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A little behind in posting!  Easton James Wells was born September 15, 2015.  He is such a precious little boy!

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Phoenix Allen Wells was born on Sunday, August 4, 2013 at 5:15 pm.  He weighed 6 lbs 13 oz. and was 19 1/2 in. long.  Mom, baby, and the family are doing great!  He is so precious!

In Israel you might hear a youngster protesting to his mother in Hebrew, Zeh Loh Fair. The first two words mean “This is not…” The third word means exactly what it says in English – fair. The juvenile is saying that his mother is unfair. You see, there is no word in Hebrew for the concept of fair. He had no choice other than using the English.

This is because “fair” is a false concept with no reality. What does fair actually mean? That everyone should have the same housing, talent, looks, and destiny? No two people even have identical opportunity. The word means nothing at all.

Generally, English words for which there are no Hebrew equivalents are unreal concepts detached from reality.

Here are two of them:

Adolescent:   Permission for an adult to behave like a child while claiming the benefits due an adult. There’s no word for adolescent in Hebrew. You are either a child or an adult.

Coincidence:   Demeaning Divine messages and camouflaging cosmic connection. There’s no word for coincidence in Hebrew. Why ignore synchronicity and live bereft of the significance of subtle suggestion?

The most surprising word for which no Hebrew equivalent exists is – Religion. Nowhere in the entire Hebrew Scriptures, does the word religion appear.

Where does the English word, “religion” come from? One theory is that it derives from the Latin “relegere” which means to do something repeatedly. Others guess that it comes from the Latin “religare” which means to tie up or bind.

Recalling the Hebrew origins of Latin reveals the three root letters for the word behind both those theories-R, L, and G.

Let’s now glance quickly at Metathesis, the key to understanding languages and their evolution.  Metathesis means that as language changes, people occasionally rearrange root letters. For instance, an early Scriptural garment, Joseph’s coat is called in Hebrew C-T-N. From this, English describes the material for making clothing-CoTToN, and by metathesis, an early Roman garment made of cotton, a TuNiC.

Similarly, the Hebrew for young goat KDI (or GDI) leading, by metathesis, to English KID. Also, the Hebrew for WORD is DaVaR. In early German, through metathesis of the Hebrew source, that became VORD or later WORT. (The German V is pronounced F and the W is pronounced V) English soon adapted it to WORD. (T and D are both sibilants and often indistinguishable.)

We can see how the linguistic origin of religion is the Hebrew, ReGeL, which means both a leg and anything ReGuLar like the three annual Biblical pilgrimage festivals, known as ReGaLim. What is the connection? In order to move our lives forward and experience our “march of progress” we need to move our legs regularly, one after the other.

Through the Hebrew source, we see that both Latin theories are linked. By repeating an action it becomes a habit and we become habituated or bound to that action.

Why no word in Hebrew for religion? Because it is not a separate part of life like working, cooking, or reproduction. Religion is not just something we do on Saturday or Sunday as we might do bowling on Monday and Little League on Wednesday. No, our relationship with God is part of how we approach every moment of our lives. It cannot be limited to a single word. Totally integrating our lives with our Creator unleashes our own creativity.

One effective tool for helping to bring about that integration with God so that ‘religion’ is not an external adjunct to our life but an inseparable element of it is through Bible study.

I hope this has been both insightful and helpful.

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04 There Will Be a Day (click to play)

On September 23, 2012, our son, Allen passed away in Kansas City, Missouri.

Allen was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 12, 1979, to Keith and Paula Berridge.  After his parents divorced, Allen was adopted by his step-father, John Wells.

At a young age, Allen was constantly on the go.  He loved being around many friends, and wanted to be busy all the time.  He was always riding his bike around the neighborhood.  He would build ramps to jump, and went on to riding dirt bikes.  He loved to go to the Challenge Track in Kingsville.

Allen was a fun loving kid, and it seemed like our front door was a revolving door of kids in and out all the time.  After Allen received his GED, he began working at his parent’s business, Subtechnologies.  He packed and shipped restaurant supplies.

Allen bought his first house at 3208 Summit, Kansas City, Missouri.  Allen went on to his next job as a delivery driver for a local company picking up lab specimens.  Due to this job, Allen knew Kansas City streets very well.  People would ask Allen how to get somewhere, and he could tell them the shortest route there.

In 1998, Allen joined I & M Modeling Agency.  He went to a competition in Dallas, and won two trophies.  He also was chosen to do a photo shoot for Stanley Uniforms from Chillicothe, Missouri.  He was dressed in several different band uniforms, and had numerous pages in their catalog.  Allen also participated in a local fashion show in the Westport area.

