The Messenger - October 21, 2009
Pastor's Corner
by Rev. Neal Neuenschwander
"Apples of Gold"
According to a recent book entitled The Female Brain, Louann Brizendine claims that the average woman speaks almost 20,000 words per day, while the average male speaks only 7,000 words. She sites a study by Albert Pease--a study that most scholars think is spurious. Nonetheless, this word "disparity" has become a popular "urban myth"-- inspiring countless stories and several comedians, one of whom said:
. . . ..I didn't want to interrupt."
More reputable studies have reported that both women and men both say about 16,000 words (on average) in a given day. But that is a lot of words! Sometimes, we need all of those words to describe our thoughts thoroughly. But, at other times, we probably "drown" our listeners in a sea of words.
That's why some people find the Book of Proverbs to be so refreshing. It contains a lot of thoughtful observations, but it doesn't contain a lot of words. So, it expresses these observations with clever sayings. Here are some examples:
- Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than feasting with strife.
- As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
- A man's riches may redeem his life, but a poor man hears no threat.
- As a door turns on its hinges, so the sluggard turns in bed.
- The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise that he receives.
- Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
Many of these expressions are far more memorable than lengthy paragraphs. In the language of the Proverbs, they are "apples of gold in settings of silver." But we don't often stop to look at these fine jewels. That's why I'll be preaching from the book of Proverbs for the next few weeks, helping us to think through these brief sayings and the message that they bear. And I'll organize each week around a useful topic:
- Wisdom--October 25
- Avarice--November 1
- Planning--November 8
- Diligence--November 15
- Generosity--November 22
It's my hope and prayer that these clever sayings will "stick" within our memories and enable us to live wisely--trusting in God's purposes and following in God's guidance for many years to come. This week begins with chapter 2, verses 1-6 and chapter 3, verses 13-18, in case you would like to read ahead.
Editor's Corner
Sugar Free treat for a healthy heart
Medical science reveals you maybe able to nurture your health with faith. Want to live seven years longer? Start praying.
We're not joking here; seven years is the increase in lifespan you can expect if you nurture your soul and your health through prayer, faith, and religious involvement, according to various studies. For one thing, research shows a strong connection between heart health and religious faith.
In one study, people who went into open-heart surgery and reported feeling strength and comfort from their religion were three times more likely to survive the surgery than people with no such spiritual grounding.
If there's a placebo effect at work here--if people get better because they believe they will--who's to argue with the benefits? Whether praying calms you, gives you hope, or helps you tend to your inner self, if you feel you're getting something out of it, it's time well spent.
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Page Last Updated: Mon Oct 26, 2009