Get me to the church on time!

Pastor Mike at 'A heart for God' posted last January (5Jan2010) a piece titled, "Why I'm Showing Up Late for Church" He had recently 'tweeted' the link and I happened to catch it. - Good points he makes in his posting and I had to reply. Since I'm such a slow typist and have not been posting here as much as I should I decided to put my 'comment' on this blog as well as his. Sort of a two-fer.

Also managed to get a song rolling through my head (don't worry it didn't hurt) and just had to use it for the title of this posting. I hope it does not distract those of you that like to sing and dance from the message below... Print it out or send the link to your pastor. Better yet! Add to my ideas with a comment AND get this message to your pastor.

I have an advantage over many in our congregation due to the fact that I (as a lay member congregant not 'paid staff') have pre-service ministry duties. As a result my church time starts well ahead of the service time. Although one disadvantage is that When church starts I'm usually in 'Martha Mode' doing busy work and it sometimes takes a few minutes to switch to 'Mary Mode' where I'm ready to sit at His feet and listen.

I would encourage pastors to seek out those that are continually late, figure out their gifts, find/make helps ministries that would fit them and as Ephesians 4:11-13 suggests, put them to work (hopefully prior to church/services starting times).

From the pulpit I think pastors should also encourage people to get to church early not with events or for Bible studies or meetings with agendas and such but just for the opportunities to fellowship with friends.

Pre-service times can be a great opportunity for people to minister to one another with the unique gifts and fruit of the Spirit that God gives to each of us. Sharing these with one another in the 'safe' environment of the church can only help us when God calls us to use these same gifts and fruits outside of the church.

After all, the Lord does not call us to be 'self centered' but 'other centered'. Getting to church on time is just one of the ways we can fall in line with God's calling.

Some pastors may feel uncomfortable dealing with this issue. If so, that is great! Because it will give them an opportunity to get out of their comfort zone and at the same time get some of the congregants out of theirs...

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Pro Terrorist or Pro Israel?

Last Saturday I had the privilege to attend a pro terrorist gathering at the Federal Building on Wilshire, Los Angeles. I say 'privilege' because in the United States even fools and idiots have the right to free speech and this was evident at the event.

No. I did not go to support the terrorists. I went to defend Israel. Ended up being part of a small group of about 24 pro Israel supporters standing against 1500 to 2000 pro terrorists. This was Saturday (the Jewish Sabbath). Sunday, (the Christian Sabbath) was the day for a Pro Israel RALLY (as opposed to protest) but I could not attend due to church obligations. Sure wish I could have. From the account by THE TYGRRRR EXPRESS, a blogger whom I had the privilege of meeting at this event, the Sunday meeting was the more enjoyable one. He got to attend both and gives a great posting on them. Real peace and love was more in evidence at the Pro Israel Rally. Although the pro terrorists had a few (profane) counter voices there too.

The Saturday protest was in favor of Hamas continuing to lob missiles into Israel and the usual communistic hangers on were there too. The Che Guevara, Fidel is our friend & Kiss Mao's butt crowd with their nonsensical agenda. Put on by some group that spent hours making an acronym of a good word for their own nefarious purpose. The ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) Coalition. How is that for a catchy name?

Only problem with that name is that it is not true. Should be ANSWEREAJ. (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism EXCEPT AGAINST JEWS)

One woman there had the audacity to suggest to a Jew's face that the 'ovens' should be brought back. Profanity was shouted and the middle finger salute were thrust out of car windows as they passed waving Palestinian flags at our little group that had Israeli and U.S. Flags and a few signs. Anger directed toward us from these people was tempered by the cars that came by honking, throwing kisses and waving support for Israel.

My signs stated, "Does Allah Demand Human Sacrifice???" and the other said, "The God Of Israel Doesn't!!!".

One Pro terrorist woman walking by read my sign and angrily said, "Yes he does!" That kind of made me think a bit. Would she prefer my throat spilling blood on the sidewalk? Sounded like it. I mentioned my sign in a chatroom later and a friend sent me to this Atlas Shrugs link. That answered both my questions.

So it comes down to: Does one want to associate with a people that hate America, hate a race of people (racism), is continually profane, has a god that endorses human sacrifice, and wants to destroy any anti socialistic nations?

or

Support a country that truly does want peace in their region but is getting fed up with missiles landing in their back yards.

