Was the Serpent in the Garden of Eden the Devil?

When we review our attitude about serpents today it is hard to grasp the fact that in the original creation the serpent was beyond question the most beautiful, compelling, and desirable of all the animals. He was sage, personable, easy, smooth, and wise. The serpent was a visionary - the one who had all the answers, the weaver of magic spells - the enchanter. Who and what was this serpent? What did he want? Why was he there? Was this serpent the devil? What does the Bible tell us about this that will answer this question? Let us look at that for a moment and as we do, remember that from the Historic Orthodox Christian point of view, we are neither looking at analogy, symbolism, nor mythology. This is historic reality. There is an elitist group of fools today who think they are demonstrating eminent sagaciousness and urbanity by branding Genesis as religious mythology. But all this hapless gaggle of demonic dupes are really proving is that they never learned the lesson of the importance of clothing, particularly as it applies to their back sides. A little later on we will spend some time on mythology. When we do, it will be seen that the host of religious myths throughout the world have sprung up from the Genesis account of the Garden, the Serpent, and the Great Flood. This, by the honest application of legitimate anthropology, is proof-positive of the authenticity of the Bible and the Genesis account.

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In every area where religion has been perverted for hundreds of years by pagan beliefs and practices, there is still a common bond and it is the Biblical record. The one which we are looking at here, Eve and the serpent and the Tree, has been told in all eras of man and in every civilization throughout the world. The heathenizing and the corrupting of the Biblical truth through Zorastorism, Hinduism, and other false and bizarre religions cannot obscure the obvious truth that one common source - a truth that has been paramount in the minds of people and tribes of all ages - is where it all began. What does the Bible tell us about the identity of the serpent? Was it the devil himself?

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Gen. 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

Gen. 3:2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:

Gen. 3:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

Gen. 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

Gen. 3:5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Gen. 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

The Identity of the Serpent

Was the serpent the devil himself? Was he a representative of the devil, or was he just a created, intelligent being that the devil was able to work through? And if he was a creature that the devil was working and speaking through, was this voluntary or involuntary? Did the serpent have a choice; or was he just the hapless victim of the devil? If the serpent was not the devil but a willing confederate, why did he choose to do this? What motivated him? And what was in it for him or perhaps we should say, what did he think was in it for him? There are Biblical passages that bear on this subject and we want to look at some of them now.

St. Paul, speaking of this very time and situation in the Garden of Eden, said to the Church in II Corinthians 11:3, "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."

But is this Biblical proof that the serpent was the devil, or does it only indicate that he was being used by the devil? Looking further we find, Revelation 12:9 and 20:2 that the serpent is called "the devil and Satan."

But is Revelation not a book of symbols? Is this not only a characterization of Satan as a serpent without actually and literally saying that he is a serpent or was the serpent in the Garden? In John 8:44, Jesus told the false religionists, "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." The beginning of which Jesus is speaking cannot refer to the beginning of God who had no beginning, and does not refer to the beginning of Satan since Ezekiel 28:15 says of Satan, "Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee" (thus indicating that Satan was not a sinner from the very beginning of his having been created). Jesus can only be referring to the same beginning of which Genesis speaks. It is the beginning of this universe; the beginning of the heavens and the earth and the human race. Satan was a liar from that beginning. In I John 3:8, the Apostle adds to this when he writes, "for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." Here the Bible puts this beginning in the era of man and this creation for it is here that the Son of God was manifested. And then, Ezekiel 28:13 says of Satan, "Thou hast been in Eden the Garden of God," although this may be referring to a happier time with Satan before his fall, somewhere else in a blissful place with God before the creations of the heavens and the earth. What does Historic Christian Orthodoxy make of these Scriptures?

The Orthodox Doctrine

The devil, who had fallen before the Genesis creation, was in the Garden of Eden. The serpent was not actually the devil, but the devil was not only working through him; he had assumed the serpent's personality. This was done with the cooperation and consent of the serpent who, for some reason which is not identified, had decided to rebel against the Creator and wished to see mankind brought down. Religious thinkers have speculated about the motives of the serpent. Some have said that his wisdom and beauty caused him to become vain and lust for power in the intellectual realms by competing with God philosophically about the truth. Others have thought that he was envious and competitive with man and wanted to replace him as the ruler of the Garden. Still others have thought that the serpent lusted sensually after Eve and wanted to involve her in the forbidden and thus to separate her from Adam. These may be interesting ideas but they can mean no more than that because the Bible does not speak definitively, or even clearly, about it.

That Satan is able to assume the personality of others and speak through them and as them is common in the Bible. This is often done on the pages of Scripture, not only by imps and demons, but by Satan himself. In Mark 5:15, 16, we read of a man that Jesus went to see who was possessed of the devil. In this account the devil spoke out from within this man, assuming his voice and personality. In Matthew 16:21-23, we read of a time when Satan assumed the voice and personality of St. Peter, Jesus' own disciple. Jesus turned around and looked at Peter but rebuked Satan who was speaking through him. It may well be that this was not a case of possession; in fact it likely was not. But Jesus makes it unarguably clear that Satan was using Peter to promote his ideas. In deed, there are great theological similarities in these two events. There, Satan used a beautiful and wise creature to bring the race down. Here, he uses the gregarious, spontaneous, likable Peter to try to prevent Christ from going to the Cross to redeem fallen man. Satan was able to do a similar, even more severe, thing with another of Jesus' disciples, Judas Iscariot. John 13:2 says that Satan put it in the heart of Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus, but Luke 22:3 says that Satan entered into Judas. After the Resurrection and Pentecost these possessions and mind-manipulations continued to take place. In Acts, 5: 3, St. Peter asked the false man Ananias. "Why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost?" Here St. Peter indicates that Satan was behind this and was the instigator; but that it could not have been done without Ananias' consent. In Acts Chapter 19: 13-16, a more sensational account is given. In this case, false apostles undertook to cast demons out of possessed people. The devils, speaking through these people, defied and chided them by saying, "We know Jesus and we know the Apostle Paul, but we don't know you." Then, in a singular event in Scripture they compelled and empowered these possessed people to jump on the false apostles and do them serious physical harm.

The Invisible Hand Behind the Veil

The Historic Orthodox Christian position is that the situation in the Garden where Satan assumed the voice and personality of the serpent may be the first such event (at least it is the first recorded) but this phenomenon is not unusual or unique by Biblical norms. One of the high cards that the devil has played through the ages is to make his own reality seem ludicrous to gullible and fallen man. Man thinks he is too sophisticated and intellectual to believe in the devil, even though it is he who has goaded man into atheism, lawlessness, blindness, and unbelief. That suits the devil just fine but it does not suit Historic Orthodox Christianity at all. We believe that men should be aware of the realities and activities of the enemy of the soul. In I Peter 5:8, the Apostles says that Satan is prowling around like a roaring lion (or in other words a stalking or a ravening lion) seeking whom he may devour. We are exhorted be sober and watchful.

