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What’s Your Potential?

It’s Another Podcast!

Lots of folks are working on their New Year’s resolutions this week.  We go through this exercise hoping to improve some things in our lives in specific areas.

This short podcast (7:56)  is about something we ought to do before we get specific about what we want to see change in our lives in 2011: What is your potential?

Why don’t we all raise the bar in 2011?

Enjoy the podcast!

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Who Is Stopping You?
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Your Attitude

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A Social Network Christmas

My neighbor, and friend, Len, emailed this to me today.  I thought it was pretty cool.  What do you think?

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Swaddling Clothes
Who Were The Magi Part 1
Who Were The Magi Part 2

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‘Twas the night before….

The following is something I put on the site, “Enriching Your Life Now,” two years ago.  I thought you might enjoy it.

Can I say, “Christmas?”  Is that going to offend someone?

What about, “Happy Holidays?”  Is that offensive too?

All this political correctness is enough to drive you nuts, if you let it drive you nuts!  I’m not!

Whatever your plans are for this time of year I sincerely hope that you enjoy them!  We really ought to try to enjoy every day and live it to the fullest.

And I also thought you might like to see a whole list of greetings!

The English greetings often begin with saying “Have a…”, written “Wishing you a…” or sometimes end in “…to all!” as a declaration.

Nollaig Shona Duit – Ireland, Gaeilge .. Irish national language greeting for “Happy Christmas”

Happy Holidays – Canada, United States

Buone Feste – Italian

Felices Fiestas – Spanish

Season’s Greetings – Usually refers to upcoming winter holidays, but technically could refer to any season.

Merry Christmas – Australia, United States, The phrase is often immediately followed by and a Happy New Year.

Happy Christmas – United Kingdom

Merry Xmas – Written English (often informal), supposedly referencing the Greek word  for Christ.

Merry Yuletide, Good Yuletide or Happy Yuletide – English, can generally refer to the period of cultural festivities surrounding Yule, Winter solstice, Christmas and the New Year.

Merry Midwinter – English greeting, generally for the period of the winter solstice.

God jul – Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, lit. “Good Yule”

Hyvää joulua – Finnish

Glædelig jul – Danish

Joyous Yule – Usually a Wiccan or Neopagan greeting for the Winter solstice

Joyeux Noël – France, Quebec, Louisiana, Switzerland

Buon Natale – Italy

Frohe Weihnachten/Fröhliche Weihnachten – German for Merry Christmas

Mele Kalikimaka – Hawaiian, is preferred over the traditional American “Merry Christmas” in the U.S. state of Hawaii; made popular worldwide by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters in 1950 in song

Nollaig Shona Duit – Ireland, (Irish Language), lit. “You have a happy Christmas”.

S’Rozhdestvom Kristovym! or, more commonly, simply S’Rozhdestvom! for the informal Christmas greeting, while the traditional religious greeting is Khrystos razhdayetsya! (meaning “Christ is born!”) and the traditional response is Slavite! (meaning “Let us glorify him!”)- Orthodox and Eastern Rite Catholic countries

Feliz Navidad – Spanish, “Happy Nativity”

Happy Kwanzaa – English greeting used before Kwanzaa.

Wesolych Swiat – Polish greeting used before Christmas (literally ‘Happy Christmas’).

Happy Hanukkah or Happy Chanukah – English

Chag Sameach – Hebrew for “Joyous festival”, used for most Jewish festivals.

Milad Majeed – Arabic for “Merry Christmas” as used in Syria and several other countries

Bayraminiz Mübarek Olsun – Turkey

Selamat Hari Raya or Salam Aidilfitri – Malay and Indonesian

Saehae Bok Mani baduseyo – Happy New Year Korean

Linksmu Šv. Kaledu ir Naujuju Metu – Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Lithuanian

Gëzuar Krishtëlindjen dhe Vitin e Ri – Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Albanian

Have a Happy Household Holiday!

Mike

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The Christmas Dilemma

When it comes to getting all uptight about the exact date of Christ’s birth, and what phrase you should or should not use, I don’t let it bother me.  The bigger picture is that Jesus was not only born, but he lived and carried out God’s plan of redemption for all of mankind.

And those who choose to accept Jesus as lord of all men, and believe that God raised him from the dead, shall be saved.

So, do you say, “Merry Christmas,” or, do you say, “Happy Holidays?”  Some people are furious that the word, “Christmas,” is being called politically incorrect.  Others, who are indeed Christians, for a long time have been fine with saying, “Happy Holidays,” instead.  But in the past few years, attacks on this long held holiday have frustrated many, and for some, caused a dilemma.

