Sacred Beginnings in a Shifting World
Every generation has to decide what to do with “the beginning.” Genesis 1 and 2 are not just ancient words at the front of our Bibles—they arefoundational truthsmeant to steady us in a world feeling unsteady. Here God lovingly establishes sacred institutions that shape how we live, relate, worship, and understand ourselves. No surprise – these very institutions are the ones most fiercely questioned, redefined, and, sometimes, outright attacked today.
So, return with me to the beauty, clarity, and goodness of what God established “in the beginning.”
TheSabbath:RestinaRestlessWorld Genesissays–“Godrestedontheseventhday,blessedit,and made it holy.” Before sin entered the world, before humanity fell, God gave us the gift of sacred time. Today, that gift is under quiet, constant pressure.
We live in a constant-motion culture. Productivity is prized. Rest is seen as weakness. Even spiritually, we easily crowd out time with God for “important things.” Erosion of Sabbath is notjustlosingaday—it’slosingourrhythm with God.
Sabbath reminds us that we are not machines. We aren’t defined by our accomplishments, but by God who created and redeemed us. When we neglect it, we slowly drift into self-reliance and spiritual exhaustion. When we receive it as a gift, we find what our souls desperately need: rest, renewal, and relationship.
MaleandFemale:Identityinan
Marriage:CovenantinaDisposableCulture
In Genesis 2, God brings the first man and woman together and establishes marriage: a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, united as “one flesh.” This sacred bond, too, is under strain. Marriage is redefined, delayed, or dismissed altogether. Commitment is optional; relationships are temporary. Even within the church, pressures of culture can quietly reshape our understanding of what marriage is meant to be.
God’s design has not changed. Marriage is more than a legal arrangement or emotional connection. It is a covenant, reflecting God’s own faithful love – a place of commitment, sacrifice, growth, and grace. When marriage is weakened, families weaken. When families weaken, the ripple effects are felt everywhere.
Thus, we must not only defend marriage—we mustinvest in it. Strengthen it. Pray for it. Model it. Not perfectly, but faithfully.
Creation:TruthinaWorldofCompetingNarratives
“In the beginning God created…” These words tell not just how things began – but Who is in charge. Today, the biblical account of creation is often dismissed or reinterpreted to fit naturalistic explanations. Life as the result of undirected processes over vast periods of time has become the dominant narrative. While many wrestle sincerely with faith/science relationships, we mustn’t lose what Genesis clearly affirms: God is the intentional Creator of all and humanity is uniquely made in His image. This truth is also under attack.
AgeofConfusion
GodcreatedhumanityinHisimage—maleandfemale(Gen. 1:27), a simple, beautiful truth deeply challenged in our time. We live in an age where identity is self-discovered within or constructed over time. For many, this isn’t theoretical—but deeply personal, accompanied by pain, confusion, and searching.
As a church, we must respond, not with harshness, but with compassion, clarity, and truth. Scripture teaches that our identityisnotwhatwecreate,butwhatwereceive.Beingmade male or female is not accidental—but part of God’s intentional,lovingdesign.BothreflectHisimagefully,equally, and beautifully.
Affirming this truth is not diminishing to anyone—but anchoring identity in something secure and unchanging in a world that feels unstable and fluid. Holding to this, we do so with grace—remembering: every person we meet is someone Jesus loves and died to save.
If we are not created, then we are not accountable. If we are not designed, then we have no defined purpose. If there is no Creator, then we become the authors of our own truth. Genesis calls us back to something better. You are not an accident. You are not random. You are known, formed, and loved by a personal God. This truth changes everything.
WhytheBeginningMatters
It’s easy to see the pattern. The Sabbath is neglected. Identity is redefined. Marriage is reshaped. Creation is questioned. What God established at the beginning is challenged in the present. And that’s not accidental. The enemy always targets the foundation. If the foundation is compromised, everything built upon it becomes unstable.
But here’s the hope: God’s truth has not changed—even if culture has. This is not a call to win arguments; it’s a call tocomehome.BacktotherhythmofSabbathrest.Backtothe security of God-given identity. Back to the beauty of covenant commitment. Back to the confidence that we are created by God on purpose.
As your pastor, my heart is not only that we believe these things—but that we live them. With humility. With compassion. With conviction. In a world full of noise, confusion, and pressure, Genesis offers us something steady. Perhaps today, more than ever, we need to return to “the beginning.” When we do, we don’t just find truth…We find God.
Angel-AirInc.
By Tom Arany
AGraceNote:Thisincidenthappenedlessthanayearago, just after writing the GN article “Mission Trips: Are They Worth It?” Does God take a personal interest in our efforts to spread the Gospel? I didn’t know how true that statement would become in my very near future.
I was following up on the place where I and Fletcher Academy students established an agricultural project at the Kimbia School in Guyana, South America in 2008-9. On discovering that the school had closed, I contacted the administrator at Bethany College, Calvin Bollers. We made plans for me to visit during mid-April, 2025. I purchased ticketsonAmericanAirlines(AA)toleaveAsheville(AVL) on Tuesday, April 15th, via Charlotte (CLT) and Miami (MIA).
