"Give Thanks To Jehovah, For He is Good"
Psalm 106:1
2015 year text

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

FLASHBACK-----

Sheila blogged her oldest post still on web. It was fun to look this up and see past posts!

Here is my number 6 post. September 19, 2008




She rose to His requirement- dropt
The playthings of her life
To take the honorable work
of Woman and Wife.
--Emily Dickinson

Friday, April 23, 2010

Falcone Men


Great Grandpa Guiseppi with Uncles Tony, Mike, Virgil, Joe, John and Rocco.

I remember, Uncle Tony and Uncle John the most, but I did meet Uncle Mike and Uncle Virgil.
I don't remember Uncle Joe or Uncle Rocco.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

An Answer for Jennifer-

Jennifer's asks, "Are you saying only 144,000 people ever on the face of the earth get to partake of the sacrament or communion? If so, what about the commandment for all of us to be spiritually born of God?

These are deep spiritual questions that must be answered. It is important that we align ourselves with God's thinking, so we must turn to God's word, the Bible. We need some background information to fully give a correct answer, so please look up these scriptures in your own Bible.

Every book has a theme and that is true of the Bible also. That theme is the vindication of God's sovereignty and the sanctification of his holy name, by means of God's Kingdom. God has from the beginning progressively taught mankind about this Kingdom. Yes, after Adam and Eve sinned God immediately put in place a provision for mankind, yes a promise of a "seed" that would bring an end to Satan and his seed. This first prophecy is found at Genesis 3:15:

"And I (Jehovah) will put enmity between you (Satan) and the woman and between your seed and her seed. He will bruise you in the head and you will bruise him in the heal."

How this prophecy unfolds has a direct bearing on this subject of who partakes of the emblems. It is both faith strengthening and exciting to read, so let us briefly look at some key features of this promised "seed", doing so will help answer Jennifer's question with insight.

We are able to follow the line of that promised seed through Abraham, Issac and Jacob.(Gen 22:18; 26:24; 28:13, 14) When we get to the time of King David it is revealed that a kingdom is tied in with this promised seed. (1 Chronicles 17:11; Jeremiah 23:5) Later, the prophet Daniel was given a vision of that future heavenly kingdom at Daniel 7:13, 14:

"I kept on beholding in the visions of the night, and , see there! with the clouds of the heavens someone like a son of man (Jesus) happened to be coming; and to the Ancient of Days (Jehovah) he gained access, and they brought him up close even before that One. And to him there were given rulership and dignity and kingdom, that the peoples, national groups and languages should all serve even him. His rulership is an indefinitely lasting rulership that will not pass away, and his kingdom one that will not be brought to ruin."

This son of man would not rule alone. Notice what Dan 7:27 says:

"And the kingdom and the rulership and the grandeur of the kingdoms under all the heavens were given to the people who are the holy ones of the Supreme One. Their kingdom is an indefinitely lasting kingdom, and all the rulerships will serve and obey even them."

On the last night that Jesus spent with his faithful 11 apostles he instituted a "new covenant" This covenant was for a kingdom (Luke 22:29) Later, Paul and Timothy and others were included in this covenant for a kingdom. ( 2 Tim 2:12; Rev 5:9, 10; 20:6) The new covenant, which is made operative by Jesus shed blood, replaces the old Law covenant. It is mediated by Jesus Christ between two parties -on the one hand, Jehovah God, and on the other, 144,000 spirit-begotten Christians. Jesus is the main "seed" of promise, however, others, "holy ones" also are part of that "seed" (Gal 3:16, 29;)

How many? Jesus refers to a "Little flock" to whom God has approved of giving a kingdom. (Luke 12:32) Later, the resurrected Jesus gives a vision to the apostle John. What did John learn?

At Revelation 14:1-3 John sees 144,000 on heavenly Mount Zion with Jesus. These 144,000 were "bought from the earth". (Compare: Hebrews 12:22) Humans cannot go to heaven with bodies of flesh and blood.
- 1 Corith 15:50. Flesh and blood cannot inherit God's kingdom.

Only persons who have been "born again" can share in the heavenly Kingdom. (John 1:12, 13; 3:3-5) This privilege was not limited to natural Jews, but extended to others of mankind, but only a little flock.
-Romans 8:16, 17; (Compare: 1 Peter 1:3, 4; Rev 14:1, 3)

What will this "little flock" of those "born of spirit" do in heaven?
Rev 20:6 --says they will be priests and rule as kings.

If these spirit anointed or "born again" holy ones, the 144,000 are to be kings who will they rule over?
Rev 5:10 answers: "and you made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth." Only the 144,000 qualify to partake of the emblems, because the covenant for a kingdom is with them. Who selects those who go to heaven? Please read the answer at: Rom 9:6, 16.

What about all the billions of people who have ever lived on earth before Christ? Yes, what about those who are not "born again" can they be saved?

