Jun 27, 2009
Perfection And The Impermanence Of Life
During my many years in Japan, I've taken the opportunity to dabble in various Japanese arts. I always come away feeling inspired by the sensitivity and attention to detail that is expressed.One of my explorations led me to take some lessons in Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging. During my brief training, my teacher told me the following:
"In contrast to the massing of blooms typical of flower arrangements in the West, Ikebana is usually characterized by a line of twigs and/or leaves, connected by a sparse arrangement of flowers. The idea being to give the viewer the sense that they have come across a scene in nature."
"In Ikebana it is common that one of the branches in an arrangement is bent or broken to signify that the practitioner has attempted to present the arrangement in a 'natural' state. It is the 'imperfection' of the broken branch that leads us to understand that the practitioner is striving to express 'perfection' as it appears in nature. By viewing the arrangement, it is hoped that you might come to appreciate that your own 'broken branches' are what signify your uniqueness and beauty."
"Each one of us, no matter how successful or evolved we might appear to be, have imperfections and personal ego attachments. These imperfections and attachments are not something to be overcome or transcended, but rather aspects of our self to be understood, appreciated,and accepted. If we do not honor and appreciate our human frailties as an essential part of who we are, we will always be attempting to eradicate some aspect of ourselves that we perceive to be lacking."
"Consider the sense of perfection and pure life force that you get when holding a baby. It's the baby's uncontrived and unrestrained expression of his emotional experience that gives us a sense of life at its fullest. This is the inherent blessing that exists as the essence of life in its simplest and purest form. Rather than hoping for love or acceptance, the baby expresses who he is and what he feels in this very moment. This is the same free flow of energy that the Ikebana practitioner strives to express in his floral arrangements. We look to strip our work of any contrived sense of beauty, so the natural energy and life force of the flowers can be freely expressed and felt. In other words, we attempt to present the flowers 'as they are', rather than attempting to add anything extra. We strive to let the flowers communicate directly, and thus in some way, reconnect the viewer to his own heartfelt sense of beauty and perfection."
At the conclusion of one lesson, my teacher said, "Today, there is one more thing I would like to say. I am drawn to flower arranging because it helps me understand and come to terms with the impermanence of life. No matter how beautiful the flowers appear to be when the arrangement is complete, I know that they will only express their beauty for a few days time. By carefully cleaning and cutting the flowers and adding water, we can extend their life for a few precious moments. In the end, you are left with the understanding that neither flowers nor any other form of life will last forever. One of the most important things we can do in life is appreciate the beauty and perfection that is present right now, rather than lamenting the passing of life. By appreciating the fleeting beauty of the flowers, you can come to understand the fleeting beauty of your own life and the lives of those you love." -Ode
By Charlie Badenhop
Burka Ban
The Issue
The French National Assembly announced Tuesday the creation of a inquiry into whether women in France should be allowed to wear the burka, one day after President Nicolas Sarkozy controversially told lawmakers that the traditional Muslim garment was "not welcome" in France.
A cross-party panel of 32 lawmakers will investigate whether the traditional Muslim garment poses a threat to the secular nature of the French constitution, Agence France-Presse reported. They are due to report back with their recommendations in six months.
Last week 57 lawmakers -- led by communist legislator Andre Gerin -- signed a petition calling for a study into the feasibility of legislation to ban the burka in public places.
On Monday Sarkozy declared in a keynote parliamentary address that the burka, which covers women from head to toe, is "not welcome" in France.
"The problem of the burka is not a religious problem. This is an issue of a woman's freedom and dignity. This is not a religious symbol. It is a sign of subservience; it is a sign of lowering. I want to say solemnly, the burka is not welcome in France," Sarkozy told lawmakers.
The right of Muslim women to cover themselves is fiercely debated in France, which has a large Muslim minority but also a staunchly secular constitution.
In 2004, the French parliament passed legislation banning Muslim girls from wearing headscarves in state schools, prompting widespread Muslim protests. The law also banned other conspicuous religious symbols including Sikh turbans, large Christian crucifixes and Jewish skull caps.
Last year, France's top court denied a Moroccan woman's naturalization request on the grounds that she wore a burka.
