r-u-serious

Hate Crimes for Christians

2008-04-14T09:12:00.002-05:00

You've heard the one about the frog and the pot of slowly heating water. Well I think the temperature is being turned up a little.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=61342

The question, "Does a Christian business person have the right to deny serving a customer when that customer violates the principle by which the Christian orders their life?"

Some other questions that occur to me.

"Does the "couple" in question have the right to break the Law governing the States by use of semantics?"

"If the Christian lied and said they had a "scheduling conflict" what would have been the implications of their faith and their business?"

"Were Biblical convictions used to overturn discrimination half a century ago?"

"How do those same Biblical convictions apply to this kind of "discrimination"?"

"Does a Muslim Photographer have the right to deny homosexuals their photographic services?"

"Why didn't Miss Willock choose a Muslim Photographer?"

As a pastor I watch this sort of thing a bit more closely because I fully anticipate that one day soon clergy will be brought into this same arena, actually they already are, but that's another post. And the Law of this land changes like the wind but the Law of the Lord has remained for centuries and He is my judge. I need to love Him with my whole heart, mind and strength. It will take all of that to stand firm as a Pastor, photographer, you fill in the blank.

Is this really News???

2008-04-11T10:17:00.002-05:00

It seems that American Idol changed the words to Shout to the Lord.

Check it out at WorldNetDaily:
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=61234

Unfortunately I have come to expect this from the mainstream culture. I do think it is good that somebody keeps track of this whole culture that opposes Christianity and I completely affirm that Christians, real Christian, must engage in the arena of ideas.

But to take American Idol seriously as one of the places where anyone should be upset that they disavowed Jesus by changing the words to Shout to the Lord seems like a waste of ink to me. I am glad that WND reporter tried to contact Idol and that Idol did do the song as originally written the next night. Cudos to American Idol...still why should anyone expect redeemed behavior from unredeemed people. Does that mean I'm judging the people on American Idol...nope. TV programs can't be Christians only people can be Christians. Jesus never said to "non-believers" if you deny me before men I will deny you before My Father...He said that to "Christians." Besides have you watched FOX lately...not cable FOX...the regular one.

I suppose that someone could argue that because the show in question on Idol was doing a relief concert that ended with Shout to the Lord that they might expect a bit more fair treatment of the lyrics but was any "Christian musician" on the show? Yes, I know artists can be Christian and sing country...blah, blah, blah... What fellowship has light with darkness? Were the sponsors of the broadcast Christian sponsors? or were they selling alcohol, and cars, and other FOX shows? Come on true believers use the mind God gave you and engage in more than rants against the world. Come up with a plan to love Ryan, Simon, Paula and Randy the way Christ loves them.

NIMBY and all sorts of fun stuff for Minnesota

2008-04-09T08:55:00.002-05:00

Well folks just in case you missed this or your copy of the Star Tribune was late in arriving I thought I'd send along this very helpful link. It seems that a Muslim Public school right here in MN is functioning as a religious school with tax payers money. You can file this one under, "What's good for the goose..." Personally I'd like to see some consistency by the government but I'm not going to hold my breath.

http://www.startribune.com/local/17406054.html

Geothermal Heat

2008-04-08T12:01:00.003-05:00

I recently watched a commercial that advocated for the efficiency of heating with geothermal sources. It was interesting to me how they attached such heating with being friendly to the environment. Here's the rub.

I'm 40 years old and I remember back to the 70's when the environmentalists said that "unless we did something drastic acid rain was going to kill us all." That's a little bit hyperbolic. But since the fear mongering of the environmentalists caught on in the 70's the past 40 years has paraded out one "environmental crisis" after the next.

Now understand I am not advocating the wanton destruction of the environment but I believe that it is hubris to think that we "control" the destiny of this planet. God has placed us here as stewards of His creation and we ought to fulfill that duty with vigilance but I am going to make a prediction. And I want to be the first on record.

Heating with geothermal energy will one day come under scrutiny of the "environmental crowd" and will, I predict, be declared as harmful to the environment because slowly we are changing the temperature of the earth's crust. There, that's my prediction.

Here's the thing. Plastic bags were going to save landfill space and trees because they replaced paper bags. Not even 30 years have gone by and now plastic bags are being outlawed as harmful to the environment. We have developed energy efficient light bulbs that can save $47.00 per year but the reason they are so efficient is because they contain mercury. Oops...what happens when they go to the landfills and break and all that mercury gets into the water table? Hmmmmm..... that's a tough one.

My point. Love God with all your mind. Be reasonable when it comes to the use of natural resources. Love God with your whole heart and do not give into the fear of the "environmental gang." Love God with your whole self. Don't worship trees or rain or plastic or global warming...

The SOUL of it all

2008-04-02T09:41:00.002-05:00

A few weeks back I was up before church and watching the Chris Matthews Sunday show. It was interesting because they were discussing the debacle of the adulterous affair of Elliot Spitzer, the then Governor of NY...the place of my birth.

During the discussion Chris threw the 'hot potatoe' to Rick Stengel from Time Magazine. Rick responded with the discovery of some biochemist that the same reaction that takes place in men who 'charge up the hill' is the same internal reaction that makes men do these things. And then things got really interesting. In any case here's the link for the transcript:

http://www.thechrismatthewsshow.com/html/transcript/index.php

Last night on ABC Barbara Walters had a special on concerning living until we are 15o years old. One of the spots concerned cryogenic freezing of humans or at least their heads slightly before or immediately after they die. The hope is that in 25, 50, 100 years the 'cure' for whatever they died from will be found and then they will be thawed and brought back to life.

The intersting thing to me is how both spots reduce human life and action to a matter of matter. It's just the chemicals that make men heroes or scoundrels. So then why the outrage at Elliot Spitzer? Why the morality of it all? Because a grown man should know better...is that it? Why, if it's just the chemicals? Of course I suppose he could have, by a sheer force of will rejected the chemical urge and used his brain matter to avoid the affair. I suppose men in battle reject the urge to charge up the hill...but then why court marshal them for disobeying orders? They are simply following the chemicals.

And this business of freezing oneself post mortem. If we are animated matter that can be resucitated at any time then why do people die at all? Where's Dr. Frankenstein when you need him? These people who shuffle out $75,000 per freeze are being taken for a ride.

The point: we are humans created in the image of God and given a soul by Him. We could discuss when that occurs but that is besides the point...maybe some day. But it is the soul that makes us more than animals who charge up hills or have illicit affairs. That is where morality comes from. We know right and wrong not because it is hardwired into the matter of our brains but because it is placed in our hearts by God through His law. When a person rejects God's law and does whatever is right in their own eyes it isn't a matter of chemicals it is a matter of the soul.

When a person dies their bodies become inanimate matter but their soul continues it's existence. How do the people who are doing the freezing plan to put the soul back into the thawed body? That's what I'd really like to have seen Barbara ask.

Simply Brilliant

2008-02-19T10:46:00.003-06:00

Recently I have embarked on a four year reading program developed by Mark Dever and Michael J. Thate. I was led to the plan by D.A. Carson at a conference I attended in Fargo, ND. You can find the plan at the Gospel Coalition web site. Only being in the second month of the first year I'm still a newbie but I can say that I have enjoyed it so far. This month's read is Augustine's Confessions. I am enjoying the read very much and I came across a paragraph that I wanted to share. It is simply brilliant as it discusses the nature/depth of why sin is so offensive to God.

Book 2, Chapter 6, Paragraph 13:

For thus cloth pride imitate high estate, I whereas Thou alone art God, high above all. And what does ambition seek but honours and renown, whereas Thou alone art to be honoured above all, and renowned for evermore? The cruelty of the powerful wishes to be feared; but who is to be feared but God only,(Ps. lxxvi. 7.) out of whose power what can be forced away or withdrawn—when, or where, or whither, or by whom? The enticements of the wanton would fain be deemed love; and yet is naught more enticing than Thy charity, nor is aught loved more healthfully than that, Thy truth, bright and beautiful above all. Curiosity affects a desire for knowledge, whereas it is Thou who supremely knowest all things. Yea, ignorance and foolishness themselves are concealed under the names of ingenuousness and harmlessness, because nothing can be found more ingenuous than Thou; and what is more harmless, since it is a sinner's own works by which he is harmed? (Ps. vii. 15.) And sloth seems to long for rest; but what sure rest is there besides the Lord? Luxury would fain be called plenty and abundance; but Thou art the fellness and unfailing plenteousness of unfading joys. Prodigality presents a shadow of liberality; but Thou art the most lavish giver of all good. Covetousness desires to possess much; and Thou art the Possessor of all things. Envy contends for excellence; but what so excellent as Thou? Anger seeks revenge; who avenges more justly than Thou? Fear starts at unwonted and sudden chances which threaten things beloved, and is wary for their security; but what can happen that is unwonted or sudden to Thee? or who can deprive Thee of what Thou lovest? or where is there unshaken security save with Thee? Grief languishes for things lost in which desire had delighted itself, even because it would have nothing taken from it, as nothing can be from Thee.

