[The Mayor]

November 7, 2005

The Lord Is My Rock

Read:
Psalm 18:1-3

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust. —Psalm 18:2

Bible In One Year: John 11-13

It turns out that we humans reason largely by means of our hearts and not by our heads. As French mathematician and theologian Blaise Pascal noted long ago, "The heart has reasons that reason does not know."

Poets, singers, storytellers, and artists have always known this. They use symbols and metaphors that speak to our hearts rather than to our minds. That's why their ideas penetrate where everything else has failed. And that's why we say, "A picture is worth a thousand words." Images remain in our minds when all else is forgotten.

David wrote, "The Lord is my rock and my fortress, . . . my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" (Psalm 18:2). He was thinking of physical elements that convey spiritual realities. Each picture expresses a deeper thought, linking the visible world to the invisible realm of the Spirit. David doesn't wander into definition and explanation, for explanation can blunt imagination. Each picture is left hanging in our minds—images that evoke mystery, arouse our imagination, and deepen our understanding.

David wakes up what is hidden deep within us. It's good to think long thoughts about it. What does this mean to you: God is my rock, my fortress, my shield? —David Roper

O love of God, our shield and stay
Through all the perils of our way;
Eternal love, in Thee we rest,
Forever safe, forever blest. —Bonar

Faith bridges chasms that reason cannot fathom.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
God Our Father

[luvie]

Hi, again! Thanks for the lesson from God's Word. Prayers to you for Tuesday to go your way! You and your family have worked so hard, and you deserve to win!

[lysie]

My goodness. I was about to turn in and then I saw this.

We are blessed to have people who serve this country and we are blessed to have people who know how blessed they are to have those that do.

Thank you.

[MoJo2001]

Military Monday Bump!
Thank you to all of FR's Finest for remembering our Troops!

[DollyCali]

I Am the Flag
Of the United States Of America

My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world.
Look up and see me.

I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.
I stand for freedom.
I am confident.
I am arrogant.
I am proud.

When I am flown with my fellow banners,
My head is a little higher,
My colors a little truer.
I bow to no one!

I am recognized all over the world.
I am worshipped - I am saluted.
I am loved - I am revered.
I am respected - and I am feared.

I have fought in every battle of every war for more then 200 years.
I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appomattox.
I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, .
in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome and the beaches of Normandy.
Guam, Okinawa, Korea and KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam know me. .
I'm presently in the mountains of Afganistan
and the hot and dusty deserts of Iraq .
and wherever freedom is needed.

I led my troops, I was dirty, battleworn and tired,
But my soldiers cheered me and I was proud.
I have been burned, torn and trampled .
on the streets of countries I have helped set free.
It does not hurt for I am invincible.
I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and trampled
in the streets of my country.
And when it's done by those Whom I've served in battle -
It HURTS!.

But I shall overcome - for I am strong.
I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stood watch over.
the uncharted frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon.
I have borne silent witness to all of America's finest hours.
But my finest hours are yet to come.
When I am torn into strips and used .
as bandages for my wounded comrades on the battlefield,
When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier,
Or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent
at the grave of their fallen son or daughter,

I am proud

[GailA]

Good morning every one.

[Mama_Bear]

The you for our "Military Monday", Rus - the most patriotic day of our Finest week.

[Dubya]

Thanks for the Word.

[Dubya]

Mail deadlines coming up

WASHINGTON - With Halloween over, many folks are turning to their holiday shopping. If gifts are being mailed overseas or to military personnel, the time to mail may come soon.

Parcel post items addressed to APO and FPO ZIP codes need to be sent by Nov. 12, the Postal Service reports. The recommended deadline is Dec. 5 for Priority Mail and first-class cards and letters to APO and FPO ZIP codes beginning 093.

[Billie]

God Bless our Mighty Military.