PRYING1 SEZ:

As a Christian I'll support Israel!

May the True Living God bring them victory and that quickly.

More on this by others that were there can be found here:

http://politicalpistachio.blogspot.com


http://gawfer.net/

http://politicalvindication.com/ Many pics at this one.

and Doug of Political Pistachio was on the air via cell phone during the event:

Take Our Country Back ... BlogTalkRadio...


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A Friend's Wife Passed Away

A friend's wife passed away...

Tears in my eyes
Because a friend
has lost his mate
but it is not forever!

There will come a day
When they will be together
And on that day
They will kiss as never before.

Their hearts will be one
As they wished they were
When they lived on earth
But were separated by the wall


The Wall comes tumbling down
No separation on that day
No sin will come between
The love they have for one another

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2008 Messiah Concert in Temecula / Murrieta

For your consideration

In Murrieta California

- Sunday - December Seventh - 2008, at 4:00PM (Sharp)-
Get there early for a good seat. (See below)***

The
RANCHO MUSIC ASSOCIATION
presents

Handel's Messiah

with 60-70 Voice Chorus
Symphonic Orchestra and Inspiring Vocal Soloists!

Hosted by

Temecula United Methodist Church
42690 Margarita Rd.
Temecula, CA 92592

FREE ADMISSION

A freewill offering will be taken.


~~~~~~~~~~~

My wife and I will be in the chorus. She sings soprano and I sing bass so we stand on opposite ends of the platform. Makes for less arguments.

***Get there EARLY if you can make it. Otherwise you might be shunted to a room with a big screen TV and speakers. Not quite the same as being in the Auditorium Proper.

This is an annual program so consider it for next year if you cannot make it this time. Please consider donating when the bucket passes to help catch any left over expenses and to get a head start on next years program. Thanks!

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Anarchist Hate Crime in Lansing! Where is the MSM and ACLU?

From Right Michigan:

On Sunday morning, amidst worshiping congregants and following unifying prayers that our President-elect be granted wisdom as he prepares to lead our nation through difficult global, social and economic challenges, the Michigan left declared open war on peaceful church goers.

They did it with banners, chants, blasphemy, by storming the pulpit, by vandalizing the church facility, by potentially defiling the building with lewd, public, sex acts and by intentionally forcing physical confrontations with worshipers.

...

Their other props? I'll let them tell you in their own words... from another of their liberal blogs:

"(A) video camera, a megaphone, noise makers, condoms, glitter by the bucket load, confetti, pink fabric...yeh."

And then at InfoShop News (Please no links to this one. Don't give them the search engine power)

The Mount Hope Church is a deplorable, anti-queer mega-church in Lansing, Michigan. The church works to institutionalize transphobia and homophobia through several repulsive projects including organized "ex-gay" conferences and so-called "hell houses", which depict queers, trannies and womyn who seek abortions in hell. Mt. Hope is complicit in the repression of queers in Michigan and beyond.

Bash Back! ain't down with that. And so on Sunday November 9th, about thirty radical queers from Lansing, Chicago, Memphis and Milwaukee disrupted the church's most well-attended sermon.

At noon, a small group of folks dressed in pink and black, equipped with a megaphone, black flags, picket signs and an upside-down pink cross began demonstrating outside the church. The group was extremely loud and wildly offensive.

The demonstration drew a majority of Mount Hope's security staff outside to watch them.

Meanwhile, with the guards pre-occupied by the distraction, over a dozen queers had put on their Sunday-best and infiltrated the church's congregation. At the signal that the guards had been lured outside, the infiltrators sprung into action.

A group stood up, declared themselves fags, and began screaming loudly. Upon hearing the loud interruption, other affinity groups went into action. A team that had been hiding under the pews in the closed-off balcony dropped a banner and pulled back the curtains to reveal "IT'S OKAY TO BE GAY! BASH BACK!". Another group threw over a thousand fliers to the entirety of the congregation. The fire alarm was pulled. Queers began making out in front of the pastor. And within a matter of minutes, everyone had evaded the guards and made their escapes.

And from CityPulse News

A gay anarchist group infiltrated the Mt. Hope Church in Eaton County Sunday morning, disrupting a service by pulling a fire alarm, dropping leaflets and yelling at parishioners, a pastor said.

The group, Bash Back, was simultaneously picketing outside the church, beating on buckets and using a megaphone to shout "Jesus was a homo" and other slogans as confused churchgoers continued to enter the building.

Members of Bash Back issued a press release Tuesday saying that it targeted Mt. Hope, a church that claims a flock of around 5,000, because it is, "complicit in the repression of queers in Michigan and beyond."

AND

When Eaton County Sheriff’s deputies arrived, they questioned the remaining protestors (city pulse spelling) in the church parking lot. Elieff and other church staff questioned the Bash Back members why Mt. Hope Church had been singled out.

"I don’t know," was an almost universal response.

Elieff acknowledged the group's right to protest, but he said the church's civil rights were infringed upon when the service was disrupted.

No one was arrested at the church, and, Elieff said, as far as he knew, no arrests have been made.

The previous was posted by Tuesday Morning (11NOV08) Detroit Free Press since then posted online:

The disruption came from a group which calls itself Bash Back, and involved demonstrations outside the church and inside the sanctuary while services were under way, said Mt. Hope Church communications director David Williams.

Members of the group inside the church shouted pro-gay slogans, threw leaflets, unfurled a banner and pulled a fire alarm, then hastily departed, Williams said. There were no injuries, he said.

Hmmm. No mention of condoms??? Oh! They can't use that word because it is a family paper!

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prying1 sez:

The actions of the Bash Back Group is not the norm for liberals and indeed some will say the group is not liberal but extreme anarchists and outside the definitions of left and right. Their website postings show disdain for both Republicans and Democrats. But I ask which side of the aisle is closer to their ideals concerning homosexuality? I'm certain they had no words of praise for McCain and Palin and more toleration for Obama.

That leaves those on the left closer to these "anarchist thugs" than conservatives.

I would not blame this on Obama's election but think perhaps these 'lost souls' planned on doing this no matter who won the race. I would like to hear the reactions of both McCain and Obama (Mr. Be Humble Around Evil...) concerning this 'incident'.


It will be interesting to see if the ACLU take the case and which side THEY are on....

Myself? I'm going to ask our pastor what he thinks about this situation and how he would want the men in the congregation to react. He is the leader of our portion of Christ's universal church and I will defer to him on this matter.

Prior to speaking with him, had this happened in our church, I would say that at least one or two would need some hospitalization...

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[tagname] -


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Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed

Saw the Intelligent Design vs. Evolution film Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed and as I was leaving I asked another patron of the theater (unknown to me) what he thought of the film. His words were, "I thought it was brilliant."

I thought of the line in Ecclesiastes, "There is nothing new under the sun."

Ben Stein travels and interviews people from both sides of the theory aisle (evolution versus intelligent design) simply asking questions that show both sides have questions and many of their answers are couched in terms like "maybe" and "if".

Basically the film shows that the evolution crowd has pushed the ID'ers out of the classrooms and laboratories blackballing them from scientific research and research grants. Some evolutionists are sitting around wearing earmuffs and blinders and this while they are still forced to say "maybe" and "if" when questioned about the origins of life...

I saw it as showing the power struggle for control of the cash. - But then I'm a cynic.

Did a bit of running around the net before posting this and I came up with a couple spots that are worth viewing.

Six Things in Expelled That Ben Stein Doesn't Want You to Know... is a Scientific American article by John Rennie and Steve Mirsky which says in it's opening paragraph,

"In the film Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, narrator Ben Stein poses as a "rebel" willing to stand up to the scientific establishment in defense of freedom and honest, open discussion of controversial ideas like intelligent design (ID). But Expelled has some problems of its own with honest, open presentations of the facts about evolution, ID—and with its own agenda."

- It does raise some good points but on the other hand lines like this in the article, "Thousands of other biologists across the U.S. who all know evolution to be true are also still religious." makes me wonder when they threw out the word "theory" when talking of evolution. Tsk, tsk. And this from a scientific journal.

I like this one:

Welcome to Expelled Exposed, a detailed look at the Ben Stein movie Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed. We'll show you why this movie is not a documentary at all, but anti-science propaganda aimed at creating the appearance of controversy where there is none.

Excuse me? There is no controversy? Oh! OK! I'll just go back to sleep...

The film shows that there is a controversy and that in the end the origins of life cannot be explained to the opposing layman's or scientist's satisfaction by either side. Ultimately the question is, should both sides be presented in public schools at taxpayers expense? Or should the views of one side be squashed and tossed into the outer darkness.