Think about it a little..."And sloth seems to long for rest; but what sure rest is there besides the Lord?"

Calling Barry or Ron

2008-02-05T10:54:00.000-06:00

Ok so it's Super Tuesday and I'm as excited as anticipating tuna casserole for supper. Political overload has hit way too early for me. They look good, they sound good but every "man on the street" type of interview just leaves me scratching my head. I know that the media wades through the people they interview to get the one reaction they want so I don't fall for it being "mainstream." But good-googly-moogly some voters do not make sense to me.

All is not lost though. I believe firmly in Christian people participating in the political arena. I believe firmly in prayer to God for the right choices to be made for our governing officials. And I, with my whole heart, believe that God ordains governing bodies. I submit to His will for our elections and trust in His grace and goodness while still doing my part by voting, praying and following His self revelation in Scripture.

I was just hoping for somone more like Barry Goldwater or Ronald Reagan rather than Barry Gibb or Ronald McDonald. Just needed to get that off my chest.

Al Franken in Minnesota

2008-01-21T11:24:00.000-06:00

If you go to NEWSMAX.COM and sign up your e-mail for their Newsmax Insider report there is a funny little blurb on Al and has bid for the Senate seat now occupied by Norm Coleman. We don't hear much about this in Minnesota and considering that most of the people I know in MN are registered DFL voters I am very interested in seeing what they decide here in a few weeks. Wonder if my local CBS, NBC, ABC affiliate will cover it?

Pastors and Politics

2008-01-21T11:16:00.000-06:00

Here's a link that is very enlightening. If you're a pastor read it...if you know a pastor, print it out and give it to him.

http://www.newsmax.com/falwell/church_politics/2008/01/18/65600.html

Furthermore, look over to the left of this page and take the poll on whether or not it's important to you that 'your church' has a tax-exempt status? Just a quirk of mine.

Ooops...I filtered it too

2008-01-11T12:11:00.000-06:00

Found this on the web recently. Thought it was worth a link.

http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/prayingfields/2007/12/tebow_talks_god_and_media_igno.html

I'm not sure exactly what to think about this. So as I consider how this applies to loving God with my whole mind. I know that I can tell you how I feel. Which would be loving God with my whole heart.

First I am glad that Tebow claimed that Jesus was his Lord and Savior. It seems to me that when a professional athlete experiences their fifteen seconds of fame they should witness of their saving faith. I can also extend grace to Tebow. He didn't claim the forgiveness of his sins by the completed work of the Cross but I guess that is wrapped up in his "title" for Jesus...his Lord and Savior.

The problem the "saved" face today is that most people who aren't "saved" don't have the foggiest idea nor most likely do they really care to be "saved." "Saved from what?" In all fairness to Tebow didn't have time to enter into a conversation about salvation with the news media so should he have kept his faith quiet...no he shouldn't have but the idea that the authors of the article were putting forward was their personal dismay at the media ignoring Tebow's comment.

Second I feel pity for the columnists. Is this news to you? Whining about not being invited to the prom by the Main Stream Media is a colossal waste of time. Maybe the authors of the article could have helped Tebow out and presented the rest of the Gospel. They commit the same error that they claim the media made the day after Tebow won the Heisman. They filtered his message.

Mixed Emotions

2008-01-08T10:58:00.000-06:00

Yesterday and today during the morning news shows we watched Hilary Clinton get a bit choked up when she was asked, "How do you keep so upbeat and positive?" with refernce to the defeat in Iowa and all the nasty campaign adds being run against her in NH. She responded by saying how passionately she believes in how effective she could be to bring about change and how that with her it was personal.

Now compare that to her appearance on the ABC debate Saturday night. During a response by John Edwards which followed an emotionally charged response by Barack Obama wherein both claimed to be personally motivated to see real change happen in Washington Hilary proceeded to throw up her hand at the two men and proclaim, "Let's get real." Personal passion wasn't enough on Saturday night according to the Senator from NY...experience mattered. Her experience. She was seen as strong and forceful by the media on Sunday but I suspect that the NH voters, as well as many other Americans, weren't so impressed with her show of strength and thus the "change" of heart on Monday.

Yes, I am making a political point but I would like to press the point of "heart" even further. I am beginning to consider the fact that because of such a huge media glut, from the mainstream media, to cable outlets, to the blogosphere, to mobile news and yes even print media the average American interested in such things is less likely to be duped by the run of the mill flip-flop. Further, the lack of integrity and authenticity is seen immediately for what it is and it is no longer tolerated. Yes people can change and yes people can "grow" but when it smacks of expediency...well, "That dog won't hunt."

This is something that we have been experiencing within the body of Christ for a long time. From the Fall to the Flood to the Prophets to the Gospels and beyond the individuals that claim the label lovers of God (i.e. Christ follower) those who are not authentic and that lack integrity are seen for what they truely are...white washed tombs full of dead men's bones. We who love God can't fake it, nor should we try. That doesn't mean we are perfect. It means we shouldn't pretend to be. Loving God with our whole hearts isn't political expediency...well it isn't about expediency at all.

Returning

2008-01-07T12:26:00.000-06:00

Well it has been many months since I have even thought about blogging. Most, if not all the people who linked to this blog have deleted it. And that's ok. There have a been a few personal circumstances recently that have brought me back. You are free to read the archives although those posts are culturally dated.

My intention in returning should become clear over the next few posts. If you want to comment feel free. I have the moderator engaged so that spamming will be blocked. I will review any and all comments, positive or negative, and permit them to be read. If they need editing I reserve the right to do so.

Thanks for stopping by and come again soon. You can e-mail any post to a friend and have them stop by as well.

Culture of death very much alive

2005-10-04T10:35:00.000-05:00

It isn't a new concept. The culture of death in this country and in other places around the world are still very much alive.

A number of months ago I posted on abortion and talked about the head lines someday being something akin to, "Couple seeks retroactive abortion." I'm not the first nor the brightest person who has seen this coming or more accurately I should saw has observed this in progress. But the simple fact is that it already exists and probably wont be too long before it is part of our American Culture. "To arms good Christians to arms" or like one of my favorite Petra songs goes...."Get on your knees and fight like a man." Only God can change the human heart whether it be a dutch, german, indian, arabian, american heart...only God.

Al Mohler has a brilliant treatment of the issue of infant murdering in the Netherlands. Read all the articles to get a clear picture of what is happening and what is at stake.

Dutch to Sanction Euthanasia of Infants

Preachers of Hate

2005-10-03T09:21:00.000-05:00

The book “Preachers of Hate" by Timmerman explains the underpinnings of how this transplanted New Yorker has come to the conspiracy conclusion. Read the book or at the very least check out the MEMRI web site for yourself.

Muslim FDNY Chaplain Resigns after 9/11 remarks

OK, I HAVE HAD IT!!!!

2005-09-29T10:23:00.000-05:00

ANGER, OUTRAGE, SICK TO MY STOMACH, AND DEEP DEEP SADNESS. Actually as I type my eyes are full of tears. We, Christians, all have those 'causes' that we 'support' in our Christian experience. Some of us see politics as an arena that MUST be engaged by all thoughtful Christians, others of us hold high the "BIBLICAL MANDATE" to transform the culture we live in, still others of us would go on a CRUSADE to see gambling stopped or the environment cleaned up. All of these are good and things that are important to God as well. We should see the world we live in through a Biblical/Christian Worldview and engage it on that basis.

If you have been reading this blog along the way you know what issue is very near the top of my list. And a story I just read has absolutely sent me through the roof and into the basement.

The BBC is reporting a story about human fetuses being discovered inside religious iconic statuary and so forth. The destination of the shipment was Miami. There is a picture of these babies in plastic baggies.

I will not be linking to the article. If you want to read it for yourself find it. I will however quote the article to show you what sent me into such a difficult emotional place. "Colombian police chief Gen Jord Alirio Varon said the four- to five-month-old foetuses could have been intended for use in Satanic rituals."

Ok all you pro-choicers explain it to me? EXPLAIN your position again as to why this human being should be aborted and used, 'possibly', for a Satanic ritual in Miami.

I do not advocate a violent reaction to any abortion provider or any pro-choice advocate but for the love of humanity someone explain this.

Or wait, let me explain it. This is sick, but more than that it is sin. In the human heart this is what exists. So next time you run into a 'good person' who should go to heaven because they are really good remember that it false. There is none who is righteous none who seek God. No one can come to the Father unless the Father draws that person. Bottom line...apart from Jesus Christ and His payment for my sin and yours we have no hope.

I know it's an abrupt stop but I have to go and pray. Will you join me?

Lord, Have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy!!!

