Verse of the Day 7.24.25

"I have fought the good fight,  finished the race, kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the Crown 👑 of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

    -2 Tim 4:7-8

a congressman since 2011 (CRC , Calvin) "Bill Huizenga won’t run for Michigan Senate" -

https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/07/23/congress/bill-huizenga-michigan-senate-00470679 

"

Born to a family of Dutch Americans, Huizenga is the co-owner and operator of Huizenga Gravel Company, a family business in Jenison, Michigan. In the early 1990s, he worked in real estate. He left real estate in 1996, becoming an aide to U.S. representative Pete Hoekstra..."

Winsome Earle-Sears - authored a Christian self-help book, 'Stop Being a Christian Wimp!' 😁😆😅👍

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winsome_Earle-Sears 

"

Sears is married to Terence Sears.[49] She has had three daughters. One of Sears's daughters died in a 2012 car crash, along with Sears's two granddaughters.[50] As of 2016, she and her family resided in Winchester.[51] She is a devout Christian,[52] and authored a Christian self-help book, Stop Being a Christian Wimp!, before entering politics.[53][

How did Average Dude Dan Dekam become the head honcho & CRCNA bigwig ? B/c he married a Borgdorf ?

How did Average Dude Dan Dekam become the head honcho & crcna bigwig ? Because he married a Borgdorf ?

"delegates concerned that shifting offices closer to Calvin U& Seminary could reinforce a Grand Rapids-centric culture, potentially alienating church members elsewhere...

Read more 
(https://x.com/infoprayerwar/status/1945829611067384077?t=xD1t7SV7RSWexKD1qEBnoA&s=03) 

How did average dude Dan Dekam become the head honcho & crcna bigwig ? Because he married a Borgdorf ? 

"delegates concerned that shifting offices closer to Calvin U& Seminary could reinforce a Grand Rapids-centric culture, potentially alienating church members elsewhereHow did average dude Dan Dekam become the head honcho & crcna bigwig ? Because he married a Borgdorf ? 

"During CRCNA discussions about moving from the 28th Street headquarters, some delegates voiced worries that shifting offices closer to Calvin University and Calvin Seminary could reinforce a Grand Rapids-centric culture, potentially alienating church members elsewhere .

A delegate cautioned:

> "There is a culture that's being developed that's not really reflective of the whole of the CRC..."

📌 Background & Appointment

Responsibilities:

🛠️ Previous Experience

🏛️ Roles at CRCNA & Grand Rapids HQ Changes

🧭 Focus & Vision

🧾 Summary

Name Position Start Background

Dan DeKam Director, U.S. Ministry Operations July 3, 2023 Christian education leader, administrator

Has a strong education leadership background and deep ties to West Michigan schools

 [(only Muskegon?)]

As the administrative head, he now oversees CRCNA's U.S. ministry operations, emphasizing collaboration, stewardship, and unity.

Played a leading role in the relocation of CRCNA's U.S. HQ and guides ministry boards amid cultural and governance transitions.

Did he give an update at CRC synod '25? Why isn't he required to attend Synod for that matter ? Why does the CRCNA main office have to be in West Michigan for that matter ? 

How did average dude Dan Dekam become the head honcho & crcna bigwig ⁉️

How did average dude Dan Dekam become the head honcho & crcna bigwig ? Because he married a Borgdorf ? 

"During CRCNA discussions about moving from the 28th Street headquarters, some delegates voiced worries that shifting offices closer to Calvin University and Calvin Seminary could reinforce a Grand Rapids-centric culture, potentially alienating church members elsewhere .

A delegate cautioned:

> "There is a culture that's being developed that's not really reflective of the whole of the CRC..."

---

📌 Background & Appointment

• Responsibilities:

🛠️ Previous Experience

---

🏛️ Roles at CRCNA & Grand Rapids HQ Changes

🧭 Focus & Vision

🧾 Summary

Name	Position	Start	Background
Dan DeKam	Director, U.S. Ministry Operations	July 3, 2023	Christian education leader, administrator

• Has a strong education leadership background and deep ties to West Michigan schools
•  [(only Muskegon?)]
• As the administrative head, he now oversees CRCNA's U.S. ministry operations, emphasizing collaboration, stewardship, and unity.
• Played a leading role in the relocation of CRCNA's U.S. HQ and guides ministry boards amid cultural and governance transitions.

---

Would you like more details on any specific aspect—like the move to the new building in Grand Rapids, his governance role, or his earlier educational achievements?

