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Vol. 3                                                       Issue #8
			The Edifier Online
ISSN: 1521-9178     **Fifth Anniversary Issue**           April, 1999
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Contents:
The History of The Edifier Online - by David Staley
THICK CLOUDS, DARK SKY - by eljay
CHOCOLATE CHIFFON PIE - by eljay
METEORITE - by eljay
The Church Library - by David Staley
Websites to check out!
LORD, I WANT TO - by Janae Ivie
Living Each Day - by Janae Ivie
Poems for Grandparent's Day - by Janae Ivie
GOD IS SO GOOD - by Janae Ivie
SING A SONG TO JESUS - by Janae Ivie
Final Words

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                 The History of THE EDIFIER ONLINE
                         by David Staley
                     the_edifier@hotmail.com
           http://GoZips.uakron.edu/~staley/david.html

Early in 1994, I had a burden to create a platform which those in my 
local Church Body could use to have their interests, viewpoints, and 
creative works shared.  Shortly thereafter, the first issue of The 
Edifier came out in Spring 1994 at The Middlebury Chapel in Akron, 
Ohio.

Intentions were to have The Edifier be a quarterly release (Spring, 
Summer, Fall, Winter), and it was well received upon its release.  
However, after the first two issues, input dwindled almost completely.  
After much prayer and discussion, I decided to stop the newsletter.  
I still had a burden for the newsletter, but I felt that it was to be 
put on the back burner for the time being.

Two years later I got 'online', and I began to met Christians from all 
over the world.  The burden to create a platform for Christians to 
share their interests, viewpoints, and creative works came back to me.  
The difference from the similar burden I had two years ago was that I 
realized the Internet could reach Christians not only in my Church, but 
those around the world.  I again thought about The Edifier.  Once I 
figured out how to create a webpage I decided to give The Edifier a 
rebirth online.  I altered the name of The Edifier to that of The 
Edifier Online, and it was put up in HTML format online.  That issue 
was the Fall 1996 one which followed the progression started with the 
first two issues two years prior (Spring, Summer).

It was fun to work with and hear from many Christians in the Church 
Body from around the world!  However, the HTML format didn't seem to 
fulfill my intentions or the burden I had for The Edifier Online.  I 
couldn't really put my finger on what was wrong.  For the first two 
online issues I had pages with links, backgrounds, sound files, and 
graphics (my HTML skills were still pretty basic).  I liked these 
online versions of The Edifier, but I felt that an HTML presentation 
wasn't what God wanted.  I felt that a non-glitz, simplistic 
presentation was the way to go with The Edifier Online, and after 
deliberating about it for some time, the decision was made.  After 
the Winter 1997 issue, I decided that the HTML format would be 
replaced by an email version, and that a webpage for The Edifier 
Online would still continue with the current and past issues available 
there as TXT files.

Coupled with the decision to change the format of The Edifier Online, I 
also decided to change the quarterly release to a more manageable 
biannual release.  Starting with Volume 2 - Issue 5, The Edifier Online 
has been released twice a year in October and April.  These changes have 
been a big blessing.  After the format and release changes were made, 
the vision I had for The Edifier really began to take shape.

This vision is simply stated to people like this:

The Edifier Online is an email newsletter that consists of material
submitted to it by Christians from around the world like yourself,
to edify the Body and glorify the Name of Jesus Christ.

There is no pretense.  The Edifer Online is meant to be for you and me,  
The Bride of Christ, and any nonbeliever who cares to read it.  It is 
meant to inspire, edify, and be an outlet where one can express 
themselves.  The desire to have a place of freedom, where there wasn't 
pressure to meet any expectation except to share, finally seemed to rest 
in peace in my heart.  

In 1998, The Edifier Online registered and received an International 
Standard Serial Number (ISSN).  This number is:  1521-9178, and was 
simply done to symbolize my dedication to make a publication that would 
be taken seriously, even if it wasn't presented with a bunch of eye 
candy. . .  

The plain, simple format of The Edifier Online may seem archaic and 
outdated in presentation in light of today's technology, but it finally 
expresses what I had a burden for, and want those who read it and share 
their work in it to feel.  

			Come as you are

If you would like to contact me, I'd love to hear from you.  Simply 
send me and email at the_edifier@hotmail.com.  May God bless you and 
keep you!

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		     THICK CLOUDS, DARK SKY
                               by
                              eljay 
                          eljay@mcn.org

The thick clouds and dark sky spoke their own language.
We each understood it differently.
You understood it to mean that the rain would be coming.
I understood it to mean that you would soon be going.
What would the rain wash away?

Would the new day be fresh like the expression on your face after I
have kissed it?

Would it moisten my eyes and fuel my dreams?

Could God have given such a rain intentionally?

The gifts were so numerous.

The maledroit dances to the music of our hearts.

And we are singing it like it's the first song ever.

And the birds are crying it like creation depends on it.

So what if I was the chronicler of "yes".

Did that make me an unreal character?

I don't think so.

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			CHOCOLATE CHIFFON PIE
                  		 by
                 	       eljay 
                            eljay@mcn.org

Giving the thanks that come once a year.
At my Mother's knee.
At my Mother's hip.
At my Mother's side, laughing.

This is the gift she gives.
It comes so easy and we are sure that we were born this way.
Each day more like the woman who taught me.
Taking care not to be too much.
Loving my arms as they become her arms.
And my voice as it becomes her voice.
And even getting comfortable
Some of the gifts I didn't want.

Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, green beans, salad,
apple pie, pumpkin pie, whipped cream.

And this year I will make something new and bring it over to
my Mother's house:
This year I will make chocolate chiffon pie.

