tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90203806641294379332024-03-13T01:41:57.499-04:00Don Crane - Loving God, Loving Each Other, and Loving Life"Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip." ~Will RogersDon Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15976701784631574371noreply@blogger.comBlogger887125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020380664129437933.post-12150204293129480462019-09-07T09:26:00.000-04:002019-09-07T12:17:07.297-04:00Communication Skill Change as a result of Social Media<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sDSVmZ-4W4cWQgP5eTuKIc6NNrS7wgZtUgpaThBz6i-zm9DXe_b5VvzNCzrrjkzCiHnwApbXHlr0HvQ2Ifp03vdRkpbOK4LAHUVXb7KbMxJ3oVU5iDKhxBhlNaLZtO6BrA9uDDrOT-c/s1600/social-media-communication-evolution.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="600" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sDSVmZ-4W4cWQgP5eTuKIc6NNrS7wgZtUgpaThBz6i-zm9DXe_b5VvzNCzrrjkzCiHnwApbXHlr0HvQ2Ifp03vdRkpbOK4LAHUVXb7KbMxJ3oVU5iDKhxBhlNaLZtO6BrA9uDDrOT-c/s400/social-media-communication-evolution.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Has social media changed the interaction with people in our communication skills? </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I define communication as a transactional process unique in human beings by the exchange of symbols through verbal and non-verbal languages. For example, when I communicate with someone else, I am transacting symbols of communication with the other person and expect some response. The transaction continues as the person responds and the process continually builds on what was previously transacted. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If we agree on the definition of communication, then is there a change within our scope of the communication transaction as a result of social media? I believe there is and the first step in improving our communication skills is in acknowledging the changes. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">A good case study is how our society has changed in the usage of magazine publication which was once a huge print business in the world. A good review of the impact on the magazine publishing world is written by Parul Jain, Zulfia Zaher, and Enakshi Roy in Magazines and Social Media Journal of Magazine & New Media Research. The title of their research and finding is Magazines and Social Media Platforms: Strategies for Enhancing User Engagement and Implications for Publishers. (3Vol. 17, No. 2 Winter 2017). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">A few highlights of their work that I found worth noting for our question are: </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">“Most stakeholders expect organizations to have some presence on social media platforms, and a lack of it is considered unacceptable and non-normative in this day and age” (page 2). </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">“Given the nature of social media platforms, an audience that engages with magazines can critique the content put forth by the magazine, create new content on that magazine’s social pages, interact with fellow readers, and express both positive and negative emotions online” (page 3). </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">Jain, Zaher, and Roy make a noteworthy quote for our question from Malthouse, Calder, and Eadie:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">"Less engaged customer would be one who merely provides simple feedback, such as 'liking' an image on a social media platform, while a more engaged customer would be one who “actively engages in co-creation,” such as producing content for the brand"2 (page 4). </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">As we examine the changes in communication, we must also accept the use of social media platforms is a diverse field. In 2015 Magazine Publication Associate reported of the top five followed/liked magazine brands on media National Geographic and Vogue were listed. Interestingly, the vast diversity in the magazine’s primary theme was also reflected in the diversity of the platform in which the user was engaging the magazine in a social media setting. Which I see as a direct tie-in with Jain, Zaher, and Roy’s earlier statements that: “one of the main motivations for engaging with a magazine on social media was the accessibility of magazines across multiple social media platforms and various devices” (page 11).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In response, Jain, Zaher and Roy concluded: “Our findings suggest that the participants gratify different needs (such as home décor and fashion) utilizing specific platforms that are more likely to cater to those needs” (page 16). Another response is: “Magazine readers expect publishers to maintain an engaging and relevant social media presence” (page 18).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The changes are not limited to magazine publishing. The above is simply one case study which illustrates the larger truth: Social Media has change the scope of our communication skills. We are no longer a society focusing on one medium such as a magazine, newspaper, journal, or media outlet to access information. Social media allows for the reader to share the information across large audiences through their social media platforms</span><span style="font-size: large;">. Communication as a transaction is evolving with the digital age. Social media expands readers access as well as allowing a reader to look beyond the vast material to a specific search criteria. It would appear as a result of social media, our communication skills are growing and increasing for the better while making “it is a small world after all.”</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There is one thing that has not changed ... You know I love ya, <i><span style="color: blue;">Don</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">1.
Parul Jain, Zulfia Zaher, Enakshi Roy, <i>Magazines
and Social Media Platforms: Strategies for Enhancing User Engagement and
Implications for Publishers.</i> Magazines and Social Media Journal of Magazine
& New Media Research. 3Vol. 17, No. 2 • Winter 2017</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">2.
Edward C. Malthouse, Bobby J. Calder, and Wayne P. Eadie, “Conceptualizing and
measuring magazine reader experiences” (presentation, Worldwide Readership
Symposium,</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica";"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Cambridge, MA,2003),285–306.</span></span></div>
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-->Don Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15976701784631574371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020380664129437933.post-22732984994298596952019-04-14T19:09:00.001-04:002019-04-14T19:09:45.507-04:00Easter: A few reasons why it is the greatest day!<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-nYXhwwG_mf599TnKLqHnY418Nbo_3lRtAwMwUPTNArUkOFzyWGatkPM93uwUoxVkLFV9jSr_qFDGX3chANqblqv9JiowRi9ZyhNft7GSJQecKc0aMUPe7HEHGhS_v3A_VjTQxxKcd8/s1600/empty-tomb_03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="249" data-original-width="363" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-nYXhwwG_mf599TnKLqHnY418Nbo_3lRtAwMwUPTNArUkOFzyWGatkPM93uwUoxVkLFV9jSr_qFDGX3chANqblqv9JiowRi9ZyhNft7GSJQecKc0aMUPe7HEHGhS_v3A_VjTQxxKcd8/s320/empty-tomb_03.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Easter is the day we
celebrate the events that changed all of ETERNITY! Easter the Greatest day that
ever dawn, from the greatest story ever told of the great life ever
lived…Jesus has risen and he is alive working among his people. </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">The what of Easter is
very important, but the WHY of Easter is Amazing. We know the details of his
death and resurrection, but do we know “why” this is the greatest day that ever
dawn?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Easter
is a great day of celebration. Yes, Jesus suffered greatly under the passion of
his purpose in going to Jerusalem. Yes, he struggled under the weight of doubt
and fear of his disciples. Yes, Jesus pleaded with his friends to be with him
as he experienced great sorrow and grief. Yes, Jesus was flogged and beaten to
the point that his intestines were exposed and his flesh was torn from his
body. Yes, he was exhausted from the lake of sleep for 48 hours and a illegal
trial in the middle of the night. Yes, Jesus was forced to carry a wooden cross
over the bleeding flesh through dirty, dusty, and crowded streets of jeers and
curses. Yes, they took nail spikes and drove them through his flesh and feet in
order to pin him to the cross. Yes, Jesus was naked, humiliated, and lifted up
for all to see and treated as a criminal. Yes, Jesus was rejected and insulted.
AND YES, because of our sin…Jesus was forced to be separated from His father
God which was the hardest part of all…all these facts are important and
devastating.</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">BUT,
the most amazing thing is why he willing offered himself as a sacrifice. This
was not another execution…but that Jesus was willing to take the blame. Jesus
was willing to be our Sacrificial Lamb. Jesus takes everyone one a journey to
the Cross… He did all this because He LOVES US….HE LOVES ME…HE LOVES YOU!</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">You see the “what” of
the tomb is that it is there that Jesus put all death, destruction, and sin to
rest…the “why” of the tomb is because “God so loved!”</span>
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">John 3:16, <i>“For God So
Loved!” </i>God didn’t just love us…He SO loved us. God’s love is agape love. Agape
is selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love, the highest of the types of love.
