It seemed as if the entire nation laughed at Atlanta that day in 2014—an event dubbed— Snowmageddon. We did have some snow—-2.6 inches, but the devil-in-the-details was the thick coat of underlying ice. Traffic was slammed by 1 million people (according to one news report) trying to head home. This was complicated by jackknifed 18 wheelers blocking multiple lanes and exits: some of the most gradual grades became impassable hills. People were trapped in their vehicles—some for a day or more. Emergency vehicles were stymied because of sliding, jackknifed tractor-trailers, and cars on treacherous Black Ice.

Perspective was needed to interpret the spectacle. People in northern climes laughed that our more-than-a-dusting of snow that hobbled Atlanta traffic; even local people groused that we didn’t handle it well. Complicating the calamity—1) a dramatic weather phenomenon, rare for our region; 2) we do not backlog ranks of equipped snowplows; nor do we stockpile mountains of sand and ice treatment; 3) it is not economically sound to put millions of dollars into supplies and equipment upkeep that would lie dormant—possibly for years— for rare cataclysmic snowstorms in this region.

It is a matter of perspective. It is humanly impossible to prepare for and avoid all disasters—as we learned from more recent weather-related events—in 2023. We carefully calculate weather threats. We can and do prepare pretty well to mollify weather-related damage; training, preparation, early warnings, and good communication go a long way . But to place a profusion of snowplows and supplies strategically located is unserviceable for this region. The costs could be beyond reach and would crush the public service budget, weighing heavily on the economy.

We tend to avoid essential assessment of much that we take for granted. Another perspective is needed in our daily living; The Old Testament is rife with warnings— laws about eating, drinking, sleeping, walking, ad infinitum—it’s in the Book! Jesus was accused of disregarding the Jewish Law. To mention a few examples; at one time or another he violated Sabbath dietary law—he prepared food for his group on the Sabbath; on another occasion he violated Temple behavior law, he healed a man. He associated with the “Unclean,” the shunned, and the abhorred. Jesus was neither a renegade nor a scofflaw; He simply loved, cared about, and served God’s children. He projected care for the person, over and above adhering to human-made laws. Jesus made it clear that He did not come to destroy the Jewish Law; He intended only to clarify the meaning of the law. He put things in perspective.

© Copyright Willis H. Moore 2024

It’s new! At almost every turn for the past few months, advertisers profusely proclaim their “New!” wares. In most cases the “new” is like a tractor I once saw parked in front of my grandfather’s shop. When I saw it, my eyes gleamed as I called out to my uncle; “Look at that new tractor!” He muttered, “Repainted!” I looked closer—it was bright shiney red. It had all the functions labeled with shiny appropriate decals—-indeed it did —look new! But it was only a painted used machine!

The New Year is just around the corner. It will be new, not just another number on the calendar, but new adventures, opportunities, surprises. in a few days we will be leaving the “Old Year” behind. Sometimes that is hard to do, especially leaving cherished effects, people, places, and poignant memories. But life is change, and each new day brings something new.

The Proclaimer says There is nothing new in the whole world. It is a reminder that all we have or do is build upon the knowledge, experience, and hopes of generations past. The new year is a call to put away melancholy moping over what has been, and reach gladly for what is and is coming. I think of a quote Grandmother Jewel taught me from Maud Muller, by John Greenleaf Whittier; For of all sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these: ‘It might have been!‘

New is not abandoning the past—which we cannot do anyway—what is done is passed. New is courageously leaning into the future. Fear of the future puts shackles on the brain—not taking a step for fear of falling. Many agents of change, see failure as possibility; they contend that failure can teach new ways, give new opportunities. I am reminded of my learning to roller skate; I hit the rink floor more times than I can count. But my failures taught me to find sheer joy in gliding gleefully around the rink.

I have not always accommodated change easily. However, I have learned that everything changes. To live is to change. Clinging to the past is like trying to skate, while holding on to the side rail for dear life. You are not skating, you are having no joy; you are letting fear steal your joy. Almost no one can successfully complete a road trip while looking into the rearview mirror.

