===================================================================== Vol. 3 Issue #8 The Edifier Online ISSN: 1521-9178 **Fifth Anniversary Issue** April, 1999 ===================================================================== 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 ===================================================================== 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! ===================================================================== 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. ===================================================================== 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. ==================================================================== 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. ==================================================================== 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. ===================================================================== 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! ===================================================================== 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! =================================================================== 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 ====================================================================== 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 ====================================================================