How grateful we are to have been able to attend the memorial of Jesus' death once again. To be there physically and spiritually with all our brothers around the world, in obedience to Jesus simple command, "keep doing this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19) was truly a privilege and an important responsibility. Being there was one way to demonstrate our deep love and appreciation to Jehovah the provider of this "indescribable free gift," (2 Corinthians 9:15) and to Jesus who willingly suffered a painful, ignominious, death out of love for his father, and love for us. This great act not only strenghtens our love for them, but in encourages us to follow their example in showing love to one another.
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It was encouraging to know that there were 195 in attendance at our hall, and it was exciting to meet new ones there for the first time. Can't wait to hear the worldwide attendance.
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I thought I would add to this blog some interesting history of past memorial celebrations. It's taken from our "Proclaimers of God's Kingdom", publication, which you can read in detail on page 242.
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Commemoration of the Lord’s Death
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According to the information there, the brothers first met in about 1876 to celebrate the memorial of Jesus' death. The first group in Pittsburg Pennyslyvania and vicinity met in the home of one of the friends. Then by 1883 the attendance grew to about a 100, and so they rented a hall to be used. Then in 1905, the brothers secured the use of Carnegie Hall.
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Even though many Bible students met for this commemoration in groups of varying sizes in many places, any who could join the brothers in Pittsburg were welcomed. The readers of the Watch Tower, from 1886 to 1893 were invited to come to Pittsburg if possible, and they did from various parts of the United States, and from Canada. This helped them to celebrate the memorial together, as well as cement ties of spiritual unity. However, as the numbers grew, it was no longer practical to meet in one location. More good would be accomplished by assembling with fellow believers in the area closet to one's home.
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The Watch Tower, ponited out, there were many who professed to be bleievers in the ransom, and none of these were turned away, however the occasion had special significance to those who truly belonged to Christ's little flock.
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It was in the beginning of the 1930's, that prospective members of the "great Multitude," or Great crowd" of other sheep, began to be manifested. They were then known as Jonadabs. In the February 15, 1938 issue of the Watchtower, for the first time, the "Jonadabs " were specifically invited to be present at the memorial, saying: "After six p.m. on April 15 let each company of the anointed assemble and celebrate the Memorial, their companions the Jonadabs also being present." Attend they did, not as partakers but observers.
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In 1938 the total attendance was 73,420, while those who partook of of the emblems totaled 39,225. In the years to follow, in addition to the annointed and other sheep in attendance, a large number of newly interested persons and others who had not yet become active Witnesses of Jehovah, were present; and so in 1992 the peak number of those sharing in the ministry was 4,472,787 and the attendance at the Memorial was 11,431,171, and those that partook of the emblems was 8,683.
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In the "Proclaimers" book, it highlighted those who because of their deep regard for the significance of Jesus' death commemorate the Memorial even when confronted by very difficult circumstances. This is a good example for all of us to follow in case we find ourselves in such circumstances.
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For example, during the 1970's, when wartime curfews in Rhodesia (now known as Zimbabwe) made it impossible to go out in the evening, the brothers in some areas would all gather in the home of one of Jehovah's Witnesses during the day and celebrate the Memorial in the evening. They could not return home after the meeting, so they would stay overnight. That certainly demonstrated a lot of love on the part of the host who's home they were in. The remaining evening hours were used to sing Kingdom songs and relate experiences, which was a source of added refreshment. We need to get together to practice our new songs, so we can get to know them better and remember them in case we have to meet together in small groups, and have no music.
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During World War II, in the concentration camps, the Memorial was celebrated , even though doing so could have resulted in severe punishment if the guards found out.
-
Something I found touching was the experience of Brother King who was isolated in prison in Communist China from 1958 to1963. He would celebrate the Memorial the best way he could under the circumstances. He later said: "From my prison window I watched the moon grow full near the start of spring. I calculated as carefully as I could, the date for the celebration." He improvised the needed emblems, making a little wine from black currants and using rice, which is unleavened, for the bread. He also said: "I sang and prayed and gave a regular talk for the occasion, just as would be done in any congreagation of Jehovah's people. So I felt that each year I was united with my brothers all over the world on this most important occasion."
