Public Witness

There are many ways in which we can declare our faith and witness to the work of grace in our lives.

Here is the way that the folks at "Jonah's Fish and Grits" Restaurant in Thomasville, GA chose to share their faith and their mission statement.  This statement was included in their menu, right below "Jonah's Prayer" from the book of Jonah.  That section ends with "Salvation Belongs to the Lord."

In case this isn't clear for you it says:
Jesus provides this
GRACE
(unearned, undeserved, unmerited favor and ability)
so we can do this
BRING YOU WONDERFUL FOOD
MADE FRESH DAILY AT A GREAT
VALUE IN AN ALCOHOL FREE,
FAMILY FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE
thank you Jesus.

By the way their "Shrimp and Grits" special is very savory!

Thanks for stopping by.  Have a blessed "Labor Day."

Fresco's In Cave Churches

"Fresco" is a technique of mural painting executed upon freshly laid lime plaster.  Water is the vehicle for the pigment/color and, with the setting of the plaster, the painting becomes an integral part of the wall.  Since the painting is integral to the wall, and since these frescoes are from cave churches and therefore away from , they are well preserved.  Many of the frescoes in Turkey are from the 10th and 11th centuries A.D.  By the way, the word fresco (Italian: affresco) is derived from the Italian adjective "fresco" meaning "fresh".

Most of the frescoes we saw in underground churches were of Biblical scenes and/or Biblical persons.

Here are a few examples from the Gümüşler Monastery in a previous blog.

Above the Altar

A Silly For Today:

Things have been somewhat hectic the last few days and I haven't been very attentive to blogging, though I have a lot to post as time goes by.

So for today, I thought I'd just post this little brain teaser.

Be blessed!

What is "Divine Providence"?

One definition of Divine Providence: 
 
Something chosen and promoted by God for us, 
not necessarily perceived as positive. 

Now that makes me think! 

Reducing my Taxes!

I was reading an advice column the other day.  The eye catching headline said something like, "How To Reduce Your Taxes!" 

Now, I've always thought I did a pretty good being a good steward of my resources in order that I wasn't obligated to pay more taxes than necessary.  Not that I mind paying taxes.  They are my contribution to the programs that are necessary to provide the framework in which I can live in security and comfort.  But I dont' find it necessary to make a larger contribution than necessary.

So, that headline drew me into reading the article.  It suggested that I could reduce my taxes by as much as half.  Wow!  I wondered what I had been missing all these years.  I wondered what strategy could be employed to make this work for me.

Then I got to the last paragraph.  It said, "If you want to reduce your taxes, simply reduce your income.  If you want to cut your taxes in half, cut your income in half.  It is as simple as that." 

Hum....  I wasn't expecting that.  But it is true.  I could do that.  It would work. 

But what is also true is that suddenly I was thankful for my tax bill.  It means I have income to tax. 
And it means that I am blessed! 

Very blessed!!

Today's Prayer

"Good Morning, Lord.  Thank you for today  It is the beginning of a new day that I have never seen before.  Help me celebrate today.  Guide me to recognize the fresh opportunities this day brings.  Amen."

Gumusler Monastery

As we toured on through the region of Turkey called "Anatolia" we came to the small town of Gümüşler.  A historical monastery is located there.  This monastery, carved into the soft stone of the area, is believed to have been built between the 8th and 12th centuries.  It is one of the best preserved and largest of its kind in the region.  The "church" is an open courtyard with a "Greek Cross" plan.  It is entered via a low tunnel.  The courtyard also contains storerooms and graves.

Here are some of our snapshots of the area. 

The Courtyard Church

View of the "outside"

Thanks for stopping by.  The "comment" button is on for your questions and/or observations.