1 John 4:11 states: <i>“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us
and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i> </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">
Max Lucado tries to capture the depth of Jesus’ love in with these words: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“He’d
rather go to hell for you than go to heaven without you.”</i></b> The hardship of life is transformed by the "why" of the death, burial, and
resurrection of Jesus. The "what" of Death…the "why" is Deep Love. </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">You Know I Love ya...and Easter is the greatest day ever! <span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Don</b></i></span> </span>
</div>
Don Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15976701784631574371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020380664129437933.post-19219488956925213482017-09-17T16:55:00.000-04:002017-09-17T17:30:36.879-04:00Persistent Endurance ... the lessons of water.<div class="reader-article-content">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoesde1Xw8u4RxkDO3_97ZsjE7CfwmNwpozHCDSE0bq6z4uLX5BNiOlcr2S4qQYF1JCCXairiAN3YXl4ngm6nY_W90fYmuf6HTEiTfUxLf7Z72SZ2fF51_7eXXSTndbcP1SS1YGea9IDU/s1600/Water+Flowing.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="1600" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoesde1Xw8u4RxkDO3_97ZsjE7CfwmNwpozHCDSE0bq6z4uLX5BNiOlcr2S4qQYF1JCCXairiAN3YXl4ngm6nY_W90fYmuf6HTEiTfUxLf7Z72SZ2fF51_7eXXSTndbcP1SS1YGea9IDU/s400/Water+Flowing.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ravi B - Flowing (Vibezy Riddim) "2015 Trinidad Soca". - https://penitent.deviantart.com/art/Water-Flowing-22215255</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Persistence
is defined as continuance till the end. And endurance is defined as
using strength to continue despite pain and fatigue. The difference
between the two is that <i>persistence is remaining steady in hopes to finish</i> while <i>endurance is bearing pain so that you can finish</i>. Yet, great power emerges when we combine the two elements. The successful possess a <b><i>persistent endurance</i></b> against the hardest situations.<br />
<br />
I am always amazed at water. The combination of two hydrogen and one
oxygen creat a powerful force. It is the model of persistence endurance.
Water has a way of pushing through amazing obstacles, one drip at a
time. There have been many instances where what seemed to be an
insignificant drip was really a tiny part of a larger body of water
pushing through a little at a time. Water is also very adaptable to what
it wants to accomplish. Water can be calm and peaceful, but become
raging and destructive. A lake can rise inch by inch and suddenly become
a flood. A bay can combine with wind to be an agitator and bulldozer.<br />
<br />
Imagine our lives as if it were more like water. We could be
determined to push through our obstacles to serve whether by peace or by
force. Water can trickle along gently, flowing across pebbles and
shaping them as we move over them. Water changes things...persistent
endurance changes things. It exerts gentle pressure over time and
softens hard rocks into rounded pebbles. Water combines with others to
gain power. A stream joins with other streams to make a river. A river
combines with other rivers to make its way to an ocean. Water is not
satisfied with being a mere drop, but makes its way drop by drop to
being a grand ocean.We are best when we work together as one.<br />
<br />
Water carries things. It carries life along its banks. It carries
progress from place to place. Water moves people and things from where
they are to where they need to be. The persistence of successful people
... serve others ... Serving with persistence is not about the “me,”
serving with persistence is about clinging to the hope of our dream by
serving the “THEM.” Much like water as it flows carving out landscapes
and bring vital hydration to the land.<br />
<br />
Water is a change agent. It changes barren lands to fertile grounds.
It can cut off or it can bring together. Water changes the power
balance. Water rises to the occasion. When life pours too much in it, it
just finds new paths for it to flourish. When life tries to contain it,
water pushes through to where it wants to go.<br />
<br />
Successful people ... become more like water. Water is persistent.
Successful people are persistent as well. Those who desire success can
learn from water and move towards goals, one step at a time. Goals will
not be reached overnight, but through the diligence of continued steps.
The combine strengths with others forms alliances which propels the
successful to where we want to go.<br />
<br />
Indulge me while I suggest: When we add and multiply our strengths,
we will eventually overflow our present boundaries and flow out into our
full destiny. We need to carry ourselves from dream to reality to
prosperity by flowing in persistent endurance in our daily living. We
should not be satisfied with stagnancy, but keep current flowing and
keep moving toward a life full of productivity and creativity and
fruitfulness.<br />
<br />
Most of all, we should be full of life. Full of life-giving
nourishment. Full of life-giving hydration. We should add to, not take
away from. We should rejuvenate, not suck the life out of others’
dreams. We should bring forth creativity, not stifle. We should saturate
life with details while living in appreciation of distance gained in
flexibility.<br />
<br />
If ever we need encouragement, we should think about a drop of water
and ponder about how water gets where it wants to, drop by drop,
building pressure that eventually results in a breakthrough. There is so
much power in a drop of water. It is just the beginning. It is only the
promise of what is yet to come. You are a only at your beginning and
the promise of what is yet to come is achieved in persistent endurance
toward your goal.<br />
<br />
If a drop of water can move a mountain through persistent endurance,
then surely we can serve through the method of persistence and move the
mountains on our journey. </div>
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%;">You know I love ya, <span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Don</b></i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
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<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
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<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"></span></span>
</div>
Don Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15976701784631574371noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020380664129437933.post-48821245918733988072017-06-06T15:04:00.000-04:002017-06-06T15:17:24.725-04:00Leading with Honor and Integrity<style>@font-face {
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4zQ90dSJct2EDsd_upQ41MJImJoUV7mkYsIvzdnkiHVCmc4xugVrGqN2vrkDBNwQT8FpgkZUW8la3RXaEwjPD_f06slG3oBgOx-FeM8AaZwAU51O8vXzWkzXErlG-J0j2EdPUc9S-bs/s1600/integrity+Inspires+Trust.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="980" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4zQ90dSJct2EDsd_upQ41MJImJoUV7mkYsIvzdnkiHVCmc4xugVrGqN2vrkDBNwQT8FpgkZUW8la3RXaEwjPD_f06slG3oBgOx-FeM8AaZwAU51O8vXzWkzXErlG-J0j2EdPUc9S-bs/s400/integrity+Inspires+Trust.jpeg" width="400" /></a><i><span style="color: #00007f;">"The
supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real
success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football
field, in an army, or in an office.”</span></i><i><span style="color: #00007f;"> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>– Dwight D Eisenhower</span></i>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="color: #00007f;">“Honesty
and integrity are by far the most important assets of an entrepreneur.”</span></i></div>
<div class="Standard" style="line-height: 14.4pt;">
<i><span style="color: #00007f;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 8;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– Zig Ziglar </span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black;">When I
think of honor and integrity as valued personality and character traits of a
leader, I do not simply refer to sincerity or honesty. Integrity’s essence is
derived from the root definitions: entireness, wholeness, soundness. Honor as
it is added to integrity extends through the inner core and wholeness of the
character of the individual and the organization. It is found in small matters
as well as great; for the allegiance of the soul to truth is tested by small
things rather than by those which are more important. These are the building
stones to which a person rises out of mediocre living to mighty influence
throughout the world. </span></div>
<div class="Standard" style="line-height: 14.4pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard" style="line-height: 14.4pt;">
<span style="color: black;">We think
that we hate the lack of honor and integrity when we are only hating the
consequences resulting in the absence of honor and integrity. We resent
hypocrisy, negligent ethics, treachery and deception, not because they are
untrue, but because they harm us and harm the culture around us. We hate the
falseness of fake integrity, but we are half pleased with the false praise. It
is evidently not the element of untruth here that is displeasing, but the
element of harmfulness. Thus, the only genuine response is a deep commitment to
honor, integrity and higher standards which are often the harder road and more often
underappreciated, but the consequential outcome rises to greatness.</span></div>
<div class="Standard" style="line-height: 14.4pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard" style="line-height: 14.4pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Diligence
and hard work in maintaining honor and integrity as it relates to our personal
lives, as well as to the organizations we serve, produces great success to
which every participant gains a proud legacy. These personality traits find
root with the leader. It is essential for leaders of our homes, organizations,
and corporations to frame honor and integrity around every endeavor of life.