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What a great example he and others set to show the importance of this sacred day. Didn't you feel united with all our brothers and sisters worldwide by being in attendance last night? That is another benefit to our being there. Also, perhaps there were some like Brother King, who could not be physically present, but certainly were there in spirit, having a prayerful attitude on this important occasion. You can be assured that Jehovah is aware of your having been there, physically or in spirit.
-
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In our 2009 Service Year Report, we had a total of 7,313,173 peak publishers. There were 18,168,323 memorial attenders, and 10,857 partakers. It will be interesting to see the 2010 Service Year Report.
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Please note this blog has been revised 3/31/2010.
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This is Raven - As the crow flies!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Ahh!---Spring Is Here!---Achoo!
We've been waiting, and finally spring has sprung, and with it alot of fun! Things to do, places to see, and of course, -- allergies.
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For me, and Russell, one of the fun things to do is to prepare and plant an organic vegetable garden. It is hard work, but if all goes well, we can reap rich rewards. It really is a miracle, the growth processes. It reminds me of the daily text we had on Saturday, March 13th. All the credit goes to Jehovah for any growth we have in a literal garden or in our spiritual garden, our disciple making work. Why? Because try as we may, none of us can fully understand the growth process, let alone control it. "I planted, Apollos watered, but God kept making it grow." 1Cor. 3:6. Solomon expressed the situation correctly when he wrote: "You do not know the work of the true God who does all things." Eccl.11:5
-
It will be a welcomed sight to behold the many varieties of trees and flowers blooming. Because of the handiwork of Jehovah, the earth will be a delightful garden of color and fragrances that lifts our spirits and glorifies him.
-
However, with this beautiful indication of spring comes the not so welcomed allergy season. Why? Pollen season is here and, according to Dr. Mark Schecker, it's causing runny noses, watery eyes and sneezing attacks for 25 to 35 percent of the population. He says the pollen season started early this year and it's not the yellow stuff that's driving people crazy, but the pollen you can't see. -- "What you don't realize is that the tree pollen that's been out is invisible. It's microscopic and it floats in the air, so you can't see it. And so a lot of people who have been suffering the past few weeks haven't realized that that's what's causing them problems."
-
Spring allergy season starts with tree pollen in late February. Dr. Schecker says it's the hardwood trees like oaks, elms and cedars that cause the most problems. Tree pollen eases off in mid-April, but then the grass picks up where the trees leave off and start creating pollen through June.
-
If you have pollen allergies, you know that some days are worse than others. Dr. Schecker says the weather plays a big role. "In general the worst days are sunny, dry windy days where pollen's really blowing all over the place. Better days are overcast or rainy days," Schecker said.
-
He says that pollen allergies go beyond sneezing and watery eyes and can lead to major health problems. "It can lead to chronic sinus problems. It can lead to chronic ear infections in children it can lead to asthma."
-
But whether it's the tree pollen or the grass pollen you're allergic to, Schecker says there are things you can do for relief. He suggests keeping the windows closed to keep the pollen out and says that air conditioners can help filter the pollen too. And, if that doesn't work there's also medicine.
-
And, as tempting as throwing open all the windows on a gorgeous spring day may be, don't! Other measures to keep outdoor elements outdoors include showering frequently, doing lots of laundry and wiping down the family pets when they come in.
-
Interestingly, what we can't see — the clear oak pollen — causes the most grief. The maddening yellow pine dust that coats everything is actually fairly benign stuff.
-
So, I hope this little bit of information will help all you allergy sufferers. If anyone else has a remedy that may be helpful, please share it.
-
-
-
For all our bird loving friends I found this "Bird Nesting Bag" that can easily be made, that may send out a cordial invitaion to our feathered friends, right in your own back yard. Hope you like the idea.
