| The Church of The Sacred Flame |
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| A Front Porch Attitude |
I am from East Central Alabama... 'born and raised here', is the expression most common rather than saying , 'lived here all my life'. Most
southerners are proud of their heritage and very importantly, they are proud of their parents old home. This is the place of so many childhood
memories. Their 'old home place' as it is referred to, is where they learned morals and values, this is the place that made them who and how they
are today.
To me, one very important place of the old home place was the front porch. Have you noticed how for a long time, the builders of new homes,
especially in the late 50s through the end of the century either left the front porch off all together or made it so small you couldn't sit on it, you
could barely get under it to get out of the rain! Large front porches somewhat started coming back until the housing market died, but have you ever
noticed the old Victorian Homes in the south? Now those were porches!
southerners are proud of their heritage and very importantly, they are proud of their parents old home. This is the place of so many childhood
memories. Their 'old home place' as it is referred to, is where they learned morals and values, this is the place that made them who and how they
are today.
To me, one very important place of the old home place was the front porch. Have you noticed how for a long time, the builders of new homes,
especially in the late 50s through the end of the century either left the front porch off all together or made it so small you couldn't sit on it, you
could barely get under it to get out of the rain! Large front porches somewhat started coming back until the housing market died, but have you ever
noticed the old Victorian Homes in the south? Now those were porches!
While your house is a place of safety, refuge, and privacy, the outside world can be and sometimes is a place of danger. A front porch connects your
home to nature and the outside world. The front porch serves as somewhat of a safety zone between the two. The front porch invites and welcomes
the world to your front door. Many, many houses in my area have a sign on them that proclaim, 'welcome'.
I remember as a youngster my Grandparents lived in a large white farm house that had a porch on all four sides. Seems there was a different friend
visiting there every day of the week. Then on Sunday afternoons the porch would be filled with people. Sometimes almost a hundred would stop by to
visit, talk, laugh, share news and gossip after church.
home to nature and the outside world. The front porch serves as somewhat of a safety zone between the two. The front porch invites and welcomes
the world to your front door. Many, many houses in my area have a sign on them that proclaim, 'welcome'.
I remember as a youngster my Grandparents lived in a large white farm house that had a porch on all four sides. Seems there was a different friend
visiting there every day of the week. Then on Sunday afternoons the porch would be filled with people. Sometimes almost a hundred would stop by to
visit, talk, laugh, share news and gossip after church.
We need to adopt a front porch attitude! Front porches in the south hold so many fond memories for so many people. Just ask someone sometime
who grew up with a large front porch.
How much effort would it take to greet someone with a, 'Good Morning!'... instead of walking by them as if they didn't exist? Would saying 'Hey,How
you doing?' to a stranger waiting in line at the fast food restaurant be so hard? You never know what's been going on in their life today and just that
simple quick little line might lift their spirits. With a front porch attitude you never know what you might accomplish!
One thing I have learned over my life is this... Everything you send out into the world, your words, your deeds, your thoughts, your attitude will
return to you. Usually it returns 3 fold, or 3 times as much as you've sent out. But sometimes it will return 10 times! You might be surprised at what
a Front Porch Attitude could bring your way!
who grew up with a large front porch.
How much effort would it take to greet someone with a, 'Good Morning!'... instead of walking by them as if they didn't exist? Would saying 'Hey,How
you doing?' to a stranger waiting in line at the fast food restaurant be so hard? You never know what's been going on in their life today and just that
simple quick little line might lift their spirits. With a front porch attitude you never know what you might accomplish!
One thing I have learned over my life is this... Everything you send out into the world, your words, your deeds, your thoughts, your attitude will
return to you. Usually it returns 3 fold, or 3 times as much as you've sent out. But sometimes it will return 10 times! You might be surprised at what
a Front Porch Attitude could bring your way!
Welcome to the web page of The Church of The Sacred Flame.
