Years ago, on one overnight stay, my grandson Andrew climbed into bed at the end of the day. As I massaged his back, we talked about what we would do the next day. Slowly our conversation diminished, and I suspected the back rub had accomplished my goal.
Then, in the darkness, I heard his quiet, serious voice. “Grandma, do you think God is right-handed or left-handed?” Smiling, I answered that I really didn’t know.
“Well, I know,” Andrew emphatically proclaimed. “He’s right-handed. I’m sure of it. He always talks about His righteous right hand.”
—Sue Rappette, Berrien Center, Michigan
This year my heartfelt prayer for my beloved church is that we will truly fulfill the parting plea of our Savior: “That they may be one in Us.” As we unite at the cross, with the indwelling, all-encompassing love of Christ consuming our lives, humility and Spirit-filled unity will naturally flow, our path will be clear, passion for Christ deepened, commitment to His Word unflinching, and thirst for souls unfailing.
—Carissa McSherry, assistant director, Amazing Facts Center of Evangelism
“Is the way you are living today based on the Word of God?”
—Andre Waller, during a sermon at the Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church in New Hampshire
Cinnamon has been used for centuries as a culinary spice and for other purposes. Ancient Egyptians included cinnamon in their embalming mixture. Moses combined cassia (cinnamon) and other spices with olive oil to anoint the tabernacle and its furnishings.
Cinnamon is made from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree. The rolled bark is dried; this forms a scroll or quill. The quills are cut into two- to three-inch sticks or ground into powder.
In medieval times cinnamon helped treat sore throats and coughs. Through the centuries it has been used to alleviate indigestion, stomach cramps, intestinal spasms, nausea, and flatulence; treat inflammation; treat diabetes (China and Korea); improve the appetite; and treat diarrhea. The herb is also a source of chromium, an essential trace mineral that augments the action of insulin.
Large doses of cinnamon can be toxic, and regular use of substantial amounts of ground cinnamon may prove unsafe. Pregnant women are advised to avoid taking cinnamon oil or large doses of the bark. Cinnamon supplements should not be taken unless prescribed by a physician.
—Information gathered from an article by Winston J. Craig,
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