UNDER HIS WINGS
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Today in World War II History
65 Years Ago—January 31, 1945: The German Army in France and Belgium is pushed back to positions held before the Battle of the Bulge. Soviets cross German border into Brandenburg province, one hundred miles from Berlin.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Today in World War II History
70 Years Ago—January 30, 1940: US sends out the first Social Security check, for $22.54 to a retired Vermont teacher.
65 Years Ago—January 30, 1945: Soviets sink German liner Wilhelm Gustloff, killing 7000 German refugees from East Prussia in the worst maritime disaster in history. US Rangers rescue 512 Allied POWs at Cabanatuan on Luzon in the Philippines.
65 Years Ago—January 30, 1945: Soviets sink German liner Wilhelm Gustloff, killing 7000 German refugees from East Prussia in the worst maritime disaster in history. US Rangers rescue 512 Allied POWs at Cabanatuan on Luzon in the Philippines.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Today in World War II History
65 Years Ago—January 29, 1945: Seaman Leon LeRoy, returning home to Antioch, California to comfort his recently widowed mother, is bumped off his flight by the dog of Col. Elliott Roosevelt, son of the president.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Today in World War II History
65 Years Ago—January 28, 1945: US Sixth Army takes Clark Field and Fort Stotsenburg on Luzon in the Philippines.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Abide
"What's your word of the year?"
This challenge came from our Christian radio station - to find a personal theme word of the year. I already had it. While I cringe at the idea that the Lord is bound by our calendar or that He communicates with everyone the same way, the past few years He has given me words, concepts that He impresses on me. First it was "holy" as He taught me about His holiness, and then it was "grace," both His for me and the grace I'm to show to others.
This year it's "abide." Everywhere I look, this word pops up, a good sign God is trying to get through to me. In John 15:5 (NASB), Jesus says, "'I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.'"
I want to bear fruit. I want to write and speak powerful words that teach people about the Lord and help them grow. I want to have a deep and positive impact on the people in my life.
But sometimes I get too wrapped up in the fruit-bearing...and neglect the Vine. How stupid is that? How can I produce any good work for the Lord without Him?
I can't. And I don't want to.
This year - and for the rest of my life - I want to concentrate on abiding in Jesus, attaching myself to my only source of life, of power, and of creativity.
How about you? Do you have a "word of the year" or something God is trying to teach you?
This challenge came from our Christian radio station - to find a personal theme word of the year. I already had it. While I cringe at the idea that the Lord is bound by our calendar or that He communicates with everyone the same way, the past few years He has given me words, concepts that He impresses on me. First it was "holy" as He taught me about His holiness, and then it was "grace," both His for me and the grace I'm to show to others.
This year it's "abide." Everywhere I look, this word pops up, a good sign God is trying to get through to me. In John 15:5 (NASB), Jesus says, "'I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.'"
I want to bear fruit. I want to write and speak powerful words that teach people about the Lord and help them grow. I want to have a deep and positive impact on the people in my life.
But sometimes I get too wrapped up in the fruit-bearing...and neglect the Vine. How stupid is that? How can I produce any good work for the Lord without Him?
I can't. And I don't want to.
This year - and for the rest of my life - I want to concentrate on abiding in Jesus, attaching myself to my only source of life, of power, and of creativity.
How about you? Do you have a "word of the year" or something God is trying to teach you?
Today in World War II History
65 Years Ago—January 27, 1945: Soviets liberate the Nazi concentration camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau. Allies reopen the Burma Road, a crucial connection between Burma and Allied China.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Today in World War II History
65 Years Ago—January 26, 1945: Lt. Audie Murphy single-handedly repels a German tank attack near Colmar in France, for which he later receives the Medal of Honor. Soviets reach the Prussian coast at Elbing, cutting East Prussia from Germany.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Today in World War II History
65 Years Ago—January 24, 1945: German troops begin evacuating from Slovakia as Soviets advance.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Today in World War II History
65 Years Ago—January 23, 1945: US Ninth Army retakes St. Vith in Belgium from Germans. Nazis execute Count von Moltke, leader of the German Kreisau Circle resistance group.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Wrestling with God
Most of us have a mental image of the ideal believer—shiny-faced, unquestioning, always good and cheerful and obedient. So what about those who struggle and grumble, doubt and disobey?