The Church of The Sacred Flame combines Christian, Native American, and Nature
religions. Our name, 'The Sacred Flame' comes first from the burning bush that God
spoke to Moses through. In the Old Testament God accepted burnt offerings. Fire
cleanses and with the use of fire the world has certainly changed. Over time we will
convey our thoughts and hope you will enjoy reading our articles.
May The Lord Always Walk Close To You.
The Church of The Sacred Flame combines Christian, Native American, and Nature
religions. Our name, 'The Sacred Flame' comes first from the burning bush that God
spoke to Moses through. In the Old Testament God accepted burnt offerings. Fire
cleanses and with the use of fire the world has certainly changed. Over time we will
convey our thoughts and hope you will enjoy reading our articles.
May The Lord Always Walk Close To You.
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| 'Do That What Is Right' ~Our Motto~ |
| Why We Give Thanks |
| The deer's spirit can now move on to the next world. He understands that through his death, others will live |
In order to live we must have energy. Energy within our body. Food is the first way of gaining that energy. To totally
absorb the energy in food, it must be appreciated. The reason for prayer before a meal is, 1). being thankful that we
have food to eat and 2). to make eating a holy experience. Food should be eaten slowly and throughly chewed. That
way our body can absorb all the energy the food has to offer.
Indians believed they became part of the food the ate. Ever heard the old saying, 'You are what you eat?' They
believed when they ate meat, they acquired the characteristics of that animal. Indians only killed animals for food
and when they did they immediately gave thanks to that animal and its spirit for providing them with food. They
believed the spirit of the animal watched them as they did this.
In this way the animal had died for a reason. It gave it's life so another life would be extended.
In the illustration at right, the hunter is happy and proud of the buck he has taken. His family will enjoy the lean
meat tonight and for several days to come. Every part of the animal will be used for something. But now before he
touches or moves the deer in any way, the hunter places his hand over the deer's heart and gives thanks to The
Great Creator for providing the deer and to the deer's spirit for sacrificing its life.
absorb the energy in food, it must be appreciated. The reason for prayer before a meal is, 1). being thankful that we
have food to eat and 2). to make eating a holy experience. Food should be eaten slowly and throughly chewed. That
way our body can absorb all the energy the food has to offer.
Indians believed they became part of the food the ate. Ever heard the old saying, 'You are what you eat?' They
believed when they ate meat, they acquired the characteristics of that animal. Indians only killed animals for food
and when they did they immediately gave thanks to that animal and its spirit for providing them with food. They
believed the spirit of the animal watched them as they did this.
In this way the animal had died for a reason. It gave it's life so another life would be extended.
In the illustration at right, the hunter is happy and proud of the buck he has taken. His family will enjoy the lean
meat tonight and for several days to come. Every part of the animal will be used for something. But now before he
touches or moves the deer in any way, the hunter places his hand over the deer's heart and gives thanks to The
Great Creator for providing the deer and to the deer's spirit for sacrificing its life.
| The True Worth Of A Person Is Measured By What They Do For Other People Expecting Nothing In Return |
| Thought For The Week |
| Our Thought For The Week Is Now On Video |
The Meaning of Our Symbol
This is our church symbol. It is a symbol of the sun found in Native American culture except without the
flame.
The circle represents our circle of life. At some point on the east side of the circle we are born, we grow,
we have children, we live our life and then we die. Each generation does the same thing. It is a circle of
life. Our ancestors did this, our children and their children will also. The circle continues and never stops.
flame.
The circle represents our circle of life. At some point on the east side of the circle we are born, we grow,
we have children, we live our life and then we die. Each generation does the same thing. It is a circle of
life. Our ancestors did this, our children and their children will also. The circle continues and never stops.
The rays that extend from the circle are just that, the rays of the sun. Without the sun, there is no life on earth. The sun gives life to the
earth. The rays also represent the four direction, as well as the four seasons, and the four corners of the earth. The sun symbol is also found
on the Arizona state flag and the Arizona quarter. The flame (fire), of course shows up many times in Biblical reference. When God first
spoke to Moses, it was through a burning bush. Fire cleanses. In the Old Testament God accepted burnt offerings. We light prayer candles to
The Great Spirit which too is represented in the flame.
The golden color represents that in Heaven, the streets will be paved with gold. It also symbolises the color of harvest, a golden harvest, we
as believers in Christ will be harvested from this earth someday. The white represents purity and the blue represents the color of the sky, the
location of Heaven where God sits on His throne, and after His resurrection Christ ascended into the sky and from the sky Christ will return
someday.
earth. The rays also represent the four direction, as well as the four seasons, and the four corners of the earth. The sun symbol is also found
on the Arizona state flag and the Arizona quarter. The flame (fire), of course shows up many times in Biblical reference. When God first
spoke to Moses, it was through a burning bush. Fire cleanses. In the Old Testament God accepted burnt offerings. We light prayer candles to
The Great Spirit which too is represented in the flame.
The golden color represents that in Heaven, the streets will be paved with gold. It also symbolises the color of harvest, a golden harvest, we
as believers in Christ will be harvested from this earth someday. The white represents purity and the blue represents the color of the sky, the
location of Heaven where God sits on His throne, and after His resurrection Christ ascended into the sky and from the sky Christ will return
someday.
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This weeks thought |
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The following section is something I came across a few days ago... it is very true
| The Great Spirit Sends People, & Sometimes Angels Into Your Life For A Reason... A Season... Or A Lifetime ! |
People come into your life for a REASON, a SEASON, or for a LIFETIME. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for
that person.
When someone is in your life for a reason it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a
difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support. To aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend...
AND THEY ARE! They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient
time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die... Sometimes they walk away... Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our
need has been met, our desire fulfilled. Their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
that person.
When someone is in your life for a reason it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a
difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support. To aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend...
AND THEY ARE! They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient
time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die... Sometimes they walk away... Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our
need has been met, our desire fulfilled. Their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Sometimes people come into your life for a SEASON. Because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They bring you an experience
of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it! It IS real! .......... But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons. Things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is
to accept the lesson. Love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind. But friendship is clairvoyant.
Thank you for being a part of my life. Whether you were a reason, a season, or a lifetime.........
Unknown Author
of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it! It IS real! .......... But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons. Things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is
to accept the lesson. Love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind. But friendship is clairvoyant.
Thank you for being a part of my life. Whether you were a reason, a season, or a lifetime.........
Unknown Author
| We are having a little trouble with our video. It should be repaired in a few days. Please bear with us. |
Memories Of Long Ago
Wadley's Last Living Slave
This is a new idea and section to our church page. Many times if we are upset about some problem
in todays life, if we think back too and relive a good memory, it will put us in a happy, uplifting and
positive state of mind. Memories we have from our childhood are sometimes our fondest. I, being
raised in rural East Alabama, have many wonderful memories of my 'younger days'. As I look back
now some 50 years later, we lived a simple and country way of life certainly by todays standards. But at
the time this was our way of life. It was a great time to be alive in those days. Things were simple and
it seems now, those memories were of a better place and time than the world we live in today. Our way
of life was not fancy to us, but looking back they were EXCITING,, FANTASTIC, and were filled with
love to and from each family member. The following is a story from my childhood. I hope you will enjoy
it and if you have a story you'd like to share, send it to me, I'd very much like reading it.
in todays life, if we think back too and relive a good memory, it will put us in a happy, uplifting and
positive state of mind. Memories we have from our childhood are sometimes our fondest. I, being
raised in rural East Alabama, have many wonderful memories of my 'younger days'. As I look back
now some 50 years later, we lived a simple and country way of life certainly by todays standards. But at
the time this was our way of life. It was a great time to be alive in those days. Things were simple and
it seems now, those memories were of a better place and time than the world we live in today. Our way
of life was not fancy to us, but looking back they were EXCITING,, FANTASTIC, and were filled with
love to and from each family member. The following is a story from my childhood. I hope you will enjoy
it and if you have a story you'd like to share, send it to me, I'd very much like reading it.
