TIME TO CHOOSE A SIDE
We May as well admit it, out world is dripping in the sinful slime of crime. Surely we’ve had enough! The degenerate pedophiles who molest children, trafficking child pornography and rob them of innocence and life are everywhere. The moral barometer has sunk to an all time low as we now laugh at and accept nearly every act that at one time were taboo. Where has our sense of decency gone?
It is time to turn off the television, shun the movies with nudity and cursing, and do not support products that sponsor such immorality. As parents and grandparents, we should be frontline to stem the assault of those who would capture our young loved ones. There was a time as a community, country and yes, our churches, would not tolerate such things. We have gone from being against such as working Sunday’s and no prime time issues of homosexuality and adultery to where it is common place. Check the change in moral standards from a few years ago.
We justify these compromises by the same excuses our young people use, “everyone is doing it” and “in Europe, Las Vegas, and Hollywood, they do it!”. The Bible, that ancient old Book of Wisdom, we call the Word of God, was once our foundation for truth, behavior and laws. Now people ignore it, ridicule it and are offended by it. The Book has not changed, we have. The only steps back to safety and change is through God’s truth.
Who would have ever thought we would have so many child molesters that we must watch our little ones at school, church and home. Websites are created to catch our children when they are still vulnerable. Drugs, gangs, gambling, sex, violence, are on video games, music and the very style of clothing kids wear. The door of the Garden of Evil is flung open wide and our children are gagging on the fruit.
Many of our major religions, churches, and popular preachers refuse to preach on these issues. Why? Someone might be offended. Well, God is very offended. His judgment will come and our silence may be as damning as the world’s sins. We just want to feel good and entertained, don’t bother us with the smut in society. We now can check it out on DVD’s and watch it at home. Yes, there are climate changes going on in our world but it is the moral climate we are ignoring. God’s word promises it’s going to get much hotter and the ozone won’t be involved.
We all saw the little girl on television that was being sexually abused and used for child pornography. We are angry and sad. I fear these images will become so familiar, people will say what’s the problem? The government will not correct this entire pandemic of moral disease. Families, churches, citizens and concerned groups must rally to make a difference. Enough is enough.
Sharpen your pencil and write your person in public office. Talk to your pastor, voice your opinion, talk to your children and start those petitions. Let’s take it bake before the world takes it all away. God is very much alert to our disasters. We don’t need more entertainments, we need revival.
Recently a man in Florida crashed his small plane on a busy freeway. He did not want to harm anyone else but he felt his life was over. By his own confession he was an agnostic. He didn’t believe in God nor did he have time for God. That day he prayed. The plane was destroyed around him. He sat in the seat bleeding yet alive. That day, he said, “I chose a side. God delivered me, I believe.” How about you? Have your picked a side? We won’t stop this horrible world of sins effect until we choose a side, God’s side.
Larry D. Sparks
New Beginnings Church
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
GOD BLESS AMERICA – A PRAYER
GOD BLESS AMERICA – A PRAYER
I returned only a few days ago from south India where I was engaged in missionary work and starting churches. India has over a billion people and will surpass China in a few years as our planets most populated country, only in a smaller geographic area. Everywhere was a sea of humanity, the worst traffic I have ever experienced and without a doubt poverty beyond hope in many areas. Cattle and water buffalo roamed the crowded city streets where people openly relieved themselves. The traffic snarled at every point because of no regulations except honk horns and hit brakes. More than 80,000 pedestrians a year are killed on the streets of India by cars, buses, scooters and even motorized rickshaws.
Grass huts and palm frond houses are squeezed into every village where half clad children squat in dirty streets. No satellite dishes, no central air units, no ice-cream trucks, only poverty of people. Ornate Hindu Temples contrast the backdrop of human suffering. The women adorned in colorful saree’s, the men in white Nehru. The drab Islamic Mosque with blaring speakers cry out five times daily for the devotee to pray. Statues of Budha are niched into certain areas where the religion found its genesis but moved north and eastward to more fertile oriental soil.
