This is just too much fun!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
St Francis, or How to be meek without being a pacifist
~ “LETTERS FROM EUROPE” - by Rob (Wind Rose Hotel) ~
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” What does this verse from the Beatitudes mean? As Steven rightly recalls in his recent post here at The Metaphysical Peregrine, most people think this beatitude means that Christians are, or should be, “weak and submissive.” On the contrary, he notes, “it takes a lot of strength and discipline to be meek.” Then he goes on to explain why such an interpretation is wrong and over-simplified. Now, not only do I agree with him, but I would take the point even further, because I think this is a major religious and cultural issue. Therefore… let’s talk about St Francis of Assisi, the meek par excellence.
St Francis of Assisi is known for his humbleness and for his amazing love for nature and all creatures. But he is also known, above all in these days, for his love of peace, to the point that he has become an icon of peace, an obvious point of reference—if not a kind of legitimizing myth—for pacifists and non-violent (left-wing and radical) anti-war activists. Yet, though St Francis certainly was “a man of peace,” these images are incomplete and somewhat misleading, because they ignore other equally important aspects of his life: the severity of his character and his (mostly unknown) stubbornness… In other words he had a strong personality, bordering sometimes on harsh (he had occasion, for instance, to reproach himself in his last years for the harshness with which he had treated his own body), and was what might be called a man of character.
The cause of such misunderstanding is due, at least in part, to the fact that the Legenda Maior Sancti Francisci, the official biography of the Saint from Assisi written by St Bonaventure of Bagnoregio on commission of the Order of Friars Minor and approved by the General Chapter of Pisa in 1263, was intended to reshape Francis in the apostolic and Christic mould, multiplying the parallels between Francis and the characters of sacred history, citing copiously from the Bible. Thus, St Bonaventure smoothed over the rough edges in Francis’s life, deleting whatever did not correspond to the image he wished to give. He based his Legenda maior primarily on three texts of Thomas of Celano (a Franciscan Friar and disciple of St Francis, and his first biographer): the Vita prima, the Vita secunda, and the Tractatus de miraculis. Thomas himself, in turn, wrote his books at the request of Pope Gregory IX and presented a saint in accordance with hagiographical topoi. But the reader, as John Tolan notes in his Saint Francis and the Sultan. The Curious History of a Christian-Muslim Encounter,
Bonaventure instead
As for St Francis “the pacifist” (in the age of Crusades), it is to be said that this is a “legend” built up over recent years with the complicity of some scholars such as James Powell, Chiara Frugoni, and Giulio Basetti-Sani. Here is an example of their “strange” method: in his Vita Secunda Thomas of Celano relates that Francis predicted the crusaders’ defeat in a particularly bloody battle (traditionally identified with that of 29 August 1219). Well, for Powell this means that Francis certainly did preach against crusading in general, but Thomas modified his warnings, so as not to offend the church authorities. Yet, the episode from Thomas’ book does not lend itself to this interpretation. In fact,
Thomas also claims that during the defeat Francis cried hot tears for the crusaders who fell in battle, particularly for the Spaniards, who had fought ferociously, “but he does not seem to have shed a single tear for the Muslim dead.”
Yet, according to Chiara Frugoni, “Francis, in silent disagreement with the Church, which had taken the side of the armed crusaders, championed the peaceful conversion of the infidels…”
Here is how John Tolan demolishes their reasoning:
Franco Cardini, in turn, argued in several articles and books against the idea that Francis represents a passage from the age of crusading to the age of mission. This idea, according to the Italian medieval historian (and renowned Arabist), rests on a false dichotomy. The two coexisted in the thirteenth century and were in no way incompatible. According to Cardini, Francis perhaps criticized the actions of some crusaders, but he was in rupture neither with the fifth crusade nor with the idea of crusading. And Benjamin Kedar, in his Crusade and Mission: European Approaches to the Muslims (1984), showed how in the thirteenth century there was no incompatibility between crusading and missionary preaching, the two being seen as complementary rather than contradictory. He rejected the idea that Francis was opposed to the crusades, and this for the simple reason that there is no source to prove it.
The truth is that, though “Francis the pacifist” is increasingly evoked in a troubled world in the aftermath of 11 September 2001, Francis participated in the fifth crusade “as a chaplain to the troops” and “not as a man of peace.”
But, if Francis was not, by any means, a pacifist like those of the twentieth century, he was certainly a man of “great firmness” and “strength of soul.” This is how Thomas tells the story of the encounter between St Francis and Sultan Malik al-Kamil:
Please note that at that time a cruel edict had been issued by the Sultan that whoever would bring him the head of a Christian should receive as a reward a gold piece. But the intrepid knight of Christ confidently chanted that prophetic verse: “Even if I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I shall not fear evil because you are with me” [Ps. 23: 4].
St Francis of Assisi is known for his humbleness and for his amazing love for nature and all creatures. But he is also known, above all in these days, for his love of peace, to the point that he has become an icon of peace, an obvious point of reference—if not a kind of legitimizing myth—for pacifists and non-violent (left-wing and radical) anti-war activists. Yet, though St Francis certainly was “a man of peace,” these images are incomplete and somewhat misleading, because they ignore other equally important aspects of his life: the severity of his character and his (mostly unknown) stubbornness… In other words he had a strong personality, bordering sometimes on harsh (he had occasion, for instance, to reproach himself in his last years for the harshness with which he had treated his own body), and was what might be called a man of character.
