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Saturday, June 14, 2014

Live Honorable Lives ... 6/15/2014 Sunday School Lesson Curriculum

Haggai 2 . I Peter 1 . Isaiah 35 . Deuteronomy 28 . II Corinthians 6 . Sunday School Lesson Curriculum . Happy Father's Day . Romans 12 . I Samuel 15 . Leviticus 6 . Matthew 15 . Isaiah 29 . Psalm/Tehillim 51 . James 5 . II Chronicles 7:14


The Sunday School Lesson is shared from Haggai 2:10-19 (Devotional Reading: I Peter 1:13-21; Background Scripture: Haggai 2:10-19) for 6/15/2014, which is also Father's Day.




First, let me share that 6/8/2014 - last Sunday, I had to teach Sunday School at Church, for my teacher was late coming & I passed out - fainted (hit the floor backward) while teaching Sunday School - I am so amazed how it happened ... possibly the spirit could have knocked me down & I did not get hurt .............. but I did go on a 7 day fast & I have an overactive thyroid & I do not think the way I fasted was good - but Elohim/Adonai kept me. Thank God for those at Church that did come to my aid.

Acts 2:29, 30 ... King David, was a prophet .... Acts 2:15 'fasting' ........... Ezra 8:21-23 'fasting & praying'




Haggai 2:10-19 .... Haggai's Message Of Promise, Set In Context Of God's Unmerited Favour .... 2nd year of Darius, 9th month, 24th day: December 18, 520 B.C.


Monday - June 9, 2014 - A Highway Called the Holy Way - Isaiah 35


Tuesday - June 10, 2014 - Established as God's Holy People - Deuteronomy 28:1-9


Wednesday - June 11, 2014 - You Shall Be Holy - I Peter 1:13-21


Thursday - June 12, 2014 - You Have Been Born Anew - I Peter 1:22-23


Friday - June 13, 2014 - You Are God's People - I Peter 2:4-10





Saturday - June 14, 2014 - You Are the Temple of God - II Corinthians 6:14-7:1


Sunday - June 15, 2014 - The Hope for God's Blessing - Haggai 2:10-19



Reference on Haggai used/taken from: Zondervan Bible Commentary






Friday, June 13, 2014

Honorable Intentions: Book Review

Book Review . Memorial . Military . Law Enforcement . Vietnam . Honorable Intentions . American Warrior . Russell Jones . Flag Day - June 14, 2014

This book was dedicated to the memory of brave men who served with honor.

Mr. Robert Jones via Amazon.com sent me a complimentary copy for review.

The opinions expressed in this book are the author's & don't reflect the position of, nor the endorsement by any of the aforementioned associations, their members, officers, chapters or boards.

Some events aren't in chronological order in this book & some have been condensed.

The reader is caution for the language in the book - has gritty language peppers military & law enforcement environments. In some passages he removed the profanity. (But I did not include profanity in my review).

Mr. Jones deemed it prudent to protect identities, in this book.

This his book was dedicated to the memory of brave men who served with honor.

He began to think back to his wedding reception & the last talk he had with Pastor Bishop. Barely a week after graduation from flight school, Susan Cadloni & he were married in Los Gatos at Calvary Baptist Church. She was his best friend, & he knew she'd make a wonderful wife & mother. They had discussed whether they should get married before or after, Vietnam, & they decided to get married before. after the wedding ceremony, they held a reception in the Church gymnasium. Knowing he was off to Vietnam, everyone had a word of support for him.

They told him 'we'll be praying for you.'

They encouraged him 'they had faith he was doing the right thing. God bless you, &, remember, to God be the glory.'

Pastor bishop managed to get a few words in with him before he left the reception.

"Now don't forget your Lord Russ. Keep up with your Bible studies & attend Church. They expected him to be a witness for HIM while he was serving our country. They would be praying for him & asking God to bless him with a safe return."

He asked 'Doesn't God already know what's in store for me?

Pastor bishop gently placed his left hand on his shoulder, & with a soft smile & a twinkle in his eye, simply, "Yes."

It's predestined, already written in the BOOK.

After completing high school in 1964, he majored in administration of justice for two years at West Valley College in Campbell, CA. Impatient to be out of his parents' home & on his own he transferred for his third year to John Brown University, a reputable Christian University, in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. He wasn't ready for the rigors of a university, & a few of the courses in administration of justice from West Valley weren't transferable into any program at John Brown. He was considered a sophomore while in his third year of college. At twenty years of age, he found himself ready to be drafted into military service.

The navy & air force needed a four-year degree to get into flight school, & neither of their programs for MP seemed attractive. While in the army recruiter's office, he happened to notice a poster on the wall promoting their helicopter pilot program.

He asked "Does the army require a four-year degree for flight school?"

No, sir. Only two years of college is required. Interested in flying?

He was already writing an appointment slip for him. They test tomorrow at 1330.

March 7 was turning into a long & boring day as Reid & he flew Colonel Kroesen to various LZs in the Que Son Valley. They finally landed at LZ West & shut down. His crew sat around playing cribbage, & waited while the Colonel conducted his business in the battalion tactical operations center (B-TOC).