Some lawmakers have called for burkas to be banned completely, claiming they are degrading to women. They also include housing minister Fadela Amara, a Muslim-born women's rights campaigner, who has called the garment "a kind of tomb for women."
"We cannot accept in our country women trapped behind a fence, cut off from social life, deprived of any identity. This is not the idea that we have of a woman's dignity," Sarkozy said Monday.
But French Muslim leaders say that only a small minority of women wear the full veil and had previously criticized calls for the issue to be the subject of a parliamentary inquiry.
"To raise the subject like this, via a parliamentary committee, is a way of stigmatizing Islam and the Muslims of France," Mohammed Moussaoui, the head of the French Council for the Muslim Religion, told AFP last week.
"We are shocked by the idea parliament should be put to work on such a marginal issue."
France is not the only European Union country to have considered banning the burka. Dutch lawmakers voted in favor of a ban in 2005, although the government of the time was defeated in elections before it could pass legislation to outlaw the garment. -CNN
My Issue
Today it’s not uncommon to see women in certain sectors of life wearing headscarf's. Some religions require their women and/or men to wear some sort of head covering. I have to admit that when headscarf wearing first came out of the closet here in my community I was somewhat taken back by it simply due to the negative connotations it represented. However, over the years I’ve come to accept it and now when I see women wearing a headscarf, though it does catch my attention, it doesn’t affect me one way or the other. As a matter of fact, it seems that most who wear them are, generally speaking, very beautiful.
What does catch my undivided attention are those who do wear the burka’s. Occasionally, while shopping at Wal-Mart I will see women in full gear and it does disturb me and does cause to feel uncomfortable. For me, someone hiding behind such a garment makes me to wonder as to their intent … it’s more of a trust issue than anything else. Nonetheless, I move on. I figure to each their own. If wearing the burka is their fashion statement more power to them … though ridiculous as it may look.
Over the years the burka has stirred controversy here in the U.S. Example. Wearing the burka to obtain a driver’s license, passport or any legal American document on which an identifiable picture is required, in this instance, I don’t care what your faith dictates. In today’s world, burkas should not be allowed. Let me take it a step further. I would not and will not fly on the same aircraft if I see someone wearing a burka … Oh hell no! Now, as for headscarf’s, ok … not a problem! But if I’m going to face the enemy I want to look them right in the eye and not at some veiled individual who’s out to kill me.
As for the burka being a symbol of oppression for women, whether it be religious or whatever reason, unequivocally yes! All people are created equal. Well, maybe some more so than others. Nevertheless, the principle applies. But do we as a society have the right to ban the wearing of such a garment? I don’t know … this issue is a touchy one no matter which side of the fence one may stand. So, my question to you is this. Do you believe that wearing such a garment is a religious right or not? Please sound off below in the comment section.
'Casting Out' Gay 'Demon'
The boy writhes uncontrollably on the floor, but the church members remain calm, if increasingly loud. They're trying to drive a "demon" out of him.
"You homosexual demon, get up on outta here!" they say. "You demon, loose yourself!" "You sex demon ... you snake!"
The shouts, the convulsions, the references to homosexual spirits -- they are all captured on a video posted on YouTube by the Manifested Glory Ministries. The video has sparked anger among gay youth advocacy groups and put the small church from Bridgeport, Connecticut, in the middle of an ongoing national debate on gay issues.
Patricia McKinney, pastor of the nondenominational church who describes herself as a prophet, said she has even been receiving death threats as a result of the video, but doesn't understand the outrage.
"I believe in deliverance, I believe in anointing, I believe in the power of Jesus," she said in a phone interview with CNN. "I've been threatened already, I've been attacked, and it doesn't make any sense to us. Really, what they're doing, they're putting me out there on the mat."
McKinney says she doesn't refer to the events of the video as an exorcism, but rather a "casting out of unclean spirits." She said this isn't the first time that an event like this has taken place at her church, but it is the first one centered around homosexuality.
McKinney said the boy approached the church and told her he wanted to be a pastor, but was struggling with his sexuality. "We allow [gay people] to come into our church. We just don't allow them to come in and continue to live that lifestyle," she said.
"God made Adam and Eve," she said. "He made a woman to be with a man, and a man to be with a woman."