As “The Teacher” says “There is nothing new under the sun.” The point is that we build upon—or more accurately, improve upon—what is already. Human nature does not change. Like gravity, the reality is there; it influences behavior. The Teacher pointed out that rivers flow, wind blows; the elements simply adjust their impact according to the terrain. The New Year will teach us to live accordingly as we observe, monitor, and adjust. In doing so, we rely on our Compass—God.

You can experience the joy of New Year’s celebration with glee, grasping each new moment and each new day. The Prophet Isaiah calls us to pay attention to the new thing God is doing. It is a worthy vision, not a same-old-same-old. Although some passages in the Book of Revelation, are used in funeral messages they are messages of the new, calling us to look forward to new life.

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023

Christmas was the indubitable favorite season for Paige, my late wife. And—Christmas never fully arrived for her until she heard the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah. Paige could not carry a tune in a hermetically sealed hand basket—but she loved music, with Handel’s Messiah at the top of her favorites. She was not alone in cherishing Handel’s magnum opus: traditionally, Audience members usually rise to their feet when the famous “Hallelujah” chorus begins. Supposedly King George II was so moved during the London premiere of the Messiah that he stood and then everyone else in the theater followed so as not to offend him.  –(Chicago Symphony Orchestra). Standing for the Hallelujah Chorus is still a common practice.

Early performances of the oratorio had a bumpy journey; occasionally Handel postponed, and sometimes cancelled performances. However, income from performances often lifted London’s Foundling Hospital out of bankruptcy from proceeds of its performances . The Messiah’s enduring quality is based on it’s central message, that Jesus Christ is our center.

Apparently, Handel had first thought of The Messiah as culmination of Easter, following the season of Lent. The Lenten forty-day period of fasting and repentance, he thought, would properly conclude with its triumphant jubilation. And it does also take a significant place in Easter celebration. The first time I heard Handel’s Messiah was at Easter, decades ago in the Presbyterian church down the street from our apartment. It was magnificently delivered!

It did not take long for Handel’s Messiah to become a staple in Advent and Christmas celebrations. Great works of art have a way of embedding themselves into our hearts and minds no matter the time or place. The story closest to what happened— in my humble opinion—it is something of a miracle; Handel took less than a month to compose the 260-page oratorio! According to The Tabernacle, Handel did nothing but compose during the twenty-four days; he ate sparingly, if any; he slept almost not at all, he had little to no communication with his helpers, but remained entirely in his room until the oratorio was completed.

Apparently, his friend Charles Jennens had written a libretto—taken from the Bible based on the life of Jesus Christ—and gave it to Handel. Another dramatic and saving gesture was given to Handel. Funding by a group of charities from Dublin, Ireland, commissioned him to compose a new work. The composition would be for a benefit performance. This event was to help free men from debtors’ prison. Handel would also receive his own commission for composing the work, which in turn helped him on his path to reversing his own misfortune. (Adapted from The Tabernacle).

When Paige was in the nursing home, I had a copy of The Hallelujah Chorus on my iPhone. At Christmas and Easter, I would play the recording for her. I have a compact Boze external speaker that gives authentic sound, giving sense of being in an concert hall. Her eyes always glowed with that glistening, joyful spirit as she drank in the words and music. When you listen—especially to the Hallelujah Chorous from The Messiah, you can understand why people stand as the first notes sound. It is said, without apparent contradiction, that It is the best known and most frequently performed oratorio in Western music. Click on  The Hallelujah Chorus link, and enjoy it this Christmas season!

Merry Christmas to each of you!

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023

For centuries human beings have gazed into the galaxies desiring to discern the meaning of life, love, and legacies of lore. Hardly any other season is more prolific with star gazing than Christmas. From ancient mystical Magi discerning signs in the sky to the annual “Santa Tracker” by NORAD—lighting up little children’s hopeful eyes—it all convenes into the essence of the season—-Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

An exciting new door opened early in 2022 into the galaxies of the Universe. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) was successfully launched. Immediately it began to astound not only it’s creators, but also astronomers the world over. Faith Stults, Program Manager at BioLogos ,said From ancient civilizations to modern scientists and everyone in between, we all share a desire to understand where we as humans came from and what our place is in the universe. What might the Webb Telescope reveal to us about (our) big questions (about the heavens and who we are?)