He opened some C rations, ate peaches & pound cake, & then walked around among the soliders who had just returned or were getting ready to move out on patrol. Their body language showed bravery, but their haunting eyes & faces displaced a common denominator of loneliness bewilderment, & fear. ... All soliders - service personnel should be on our Church's prayer listing. .... The day was hot. He looked at his watch & saw it was only 1420. The day was dragging.



This time a solider was standing, marking the spot for them to land. Perfect. Right out of training manual. As he sat down the chopper, the solider in front ran off to the left where others were ready to load the wounded. He noticed two body bags lying off to the side.

It wasn't like in the movies. For a moment, it all seemed to be happening in slow motion.

He said 'Jesus, what ...?' A shock wave slammed against his body, &, instantaneously small holes appeared across his windshield. Then it felt like someone had thrown gravel at his helmet & chicken plate. His right leg jumped as he took several hits around the knee.

He had access to an airplane, & they'd frequently fly to South Lake Tahoe for a day or two.

On workdays, he arrived at the police station a half hour early & dressed in the locker room. He prepare for battle every morning. Before heading to briefing, he stopped in front of a full-length mirror & he would admire himself.

Back in CA, he continued working as a forensic consultant.

Those in the program whose background did indicate a substance abuse showed characteristics of someone with underlying psychological issues or conditions. Whether the fault of private health insurance or lack of government programs, they were falling through the cracks of the mental health care system. It was clear that some of the court-referred clients were self-medicating, & they needed professional help above & beyond what could be provided in any thirteen-week court-mandated group program.

He was reminded of the hazards associated with untreated, self-medicating mentally disturbed individuals on an afternoon he attended the San Jose North Rotary Club. Pat Dwyer, a Rotary member who had been one of the sergeants, looked distraught, as he came up to him before the meeting started.

"Did you hear the news? Two officers are 'down.' ..." One's DOA. The other one is in surgery.

He muddled through his talk to the Rotarians & then rushed over to the hospital to join the concerned crowd of police officers. He learned from them that Simpson had been called to a donut shop with a mentally disturbed homeless man.

During a tour of duty with the marines, his son Robert "Joey" Jones was sent to the army jump school at Fort Benning, Georgia. Upon his discharge from the military, he entered competition skydiving, eventually earning 5 world championships & 14 national championships. He has set several & has held the title of all-around champion of combined formation skydiving 3 times. Today, he contracts for specialized military sky-diving training. His clinics have included the US Naval Special Warfare Development Group, along with Belgium, British, Canadian & Danish Special forces. He also contracts with several national skydiving competition teams, which he has coached to numerous championships. He & his wife Lena, a gold-medal winner with the Swedish women's skydiving team reside in Empuriabrava, Spain.

Russell Jones (author), is an ocean sailor, combat helicopter pilot, police officer, & intelligence operative. Russell has experienced a life of adventure, risks, & struggles against man, machine, & nature. He holds a Bachelor & Master degrees from the University of San Francisco. State & federal courts have recognized him as an expert in the psychological & physiological effects. He is frequently on TV & talk radio, & he is often a guest speaker at Colleges, Universities, & Community Service Organizations across the nation.

Monday, May 26, 2014

The Wit, Wisdom & Wonder of Motherhood: Book Review

Book Review . Wit . Wisdom . Motherhood . Mom's Day . Mother's Day . Mother . Mom . Mommy . Mum . Quotes . Quotes & Sayings . Quotes from Women & Men . Mama . Mere . Maman . Mutter . Madre . Mami . Mom's The Word - The Wit, Wisdom & Wonder of Motherhood

Dedication to mothers everywhere. For all the love they bring to the world. This book covered all aspects from Mom's around the world, but one. I have shared my comments at the end of the review.

Inspiring & Motivating .... Celebrate wise & witty words on motherhood, from role models to movers & shakers to the famous Oprah to funny Erma Erma Bombeck.

You can fool some of the people some of the time, you can't fool mom. ... Anonymous

The mother is the one supreme asset of national life; she is more important by far than the successful statesman, or businessman, or artist, or scientist. ... Theodore Roosevelt

One good mother is worth a hundred schoolmasters. ... George Herbert

the famous: "Mothers are really the true spiritual leaders." ... Oprah Winfrey

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the funny: "My children refuse to eat anything that hasn't danced on television. ... Erma Bombeck

the rich: "Motherhood is not for the fainthearted." ... Danielle Steel


A Mother - Mum - Mom are known as diaper-changers & life-changers. They hug us & bug us. They take pride in what we do & take umbrage in what we don't do. They take care of us & are often there for us when no one else is. They love us unconditionally.


