Keeping ‘COVID - 19’ at bay

April 5, 2020 will be Palm Sunday.  Even churches of 20 or less should make use technology with the use of online congregating, corporate worship, and hearing God’s Word through the internet.  We need to safeguard ourselves, families, and others by following the suggestions of the CDC (a US government federal agency) and using common sense.  Even Jesus was subject to the government with taxation, nevertheless, Jesus was (and still is) part of the government (Isiah 9:6-7).

One of our churches Small Group Leaders has a relative (a beautiful young woman) who was recently removed from a respirator, due to the Corona virus.  It was through medicine and the prayers of the righteous that she is recovering.  This pandemic is REAL!  It is a fallacy to think that one race or another cannot be subject to the coronavirus, if we’re not careful.  Yes, anyone can get it, or be a carrier.  Take a look at Idris Elba & Tom Hanks.  This calamity is REALLY REAL!

No one suggests that you cannot go outside and get some direct sunlight (natural form of Vitamin D).  Take a walk & relieve your mind.  Be aware of the places where “Germs” can hide.  Safeguard yourself and those around you.  Wash you hands when touching other surfaces; disinfect those areas before you use them.  Keep your hands away from your face until you do sanitize.  Avoid large crowds and maintain a 6 - 10 ft. radius from other people.

Don’t ostracize people unless they’ve been tested positive for COVID-19, nonetheless, there are ways to still be in communications with them (video chat, telephone, text, email, and social media.  Just stay in touch without really touching.  For all the huggers out there - there’s an emoji for that too.

I recently celebrated a Birthday, and in my 70 years of experience, I thank God that He brought me through Hurricanes in Florida, Tornadoes in New Mexico, diseases in Philadelphia along with illnesses and other diseases overseas and in various parts of our United States.  God has brought me this far in life and He’s taught me that I must be wise and take care of myself so that I would be able to assist others when the need arose.

Unless there is a miracle or Jesus returns, there is no need to get new Easter outfits (save your money and cut down on online spending.  Churches should continue to keep their flocks safe.  Listen to the CDC and always use wisdom — not FEAR!  Let us not lay out a fleece for God (Judges 6: 36-40), this is not the time to test Him.

Those persons who still need to work outside of their homes, please be smart & use precautions.  We should keep our homes cleaner than ever before.
#CautiousButNotCrazy
#FaithOverFear
#WiseYetHarmless
#FactsAndFaith
#FactsNotFear
#PrayedUp
#TBR (Trust God, Believe in His Word & Receive every promise that He has given).
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‘Godspell’ is a wonderful musical in JAX

The Alhambra Theatre and Dining is proud to present the acclaimed Broadway musical “Godspell”, and you would do yourself a great dishonor if you miss this one.  As I said in my Small Group, “I resolve NOT to be so Spirit minded that I’m NO earthly good.”  Some people got up and left the show during the middle of the first act and it must have been very disturbing to the actors, because it was to my husband and me.  Those people will NOT be able to show anyone the goodness of God.
 
The whole presentation is a modern-day interpretation of WWJD.  Sure, there were no cell phones in the days of Christ and His Disciples, yet the subtle differences will attract young people to the knowledge of the truth, and will entertain those who are more mature.

There is nothing blasphemous about “Godspell” the musical, nonetheless, it’s wonderful to see the scriptures come to life, even if one doesn’t know any Bible stories - there is something for everyone, both young and mature.  A smile stayed on my face during most of the play.  The only scripture mistake was during the Last Supper; only one disciple would deny that they knew Jesus.  For those who are Bible scholars, I challenge you to find any other fault with this man or this show.

And for those who don’t know the Bible according to Matthew - learn about the journey of Jesus Christ and His Peeps.  There are so many short stories intertwined with marvelous songs and dance from the ENTIRE CAST.  Major Kudos to everyone!  Loved the interaction that the cast had with the audience.  You will enjoy a touch of vaudeville, Broadway, slapstick, harmony, energy and meaningful interpretations.  And don’t forget to ask Tod Booth about the meaning of “the Flower” that Jesus presented to the other cast members; or can you guess?

OBTW, Kudos go to the staff of servers and the following: lighting (Daniel Dungan), props (Dave Dionne & Ian Black), choreography (Shain Stroff), line changes (Tod Booth), and for costumes (Camala Pitts & Dorinda Quiles).

I challenge anyone to attend and let me know your thoughts on “Godspell” now appearing at the Alhambra Theater & Dining.  My husband saw both Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell when he was in high school, and he was very impressed with this production. (Video Photos courtesy of Jamie Iames)
 ‟Godspell”
DATES: January 9 — February 10, 2019

SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 6 p.m. (Gala Night at 5:30 p.m.), and dinner is served until 7:30 p.m.  Saturday Matinees begin at 1:15 p.m.  Doors open at 11 a.m. and the brunch served until 12:50 p.m.  Sunday Matinees are at 1:50 p.m.  Doors open at 12 p.m. and the meal is server until 1:30 p.m.