These individuals produce a dynamic culture which anticipates honor and
integrity in everyone. I agree with Amy Lyman when she writes: “When a
trustworthy leader acts with humility, is respectful of others and uses the
power of his position and his personal power to benefit others, then he is
honorable. And his integrity to those qualities is admirable.”<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9020380664129437933#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">[1]</span></span></span></a>
</span>The perception is paradoxical, but the reality is everyone benefits and the
person leading the charge establishes a “wholeness” and “completeness” legacy. </span></div>
<div class="Standard" style="line-height: 14.4pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard" style="line-height: 14.4pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Within a
world where compromise is the norm, fake news is in many conversations, social
media produces one-line rants, and families are seeking genuine authenticity;
the world is also passionately pleading for honor and integrity. We must recoil
from the deceptions of sensational and easy paths. It is our task to strive for
greatness as leaders who fight vigorously for honor and integrity while
rejecting untruth as untruth: who resents the smooth and polished falsehood of
society which does no immediate harm, but deceives the excellence of life. We
must respond to the plea with credibility, respect, and fairness. It is then we
will be known as leaders who possessed the valued personality traits of honor
and integrity. </span></div>
<div class="Standard" style="line-height: 14.4pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard" style="line-height: 14.4pt;">
<span style="color: black;">You know I love ya, <span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Don</b></i></span> </span></div>
<div class="Standard" style="line-height: 14.4pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
<br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9020380664129437933#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">[1]</span></span></span></a>.
Amy Lyman, PhD. “Leading with Honor and Integrity.” The Trustworthy Leader, 12
Nov. 2012, http://www.trustworthyleader.org/eng/Blog/8_Leading-with-Honor-and-Integrity.html.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Don Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15976701784631574371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020380664129437933.post-42896817045794293232017-05-28T16:55:00.001-04:002017-05-28T16:55:52.595-04:00Prioritizing Priorities<br />
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is <u>“A Valuable”</u> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>which is regarded
as more important than another <u>“Valuable.”</u> So, how are you are putting the most valuable thing at the top are your list?</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Let me illustrate ... Many years
ago, two River paddle boats left Memphis about the same time. They traveled down
the Mississippi River to New Orleans. As they traveled side-by-side, sailors
from one ship taunted the sailors of the other about their snail’s pace. Words
were exchanged. Challenges were made. And the race began. Competition became
vicious as the two boats roared through the Deep South. One boat began falling
behind because the boat did not posses enough fuel. There had plenty of coal for the trip, but not enough
for a race. As one boat dropped back, an enterprising young sailor began to
take the ship’s cargo and toss it into the boiler. The sailors saw that the
supplies burned as well as the coal. So, they fueled their boat with the
material they’d been assigned to transport. They ended up winning the race, by
destroying their cargo.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My friends,
we can never forget God is our first-priority as it relates to the <u>closeness
</u>of God. It is easy to step into the social relevance of Christianity as it
relates to the needy world around us…only to make our social, benevolent, and
mission work our priority and also…our god. Our allegiance is to God and God
alone … all other priorities must serve our first-priority. Any other choice is
burning the cargo to win the race…only to loose the purpose of the journey. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">John 14:21, <i>“Whoever
has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will
be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them."</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Or</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Matthew
6:33, <i>"Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things
will be given to you as well.” </i></span><i> </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Always working to keep the priorities in focus ... you know I love ya, <span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Don</b></i></span> </span>
<br />
Don Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15976701784631574371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020380664129437933.post-26824864333605535902017-05-14T16:46:00.001-04:002017-05-14T16:46:48.456-04:00We have an ego ... how do you use it!<style>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZS8mKxUO_6prnhQa25Rbk2TYPm2X3qQ_niVDqQn7YPDwJuIT0BDYDVGTDsMElWDtLnIaVns4F2WVaPSc_2Q4GpCgrLamURQClDZFnokTtk-vt_v8Hv3kYpN9dnASxUlCm7JOvFS_wKA/s1600/crane+clan.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZS8mKxUO_6prnhQa25Rbk2TYPm2X3qQ_niVDqQn7YPDwJuIT0BDYDVGTDsMElWDtLnIaVns4F2WVaPSc_2Q4GpCgrLamURQClDZFnokTtk-vt_v8Hv3kYpN9dnASxUlCm7JOvFS_wKA/s320/crane+clan.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13.0pt;">If you don’t
think you are conscience of your ego, you are mistaken. Everyone
is predisposed to ego and vanity and pride. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Yes, everyone!!!!</b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13.0pt;">If you don’t
think your ego is selfish…take a group picture and who is the first person you
look for? YOU!!! The picture could be a perfect group photo of everyone
else…but your eyes are closed or you did not smile…and it is a terrible
picture. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13.0pt;">The opposite
is true as well … If you are the only one in the picture smiling, everyone else is frowning, eyes are closed, and someone could
be having a heart attack over on the side, but you look great… and you say, “Oh wow!