In one way, Allen was like his grandfather, Charles West.  He enjoyed buying and selling all kinds of things such as tools, stereo equipment, and other miscellaneous items.  When doing this, he would take things apart and figure out how to fix them.  A lot of Allen’s family and friends knew that “Allen could fix it.”

Allen had an entrepreneur’s spirit, and was involved in Fun Loft Clubhouse in Belton, Missouri and Club Evo in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.

Two of Allen’s finest accomplishments are his two sons, Chandler and William. He loved his children very much, and spent as much time as he could with them. Allen encouraged his son, Chandler, in BMX Racing, helping him to win numerous trophies.  He loved spending time with William, watching him grow up.

Allen was married to Gabrielle Doyle on February 12, 2012 in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.  It was definitely the happiest day of his life.

Allen was preceded in death by Charles West, maternal grandfather, and his aunt, Pauline West.

Allen is survived by his wife, Gabrielle, Lee’s Summit, Mo; his son, Chandler, age 12, Blue Springs, Mo; his son, William, age 4, Belton, Mo; his parents, John and Paula Wells, Lee’s Summit, MO; his grandparents, James and Phyllis Wells, Blue Springs, MO; his grandmother, Nancy West; his brother, Eric and wife Sarah; his nephews, Austin Reffitt and Sebastian Wells; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He will be greatly missed by all who loved him!

Did the Paul, the Apostles, and Christ keep the Feast of Tabernacles?  What is the meaning of the Feast of Tabernacles?   Today marks the beginning of the Feast of Tabernacles, which is a seven day festival, followed by an eighth day, ‘the Last Great Day’ that is a highlight of the year for Christians all over the world.

Cogwriter (www.cogwriter.com) had an interesting write up this past week that I thought I would share, which goes into some detail and overview regarding the Feast of Tabernacles:

Tonight at sunset, nearly all members of the Living Church of God will be observing the biblical Feast of Tabernacles in over 40 locations around the world. The ”’Feast of Tabernacles”’ is an 8-day Biblical pilgrimage festival, also known as the “Feast of Booths,” the “Feast of Tabernacles,” or simply “Tabernacles.”

In the 7th day Church of God groups it is one of the most important holy days as it lasts the longest and normally requires a great deal of preparation and travel to be able to attend. But it is normally the physical and spiritual highlight of the year for those that do observe it.

Christians point out that Jesus kept the Feast of Tabernacles. This is discussed in detail in John chapter 7:10-26:

But when His brothers had gone up, then He also went up to the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. Then the Jews sought Him at the feast, and said, “Where is He?” And there was much complaining among the people concerning Him. Some said, “He is good”; others said, “No, on the contrary, He deceives the people.” However, no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews. Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught. And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?” 16 Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. Did not Moses give you the law, yet none of you keeps the law? Why do you seek to kill Me?” The people answered and said, “You have a demon. Who is seeking to kill You?” Jesus answered and said to them, “I did one work, and you all marvel. Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath? Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” Now some of them from Jerusalem said, “Is this not He whom they seek to kill? But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is truly the Christ?

The Apostle Paul, after the Christ’s death and resurrection indicated that it was important to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. As it is noted in Acts 18:21,

I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing.

Paul taught Gentiles to follow him as he followed Jesus:

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Jesus and Paul kept the Feast of Tabernacles. Are you following their example?

Notice that Paul does commend those in Thessalonica for imitiating the church in Judea:

For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 2:13-14).

The church in Judea kept the Feast of Tabernacles, etc. And those in Thessalonica were commended for receiving the word of God and imitating the practices of the church in Judea. People considered saints by the Greco-Roman churches, such as Polycarp of Smyrna, kept the Feast of Tabernacles in the second century.

The Feast of Tabernacles is significant for Christians. It pictures the reality of Christ’s reign on the earth and that this current world is simply temporal.

Perhaps it might be helpful to realize that Catholic scholars do admit that early Christians did observe the Feast:

St. Jerome (PL 25, 1529 & 1536-7) speaking of how the Judaeo-Christians celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles…tells us that they gave the feast a millenarian significance (Bagatti, Bellarmino. Translated by Eugene Hoade. The Church from the Circumcision. Nihil obstat: Marcus Adinolfi. Imprimi potest: Herminius Roncari. Imprimatur: +Albertus Gori, die 26 Junii 1970. Franciscan Printing Press, Jerusalem, p.202).

We in the Living Church of God also believe that this Feast foreshadows the coming millennium.

Regarding the the Feast of Tabernacles, the Living Church of God, states:

…Old Testament meaning

…A seven-day celebration of the great fall harvest, observed by living in temporary dwellings for the duration of the Feast. (Leviticus 23:33-43)

…New Testament meaning

…Pictures the Millennium, when the earth will be ruled by Jesus Christ and His saints. The Holy Days

Millenarianism (a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth, often called the millennium) was taught by the early Christians.