There Is a Baby In The Bath Water

Certainly there have been foolish and incredible things done and said by religious men that have played into the hands of the devil and have added to the idea that Satan is a myth. The charade that goes with this subject in charismatic humanism today - the tacky, impertinent, arrogant, and disrespectful way in which this whole subject of the existence and the works of the devil is treated - does not project spiritual maturity or power. It is an ego-centered, sensual, heady, emotionally unstable thing that discredits its practitioners and gives fuel to the fires of the enemy. Such people would do well to take a lesson from the Bible itself and from the holy angels. In the letter of St. Jude to the Church (he being Thadeous or Judas, one of the original Twelve) the Apostle is warning against lawless independence and disrespect for authority; even those in non-Christian society. St. Jude says that these false religionists think they have a right from God to speak against authorities. "Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee."

Maybe the Only Funeral God Ever Conducted

In Deuteronomy 34:5-7, Moses had died. This story is unique for several reasons. First of all, there was nothing physically wrong with Moses. Verse 7 says his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. In other words, his eyesight was sharp and he was in fine health. Moses died voluntarily so that the children of Israel could go into the Promised Land, which they could not do as long as he was alive. The reason for that is another subject which we cannot go into now. This was not a case of suicide. Moses was 120 years old and his life and work had come to an end. He went up into Mount Pisgah with the Lord where he was allowed to look over and see the Promised Land. Then he laid down and died. Another unique aspect to this situation is that the Lord Himself buried Moses and no man knew where his grave was. This was an expression of honor for Moses. The devil did know where the body of Moses was buried and he tried to steal it. God apparently knew that the devil would do this because He sent Michael the Archangel to guard the grave against robbery, presumably until the body had decayed. What Satan wanted with the body of Moses is not clear. Perhaps he wanted to display it to the enemies of Israel in an effort to humiliate and demoralize God's people. This was often done in those days when a great king, leader, or warrior had died. Or maybe he wanted to show it to his imps in the underworld so he could claim that he had killed Moses and defeated God. But whatever the reason, he wanted it and Michael would not let him have it. In the process of contending with this powerful, once honorable, and mighty being, Michael would not insult, chide, or condemn. He refused to get into a name calling argument. He said in effect, "Satan, I am only doing my job. God will have to be the one to rebuke you."

The ego-centered, theatrical, disrespectful, and bizarre way that this subject has been, and is being, treated in many instances is not good and undermines biblical credibility on this subject. Yet in spite of the fact that in some quarters of Christianity this subject is handled poorly, we must not throw the baby out with the bath water. We are commanded to resist the devil and the Bible does give us much information about his activities. A few will serve to dramatize Satan's reality and the kinds of things he is up to for the benefit of the misinformed and/or the uninformed. There is a scene in the book of Daniel which reveals some startling and intriguing things about the devil, his reality, and activities. In this story Daniel, who is in captivity in Babylon, has been having prophetic visions. One of them was so troubling and mysterious that it made Daniel sick. In Chapter 10, Daniel has been praying earnestly for the meaning to a vision and also for the deliverance of his people; apparently without success, but he perseveres. At last, in verse 10, a great angel, not Michael and probably Gabriel, appears. He tells Daniel that he had been dispatched to bring Daniel the answer three weeks earlier but he was delayed. A mighty evil angel (some believe the devil himself, others think it was one of his chief lieutenants identified here as the Prince of Persia) seized Gabriel and would not let him go. So intense was this struggle that it lasted for 21 days. Finally, Gabriel had to call for Michael to help him. He was so exhausted when the struggle was over he had to stay where he was for some time in order to regain his strength. To put this matter in perspective would take a study in itself, but the point here is to show how intimately and powerfully Satan and his hosts are at work in this world and its affairs.

Many people are familiar with the story in the book of Job where Satan got in line with God's servants and came up before God. God asked Satan what he had been doing and he replied that he had been walking up and down in the earth and looking around. God asked Satan if he had taken notice of the righteous and faithful man Job. This may reveal a behind-the-scenes drama where Satan had been arguing that the Fall, which he had engineered in the Garden, was working and that God's whole creation was turning against Him and to Satan. In any event, God brings the example of Job to Satan's attention. This angered Satan and he accused God of partiality toward Job in order to buy his loyalty. Then God allows a situation to develop that shows that Job loves and worships and serves God because God is God; and Job, the man of faith, believes in God. Historic Orthodox Christianity does not believe that Satan is still able to come up before God in His throne but that he lost this power and privilege at the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. This is taught, we believe in Luke 10:18, Hebrews 2:14, 15 and Revelation 12: 9. These passages reveal that Satan fell from heaven, indeed he was cast out, and he was cast down to the earth. This is his only sphere of influence now. The power of death that he had before, in whatever it consisted of, was destroyed by the Cross. One of the most remarkable stories about Satan and his activities is found in several of the gospels concerning the wilderness temptations of Christ. In these accounts Satan is arguing with Jesus; he is quoting the Bible to Him; he is trying to trick Him by misrepresenting what faith is; he is trying to tempt Him on the basis of His physical and material needs; and he is even able to take physical hold upon Jesus and move Him through the air from the wilderness to the pinnacle of the Temple in Jerusalem. Jesus' defense and example is worthy of note. He would not argue, scoff, insult, or threaten. He simply said, "It is written." St. Paul makes it clear that the Christian struggle is not against the mythologists, the philosophers, the evolutionists, or the false religionists directly. The conflict is with the evil hand that is manipulating behind the scenes. It is Satan, working through these things by assuming their form and voice, who is the real enemy. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood," he said in Ephesians 6:12, "But against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." The serpent was not the devil, but he was in league with the devil for his own reasons. The devil had assumed his personality and voice. God acknowledged that union and closeness when he addressed the devil through the serpent and said to Satan while speaking to the serpent, "I will put enmity between thee and the woman and between your seed and her seed. It shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel."

The Born Loser

Two facts are evidenced by the final result of the serpent's participation. First, the serpent received his own judgment, condemnation, and sentence showing that he was a distinct personality and creature from the devil. And then, the serpent himself was tricked by the devil, used by him, destroyed by that unholy alliance, and cast aside when he was no longer needed or useful. It was all going to b so nice, so grand, and so wonderful, but it did not work out that way in the end. He never got what he was promised. He did not get the control of the Garden; he did not get the praise and admiration of the creatures of the Garden; and he did not get the girl. What he got instead was a demotion to the lowest, most humiliating, and most despised station in life. He got the hatred of humanity, and a heel on the head from the Seed of the Woman whom he compromised. And so it has ever been with cheaters, thieves, rebels, fools, liars, suckers, and unbelievers who go that same garish way, following the spangled path they think is leading to a pot of gold; but which is actually the reflection of the setting sun upon the slimy trail left by the slithering serpent that leads downward to the pit.

