago, I read a book called The Five Languages of Love by Gary Chapman. This book was designed to help married couples and went on to describe how that there are five basic “languages” or ways in which people communicate and receive love. These are the five that are listed by the author.

Words of affirmation

Quality time

Acts of service

Receiving gift

Physical touch

Words of affirmation people are those who seem to thrive on hearing or seeing the words “I love you” or any verbal or written compliments or expressions of love.

Quality time folks feel loved the most when someone gives them their undivided attention and just spends time being with them.

Those who speak the language of acts of service respond to those who do things to help them out or make their load a little lighter. It could be things such as vacuuming, running errands, making dinner, etc. etc.

A person whose primary love language is receiving gifts feels valued when they are given gifts. They don’t need to necessarily be pricey material things. A box of candy, a flower picked from a garden, a little something homemade, etc.

Physical touch is just as it sounds. These are the type of people that enjoy hugs and kisses, holding hands, a backrub, pat on the shoulder, etc.

The author went on to explain that problems can arise in a relationship when one person doesn’t understand how to express love in the language the other person understands. Fortunately, the author also tells how to identify your love language and the love language of your spouse in the hopes that this knowledge will help the couple to better communicate their love for one another. As I was musing over this book and remembering some of the things I read, I began to think about God and how He communicates His love toward mankind. While it may be difficult for us humans to communicate love in all these manners, God doesn’t have a problem speaking any one of these languages.

Do you respond to words of affirmation? God has given us a whole book in which we can read words about His great love for all of humanity and the lengths that He has gone to in order to prove His love. Thank God for the Bible!

Does quality time make you feel loved? God is willing to give you all the time you want. Jesus tells us in John 6:37 that if we come to Him, He will not cast us away. He is never to busy to spend time with someone who truly desires to fellowship with Him.

Acts of service? Jesus was the servant of servants according to Philippians 2:7. Jesus delights in helping us, bearing our burdens and lightening our load if we will but come to Him and ask.

Do you like to receive gifts? Jesus has a wonderful gift He would love to give you. It’s called the Holy Ghost. If you will just repent and be baptized in Jesus’ name as the Scripture teaches, you can have this wonderful, life changing gift!(Acts 2:38) It doesn’t wear out or get old either. It’s a gift that keeps on giving.

Does physical touch tickle your fancy? There is an incredible, tangible presence of God that you can feel for yourself. Feeling His presence starts with seeking after Him.

Acts 17:27  That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

God understands us better than we understand ourselves. While we at times, may lack the ability to express love in a way another person can understand, there is no deficiency with God. Today He is speaking of His love for you in a language that you can understand. Are you listening?

 

71derful Years!

(Mom and I at Kiki’s Surprise 50th Birthday Party in 2009)

Happy Birthday to my wonderful mother who turns 71 today! I’m glad you got to go to Wisconsin, mom to be with the other August birthday grandchildren, but count on some birthday spankings from me when you return. Hee hee. I love you so much, and I thank God that He blessed me with a wonderful mother like you. I hope you enjoy your special day.

Love,

your favorite child

 

Wednesday’s Wonder

The love of God!

“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” Psalm 8:4

 

Valentine From A to Z For Your Husband

I came across this looking through some old computer files. I had completely forgotten about this but thought it would be good to post with Valentine’s Day coming up. Ladies, don’t ever get too old to stop being your husband’s girlfriend.

A B C’s of Being a Help Meet

And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. Genesis 2:18

Admit when you  are wrong
Be positive
Cuddle
Do it his way
Encourage him
Fix his breakfast
Give back rubs
Hug often
“I love you” should be said many times daily
Joke around in a playful manner
Know his needs
Listen to him
Manage your home well
Never hold grudges
Open your eyes in the morning and smile
Pray for him
Quit nagging him
Reminisce about good times
Show respect and honor
Trust, and earn his trust
Understand his need for reverence
Vulnerability is a feminine trait; cultivate it
Wink at him!
X is for private times
Yearn to please him
Zealously guard him with your love

 

He Won The War!

Hung on the cross, thief on each side

My Jesus suffered, bled and died

New life attained through His great loss

Thief on each side, hung on the cross.

Himself He gave, our sacrifice

For our redemption paid the price

Shed His life’s blood, our souls to save

Our sacrifice, Himself He gave.

He won the war against all sin

That reigned in Adam and his kin

There’s victory forevermore

Against all sin, He won the war!

1-18-10 This type of poem is called a swap quatrain. See how to write one here.

