Skip to main content

Times and Seasons .

I have always thought that this passage from the book of Ecclesiastes, written by the very wise Solomon, is one of the most beautiful segments of the Bible. 

1. To everything there is a season,
                 A time for every purpose under heaven:
2 A time to be born,
               And a time to die;
A time to plant,
              And a time to pluck what is planted;
3 A time to kill,
              And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
              And a time to build up;
4 A time to weep,
              And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
             And a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones,
            And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,
            And a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to gain,
            And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
             And a time to throw away;
7 A time to tear,
             And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence,
            And a time to speak;
8 A time to love,
            And a time to hate;
A time of war,
              And a time of peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
 
The preacher read this at my Grandpa Gean's funeral.  I was fourteen, and not very familiar with scripture.  Even on that sad day, this passage was so beautiful that my spirit grabbed it and has never let go.

 

 
This passage is more familiar than some parts of the Bible, in part because Pete Seeger put it to music in 1959.  He recorded it in 1962, but it wasn't until it was covered by the Byrds in 1965 that it became a national hit. Most people could sing along with it, some not realizing that they were quoting scripture almost word for word as they sang.
 
In the coming days, I hope to use this passage of scripture to try and understand the times and seasons.  Please join me.  I always welcome your ideas and thoughts on whatever I write here.
 

 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6jxxagVEO4&list=AL94UKMTqg-9AFStqCb-gKOT90SXkZtj1_

Comments

  1. lil red henJanuary 18, 2013 at 11:23 AM

    Yes, he was a wise man, writing so many things that fit today perfectly. I love watching the moon as it comes to be full and then slowly back to the new moon, and the sun, as it creeps into the south windows in the winter, then backs up until in June there's only a sliver on the window sill. Aren't we blessed!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Faith, Folklore, and FriendsJanuary 18, 2013 at 1:25 PM

      Yes, we are a blessed people! Thanks for reading and commenting!

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Amish in Stantonville, Tennessee

Last week, my sis and her hub went with us to the Amish community near Stantonville, Tennessee.  It was a beautiful day, and we love driving to new places and finding new treasures.  We enjoy these mini-trips we take together, where we giggle a lot and get caught up on everything.  Also, the squirrels ate all our tomatoes, so we needed to find some to buy. You know the food you are buying is fresh when they bring it from the field while you are standing there waiting for it. Here is part of what we brought home, and it was all delicious. Stantonville is located in McNairy County, Tennessee, northwest of Shiloh National Military Park.
Post a Comment
Read more

Holy Smoke Pie

I think it was in the late seventies that I first had Holy Smoke Pie.  It was at a party at Debra Morris Harville's house.  After we ate, Debra had to give the recipe to everyone there.  I came home and made it for my family, and it has been a favorite since then.  I always make it at holiday dinners, because I believe tradition is important.  It has become a favorite of our granddaughters. I've heard it called Chocolate Delight, Four-Layer Chocolate Dessert, and other odd things.  We call it Holy Smoke.  Here is how I make it: Chop us a cup of pecans; set aside. Add a stick of softened butter (NOT margarine) to one cup of self-rising flour. Cut the butter into the flour. Add the chopped pecans, and work it all together. Save two tablespoons of the pecans to sprinkle on top. Pour into a 9" x 12" pan that has been sprayed with cooking oil. Spread it over the bottom of the pan.  It helps to use your hands (or hand, if you have t
Post a Comment
Read more

Cedar Trees in Cemeteries

If you ever wander in old cemeteries, and I know many of you do, you are bound to see some cedar trees. The tradition goes back to the early days of the United States and even earlier  in Europe.  Cedar trees were not always used, but some type of evergreen trees were planted because they were a symbol of everlasting life.  Some  Cherokees believed that cedars contained powerful spirits, including the spirits of the departed buried beneath them. Perhaps because they are known as burial trees, there are many superstitions that surround cedars.  My grandmother told us in no uncertain terms that if we planted a cedar tree, we would die when it was large enough to shade our graves. Some others are: Never transplant a cedar tree; it will bring bad luck. If you transplant a cedar and it dies, you will die shortly. Planting a cedar tree in your yard welcomes poverty. Some say Christ was crucified on a cedar tree, and will bring bad luck if you burn it. If a cedar tree com
1 comment
Read more