Was the Serpent in the Garden of Eden the Devil?

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Christmas Sales Starrett 505A-12 ProSite 12-Inch Dial Protractor 201

Jan 03, 2012 15:59:35

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Christmas Sales Starrett 505A-12 ProSite 12-Inch Dial Protractor Feature

12-inch miter saw protractor with two scales--red "miter cut" scale and black "single cut" scale
Allows direct transfer of the work angle to the miter saw in 3 steps with no calculations
Durable 1/4-inch thick aluminum alloy; Teflon O-ring for smooth, precise operation
7-inch version also
12-inches long; 1-1/2 pounds; 1-year warranty
Ideal for carpenters, plumbers and all building trades
Saves time and reduces waste
Scale shows angle for a miter joint and single cut
Takes error-prone calculations out of miter cuts
Upside down or backwards, the reading is always correct

Christmas Sales Starrett 505A-12 ProSite 12-Inch Dial Protractor Overview

Durable 1/4" aluminum with Teflon O-ring for smooth, precise operation, 12" model available with identical dial and functionality, Optional leather holster available for 12" models.

Christmas Sales Starrett 505A-12 ProSite 12-Inch Dial Protractor Specifications

No miter saw is complete without this patented and multiple award winning invention. This is the original and very popular 12-inch model of the Starrett ProSite Miter Saw Protractor. It is now also available in the conveniently smaller-sized 7-inch model, the 505A-7.

The Starrett ProSite Miter Saw Protractor takes error-prone calculations out of the process of miter cuts and other angle cuts. Simply set your saw to the angle that you read on the tool. There are absolutely no calculations. Upside down or backwards, the reading is always correct. These easy-to-use tools have two scales. The red scale and red "Miter Cut" arrow provide the exact miter saw setting for a perfect miter joint, while the black scale and black "Single Cut" arrow provide the exact miter saw setting for fitting a single workpiece to any angle.

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5 Simple Steps on How to Build a Backyard Chicken Coop

As you probably know, a chicken coop is an essential part of raising backyard chickens.
It will provide your flock with warm shelter and a safe place to eat and sleep. However,
not many of us want to invest in a pre-made chicken coop for many reasons such as:
inflated cost and the hassle of delivery or bringing it home. Therefore, I have written
this article to help you build a backyard chicken coop fast and easy. If you follow these 5 easy steps, you
will be able to construct a strong and durable backyard chicken coop that will provide excellent shelter for your chickens and keep them safe from predators.

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Step 1: Plan Ahead of Time.

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If you want to build a backyard chicken coop with the least amounts of setbacks, you must PLAN ahead of time. Some things to think about before beginning your construction are: How many chickens will inhabit the coop?, What size are the chickens, large standards or bantams? How many nests will you provide the hens with? How many feeders and waterers will you have available? How many windows will your chicken coop require to give enough sunlight to your flock? Will you be constructing a chicken run with easy access into and out of the coop? You see, there are various questions that need to be answered before you build a backyard chicken coop because you may find out too late that the coop you built was not sufficient enough to keep your chickens happy and safe.

Step 2: Choose your Terrain.

Once you have answered all your pre-building questions, the next step is to choose a terrain where you
will build a backyard chicken coop in. It is very important that you choose an area that is wide enough for your coop to fit with plenty of space around it for a chicken run or for you to maneuver around. You do not want to build a coop where you do not have easy access around its perimeter. Try to choose a terrain where it receives direct sunlight and far from heavy bushes or weeds where snakes, rodents, and other predators may reside in.

Step 3: Sketch out your Design on Paper.

When attempting to build a backyard chicken coop, do not go at it with a concept in your head. This can lead to disaster. Make sure you sketch out your coop on paper, even if you're not an artist, and cover every angle including a top view of the roof and a sketch of the inside. If this is your first time building a backyard chicken coop, you shouldn't go for an architectural masterpiece, but rather start out with a simple chicken coop first just big enough for your flock and as you gain experience, then go for something of a greater scale.

Step 4: Gather all your Materials.

Before you build a backyard chicken coop, make an effort to collect all the materials you will need so that you won't have to take unexpected trips to and from the hardware or lumber store. A good example of materials you will need are: wood (2 x 4), concrete cinder blocks, chicken wire or fence wire, insulation strips, and ofcourse nails, screws, saw and hammer. While these are your most common materials, only you
will know exactly what you need when you complete steps 1 and 3 and actually plan ahead of time and sketch out your coop design from every angle.

Step 5: Build it.

It is now time to build a backyard chicken coop. You have done all your planning ahead of time. You have chosen a terrain convenient to maneuver around with excellent sunlight and free from predators. You have sketched out your chicken coop design on paper and you have gathered all your materials. Now all you have to do is put it together.

Some things to remember: Provide plenty of ventilation through screened windows, bury your outside chicken wire along the coop's borders about a foot deep to prevent predators from digging in, and if you live in cold climates, make sure to properly insulate the roof and insides of the coop.

I hope these 5 steps will help you build a backyard chicken coop with greater ease and success.
However, these are only a few guidelines and there is so much more information you should learn before you actually build a backyard chicken coop.

5 Simple Steps on How to Build a Backyard Chicken Coop

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Supernatural Visits to Heaven, Hell, Meeting Jesus, Angels and the Saints in Visions - Part 3

Seeing Jesus in a vision as he looked after his whipping and His sobering advice

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I have seen Jesus in a vision in a church where he came and talked to me about his crucifixion and His body was cut to ribbons of flesh when he showed me His back. He told me this was what he looked like before He was nailed to the cross. He was so clearly visible in that vision that there was no difference between what I saw and if I actually saw a human body in the flesh in front of me. This was another funny vision to comprehend because I was looking at the body just before they hung him on the cross 2000 years ago.

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Did He come forward 2000 years in time to show me this body? Who knows? I saw Him and how He looked five years before The passion of the Christ by Mel Gibson. I can tell you this from what I saw. I don't think modern medicine with all it's technology and knowledge could stitch up and heal that back, and from what I saw of that back I am not sure if today's doctors could keep him alive even if they were given that body. It was the most terrible thing I have ever seen in my life.

He stood on the stage in that church I was later to be kicked out of and arrested in and said some stuff to me that I just cannot forget.

He was as clear as day to me in this vision and it was like he was standing in the flesh in front of me, yet no one else could see Him.

