FreEzine -FreEzine -FreEzine -FreEzine -FreEzine -FreEzine - International Standard Serial Number ISSN 1449-7425 Issue 47 Vol 5 # 5 May 2004 FreEzine is a free email magazine/newsletter containing articles of interest from a Christian perspective and is published no less than monthly. FreEzine is NOT Spam and is only sent to people who request it. If you ever want to stop (or start) receiving FreEzine you'll find instructions at the end of this newsletter. FreEzine is also available in Spanish - La Revista libre de Ezine, French - La Revue de Ezine libre, German - FreiEzine Zeitschrift, Italian - La Rivista di Ezine libera, and Portuguese - Revista livre de Ezine. A special "hello" to all of our new subscribers. We welcome and appreciate feedback on how we can improve this e-zine for you. IF YOU FIND THIS NEWSLETTER USEFUL... ... PLEASE FORWARD IT TO FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES! IN THIS ISSUE: Editorial: The Abbreviated Message Prayer Thought: Testing the Efficacy of Prayer From My Case Files: Real Happiness Letters to the Editor: Slips that go Pass in the Type: A 'Recommand' to Mean Charges What's On? Seminars & Workshops Repeatable Quotable: Ideas Article: Four Key Words to a Happy Home Natural Remedies: Muscle Pain Havagiggle: Barrier to Communication Split Second Wisdom: If Opportunity Doesn't Knock The Extensive Exposition: Bible Study Applications and Principles The Funny Bone: Forgiveness? Sermon Snippet: Hymn Humming Melioration Theologically Speaking: The Cave and the Sun - A Fable Freebies: Profit & Loss Calculator Take a Hint: Cabbage Garden Grubs Cooks Corner: Orange "Smoothie" Watch This Space Subscription & Other Information And in Closing: Unexpected Romance FreEzine -FreEzine -FreEzine -FreEzine -FreEzine -FreEzine Editorial: The Abbreviated Message It was many years ago but I still remember the day I received an embarrassing reply to a telegram that I sent to a friend in Papua New Guinea. You see, Maggie (not her real name) and I had worked together as colleagues at the same hospital for a number of years. Maggie left to do voluntary service at a hospital in Papua New Guinea. One day while she was away I met her elderly Grandmother in a shop. (We both knew each other, as we were members of the same church denomination). In the course of our conversation, she expressed some concern for Maggie and explained that Maggie was "fast getting herself into a certain predicament". Maggie's Grandmother asked if I could help by writing her a letter warning her of the danger. I ventured to suggest that Maggie already knew, but reassured the elderly lady that I would write to her granddaughter. "Please do it urgently", she urged. So while I was in town, I immediately sent a telegram to Maggie with these words: "READ PROVERBS OF SOLOMON 3:1-4 LETTER FOLLOWING " When I returned home I wrote a lengthy letter expressing her Grandmother's concern, reassuring her of God's love for her, and quoting again Solomon' Proverbs, chapter 3 and verses 1-4. Maggie received the telegram, but couldn't wait for my letter before replying. Due to an error in the transmission of the telegram, the message read: "READ SOLOMON 3:1-4 LETTER FOLLOWING " The Proverbs of Solomon 3:1-4 are an urging not to forsake God's law, however, Solomon 3:1-4 is a portion of a passionate poem about a lover dreaming about his beloved. Consequently I received in reply a very passionate love letter from Maggie, who thought that I was proposing to her. Fortunately a hastily written letter of apology from Maggie quickly followed this when she received my letter. With a few letters back-and-forth, it was all sorted out and our platonic friendships were restored. Since then I have been very cautious in abbreviating messages in telegrams and (more recently) in SMS messages. Carelessly, many have taken a few words (out of context) in God's Letter and built a doctrine upon them. My lesson with the telegram cautions me not to do the same with God's Word. I hope I have learned this lesson. --Editor. Prayer Thought: Testing the Efficacy of Prayer A logical fallacy attends all ingenious proposals to "test the efficacy of prayer" by (for example) praying for the patients in Ward A of a hospital and leaving Ward B 'unprayed' for, in order to see which set recovers. Prayer undertaken in that spirit is not prayer at all, and it requires a singular naiveté to imagine that Omniscience could be so easily bamboozled. --Dorothy L. Sayers (1893-1957) cited in Edythe Draper, Draper's Book of Quotations for the Christian World, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, 1992, Entry 8750 From My Case Files: Real Happiness After three decades of counselling, your editor (a