End of Cogwriter Commentary on Feast of Tabernacles.

The Fall Festival Season is here.  Feast of Trumpets and Day of Atonement were spiritually uplifting, and now we are ready to travel to the Feast site.  This year, Wisconsin Dells with the whole family!  Looking forward to spending this wonderful time with family and friends!  Of course, pictures will be posted later….

What is the truth?  How can we know what the truth is?  How can we ensure we have the truth and ensure we don’t become deceived and lose the truth?  Christ stated (Mt 24:5) For many will come in my name, saying  ‘I am the Christ’, and will deceive many. Christ’s very words indicate that many would be deceived.   Christ stated that He would build His church…not churches.  (Mt 16:18) Is there more than one church that Christ is the head of?  Well that is a topic for another day.

In the world today there are virtually a million and one variations to the truth of Christ.  We live in a society that does not respect authority, does not truly fear God, and everyone believes their own ideas. Today we are a society of individuals seeking what is right in one’s own eyes. Do we seek to know the truth, or do we just listen to what others espouse.  Some would have us believe that the truth changes, through what has been termed progressive revelation. Has the truth changed over time as some would have us believe?  Does latter scripture change what Christ taught by His very words? Christ inspired the apostles through the Holy Spirit.  Did Christ change the Truth over time? Christ is the same today as He was yesterday and as He will be in the future.  (Heb 13:8)   Since Christ is the same yesterday today and tomorrow, how can we TRULY know the truth?

Here are three steps as you ask yourself the question “Do I really have the truth?”

Step one: The Truth can’t be known in a passive fashion.   The world is deceived, a fact that now exists and Christ described would be a state of society at the time of the end. Many would come, and many will be deceived.  (Mat 24:5)  One can’t sit back and just expect to know the truth, the truth must be actively sought by reading the very words of truth as found in the Bible.  Do we really want to know the truth?  Do we really read the Bible seeking to know the truth? Do we really read the Bible with the intention to know for ourselves if what we hear is really what Christ taught, is the Truth?

The first step in knowing the truth is to actively read the Bible and not just take for granted what people espouse is the truth.

Regularly prove the truth.  Make a list of topics, and study them.  See what the Bible has to say!    1 Thes 5:21  “Prove All Things” (KJV) we are admonished by the Apostle Paul to Test or Prove (as the KJ translates it)  ALL THINGS. So step one is to crack open our bible and study by topic to know the truth.  Don’t just read one verse and come up with one’s own ideas. This is what occurs all too often.  People create their own ideas rather than seeking to know what the Bible really says, creating their belief’s from a single scripture.

Put all the scriptures on a topic together and read with an open mind. Isa 28:10. Precept upon precept and line upon line.  We have to put all the scriptures together to come to an understanding of the truth.  Find out what the real Truth is by allowing scripture to interpret scripture.  2 Pet 1:20.

Second we need to Love the Truth.  Instead of getting board with your list of topics, remember they show us the way to eternal life and salvation, we need to truly Love the Truth.  2 Thes 2:9-12 Paul warns that because of a lack of love for THE TRUTH, Satan will be able to foster a huge deception on the world, through signs, wonders, and emotional appeals.  For a lack of a love of the truth, God allows the lie to be believed. Open your Bible read this passage in 2 Thes 2.  We should be inspired by the truth, rather than false miracles, or emotional displays.  We can show how much we love the truth, by implementing the truth in our lives.  Hold on to the truth tenaciously.  We need to hate lies. God will send strong delusion if we do not love the truth. Remember our conversion is a miracle.  God gets the credit, nothing we do or have done or will do can result in conversion,  God alone gets the credit.  God is the one who provides the calling,  He opens our mind to be able to understand. We then have to cling to the truth, and Love it with our whole being, 1 Thes 2:12.   Let’s look forward to when Christ returns and the truth will spread unhindered from Satan the deceiver.

We can show that we Love the Truth by implementing it in our lives and living by every word of God.  Ps 119:160 The entirety of your word is Truth, And every one of your judgments endures forever.  David was a man after God’s own heart, David loved the truth! We should love the truth with our whole heart. Do we understand that through the Truth and living the truth, true happiness as God designed from the beginning is possible?  That truly is the truth, and we should study and read for ourselves the way of life God wants us to live.

And finally we must Pray that God gives us Discernment to know the truth.

David prayed and set us the example to ask God to show us the truth.  Ps 119:41-43   41 Let your mercies come also to me, O Lord — Your salvation according to Your word.  42 So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me.  For I trust in Your word.  43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mount, For I have hoped in your ordinances.