I sat on a crowded India Railway train with my mission partner, George Palmer, and looked out the stained window at the rice fields being seeded in the 105ยบ temperature. India has nearly 40,000 miles of railroad that connect New Delhi, Calcutta, Hyderbad, Bombay, down to far south Madras. Every village and train station carried a similar scene of crowds waiting to board, multitudes of beggars and small baggage handlers carrying twice their weight over a thick turbans. This is India.
The people are beautiful, the children laugh, the caste system holds them firm in the grip of their social destiny. I thought of America, free, full and spoiled with luxuries of daily living. Our church steeples, McDonalds yellow arches, commercial bill boards, super highways and waving flags reminded me how blest we are. Truly, we have our problems and our differences but folk, America is the Greatest Nation on earth, no matter what the liberal critical Europeans label us. We are the envy of the earth. Our Wal-Mart’s and Quick Stops were a blessing to this country boy preacher from Oklahoma to see upon returning to America.
As I journeyed down I-240 toward Shawnee from Will Rogers Airport, I saw a huge flag unfurled over an automobile dealership. The red was bright, the blue was deep, the white stars were nearly pure in the bright June sun. . . this is the homeland. Truly we are blest. “One Nation Under God, Indivisible with Liberty and Justice For ALL.”
Many people in India found Jesus Christ while we ministered there in fulfillment of Matthew 28:18-20 “Go teach all nations …” and I found a new perspective of home sweet home. God Bless America … that is a prayer indeed.
Pastor and Chaplain
Larry D. Sparks
I returned only a few days ago from south India where I was engaged in missionary work and starting churches. India has over a billion people and will surpass China in a few years as our planets most populated country, only in a smaller geographic area. Everywhere was a sea of humanity, the worst traffic I have ever experienced and without a doubt poverty beyond hope in many areas. Cattle and water buffalo roamed the crowded city streets where people openly relieved themselves. The traffic snarled at every point because of no regulations except honk horns and hit brakes. More than 80,000 pedestrians a year are killed on the streets of India by cars, buses, scooters and even motorized rickshaws.
Grass huts and palm frond houses are squeezed into every village where half clad children squat in dirty streets. No satellite dishes, no central air units, no ice-cream trucks, only poverty of people. Ornate Hindu Temples contrast the backdrop of human suffering. The women adorned in colorful saree’s, the men in white Nehru. The drab Islamic Mosque with blaring speakers cry out five times daily for the devotee to pray. Statues of Budha are niched into certain areas where the religion found its genesis but moved north and eastward to more fertile oriental soil.
I sat on a crowded India Railway train with my mission partner, George Palmer, and looked out the stained window at the rice fields being seeded in the 105ยบ temperature. India has nearly 40,000 miles of railroad that connect New Delhi, Calcutta, Hyderbad, Bombay, down to far south Madras. Every village and train station carried a similar scene of crowds waiting to board, multitudes of beggars and small baggage handlers carrying twice their weight over a thick turbans. This is India.
The people are beautiful, the children laugh, the caste system holds them firm in the grip of their social destiny. I thought of America, free, full and spoiled with luxuries of daily living. Our church steeples, McDonalds yellow arches, commercial bill boards, super highways and waving flags reminded me how blest we are. Truly, we have our problems and our differences but folk, America is the Greatest Nation on earth, no matter what the liberal critical Europeans label us. We are the envy of the earth. Our Wal-Mart’s and Quick Stops were a blessing to this country boy preacher from Oklahoma to see upon returning to America.
As I journeyed down I-240 toward Shawnee from Will Rogers Airport, I saw a huge flag unfurled over an automobile dealership. The red was bright, the blue was deep, the white stars were nearly pure in the bright June sun. . . this is the homeland. Truly we are blest. “One Nation Under God, Indivisible with Liberty and Justice For ALL.”
Many people in India found Jesus Christ while we ministered there in fulfillment of Matthew 28:18-20 “Go teach all nations …” and I found a new perspective of home sweet home. God Bless America … that is a prayer indeed.
Pastor and Chaplain
Larry D. Sparks
Fat Frog in a Dry Well
Fat Frog in a Dry Well
When You’re Down
He was the greatest American President who guided our nation through the Civil War. He suffered from depression his entire life. At one point Abraham Lincoln wrote his law partner and said, “to remain as I am is impossible. I must die or be better.” Many Americans feel that way at times but when it becomes persistent, it is depression.