Did he give an update at CRC synod '25? Why isn't he required to attend Synod for that matter ? Why does the CRCNA main office have to be in West Michigan for that matter ? 

American Christians live by Two Declarations ✝️🇺🇲🎆.Happy 4th of July Independence +& Dependence)Day 💥

• American Christians live by 
• Two Declarations ✝️🇺🇲🎆

Declaration of Dependence ✝️📖 : "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, & do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery....I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing..."

Declaration of Independence 🇺🇲🗽

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness...."

VOD 6.21.25

"And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

2 Corinthians 3:18

summary of Synod 2025

provided by ChatGPT                                                    (always double check & verify) 

"Synod 2025 of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA), held June 13–19 at Redeemer University in Ancaster, Ontario, addressed several significant issues affecting the denomination. Here's a summary of key decisions:(thebanner.org)

---

🔗 Ecumenical Relations

• Reformed Church in America (RCA): Synod affirmed the CRCNA's relationship with the RCA as a "church in communion," contingent upon RCA officebearers' willingness to sign the CRCNA's Covenant for Officebearers when required. This decision follows a review of the RCA's stance on human sexuality, noting that while the RCA officially holds the same convictions as the CRCNA, there is latitude within the RCA for differing practices. (thebanner.org)

• Alliance of Reformed Churches: Synod agreed to pursue a church-in-communion relationship with the Alliance of Reformed Churches, recognizing it as the closest ecumenical category of relationships the CRCNA has.(thebanner.org)

---

🏛️ Governance and Structure

• Office of General Secretary: Synod decided against creating a separate legal entity for the Office of General Secretary, citing recent leadership and structural changes that have addressed previous concerns.(thebanner.org)

• Loan Fund Governance: The Council of Delegates was granted authority to make changes to the mission and governance of the Christian Reformed Church Loan Fund, Inc., U.S., streamlining decision-making processes.(crcna.org)

• Ministry Reviews: Synod approved a guideline for conducting ministry reviews, aiming to enhance accountability and effectiveness within the denomination.(thebanner.org)

---

📖 Theological and Doctrinal Matters

• Bible Translation: The Bible Translation Committee recommended against using the Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) for general worship, citing concerns about its translation methodology and faithfulness to the original texts. The ERV may be suitable for specific contexts like children's worship or devotional reading. (thebanner.org)

• Assisted Suicide: A task force report on assisted suicide reaffirmed the CRCNA's position against the practice, emphasizing compassionate palliative care and pastoral support for those facing suffering and end-of-life issues. (thebanner.org)

• Virtual Church: Synod acknowledged the potential of virtual churches to embody the three marks of a true church but emphasized the need for intentional planning, particularly regarding the administration of sacraments and church discipline. (thebanner.org)

---

🧭 Church Unity and Disagreement

• Covenant Community Toolkit: Synod tasked Pastor-Church Resources with developing a toolkit to help churches discern their hopes for covenant community, especially in light of potential covenant realignments. (hesedprojectcrc.org)

• Survey on Disagreement: The Office of the General Secretary was directed to create a survey to gather feedback from churches on how to navigate respectful disagreement within the denomination, with results to be shared transparently.(hesedprojectcrc.org)

---

🧱 Church Order and Discipline

• Confessional Alignment: Synod reinforced the requirement that all officebearers affirm the CRCNA's confessions without reservation. Those with reservations are expected to either align with the confessions, submit a confessional-revision gravamen, or resign from office. (christiancourier.ca)

---

These decisions reflect the CRCNA's ongoing efforts to address theological, structural, and relational challenges within the denomination. If you would like more detailed information on any of these topics, feel free to ask.(crcna.org) "

Audio: "What Do Muslims Think About Jesus? "

 https://castbox.fm/vb/818804882 

"DeVos family pledges millions, taps Ronna McDaniel to help GOP win Michigan |"

https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/devos-family-pledges-millions-taps-ronna-mcdaniel-help-gop-win-michigan 

One of my favorite songs 🎵🎵

"When the Music Fades"

by Bonnie Knopf

 https://g.co/kgs/7aH3zBK 

Fight the Good Fight of the Faith✝️

Fight the Good

Fight of the Faith✝️!