Yes, there were slaves in Wadley, Alabama, and in the surrounding area in the days that slavery was legal in the United States. There are
families still living here today whose ancestors owned slaves. I will not mention their names, don't want a lawsuit. However in the town of Louiana, (a
ghost town now), which was a giant booming town in its day, pre-Civil War times, the Creek Indian woman for whom the town was named owned
about 20 or so slaves herself. That's documented. She opened the first store in the town, Louiana's Trading Post it was called. She was a truly
remarkable woman and I will do a story on her soon. And the Heflin Family, a well known Alabama political family too owned slaves. There is even a
'Slave Cemetery' at Concord Church on Highway 22 about half way between Roanoke and Wadley. Many of the famous Heflins are buried in Concord
Cemetery and lie in eternal rest only feet away from slaves they owned. I'll try to get a photo or two of that on here soon. Concord Cemetery and the
Concord Slave Cemetery are separated from one another, but only by the width of an access road.
families still living here today whose ancestors owned slaves. I will not mention their names, don't want a lawsuit. However in the town of Louiana, (a
ghost town now), which was a giant booming town in its day, pre-Civil War times, the Creek Indian woman for whom the town was named owned
about 20 or so slaves herself. That's documented. She opened the first store in the town, Louiana's Trading Post it was called. She was a truly
remarkable woman and I will do a story on her soon. And the Heflin Family, a well known Alabama political family too owned slaves. There is even a
'Slave Cemetery' at Concord Church on Highway 22 about half way between Roanoke and Wadley. Many of the famous Heflins are buried in Concord
Cemetery and lie in eternal rest only feet away from slaves they owned. I'll try to get a photo or two of that on here soon. Concord Cemetery and the
Concord Slave Cemetery are separated from one another, but only by the width of an access road.
A Cowboy Will Help Anyone In Need... A Stranger & Even An Enemy
But this is not about Louiana, the woman or the town, not about slavery, not about my opinion of slavery, not about peoples ancestors who
owned slaves and not about the political Alabama Heflin family. It is about a man, who was born a slave, became a freeman after the Civil War, lived
an incredible long time and that i met one winter afternoon. His name was Dave Culpepper. I believe my spelling is correct.
It was in the mid 1960s that my family returned to make Wadley out hometown. I was 10 or 12 years old at the time and i had heard storys of
an old man who lived in Wadley that had been a slave at birth. My Grandfather had told me many times about him and how they were friends. My
Grandfather wanted me to go meet him. he told me that seeing 'Uncle Dave' as he called him would be something to remember. That there would
never be slaves in America like that again. And that someday I could tell my grand children that i was fortunate enough to see a real slave!
owned slaves and not about the political Alabama Heflin family. It is about a man, who was born a slave, became a freeman after the Civil War, lived
an incredible long time and that i met one winter afternoon. His name was Dave Culpepper. I believe my spelling is correct.
It was in the mid 1960s that my family returned to make Wadley out hometown. I was 10 or 12 years old at the time and i had heard storys of
an old man who lived in Wadley that had been a slave at birth. My Grandfather had told me many times about him and how they were friends. My
Grandfather wanted me to go meet him. he told me that seeing 'Uncle Dave' as he called him would be something to remember. That there would
never be slaves in America like that again. And that someday I could tell my grand children that i was fortunate enough to see a real slave!
Now keep in mind, in the mid 1960s the Civil War had been over for 100 years! But that was another remarkable thing about Uncle Dave... he
too was over 100 years old! That made me want to see him that much more. I cant remember exactly, but he was 103 or 113, something like that!