The cause of such misunderstanding is due, at least in part, to the fact that the Legenda Maior Sancti Francisci, the official biography of the Saint from Assisi written by St Bonaventure of Bagnoregio on commission of the Order of Friars Minor and approved by the General Chapter of Pisa in 1263, was intended to reshape Francis in the apostolic and Christic mould, multiplying the parallels between Francis and the characters of sacred history, citing copiously from the Bible. Thus, St Bonaventure smoothed over the rough edges in Francis’s life, deleting whatever did not correspond to the image he wished to give. He based his Legenda maior primarily on three texts of Thomas of Celano (a Franciscan Friar and disciple of St Francis, and his first biographer): the Vita prima, the Vita secunda, and the Tractatus de miraculis. Thomas himself, in turn, wrote his books at the request of Pope Gregory IX and presented a saint in accordance with hagiographical topoi. But the reader, as John Tolan notes in his Saint Francis and the Sultan. The Curious History of a Christian-Muslim Encounter,
has the impression that Francis’s strong personality, with his uncertainties, his fits of righteous anger, his enthusiasm, his charm, continually overflows the hagiographical frame.
Bonaventure instead
allows the saint no doubts, no spontaneity: he confronts all with serenity, sure that he is following the holy life clearly laid out in the Bible. Hence the disappointment of many of Bonaventure’s modern readers, from Paul Sabatier in the nineteenth century to Jacques Dalarun, for whom the excision of the primitive hagiography and the consecration of only Bonaventure’s text constitutes a ‘Misadventure (malaventure) of Francis of Assisi’.
As for St Francis “the pacifist” (in the age of Crusades), it is to be said that this is a “legend” built up over recent years with the complicity of some scholars such as James Powell, Chiara Frugoni, and Giulio Basetti-Sani. Here is an example of their “strange” method: in his Vita Secunda Thomas of Celano relates that Francis predicted the crusaders’ defeat in a particularly bloody battle (traditionally identified with that of 29 August 1219). Well, for Powell this means that Francis certainly did preach against crusading in general, but Thomas modified his warnings, so as not to offend the church authorities. Yet, the episode from Thomas’ book does not lend itself to this interpretation. In fact,
for Thomas, Francis spoke out not against crusading, nor against war in general, but against fighting on one specific day, a day (as God revealed to him) that was particularly unlucky.
Thomas also claims that during the defeat Francis cried hot tears for the crusaders who fell in battle, particularly for the Spaniards, who had fought ferociously, “but he does not seem to have shed a single tear for the Muslim dead.”
Yet, according to Chiara Frugoni, “Francis, in silent disagreement with the Church, which had taken the side of the armed crusaders, championed the peaceful conversion of the infidels…”
Here is how John Tolan demolishes their reasoning:
How can we suppose, along with Powell, Basetti-Sani, and others, that Francis actively preached against the crusades in the midst of the crusader camp, and did so until the capture of Damietta, yet that no chronicler mentions this? Powell and the others have a strange method: they form an idea of Francis, a pacifist like those of the twentieth century, then affirm that Thomas of Celano hid this reality so as not to offend papal sensibilities.
Franco Cardini, in turn, argued in several articles and books against the idea that Francis represents a passage from the age of crusading to the age of mission. This idea, according to the Italian medieval historian (and renowned Arabist), rests on a false dichotomy. The two coexisted in the thirteenth century and were in no way incompatible. According to Cardini, Francis perhaps criticized the actions of some crusaders, but he was in rupture neither with the fifth crusade nor with the idea of crusading. And Benjamin Kedar, in his Crusade and Mission: European Approaches to the Muslims (1984), showed how in the thirteenth century there was no incompatibility between crusading and missionary preaching, the two being seen as complementary rather than contradictory. He rejected the idea that Francis was opposed to the crusades, and this for the simple reason that there is no source to prove it.
The truth is that, though “Francis the pacifist” is increasingly evoked in a troubled world in the aftermath of 11 September 2001, Francis participated in the fifth crusade “as a chaplain to the troops” and “not as a man of peace.”
He sought by all means to obtain martyrdom in order to reconquer the Holy Land and fell into a depression when the crusaders lost. He did not go see the sultan to dialogue but to convert him and he defied him to walk on burning coals to see who was the more powerful, Christ or Muhammad.
But, if Francis was not, by any means, a pacifist like those of the twentieth century, he was certainly a man of “great firmness” and “strength of soul.” This is how Thomas tells the story of the encounter between St Francis and Sultan Malik al-Kamil:
Now in the thirteenth year of his conversion, he journeyed to the region of Syria, while bitter and long battles were being waged daily between Christians and pagans. Taking a companion with him, he was not afraid to present himself to the sight of the sultan of the Saracens. Who is equal to the task of telling this story? What great firmness he showed standing in front of him! With great strength of soul he spoke to him, with eloquence and confidence he answered those who insulted the Christian law. Before he reached the sultan, he was captured by soldiers, insulted and beaten, but was not afraid. He did not flinch at threats of torture nor was he shaken by death threats.
Please note that at that time a cruel edict had been issued by the Sultan that whoever would bring him the head of a Christian should receive as a reward a gold piece. But the intrepid knight of Christ confidently chanted that prophetic verse: “Even if I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I shall not fear evil because you are with me” [Ps. 23: 4].
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
America Rising (vid) Time to Send Statists Packing!
Whooohooooo!!! This is Great! In honor of the win of Scott Brown in Massachusetts winning the people's senate seat. Even a socialist state has seen that the Statists have gone too far.
The Times They Are A-Changin' (vid)
The message for Statists today. All you elitists, senators and congressman, members of the Jurassic Press. In Mass. today, the second shot heard round the world will sound.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
'The Meek Shall Inhereit the Earth' Is Not What You Think
Most people think this beatitude means that Christians are, or should be, weak and submissive. On the contrary it takes a lot of strength and discipline to be meek.