retired sociologist) sometimes ponders some of the things which have come up in counselling that, in retrospect, contain an element of humour. This section will be included from time to time to share some of these snippets. Names have been changed to protect privacy. Egbert explained that he never knew what real happiness was until he got married to Maggie; but by then, he says, it was too late to ever have it again. (Fortunately counselling helped him to change that belief.) Letters to the Editor Cantos de poetry, Catchwords, Changes, Clamourings, Clichés, Commendations, Comments, Commercials, Complaints, Compliments, Congratulates, Credits, Cries, Criticisms, Critiques? We'll Take All! --Editor. Slips that go Pass in the Type: A 'Recommand' to Mean Charges A sign from an hotel in Salzburg (Austria): "George Nelböck begs leave to recommand his hotel to the Three Allied, situated 'vis-a-vis' of the birth house of Mozart, which offers all comforts to the meanest charges. -- Adapted from Henry B. Wheatley, Literary Blunders, L&R Hartley, Murwillumbah, NSW, 1990, p. 193 What's On? Seminars & Workshops: Attention pastors, teachers, administrators, etc., If you would like a seminar on one or more of a huge range of topics conducted free at your venue, check out Salubrity Seminar's Website . The 2004 GNU Seminars (Hope, Heaven and Immortality; The Gospel and the Blessed Hope) have finished, however the presentations are available on audio CD & cassette from . Also a number of free lectures are advertised on . Repeatable Quotable: Ideas Ideas, like sunsets, are brilliant flashes of colour which, unless photographed are lost forever excepting as some grey shadowy recall in the recesses of our memory. By journalling our ideas and thoughts, the cognitive content is preserved, not to freeze it in time, but to use it to secure the base of a springboard for the fostering of still more ideas. -- Lionel Hartley, Great Ideas Journal, Salubrity(tm) Seminars, 1998, reprinted 2004, (Introduction) Article: Four Key Words to a Happy Home The home should be the happiest spot we can ever know on earth. In it we have the very closest and dearest relationships, and it can be the constant source of strength and inspiration. But to create and preserve the happiness of the home requires certain qualities and attitudes that may be designated by four key words. ><> The first and most important of these is LOVE. Ideally it is an unselfish love that brings a man and woman together to form a home, and ideally, it is love which increases that happiness of the home with children. The love that binds a family together is partly an impulse of nature, but in the Christian home, it is far more unselfish than a mere natural impulse. In Ephesians 5:25-31, the Apostle Paul says, "husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself up for it; that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the church to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but it should be holy and without blemish. Even so ought husbands to love their own wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his own wife loveth himself: for no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourisheth it and cherished it, even as Christ also the church . . . For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh". This kind of love would lead a man to sacrifice his own pleasures, even his life, to assure the happiness and welfare of his wife. And who can doubt that the same unselfish love which a man should have for his wife, the wife should also have for her husband, and the parents should have for their children. Unfortunately, however, love can wither and die. To keep it alive and warm requires close association, attention and care. When parents both work and have little time for their children, they become in a measure strangers to them. By nature, children love their parents and long for their parent's love in return. Two teenagers, whose parents after work and the evening meal usually sat glued to the television till bed time, have testified that they felt so frustrated and bitter that they even wanted to put a bomb under the TV; yet they could not tell their parents how they felt. Warm personal love which expresses itself in affectionate association, care, and attention prevents such estrangement's and bitterness, and is the single greatest source of happiness in the home. No amount of money, fast cars, gifts, and gadgets can substitute for it. ><> The second key word to happiness is FAITH: Faith, in all its aspects trust, confidence, reliance brings happiness. If a home is to be happy parents must conduct themselves in such a way that they can have implicit faith in each other