He pointed up to the screen where the lyrics to the songs they were singing were written above His head. As he pointed to the words on the screen, he asked me, "Are they singing about this Matthew? (meaning his crucifixion)

At that point I encountered this same Jesus that sues to be questioned by the Pharisees.

I knew the answer He wanted me to give Him, but I knew that answer wasn't leading to something nice.

"Yes Jesus they are singing about this crucifixion"

"Who are they singing it to Matthew?"

"Well they are singing it to you Jesus", I said, not really liking how this questioning was going fro some reason.

"Tell me if they were singing to the prime minister a song that was praising something great the prime minister had done for these people, would they continue to sing if that prime minister walked into their church and stood in front of the worship team like I am now?"

"No I think they would get a shock and they would stop singing!"

"So I am here Matthew and I am standing here and why haven't they stopped singing?"

"Because they can't see you and they don't know you are here!"

"So why can't they feel me? Why are you the only one that can see me an hear me talking to you?"

"I am not sure Jesus!"

"Tell me this, if I am here and they are singing this song to me, are they all looking up and singing it to heaven, why are they doing that? Why are they looking toward heaven when I am in their midst? I am here Matthew, so who are they singing this to?"

"I am not sure Jesus" I really was having trouble following Him and yet I knew what He was saying. He was saying they are singing to the air and going through all the right motions, but if they really knew him and his presence then they would stop and recognize Him in their midst and they would be ready to listen. One thing for sure, they were NOT singing to him because none of them were looking in his direction and he was talking to me and so he wasn't even listening to them.

"Tell me, if I was to manifest myself to them all right now in the flesh so that they could see me and recognize me and see what they are supposedly singing about, would they continue to praise me and sing or would most of them be running out the door screaming?"

"Lord I think they would on the most part be running out screaming."

"Okay Matthew. Here is a little lesson for you. If you are singing a song to me, sing it with all your heart. If you can't get into the mood to sing to me and praise me, don't sing and just be silent. If you can't sing certain word and sentences to me in a song, don't sing them. Okay?"

"Yes Lord", I replied.

"Good. I am going now, have a good day!"

He walked off the podium and out down the aisle and out the back of the church.

A couple of months later he walked back into the church in the body of a homeless woman. And you know that story.

Jesus comes to my church and watches worship

Twice I have seen Jesus in the past 3 months standing on the second story of our church that is an unused balcony seating standing and watching the praise and worship. All of the unused seating up there was filled with angels and they where all in worship to their God with hands in the air and none of them looking down.

Both times I have waved to Jesus and he has waved back, one time He left before the worship finished and one time He came down, sat in an empty chair in the front seat and sat through the sermon. You know when you are getting a little comfortable with Jesus turning up when you simply forget He is there and you turn your head and listen to the sermon like Him.

Angel dances before the Lord in worship

Oh what a joy it is to see a woman angel walk to the front of your church and just before the alter and in front of you and in front of the worship team, see her dance to the music in worship with a ribbon in her hand that she is sliding all through the air and around her body in pure devotion to her Master. Oh what a joy it is to worship the Lord God simply by singing and watching this lady angel dance before her creator. To see the angles in worship. Oh what an honor and oh what a sight to see.

Seeing Jesus more then once in visions,

I have seen Jesus in visions in the places that I frequent so many times that I don't know the number. I think it could be up to twenty times. Eight of those visits I was with my poor friend on a disability pension who everyone likes to reject. Jesus has seen fit to come and sit with us and chat with us. Both my friend and I are gifted in the prophetic so we both take turns to relay to each other what He is saying.

One day when I was going through a struggle and we were sitting down in another friend's house listening to music and chatting Jesus suddenly appeared and sat in a couch facing us all. Each of the three of us can hear His voice and for over an hour he talked to each of us and answered many of our questions. I was going through a really hard time with a sin in my life and though I know I had been forgiven I was beating myself up with it and very very sad that I was such a poor excuse for a Christian. Jesus said to me through my best friend who always sees Him with me that I was being too hard on myself. That brought me great comfort. It was so lovely chatting with the prince of peace and yet even having times together where no one was chatting but we were all listening to a song together.

Meeting Michael the arch angel in the flesh as a human

I have met Michael the archangel in the flesh and spent forty five minutes with him as he was a passenger in my taxi and it wasn't until he got out and left me that I knew it was angel. I ran into the airport and looked everywhere he could possibly be and he had gone! A few years later I was told by Jesus his identity. I have seen Michael fly down from heaven one time when my life was in danger and I needed protection and I have seen Him another three times in Jesus' company when Jesus has appeared to me in the city of Sydney.

Out of all the experiences I have encountered trying to come to grips with the fact that it was Michael the arch angel that sat and ministered to a very sad man who was going through a fight in the courts to be granted access to my own child with the wife I loved yet who didn't want me to see my son was and is something that is very very hard for me to accept and publicly admit. I keep on thinking why would Jesus send his captain of his host of fighting armies of heaven down to my car and sit with me and counsel me with scripture and the words of the Lord? Why me? Any angel was good enough. Any one of them could have given me the message and hope that Michael gave me. Why did it have to be this powerful angel that will one day throw Satan into hell? Some may see me boasting by saying that I have met Michael and conversed with him in the flesh as a man in my cab and spent forty five minutes with him. Some simply will not believe it. Well you are in good company. This is one things that I keep having to ask Jesus if it is really Him telling me this or my own mind playing tricks on me.

Yet, the Lord calls me to obey. I really think there is one person out there that will read this account of my life and the supernatural and he or she will really get some faith from this experience and they will see that I am just a regular guy and they will start to walk in the commands of Jesus and I really believe that once day this person will have bigger and better stories then me. It is my prayer that all of you see Jesus before you die and all of you begin to see the logic of obeying Jesus and start to come to know Him in a really deep and meaningful way.

Choir of angels bring peace and anointing to our church worship

I have on two occasions seen a whole choir of angels singing, one at each of the two churches I attend. They both times have been above the praise and worship team and both times I have heard them singing the song we were singing.

One time when people where getting baptized at a church I was at fifteen years ago, the roof of the church opened and I saw into heaven and Jesus stood up from His throne and said.

"Can you feel the peace up here and the joy that is here?"

I said yes I could and I heard angels singing.

Jesus said, "Matthew I want you to get baptized and then I want you to preach my word and baptize all men in my name."

You could say that was my own personal great commission. Up until that time I never had the guts to get baptized because you had to do a five minute testimony before they would baptize you. I had lived from age eight to twenty seven as a Christian and hadn't been baptized because of my fear of the microphone.

Now I have preached three times in a church and about fifteen times on the streets of Sydney to the public and spoken on four occasions to industry professionals on the subject of mental health, and what's more for those speeches I get fifty dollars an hour. Man that comes in handy around bill time!