Matthew 27:38  Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.

1Peter 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:

Hebrews 13:12  Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

Hebrews 12:2  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Galatians 1:4  Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

1Timothy 2:6  Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Titus 2:14  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

1Peter 1:18  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

1:19  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Colossians 2:15  And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Galatians 3:13  Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

1John 3:5  And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

Romans 6:9  Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

6:10  For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

Hebrews 9:28  So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

 

Putting On The Blitz

This type of poem is called the Blitz. To learn how to write one, click here.

Coming Through Sacrifice

 

Soon appearing

Soon coming

Coming in clouds

Coming in glory

Glory and honor

Glory and power

Power to rise

Power to change

Change to be like Him

Change in a moment

Moment of time

Moment eternal

Eternal hope

Eternal salvation

Salvation secured

Salvation of soul

Soul redeemed

Soul at rest

Rest from toil

Rest in peace

Peace imparted

Peace of God

God of mercy

God of wonders

Wonders amazing

Wonders unceasing

Unceasing devotion

Unceasing praise

Praise resounding

Praise abounding

Abounding in blessing

Abounding in joy

Joy fathomless

Joy unspeakable

Unspeakable scenes

Unspeakable beauty

Beauty for ashes

Beauty untainted

Untainted within

Untainted by sin

Sin pummeled

Sin defeated

Defeated at Calvary

Defeated by love

Love unconditional

Love sacrifice

Sacrifice through offering

Sacrifice brings victory

Offering

Victory.

Written 1-16-10

 

The Wonder

God

In heaven

Came to earth

Stooping down low

Bent over backwards

Laid aside regal robes

The King became a pauper

Seeking to woo humanity

In the form of a harmless baby

Incarnation – the wonder of God’s love.

written 12-12-09

 

Isaiah 9:6  For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Matthew 1:23  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us

1Timothy 3:16  And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

Philippians 2:5  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

2:6  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

2:7  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

2:8  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

 This type of poem is called an etheree.

 

Home Is Where The Hearts Are

Don’t have a lot of dough to buy Valentine gifts?  Me neither. Here’s an easy cookie recipe that requires only a few common ingredients.  I hope all of you will have a wonderful Valentine’s Day by letting your family and friends know that you love and appreciate them.

Valentine Cutouts

 

1 cup sugar

¾ cup shortening (part margarine or butter softened)

2 eggs

1 tsp. Vanilla or ½ tsp. Lemon extract

2 ½ cups all purpose flour

1 tsp. Baking powder

1 tsp. Salt

 

Mix sugar, shortening, eggs and vanilla.  Stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Cover and refrigerate at least one hour.  Heat oven to 400.   Roll out dough about 1/8 inch thick and cut into assorted shapes with heart shaped cookie cutters.  Place on ungreased cookie sheet, and bake until light brown, 6 to 8 minutes.  Remove from cookie sheet; cool.  Decorate with creamy frosting.

 

Creamy Frosting

 

1 cup powdered sugar

½ tsp. Vanilla

¼ tsp. Salt

About 1 tbsp. Water or 1 to 2 tbsps. Half and half

Assorted food colors

 

Mix powdered sugar, vanilla and salt.  Beat in water until smooth and of spreading consistency.  Tint frosting with red food coloring as desired.  Decorate even more with colored sugars, sprinkles and cinnamon candies if desired.

 

Cross Roads

As the young man struts

down the street in his tight

muscle shirt and baggy low riders,

it hangs from his neck, golden

and shiny, a symbol of his

sensuality.

 

A middle aged woman

prepares for dinner with

a business client. For a final

touch to her classy ensemble,

the diamond studded ones are

inserted into her ear lobes,

displaying her obvious

wealth.

 

Although I wasn’t present, I

can see it in my mind’s eye.

How do I describe the most

important moment in history?

It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t stylin’.

It wasn’t cool. It wasn’t sophisticated.

It was ugly. It was horrific.

It was gruesome, and most of all it was

bloody.

 

The Son of God was a bloody mess as

He labored up the hill with that heavy, heavy cross.

But when I saw the look of love

in His eyes and realized the awful part

I played in His execution, I fell on

my face and cried out for mercy.

Millions have done the same as they

experienced the power of God through

the preaching of the

Cross.

 

A 14 karat gold, glamorized, sanitized

cross is of no

effect.

Give me the life changing one from

Calvary.

 

1-19-09

1Corinthians 1:18  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

 

Hebrews 12:2  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

1Peter 1:18  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

1:19  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: