<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005' xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962</id><updated>2011-12-24T10:17:17.618-08:00</updated><category term='Islam'/><category term='answers'/><category term='Muslim'/><category term='World Public Forum on Civilizations and Relgions'/><category term='sons'/><category term='bible'/><category term='thankful'/><category term='Christmas'/><category term='instruction'/><category term='boys'/><category term='candle in the window'/><category term='spartan'/><category term='Christian'/><category term='help'/><category term='warfare'/><category term='shield of faith'/><category term='grandchild'/><category term='weapons'/><category term='ninja'/><category term='mall'/><category term='Mama'/><category term='Christmas shopping'/><category term='armor'/><category term='love'/><category term='noble'/><category term='original serenity prayer'/><category term='kids'/><category term='choosing a bible'/><title type='text'>Weapons Training</title><subtitle type='html'>The Armory Bookstore Blog</subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default?max-results=100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>26</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>100</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962.post-575781856677798477</id><published>2009-12-18T12:58:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-12-18T12:58:47.987-08:00</updated><title type='text'>The End is not the End</title><content type='html'>As most of you know by now, we will be closing our store at 12 Goose Lane at the end of the month. It has been a wonderful experience, meeting so many of God's kids from around the area.&lt;br /&gt;I would not trade my experience for anything. If I had it to do over, I would!  &lt;br /&gt;But seasons change, and the season is changing for us. I am moving to a more corporate position, with my husband Charlie in his managment consulting firm, &lt;a href="www.creativeleaders.net"&gt;Creative Leaders&lt;/a&gt;.  &lt;br /&gt;If you're reading this blog before Dec. 31st, please stop by and grab up some bargains....just about everything is on sale!&lt;br /&gt;I will be closing this blog, but you can find me on Facebook (Chris Cruise Fields)  &lt;br /&gt;This is not the end, but a new beginning, which I face with joy and expectation.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5487783284384165962-575781856677798477?l=armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/575781856677798477/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5487783284384165962&amp;postID=575781856677798477' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/575781856677798477'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/575781856677798477'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/end-is-not-end.html' title='The End is not the End'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962.post-5899597117322208378</id><published>2009-10-13T10:58:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-13T11:09:19.287-07:00</updated><title type='text'>A Common Gaze</title><content type='html'>I'm old enough to remember the revolutionary "Ecumenical Movement" of the 60's. I applaud all those who broke through the status quo to extend the hand of fellowship to people who didn't worship in the same building with them on a Sunday morning.&lt;br /&gt;I remember my mother taking us to the Congregational Church, just down the street from our Roman Catholic parish. I was a little nervous, never having been in anything but Catholic churches. But I remember that night, it felt special, like Christmas. It felt holy, and important. Could my eight year old little heart have sensed the Father's pleasure over His children coming together? &lt;br /&gt;It was an attempt. I've heard criticisms of the movement over the years. It wasn't perfect, but I believe it was born out of something in God's heart. Imperfect though it may have been, it was an attempt.&lt;br /&gt;I don't present any answers here. Just a question:  what would happen if, for just one month, or one week, all across the globe, the people who love and believe Jesus is the Son of God, that He died and rose and is coming again, what if for one week, we didn't focus on our differences. I'm not saying we let go of our traditions, or doctrines. But what if we entered into a short time of a common gaze,  a lifting our eyes as the chosen race that we are? &lt;br /&gt;What would the impact of all of us experiencing His intentional loving gaze at the same time do to this old, still dark world?&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5487783284384165962-5899597117322208378?l=armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/5899597117322208378/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5487783284384165962&amp;postID=5899597117322208378' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/5899597117322208378'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/5899597117322208378'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/common-gaze.html' title='A Common Gaze'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962.post-518642989041205231</id><published>2009-09-02T07:51:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-02T08:31:15.431-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='ninja'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='spartan'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='shield of faith'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='weapons'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='warfare'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='armor'/><title type='text'>Ninja vs Spartan</title><content type='html'>Being outnumbered 2 to 1 by males at home, I sometimes watch programs that are not on Lifetime or HGTV. The guys were watching a program that was scientifically trying to determine if an expert Ninja warrior battled a Spartan soldier who would win. Not being very familiar with either fighting style, and noticing that the program wasn't particulary bloody I watched with fascination. &lt;br /&gt;The Spartan carried a large round shield and a spear, and the Ninja carried a chain with a metal ball on one end and a scythe kind of blade on the other. What fascinated me the most was the Spartan's powerful use of his shield. The scientific data listed the impact velocity of the shield on his opponent to be greater than an explosion or head on collision. I put my money on the Spartan. I had never read about using the shield as an offensive weapon. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ll_AVZ0azho/Sp6MzRSDzlI/AAAAAAAAAEo/RgETkYGHBms/s1600-h/Spartan_King_Leonidas_Shield_2.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ll_AVZ0azho/Sp6MzRSDzlI/AAAAAAAAAEo/RgETkYGHBms/s200/Spartan_King_Leonidas_Shield_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376889817567317586" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Shield picture and purchasing info can be found at &lt;a href="http://www.apexresourcegroup.com/advanced_search_result.php?search_in_description=1&amp;keywords=spartan"&gt;ApexRG&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Of course my mind went to the Ephesians 6 scriptures on the armor of God. I had often heard that the "sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God" was the only offensive weapon. Now I'm wondering if the Romans used their shields the same way as the Spartans - to bash, to pound, even almost guillotine their opponents.&lt;br /&gt;So, if the shield of spiritual armor is faith, how can I use it offensively? Like the ancient warrior, I must exercise faith that opposes the enemy, halts him, cuts off his head, and defeats his plans. Faith that is bold, agressive, and decisive will win the day. &lt;br /&gt;Want to know who won? The Spartan!  He was given a 65% projection to defeat the Ninja. At the end of the program, the narrator concluded: &lt;br /&gt;The Ninja could injure and make the Spartan bloody, but the Spartan could kill the Ninja! &lt;br /&gt;Take up your shields of faith, mighty army! This is a good day for war.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5487783284384165962-518642989041205231?l=armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/518642989041205231/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5487783284384165962&amp;postID=518642989041205231' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/518642989041205231'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/518642989041205231'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/2009/09/ninja-vs-spartan.html' title='Ninja vs Spartan'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ll_AVZ0azho/Sp6MzRSDzlI/AAAAAAAAAEo/RgETkYGHBms/s72-c/Spartan_King_Leonidas_Shield_2.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962.post-8183715363912340555</id><published>2009-08-19T13:16:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-19T13:21:49.036-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Summer time and the living is......</title><content type='html'>I love these gorgeous warm days, and the cool New England nights. We haven't really needed the ac this year, which definitely helps the electric bill, and the planet too!&lt;br /&gt;The other side of the gorgeous warm days is that people aren't really interested in bookstores so much. It more a beach-ice-cream-parlor-cold-soda kind of shopping sprees. And, of course, folks are much more deliberate about spending. I'm defintely cool with that. Even if it means my cash register bell's not ringing too often. I hope the readjustments many of us have made will prove to be long term. Maybe it was the only way some of us were ever going to change our spending habits.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5487783284384165962-8183715363912340555?l=armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/8183715363912340555/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5487783284384165962&amp;postID=8183715363912340555' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/8183715363912340555'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/8183715363912340555'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/summer-time-and-living-is.html' title='Summer time and the living is......'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962.post-522193507460392686</id><published>2009-07-01T08:20:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-07-01T08:23:11.599-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Do Not Worry About Tomorrow</title><content type='html'>Business is slow. People are getting laid off. Stocks continue to drop, and if reports are accurate, taxes are going up.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It makes for a very troubling atmosphere. And yet, as followers of Jesus, we are commanded to &lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;"...seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Could this season of economic hardship be an opportunity for the advancing of His kingdom like no other? I believe it is. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;First of all, it is causing me to face the strongholds of fear in my own heart.  Romans 14:23 in The Message says &lt;strong&gt; &lt;em&gt;"...If the way you live isn't consistent with what you believe, then it's wrong." &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; Ouch!  I say I trust God, but there is so much fear vying for my allegiance.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So here I am sorting through my inconsistencies, and asking God to help me be free from fear. That will advance His kingdom in my heart.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5487783284384165962-522193507460392686?l=armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/522193507460392686/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5487783284384165962&amp;postID=522193507460392686' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/522193507460392686'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/522193507460392686'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/do-not-worry-about-tomorrow.html' title='Do Not Worry About Tomorrow'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962.post-4780539196855914285</id><published>2009-06-09T13:09:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-06-09T13:23:25.109-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Islam'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='World Public Forum on Civilizations and Relgions'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Christian'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Muslim'/><title type='text'>Isalmic views</title><content type='html'>This year, the annual &lt;strong&gt;World Public Forum on Civilizations and Religions &lt;/strong&gt;held on the island of Rhodes attracted over 700 participants from more than 70 nations, for more than four days of discussion concerning politics, economics, education, religion, law, culture, migration, the media, and, as a special committee, Chinese civilization.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It was evident at the sessions devoted to religion, that the world holds, at best, a disdain for the U.S.&lt;br /&gt;Unlike the image our American media paints, which tells us the world hates us because we are capitalistic imperialists,&lt;br /&gt;these learned and devout foreign religous leaders addressed another issue: sexual immorality.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The general impression most of the Islamic clerics had at the World Public Forum was that Americans all embrace homosexuality, and that Jerry Springer and Hollywood represent our moral fiber. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The one America Christian leader who had been invited to the meetings was given an opportunity to speak. He began his address with an apology for the filth America's Hollywood has exported to the world. He reported later that the atmosphere in the room changed dramatically. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;In Saudi Arabia last month, a pedophile was beheaded and crucified. This is the way Islam deals with sexual immorality.&lt;br /&gt;Girls suspected of having premarital relations have their faces burned with acid. I could go on, but the point is, that as extreme as Islam is regarding sexual immorality (and I absolutely disagree with how they deal with it!)they see us as immoral, and we are fittingly called "The Great Satan".  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The purpose for this post is to present a fuller picture than main stream media has presented so far. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;And one more sound bite:  Islam is NOT the fastest growing religion in the world. An Islamic leader admitted that in Africa, Muslims are converting to Christianity at the rate of over 600 per MINUTE!! And that, at least in Africa, &lt;br /&gt;Islam is on the decline. This statistic was supplied through an interview on Al Jezzera by Muslim leaders.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;object width="560" height="340"&gt;&lt;param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qTUMgO-_eN4&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;"&gt;&lt;/param&gt;&lt;param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"&gt;&lt;/param&gt;&lt;param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"&gt;&lt;/param&gt;&lt;embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qTUMgO-_eN4&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="380" height="280"&gt;&lt;/embed&gt;&lt;/object&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This is a conversion testimony from a former Iranian Muslim.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;What your Muslim neighbor and co-worker do not know is that the true and living God loves them. Alah does not. &lt;br /&gt;What the average Muslim does not have is any assurance of salvation, because their entrance into heaven is based completely on works. &lt;br /&gt;And even if they live a good life, Alah may still reject them. &lt;br /&gt;What good news would it be for them to find out that the promise toAbraham (who is also father to the Arab) or to his descendents&lt;br /&gt; that he would be heir of th world was not through the Law but throught the righteousness of faith! (Rom. 4:13)&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5487783284384165962-4780539196855914285?l=armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/4780539196855914285/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5487783284384165962&amp;postID=4780539196855914285' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/4780539196855914285'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/4780539196855914285'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/this-year-its-annual-world-public-forum.html' title='Isalmic views'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962.post-4755171392289762684</id><published>2009-05-15T11:52:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-05-15T12:19:40.203-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Training American Martyrs</title><content type='html'>"Raise up an army of laid-down lovers" sings Rick Pino on "Martyr's Song" from his latest album "Songs for An Endtime Army". &lt;br /&gt;Many are being convicted of self-sufficiency and putting personal agendas above "Thy will be done." &lt;br /&gt;Videos of 3rd world nations, underground churches and modern day martyrs are stirring up a holy jealousy in Christians in the west. &lt;br /&gt;For centuries, the western church has sent missionaries to foreign lands to preach the gospel. Now, those very nations are praying for us, and some are even sending their missionaries here, to the U.S. to awaken us, to bring us back to passion for the Savior.&lt;br /&gt;It is said the blood of the martyrs has always fueled the fires of the church, and the greater the persecution the more the church seems to grow. Could such be in store for America?&lt;br /&gt;I recently heard a young pastor from L.A. say that the emerging generation is looking for something real in the church, something beyond religious form.  They are looking for the authority that comes from suffering for a cause that is greater than we are. They are looking for the "laid-down lovers" Rick Pino sings of, who will live sacrificially in covenant community and love. &lt;br /&gt;Ask yourself, "&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What is happening in my life right now that is an opportunity for me to die to my agenda, my way, my life&lt;/strong&gt;?&lt;/em&gt;" Can you consider it a grace, can you look at it as the Lord's preparation for the future when He might call you to give your life away for Him? &lt;br /&gt;The worst thing I can imagine is not dying for the sake of Christ. The most horrible fate I can imagine is if faced with the choice to give Him everything, I would say no.&lt;br /&gt;I don't know if anyone wakes up one day and says, OK, today I am ready to be a martyr. I think it's more like waking up every day and saying, What do You want today, Lord? And as each person and situation comes, I am strengthened in the "Thy Will Be Done" deep inside my heart when I am ignored, criticized, corrected, insulted, betrayed, lied to, or blessed, praised, encouraged, promoted - will the love of Jesus overtake this heart? Will I keep His word to the end? Will I love the unlovable for His sake? &lt;br /&gt;For all of us, I pray, we will be ready.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5487783284384165962-4755171392289762684?l=armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/4755171392289762684/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5487783284384165962&amp;postID=4755171392289762684' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/4755171392289762684'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/4755171392289762684'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/training-american-martyrs.html' title='Training American Martyrs'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962.post-1158887389338582116</id><published>2009-02-03T10:40:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-02-03T10:42:38.828-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Ambition</title><content type='html'>This is from &lt;a href="http://francisfrangipane.org"&gt;Francis Frangipane&lt;/a&gt;It is part of an article on ambition. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;Every advance that I have made spiritually was preceded by an opportunity to die to self. The power in my life comes from where I have died to self and now live unto Christ.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Do you want to advance spiritually? The gateway to resurrection power is crucifixion. God will arrange opportunities for you to die to self. You must discern them. Dying to self and its ambition is the means of reaching true spiritual fulfillment. If you react to the opportunity to die with fleshly anger or resentment, you will fail to reach fulfillment. However, if you can maintain your vision even while your ambition dies, you will succeed. &lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5487783284384165962-1158887389338582116?l=armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/1158887389338582116/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5487783284384165962&amp;postID=1158887389338582116' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/1158887389338582116'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/1158887389338582116'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/ambition.html' title='Ambition'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962.post-1209757990940704264</id><published>2009-01-26T04:42:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-01-26T05:16:11.225-08:00</updated><title type='text'>The Decline of Language</title><content type='html'>I was skimming through a book on Winston Churchill this morning, published in 1963. The chapter headings were colorful and inviting. So was the text. Juicy bits of memories, on trains, in lecture halls, this author accompanied the giant of Britian and wrote a journal of their experiences. &lt;br /&gt;As I flipped through the pages I began to notice that this 40+ year old book was filled with rich, descriptive language. I didn't even know what some of the words meant! (Was I the only one whose father would never tell you what a word meant, but simply say "Look it up. You'll never forget it!) &lt;br /&gt;I realized that most of what I read today is "lingo-lite", geared for an audience with a junior high reading level. Not to mention the ever increasing dimunintion of words, propgated, no doubt by the use of text messages.&lt;br /&gt;How sad. &lt;br /&gt;I am also in the middle of a translation of Interior Castles by St. Teresa of Avila. A typical paragraph of her writings (16th century Spain)consists of one sentence! And the general syntax would probably not impress a modern high school English teacher. However, ingesting all this inspired woman wrote is a delightful meal, where I linger at the table, taking small portions and savoring each morcel.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This is a challenge to today's writers. Be adventurous in your compositon!  Be innovative in your verbiage.  Rewrite, rewrite, rewrite, until your ideas could sail into future centuries captured in the language of kings and poets.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5487783284384165962-1209757990940704264?l=armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/1209757990940704264/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5487783284384165962&amp;postID=1209757990940704264' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/1209757990940704264'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/1209757990940704264'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/decline-of-language.html' title='The Decline of Language'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962.post-2759445929199470111</id><published>2009-01-17T10:26:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-01-17T10:32:32.221-08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='original serenity prayer'/><title type='text'>The Original Serenity Prayer</title><content type='html'>&lt;a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ll_AVZ0azho/SXIj1Abe0NI/AAAAAAAAAEY/ZHYjI9rqaVU/s1600-h/Cape+Cod+stairs+001.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 121px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ll_AVZ0azho/SXIj1Abe0NI/AAAAAAAAAEY/ZHYjI9rqaVU/s200/Cape+Cod+stairs+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292331905669058770" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A friend was in the store today, and told me about the original version of what is commonly known as &lt;em&gt;The Serenity Prayer&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;br /&gt;I've copied it here.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Full Original Serenity Prayer&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;by Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971) &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;God, give us grace to accept with serenity&lt;br /&gt;the things that cannot be changed,&lt;br /&gt;Courage to change the things&lt;br /&gt;which should be changed,&lt;br /&gt;and the Wisdom to distinguish&lt;br /&gt;the one from the other. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Living one day at a time,&lt;br /&gt;Enjoying one moment at a time,&lt;br /&gt;Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,&lt;br /&gt;Taking, as Jesus did,&lt;br /&gt;This sinful world as it is,&lt;br /&gt;Not as I would have it,&lt;br /&gt;Trusting that You will make all things right,&lt;br /&gt;If I surrender to Your will,&lt;br /&gt;So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,&lt;br /&gt;And supremely happy with You forever in the next.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Amen.&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5487783284384165962-2759445929199470111?l=armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/2759445929199470111/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5487783284384165962&amp;postID=2759445929199470111' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/2759445929199470111'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/2759445929199470111'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/original-serenity-prayer.html' title='The Original Serenity Prayer'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ll_AVZ0azho/SXIj1Abe0NI/AAAAAAAAAEY/ZHYjI9rqaVU/s72-c/Cape+Cod+stairs+001.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962.post-4608920929210701301</id><published>2009-01-01T12:53:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-01-02T11:15:34.717-08:00</updated><title type='text'>You Are Home - An Allegory of the Soul</title><content type='html'>He came into the lovely home that he had built with his own hands. He stood for a moment in the doorway, and sighed with deep pleasure at the welcome with which the house seemed to embrace him.&lt;br /&gt;Some thought the place too ornate, too extravagant. But he, having unlimited resources, spared no expense in the richness of woods, polished metals, Persian rugs, Austrian crystal and even precious gems. This palace was his sanctuary. He surrounded himself with beauty that reflected the state of his soul. &lt;br /&gt;He gently closed the door behind him, feeling himself relax at the thought of being alone.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He headed straight for the parlor to light a fresh fire. This was his habit, on cold evenings. &lt;br /&gt;The carefully chopped kindling lay ready by the hearth. He bent over the wood pile, gathering up an armful of oak planks and placed them in the fireplace. With skill, he ignited the pile, and smiled as the golden fire light lit the room. The heat kissed his chilled hands and face.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He was content here. No intrusions, no distractions. The gentle ticking of the mantle clock and an occasional crackling of wood from the fire place were the songs the house sang to him. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;“Wel-come, wel-come, wel-come”, ticked the old brass clock. And the fire would snap “You’re Home” and make him laugh.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The night was cold, and the sounds of the wind whipping across the roof and gables made the place creak. But like the clock and fire, the familiar sounds were music to him. There was nowhere else he would rather be. This famous man, friend to kings and presidents, was happiest here alone with his home. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;As darkness tip toed about, he illuminated each room, some rooms with ancient oil lamps, some with pure bees wax candles. He treasured the old things, though he could easily afford the most modern conveniences. Instead, he surrounded himself with things that time and history had proven faithful. He was not as impressed with technology as he was with reliability.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Now he was ready for a meal. The kitchen was a merger of centuries. Old brick hearth, oak barrels, bone china, steel ovens. Each object had been carefully chosen, not only for its function, but for its beauty as well. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;He opened the steel fronted refrigerator looking for the stew he’d made the day before.&lt;br /&gt;Beside the stew pot sat a block of cheese and a ripe avocado. He took all of them out and laid them on the old wooden chopping block that sat in the center of the kitchen. &lt;br /&gt;He put the stew on the stove, the avocado in the sink and the cheese sat alone on the chopping block. He whistled an old love song as he prepared his meal. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;In an old maple hutch in the corner of the room sat a collection of bone china cups, plates and bowls. He gazed at them lovingly, choosing a blue Oriental pattern bowl and matching cup for his evening meal.  As with everything in the house, one piece of china was from another era, and the very next piece was a modern work of art. Mixed in between was primitive pottery with all its fascinating imperfections.  The only thing the collection had in common was he had chosen each piece himself. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Next he filled the copper kettle with water for tea. He would carry the pot of Irish tea to the parlor after dinner, where he would enjoy it throughout the evening as he read a favorite book. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;****************************************************************************&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Now consider this as you watch this man enjoying his lovely home: your soul is his house. All the lovely things inside are those truths, revelations, learnings that God has placed within you throughout your life. The most important thing about all of this is that there is nowhere else He would rather be than living inside of you. &lt;br /&gt;Years ago there was a popular song called “From a Distance”. Bette Midler sang it. The melody was captivating, but its concept was tragic. The chorus went: God is watching us, God is watching us, from a distance.” &lt;br /&gt;Just the opposite is true. He has found His favorite home, and it is you.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5487783284384165962-4608920929210701301?l=armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/4608920929210701301/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5487783284384165962&amp;postID=4608920929210701301' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/4608920929210701301'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/4608920929210701301'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/home.html' title='You Are Home - An Allegory of the Soul'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962.post-3323046329918444970</id><published>2008-12-30T12:13:00.001-08:00</published><updated>2008-12-30T15:17:18.842-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Union</title><content type='html'>&lt;a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ll_AVZ0azho/SVqFzLacoLI/AAAAAAAAADs/6P9JUtNokVU/s1600-h/9780768427424.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 199px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ll_AVZ0azho/SVqFzLacoLI/AAAAAAAAADs/6P9JUtNokVU/s200/9780768427424.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285684226956239026" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I'm recommending a book. One that should come with a warning. Unless you want a holy invasion that will interrupt your agenda, perhaps even disable you from normal activity, and draw you like a love crazed fool into the arms of God - if you don't want all this, and even more, then I suggest you don't read it. &lt;br /&gt;The book is "The Ecstacy of Loving God" by John Crowder (Destiny Image 2008) If you want the typical book synopsis &lt;a href="http://thearmorybookstore.com"&gt;click here&lt;/a&gt; It all seems tame on paper. &lt;br /&gt;It was this one part in the book that did me in. It's about divine union. For many years I've studied the mystics, saints of old who experienced unspeakable delights in the presence of God. I had sort of resigned myself to the fact that the final goal of a spiritual union with God(which according to the mystics was possible here on earth)was probably beyond what I would ever achieve. I guess I looked it as an ascent higher than my weak heart would attain. &lt;br /&gt;But this author not only suggests it's possible, he goes beyond it to "ecstacy". &lt;br /&gt;Ever since I read this book, I have been drifting in and out (best way I can describe it) of the Lord's delightful presence. I feel a little tipsy. &lt;br /&gt;Not sure what's ahead.&lt;br /&gt;Oh, FYI, the author, John Crowder will be in the Tolland area this weekend. I don't know about him so much as I do that God is more real to me as I type this than I have ever experienced before...I pray as you read this He touches you.&lt;a a href="http://thearmorybookstore.deepershopping.com/index.php?module=viewitem&amp;item=246486"&gt;To order Ecstacy online click here&lt;/a&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5487783284384165962-3323046329918444970?l=armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/3323046329918444970/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5487783284384165962&amp;postID=3323046329918444970' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/3323046329918444970'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/3323046329918444970'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/union.html' title='Union'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ll_AVZ0azho/SVqFzLacoLI/AAAAAAAAADs/6P9JUtNokVU/s72-c/9780768427424.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962.post-2298279169672497734</id><published>2008-12-23T18:18:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-12-23T18:27:29.299-08:00</updated><title type='text'>One Beautiful Boy</title><content type='html'>If you have seen the father, you have seen the son. No, I'm not being blasphemous, I'm describing my beautiful blue eyed, blond grandson. He's quiet like his daddy, and loves with such a big heart like his daddy too. He has an amazing vocabulary for a 2 1/2 year old male, and a second child at that. He has this wonderful way of speaking up for himself - not pushy, just putting himself out there enough to get his share. I love it. &lt;br /&gt;He's non-stop movement, really not too crazy about shoes, or clothes in general. I have a mark on my wall where I measured his height this summer. It's pretty short, but when I look at it, I imagine him full grown coming to grammy's house and pointing to it saying, "Hard to believe I was once that small!"  And I'll just smile and tell him all the wonderful things he said and did Christmas of 2008.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5487783284384165962-2298279169672497734?l=armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/2298279169672497734/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5487783284384165962&amp;postID=2298279169672497734' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/2298279169672497734'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/2298279169672497734'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/one-beautiful-boy.html' title='One Beautiful Boy'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962.post-2268293541012258769</id><published>2008-12-23T18:08:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-12-23T18:17:37.859-08:00</updated><title type='text'>A Mother's Answered Prayer</title><content type='html'>Mothers pray from the first day they hold their baby daughters that they will marry a good man. The one my daughter married is so far beyond what I ever dreamed. This man loves his wife and children so deeply, I am inspired to love more just watching him. This quiet gentle man changes diapers, folds laundry, plays many instruments, goes to work, goes to school, runs marathons and climbs mountains. And, no he isn't superman, but almost!  &lt;br /&gt;But in spite of all his accomplishments, it's the way he loves that has won my heart. He's real clear about it. Family first. Every mother's greatest prayer for her daughter.&lt;br /&gt;Oh, and did I mention, he's a Yankee fan?&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5487783284384165962-2268293541012258769?l=armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/2268293541012258769/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5487783284384165962&amp;postID=2268293541012258769' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/2268293541012258769'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/2268293541012258769'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/mothers-pray-from-first-day-they-hold.html' title='A Mother&apos;s Answered Prayer'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962.post-6467783504948870186</id><published>2008-12-21T16:31:00.001-08:00</published><updated>2008-12-21T16:39:31.997-08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='mall'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='grandchild'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='thankful'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Christmas shopping'/><title type='text'>More gratittude</title><content type='html'>&lt;a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ll_AVZ0azho/SU7ghOxcWGI/AAAAAAAAADE/daMmH5pJisI/s1600-h/PIC-1404.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ll_AVZ0azho/SU7ghOxcWGI/AAAAAAAAADE/daMmH5pJisI/s200/PIC-1404.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282406274457950306" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Beyond my three children, I am also blessed with two beautiful grandchildren. Everyone says being a grandparent is the most wonderful thing - and it's true! All the fun and blessings without the hard parts of parenting. &lt;br /&gt;I had the delight of taking this lovely little one Christmas shopping. We went to Club Libby Lu's - just had to, you know. Then a snack in the food court, and a ride on the carousel, and of course, a quick look at the puppies in the pet store. Her parents have done all the hard work. I just get to enjoy her. And I do!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5487783284384165962-6467783504948870186?l=armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/6467783504948870186/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5487783284384165962&amp;postID=6467783504948870186' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/6467783504948870186'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/6467783504948870186'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/more-gratittude.html' title='More gratittude'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ll_AVZ0azho/SU7ghOxcWGI/AAAAAAAAADE/daMmH5pJisI/s72-c/PIC-1404.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962.post-4630618846897621819</id><published>2008-12-20T11:41:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-12-20T14:34:52.477-08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='bible'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='answers'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Christmas'/><title type='text'>Ooops! Forgot the Answers</title><content type='html'>For those of you who tried to answer the questions about the first Christmas posted last week, I apologize for taking so long to post the answers. &lt;br /&gt;The answer to all of the questions is: THE BIBLE DOESN'T SAY! From Christmas carols, Christmas cards and movies, cultural additons have been made to the event. It is amazing how little space the bible gives to the telling of the story (Matthew 1:18-2:12; Luke 2:1-20) Wonder if there's a message in that?&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5487783284384165962-4630618846897621819?l=armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/4630618846897621819/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5487783284384165962&amp;postID=4630618846897621819' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/4630618846897621819'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/4630618846897621819'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/ooops-forgot-answers.html' title='Ooops! Forgot the Answers'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962.post-2604168456807782153</id><published>2008-12-20T07:34:00.001-08:00</published><updated>2008-12-20T14:35:29.833-08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='kids'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='boys'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='sons'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Mama'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='love'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='noble'/><title type='text'>Child Number Three</title><content type='html'>&lt;a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ll_AVZ0azho/SU0UmJXy2cI/AAAAAAAAACs/zAPA3fTAJys/s1600-h/colin1207.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ll_AVZ0azho/SU0UmJXy2cI/AAAAAAAAACs/zAPA3fTAJys/s200/colin1207.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281900583558764994" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;On my thankful list for Christmas is of course my youngest son. He was the quietest of the three (God's mercy on me, with two very lively older ones) He still is. Yet, in him is a rich clean river that refreshes and nourishes at just the right times. He has a noble heart, and so much courage I stand in awe. He is steady too. At some of my most difficult moments, he would reassure me, "It's gonna be ok, Mama." and there would be grace on his words that strengthened me. I am forever thankful for him.&lt;br /&gt;"I love you too, Mama." is how he ends our phone calls. Mothers who read this will understand how those five words are like sunshine for the heart. I love you too, son. And I am so thankful to God for the gift of my Colin&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5487783284384165962-2604168456807782153?l=armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/2604168456807782153/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5487783284384165962&amp;postID=2604168456807782153' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/2604168456807782153'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/2604168456807782153'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/child-number-three.html' title='Child Number Three'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ll_AVZ0azho/SU0UmJXy2cI/AAAAAAAAACs/zAPA3fTAJys/s72-c/colin1207.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962.post-3249659792470365480</id><published>2008-12-16T07:40:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-12-20T11:16:12.606-08:00</updated><title type='text'>My Joy Boy</title><content type='html'>Next on the list of things I am thankful for is my elder son. He is a bright star shining in a dark universe. Brilliantly gifted, he is truly one of the most creative people I have ever met. Whatever he turns to he transforms with beauty and imagination. Everywhere he goes he influences everyone with the reality of heaven and the joy of God. &lt;br /&gt;He's been called a psalmist, artist, poet, minstrel, and prophet. He is brother, son, friend, lover. There is only 100% with him in everything. If you're having a bad day, he would make it your best day ever,  by just walking with him. &lt;br /&gt;He was a delightful chubby baby. He is now a handsome, completely engaging man.&lt;br /&gt;I am thankful he is my son, that I know him,  and that God put him in my life.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5487783284384165962-3249659792470365480?l=armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/3249659792470365480/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5487783284384165962&amp;postID=3249659792470365480' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/3249659792470365480'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/3249659792470365480'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/my-joy-boy.html' title='My Joy Boy'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962.post-7996376185799721562</id><published>2008-12-13T11:13:00.001-08:00</published><updated>2008-12-13T11:21:56.927-08:00</updated><title type='text'>I am also thankful....</title><content type='html'>for the gift of a daughter. I have the best one, truly. I cannot imagine what life would have been like without her. In graceful brilliance she brings joy, peace, love, wisdom and truth wherever she goes. She is mine, but in a marvelous way, she is her own. I glimpse her womanhood for clues to understand mine.&lt;br /&gt;When there is a crisis in the family she generously doses out strength, encouragement and help like home baked cookies - warm, fresh, pure.&lt;br /&gt;Her name means pure. And she is... pure love, pure joy, pure woman. &lt;br /&gt;I am blessed.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5487783284384165962-7996376185799721562?l=armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/7996376185799721562/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5487783284384165962&amp;postID=7996376185799721562' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/7996376185799721562'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/7996376185799721562'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/i-am-also-thankful.html' title='I am also thankful....'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962.post-4973552930921838826</id><published>2008-12-12T12:05:00.001-08:00</published><updated>2008-12-12T12:13:04.425-08:00</updated><title type='text'>I'm thankful for....</title><content type='html'>&lt;a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ll_AVZ0azho/SULFx40ajFI/AAAAAAAAACc/0kDH-i3Bh0A/s1600-h/The%2520Falconer.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ll_AVZ0azho/SULFx40ajFI/AAAAAAAAACc/0kDH-i3Bh0A/s200/The%2520Falconer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278999174088133714" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;...being married to a man of honor, Charles L. Fields. After 37 years of marriage, I am beginning to experience the "two shall become one". I say beginning to, because for so many years I was more focused on "me" than "we". It's not an emotional thing, or even a mental thing, it's more systemic, like I am no longer just who I am. I am him in another form, I am his other self. &lt;br /&gt;My dad used to introduce my mother to people as "his better half". I always liked that. But, I don't feel half of anything. I feel complete.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Merry Christmas, Charlie. I love you.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5487783284384165962-4973552930921838826?l=armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/4973552930921838826/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5487783284384165962&amp;postID=4973552930921838826' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/4973552930921838826'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/4973552930921838826'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/im-thankful-for.html' title='I&apos;m thankful for....'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ll_AVZ0azho/SULFx40ajFI/AAAAAAAAACc/0kDH-i3Bh0A/s72-c/The%2520Falconer.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962.post-1614990558295955311</id><published>2008-12-10T05:10:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-12-10T05:11:27.225-08:00</updated><title type='text'>My Christmas List</title><content type='html'>I’ve decorated the bookstore and the house (mostly)for Christmas. It’s a ritual that I enjoy. But this morning, I realized there is a more beautiful element that I can lavish everywhere, amidst the pine branches and tiny white lights and ceramic ornaments: it’s thankfulness.&lt;br /&gt;A friend of mine committed to 40 days of thankfulness. Every day he would list what he was thankful for, and choose one to meditate on, usually something he was grateful to God about.&lt;br /&gt;So, this year I want my “Christmas List”  to be what I am thankful for in my life. For the next two weeks, I am going to list the abundant blessings in my life.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5487783284384165962-1614990558295955311?l=armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/1614990558295955311/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5487783284384165962&amp;postID=1614990558295955311' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/1614990558295955311'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/1614990558295955311'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/my-christmas-list.html' title='My Christmas List'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962.post-7348056416772669601</id><published>2008-12-04T05:37:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-12-04T05:45:44.381-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Christmas Quiz</title><content type='html'>Try answering these questions WITHOUT checking in your bible first. See how well you know the Christmas story.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;1. What did Mary ride to Bethlehem?&lt;br /&gt;            2. Where did Mary and Joseph stay when they got there?&lt;br /&gt;            3. What animals witnessed Jesus' birth?&lt;br /&gt;            4. What time of year was Jesus born?&lt;br /&gt;            5. How many wise men were there?&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If you think you know the answers, send them to me in the comments or by email to blog@theamorybookstore.com&lt;br /&gt;Anyone who gets all 5 correct (remember, no cheating by looking up the answers in your bible!)gets a 15% off coupon towards your online store purchase. &lt;br /&gt;I'll publish the answers next Monday!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5487783284384165962-7348056416772669601?l=armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/7348056416772669601/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5487783284384165962&amp;postID=7348056416772669601' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/7348056416772669601'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/7348056416772669601'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-quiz.html' title='Christmas Quiz'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962.post-3780330716563259291</id><published>2008-12-01T10:36:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-12-01T10:45:55.423-08:00</updated><title type='text'>The Second Manger Scene</title><content type='html'>&lt;a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ll_AVZ0azho/STQwRnmn8ZI/AAAAAAAAAB8/9D-TKX38CLs/s1600-h/NATIVITY.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 142px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ll_AVZ0azho/STQwRnmn8ZI/AAAAAAAAAB8/9D-TKX38CLs/s200/NATIVITY.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274894142804586898" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;According to St. Bonaventure in the 13th century, St. Francis of Assisi desired the townspeople to commemorate the birth of Jesus.  After obtaining permission from the pope, he prepared a real manger, brought in hay, an ox and a donkey. Then he gathered the townspeople to the site one night, and their torches and voices filled the forest with brilliance and praise.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Francis full of tears of joy, preached to the people about the birth of the poor King. So profound was his reverence and devotion to the Lord, he could barely speak His name, but referred to Him instead as, “the Babe of Bethlehem.” &lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;The story continues with a soldier name Master John of Grecio, who had left his military pursuits and had become a friend of Francis’. While beholding Francis’ manger, the former soldier saw a vision of “an Infant marvelously beautiful, sleeping in the manger.”  This vision was believed not only because of the character of Master John, but also because of the miracles that followed.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It is said that the hay of that manger cured diseases of animals and “many other pestilences”. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;In our day, this simple display suffers much public controversy.  &lt;br /&gt;The Babe of Bethlehem still causes “the fall and rise of many in Israel and for a sign to be opposed…”Luke 2:35 &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I love the manger scene, wherever it is displayed, because I love the One who came to reconcile me back to God.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5487783284384165962-3780330716563259291?l=armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/3780330716563259291/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5487783284384165962&amp;postID=3780330716563259291' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/3780330716563259291'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/3780330716563259291'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/according-to-st.html' title='The Second Manger Scene'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ll_AVZ0azho/STQwRnmn8ZI/AAAAAAAAAB8/9D-TKX38CLs/s72-c/NATIVITY.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962.post-892366712672766230</id><published>2008-11-29T10:26:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-11-29T10:49:49.152-08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='candle in the window'/><title type='text'>A Candle in the Window</title><content type='html'>&lt;a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ll_AVZ0azho/STGOHgse_tI/AAAAAAAAAB0/qRDv2hC_89s/s1600-h/th_candleinwindow.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 117px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ll_AVZ0azho/STGOHgse_tI/AAAAAAAAAB0/qRDv2hC_89s/s200/th_candleinwindow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274152898314305234" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Tradition holds that the Irish used to put a candle in the window on Christmas Eve.  New England homes are famous for them. The reason for the candle was a symbol - that if Mary and Joseph, or any traveler came by on that holy night needing a place to stay, the candle would let them know there was a welcome in that home. They would even leave the door unlatched, and a simple fare on the table.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;However, at Christmas Mass a few years ago, I heard about the real reason the Irish put the candle in the window. At a time in Ireland when it was unlawful for priests to celebrate Mass, the candle was a secret message to any priest travelling on the road, that the residents within would welcome him, and he could celebrate Mass in that home. If any British soldiers questioned the home owners about the candle in the window, they used the story about Mary and Joseph&lt;br /&gt;Whatever the origin, our little candles can make a beautiful and simple declaration on these dark New England nights..."&lt;em&gt;The one who is the True Light, who gives light to everyone, has come into the world."&lt;/em&gt; John 1:9&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5487783284384165962-892366712672766230?l=armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/892366712672766230/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5487783284384165962&amp;postID=892366712672766230' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/892366712672766230'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/892366712672766230'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/candle-in-window.html' title='A Candle in the Window'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ll_AVZ0azho/STGOHgse_tI/AAAAAAAAAB0/qRDv2hC_89s/s72-c/th_candleinwindow.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962.post-824206375707194498</id><published>2008-11-26T10:17:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-11-26T10:28:36.351-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Why We Are Named "The Armory"</title><content type='html'>When my husband &lt;a href="http://creativeleaders.net"&gt;Charlie&lt;/a&gt; and I named our store, we both had the sense that we were to be a supply station for the body of Christ in this region. The definition of armory said it for us: &lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;a building in which weapons are store&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;We believe that what we sell here is meant to build faith, increase knowledge of the Lord and His ways, equip believers for their walk with Christ, and arm us for the spiritual battle in which we are all engaged. &lt;br /&gt;Of course the following scripture explains it best:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;"We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments." 2 Cor.10:4&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Although not all new publications are fresh manna, it is our committment to provide for this community those books, music, even gifts and devotional helps that we believe will be God's mighty weapons. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I salute you, my fellow warriors. May your mind be clear, your heart noble and your faith strong in this hour. Remember we fight a war already won.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;All praise be to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5487783284384165962-824206375707194498?l=armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/824206375707194498/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5487783284384165962&amp;postID=824206375707194498' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/824206375707194498'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/824206375707194498'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/why-we-are-named-armory.html' title='Why We Are Named &quot;The Armory&quot;'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5487783284384165962.post-1439073730100018224</id><published>2008-11-24T10:22:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-11-24T10:46:12.396-08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='help'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='instruction'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='choosing a bible'/><title type='text'>Buying a New Bible</title><content type='html'>Whether you want to give a bible as a gift, or are in the market for a new one, the choices available today are overwhelming. But there are just a few basic questions that can help you narrow down your selection.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;ol&gt;&lt;li&gt;Who is the bible for? From toddlers, to teens, women, men, couples, special occasions, recovery, today's publishers have combined the most popular translations with devotional material and study helps that are geared to a particular audience. &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Which translation? An easy test I give a bible before I buy it: I open to Psalm 23. If I like the way it reads, since I am already familiar with the King James Version ("He leadeth me beside the still waters...") then I can quickly compare.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;What will it mainly be used for? Study bibles are available in every translation, some giving great information about "all things bible". Devotional bibles are great for helping you grow spiritually. Pocket bibles are great for the car or purse. Parallel bibles take 2 or more different translations and list them side by side on a page.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;What kind of cover? Now you can buy a camo bible, as well as Genuine Morrocan Leather. Bonded Leather is sturdy, and less expensive than Genuine Leather. Hard Covers are great for kids bibles.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ol&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hope all this info didn't confuse you more. Please be sure and check out our online store selection of bibles at &lt;a href ="http://thearmorybookstore.deepershopping.com/index.php?module=globalcontent&amp;content_id=739&amp;lm=InspirationalBiblePages"&gt;The Armory Bookstore Online&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5487783284384165962-1439073730100018224?l=armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/feeds/1439073730100018224/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5487783284384165962&amp;postID=1439073730100018224' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/1439073730100018224'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5487783284384165962/posts/default/1439073730100018224'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://armorybookstoreblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/buying-new-bible.html' title='Buying a New Bible'/><author><name>Chris Fields</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15608685770315673584</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>