Depression is the number one problem in the work force today. More than half, 56%, said they suffer from some form of depression. It’s happening at younger ages also, many teenagers drag through a day with a mind tied down with depression. Symptoms may in include loss of interest, guilt, change of weight, sleep disorders, lethargy, crying, slow thought process and even suicidal thinking. It is all quite serious.
Many great Bible characters were subject to depression. It is not new just more wide spread. Jeremiah, Jonah, Elijah, Paul, Saul and Daniel, to name a few, suffered bouts of depression. There are some good medicines. See your physician soon. However, there are some spiritual, practical, simple things you can do.
First, pray. Okay, you expected a minister to say that but it is a genuine help. Talk to God. Share with a friend you really trust. Listen to them and listen to yourself. Exercise, go for a walk. Sing, whether you sound good or not it is therapeutic. Read a good book. Watch a humorous movie and laugh out loud. Take a “Calgon” break and clear your mind. All these will help.
If you need to gain or grant forgiveness from anyone, go do it. Don’t let your past own your present peace. Life is short, full and unpredictable. Writing to the church of Rome, the Apostle Paul listed many depressing items and then said, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.” Rom. 8:37
It’s hard to smile when you’re depressed. The Chaplains office is Pastoral Care for not only patients and their families but for you also. Call us, we care. Ext. 8129 when you feel lower than a fat frog in a dry well there is some help available.
Chaplain Sparks and Chaplain Ward
When You’re Down
He was the greatest American President who guided our nation through the Civil War. He suffered from depression his entire life. At one point Abraham Lincoln wrote his law partner and said, “to remain as I am is impossible. I must die or be better.” Many Americans feel that way at times but when it becomes persistent, it is depression.
Depression is the number one problem in the work force today. More than half, 56%, said they suffer from some form of depression. It’s happening at younger ages also, many teenagers drag through a day with a mind tied down with depression. Symptoms may in include loss of interest, guilt, change of weight, sleep disorders, lethargy, crying, slow thought process and even suicidal thinking. It is all quite serious.
Many great Bible characters were subject to depression. It is not new just more wide spread. Jeremiah, Jonah, Elijah, Paul, Saul and Daniel, to name a few, suffered bouts of depression. There are some good medicines. See your physician soon. However, there are some spiritual, practical, simple things you can do.
First, pray. Okay, you expected a minister to say that but it is a genuine help. Talk to God. Share with a friend you really trust. Listen to them and listen to yourself. Exercise, go for a walk. Sing, whether you sound good or not it is therapeutic. Read a good book. Watch a humorous movie and laugh out loud. Take a “Calgon” break and clear your mind. All these will help.
If you need to gain or grant forgiveness from anyone, go do it. Don’t let your past own your present peace. Life is short, full and unpredictable. Writing to the church of Rome, the Apostle Paul listed many depressing items and then said, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.” Rom. 8:37
It’s hard to smile when you’re depressed. The Chaplains office is Pastoral Care for not only patients and their families but for you also. Call us, we care. Ext. 8129 when you feel lower than a fat frog in a dry well there is some help available.
Chaplain Sparks and Chaplain Ward
PINK HERE AND AROUND THE WORLD
PINK HERE AND AROUND THE WORLD
According to international sources breast cancer is spreading world-wide. We have become familiar with the pink ribbons which brought American women to an awareness of breast cancer especially during October each year. What we didn’t realize was the alarming rate it was spreading in other countries. Though the US leads the way in diagnosis and near the top in deaths, it has far more exams and treatments than other nations.
According to Newsweek magazine an Egyptian woman is told she has breast cancer every three minutes but may not tell her husband for fear he will leave. Many countries fail to report their cancers due to so many other issues such as aids, hunger and no place for treatments. Western Europe, Australia, South America and other areas of Europe follow Americans lead of awareness and reporting. Sadly, places like Asia, Africa and India are extremely slow at dealing with such health issues. Gender and ethnicity does make a difference.