An ounce of mother is worth a ton of clergy. ... Spanish Saying

Moms are fantastic; even when spelled upside down they're still WOW! ... Anonymous

Mother: The most beautiful word on the lips of mankind. ... Kahil Gibran

A mother is a person who, seeing there are 4 pieces of pie for 5 people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. ... Tenneva Jordan

Mothers are the most instinctive philosophers. ... Harriet Beecher Stowe

A man may compass important enterprises, he may become famous .. he may deserve a measure of popular approval, but he is not right at heart, & can never be truly great, if he forgets his mother. ... Grover Cleveland


Some mothers are kissing mothers & some are scolding mothers, but it is love just the same, & most mothers kiss & scold together. ... Pearl S. Buck

The greatest love is a mother's; then comes as dog's; then a sweetheart's. ... Polish Saying

The best medicine in the world is a mother's kiss. ... Anonymous

The greatest love is a mother's; then comes a dog's; then comes a sweetheart's. ... Polish Saying


No language can express the power, & beauty, & heroism, & majesty of a mother's love. It shrinks not where man cowers, & grows stronger where man faints, & over wastes of worldly fortunes sends the radiance of its quenches fidelity like a star. ... Edwin Hurbell Chapin

If your baby is "beautiful & perfect, never cries or fuses, sleeps on schedule & burps on demand, an angel all the time," you're the grandma. ... Teresa Bloomingdale


A Mother's Love: There are many kinds of love - we may love our pets, our spouse, our country, even love what we do - but none have the same quality, same power, same intense & in-depth connection as there is between a mother & her child.


My mother's love has always been a sustaining force for our family, & one of my greatest joys is seeing her integrity, her compassion, her intelligence reflected in my daughters. ... Michelle Obama (First Lady)


I was not a classic mother, but my kids were never palmed off to boarding school. So, I didn't bake cookies. You can buy cookies, but you can't buy love. ... Raquel Welch

Mother was the greatest teacher, a teacher of compassion, love & fearlessness. If love is sweet as a flower, then my mother is that sweet flower of love. Stevie Wonder

Why do mothers have big aprons? To cover the faults of their children. ... Jewish Saying


There is no friendship, no love, like that of the mother for the child. ... Henry Ward Beecher

A mother's love is patient & forgiving when all others are forsaking, it never fails or falters, even though the heart is breaking. ... Helen Steiner Rice

Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside of your body. ... Elizabeth Stone



Maternity Clothes: 1st baby - You begin wearing maternity clothes as soon as your OB/GYN confirms your pregnancy. ... Anonymous A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities. ... Eda LeShan

There is no influence so powerful as that of the mother. ... Sarah Josepha Hale

The 3 most beautiful sights: A potato garden in bloom, a ship in sail, a woman after the birth of her child. ... Irish Saying

Baby's Name: 2nd Baby (If not 2nd/most of us have done this at least with one of our child/children) - Someone has to name their kid after your great-aunt. Mavis, right. It might as well be you. ... Anonymous

My mother is a walking miracle. ... Leonardo DiCaprio


My mother always taught me, even my dad, just never let other people's opinions of you shape your opinion of yourself. And I never have & I never will. ... Ruben Studdard

My mother said I must always be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy. That some people, unable to go to school, were more educated & more intelligent than college professors. ... Maya Angelou

My mother never gave up on me. I messed up in school so much they were sending me home, but my mother sent me right back. ... Denzel Washington

My mother was determined to make us independent. When I was 4 years old, she stopped the car a few miles from our house & made me find my way home across the fields. I got hopelessly lost. ... Richard Branson

I hope they're still making women like my momma. She always told me to do the right thing. She always told me to have pride in myself; she said a good name is better than money. ... Joe Louis

I think my mother ... made it clear that you have to live life by your own terms & you have to not worry about what other people think & you have to have the courage to do the unexpected. ... Caroline Kennedy

My mother taught me that when you stand in the truth & someone tells a lie about you, don't fight it. ... Whitney Houston

My doctor told me I would never walk again. My mother told me I would. I believed my mother. ... Wilma Rudolph


I was raised by a single mother who made a way for me. She used to scrub floors as a domestic worker, put a cleaning rag in her pocketbook & ride the subway in Brooklyn so I would have food on the table. But she taught me as I walked her to the subway that life is about not where you start, but where you're going. ... Al Sharpton

My mother always called me an ugly weed, so I never was aware of anything until I was older. Plain girls should have someone telling them they are beautiful. Sometimes this works miracles. ... Hedy Lamarr

My mother always told me, even if a song has been done a 1000 times, you can still bring something of your own to it. I'd like to think I did that. ... Etta James

For all the ways you've helped me to grow, I want to say I love you so. ... Anonymous

A mother never realizes her children are no longer children. ... Holbrook Jackson

A mother always has to think twice, once for herself & once for her child. ... Sophia Loren

If the world never knows your name, that's alright ... your kids do ... it's "mom." ... Linda Poindexter

Madame de Pompadour's Mother: "For heaven's sake, child do something about your hair." ... Bob Phillips

A man's work is from sun to sun, but a mother's work is never done. Anonymous

24/7 - once you sign on to be a mother, that's the only shift they offer


Motherhood: In English Speaking Countries It's Mother, Mum, or Mama. In France, it's Mere or Maman. In Germany it's Mutter. In Spain, it's Madre, Mama or Mami.