We have the example of King David a man agreeable to Jehovah's heart, but he did not go to heaven. -Acts 2:34.
John the Baptizer did not go to heaven. -Matt 11:11.
Psalms 37:9, 11, 29 shows clearly many will live as subjects of God's Kingdom on earth.

At John 10:16 Jesus said, "I have other sheep..." Who are these "other sheep" They are followers of the fine Shepherd, Jesus Christ, but are not in the "new covenant" sheepfold, with the hope of heavenly life. However, they do come to be closely associated with those in the covenant arrangement or fold.

Look again at, Rev 7:9 after seeing the 144,000, John next sees a great crowd who come out of the great tribulation. (They live through the great tribulation, like Noah lived through the destruction of the earth in his day.- Matt 24:37-39; Proverbs 2:21, 22) Yes, there is to be a new heavens (Kingdom government) and a new earth (righteous subjects) -2 Peter 3:13; Rev 21:1-4.

Will they really experience a happy future on earth? Let God's word answer: Ps. 37:11; Rev 21:1-4; Micah 4:3, 4; Matthew 5:5. They will have the grand privilege of working in harmony with God's purpose regarding the earth. (Matt 6:9, 10; Gen 1:28; Isaiah 45:18.) God's purpose from the beginning was to have a global paradise filled with happy, healthy people and that purpose still stands.

What a grand privilege it will be bringing the earth to a perfect state filled with happy loving people all serving their heavenly Father Jehovah, no more influence of Satan and his seed, they will be gone. No more sickness, crime, hunger, war, or even death, instead of obituaries there will be resurrection announcements! True peace and security will be the prize for all those living on the earth. (Isaiah 65:21-25; 11:6-9) How is this possible? Through an education work, notice what Isaiah 11:9 says: "They will not do any harm or cause any ruin in all my holy mountain; because the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters are covering the very sea."

All of this to glorify Jehovah, vindicating his sovereignty and sanctifying his most holy name.

So in answer to Jennifer's question, according to God's Holy Scriptures, only 144,000, who are in the covenant arrangement for a kingdom actually partake of the emblems, however, last year the worldwide Memorial of Christ's death, attendance was 18,168,323, all of these observing this important date in union with and in support of those spiritually born of God. Of these attendees only a remnant of the 144,000 still on earth (10,857 worldwide) actually partook of the emblems. Yes, there are two sheep folds, one with a heavenly hope and another with an earthly hope, all serving Jehovah's purpose unitedly as one flock.

I could not find a command that states all must be spiritually born of God. Only those going to heaven, since flesh and blood cannot enter into the spiritual heavens. However, Jesus did leave commandments for all his follwers to apply in their lives, namely:

"...You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. The second, like it, is this, 'You must love your neighbor as yourself.'" -Matthew 22:37-39

"Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And, look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things." -Matt 28:19, 20

"I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you. that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves." -John 13:34, 35

"This is my commandment, that you love one another just as I have loved you. No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his soul in behalf of his friends." -John 15:12, 13


My hope for you is that you may be spiritually refreshed by this "Good News of the Kingdom"! (Matt 4:23)



(If you read through this with out looking up the scriptures, please go back and take your time, read God's own words, prayerfully. For it is not what any man or woman says, rather it is what God says that counts.)










Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Look Who....



We got to see!!!!!


Miss Smiles


Sid the Kid!!!



After a long trip, still a happy camper!
Thanks for your hospitality Krista and Ryan.

(Yep, we got to visit with Ryan too.)

Monday, April 12, 2010

More pictures of Family enjoying one another!




Butterfly Gardens are Beautiful!

If you look close you might see a butterfly in among these flowers!
But don't touch the butterfly because it's wings are very fragile.



However, the Butterflies can touch you!


Grandma picked up a lion while we were there!
He followed her all over the park!

Thursday, April 8, 2010

I Think We Will Find a Butterfly Today!

Here we go!





These are pictures from Google images.
Later, maybe I will take some pictures of Butterflies from Wild Animal Park

I Think

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Look What Dion Found!

A Baby Possum!!!

When confronted they do not run away!
Instead they stand their ground and hiss louder than a cat.
They are kinda cute, as in, "so ugly it's cute".
After admiring the little critter, we set him free.

Random Pictures from Last Week.

Poppo and Dallas

Grandmama and Lilly
Where are you going Lil?

Here and There!
And Everywhere!

Zane posing nice.
No Koen in sight, always moving!

Sunday, April 4, 2010

"Read Your Bible Every Day!"

"Christ is Alive!"