So I have seen choirs three times!

The angels with the coolest job in the universe

Meeting the cup bearers

I have on two occasions met the cupbearer angel for Jesus. In fact, I think there might be two of them and I have met one on the first visit and the other one on the second visit. This is one of my most favourite visions as to be the Lord personal servant would be the job that I would most highly seek in eternity. Just to serve Jesus coffee or wine or wash his clothes and serve Him and be in His company 24/7 would be the best job in the universe. I still can't get over meeting them and before I did meet them I didn't even know that there was such a position for the King of Kings. I have never read about these angels in books written by men on the subject.

A special Christmas party with Mary Jesus' mother Mary Magdalene, John the Apostle, Paul the Apostle and Jesus.

In the past year Jesus has been bringing guests with him down to earth to visit me in visions and this year at a homeless Christmas party he brought four guests. Each of the guests are special to me and the two ladies laughed I noticed when I got up and did some crazy dancing.

I pray that my encounters have blessed you. I am sure very person can have supernatural encounters if they obey Jesus and submit to His will on earth. Jesus says the pure in heart shall meet God, why not this week!!

Supernatural Visits to Heaven, Hell, Meeting Jesus, Angels and the Saints in Visions - Part 3

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Christmas Sales DEWALT DW4701 Industrial 4-1/2-Inch Dry or Wet Cutting Continuous Rim Diamond Saw Blade with 7/8-Inch Arbor 201

Jan 01, 2012 17:18:03

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Christmas Sales DEWALT DW4701 Industrial 4-1/2-Inch Dry or Wet Cutting Continuous Rim Diamond Saw Blade with 7/8-Inch Arbor Feature

Extended performance diamond matrix provides 350 times the life of conventional abrasives
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Works with concrete, stone, granite, brick, and tile

Christmas Sales DEWALT DW4701 Industrial 4-1/2-Inch Dry or Wet Cutting Continuous Rim Diamond Saw Blade with 7/8-Inch Arbor Overview

The DEWALT DW4701 is a great addition to your 4-to-4-1/2-inch grinders. With an advanced diamond matrix, this blade provides a longer life and improved grinder application. It’s designed for consistency, with a straight and dependable depth of cut and a greater life span by 100 times more than the industry standard. Use this blade on a variety of tough applications, including concrete, stone, granite, brick, and tile. It measures 4-1/2-inches in diameter with a 5/8-inch and 7/8-imch arbor. This grinder accessory must be used with the DW4705 4-inch or 4-1/2-inch guard with show and the DW4717 4-inch flange or DW4706 4-1/2-inch flange.

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Wolfcraft 3415405 Right Angle Clamp

Christmas Sales Wolfcraft 3415405 Right Angle Clamp 201

Dec 31, 2011 17:57:00

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Christmas Sales Wolfcraft 3415405 Right Angle Clamp Feature

Durable right angle aluminum clamp for making cabinets or box-frames
3-inch clamp face with V-groove design to hold round materials
2-1/2-inch jaw capacity handles most clamping jobs
Ergonomic handles for comfort and a quick-release mechanism for easy adjustments
5-year limited manufacturer's warranty

Christmas Sales Wolfcraft 3415405 Right Angle Clamp Overview

The Wolfcraft Right Angle Clamp is a durable aluminum tool that is very effective for making cabinets or box-frames, and functions as a third hand for the every handyman. It's useful function of an assembly aid helps in the alignment and clamping of parts for nailing, welding, and screwing. The clamp's ergonomic handles and quick-release mechanism allow for easy adjustments, while the 2-1/2-inch jaw capacity handles most clamping jobs. A 3-inch clamp face with V-groove design is also included to hold round materials. Other features include a clamping device for 90-degree corner joints, and a saw guide for 45-degree mitre cuts and work bench vice. This product comes with a 5-year limited manufacturer's warranty.Durable right angle aluminum clamp for making cabinets or box-frames3-inch clamp face with V-groove design to hold round materials2-1/2-inch jaw capacity handles most clamping jobsErgonomic handles for comfort and a quick-release mechanism for easy adjustments5-year limited manufacturer's warranty

Christmas Sales Wolfcraft 3415405 Right Angle Clamp Specifications

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Did Eve Have Sex With the Devil Or Did She Just Eat Some Fruit? - Part 1

Is my title question preposterous? If it is, how is it more preposterous than to think that the literal eating of a particular fruit from a particular tree, albeit forbidden by The Lord, can be considered that evil that Adam and Eve should lose their opportunity of a physical life in paradise and access to the Tree of Life? If a child in our care were to disobey our instruction for the first time would we lash out with a severe punishment at the first offence of disobedience? Obviously not, so why did The Lord punish our original parents so severely for eating the wrong kind of 'apple'? OK, I know it doesn't say apple but it might just as well say it, so does this apparent trivial error and the punishment that follows it make any sense, or, in other words, does the punishment fit the crime? Well, if we take it a step further and accept the Biblical narrative as symbolic for something else, then, yes it does make sense. Indeed, we can then assume, without much doubt, that Adam and Eve's sin was so serious, so heinous, that the Lord had no option but to banish our original parents from the Garden. This then leaves us with the question of what kind of offence(s) or sin(s) could it have been that would warrant such a severe punishment?

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Up until recently I was of the mind, like so many others, that Adam and Eve's sin was just a simple act of disobedience, but writings I have discovered just lately have thrown a giant spanner into the works of my original understanding of their original sin. My understanding, too, not helped much by what is written in the King James Bible. However, always remember, that as believers, our understanding is never ours it's the understanding we are given and The Lord does not give us all understanding, all at once, or at the beginning of our walk with Him. It takes years of study and much waiting on Him. Having clarified that little aside, let's write the crucial verses here so that we can see for ourselves what the Holy Scriptures actually say:

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Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

This verse is the most important and influences the whole of this study, for it mentions two seeds. Now what are these "seeds", because before we can move on we must be clear in our minds as to what they represent and, after a little research, we find it's all very straight forward. Most readers will know what the word 'seed' means in this context but to make sure, let's use another example or two so that there is no ambiguity or confusion:

Genesis 9:8-9 And God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying, 9 And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you.

Gen 15:3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.

So as we can plainly see, the word 'seed' refers to offspring and if we refer to Strong's Concordance for further evidence we will find that the Hebrew word for 'seed' in Genesis 3:15 is the same as in Genesis 9:9 and 15:3. OK, so if we go back to Genesis 3:15 we can see that the Lord is going to put enmity between these two very different seeds or lines, but who is the Lord speaking to? Let's go there now:

Genesis 3:14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:

There we have it; the Lord is speaking to the Devil, Satan, that serpent and arch-deceiver also known as the destroyer, the adversary and in this instance the arch-seducer, for, without doubt, one of the two seeds mentioned here is his seed. Notice too the phrase "because thou hast done this". From that we can easily deduce and know that Satan actually did something and the term 'doing something', more often than not, refers to a physical action, not just an 'action' of sitting idly by on the sidelines enticing, goading or provoking as an exuberant spectator.

