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rev.dennis

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  1. Civil Complete Ceremony

    · rev.dennis · 01/27/2007 05:00 AM

    Approximate Time: 12-15 minutes
    With music, entrance, and exit: 20-25 minutes
    WELCOME
    Love is a miraculous gift, and a wedding is a celebration of that gift. We have come here today to celebrate this gift of love, and to add our best wishes and blessings to the words that shall unite (Groom's full name) _________________________ and (Bride's full name) _________________________ in the bonds of marriage. What you promise to each other today must be renewed again tomorrow and every day that follows. At the end of this ceremony, legally you will be husband and wife. Still, you must decide each and every day to commit yourselves to one another. Make such a decision, and keep on making it, for the most important thing in life is to love and to be loved. 
    CONSENT
    (Groom) _______________ and (Bride) _______________, do you come here of your own free will, accompanied by your family's blessings, to be united as husband and wife forevermore?
    (Both answer): I do. 
    Wo presents (Bride) _______________ to be married to (Groom) _______________? 
    (The Escort shall say): Her Mother and I or I do or We do or Her family or other. 
    (Bride gives bouquet to Maid of Honor.)
    ADDRESS AND READINGS
    Today you are taking into your care and trust the happiness of the one person in this world whom you love with all your heart. And you are giving yourself, your life, and your love, into the hands of the one who loves you with all their heart. Always remember this, to the whole world, you are but one person, but to one person, you are the whole world. 
    However, true love goes far beyond the feelings of excitement and romance. It is caring more about the well-being and happiness of your marriage partner than your own needs and your own desires. And true love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction. You see, love makes burdens lighter because you divide them. Love makes joys more intense because you share them. Love makes you stronger so you can become involved with life in ways you dare not risk alone. True love says the two of you are just better together than when you are apart. 
    When you enter into marriage, you enter into life's most important relationship. It is a gift given to bring comfort when there is sorrow, peace when there is unrest, laughter when there is happiness, and love when it is shared. But a successful marriage is not something that just happens. It takes work, it takes understanding, and it takes time. Most importantly, it takes a commitment from both of you---a commitment to do whatever it takes to make your relationship thrive and not just simply survive. A good marriage must be nurtured. Listen to these "words of wisdom" on how to create a successful marriage from a little book entitled The Art of Marriage. 
    The Art of Marriage 
    The little things are the big things. 
    It is never being too old to hold hands. 
    It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day.
    It is never going to sleep angry. 
    It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through all the years. 
    It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives; it is facing the world together. 
    It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family. 
    It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. 
    It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. 
    It is not expecting the husband to wear a halo or the wife to have the wings of an angel. 
    It is not looking for perfection in each other. 
    It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding, and a sense of humor. 
    It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. 
    It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. 
    It is finding room for the things of the spirit. 
    It is the common search for the good and the beautiful. 
    It is the establishing of a relationship in which the independence is equal, the dependence is mutual, and the obligation is reciprocal. 
    And finally, it is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner. (Reading #2)
    WEDDING VOWS
    (The Officiant shall say): (Groom) _______________, please repeat after me. 
    I, (Groom) _______________, take you, (Groom) _______________, / to be my partner in life. / I promise to walk by your side forever, / and to love, help, and encourage you / in all that you do. / I will take time to talk with you, / to listen to you, / and to care for you. / I will share your laughter and your tears / as your partner, lover, and best friend. / Everything I am and everything I have is yours / now and forevermore. (Wedding Vow #2a)
    (The officiant shall say): (Bride) _______________, please repeat after me. 
    I, (Bride) _______________, give myself to you  (Groom) _______________, / on this our wedding day. / I will cherish our friendship, / and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. / I will trust you and honor you. / I will love you faithfully / through the best and the worst, / through the difficult and the easy. / Whatever comes our way, I will be there always. / As I have given you my hand to hold, / so I give you my life to keep. (Wedding Vow #2b) 
    EXPLANATION OF THE RINGS
    The wedding ring is a circle that has no end, and symbolizes the never-ending love that exists between you. The ring is made from precious metals purified by the heat of testing, an is a symbol of the purity of your love for one another. The ring is also is made of rare gems that radiate a brilliance and a quality unlike other ordinary stones, and represents the riches that reside in each of you. May these rings always reflect the light of your love throughout your life together. 
    RING EXCHANGE VOWS
    (The Officiant shall say): May I have the token of (Groom's) _______________ love for (Bride) _______________? (Officiant receives ring from Best Man. Groom places ring on Bride's finger.)
    (The Officiant shall then say): (Groom) _______________, please repeat after me. 
    I give you this ring. / Wear it with love and joy. / As this ring has no end, / neither shall my love for you. / I choose you to be my wife / this day and forevermore. (Ring Vow #5)  
    (The Officiant shall say): May I have the token of (Bride's) _______________ love for (Groom) _______________? (Officiant receives ring from Maid of Honor. Bride places ring on Groom's finger.)
    (The Officiant shall then say): (Bride) _______________, please repeat after me. 
    This ring I give you / in token of my love and devotion, / and with my heart, / I pledge to you all that I am. / With this ring, I marry you / and join my life to yours. (Ring Vow #6) 
     LIGHTING OF THE UNITY CANDLE
    When the flames of two individual candles join together, a single brighter light is created from that union. May the brightness of this light shine throughout your lives, giving you courage and reassurance in the darkness. May its warmth give you shelter from the cold, and may its energy fill your spirits with strength and joy. Now as you light this candle, may it symbolize that today you become as one...hand in hand, heart to heart, flesh to flesh, and soul to soul. 
    WEDDING PRAYER/BLESSING
    Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be a shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there will be on loneliness, for each of you will be a companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. Go now to your dwelling place to enter the days of your togetherness. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years. May happiness be your companion, and may your days together be good and long upon earth. (Apache blessing) (Blessing #2) 
    PRONOUNCEMENT
    (Groom) _______________ and (Bride) _______________, because you have committed yourselves to each other in marriage, and demonstrated this by the exchanging of vows and the giving of rings, I pronounce you husband and wife. 
    KISS
    (The Officiant shall say): (Groom) _______________, you may kiss your Bride. (Bride and Groom kiss.) (Bride receives bouquet from Maid of Honor.).  
    PRESENTATION
    (The Officiant shall say): Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my privilege to introduce to you for the very first time, (Mr. and Mrs.)__________________________
  2. Approximate Time: 17-20 minutes
    With music, entrance, and exit: 27-35 minutes
     