Actually, Jesus was quoting the Psalm 37:11, "But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance or peace." In Hebrew, the translation of 'meek' is 'to be molded'. The following verses in Psalms talks about the characteristics of the wicked, what they inherit, and what eventually happens to them. The Psalmist goes on talking about the characteristics of the good man, and what eventually happens to him.
In the Beatitudes, meek is translated as 'praos', meaning submission to the will of God. There is a natural order of things in God's creation, and we can be aware and act within that order; or we can, through God given free will, reject it. You can read all of Psalm 37, and see the distinctions. These verses are the foundation of what Jesus said in the Beatitudes.
You can put money, power, sex, try and control and dominate, and put yourself first; or love and care about God, family, and friends first.
We can submit to the will of God, and even though we don't understand what's going on, know that it's the very best thing for us and our loved ones, and do good. Be meek, be the clay that God forms.
Psalm 24 says "The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the waters."
This is the Lord's earth Jesus talks about that we inherit. Let me be the clay in the Potter's hands.
Actually, Jesus was quoting the Psalm 37:11, "But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance or peace." In Hebrew, the translation of 'meek' is 'to be molded'. The following verses in Psalms talks about the characteristics of the wicked, what they inherit, and what eventually happens to them. The Psalmist goes on talking about the characteristics of the good man, and what eventually happens to him.
In the Beatitudes, meek is translated as 'praos', meaning submission to the will of God. There is a natural order of things in God's creation, and we can be aware and act within that order; or we can, through God given free will, reject it. You can read all of Psalm 37, and see the distinctions. These verses are the foundation of what Jesus said in the Beatitudes.
You can put money, power, sex, try and control and dominate, and put yourself first; or love and care about God, family, and friends first.
We can submit to the will of God, and even though we don't understand what's going on, know that it's the very best thing for us and our loved ones, and do good. Be meek, be the clay that God forms.
Psalm 24 says "The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the waters."
This is the Lord's earth Jesus talks about that we inherit. Let me be the clay in the Potter's hands.
You Reap What You Sow (I love these heart warming stories)
Good morning said a woman as she walked up to the man sitting on ground.
The man slowly looked up.
This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new.. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life.
His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before.. "Leave me alone," he growled.....
To his amazement, the woman continued standing.
She was smiling. "Are you hungry?" she asked.
"No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president. Now go away."
The woman's smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm.
"What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone.
Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked..
"No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?"
The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?"
"See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile."
"Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. "Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything."
"This is a good deal for you, Jack" the officer answered. "Don't blow it."
Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner.. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived...
The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table.. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all this, is this man in trouble?"
"This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered.
"Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business.."
Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place."
The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled..."Are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?"
"Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms."
"And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?"
"What business is that of yours?"
"I'm Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company.."
"Oh."
The woman smiled again. "I thought that might make a difference." She glanced at the cop who was smiling. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?"
"No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty.."
"Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?"
"Yes, mam... That would be very nice."
The cafeteria manager turned on his heel, "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer."
The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said.
"That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this."
She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently.. "Jack, do you remember me?"
Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes. "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar."
"I'm a little older perhaps," she said.. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry."
"Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.
"I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat."
Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said.. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy."
"I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it.. I was afraid that you would get into trouble... Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my food in the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right."
"So you started your own business?" Old Jack said.
"I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card.. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons...He's the personnel director of my company.. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office." She smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet... If you ever need anything, my door is always opened to you."
There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you?" he said.
"Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. Thank Jesus... He led me to you."
Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways....
"Thank you for all your help, officer," she said.
"On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And thank you for the coffee."
If you have missed knowing my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, you have missed everything in the world.
Have a Wonderful Day.. May God Bless You Always and don't forget that when you "cast your bread upon the waters," you never know how it will be returned to you..
God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small He can curl up inside your heart..
God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor..
God closes doors no man can open & God opens doors no man can close..
Have a blessed day and remember to be a blessing...
The man slowly looked up.
This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new.. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life.
His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before.. "Leave me alone," he growled.....
To his amazement, the woman continued standing.
She was smiling. "Are you hungry?" she asked.
"No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president. Now go away."
The woman's smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm.
"What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone.
Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked..
"No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?"
The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?"
"See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile."
"Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. "Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything."
"This is a good deal for you, Jack" the officer answered. "Don't blow it."
Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner.. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived...
The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table.. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all this, is this man in trouble?"
"This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered.
"Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business.."
Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place."
The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled..."Are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?"
"Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms."
"And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?"
"What business is that of yours?"
"I'm Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company.."
"Oh."
The woman smiled again. "I thought that might make a difference." She glanced at the cop who was smiling. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?"
"No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty.."
"Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?"
"Yes, mam... That would be very nice."
The cafeteria manager turned on his heel, "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer."
The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said.
"That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this."
She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently.. "Jack, do you remember me?"
Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes. "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar."
"I'm a little older perhaps," she said.. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry."
"Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.
"I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat."
Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said.. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy."
"I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it.. I was afraid that you would get into trouble... Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my food in the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right."
"So you started your own business?" Old Jack said.
"I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card.. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons...He's the personnel director of my company.. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office." She smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet... If you ever need anything, my door is always opened to you."
There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you?" he said.
"Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. Thank Jesus... He led me to you."
Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways....
"Thank you for all your help, officer," she said.
"On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And thank you for the coffee."
If you have missed knowing my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, you have missed everything in the world.
Have a Wonderful Day.. May God Bless You Always and don't forget that when you "cast your bread upon the waters," you never know how it will be returned to you..
God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small He can curl up inside your heart..
God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor..
God closes doors no man can open & God opens doors no man can close..
Have a blessed day and remember to be a blessing...
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Pat Robertson, Please Shut Up
Pat Robertson made the following statement following the Haiti earthquake. [Hatians] "were under the heel of the French. You know, Napoleon III and whatever.” “And they got together and swore a pact to the devil. They said, ‘We will serve you if you will get us free from the French.’ True story. And so, the devil said, ‘OK, it’s a deal.’"
The anti-Christian bigot Jurassic press just loves this stuff. Goes to show, don't ya know, what a bunch of idiots and buffoons Christians are. Robertson has done many good things, but his inane utterings are hurtful to the perception of Christians.
Here's a 'rest of the story' moment. What Robertson was referring to was a legend. The leader of the Haitian revolution against the French, Jean Jacques Dessalines, made a pact with the devil (disguised as a voodoo god) to run the French out.
It's nonsense of course. Robertson shouldn't have said it. He shouldn't be talking about making hurricanes change direction because of prayers, or any natural disaster. At this point in his career, he shouldn't be saying much about anything. He should just be continuing his good works, which are huge and effective, and preach the Word. Other than that...
The anti-Christian bigot Jurassic press just loves this stuff. Goes to show, don't ya know, what a bunch of idiots and buffoons Christians are. Robertson has done many good things, but his inane utterings are hurtful to the perception of Christians.
Here's a 'rest of the story' moment. What Robertson was referring to was a legend. The leader of the Haitian revolution against the French, Jean Jacques Dessalines, made a pact with the devil (disguised as a voodoo god) to run the French out.
It's nonsense of course. Robertson shouldn't have said it. He shouldn't be talking about making hurricanes change direction because of prayers, or any natural disaster. At this point in his career, he shouldn't be saying much about anything. He should just be continuing his good works, which are huge and effective, and preach the Word. Other than that...
Allah, God, and the 'Religion of Peace'
Christian churches have been firebombed and Christians attacked in Malaysia because they use "Allah" when referring to and praising God.
Last Sunday, January 10, three Christian churches were bombed, several other churches and a convent school were defaced by Islamofascists. Islamists say only the followers of Mohammed can use "Allah". The problem is that Christians in the Holy Land were using the name, Allah, long before Mohammed and Islam came along.
Islam is doing what it has always done. It attacks and destroys what exists and builds on top of it. Al-Aqsa Mosque, "Dome of the Rock", was built on the top of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. Hagia Sophia in 1453 was turned into a mosque when Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror captured Constantinople. Now it's a museum with a mosque inside. Christians are banished. Islamists are beginning to appear successful turning Europe into an Islamic State.
Now in Malaysia they are trying to control language. Oppress non-Muslims. Full article here.
Last Sunday, January 10, three Christian churches were bombed, several other churches and a convent school were defaced by Islamofascists. Islamists say only the followers of Mohammed can use "Allah". The problem is that Christians in the Holy Land were using the name, Allah, long before Mohammed and Islam came along.
Islam is doing what it has always done. It attacks and destroys what exists and builds on top of it. Al-Aqsa Mosque, "Dome of the Rock", was built on the top of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. Hagia Sophia in 1453 was turned into a mosque when Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror captured Constantinople. Now it's a museum with a mosque inside. Christians are banished. Islamists are beginning to appear successful turning Europe into an Islamic State.
Now in Malaysia they are trying to control language. Oppress non-Muslims. Full article here.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
TSA Nominee Erroll Southers, Yet Another anti-American Creep Presented by the Obama Administration
Along with a NAMBLA pedophile and pervert supporter 'Safe Schools Czar' Kevin Jennings, Communist and Black Nationalist Van Johnson as 'Green Czar', and a Communications Director, Anita Dunn, that praises Mao, the murderer of about 80 million people, Obama has nominated this character to head the Transportation Security Administration, Erroll Southers. I included the whole hour vid.
"Which home-grown terrorist groups pose the greatest danger to the U.S?"
Southers: “Domestically speaking, a large part, most of the groups we have here in the United States, are white supremacists groups, World Church of the Creator, National Alliance, Aryan Nations. There are some black separatist groups.” “What’s interesting about those groups is you find that they are usually either Christian identity groups and/or groups that really have a foothold in our correctional or prison systems in the way of radicalization and recruiting.”
“Which home-grown terrorist groups pose the greatest danger to the U.S.?”
“Most of the domestic groups that we have to pay attention to here are white supremacist groups. They're anti-government and in most cases anti-abortion.” “They are usually survivalist-type in nature, identity orientated. If you recall, Buford Furrow came to Los Angeles in, I believe, it was 1999. When he went to three different Jewish institutions, museums, and then wound up shooting people at a children's community center, then shooting a Filipino postal worker later on. Matthew Hale, who's the Pontifex Maximus of the World Church of the Creator out of Illinois, and Ben Smith, who went on a shooting spree in three different cities where he killed a number of African Americans and Jews and Asians that day. Those groups are groups that claim to be extremely anti-government and Christian-identity oriented.”
Nothing like an anti-Semite, anti-Christian bigot to head the huge government bureaucracy that controls all movement in the US, that condemns whole huge segments of the population, millions of people, based on the acts of a few nuts. There's an enlightened individual.
Terrorism:
Terrorist Groups
Meanwhile, a Muslim TSA Agent pats down a nun.
"Which home-grown terrorist groups pose the greatest danger to the U.S?"
Southers: “Domestically speaking, a large part, most of the groups we have here in the United States, are white supremacists groups, World Church of the Creator, National Alliance, Aryan Nations. There are some black separatist groups.” “What’s interesting about those groups is you find that they are usually either Christian identity groups and/or groups that really have a foothold in our correctional or prison systems in the way of radicalization and recruiting.”
“Which home-grown terrorist groups pose the greatest danger to the U.S.?”