Then came the day, i met 'Uncle Dave'.
It was a cold misty, foggy, February day. My dad was off work, it had snowed and he being in road construction, was unable to work because of
weather. I had been to school, for in those days we went to school in the snow, no closings back then. I remember coming home and putting on dry
shoes, nothing like kicking a few mounds of snow on the way home, breaking ice in a mud hole or two and giving it a good stomping! For some
reason I said to my dad, lets go see Dave Culpepper. On this day my dad and grandfather were ready to go. My grandfather called Dave's house on
the phone and talked to Dave's daughter who lived with him and took care of him. She would be glad for us to come over.
too was over 100 years old! That made me want to see him that much more. I cant remember exactly, but he was 103 or 113, something like that!
Then came the day, i met 'Uncle Dave'.
It was a cold misty, foggy, February day. My dad was off work, it had snowed and he being in road construction, was unable to work because of
weather. I had been to school, for in those days we went to school in the snow, no closings back then. I remember coming home and putting on dry
shoes, nothing like kicking a few mounds of snow on the way home, breaking ice in a mud hole or two and giving it a good stomping! For some
reason I said to my dad, lets go see Dave Culpepper. On this day my dad and grandfather were ready to go. My grandfather called Dave's house on
the phone and talked to Dave's daughter who lived with him and took care of him. She would be glad for us to come over.
It was about a two mile drive and Dave's house was about a mile down a dirt road. I was excited to say the least. I had read about slaves in
school, seen them in the movie 'Gone With The Wind' and now was about to meet a real slave in person. Rain was misting down pretty hard as we
pulled into Daves driveway. As we walked onto the porch, Daves daughter met us opening the door and welcoming us in. Inside it was a very nice
kept house, very warm and cozy on such a day in the middle of winter.
"We've come to see dave," my grandfather smiled.
"He's right in here," answered his daughter motioning us to a large bedroom.
school, seen them in the movie 'Gone With The Wind' and now was about to meet a real slave in person. Rain was misting down pretty hard as we
pulled into Daves driveway. As we walked onto the porch, Daves daughter met us opening the door and welcoming us in. Inside it was a very nice
kept house, very warm and cozy on such a day in the middle of winter.
"We've come to see dave," my grandfather smiled.
"He's right in here," answered his daughter motioning us to a large bedroom.
Now the way things are and the way things you perceive them to be are sometimes two different things...
and so it was today for me. In history books and on TV, slaves were big muscular men. Men with great strength.
I had in mind Dave would look like Big Sam in Gone With The Wind. A giant of a man, tall, thick, and wide. In
my mind I pictured him just like Big Sam wearing extremely worn lace up boots, faded overalls, a green cotton,
long sleeve shirt half way opened behind the bib of his overalls. There'd be a leather string around his neck with
a Christian cross dangling around his neck. A dusty fedora hat sitting a top his head. A pair of dirty work gloves
and a red handkerchief stuffed in his hip pocket. And when he spoke that he would have a strong deep voice that
would sound like thunder! (But that was the Hollywood stereotype,,, yeah, Hollywood messing things up again).
and so it was today for me. In history books and on TV, slaves were big muscular men. Men with great strength.
I had in mind Dave would look like Big Sam in Gone With The Wind. A giant of a man, tall, thick, and wide. In
my mind I pictured him just like Big Sam wearing extremely worn lace up boots, faded overalls, a green cotton,
long sleeve shirt half way opened behind the bib of his overalls. There'd be a leather string around his neck with
a Christian cross dangling around his neck. A dusty fedora hat sitting a top his head. A pair of dirty work gloves
and a red handkerchief stuffed in his hip pocket. And when he spoke that he would have a strong deep voice that
would sound like thunder! (But that was the Hollywood stereotype,,, yeah, Hollywood messing things up again).
| 'Big Sam' Played By Everett Brown (Jan.1,1902 - Oct 25,1953) Gone With The Wind |
When we walked into the bedroom, there was a hospital bed... Dave was in the bed. He was covered with
a sheet and spread and was asleep.