and inspire such faith also in their children. The basis of such mutual trust, however, is a faith in God and in all the attributes we associate with Him truth, integrity, fairness, compassion, mercy. If parents by their lives show their loyalty to God and his nature, they instinctively win the confidence of their children, and children likewise hold the confidence of their parents. They believe in one another. ><> The third key word to happiness is SELF-DISCIPLINE: Self-discipline is acquired only gradually and sometimes painfully through external discipline. A generation ago we entered the age of permissiveness, when children were allowed to make their own decisions, do their own thing. Today psychiatrists are almost universally agreed that instead of making children happier, this permissiveness has been a tragedy for both children and parents. It has led to drinking, drug abuse, crime, broken homes, and an alarming increase in teen-age suicides. Until children reach enough maturity in judgement and character to administer self-discipline, their parents must guide them. In Ephesians 6:1-3, the Apostle Paul says, "Children obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and thy mother (which is the first commandment with promise) that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest live long on the earth". Obedience implies definite restrictions. Parents must emphasise with children that some things are right and some things are wrong, and must see that their children observe the limitations. But when instruction fails and discipline seems necessary, it must never be done through frustration or anger, but always with love. The apostle says in Ephesians 6:4, that -fathers are not to provoke their children to wrath, but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord. If this is done right, children actually love and respect their parents more, for they realise their parents love them enough to worry over and correct them. As the writer of Hebrews says in Chapter 12:9, our fathers chastised us, and instead of being estranged we "gave them reverence". Thus, chastening one in the right way may for the moment seem "grievous", yet the writer says it "yields peaceable fruit to them that have been exercised" by it (Chapter 12, verse 11). ><> The fourth key word to happiness is RESPONSIBILITY: Responsibility grows naturally out of the first three. If a home is filled with love, with mutual confidence and trust, and has had the guidance and correction necessary to develop self-discipline, the natural result is a recognition of responsibility. Each member of the family feels a responsibility to the others, a responsibility to merit confidence and truth, a responsibility to keep one's promises, to carry out duties and assignments. As this sense of responsibility becomes a habit, it carries over to those outside the family, to employers, associates, and friends. When the members of a family have little or no confidence in each other, when they can seldom depend on their doing what they are supposed to do, you have the making of inevitable unhappiness and tragedy. But when the members of a family have full confidence in each other, and when through self-discipline they have formed the habit of responsibility, you have the sure foundation, not only of a happy family, but also of successful lives. --adapted from Natural Remedies: Exploring some of nature's hygiene helpers and ways to fix basic ills, chills, aches and pains. Common sense is paramount - some of these hints are health related, and if you have a medical condition such high blood pressure, are taking prescription medication or are in any way unsure whether you should follow the self-help suggestion/s provided, consult a doctor or natural therapist. This month: Muscle pain Heat 200g of sea salt in a heavy pan. Funnel into a clean cotton sock. (Don't overfill - you want to leave it pliable like a beanbag.) Pin the end. Apply to the painful area for approximately 30 minutes. The heat helps stimulate circulation, bringing fresh blood to the area to speed healing. (Use with caution to prevent burning.) -- Pamela Allardice, Natural therapist Havagiggle: Barrier to Communication The boss needed to contact an employee about a computer problem. Upon calling the employee's home, he was greeted with a child's whispered voice on the first ring, "Hello." Is your Daddy home?" the boss quickly asked. "Yes", whispered the small voice. "May I talk with him?" the man asked. The small voice whispered, "No." "Is your Mommy there?" "Yes", came the answer. "May I talk with her?" Again the small voice whispered, "No." "Son, is there anyone there besides you?" the boss asked. "Yes", whispered the