Sometimes God blesses them and makes nations out of them.
Jacob was no model of godly behavior. He lied and cheated and deceived. Talking to his father, Isaac, he referred to “the Lord your God.” Fleeing from his furious, betrayed brother Esau, Jacob made a brazen bargain with God: “’If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s house, then the Lord will be my God’” (Genesis 28: 20-21). Twenty years later, Jacob returned home, laden with wives and children and flocks, and on the way, he physically wrestled with the Lord. And God told him, “’Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome’” (Genesis 32: 28). Only then did Jacob acknowledge the Lord as his God and build an altar to Him.
The name Israel means “he struggles with God.” The Lord chose this God-wrestler to be the father of a nation and to bless all the nations through his descendant Jesus.
Perhaps we should alter our mental image of the ideal believer to include those who struggle with God, ask the hard questions, take doubts to Him—and overcome.
How about you? Wrestled with God lately?
Sometimes God blesses them and makes nations out of them.
Jacob was no model of godly behavior. He lied and cheated and deceived. Talking to his father, Isaac, he referred to “the Lord your God.” Fleeing from his furious, betrayed brother Esau, Jacob made a brazen bargain with God: “’If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s house, then the Lord will be my God’” (Genesis 28: 20-21). Twenty years later, Jacob returned home, laden with wives and children and flocks, and on the way, he physically wrestled with the Lord. And God told him, “’Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome’” (Genesis 32: 28). Only then did Jacob acknowledge the Lord as his God and build an altar to Him.
The name Israel means “he struggles with God.” The Lord chose this God-wrestler to be the father of a nation and to bless all the nations through his descendant Jesus.
Perhaps we should alter our mental image of the ideal believer to include those who struggle with God, ask the hard questions, take doubts to Him—and overcome.
How about you? Wrestled with God lately?
Today in World War II History
65 Years Ago—January 22, 1945: In Burma, the British take Monywa, and US and Chinese troops take Lashio.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Today in World War II History
70 Years Ago—January 21, 1940: British ship HMS Gloucester stops Japanese liner Asamu Maru and captures 21 German technicians.
65 Years Ago—January 21, 1945: Halsey’s Third Fleet is attacked by kamikazes off Luzon while returning to Ulithi Atoll.
65 Years Ago—January 21, 1945: Halsey’s Third Fleet is attacked by kamikazes off Luzon while returning to Ulithi Atoll.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Announcing a New Column
Good news for all of you who are involved in women's ministries or who are authors. My friend Laura Wrede has started a new women's ministry column in the Examiner, a national on-line newspaper. Please read her letter below:
My name is Laura Wrede and I have been writing for Examiner.com as a Travel writer for some time and was recently assigned the "National Women's Ministry" column due to my education and experience (but most of all, I believe...God's directing).
I feel I have been allowed the unique opportunity to take advantage of writing for a secular publication (with over 7 million readers and climbing) and offering a place where woman, who follow my column, can share their Christian worldview (this gives them a larger voice than a personal blog might).
I am creating a "guest spot" for authors and writers where I will highlight their work, ministry, and thoughts on what is relevant to today's Christian Woman. If they have a personal website or blog, I would include a linkback in the source section.
In general this column is for all women who want to share their comments and be part of a larger online community where not everyone is Christian (a good testimony opportunity).
The way that examiner works is by popularity. The more people who look at the articles, subscribe and comment, the more popular that column is. The more popular...the more often it is found on the home page- page one where all see it, not just Christians searching for Christ focused reading. What an amazing witness opportunity!
Right now, the most read (popular) columns on examiner.com in the "Religion category" under "Lifestyles" are the Atheist columnist and the Humanist columnist!
I want to change that! And I need women like you to show the world that God is still alive and well and flourishing in the US. As Christians, we tend to stick to Christian publications, but miss the opportunity to give voice to our faith among the world!
From you and others, I am looking for the following:
1. Subscribe and follow the articles and Twitter them. Invite all your social contacts, friends, family, church members, etc. to do the same.