On Thursday, April 10th, Calvin sent me an e-mail. Could I find two large tentstosleepupto12Pathfindersand bring them with me? They were planning to attend a Conference Camporee the week following my visit.Theyhadpaid$300USDforone tent, but couldn’t raise the money for the other two. The Arden Walmart had two tents at about $100 each. Aftersendinghimapictureofthebox label, he okayed the purchase. He suggested that if I repacked them out of the box and into my luggage, they would pass through customs with no trouble. With two large suitcases, my own medium suitcase, plus a carryonwithfood,andmypersonalitem,I arrived at the ticket counter in the Asheville airport.
The first two suitcases cost $35 each as anticipated. The third bag cost $200! The ticket agent suggested stuffing the two big suitcases to the full 50 pound limit, lightening the third suitcase. Then the agent said that if I was far back in the line (the overhead compartments now full), the third suitcase would be checked as an extra carryon with no fee. This actually happened – an even bigger savings for their Pathfinder Club. God provides – #1.
the AA flight next day and would arrive within ten minutes of my replacement flight.
While deplaning in Guyana the next evening, a passenger askedaboutthehatIwaswearingwith“KIMBIA‘08”onit. He thought he should know that name. At the same time, another passenger appeared behind him wearing a T-shirt saying“The7th DayistheSabbath–Ex.20:8-11.”Iaskedthe first fellow if he was a Seventh-day Adventist. He replied that he was but didn’t know the second passenger. When I said I was going to Bethany College, he knew that school, offered to meet me at the AA baggage claim, and help me through customs. God provides – #2.
Adreale met me as planned, but my bags were not there. I checked the Caribbean Air baggage carousel, but no luck. I returned to the AA carousel, it was empty; the baggage handlers were gone. Adreale stayed with my carry-ons while I went to the AA desk to file a missing baggage claim. The agent checked my baggage stubs and did some searching.ThebagswerestillinMiami,wouldcomeonthe next day’s flight, and would be brought to my hotel. I explained that tomorrow I would be 60 miles up the rivers inthejungleatBethanyCollege.Well,Icouldpickthemup at the airline desk later. And I thought, “But how will I get thetentsbacktoBethanyintimefortheircamporee?”Ihad no answers.
I returned to Adreale at the AA carousel. He asked me, “What are those three bags over there?” There they were! Right where I had been standing, watching the carousel. Obviously, they had arrived. But who had off-loaded them? The baggage handlers were gone. Neither Adreale nor I saw anyone carry them out. Yet there they were, sitting on the open floor to be easily seen. Someone suggested later that they arrived via “Angel Air.” God provides – #3.
By the time we reached customs, we were the last to go through. The clerk asked if I had any valuation over $1,000 USD. I said, “No.” We walked through. God provides – #4.
Upstairs I looked for my ride to the ferry. I said aloud, “The driver, from Gospel Ministries International (GMI), is named Harry and drives a white van.”
Adreale smiled. Harry was his friend, lived near him, and went to the same church. God provides – #5.
The CLT-MIA flight was delayed sufficiently that I missed my continuing flight to Guyana. The next day’s flight was full, so I received a replacement flight on Caribbean Airlines, but my bags were checked through to Guyana on
God had His people: an AA agent in Asheville, SDA strangers on the airline, a GMI support worker. God cared for us, suppling tents to a jungle Pathfinder club just before rainy season.
Let God and His “Angel-Air” delivery be praised!
FortheSavingof ManySouls
by Marilyn Bauer (edited for length by Max Hammonds)
At every Sabbath evening gathering of the families of the five sisters, Aunt Elsie – the youngest of the five –would exclaim, “Thank God for Mama,” then launch into the story of their mother.
Lena Katcher, a young Catholic immigrant Slovakian motheroffivedaughtersandoneson,livedwithherhusband in the Czechoslovakian tenements of Newark, New Jersey. Sheandherfriendsweresittingonthestoopoftheirbuilding, talking in Slovakian. A Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Bible worker,walkingby,spokeinSlovakianand asked if any of them would be interested in studying the Bible in their own language.
When Lena said yes, this lady came to the house weekly for studies. In addition, she taught Lena how to prepare on Friday for Sabbath, cleaning floors with her, assisting her to get all five girls’ hair done up for church, and helping prepare Sabbath food before sundown Friday night.
But the most meaningful activity Lena learned was the joy of family vespers at the close of Sabbath. She led this endeavor in their home as her husband continued his Catholic attendance. But he told his childrentodoeverythingtheirmothertold them. Under her leadership Grandma Katcher built a solid foundation of family worship for her daughters and their children – and for generations yet unborn.
school teacher. Her husband-to-be, David Bauer, although from an SDA home, had not experienced family worship. He was impressed by his experiences in the Haase home, sharing family vespers with guests and singing from “Christ in Song” songbooks.
When he and Marilyn married, they began life at ShenandoahValleyAcademy,NewMarket,VA;heasDeanof Boys and she as the elementary teacher in one room of the administration building. He enjoyed Marilyn’s leading their Friday evening family worship.