So what does all this mean for we are very definitely dealing with a physical seed that belongs to the Devil? In turn, this now beggars the question, how can a spirit being or a fallen angel have physical sexual relations with a human being? Well, the only verse in the Holy Scriptures we can rely on or turn to for any evidence to this event is in Genesis once more:

Genesis 6:1-2 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, 2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.

Who were these "sons of God" here that took the descendants or daughters of Adam for wives? Well they can only be one thing, they were fallen angels or angels that went astray and left their first estate as described in Jude 6

Jude 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

The important words of this verse are 'kept not', 'first estate' and 'habitation'. The words 'kept not' mean they failed to keep a guard or failed to hold as precious their Spiritual inheritance or estate, i.e. to maintain any value upon their Spiritual substance and the honour bestowed upon them as Spirit beings. Instead they took it upon themselves to choose the lower order of the physical or the base level of physical men. This means they despised their first estate and placed more value upon human fleshly desires and, don't forget, these daughters were human beings in the fallen condition. These angels treated with contempt their manifestly higher order that the Lord had blessed them with, their 'first estate' - their position. Not only that, they gave up their home as well or their superior habitation; very reckless and foolish indeed. So much so, it ultimately cost them their freedom because the Lord incarcerated them in darkness, where they are to this day and where they will remain until the Last Great Day at the end of the Millennium or the end of the Lord's one thousand year reign on this earth as King of kings.

Now this brings us to the original issue, this wickedness was not a one off, this had all happened before, and it was a follow on from the earlier wickedness of their leader, Satan the Devil, otherwise known as Sammael in the other writings I mentioned. He set the example and these fallen angels followed in his footsteps, and their actions were a repeat of his wickedness. So what was this wickedness? Quite simply, it was the seduction of Eve. We can then add in the cuckolding of Adam or possibly even the sodomising of Adam - we do not know all the details. What we do know, though, is that the Devil contaminated their Godly union which up until that point had not been consummated. Adam and Eve discovered the sexual act through perversion and through lust and nothing but lust. This event was a compounding event, because after the Devil had had his evil way with Eve he then, through Eve, encouraged Adam to take her afterwards thereby reducing her to the status of a sexual object, an adulteress or possibly worse, a promiscuous slut. This, in effect, was the first pornographic act - the first threesome; the use of the woman's body for nothing but selfish sexual gratification. There was no love in this event, and it was the first sexual act on earth between a man and a woman. This, too, is how they knew they were naked and covered themselves with leaves and why, too, they hid from the Lord in the garden. They covered their sexual parts, they were laden with shame and guilt - they felt dirty and contaminated. Furthermore, it was this act that gave them the knowledge of good and evil, not through the literal eating of an 'apple', the fruit is pure symbolism. Not only that, if we think the literal eating of fruit from the wrong tree can make us feel dirty, unclean and shameful what kind of fruit could that be. OK, we could and would feel guilty for having disobeyed God but not dirty and ashamed. No, there is only one act that could have had that kind of effect on a previously innocent human being and that act is the promiscuous, lustful, loveless sexual act.

OK, so we now have the evidence that this wicked event took place, but where does this lead us? Quite simply, back to the two seeds, the two seeds that produced two offspring - Cain and Abel. One child was of the Devil's seed and the other was of Adam's seed. How do we know this? Not easy, because the King James Bible is not that helpful, so we have to look elsewhere, but where? Well, before I do that let's copy the KJV verse here, first, to analyse what it says:

Gen 4:1-2 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. 2 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.

Now, based upon the evidence that I have revealed from the Holy Scriptures, Genesis 4:1 seems to read like a complete contradiction of the previous verses. We know there are to be two seeds, but this verse looks as if it's saying that Cain is Adam's son and Abel is Adam's son and not only that, but that Cain was a gift to Eve from God himself no less. Now where have the two seeds gone, because if Cain and Abel are both Adam's sons then they can only be of the one seed for they are both of Adam's seed, so what's going on in this verse? Well we know don't we, the true evidence has been written out of the narrative by the translators. Now there's a surprise, and why would they do that!? They would do it, because it would mean having to admit what I have stated above, that Eve had sex with Devil and produced Cain from that illegitimate union. The thing is, we have got a whole load of stuff going on in Genesis 4:1 and it will require another article to cover it, so stay with it folks.

Did Eve Have Sex With the Devil Or Did She Just Eat Some Fruit? - Part 1

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Christmas Sales Shark Corp 10-2311 SharkSaw Multi-Angle Saw 201

Dec 30, 2011 18:37:42

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Christmas Sales Shark Corp 10-2311 SharkSaw Multi-Angle Saw Feature

Japanese high carbon spring steel blade
Teeth diamond ground on 3 cutting edges
15 TPI for fast, smooth cuts
Soft grip elastomer handle
Twist-lock for easy blade storage or replacement

Christmas Sales Shark Corp 10-2311 SharkSaw Multi-Angle Saw Overview

Pull stroke saws provide a more accurate and controlled cut, reduce binding and allow a safer, easier start. Thin kerf carbon steel blades provide a faster, cleaner cut. Blade is flexible to allow flush cuts. Teeth are electric impulse hardened for sharpness that lasts up to 10 times longer than conventional handsaws. Removable handle with soft cushion grip. Zippered pouch. General purpose, 10 5 8'', 15 point with multi angle handle, locks in any position.

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DEWALT DW718 12-Inch Double-Bevel Slide Compound Miter Saw

Christmas Sales DEWALT DW718 12-Inch Double-Bevel Slide Compound Miter Saw 201

Dec 29, 2011 19:20:15

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Christmas Sales DEWALT DW718 12-Inch Double-Bevel Slide Compound Miter Saw Feature

Powerful 15-amp, 3,600 rpm motor delivers extended power and durability
Adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with 10 positive stops improves productivity and ensures cutting accuracy
Precise miter system and machined base fence support optimize cutting accuracy
Tall sliding fences support crown molding up to 6-5/8-inch nested and base molding up to 6-1/2-inch vertically against the fence
Innovative gearbox and belt-drive design increases vertical cutting capacity

Christmas Sales DEWALT DW718 12-Inch Double-Bevel Slide Compound Miter Saw Overview

Whether you're cutting baseboard or crown molding, the DEWALT 12-Inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw provides quick, accurate cuts to complete the job. Thanks to a powerful 15 Amp motor, an easy-to-adjust cam-lock miter handle, convenient miter and bevel stops, and a tall fence for oversized moldings, this saw is ready for a range of crosscutting and miter-cutting applications. In addition, it comes with a durable carbide blade, a blade wrench, and a convenient dust bag.