Being a mother is one of the most rewarding jobs on earth & also one of the most challenging.



There is a tremendous amount of learning that takes place in the 1st year of your baby's life; the baby learns a lot, too.

Take care of yourself. If Mommy isn't happy, no one else in the family is happy either.

A good mother learns to love her child as he is & adjusts her mothering to suit her child. ... Debra Gilbert Rosenburg

I would much rather be known as the mother of a great son than the author of a great book of the painter of a great masterpiece. ... Rose Kennedy

I was a mother's s boy. ... Don Rickles

Before my mother would give you that dime allowance she'd want you to do a little chore around the house. Like build a porch. ... Ray Romano

When Chelsea Victoria Clinton lay in my arms for the 1st time, I was overwhelmed by the love & responsibility I felt for her. Despite all the books I had read, all the children I had studied & advocated for, nothing had prepared me for the sheer miracle of her being. ... Hillary Rodham Clinton (Former First Lady)

"Mother Knows Best" ... Edna Ferber

Momma exhorted her children at every opportunity to "jump at the sun." We might not land on the sun, but at least we would get off the ground. ... Zora Neale Hurston

As a girl my temper often got out of bounds. But one day when I became angry at a friend over some trivial matter, my mother said to me, "Elizabeth, anyone who angers you conquers you." ... Elizabeth Kenney

You cannot shake hands with a clenched first. ... Indira Gandhi

My mother gave lots of good advice & had a lot to say. As you get older, you realize everything she said was true. ... Lenny Kravitz

If you want your children to turn out well, spend twice as much time with them & half as much money. ... Abigail Van Buren

Never allow you child to call you by your first name. He hasn't known you long enough. Fran Lebowitz


Historical Mom's Famous Last Words:

Gandhi's Mom:
"Eat something, You're skin & bones."

Ben Franklin's Mom:
"Get inside & quit playing with that cocka-mami kite!" ... Jan King


If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. ... Anonymous

Did you ever meet a mother who's complained that her child phoned her too often? Me neither. ... Maureen Lipman


My Aunt Jessie, Who Was Like A Second Mother to me, was divorced, raised 2 kids by herself & was on welfare. In spite of this, what I remember most about my aunt was her joyous spirit & sense of humor.

Maybe it was her Hungarian fiery heritage. Maybe it was because she was Jewish & steeped in a tradition of laughing through tears. Maybe it was her way of coping with life.

Aunt Jessie found happiness in bringing joy to others through her cooking & crocheting, & bringing laughs to others too.

Probably without knowing it, Aunt Jessie was living her life according to a Jewish saying - "You can't control the wind, but can adjust the sails."

And she did it through ups & downs, as we all can, Jewish or not, with a sense of humor.


Angela's thoughts on Mom's ... This book covered all areas of moms but one. I hope that we will keep moms in prayer that are in abused situations and do not - can not see their way out. I hope we also pray that the daddy(ies) that are abusers will be knocked off their horse like Saul/Shaul before being converted to the apostle Paul.


I received a complimentary copy for review from VIVA Editions.

Allen Klein (Author), is the world's only Jollytologist@, & an award-winning professional speaker & author based in San Francisco. He has inspired & uplifted, including the legendary Jerry Lewis.










God-Centered Prayer: Book Review

This is not a new book review - it is probably seven or more years older.

There are many wonderful things we can learn from the Old Testament saints. Theologian Graham Scroggie put it this way: "The New is in the old contained, and the Old is in the New explained!" Elijah, is commended for the way he prayed (James 5:17-18). We all want to pursue God with the passion of David, a man after God's heart, and with faith like Abraham.

God interrupted Moses and the children of Israel at the Red Sea, where they were trapped by Pharaoh and the world's greatest army. They cried out to God about their circumstances. What was God's response? He essentially said, "Folks, this is no time to pray. Moses, raise the rod and split the sea. And Moses did! (Exodus 14:15-16).

When Jesus arrived, HE did things on the Sabbath that the Pharisees couldn't accept. Then came the day when, with HIS disciples, HE lifted the Communion cup and said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood" (Luke 22:20).

God responds to the prayers of those who love and honor HIM. We don't throw out the Old Testament and its prayers.

We approach God's throne of grace "with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

I Corinthians 10:13 -- God carefully measures our trials, and HE promises that we won't face more than we can bear. (But we must also keep in mind that when we choose to walk in darkness, we move out from under God's protection).

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Matthew 5:43-45 -- Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.

Jesus was no ordinary teacher. HE was the Prince of Peace. "Mercy triumphs over judgment!" (James 2:13).

The prayers God answers are those prayed in accordance with HIS will. The Holy Spirit "searches all things even the deep things of God," and "knows the thoughts of God."

God has told us to call on HIM and he will show us great and mighty things. (Jeremiah 33:3)

As Moses prayed with his hands raised to heaven, Joshua's army was victorious. Prayer worked! (Exodus 17:8-13)

Sickly King Hezekiah lay on his death bed. He cried out to God in prayer. God gave the king fifteen years. (II Kings 20:5)



The author's daddy, Dr. Robert E. Smith (a pastor) laid at death's door in a Tyler Texas Hospital. The medical team advised the family to make his funeral arrangements. In answer to prayer, God raised him up and gave him four and a half more years.