When Charles Randall Bauer was born December 31, 1964, he sat on his mother’s lap and participated in the family tradition of home worship. Throughout his sixteen years (at Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI) in grade school, academy, and college, Randy developed close bonds with many friends. But on Friday evening, no matter what other young people were planning, Randy’s habit was to be in his parents’ home for Friday night supper and family vespers.
Dave Bauer moved to a different administrative position at Hinsdale Hospital in the suburbs of Chicago, while Marilyn continued her work for the North American Division of SDA in textbook curricula, eventually allowing her to work from home. When Randy graduated, he and five classmates joined five previous graduates in jobs in Chicago. For the first year, Randy lived at home and worked in the hospital business office. Beginning his second year, Randy was promoted to office manager for the Family Practice residents’ program, moving into the hospital’s student housing. But Friday nights found Randy at his parent’s home for supper and family worship including Marilyn’s parents, now called Nana and Pop-Pop, living with the Bauers.
FourofthefivedaughtersmarriedSDAmen.Whereverthey lived, the aunties and the cousins always returned to New Jersey for marriages, funerals, and anniversaries. Arriving on Friday before supper, these families gathered for Friday evening vespers, church and dinner, and Sabbath evening family worship.
Helen – one of the five daughters – and her husband Walter Haase (pronounced Hays) continued this tradition in their homewiththeironlychild,Marilyn.Walterwassoaffectedby this tradition that he sold his business, returned to finish college, and became a pastor.
Marilyn attended Washington Missionary College in Takoma Park, MD (now Washington Adventist University) obtaining her degree and certification as an elementary
One of Randy’s friends, Randy Schultz, was getting in his flying hours to become instrument certified. He frequently took his friends – including Randy – flying on their day off.
One Friday night in February, Randy announced he would be flying to Wisconsin to go skiing on his paid day off with Randy Schultz and their friend John Tingzon. They would leave on Monday morning and return in the evening. Marilyn and Dave were concerned for him, but he assured them that Randy, was an extremely cautious pilot, even turning around once when the weather was questionable.
On Sunday, Randy came to borrow his father’s long underwear and say good-bye to everyone. In the hurry of the household, he was in his car going around the circular drive when Marilyn ran to the door to wave. He beeped his horn and ducked his head to see her and drove away. Everyone continued their weekend through Monday.
Tuesday morning, no one had heard from Randy. None of the boys had reported for work. The other parents had no news. It was so unlike the boys not to call or be absent from work without communicating.
After some initial calls, Dave called Marilyn and said, “This is the worst news of our lives. There was a plane crash and therearenosurvivors.”ThedatewasFebruary7,1989.Randy was just 25 years old.
The next Sabbath, the Hinsdale and Filipino-American churchesheldajointmemorialchurchservice.JohnTingzon, the Filipino boy, had married. His bride of one year sat with thegrievingparentsandgrandparentsoftheboysonthefront row.
In the following weeks, work continued. But on Sabbath, DaveandMarilynusuallyhadseveralfriendsofRandysitting with them and her parents in church, although few young people attended church or the Young Adult Sabbath School Class held next door in the church house.
The week before Mother’s Day, one of Randy’s long-time friends called. She and a few other girls – who knew Randy always came home for family worship – didn’t want Dave and Marilyn to be alone. While not knowing quite what to say, they came and shared Friday night vespers with the family. The next evening a young woman, on nursing duty the night before, called and arranged to take Marilyn and her mother to brunch. On the week before Father’s Day, another girl called and arranged for some friends to share that Friday night vespers with the Bauer family. On the way out, one young lady said to Dave, “It means so much to be with a family in a real home.”
Later, Dave said that he knew how to make a memorial for Randy. They should start a home vespers for Randy’s friends –with supper, with Nana and Pop-Pop, just like they did for Randy. And he would help with the preparations! The young people were invited the next month to supper to discuss his proposal to come once a month on Friday night. The Bauers would offer their home and prepare the supper. The young people would arrange the vesper program.
The Bauers invited a physician couple, Roland and Priscilla Lonser, to dinner to explain their need for help with their group of almost thirty attendees. The Lonsers were immediately excited. Soon the group was alternating between two sponsoring homes, growing to almost fifty attendees.
The vesper attendees – named the “20 Somethings” –formed a singing group, held a Chicago area MV rally, and began traveling to other area churches making Sabbath presentations. The conference president, Elder Bjarne Christiansen, asked them to lead the weekend young adult worship at camp meeting – and he and his wife, Judy, wanted to be the third sponsoring couple of the home vespers!
After thirty years, the home vespers “20 Somethings” held a reunion. Seventy people – only one-quarter actually knew Randy – were in attendance. The most common phrase heard was: “I would not be in the church now, if not for home vespers. We enjoyed the food, but we came for the home situation.”
Activities to come out of the home vespers included:
The Hinsdale Church nominating committee asked young adults to assume church responsibilities. The back left corner of the church filled with young adults and their families.