12-Inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
At a Glance:

Powerful 15 amp motor delivers no-load speed of 3,600 rpm
Adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with 11 positive stops
Tall, sliding fence for work with crown and base moldings
Four hardened steel bevel stops on each side for versatility
Two steel horizontal rails for blade travel
Three-year limited warranty, one-year free service, and 90-day money-back guarantee

DEWALT 12-Inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw

This miter saw features a 15 amp motor that delivers 3,600 rpm for a wide range of cutting jobs. View larger.

The saw's tall fence allows you to cut oversized molding. View larger.

Smart, Powerful Design for Quick, Accurate Cuts
The DEWALT double-bevel sliding compound miter saw's 12-inch blade is backed by a powerful and dependable 15 amp motor. Offering a no-load speed of 3,600 rpm, it makes quick work of cutting framing or molding, as well as other crosscutting and miter-cutting jobs.

This sturdy saw is designed to deliver precise cuts, allowing for the versatile setups required for miter applications. The precise miter system's adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate features 11 positive stops. An easy-to-adjust cam-lock miter handle delivers quick and accurate miter angles, and features a convenient detent override, which allows you to adjust the miter setting without the saw slipping into the miter detents. And the saw's big miter capacity--0 to 60 degrees to the left and 0 to 50 degrees to the right--adds versatility.

Tall Fencing and Compact Sliding Rails
The tall fence supports 6-5/8-inch crown molding nested vertically, as well as 6-1/2-inch base molding set against the fence. The fence slides out of the way easily when it's time to make bevel cuts. This saw stays compact thanks to its dual horizontal steel rails, which feature an innovative clamping mechanism and linear ball bearings for increased accuracy and durability.

Increased Bevel Capacity and Convenient Stops
This saw is designed to deliver quick, accurate bevel cuts. You can easily set up for bevel cuts that measure between 0 and 48 degrees to the left and to the right. This handy setup provides increased capacity for big jobs and allows you to flip the saw instead of the material. Plus, with hardened steel bevel stops at 0, 33.9, 45 and 48 degrees on both sides, it makes finding and setting the most common bevel angles a quick, easy process.

Ideal for a range of applications, the saw's unique fence design allows it to deliver clean, 45-degree bevel cuts through dimensional lumber measuring up to 2 by 12 inches. At 90-degrees, it can cross cut 2 by 16s.

Portable and Compatible with the DEWALT Laser and L.E.D. System
This lightweight compound miter saw weighs just 53 pounds and features a built-in carry handle, so you can move it around the jobsite easily and lift it comfortably when it comes time to stow the saw at the end of the day.

For additional accuracy and ease of use, this saw is compatible with a DEWALT DW7187 (sold separately) adjustable miter saw laser system (sold separately), which ensures that the cutting line is easy to see via a red laser line. An addition option is the DWS7085 (sold separately) which light the work surface and identifies the specific cut line.

This 12-inch double-bevel sliding compound miter saw also comes with a DEWALT warranty package that includes a three-year limited warranty, a one-year free service contract, and a 90-day money-back guarantee.

What's in the Box
DW718 DEWALT 12-Inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw, carbide blade, dust bag, blade wrench, and vertical material clamp.

The adjustable stainless steel detent plate features 11 positive stops and rotates 90 degrees for a wide range of cuts.

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Practical Things to Say and Do When Someone Dies

Keep it Simple

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Oh no, a friend I know just died. My heart is on the floor. Tears sting my eyes. What can I do? What can I say? How can I help? The death of a friend or relative puts the brakes on to our busy world. We have an urgent need to "DO SOMETHING----ANYTHING!" We find ourselves wringing our hand, afraid we might cause more hurt. Not knowing how to show our love and concern, we may opt for doing nothing rather than "intruding on their grief." I'd like to share something important with you. Survivors tell me it helps so much to have others reach out to them. Most of them are very glad you cared enough to try.

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For over twenty one years, I listened to people share their hurts and frustrations as they journey through the mourning process. I volunteered with Fox Valley Hospice for five years and supported bereaved families as the Bereavement Care Director at Conley Funeral Home in Elburn, Illinois. I looked for ways to help them concretely express their grief. When I followed up on them at regular intervals in the year following the death, the bereaved told me the BEST thing a person can do for someone they care about is simply: BE THERE---period! You don't have to say or do a thing.

Survivors tell me over and over how a hug or heartfelt handshake is remembered more than any words. Even though we know we don't really need to say anything, we still would feel more comfortable if we had a thought or two in our back pocket-just in case. From my reading and experience with "those who have been there" I compiled a list of helpful thoughts. You can also write words similar to these on a card going off in the mail. The thoughts are short and simple. Survivors have so much to think about that many times it is difficult for them to be aware of what is happening around them. It is best to keep comments brief. At the end of the article, there is a list of hints on what not to say. Survivors shared with me that hearing these things from those who came to comfort can actually cause more hurt and confusion. Helping people is one of the things life is all about. So go to your friend with confidence, knowing that your presence will bring comfort, even if your words are not remembered.

WHAT TO SAY

The best advice I ever received when trying to think of something to say when there really wasn't anything to say was, "Simply say what you are feeling." Try to put into words the pain and loss you are feeling your self rather than assuming what the other person is feeling. Let the survivor express his thoughts and feelings to you first. This gives him a sense that you are really listening and trying to understand. After you listen you will have a better understanding of how to respond. The following suggestions can be put in your own words.

o What a tragedy this is for you and your family.
o I heard about what happened and just had to come
o I hate it that this had to happen.
o How terribly hard this must be for all of you.
o I feel so bad about all the suffering (Name) had to go through.
o I was just shocked when I heard the news.
o I can't imagine what you are going through.
o My heart hurts for all of you.
o Tears came to my eyes when I read the obituary.
o I feel just terrible about what happened.
o What an awful loss to our community.
o There's a big hole now in my life.
o The world will never be the same without (Name).
o (Name) had such a great smile, personality etc. I will really miss him/her.
o I enjoyed working together with (Name). He always made the tasks easier, more fun etc.
o (Name) had such a wonderful way of making everyone he met feel special.
o I'm going to miss (Name) so much.
o I remember when...(happy memory here)

WHAT TO DO

Nature provides a wonderful, natural "tool" to help the bereaved get through the first hours and days after the death of someone they love. It's called shock. When our friends are in shock, they find it difficult to think and feel. The day to day necessities of life are difficult to handle. When you are looking for ways to help your friend, be practical. The following list will need to be adapted according to the friendship you have established with the family. You will need to use your own thoughtful discernment regarding the appropriateness of these suggestions.