    WELCOME
    Friends an d family of the Bride and Groom, we are here today because love has gathered us together. On this day, (Groom’s full name) _________________________ and (Bride’s full name) _________________________ will pledge their lives as one, and commit themselves to each other forever in marriage. (Groom)____________________ and (Bride)____________________, there are no obligations on earth more sweet or tender than those you are about to assume. There are no vows more solemn than those that you are about to make. There is no human institution more sacred than that of the home you are about to establish. Marriage is the holiest of all earthly relationships. Yes, marriages are made in heaven, but they have to be maintained here on earth. May you see that your love is truly a gift from God. And may your marriage be such that all will know of your deep love for one another, as well as for God, the One who brought you together. 
    CONSENT
    (Groom)____________________, will you have (Bride)____________________ to be your wife, to live together in the bonds of marriage? Will you commit yourself completely to her and her alone? And will you promise to love her, care for her, and stand by her through all that life may bring, as long as you both shall live? 
    (The Groom shall say): I will. 
    And (Bride)____________________, will you have (Groom)____________________ to be your husband, to live together in the bonds of marriage? Will you commit yourself completely to him and him alone? And will you promise to love him, care for him, and stand by him through all that life may bring, as long as you both shall live?
    (The Bride shall say): I will.
    Who presents (Bride)____________________ to be married to (Groom)____________________ ?
    (The Escort shall say): Her Mother and I or I do or We do or Her family or other. 
    (Bride gives bouquet to Maid of Honor).
    ADDRESS AND READINGS
    Today is the beginning of an exciting new life together for the two of you, (Groom)____________________ and (Bride)____________________. It marks the commencement of new relationships to your families, your friends, and certainly to each other. God knew your needs when He brought you together. He knew exactly you needed to make you complete. Now He wants you to commit yourselves to each other as the one He has chosen to complete you. Total completeness, however, is a process that takes patience, perseverance, and particular principles that must be practiced so you can achieve the oneness God intended for your marriage. Here are five little “pearls of wisdom” I want to share with you as you begin this new partnership on your journey to total completeness. 
    First, LISTEN. Listen to each other. Try to hear what your mate is really saying. The Scripture says, “Be quick to hear and slow to speak.” That’s why God gave us two cars and only one mouth, so we would talk less and listen more. Take the words you hear from each other into your heart and let them become building blocks for a happy marriage. Communication is vitally important in marriage, so yes, take the time to talk with each other. But more importantly, take the time to listen to each other, for in listening, you communicate that you value your partner’s thoughts and feelings. 
    Second, LEARN. Learn from each other. Both of you are different in many ways. You each bring certain abilities and specific gifts into this relationship. Learn what those talents are. Don’t see them as competition; rather, accept each other’s strengths and combine them with yours to become a better team. Every day will be an adventure as you learn and understand something new about your mate. In fact, the Bible says, “Husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way.” So (Groom)____________________, your lifelong assignment is to try to understand this woman, and (Bride)____________________, your lifelong assignment is to make sure he understands you. What an assignment! If you learn from each other, not only will you be better individuals, but also a better couple. So take time to learn all you can about each other. 
    Listen, Learn and third, LABOR——-or work. Be willing to work on your relationship. Make every effort to make this the very best marriage on God;s earth. You don’t find precious gems just lying around on top of the ground. You have to work hard to get to them. But once you find them, they are worth every bit of effort you made. So too, if you work on your marriage relationship, it will be like finding those precious gems, and because of all your labor, you will “strike it rich.”
    Listen, Learn, Labor, and fourth, LAUGH. Learn to laugh. Laugh at yourself and laugh at each other. Getting married is a serious step, and it should be taken seriously. But I am also serious when I say that having fun and being able to laugh at our mistakes and shortcomings goes a long way in solidifying the mortar of this institution we call marriage. The Bible says that “laughter is good medicine.” Studies show that laughter has a profound and positive effect on the body. Laughter is the best medicine for a long and happy life. I guess it can be said that he who laughs…is the one who lasts. 
    Listen, Learn, Labor, Laugh, and finally, LOVE. What is love? Countless songs have been sung about it. Poems too many to number have been penned describing it. Books as numerous as the stars in the sky have been authored by both men and women trying to help us understand this little four letter word. But the one Book that rises above them all, the Bible, simply defines love this way:
    “Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way nor is it irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly ever notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. This kind of love knows no boundaries to its tolerance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope, no limite to its endurance. It can outlast anything. Love is, in fact, the one thing that still stands when all else has failed.” (Reading #12, Version 2- Contemporary)
    So you can see, love is not just something you feel, it is something you do. (Groom)____________________, it has been said, “If you treat your wife like a queen, she will treat you like a king.” Or to put it another way, “If you treat her like a thoroughbred, she’ll never turn into an old nag.”
    And so…. LISTEN, LEARN, LABOR, LAUGH, and LOVE. Practice these five principles and, with God’s guidance, your marriage will blossom and grow into a life-long partnership that will endure the challenges of life and withstand the tests of time. 
    WEDDING VOWS
    (The Officiant shall say): (Groom) _______________, please repeat after me. 
    (Bride) _______________, I thank God He has given us to each other / to share one life, one love, one heart. / With God’s help, / I will try to be everything / that He wants me to be for you, / so I may meet your needs / and fulfill your dreams. / I will love you with an unconditional love / just as Christ loves us. / In love I will lead you, / protect and provide for you, / nurture and care for you, / and honor and respect you. / I promise to stay by your side / no matter what circumstances life may bring, / and I vow to be faithful and true / to you alone. / May my love give you strength all the days of our lives. (Wedding Vow #1a)
    (The Officiant shall say): (Bride) _______________, please repeat after me. 
    (Groom) _______________, as we become husband and wife today, / I promise to love you with an unending love. / I give myself in all things to your care, / as unto the Lord. / As God has prepared me / to be your helpmate and companion in this life, / I commit myself to stand by you / whatever comes our way. / I will be with you in sickness and in health, / whether we ar Erich or poor, / and during times of happiness, / as well as times of sorrow. / I will honor and respect you, / encourage and support you, / and devote myself to you. / I promise to be faithful and true / to you alone. May my love bring you joy all the days of our lives. (Wedding Vow #1b)
    EXPLANATION OF THE RINGS
    You are about to give each other a ring. The wedding ring is a symbol of many things. It is made of precious metals that symbolize a love that is pure and enduring. It is made of rare gems that symbolize a love that is priceless and irreplaceable. It is made in a perfect circle that symbolizes a love that is permanent and everlasting. Whenever you look at this ring, may it forever remind you of the promises you have made this day to keep your love pure, priceless, and permanent. 
    RING EXCHANGE VOWS
    (The Officiant shall say): May I have the token of (Groom's) _______________ love for (Bride) _______________? (Officiant receives ring from Best Man. Groom places ring on Bride's finger.)
    (The Officiant shall then say): (Groom) _______________, please repeat after me. 
    (Bride) _______________, I give you this ring / as a symbol of my love and faithfulness, / and as I place it on your finger, / I commit my very heart and soul to you. / I ask you to wear this ring / as a reminder of the vows we have spoken / on this, our wedding day. (Ring Vow #2)
    (The Officiant shall say): May I have the token of (bride's) _______________ love for (Groom) _______________? (Officiant receives ring from Maid of Honor. Bride places ring on Groom's finger.)
    (The Officiant shall then say): (Bride) _______________, please repeat after me. 
    (Groom) _______________, I give you this ring / as a sign of my commitment / and the desire of my heart. / May it always be a reminder / that I have chosen you above all others, / and from this day forward, / we shall be united as husband and wife. (Ring Vow #3)
    LIGHTING OF THE UNITY CANDLE
    Lighting the Unity Candle is a symbol of the union created by a man and a woman who enter into marriage. They are no longer two, but one. The Bible says, "For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." Today, we see two people uniting themselves as one---as one in the flesh and as one in the spirit. These candles symbolize that union. The two outer candles represent the individual lives of (Groom) _______________ and (Bride) _______________ and the families from which they came. The lighting of this Unity Candle not only symbolizes the coming together of these two individuals, but the joining together of their families, as well. May you all recognize your continuing importance in each other's lives by sharing with each other the light of your love. 
    WEDDING PRAYER/BLESSING
    Dear Lord, we pray that You will bless this man and this woman as they begin their new journey together. In all the experiences of life, may they always stay close to You and to each other as they share the joys and blessings, as well as the trials and heartaches. Help them to honor and keep the promises made here today. Remind them daily of Your great love for them so they, in turn, may reach out in love to others. Give them such love and devotion that each may be to the other a strength in need, a comfort in sorrow, a counselor in difficulty, and a companion in joy. Amen. (Prayer #9)
    PRONOUCEMENT
    (Groom) _______________ and (Bride) _______________, today, before your family and friends, you have openly declared your love for each other. You have joined your hands, spoken your promises, and given these rings, a symbol of your lifelong commitment to each other. An so, I now bestow upon you the most honorable titles that may exist between a man and a woman; I pronounce you husband and wife. 
    KISS
    (The Officiant shall say): (Groom) _______________, you may kiss your Bride. (Bride and Groom kiss) (Bride receives bouquet from Maid of Honor.)
    PRESENTATION
    (The Officiant shall say): Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my privilege to introduce to you for the very first time, (Mr. and Mrs.)_____________________
  3. Approximate Time: 16-19 minutes
    With music, entrance, and exit: 26-34 minutes
     
    WELCOME
    We welcome all of you here today as we have gathered together in the presence of God and these witnesses to join (Groom's full name)__________ and (Bride's full name) __________ in holy matrimony.  Marriage is a gift, a gift from God, given to us so that we might experience the joys of unconditional love with a lifelong partner.  God designed marriage to be an intimate relationship between a man and a woman--mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  Just as the two of you make vows to one another today, God also made vows to you and me that show how much He loves and cares for each one of us.  Listen to these vows God made that are recorded for us in His Word: "I will betroth you to myself forever in lawful wedlock with unfailing devotion and love; I will commit myself to you, to have to hold, and you shall know the Lord." (Groom)_________ and (Bride)____________, because your deep love for each other comes from God above, this is a sacred moment, and it is with great reverence that I now ask you to declare your intent. 
    CONSENT
    (Groom)__________, do you take (Bride)__________ to be your wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony?  Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, remain faithful to her as long as you both shall live?
    (The Groom shall say): I do
    And (Bride)___________, do you take (Groom)____________ to be your wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony?  Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, remain faithful to him as long as you both shall live?
    (The Bride shall say:) I do
    Who gives (Bride) ____________ to be married to (Groom)_____________?
    (The Escort shall say): Her Mother and I or I do or We do or Her family or other.
    (Bride gives bouquet to Maid of Honor)
    ADDRESS AND READINGS
    Today is the beginning of a new life together for you.  It marks the commencement of new relationships to your families, your friends, and certainly to each other.  You have invited these special guests to share in one of life's greatest moments as they give recognition to the worth and beauty of your love and add their best wishes to the words that shall unite you today as husband and wife.  God knew your needs when He brought you together.  He knew exactly what you needed to make you complete.  And now, He wants you to commit yourselves to each other as the one He has chosen to complete you.
    God said, "It is not good for man to be alone.  I will make a helper suitable for him."  And so...
    The Creation of Woman from the Rib of Man
    The Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep;
    and while he was sleeping, He took on of the man's ribs,
    and then closed up the place with flesh.
    Then the Lord God formed a woman
    from the rib oHe had taken out of the man,
    and brought her to him.
    The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh;
    she shall be called Woman, for she was taken out of Man"  Genesis 2: 21-23
     
    Woman was made of a rib out of the side of Man.
    She was not created from Man's head to rule over him,
    nor from his feet to be trampled upon by him.
    Instead, Woman was taken from his side, to be equal with him;
    under his arm, to be protected;
    and near his heart, to be loved. (Reading #3)
     
    (Groom)_____________, God's Word tells us what kind of husband a man should be for his wife.
    "And you husbands, show the same kind of love to your wives as Christ showed to the church when He died for her.  That is how husbands should be toward their wives, loving them in the same kind of way.  For since a man and his wife are now one, a man is really doing himself a favor and loving himself when he loves his wife!  no one hates his own body but lovingly cares for it just as Christ cares for His body, the church, of which we are all parts.  Husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, giving them respect, and treating them with honor since they are heirs together with you in the grace of life" (Reading #11a)
    (Bride)______________, the qualities that make a woman truly beautiful have been written in the book of Proverbs.
    "If you can find a truly good wife, she is worth more than precious gems!  Her husband cat trust her, and she will richly satisfy his needs.  She will not hinder him, but help him all her life.  She is a woman of strength and dignity, and has no fear of old age.  When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule of everything she says.  She watches carefully all that goes on throughout her household, and is never lazy.  Her children stand and bless her; so does her husband.  He praises her with these words:
    'There are many find women in the world, but you are the of them all!' Charm can be deceptive and beauty doesn't last, but a woman who fears and reverences God shall be greatly praised." (Reading #11b)
    Through the ages, man has tried to define "love." Poems, sings, and books all have been written trying to describe this little four letter word.  But the best description I have found comes from God Himself, since He is the Author of love.  In His Word, there is a chapter commonly known as the "Love Chapter" -- 1 Corinthians 13.
    It describes the kind of love that must characterize your lives if you are to live in joy and harmony and honor with each other, and also before God and your fellow man, listen to what it says:
    "Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude.  Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never fails.  So faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love" (Reading #12, Version 1-Traditional)
    (Groom)______________,  I believe you are saying to all of us today that you are committing yourself to this woman only, moving toward her in a more open and intimate way, giving yourself to care for her, and promising to love her as she needs to be loves.  And (Bride)_________________, I believe you are saying to us that you are committing yourself to this man only, moving toward him with increasing openness, tenderness, and respect, giving yourself to him, and trusting him as the head of your home, and, through him, listening to God's plan for your life together.
    And so, (Groom)____________, if you will love (Bride)_______________ as Christ loves the church, and (Bride)______________, if you will respond to (Groom)_______________ as unto the Lord, your companionship as husband and wife will blossom into a physical, emotional, and spiritual closeness beyond which nothing can compare.
    WEDDING VOWS
    (The Officiant shall say): (Groom)_________, please repeat after me. 
    I, (Groom)_________, take thee, (Bride)_________, / to be my wedded wife, / to have and to hold / from this day forward, / for better, for worse, / for richer, for poorer, / in sickness and in health, / to love and to cherish, / till death do us part. / This is my solemn vow. (Wedding vow #12)
    (The Officiant shall say): (Bride)_________, please repeat after me. 
    I, (Bride)_________, take thee, (Groom)_________, / to be my wedded husband, / to have and to hold / from this day forward, / for better, for worse, / for richer, for poorer, / in sickness and in health, / to love and to cherish, / till death do us part. / This is my solemn vow. (Wedding vow #12)
    EXPLANATION OF THIS RINGS
    The wedding ring serves as a symbol of the promise you have just spoken. It is the outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible love that binds your two hearts together. The wedding ring also is a symbol of what God is. He is without beginning and without end—He is eternal. As you can see, the ring is without beginning and without end. So I believe this exchange of rings not only reminds us of the unending love you have for each other, but also reflects the eternal love God has for each of you. 
    RING EXCHANGE VOWS
    (The Officiant shall say😞 May I have the token of (Groom’s)_________ love for (Bride)_________?(Officiant receives ring from Best Man. Groom places ring on Bride’s finger).
    (The Officiant shall then say): (Groom)_________, please repeat after me. 
    This ring I give in token and pledge / as a sign of my love and devotion. / With this ring, I thee wed. (Ring Vow #10)
    (The Officiant shall say😞 May I have the token of (Bride’s)_________ love for (Groom)_________?(Officiant receives ring from Maid of Honor. Bride places ring on Groom’s finger).
    (The Officiant shall then say): (Bride)_________, please repeat after me. 
    This ring I give in token and pledge / as a sign of my love and devotion. / With this ring, I thee wed. (Ring Vow #10)
    LIGHTING OF THE UNITY CANDLE
    The Unity Candle is a symbol of the union that exists between a man and a woman who enter the holy estate of matrimony. They are no longer two, but one. The Holy Bible says, “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and the two shall become on flesh.”  In a marriage relationship, a man and a woman leave one home to establish another. These two candles represent the individual homes in which (Groom)_________ and (Bride)_________ grew up. The center candle represents the new home they are establishing today with Christ as the heart of that home. As (Groom)_________ and (Bride)_________ join together in lighting this Unity Candle, may we all reflect on the union made here this day between God, this woman, and this man. 
    WEDDING PRAYER/BLESSING
    Our Heavenly Father, we ask Your blessing upon these two lives and the home they are establishing today. May the love they have for each other grow deeper and stronger because of their love for You. Lord, You guided them to each other, now guide them in this new journey as husband and wife. As they walk down this path, light their way so they may keep their eyes focused on Your will, their hands holding fast to Your truth, their feet firmly planted in Your Word, and their hearts bound together by Your love. This we pray in Your name. Amen. (Prayer #7)
    PRONOUNCEMENT
    (Groom)_________ and (Bride)_________, since you have consented together in holy matrimony, and have pledged yourselves to each other by your solemn vows and by the giving of rings, and have declared your commitment of love before God and these witnesses, I now pronounce you husband and wife in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Those whom God hath joined together, let no man separate. 
    KISS
    (The Officiant shall say): Groom)________, you may kiss your Bride. (Bride and Groom kiss) (Bride receives bouquet from Maid of Honor)
    PRESENTATION
    (The Officiant shall say): Ladies and Gentleman, it is my privilege to introduce to you for the very first time, (Mr. and Mrs.) ______________________________.

  4. Netshot Compliance Tool

    · rev.dennis · 07/19/2022 04:23 PM

    Many of us have to supply a report showing our devices are compliant based on auditors requirements.  What tool out there does compliancy checks?  A great free opensource compliancy tool is called netshot.
     

  5. Humility

    · rev.dennis · 10/09/2013 04:00 AM

    "They are forever free who renounce all selfish desires and break away from the ego-cage of 'I', 'me', and 'mine' to be united with the Lord. This is the supreme state."-Bhagavad Gita
    Humility, or being humble, is being respectful, submissive, and modest. It is the opposite of pride and arrogance and is considered a virtue by most major religions and philosophical traditions. We are most often humiliated when we lack humility. The challenge is that our nature compels us to want to feel powerful and important. Admitting that we are neither can feel like going against our will to survive.
    A person who practices humility becomes teachable and more easily acquires wisdom. They become a better listener and a more valuable friend. He or she is also better able to recognize personal traits or faults, which leads to a willingness to improve.
    It's obvious why humility is an important aspect of most world religions. It opens our hearts and mind to the will of God.
    Humility in Hinduism
    "The seeker after truth should be humbler than the dust. The world crushes the dust under its feet, but the seeker after truth should so humble himself that even the dust could crush him." -Mahatma Ghandi
    Central to Hindu belief is the idea that one must let go of the ego in order to be united with the Atman (the true self) and Brahman (God). Selfish desire or the want for fame or power are worldly yearnings that distract us from the ultimate goal.
    Hinduism does not denounce the fact that power, position, and possession are ambitions that run deep. Worldly success is necessary for raising a household and taking care of civic duty responsibly. It is not wrong to be successful but ultimately wealth, fame, and power are exclusive. If I own something, it is not yours.
    Those who are successful are not automatically lacking humility, but when people make money or social status their chief ambition and pride, things become problematic. As one acquires, he also acquires the want for more. The drive for more and more becomes insatiable. As Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita:
    Krishna's words highlight the struggle with our "self," as well as the broader message of the Gita. Eknath Easwaran, a spiritual teacher who was mentored by Mohandas Ghandi, wrote that the Gita's message concerns "the war within, the struggle for self mastery that every human being must wage if he or she is to emerge from life victorious."
    Humility according to Hinduism is not crawling around in the mud cursing oneself, but rather a struggle for shedding the ego cage, and recognizing and feeling oneness with the rest of the world, completely free from bias or any idea of inferiority or superiority.
    Humility in Islam
    "The true servants of God the Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, reply with (words of) peace." - the Holy Qu'ran 25:63
    Humility is taken very seriously in Islam. The word "Islam" can be translated as "submission to God." When Muslims are praying, they typically bow on the ground in a position that acknowledges human lowliness compared to God.
    Humility is identical to submission to Allah. The seventh chapter in the Qu'ran reads, "Call on your Lord with humility and in private, for Allah loves not those who transgress beyond bounds." (7:55) God is immaterial, all-knowing, and all-powerful. Therefore the only way to approach him is in complete humility because without him humans have nothing and are nothing.
    Ibn Al-Qayyim, a Sunni Islamic jurist and theologian from the 13th century summarized the Islamic idea of humility in these words:
    Humility requires that we know God and be thankful for the fact that everything comes from Him through His grace and mercy. To do this, we should place heavy emphasis on praising and thanking Him constantly. We must also view ourselves as creatures who are comparatively weak and easily destroyed. In other words, humility is identical to recognizing how powerful and omnipotent God is as well as accepting our own weakness.
    Humility in Catholicism
    "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves" -Phillipians 2:3
    St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a French Abbot born in the 10th century, defined humility as, "A virtue by which a man knowing himself as he truly is, abases himself. Jesus Christ is the ultimate definition of Humility." Therefore, in order to become humble, we must look to the one who is the perfect example.
    The Gospel of John focuses on Jesus's humility. When Jesus came to Jerusalem, the people "took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord-- the King of Israel!" (John 12:13) Even though Jesus was the King of Israel, his kingdom was in Heaven, not on Earth. He came as a humble King not on horse or chariot, but on a donkey.
    Even though Jesus was the son of God, he did not exalt himself or consider himself equal with God. Instead, he claimed that he could do nothing by himself, that whatever power or authority he had was God's (John 5:19). He also would not accept glory from men (5:41); his teachings were not his, but Gods (7:16); and he was not following his will, but the will of God (6:38).
    Since Christ is our example, we should mimic what he does. Whatever glory we think we have belongs to God. When we teach others about the Bible, the teachings are not ours, but God's, whose wisdom is greater than our own. Our triumphs and victories come from God.
    Humility is a crucial aspect of salvation. When we come to Christ, we come as sinners who need salvation and are entirely unable to save ourselves. Therefore, we must have a humble spirit, acknowledging his grace and mercy and the fact that he exchanges our worthlessness for His infinite worth.
    Connecting The Definitions Of Humility
    Each religion provides valuable wisdom into the virtue of humility. Taken together, a truly humble person would be one who has cast away the inflated ego that was a barrier to truth and God (Hinduism); one who submits to the will of God, because He is the supreme authority (Islam); and one who recognizes that all things come from God and to him all credit and glory are due (Catholicism).
    While each of these religions approaches humility in slightly different ways, one does not need to be Hindu to read and learn about humility from the Hindu perspective. The same goes for a Muslim or a Christian. We should seek knowledge, listen, absorb wisdom, and find ways to apply that wisdom in a way that fits with our beliefs
    Catholics, Hindus, Muslims, and peoples of any religion may have different definitions of God, but why should this prevent them from learning about each other? Acknowledging that each religion has something good and wise to offer would be an act of humility.
    Being Humble
    Humility is difficult to acquire because we instinctively avoid things that humble us. Like many things, this difficulty can be overcome one step at a time. Here are a few things you can do everyday to practice being humble:
    Admit when you're wrong. No one likes to accept their own mistakes, but doing so builds character and sets a good example for others. Practice admitting to the little mistakes with minor or no consequences. This prepares one for the big mess-ups, which will inevitably happen.
    Avoid taking credit. When we accomplish things, we naturally want to share the news with others. This desire for recognition and praise is not wrong, but too much of it inflates the ego. Instead, keep some achievements hidden from others. It will do you good, and any who discover you didn't step in and take credit will have more respect for you.
    Learn from those around you. There will always be people who have advanced beyond us in certain ways. Don't envy or resent them, learn from them.
    Help someone. The best way to become humble is by being humbled. By serving or helping someone, we send the message that their needs are more important than our own.
    There are many more ways to practice humility. To make lasting change, gradually fold humble actions into your everyday life. Don't try to do too much at once because you will only burn yourself out. Too much humility can be a bad thing. The best way to make permanent change is to make proper humility a habit.

  6. A Done Deal

    · rev.dennis · 08/18/2020 02:11 PM

    Col. 2:11-15
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses (Colossians 2:13 KJV) 
     
    You have negotiated a contract. All parties are happy with the terms. The check is written. You are given title. The deed is conveyed to your name. The deal is done. And the good news is that you are not in debt. You have free and clear title to the item you purchased. It is a good feeling. Paul continues to teach about our sufficiency in Christ to the church in Colossae. These members were worried about some of the works related faith being promoted by others. So the worry begins. It was needless worry. 
     
    We have been free from sin. We are no longer ruled by sin but are now ruled by the Savior. Think of a long term illness. When you are sick for a long time, the pain and symptoms rule your life. I believe this is why the ministry of healing was part of Jesus' work before He went to the cross. For many people, illnesses and impaired conditions ruled their lives. A man born blind is ruled by darkness. Jesus comes and heals the man. He is free from darkness. It is a complete healing. A man is deaf and dumb from birth. Jesus touches the man's ears and tongue and he speaks and hears. Completely. A woman comes to Jesus with a serious blood flow condition. It has kept her from worship. It has cost her a fortune. She cannot escape the torment and Jesus heals her completely. A man born with a withered arm is asked to stretch it and Jesus makes it completely whole. 
     
    God negotiated a new covenant with mankind. When Jesus cried out, "It is finished" on the cross, the deal was done. Because of that transaction is complete - 
    We Are Complete in Our Salvation. 
    We Are Complete in Our Forgiveness. 
    We Are Complete in Our Victory. 
    I. WE ARE COMPLETE IN OUR SALVATION. 
    In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. (Colossians 2:11-12)
     
    Not By Works: The human tendency is to try to work our way into God's graces. Paul, interestingly enough, speaks of circumcision. Why? It was one of the biggest stumbling blocks for so many in the early days of the church. It is also a good example to teach from. In Paul's day the Jewish practice was to circumcise a baby boy on the eighth day after he was born per Leviticus 12:2-3. The Mosaic Code incorporated this practice that was given by God to Abraham in Genesis 17:10-14. This was a symbolic function: "...it shall be a token of the covenant..." The word token is translated as sign or signal or beacon. It points to a greater truth. 
     
    There were two views on circumcision among the Jews. Some took the view that when you circumcised a child, he was saved. He was automatically numbered among God's faithful. In their thinking, this work was all that was necessary. Yet Paul writes in Romans 9:6, "For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel..." In others words, not every circumcised Israelite was faithful to God for salvation. One example is Judas Iscariot. He was a circumcised Jew and Jesus called him the "Son of perdition" (Jn 17:12). And again we have in John 6:70 where Jesus said to His disciples, "Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?"
     
    There is a similar error today. It is with baptism. There are some who will teach that one must be baptized in water to be saved. These are the groups that often include infant baptism in their faith practice. Why? A few reasons:
     
    Certain reformed groups see baptism as the new sign that replaced circumcision. Because the church has replaced Israel, in their mind baptism is the new sign of the covenant. Infants must be baptized to be identified as part of the community of faith. This group does not make belief part of the equation but does demand evangelizing the child later in life. 
    The Orthodox groups see infant baptism as an act of faith on the parents' part. They view God's grace to be able to save the infant beyond human comprehension. They take the verse Hebrews 13:8 out of context: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Their logic: the infant Jesus saves the infant. The child Jesus saves the child. The adult Jesus saves the adult.
    The Catholic groups see infant baptism as saving from original sin. This group seems to be in the middle between the Reformers and the orthodox. 
    As we will see in a moment, salvation is done ...
     
    By The Work of God: 
     
    "...ircumcised with the circumcision made without hands... Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead."
     
    Salvation is the work of God. Let's remember that when God gives the command to circumcise as a token or a sign. It represented the work of God. Abraham's response was just faith. He carried out the sign, the symbol, of faith. In fact if you read Genesis, Abraham was justified by faith as recorded in Genesis 15:6. The command to circumcise comes years later when Isaac is born in Genesis 17. Paul uses imagery of circumcision to reveal an important truth. Let's look at circumcision again.
     
    - First, it reveals. Flesh is cutaway and reveals a source of life. It is a witness of eternal life that links everyone here with Adam. 
     
    - Second, it reinforces a truth. Because Adam and Eve sinned, we are all sinners. Our sin is deeply rooted. 
     
    We cannot save ourselves. It is cut who circumcises our hearts. It is an action of faith. Paul switches to baptism. We are buried with Christ in that we identify ourselves as Christians. Again it is by faith. That faith begins at the moment of salvation and moves us forward in life until the end when we stand before God in Glory. We trust God to do it all for us. 
     
    @ Mark 16:16 - "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."
     
    @ Acts 2:38 - "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized..."
     
    @ Acts 2:41 - "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized..."
     
    @ Acts 19:5 - "When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."
     
    @ Romans 5:10 - "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life."
     
    @ Romans 10:13 - "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
     
    @ 1 Corinthians 1:18 - "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."
     
    Salvation is complete! It is not by works but by faith. This also means that...
     
    II. WE ARE COMPLETE IN OUR FORGIVENESS.
    And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross (Colossians 2:13-14)
     
    Completely Guilty. Paul's choice of words is significant. He first begins with "being dead in your sins..." which points to our actions. He does not use sin but sins. All the deeds a person does prove who he or she is: a sinner. I have heard people complain about how some of their co-workers and fellow students. They ask me, "Why do people do such things?" My answer is simple, "They do what they do because of what they are." This leads to Paul's second half of the equation, "...the uncircumcision of your flesh..." This was a term used by the Jews to describe Gentiles. Gentiles were people outside of God's promises and covenants. Paul applies this statement to describe the former nature of the members of Colossae before their conversion. 
     
    The nature of the unbeliever makes him or her completely unable to respond by human effort. They are described in Ephesians 2:12 as having no hope. 
     
    Completely God. Not the contrast between "you, being dead..." and "...hath He quickened together with him..." Here is our hope. God gives life. It is life we gain when we come to Christ. Paul describes the work of forgiveness by pointing to the cross. Note the amount forgiven there - ALL! It is a source of our joy, "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered" (Ps. 32:1). 
     
    We find throughout all the Old Testament a system of sacrifices designed to obtain forgiveness. When Moses wrote the Law there was the requirement for the person offering a sin offering to place his hand on the innocent animal. This action was designed to symbolically represent the transference of the guilt from the one making the offering to the innocent animal. The priest, as God's agent, would accept innocent animal now as the appropriate substitute. The Bible declares that "and without shedding of blood is no remission" (Heb. 9:22). That is God's remedy. Christ, the complete innocent, became our sin-bearer: "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation" (Heb. 9:28).
     
    That action made it complete. Paul notes that the written record of our sin and deeds - all the laws we broke - are wiped away. Note the words "Blotting out..." in the Greek is compared to the way one would erase ink. Imagine that! You break the law. You receive a citation. You go to court. Someone innocent pays your fine. The judge does something different. He takes your citation, moves a blotter over it, and the permanent ink is gone. It is as if the charge was never written. That is how complete your forgiveness is. 
     
    Let's look at one more image. The One who wrote the Law was nailed to the Cross. Think on that. Let it sink in and then realize...
     
    III. WE ARE COMPLETE IN OUR VICTORY: 
    "And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it" (Col. 2:15).
     
    Debt Cancelled. Our victory is complete because Jesus cancelled the debt. Think of this. Debt does has some power. It has the power to enslave. When you have a load of debt you are limited in what you can do. When Jesus was nailed to the cross and said, "It is finished," that was not a whimper of defeat. That was the cry of victory that shook Hell. The phrase "it is finished" is one Greek word that can be translated the debt is cancelled. The Devil always had power over the sinner by keeping us in fear of death. Death is a great unknown for those who do not know God. 
     
    If you do not believe in God it is hard to imagine life after death. A minimal belief in God permits some idea of life after death. But because of the question of evil in the world, man has to consider what life in the afterlife will be like. There is within us the truth about our nature that we do not want to admit...that we deserve hell. For some in a works based religion it must be maddening to try to keep a record of all our good deeds and our bad acts. This terrifying balancing act will keep a person in a frantic state of fear. And Satan loves that. But the Good News is that Jesus Christ has cancelled it all and thus has spoiled all the powers against us. He has robbed them of their victory.
     
    Devil Disarmed. When you spoil an enemy, you have a defeated and disarmed foe. Hebrew 2:14 reads, 
     
    "Since then the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil." 
     
    The coming of Son of God in the Person of Jesus of the Nazarene was a brilliant stroke of military genius by God. With a combination of mercy and grace, the sinner is saved and thus the Devil's destructive power is rendered useless. When you are born again, you have your name entered into the Lamb's book of life. This is what is promised to the believer and unbeliever per the Book of Revelation.
     
    Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years...And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:6, 14-15).
     
    Devil's Defeat Displayed: "... he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." Paul uses language familiar with the typical Roman citizen. When a general came home from victory in battle, he would display the defeated kings and chieftains in chains. When we survey the blood stained cross and look into the empty tomb, we are convinced of our victory. These items are just two of the items which point to the devil's defeat. There is one more item that we tend to gloss over - the church.
     
    Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:37-39).
     
    "...we are..." I love those two words. We are conquerors through Jesus Christ. Sin no longer separates us from God's love. It is a done deal. It is the church that shall reign triumphant and ride with Him when He comes to establish a new Kingdom. It is a done deal!
     
    CONCLUSION
    We have complete salvation which provides complete forgiveness and thus we are granted complete victory. Though we are fighting a defeated foe, we should do so with the mindset that there are still pockets of resistance that we must face. The enemy still has strongholds of unsaved souls that we need to enter by God's grace and our obedience. This is our task until that day when He calls us up for the next great event. Until then, let us be more than conquerors! Let us lift up our faces and voices to Him as victors. Let us not fear the darts of the devil but trust the shield of faith to protect us as we move into the battle girded up with the breastplate of righteousness, bound by the belt of truth, carrying our sword the word of God and moving forward with our feet shod with the Good News!
  7. Count Room receives all credit card terminals.  They will split up the terminals for what is assigned to Box Office and what is assigned to Count Room / Food Booths.  Once Box Office recieves the credit card terminals from Count Room, take a note of the last 4 numbers of the serial number of the credit card terminal and where it will be assigned for the run of the that season.
    Example:

     
    CC SALES
    These terminals use CELL service so no need to worry if it's connected to the internet or not.  They sit on charge stations.

    Power button is on the side, click and hold to turn on. 
    You should get a screen like the one below...  Tellers just click Quick Access to make a sale, if a refund is needed, at this point the mgr will enter the pin mentioned below under REFUNDS.  For now we are going to continue on as a teller to make a sale so just click Quick Access
     
    You will now see a screen like the one below.  Click on Sale to begin

    NOTE: No printer so not able to do paper receipts but we allow TEXT messages only.  EMAILS take way to long for them to type out.
    enter the dollar amount and click Charge

     
    you may see a screen like the one below briefly

     
    Some reason this screen shows up, just click Got it to continue.

     
    Here if the customer wants a receipt, click Text Message and send to them.

     
    CC REFUNDs, Identify the terminal then if you are not prompted for a pin, push the button on the side which will force terminal to sleep then click again to wake it up and pin prompt. When prompted do not click on QUICK ACCESS and instead type 6041 as your PIN to be able to do REFUNDS
     
    END OF DAY CC REPORTS
    go to https://clover.com and click on Login
    user: [email protected] pwd: ShowMeTheM0ney! Next Click on the Festival you want to obtain Credit Card report(s) as shown below

     
    Next step is to click Reporting - Payments and then Filter by the Credit Card Machine (they should be labeled for where they are being used)
     
     
    Make sure you have the correct date (typically I am just clicking Today to get CC report for that day, then you scroll down and get the number that the line starts with Net which will include refunds and payments in that total. 

    It's that simple
     
    CLOVER CREDIT CARD SUPPORT
    Clover Support provided From Ryan
    1-800-622-0842
    MID: 483225020997
    Phone: 952-445-7341
    When prompted on where you want the passcode delivered to, DO NOT PICK TEXT but pick email then a code will be sent to Ryan's email.  Text Ryan asking for the code to gain access to support.
     
    When you get this horrible message on your clover that says: Unfortunately, Launcher has stopped

    then you need to do a factory reset which includes powering off 10 times as soon as you see the clover icon appear so you get prompted to do a factory reset
    NOTE: this will require an activation code that will be displayed when you login from your laptop on clover.com (reference the last 4 of serial#)




    Hope that helps you get though the error









  8. MAF User Management

    · rev.dennis · 08/16/2021 05:34 PM

    This short article is helping explain how User Management works for the EventGuyZ system used for Mid-America Festivals.
    MAIN SITE is this site (https://eventguyz.com) which is where users should all be registered.  Once the EventGuyZ staff is made aware of the new MAF user, they get added to a group on this website called MAF_Staff or MAF_Managers
    What's the difference?
    MAF_Staff will allow access to the Mid-America Festivals Staff Service/Group that provides visibility into how to perform certain functions from a Count Room and/or Box Office stand point.
    MAF_Managers are typically from headquarters and/or Manager of Box Office or Count Room.  So they needs access to Mid-America Festivals Mgmt Service/Group which helps them with there duties.
    Now that you have all the users registered on https://EventGuyZ.com and you informed EventGuyZ staff there role with MAF so the staff knows how to properly assign them to the necessary Service/Group.  They are ready for the next step of authentication.
    EventGuyZ is broken up into two main type of websites
    Main Website that handles all the users in one place as well as provides helpful information to do the job at a general level Child Websites that are assigned to each show/festival.  They utilize the authentication from the main website which means that the password and email you have configured on the main website is what you use on the child sites. BaRF (https://barf.eventguyz.com) KCRF (https://kcrf.eventguyz.com) MiRF (https://mirf.eventguyz.com) MnRF (https://mnrf.eventguyz.com) StRF (https://strf.eventguyz.com) When someone from the Main Website logs into a Child Website, a EvenGuyZ staff will need to log into that website and approve the user (just the first time) and assign them access to the area they need which below are the Groups you will find on every one of Mid-Americas Child Websites
    MAF_BO_mgr (this is where you put your Box Office Managers and Assistant Managers that require elevated access to the Box Office system) MAF_CR_member (this is your money counters, they are processing the envelopes that are coming in to be entered into the Money Tracker app) MAF_CR_mgr (this is the Count Room manager that needs more access than a CR member since they will need to edit incorrectly entered transactions, run reports, etc) MAF_Managers (this is for Headquarters and people that travel to the shows like Ryan that could be coming into a show to back up a BO mgr or CR mgr so they need access to everything) MAF_Office (this is for office staff that needs the ability to add items into the Box Office system like Will Call or add tickets, discounts, coupons) So never do you need to create a user on the Child Websites..  it will happen automatically as long as they have an account on the main website (https://eventguyz.com)
     
     

  10. Jan 1 Sermon

    Prayer · rev.dennis · 01/01/2024 05:00 AM

    A Prayer ... Of Praise
    Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him,  sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wondrous works!
    1 CHRONICLES 16:8-9
     
     
    Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
     
     
    Genesis 1
     
     
    Luke 1:1-25
     
    Gods Creation and ordering of Heaven and Earth
    Genesis 1:1-2:3
     
     

  11. Sikhism

    Religions · rev.dennis · 06/22/2023 08:55 PM

    Sikhism is classified as an Indian religion or Dharmic religion along with Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. The basis of Sikhism lies in the teachings of Guru Nanak and his successors. Sikh ethics emphasize the congruence between spiritual development and everyday moral conduct.
    Sikh in Punjabi means “learner,” and those who joined the Sikh community, or Panth (“Path”), were people who sought spiritual guidance. Sikhs claim that their tradition has always been separate from Hinduism. Nevertheless, many Western scholars argue that in its earliest stage Sikhism was a movement within the Hindu tradition; Nanak, they point out, was raised a Hindu and eventually belonged to the Sant tradition of northern India, a movement associated with the great poet and mystic Kabir (1440–1518). The Sants, most of whom were poor, dispossessed, and illiterate, composed hymns of great beauty expressing their experience of the divine, which they saw in all things. Their tradition drew heavily on the Vaishnava bhakti (the devotional movement within the Hindu tradition that worships the god Vishnu), though there were important differences between the two. Like the followers of bhakti, the Sants believed that devotion to God is essential to liberation from the cycle of rebirth in which all human beings are trapped; unlike the followers of bhakti, however, the Sants maintained that God is nirgun (“without form”) and not sagun (“with form”). For the Sants, God can be neither incarnated nor represented in concrete terms.

  12. Taoism

    Religions · rev.dennis · 06/22/2023 08:51 PM

    According to Taoist practice, at the deepest level of our being—in our spiritual essence—we are neither man nor woman. Learn how this concept applies throughout Taoism, including its history, scriptures, ceremonies, and tradition.

  13. Chastity

    · rev.dennis · 11/20/2013 05:00 AM

    "'Purity?' they ask. And they smile. They are the ones who go on to marriage with worn-out bodies and disillusioned souls." - St. Josemaria Escriva
    In this day and age, when someone hears about Chastity they may think of abstinence, modesty, and celibacy. Those who practice these things are guarding themselves from certain aspects of sexuality. They resist the over-sexualization that is happening in American culture and are sometimes looked down on because of it.
    Being Chaste does not necessarily mean shying away from sex. Chastity is sexual behavior of a man or woman that is in accordance with the moral standards of their religion and culture. In many religions, acts that are sexual in nature are prohibited outside of marriage.
    Christian Chastity
    "But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints." - Ephesians 5:3
    In Christian traditions, Chastity is identical to sexual purity. This means not having any sexual relations before marriage. It also includes loyalty to one's husband or wife during marriage. When God created humans he declared that we were good and that we should be fruitful and multiply. After the fall, humankind's sexual desires were distorted and became impure. The Bible is clear on the dangers of an impure heart:
    According to the Bible, any voluntary sexual arousal or act outside of a union between husband and wife is sinful.
    To an oversexed world this is outrageous. After all, sex feels good and is necessary for the continuation of our species. How can it be bad? People who believe this don't understand why Chastity is important to keeping a true and virtuous soul. Impurity and lust are sicknesses, and when uncontrolled are precursors to other more serious problems such as unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
    Christians struggle with lust just as much as anyone else. Being Chaste is very difficult because it tests our will. As humans, we fail constantly because resisting our urges is like resisting our desire to eat or drink. Christian Chastity means fleeing from temptation and being mindful of the way we speak, think, dress, and the places we go.
    Buddhist Chastity
    "We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves." -Buddha
    Buddhism prescribes Chastity through the Noble Eightfold Path. This path is a treatment for life through training, designed to release one from ignorance, impulse, and the desire for sense pleasures. One of the points on this path is that of Right Action.
    According to the concept of Right Action, practitioners should train themselves to be morally right in their activities. To achieve this, one must follow the five precepts: do not kill, do not steal, do not lie, do not become intoxicated, and do not be unchaste.
    For monks and people who are not married, Chastity is continence. For the married it means restraint in proportion with one's progress along the Path. If change is needed, the person should reflect on their actions with an eye on what prompted the action in the first place. Change should then proceed in the direction of selflessness and charity.
    If a person is unchaste, they are still trapped by tanha, the desire for private fulfillment. This kind of desire seeks fulfillment in the ego and senses, which are temporary and hollow. Tanha is the cause of life's dislocation, but if a person follows the Path, which includes being Chaste, they can escape the selfish craving which keeps them from achieving true happiness.
    By practicing Chastity, one is moving closer to escaping the self-cage. When we escape the desire for sexual satisfaction, we are no longer shaped by that craving and it's narrow limits of self-interest. When we are free of that craving, our mind becomes more pure, and that purity leads to joy.
    Muslim Chastity
    "For men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in God's praise, for them has God prepared forgiveness and great reward." - The Qu'ran 33:35
    Muslims take special care to abstain from what is forbidden. They do this in part by promoting virtuous behavior, and by distancing themselves from animalistic desires. The Qu'ran is very specific that sexual indecency is sin. Chastity is necessary for preventing human behavior from sinking into despicable desires.
    In today's largely secular society, it seems that people have trouble seeing the significance of Islam's norms and values surrounding Chastity and modesty. To Islam, the world is predominantly licentious, and we are in danger if we are not diligent in guarding our Chastity.
    Unchaste behavior can have disastrous, even devastating consequences. Islam's teachings about unchaste behavior seek to educate and reform before that behavior leads to disaster.
    This does not mean someone will experience a catastrophe that ruins their life as a result of unchaste behavior. Yet this is no excuse to be unchaste. Men and women should practice chastity because Allah commands it, and if they love God they will want to obey His commands. As a person would want to be clean, have nice clothes, and a great smile when they meet their beloved, so should that person enhance their spiritual attraction in order to appropriately approach God. One way to do this is by nurturing Chaste behavior.
    Such things are not easy, nor will change happen overnight, but Allah assures his people, "Those who strive in Our path- We will surely guide them in Our ways." (Qu'ran 29:70).
    Connecting the Definitions of Chastity
    Christianity and Islam closely relate to one another in their teachings on Chastity, while Buddhism differs slightly. All agree that chastity is vital to working towards a virtuous soul, and ultimately salvation.
    From these three religions, we learn the following about Chastity: Sexual misconduct is a sin against the body and God. If we try to resist or fight it by ourselves, we will fail. We need to flee from it towards Christ, who is our strength and hope (Christianity). Chastity is necessary for escaping the selfish desires of the flesh, which blind us from truth and cause us to suffer. If we can escape this cycle, our minds become purified, which leads to happiness (Buddhism). Chastity is abstaining from improper sexual action, which is forbidden, along with other animalistic desires. Key to this is focusing our minds on God, and keeping ourselves busy with healthy and constructive acts, so there is less room for unchaste behavior (Islam).
    How Can I Practice Chastity?
    In order to practice Chastity, one must focus on improving self-control. This is a test of will and is never easy for anyone. In order to change, one must change the way they think about themselves and about other people. This is accomplished in part by changing our behavior; you cannot just flip a switch and be more chaste. It takes time.
    Get in touch with your faith. The most important factor behind change is how much you want that change. If you're not in it all the way, it will be much harder to accomplish the goal. This is where faith and spirituality play a critical role. If you believe in God, spend time in prayer and meditate upon the Holy texts. Whatever you believe, lean on that and others who share your belief. Let their strength be yours.
    Practice Modesty. True modesty extends to our speech, our actions, our thoughts, and the way we dress. Therefore, dress appropriately, be aware of your thoughts as you think them, watch your body language, and be attentive to what you say. Often times in social situations we try to act "cool" and participate in jokes or conversations that are sexual or inappropriate. Resist the urge to be like everyone else, and stand firm to what you say. Modesty sends a message, and others are more likely to be inspired rather than offended by what you say.
    Avoid sexual temptation. This involves staying away from situations where you might be enticed into the behavior you're trying to avoid. If you're dating, refrain from situations like the back of a car, a bed, or being alone together. These settings set us up for failure; a person trying to lose weight shouldn't go to the candy store. Just stay away.
    Know how to resist sexual pressure. Sometimes at work, or home, or out in the world, we find ourselves in situations where the atmosphere becomes sexually charged. Don't allow yourself to be caught up, be ready with comebacks to defend yourself. This won't always be necessary, but it's important to keep guard.
    By practicing, avoiding, and resisting, you will gradually change your thought process, and by doing so will become more Chaste. Temptation is not a force you can defeat by direct combat, just like you cannot slay a tornado by charging right towards it. Since temptation can only exist in the mind and hearts of people, we can defeat it by starving it. In its absence Chastity will grow.

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