2. Comment on the content so that others can benefit from your point of view.
3. Suggest relevant topics concerning Women's ministry and Women's issues that you would like to see in print (emailed to me)
4. Suggest authors that deserve to have the spotlight on them for their work. The authors do not necessarily have to be well known, nationally published authors. In fact, we prefer to showcase little known, yet promising authors. If you feel that describes you, please do not be shy, tell me about you! (emailed to me)
5. Suggest a story of someone you know that would be an inspiration to other women in their faith (emailed to me).
6. Put a link to the column on your blog with a little blurb and invite others to subscribe.
I can only reach out to others, tell them about the opportunity, write what I beleive God wants me to share in the articles, and answer emails. I cannot do this alone, but together we can do it.
Does this sound like something you would be interested in? If so just pass on the instructions and link to others...spread the word and email me if you have any thing to share. Here is a link to one of my articles to check out.
http://www.examiner.com/x-35833-Womens-Ministry-Examiner~y2010m1d13-Women-who-feel-trapped-by-circumstances-in-life
Thank you so much for your interest and help in spreading the word. I look forward to hearing from you.
God Bless you,
Laura Wrede
National Women's Ministry Writer, Examiner.com
http://us.mc828.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=L.wrede@verizon.net
My name is Laura Wrede and I have been writing for Examiner.com as a Travel writer for some time and was recently assigned the "National Women's Ministry" column due to my education and experience (but most of all, I believe...God's directing).I feel I have been allowed the unique opportunity to take advantage of writing for a secular publication (with over 7 million readers and climbing) and offering a place where woman, who follow my column, can share their Christian worldview (this gives them a larger voice than a personal blog might).
I am creating a "guest spot" for authors and writers where I will highlight their work, ministry, and thoughts on what is relevant to today's Christian Woman. If they have a personal website or blog, I would include a linkback in the source section.
In general this column is for all women who want to share their comments and be part of a larger online community where not everyone is Christian (a good testimony opportunity).
The way that examiner works is by popularity. The more people who look at the articles, subscribe and comment, the more popular that column is. The more popular...the more often it is found on the home page- page one where all see it, not just Christians searching for Christ focused reading. What an amazing witness opportunity!
Right now, the most read (popular) columns on examiner.com in the "Religion category" under "Lifestyles" are the Atheist columnist and the Humanist columnist!
I want to change that! And I need women like you to show the world that God is still alive and well and flourishing in the US. As Christians, we tend to stick to Christian publications, but miss the opportunity to give voice to our faith among the world!
From you and others, I am looking for the following:
1. Subscribe and follow the articles and Twitter them. Invite all your social contacts, friends, family, church members, etc. to do the same.
2. Comment on the content so that others can benefit from your point of view.
3. Suggest relevant topics concerning Women's ministry and Women's issues that you would like to see in print (emailed to me)
4. Suggest authors that deserve to have the spotlight on them for their work. The authors do not necessarily have to be well known, nationally published authors. In fact, we prefer to showcase little known, yet promising authors. If you feel that describes you, please do not be shy, tell me about you! (emailed to me)
5. Suggest a story of someone you know that would be an inspiration to other women in their faith (emailed to me).
6. Put a link to the column on your blog with a little blurb and invite others to subscribe.
I can only reach out to others, tell them about the opportunity, write what I beleive God wants me to share in the articles, and answer emails. I cannot do this alone, but together we can do it.
Does this sound like something you would be interested in? If so just pass on the instructions and link to others...spread the word and email me if you have any thing to share. Here is a link to one of my articles to check out.
http://www.examiner.com/x-35833-Womens-Ministry-Examiner~y2010m1d13-Women-who-feel-trapped-by-circumstances-in-life
Thank you so much for your interest and help in spreading the word. I look forward to hearing from you.
God Bless you,
Laura Wrede
National Women's Ministry Writer, Examiner.com
http://us.mc828.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=L.wrede@verizon.net
Today in World War II History
70 Years Ago—January 20, 1940: Britain and France agree to send troops and supplies to aid Finland, but they do not arrive in time.
65 Years Ago—January 20, 1945: Hungary surrenders to the Soviets. President Franklin D. Roosevelt is inaugurated for his fourth term. New song in the Top Ten: “Accentuate the Positive.”