Mammograms and MRI’s are simple not available in many areas. Even among America’s poor, discover and treatment maybe withheld. Cost for mammogram is $50-$150 where magnetic imaging could cost a $1000 or more. Sadly, many women do not perform monthly self-examines.
Our American or Western diet may be a contributor to the rise in breast cancer and probably has influenced other nations also. Age increases the cancer promotion estrogen also, as well as genetics and delayed childbirth. Links to smoking, deodorants, birth control and the recent phenomenon of breast implants are considered factors.
Here in the US, more especially Oklahoma and Shawnee locally, we have noticed the pink ribbons, pins and programs showing up. It would be a shame to let all this information slide by without learning, taking the needed pre-cautions and helping resource studies for treatment. All it takes is one phone call from a wife, mother, sister, or daughter with a tearful voice on the other end of the phone saying, “I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I’m scared!” sudd3enly the cause become ours…when actually it always should have been our battle to fight.
Pray for those battling this disease and those seeking a cure. Look for ways to support and certainly become a part of the awareness campaign. Pink, it never looked so good or said so much as it does in October. Ladies, we are on your team. One day, pink will mean victory rather than awareness
.
Chaplain Larry Sparks
Pink Ribbons
Every October you see them,
Throughout every city and town;
Simple pink ribbons,
That speak volumes without a sound.
They remind us of a battle,
Being fought for human life.
In Cancer Centers for women,
Who are mothers, daughters and wives.
One tiny pink ribbon worn,
On the collar or suits lapel;
Rallying the medical community,
To help and make us well.
Frail from constant chemo treatments,
Yet with hope they carry on;
This may be the year of the cure,
When the pink ribbons have finally won.
Lift high your noble faces,
Let only joyful sounds be heard;
As the October Pink banner is lifted,
Our unified spirits are stirred.
Think Pink, pray and support,
For all you ladies so dear;
Early detection and treatment,
Let this be the healing year.
Larry Sparks
According to international sources breast cancer is spreading world-wide. We have become familiar with the pink ribbons which brought American women to an awareness of breast cancer especially during October each year. What we didn’t realize was the alarming rate it was spreading in other countries. Though the US leads the way in diagnosis and near the top in deaths, it has far more exams and treatments than other nations.
According to Newsweek magazine an Egyptian woman is told she has breast cancer every three minutes but may not tell her husband for fear he will leave. Many countries fail to report their cancers due to so many other issues such as aids, hunger and no place for treatments. Western Europe, Australia, South America and other areas of Europe follow Americans lead of awareness and reporting. Sadly, places like Asia, Africa and India are extremely slow at dealing with such health issues. Gender and ethnicity does make a difference.
Mammograms and MRI’s are simple not available in many areas. Even among America’s poor, discover and treatment maybe withheld. Cost for mammogram is $50-$150 where magnetic imaging could cost a $1000 or more. Sadly, many women do not perform monthly self-examines.
Our American or Western diet may be a contributor to the rise in breast cancer and probably has influenced other nations also. Age increases the cancer promotion estrogen also, as well as genetics and delayed childbirth. Links to smoking, deodorants, birth control and the recent phenomenon of breast implants are considered factors.
Here in the US, more especially Oklahoma and Shawnee locally, we have noticed the pink ribbons, pins and programs showing up. It would be a shame to let all this information slide by without learning, taking the needed pre-cautions and helping resource studies for treatment. All it takes is one phone call from a wife, mother, sister, or daughter with a tearful voice on the other end of the phone saying, “I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I’m scared!” sudd3enly the cause become ours…when actually it always should have been our battle to fight.
Pray for those battling this disease and those seeking a cure. Look for ways to support and certainly become a part of the awareness campaign. Pink, it never looked so good or said so much as it does in October. Ladies, we are on your team. One day, pink will mean victory rather than awareness
.
Chaplain Larry Sparks
Pink Ribbons
Every October you see them,
Throughout every city and town;
Simple pink ribbons,
That speak volumes without a sound.
They remind us of a battle,
Being fought for human life.
In Cancer Centers for women,
Who are mothers, daughters and wives.
One tiny pink ribbon worn,
On the collar or suits lapel;
Rallying the medical community,
To help and make us well.