The Intelligence Design side is not looking to expel the Evolutionist's from the schools, They want both sides taught, yet the Evolutionists have expelled the ID'ers. Free debate is the issue and the film shows if taken to it's ultimate conclusion scientists would find themselves having to form a hypothesis after the world view of evolutionists as opposed to facts seen through a microscope.

What cracked me up in the film is seing scientists saying perhaps life started on Earth (Gaia) by aliens from other planets seeding it or that life started off on the backs of crystals. - Of course this makes much more sense than thinking that God IS and that He created, designed life and used materials common to all life to create different forms, species etc.

Oh! I forgot. There is no controversy. I forgot I was on my way to take a nap...

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Clinging to Religion

Barack Hussein Obama, Jr's statement was:

"it’s not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren’t like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."

I sort of have a problem with this statement. That is because it is a general statement that has no qualifying words to modify it to make it true. The word 'some' thrown in would have cut the fuse of the bomb it has become for Barack. Do we need a president that makes errors as simple as this?

Laying that aside I'd like to address the words (taken out of context) "they cling to ... religion..."

The way it was stated Barack makes it sound like a bad thing to want to cling to religion. Of course we do need to define religion and can have no way of knowing Barack's definition. There is more than one way to look at religion. One comparison could be either man bringing God (or gods) down to his level or God bringing man up to His. - I prefer the second.

Man can stretch his arms to drag God down and it will be to no avail. God has stretched His Arm down and given man the gift of his Son. As a gift Jesus now only needs to be received or rejected just as a child might do between a toy or a sweater.

As for me I'll 'cling' to my religion and I'll make no apologies for it. But then again, I'm a "Born Again" Christian not a "Social" Christian. Yes, good works, as Barack has been doing, are necessary but before that there needs to be a relationship with the Living God. With statements like the one Barack has made I question his relationship. Faith without works is dead but so is works without faith.

Slamming his brothers and sisters in the Lord is not a good way to generate votes.

But he never did have mine...

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What Would Jesus Do?

Recent brouhaha caused by the Barak Hussein Obama/Rev Wright comradeship has me wondering why it the broohaha recent? - Only because the MSM has not been doing their job concerning him.

20 years Barak has been going to the church and he is just now finding out how inflammatory his (now ex?) pastor is.

Gimme a break.

Non church goers might believe him but not people who regularly attend services. It's like a Muslum saying of his mosque, "I didn't know they spewed hate America and Jihadist teachings there. I just went to hear the music."

Once again we have a politician saying anything he thinks the people want to hear in order to be elected.

Fortunately fewer people are believing him.

What Would Jesus Do?

He'd come clean and fess up. He always did prefer the truth.

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The Angel and The Star By Ralph Connor

Came across a little book that I thought I'd share. The Angel and the Star by Ralph Connor and Illustrated by Cyrus Cincinnatto Cuneo - Copyright 1908 - Fleming H. Revell Company.

A well written Christmas story giving personality and dialog to the descriptions found in Luke. It is divided into two sections. The first called,

"The Angel" and the second, (you guessed it!) The Star.

The first section is the story as told from the shepherd's point of view and the second of the Magi as they travel through Jerusalem and on to Bethlehem.

Throughout the book there are nine color illustrations in line with the stories. (1908 Fleming H. Revell Company hardcover - Can't speak for all editions)

Paintings reproduced through the letterpress process have been bound in with the pages. The pictures are by Cyrus Cincinnatto Cuneo (1879 - 1916), whose work has drawn over $30,000 at auction, and they add quite a bit of character to this little volume.

A few copies are available online for reasonable prices. If you decide to purchase a copy you may want to write to the sellers in advance and make sure that the issue they are selling has all 9 pictures in it. There was both an American and Canadian printing and I have only the American one in hand.

I hope to post a few pics a bit later. Time for me to go to work...

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2008 Messiah Concert in Temecula / Murrieta CA

For your consideration

In Murrieta California

- Sunday - December Seventh - 2007, at 4:00PM (Sharp)-
*** Get there early for a good seat. (See below)

The
RANCHO MUSIC ASSOCIATION
presents

Handel's Messiah

with 60-70 Voice Chorus
Symphonic Orchestra and Inspiring Vocal Soloists!

Hosted by

Temecula United Methodist Church
42690 Margarita Rd.
Temecula, CA 92592

FREE ADMISSION

A freewill offering will be taken.