child, "A policeman." The boss asked, "May I speak with the policeman?" "No, he's busy", whispered the child. "Busy doing what?" asked the boss. "Talking to Daddy and Mommy and the Fireman", came the whispered answer. Growing concerned and even worried as he heard what sounded like a helicopter he asked, "What is that noise?" "A hello-copper.", answered the whispering voice. "What is going on there?" asked the boss, now alarmed. The child answered, "The police just landed the hello-copper!" Alarmed, concerned and more than just a little frustrated the boss asked, "Why are they there?" After a muffled little giggle, the young voice replied in a very low whisper, "They're looking for me!" --Editor's archives Split Second Wisdom: If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door. --Milton Berle The Extensive Exposition. Each issue we will make available a longer article available by email free to those who request it. This is to keep the FreEzine a readable length yet make available more in-depth material for those who are interested. Articles provided under this section do not always reflect totally the beliefs of the editor. In some issues more than one article will be available under this section and articles will need to be asked for by name to save confusion. We have no separate mailing list for the automatic despatch of articles in The Extensive Exposition so a separate request will need to be made for each article. This month's article is Bible Study Applications and Principles. This is a presentation programme in Adobe(R) Acrobat format which can be run in full-screen mode as if it was a PowerPoint presentation. It is small, graphics-free and contains no references to its source to embarrass you if you wish to use it in a sermon or home bible study. Resourced from the editor's archives and made available free by writing to the editor and asking for the article by name. (Please check the available space in your email box before requesting articles (52k req.) The Funny Bone: Forgiveness? The driver of an illegally parked car tucked a note under his (or her) windshield wiper and dashed off. The note read, "I've circled the block for 20 minutes to find a parking spot. I'm late for an appointment and if I don't park here I'll lose my job. FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES." Returning later, s/he found, instead of the note, a parking ticket. To the ticket was attached this memo: "I've circled this block for 20 years to find parking offenders, and if I don't give you a ticket, I'll lose my job. LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION." --Editor's archives Aside: Are you a writer, a poet or an illustrator? If you have something you have written or illustrated that you would like to consider having published, a free 60 page Style Guide is available online at , or from the Editor of this FreEzine. There is no charge for publishing and YOU receive payment on publication (see the free Style Guide for details). Publishing formats include Books, Pamphlets, Leaflets, Magazines & Ezines, Online video & audio, CD-ROM & floppy-disk electronic books & multimedia, Video & Audio tapes and Talking Books & audio CDs. Sermon Snippet: Hymn Humming Melioration Years ago in Macao, a Portuguese enclave on the coast of southeastern China, Colonel Russell H. Conwell, an American tourist, was visiting the colony and walked through one of its famous casinos. He paused as he passed a table where two of his countrymen were gambling. As the older of the two men began dealing a hand, the younger man began idly humming the tune of the familiar hymn "One Sweetly Solemn Thought," by Phoebe Gary. Suddenly the older man stopped and asked, "Harry, where did you learn that hymn?" "In Sunday school," the younger man replied. Dashing the deck of cards to the table, the older player exclaimed, "I've played my last game! This is it?" The older man had won about $100 from Harry. Pulling his winnings from his pocket, he pushed them over toward the other player and said, "There, Harry. That's what I won from you. Take it and do good with it, and I shall do the same with my money. I'm sorry I have misled you." The colonel, who later became a well-known pastor in Philadelphia, was so impressed by the sudden change brought about by a hymn that he kept track of the two men for years and reported that the reformation they experienced that night was permanent. -- Donald E. and Vesta W. Mansell, "Sure As The Dawn" Review & Herald publ, 1993 Theologically Speaking: The Cave and the Sun - A Fable by Lionel Hartley Once there was a dingy Cave, Hidden beneath the soil. Her life was one of misery, hardship and of toil. But one day through a little crack A