That is a great picture. Send me a copy of that, lets post that picture on
Facebook!!!” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Human beings
are driven by our egos and God followers use their ego to reach out
for humility. 1 Peter 5:5 quotes Proverbs with <i><b>“God opposes the proud but gives
grace to the humble.” </b></i>Our self awareness is an opportunity to demonstrate a greater existence by thinking of others before ourselves. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 13.0pt;">You know I love ya, <span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Don</b></i></span></span></div>
Don Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15976701784631574371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020380664129437933.post-78731226124566508562017-03-26T15:01:00.000-04:002017-03-26T15:01:19.029-04:00Is the Entire Bible Inspired?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomdPX3aroEajq-12jwryTc9iWySFuXRGUGiCgBVyBt4Cfi-aYKZ-jaUkOTDNz5kUNinOdjPQfHfVEFblK1f6vIvPfeFqye2ek73Xs6H6pZsBQ3o8dsPafQzwx-dxIdea6W30EbIxGzJM/s1600/Bible+Truth.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomdPX3aroEajq-12jwryTc9iWySFuXRGUGiCgBVyBt4Cfi-aYKZ-jaUkOTDNz5kUNinOdjPQfHfVEFblK1f6vIvPfeFqye2ek73Xs6H6pZsBQ3o8dsPafQzwx-dxIdea6W30EbIxGzJM/s320/Bible+Truth.jpeg" width="320" /></a>Marshall <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(See below for reference) </i></span>explains the inspiration of the scriptures as a statement of encouragement for those struggling and searching for hope in the final days. He states: "Here the reference is to the appropriate passages in the Old Testament, whose reliability rests on the fact that they were not written by persons following their own ideas but by people who were inspired by the Spirit to a correct understanding of what God was saying to them" (pp. 672–673).<br />
<br />
Does Marshall think there is a limit to this text as it relates to the inspiration of the scriptures? After reading Marshall, I do not think he would limit the work of or the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to a specific text or to just the OT. It is critical to remember the audience of 2 Peter would not have possessed the NT Canon. The question arises; <em>does the inspiration apply to all 66 books of the Bible?</em><br />
<br />
To answer the question, the 21st century reader must not neglect 2 Pet 1.19: <i><b>"And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts ..."</b></i> (ESV) The inspiration of the scriptures, both OT and NT, serve the purpose of <em>a lamp shining in a dark place </em>so that the morning star might rise in our hearts. Remaining faithful in the final days is the specific application of 2 Peter. Yet, this same principle can apply throughout the Bible.<br />
<br />
The rule for a reader 2000 year later is to avoid reading into the text more than it says while finding inspiration for application to our modern culture. May we never neglect the reading of the word and application to our hearts. You know I love ya, <span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Don</b></i></span><br />
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Marshall, I. H. (2004). New Testament theology: many witnesses, one Gospel (p. 672). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.</span>Don Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15976701784631574371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020380664129437933.post-44508258802791493192017-03-14T16:43:00.003-04:002017-03-14T16:43:52.651-04:00Faith and Works : living in Spirit and Truth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8S6JHFbVjsZ7XIyVnYJxuJGPQZVuiUZ3PFRLhtoMjcX5l4IlMe5S4bSXp-G6E2QlhkKpQ2Igh4OkzAGFAJm7NYlMfmZn-HnfcWEDizgoNofJvBUhDf8L72jkJQg51WdJ-wXyt3EzO4-g/s1600/faithworks.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8S6JHFbVjsZ7XIyVnYJxuJGPQZVuiUZ3PFRLhtoMjcX5l4IlMe5S4bSXp-G6E2QlhkKpQ2Igh4OkzAGFAJm7NYlMfmZn-HnfcWEDizgoNofJvBUhDf8L72jkJQg51WdJ-wXyt3EzO4-g/s400/faithworks.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
Faith and works are united in the heart of the believer. Faith is more then simply believing. Works or deeds is more then being a good person. When we read Paul's teaching concerning salvation through faith and not works, Paul is often referencing the "works of the law." In other words, the Apostle Paul is refuting a trust in the Law as a means of salvation. There is nothing the individual can do to find salvation on their own ... salvation is through faith in Jesus. Paul is not teaching the believer to have faith and go in their merry way. The truth of faith results in the hope found in Jesus. The only response is works of love, sacrifice, and goodness.<br /><br />I think of Gal 5.6, <i>"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love"</i> (ESV). Paul is refuting a faith in doing an act as a means of salvation. In this instance the act is circumcision, which the law required. Paul continues by encouraging his readers to respond and act in love. The "act of love" is the point James is making in his letter. To have faith in Jesus is not enough, a believer demonstrates the truth of God's love in the way they conduct their life. <br /><br />Another passage of Paul's which speaks to doing faith is Rom 12.1,<i> "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship"</i> (ESV). The believer is doing works when "offering" themselves as living sacrifices which is acceptable to God. <br /><br />Jesus told the woman at the well in John 4, God is seeking worshipers who worship in spirit and truth. The two fold response to God is to have faith (the spirit) and to show it is our actions (the truth). The truth of our faith is seen in the way in which we conduct our love.<br />
<br />
You know I love ya, <span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Don</b></i></span>Don Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15976701784631574371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020380664129437933.post-58689255701203201282017-02-07T16:19:00.000-05:002017-02-07T16:19:14.212-05:00What is the standard of the follower of Jesus?One of the things which cause doubt in Paul's ministry was the amount of suffering Paul endured for the faith. In other words, people began to ask how can God be with the Apostle, if he is forced to endure such hardships and suffering? The modern culture remains just as doubtful. Shouldn't the follower of God possess a special dispensation of grace which empowers the believer to avoid such pitfalls?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvI7Cn2C5dSIAODnXYRIOBa4UyqTZFvFnRKkDuSscUzxxBgejmPPjSbkqjTQSU5z9uPyFRpM1SBOgrpI-wLuetHgUWqbrpA1svvRPlndKIlmPLCYMUH1DASOKZgKHMdCgzJUBDNG3tcw/s1600/Persecution+of+Christians.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvI7Cn2C5dSIAODnXYRIOBa4UyqTZFvFnRKkDuSscUzxxBgejmPPjSbkqjTQSU5z9uPyFRpM1SBOgrpI-wLuetHgUWqbrpA1svvRPlndKIlmPLCYMUH1DASOKZgKHMdCgzJUBDNG3tcw/s320/Persecution+of+Christians.jpeg" width="320" /></a>Paul responds to such accusations by turning the worldly view on it side and pointing to a crucified Jesus. It is through suffering which prove Paul's service. It is through surrender to the suffering Messiah comes the discovery of the power of God and the consequential conquering of death. Paul writes: "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body." (NASB 2 Co 4:7–10). Paul's suffering is the mark of Jesus on his life.<br />
<br />
Those who follow Jesus in a vocational work or in a volunteer work can relate to Paul's words. It is the believers mantra to agree with Paul in 2 Cor. 12.10: "Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." (NASB 2 Co 12:10). In my weakness, I learn to trust in God's abilities to work on behalf.<br />
<br />
God is not about to stop being God. I am glad and praise him for carrying us through each and every struggle. You know I love ya, <span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Don</b></i></span> Don Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15976701784631574371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020380664129437933.post-84509121411005644392017-01-31T15:07:00.002-05:002017-01-31T15:07:55.146-05:00The Tanacity to face trials, rejection, and persecution!<div class="textPanel">
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As we read through Galatians, it is 1.15-2.3
in which Paul addresses his Apostleship to the Gentiles. Paul outlines his early years with: He makes a trip
Arabia. He then returns to Damascus. Three years later he visits Cephas
and remained with him for a few weeks. Fourteen years later, Paul and
Barnabus take Tutus (apparently a Gentile) to Jerusalem to seek
confirmation that their message to the Gentiles was not misguided.<br />
<br />
Although,
I believe there are several reasons which make Paul uniquely qualified
to take the message to the Gentiles. The one which stands out to me as
most prevalent is the verse in Acts (8.1) where he is giving approval
over the death of Stephen. He also mentions the people were aware of his
previous treatment of the believers in Gal. He had the credentials to
speak the Jewish faith and education on the scriptures to realize the
truth of Jesus.<br />
<br />
Why would this be a helpful quality? Because
everyone new and feared Paul. As he mentions in other letters, he was a
Jew of Jews, highly educated, connected with all the influential people,
and was zealous for the cause. Paul possessed drive and tenacity
because of the fool he had been in the past. Taking the message to the
Gentiles would take a person with the educated ability to examine the
scriptures and debate with tradition. He would also need to have
tenacity to endure the trials, rejection, and persecution on the
journey. Paul's past flamed his present which uniquely qualified him for
the task at hand.<br />
<br />
Aren't we glad he did? You know I love ya, <span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Don</b></i></span></div>