God has created all things for his pleasure. Everything is about the kingdom.

Jesus Christ is the rightful ruler of a spiritual Kingdom, and on day, all men will bow before HIM (Philippians 2:9-10).

What do we know about any king? He's born into his position. He rules those in his kingdom with absolute authority.

Those who are chosen by the king to serve as his ambassadors do everything to symbolize the kingdom. Scripture calls us "Christ's ambassadors" (II Corinthians 5:20).

The author shares in his book that "New Science Magazine" reported a world values survey that analyzed the levels of happiness in more than sixty-five (65) countries. Of the nations surveyed, the United States ranked sixteen (16) on the list, even though the standard of living in the U.S. far exceeds that of the fifteen (15) happiest nations.

Joshua 6 -- Praise preceded the fall of Jericho walls.

II Chronicles 20:14-21 -- Praise preceded Jehoshaphat's victory.

Mark 6:30-44 -- Praise preceded the feeding of the 5,000

Acts 16:20-34 -- Praise preceded the earthquake and jailbreak in Philippi

"It is said of Leonardo da Vinci, the great artist, that he wold sit practically motionless for days at a time, meditating and getting the inspiration for his masterpieces."

Celebrate the Small Stuff!

We are to celebrate God's smallest responses to our prayers. The psalmist David said, "I will praise God's name in song and glorify HIM with thanksgiving" (Psalm 69:30). Jesus said in John 14:13, "I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father."

In Exodus 15, after crossing the Red Sea and escaping the wrath of Pharaoh and his army, the children of Israel threw a praise party to celebrate God for bringing them safely out of Egypt.

Sometimes, after God has done something wonderful that we are celebrating, the enemy throws discouragment in our path.

The author and his wife had finished teaching at the convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, and were headed toward the airport, when they began to witness to the cab driver, who was from Ghana. After a few minutes he prayed to receive Christ as his Lord and Saviour.

When the cab stopped, the driver jumped out, hugged them, and thanked them for sharing Christ's life with him.

At the ticket counter the author's wife was given a boarding pass.

Then the woman looked at the author and told him, "Sir, I'm sorry, but your ticket has been canceled. You don't have a seat on this flight."

He told th woman, "I did't cancel my ticket."

She told him the airline canceled his ticket.

She then told him that he would have to buy another $471 ticket if he planned to fly home on the flight with his wife.

The author was fuming inside as he pulled out his credit card and purchased another $471 ticket. The author said God asked him, "Eddie, why did you sell my praise for $471?" All it took was one setback, one disappointment, to shut down his "praise party" for the salvation of the cab driver. He had allowed the evil one to crash his praise party and rob God of the praise HE was due - for a measly $471.

Let's acknowledge, thank, and celebrate every victory that God sends our way.

The author shares he does not promise to teach you how to get what you want from God. But he do hope that the readers of his book will know how to be heard in heaven.


I believe that Bethany sent me a complimentary copy to review.

Eddie Smith, Author of "How To Be Heard In Heaven. He is also co-founder and president of the U.S. Prayer Center, equips intercessors worldwide through articles, books, and his international teaching ministry.

2004/05 Moments of Peace in the Presence of God: Book Review

Book Review . Peace . Shalom . God . Elohim . Devotional . Talents . Pray . Gifts . Spiritual Gifts, Love, Hope, Happiness . LORD

You know the story, I reviewed this book while being a Baptist Editor/Host for a site around the end of 2004 or 2005.


Through inspiring psalms and meditations this devotional book invites you into the presence of God/Elohim , where the gift of peace/Shalom awaits. In its pages you can discover that God is nearer to you than you are to yourself.

Reflections of Love, Hope, & Happiness.

This is the best gift that you could give to yourself.

NEVER ALONE
At sometime in your life you experience loneliness.
Loneliness is natural and should be appreciated rather than feared. In seasons of loneliness, you discover that you are never truly alone.

A Prayer
God, during those times when I feel the ache of loneliness, help me to remember that you are never more than a whispered prayer away. Amen.


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SECOND CHANCES
Even when your mistakes are so devasting that you cannot return to the life you once knew, God's light can break through the clouds and splash spectacular color across your life.


BEGINNING AGAIN
In many ways, your life is as fragile as that tiny plant. Cold winds may blow over you, leaving you feeling withered and ruined. But then God shines his light on your life and you can blossom once more.




A BRIGHT NEW DAY
Past failures and disappointments can hover over you like leaden clouds, refusing to yield to the promise of sunlight and clear skies. When you find yourself surrounded by gray thoughts and gray feelings, it may seem difficult to dream of happier times. But there is great hope. When you find yourself in such a situation, God is there to help.


THE LORD WANTS TO USE YOUR TALENTS
You should ask for his direction and pray for his guidance so you may use your gifts/Spiritual Gifts fruitfully.