First of all, there are many people who do believe that Jesus was born December 25th, and that “Christmas” is a celebration of the savior of mankind, Jesus Christ.  For them, it is outrage to have the word, “Christmas” banned.  For years we have even seen shopkeepers, afraid of offending someone, put up “Happy Holiday” signs, instead of, “Merry Christmas” signs.

On the other hand, there are plenty of Christians who do not believe that Jesus was born on December the 25th.  They are aware that the Roman Church, in an effort to convert pagans, incorporated a new feast day at the same time of year that the pagan feast of Saturnalia was held.  The Roman Church introduced a special “mass” for Christ, and called it Christ Mass.

There are a number of scholars who point to a September birth for the Christ child.  There is historical, astronomical, as well as biblical evidence to support that as well.  Many theologians do not believe that Jesus was born in December.

Those Christians who don’t believe that Jesus was born in December have had a bit of a hard time for quite awhile with the word “Christmas.”  They know and understand the origins.  Some are happy to have their own beliefs, simply saying, “Happy Holidays,” during this time of year.

But things have changed in the “politically correct” arena, haven’t they?  Today, if a person doesn’t say, “Merry Christmas,” he must be a pagan, or an unbeliever.  In other words, if you really want to show that you are a Christian, then these days you need to belt it out with pride:  “Merry Christmas!”

But, there are many places that you are not allowed to say, “Merry Christmas.”  Government workers are not allowed.  Many non government workers face the same rules too.  For those who believe in the December 25th birth of Christ it is frustrating.

That’s really quite a dilemma, don’t you think?  If you don’t say, “Christmas,” you are somehow denying Jesus; but there are places that you cannot say it.  And if you don’t believe in the December 25th birth, and you know where “Christmas” came from, to say Happy Holidays makes you sound like an unbeliever.

What is one to do?  It is really quite a dilemma.  On the one hand, there are those who now feel compelled to shout, “Merry Christmas,” from the rooftops, to make a point, and show defiance to the entire politically correct crowd. Others now don’t feel so good about saying, “Happy Holidays,” like they used to.

If someone says, “Happy Holidays,” to me, I respond with the same.  If they say, “Merry Christmas,” I respond with the same.  The Apostle Paul said that he became all things to all men, that he might by all means save some.  For me, I find that is the loving thing to do.

However, there are times where I do draw the line.  There are those who do not recognize that Jesus is the Son of God.  They recognize him as a prophet and teacher, but not the Son of God.  If they tell me that, I will lovingly correct them, and tell them they are absolutely wrong.

Again, when it comes to getting all uptight about the exact date of Christ’s birth, and what phrase you should or should not use, I don’t let it bother me.  I know that the bigger picture is that Jesus was not only born, but he lived and carried out God’s plan of redemption for all of mankind.

And those who choose to accept Jesus as lord of all men, and believe that God raised him from the dead, shall be saved.

Michael Verdicchio
2010

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You Might Also Enjoy:
Swaddling Clothes
Who Were The Magi Part 1
Who Were The Magi Part 2

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Pressure

Life with no pressure?  Not hardly.  There will always be pressure of some kind; it is part of life.

How do you deal with pressure?  I have seen some people allow pressure to really stress them out.  They worry, expect the worse, and just mentally tie themselves in knots. Many times their prayers are prayers of desperation, not expectation.

Have you ever been there before?  I have.  It doesn’t work very well, does it?

Then there are those who put all their focus and attention on a solution. They are bound and determined that come hell or high water they will figure it all out by themselves.  Maybe not even conscious about it, they simply God out of the equation.

And there are those who say and think that it is all in “God’s hands” and He just has to take care of it because He promised to supply all that we need.  Those people sit and wait for God to do something while they take no action.

Where Is The Balance?

Yes, it is true that God has promised to supply all that we need.  Yes, He has promised to not only supply what we need, but to supply it in abundance.  But does that mean that we simply do nothing and wait for that supply to just drop out of the sky?  You’re going to get a stiff neck doing that!

Remember when Jesus was teaching and he used the example of birds?  He said that the birds didn’t sow or gather into barns, but instead, they were fed by our heavenly Father.

Now some may say, “See, God takes care of it all; we just need to wait for Him to do it.”

Well, just how does God feed the birds?  Does He open their little beaks each morning and drop a fresh worm down their throat?  No. He does it trough the wonderful food chain that He has provided. But guess what?  It is up to the birds to leave the nest and go out and get their worms.

Jesus Christ then went on to say that we are better than the birds. That’s really quite a statement, isn’t it?  If God provides for the birds then He will certainly provide for us as well.

The balance is first recognizing that God is the One Who gives and provides.  We become absolutely confident in His promises to provide abundance for us as He has promised.  And then, we take whatever action we can, so that we can receive the abundance that he has provided and promised. In other words, we get out of the nest and go get our worms!