For the first time in history, according to the scientific community, we are observing intricate secrets of the Universe. We are graphically reminded how minute we human beings are. Does it seem that we human beings have deluded ourselves, thinking somewhat like a flea on a chariot wheel? –shouting, “Hey look at the cloud of dust I’m kicking up!”

Some Christians scorn these new discoveries. They fear such views push God out—especially terms like ” The Universe is over 700 million Lightyears old.” My take on that opinion is, “Your God Is Too Small.” (J. B. Phillips) 1953). The JWST opens up new insights and for me—giving faith more room to breathe.

Some folk frantically clutch to one of the Creation stories in the Bible, as a literal account. The Bible is a book of Theology, not a book of Science. The Bible tells the why of humanity, not the how or when. I write this not to fiddle around in semantics, nor diverge deep into discourse. I simply posit that we must never limit God to human dimensions.

That the Magi found Jesus in that little stable. The focus is that Jesus transformed the world –not how, nor when. We are deeply indebted to the vision of St. Francis of Assisi. His focus on the Event lay in the drama at the stable, teaching children and adults, by creating the first “Manger Scene;” it is now virtually ubiquitous. Stories and graphics linger longer in our memory cache.

Ancient voices call attention to awe and wonder of God’s creation. The Psalmist stood in awe of the heavens...When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What (are we) that You are mindful of (us)?

Therefore it becomes necessary to craft handles on what we can understand while we discern what is. The Apostle Paul pointed out our human limitations; we cannot see fully nor completely understand the complete picture. That is the way of God. God comes to us in little nibbles, or bites. At least that is the way God does things; God came to us in a tiny human being...for unto us a child is born… and we take up the vision from there. The crux of it all is summed up in a hymn by Phillips Brooks; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel!

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023

The world was recovering from WWII when my uncle T. Jeff returned from “Over Seas.” He had served in the U. S. Army Air Corps stationed in Burma. He came home and married a girl he met in Mississippi during his training. Uncle T. Jeff enjoyed being back on the farm. He started using the old Farmall tractor grandaddy had when The War started. Often he would put me on the tractor seat beside him as he tilled the fields. (OSHA would have frowned on that!) I loved it—that tractor was heaven.

Christmas was approaching and I dreamed of a toy tractor under our Christmas tree. Living away out in the country, I did not visit store displays; television was not widely in used, but I had my visions of a toy tractor—under the Christmas tree. The nation was recovering from The War—conditions were meager for all— our lives were meager as well, being a young child, I was unaware of the big picture.

As Christmas drew near, my hopes hung on what Santa Claus would leave under the Christmas tree—a shiny red Farmall tractor was all I could imagine. I didn’t specify the color or the brand—everybody knows that a tractor is a red Farmall. On Christmas Eve, I tried hard to get to sleep, giving Santa Claus plenty of time to bring that tractor. Christmas morning came; my little sister and I dived into what Santa Claus brought; candy, some fruit, and, toys(I think). No tractor. Apparently I was able to hide my disappointment, for soon we left for Christmas dinner at my grandfather’s.

On the way home that night, it occurred to me, “maybe I didn’t look closely enough.” Early the next morning I searched again under and in the tree. No luck. Even after we tossed the tree into the woodpile, I went out there to look a few more times; zilch.

The next year, apparently economic conditions were somewhat better. I had dismissed the tractor idea. On Christmas morning there were two red Farmall tractors under the tree. I was pleased but perplexed. Looking back, I now realize that what my parents could not afford earlier—these two tractors were there to make up for last year’s disappointment.

There could be myriad lessons from that Christmas. The one I take, and think is more valuable is, things often bring disappointment; Joy comes from that deep, inner peace. Oh, things can excite, but that deep, undergirding joy issuing in peace and satisfaction is fecund. You do not produce joy you experience, you receive joy. One of my favorite Christmas Carols is Joy to the World! Come to think about it, Paige’s wedding march was Ode to Joy! by Ludwig van Beethoven.

Luke writes, in his Gospel, of the joy that followed the Shepherds in the field— being afraid—in the tumult of living under the oppressive Roman government and no Messiah in sight—they had great disappointment—and plenty reason to be afraid. As the Angels sang to them, one Angel said,  Don’t be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people.