Follow the bouncing ball: part 2

2005-09-23T11:07:00.000-05:00

On July 25th I posted the first bouncing ball. "Senator Hillary Clinton was going to support John Roberts." Well today Drudge has the flop to her flip...wonder if she learned that from her husband? But I digress. Hillary to vote no on Roberts The article will most likely move by tomorrow so just go to drudge and search the archive.
Senator is this just political growth? What happened? Didn't you want to "...I have an obligation to my constituents to make sure that I cast my vote for Chief Justice of the United States for someone I am convinced will be steadfast in protecting fundamental women's rights, civil rights, privacy rights, and who will respect the appropriate separation of powers among the three branches." on July 25th? Will you have these same tendencies if you do run for the White House or can you learn something from President Bush and actually do what you say and say what you mean? Ahhh...NY voters, smell the coffee please.

Peace

Pat Leahy talks of integrity

2005-09-21T14:49:00.000-05:00

Sorry Senator that ship sailed a long time ago. But hay I'll give you credit for supporting a candidate you know you can't stop from being confirmed. Not to mention one whom if you did try and stop the voting public might remember that you voted no and likewise further erode your base in Vermont. Ooops never mind....Vermont...Howard Dean country right? Retracting the ooops and asking...Are you going to run for President in '08 Senator?

Leahy to back Roberts for SCOTUS

Vicar Hinton be careful

2005-09-21T14:42:00.000-05:00

"The Reverend Michael Hinton was launching his work at Canterbury Cathedral in southern England, the headquarters of the Anglican Church." The 'work' referred to in this article is a condensed version of the Bible that should take only about 100 minutes to read.

I wonder if the vicar included the portion in Deuteronomy and Revelation that quotes God as warning people not to add or subtract from His words or face the consequences. In Revelation the plagues will be added to that person...Yikes. Vicar it may not be too late. Pull the plug.

And remember brothers and sisters, "but for the grace of God go we."
100 Minute Bible

Peace

Amy Grant and Her genie NBC: Three Wishes

2005-09-19T10:21:00.000-05:00

I remember when I first heard her beautiful voice. "Thy Word" simply spoke to my innermost being. I still have the cassette around here somewhere. But then all the hula-baloo surrounded her move to the "mainstream" and things got ugly. I am not drudgeing that back up regardless how relevant it may be to her current endeavors and making wishes come true. I would direct your attention to my friend Keith over at The Christian Mind. I read him everyday...almost. Our Morning Worship will continue after this message from NBC

And let me add this...the conversation within our own house was between my oldest son and me, "Why doesn't God give us three wishes Dad?" The wonderful truth of God's Providence was boiled down to, "Because that isn't how God works." Someday son, I promise to explain it better.

Peace

Calling all Preachers

2005-09-19T10:16:00.000-05:00

Just found this on Agape Press Silence from Pulpit on Spiritual, Moral Issues Disturbs L.A. Radio Host

The author nails it. And I agree if not us who, if not now when, if not truth what? Could it be that we fear losing our jobs? It wasn't a job that you looked for was it? Wasn't it a calling form Almighty God Himself?

Dr. Schaeffer was right!!!

Clinton and His cronies

2005-09-14T12:54:00.000-05:00

You only have to read the first paragraph of this one but go ahead and read the whole thing. And from the NYTimes nonetheless.

FAA warns of terrorism in '98

Calling strikes and balls

2005-09-14T12:47:00.000-05:00

By now you have probably heard or seen in the beginning of the confirmation hearings fro Judge John Roberts his comment concerning the way in which he views the SCOTUS. He said that his job would be to call strikes and balls not pitch and bat. Wow what an insightful comment not only for him in this process. Nor only for his view of the SCOTUS but for all of life.

I like to call it 'knowing your role.' And we all need a little more of it in our lives. For example what is my role in helping my fellow Americans in the deep south after a horrible hurricane. I can sit here all I want and bemoan the length of time of response, which I do not find much of a lag, we aren't talking about FEMA or the Federal Governement or even State and Local Governement as if it were McDonald's are we??? Shame. Nor is it my role to politicize this as an issue on one side of the aisle or the other. People need help. What is my role? Prayer, money, opening my home to displced people? And so on. For that alone he should be confirmed. He has a great attitutde in knowing his role.

Not for the squeamish: PETA and human exceptionalism

2005-09-02T14:18:00.000-05:00

[the contents of this post can be highly offensive: read having been cautioned]

The Alliance Defense Fund linked to an article yesterday that appeared in the online version of the weeklystandard. The main content concerned a public debate that is happening in the state of Washington with respect to beastiality. The debate has been ongoing for many years but recently heated up because of a man that died while engaging in his perversion. There are no laws in Washington against beastiality.

The reason I draw your attention to this vile behavior and the articles in the weeklystandard is because of the impact in the public square that groups like PETA and other environmentalist extremists can have. When they make statements like, "We are all animals" that go unchallenged and become part of the fiber of culture they inadvertently or with a degree of calculation give acceptance and rationality to blatant sin. The latest case in Washington is beastiality as normal. Not only normal, but anyone who argues that it isn't morally acceptable to copulate across species and to hold a belief that humans are exceptional simply for being human are guilty of "speciesism." Specieism is discrimination against animals.

Now I fully hope that anyone reading this post will see and declare the utter folly of such discrimination. But in the arena of ideas in the public square when one engages in the logic and thought processes of groups like PETA one begins to trample upon sacred ground. What I refer to is the theological truth that we are created in the image of God. No horse, no cow, no cat, no dog was made in His image. We are exceptional because of that not just simply because we are human.

No one I know or speak to wants to needlessly use animals for tests that are abusive and cruel to animals. And I do believe that such tests occur and they ought not. But to open the door to PETA and ideas like "specieism" is intellectually vacant. A Christian worldview cannot include such vacancy. Think about it and begin to engage PETA and the like with a consistent worldview.

[a local example of my guilt as a person who suffers from specieism: I love the bumper sticker some have where I live that reads, "PETA = People Eating Tasty Animals
"]

Bush and Condoms in Africa

2005-08-29T14:10:00.000-05:00

Andrew Quinn has the byline on a Reuters article entitled, US abstinence drive hurts AIDS fight - UN official” The opening salvo is, “The U.S. government's emphasis on abstinence-only programs to prevent AIDS is hobbling Africa's battle against the pandemic by downplaying the role of condoms, a senior U.N. official said on Monday.” So it is our fault that AIDS is spreading in Uganda. The article also goes on to report that, “Uganda's State Minister for Health Mike Makula told the Monitor newspaper on Monday there was no condom shortage, saying the country had 65 million in stock and had ordered another 80 million for delivery soon.” The article continues to deride the Bush administration for the program that promotes abstinence as the primary and best way to prevent the spread of AIDS. The claim is that abstinence-only is hurting the “use a condom” message. It’s a PR problem?

Later a spokesperson named Jodi Jacobson of the U.S.-based Center for Health and Gender Equity is quoted and spreads the blame a little, “They are kow-towing to the (U.S.) fundamentalist right on this issue." At least she didn’t say Evangelicals, but I digress. There is nothing really about the article that surprises me insofar as those quoted from the UN, Uganda, or the US that blame the United States for the spread of AIDS in Africa. I will leave that to your own set of logical constructs but while you are musing consider this.

According to the CIA World fact book the population of Uganda is estimated as of August 9, 2005 to be 27,269,482. You do the math…65 million condoms in stock with 27 million people in country.

One more fact for your consideration. The age distribution is as follows:

0-14 years: 50.1% (male 6,875,663/female 6,784,378) 15-64 years: 47.7% (male 6,511,867/female 6,494,859) 65 years and over: 2.2% (male 263,790/female 338,925) (2005 est.) CIA World Fact Book

Thanks BLOGMA

2005-08-27T08:16:00.000-05:00

Just a quick thanks to the people over at News.com [BLOGMA] for using a quote from my blog. They referenced 'Gadget Overload.' Go give them a click or two.

Reached Gadget Overload?

Peace

Abortions the Problem???

2005-08-26T11:38:00.000-05:00

A .com news agency is reporting that in the former Soviet Union there are more abortions than births taking place. The article itself meanders over a point somewhere but I am not sure that I know what it is. [sort of reminds me of myself at times] So here are my points.

The first is shaking my finger at what appears to be the point of the article. If I get it straight the author of the article is saying that the abortions that take place are undermining the Russian economy because there are more people on pensions than there are children and adolescents. This translates into the workforce in Russia. So without the necessary workforce the economy is in a spiral downward. But, by the articles own admission the jobs that were traditionally held by the women of Russia no longer pay wages sufficient for the current “standard of living.” So then young Russians attempt to try and get on their career feet first and so forth. Then in the course of things when the Russian Yuppies get pregnant the baby is seen as something that will throw them into poverty.

Follow me here. The article quotes that with the fall of Communism in 1991 and the ensuing hyperinflation things went from bad to worse. That was only 14 years ago. The same Yuppies that are now aborting their children were conceived under the Communist regime of the USSR. A society who tried to erase God from their lives and where the ruling bodies enjoyed wealth and comfort and the populace broke their backs and waited in line for bread. It seems to me the article has a problem in understanding the nature of abortion and the impact that 1.6 million reported murders has upon a nation of 145 million. Maybe it’s the moralistic values, or the lack thereof, that the abortion minded young people have that is the base line problem. Not to mention the view that the program of financial success is more important than a human life.