“Most of the domestic groups that we have to pay attention to here are white supremacist groups. They're anti-government and in most cases anti-abortion.” “They are usually survivalist-type in nature, identity orientated. If you recall, Buford Furrow came to Los Angeles in, I believe, it was 1999. When he went to three different Jewish institutions, museums, and then wound up shooting people at a children's community center, then shooting a Filipino postal worker later on. Matthew Hale, who's the Pontifex Maximus of the World Church of the Creator out of Illinois, and Ben Smith, who went on a shooting spree in three different cities where he killed a number of African Americans and Jews and Asians that day. Those groups are groups that claim to be extremely anti-government and Christian-identity oriented.”
Nothing like an anti-Semite, anti-Christian bigot to head the huge government bureaucracy that controls all movement in the US, that condemns whole huge segments of the population, millions of people, based on the acts of a few nuts. There's an enlightened individual.
Terrorism:
Terrorist Groups
Meanwhile, a Muslim TSA Agent pats down a nun.
Dreadful Vocal Drippings from the Vile Keith Olbermann
"Mr. Robertson, Mr. Limbaugh, your lives are not worth those of the lowest, meanest, poorest of those victims still lying under that rubble in Haiti tonight. You serve no good, you serve no God. You inspire only stupidity and hatred, and I would wish you to hell. But knowing how empty your souls must be for you to be able to say such things in a time of such pain, I suspect the vacant, purposeless lives you both live now are hell enough already."
Just how hateful and vile can someone be and still have a media platform? Olberman is disgusting.
This is what Olbermann has talked about the past week. Priorities. Olbermann Watch site here.
Just how hateful and vile can someone be and still have a media platform? Olberman is disgusting.
This is what Olbermann has talked about the past week. Priorities. Olbermann Watch site here.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Funny Email About a Dog
My Dog…
My dog sleeps about 20 hours a day.
He has his food prepared for him.
He can eat whenever he wants, 24/7/365.
His meals are provided at no cost to him.
He visits the Dr. once a year for his checkup, and again during the year if any medical needs arise.
For this, he pays nothing, and nothing is required of him. He lives in a nice neighborhood in a house that is much larger than he needs, but he is not required to do any upkeep.
If he makes a mess, someone else cleans it up.
He has his choice of luxurious places to sleep. He receives these accommodations absolutely free.
He is living like a king, and has absolutely no expenses whatsoever. All of his costs are picked up by others who go out and earn a living every day.
I was just thinking about all this, and suddenly it hit me like a brick in the head: Holy S##t!!!
My dog is a Democrat!
My dog sleeps about 20 hours a day.
He has his food prepared for him.
He can eat whenever he wants, 24/7/365.
His meals are provided at no cost to him.
He visits the Dr. once a year for his checkup, and again during the year if any medical needs arise.
For this, he pays nothing, and nothing is required of him. He lives in a nice neighborhood in a house that is much larger than he needs, but he is not required to do any upkeep.
If he makes a mess, someone else cleans it up.
He has his choice of luxurious places to sleep. He receives these accommodations absolutely free.
He is living like a king, and has absolutely no expenses whatsoever. All of his costs are picked up by others who go out and earn a living every day.
I was just thinking about all this, and suddenly it hit me like a brick in the head: Holy S##t!!!
My dog is a Democrat!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Glad We Live in a Post Racial America XII
Harry "Dusty" Reid on Obama -- a "light-skinned" African American "with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one."
This has become infamous over the weekend.
Republican Trent Lott was forced to resign his position for saying, at Strom Thurmond’s 100th birthday party that he would have made a good president. Thurmond apparently was a segregationist at the time he ran. Dusty Harry said at the time: ""If you tell ethnic jokes in the backroom, it's that much easier to say ethnic things publicly. I've always practiced how I play."
Part of the Statist Jurassic Press spin is that what Dusty said was that it was "backroom" and "private". Double down on the double standard.
Then of course Democrat Sen. Byrd got a pass using the "N" word on 60 Minutes a few years ago, and was some kind of grand pubah in the KKK.
Can you say double standard? Yet again? Good grief, even conservative George Will gave Dusty Harry a pass.
Dusty should be forced to resign his position, just like Lott was.
Also on the post racial watch list is the incredibly hateful low life bottom sucking scumbag Chris Matthews. This guy use to be a fairly decent reporter. I even subscribed to his email newsletter about ten plus years ago.
From an interview with Jonathan Martin, Politco; Martin was covering the Palin book signings, and Matthews ask about who was showing up:
MATTHEWS: Were they all white people?
MARTIN: Almost entirely.
MATTHEWS: What do you mean almost?
MARTIN: I saw one African-American.
MATTHEWS: Okay, But it is a certain sort of, what do you call it, socio-metric group that she appeals to.
Full interview here.
Plus, every time Matthews brings up the Tea Party Movement, they are of course all racists, and that's the motivation for attending. Sorry Matthews, I've attended, I'm not a racist, and I didn't meet any there. I did meet ex-military, nurses and doctors, moms and dads, white collar, blue collar...The only racist I'm aware of is Chris Matthews. He's a Statist, the ones that passed legislation that destroyed the black family, made them dependent on the State, filibustered the passage of civil rights legislation and voted against it, segregated blacks in housing "projects", etc.
Statist's history of hate and racism I posted here last December.
Ah yes, post racial Amerika.
This has become infamous over the weekend.
Republican Trent Lott was forced to resign his position for saying, at Strom Thurmond’s 100th birthday party that he would have made a good president. Thurmond apparently was a segregationist at the time he ran. Dusty Harry said at the time: ""If you tell ethnic jokes in the backroom, it's that much easier to say ethnic things publicly. I've always practiced how I play."