Today our lives are tossed about by pressures, politics, and pundits. Disappointment hovers ominously. This season of Advent brings assurance that great joy is ours as we lift our hopes above things that disappoint—and will pass away. We give our attention to the only One who can give lasting joy. Isaac Watts wrote the thrilling words— Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let Earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room, and Heaven and nature sing

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023

“A friend indeed is a friend in need,” Canadian, Candace Osmond, author, editor, and prolific writer—wrote that this old adage has been around for centuries; …(It) can be found in the writings of the Greek philosopher Ennius in the 3rd century BC.  In essence it means that the friend who helps you when you at your time of great need, (Or when no one else will help you). Scientific studies indicate that a person can have only about five friends like that. (Emphasis added.) Giving some thought to her ratio gave me pause. What is my ratio of friends?

My first acquaintance who met the definition of a “Friend,” was Carl—in high school; the “need” that stands out was that I needed to take the driving test for my drivers License. I did not have access to a car. Carl let me take the driving test in his own car. We served in the Army National Guard together, and over the years our families spent time together. We remained friends till his death a few years ago.

Jessie was another “friend in need…” In college I was struggling with English Composition 201. Jessie, a Navy Veteran, and fellow classmate, took me into his friendship, his home (and delicious meals June cooked for us), and “held my feet to the fire!” studying together! It laid the foundation for all the papers I had to write in graduate school, and in my becoming an author.

Jim, my college roommate, was a very smart man and a fun guy. (he, too was a Navy Veteran). Our circles of pals sometimes intersected, but Jim was always there when I needed him. Jim sometimes went with me to the youth group I led back then—and entertained them—especially noteworthy were his Elvis impersonations. I still get happy comments on fond, memories from members of that group. I officiated at Jim’s wedding, and years later, his funeral.

Jerry and I roomed together at Emory while working on our graduate degrees. He was cheerful, thorough in his schoolwork, and a joy to be with. We never experienced discord; Jerry was honest (and a real diplomat), and helped me mend some of my remaining poor study habits. He was an encourager—and later in life led me into some valuable career directions. He seemed more like the brother I never had, than a friend. Jerry died much too soon.

Orvin saved my bacon when I was leading a financial campaign in my first pastorate; the chairman of that enterprise quit just one week before launch day. Although Orvin said he wasn’t sure he was up to it, I didn’t have to beg. He saw my need and stepped up to the task magnificently. Because of his loving care, tenacious labor, and organizational skills, he led the financial campaign over the top! Of those former friends, Orvin is the one who is still alive, I know I could call on him right now and he would be here for me pronto! True friendship goes both ways.

That was then. Now in retirement, I still curate a circle of friends. There are about half dozen—-any one of whom I could call in the middle of the night and say—” I need…” any one would get out of bed and come to my aid (well—I can think of one of them would drowsily say, “I’ll call Uber for you…”( uhhh you know who you are 😉 . I am indeed richly blessed!

I think of a dear friend that Jesus had—Lazarus. Lazarus had a dramatic need—he was desperately ill. Jesus got the message, and traveled something like seventeen miles from across the Jordan to Lazarus’ home in Bethany. Before Jesus arrived at Lasrus’ home, he was told that Lazarus had died; the Gospel of John reports that “Jesus cried.” I know how he felt. I, too, have cried over the death of a friend or a dear one. It shows the depth of love in the friendship.

True friendship runs deep. Do you remember the song that Toy Story made famous–“You’ve Got a Friend in Me!”?! And as the years go by, Our friendship will never die, You’re gonna see it’s our destiny, You’ve got a friend in me… A perfect description of a friend in need, being a Friend indeed!.

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023

I recently found the following picture and it inspired me!

A little Sunflower, lifts its bright, smiling head in the midst of, not only a busy city expressway, but also in the middle of a gutter—a little joy–and a joyful sight to me. It is a song, a sermon, a solitary witness to life’s resilience.

Sam Cooke sang in a soft and scintillating voice—The things that I see as I walk along the streets — a little flower that blooms in May, a lovely sunset at the end of a day, someone helping a stranger along the way — that’s heaven to me.