My second point is this. Go and read the article [More Abortion than Births in Russia] and you will notice an undercurrent that claims that things were better in the USSR under Communism. Then go and find a copy of the movie “The Harvest of Despair.” You’ll have to really search for it but if you find it you will see the millions of Russian citizens burned in barns and exterminated by Stalin. Wait, he was a Communist…things were better under their rule. How soon a people, a world, can forget. Thank you Dr. Albert Michael from the University of Buffalo.

Oh I just thought of a third point….I’ll be brief. I thought the world population was increasing? Yes I know all those children dieing from starvation in 3rd world countries need food…and they do. But in the former Soviet Union they are killing them.

Hugh Hewitt: a book review

2005-08-23T14:02:00.000-05:00

I just finished Hugh Hewitt’s book, “If it isn’t close, they can’t cheat” that is listed in my “what I’m reading now column” and I would recommend it to anyone. Although most of the context for the book was the election cycle of 2004 it has very valuable content that relates to life as we know it in the USA. His main thrust is to understand the level of involvement that the individual citizen has with respect to politics as they relate to National Security. There can be no debate that is the primary concern for us today, as it should have been from the beginning.

To place this in a Biblical context we read Scripture insofar as it relates that government was established by God for the punishment of those who are criminally guilty and for the protection of citizens from outside threats. Terrorism qualifies.

I picked the book up at a secondhand book store for less than 10 bucks. Well worth it.

SCOTUS flashback for Sen. Kennedy

2005-08-23T10:26:00.000-05:00

Back in January of this year I was just surfing around and came upon this picture. If I remember it was from a Drudge link but in any case, as I was cleaning out some old folders today I was caught by the caption.

"Senator Ted Kennedy and John Kerry discuss the Supreme Court injunction against Vietnam Veterans sleeping on the Mall and whether the vets ought to risk violating it. Washington, D.C., April 21, 1971. Photo by Sheldon Ramsdell"

How deliciously ironic that 34 years later Senator Kennedy will once again be consulted to speak on behalf of the American people with regards for the Supreme Court. I half heartedly wish that someone like Hannity or Hewitt could get the audio that went along with this photo just for novelty sake.

Was the Supreme Court during the Vietnam protests an institution that ruled on matters that the people could openly reject as their current opinion and conscience told them too? Could the appointment of Judge John Roberts overturn a decision that was made just about the same time this picture was taken that has allowed under the law hundreds and thousands of lives to be snuffed out by the choice of the female who is carrying that life? I wonder if Senator Kennedy would speak out of both sides of his mouth?

North Dakota to extend borders

2005-08-18T12:51:00.000-05:00

[Hypothetically speaking] Recently the US Government has declared that the northwest Border of the State of Minnesota from 50 miles south of Fargo to the Canadian border was to be annexed to the State of North Dakota. The slice of annexed land would be drawn 10 miles into the current Red River Valley. The reason given by the government was in order to settle disputes over bar closing times that ensue in the courts and spend hundreds of thousands of tax payers money. Also the government sited that tax revenue from cigarette sales would increase for North Dakota. The Supreme Court ruled that eminent domain issues like this were constitutional and so the enforcement of the proposed legislation will begin next week. A spokes-person for the US government made a statement this past Wednesday, "If it works for the Nation of Israel it can certainly work for the States of North Dakota and Minnesota."

I trust you didn't think that I was being serious? If you did I hope you read the following link

Troops storm synagogues

A number of weeks ago Senator Tancredo, in a discussion with a talk show host was given a hypothetical situation and responded hypothetically that if the US suffered an extreme terrorist attack on US soil how should we respond. The Senator answered by saying that we should place holy Islamic sites on our target list. There was a certain backlash by Democrats. And many from this side of the aisle were also stunned by the Senators frankness. On his blog Hugh Hewitt threw his voice into the ring and made very excellent political and humanitarian sense. But I have come to an almost certain conclusion, human nature being what it is, that I disagree with Hugh. One of his major points was that targeting holy Islamic sites would enrage or at least insight 'peaceful Muslims' against the US and not against militant Islamic Terrorist. At first I could see that very clearly and still have a vestige of why that might be true.

Then I saw the story I linked to above and my brain went into overdrive. Maybe thinking too fast for cooler logic to prevail. But if Jewish military are willing to storm Jewish places of worship to forcibly resettle Jewish people out of their 'governmentally emancipated property' Why can't, why wouldn't, why shouldn't, cooler headed and numerically dominant Muslims be able to forcibly control an extreme faction of Islamic Terrorist. Answer: because they don't want to? Because they agree with the extremist? Because they have nothing to gain or to lose by remaining silent?

Maybe I'm too simplistic. Maybe I'm too much of a geo-political neophyte? Maybe I don't understand the Muslim mindset but I certainly can't get into the head of a Jewish Military person who would act on orders to storm a synagogue. Maybe we should give Tancredo's hypothetical response some weight and see what happens?

May God help us all!!!

Peace

Gadget Overload

2005-08-17T09:40:00.000-05:00

I consider myself a techno-geek wannabe. Don't get me wrong I am not being derogatory when I use the word geek. I am of the firm opinion that geeks run the world. But that's another post. Like I said technology geek wannabe. That is to say that I love gadgets and toys of the technological variety. But I am not so enthralled by the stuff that I would consider myself "up on the latest." If my PDA meets my needs I'm good to go. Last night I saw something that just made me say..."Ok that's enough." It was for some cell phone company that has a cool add-on feature. Ring backs that are downloaded music.

Let say you call someone and their line is busy. You can leave a directive for the "phone" to keep dialing until the person that you called is off the call that made the line busy. Then when their phone rings they pick up and instead of hearing your ringer tone they hear music that you have chosen for them to listen to. Then your phone rings and you pick it up.

I agree, that is amazing as far as a neat trick of technology is concerned. But as I watched and thought about it I asked, "Why?" Just because it's neat I guess. To whomever thought up the idea...kudos. To whomever implemented the idea...kudos. To whomever figured out the technology...kudos. And to whomever kept their job because of the technology...kudos. But with the price of gas and eventually a gallon of milk do we, the consumer, need more stuff?

File this under a Wednesday morning rant before I go see a man about a tooth...Bless God for dental technology.

Peace

ELCA Votes

2005-08-15T11:47:00.000-05:00

The web page of the ELCA is reporting in it's preliminary minutes and voting results that recommendation #3 on human sexuality, which concerned the ordination of homosexual ministers that could demonstrate commitment to a life long partnership failed by a vote of 490-503.

ELCA Votes

Shame on the NCAA

2005-08-08T10:46:00.000-05:00

The NCAA ruled recently that Post Season Play of Schools that have mascots and logos that derive from Native Americans will have to be covered up and/or uniforms changed. These same colleges and Universities are allowed to keep mascots and uniforms during the regular season but if they have athletic teams that go beyond the regular season into official NCAA post season play then they must adhere to the ruling.

Logically bogus. What is the difference between say a regular season game on Friday night and a first round play-off appearance on Sunday Night? Answer: Nothing except some arbitrary ruling of a governing body that has run amok.

If a logo and mascot is “offensive” to some segment of a country’s given population and that is the basis for such a ruling by a governing body then so be it. But to make the prohibitive measure only during post season betrays logic and actually discloses the actual concern of the governing body. If the logo is offensive it is offensive. If the governing body is concerned that the given population is seen in a derogatory light then why is it only in the post season? Why not always? Will they try next season to incrementalize it up and make it during the regular season too? Maybe, but then what about that given population this season? Why subject them to another “regular season” of discrimination? Is the NCAA really concerned about native Americans or are they more concerned about their own public persona? Did they make a ruling to save face at the expense of Native Americans? Have they made a ruling that is logically indefensible?

Shame on the NCAA.

Is the ruling Constitutional? Does it interfere with the free speech rights of college and university athletics? Who is the “watchdog” of what is offensive or not offensive? Why have they singled out the Native American logos? Are there other NCAA teams that have logos and mascots that derive from other segments of this country’s population? What is a Demon Deacon? What is a Tarheel? What’s an Aggie? What’s a Boilermaker? What’s Knight? What’s a Spartan? What’s a Gothic Knight? What’s a Cornhusker? What’s a Statesmen? What’s a Blueboy? Ever hear of Dallas Baptist University? Are you getting the point? If so why aren’t they deemed as inappropriate? And under the same regulations? Ridiculous I say; ridiculous. I am not saying that the possible offensiveness of the logos is ridiculous the NCAA and the way they have administered the ruling is ridiculous.

Shame on the NCAA.

A must read for Senator Frist

2005-08-02T14:34:00.000-05:00

Just found this article at the center for Bioethics and Human Diginity. Kinda makes you think Senator Frist needs to read a bit more.

