A.I. Chatbot Preaches at Church in Germany: ‘Looks Like the Unveiling of the Antichrist/Beast System’ | CBN News
A unique sermon was delivered via artificial intelligence Friday in a Lutheran church in Germany. A ChatGPT chatbot asked the people in the fully packed St. Paul's Church in the town of Fuerth to rise from the pews and praise the Lord.
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Winter Memories
During a conference at Glen Eyrie, I was challenged to write about lifting something heavy. Have I ever lifted anything heavy? A box of books, armoires, beds and bulky furniture to clean, boxes to relocate into a new place, or a shovel of wet spring snow. Of these,
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Winston Churchill
During World War II, in the face of bombing and short supplies, England stood alone against Germany. The survival of the nation was decided in those early days. If fear took hold, the country would surrender under the continued assault. Winston Churchill stepped forward for this hour of trial with a strong, bulldog determination against Adolf Hitler and the Nazis.
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Will the Inspector Discover Sweet Fruit?
When talking about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Frank would ask people what kind of fruit did the couple eat? An individual would respond, “an apple.” Frank would vehemently disagree, responding, “It was a pineapple.” With this response there would be a discussion regarding why each one chose the variety of fruit they did. Frank had a long-standing disagreement, at least his stomach did, with pineapple. The Bible doesn’t indicate whether Adam and Eve ate a pineapple or an apple. It could have been any attractive fruit, thereby disqualifying the Ugli fruit. Ha!
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Whodunit?
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express is a classic British “whodunit”. Thirteen people plus Hercule Poirot embark on the luxury Calais coach from Istanbul to Paris. During the journey and in the middle of the night, one of the passengers is murdered with subterfuge, smoke and mirrors. While the train is stalled in a snowdrift, Poirot employs his “little grey cells” to discern the who, what, where, when, how and why of the enigmatic conundrum.
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What is the fear of God?
When I was a child, my brother, Mark, and I, decided to ask for a plaything called the “Bolo Bouncer.” It consisted of a ball attached by a piece of elastic to a ping pong shaped paddle. My mom and dad were glad to buy the new toy for us. Unfortunately, the staple holding the elastic to the apparatus broke; but when it could no longer be used for a toy, it became an instrument of punishment.
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Valley or Mountain
From the time I was a child, my guardian, Apollonia, told me to beware the Mountain people. Because their appearance, clothes and houses were different from ours, they could not be trusted. I accepted these instructions and trusted Apollonia’s words as truth. On the occasions when the Mountain people came to the valley, the facial expressions, clothing and mannerisms would frighten us; we would hide ourselves under barrels, in flax piles, any secret place available. The light from their eyes could pierce our souls and wither the bravest valley soldier.
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Under Construction
Summer is the time for cone zones and warning signs of road construction or destruction depending on the perspective. There will be inconvenience with detours driving out of the way to reach the destination, traffic jams, stops and starts making me late for an appointment and there is the mess, dust and dirt, holes, changing of lanes and low speed limits.
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To Be or Not to Be
Hamlet, while examining a skull, in Act III, Scene i, begins his soliloquy where he reveals his contemplation of suicide with the famous “To be, or not to be, that is the question: …” Over the centuries since Shakespeare wrote this tragedy, the above quote has been parodied countless times, bandied about as two opposites from which to choose or “should I or shouldn’t I.
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The Pen & The Page
In a gesture to inspire my prose and reward myself with a Birthday Present with lasting ripples improving the creative process, I attended a workshop at General Palmer’s Castle with Tricia Lott Wolliford, who greatly surpassed my expectations! The simple recommendation to write ten minutes a day revolutionized my thinking.
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The Grapes
The Pacific Coast League annually held a General Managers’ meeting at a location decided on by its Directors. In October 2019, the last such gathering, the group’s destination was Napa Valley, California. Because it was in my job description to plan such meetings,
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Thanksgiving’s Four Hundredth Anniversary
Four hundred years ago the surviving Plymouth Colony of 44 persons paused to share a meal with their native neighbors, Samoset, Squanto, and 90 others, giving thanks to God for their first harvest in the New World. No record of prayers offered in 1621 exists; however, in 1623 Governor William Bradford issued a proclamation for a day of thanksgiving as recorded in his journal Of Plimouth Plantation, as follows:
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Shall I Wash or Dry?
The Bible Conference hosted winter snow camps for church groups during January through March of each year. Since Frank lived at the conference when not in school, he had assigned chores like the other full-time staff. Generally, he maintained the facilities, but for the weekends, it was all hands-on deck to accomplish feeding a group of 100 people. After meals, Frank could be found with his arms elbow deep in soapy water scrubbing pots and pans. Should anyone venture in his direction and ask the manliness of doing dishes, he would jovially reply, “Mine is not to reason why, mine is but to wash and dry.” The individual would chuckle, moving away. While smiling, Frank would continue with his assignment with a joyous enthusiasm.