Part of the Statist Jurassic Press spin is that what Dusty said was that it was "backroom" and "private". Double down on the double standard.
Then of course Democrat Sen. Byrd got a pass using the "N" word on 60 Minutes a few years ago, and was some kind of grand pubah in the KKK.
Can you say double standard? Yet again? Good grief, even conservative George Will gave Dusty Harry a pass.
Dusty should be forced to resign his position, just like Lott was.
Also on the post racial watch list is the incredibly hateful low life bottom sucking scumbag Chris Matthews. This guy use to be a fairly decent reporter. I even subscribed to his email newsletter about ten plus years ago.
From an interview with Jonathan Martin, Politco; Martin was covering the Palin book signings, and Matthews ask about who was showing up:
MATTHEWS: Were they all white people?
MARTIN: Almost entirely.
MATTHEWS: What do you mean almost?
MARTIN: I saw one African-American.
MATTHEWS: Okay, But it is a certain sort of, what do you call it, socio-metric group that she appeals to.
Full interview here.
Plus, every time Matthews brings up the Tea Party Movement, they are of course all racists, and that's the motivation for attending. Sorry Matthews, I've attended, I'm not a racist, and I didn't meet any there. I did meet ex-military, nurses and doctors, moms and dads, white collar, blue collar...The only racist I'm aware of is Chris Matthews. He's a Statist, the ones that passed legislation that destroyed the black family, made them dependent on the State, filibustered the passage of civil rights legislation and voted against it, segregated blacks in housing "projects", etc.
Statist's history of hate and racism I posted here last December.
Ah yes, post racial Amerika.
MSM Worships, You Don't Get to Decide VIII
"This government is governing against its own citizens. This president and his party are governing against us. We are at war with our own President, we are at war with our own government. They’re the ones standing in the way of the private sector rebounding. They’re the ones standing in the way of job creation – purposely!" - Rush Limbaugh
This following is from Lauren Monica of the Daily Kos. The Daily Kos isn't officially named as part of the Jurassic Press like NBC or the NY Times, but alleged reporters from the MSM just reprint what's said there and in other Statist blogs and media outlets without any fact checking or second sourcing.
Lauren Monica wrote about Limbaugh's quote: "Today, on his radio show, The Head of the Republican Party is officially asking His Dittoheads to harm the President of the United States and other Dems Leaders in Congress. He said 'We are at war with our own President, we are at war with our own government'. Translation, Mr Limbaugh just had committed treason by calling for a "violent" revolt (with the use of the word "War") against the President Of The United States."
For the record, McCain (I shudder at the thought) is the head of the Republican Party. Limbagh is a private citizen and holds no office. Statists need to have real things in the real world pointed out to them on a regular basis.
This following is from Lauren Monica of the Daily Kos. The Daily Kos isn't officially named as part of the Jurassic Press like NBC or the NY Times, but alleged reporters from the MSM just reprint what's said there and in other Statist blogs and media outlets without any fact checking or second sourcing.
Lauren Monica wrote about Limbaugh's quote: "Today, on his radio show, The Head of the Republican Party is officially asking His Dittoheads to harm the President of the United States and other Dems Leaders in Congress. He said 'We are at war with our own President, we are at war with our own government'. Translation, Mr Limbaugh just had committed treason by calling for a "violent" revolt (with the use of the word "War") against the President Of The United States."
For the record, McCain (I shudder at the thought) is the head of the Republican Party. Limbagh is a private citizen and holds no office. Statists need to have real things in the real world pointed out to them on a regular basis.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Bow the Knee (vid)
From Philippians:
"Have within yourselves the same disposition of mind as was in Christ Jesus, for he was by nature in the very form of God, yet he did not regard existence in equality with God as something to be snatched at, but he emptied himself, and took the very form of a slave, and became like men. And when he came in appearance as a man for all to recognized, he became obedient even to the extent of accepting death, even the death of a cross, and for that reason God exalted him, and granted to him the name which is above every name, in order that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things upon the earth, and things below the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father."
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Conversation and Behavior
The power of words. If we don't match our words with our actions, we find ourselves in great trouble; and not just with our critics who are quick to shout hypocrite.
Apostle Paul tells us in his letter to the Philippians that we must conduct ourselves in a way worthy of our Faith. "Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel."
In the Authorized Version that first line is, "Let your conversation be as it be becometh the gospel of Christ." The word from the Latin, 'conversari' is more than conversation. We think of conversation as talking. 'Conversari' means 'to conduct oneself'. The word that Paul used even goes beyond that. The word that he would usually use, 'peripatein', translates "to walk about". The word he uses is 'politeuesthai', meaning "to be a citizen". In his context, citizens of Rome had to behave in a prescribed way that was worthy of being a Roman citizen, no matter where you lived in the Roman empire. What he wants us to do then, as Christians, is to act in a way always befitting a citizen of the Kingdom of God.
If you proclaim yourself a Christian, you must in all ways, at all times, act and talk in a way that is in line with scripture. If people know you are of this Faith, you are being closely watched, by both fellow believers and critics.
Even in your personal life you must do this. In Mark, Jesus talks about a man leaving his home, and gives authority to his servants to mind the house. We can act correctly and do all the things necessary to keep the house in order, or let things slide, thinking that the master of the house will probably not return until a certain time and date, and not act properly until then. Jesus says, "Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming- in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning- lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping".
We must watch. Watch our own behavior, our own thoughts, and watch for Him.
Apostle Paul tells us in his letter to the Philippians that we must conduct ourselves in a way worthy of our Faith. "Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel."