Since this a 2004/2005 Review I did, I believe that that I received a complimentary copy from Bethany Publishing.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Vocation . Career . Leadership . Your Calling? . 5/11/2014 . 2005 . Sunday School Lesson

Vocation . Career . Leadership . Leadership Preparation . Your Calling . Luke 4 . John 10 . Leviticus 25 . Isaiah 61 . Mark 1 . Matthew 12 . Matthew 13 . Sunday School Lesson Scriptures . Sunday School Lesson Scriptures


2005 & 2014 Sunday School Scriptures, I thought you might want to study them together, to gain a greater understanding.


5/11/2014 - Sunday - A Fulfilling Vocation - Luke 4:14-21; Devotional Reading: John 10:1-10; Background Scripture: Leviticus 25:8-55; Isaiah 61:1-2; Luke 4:14-21



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6/5/2005 - Sunday - Preparing for Leadership - Mark 1:4-13; Devotional reading: Matthew 12:17-21; Background Scripture: Mark 1:4-13



8/7/2005 - Sunday - What Is Your/My Calling? - Luke 4:16-24, 28-30; Devotional Reading: Matthew 13:54-58; Background Scripture: Luke 4:14-30

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Honda Enthusiasts Guide 1959-1985: Book Review

Book Review . Honda Motorcycles . Nighthawks . drums . Benly touring . Twinstar . Hawk Hondomatic . Silver wing . Colors . black . scarlet red . white . blue . black wall . white wall . Dream Touring . stripes . graphics . olive . gold . orange . glory blue black metallic . Comstar . red stripes . horsepower . tahitian red . sapphire blue . Motorcycle Media . red pinstripes . turbocharged . gold wing . brown . Milwaukee . motorcycle manufacturer . four-cylinder engine . white pinstripe . Cycle world Magazine . Restorer Interview . Roger Smith . Army . Viet Nam . Vietnam . Japanese NOS parts . restoration . November . April . Winter . Summer . travel . wisdom . word of mouth . ebay . online auction . home office . web . Internet . chassis . honey . Life . twin engine . single carburetor . Japanese cycles . black beauty . old school . lights . swap meet . shopping . drum brake

The purpose of Honda Enthusiasts is to guide anyone interested in restoring a vintage motorcycle.

Doug Mitchel had had many years of personal experience messing around with vintage cycles, much is shared from his own time spent searching for the items required when rebuilding one of his own Honda's.

Days of travel & equal amounts of time spent wandering the aisles between purveyors of vintage tin can be replaced with only a few hours at your computer. Anyone with a speedy connection to the web will find sources that would never be found any other way.

Word of mouth may lead you to some of the same suppliers, the access gained by searching the web is truly dazzling.

A note of wisdom might suggest that speed is not a great motivator when keeping this process while patience is the key.


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On the many online auction sites, Ebay remains the leader in the field & their feed-back system ranks high when trying to determine which sellers are worthy of your money & which should be avoided.

The fact that you can search the entire planet from your home office makes the option of shopping in this arena hard to ignore.

While providing you with a worldwide venue there are some who still prefer finding parts in a more traditional fashion. Attending a well prepared swap meet will allow you to review thousands of parts in a single day.

Begin simple & move to the more complicated projects down the road a little.



Warning: When buying online 'heed - watch' for the reputation of the seller. There are many who seem to enjoy scamming others out of their hard earned cash with no intention of supplying the requested - needed items - products - merchandise.

Make sure the chassis rolls freely. Flat tires will often make this a strenuous chore, but as long as the bike can be rolled you have a better idea that the bearings aren't seized in one or both wheels.

Despite the conditions of the market & your own limits we hope you can locate, restore & enjoy riding the Honda that puts a smile on your face. While the first 90% of the build may flow like honey it's always the last stretch that you can get frustrating as one particular part of the restoration or component eludes your grasp.

Life offers us enough drudgery; restore a classic Honda for the sheer pleasure of doing so.

Honda first arrived on the shores of the USA in 1959 & began selling motorcycles unlike anything previously sold here.

The CA95 Benly Touring made its debut as a 1959 Model & would be the seed from which many future models from Honda would sprout.

On the CA95 Benly Touring & the 1964 model they consist of a square headlight nacelle that carries an integrated speedometer. Four colors were available: black, scarlet red, white & blue were the choices & when selected were applied to the frame, fenders & side covers.

The only changes seen on the CA95 Benly Touring 150 was when they switched from early to late versions.

The tall light was smaller, tires were blackwall & the exhaust mufflers were of a flat-sided design.

The late editions wore white wall tires, mufflers with a rounded shape & a longer rear fender brace.

There were more than 6 different iterations before the CA77 Dream Touring model came to be in 1960. Early editions ran from 1960-1963 when the late editions took over until 1969.

The 305cc wet sump parallel twin engine was fed by a single carburetor, power ran through a 4-speed gearbox. A drum brake was found on both wheels & with a weight of 372 pounds the binders did an adequate job of slowing down the Dream.

