Restoration Christmas Choir and Orchestra

 Restoration Christmas Choir and Orchestra

For more information visit https://sites.google.com/view/restoration-choir/home or contact Larry and Diane Ward at laward.01@gmail.com

Mentor 4 Moms

 Mentor 4 Moms

Quart Canning Jars For Sale

 Quart Canning Jars For Sale

I have numerous used quart-sized canning jars, variety of styles, in miscellaneous boxes. First come, first served. Asking $10/dozen-ish, cash only, please. Can make arrangements to deliver in greater Independence MO, area, or meet for delivery. Thank you! Stay Blessed!! Susan McConnell  grandmasuzu2@gmail.com

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD NOVEMBER 28, 2024

 LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD NOVEMBER 28, 2024

Greetings to the dear Pilgrims of God on their journey to the fullness of God’s Kingdom on earth,

A Pilgrim is defined as a person who is on a special or spiritual journey to an unknown land or place, often for religious purposes. In the USA, Thursday, November 28, 2024 is designated as “THANKSGIVING.” A day in which we remember a group of people called, “Pilgrims,” who landed on the shore of Massachusetts in 1620, in search of a land where they would be free to worship God as they so desired. While pages could be filled regarding the Pilgrims and their journey, you can find all that information on the internet, especially a website called, “The American Minute.” This is a free website and worth your effort to subscribe and receive regular information.

There are many scriptural records of Pilgrims. Just to mention a few, I suppose Adam and Eve were the first as they began their pilgrimage back to God. Enoch, Melchizedek, Noah, probably all the Old Testament prophets along with Ruth, Naomi, Esther and many others. In the New Testament we find in John 14: 1 Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And when I go, I will prepare a place for you, and come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, ye may be also. 4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest. And how can we know the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me. This a revealment of the journey we are on, where we are going and how to get there.

With that thought, the Apostles, and Saints in the New Testament were also Pilgrims on a journey to the Kingdom of God. An interesting scripture is Hebrew 11,what I like to call the “Faith Hall of Fame.” Read the whole chapter, especially verses 13-16. Ether 5 in the Book of Mormon is a comparative chapter to Hebrews 11. Read Ether 5:4, 7, and 19. Many experiences could be related regarding the Restoration of the Church and the struggles the early Latter Day Saints had to deal with in their pilgrimage to the Center Place.

Most have probably heard of the book, “The Pilgrim’s Progress.” It is a story of a man named “Christian”, or we might say, Saint who is anxious and ashamed of his sin and the burden on his back. He must make a journey to the Celestial City to find redemption. Though this book is fiction, does it not greatly resemble our lives today as we are striving to live a kingdom quality life in preparation for the eventual fullness of God’s kingdom to be on earth as it is in Heaven?

We should be most thankful for a God who loves each one so much that He came to earth and made His own pilgrimage to the cross for our sake. I really like a Christmas card that has Christ on it with a Lamb and says, “He came to pay a debt He didn’t owe, because we had a debt we could not pay.”

This Thanksgiving, may we all remember I Thessalonians 5:16-24, with special emphasis on verse 18. May we also make sure our families spend some time on Thanksgiving Day to remember why we observe it, more than just the blessing on the food.

GIVE THANKS WITH A GRATEFUL HEART, GIVE THANKS TO THE HOLY ONE.

GIVE THANKS BECAUSE HE’S GIVEN JESUS CHRIST HIS SON.

God be with you

Paul Gage

Medicare Annual Enrollment

 Medicare Annual Enrollment

As you know, Medicare annual enrollment period is quickly drawing to a close.  If you are like me, you like waiting until the last minute.  That last minute is December 7th.  If you still need to make changes to your advantage plans or would like a quote on a supplement, please reach out to me ASAP.  My schedule is filling up quickly for next week.  You can call or text me at 816-536-5970 or email me at stu12gage79@gmail.com. I will take appointments first come first served. Regards

Think Books! Think Gifts! Think Books for Gifts!

 

Think Books!  Think Gifts! Think Books for Gifts! This is a plain text style template, which uses our drag and drop editor. It's perfect for building out simple and personal emails. 1)  THREE GREAT GIFT BOOKS This is a text block, edit the text here.