Dan Forde – from a couple who met in front of the Bauer fireplace – was asked to be an elder and asked the Bauers to be his mentor. On moving to another church, he and his wife began their home vespers called “Friday Circle” for their sons’ experience. One of his sons, not yet born when Randy died, moved to the Camelback SDA Church in Arizona and began a similar organization.
The young people loved the idea. With Eunice Wavamba as their chairman, they chose to meet in the family room because of the fireplace and have guitars for the musical accompaniment. That night the young people prayed to help fill the broken home circle. The Bauers prayed to live a life compelling in the Lord. Pop-Pop prayed that these home vespers would set a tradition to be carried into their homes when they were married.
Thus, even through the holidays, home vespers at the Bauers happened every month. When Dave suggested one night that they might bring a friend or two who needed a home environment, the group increased to twenty attendees. When Marilyn suggested that young adults should anchor themselves in an area church, they invited her to make that announcement in their growing church house Sabbath School class. And the Bauer family room accommodated the increased number who came for supper and vespers.
Dimitri Lespanasse – who met his wife in front of the Bauer fireplace – lives in the Tri-Cities area of N. Carolina. They began a Sabbath afternoon Bible study and activity, impacting a teacher in their school system who has two young adult sons.
The Bauers and the Lonsers agreed that the Friday night home vespers was the most satisfying, long-lasting experience ever in their years as church members. Genesis 50:20 – “You thought evil against me, but God meant it for good . . . to the saving of many souls alive.”
Because Lena learned about family worship, because the five sisters brought their families together every Sabbath evening, because Helen taught her daughter Marilyn and she, her son about Friday night vespers, because Randy made Friday night home vespers priority, Randy’s friends learned that family worship was critical for their families. And they are passing it on to their children – “for the saving of many souls.”
28Fundamentals:#25The SecondComingofChrist
Pawpaw (aka Albert Groot) opened his cellphone and found Mark’s number (his grandson, a junior in college).Hepressedthesmall,green“call”circleandwaited for Mark to answer.
“Hello, Pawpaw,” Mark answered around a mouthful of supper. “You know when my break time is, don’t you?”
“You told me you would be eating alone tonight.”
Mark smiled at his grandfather’s thoughtful regard for his time with Abigail. “Yes, Abby’s on a field trip, accompanying some first and second graders in Washington, D.C. Part of her Elementary Ed. Degree.”
“You got time to talk?”
“Sure, Pawpaw.” Mark swallowed. “You’re watching the news, aren’t you?”
“Yes.” Pawpaw’s voice was lower, quieter. “Yes, I am. What do you think?”
“I think the little two-horned beast of Revelation 13 is roaring like a dragon.” Mark was matter-of-fact and ardent.
“All the big, international wars we’ve been involved in before were started by someone else.”
“Except the Mexican War and the Spanish-American War,” Pawpaw interrupted.
“But they were fought in our hemisphere,” Mark retorted, but then added, “but you’re right about that timeinourhistory,they were dragon-like actions, making selfish demands, grabbing other people’s territory. Very dragon-like.”
belligerent, uncaring, hedonistic lifestyle of worldly people – most of the population – will clash more and more with theothers-focused,peaceful,compassionate,morallifestyle of God’s people – the remnant – until a final crisis of persecution and threatened violence becomes inevitable just before Jesus’ Second Coming.”
Pawpaw quickly responded, “And our SDA Church is teaching the Bible prophecies about the certainty and the signs of Jesus’ coming. But, Mark, I’m concerned about the remnant.”
Mark didn’t understand Pawpaw’s anxiety. “Pawpaw, we know the remnant has to describe the crisis to those who ask,‘What’shappening?’Theremnanthastogothroughthe crisis with everyone else and guide them through the crisis. The remnant survives, Pawpaw, to welcome Jesus at His Second Coming.” Mark swallowed again. “So, why are you concerned?”
Pawpaw, not his calm self, seemed more adamant. “You know that things can change in a heartbeat, Mark. We learned that from 9/11 and the COVID pandemic. In a heartbeat,airtrafficstoppedacrossNorthAmericain2001. In a heartbeat, the death toll climbed to astronomical levels in 2020, 21, and 22.”
Mark was becoming concerned. “And your point is?”
Pawpaw’stoneofvoicechanged,becamemorestrained,to the point of tears. “The remnant has two more things she has to do. She has to stop being apathetic Laodicea, stop acting like the world. And she has to develop that working relationship with the Holy Spirit which makes the work of the remnant possible. The crisis doesn’t create the remnant, Mark. The crisis reveals the remnant. She has to become the remnant before the crisis hits.
Pawpaw tried to explain. “I’m remembering Jesus’ warning: ‘Be on the alert.’ You know I don’t chase rumors nor choke on every sound bite. But I can’t ignore a continuous roar and a pattern of demanding and getting what we demand.”
Mark was quiet for a moment. “So . . . why did you call, Pawpaw? We’ve talked about all this before. What are you thinking about?”
NowPawpawwasquietbeforeheanswered.“I’mthinking about the remnant.”