Frail from constant chemo treatments,
Yet with hope they carry on;
This may be the year of the cure,
When the pink ribbons have finally won.
Lift high your noble faces,
Let only joyful sounds be heard;
As the October Pink banner is lifted,
Our unified spirits are stirred.
Think Pink, pray and support,
For all you ladies so dear;
Early detection and treatment,
Let this be the healing year.
Larry Sparks
Relevance and Perspective
Relevance and Perspective
I stood in the waiting room at the Emergency Department watching for a moment the two presidential candidates snip at each other. Seemed important but I was on my way to relate to a family their father just died. Somehow they are not relevant to this family right now. Really, they are going to fix our world in four years? Perspective is changed in crisis.
Then there was that beautiful baby being wheeled out in her mother’s arms toward a mid-size car where a proud papa awaits. Yet my own great-grandchild is trussed with tubes and lines fighting for life in another hospital. That wheel-chair seems so irrelevant at the moment. I must keep a positive perspective or the negative will overwhelm.
The price of gas is high. We complained among ourselves at lunch how the over three dollar price would break us and we’d all be riding bicycles. And then I looked up and there he was, shaggy-hair, tasseled beard and riding a 25 year old bike with bed roll on the back. Suddenly gas prices seemed not so bad and a hot meal more the focus. Air in the tires, food in the stomach and a survival perspective.
Two P.M. and my feet hurt, my back aches and my sinuses are plagued by allergies. I’ve been on my feet a lot today and mowing the yard yesterday sure stopped up my head. Poor me. Then I glanced inside the Cancer Center on my way back to my office. There she sat, frail, a doo-rag on her bald head, portable oxygen tank in her lap and slumped over in weakness. Maybe my feet aren’t so bad. Sorry, Lord, I need a fresh new perspective.
Working at a hospital can change the relevant perspective on any given matter. All it takes is an open mind, tender heart and willingness to see. Life and people are relevant, God says so and He always has the right perspective.
Larry Sparks
I stood in the waiting room at the Emergency Department watching for a moment the two presidential candidates snip at each other. Seemed important but I was on my way to relate to a family their father just died. Somehow they are not relevant to this family right now. Really, they are going to fix our world in four years? Perspective is changed in crisis.
Then there was that beautiful baby being wheeled out in her mother’s arms toward a mid-size car where a proud papa awaits. Yet my own great-grandchild is trussed with tubes and lines fighting for life in another hospital. That wheel-chair seems so irrelevant at the moment. I must keep a positive perspective or the negative will overwhelm.
The price of gas is high. We complained among ourselves at lunch how the over three dollar price would break us and we’d all be riding bicycles. And then I looked up and there he was, shaggy-hair, tasseled beard and riding a 25 year old bike with bed roll on the back. Suddenly gas prices seemed not so bad and a hot meal more the focus. Air in the tires, food in the stomach and a survival perspective.
Two P.M. and my feet hurt, my back aches and my sinuses are plagued by allergies. I’ve been on my feet a lot today and mowing the yard yesterday sure stopped up my head. Poor me. Then I glanced inside the Cancer Center on my way back to my office. There she sat, frail, a doo-rag on her bald head, portable oxygen tank in her lap and slumped over in weakness. Maybe my feet aren’t so bad. Sorry, Lord, I need a fresh new perspective.
Working at a hospital can change the relevant perspective on any given matter. All it takes is an open mind, tender heart and willingness to see. Life and people are relevant, God says so and He always has the right perspective.
Larry Sparks
Looking For Leaders
Looking For Leaders
There are certain days, crisis, battles and challenges that define a man’s life and his legacy. Those times are crossovers into change which cannot be altered in how he views himself and his ability to handle future troubles. The soldier who faces down the enemy rather than running. The good Samaritan who pulls the victim from the fiery car. The one pivotal decision made that creates an outcome of blessing for others that only he could make.
This is the daily routine for some people. They are called leaders. They have so proven themselves to be decisive, heroic, trustworthy and unselfish that others seek to follow safely behind them. People, both men and women, have these innate qualities but time, life experience and that critical moment has not occurred yet. Thus as we look for potential leaders locally and nationally, we often have no water-mark of the past to define their action to a presented challenge.