Robin McHaelen, who worked with the 16-year-old boy at the center of the video in her position as executive director of True Colors Inc., a gay youth advocacy and mentoring program in Connecticut, said the video was taped in March. She would not identify the teen.
McHaelen said she doesn't think the church acted maliciously -- but that's part of her problem with the video.
"None of the people in this video were intending to hurt this kid," she said. "They performed this ritual in an attempt to rid him of feelings that he didn't want to have."
The boy is the fifth teen True Colors is aware of that has undergone an event like the one documented in the video. But unlike the boy, not all the teens approached a church or religious organization.
The event, McHaelen said, reflects a culture and society that doesn't believe a person can be both Christian and gay.
"That's what makes me so sad and so mad," she said.
McHaelen said she talked to the boy since the incident and said he's feeling very conflicted and confused in trying to reconcile who he is with his religion.
"He's 16 and having the feelings that he's having, the relationships he's having, and then [he's] being tormented by 'What if I'm going to go to hell because of what I feel and who I am?'" she said.
McHaelen notified the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, as she's mandated to do in her position when she suspects abuse or neglect of a minor. However, she told CNN the department will be looking into whether or not abuse or neglect occurred by the parents and family of the boy, not the church. The department declined to comment Thursday.
Isaiah Webster, Director of Communications for the National Youth Advocacy Commission, said he was deeply saddened by the timing of the video and the accompanying uproar.
"It's very, very sad that this still takes place in society," he said. "It's also very sad that it comes about during this week, [as the] 40th anniversary of Stonewall is this weekend."
The so-called "Stonewall Riots" are believed by many to have kicked off the gay liberation movement.
"That is really something to celebrate," Webster continued, "and it's unfortunate that young people still have to endure things like this."
McHaelen said that as an advocacy group, she doesn't think True Colors can take any legal action against the church, and said she would rather engage in an open dialogue with its members. -CNN
"You homosexual demon, get up on outta here!" they say. "You demon, loose yourself!" "You sex demon ... you snake!"
The shouts, the convulsions, the references to homosexual spirits -- they are all captured on a video posted on YouTube by the Manifested Glory Ministries. The video has sparked anger among gay youth advocacy groups and put the small church from Bridgeport, Connecticut, in the middle of an ongoing national debate on gay issues.
Patricia McKinney, pastor of the nondenominational church who describes herself as a prophet, said she has even been receiving death threats as a result of the video, but doesn't understand the outrage.
"I believe in deliverance, I believe in anointing, I believe in the power of Jesus," she said in a phone interview with CNN. "I've been threatened already, I've been attacked, and it doesn't make any sense to us. Really, what they're doing, they're putting me out there on the mat."
McKinney says she doesn't refer to the events of the video as an exorcism, but rather a "casting out of unclean spirits." She said this isn't the first time that an event like this has taken place at her church, but it is the first one centered around homosexuality.
McKinney said the boy approached the church and told her he wanted to be a pastor, but was struggling with his sexuality. "We allow [gay people] to come into our church. We just don't allow them to come in and continue to live that lifestyle," she said.
"God made Adam and Eve," she said. "He made a woman to be with a man, and a man to be with a woman."
Robin McHaelen, who worked with the 16-year-old boy at the center of the video in her position as executive director of True Colors Inc., a gay youth advocacy and mentoring program in Connecticut, said the video was taped in March. She would not identify the teen.
McHaelen said she doesn't think the church acted maliciously -- but that's part of her problem with the video.
"None of the people in this video were intending to hurt this kid," she said. "They performed this ritual in an attempt to rid him of feelings that he didn't want to have."
The boy is the fifth teen True Colors is aware of that has undergone an event like the one documented in the video. But unlike the boy, not all the teens approached a church or religious organization.
The event, McHaelen said, reflects a culture and society that doesn't believe a person can be both Christian and gay.
"That's what makes me so sad and so mad," she said.
McHaelen said she talked to the boy since the incident and said he's feeling very conflicted and confused in trying to reconcile who he is with his religion.
"He's 16 and having the feelings that he's having, the relationships he's having, and then [he's] being tormented by 'What if I'm going to go to hell because of what I feel and who I am?'" she said.
McHaelen notified the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, as she's mandated to do in her position when she suspects abuse or neglect of a minor. However, she told CNN the department will be looking into whether or not abuse or neglect occurred by the parents and family of the boy, not the church. The department declined to comment Thursday.
Isaiah Webster, Director of Communications for the National Youth Advocacy Commission, said he was deeply saddened by the timing of the video and the accompanying uproar.
"It's very, very sad that this still takes place in society," he said. "It's also very sad that it comes about during this week, [as the] 40th anniversary of Stonewall is this weekend."
The so-called "Stonewall Riots" are believed by many to have kicked off the gay liberation movement.
"That is really something to celebrate," Webster continued, "and it's unfortunate that young people still have to endure things like this."
McHaelen said that as an advocacy group, she doesn't think True Colors can take any legal action against the church, and said she would rather engage in an open dialogue with its members. -CNN
God on Gays - watch more funny videos
"God on Gays"From Stutz -- God clarifies His position on gay people.
He doesn't hate them. He hates all of us, including them.
Jun 20, 2009
Out Of The Mouth Of Babes
While I sat in the reception area of my doctor's office, a woman rolled an elderly man in a wheelchair into the room. As she went to the receptionist's desk. The woman took a long time talking with the receptionist, so the man sat silently alone. Just as I was about to start small talk with him, a little boy slipped off his mother's lap & walked over to the man's wheelchair, and placed his little hand on the man's as he said, "I know how you feel. My mom makes me ride in the stroller, too."
I was nursing my baby, when my cousin's 6-yr-old daughter came into the room. Evidently having never seen anyone breast feed before, she was intrigued & she asked all kinds of questions about what I was doing. After a while, she remarked, "My mom has some of those, but I don't think she knows how to use them."
One day, while biking with my 8-yr-old granddaughter, I got a little wistful and I said: "In 10 years, you'll want to be with your friends, and you won't go walking, biking or swimming with me like you do now." My granddaughter shrugged. "In 10 years you'll be too old to do all those things anyway."
Working as a pediatric nurse, one of my duties is to give immunizations to children. One day, as I entered the examining room to give a 4-yr-old her needle, she screamed: 'No, no, no!' Her mother chided: "Lizzie, that's not polite behavior." The girl then yelled even louder, "No, thank you! No, thank you!"
After coming from a Cub Scout meeting, my grandson innocently asked his father [my son] "the" question. "Dad, I know that babies come from mommies' tummies, but how do they get there in the first place?" With his father [my son] stunned, fully taken by surprise and unable to give a satisfactory answer, my grandson finally spoke up and said. "You don't have to make something up, Dad. It's o.k. if you don't know the answer."
Just before I was deployed to Iraq, I sat my 8-yr-old son down & broke the news to him and told him that I was going to be away for a long time because I was going to Iraq. My son asked: "Why? Don't you know there's a war going on over there?"
One afternoon, the famous movie stars, Joanne Woodward & Paul Newman, [who also founded the Hole-In-The-Wall-Gang Camp for children with cancer, AIDS, & other blood diseases], stopped by to visit and have lunch with the kids. A counselor, who suspected that the young patients didn't recognize or know who the famous guests were, started to explain to the young crowd who Newman was by telling them: ". . .He's the man who made this camp possible. Maybe you've seen his picture on his salad dressing bottle?" After seeing no reaction but blank stares, the counselor continued, "Well, you've probably seen his face on his lemonade carton." Shortly thereafter, an 8-yr-old girl asked, "How long was he missing?"
Author’s Unknown
<><><><>
I was nursing my baby, when my cousin's 6-yr-old daughter came into the room. Evidently having never seen anyone breast feed before, she was intrigued & she asked all kinds of questions about what I was doing. After a while, she remarked, "My mom has some of those, but I don't think she knows how to use them."
<><><><>
One day, while biking with my 8-yr-old granddaughter, I got a little wistful and I said: "In 10 years, you'll want to be with your friends, and you won't go walking, biking or swimming with me like you do now." My granddaughter shrugged. "In 10 years you'll be too old to do all those things anyway."
<><><><>
Working as a pediatric nurse, one of my duties is to give immunizations to children. One day, as I entered the examining room to give a 4-yr-old her needle, she screamed: 'No, no, no!' Her mother chided: "Lizzie, that's not polite behavior." The girl then yelled even louder, "No, thank you! No, thank you!"
<><><><>
After coming from a Cub Scout meeting, my grandson innocently asked his father [my son] "the" question. "Dad, I know that babies come from mommies' tummies, but how do they get there in the first place?" With his father [my son] stunned, fully taken by surprise and unable to give a satisfactory answer, my grandson finally spoke up and said. "You don't have to make something up, Dad. It's o.k. if you don't know the answer."
<><><><>
Just before I was deployed to Iraq, I sat my 8-yr-old son down & broke the news to him and told him that I was going to be away for a long time because I was going to Iraq. My son asked: "Why? Don't you know there's a war going on over there?"
<><><><>
One afternoon, the famous movie stars, Joanne Woodward & Paul Newman, [who also founded the Hole-In-The-Wall-Gang Camp for children with cancer, AIDS, & other blood diseases], stopped by to visit and have lunch with the kids. A counselor, who suspected that the young patients didn't recognize or know who the famous guests were, started to explain to the young crowd who Newman was by telling them: ". . .He's the man who made this camp possible. Maybe you've seen his picture on his salad dressing bottle?" After seeing no reaction but blank stares, the counselor continued, "Well, you've probably seen his face on his lemonade carton." Shortly thereafter, an 8-yr-old girl asked, "How long was he missing?"
Author’s Unknown
God Lives Under The Bed
I envy Kevin. My brother, Kevin, thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night.
He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen, 'Are you there, God?' he said. 'Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed...'
I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in.
He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult.
He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.
I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life?
Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed.
The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child.
He does not seem dissatisfied.
He hops out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work.
He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.
And Saturdays - oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. 'That one's goin' to Chi-car-go! ' Kevin shouts as he claps his hands.
His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights.
And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips.
He doesn't know what it means to be discontent.
His life is simple.
He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be.
His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it.
He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax.
He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure.
He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue.
Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God.
Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an 'educated' person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.
In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity, I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith.
It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions.
It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap. I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care.
Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God.
And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed.
Kevin won't be surprised at all!
Author Unknown
He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen, 'Are you there, God?' he said. 'Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed...'
I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in.
He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult.
He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.
I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life?
Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed.
The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child.
He does not seem dissatisfied.
He hops out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work.
He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.
And Saturdays - oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. 'That one's goin' to Chi-car-go! ' Kevin shouts as he claps his hands.
His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights.
And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips.
He doesn't know what it means to be discontent.
His life is simple.
He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be.
His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it.
He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax.
He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure.
He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue.
Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God.
Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an 'educated' person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.
In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity, I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith.
It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions.
It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap. I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care.
Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God.
And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed.
Kevin won't be surprised at all!
FRIENDS ARE ANGELS
WHO LIFT US TO OUR FEET
WHEN OUR WINGS HAVE TROUBLE REMEMBERING
HOW TO FLY
WHO LIFT US TO OUR FEET
WHEN OUR WINGS HAVE TROUBLE REMEMBERING
HOW TO FLY
Author Unknown
Jun 14, 2009
The Lords Prayer Explained
"OUR" means that I always have room for God as well as others and their needs.
"FATHER" indicates that I have a personal relationship with God, and I trust fully just like a child trusts his earthly parents.
"WHO ART IN HEAVEN" signifies that my interests and pursuits are focused mainly on heavenly things, not earthly pleasure or gain.
"HALLOWED BE THY NAME" means that I strive to live a holy life with God's help.
"THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE" indicates that I accept God's rule in my life.
"ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN" signifies I am truly ready to give myself to God's service here and now.
"GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD" means that I make a genuine effort to honestly earn my daily bread and am willing to share with a neighbor in need some of the bread I earn and receive.
"...FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS" indicates that I willingly forgive anyone who does me wrong and I do not continue to harbor a grudge against any person.
"...LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION" signifies that I deliberately choose to stay away from any situation where I know I am likely to be tempted.
"BUT DELIVER US FROM THE EVIL ONE" means that I shall resist the devil and each one of his temptations.
"FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM" indicates that I am unwilling to obey God, the King.
"AND THE POWER AND THE GLORY" signifies that I give God the fully credit and glory for whatever successes and accomplishments I make.