We often say in a rather off-handed way, “Take time to smell the roses.” But do we do that? The noise of life too easily drowns out little joys of living. The smell of coffee brewing, bacon cooking in early dawn, sending its savory scents gliding through the early morning— we tend to notice these because of their arresting aromas. How about pausing to see the palette of color outside, or along a trail (well, sidewalk, too)? It is easy to gawk at splendid colors of Fall yet miss their vibrant joy; colors splash before our unseeing eyes all year long, may be mostly missed while we’re looking for something else.

Little joys bring big benefits. My favorite illustration is that of watching children at Christmas opening gift boxes—only to play more with the boxes than with the toys they held. Imagination blossoms from little joys—vastly different from the overloaded checklists, cramped schedules, or traffic— absorbed by interest in a box, a ball, a stone, or a stick; the contrast is dramatic.

I ran across an insight from Julia Travers, a writer, artist and teacher. —Joy is an ephemeral spark and guidepost found in simple and surprising places. Many kinds of small exchanges and little things can make us feel free, lifted, and joyful. A surge of bright joy might fill our hearts when we hear a favorite song, catch a glimpse of a firefly’s ethereal glow, taste delicious food, or laugh with a loved one. Noticing and experiencing joy in our daily lives is an enlivening, fun, and illuminating practice. Some say individual moments of joy are actually the essence of the abiding happiness we seek.

I notice that Jesus found little joys in the midst of his busy life. While struggling to teach dull ears of his followers, he noticed a Fig tree. A Fig tree! —an excellent illustration of his point. As busy—and maybe as frustrated he must have been with distracted disciples—Jesus paid attention to something as common as a fig tree.

In another ancient venue, where Jesus brought joy to people; when some parents brought their little ones for Jesus to bless, adults in the group objected. They didn’t want children interfering in Jesus’ teaching. But Jesus valued all people—no matter their age. He knew those children mattered—not just to their parents. I can imagine how joyful those parents were that Jesus turned aside. took time, and focused on these children.

I still think of that bright (and I think) joyful little Sunflower glistening in the gutter along a busy freeway! Even if it was’t happy, think of the joy it broought to all those people who did see it!

© Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023

As this holiday begins, I give you my readers—both of you—warm greetings, and great appreciation for your giving—yes your giving: Whenever you read one or several posts, you are giving your precious time to read my weekly cipher. All of us find our time pressed—even stressed— daily; aside from our on obligations, the world makes aggressions and micro-aggressions—gobbling up our time. This is a good time to recall that the Apostle Paul encourages us to”… be thankful in all circumstances.”

This is to say sincere appreciation for your attention.

Thank you!

© Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023

Solitude vs. loneliness. There is a difference. Both have to do with being alone, cut off from society, or isolated. Each, solitude or loneliness can be a choice. Choosing to be alone may not make you feel lonely; as in choosing to pursue something requiring deep concentration. Nor must being forced into solitude, as imprisoned, exact loneliness. Choosing to enter a spiritual retreat does not mean entering into loneliness. Both can be choices—either can develop into a deep sense of joy—it depends on the only thing you can control; your attitude.

Taylor Leamey is a  writer about wellness, mental health, sleep, and nutrition. The deeper he digs into these matters, he is convinced that loneliness can have health benefits. Neither solitude nor loneliness should steal your joy. Nor does forced solitude per se mean one’s joy intrinsically is stolen. I think of Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned for 27 years—18 of which were in solitary confinement. Coming out of confinement, Mandela’s leadership became key to negotiating an end to apartheid in South Africa. He chose not to be lonely.

Melanie, my daughter, plans and executes spiritual retreats where participants choose to enter solitude, away from their busy, hectic lives. They seek solitude, and in such experiences find deep, inner joy. Such opportunities help many people cope with the erratic ebb and flow of their life experiences. You, dear reader—if you have read this far—may not find such a choice appealing. Many, however do find that times of chosen solitude removes them not only from the fray of hectic life, but also delivers them from the onset of loneliness.

In a few weeks, Christians the world over will begin celebrating the beginning of the Christian year in observing Advent. Many Christians in Advent, a time of prayer, fasting, and spiritual renewal— will choose periods of solitude for fasting and prayer.

