Hello Everyone!
I find it fascinating that followers of Jesus Christ in other eras were able to effectively align “Christian holy-days” alongside pagan rituals. For example, the observance of “Christmas” and “Easter” was carefully chosen to coincide with already established “holidays” of other religions. Who can tell if there were hidden agendas or perhaps”say it’s not so”underhanded motives? My point is, whatever their real or imagined purposes, they succeeded in supplanting the pagan rituals with Christian festivals.

Like the modern Church, the medieval Church was also pragmatic. If it worked, it must be right. I am sure advisors suggested trying the same thing with other “lesser” observances. Did I say “Halloween” If there is anything that will divide and separate believers today, it is whether Christians should or shouldn’t participate in this “holiday,” and, if they “can,” within what limits.

Before we solve that nightmare (and this just before Christmas!), don’t you find it interesting that the Church has not been successful in wresting this day out of pagan control? I wonder why? It is not like there hasn’t been sufficient time, opportunity, or promotion. Pope Gregory IV purposely changed the observance of “All Martyrs” to November 1 in 844 to compete with existing “pagan festivities.” Then in 1464, Pope Sixtus IV declared this “a Holy Day of Obligation” and added a vigil (yes, it’s been “All Hallows’ Eve” over 500 years). Since that time, a few other alterations have been made to make this rite more palatable, popular, and powerful (the last I am aware of came with Vatican II, where the requirement to fast before “feasts” was eliminated). But alas, it’s all been for naught.

In my lifetime the emphasis in “Halloween” has only increased in wickedness and debauchery”a goal probably not established and apparently not anticipated by those who make these decisions. Now I am really curious as to why the “Church” failed to successfully transform this day like they once did with Christmas and Easter (oh, you’ve noticed the commercialization, too?).

Would you believe me if I told you that I had never inquired as to the practice and purpose of “All Saints Day” (variously called “All Martyrs,” “All Saints and All Souls,” or “The Solemnity of All Saints”) and its accompanying vigil (sans the eight-day “octave” since 1955!)? It’s true! For years, I have read about the heathen practices associated with the pagan holiday, “Halloween.” That was bad enough. The intended purpose and customs of “All Saints’ Day” is much worse because the Scriptures are (erroneously) used to justify the approval of this faith and practice.

I think there is an additional reason why the “Church” has failed to transform this day into another “religious” holiday. As commercial and religiously-sanitized as they have become, Christmas and Easter are about Jesus Christ (at least somewhat among believers). All Saints’ Day is really all about venerating the dead in order to help “me” and nothing about Jesus Christ. It is on days like this that Jesus can be seen knocking at the door requesting entrance; when Christians find themselves drowning in water because they are captivated with the wind instead of looking to and trusting Jesus; and while relying on their abilities and resources they have missed the One who was most important.

“Trusting in the Lord with all our heart (unlike Peter when he tried to walk on the water?),
  leaning not on our own understanding (unlike Martha who chose instead to get the job done?),
    or in all our ways acknowledging him (unlike the Laodiceans who didn’t recognize His voice?)”
      doesn’t capture interest in our day as well.

It’s (almost) All Hallows’ Eve. If I had a hammer, I’d nail this to the church house”is it too much to think “reform” or revival is still possible even here, today (and in me, especially)? Then again, I’d probably get in trouble for vandalism and desecrating a religious icon”and then, who would read it? I think I’d have more success if I “devoutly visited the cemetery” and prayed, especially now that you have indulged me.

Hello Everyone!

The same question persisted all week. Surprisingly, each context asked for a different response. Is that possible? I was about to find out and maybe learn something along the way.

It was the Monday we had a rare fall rainstorm, complete with thunder, lightning, and even a short power outage. I was invited to lunch with Mark and Cheryl Schoenberger, and their son Erik. Those of you who live in areas where such weather is a common occurrence can’t appreciate why this is such a treat for us. Cheryl prepared a delicious cold weather meal. Even though the question never was uttered, at times the conversation answered for the last twenty years or so. The fellowship was delightful (and I am sure we succeeded in boring Erik with all our ancient reminiscent history). Later Erik would entertain us, demonstrating his wonderful musical abilities on the violin (although, I do believe it is properly called a “fiddle” in their home). But the crowning moment of the afternoon was uttered in Mark’s mealtime prayer, “thank You, Lord, for the blessing of life-long friendships.” Indeed. How long has it been?