~~~~~~~~~~~

My wife and I will be in the chorus. She sings soprano and I sing bass so we stand on opposite ends of the platform.

***Get there EARLY if you can make it. Otherwise you might be shunted to a room with a big screen TV and speakers. Not quite the same as being in the Auditorium Proper.

This is an annual program so consider it for next year if you cannot make it this time. Please consider too, donating to catch any left over expenses and for next years program. Thanks!

~~~~~~

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Technorati Tags -
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Summary of the 2007 Messiah Concert in Temecula/Murrieta

Each year dozens of people that love to sing spend time practicing in small groups, join together for one group practice and then put on a concert that is enjoyable, uplifting, delightful and a whole slew of positive adjectives.

This has happened in Temecula/Murrieta California for untold years now and is a free event. This year the organizers refused to take an offering. I did not hear the reason why but I think it may be because they feel that they are giving to God freely that which He deserves. - That is, music honoring Him.

Thanks to Madge and Chuck Griffing for their labor to bring each year's concert to fruition.

Handel's Messiah is one classical music piece that is enjoyed by people of all faiths although Christians versed in scriptures of both Testaments seem to be the majority of audiences. Perhaps because it is most often played in churches.

This year a thanks goes to Calvary Chapel, Murrieta, CA for offering the use of their facilities. Wonderful building with great acoustics. Wonderful building for worshiping and praising God. Which is what the musicians and singers did on the first Sunday of December.

The entire oratorio now names, Handel's Messiah was written in just 24 days. This is most impressive if one looks at it in it's entirety. The singers, bass, tenor, alto, Soprano (Sopranos deserve a capital letter!) are often individually singing different pieces of music from the rest of the group. The instruments have their own sheets of music that would only confuse most of the singers if the pages were mixed up.

Altogether, if the notes were placed on their sides and laid end to end it would only stretch halfway to heaven. - However! Standing up straight and in the jiggly lines Handel wrote them in they reach all the way!!!

A remarkable feat is what I say.

Regarding this years event
prying1 sez:

The concert went well this year except for an occasional misunderstanding of directions from the conductor.

At certain points in time the conductor would motion for a soloist to rise and step forward. Some of the singers rose too. That would get other singers to rise thinking they had missed the signal. Then those that rose in error would realize their mistake and sit back down. Those that followed the standing process then followed the sitting process. At this point the ones that didn't join in at first would now stand and sit.

Needless to say it resembled a wave at a baseball game...

That aside the music was wonderful and please plan on attending next year. - The first Sunday in December.

I'll remind you.

Hopefully the three young girls that sang The appearance of the Angel to the shepherds will be there next year. Such angelic voices! One of the highlights of the show.

Speaking of highlights I heard (this is hearsay) that some of the more youthful musicians were recruited from local High Schools and this affords them an opportunity to join in with more experienced musicians. - It sure didn't sound like any High school band I've ever heard. - I'm sure they were as thrilled playing the music as I was listening.

For many it is the start of the Christmas Season. For me Christmas Season really seems to start when the practices start. The Performance kicks it into gear and fires up the afterburners.

Bring on the fat man in the funny suit. I'm ready for him.

A special thanks to Gawfer, Political Pistachio and their families for attending this year. It was great meeting you all and I only wish we had more time to spend together.

Perhaps next year we can get you to join in the choir!
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Ray Stevens and 'The Mississippi Squirrel Revival'

Thanks to Web Loafer of Sanity's Bluff for this one:

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Write in Cary Cartter for President in 2008
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Visit Cary Cartter at
- "I'm Thinking of the "O" Word..." -

Imus and the Virginia Shooter

I have not, until tonight, posted on either Imus nor the Virginia shooter. Now I am posting and connecting the two...

Went to church tonight. Wednesday night prayer meeting that started out with a bit of praise and worship.

One of the things that was mentioned during the praise and worship was the scripture:

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord... (Eph 5:19)

These days there are many that would say that for me to post the above quote from the Bible is an evil thing to do and that I'm trying to force my beliefs on them and that I'm just a hypocrite anyway, why should they listen to me, etc.... I used to have a snappy line for people like that but a Christian buddy of mine, upon hearing me say to a couple of guys, "OK! Go to hell then!" told me it was an unchristian thing to say. So I won't say it to those who thought that quoting Bible is evil etc...

I explained to my buddy the point I was trying to make is that it is peoples own choice that sends them to an eternity without God or into his embrace. God is ever trying to draw people to Himself. Not to an established religion but to Himself. - People get turned off by the way they see "religious" people act and attribute it to God. - Doesn't work that way. - God does not ask people to follow other people. He wants US (you too!) to follow Him.

Hence we get scripture that tell us to:

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Phil 4:4