voice was heard to say, "Come into the Sunshine, out into the light, Out of utter darkness, out of bitter night, Come into the open air and into glorious day!" ><> But Cave was quite a sceptic. She'd never seen the light. "What is the Sunshine of which you speak? It sounds too good for me. But nevertheless I'll venture out, for this I've got to see!" And see, she did, with awe-filled eyes that blinked in wonderment At all the brilliant colours bright, a new world to behold, She had to tell the Sunlight about her past life - dark and cold. ><> Yet Mr Sun had never known what darkness was, Or damp or dull, or cold And so he too was a sceptic and would not find his peace Until he ventured underground to find the dark beneath. ><> But unlike cave, who found the light when she ventured into day, The sun shone bright through caverns deep, and to his sheer dismay The damp walls sparkled in His light, the shadows ran away And in the once-dark chasms there shone the light of day. ><> "Where is the gloomy darkness? All I can see is light! For where the Sun shines brightly there is no cold or night. The lesson's plain, we need to be a light for all around For where there is the Light of the World No darkness can be found. --Lionel Hartley (c) Freebies: Profit & Loss Calculator As some of our readers may be getting nervous about the taxation issues associated with the end of the financial year, we are offering a free template for the calculation of business profit & loss. This self-explanatory template in Adobe Acrobat (r) format has been designed for small or home business in Australian or New Zealand, and includes provision for GST. If you want a copy, email me today: . (Please check the available space in your email box before requesting attachments (13k req.) Take a Hint: Cabbage Garden Grubs To rid the cabbages in your garden of those unwelcome grubs, boil a handful of lettuce leaves in a large saucepan of water and spray the cabbages with the strained liquid once it has cooled. --Good Gardening, ABC Radio, Cooks Corner: Orange "Smoothie" Positive comments about last month's Sweet Orange Vegetable Salad recipe has prompted you editor to include another 'orange' recipe before the weather gets too cool for readers in the Southern Hemisphere to enjoy it. This one is for an orange beverage. Ingredients: One and a half cups of frozen (or chilled) orange juice, half a cup of sugar (quantity may be reduced if desired), half a cup of milk, one and a half cups of water, one teaspoon of vanilla, and a tray of ice cubes Method: Mix everything together in a blender except the ice. Start the blender on 'chop' setting and when the contents are well mixed, add the ice cubes. Keep chopping until all is well mixed. Serves four. --Recipe courtesy of Windows Cuisine 2.0 Watch This Space: Future issues will include other sections not listed here. Why not write to us suggesting what you would like to see included. Subscription Information: Librarians and archivists will notice that, from this issue, we have listed on our 'masthead' a new International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) issued by the National Library of Australia in Canberra. This will ease the frustration some subscribers have had when archiving or searching for FreEzine along with other online publications. Our number is ISSN 1449-7425. Librarians are also reminded that back issues are available free upon request. FreEzine is a free email magazine/newsletter, published by Lionel Hartley, PhD () no less than monthly and sent out ONLY to those who request it. As FreEzine only uses an opt-in email list, we never buy or otherwise obtain email addresses. 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And, in closing: Unexpected Romance There was this fellow who commuted from Brisbane to Kalangur each day to attend the South Queensland SDA Camp Meeting. Amongst other meetings, I ran a course on interpersonal relationships that year. He attended this course and decided to mend his ways to become more appreciative of his non-Christian wife who hadn't come to any of the meetings. When I next spoke to him, he related (perhaps in an exaggerated way) what later happened because on the way home from the Camp Meeting he bought a big heart-shaped box of chocolates and a huge bunch of roses. When he melodramatically presented them to her she burst into tears. After considerable efforts at consoling her she blubbered, "It's been such a terrible week - the fridge broke down, the dog twice sicked up on the carpet, the car got a flat tyre, our five-year-old flushed the car keys down the toilet, I broke my favourite teapot, and now you come home drunk!" -- Lionel Hartley, The Link Bulletin, December 1995