She says make a regular crust but I think I'll make chocolate.
But I'll go with the rest of her suggestions.

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                             METEORITE
                                by
                              eljay 
                          eljay@mcn.org

Triple the affect, of life after death.
Say a song of tickling.
And the end of endless bickering.

Sing a song of new ways,
to frame the picture you
know so well.
Let's don't underestimate the frame.

When you painted it you were sure it was perfect.
It is perfect therefore.
Must you spend your life editing your past?
For we can revisit the past to change it,
but is that a good idea?

Mary was not sure at all times.
She was human.

Joseph loved Jesus with all his life.
Like a Father does.

We need each other in this life.
We are the instruments of God's will.
And he is the greatest instrument of
God's love.

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			The Church Library
				by
	                   David Staley
                      the_edifier@hotmail.com

In here nothing moves.
  All are in their vertical lines
  placed orderly on a shelf
    to be admired and observed
          yet rarely read
and then put back in their place.

Some lean slightly
  to the left or right.
Yet all are grouped together in
  their own denominations
conversing quietly within the safety
  of their covers.
All published and categorized.

At one time they were new with
  something to say.
Yet while under one roof
  they are silent
    unto themselves
filled with all the words they contain
  to be admired and observed
          and rarely read.

=====================================================================

                        Websites to check out!

                  Three Lions Inn Redemption Website
                   http://www.bright.net/~gray0013/
This site is maintained by Doug Gray and is a great resource for those 
who play or are interested in finding out more about the collectible
card game called Redemption!

				
                 Project Gutenberg Official Home Site
                      http://www.gutenberg.net/
This is the site of sites for classic books and other public domain 
texts.  All of the books are in plain TXT format which is something that
I particularly am into! ;-)

                      NetZero - Free Internet!
                      http://www.netzero.net/
That's Right!  Free Internet access!  I've tried it out, and it appears 
to be working just fine.  It's kind of like Juno in that there is a 
continual banner add that 'floats' at the top of your screen while you
are on the net.  The banner is not really distracting, and it *can* be 
moved around the screen so it doesn't block any of the browser's viewing 
area.

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                            LORD, I WANT TO
				  by
                             Janae L Ivie
			  janaeivie@juno.com
	 http://members.tripod.com/~Christianpoetry/index.html

               Lord I want to jump right 
               into Your sweet mercy and grace

               Lord I want to fall into Your
               tender loving arms

               Lord I want to know You
               more like never ever before

               Lord I want to gaze into 
               Your Heavenly Kingdom

               Lord, I want to feel Your 
               Holy Spirit all over me!

=======================================================================
			     
                           Living Each Day
                                 by
                            Janae L Ivie
			  janaeivie@juno.com
	 http://members.tripod.com/~Christianpoetry/index.html

As we live
day by day
may we worship
You in everything

May we have
the confidence
to take a stand
for You

May we build
each other up
in kindness
and love

As each day
passes by let
our lives show
Your love to
everyone else

For Your love is
the greatest in a
heart that knows
and loves You!

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                      Poems for Grandparent's Day 
		                  by
			     Janae L Ivie
			 janaeivie@juno.com
	http://members.tripod.com/~Christianpoetry/index.html

A GRANDMOTHER

A grandmother is
full of love

A grandmother
cares about her
  family and friends

A grandmother is
special to those
who hold her
closely in heart

A grandmother can
offer helpful
advise to others

A grandmother will
never be replaced by
any other relative
because she is so
tender and sweet!

A GRANDFATHER

A grandfather is
full of love for his
grandchildren

A grandfather may
have gone hunting
many years ago

A grandfather is
helpful and glad to
give some advice

A grandfather is
made to fill lives
with happiness, and
to show God's hope
and love to this generation!
	
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		            GOD IS SO GOOD
				  by
			    Janae L Ivie
			 janaeivie@juno.com
	 http://members.tripod.com/~Christianpoetry/index.html

God is so good so
give Him glory in all
that you do in your life

God is so good just
do your best to please
Him in everything today

God is good so
lift up your hands
and praise His
holy name forever

God is so good so
  be thankful for all
He has given to you

God is so good so
just rest in His presence
each and everyday!
         
========================================================================

                         SING A SONG TO JESUS
                                  by
 			     Janae L Ivie
			 janaeivie@juno.com
	 http://members.tripod.com/~Christianpoetry/index.html

Sing a song to Jesus and
stand up and dance around
His heavenly throne

Sing a song to Jesus and always
praise Him in the midst of everything

Sing a song to Jesus and
worship in awesome splendor
and majesty

Sing a song to Jesus and lift His
holy name on high to the heavens

Sing a song to Jesus to brighten
  up your life and worship our Lord

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                             Final Words

Thus ends the current edition of The Edifier Online.  You may have
noticed that a number of the items in this issue were poetry.  I have
intended in the past on having a 'special issue' devoted to poetry, but 
it seems as though this issue has filled that bill.  I hope that you 
have enjoyed these works, and that they have been edifying to you!  

Because of her consistent contributions to The Edifier Online, I have
chosen to include a couple extra poems by Janae Ivie and thank her for
being willing to share her devotion and creativity for the Lord.  

I would also like to share that my wife, Beth, and I just found out 
that she is pregnant!  We found out on Good Friday (4/2/99) and indeed
it was good news since my wife and I have been trying to have a child
for about 6 years.  The tentative due date is 11/26/99!  We will very
greatly appreciate your prayers!  Praise God for His mercy and His 
grace! 

Until next issue, until the Lord returns, may God bless you 
and keep you!  

In Christ,
David Staley

The Edifier Online:  http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Oracle/6749
Email: the_edifier@hotmail.com

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