~~~~~

How can we help but to rejoice when we realize that "God IS!" and he does concern Himself with our affairs.What a great God! He wants us to be happy. ALWAYS!!! (He said so)

~~~~~

Well suppose that Imus and the Virginia shooter both had taken these scriptures to heart. WHAT IF (words that never really mean anything because time, as we know it, cannot be turned back) but WHAT IF Imus and the Virginia shooter spent some time, even if it was just minutes, singing praises to God?

Not god as they know him. Not god as they think of him, not god as even you nor I think of him, but God as He is!

Realising their insignificance compared to the Creator of all that any man's senses can appreciate. The only true God that stands outside of space and time so that even scientists, philosophers and poets cannot find ways of proving His existence. The God that offers grace, mercy, friendship and love freely and only requires that a person give to Him that which is owed to Him.

The only True God who can only be reached by faith.

Had either of these men spent a minute portion of their lives learning the benefits of Praise and Worship they most likely would not have had their names in the papers for the reasons they did.

Imus was crass and lowbrow. The Virginia shooter as filled with evil. Neither of them needed to be. They had choices as do we...


~~~~~

P.S. Imus gets a second chance. Yahoo News says, target="_blank">"Advertisers want Imus back" and a San Berdoo Station is playing "Best of Imus"

P.S. (again) The Virginia shooter does not get a second chance... - People will spend a lot of time trying to figure out "WHY did he do it?" - What they learn about the man will most likely not apply to the next evil person that performs similar acts. His reasons were incomprehensible as will be the next...


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Write in Cary Cartter for President in 2008

Honesty, the Dead Sea Scrolls and the San Diego Natural History Museum

If you had "authorative persons" teaching you concerning a subject you found interesting would you want the teaching to include points of view opposing that of the teachers?

I should think so. Even if the teachers simply said, "Some people believe, ...," and gave resources for further study if the student was interested in that train of thought.

Apparently, concerning the Dead Sea Scrolls, the people in charge of the San Diego Natural History Museum would prefer to give one viewpoint and one viewpoint only.

For years the scrolls were tightly held by a small group of scholars until they were finally FORCED to release them. This group wrote about and still holds to a certain theory concerning the origins of the scrolls. Their theory is now being disputed by several other "authorative persons". From what I understand there are no lectures concerning the dispute over the origins of the scrolls to be held at the San Diego Museum. I have posted on this subject previously and at least one person from the museum (Perhaps more. There were a few hits) did visit my posting. They could have left a comment correcting me but did not choose to do so.

The Museum is presenting the scrolls for two reasons.

1.) Educate and entertain the public.

and

2.) Make money.

Seems to me that they should be capitalizing on the dispute by setting up a series of lectures and pushing the debate through free internet advertising. People in the United States love debates.

Norman Golb has an interesting article on this subject and some folks have felt inclined to comment pro and con. Let the debates begin!!!

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Norman Golb will be speaking at the Kansas City Dead Sea Scroll Exhibit - April 24, 2007 - Unfortunately it is sold out.
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Write in Cary Cartter for President in 2008
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"Christian Traditions" turn to the East

Marsh West has written an article posted at The Conservative Voice - Gnosticism, Contemplative Prayer and Other "Christian Traditions" in which she tells of outfits like the Emergent Church teaching Eastern Mysticism and Gnosticism to it followers.

