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posted by Michael on 12/20/11

Franklin D. Roosevelt declared in his Christmas address to the nation Dec. 24, 1944 (the first Christmas after D-Day): "Here, at home, we will celebrate this Christmas Day in our traditional American way because of its deep spiritual meaning to us; because the teachings of Christ are fundamental in our lives; and because we want our youngest generation to grow up knowing the significance of this tradition and the story of the coming of the immortal Prince of Peace and Good Will. … We pray that with victory will come a new day of peace on earth, in which all the nations of the earth will join together for all time. That is the spirit of Christmas, the holy day. May that spirit live and grow throughout the world in all the years to come." Reference, Whole address

Enjoy Ronald Reagan’s Christmas address below!

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posted by James on 12/1/11

Want to make sure your 2012 Customized Calendars get to you before Christmas? Order by December 5, 2011 to ensure that calendars with the flap that includes your business or ministry information will arrive in plenty of time for Christmas. Thankfully, no 2012 Original Calendar orders are affected by this deadline. So, to place your order for Customized Calendars before the deadline, head on over to the Lenspiration blog. 

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posted by James on 11/30/11

We did it! Thanks to many generous contributors, Lenspiration accomplished it’s End-of-the-Month Challenge fundraising goal of $1000 by midnight, November 30! Visit Purchase with a Purpose to read the facts and events of the campaign.

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posted by Michael on 11/28/11

Thank you, Governor Tomblin, for reminding us to love our neighbors as ourselves in this joyful season. Truly it is more blessed to give than to receive, and no one cares for neighbors better than neighbors! It is a blessing and a joy to live in a Christian community.

From The Governor’s Desk: A weekly column by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin
“Each Thanksgiving, families travel from places near and far to share a meal and spend time together as a symbol of gratitude. The Thanksgiving table is often set using the best china and other favorite pieces with their own special meaning. Hours are devoted to the preparation of food, which seems to overflow the table and there is always room for lots of good conversation. Unfortunately, this picturesque celebration, with the abundance of company and delicious fare on Thanksgiving Day, is not experienced by all West Virginians.

“This holiday season I call upon all those who are able to share their blessings with others. Whether you donate non-perishable goods to a local soup kitchen, participate in a church-based collection, or volunteer to help serve a holiday meal at one of the many community Thanksgiving dinners, your efforts will make a difference.

“…The donations need not be grand gestures. Keep in mind that the small things can and often do make a world of difference. A simple can of beans, soup, or vegetables is always appreciated. When we all work together, we can make positive things happen.

“Every meal tastes better when you share it with good company. As you gather with friends and family, please consider adding to your traditions by creating a new one. Perhaps, you could visit a nursing home and enjoy some time with our most treasured citizens, our seniors. Maybe volunteer to help distribute holiday meals at your local food bank, or simply extend an invitation to a neighbor who may be alone this season. All family traditions must start somewhere. I cannot think of a better tradition than extending the joy of the season to those in your community.

“When we open our hearts, what we stand to gain is so much more than what we give. West Virginians are known for helping their neighbors in times of need. We share with a generous spirit. These are attributes of which we can all be proud and I ask you to let them shine, especially during this holiday season.”

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posted by James on 11/12/11

The church was packed. Even with a few minutes left before the service would start last Sunday morning, it was hard to find a spot to sit. But once this was accomplished, squashed with two other guys at the end of a pew, I asked someone what the reason was for the crowd. “Heard of Dr. Jobe Martin? He’s the guest speaker today.”

Jobe Martin? . . . Yes! I had heard of him. Creation seminars. Creation videos. Esteemed creation authors. Deep discussions of science, geology, Biblical worldview. Stimuli from the past came flooding into my memory as I contemplated the fact that he was speaking here today. No wonder the place was crowded!

And no wonder I returned that very night to hear him give a second message. Dr. Jobe Martin, former evolutionist and present Creation Evangelist, speaks from medical and scientific experience on the hot topics of creation, evolution, discipleship, and Biblical prophecy. His journey from evolutionary theory to Biblical fact started when he began to study animals that challenged the scientific assumptions and broke the “rules” of his traditional education, a major emphasis of his current ministry: Biblical Discipleship Ministries.

If you are new to the idea of Creation Science or simply want to be equipped to answer the barrage of evolutionary thinking that is so prevalent today, check out Dr. Jobe Martin’s website and incredibly captivating publications. Recently, I have enjoyed reading his book “The Evolution of a Creationist”, a combined autobiography and handbook on answering the arguments of evolution. I also personally recommend “God of Wonders”, an exceptionally produced, 80 minute documentary that gives a glimpse into God’s infinite power and wisdom, majesty and care as displayed in the universe, the molecular world, and every day life. It will leave you spellbound!

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