65 Years Ago—January 20, 1945: Hungary surrenders to the Soviets. President Franklin D. Roosevelt is inaugurated for his fourth term. New song in the Top Ten: “Accentuate the Positive.”
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Today in World War II History
65 Years Ago—January 19, 1945: Soviets take Lodz and Krakow in Poland, and cross Polish-Silesian border.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Today in World War II History
65 Years Ago—January 18, 1945: In the Philippines, the US Sixth Army drives south from Lingayen Gulf toward Manila.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Today in World War II History
65 Years Ago—January 16, 1945: The Battle of the Bulge ends as US First and Third Armies meet in Houffalize, Belgium, cutting off the tip of the Bulge, but trapping few Germans. Hitler enters his bunker under the Chancellery and will never leave Berlin again.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Today in World War II History
65 Years Ago—January 15, 1945: Japanese launch drive toward isolated US 14th Air Force bases in eastern China and the Hengyang-Canton railroad. In the US, a nationwide dim-out is ordered to conserve fuel.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Today in World War II History
70 Years Ago—January 14, 1940: Adm. Mitsumasa Yonai forms a new government in Japan, but he is opposed by the pro-war military.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The Faces of Haiti
The whole world is devastated by the news from Haiti. We can't fathom the suffering and loss of life piled on top of the difficulties this impoverished nation already endures.I wanted to show you the faces of Haiti - before the quake - so we know who we're praying for. Each year my husband, Dave, goes to Haiti with a group of men from our church to help with construction at a village school which also feeds hundreds of orphans every day. He's grown to love these people deeply.
These people are more than dust-covered faceless victims - they are God's beloved children. Look at these faces. Pray for these people and countless more like them. And pray for God to perform a mighty work in this country.
Today in World War II History
70 Years Ago—January 13, 1940: FBI arrests 17 members of pro-Nazi “Christian Front” for plotting to kill congressmen; later acquitted.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Today in World War II History
70 Years Ago—January 12, 1940: Movie premiere of The Shop Around the Corner with Jimmy Stewart & Margaret Sullavan.
65 Years Ago—January 12, 1945: Soviets launch offensive across Vistula River in Poland.
65 Years Ago—January 12, 1945: Soviets launch offensive across Vistula River in Poland.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Today in World War II History
65 Years Ago—January 11, 1945: In Burma, British attempt to cross the Irrawaddy River but withdraw under fierce bayonet attack.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Today in World War II History
70 Years Ago—January 10, 1940: A Luftwaffe officer mistakenly lands in Belgium carrying plans for the German invasion of the west scheduled to start January 17; Germans forced to make new plans.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Today in World War II History
65 Years Ago—January 9, 1945: US Sixth Army lands at Lingayen Gulf on Luzon in the Philippines; beachhead established as Japanese have withdrawn inland.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Today in World War II History
70 Years Ago—January 8, 1940: In Britain, ration books are introduced as program expands—each person to receive 4 oz of bacon or ham, 8 oz of butter, and 12 oz of sugar weekly.
65 Years Ago—January 8, 1945: Japanese execute Filipino resistance leader Colonel Pastor Martelino.
65 Years Ago—January 8, 1945: Japanese execute Filipino resistance leader Colonel Pastor Martelino.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Little Dark Lies
“White lies are harmless as long as you use good judgment.”
“You may tell a white lie to avoid discussion. But that only breeds mistrust and distance.”
These quotes from two marriage and family experts appeared in the article “’Fess up or Fib?” by Jessica Yadegaran in the Contra Costa Times on January 6, 2010. Which expert is right?
Lying is so easy. If I lie about my mistakes, I avoid the consequences. One little white lie about a friend’s new outfit and I make her happy. Conceal a purchase from my husband and he won’t lecture me about my spending habits. A well-told lie can make life feel smooth.
But lying becomes a habit. We feel more comfortable making mistakes, knowing we can talk our way out of them. Underlying issues grow in magnitude as necessary conflict is put off. Then we’re caught in a bald-faced lie, and trust is shattered. And trust shattered is not easily glued back together.
Truth is hard. But truth is right. Truth means owning up to our mistakes. Truth means finding a creative way to compliment a friend even if we don’t care for her fashion sense. Truth means opening up to those we love, exposing ourselves to the pain of conflict—and to growth.