Don Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15976701784631574371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020380664129437933.post-67415000988569155822016-11-29T06:29:00.000-05:002016-11-29T06:29:02.284-05:00Christmas is about JESUS!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0gEvtNJ-w9B30eIbFN7s7wvDX9_NTWAmA6hpY42enU9fOlq3CsifxUsM6Ap4kCjzxWkdGZnIrpIRbuYDSqOzSQo7Y619wOWpGvNKi1kscywgrEXBLBCYLCh-Y953KCmsADORqUjvKFQ/s1600/hope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0gEvtNJ-w9B30eIbFN7s7wvDX9_NTWAmA6hpY42enU9fOlq3CsifxUsM6Ap4kCjzxWkdGZnIrpIRbuYDSqOzSQo7Y619wOWpGvNKi1kscywgrEXBLBCYLCh-Y953KCmsADORqUjvKFQ/s320/hope.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 24px;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Luke 1:25 “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.” <br /> <br />Christmas is God’s arrival of stepping into life on this planet to fulfill his plan to restore our world. We live in a world that is broken and messed-up … God’s left behind a footprint of HOPE which points to HIM!<br /> <br />A lady told her husband that she had dreamed that he had bought her a diamond necklace for Christmas! The husband responded positively to her dream by bringing her a beautifully wrapped gift. As she eagerly tore open the wrapping to see her diamond necklace, all she found was a little book. It was titled, 'How to interpret your dreams’! 😃<br /><br /> Christmas is a difficult period for a lot of people … sin clouds our vision of God’s prints in the world … Country legend Merle Haggard sang, 'If we make it through December, everything is gonna be alright I know'. The song speaks about a father who has just lost his job at the factory & he's wondering how he can make Christmas special for his little daughter.<br /><br />Christmas is not a dream … Christmas is not about stuff … Christmas is not about the food, feelings, or the weather! Christmas is about JESUS!<br /> <br />Christmas is about God’s footprint of Hope for our lives!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am grateful for God's footprint! You know I love ya, <span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Don</b></i></span> </span></span></div>
Don Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15976701784631574371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020380664129437933.post-12970185276806857482016-11-27T13:23:00.004-05:002016-11-27T13:24:34.208-05:00Footprint Fossil<style>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;"></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Luke
1:18-19 “Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man
and my wife is well along in years.” The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. <b><u>I
stand in the presence of God</u></b>, and I have been sent to speak to you
and to tell you this good news.</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;"> Tracks
and trails are two types of fossils that can be found under the trace fossils
category. As with all other trace fossils, tracks and trails also tell more
about the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">organism's behavior</b> rather
than the organism itself. These are typically formed when an organism moves
over the surface of soft sediment and leave an impression of its movement
behind.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkvbx7MkARCnVNQpwVt1w0VFXA7NesnNLsUk3Cg27rwKQX6_gtQKqDX92Mlx2KUKj3vuSrOQ2ZjQwYxda7TB5DUAPJbxPEw4xVVZdkO9vOEN6BP0cLRabRhVjgDHj3NjjoHuobXkjcl0/s1600/footprint+fossils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkvbx7MkARCnVNQpwVt1w0VFXA7NesnNLsUk3Cg27rwKQX6_gtQKqDX92Mlx2KUKj3vuSrOQ2ZjQwYxda7TB5DUAPJbxPEw4xVVZdkO9vOEN6BP0cLRabRhVjgDHj3NjjoHuobXkjcl0/s320/footprint+fossils.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">There are
four basic stages in the formation of footprint fossils. A footprint is formed
when an organism steps into soft mud (usually silty sediment that is deposited
in shallow temporary pools.) Then the impression is covered with loose sand so
that the footprint is filled. The sand eventually consolidate into sandstone and
finally the rock split open along the bedding surface to reveal the original
footprint in the shale and its cast in the sandstone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Examining
the footprints left behind by dinosaurs give us a hint as to the size of the
dinosaur. Most of the time there is certain proportionality between an
organism's body and its legs (feet.) If the footprint left by the dinosaur is
huge, we can only fathom the size of the whole dinosaur. The actual footprint
provides us with a better estimate than any museum model.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">The
celebration and anniversary of the first advent (arrival) of God is what is
more commonly called Christmas. Christmas is God’s footprint fossil which
reveals God’s behavior as it relates to you and me…as we celebrate Christmas
and look over Christmas scriptures, I pray we will be influenced and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">embrace</b> God’s behavior as our own.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">You know I love ya, <span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Don</b></i></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><br /></span></span></div>
Don Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15976701784631574371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020380664129437933.post-69239483663144083232016-11-06T21:14:00.001-05:002016-11-06T21:14:44.214-05:00A Christian Vote!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNa_yORDo7m9YU7c3s-p_dud9Bs1eExLBA15we5DRE9ERhc_pThexrVMsILDGYv6Ow2jZKB1e4_VhpI9B5loPS9FUqJVqthrwU-hBh28wjGxyFphB9SakYH3Rr8Zk7rA0XUxZz5F6n5Y/s1600/Romans+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNa_yORDo7m9YU7c3s-p_dud9Bs1eExLBA15we5DRE9ERhc_pThexrVMsILDGYv6Ow2jZKB1e4_VhpI9B5loPS9FUqJVqthrwU-hBh28wjGxyFphB9SakYH3Rr8Zk7rA0XUxZz5F6n5Y/s320/Romans+13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Psalm
33:12 states: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom
he hath chosen for his own inheritance” </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Authority
figures come in all shapes and sizes and at different places in life: Moms and
dads, school teachers, bosses, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little
Johnny was going to a public school and he was doing very badly in math. So his
mother decided to put him into a Catholic school. When she got his report card
at the end of the term, his marks in math had improved tremendously. So she
asked him why. He replied, "When I saw that guy nailed to the plus sign, I
knew they meant business!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">There
are authority figures up and down your ballot this week. Paul writes to the
Roman church and speaks about authorities in this world: He teaches Authorities
are established by God, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Authorities
punish the wrongdoers, and Authorities must be respected by all.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">1. Authorities are
established by God.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Romans
13:1 – <i>“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is
no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist
have been established by God.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Everyone
must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that
which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by
God… ithe believers response is submission. Consequently, he who rebels against
the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so
will bring judgment on themselves. There is no authority except that which God
has established.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">The
Roman government was worse than what we see this election cycle. Paul is
reminding the believers…there is no authority except that which God has
established. Matthew 28:18 “Then Jesus came to them and said, "All
authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me…so God make disciples.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">The
law is God-ordained. No country in this world can live without some kind of
law. If there were no laws anywhere there would be complete chaos and evil
would run rampant. So God has ordained for mankind to have law and have
authorities over us such as the police, governors, and presidents…Remember, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God
is telling us how to live which influences our vote.</i></b></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Authorities are established by God.</span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">2. Authorities Punish
Wrong Doers.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Romans
13:3 – <i>“For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do
wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what
is right and he will commend you.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">A
routine police patrol parked outside a Lafayette, LA, Bar. After last call, the
officer noticed a man leaving the bar so intoxicated that he could barely walk.
The man stumbled around the street for a few minutes, with the officer quietly
observing. After what seemed an eternity and trying his keys on five vehicles,
the man managed to find his car, which he fell into. He was there for a few minutes
as a number of other patrons left the bar and drove off.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Finally
the man started the car, switched the wipers on and off (it was a fine dry
night), flicked the blinkers on and off, honked the horn, and then switched on
the lights. He moved the vehicle forward a few inches, reversed a little, and
then remained still for a few more minutes as some more vehicles left. At last
he pulled out of the parking lot and started to drive slowly down the road.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">The
police officer, having patiently waited all this time, now started up the
patrol car, put on the flashing lights, promptly pulled the man over, and
carried out a breathalyzer test. To his amazement, the breathalyzer indicated
no evidence of the man having consumed alcohol at all! Dumbfounded, the officer
said, "I'll have to ask you to accompany me to the police station. This
breathalyzer equipment must be broken."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">"I
doubt it," said the man. "Tonight I'm the designated decoy."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Christians
are not above the law, We are not above those in authority, we are also not to
avoid the law or cheat to get around the law. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">1
Timothy 2:1-4 <i>“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession
and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority,
that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This
is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come
to a knowledge of the truth.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">You
are voting for God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the
wrongdoer. On Tuesday (unless you voted early) we will be examining the person
whom we feel will be best at bringing punishment for those who do wrong and for
bring commendation for those who do right. In study, meditation, and prayer …
God reveals to us how to live … we learn we are to vote for the person who will
best preserve the truths of justice, humility, and liberty.</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Authorities are
established by God. </span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Authorities punish wrongdoers…</span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">3. Authorities must be
respected by all.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Romans
13:7 –<i> “Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if
revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">A
couple of young boys were fishing at their special pond off the beaten track.