WHEN YOU FIRST HEAR

Determine whether the family would appreciate a call from you at this time or just a thoughtful little note tucked in their door saying how much the family is in your thoughts since you heard the news. In the note, you can offer several suggestions for helping the family our, such as:

o Washing the cars inside and out.
o Answering the phone.
o Polishing shoes
o Keeping track of children, driving them to lessons etc.
o Gathering information, (flight plans etc.)
o Picking up relatives from the airport
o Grocery shopping or other errands
o Caring for pets
o Bringing over snacks and/or a meal
o Staying at the home to receive gifts of food and/or flowers, recording who they are from

PREPARING FOR VISITATION

GIFTS

o Rather than sending cut flowers to the funeral home, why not send a plant that can be replanted outside to your friends' home?
o Choose a picture frame, figurine or piece of jewelry in memory of the loved one to give to your friend.
o Prisms that make rainbows throughout the room when the sun shines make a lasting gift of hope and beauty.
o Monetary gifts made to the designated memorial funds are greatly appreciated.
o Make up "quiet bags" for the young children. At visitations kids don't have much to do. They don't enjoy talking with relatives. You will be a hero to them and their parents if you provide a little relief. Buy a few inexpensive quiet toys for them to play with during those long hours. (Pad of paper and pencil, a small stuffed animal to hold for comfort, magnetic games or quiet contained puzzles, white boards.
o Make a memory book of blank pages that friends and family can fill in for a valued keep-sake. Ask people you see at visitation or at the luncheon afterwards to write their thoughts and memories. Make a pretty cover for it or use a fun photograph.
o Make a photo album of photos of you and your friend. Everyone appreciates photos of their loved ones.

SERVICES TO OFFER

o Offer to "house sit" during the visitation hours or the funeral where you can answer the phone and door. Keep good messages.
o Offer to coordinate the luncheon.
o Offer to clean up after the luncheon.
o Offer to sit with small children during the funeral at the funeral.
ATTENDING THE VISITATION
o Attend the visitation and offer a warm handshake or a hug.
o Bring a note with special memories and/or attributes of the person who died.
o Don't be afraid to show your own tears. They show the survivors that you care too. Their loved one did not live in vain.
THE FUNERAL OR MEMORIAL SERVICE
o When you help out by taking food, be sure to put your name and phone number on the container. Better yet, send it in a disposable container. (When preparing food, it would be especially thoughtful to consider any of the survivors who may be on a special diet). Also when you prepare food, choose something that will be especially comforting to eat like a hot noodle or potato dish.
o Offer to return food containers to their owners after the luncheon.
o Offer to bring the paper and plastic products for the luncheon after the funeral.
o Offer to bring more chairs if needed.

WHAT NOT TO SAY

When someone dies, the mourners are often confused and hurt. They are experiencing a variety of feelings which make them feel especially vulnerable. It is best to not offer any explanations about the death, assume how they are feeling or even encourage them to look on the bright side. Let them take the lead with these thoughts. What they want most is to be accepted and given the right to express their thoughts and concerns without judgment. In time mourners can usually see past insensitive remarks to the heart behind the words. If you have said any of the following in the past, forgive yourself, knowing that you did the best you could with the knowledge you had at the time. Your intentions came from a heart full of love. That's what really counts. Vow to never say them again.

o It must have been his time. (most survivors are not ready to hear this yet-they are still wanting the person to be alive and with them)
o She lived a good life. (this does not give the survivor the room to have different feelings)
o It must have been God's will. (This comment can cause anger toward God, pointing the blame and causing the survivor to feel guilty for being angry at a loving God.)
o If he wouldn't have been out that late, he would be alive right now. (This comment is blaming the victim and not bringing comfort to the survivors.)
o She wouldn't want you to be so sad. (People hurt when someone dies because they loved him/her. It's natural and healthy to feel sad. None of us like to be told what or what not to feel.)
o When a child dies please don't say, "You're young, you can have more children." (This comment minimizes the death. No child can ever take the place of another.)
o I know just how you feel, my dog died last month. (Most parents will in no way relate to that.)
o At least you have other children. (Again, there's a hole that no child can replace.)
o It's probably for the best. (A survivor is so overwhelmed with feelings of grief, that his comment is usually misunderstood.)
o God must have wanted a baby angel. (Parents cannot understand how God would want their child more than they do)
o I know just how you feel. (Even though you may have had a similar experience, you are not this person. There are multiple factors influencing each individual circumstance and therefore you cannot know how someone else is feeling.)
o Just keep looking for the positives. (A griever usually cannot be at this point in his mourning for many weeks following the death.)
o You just sit there and let me take care of everything. (Making decisions is helpful in the recovery process of grief-let survivors make as many as they can.) NOTE: While giving someone valium may sound like a good idea at the time, the drug or one like it can dull feelings that will still need to be dealt with eventually. It is important to a person's well being that they are active participants with as sharp a mind as possible.

DON'T SAY THE FOLLOWING TO CHILDREN
o Look at how peacefully she is sleeping. (Children take most things literally and may have problems sleeping because they believe that they may die in their sleep.)
o You must take care of your mom/dad now. (This is too much pressure on a child-they need to be themselves and mourn in their own way. No one else can take the place of another. A family needs to work together repairing the broken circle. In healthy grief, families need each other and support one another.
o No, you shouldn't see (Name). It's better to remember them the way they were. (This may be true for some children, but for others they need to see for themselves that the person is really dead otherwise they may continually look for them to come home.
o In the case of suicide, NEVER impose your beliefs or even suggest where their loved ones' soul has gone even if you share the same faith. Suicide is cruel. Support your friend as if he has a broken limb. Don't offer any opinions.

SOME CONCLUDING REMARKS

Unfortunately, grief does not go away in a few weeks. Survivors eventually learn to integrate their loss but find there are special times that trigger the sadness. Some of those times are predictable like holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries. The days surrounding the one year anniversary of the death can be especially difficult. Other times are not so predictable; the first signs of spring or the smell of fall or even seeing someone in a crowd that resembles the loved one can bring on an overwhelming sadness. Being aware of these times especially the first year and possibly the second can be good times for some special attention from you. A phone call, card, flowers or visit are greatly appreciated by the griever.

If your friend is finding it hard to cope with daily activities and is experiencing extreme sleeping and eating patterns over a long period of time could mean that they could benefit from talking with a clergy person or professional counselor who understands the grieving process. Some people find that support groups like, Make Today Count, Survivors of Suicide or Compassionate Friends are especially helpful.

May you go in peace and find that you are a better person because you took the time, energy and courage to reach out.

Practical Things to Say and Do When Someone Dies

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