Mark smiled and took another bite. “We’ve talked about that too, Pawpaw. You taught us that the self-focused,
“I don’t think we are ready, Mark. The dragon is roaring and we aren’t ready.”
MarkhadneverheardhisPawpaw express such uncertainty. “Pawpaw, don’t you think our church is doing that?AroundtheworldIhearabout centers of influence in cities and towns where by various means our members are contacting the general populace and discussing these very issues. I think we are more focused and more intentionally active than we have ever been.”
Pawpaw was holding his cell phone with both hands, speaking quietly. “I think that’s true, Mark. Around the world. But it’s not true . . . of my North American friends.”
“It’s not true for most of my friends either, Pawpaw.” Mark paused. “What can we do?”
“We can’t tell them; they won’t listen. But we can show them by our lifestyle. We have to show them.” Pawpaw was calmer. “That’s why I called. Thank you for listening.”
“Love you, Pawpaw.”
“Love you, too. Bye-bye.”
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
What does it mean to keep God at the center of our lives? It means the central purpose and guiding truth in our lives are directed by God. God is not a side project that we focus on only when He comes up in discussion or when it’s time to go to church. Jesus should be a part of our lives as fabric is woven into a coat. It’s part of our identity and who we are, and all we do should align with this identity.
Do you feel like God is the central guiding compass in your life? Share why or why not.
Name some activities that we might do first thing each morning to make God the central focus of our lives.
When we have God central in our lives, people see it. People who know us should be able to guess if we are going to react mercifully, graciously, and kindly or be profit-seeking, brutal, and judgmental. Many people will know not to ask us to do certain things that are not characteristic of Christian love or are against God’s commandments because they have witnessed the way we live our lives. They will also know to ask us when they need someone to pray for them or just want to hang out with someone who will be kind and supportive.
What specific behavioral patterns might people look for in order to recognize a kind, helpful, gracious person?
What activities throughout the rest of the day might help us keep God at the center of our thoughts and lives?
When we have God central in our lives, we consult Him on big decisions and when we are unsure of what to do next. We shouldn’t lean on our own understanding but rather seek the wisdom of our Creator. What we do, how we react to situations, how we treat people, what we believe about ourselves, how we perceive the world, and how we identify ourselves are all colored by our relationship with God and how Jesus Christ is our Savior and King.
Think of some of the decisions you’ve made lately. Were these usually made by aligning them with God’s purpose and guidelines? Name specific ways you could make God central to your planning in the future?
What specific requests we can make of the Holy Spirit to help ensure we keep God central in our thinking and in our behavior?
Let’s pray:
Father God, we thank You for always being available for us and having the Holy Spirit here to guide us. Help us to align our lives with You and the purpose you have for us. Help us to be a shining example of Jesus to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Digestion–Not SoSimple
Digestion is not a simplistic process. This process requires specialized alimentary canal sections – stomach, small intestine, liver, and pancreas, involving nerves, enzymes, hormones, and local glands – to carry out the complex physical/ chemical reactions changing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins intosmallmoleculesabsorbablebytheintestinalwallstructures. Digestion begins in the – brain! When we think about, see, smell, or taste food, our memory centers signal the appetite centers of the brain, stimulating both vagus nerves to alert the glands of the mouth (salivation) and the stomach (acid production) to prepare.
When food is tasted or chewing commences, the salivary glands are powerfully stimulated (vagus nerves) to produce copious mucus (mucus glands throughout the bowel make food slippery and protect body tissues from digestive enzymes), bicarbonate (to offset bacterial acids), and the enzyme ptyalin (αamylase) which begins to digest carbohydrates. Only 10-20% of carbohydrates are cleaved and some sugars absorbed in the mouth. Chewing separates large pieces of food into smaller pieces, making more surface area for enzyme digestion, mixing food with digestive enzymes.
Swallowing is a marvelously complex nerve/ muscle mechanism. Sensing food on the back of the tongue and throat, vagus nerves initiate rapid signals up and back, stimulating muscles to raise the voice box, closing the lid (epiglottis) over the trachea, backwardly thrusting the tongue, and opening the esophagus (the food tube) to receive the food bolus. Sensing food, the vagus nerves stimulate a wave of consecutive contractions of the muscles around the esophagus propelling the food downward. The coming wave signals (vagus nerves) the sphincter (circular band ofmuscle)atthestomachopeningtorelax,allowingthestomach to receive the food. This entire process happens in 1-2 seconds. Sensing food in the stomach, the vagus nerves (assisted by the localnerveplexusofthestomach)initiateawaveofcontractions toward the antrum (stomach’s far end), a folding and unfolding of the stomach walls, and a short reverse wave from the antrum back to the stomach body. This churning action thoroughly mixes the mucus, pepsin, intrinsic factor (essential to absorb B12), and hydrochloric acid – produced in specialized glands of the stomach wall – with the food into a paste-like substance called chyme.