Neuroscientists have discovered the “default network” of the brain—the part of the brain at work when we are not purposefully engaged in other tasks—(it is) one of the most important recent discoveries in neuroscience. Having a “quiet time” or a personal day apart are ways that help this default network function. I have a pastor-friend who was beginning to feel that her life had become out of balance (my term). She signed into a retreat center down in South Georgia for solitude. She said that almost as soon as she entered the campus, she began to feel weight lifted and renewal beginning.

Anti-Christian persecution under the Roman emperor Domitian caused St John to be exiled to the Greek Island of Patmos. In solitude of exile, he refused to let loneliness overtake him. As a result we have The Book of Revelation—the message of which is “God will win.” It is rife with encouragement, hope, and courage, making the early Christians intrepid in the face horrifying atrocities of Roman persecutors.

Although Daniel is not always considered a Prophet, he does stand tall, firm, and powerfully influential to readers of The Old Testament. When King Darius  learned that Daniel was not obeying his law, he had Daniel thrown into a pit with Lions… and sealed Daniel in with them—talk about isolation! Yet Daniel did not feel solitude or lonlieness. Instead he turned his focus to God, whom he had faithfully worshipped all his life.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was thrown into jail numerous time for civil disobedience. It was from the solitude of prison that he penned the ground-breaking “Letter from the Birmingham Jail.” It is considered by many to have laid the foundation for opening a pathway for the emerging Civil Rights Movement. Solitude vs. Loneliness. There is a difference, and that difference is choice.

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023

Deciduous trees are having their heyday in our yard. Un fortunately our area is in a “burn ban” due to the extensive drought—so there will be no pleasant Fall aroma of burning leaves. Nevertheless fallen and drifting leaves fling open the door for a really fun time for children’s joy—jumping and playing in leaf piles. There is no end to childhood creativity with leaf piles. Some fussy OCD folks chide children for scattering neatly piled leaves . What a joy-killer! I love to see carefully curated leaf piles where little children joyfully romp in them–and when adults jump into the fray as well. After all, it will be a year before there is another chance!

Last week my daughter jennifer and I drove into North Georgia for a quick visit to one of the several full-complement roadside farms featuring fall produce. It was a beautiful drive. The fiery flames of foliage were just beginning to ignite. Crisp morning air will soon hasten a fully brilliant, flamboyant landscape. From North Georgia to New England leaf-peeping tours are on the rise.

Leaves gradually began losing their green in early fall. I eagerly anticipate seeing my favorite colors, especiallly, Maple leaves—in a variety of hues. Acording to the Smithsonian, Most of the year, these leaves are green because of the chlorophyll they use to absorb energy from sunlight during photosynthesis. The leaves convert the energy into sugars to feed the tree.

In my yard there are over a dozen hardwood trees—hickory, oak, and Tulip Poplar. I like these hardwood trees for the shade they provide. In this region, Summer temperatures are hot; therefore working or sitting in the shade is more comfortable. Therefore, I tolerate the falling leaves. Acorns are another matter—but as the old saying goes, “The fleas come with the Dog,” so I tolerate the acorns—they give some license to the squirrel population; not much, but some.

Now, back to the luscious leaf piles; True, playing in the leaf pile typically undoes the labor of raking, but my question is this: Which is better, the neat. leaf-free lawn, or children enjoying playtime? We adults tend to measure the behavior of children in terms of adult metrics—which have little to do with children’s young worlds. Outside of meaningful safety and dramatic injury, children need to play. We learned a lot about that need during the Pandemic. Lets let the lesson linger.

I am reminded of young David tending sheep as they grazed—and wandered—in their green pastures. He had plenty of time to learn, and become skillful at playing his harp. David’s skill caught the attention of King Saul, who needed those tunes to tame his temperament. Although little David was not playing in a pile of leaves (or I don’t think he did) he was joyfully picking out tunes. Those tunes became solace for the king. Unhurried leisure, like playing in the leaves, or playing on a harp, can provide crucial time for children to grow their inner wight.

Much like fussy folk, frowning at children disturbing leaf piles, followers of Jesus got their knickers in a knot about his giving time and attention to children. These fuddy-duddies gave no quarter to children. Their thoughts about children seem to hold the quaint idea that children were not to occupy the attention of adults. Jesus pointed out that we should take lessons from children for our participation in the Kingdom of Heaven.

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023