All of a sudden, the game warden jumped out of the bushes. Immediately, one of
the boys threw his rod down and started running through the woods like a bat
out of a cave. The game warden was hot on his heels.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">After
about a half mile, the young man stopped and stooped over with his hands on his
thighs to catch his breath, so the game warden finally caught up to him.
"Let's see yer fishin' license, boy!" the warden gasped.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">With
that, the boy pulled out his wallet and gave the game warden a valid fishing
license. "Well, son," said the game warden, "you must be about
as dumb as a box of rocks! You don't have to run from me if you have a valid
license!" "Yes, sir," replied the young guy, "but my friend
back there, well, he don't have one."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Respect
for authorities or the law means to have a fishing license when it’s required.
Respect for the law means to abide by the law whatever that law is. Respect for
the law means to pay your taxes even if you don’t like to pay them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">The
authorities, whoever they are, are God’s servant and deserve our respect…when
the leaders and people of authority demonstrate their authority well … they
will also receive honor. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God is telling us … Christ-followers … <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>how to live which influences our vote.</i></b></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Authorities are
established by God. </span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Authorities punish wrongdoers.</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Authorities are to be respected by God’s
People.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">So what
are we to do?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Let’s
pray for our nation and take careful thought of how we will vote in any election.</span>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Daniel
Webster wrote: “Finally, let us not forget the religious character of our
origin. Our fathers were brought here by their high veneration for the
Christian religion. They journeyed by its light, and labored in its hope. They
sought to incorporate Biblical principles with the elements of their society,
and to diffuse its influence through all their institutions, civil, political,
or literary.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We live as Jesus to the
world … We live Christian values in our lives … including our votes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">You know I love ya, <span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Don</b></i></span> </span></div>
Don Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15976701784631574371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020380664129437933.post-12400884451049652922016-10-30T14:37:00.001-04:002016-10-30T14:37:12.835-04:00Own the Treasure!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNFgCKR3lRtzNJQHG9akmaLHR-Mo7iwPK0XoYg2m5ipLvzG19PdUSiRe3w8nPIy_QCjftWPyGtBdvaBaTNZIuQLSG0DJA8EGKIFNDplxibYzG5VPCqzLARLlckz4TauBvn4IduBKVdlQ/s1600/Power+Washer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNFgCKR3lRtzNJQHG9akmaLHR-Mo7iwPK0XoYg2m5ipLvzG19PdUSiRe3w8nPIy_QCjftWPyGtBdvaBaTNZIuQLSG0DJA8EGKIFNDplxibYzG5VPCqzLARLlckz4TauBvn4IduBKVdlQ/s320/Power+Washer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">John 9:4 –<span style="background-color: white;"> <i><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">“As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”</span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">When we treasure something, we display it and care for it. We want people to know we possess it. We are willing to polish and work at getting underneath the grime and power wash it … to shine. We need to own … to possess … take the opportunities of faith and make them ours. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">When the grime of life covers us… followers of Jesus can take comfort and assurance in finding the treasure underneath the grime. The treasure lives under the circumstance. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Our struggles are not about fault, the struggles peal away all that we are so all that is left … is God.</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">God desires us to come as we are ... with all our baggage, all our emotions, all our hopes and dreams, all of everything that we have. The treasure is discovered as we emerge closer, brighter, and more like Jesus because we trusted in Him…trusting in Jesus is the evidence and the substance.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">You are a child of God.</span></b> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">You are precious to God. You have the remarkable gift of being created in God’s image.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Stop asking the wrong question…why is this happening to me. INSTEAD … Look at your struggle and start scrubbing the grime and asking, “How is God going to be glorified in this situation?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I am striving to get beneath struggle and allow the treasure of Jesus to shine bright in my daily life, as I live between the miracles. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">You know I love ya, <span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Don</b></i></span></span></span></div>
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Don Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15976701784631574371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020380664129437933.post-5512179154443924122016-09-11T16:13:00.001-04:002016-09-11T16:13:19.430-04:00I Can Get it Done!!!
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Purpose is the reason for which something exists. Purpose is an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal. Purpose is the determination and resolute attitude.</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-size: large;">Paul told the Christian in Colossi in Colossians 3:12-14, </span><i>“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”</i><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Our purpose is to put on Christ and whatever we are find on our path will be accomplished through His purpose. Which is to shine the light of hope in every aspect of life.</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-size: large;">You might be thinking, “Don, I can’t not do all things…” </span><i><b>the reality is that God has created you to do all the things he has gifted you to do.</b></i><span style="font-size: large;"> Let that reality sink in for a minute. God has created you to do all the things he has gifted you to do. Which is much, much more than you allow yourself to do.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Look at this graphic. If I were to draw two circles… in the first </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqHL7RE96uuQ8L_0CswpW9kdI_wi212eTXN_64UTzehyphenhyphen5HAOemYfsUajuqCjhAQG8gJdZ0XZUrY76kBuqMeP_xGIAz6WrpvCMH9_HuxiS0GksgfsWl8wWun8GVpuKvqq1H4FFHIWn6m0/s1600/purpose-of-life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqHL7RE96uuQ8L_0CswpW9kdI_wi212eTXN_64UTzehyphenhyphen5HAOemYfsUajuqCjhAQG8gJdZ0XZUrY76kBuqMeP_xGIAz6WrpvCMH9_HuxiS0GksgfsWl8wWun8GVpuKvqq1H4FFHIWn6m0/s200/purpose-of-life.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">circle I would write, “Find your gift” and in the second circle write “share your gift” – where these to circles over-lap is your purpose. What do you feel gifted in doing and how are you sharing it? This is the purpose God has intended for you!</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-size: large;">I can (Persistence) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> do (Power) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> all things (Purpose)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> through Jesus that strengthens me… (Partnership).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">You know I love ya, <span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Don</b></i></span> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span></span></span></div>
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Don Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15976701784631574371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020380664129437933.post-37211274779833627952016-08-17T06:45:00.000-04:002016-08-17T06:45:04.195-04:00A New Perspective which Changes the Outcome!<br />
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">But Christians possess the righteousness of Christ, because <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we learn in 2 Cor. 5:21 - <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God”</span></i></b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">This is an amazing truth. On the cross, Jesus exchanged our sin for His perfect righteousness so that we can one day stand before God and He will see not our sin, but the holy righteousness of the Lord Jesus.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">An eternal perspective on Jesus … shapes our outcome.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">We respond differently when we realize that the power of God<i> (He is mighty, majestic, and strength – stronger than the ocean)</i> … the power of God is experienced through his coming to live among us, die for us, and then conquer the death by returning to life. This changes the outcome.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">This is great news for us ... especially in a world filled with agendas and desire ... you know I love ya, <span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Don</b></i></span> </span></span></div>
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Don Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15976701784631574371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020380664129437933.post-12410438654055427042016-08-14T15:44:00.001-04:002016-08-14T15:50:30.292-04:00A God Perspective changes our Attitude!<br />
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Psalm 93:1 - <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">“The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and is armed with strength…”</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 24px;">When I stand on a beach, looking out over the ocean, I realize how truly small I am … the same is true when we examine the vast, supremacy of God. When we stop focusing on ourselves and start to recognize that God Reigns, God is Robed (Covered) in Majesty, and is Armed with Strength … out attitude changes. You and I start to realize it is not about Us! A God perspective shapes our attitude!!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">One day when His disciples were arguing among themselves regarding who was to be greatest in His kingdom, Jesus said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:25-28). Jesus is teaching us that, when we become preoccupied with our own things, it can cause conflicts and other problems with people we know.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Jesus was teaching the disciples to have a GOD Attitude… it is an attitude of living, caring and being involved in the concerns of others…a trip to the beach takes us to a place that is bigger than me </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> … <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A God Perspective shapes our attitude!</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You know I love ya, </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Don </span></i></b></span></span></div>
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Don Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15976701784631574371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020380664129437933.post-69002228965308144322016-08-11T05:54:00.000-04:002016-08-11T05:54:00.152-04:00Jehovah God is Fearless!!!