You had a choice of four different hues for the CA77 Dream & they were straight forward. White, Black, Blue or Scarlet Red would be applied to every inch of sheet metal on the cycle, & the seat would often be finished in a vinyl that was color keyed to the chosen paint.

For the 1964 model year Honda rolled out the S90, otherwise named the Super 90. The Super 90 was a diminutive choice for smaller or beginning riders & still provided a range of features usually found on larger cycles.

Your choice of four colors were found on the order sheet: white, black, scarlet red (for the early models), candy red (for later editions & candy blue also after March of 1968).

Nestled amongst the related models from Honda, the CB160 Sport had intentions of offering more performance with less luxury.

With a red-line of 10,000 RPM the little single cylinder Honda was a lively performer for the day. Black wall tires were used in place of the white wall versions on the Touring editions.

The CB160 Sport could be had in one of four colors during its five year production run & each hue was constrasted with silver fenders & side covers. Black, white, scarlet red & blue were listed as your choices. When selecting the blue body panel option you also get a saddle covered in matching vinyl while the other three hues had black seats.

Making its debut as a 1969 model the CB150 instantly set the stage & raised the bar for what a motorcycle could be & did so at a decent price.

The big Honda's saddle could easily handle two people on long stretches of open road. The handle-bars rose up to meet the rider's hands with no complication & were graced with user-friendly controls for lights, brake & clutch.

This technique was rather old school & labor intensive.

1969 & early 1970 models found a 4-into-1 throttle installed & a headlight bucket that matched the selected body color.

1975 saw the readouts done in 10s & the faces of the gauges were dark green. 1976 saw the instruments finished with a light green hue. The side cover markings were altered for 1977 with the "750 Four K' seen in gold.

A range of colors were offered each year along with contrasting stripes to offset the hues. An insert of black was seen on the 1973-1976 paint schemes to further accent the chosen color & striping. Certain colors remain more distinctive as in the candy blue green on the 1969s, & Flake Sunrise Orange, 1972-1974. Every other year offered unique hues used only on that year with several variants of brown offered.

The CB350 Four came in between the CB500 of 1971 & CB400 SS of 1975 & was deemed a fairly competent machine by period magazine reviews.

First arriving for the 1972 model year the latest inline-four was a nice addition for those who sought a slightly smaller machine that could still perform.

An MSRP of about $1100 was a nice entry point for a smaller machine that delivered such terrific numbers.

Produced for three years, the only alterations during that run were in the available colors along with stripes & graphics found on the side covers.

The palettes of early 1970s were getting a bit unusual for all manufacturers of cycles & cars & the candy bacchus olive used on the '72 perfect example. Not as bland as the Gold used on appliances, the yellow & white stripes offset the medium olive hue to a T.

The first two years of production for t5he CB350 Four listed candy bacchus olive & flake matador red as your options for paint. Accepting your choice of base color were stripes of yellow & white consisted of "350 Four" finished in red & white for 1972 & 73. The final year of the CB350 Four listed only glory blue black metallic with tank stripes of gold. Badges on the side covers were dressed in orange & white.

Joining the standard K model in 1975 were the F, or Super Sport editions in the SOHC CB750. They were built in far fewer numbers so finding a clean example for your restoration will be a bit more daunting as will replacement parts.

Doug having owned & restored a 1977 F model had fun doing the work but barely broke even upon the sale of his black beauty.

For the 1977 & 1978 models several cosmetic changes were seen. The engine cases & lower fork less were finished in black with polished covers on the motor. The earlier spoked wheels were supplanted by Honda's new Comstar, five-spoke alley rims & a second disc brake was found at the front.

For the 1979 model year the debut of the massive CBX which set new standards for complexity & performance. In contrast to that newborn bike, the CM185 Twinstar remained in the books.

Not every rider was capable or interested in riding a machine of the CBXs dimensions, leaving room for smaller models. Many buyers were first-timers or simply seeking a method of making short trips around their hones, not travelling across the country.

Slowed by a pair of drum brakes meant you'd be sure to stop eventually but panic stops took years off of your life in most cases.

With only two years of production to its name the CM185 Twinstar didn't offer any vast changes from one year to the next. The CM185 was offered in the same two color choices for both years. Candy antares red or candy sword blue were your options. Stripes found on the fuel tank & side covers of the 1978 editions were white, gold & black with a "Twinstar" decal in white on the side covers. 1979 models used gold pin-stripes to accent the wider red stripe. The "Twinstar" label was now applied in gold to compliment the stripes. No mechanical alterations were made.

If one can be found that remains in original trim you'll be pleased with the great fuel economy & the entertainment provided when riding.

The 1978 CB400 Hawk Hondomatic appeared to be the only version of that combination although similar designs would follow shortly.

Honda's 395cc engine was found in the frame of the Hondamatic with twenty-seven horsepower on tap, & chain drive to the rear wheel.

Being built for only one year there were obviously no changes.

The 1978 CB400A Hawk was offered in two colors for the year, tahitian red or candy sapphire blue being listed. Regardless of the color chosen accent stripes were applied in black & orange & found on the tank & side covers.