-
-
-
For me, and Russell, one of the fun things to do is to prepare and plant an organic vegetable garden. It is hard work, but if all goes well, we can reap rich rewards. It really is a miracle, the growth processes. It reminds me of the daily text we had on Saturday, March 13th. All the credit goes to Jehovah for any growth we have in a literal garden or in our spiritual garden, our disciple making work. Why? Because try as we may, none of us can fully understand the growth process, let alone control it. "I planted, Apollos watered, but God kept making it grow." 1Cor. 3:6. Solomon expressed the situation correctly when he wrote: "You do not know the work of the true God who does all things." Eccl.11:5
-
It will be a welcomed sight to behold the many varieties of trees and flowers blooming. Because of the handiwork of Jehovah, the earth will be a delightful garden of color and fragrances that lifts our spirits and glorifies him.
-
However, with this beautiful indication of spring comes the not so welcomed allergy season. Why? Pollen season is here and, according to Dr. Mark Schecker, it's causing runny noses, watery eyes and sneezing attacks for 25 to 35 percent of the population. He says the pollen season started early this year and it's not the yellow stuff that's driving people crazy, but the pollen you can't see. -- "What you don't realize is that the tree pollen that's been out is invisible. It's microscopic and it floats in the air, so you can't see it. And so a lot of people who have been suffering the past few weeks haven't realized that that's what's causing them problems."
-
Spring allergy season starts with tree pollen in late February. Dr. Schecker says it's the hardwood trees like oaks, elms and cedars that cause the most problems. Tree pollen eases off in mid-April, but then the grass picks up where the trees leave off and start creating pollen through June.
-
If you have pollen allergies, you know that some days are worse than others. Dr. Schecker says the weather plays a big role. "In general the worst days are sunny, dry windy days where pollen's really blowing all over the place. Better days are overcast or rainy days," Schecker said.
-
He says that pollen allergies go beyond sneezing and watery eyes and can lead to major health problems. "It can lead to chronic sinus problems. It can lead to chronic ear infections in children it can lead to asthma."
-
But whether it's the tree pollen or the grass pollen you're allergic to, Schecker says there are things you can do for relief. He suggests keeping the windows closed to keep the pollen out and says that air conditioners can help filter the pollen too. And, if that doesn't work there's also medicine.
-
And, as tempting as throwing open all the windows on a gorgeous spring day may be, don't! Other measures to keep outdoor elements outdoors include showering frequently, doing lots of laundry and wiping down the family pets when they come in.
-
Interestingly, what we can't see — the clear oak pollen — causes the most grief. The maddening yellow pine dust that coats everything is actually fairly benign stuff.
-
So, I hope this little bit of information will help all you allergy sufferers. If anyone else has a remedy that may be helpful, please share it.
-
-
-
For all our bird loving friends I found this "Bird Nesting Bag" that can easily be made, that may send out a cordial invitaion to our feathered friends, right in your own back yard. Hope you like the idea.
-
Bird Nesting Bag
-
-
-
Send out a cordial invitation to wildlife, and you won't have to travel far to discover the joys of the natural world. That's what Nicole Blum of North Hadley, Massachusetts, and her 7-year-old daughter did with this hanging gift for the birds.
-
Materials
· Onion bag
· Nesting materials such as raffia, nonmetallic ribbon, small sticks, and pet hair
Total Time Needed: 1 Hour
-
Instructions
1. Fill an onion bag with nesting materials, such as raffia, nonmetallic ribbon, small sticks, and pet hair.
2. Hang from a tree, then eagerly watch for the birds to begin construction.
-
Sounds like fun!
-
-
I will end this blog with a some springtime poetry.
-
"Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush."- ( Doug Larson)
-
"Ahh, the wide almond groves in full white flower
Stunning in the morning sun.
Old naked Winter in his garb of grays and browns has run.
Forsythia blooms come and go in the blink of a yellow Eye.
Then, suddenly, mysteriously, Green erupts; and we sigh."- ( Michael P. Garofalo)
-
"First a howling blizzard woke us,Then the rain came down to soak us, And now before the eye can focus - Crocus."