I have often thought that Moses had it easy when it came to knowing what God wanted him to do because God spoke directly. In reading the book of Numbers, you can’t help but notice the phrase “And the Lord spake” is often repeated. When Moses didn’t know what to do with the guy collecting sticks on the Sabbath, all Israel waited until “the Lord spake.” When the brotherless-daughters of Zelophehad inquired whether they would receive an inheritance, Moses “brought their cause before the Lord.” It seems a shame that God was troubled with such miniscule matters as picking up sticks and the inheritance of stones. It would not have surprised me if God had raised the bar on the issues He would address. Or, at the least, instituted an interval of time so that His children would not become a nuisance. “And the Lord spake (according to the manner in which He was accustomed, you see), Moses, henceforth, all matters of importance will be separated by a span of one-score and four hours. Choose wisely with what thou shalt speak unto me, because I am in an ‘thou shalt not’ mood.” If Moses violated the ordinance, God would need only raise his hand and say, “Moses, really! How long has it been?”

Have you ever wondered how many years transpired between the time Daniel was in the lion’s den before he wrote his book? Here was a memory”a miracle”waiting to be told. Daniel would have to sit on it until the exiled Hebrews were desperate enough to believe God really would pacify their enemies as He did Daniel’s. “How long has it been?” was their cry. But for many years, God was silent. We don’t read, “And the Lord spake” as frequently as he once did. But Daniel didn’t include his miraculous rescue to sell books, or to stir youthful imaginations, or to promote godly dedication. Just when it seemed that hope of deliverance was completely gone, through Daniel, God spoke a word of encouragement to impart hope. “See, I took care of Daniel. I provided for his needs. I delivered him right in the midst of a dangerous, life-threatening ordeal. I vindicated his honor and I applied swift justice to his accusers. Now watch, because your enemies are about to get an old bone to gnaw on, too.”

Soon, the fond memory, fanciful rebuke, and desperate cry would align with simple commitment. Sometime during the week, song-writer Mosie Lister’s challenge began to resonate through my soul. Do you remember his searching words? “How long has it been since you talked with the Lord and told Him your heart’s hidden secrets? ” How long since you stayed on your knees till the light shone through? ” How long has it been since your mind felt at ease? How long since your heart knew no burden? ” How long has it been?”

How long has it been? I suppose that depends. God embraces our friendships and takes on our sticks and stones. He’s pretty good at throwing out an old bone or two in miraculous ways. God always welcomes our feeble affection and devotion. Where did we learn that God shouldn’t be bothered? When did we begin to believe “our trivialities” are a waste of God’s time? Why do we persist in ignoring the One who loves us so?

At times I wondered who was really asking the question of whom.

Hello Everyone!

I apologize that I wasn’t able to send out that “Special Scribbles Edition” earlier this week.

This week I have an email you will want to read from Carol (Sheets) Brown concerning the “Bell Gardens Baptist” at Youth Haven Bible Camp Reunion. You may remember that Bill Holeman has wanted to as many as could come visit in Kentucky and see the work he has been involved with all these years first hand. Here is Carol’s letter.

Dear Friend from BG Baptist,

I hope this note finds all of you well. The Sheets family have all migrated out to the Canyon Lake, Wildomar, Temecula area of Riverside County and are all healthy and happy. A few years ago, we were able to spend a few days at Youth Haven Bible Camp in Kentucky. They have a pool, lake with paddle boats and water slide, gym with full-sized basketball court, a game room, etc. We had such a great time and have always talked about seeing if a group from Bell Gardens Baptist would be interested in reserving the camp for a reunion.

David called back to the camp and found out they could accommodate our group the week of August 14, 2006. The camp is located in Beattyville, Kentucky. I believe the nearest airports are located in Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky.

Of course, “Homer and Henry” are looking forward to seeing us again and they promise to bring along Bill and Joyce Holeman, too.

If any of you think you might be interested in getting together at the camp next August 14th (through the 20th), please let me know. We’ll then confirm with the camp staff and begin making more detailed arrangements.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Don and Carol (Sheets) Brown
40250 Paseo del Cielo
Temecula CA 92591
(951) 676-6809
Carol.Brown@SCE.com

It’s not too early to begin thinking about next Summer! Be sure to contact Carol.