"FOREVER AND EVER" means that I fully entrust each day's affairs in God's hands.
"AMEN" indicates that I genuinely feel as Christ felt when He told the Heavenly Father: "Not my will, but THINE be done", so let it be.
Author Unknown
"FATHER" indicates that I have a personal relationship with God, and I trust fully just like a child trusts his earthly parents.
"WHO ART IN HEAVEN" signifies that my interests and pursuits are focused mainly on heavenly things, not earthly pleasure or gain.
"HALLOWED BE THY NAME" means that I strive to live a holy life with God's help.
"THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE" indicates that I accept God's rule in my life.
"ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN" signifies I am truly ready to give myself to God's service here and now.
"GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD" means that I make a genuine effort to honestly earn my daily bread and am willing to share with a neighbor in need some of the bread I earn and receive.
"...FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS" indicates that I willingly forgive anyone who does me wrong and I do not continue to harbor a grudge against any person.
"...LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION" signifies that I deliberately choose to stay away from any situation where I know I am likely to be tempted.
"BUT DELIVER US FROM THE EVIL ONE" means that I shall resist the devil and each one of his temptations.
"FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM" indicates that I am unwilling to obey God, the King.
"AND THE POWER AND THE GLORY" signifies that I give God the fully credit and glory for whatever successes and accomplishments I make.
"FOREVER AND EVER" means that I fully entrust each day's affairs in God's hands.
"AMEN" indicates that I genuinely feel as Christ felt when He told the Heavenly Father: "Not my will, but THINE be done", so let it be.
Author Unknown
The Brick
A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something.
As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown. The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, 'What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?'
The young boy was apologetic. 'Please, mister....please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do,' He pleaded. 'I threw the brick because no one else would stop...' With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. 'It's my brother, 'he said 'He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up.'
Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, 'Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me.'
Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay. 'Thank you and may God bless you,' the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy! push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home.
It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message: 'Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!' God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have
time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us.. It's our choice to listen or not.
Author Unknown
As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown. The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, 'What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?'
The young boy was apologetic. 'Please, mister....please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do,' He pleaded. 'I threw the brick because no one else would stop...' With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. 'It's my brother, 'he said 'He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up.'
Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, 'Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me.'
Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay. 'Thank you and may God bless you,' the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy! push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home.
It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message: 'Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!' God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have
time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us.. It's our choice to listen or not.
Author Unknown
Jun 6, 2009
A Conversation With God
A scientist, who is also an avowed atheist and evolutionist, once approached God and said, "We don't really need you. Science has finally figured out a way to create life out of nothing. In other words, we can now do what you and Christians claim you did 'in the beginning'."
God replied: "Really? That's very interesting. Tell me how."
The scientist cockily said: "Well, very simply. A scientist can now take dirt, form and mold it to whatever life form the scientist chooses, and then pump the proper amount of chemicals and natural substances into it, thereby creating a living organism."
God replied: "That's very interesting indeed. Now, why don't you give me a demonstration?"
And so, the scientist bent down, got some earth, and started to mold the soil into the likeness of a human being.
Then God interrupted: "Wait a minute, you're using MY soil which I personally created and made. Shouldn't you be using YOUR own soil? And that also for all of the so-called natural substances which you mentioned."
Author Unknown
God replied: "Really? That's very interesting. Tell me how."
The scientist cockily said: "Well, very simply. A scientist can now take dirt, form and mold it to whatever life form the scientist chooses, and then pump the proper amount of chemicals and natural substances into it, thereby creating a living organism."
God replied: "That's very interesting indeed. Now, why don't you give me a demonstration?"
And so, the scientist bent down, got some earth, and started to mold the soil into the likeness of a human being.
Then God interrupted: "Wait a minute, you're using MY soil which I personally created and made. Shouldn't you be using YOUR own soil? And that also for all of the so-called natural substances which you mentioned."
Author Unknown
Gay Penguin Pair Raising Chick
The IssueMales incubated abandoned egg for a month and continue to care for chick.
A German zoo says a pair of gay male penguins are raising a chick from an egg abandoned by its parents.
Bremerhaven zoo veterinarian Joachim Schoene says the egg was placed in the male penguins' nest after its parents rejected it in late April. The males incubated it for some 30 days before it hatched and have continued to care for it. The chick's gender is not yet known.