-
With much love,
-
This is Raven-As the crow flies
Send out a cordial invitation to wildlife, and you won't have to travel far to discover the joys of the natural world. That's what Nicole Blum of North Hadley, Massachusetts, and her 7-year-old daughter did with this hanging gift for the birds.
-
Materials
· Onion bag
· Nesting materials such as raffia, nonmetallic ribbon, small sticks, and pet hair
Total Time Needed: 1 Hour
-
Instructions
1. Fill an onion bag with nesting materials, such as raffia, nonmetallic ribbon, small sticks, and pet hair.
2. Hang from a tree, then eagerly watch for the birds to begin construction.
-
Sounds like fun!
-
-
I will end this blog with a some springtime poetry.
-
"Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush."- ( Doug Larson)
-
"Ahh, the wide almond groves in full white flower
Stunning in the morning sun.
Old naked Winter in his garb of grays and browns has run.
Forsythia blooms come and go in the blink of a yellow Eye.
Then, suddenly, mysteriously, Green erupts; and we sigh."- ( Michael P. Garofalo)
-
"First a howling blizzard woke us,Then the rain came down to soak us, And now before the eye can focus - Crocus."
-
With much love,
-
This is Raven-As the crow flies
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Winter Ends - Spring Begins!
The Vernal Equinox (vernal denoting spring, and equinox meaning equal amounts of day and night) marks the change of season when winter changes into spring. This will occur at exactly 1:32 p.m. EDT Saturday, March 20, 2010.
-
At that moment, the sun will cross precisely over the Earth's equator. There will be equal amounts of day and night on this day.
-
The days will then grow longer each day, reaching their limit on the summer solstice, June 21. The days will then grow shorter, until the autumnal equinox on September 22 when there will again be equal parts of day and night.
-
Equinoxes have been recognized for thousands of years. Easter, a pagan holiday, supposedly celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, in reality celebrating the return of spring, and "a great many pagan customs, the egg symbolizing the germinating life of early spring....The rabbit, a pagan symbol and emblem of fertility."-The Catholic Encyclopedia-(1910), Vol. VIII. p.828. Also, according to the book The Two Babylons, by Alexander Hislop, the name Easter itself is not a Christian name, but pagan, of Chaldean origin. "Easter is nothing else than Astarte, one of the titles of Beltis, the queen of heaven." Compare Jeremiah 7:18. Easter is always on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox.
-
I have more to say on this blog, but because of a lack of time, I must stop. To be continued!
-
I am back with more interesting tidbits.
-
Legend has it that every year on this date, when the sun is directly over the earths equator and day and night have equal time, there is a special gravitational pull on the earth that allows us to balance raw eggs on end. The validity of this legend is up to speculation. If we think about this skeptically, why do we not hear of this odd abnormality in September when the autumn equinox occurs?
-
According to about.com, this myth has officially been busted as research has found that standing an egg on it's end works equally well any day of the year no matter what day you attempt it. So for now, the 'yolks' on you.
-
Personally, I have never tried standing a raw egg on it's end, have you? Would you like to try? Let me know what happens.
-
As the last day in remembrance of winter, and the first day of spring, I'd like to honor and support my blogging friends at http://www.birdingandbonding.com/ with this cute poem, that reminds me of their noble efforts in finding, seeing, feeding and blogging about these grand flying creatures which God created on the fifth day for His glorious purpose, our enjoyment, and to his glory. The name of this poem is "Guests," by Ruth B. Field.
-
-
At that moment, the sun will cross precisely over the Earth's equator. There will be equal amounts of day and night on this day.
-
The days will then grow longer each day, reaching their limit on the summer solstice, June 21. The days will then grow shorter, until the autumnal equinox on September 22 when there will again be equal parts of day and night.
