James

We are studying the book of James in Sunday School. The author is thought to be James the half-brother of Jesus (though the Bible itself is not clear about the authorship.) We see that this James' world was dominated by Jewish Christians. This was a time of great transition for the Jewish Christians. James the Just (Jesus' half brother) died in 62AD. Jerusalem fell in 70AD.

The book is concerned with what the practice of the Christian faith looks like. It admonishes us to faithfulness. When we hear James we are hearing preaching very similar to Jesus' style of preaching. The moral content is similar.....subjects cover faith, perseverance in suffering, doing the word, admonitions to the rich and poor, anger, the tongue, perfection (maturity), the taking of oaths and much more. Won't you join us next Sunday for the next lesson!

..... from "Wisdom from the Table" by Patrick Henry Reardon

A nice article appears in the Jan/Feb 2010 issue of Touchstone magazine, Wisdom from the Table, on the Foundational Culture of the Dining Room." I will quote:

1. First, a person learns to pray at table, to thank God for his blessings, some of which the family shares at mealtime. He thus acquires the habit of gratitude, which is esential to a soul pleasing to God.
2. Second, because he has just thanked God for his food, a person cannot logically complain of it. This would contradict the prayer of thanksgiving.
3. Third, a person learns elementary self-control. He is discouraged from gorging himself like a mule. He gets a feel for proper portions in eating, because there are others there at the table with whom he must share the food. Thinking of others at the table, he also acquires the habit of restricting his passions and appetites, a lesson fundamental to the moral formation of character.
4. Fourth, at the family table a person becomes versed in the formalities of speech common in a polite society. Under the gentle dicipline of his elders, he acquires the ability to communicate with others kindly, a trait also vital to the contouring of character.

These four simple lessons to be learned at the table are quite convicting to me. Looking back on our years of family meals, I surely see how I could have "done it better." I thank God for his mercy to us. I'm glad I can still keep pursuing His wisdom......I will just have to keep cooking and inviting family and friends to join us at the table!

2010 Republican Gubernatorial Candidates

James Potts, Bradley Byrne, Bill Johnson, Kay Ivey, Robert Bentley, and Tim James

We attended the Republican Gubernatorial Candidates' forum last night in Trussville. All of these candidates answered questions about building the Republican Party, how they would stand up to the increasing over-reach of the federal government, charter schools, problems with illegal immigration, unemployment, needed economic development, the state budget, and religion and politics. We have a very fine group of candidates. There are subtle differences, but each answered the questions as principled conservatives. We have a good choice to make! One of these will be Alabama's next governor!

One of the nine children of Gerhardt and Margaretha Zinn was named Christian. Christian married Matthias Ardis. My grandmother, Hazel Ardis Semon was a direct descendant from Matthias and was my namesake...Cynthia Ardis Nettles Douglas. I am glad to know that these ancestors were in this early American settlement and were part of the Moravian Church. ... the Moravian Church was founded through the ministry of the early Reformer, John Hus.

grave: 29

· First Name: Gerhard

· Middle Name: n/k

· Last Name: Zinn

· Date of Birth: March, 1705

· Date of Death: March 4, 1765

· Historical Information: Born near Neustad, March, 1705; Married in 1725 and had nine children. In 1735 he came to America, lived 13 years and three years in the Cloister at Ephrata. From there he went to New River, VA; From there he was driven away by the Indians, and came to Wachovia. Diary Page 300.

· grave: 51

· First Name: Margaretha

· Middle Name: n/k

· Last Name: Zinn

· Date of Birth: December 18, 1702

· Date of Death: March 15, 1773

· Historical Information: Born at Neustadt on the Haard in the Palatinate; Married Gerhard Zinn in 1725 and had nine children. In 1735 she came to America and lived 13 years and three years in the cloister at Ephrata, PA. From there went to New River, VA, for 15 years. She suffered an injury and was brought to Bethabara where she heard the preaching of the Brethren. After that they went to South Carolina. Returned to Bethabara in 1762. Became a widow in 1765.