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Tag Archives: Washington

The Tree of Life and Knowledge

Posted on November 28, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As a student at the University of Delaware who majored in Golf Course Design and Maintenance, I was forced to take Botany I and Botany II. These were probably two of the most boring classes that I ever experience, but I did learn tons about plants, especially their Latin names. Although I never studied the Tree of Life or Tree of Knowledge, I did learn about the century year old trees on campus. According to Revelation 22:1-2, the Tree of Life will bear 12 different kinds of fruit.

And out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight or to be desired—good (suitable, pleasant) for food; the tree of life also in the center of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of [the difference between] good and evil and blessing and calamity, Genesis 2:9.

This miracle tree will yield a different fruit each month. Meanwhile, John infers that the leaves of the Tree of Life have the ability to heal nations. On the other hand, the Tree of Knowledge is thought to be a fig tree based upon Jewish and Christian traditions. I’m not sure what caused Eve to stare at a particular fig, low bearing fruit? Perhaps, hunger led to a second glance that planted the seed of sin within Eve’s heart. At some point, Adam and Eve talked about this as both gave in without a second thought.

 Blessed (happy and [c]to be envied) are those who cleanse their garments, that they may have the authority and right to [approach] the tree of life and to enter through the gates into the city, Revelation 22:14.

My favorite modern tree is the Japanese Cherry Tree. For the past 25 years, each Spring I waited for the pink flowers to bloom. While millions flock to Washington, D.C. each March to see white and pink cherry trees in full blown, all I had to do was walk out of my front door. Over the years, my kids have taken pictures in this tree to mark their growth. Since we moved this summer, next spring we’ll have to find another tree to celebrate. Then again, there will the tree of life awaiting in heaven.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 238: There’s Gotta Be More To Life

Posted on September 27, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from one of five children of Christian missionaries. Stacie Orrico’s family moved to Denver, Colorado from Seattle, Washington where she was born. This new location gave Stacie her first chance to display a gifted voice at the Estes Park Christian Artist Seminar. After receiving first place in the vocalist category, Stacie realized she had the talent to pursue her own ministry.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [b]overflows), John 10:10.

The title of Stacie’s song There’s Gotta Be More to Life reminds me of Steven Curtis Chapman’s classic tune More to This Life. While the genres are completely different, the message is the same. Perhaps, Stacie was struggling with the old age question, “this sounds too good to be true,” Romans 6:23. May the lyrics and vibe of More to Life struck a chord with your soul.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 204: I Believe

Posted on August 24, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from an alternative rock band from Seattle, Washington. Once a popular group breaks up, you usually have some sort of reunion tour decades later. However, Grammatrain did some of their best work after disbanding in 1998. Eleven years later, Grammatrain released their third album Imperium. Led by singer Pete Stewart, I Believe is one of my favorite songs from this band.

Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind, James 1:6.

The attached You Tube video uses images of fishing and a rowboat which makes me think of the time when Jesus approaches his disciples’ boat by walking on the water. Initially, these 12 men thought Jesus was a ghost. Yet, at some point, Peter believed enough to get out of this boat and join Jesus by walking on the water too. However, it’s when you take your eyes off of Jesus when doubt starts to creep in.

by Jay Mankus

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Self-Preservation

Posted on February 10, 2017 by expressyourself4him

When I was in high school, mowing the yard was part of my weekly chores.  Since there was a creek in my backyard, I often dodged snakes, toads and other wildlife.  On one occasion, I got too close to my father’s garden, clipping the edge of a hornets nest.  Acting out in self-defense, I was stung several times despite running away in self-preservation.

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace, Ecclesiastes 3:8.

This same concept applies to politics.  In order to get elected, individuals try to be all things to all people.  Along the way, candidates have to raise money, pledging to remember donors if elected.  Nonetheless, eventually every person on the ballad box stumbles upon an issue symbolic of a hornet’s nest.  As soon as this topics is addressed, swarms of critics come out of no where, attacking to insure their self-preservation.

What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask, James 4:1-2.

When president Donald Trump was elected in 2016, one of his campaign promises was to drain the swamp known as Washington, DC.  While Trump’s brash style, competitive nature and strong feelings has resulted in several self-induced afflictions, he’s actually doing what he said he would.  Whether you agree with Trump’s politics or not, the harder he tries to drain the swamp, an increasing number of political hornets will come out of hiding to attack, attempting to hold on to spheres of influence and power.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil, Ephesians 6:11.

In Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis addresses self-preservation.  Within a chapter on the Law of Human Nature, Lewis highlights 3 objections to this law.  On example refers to soldiers fighting a war.  While murder is one of the ten commandments in the context of “thou shall not,” this atmosphere turns life upside down.  You must kill or be killed causes moral dilemmas for those who serve their country.  Subsequently, the desire to live will continue to urge individuals to act out in the spirit of self-preservation.  Like the hornets in my illustration above, may the Lord use self-preservation to help people see the big picture, a world doing whatever it takes to survive.

by Jay Mankus

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Weather or Not?

Posted on May 14, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Many folks in America are probably thinking along the same wave lengths, ” this is the strangest spring I can ever remember?”  As traces of winter pop up weekly, summer can’t get here soon enough.  However, in the mean time, you are stuck with a daily dilemma, whether or not to trust in the so called experts to accurately predict the weather?

As a little league coach, 7 days in a week aren’t enough to make up the games rained out and those cancelled hours in advance only to witness sunny skies appear.  Despite these interruptions to schedules, there is a silver lining.  Rain can slow down one’s pace in life, bring families together or provide needed ingredients for a successful garden.  For others who work at airports, malls or stores, weather delays can make for some of the most profitable days of the year as well as provide shelter to take a walk inside.

The question arises, how much will you allow weather to influence your mood?  Weather related depression is common for cities like Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington.  Like a cruel mistress, weather can lead you on, only to crush your spirit late in the day.  In the end, the choice is yours, making the best of today, James 4:14, putting worries about tomorrow on hold.  Weather or not, how will you respond when another front washes out your plans?

by Jay Mankus

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