So let’s pray that God grants that we can discern the truth.  It must be actively sought, it’s not going to just appear in our minds. Second, we must Love the Truth.  God said He would send strong delusion and allow those that do not love the truth to be deceived.   Do we want eternal life?  Love the Truth. Do we want to live in peace and happiness?  Love the Truth.  So let’s Pray to God to give us discernment to Know What is Truth.

Jesus our savior’s very own words stated, (Luke 4:4) we are to live by every word of God.  Christ was quoting from the Holy Scriptures from Deut 8:3 “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God”.  How often do you find man’s ideas coming forth from one scripture?  Let’s not be deceived, but rather Study to show yourself approved, and pray we are counted worthy to escape what lies ahead in the very near future (Luke 21:34-36).

Sandy lived well.  Her purpose in life was to “guard” the food and always be the first for handouts.   She was born Sept of 1996 and was rescued from the pound in Kirksville by my wife.  She never lacked for a meal, and when she could would gladly eat two meals.   Sandy wasn’t our first dog to pass.  Pepper was our first dog to join the family shortly after we were married, roughly he was born in 1988. Pepper lived a long life and attained the age of 17.  Pepper was virtually blind near the end of his happy life.  He could possibly see shadows, and probably could see peripheral and he also lived a long and fulfilling life. Pepper would not have been able to make the move to our new house, and navigate the steep stairs to the “Dog Area” in the back yard. It would have been cruel to have him attempt to do so.   Seventeen years was a “Very” long life for Pepper.  His latter years were probably not very enjoyable for him, yet he was a life long companion and was the Alpha dog. One of the most funniest memories about Pepper was when we were still living in our first house, and Paul was living with us for a short period of time.  Pepper decided to show Paul who was the alpha one day. While Paul was taking a shower, Pepper decided to urinate on Paul’s underwear. Paul had a surprise when he put them on following the shower, and verbally explained to Pepper who the Alpha really was.  Needless to say it was a moment of laughter for all, and one of those moments that are irreplaceable and unforgetable.

Sandy was also an Alpha dog.  One of Sandy’s qualities was the lack of realizing her limits.  One day while taking Sandy for a walk in the neighborhood we were passing a house with two very large dogs, who were minding their own business. Sandy never the one to be second fiddle, escaped her leash, ran full tilt for the two dogs that were easily each near a hundred pounds her superior.  Once she got there she wasn’t sure what to do.  She promptly looked for her master to save her.  She probably thought she had done her job, of letting those dogs know who the alpha was.  Sandy was always at my side, ever the faithful companion.  Loving to the end.

The decision to put Sandy to sleep was difficult to say the least, but even worse is seeing a dog in pain that has no end in sight.  Her liver seemed to be the problem, as she was retaining water, and her abdomen was swollen and was resulting in her not being able to lie down without crying out in pain.  Her time had come and she had served her “Family” well as a family pet, well loved, and will be missed.  She was a faithful companion.  She was a faithful companion always keeping her master in sight whenever he was at home.  When she could she was at his side (save when it was eating time), never one to allow another dog to occupy the spot at her masters side, until she could no longer jump up on the couch.  She endeavored to forever be the master of the dogs, always seeking handouts and snacks and making sure a sufficient number were passed out during the day for all.    What more could one ask from a pet?  They fill the home with an abundance of love and life.

How does one come to make the decision that it’s time? First and foremost I believe it’s important to maintain your dog’s dignity.  Don’t let your lasting memories be those of a crippled, infirmed, blind friend that you had to carry outside only to watch wander aimlessly through the yard.  It will only make your decision harder.  Timing is the greatest obstacle and one that can only be overcome by you.  Guide your conscience with sound judgment, kindness, and dignity.  Let them go and remember them fondly. Does it make the heartache of the loss any easier?  By no means, it does not.  But having a dog in pain does not serve any profitable purpose, if the pain cannot be alleviated.  Take note of Solomon’s advice:       Prov 12:10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

From Adam Clark’s Commentary on the verse:

A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast—One principal characteristic of a holy man is mercy: cruelty is unknown to him; and his benevolence extends to the meanest of the brute creation. Pity rules the heart of a pious man; he can do nothing that is cruel. He considers what is best for the comfort, ease health, and life of the beast that serves him, and he knows that God himself careth for oxen: and one of the ten commandments provides a seventh part of time to be allotted for the rest of laboring beasts as well as for man.—Adam Clarke’s Commentary

In the end we need to remember that animals do not have a spirit as does man. Animals are living creatures, but they do not have the spirit that enables man cognitive thought and character development. God created animals for a purpose, and God created man to become sons and daughters in His family.   Enjoy our pets while we can and keep the big picture in mind.

Thanks for the many years of love and affection Sandy, you were a Faithful Companion to the end.