Let’s look to the only Expert who matters. God never condones lying, even little white lies. Rather, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful” (Proverbs 12: 22). The story of Jacob and Rebekah deceiving Isaac for his blessing shows the disastrous results of lying—anger, threatened murder, and a family fractured.
As in most things, God calls us to the difficult road. Truth requires humility, creativity, and hard work. But it’s always worth it.
“You may tell a white lie to avoid discussion. But that only breeds mistrust and distance.”
These quotes from two marriage and family experts appeared in the article “’Fess up or Fib?” by Jessica Yadegaran in the Contra Costa Times on January 6, 2010. Which expert is right?
Lying is so easy. If I lie about my mistakes, I avoid the consequences. One little white lie about a friend’s new outfit and I make her happy. Conceal a purchase from my husband and he won’t lecture me about my spending habits. A well-told lie can make life feel smooth.
But lying becomes a habit. We feel more comfortable making mistakes, knowing we can talk our way out of them. Underlying issues grow in magnitude as necessary conflict is put off. Then we’re caught in a bald-faced lie, and trust is shattered. And trust shattered is not easily glued back together.
Truth is hard. But truth is right. Truth means owning up to our mistakes. Truth means finding a creative way to compliment a friend even if we don’t care for her fashion sense. Truth means opening up to those we love, exposing ourselves to the pain of conflict—and to growth.
Let’s look to the only Expert who matters. God never condones lying, even little white lies. Rather, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful” (Proverbs 12: 22). The story of Jacob and Rebekah deceiving Isaac for his blessing shows the disastrous results of lying—anger, threatened murder, and a family fractured.
As in most things, God calls us to the difficult road. Truth requires humility, creativity, and hard work. But it’s always worth it.
Today in World War II History
65 Years Ago—January 7, 1945: German Navy begins evacuating troops trapped by the Soviet advance along the Baltic in Latvia and Lithuania.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Today in World War II History
70 Years Ago—January 6, 1940: British declare Germans may not use Norwegian waters.
65 Years Ago—January 6, 1945: Kamikazes attack US fleet entering Lingayen Gulf in the Philippines.
65 Years Ago—January 6, 1945: Kamikazes attack US fleet entering Lingayen Gulf in the Philippines.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Today in World War II History
70 Years Ago—January 5, 1940: In the Battle of Suomussalmi, Finns encircle 18,000 Russians north of Lake Ladoga, Finland.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Today in World War II History
65 Years Ago—January 4, 1945: In Burma, British land on and take Akyab Island. Burma is now secured from Akyab to Mandalay, and north of the Irrawaddy River.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Today in World War II History
70 Years Ago—January 3, 1940: President Roosevelt calls for $1.8 billion in defense appropriations.
65 Years Ago—January 3, 1945: In the Battle of the Bulge, British and US First Armies begin offensive to north flank of Bulge.
65 Years Ago—January 3, 1945: In the Battle of the Bulge, British and US First Armies begin offensive to north flank of Bulge.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Today in World War II History
65 Years Ago—January 2, 1945: Japanese-Americans are no longer excluded from the US West Coast.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Winner of the 12 Pearls of Christmas Contest
Click on the link below to find out the winner of the 3-strand string of pearls from the 12 Pearls of Christmas contest - no, it wasn't one of my readers.
'Click the Share button to create links to this email on popular social networking and bookmarking size like Facebook, Twitter, and Digg.'
'Click the Share button to create links to this email on popular social networking and bookmarking size like Facebook, Twitter, and Digg.'
Today in World War II History
70 Years Ago—January 1, 1940: In the Rose Parade, Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy serve as grand marshals.
65 Years Ago—January 1, 1945: Germans launch Nordwind offensive against US Seventh and French Armies into Alsace toward Strasbourg, and 900 Luftwaffe aircraft strafe Allied air bases in France and Belgium, destroying 200 aircraft but losing 300.
65 Years Ago—January 1, 1945: Germans launch Nordwind offensive against US Seventh and French Armies into Alsace toward Strasbourg, and 900 Luftwaffe aircraft strafe Allied air bases in France and Belgium, destroying 200 aircraft but losing 300.
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