These enzyme secretions are stimulated by the vagus nerves and the local nerve plexus. Vagal stimulus, histamine (from specializedcells),andgastrin(specialcellsintheantrumsensing protein products sends this hormone via the blood to the stomach) stimulate acid and intrinsic factor secretion. Stimulated by vagus nerves, secreted pepsinogen is converted to pepsinbytheacidenvironment(pHof2-3),chemicallycleaving protein into shorter segments.
The exit of the stomach (pylorus) – a circular ring of muscle –is opened by contractions of the stomach (pyloric pump) graduallyemptyingchymeintotheduodenum,thefirstsegment of the small intestine. A distended duodenum or irritants (acid or protein/fat digested products) send local nerve plexus signals to slow or stop stomach emptying. In addition, hormones (primarily cholecystokinin – CCK) from the intestinal mucosa (stimulated by acid or protein/fat products) travel by the blood stream to inhibit stomach emptying.
The stomach empties in 2-4 hours when food is mostly carbohydrate, with fats or proteins, extended to 5-7 hours.
Sensing protein/fat or acid, special cells in the duodenum release hormones (secretin, CCK) traveling via the blood to stimulate the pancreas to secrete bicarbonate to neutralize acid, amylasetodigestcarbohydrates,lipasetodigestfats,andtrypsin, chymotrypsin, and carboxypolypeptidase to partially digest proteins.Thelivermanufacturesbilesalts–stored in the gall bladder – which emulsify (like detergent) fats into small particles to allow digestion by pancreatic lipase. Secretin stimulates thelivertosecretebicarbonateandCCKcontracts the gall bladder, dumping bile salts through the bile duct to join the pancreatic duct in a common pathway to the duodenum.
By its tortuous length, multiple infoldings (villi) interiorly, and the tiny brush border on the surface of each cell, the small intestinal absorbing surface approximates the size of a tennis court. Specialized cells of this surface secrete mucus (slipperyandclosecontact)andenzymestodigest substances as they are being absorbed: sucrase, maltase, isomaltase, and lactase to digest carbohydrates; peptidases to digest small protein particles into amino acids; lipase to split fatty acids from triglycerides which are encapsulated into water soluble bile salts micells (spheroids) for absorption.
The secretion of mucus, enzymes, hormones, electrolytes, and waterproduce6.7litersoffluid(1¾gallons),allbut200ccbeing reabsorbed. The necessity of drinking sufficient water daily is obvious. The critical vagus nerve function reveals the disaster of abrainstemstroke,necessitatingexcellentcardiovascularhealth. The necessity of acid, chloride, bicarbonate, and proper nerve function suggests the critical role of fruits and vegetables. A healthy lifestyle plays a critical role in assuring the health of this complex bodily function. “We are awesomely and wonderfully made” Psalm 139:14.
Bible Crypto-Families
Each Family is a list of words from the Scripture reference in the NASB. Each Family has its own code. When you have identified a word, use the known letters to help decode the other words in the Family. Clue: The most frequently used letter in the word lists usually equals E.
John 15:1-2 Clue: U=N
John 15:4-5 Clue: J=T
Z P S O G N W O K
C A U O V G A A L J
X W Z L O P W J F K C B
C A U O N P O H H O P A K W J T K Z
I P W U F L E A C K F F
I O W P H N Z G A V T K F
B P S U O H S E V T
X P S A Z A L J T W A M
John 15:8-9 Clue: R=I
John 15:10-11 Clue: S=K
V G F Z R A R N X S W W X
C B R K Q J E E U C N E W C D K
Q N J Z U I F N W
W Z F O N B J Y W
X R K L R W G N K S W X D
M E K C D P F C A K
G F O N X K X J S W C
J Q R X N O J R
ExperiencingGod’s Abundancein TimesofNeed
by Raquel Santillana
(Adapted by Gloria Allen from notes by Cuban Missionary Barbara Folkenberg, March 2008)
It was the last weekend of the month. As I prepared our Sabbath meal, I stood before my pantry staring at emptyshelves.RationsprovidedbytheCubanCommunist government had run out, leaving only two cups of rice, a little oil, and a partial loaf of bread. From my garden I harvestedagreenplantain,twotomatoes,andasmallhead of lettuce. This was all the food I had to feed Hugo, my pastorhusband,mydaughterLena,andmyself–forFriday night, Sabbath, and Sunday. Usually we welcomed visitors for Sabbath dinner, but “Not this Sabbath,” I thought to myself. I cooked the rice and used one tomato to make a salsa for six small meatballs fashioned from the plantain. I explained our situation to Hugo, asking him not to invite anyone for Sabbath dinner. He understood. Unexpected Guests
Later,thedoorbellrang.Ayoungmanfrom a distant city had come to visit a young lady in our church. We had previously invited him to stay with us whenever he visited. But whytoday?Irealizedwewouldhavetoshare what we had.
While he showered, I quickly prepared a glass of water with sugar and a slice of bread for our family supper. When our visitor emerged from the bathroom, I served him a little rice, two plantain balls, and a leaf of lettuce,explaining,“We'vealreadyhadoursupper;wehave toleaveearlyfortheFridaynightyouthmeeting.”Arriving at church, I learned the girl he had come to visit was out of town. “Oh no! He will be eating lunch with us,” I thought. Sabbath morning my husband suggested a solution: “Let's tell him we are fasting today; you can give the food to him and Lena.”