Adult stem cells-3, Embryonic Stem cells-0

Senator Frist...doh...what a Homer

2005-08-02T13:57:00.000-05:00

By now you have heard the Senators comments and how he decided that in the interest of science he was going to vote to extend stem cell research moneyies etc. It is very disturbing to me that he has done this for a number of reasons. The primary reason has been already and most eloquently stated by Keith Plummer at the Christian Mind.[see links] NO LOGIC

The next reason for me goes back to something I read recently in Hugh Hewitt's book, If it's not close, they can't cheat where he brings forward the idea that "There aren't enough targets that you have to shoot at your friends." He also makes the statement "...proving once again that in the nation's capital, it isn't about winning or even moving in the right direction; it is about getting noticed." [pg.113]

Bill Frist did a masterful job of revealing Democratic obstructionism in November of 03 and has been a good "leader" in the Senate. So I ask myself...why now Senator Frist? Supreme Court nominees to get appointed, recess appointments to support, and so many other issues why would you now break from your Commander In Chief and take a shot over his bow? Are you thinking about running in '08? Senator, you're a doctor, remember your oath? Look at the research Doctor...it doesn't square with this move of yours. The benefits of fetal stem cells are not proven. Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity
I don't want to take a shot at Senator Frist. I have no political asperations this issue isn't one of politics. To be sure government is involved but it isn't a political issue it is an issue of life. And Senator you should be ashamed.

Peace

Follow the bouncing ball

2005-07-25T13:25:00.000-05:00

Matt Drudge is reporting that the junior Senator from NY is going to support John Roberts for SCOTUS. Well ain't that sweet. Of course Judge Roberts is originally from Buffalo NY but you knew that. And of course the senior Senator from NY is the "hardball inquistioner" on the Senate Judiciary Committee that will be questioning Judge Roberts. Well, maybe you don't follow politics too much...ok No worries. All I am suggesting is to keep half an eye cocked on Senator Clinton and follow the bouncing ball of her reivention toward the run for the White House in '08. Oh and if anyone from the Senator's office happens to read this she may wish to rethink and renounce taking campaign contributions from certain middle eastern contributors. Just a thought because I'm feeling just a little pithy today.

Peace

Something you wont see on CBS, NBC, ABC, and so on

2005-07-22T13:41:00.000-05:00

A Washington Times article appeared today 'Troops speak out' that briefly reports how two very liberal Senators whose party affiliations seem to NOT support our troops came under "fire" when they visited Gitmo. Of course I do not expect to see this on World News Tonight nor do I suspect the Senators to report their troubles to the American people. But if you're going to support our troops please be very careful next time not to call them Nazi-like etc. It's a quick read check it out.

Peace

I nominate Robert Bork

2005-07-06T09:38:00.000-05:00

Ever since I read his book The Tempting of America, 1990; The Free Press I have had a tremendous amount of respect for Robert Bork. His understanding of Judicial History and his commitment to understanding the "original intent" of the founding fathers is unquestionably remarkable. Recently he was interviewed on CNN and once again made some very necessary points about what will transpire this summer in the confirmation process of a Supreme Court Justice. Interview on CNN

I have written elsewhere that the Constitution is a good place to start reading. In black and white you can find most of the answers to questions that people will ask or avoid asking. Robert Bork doesn't waver in the above interview and cuts through the political rhetoric. Moderate; Conservative; Liberal...blah,blah,blah the necessary question is how the jurist [nominee] understands the role of a Justice. Are they going to read things into the Constitution that are not there? Are they going to look to the legal systems outside the US for the way in which to adjudicate matters of US Law? Are they going to lick there fingers and check to see which way the "US culture" feels at the moment and rule thusly? If that is the way you think they should rule just a couple of questions...

Would you be comfortable if the Supreme Court consulted Iraqi Law in order to judge a domestic violence case?

Would you agree as the Supreme Court did in the Dred Scott case that because it was "normal and acceptable" in US culture that slaves were 3/5ths of a human and other had the legal right to own slaves?

Please go read the Constitution and ask yourself. Is this document going to be the rule of law that I want followed or should we rewrite it and start the whole thing over. I already know my answer. Originalist.

Why Dick Durbin will not be in heaven

2005-06-24T22:37:00.000-05:00

because he doesn't know how to admit guilt. To be completely honest I am not judging Senator Durbin's eternal destiny. That isn't my job and I am more than delighted to leave that to the One whose job it is for all of us.

By now you have heard and the hype is over about the Senator's comment concerning GITMO and his subsequent reasons for saying what he said. By comparing the "Americans in control of prisoners" to Nazis and so forth he created a fire-storm of criticism with most calling for an apology. At first he offered explanations of what he meant with respect to the Adminstration and their policies of interrogation. That was followed by his regret "if" he was misunderstood.

"I have learned from my statement that historical parallels can be misused and misunderstood. I sincerely regret if what I said caused anyone to misunderstand my true feelings: our soldiers around the world and their families at home deserve our respect, admiration and total support." Durbin Senate Statement

Then he came forward with his apology. Which as you read it you see that it really isn't. That is why I titled this post as such. In the above scenario replace the American public and critics of Sen. Durbin with God and replace Sen. Durbin with yourself. In the course of events you and I say and do things that are just wrong. We become aware of their wrongness and we seek to explain our rationale for such "wrongness" only to realize that still doesn't change their wrongness nor our condition of being wrong. Then we attempt to justify and posture ourselves as being regretful about our wrongness. That is a step, albeit a tiny one, in the correct direction but it still isn't sufficient to move us from our position of being wrong.

Turning to Sen. Durbin's apology. Associated Press Article The apology, however, falls incredibly short. "Some may believe that my remarks crossed the line, to them I extend my heartfelt apologies." That isn't an admission of being wrong. That's being condescending about the possibility of being wrong. I honestly do not want to castigate Sen. Durbin for his insufficient political apology. I don't really believe that he thinks that he was wrong and that is my whole "eternal destiny" point.

Go back to the substitution of God as the American public and you and I as Sen. Durbin. Offering this kind of apology to God for our "wrongness" isn't going to wash with Him. Only when we fully admit our guilt and complete need of forgiveness, only when we change our minds about offense that is Godward for our personal sin can we begin to fathom the gift of salvation offered in Jesus Christ. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us."

We who are "wrong" before God must say, "I am wrong I need Your forgiveness through Jesus Christ." That isn't quite the same as "Some people say that I have offended you God, if that is true I regret that"

No explanations, no excuses, just admit it...we're guilty...and need Christ.

Peace

Redirected by a mentor

2005-06-23T10:22:00.000-05:00

Look just a little bit to your left...see the list of books I'm reading. Maybe not so important to you but I like to read and am often influenced by other peoples reading list. I haven't finished it yet but that book at the top of the list. Good stuff...well at least as far as I've gotten in it.

I had the privledge of having Dr. Bruce Ware for a professor and the contents of his new book aren't foreign but they are compacted and refined, to me, as purer gold then when I heard them the first time in class. That is probably due to changes in me rather than in his teaching or doctrine. That you can take to the bank.

In the acknowledgements he writes, "More that any other needs we have as human beings and as Christians, we need to know God." AMEN I said and then began to think about the activities of my life and my recent fascination with NUMB3RS. God worked as only He can and I found myself redirected in this activity...blogging. I'm still working through the actual details but faithful reader, and newcomer alike, I will be writing differently as I blog. So pay attention to the shift and I trust that God will bless you as together we "know Him, the one true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent = eternal life." John 17.3

Peace

Laughing at Tom Cruise

2005-06-21T09:26:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I saw the report where Tom Cruise got squirted in the face with a squirt gun by a ficticious reporter at the opening of one of his movies overseas. He laughed at first and then held on to the guys hands so he couldn't get away. The man posed as a reporter to get the prank on film for a television show that pulls pranks on celebrities. I hope that the irony isn't lost on you.

As of late Tom has had his face everywhere and he seems to enjoy the limelight. He's even placed his proposal to Katie Holmes on display for the entire world to see. Not to mention his scientology. Which by the way he wasn't displaying very well the serenity and inner peace of an upper level practitioner when he was seething mad at the squirt gun assailant and restraining him physically. Nor was he displaying well when he used the media immediately to degrade the assailant. But enough of that digression. Rather look at the irony. Tom who ostensibly wouldn't be anyone without the media industry was "attacked" by one of his own. Which showed the world that the megastars aren't really. He reacted rather humanly. But the t.v. show guy and Tom are cut from the same cloth. They need each other. If Tom doesn't get the coverage he becomes a nobody and if the t.v. guy doesn't have Tom his show isn't all that interesting. Sorry Mr. Funt but it's already been done.

I guess what I'm trying to say is Hollywood, yer all wet. *snicker snicker*

NUMB3RS

2005-06-21T09:13:00.000-05:00

Have you seen the show? It's on Friday nights. And I'm hooked. I really don't care much for t.v. and watch far less now than I once did but I like this show.

The premise is that an older brother works for the FBI and he is an excellent agent but some crimes have his team stumped. Enter the younger brother who is a math genius and uses NUMB3RS to help assist his brother solve cases. Add in a few interpersonal relationships and struggles and viola you have a show.