In the Authorized Version that first line is, "Let your conversation be as it be becometh the gospel of Christ." The word from the Latin, 'conversari' is more than conversation. We think of conversation as talking. 'Conversari' means 'to conduct oneself'. The word that Paul used even goes beyond that. The word that he would usually use, 'peripatein', translates "to walk about". The word he uses is 'politeuesthai', meaning "to be a citizen". In his context, citizens of Rome had to behave in a prescribed way that was worthy of being a Roman citizen, no matter where you lived in the Roman empire. What he wants us to do then, as Christians, is to act in a way always befitting a citizen of the Kingdom of God.
If you proclaim yourself a Christian, you must in all ways, at all times, act and talk in a way that is in line with scripture. If people know you are of this Faith, you are being closely watched, by both fellow believers and critics.
Even in your personal life you must do this. In Mark, Jesus talks about a man leaving his home, and gives authority to his servants to mind the house. We can act correctly and do all the things necessary to keep the house in order, or let things slide, thinking that the master of the house will probably not return until a certain time and date, and not act properly until then. Jesus says, "Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming- in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning- lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping".
We must watch. Watch our own behavior, our own thoughts, and watch for Him.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Frightening Graph of Gov't Entitlements vs Tax Revenue
What do you do when you run out of other people's money?
Climate Change
Thousands Protest Global Warming
Winter Could Be Worst in 25 Years for USA...
CHILL MAP...
Britain's big snow shuts ctities...
GAS SUPPLIES RUNNING OUT IN UK...
Elderly burn books for warmth?
Army drafted to rescue 1,000 snow stranded motorists...
Vermont sets 'all-time record for one snowstorm'...
Iowa temps 'a solid 30 degrees below normal'...
Seoul buried in heaviest snowfall in 70 years...
3 die in fire at Detroit home; power was cut...
Midwest Sees Near-Record Lows, Snow By The Foot...
Miami shivers from coldest weather in decade; Florida Gov Signs Emergency Order ...
Cold snap spurs power rationing in China...
(Drudge Report)
Winter Could Be Worst in 25 Years for USA...
CHILL MAP...
Britain's big snow shuts ctities...
GAS SUPPLIES RUNNING OUT IN UK...
Elderly burn books for warmth?
Army drafted to rescue 1,000 snow stranded motorists...
Vermont sets 'all-time record for one snowstorm'...
Iowa temps 'a solid 30 degrees below normal'...
Seoul buried in heaviest snowfall in 70 years...
3 die in fire at Detroit home; power was cut...
Midwest Sees Near-Record Lows, Snow By The Foot...
Miami shivers from coldest weather in decade; Florida Gov Signs Emergency Order ...
Cold snap spurs power rationing in China...
(Drudge Report)
Monday, January 4, 2010
Lesbian Moms, Custody, Values
This is going to be one messed up child, resulting from a messed up relationship, messed up legal system, caused by jettisoned traditional values. This is heart crushing.
Seven years ago the lesbian couple got married in Vermont, and divorced when the little girl was 17 months old. Lisa Miller was awarded custody of the child and is the bio mother through artificial insemination. The other "parent" is Janet Jenkins. Miller became hetero and a Christian.
A judge gave visitation rights to Jenkins, and Jenkins said Miller quit showing up with the child for parental visits. The judge gave parental rights to Jenkins for that, so Miller split with the child, went to another state and is hiding out from government officials. Just speculating here, but the judge sure seemed quick to try and push the hetero-Christian out of the picture.
Jenkins won't take the kid to church, saying churches teach hatred and bigotry. People full of hatred and bigotry that don't go to church often say things like that. Everyone is welcome in church. Everyone. Are there churches that fall short of the ideal? Yes. Are there churches that fulfill the ideal? Yes.
So now mother and child are on the run. The child is being used by parents to meet their own ends.
Homosexual activist Cathy Renna: "Families are incredibly diverse and come in all shapes and sizes." "You'd be hard-pressed to find a family that fit the June and Ward Cleaver model. Families are created in different ways and the law needs to understand and address that."
The reason we have this mess is that the purpose of the family is to raise children that the parents created. Secularists and Statists have successfully tossed that out, so they can make the inane statement Renna made. The government, through judicial rulings, have forced this on the citizens. Not one state where homosexual marriage is legal was passed through the legislature and reflects the will of the people. The foundation of civilization is the family. Another rule especially in this country is rule of the people by the people, not judges. Secularists and Statists are certainly happy to see those crumble for their own selfish reasons.
If anti-religious people, homosexuals, Statists, secularists or whatever, want to hook up, get legal civil unions...do whatever; but leave the traditional family alone. It's not a zero sum game. The destruction of the traditional family will negatively effect even those that wish its destruction.
What a mess. Pray for the child.
Seven years ago the lesbian couple got married in Vermont, and divorced when the little girl was 17 months old. Lisa Miller was awarded custody of the child and is the bio mother through artificial insemination. The other "parent" is Janet Jenkins. Miller became hetero and a Christian.
A judge gave visitation rights to Jenkins, and Jenkins said Miller quit showing up with the child for parental visits. The judge gave parental rights to Jenkins for that, so Miller split with the child, went to another state and is hiding out from government officials. Just speculating here, but the judge sure seemed quick to try and push the hetero-Christian out of the picture.
Jenkins won't take the kid to church, saying churches teach hatred and bigotry. People full of hatred and bigotry that don't go to church often say things like that. Everyone is welcome in church. Everyone. Are there churches that fall short of the ideal? Yes. Are there churches that fulfill the ideal? Yes.
So now mother and child are on the run. The child is being used by parents to meet their own ends.
Homosexual activist Cathy Renna: "Families are incredibly diverse and come in all shapes and sizes." "You'd be hard-pressed to find a family that fit the June and Ward Cleaver model. Families are created in different ways and the law needs to understand and address that."