DRESS: “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.

TICKETS: Prices range from $38 – $59.  Ticket prices include: a plated three-course meal that changes for each show, and is served directly to your table; a Broadway-style performance and complimentary parking.  Tickets may be purchases on line at or by calling (904) 641-1212.
     **Price does NOT include gratuity, professional photos, or orders from the bar**

LOCATION: Alhambra Theater & Dining
       12000 Beach Blvd.
       Jacksonville, Florida 32246
       (904) 641-1212

'Star' on Fox TV-Sexuality and Christianity: What?

Many people are afraid to talk about homosexuality for fear of being ridiculed, labeled, chastised, hated (the list goes on), so they just keep quiet, bury their heads, or don’t say anything at all.  There’s a nighttime soap-opera (oh, there are many other ones on evening TV, so put down your rocks & please listen to the important issue), “Star”, in its first season on the FOX network.  The show has a character that wants to change from a man to a woman (you’ll have to look up the episode ‘on demand’).  What I found disturbing was the attempt to perform an Exorcism on this person, by a pastor of a local church.  There’s more plots to the show, but this is the focus of this article.  How would you approach a person who is NOT a  heterosexual?

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You may want to tag people who question their gender as gay, homosexual, transsexual, transgender, and the classifications go on (with some not-so-nice terms).  Nevertheless, how are Christians, who say they love God, going to badger and belittle a person, as they tell the person that they are going to die and go to hell?  Christians have their Bible scriptures, but What Would Jesus Do in confronting a person who was born one way and have desires for the other gender?  Are we God?  What would Jesus say and do about a Hermaphrodite?  Are we Christians supposed to beat the devil out of other people?  Are we to ignore the person and what they do?  In the words of a familiar show, “What Would You Do?”

Member of "The Pearl Box Review"

There’s an old saying, “You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.”  Didn’t Jesus show love to those who were NOT like Him?  How are people going to love and follow Christ, if they can’t see the love of Jesus in YOU?  Some of us have family members who are transgender, yet how do we treat them?  Are we ashamed to invite them to dinner, or what about inviting them to church (that’s the last place they might come because of the whispers or looks they would receive - that’s not your church; is it?).  Do we shun them or classify them as outcasts?  How would you handle it if a loved one professed that they were different than you?  Would you still love them or hide them in the closet?  Is casting demons out of the person, the answer or showing that person to a loving God?  We are to lead folks to Christ by our example, and He gets the increase.

Years ago, when I was a barmaid, we had a “Pearl Box Review” (men who dressed and performed as women) come to town.  They needed a place to stay and I was single, with a four-bedroom house; so, I had them stay with me.  That was a time that I hold dear.  It was like having a group of sisters around.  We ate, cooked, shopped, drank and had fun together.  That was then!  Today, I would have to check with Hubby and they could probably afford a hotel room, but the fact remains that these are still people (don’t be asking my Husband what he would do), and they have feelings.  Some of you readers might be saying, “They wouldn’t be in my house.”  Well, shame on you!  Did Jesus do that?  He got upset with the money changers at the temple, but who’s to say that He didn’t have a glass of wine with them at another time.

My question to you is, “How does a Christian approach and treat a person who appears to be one way, yet feels that they are the other?  What would you do?  Are we Christians so heavenly bound (going to heaven no matter what), that we’re no earthly good?  Are we willing to seek that one lost sheep from the herd and show them the Good Shepherd? Sometimes one situation can lead to another less favorable conclusion.  What will happen on the season finale of “Star” and will you judge less you be judged?

What are the ‘Stations of the Cross’ all about?

Have you ever heard people talking about going to church and reciting or praying the “Stations of the Cross”?  Have you wondered what they were doing or if the Stations are religious and of God?  According to Wikipedia, “The object of the stations is to help the faithful to make a spiritual pilgrimage through contemplation of the Passion of Christ. It has become one of the most popular devotions and the stations can be found in most Roman Catholic as well as in a number of Anglican, Lutheran and Methodist churches.”

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Card or no card - it’s still Christmas

 This isn’t a new subject, but traditions have changed in our household after time.  Usually I try to Christmas cards ready to send out on Thanksgiving Day.  As the years have pass, fewer people reciprocate and send cards to our home.  Could it be the cost of stamps?  Could it be that people are too busy?  Could it be that people really don’t want to communicate?  Whatever the reason, remember that Jesus always was and always will be the reason for this Holiday Season.

Things have changed over the years and I get more joy by putting together an album of the Christmas photos that people from our past send to us.  Of course, there doesn’t have to be a picture enclosed in Christmas cards, but it’s so nice to see how other families grow.  Come to think about it, I use to add a Christmas letter in my cards, but that ceased years ago.

Whatever you decide to do, keep praying for your friends (past, present and future); as you remember that Jesus is the true reason for this holy holiday season.  Merry Christmas to you and your family and God Bless Us Everyone!

Christmas card – why?

Why send Christmas cards?

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