Take hold of the

Eternal Life to which 

you were called 

when you made 

your Good Confession 

in the presence 

of many witnesses 

👍🙏☝️

         -1 Tim 6:12

Amen 🙏 👍" Hegseth Delivers a Perfect Response After Leftist Haters Bash Him for Hosting a Christian Prayer Service at Pentagon | "

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/05/watch-defense-secretary-pete-hegseth-delivers-perfect-response/ 

"

It's interesting. I've gotten some criticism for hosting a Christian prayer service at the Pentagon yesterday," Hegseth told reporters. "We said it very publicly, we said it very proudly. Appealing to Heaven, to God, is a long-standing tradition in our military."

"I'm very proud that we're starting a monthly voluntary service at the Pentagon. George Washington was on bended knee with the troops, praying for God's providence and protection in that moment," he added. "Chaplains and ministers and Christians and people of faith across generations have prayed because of the business that we're in. The business of the 82nd Airborne…And we appeal to God"

Is this the answer to liberalized Xianity? "Orthodox Christianity: Young US men joining 'masculine' Russian churches"

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c30q5l8d4lro 

In other words 'Biblical Manhood': 

due to the liberalized church & seminary in America still being led astray by the hippy generation & trying to feminize young men 👎. The other problem is going too far in the opposite direction and becoming a form of overbearing 'toxic masculinity ' 👎. Try to find the 'Christly middle' ( my term, not in Websters) 

and everybody loved good ol' Cal Van Reken at the seminary !

 

real time: then there's Bob Knoor at the seminary who does something (nobody knows exactly what)

 

another English Professor in the mid 90's was Henry Baron

 

i actually had him for English 101 as a freshman, then later almost 10 years later I returned for a teaching degree and there he was, again, but it wasn't 101 

then there was Calvin Seminary : Bob Devries, Hank Zwaanstra, Roger Greenway, Sid Greidanus

 

one of my English professors was VandenBosch (aka "Anonymous Bosch") ,

 

The world is too much with us; 

late and soon,

Getting and spending,

 we lay waste our powers;—

Little we see in Nature that is ours;

We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon!

This Sea that bares her bosom to the moon;

The winds that will be howling at all hours,

And are up-gathered now like sleeping flowers;

For this, for everything, we are out of tune;

It moves us not. Great God! I’d rather be

A Pagan suckled in a creed outworn;

So might I, standing on this pleasant lea,

Have glimpses that would make me less forlorn;

Have sight of Proteus rising from the sea;

Or hear old Triton blow his wreathèd horn.

I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine

And twinkle on the milky way,

They stretched in never-ending line

Along the margin of a bay:

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,

Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they

Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:

A poet could not but be gay,

In such a jocund company:

I gazed—and gazed—but little thought

What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie

In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye

Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,

And dances with the daffodils.

Memorial Day 2025

🕊️🕯️❤️✝️🇺🇸🪦🙏👶👼
#MemorialDay2025
https://youtube.com/shorts/4OyfTArfZ-E?si=V7y3lKLSZahVP7s6
🕊️🕯️❤️✝️🇺🇸🪦🙏👶👼

/calvin-university- breaks-ground-on- football - lacrosse -field

https://www.woodtv.com/ncaa/ncaa-football/calvin-university-breaks-ground-on-football-field/ 

These days "College English majors can't read -"

https://kittenbeloved.substack.com/p/college-english-majors-cant-read 

Gossip combined with ignorance is HIGHLY TOXIC 🚫👎

The unfortunate thing was that Steve Brinks and Rick deVries became friends at Notre Dame and they became gossip partners about things they really DIDN'T KNOW OR UNDERSTAND much about at all . Gossip combined with ignorance is HIGHLY TOXIC 🚫👎

Cc: Winny, Winnie 

CRC IN CRISIS "‘Change Is Necessary’: A Frank Picture of Rising Governance Costs and Diminishing Ministry Shares"

https://www.thebanner.org/news/2025/05/change-is-necessary-a-frank-picture-of-rising-governance-costs-and-diminishing

VOD 5.11.25

And Everyone

 who calls

 on the Name

 of the Lord 

will be Saved ✝️

     -Acts 2:21

I took a break from campus ✝️ ministry & went to Tahoe for a few days

>

Planned on hiking but there was still too much snow on the ground . Nonetheless, Most of the ski 🎿 resorts are closed for the season ( except Palisades, shown here). Palisades used to be called Squaw Valley & hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics. Do you remember that ?

I still found some nice places to explore even though they weren't long hiking trails.  The weather was really nice sunny and blue not too hot either ( 70's). 

6000 feet down below in Sacramento it was in the 90's.