I was in the seminary, many times they invited me to their home for Sabbath dinner. We have to take them home.”
My immediate reaction was desperation, but Bible stories flashed through my mind – manna in the wilderness, the widow's oil and flour, a boy's lunch – and the promise: “Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Trusting in the Lord, my Provider, I answered confidently, “Sure, invite them home. The Lord will provide.”
Turning to Faith
Goingtomykitchen,Ikneltinfrontofmystoveonwhich those two little pots with almost no food in them sat. I prayed, “Lord, here are my loaves and fishes. You have asked me to feed these five guests. I give you what I have. You do the rest.”
While the rice and plantain balls warmed, I retrieved the small head of lettuce and the tomato. Walking to the china cabinet, I reached for a small salad bowl, but I seemed to hear, “Where is your faith? Haven't you asked Me to multiply your food? You need a larger bowl – enough for all the people and some left over.”
“Forgive me, Lord,” I said, retrieving my largest bowl. Peelingofftheleavesoflettuce,Iwashedandcuttheminto mybowl,nevernoticingthattheheadoflettucewasalways the same size as more and more leaves came off. When I got to the last leaf, the bowl was completely full. When I cut the tomato, it remained the same size until there wasenoughtocombinewiththelettuce for a nice salad. The same with the small piece of bread! I cut slice after slice until I filled the basket.
My faith growing, I chose a big servingdishfortherice,laughingwhen I compared it with the little kettle. As I scooped out the rice, the same amount remained in the kettle, until the dish was completely full. Amazingly there was still rice in the pot. “Lord, you're providing for these people and for us tomorrow!” I imagined Him smiling. I knew there were only four little plantain balls when I put them on the stovetowarm.Withalargebowlonthe counter, I removed the lid from the small pot - it was full of plantain balls! And enough left for Sunday.
In the living room I said, “Honey, I know you were planning to fast today, but since we have these beloved brethrenwithus,whydon'tyoujoinusfordinner?Youcan fast another time.” He looked at me as if to say, “Are you out of your mind?”
In church Sabbath morning, I noticed a visitor with a young child who had brought his older son to a nearby hospital. “Two more for lunch!” I thought. Later Hugo whispered, “There is a couple visiting from Havana. When
As our visitors washed their hands, I led my husband to the dining room. Showing him the full dishes, I saw tears of joy and gratitude run down his cheeks. It was indeed a Sabbath of thanksgiving!
Our family focus this month features new members Yaroslav and Olha who joined theArdenSeventh-dayAdventistChurchinSeptember2025.
Yaroslav and Olha were both born and raised in Ukraine. He has one younger brother; she has two older brothers and one younger brother. Olha is a third generation Seventhday Adventist (SDA). Yaroslav grew up Catholic but became an Adventist prior to their marriage.
Yaroslav graduated from Ruske Pole Secondary School in Ukraine, earning a Master’s Degree in Architecture from the National University of Lviv in Ukraine. He works as a mechanic.
Olha graduated from Bedevlya Secondary School, and earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Ivan Franko National University of Lviv in the Ukraine. She taught grade school for one year before moving to the US. She speaks three languages: Ukrainian, Russian, and English.
YaroslavandOlhametthroughhismotherwhoknewherfromtherestaurantwhereshe worked. They dated for one and a half years and have been married ten years. They have lived in Ukraine, Czech Republic, Poland, and Israel. In Ukraine they ran a business selling household products, including dairy free and sugar free foods. When war broke out in Ukraine, they moved to the United States – and in 2022 to the Asheville area where they had friends.
Yaroslav’shobbiesincludeworkingoutatthegymand eating nutritious, healthy food. Olha loves to sing (has sung for our church) and plays the saxophone. They travel to Hilton Head Island for vacations and to New York City every Christmas.
Olha shared their beautiful testimony of putting full trust in God through a difficult period: “We wanted to be parents but were unable to do so for nine years. We went through a long journey of treatment and experiencedamiscarriage.Wewenttoarecommended clinic and were told the cost was $15,000–$20,000. We and our families prayed. At the clinic, the doctor told us more than $40,000. We were shocked.AfterfailingtogetaloanbecausewewerenotU.S.citizens,wecontinuedtopray.
“Eventually, one credit union approved half the amount with collateral, and the other halfGodprovidedthroughakindandgenerousfriendwhoheardaboutoursituationand felt this was a miracle.
“We asked Pastor Eric to anoint us and placed our full trust in God’s hands. The one friendwhoknewabouttheanointinghadlostfaithinGod,soIsharedwithheraboutour church and God. The evening of the anointing, she sent a photo of our Arden church, a rainbow above it, and said, ‘This is a sign for you.’
