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“If you plant for a year, plant grain. If you plant for ten years, plant trees. If you plant for a 100 years, plant men. If you plant for eternity, plant the word. ” - Unknown?

Firefighter's Prayer When I am called to duty, God, wherever flames may rage, give me strength to save a life, whatever be its age. Help me embrace a little child before it is too late, or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert, and hear the weakest shout, quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling, to give the best in me, to guard my friend and neighbor, and protect his property. And if according to Your will I must answer death's call, bless with your protecting hand, my family one and all.

What exactly should people know about a denomination before they join? Should they know the general history of the church, as well as the beliefs? In talking with some people who have been members of the Adventist church for 50+ years, I found that they have absolutely no clue about the history of the denomination. I found that to be incredibly naive. When I asked why they joined the SDA church, the answer was that they had determined that Saturday was the Sabbath. When I asked if they had looked at other Sabbath-keeping denominations to compare the beliefs, they said they didn't do that. Does this sound odd to anyone else?

Long but interesting Four things found in most Emerging Church movements. 1. Downplay the importance of sound Bible doctrine 2. Ecumenical, seeks to break down barriers between faiths and denominations 3. Strong reliance on Spiritual Disciplines over a deep study of the Word of God. 4. Neglect of Bible prophecy Message 1 - The Emerging Church Controversy within Adventism Pastor Steve Wohlberg examines how elements of mysticism have slowly been creeping into the remnant movement. He leaves no stone unturned in this compelling ... YOUTUBE.COM

I now this is not an Adventist article per say, but we too have this problem! Mental illness is subject that is rarely mentioned on Sunday mornings, but Pastor Rick and Kay Warren of Saddleback Church hope this will change. The couple’s son committed suicide in 2013, and have been big advocates for removing the stigma associated with mental illness such as eating disorders, depression, personality disorder and other illnesses hidden by the congregation. The Warren’s are encouraging the church to get more involved to help support these individuals affected by launching a mental health ministry. Read more at http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Galleries/Is-the-Church-too-Hands-Off-about-Mental-Illness.aspx#6d7CwoECLfliGHBE.99

The following article was written by a professor at a University I once graduated from. I find it of interest. But, it should be kept in mind that the man is not speaking of a SDA school. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/free-649991-speech-university.html

The "word of His power" was NO LONGER HIS during HIs life in the flesh of a man. He "emptied Himself" of HIs divine power BEFORE He incarnated. He must life as a man among men. He must overcome as a man. If He did NOT EXIST before His incarnation, how could He have "emptied Himself" (made Himself of no reputation) ?? Philippians 2:6 "who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery (something to be grasped) to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, (emptied Himself) taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (Phi 2:6 NKJ) He is OBVIOUSLY "in the FORM of God" BEFORE He "takes the FORM of a bondservant" - "the likeness of men". He "made Himself of no reputation". He took "the form of a bondservant". He came "in the likeness of men". ALL by His OWN voluntary WILL. He had to EXIST in order to use HIS OWN WILL.

Personal experience is that for physical problems, the church is there for you big-time with visitation, flowers, making food for the family etc. For spiritual, mental or emotional problems, however, it's like you are disfellowshipped until you "get better".

I appreciate the balanced approach that assumes the intelligence of our people to exercise discernment. Some critics of anything untraditional, progressive, innovative, or any other new method or perspective tend to take an allow nothing approach that reject the whole if one flaw or error can be found. They end up throwing the baby out with the bath water. The end result is fearful confusion for our people and plays into the hands of the fear mongering label meisters. "Help" by disabling thinking...

Bonnie has directed us to an article by Fernando Canale. He is a conservative member of the teaching faculty of the Andrews University Seminary. While one may disagree with his conclusions, his scholarship must be acknowledged. When he speaks, or writes, his arguments must be considered. Is he perfect and always 100% correct? No. No human is ever fully correct. In the above cited article, Dr. Canale says: I find the above to be of value on this subject. There are other good points that Dr. Canale makes. He correctly points out that the so-called "emerging church" consists of many aspects of belief and practice and that probably no part of it consists of all aspects. I might not agree with every point that he makes. But, I clearly agree with his focus on the Bible as the foundation for our belief and practice. I agree with his conclusion that God's people to day must find a way to reach a post modern culture in a Biblically acceptable manner. I agree with his conclusion that elements of the so-called emerging church may be appropriate and others may be inappropriate. Pick and chose carefully.

I like the theme too. Here is a little thought from Desire of Ages, Peace "is harmony with God". (DA p.302). To me this says a lot. It says that real peace is not dependant on circumstances. Real peace is dependant on one thing alone, and that is, "harmony with God" : to be "at one" with Him is to be at peace with Him... and with one another. It is true isn't it? We may walk with God, just as Enoch "walked with God". But the prophet asks a question -- "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3) To be in "agreement" with God is [in a sense] the goal of the Christian walk. To live in harmony with God is everything. I suggest that to walk with God implies a meeting, a harmony, a conformity, of mind and spirit, and where-ever that kind of harmony exists, there will, I believe, be peace. It will enable us to be at peace, even when people around us are panicking, frantic with fear. We will not be rendered "useless" in a time of trouble.

Thanks, Rachel! I have so enjoyed this thread that I want to read it again!

How to "keep peace" with others of your faith family, while also asking questions, and growing in understanding. Is it more important to "keep peace", than it is to ask questions and seek to grow in understanding. I live in a small town, with LOTS of churches. Mostly Baptist, but also Catholic, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Episcopal, Spanish speaking SDA, and several non-denominational. There's also a "Cowboy Church". Most folks are soooo afraid of loosing their social support group, that they remain afraid to question the tenants of their respective congregations. They believe that they have done what is necessary to "be saved". They believe in God, and believe that Jesus was/is God's "only begotten Son", and they try to "love one another". That is all they believe is necessary in order to be saved, so why risk the loss of ones support group? And really, how can I tell them any different - concerning salvation? It is only the RARE person, who is seeking answers to questions concerning God - HIs nature, how He manifests, why He allowed evil, what He will do with human beings who never heard of Him, what He really wants from us, etc. etc. etc. I am very thankful for this forum. Here I find people who WANT to explore the questions, who do not shrink from difficult questions. Who do not shun those who disagree. There is the occasional person who turns a discussion/debate into a school-yard contest, demanding the other "Admit you are wrong." I think we are practicing "PEACE" here on this forum, while we discuss very controversial issues. I always pray for those I "reply" to, and for those who "reply" to me. Shalom, Rachel Cory

Every good gift comes from God The apostle Paul reminds us “in all things to give thanks.” Here’s a list of things we can take for granted and forget to appreciate. Read more at http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Galleries/7-Things-We-Forget-To-Thank-God-For.aspx#VAMH6w62dvtVe2Ej.99

I was named Deputy Head of School (Learning and Teaching) in my current university, Griffith. I convened one large program for teaching high school teachers last year, and this is the next step up that ladder - I'm now responsible for managing all the learning and teaching in all of the 29 degree programs, both undergraduate and postgraduate, offered in our School to more than 4000 students. It's daunting but exciting, and I'm already enjoying it a lot. I'm off to the University Senior Leadership Conference this coming week. Or, as my beloved puts it, "hobnobbing with the bigwigs". (of course, I'm now the newest and tiniest tadpole in that particular pond!)