Matthew 28:5-7



As you look at the pictures in these posts below please take your time to read and meditate on the scriptures in your own Bible. Yes, put God's sayings deep into your hearts!

http://sweetoldersister.blogspot.com/2009/04/jesus-risen-from-dead.html

http://sweetoldersister.blogspot.com/2009/04/jesus-ascends-to-heaven.html

http://sweetoldersister.blogspot.com/2009/04/obediently-waiting-in-jerusalem.html

Understanding God's purposes and thoughts by digging into His word the Bible, can lead us to be "fellow workers" with God. What a grand privilege!
-1 Corinthians 3:5-9.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Look! The Man!

Events on Nisan 14

Please read: John 19:1-42

Jesus has been betrayed, denied, brought before the Sanhedrin court, than brought to Pilate, who sent him to Herod, who in turn sent him back to Pilate. Jesus has endured much.
(John 18:1-40; Luke 22:66-23:16)

Pilate has Jesus scourged and the soldiers heap more abuse on him by braiding a crown of thorns and pushing it down on his head. They clothe Jesus in a purple robe and mockingly say: "Good day, you King of the Jews!" They continue in their abuse, spitting on Jesus and slapping him in the face. Jesus example in the face of this persecution is something for us to meditate on.
-verses 1-3

Jesus' remarkable dignity and strength in the face of this mistreatment impresses Pilate, who is moved to make another attempt to release him. Pilate again proclaims that he finds no fault in Jesus. With respect and pity, Pilate says to the crowd: "Look! The Man!" Though bruised and battered, here stands the most outstanding figure of all history, truly the greatest man who ever lived! Jesus' quiet dignity and calm shows a greatness that even Pilate must acknowledge. However, the chief priests and the officers react by shouting: "Impale him, Impale him!"
-verses 4-7


The Jews see that their political charges have failed, they now tell Pilate that Jesus made himself God's son, for that he ought to die. This charge is new to Pilate, causing him to be fearful, so he questions Jesus further. Jesus remains silent, but this hurts Pilate's pride and he flares up at Jesus saying: "Do you not know I have authority to release you and I have authority to impale you?"
"You would have no authority at all against me unless it had been granted to you from above," is Jesus respectful answer. He is referring to the authority of human rulers to administer earthly affairs that God allows or grants.- verses 8-11.

Impressed even more with Jesus and fearful that he may have divine origin, Pilate tries again to release him. The Jews repeat their political charge, threatening: "If you release this man, you are not a freind of Caesar. Every man making himself a king speaks against Caesar." Pilate asks in desperation, "Shall I impale your king?" Yet, these Jews, including the chief priests, who hate living under Rome's domination hypocritically say: "We have no king but Caesar." Fearing for his political position and reputation, Pilate finally caves in and hands Jesus over. - verses 12-16

Jesus is taken, along with two criminals to Gol'go-tha (Skull Place) where he is hung on a stake. Pilate has posted a sign, written in three languages: Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The chief priests, including Caiaphas and Annas protest: "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that he said, 'I am King of the Jews.'" Pilate answers with contempt: "What I have written I have written."- verses 17-22

The soldiers unwittingly fulfill prophecy when they divide his garments in four parts and cast lots over his inner garment. (Psalms 22:18) -verses 23,24


Jesus' mother and her sister Salome, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of the apostle James the Less, make their way close to the torture stake. John, Jesus' beloved apostle, is with them there. Jesus' thinks not of his own pain, but of his mothers welfare. With great effort, he nods toward John and says to his mother: "Woman, see! Your son!" Then nodding toward Mary, he says to John: "See! Your mother!" Jesus entrusts the care of his mother, who is evidently a widow, to his specially loved apostle. (Mary's other sons have not yet put faith in Jesus.) Jesus sets a fine example in making provision not only for his mother's physical needs but also for her spiritual ones. -verses 25-27.


Jesus receives the sour wine, then cries out: "It has been accomplished!" Yes, he has finished everything that his Father has sent him to do. Finally, he says: "Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit." Then he bows his head and dies. It is getting late in the day, and the Sabbath of Nisan 15 will begin at sundown. Jesus' dead body hangs limp on the stake, but the two robbers alongside him are still alive. According to God's Law, bodies are not to be left hanging on a stake overnight. So the Jews ask Pilate that the death of those being executed be hastened by breaking their legs. Since Jesus appears to be dead, his legs are not broken. This fulfills the scripture: "Not a bone of his will be crushed." (Ps. 34:20) However, to remove any doubt that Jesus is really dead, one of the soldiers jabs a spear into his side. The spear pierces the region of his heart, and immediately blood and water come out. This fulfills the scripture: "They will look to the One whom they pierced." (Zechariah 12:10) -verses 28-37

Joseph of Arimathea, although afraid to identify himself as a disciple of Jesus, now exercises courage and goes to Pilate to ask for Jesus' body. Then assisted by Nicodemus takes the body and wraps it in clean fine linen, along with aloe and spices. The body is then laid in a tomb that is carved in the rock in the garden nearby. Finally, a large stone is rolled in front of the tomb.