“Before the procedure, I sang in church the song ‘I Surrender All’. Ten days later, we were to find out the result. I started having doubts and shared my fears with Yaroslav. He said, ‘We have a strong child, and she will live—you’ll see. Look at the miracles God has done for us this past year. Everything will be okay.’ That gave me peace.
“Finally,theawaiteddaycame.Iwenttotheclinicandtookapregnancytest,thendrove toYaroslav’swork.Theofficialresultscamein–wearepregnant!Wefeeljoyandgratitude toGodforsuchagift.Godheardeveryprayer,saweverytear,andgaveusamiracleinHis perfect timing.”
Looking for a church where they felt “at home,” they visited around but found their “at home” church at Arden! They immediately felt welcomed. The people were so friendly, and Pastor Eric was absolutely amazing, as were his sermons and friendliness. We are so happy to welcome Yaroslav and Olha to the Arden church family!
Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church
Is a Safe Place to Grow. Our Purpose is, by God’s Grace, to reflect His character in our community, to demonstrate a quality of life that will attract all to be reconciled to Jesus Christ, and to
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Comments, suggestions and praises are always welcome. Please email or contact the church office.
Services each Saturday morning: Sabbath School Bible Study, 9:30 a.m. Worship Service, 10:45 a.m.
Location: 35 Airport Road, Arden, NC 28704
Located on Highway 280, (Airport Road), 1.5 miles east of I-26 exit 40, and a quarter mile west of Highway 25.
Church Office: Office Manager: Sharlene Bliven
Office Secretary: Summer Cronin Telephone: (828) 684-6700
Email: office@ardenadventist.org
Website: www.ardenadventist.com
Office Hours: Mon., Wed., Thurs.,9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Arden Adventist Pastoral Staff: Senior Pastor: Eric Bates, D. Min. Email: ebates@carolinasda.org
Associate/Youth Pastor: Rich Maskelony, M .Div. Email: rmaskelony@carolinasda.org
GraceNotesis published monthly by the Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church. Subscription is free by calling or emailing the office.†Doyou have questions about what Adventists believe? Would you like to become a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church? Would you like to study the Bible? You are invited to attend a Pastor’s Bible Study Class. Please call for location and time. All are always welcome.
† Disclaimer—The contents of Grace Notes, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained in this magazine of the Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church are for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider, who is knowledgeable and experienced in the use of specific medical or Lifestyle Medicine interventions, or about questions you may haveregardingamedicalcondition.Neverdisregardprofessional medical advice, or delay in seeking it, because of information published in this magazine. Neither Grace Notes nor the Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church recommend or endorse any specific tests, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned in published articles. Relianceonanyinformationprovidedissolelyatyourownrisk. If you have a medical emergency, call your healthcare provider or911immediately.
TOO GOOD TO BE FALSE
It’s the critic’s counterclaim, the “faithful doubter’s” last redoubt:
“Say less about the grace of God, and more of human duty.”
Afraid that others may secure by gift what they haven’t won by long, intensive effort, persistent voices challenge those who speak and preach of grace.
“You make it all too easy,” they complain. “Where’s the struggle, pain, and sacrifice? Where are the nights of deep uncertainty when you despair of ever being right with God?”
There’s just one answer for such fears, and it originated in the mind of God: “God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God” (Eph 2:8).
Only the Word that comes from God can overcome the human pride that needs its efforts recognized. The apostle Paul, filled with the truth that rests in God, emphatically declared: “For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law” (Rom 3:28).
Those who truly grasp God’s grace are never slow to live His love. The life of holiness begins when we receive what we can never earn. So stay in grace.
-Bill Knott
QUINOA AND ROASTED SQUASH WITH PEPPERS
The ancient grain called quinoa has a history that stretches back 3,000 years to South America, yet still elicits quizzical looks and odd pronunciations (it’s KEEN-wa). This relative of beets and spinach, high in protein and gluten-free, has a nutty, creamy consistency and makes for a great base for slow-roasted vegetables with their own smoky, rich Hlavors.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 10 (1/2 cup) servings
Recipe Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa, dry
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 3/4 cups water
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1/3 cup yellow squash, chopped
1/2 cup plum tomato, chopped
1/3 cup zucchini squash, chopped
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup scallions, cut into ¼ inch bias cut
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup Italian parsley, chopped
2 cups butternut squash, chopped 2 tablespoons lemon juice dash of nutmeg
Instructions:
Follow the prep technique next to each ingredient. Preheat oven to 350˚F. In a medium sauce pan with a lid place water and bring to a boil. Add the quinoa and bring it back to a boil. Cover and lower heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Fluff quinoa and set aside.
Meanwhile season the yellow and zucchini squash with salt and pepper, spray nonstick cooking spray on the vegetables and place on prepared sheet pan. Season the butternut squash with nutmeg and place on prepared sheet pan. Roast vegetables in the oven for approximately 12-15 minutes. The butternut squash may take around 20 – 25 minutes depending on the oven.
In a skillet sauté the red peppers, tomatoes and Scallions in olive oil until fragrant, add lemon juice and paprika. Combine cooked quinoa with all the vegetables, fold in the parsley and serve.
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