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Psalm 8:3-4 - <i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">“God Says, “When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm. To the arrogant I say, “Boast no more,” and to the wicked, “Do not lift up your horns.”</span></span></i></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTenAcpv4S0cWRQZy8ijJhfyYEqcC7xFfv-w_nRNRR6vPbjhw-CddOQHdoizOilAMKbCUF8wWKoq3M61s6SyNKSNIPAXeFecjVVPCtJ_J2HhWKRTggKnp420nDysnQDJfNmPqCMAC7fU/s1600/Fearless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTenAcpv4S0cWRQZy8ijJhfyYEqcC7xFfv-w_nRNRR6vPbjhw-CddOQHdoizOilAMKbCUF8wWKoq3M61s6SyNKSNIPAXeFecjVVPCtJ_J2HhWKRTggKnp420nDysnQDJfNmPqCMAC7fU/s320/Fearless.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">God is fearless … he is not capable of being afraid. Let that sink in for a moment … <span style="-evernote-highlight: true; background-color: #fffaa5;">God is not capable of being afraid of anything.</span> In the desert last week, we were strongly encouraged to pick-up rocks away from us, in the event that under the rock was a snake or a scorpion. I did not see one snake or one scorpion.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The psalmist is teaching us that God doesn’t need a warning…God is fearless.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Our God looks at evil in the eye and gives his own life as a ransom.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">He looks at the death of the unborn babies and cries out hope in love and forgiveness.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">He experiences the challenge of religions and philosophies and remains strong and faithful to his drive and his passion to be friends with men and women.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Our God, holds the universe together in order to have a relationship with you and with me…</span></span></div>
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<span style="-evernote-highlight: true; background-color: #fffaa5;"><b><span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">It is not within the capacity of Jehovah God to fear… he is fearless. </span></span></b><span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="background-color: white;"><span>What a joy to know the reality that God is fearless!</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="-evernote-highlight: true; background-color: #fffaa5;"><span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="background-color: white;"><span>You know I love ya, <span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Don</b></i></span></span></span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><br /></span></span></span></span></b></span></div>
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Don Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15976701784631574371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020380664129437933.post-53312009276576247282016-08-09T05:51:00.000-04:002016-08-09T05:51:08.488-04:00A Characteristic of God is that He is NEAR!
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Psalm 75:1 - <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">“We give thanks, for your Name is near …” </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Remember when this was written, God’s presence was in the tabernacle followed by the Temple. Even in the Old Testament, we see that God does not simply dwell in a structure … the very mention of His name and He is near.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">How do you know when something is near or close? Your senses tell that you are near something or close to something. When I am close to boiling water, I can see the bubbles, watch the steam and I can put my hand up and feel the heat on the palm of my hand. When I am close to a light bulb, I can see the light, but I can also feel it. When I am close to a campfire, I can see it and I can smell it and I can usually hear it. The same is true of the close character of God … <span style="-evernote-highlight: true; background-color: #fffaa5;"><b>I have to choose to use my senses.</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">When I neglect my senses, I get burned by the boiling water, I stumble around in the dark, and I can start a forest fire by neglecting the campfire…When we neglect the close character of God, we stumble and we become afraid …<span style="-evernote-highlight: true; background-color: #fffaa5;"><b>we allow fear takes control of our situation. </b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Corrie ten Boom said, <i>“When a train goes through a tunnel and it get gets dark, you don’t throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer.”</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Psalm 75 is teaching us to sit still and trust God because he is close, he is near … <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It is in God’s Character to be near!</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I am so grateful for the nearness of God. You know I love ya</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">, <span style="color: blue;"></span></i></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Don</span> </i></b></span></span></div>
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Don Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15976701784631574371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020380664129437933.post-55773247274647140302016-08-07T17:48:00.002-04:002016-08-07T17:48:47.799-04:00Definition of Fear ... if we trust God, why do we fear?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: 24px;">We serve a good, good God…He is not a God fear or regret … Fear is the emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being threatened cause us to be scared. Fear is</span></span><b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 24px;"> False Evidence Appearing Real</b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 24px;">… What scares God? Obviously, nothing! God is in control and will remain in control of all things. <span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">I love to sing</span> … How great is our God! He is God. So, If God is on our side, what do we have to fear?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 24px;">Something to <span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">ponder, you know I love ya, <span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Don</b></i></span></span> </span></span>Don Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15976701784631574371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020380664129437933.post-76174178785918365142016-06-27T08:56:00.000-04:002016-06-27T08:59:47.720-04:00Happy Independence Day!!!The American Independence Day is a reminder of how the lesser over comes the stronger. It is a place of determination and persistence. It is what God was willing to do for you and for me in order to call us His own. I celebrate as an American and celebrate freedom because of a gracious God. <br />
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This is a great video to remind us how the American Revolution changed the world.<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HwWi0zdF7wk/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HwWi0zdF7wk?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/american-revolution-history/videos/american-revolution<br />
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You know I love ya, <span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Don</b></i></span>Don Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15976701784631574371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020380664129437933.post-26018135308537936172016-05-23T06:41:00.000-04:002016-05-22T14:42:49.771-04:00Show the Love by Sharing the Strength!<style>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVpHIIDaNx06insUcjMSUrPBYfjuzPoiuaz39kvuaByemmPO9PdMsuDalMiHI53r8gh1oqdqynYiBfD_yfaS2ICc6eoFk8rYohSOciezRcYzjnDSoILeaKoCJYELudrofhH6hkFtBYM8/s1600/Strength.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVpHIIDaNx06insUcjMSUrPBYfjuzPoiuaz39kvuaByemmPO9PdMsuDalMiHI53r8gh1oqdqynYiBfD_yfaS2ICc6eoFk8rYohSOciezRcYzjnDSoILeaKoCJYELudrofhH6hkFtBYM8/s320/Strength.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">1 Corinthians 4:6 – <i>“</i></span><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">For
God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our
hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of
Christ.”</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">God has
shined a light in the darkest reaches of the heart of a follower of Jesus. The
God of light therefore acts quite differently from the god of this world, who
blinds people, flings them into utter darkness, and hardens their hearts (4:4).
Paul alludes here to the creation account in Gen 1:3–4: “God said, ‘Let there
be light.’ ” </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Paul is
teaching us that the same God who created light in the midst of chaos at the
beginning of creation beamed that supernatural light into the heart of the
believer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">The image of light shining
reminds most interpreters of the account of Paul’s own conversion experience
recorded in Acts. In Acts it is described as a light from heaven and connected
with glory and “brilliance” of Jesus. Acts does not portray this event as some
internal awakening but as an <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">external reality</i></b>. What Paul makes
clear here is that the external reality became an internal reality. Paul was no
longer defined by his sin, he is defined by his relationship with the light.