 Would have loved to take a swim but of course the water is ice cold because it's all snow melt at this time of year. 

quick decision in Rome, wow! first-ever AMERICAN POPE ! They said it would never happen

some of you Protestants and CRCers are saying "Who cares, I'm not catholic" . Well, you should care. We're all part of the same Body of Christ ! Stay informed. PRay he's a good one. The Catholic church effects EVERYBODY ! #PrayTheNews 

https://www.the-sun.com/news/14194998/cardinal-new-pope/

"HISTORY has been made as the First American Pope will lead the Catholic church with outsider Robert Prevost taking up name of Leo XIV after less than 24 hours of secret voting in the Sistine Chapel.

The new Pope - known to many as "Father Bob" -  stepped out onto the balcony in the Vatican to cheering crowds as he greeted them by saying "peace be with you".

re "An Act of Spiritual Communion -" Holy Spirit Parish

https://holyspiritchurch.us/an-act-of-spiritual-communion/ 

For Protestants, 

In plain English: we can talk directly to God with simple earnestness 

"When we cannot attend Mass [or church, for Protestants] we can still make an Act of Spiritual Communion. According to St. Thomas Aquinas, a spiritual communion is "an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Holy Sacrament and a loving embrace as though we had already received Him." One good time to make a spiritual communion is while we are adoring Our Lord ✝️ in the Most Blessed Sacrament, but we can make them at any time of the day or night, even multiple times a day..."

does calvin still do the annual "bod book" ? did zuckerberg steal the name & change it to "facebook " ?

https://www.google.com/search?q=calvin+college+bodbook&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1076US1076&oq=calvin+college+bodbook&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRigATIHCAUQIRigAdIBCDM4NjhqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

• The "bod book" emerged as a nickname for the student directory at Calvin College (now Calvin University) in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
• The name likely arose from its usefulness in helping students locate classmates and potentially find dates, reported in an article on the Calvin Chimes.
• The term highlights a historical aspect of campus life at Calvin, where student directories were a valuable tool for social connections, according to an article on the Calvin Chimes. 

i still have a few from my calvin days

Every Day should be a National 🇺🇲Day Of Prayer ( & international 🌎)- 🙏🙏🙏 #PrayMore ✝️👍☝️5.1.25 #MayDay

https://search.brave.com/news?q=national%20Day%20of%20prayer 

VOD 4.30.25 ✝️

"For as lightning ⚡
that comes from the
east is visible
even in the west,
so will be the coming
of the Son of Man✝️
    .... -Matt 24:27

#YAWYW ✝️☝️🙏

Prayers4 America 🇺🇸 :  (@AmeriPrayer1) posted at 8:17 AM on Tue, Apr 22, 2025:

You are what you eat?
Or,
you Are What
You Worship ⁉️✝️

(https://x.com/AmeriPrayer1/status/1914700107288863094?t=loP22e7FY5N6B49atGgB8A&s=03) 

Watch "My Life Is In God’s Hands (Morning Devotional And Prayer)" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/9jR3HeSNhSA?si=2EDa3omfSN7XUcuU 

Watch "April 29, 2025 Yes, Jim Kok is still alive (March 2025) (90th 🎈 birthday 🎂)" on YouTube

https://youtube.com/shorts/nD4KEpBZaok?si=HxODiRQQDG9YI0w_ 

you may enjoy this message by Corrie Tenboom (audio, click) (in English)

if you don't know , Corrie Tenboom was  a Dutch woman who survived the holocaust and a concentration camp - altho she wasn't Jewish (she was strong Christian) she received the same punishment as Jews after being caught hiding them in her house in the Netherlands during the war. Her sister Betsy was killed in the same concentration camp. Afterwards she became a well-known Christian  speaker & writer - giving very inspirational messages of hope and forgiveness .

click below to listen 

https://ia600603.us.archive.org/21/items/SERMONINDEX_SID31612/SID31612.mp3

, born Cornelia Arnolda Johanna ten Boom on April 15, 1892, in Haarlem, Netherlands, was a Dutch watchmaker and later a Christian writer and public speaker. She and her family helped many Jewish people escape from the Nazis during the Holocaust in World War II by hiding them in her home. They were caught, and she was arrested and sent to the Ravensbrück concentration camp. Her most famous book, The Hiding Place, is a biography that recounts the story of her family's efforts and how she found and shared hope in God while she was imprisoned at the concentration camp..." -wiki