I think there are two reasons why I like the show so much. One is my own interest in numbers. In high school I was quite good at the math and sciences. I even entered college to become a math teachers. Then I got to differential equations and bottomed out...failed the course twice. So I like the show because it fulfills a distant dream of mine from long ago. Besides I am not really certain that the show and the way math is used is an honest and real use of math but that leads to the second reason why I like the show.

The idea that math could be used for such an application, whether the show is accurate is irrelevant to the point, leads me to think about intelligent design of the universe we live in...Yeah God. And that after all is the real bottom line. Whatever you do in word or deed do all for the glory of God.

The "real" enemy

2005-05-26T22:00:00.000-05:00

Recently I was back east for a wedding and I had the chance to spend time with relatives. There was one conversation of particular interest in the "political" climate in which we live. I have said elsewhere that I believe the church in America knows nothing of honest persecution, like other believers around the globe. But we may be on the road.

Here is what one of my aunts related to me. A certain church in her town is celebrating it's 50th anniversary. They sent out invitations to some of the residents of that town. As my aunt was standing in the driveway a neighbor came running over holding up their copy of the invitation and was saying things along the lines of, "These people are the problem. These evangelicals are the real enemy" and so forth. Then the neighbor stated to my aunt, "You're not one of them are you?" To which my aunt answered, "Yes I am." The response from the neighbor, "Oh, I'm sorry." My aunt followed with, "I'm not." Upon hearing my aunt's answer I began to smile and thought, "Well bless God."

I purposely have left out names and places because those aren't the point. If you have been reading closely there are many columnists in the semi-mainstream media who are taking up the torch and defending "evangelicals." I'm not so sure about their motives nor their intent but the God I know is big enough to handle it. Maybe He is using these reporters or maybe He is working in these reporters. But I tend to think that the neighbor had a point. I seem to recall that Christ said the world would hate us because it hated Him. My aunt didn't go looking to be hated or to be the real enemy but let's face it we are. And while we're at it let's practice answering like my aunt did and not be sorry for it.

Peace

Hal Lindsay said it first

2005-05-26T21:40:00.000-05:00

I remember reading Hal Lindsay many years ago and thinking, "Wow that sounds so possible." Then I began to read others and the Bible itself and thought, "Hmmm, maybe not quite." But I sort of stand corrected. What I am referring to is the idea that Lindsay et. al. have postulated would always happen during the "end times." Based upon a certain understanding of the passage in the Bible that discusses the mark of the Beast certain end times thinkers have linked the mark of the beast with some kind of identification.

In the movie series of the late 70's it was a bar code on the hand or forehead. This mark has undergone many changes as technology changes. World data bases of fingerprints, sub-dermal [under the skin] computer chips, etc. have all been ideas. I never gave much credibility to such conspiracy type of identification systems. What I would reason was that the mark of the beast was more like a "spiritual" mark. Whether that is correct or not remains a matter for serious theological chatting. But here is an article that raises the bar just enough for me to raise an eyebrow.

US wants to be able to access Britons' ID cards

I understand that in the name of National Security in the world we live in many "freedoms" have been, shall we say, willingly forfeited but I'm not sure they have all been necessary. Especially of note are those that relate to travel. It seems to me that none of this excessiveness would be necessary if plane doors were more secure, and pilots had guns. But that is old thinking. And has been said much better by Ann Coulter anyways. My point in bringing it up is simply to raise the point. Could Hal have been somewhat right?

Feel free to file this one under humorous rants?

Peace

Vacation Time

2005-05-25T10:13:00.000-05:00

I just realized that I never posted and let you, the faithful readers, all 3 of you...tee hee, that I was on vacation recently. Went back east for a wedding...it was a great time. Seeing friends and family alike. It was a restful time and good for the soul. Hope you all have been well and once I get caught up with the unpacking and such I'll be right back at blogging. Sorry for the inconvenience. Next vacation I will let you know up front.

Peace

Passion [a.k.a. a post for mom]

2005-05-06T10:59:00.000-05:00

I would suspect that if you aren’t my mother you will not think that this article will mean anything to you but I would encourage reading it all the way through and then deciding.

You see this article isn’t really about my mother it is about God. That having been said let me tell you about a day in the life of a son.

During my senior year in high school I was elected as the vice president of the class. One of my responsibilities in that role was to deliver a speech on what we knew as “Class Night.” The speech was to center around a rose ceremony. As I spoke each student was to deliver a rose to their parents, their mother’s in particular. I did my duty but my speech centered more upon the nature of being parents than it did upon the symbolism of the rose. Stuff like; mom getting up at 6 am just to pack a lunch, and dad handing over 5 bucks every time I asked for it. Smarmy stuff like that. I have never been accused of being too emotional. I meant every word of it. I appreciate my folks and I love my mother. Well after I delivered my rose to my mom she hugged me. Read that again, she hugged me. You would have to be related to my mother to understand what that means but let me try and explain it to you.

My mom is all of five foot two inches tall. She is a small Italian woman who is passionate about her family. That passion most often translates into the average regular stuff that mom’s do. Washing and ironing, transporting kids to sports events, cooking and cleaning…you know mom stuff. But whenever my mom gets the chance to hug you and she’s feeling that passion you better be prepared. The only way I can explain it in words, for those of you who haven’t experienced it, you better have taken a deep breath because she’s going to hold on for a long time and it’s going to be tighter than you can possibly imagine. I have a picture of that “Class Night” hug and I can still feel it. And that’s a good thing. Like I said before, I love my mother. [And right about now she’s probably reading this and crying]
Happy Mother’s Day Mom

Now here is the God thing. I just want to ask a simple question. Actually a few simple questions. Do you love God? Do you tell Him? When? How often? Do you show Him? How? Are you passionate about your relationship with God? Are you sure? Have you been hugged by God today? John 3:16

Last question…when was the last time you hugged God?

Peace

Thinkin' bout moving to Florida???

2005-05-03T14:02:00.000-05:00

Maybe you wanna think again. Abortion pushes my button...no secret there.

Peace

Florida's Abortion Ruling

Suffering??? American Style

2005-05-02T13:47:00.000-05:00

Stanley Kurtz, a self proclaimed secularist, wrote an article last week that touches on the issue of how "basic Christianity" is under attack in American culture and politics. He sites a recent edition of Harper's Magazine. His article is worth the read. Scary Stuff I would also direct your attention to blogger Keith Plummer's treatment of the same article Christians and the Left: Who's Warring Against Whom?

My take on the issue of persecution is a bit different. In general I applaud Mr. Kurtz for putting himself out there at this point in time. I have searched his archives at NRO to see if any other articles by Mr. Kurtz have dealt with the topic in a similar vein as this one because I wondered if his coming to the party was as a herald or if he might be a little behind the curve. I shan't be too critical of this point it was just a musing of mine.

This kind of "incrimination" of Christianity isn't anything new, historically speaking, but even further than that it isn't exactly new in American History nor recent American cultural/political history. Ask Rachel Scott and others who have given their lives for no other reason than they believe or consider their "Christianity" as something to be lived. Please do not get me wrong Christianity in this country knows nothing of real discrimination or criminalization of its practice and beliefs. But maybe, just maybe, if God were so inclined to increase the pressure on the church in the US we will soon. Once again, please don't misunderstand I am not looking for torture and martyrdom for the body of Christ here in America. But maybe if the "heat" was turned up just a bit, maybe the church would actually seek God and His glory rather than be more preoccupied with trivialities such as which version is more "Godly." Like a friend of mine once said, and I repeat to myself often, "I don't have time to doink around."

In all honesty I do fully expect it to get much worse Mr. Kurtz. Laws are already on record in Canada where certain texts of the Bible cannot be preached without risking being charged with a hate crime. Much like the one that is mentioned in the article. Once again, nothing new. Do I think I would ever be arrested for preaching the Bible as God intended it to be preached? Not this Sunday, but hey who knows what tomorrow brings. I've thought about this for quite some time and I actually believed that persecution of an increased sort would surround the issue of abortion but maybe it will be homosexuality. Either way, by His grace, I think I'm ready, maybe not to have my fingernails pulled out, or my children to be skewered while I watched but I am ready to go to jail for what I believe. Mr. Kurtz? Reader?

Peace

Kidman and the Bible

2005-04-25T10:12:00.000-05:00

Have you read the little blurb on MSN about Nicole Kidman and her study of the Old Testament? Kidman Brushes Up On Her Bible I found it very interesting. She was raised Catholic and never embraced Scientology like her ex-husband. She wants to learn the Hebrew Scriptures and then go to the Middle East and be active in such things as archeology...

Good for her. My hope is that it will be an experience, like an Ethiopian Eunuch had as recorded in the Greek Scriptures, where she finds herself reading from the Prophets and asks God for understanding. Whereupon she will encounter the living Lord in Jesus Christ.

Study hard Nicole.