I choose to take responsibility for my life by taking responsibility for my actions.  And since God has promised that He will provide, I will pray, look for, and expect to find and receive His gracious provision.  My complete trust is in my God.  How about you?

Mike Verdicchio
2010

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Soar With The Eagles
Are You Going To A Pity Party?

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No One Can Pluck You Out Of His Hand

From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

[The Bible is an “Eastern” book. It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.”  As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.]

In understanding the Scriptures it is important for us to understand the culture, but it doesn’t mean that we should necessarily follow that culture. Rather, it is in the understanding of the Eastern culture that we gain light and understanding about many things in the Bible.

In the Gospel of John, in teaching about eternal life, Jesus Christ said that those having eternal life would never perish, and that no one would be able to pluck them out of his hand or His Father’s hand.

To “pluck out of the hand” refers to a game young children played in the lands and times of the Bible.  This is something that those listening to Jesus would have easily understood; it painted a clear picture for them.  Once we understand the game the children played, we too will have a clear picture of what he said.

The Game

Here is the simple game the children played. One of the youngsters would put a coin in his hand, close his fist, and then keep it closed as tightly as he could.  Another child would then try to open the tightly clenched fist, and if he could, he would get the coin.

In referring to eternal life, Jesus was saying that no one was going to “open his Father’s fist.”  In other words, eternal life cannot be changed or altered.  This gives us a little added insight to a verse in Colossians that says that our life is hid with Christ in God.  The life being referred to is eternal life.

Not Perish

It is noteworthy that when Jesus spoke of eternal life, he used the word “perish.”  He didn’t say that those who have eternal life would not die, but rather that they would not perish.  There is a difference.

The Greek word translated “perish” means to be completely abolished, ruined and lost.  While one may die, if he or she is born again, that person will not perish, because they have eternal life.  The Bible says that those who die are asleep and will be made alive when Christ returns.

An Open Invitation

Because of God’s great love, He has freely extended the invitation to all people to accept His Son, to believe that Jesus is the savior and lord of all men, and that God raised him from the dead.  Accepting these two truths, one becomes saved and receives eternal life.

And, once you receive eternal life, nothing can change it!  No one is going to pluck you out of Christ’s hand, or out of his Father’s hand.

Once again, with a little understanding of the times and culture in which the scriptures were written, the Bible becomes clear, and its richness shines brightly.

John 10:28 and 29
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

Colossians 3:3b
Your life is hid with Christ in God

I Thessalonians 4:15-17
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Mike Verdicchio

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Resources
 There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the Eastern culture in which the Bible was written.  The best I know of were written by Bishop K. C. Pillai.  I have had the pleasure of listening to many recorded teaching by him.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced.  But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)

More Eastern Eye Articles

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The Haves And Have-Nots

It’s Another Podcast!

There is a lot of debate going on here in US on whether the current tax cuts should be extended, eliminated or revised.

There are some who believe that if you earn over 250,000 a year you are wealthy and need to pay a lot more in taxes.

This short podcast (5:24) is not about who should be taxed what.  Rather it is a reminder to not allow loud rhetoric to mold how you think about certain people, whether rich or poor.

Enjoy the podcast!

[If you cannot see the player below, just click the title above]

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Don’t Stop Giving
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A Matter Of Personal Opinion

It’s Another Podcast!

We all have our own personal opinions about lots of things, don’t we?  But there are times when we allow the opinions of others to determine our opinions.

Yesterday’s article in The Pep Letter was entitled, “Are You Stupid?”  It was all about your opinion of yourself. I wanted to elaborate a little more on that topic.

If you understand and apply what you are about to hear on this short podcast (16:33), it can change your life, dramatically!

Enjoy the podcast.

[If you cannot see the player below, just click the title above]

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You Might Also Enjoy:
What Does God Think Of You?
Everyone Has One
Who Do You See In The Mirror?

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One Brick At A Time

Have you given up on your goals?  Have you abandoned your dreams?

Many people today feel like there is just no way to reach what they once hoped for.  In this short 4 minute video discover what “bricks” have to do with your goals and dreams.

Enjoy the video.

Leave A Comment! Do you have some thoughts about this?  We’d love to hear what you think.  Type your comment below.

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A Surprise At The Food Court

It’s Another Video!

This took place a couple of weeks ago at the Seaway Mall in Ontario, near Niagara Falls.  The patrons of the mall never saw it coming. Chorus Niagara, with the help of director Robert Coopera, did an excellent rendition of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus from “Messiah.”

It’s great to watch the expressions on different people’s faces.  This is definitely outside of the nine dots, and very cool.

Enjoy the video.

[If you cannot see the player below, just click the title above]

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