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Service and Abilities
Mother’s Day was delayed this year, well at least for me. My desire was to be with my Mom to present the aforementioned washcloth. Mom likes handmade items. The problem arises when she says, “It’s too pretty to use.” Please use it Mom! It wasn’t meant to lay on display and collect dust or be framed. It was designed to be employed in scrubbing dishes.
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Seasons in Colorado
Roasting at a football game, Freezing at a baseball one, Listen' to autumn leaves fall, Crunching crusted snow o’er the lane, Whispering boughs in the late afternoon.
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Out of Sync
During the last few months, conditions have been less than normal for most people around the country. I would say this is probably an understatement of huge proportions! However, as a result, without adding hours to the day,
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My Mom, Janet, an Amazing Woman, Serving Her Family and Others
On Monday, November 29, the Lord desired my mom, Janet Ruth Peiffer, to come home to Him. She entered His presence free from the struggles of this life, but this sudden promotion shocked and rocked the family. Mom was the link between us all. Weekly we gathered around the Sunday dinner table talking about the happenings in our individual worlds, connecting over homemade pie with lots of laughter and even some tears.
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Random Acts of Kindness or Spiritual, Continual Kindness
Saturday, November 13, has been set aside as the International Day of Kindness to plant seeds of kindness by doing good. Various organizations have begun non-profits for the sole purpose of encouraging people to help others without expecting anything in return.
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Rachel Scott, Remembered Before Congress December 16, 2012, Darrell Scott’s Perspective
Guess our national leaders didn’t expect this. On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado, was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee’s subcommittee. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful.
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Philanthropy on Steroids
Philanthropy in the United States became front page news during the early 1900’s with men like J. Pierpont Morgan, John D. Rockefeller, and Andrew Carnegie, donating large sums to non-profit enterprises. All three of these and several others were classified as “robber barons” because of the wealth they accumulated through their employees’ labor.
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Orb, Crown, and Scepter
Frank and I enjoyed traveling together pursuing insight in North American history. The favored destination was the British Isles. On our 25th wedding anniversary, we took our first trip to England, Scotland and Wales touring castles, grand houses and churches.
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Ode to Scent
One summer long ago, the Peiffer clan took out the Silver Eagle camper to Black Moshannon State Park. After spending a leisurely day hiking and enjoying the scenery, we returned to the campsite. Upon arrival several “guests” were roaming around the area looking for anything edible.
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Nicke
Today she went to sleep and is playing catch again with Frank. She had a full, loving life, and was a wonderful dog, the best dog I ever had. She will be greatly missed.
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Neighborhood Softball
One summer the neighbors hosted an extended family barbeque for Memorial Day. Part of the day included feasting on the typical picnic fare including watermelon and ice cream. However, after the food disappeared, came the main event, the obligatory softball game.
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My Valentine
Many years ago, I was given a very special valentine. It was a one-time gift to be good for every following year. The basis of the card was Frank thought he would not need to buy another for the rest of our marriage.
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My Sister, Julie
Today is a special day, her birthday! Happy Birthday youngster!
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Listening Skills Matter
A few weeks ago, I came across the devotional below by James Banks published by Our Daily Bread. I thought it was worth posting on the Little Sheep Blog for my readers.
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Lion, Turtle, Hare, or Water Buffalo, O My, What a Dilemma!
In any conflict, two types of people exist in the world and possibly a third, the confronter, the avoider and the defender. A Confronter, who I’ll call “Lion” will go immediately into the fray to express a point of view.
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Knitting, Weaving & Grinning – Why I Believe in the Creator God
While cooped up here at home, I’ve made progress on several projects. Number one on the list was to finish warping my Schacht loom with Cotton 10/8 for a set of dish towels. This was a weave along with Liz Gipson in the Spring 2018, I think. However, not being one to rush anything, I waited until my winding frame arrived. Well,
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Journaling
There are many forms of journaling including art, bullet, diary, food, gratitude, scrapbook, writing and others that I haven’t yet discovered. These can be divided into two types: recording the past and planning the future. Recording the past has been with us since the beginning of time and writing.
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Is the Fruit Good or Bad?
Have you ever listened in on a debate about whether a tomato is a fruit or a vegetable? It’s one example of a fruit that is often confused for a vegetable. To properly classify a fruit, it must have seeds and develop from the flower on the plant. A vegetable comes from any other part of the plant, i.e.,
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Inquisitive Explorer
The world through this child’s eyes was a laboratory of exploration. Pleasure in creation was around every leaf, both tree and book. When I was a toddler, every vision was a learning opportunity. Sometimes the lessons would hurt. For instance,
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Have You Found Perfect Peace?
In 1914 war was declared by Germany on France and much of the other countries of Europe. Men volunteered or were drafted for the armies on both sides. Upon the surrender of Germany, the nations met to sign the Treaty of Versailles resulting in what many believed to be the permanent end of hostilities.
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Deep Roots
A few Januarys ago, hurricane force winds swept through Colorado Springs leaving behind downed trees, battered power lines and construction debris blocking streets and littering yards all over the City.