Peace

A Widow's Mite

2005-04-25T09:59:00.000-05:00

You remember the account from the Gospel of Mark chapter 12 starting at verse 41 and going through verse 44. A woman came to church and gave all that she had, which equaled less than a penny, and Jesus commented that she gave more than all the others because of degree of sacrifice not the amount. That was some 2000 years ago but I saw it yesterday!!!

We had a representative from a local Gideon Camp, the organization that places Bibles and Testaments all around the world, come and give a report during worship. After the closing of worship the Gideon rep. stood near the back of our meeting place with a Bible Open to receive any monies that anyone felt like giving. I had already placed money in an envelope and put it into the open Bible. Many others did the same. Then she came; a frail and wonderful seasoned Christian woman, not a widow, but never married. As I was talking with the Gideon rep. She emptied her change purse into the Bible. Immediately I was struck by God's Word...all that she had. I gave cheerfully. She gave sacrificially. I know God will use her gift in mighty ways and I know that He moved in me.

The Bible says that Holy Scripture is living and active, shaper than any sword and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. What a mighty God He is.

Peace

Old Friend New Link

2005-04-19T12:07:00.000-05:00

Just have to tell you what a thrill it was to see byron-harvey link to a friend of mine...actually more like one of those people God brings into your life to change who you are so that you are more like Christ...Keith Plummer is his name and his blog has been added to the "blogs you need to read" section in the sidebar over there to the left. It will be well worth your while to click on "The Christian Mind" link and read, read, read. I bless God for men like Keith and Byron...fight the good fight brothers.

Peace

One to watch in MN

2005-04-02T00:28:00.000-06:00

Heard it first this morning on talk radio, the MN house approved by a 77-56 margin sending an amendment to the voters in '06 that would ban gay marriage. The proposal would amend the State Constitution defining marriage as exclusively between a man and a woman. The next step is for the senate to consider the measure. Like I said, one to watch in MN. Wonder what would happen in a blue state on such a "conservative" issue/value???

Peace

Fetus Disrespect

2005-04-01T08:33:00.000-06:00

Well another person opens their mouth and totally sticks their foot in it. Which I must admit I share that same disease but still the twisted thinking of this individual just begs to be pointed out so that we can learn and hopefully tweak our own ways of thinking to be a bit more consistent.

It was an AP story that appeared two days ago by Robert Jablon Two Women Sought in Theft of Fetus who told of the theft of a 13 week old fetus from an exhibit at the California Science Center. Two women were caught on tape taking the preserved fetus from the exhibit. So far no one has been apprehended nor is there any indication of motive. I wonder if these women are fanatical evangelical/Catholic Christians who will be publicly destroyed and I most assuredly brought up on felonies of the worst kinds. Hay who knows maybe even under some statute of the law they will be classified as terrorists. We’ll just have to wait and see. But here is a quote from the director of the Institute who preserved this fetus, “"We are deeply concerned and disappointed by the theft of this invaluable and irreplaceable specimen," Angelina Whalley, director of the Institute for Plastination, said in a statement. “How can somebody do this ... it's such a disrespect," she said.

Ok, I think it is rather gross what these two women did regardless of their motives and so forth but the fact should not escape us that the specimen that is spoken of by this director is a human being. I don’t care how long people try and rearrange the vernacular a human is a human is a human. The euphemism of calling it a fetus or a specimen is down right dishonest.

To be fair I do not know the circumstances of the institute obtaining this specimen nor does it really matter to me. In the name of science, extenuating circumstance ignored, this human child should never have been preserved and then displayed anywhere much less in the California Science Center. Tell me Angelina where is the dignity in that. You claim it was disrespectful for the women to steal this specimen. Whom did they disrespect? Your institute? The public? The Science Center? The child? Oh well maybe if some respect was shown for the child before you turned it into an exhibit this wouldn’t even be a matter for me to write about. I can only hope and pray that your institute will truly live by your words and that this specimen will remain irreplaceable.

Peace.

A Heavy Heart

2005-03-30T09:52:00.000-06:00

I haven’t written as of late because my heart is very heavy each time I try to put words together without being outraged and therefore, not making any sense to anyone. There are two things that are causing this type of outrage within me. First is Terri Schiavo and the second is the killings in Red Lake MN. Basically that in my backyard and I have many connection through Pastor friends who are directly involved.

As to the first, Terri Schiavo. I recommend a book to you titled “The New Medicine: Life and Death after Hippocrates” written by Nigel M. de. S. Cameron. It is an excellent treatment of history mixed with basic philosophy and medical ethics. The reason I sought the book out was to quote the Hippocratic oath. Yes, a little simplistic but as far as I know still a very real and formidable oath that any medical professional swears to as they enter their chosen field. Below you will find the section of the oath titled, “Duties to Patients.”

“I will use treatment to help the sick according to my ability and judgment, but I will never use it to injure or wrong them.
I will not give poison to anyone though asked to do so, nor will I suggest such a plan. Similarly I will not give a pessary to a woman to cause abortion. But in purity and in holiness I will guard my life and my art.
I will not use the knife either on sufferers from stone, but will give place to such as are craftsmen therein.
Into whatsoever house I enter, I will do so to help the sick, keeping myself free from all intentional wrong-doing and harm, especially from fornication with woman or man, bond or free.
Whatsoever in the course of practice I see or hear (or even outside my practice in social intercourse) that ought never to be published abroad, I will not divulge, but consider such things to be holy secret.” [pg. 25]

Do no harm is what the first phrase often gets boiled down to but it says so much more. A great deal of medical judgment has been going on in the Schiavo case and we have been inundated with expert after expert in the mainstream liberal media as well as those conservative outposts that offer us balance. Regardless of what we assume to be medical expert judgment the condition upon which that judgment is used is stated clearly at the end of the first phrase. “Never use it to injure or wrong them.” Terri is a living breathing human being. She is not on any life support. She breaths on her own. She reacts to her surroundings. She is not in such a state physically that any medical professional would call her “not alive.” And yet the medical community has taken orders from the judiciary and removed a feeding tube that sustains life. In effect they have forsaken their oath and let someone else, a judge or three, tell them how to actually cause a living person injury and therefore wrong. Shame on those medical professionals who followed the order of a court and have forsaken their oath. Kind of makes a person wonder about their own medical professionals. I am not an alarmist but the more I see medical professional not act according to their oath the more skeptical I become. In all fairness just because there are a few bad apples in the medical profession I do not lump them all together. Just like anyone shouldn’t lump all evangelicals together based upon the actions of a few bad apples that get a lot of press. Still my heart is heavy right now concerning the medical professionals in this case.

Second my heart is heavy because of the lack of character in Terri’s husband Michael. Regardless of his motives and his communications with his wife about extreme methods of life support etc…which, I grant are very important issues to discuss, the single thing I can’t get out of my mind and heart are the vows that one takes the day of their wedding. “To love, honor, cherish…in sickness and in health…forsaking all others…” These vows make my heart heavy. I assume Michael and Terri had such vows which so easily seem to be a footnote in the blogosphere and nowhere deemed worthy of discussion in the media. How can we expect to uphold family, the institution of marriage as prescribed by God, and the cornerstone of society when the very vows, stronger than a promise, are daily assaulted without even so much as a mention. Out of a heavy heart I pray for Michael because it is always right to do what’s right. Can you imagine what a message it would send to his two children if he would just do the right thing and let his wife live not to mention the impact of not forsaking her now?

[gotta end for now getting to the boiling point]

Peace

Retroactive Abortions

2005-03-17T13:59:00.000-06:00

That tears it. I can see the headlines now, "Defense Attorney will argue that death of six year old was a retroactive abortion."

In the UK a child was aborted because it had a cleft lip and palate. Two Doctors, because of a 38 year old law, must agree that a late term pregnancy can be terminated if the child will be born with a "serious handicap." Let's call a sapde a spade people this child was going to be an inconvience to the parent(s) and so they sought an abortion and were granted one from two Doctors. The case was dropped for various legal reasons but Vicar Jepson has brought the case to national {UK} attention...bravo. Fight the good fight Vicar. Still I can't help but wonder when the ability of human reason will move outside the womb and allow for parents to terminate the life of children that are an inconvenience. God have mercy on us all.

Peace

cleft lip abortion

Judge Kramer vs Reason

2005-03-16T12:50:00.000-06:00

For an excellent commentary on the issue at hand I would direct you to byron-harvey's blog

I have read the 27 page tentative decision and would just add my two cents worth. If the basis for a decision of jurisprudence is the "rational test" in such cases then I would have expected the decision by Judge Kramer to include some discussion of the meaning of words like marriage and the role of associated words as the cornerstones of living societies and legal systems. Maybe I'm just being too simple but the cornerstone of our judicial system is the Ten Commandments, [yes I know another issue entirely] but last I checked the Word of God didn't read "do not covet thy neighbors significant other." Marriage as a word means something to American Heritage, Webster, and to God....does it to you?