Schoene said the male birds, named Z and Vielpunkt, are one of three same-sex pairs among the zoo's 20 Humboldt penguins that have attempted to mate.
Homosexual behavior has been documented in many animal species.
The zoo said in a statement on its Web site Thursday that "sex and coupling in our world don't always have something to do with reproduction." -CNN
My Issue
Oops! Did God make a mistake or is homosexuality genetically programmed into our DNA?
People say that individuals who live a homosexual lifestyle choose to do so and are able to change and become magically heterosexual. If this be the case, then do animals choose to be homosexual too and can they change into being heterosexual as well?
Unlike homosexuality, I strongly believe that individuals consciously choose to be bisexual or for social reasons hide behind this label. Either way, these individuals basically live a lie and if push came to shove would denounce emphatically their homosexual tendencies to save their own skin. Therefore, I conclude that bisexuality is a choice one makes either to pursue a sexual desire or need, or chooses to use it for their own social protection.
As for choosing a homosexual lifestyle, honestly, I for one would have never chosen to be gay. Course, from my stand point I find that being heterosexual isn’t all that either. Anyway, the social unacceptance one experiences for being a homosexual is at times unbearable. The hatred and verbal bashing from heterosexuals, yes, even from bisexuals is calloused and threatening.
There is no way one would want to choose a lifestyle where their personhood has to be continuously on guard or is threatened … some are even murdered because of their homosexuality. Therefore, if you think that being a homosexual is just a walk in the park, think again! Cause, it just ain’t so! And as far as my understanding about me, I didn’t consciously choose my lifestyle, it chose me!
Once again I ask, did God make a mistake or is homosexuality genetically programmed into our DNA?
Jun 2, 2009
The Killing Fields
The Issue
A 51-year-old man was in a Kansas jail Monday, charged with first-degree murder in the killing of a physician whose women's clinic frequently took center stage in the debate over abortion, authorities said.
Dr. George Tiller was shot and killed while serving as an usher at his Wichita, Kansas, church Sunday morning, according to police. Tiller was one of the few U.S. physicians who still performed late-term abortions and had survived a 1993 shooting outside his clinic.
Scott Roeder from the Kansas City, Kansas, area is being held without bond in the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility, according to the sheriff's office Web site. He is also charged with two counts of aggravated assault.
"This is a tragedy for the Tiller family. We feel so badly about that," Clarence Roeder, Scott's uncle, said in a statement provided to CNN affiliate KMBC. "That Scott would murder the doctor in the Lutheran Church. We are also Lutherans, and it adds a double touch of sadness and irony."
Roeder is expected to appear in court early this week, law enforcement officials said.
The attack drew condemnation from Tiller supporters, from some of those who tried to shut down his practice and from President Obama, who had urged Americans to seek "common ground" on the divisive issue just two weeks ago.
"However profound our differences as Americans over difficult issues such as abortion, they cannot be resolved by heinous acts of violence," Obama said in a statement issued by the White House.
The shooting prompted U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to direct federal marshals to "offer protection to other appropriate people and facilities around the nation," according to a statement from the Department of Justice. –CNN
My Issue
Personally, I do not believe in abortion. I believe it is morally wrong. On the other hand, purely speaking from a medical standpoint, I would rather have abortion preformed legally and in a safe environment than how they used to be performed prior to Wade vs. Roe. At least this way it can be watched and regulated, such as the procedure can only be performed within the first trimester. Past that, the fetus should be carried to full-term and the new born put up for adoption.
The tragedy in this endless debate also includes the murdering of Dr. Tiller. No matter which side of the debate one stands, murdering the doctor was equally wrong and does not help the pro-life movement, specially if the murderer had direct ties to the movement itself. The assassin should be charged with first degree murder and should be given the death penalty. Dr. Tiller did not deserve to have his life taken simply because we disagree with his practice. As long as he performed abortions legally and within the confines of the law, then he had every right to provide his services to those who chose to have the procedure done.
There is no easy answer to the abortion issue. As a country this issue will always be a hot topic and debated in the public arena until Wade vs. Roe is overturned or till the end of time. But one thing is clear, the debate must be clean and unsoiled on both sides, otherwise victory on either side will be bitter sweet. Personally, no matter how the issue is resolved, I don’t believe that there ever will be any happy endings.