-
Equinoxes have been recognized for thousands of years. Easter, a pagan holiday, supposedly celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, in reality celebrating the return of spring, and "a great many pagan customs, the egg symbolizing the germinating life of early spring....The rabbit, a pagan symbol and emblem of fertility."-The Catholic Encyclopedia-(1910), Vol. VIII. p.828. Also, according to the book The Two Babylons, by Alexander Hislop, the name Easter itself is not a Christian name, but pagan, of Chaldean origin. "Easter is nothing else than Astarte, one of the titles of Beltis, the queen of heaven." Compare Jeremiah 7:18. Easter is always on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox.
-
I have more to say on this blog, but because of a lack of time, I must stop. To be continued!
-
I am back with more interesting tidbits.
-
Legend has it that every year on this date, when the sun is directly over the earths equator and day and night have equal time, there is a special gravitational pull on the earth that allows us to balance raw eggs on end. The validity of this legend is up to speculation. If we think about this skeptically, why do we not hear of this odd abnormality in September when the autumn equinox occurs?
-
According to about.com, this myth has officially been busted as research has found that standing an egg on it's end works equally well any day of the year no matter what day you attempt it. So for now, the 'yolks' on you.
-
Personally, I have never tried standing a raw egg on it's end, have you? Would you like to try? Let me know what happens.
-
As the last day in remembrance of winter, and the first day of spring, I'd like to honor and support my blogging friends at http://www.birdingandbonding.com/ with this cute poem, that reminds me of their noble efforts in finding, seeing, feeding and blogging about these grand flying creatures which God created on the fifth day for His glorious purpose, our enjoyment, and to his glory. The name of this poem is "Guests," by Ruth B. Field.
-
Guests
My little guests come winging near
And seem to know they need not fear,
They flit across the wintry sky
To perch and, with expectant eye,
They glance at me as if to say,
"What do we have to eat today?"
The starlings argue as they eat,
The sparrows skip on dainty feet,
Each little junco, sleek and fat,
Wears a dark hood and neat cravat.
Sometimes a friendly chickadee
Will tilt his head to speak to me.
The finch in rosy-purple vest,
The cardinal with his blazing crest,
And, swooping in his blue array,
Comes, lord of all the shrieking jay.
Small feathered guests, you're welcome here
So sing your little notes of cheer,
Accept my food, go on your way
To make more bright each wintry day.
-
My little guests come winging near
And seem to know they need not fear,
They flit across the wintry sky
To perch and, with expectant eye,
They glance at me as if to say,
"What do we have to eat today?"
The starlings argue as they eat,
The sparrows skip on dainty feet,
Each little junco, sleek and fat,
Wears a dark hood and neat cravat.
Sometimes a friendly chickadee
Will tilt his head to speak to me.
The finch in rosy-purple vest,
The cardinal with his blazing crest,
And, swooping in his blue array,
Comes, lord of all the shrieking jay.
Small feathered guests, you're welcome here
So sing your little notes of cheer,
Accept my food, go on your way
To make more bright each wintry day.
-
When you think of the variety of birds, and their sounds and created instinctive ablilities, Jehovah is awsome!!! A loving and wise creator, deserving of all our praise. Psalms 104:24, 25, 33, 34, 35.
-
This is Raven-as the crow flies
-
This is Raven-as the crow flies
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Bird Has Flown!
One of my feathered friends has flown south. Even though I have been very busy in the ministry, playing with the grandchildren, working in the house, there is an emptiness. I look at the blogging site of "Birds of a Feather," hoping to read another exciting adventure in bird watching, and much to my disappointment there is no blog. But, I know as sure as the sun rises each day, she will return like the dawning of spring and then there will be joy again!
-
Talking about birds, I would like to share a thought provoking poem I read ( author unknown). It is an encouraging reminder to all of us who at times may become anxious over life's necessities. It underscores God's love and concern for people.
-
Said the sparrow to the robin:
"I should really like to know
Why these anxious human beings
Rush about and worry so."
-
Said the robin to the sparrow:
"Friend, I think that it must be that they have no Heavenly Father
Such as cares for you and me!"
-
Of course Jesus said it first so well at Matthew 6:25,26; and Luke 12:6,7. May we always remember that, whenever we become anxious - "observe intently the birds of heaven."