Rhetoric cannot help nor hide what is lacking on a person’s resume. They either have been there and proven to be of the right stock or haven’t. Media tends to be misleading as they popularize certain people or manipulate outcomes on polls and strategies. Records of individuals are public and cannot be hidden.
Many key issues are worth exploring as we embrace our own plans for investing in these leaders. Morality must be considered because our children and grand-children are depending on us to define certain things and leave absolutes for them to build on. Financial stability follows as a responsibility and develop. This is now a global issue and boggles the mind. The international involvement militarily in obtaining, protecting and preserving peace in a nuclear world is awesome. There are no simple answers since many of our own citizens are from these nations at risk. God help us if we err in these areas with so many lives at stake.
Education, judicial systems, prison reform, taxes, technology, labor, minorities, ethics, and dozens more call for multi-diversity in knowledge and judgment in sharing in appointment of other leaders. Remember, local leadership counts just as important as the national stage. With all of our cell phones, computers, internets and television coverage of news twenty-four hours a day, we are the most uninformed generation by deliberate choice. We have chosen entertainment, recreation, pleasure, sports, etc. as our reason for existing and priority of attention.
I am always amazed when conversing with people of other countries how much more they know about American life issues than Americans do. That’s sad when you figure we are so prone to complain about inconveniences we face and people who we deem failures in leadership. Making right decisions through a process of exploring facts, information and prospective leaders will unify us and not divide. The more we know, the better the outcome for all of us. Our past leaders historically have proved this and we live in that lap of security today they created.
So, in one sense you are a leader as you cast your vote for Mayor, Commissioner, Senator, or President. That vote may define you more than them. Your portion of our world is very important, as is your influence, your input, your leadership. Come lead, follow and together we build a better world. Paved with prayer, saturated with wisdom and held with patience, you are needed.
There are certain days, crisis, battles and challenges that define a man’s life and his legacy. Those times are crossovers into change which cannot be altered in how he views himself and his ability to handle future troubles. The soldier who faces down the enemy rather than running. The good Samaritan who pulls the victim from the fiery car. The one pivotal decision made that creates an outcome of blessing for others that only he could make.
This is the daily routine for some people. They are called leaders. They have so proven themselves to be decisive, heroic, trustworthy and unselfish that others seek to follow safely behind them. People, both men and women, have these innate qualities but time, life experience and that critical moment has not occurred yet. Thus as we look for potential leaders locally and nationally, we often have no water-mark of the past to define their action to a presented challenge.
Rhetoric cannot help nor hide what is lacking on a person’s resume. They either have been there and proven to be of the right stock or haven’t. Media tends to be misleading as they popularize certain people or manipulate outcomes on polls and strategies. Records of individuals are public and cannot be hidden.
Many key issues are worth exploring as we embrace our own plans for investing in these leaders. Morality must be considered because our children and grand-children are depending on us to define certain things and leave absolutes for them to build on. Financial stability follows as a responsibility and develop. This is now a global issue and boggles the mind. The international involvement militarily in obtaining, protecting and preserving peace in a nuclear world is awesome. There are no simple answers since many of our own citizens are from these nations at risk. God help us if we err in these areas with so many lives at stake.
Education, judicial systems, prison reform, taxes, technology, labor, minorities, ethics, and dozens more call for multi-diversity in knowledge and judgment in sharing in appointment of other leaders. Remember, local leadership counts just as important as the national stage. With all of our cell phones, computers, internets and television coverage of news twenty-four hours a day, we are the most uninformed generation by deliberate choice. We have chosen entertainment, recreation, pleasure, sports, etc. as our reason for existing and priority of attention.
I am always amazed when conversing with people of other countries how much more they know about American life issues than Americans do. That’s sad when you figure we are so prone to complain about inconveniences we face and people who we deem failures in leadership. Making right decisions through a process of exploring facts, information and prospective leaders will unify us and not divide. The more we know, the better the outcome for all of us. Our past leaders historically have proved this and we live in that lap of security today they created.
So, in one sense you are a leader as you cast your vote for Mayor, Commissioner, Senator, or President. That vote may define you more than them. Your portion of our world is very important, as is your influence, your input, your leadership. Come lead, follow and together we build a better world. Paved with prayer, saturated with wisdom and held with patience, you are needed.