A 51-year-old man was in a Kansas jail Monday, charged with first-degree murder in the killing of a physician whose women's clinic frequently took center stage in the debate over abortion, authorities said.
Dr. George Tiller was shot and killed while serving as an usher at his Wichita, Kansas, church Sunday morning, according to police. Tiller was one of the few U.S. physicians who still performed late-term abortions and had survived a 1993 shooting outside his clinic.
Scott Roeder from the Kansas City, Kansas, area is being held without bond in the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility, according to the sheriff's office Web site. He is also charged with two counts of aggravated assault.
"This is a tragedy for the Tiller family. We feel so badly about that," Clarence Roeder, Scott's uncle, said in a statement provided to CNN affiliate KMBC. "That Scott would murder the doctor in the Lutheran Church. We are also Lutherans, and it adds a double touch of sadness and irony."
Roeder is expected to appear in court early this week, law enforcement officials said.
The attack drew condemnation from Tiller supporters, from some of those who tried to shut down his practice and from President Obama, who had urged Americans to seek "common ground" on the divisive issue just two weeks ago.
"However profound our differences as Americans over difficult issues such as abortion, they cannot be resolved by heinous acts of violence," Obama said in a statement issued by the White House.
The shooting prompted U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to direct federal marshals to "offer protection to other appropriate people and facilities around the nation," according to a statement from the Department of Justice. –CNN
My Issue
Personally, I do not believe in abortion. I believe it is morally wrong. On the other hand, purely speaking from a medical standpoint, I would rather have abortion preformed legally and in a safe environment than how they used to be performed prior to Wade vs. Roe. At least this way it can be watched and regulated, such as the procedure can only be performed within the first trimester. Past that, the fetus should be carried to full-term and the new born put up for adoption.
The tragedy in this endless debate also includes the murdering of Dr. Tiller. No matter which side of the debate one stands, murdering the doctor was equally wrong and does not help the pro-life movement, specially if the murderer had direct ties to the movement itself. The assassin should be charged with first degree murder and should be given the death penalty. Dr. Tiller did not deserve to have his life taken simply because we disagree with his practice. As long as he performed abortions legally and within the confines of the law, then he had every right to provide his services to those who chose to have the procedure done.
There is no easy answer to the abortion issue. As a country this issue will always be a hot topic and debated in the public arena until Wade vs. Roe is overturned or till the end of time. But one thing is clear, the debate must be clean and unsoiled on both sides, otherwise victory on either side will be bitter sweet. Personally, no matter how the issue is resolved, I don’t believe that there ever will be any happy endings.
If You Receive This ...
Pastor Removal From Television
Removal of Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, Charles Stanley, David Jeremiah and other pastors from the airwaves.
An organization has been granted a Federal Hearing on the same subject by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in Washington , D.C. Their petition, Number 2493, would ultimately pave the way to stop the reading of the gospel of our Lord and Savior, on the airwaves of America. They got 287,000 signatures to back their stand!
If this attempt is successful, all Sunday worship services being broadcast on the radio or by television will be stopped. This group is also campaigning to remove all Christmas programs and Christmas carols from public schools!
You as a Christian can help!
We are praying for at least 1 million signatures. This would defeat their effort and show that there are many Christians alive, well and concerned about our country. As Christians, we must unite on this.
Do not sign the petition should this arrive in you inbox. The facts stated in the above is not true as verified by snoops.com.
Removal of Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, Charles Stanley, David Jeremiah and other pastors from the airwaves.
An organization has been granted a Federal Hearing on the same subject by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in Washington , D.C. Their petition, Number 2493, would ultimately pave the way to stop the reading of the gospel of our Lord and Savior, on the airwaves of America. They got 287,000 signatures to back their stand!
If this attempt is successful, all Sunday worship services being broadcast on the radio or by television will be stopped. This group is also campaigning to remove all Christmas programs and Christmas carols from public schools!
You as a Christian can help!
We are praying for at least 1 million signatures. This would defeat their effort and show that there are many Christians alive, well and concerned about our country. As Christians, we must unite on this.
Do not sign the petition should this arrive in you inbox. The facts stated in the above is not true as verified by snoops.com.
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