Besting the debut of the CB900F by one model year, the CB900C first appeared as a 1980 model.

The engine produced 95 horsepower, which for the day was nearing the upper end of what was being sold else-where.

Comstar wheels were found at both ends & two-tone paint schemes were applied on the 1981 & '82 iterations.

Wearing a price tag of $3498 was not the most expensive bike on the market but was miles from being the least expensive.

For the price of admission the CB900C offered a high amount of comfort & features all dressed in an elegant set of sheet metal.

Sold for three years, the CB900C may not have dazzled the motorcycle media of the day, but Doug owning one himself can attest to the overall ease of use & rapid acceleration when the right grip was twisted.

For the 1980 & '81 models the engine was finished in its natural state with the typical use of chrome covers for the clutch & electrics.

The 1980 variants were sold in two colors but each was a monotone design. Candy Muse Red or Candy Poseidon Blue being listed & either came with gold & red pinstripes.

The 1981 CB900C was sold in your choice of two different two-tone schemes. Candy Muse Red was teamed with Brown Metallic or Cosmo Black Metallic was mated to blue Metallic.

The two-tone effect was applied on the fuel tank & side covers.

1982 found the CB900C fitted with an engine finished in mostly black with valve covers & case covers of silver.

The front rotors were now slotted with dual-piston calipers for improved braking power.

Colors for the '82s were Candy Muse Red & Candy Antares Red or Candy Empire blue to offset the base color.

The turbocharged CX500TC was sold for 1982 only.

The success of their GL100 Gold Wing prompted Honda to build a smaller version of the 'Wing-One that would first appear as a 1981 model.

The new GL500 Silver Wing & Silver Wing Interstate used the same V-twin motor found in the CX500 series, but added a long comfort.

The better dressed GL500 silver Wing Interstate came with a second rotor & caliper on the front.

For 1981 Candy Muse Red or Cosmo Black Metallic were offered while the same red hue was seen alongside the sterling silver metallic in 1982. The same color choices were seen for the Interstate editions as were offered on the base Silver Wing.

When searching for either the base GL500 or the added comfort of the Interstate edition take care to make sure every section of the modular seating is still on hand as locating OEM replacements will prove to be a real challenge.

The larger displacement models of 1983 are a one-year only model making these unique parts tougher items to find.

Early in the 1980s a certain motorcycle manufacturer in Milwaukee started to complain that they couldn't compete with Japanese cycles of more than 700 cc.

In an effort to expand their offerings in the new class Honda produced the CB700SC Nighthawk S.

Powered by an inline four-cyclinder engine that displaced 696 cc, the Nighthawk was also fitted with some features that would set it apart from others in the new 700 cc family.

The "s" in the name referred to the sporty nature of the new model & reviews at the time spoke highly of the approach even though the shaft drive flew in the face of sport bike convention.

Having six speeds on taps also allowed the rider to stay within the hot zone of the ORPM range with ease.

The engine was nearly a total black out for the first two years & all hints of silver were missing on the 1986 editions.

The CB700SC was a great performer, when new & remains so today.

For 1984 & '85 the color choices were black & blue or black & red. 1984 saw the colored panels outlined with stripes of the same hue while the 1985 version had a white pinstripe to separate the color from the black.

The engines of the 1984 & '85 models featured silver accents on the cooling fins, valve covers & side covers on the clutch & electronics side.

For 1986 the colors on the sheet metal were trumped up to black with your choice candy alamoana red or candy aleutian blue. Those units finished with red panels had accent stripes or orange while the blue versions had a red stripe. The 1986 editions also had red stripes & all related components finished in pure black. The wheels also were finished in an all black motif which added a hint of sinister to the bike.

the factory exhaust was a four-into-two affair & finished in black chrome & as with most cycles, replacements are a rare find.

Sharing a few words from the Book Interview with Restorer Roger Smith .....

The criteria that Mr. Smith uses when selecting a cycle to restore, consist of bikes that he wanted from the past or those he owned but had to sell when entering the Army during Viet Nam (Vietnam).

Vintage Japanese parts are still available but in limited supply. Do your best to find them now & it will make it much easier than waiting a few years just to find the shelf is bare.

They typically decide on a restoration project in late summer. That gives them several months to find a bike before the winter in this part of the U.S. take over. Then from November through April they can bring the bike back to life taking around six months to roll out the latest project just as winter is ending.

In 2008 Cycle World Magazine chose their Yamaha Big Bear Scrambler as their restoration award winner at the AMA Invitation Concourse in Ohio. There's lots of time for restoration when it's five below zero in January!

Mr. Smith's son-in-law, Matt Tate helps whenever he can. There is nothing like having two sets of hands when you are installing an engine forks or a stubborn set of swing arm bearings on a 1969 Suzuki Titan. It's also nice to have someone who has skills you do not have, like wiring, or meticulous polishing.

Too many folks have began a restoration not realizing how complicated a multi-cylinder four stroke engine is.

Begin simple & move to the more complicated projects down the road a little.

I received a complimentary copy of Honda Enthusiasts from Car Tech to review.