FROM THE ALTAR TO FALTER
FROM THE ALTAR TO FALTER
Candy is flying off the shelves, even diet chocolates, Florist are scurrying to fill orders, and cards are mailed or placed in conspicuous locations for the sweetheart to find…Ah! Yes, it is Valentine Week. The special evening dinner out is planned, so make your reservations early or you’ll be in line at the fast food place.
There are some “love at first sight” relationships and we live in an age of online dating. There is something though to be said about the old traditional dating, waiting, before mating approach. Some Hollywood marriages found that out. Actress Robin Givens married her tennis coach and it lasted only one day. She later married boxer Mike Tyson, it lasted 11 months. Brittany Spears and Jason Alexander got married in Vegas and that’s where their marriage stayed. It lasted all of 55 hours. Carmen Electra and Dennis Rodman also left their $75.00 wedding in Vegas after 9 days. Drew Barrymore and Jeremy Thomas ground out 19 days of wedded bliss. The list goes on from the altar to falter for many who rushed past the engagement period.
During Gov. Frank Keating’s stint as our state’s leader, he helped form the Marriage Initiative. The purpose was to halt the divorce rate which was nearly half the ratio of marriages in Oklahoma. It called for pre-marital counseling and post marriage (divorce) counsel where children were involved. It is still in process and progress. There is truly great wisdom in preparation for a life together rather than weeks spent on designing a wedding ceremony. Many Pastors’ have become reluctant to perform marriages where couples rush to the altar without counsel.
Valentine’s Day is symbolic of love, even with all the commercialism; it helps us to form those simple, profound, beautiful words… I LOVE YOU. Borrowing the verse of the Apostle Paul to the church at Philippi “It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart.” Phil. 1:7 To your sweetheart from your genuine love, say it, show it, mean it, live it and make it last. The old verse said, “Grow old with me, the best is yet to be.” Happy Valentine to every age. New love stories are being written everyday. Be one of them by showing love is real by the test of time.
I Corinthians 13:8 says “Love never fails”.
Pastor/Chaplain Larry Sparks
Candy is flying off the shelves, even diet chocolates, Florist are scurrying to fill orders, and cards are mailed or placed in conspicuous locations for the sweetheart to find…Ah! Yes, it is Valentine Week. The special evening dinner out is planned, so make your reservations early or you’ll be in line at the fast food place.
There are some “love at first sight” relationships and we live in an age of online dating. There is something though to be said about the old traditional dating, waiting, before mating approach. Some Hollywood marriages found that out. Actress Robin Givens married her tennis coach and it lasted only one day. She later married boxer Mike Tyson, it lasted 11 months. Brittany Spears and Jason Alexander got married in Vegas and that’s where their marriage stayed. It lasted all of 55 hours. Carmen Electra and Dennis Rodman also left their $75.00 wedding in Vegas after 9 days. Drew Barrymore and Jeremy Thomas ground out 19 days of wedded bliss. The list goes on from the altar to falter for many who rushed past the engagement period.
During Gov. Frank Keating’s stint as our state’s leader, he helped form the Marriage Initiative. The purpose was to halt the divorce rate which was nearly half the ratio of marriages in Oklahoma. It called for pre-marital counseling and post marriage (divorce) counsel where children were involved. It is still in process and progress. There is truly great wisdom in preparation for a life together rather than weeks spent on designing a wedding ceremony. Many Pastors’ have become reluctant to perform marriages where couples rush to the altar without counsel.
Valentine’s Day is symbolic of love, even with all the commercialism; it helps us to form those simple, profound, beautiful words… I LOVE YOU. Borrowing the verse of the Apostle Paul to the church at Philippi “It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart.” Phil. 1:7 To your sweetheart from your genuine love, say it, show it, mean it, live it and make it last. The old verse said, “Grow old with me, the best is yet to be.” Happy Valentine to every age. New love stories are being written everyday. Be one of them by showing love is real by the test of time.
I Corinthians 13:8 says “Love never fails”.
Pastor/Chaplain Larry Sparks
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