The reason we have this mess is that the purpose of the family is to raise children that the parents created. Secularists and Statists have successfully tossed that out, so they can make the inane statement Renna made. The government, through judicial rulings, have forced this on the citizens. Not one state where homosexual marriage is legal was passed through the legislature and reflects the will of the people. The foundation of civilization is the family. Another rule especially in this country is rule of the people by the people, not judges. Secularists and Statists are certainly happy to see those crumble for their own selfish reasons.
If anti-religious people, homosexuals, Statists, secularists or whatever, want to hook up, get legal civil unions...do whatever; but leave the traditional family alone. It's not a zero sum game. The destruction of the traditional family will negatively effect even those that wish its destruction.
What a mess. Pray for the child.
Views on the Economy
Regarding the economy, the Statist idea of taking massive amounts of money from a few people, pocketing a lot of it, and giving the rest to constituents, as the basis of national fiscal management doesn't work, has never worked, and never will if the desired result is the most amount of wealth and productivity for the most amount of people.
Another analogy is a man with a bucket at a swimming pool. He's dipping the bucket in the deep end, walking to the shallow end and pouring the contents there, thinking he'll make the shallow end deeper.
US Military Tribute - Far Away - Nickleback (vid)
Begin the year with love and a tribute to these men and women. I've been there, and it's harder than can be imagined, or even portrayed here. The letter, the care package, a shower. My heart is crushed by the thought of these people and what they are giving up, and are opposed or not thought of at all.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
More of Julian Beever's Sidewalk Art
For those not familiar with Julian Beever's art, he has been doing 3D sidewalk art for about ten years.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Character of the New Man- Some Thoughts Entering the New Year
Looking to the coming year I don't see good things coming. I'm mostly an optimist and know things in the end of conflict will mostly end up okay. Right now though I see economic disaster because we have an anti-business president and political party in power. Those same people are dismissive of Judaic-Christian principles and values, and that does huge damage to the culture. With that in mind, I'll still have to fight them. I love my Faith, and I love Liberty, and both are threatened. I've moved a long way from where I was in my 20's and 30's when my line was, 'you're born, you suffer, you die'. Now I'm a religious man, and belief in God and Savior informs what I do. Apostle Paul wrote:
"Because you are God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with heartfelt mercy, with kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another; forgive whatever grievances you have against one another. Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you. Over all these virtues put on love, which binds the rest together and makes them perfect. Christ’s peace must reign in your hearts, since as members of the one body you have been called to that peace. Dedicate yourselves to thankfulness. Let the word of Christ, rich as it is, dwell in you. In wisdom made perfect, instruct and admonish one another. Sing gratefully to God from your hearts in psalms, hymns, and inspired songs." Colossians 3:12
As a society we've put these values to rest. I see no mercy and kindness, just incessant attacks by the State and it's supporters in politics and the Jurassic press. Rush Limbaugh goes to the hospital and those people cheer and hope he dies. Sarah Palin, a mother that has stayed married and raised a family with her husband, has loving parents, got involved in her community and effected good change, is hated and vilified in the most vile ways. What kind of culture is it that promotes the suffering of others?
I don't want to chronicle all the ills our country is suffering. All I can do is know and practice the best I can the values Paul says we as Christians must live, expressed from our hearts. We can only influence the small circle around us...be the stone in the small calm pond that sends out ripples. The waters are turbulent now, so we must use bigger stones of kindness, meekness, humility and patience. That's very tough, because the people in power now, politics and press and popular culture see those as weakness and gives them the right to force their ideology of command and control on the rest of us.
I pray for myself that I can, this coming year, be meek (I'll need to write about what that means later, it's not what most people think it is), kind, patient, with love in my heart. It's hard, especially now, because Christians are under assault, as are people that want the freedom to make their own life choices without the intervention of the State.
This year for me, more Bible study, lots and lots of praise, lots and lots of worship, lots and lots of singing praises, and sharing as much Love as I can, and express Thankfulness.
"Because you are God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with heartfelt mercy, with kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another; forgive whatever grievances you have against one another. Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you. Over all these virtues put on love, which binds the rest together and makes them perfect. Christ’s peace must reign in your hearts, since as members of the one body you have been called to that peace. Dedicate yourselves to thankfulness. Let the word of Christ, rich as it is, dwell in you. In wisdom made perfect, instruct and admonish one another. Sing gratefully to God from your hearts in psalms, hymns, and inspired songs." Colossians 3:12
As a society we've put these values to rest. I see no mercy and kindness, just incessant attacks by the State and it's supporters in politics and the Jurassic press. Rush Limbaugh goes to the hospital and those people cheer and hope he dies. Sarah Palin, a mother that has stayed married and raised a family with her husband, has loving parents, got involved in her community and effected good change, is hated and vilified in the most vile ways. What kind of culture is it that promotes the suffering of others?
I don't want to chronicle all the ills our country is suffering. All I can do is know and practice the best I can the values Paul says we as Christians must live, expressed from our hearts. We can only influence the small circle around us...be the stone in the small calm pond that sends out ripples. The waters are turbulent now, so we must use bigger stones of kindness, meekness, humility and patience. That's very tough, because the people in power now, politics and press and popular culture see those as weakness and gives them the right to force their ideology of command and control on the rest of us.
I pray for myself that I can, this coming year, be meek (I'll need to write about what that means later, it's not what most people think it is), kind, patient, with love in my heart. It's hard, especially now, because Christians are under assault, as are people that want the freedom to make their own life choices without the intervention of the State.
This year for me, more Bible study, lots and lots of praise, lots and lots of worship, lots and lots of singing praises, and sharing as much Love as I can, and express Thankfulness.
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