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COVID-19, Easter Will Not Be Cancelled
The news reports, Facebook posts, app after app declares we’re closed, our events are cancelled until the Governor, President or WHO announces all is clear and we need not fear. Disease, pestilence and sickness cannot stop the triumph of Easter, the victorious cries of the saints, Hallelujah, He is risen! He is risen, indeed!
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Claddagh
While browsing through Irish gift shops several years ago, I spotted a Claddagh ring pronounced “klad-uh” which symbolizes friendship, loyalty and love. The symbolism originated in a village of the same name in the Galway region.
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Christmas
This week my brother, Mark, sent out an email to the family explaining the reason for a celebration at Christmas. Without Christ’s death, burial and resurrection at Passover, we have no reason to be joyful. According to Paul in I Corinthians 15:19 KJV,
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Brrrrrr!
April 3, 2020 Colorado Springs’ wildlife was dealing with snow. Even the robin, the harbinger of Spring, was coping with the colder temperatures. Really not that unusual for the mountains for pre-Memorial Day.
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Be Like Daniel
While scrolling FB, I encountered a cogent presentation for the believer’s life in unsettling times. Below is the article by Arianna Freelen. “My Granny told me throughout my adolescent years- “Be like Daniel.” As we ended our phone conversations, as I hurried off to school,
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Spitting Contest Between a Captain and a Light Keeper
An anecdote possibly familiar to you is the classic standoff between two objects one foggy night. The seasoned captain sees a light in the distance, radios and tells the operator to change course to avoid a collision. The operator returns the call, telling the captain to change course by 15 degrees.
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The Character of Two Colonies, Jamestown and Plimouth Plantation
In the early years of the American colonies, two settlements were established, one in 1607 named after King James I, Jamestown, and the other in 1620 started by Separatists (outsiders to the Church of England) along with investors who agreed to the Mayflower Compact. The second English enclave was named after the sailing port, Plymouth.
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2022 Resolutions, Goals, Where have they gone by February 1
A month of 2022 has passed us by very quickly; any New Year’s resolutions have probably gone by the wayside by February 1. I’ve been in the habit of making “goals” because my resolutions fall like toy soldiers within the first week of the year.
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A neglected bush or a fruitful shrub? Which variety are you?
Looking at the overgrowth next to my mom’s house, I couldn’t help but wonder why there were no flowers present on this specimen of forsythia. It had debris stuck in the straggly limbs and was generally unkempt and scraggly.
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Arctic Blast, Robin, Second Spring, and Roots
Two days ago, a bird was hoping to get into the house, flying against the window and the screens, trying every way possible to get out of the chill. The poor creature must have been cold with the Arctic blast which swept into the area over night, blowing snow and icy winds. Sometimes I feel […]
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Teach or Write Which Shall It Be
Over the last couple of months, I’ve had the opportunity to teach a Ladies’ class at church. The general plan was to use the things written for Ramblings and Ruminations as material for the lessons which would leave time to write for the blog. Well, you know that the best laid plans of mice and […]
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Tools of the Trade for Gardening: A Pruner, Lopper, Root Extractor, Hoe, Hand Rake, Ties
After a long winter, I walked into my yard to unwind, but my expectation of relaxation was quickly lost by the multitude of weeds, stray limbs, and overgrowth. The past season’s debris was simply inconceivable. Shaking my head in dismay, I shuffled to the garden shed to retrieve my hand tools. Equipped with these items, […]
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Israel’s Protection
Pray for the redemption of Israel. Pray for Israelis to believe on their Messiah, Yeshua. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
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God Calls Them By Name
The absolutely amazing intelligence of God is on display in His naming ALL the stars. Man has decided to give stars numerical names because of the sheer volume of lights. What a supremely awesome God we serve!
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Thanksgiving’s Inauguration as a Special Day of Remembrance, Repentance, and Thanks
Over the last few months, I have been extremely busy with relocation back to Colorado Springs. The scurrying and frenzy to accomplish the packing, loading, unpacking, sorting, etc. occupied much of my time the last three months. However, today is the day we stop and remember the gifts God has provided over the last year. […]
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Glory
A mid-July five years ago, the Triple-A Leagues held their summer classic, the Triple-A All-Star Game in the Northwest. During this extravaganza, the team and league office executives were treated to a tour of the Chihuly Glass works. As part of the tour, the glassblowers demonstrated creating one colorful piece for a larger art installation. […]
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The Coach’s Pep Talk for Friday Night under the Lights
Friday night under the lights, is a common occurrence on many high school football fields. There’s a lot of action on the grid iron, some with the pigskin and also on the sidelines. A worthy coach pulls aside a player, talks to him about the game plan, shares encouragement to get his efforts focused, corrects […]
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Wanderer, Alien, Stranger, Sojourner or Settler, Citizen, Resident, Native
Today many military families would classify themselves as nomads because of the multiple deployments overseas, most without family. When they are back in the USA, they rarely get an opportunity to spend more than three years in one spot. Sometimes those stops are more like setting up camp for three months, then removing to another […]
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