Peace

just for fun

California's Constitution
US Constitution plus
US Constitution

Same "Gender" Matrimony

2005-03-15T12:51:00.000-06:00

"'No rational basis exists for limiting marriage in this state to opposite-sex partners,' wrote San Francisco Superior Court Judge Richard Kramer. 'Same-sex marriage cannot be prohibited solely because California has always done so before.'"

That's a quote from ABC news' The Note. I have downloaded the judges written decision and will read the 27 page document and post shortly. What I am most interested in, thus far, is to see how he came to the conclusion concerning the nature of prohibition based upon precedent. I was under the distinct impression that "the courts" were supposed to draw upon precedent. I can, therefore, understand why this guy is being labeled an "activist" judge. There wasn't any real doubt in my thinking about that but what I really want to see is the hoops he jumps through to get there. I'm no legal scholar but I'm going to dig until I'm satisfied.

Oh and another thing let's read the Constitution just for the sake of argument.

Peace

He's Here

2005-03-11T17:28:00.000-06:00

Congratualtions to my brother and his wife, Derek and Judi. On the morning of March 10th 2005 Judi gave birth to their fourth child Dawson Jeremiah. Dawson joins his older siblings, Brandon, Jacob and Bethany Rose. We love you all and if I coded it right you should see his picture below...if not I'll try again when I get a bit more time...Thanks

Peace

Thanks

2005-03-09T10:13:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to say thanks for your visit. I just added a counter to let you know I appreciate your time. If you want to leave a comment anywhere I promise I'll read it. If not no worries.
Thanks again...Peace

Will the real evangelical Christian please stand up?

2005-03-07T09:21:00.000-06:00

I live in the upper Midwest and generally life is quite calm. There is an overarching belief in God and the importance of religion. That having been said, there are also often conflicting views and statements from people that claim the label "evangelical Christian." I would suppose this to be true across the board but I don't live across the board. I live here.

In this Sunday's Grand Forks Herald, see upper Midwest, an editorial appeared that provoked some thought. It was submitted by Milo Mathison. He lives in a community very near to mine. I do not know him personally nor what his denomination of choice is but in his letter to the editor he states a few things that peaked my interest.

The general content of his letter concerned the national and state budget proposals. He bemoans the fact that the cuts that are proposed are not good ones because those cuts are aimed at social programs that benefit the poor. "Our priorities are revealed by those we leave behind" is the last statement in his first paragraph. Skipping down a few well intentioned paragraphs he writes, "As an evangelical Christian, I am deeply concerned about the course our nation is taking. Neglecting the poor and vulnerable, which may be economically justified, is morally indefensible given the abundance of Scripture mandating care for the poor. To assure sufficient revenue to restore quality of life for our vulnerable citizens, taxes must be put on the table."

To most of his argument I will agree and cheer him on especially when he brings God's Word into his thinking with respect to living out the teachings of Scripture with respect to the poor. However!!! he makes a giant leap that cannot be allowed to stand in the same realm of "evangelical" thinking. Mr. Mathison readily turns to Scripture to secure his benevolence but then does not consult or quote or even tip his hat to it when employing government assistance through taxation to the poor. Screeching halt noise.

The Scripture are clear and abundant in their command to help the poor and needy but they are as equally clear on two other issues that effect Mr. Mathison's argument. Nowhere in Scripture does it say that it is the role of government to "provide welfare" to it's citizens. As a matter of point governments are in charge of very little in Scripture. Basically they have legal jurisdiction over criminals in order to keep people safe and military jurisdiction to keep people safe. That's it in a nutshell. The other point that Mr. Mathison et. al. need to consider is that those statements of Scripture that command care for the poor are directed at the Church. It is the Church's responsibility to care for the widows and orphans etc.

Now I agree with Tony Evans when he said, "You can't replace something with nothing" with respect to the hypothetical possibility of discontinuing welfare. The Church, and that includes "evangelical Christians" is woefully unprepared to care for the poor. Why that is true is a matter for future discussion. But Please Mr. Mathison and "evangelical Christians" everywhere if you employ Scripture as your basis for argument please be consistent in your use of it. Thanks.

Peace

The PAC Cable giants and their contributuons...aka watch out Peter

2005-03-04T11:37:00.000-06:00

Ok I'm over a month behind...blah. I did the checking online at oprnsecrets.com and they have numbers listed there for the contributions to Dem and Rep candidates for 2004. I looked at three cable companies and threw Disney in for the heck of it. INFO: Adelphia Cable- total Dem contribution in House=$500; total Rep contribution in the House=$0; Total Dem contribution in the Senate=$0; Total Rep in the Senate=$3,000. National Cable & Telecommunication Assn- Total Dem contribution in the House=$344,409; Total Rep contribution in the House=$542,862; Total Dem contribution in the Senate=$109,996 Total Rep contribution in the Senate=$105,000. Comcast Corp- total Dem contribution in House=$109,450 Total Rep contribution in House=$168,050; Total Dem contribution in the Senate=$66,300 Total Rep contribution in the Senate=$62,300...ok and just for fun Disney- Dem in House total=#99,000 Rep in the House=$91,500; Dem in Senate=$53,000 Rep in Senate=$49,000.

The only result for the Presidential candidate was from Comcast= $5,000 to Bush, $250 to Kerry.

Number are numbers right? They don't lie right? Please!!! Nowhere did Peter or ABC mention that the twp Democrats that gave the rebuttal to the Presidents State of the Union Address total #9,000 in contribution by Comcast or their link to pornography on demand. [Boxer = $4,000, Reid = $5,000] And just to add insult to injury the failed re-election of Daschle in ND cost Comcast $10,000...whatever.

The point is that the bias of ABC and Jennings isn't a surprise what is a surprise is that they continue to fail to understand that for a significant portion of the American public a two minute hatchet piece on the Bush Presidency just doesn't wash anymore. Peace

To Blog or not to Blog?

2005-03-04T11:31:00.000-06:00

This is probably a question that most bloggers ask themselves...well those who one might consider serious about the venture. A friend of mine, a blogger, byron-harvey.com, is a serious blogger and sent me some very helpful information that I have been going over and deciding about the best course of action. Basically I have decided to be "a bit" more serious about this blog and work my way into the blogosphere. Now this may leave me eons behind those like byron, whom I envy a little...his mind is sharp and I have great respect for him. And so please allow me to apologize for my delay with the next post which is late but still important in so far as it follows through on what I said I was going to look into. Peace.

Cable, Politics and Degradation

2005-02-08T09:27:00.000-06:00

Developing: Upon watching "World News Tonight" on the evening of February 7th I was completely on the floor laughing as they tried to do a hatchet job on Republicans. It was an interesting angle in that ABC News attempted to make the connection between pornography, cable companies and President Bush and Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania. So I did a little checking...and as of right now I am adding up some numbers. Those results I'll post next time but right now the question really is will Peter ever wake up or do his bosses really think that we are mindless? They just don't get it, do they?

A Twisted Mind

2005-01-28T11:37:00.000-06:00

I just read Ann Coulter's article entitled, "Where's that Religious Fanatic We Elected." It was posted at her site yesterday. I like her articles. Her irreverence for social/coversational decorum is refreshing and I find myself understanding her tongue in cheek very readily.

The one thing in this article that needs to be highlighted is the disconnect that there is between her idea of "hearts and minds." She states that the hearts that are to be changed have already been changed. Ok, I'll concede to that, maybe about 85%. Then she goes on to say that it is time that we move onto the minds portion of "hearts and minds." Hear-hear Ann!!! Early she states that "maybe it's my law background, but I think it's time to change a few judges." kudos Ann...right behind you.

However......maybe it's my Biblical background but I'd like to focus on that heart and mind thingy again. The way I understand things the heart is desperately wicked and we cannot hope to know it. I am not so certain that changes of the heart matter a slim whit. Yes, of course it does, but in the overall scheme of things people are too easily persuaded when it comes to matters of the heart. I agree, go after the hearts. Make people see the horrors that attend to the snuffing out of a human heart, 35 million human hearts, but until the mind changes I'm sticking with the truth that no one can know the human heart and where it will turn.

Moving on just a bit to the changing of the mind. This is the heart of the matter. And no don't pardon the pun. When the mind changes that is when things: attending circumstances, peoples devotion to causes, laws and judges,etc., will change. Believe it or not the Christian Worldview does address the changing of the human mind...it's called repentance. That is where the battle lies in the debate on abortion. When the human repents and changes their mind about the way they have been thinking and acting toward the way in which God would have them think and act...then the battle will be won.

Ann I agree, let's change those judges and laws but please accept my tardy slip, I was busy trying to help people see the need to repent. Peace.

gotta start somewhere

2005-01-26T11:17:00.000-06:00

I was, unknowingly, encouraged by a friend of mine to start this interchange. I do not like being a newbie but I relish the chance for something new. Although there is nothing new under the sun. I sense that this enterprise reminds of a time in life where I kept a journal but that wasn't for anyone else to see, whereas I trust that this may just be different, more like extended graffiti. We shall see as I cast my hat in the ring. Peace