He Walked the Americas by L. Taylor Hansen This beautiful hardcover book has 256 pages filled with true Indian legends gathered during 25 years of research from many different tribes.  It backs up the New Testament with Christian Indian legends as proof that the Savior came to the Americas.  $20.00, and you can save $1.00 each when you purchase 3 or more books by December 31, 2024—mix or match titles (you don’t need to buy 3 of the same book).  The Second Witness of Jesus Christ by Beth Spencer This is a 116-page hardcover book telling the stories from the Book of Mormon for children of all ages.  Each of the 78 stories has a color illustration by Amy Friend Thomas.  Every home with children should have a copy.  It is a beautiful book for $15.00; and you can save $1.00 each when you purchase 3 or more books by December 31, 2024—mix or match titles.  (Note:  The 10% or 20% discounts do not apply to this title.)       Testimonies of Faith by Judith Ann Hawley Judith describes her blessings, including the ability to see things through blind eyes that most sighted people can’t see.  She told her husband Harold that she didn’t feel comfortable moving around, but then they spent years serving the Lord in Israel, Mexico, and Australia!  It is a $12.00 softcover book with 183 pages; and you can save $1.00 each when you purchase 3 or more books by December 31, 2024—mix or match titles.    2)  $1.00 OFF EVERY BOOK THAT IS LISTED AT $5.00 OR MORE—WHEN YOU PURCHASE 3 OR MORE (MIX OR MATCH TITLES)   Check out ALL RLDS BOOKS at RLDSBooks.blogspot.com to find listed prices.   3)  SUGGESTED GIFT IDEAS—FOR YOURSELF, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS  Go to Newbookman.blogspot.com and preview the pages of new books to help you decide how appropriate the books are for your purpose.   4)  Restoration Scriptures Edition of the 3-IN-1 and INSPIRED VERSION OF THE BIBLE These are from Cumorah Books, Inc., the only source for the new leather 3-in-1 and the new leather Inspired Version with sharp, clear type.  (No discounts apply on these books.)  The new 3-in-1 has the Inspired Version of the Bible, the 1908 Book of Mormon, and the RLDS Doctrine and Covenants (through Section 144).  The cover is black bonded leather, and the book contains 3 marker ribbons.  It is not thumb indexed, but it has “guide words” at the tops of pages showing the first and last verses on the pages.  The book also has several pages of helps, including suggested readings, comparisons of verse numbers for RLDS and LDS, overview of the Book of Mormon, and events in Church history. $80.00  (And we have some copies for $70.00.  They were packed next to the corrugations in the cardboard boxes and have fine horizontal lines on either the front or back cover.)  We have about 300 copies of the 3-in-1 left in storage.  The Inspired Version of the Bible is a “stand alone” Bible for those who want separate books instead of a 3-in-1.  Its pages are the same as in the 3-in-1. Go to RestorationScriptures.blogspot.com to see photos and scans of the pages.  These books are shipped via Priority Mail.  Two books will fill a medium flat rate box with a shipping cost of $19.30.  If you want only one book, you might check with a friend who also wants new Scriptures.  Then you can split the shipping fee.  We also deliver in the Independence, Missouri, area for only $2.00 per order.   5)  NOT SURE WHAT TO GET?  TRY A GIFT CERTIFICATE Choose the number you want and the amounts.   To order, e-mail to PaulVLudy@gmail.com or phone 816-210-8450.   We ship with an invoice and an addressed envelope; you send a check after receiving your books.  Or we deliver in the Independence, Missouri, area for only $2.00 per order.  -- Paul V. Ludy   816-210-8450 Check these websites: 1 RLDSBooks.blogspot.com for ALL RLDS Books 2 Newbookman.blogspot.com for new RLDS books with previews 3 RestorationScriptures.blogspot.com for the new 3 in 1 and IV

Jerry Wayne Nieft - Obituary

 Jerry Wayne Nieft - Obituary

Tue, Nov 26 at 4:04 PM

Jerry Wayne Nieft August 30, 1946 — November 15, 2024 Blue Springs, Missouri Jerry Wayne Nieft, 78 of Blue Springs, MO passed away Friday, November 15, 2024 at Cedarhurst of Blue Springs, MO. Private family burial will be held in Macon County Memorial Cemetery in Decatur, IL. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 14, 2024 at the Colonial Hills Community of Christ, 3539 SW 7 Hwy., Blue Springs, MO 64015. Donations may be made in his name to the Community of Christ. Jerry was born August 30, 1946 in Decatur, IL to Charles Leroy and Betty Jean (Thompson) Nieft. He was a public-school teacher early in his life before transitioning into serving as a minister in the Community of Christ where he served 25 years until he retired in 2011. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, stained glass, steam engines and had love for pipe organs and had built a harpsichord and a street organ completely from scratch. He graduated high school and had a master’s in chemistry, a master’s in religion and a PhD. in science education. He was currently a member of the Colonial Hills Community of Christ and former member of the Community of Christ, Stone Church. He is survived by; his loving wife of 53 years, Sarah Nieft of the home; 2 sons, Jared Nieft and wife Midori of Denver, CO and Aaron Nieft of Kansas City, MO and 2 grandchildren, Akira and Doretha. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600). To send flowers to the family in memory of Jerry Wayne Nieft, please visit our flower store.