His daughter began to wake him. Telling him that he had company and we were wanting to see him.
"Please don't wake him," said my grandfather. "We can come back when he's awake."
She wouldn't hear of that and continued to wake Dave.
In a few moments he was awake and turned to face us. My grandfather told him who he was and i guess
it took him a couple moments to get better awake. Soon he recognized my grand father. Then a big smile came
over his face and he extended his hand for a friendly hand shake. The two talked for a minute and relived a few
old memories from their past. Both laughed still shaking hands.
Then my grandfather introduced my dad and me. My father shook hands with him first and talked a few
moments, then it was my turn. I probably wouldn't have been anymore nervous at that moment in my life if I
had actually been meeting the President of the United States! To me this was an honor. How many people my age
and for my life to come could truthfully say, they saw, met, and spoke to a real slave!? I was looking into the
eyes of history! I was seeing something, an era that would be no more once this man died. My hand was shaking
as I slowly moved it toward him. I held the hospital bed railing that extended down the side of his bed. I needed
it more than Dave right now!
a sheet and spread and was asleep.
His daughter began to wake him. Telling him that he had company and we were wanting to see him.
"Please don't wake him," said my grandfather. "We can come back when he's awake."
She wouldn't hear of that and continued to wake Dave.
In a few moments he was awake and turned to face us. My grandfather told him who he was and i guess
it took him a couple moments to get better awake. Soon he recognized my grand father. Then a big smile came
over his face and he extended his hand for a friendly hand shake. The two talked for a minute and relived a few
old memories from their past. Both laughed still shaking hands.
Then my grandfather introduced my dad and me. My father shook hands with him first and talked a few
moments, then it was my turn. I probably wouldn't have been anymore nervous at that moment in my life if I
had actually been meeting the President of the United States! To me this was an honor. How many people my age
and for my life to come could truthfully say, they saw, met, and spoke to a real slave!? I was looking into the
eyes of history! I was seeing something, an era that would be no more once this man died. My hand was shaking
as I slowly moved it toward him. I held the hospital bed railing that extended down the side of his bed. I needed
it more than Dave right now!
Dave was a feeble, fragile very old man. His was very thin, probably weighing less than 100 pounds. I could tell he was very weak. Still he
slowly shook hands with me. The handshake i had expected to be as strong and as hard and tight as a blacksmith's vice was very gentle. The hand i
expected to be large, fat, strong and filled with power was not.
We all talked a while, not an extended time because we knew he was very weak and frail. But we did stay a few minutes and we all laughed
about different things. When we started to go, Dave asked us to stay longer and to be sure to come back to see him. He and his daughter ask us to
come back to visit several times.
Our visit turned out to be a very enjoyable and rememberable experience for all of us.
slowly shook hands with me. The handshake i had expected to be as strong and as hard and tight as a blacksmith's vice was very gentle. The hand i
expected to be large, fat, strong and filled with power was not.
We all talked a while, not an extended time because we knew he was very weak and frail. But we did stay a few minutes and we all laughed
about different things. When we started to go, Dave asked us to stay longer and to be sure to come back to see him. He and his daughter ask us to
come back to visit several times.
Our visit turned out to be a very enjoyable and rememberable experience for all of us.
| As we walk the path of our circle of life, no matter who we are, we will make impressions on people....especially first impressions. And sometimes those that will last a lifetime! We must strive to make those impressions good ones as did Dave and his daughter on me that day. |
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| I'm sure you remember in Gone With The Wind,, the scene where Scarlett was helping Dr. Meade at the Atlanta Hospital and so many of the soldiers were dying,.. it was along here that Big Sam, I believe he was the foreman at Tara, met up with Scarlett. To her is was finally a familiar face. Sam and several other slaves from Tara were burying the soldiers. |