God offered new possibilities. We have new opportunities as well.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">The new possibilities are the
strength discovered in Christ’s love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
Little girl was holding two apples; Her mother asked for one. The girl quickly
bit one apple and then bit into the other… the mother was disappointed … Then
the girl handed one to her mother and said, “Here this is the sweeter one.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">My friends, the strength we gain
in knowing the bitter taste of the world verses the sweet and everlasting taste
of God’s strength is what we are showing those around us. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">We show the love of Jesus when we
show our strength discovered in Jesus. </span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">You know I love ya</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;">, <span style="color: blue;">Don</span> </span></i></b></div>
Don Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15976701784631574371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020380664129437933.post-13606956580276458422016-05-22T14:39:00.000-04:002016-05-22T14:39:29.684-04:00Christianity is not an arrest ... it is a release!
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezep0aJx6iFpGQ8qlejo7WZ6eEoeio1bS1ePGHHyv2ZtRE5PLIqVK_yhlnvPMHG7EUOzfwVkeeM-3plT_UPoQt93y_NCEEGfccZhj8UMI_jUBKqRE05naFxE81VZaS7QCePLT1bNOqwY/s1600/discovery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezep0aJx6iFpGQ8qlejo7WZ6eEoeio1bS1ePGHHyv2ZtRE5PLIqVK_yhlnvPMHG7EUOzfwVkeeM-3plT_UPoQt93y_NCEEGfccZhj8UMI_jUBKqRE05naFxE81VZaS7QCePLT1bNOqwY/s320/discovery.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">A
grandmother overheard her 5-year-old granddaughter playing "wedding.” She had her teddy bear and dolly ready for to be man and wife. The
wedding ceremony went like this: "Dear Friends. We have gathered here to
join this man and this woman in marriage. The man goes first… Repeat after me.
<i>“You have the right to remain silent, anything you say may be held against you,
you have the right to have an attorney present.”</i> Now, you may kiss the bride.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Many
Christian live as if being a Christian is a death sentence. Following Jesus is
not like being arrested … it is an opportunity to get beyond the hell of sin
and into the strength, the love and the light of living. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">What does
it mean to SHOW? – To SHOW that love of Christ is to allow or cause the love of
Christ to be visible. We make Jesus visible (or reveal Jesus) when we show the
world His strength in us, His heart in us, and His light in us.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">So, lets get beyond our pride, stop remaining silent and get out to show we love Jesus!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">You know I love ya,<span style="color: blue;"><i><b> Don</b></i></span> </span></div>
Don Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15976701784631574371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020380664129437933.post-53271474083695285362016-04-20T06:59:00.000-04:002016-04-20T06:59:10.038-04:00The Church is the Embodiment of Grace and Truth!
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">John
1:14: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his
glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of Grace
and Truth.”</span></b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0f9rk4QkOAzN0VBPxD-k6kO5wz1hbrap7bOE-1RziZDf9CMnmO7NlgUnfGD0XP12fy4an23zmjU5QZtRWCcZes7CgAU_aH3MvB8-vFeALOGdEMsnePSXpuW8ywEV5b5LFbtQOL9Sy5U/s1600/grace+and+truth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0f9rk4QkOAzN0VBPxD-k6kO5wz1hbrap7bOE-1RziZDf9CMnmO7NlgUnfGD0XP12fy4an23zmjU5QZtRWCcZes7CgAU_aH3MvB8-vFeALOGdEMsnePSXpuW8ywEV5b5LFbtQOL9Sy5U/s320/grace+and+truth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I love the thought that you and I are to be FULL of both grace and
truth. Jesus and the N.T. does not suggest a balance between grace and truth,
but the full <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">embodiment</b> of grace and
truth. Jesus did not come to strike a balance between grace and truth, but He
brought the FULL MEASURE of both. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So what is
Grace and Truth?</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <i><b>Grace</b></i>
is generous, free and totally unexpected and undeserved acceptance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <i><b>Truth</b></i>
is is that which confirms reality, fact, or actuality. We don’t have time to
debate the philosophy, the historical, or even the age-old question, what is
truth. This definition will work for our purposes … In other words, what Jesus
is teaching and revealing is that the confirmation of my faith is when I live
it in reality, as fact, and in actuality. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The church is the embodiment of BOTH Grace and Truth. Now listen,
the only group Jesus consistently condemned were graceless religious people –
those who misused truth to control through guilt, fear, and condemnation. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The bible is the ultimate truth which is filled with the ultimate
of grace. The church (You and I) is to be characterized by a full dose of truth
… calling sin what it is and pointing to the purity and holiness that comes
through believing, accepting, and uniting with Jesus … AND characterized by a
full does of grace. THIS IS A CHALLENGE!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It takes boldness, commitment, and to move beyond yourself! How do
we do this? </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">First, We confront sin! In our own lives and in the lives of those
around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Second, We don’t ostracize the person, including ourselves … Jesus
always looked beyond the sin, to the person and helped them to see a greater
possibility through living the truth. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I want to commit to having soft hearts of grace and calloused hands from serving! You know I love ya, <span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Don</b></i></span> </span></div>
Don Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15976701784631574371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020380664129437933.post-39682829728447672362016-04-17T13:52:00.003-04:002016-04-17T13:53:28.030-04:00How Important is the church?<style>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WfLN4-7Zg2dSXd-0oTE00eiywW8qRu30z6Nzaf202oQ7XQGbZ-ExVdEBDMl9lvcGbI_KBGq6BQCCUsBVvp2c5R_uIktcRx3GAVwUG6pBEyduzjjU0V4a8Zc7z9TZoNAEiVq5wWsE7Us/s1600/Church+Matter%253F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WfLN4-7Zg2dSXd-0oTE00eiywW8qRu30z6Nzaf202oQ7XQGbZ-ExVdEBDMl9lvcGbI_KBGq6BQCCUsBVvp2c5R_uIktcRx3GAVwUG6pBEyduzjjU0V4a8Zc7z9TZoNAEiVq5wWsE7Us/s320/Church+Matter%253F.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
wonder, if we were to ask the person in the street, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Why is the church important?” </i></b>…
we would get a wide range of answers. Some would laugh at the question, because
for them the church has no importance. </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Others might see the church in the same category
as museums:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The church preserves things from the past…</i> They’re a nice place to
visit on rainy days, where you can observe how quaintly people used to live,
but they’re out of touch with our modern world. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Others might couch their answer in political terms: </i>They view the church
as a powerful voting block to oppose the erosion of morality and to preserve
the family. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Or,
some might respond to our question by saying that they see the church’s
importance as a social institution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It helps
meet the physical needs of the poor and the emotional needs of the lonely and
distraught. It ministers to people at the pivotal times of life: birth,
marriage, death … </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For many American churchgoers, the church is important because
it meets many of their personal needs. They shop around for a church that makes
them feel good each week…when they feel good, they is no reason to go. It is a weekly
boost that enables them to cope with life. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Then,
we come to a short, balding man with a beard, who looks decidedly Jewish. Somewhat
hesitantly, we ask him,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sir, we’re
asking people the question,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Why is the
church important?’ Would you care to comment?” </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He
says, “I believe the church of Jesus Christ is the most important force in the
world today. Its task is more important than all the governments and
universities of the world combined. There is nothing to compare with it!” We
reply, “That’s a pretty strong statement, sir! Why do you say that?” </span></div>
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<span style="background: yellow; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He
leans forward and says, </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Because the
most significant event in human history was when the living God took on human
flesh and lived among us as the Lord Jesus Christ to bear our sins. And since
He ascended into heaven, His church now reveals Him on earth, even as He
revealed God when He was on earth.” So, The church is important because it
reveals Christ, even as Christ reveals God in human flesh.” </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
believe this statement with all my heart, even more today that ever before. The
church is the unified assembly bearing the embodiment of Grace and Truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> You know I love ya, now go out and be Jesus to somebody! <span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Don</b></i></span></span></span></div>
Don Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15976701784631574371noreply@blogger.com0