Morgan Stahlman's Cleaning Services

 Morgan Stahlman's Cleaning Services

I’m sharing for a young friend who is house cleaning and looking for some more clients. She cleans in Independence, Blue Springs, and other metro areas. I can vouch for her personally as she cleans for our home. She does a great job and is a diligent reliable worker. Please contact her if she could be of help. Thank you.  -Jennifer Allen

Glendale Restoration Branch Christmas Program and Bake Sale

 Glendale Restoration Branch Christmas Program and Bake Sale

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD NOVEMBER 21, 2024

 From:  Paul Gage

pauljg_64055@yahoo.com

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD NOVEMBER 21, 2024

Greetings Dear Saints,

As you know, THANKSGIVING is just a week away. Every day should be a day of Thanksgiving to our God. As one song says, “Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One, Give thanks because He has given Jesus Christ, His Son. “

 

We should always be grateful/thankful to God for all He has done for us. I Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning YOU.” We can be most thankful that we have a God who is real, loving, and forgiving. He sees and knows all that we do in our efforts to live in His Kingdom. Maybe sometimes, we think or hope that He does not see or know everything, but the following reading, as well as many scriptures, give us something to think about.

 

THE ROOM

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features save for the one wall covered with small index-card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read “Girls I Have Liked.” I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.

And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn’t match.

A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their contents. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named “Friends” was next to one marked “Friends I Have Betrayed.”

The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. “Books I Have Read,” “Lies I Have Told,” “Comfort I Have Given,” “Jokes I Have Laughed At.” Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: “Things I’ve Yelled at My Brothers.” Others I couldn’t laugh at: “Things I Have Muttered under my breath at others. Gossip I told on fellow Saints.” I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes there were fewer than I hoped.

I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my life to write each of these thousands, possibly millions, of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked “Songs I Have Listened To,” I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn’t found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked “Lustful Thoughts” I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed contents. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded.

Suddenly I felt an almost animal rage. One thought dominated my mind: “No one must ever see these cards! I have to destroy them!” In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn’t matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took the file at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore “People I Have Shared the Gospel With.” The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt, started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.

But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw HIM. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but JESUS.

I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn’t bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one?

Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn’t anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn’t say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card.

“No!” I shouted, rushing to Him. All I could find to say was “No, no,” as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn’t be on these cards. But here it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood.

He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and continued to sign the cards. I don’t think I’ll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, “It is finished.”

I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on the door. There were still cards to be written.

Have you ever wondered how God looks at your life? Jesus tells us, “That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:36 KJ). If we are honest with ourselves, we will admit with sorrow and regret that we have failed in our thoughts and actions. We, too, will blush in shame for thoughts harbored and deeds committed in secret. The Bible says in Romans 2:16 that “God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ.” The Apostle Peter preached “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). Has Jesus blotted out your sins, or do they still haunt you today?

Would you like to be set free? Are the thoughts and actions of the past weighing you down? Our sins are a great weight on our hearts and lives. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Jesus offers forgiveness. He came to earth and shed His blood for all sinners. The salvation plan is now complete. Would you like to be made whole? “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). (Psalm 51) Come to Jesus now! Repent and confess your sins. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Trust Jesus to lead you to a satisfying life with Him. He will provide direction for your daily walk of life as you “live in the Kingdom of God.”

THE ROOM – Copyright 1995 New Attitudes/Joshua Harris.

This is just another reminder that every second of everyday matters as we live for and await the fullness of God’s Kingdom on earth. We must be keenly aware of our every thought, word, and deed. Of our every interaction with others whether it be immediate family, church family, friends, neighbors, or strangers. We must be striving with all diligence to live a kingdom quality life every day. Even a life on earth, as it needs to be in Heaven.

A song called, My Tribute: says, “The voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude. All that I am, or ever hope to be, I owe it all to THEE. To God be the Glory!”

A pilgrim is a person on a journey to a holy place. Let us be faithful pilgrims and be prepared to reach Zion. We are all familiar with the story of the Pilgrims who came to this country in 1620. A Pilgrim connection to us. John Howland was swept overboard during the voyage of the Mayflower to the new world. He was saved by other crew members. One of his many descendants was Joseph Smith Jr. Coincidence? Luck? Good fortune? How about a THANKSGIVING BLESSING?

A real Thanksgiving Blessing is knowing we have a Heavenly Father who knows us and still loves us and forgives us when we repent. Let us understand the true meaning of being thankful.

As one of our hymns reminds us, “Great is THY Faithfulness, Lord unto me.”

God be with you

Paul Gage