-
This is Raven-as the crow flies!
-
Talking about birds, I would like to share a thought provoking poem I read ( author unknown). It is an encouraging reminder to all of us who at times may become anxious over life's necessities. It underscores God's love and concern for people.
-
Said the sparrow to the robin:
"I should really like to know
Why these anxious human beings
Rush about and worry so."
-
Said the robin to the sparrow:
"Friend, I think that it must be that they have no Heavenly Father
Such as cares for you and me!"
-
Of course Jesus said it first so well at Matthew 6:25,26; and Luke 12:6,7. May we always remember that, whenever we become anxious - "observe intently the birds of heaven."
-
This is Raven-as the crow flies!
Monday, March 1, 2010
March First! - As the crow flies!
It seems to me that it is important, and imperitive that I begin each first day of the month with a blog, no matter how trivial or momentous it may be. So here goes!
-
The month of March, the third month of the year, got it's name from Mars, the Roman god of war. How discusting! Honoring a pagan god, and dishonoring Jehovah who gave us time, months, seasons, and years! This is another evidence of who really is the ruler of this wicked world.
-
This only encourages me even more to be zealous in proclaiming His name. Having a share in the sanctification of Jehovah's name and upholding his sovereignty is a grand privilege, a bright light in this very dark world.
-
March weather wise, brings breezes loud and shrill. Stirs the dancing daffodil. In like a lion out like a lamb, or in like a lamb out like a lion. March will be grand!
-
By the way, do you remember "The Months" by Sara Coleridge? A framed picture in Borders book store, that was hung in the bathroom that I wanted to get and they would not let me have it even after I offered to give them money? Well, it's no longer there!!! It's gone!
I wonder where it is. I am forever grateful for Sandy's help (my partner in crime), in getting a picture of it and printing me a copy. I have it framed, and the bold lettering in the above paragraph is the poem Sara Coleridge wrote for the month of March. Thanks Sandy, I love that picture!
-
This first day of March was a good day in service. Being with my husband Russell was a treat. It was a beautiful day, and we met some nice people which was the icing on the cake.
-
I shall end this blog with an interesting poem by Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862). Journal, 23 August 1853:
-
"Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit and resign yourself to the influences of each.
Some men think that they are not well in spring, or summer, or autumn, or winter; It is only because they are not well in them".
-
Enjoy each day, month, and season for what it is. Life is short!
-
This is Raven-As the crow flies!
-
The month of March, the third month of the year, got it's name from Mars, the Roman god of war. How discusting! Honoring a pagan god, and dishonoring Jehovah who gave us time, months, seasons, and years! This is another evidence of who really is the ruler of this wicked world.
-
This only encourages me even more to be zealous in proclaiming His name. Having a share in the sanctification of Jehovah's name and upholding his sovereignty is a grand privilege, a bright light in this very dark world.
-
March weather wise, brings breezes loud and shrill. Stirs the dancing daffodil. In like a lion out like a lamb, or in like a lamb out like a lion. March will be grand!
-
By the way, do you remember "The Months" by Sara Coleridge? A framed picture in Borders book store, that was hung in the bathroom that I wanted to get and they would not let me have it even after I offered to give them money? Well, it's no longer there!!! It's gone!
I wonder where it is. I am forever grateful for Sandy's help (my partner in crime), in getting a picture of it and printing me a copy. I have it framed, and the bold lettering in the above paragraph is the poem Sara Coleridge wrote for the month of March. Thanks Sandy, I love that picture!
-
This first day of March was a good day in service. Being with my husband Russell was a treat. It was a beautiful day, and we met some nice people which was the icing on the cake.
-
I shall end this blog with an interesting poem by Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862). Journal, 23 August 1853:
-
"Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit and resign yourself to the influences of each.
Some men think that they are not well in spring, or summer, or autumn, or winter; It is only because they are not well in them".
-
Enjoy each day, month, and season for what it is. Life is short!
-
This is Raven-As the crow flies!
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