She gives as a definition of Gnosticism the following:

Christian Gnosticism is the belief that one must have a "gnosis" (from Greek "Gnosko," to know) or inner knowledge which is mystical knowledge obtained only after one has been properly initiated. Only a few can possess this mystical knowledge, limiting the number of those "in the know".

This is the same sort of attitude of those that bought into Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code. The desire to be in "The Know". To have some "Special Revelation" that others did not have and thereby be above others.

A good name for this attitude is self centeredness. - Here is a News Flash - God has given to mankind (and womankind) His Word, the Bible. AND He has sent His Holy Spirit to lead and guide us individually and collectively. We don't need "Special Insight" that others do not have. We do need to get our own insight in line with the Word by reading the Bible and talking with God about it. (Prayer - speaking and listening) -

Check out Marsha West's article. I found it to be quite informative and "Right On!" (to quote my favorite line from the 70's).

My comment to Marsha West's posting is:

When I first became a Christian (back in the early 70's) I got hold of a book on yoga meditation and very briefly started practicing it. All I got from it was the feeling that I was wasting time better spent reading God's Word, the Bible.

It was in the 80's I was reading the Bible and came across a scripture (I wish I could remember which one but...) that as I reread it I could see that the meaning of it could be taken so many different ways.

I said, "Lord, Your word is so amazing. It can be so simple or it can be so complicated!"

The voice of the Lord came back at me and said, "Keep it simple stupid."

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Write in Cary Cartter for President in 2008
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Baby Bell Has Arrived!Still Needs Prayer

For those who noticed on my sidebar the request for prayers for Baby Bell Please keep them coming. (Click here to see sidebar posting) I recieved the following email from Rick Bell:

Marybeth was delivered on March 27 at 1:00 in the afternoon- she was 6 lbs and 2.9 oz.

This was three and a half weeks early, but the timing was perfect. We had just managed to get everything in order last weekend. On Monday, the day before, Jennifer was having her weekly checkup to detect any possible problems from the Rh issue. The levels looked a little too high, but at this stage the readings are not very reliable. So she was told they would check again on Thursday, and if it read the same, they would have to make some decisions.

Jennifer did not want to be induced, nor did she want a cordocentesis. So this presented something of a possible dilemma. She prayed to the Lord that she wouldn't have to be induced.

Dilemma solved. At 3:15 the next morning, her water broke! We dropped the boys off at a friend's and went to the hospital. There were no complications and it was a completely natural and unmedicated birth. It could not have gone better!

The Rh issue was never an issue!

But the heart problem is still there.
It looks like we are going to have to have surgery on Friday, sometime between 11:00 am and 2:00pm. We were praying that she would not need this first surgery, but "Not my will but thine be done..."
The upside is that she looks great all around, healthy and strong (not to mention beautiful!). She'll be able to make it through. Pray that her parents would too!

Some of you had told us that our daughter would be born just fine and without problems. SHE WAS. We are thankful and greatly encouraged. The heart problem is different, though. We have to go through this. The Lord will be there. Thanks for helping to pray us through.

Rick and his wife are wonderful people and their reaction to this time of difficulty shows how much comfort and peace of heart one gets from the Christian walk. - Keep them and Baby Marybeth Bell in your prayers.
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Update: Praising God that Marybeth's first surgery went fine and she seems to be
doing very well. Thanks for the many emails and of course for the
prayers. Now she just has to hold up well and adjust and recover.

In Jesus,
Rick

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Here is a link to the Bamboo Bell and a bit more info in Rick's own words. -
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Write in Cary Cartter for President in 2008

General Pace and Immorality

Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff voiced his personal opinion to a group of Chicago Tribune editors and reporters this week. As a result he came under fire from homosexual activist groups, many in the Democratic Party, many in the MSM, the former Secretary of the Navy and Virginia Republican Senator John Warner. Warner said to reporters, "I respectfully but strongly disagree with the chairman's view that homosexuality is immoral."

Transcript:

PACE: My upbringing is such that I believe that there are certain things, certain types of conduct that are immoral. I believe that military members who sleep with other military members’ wives are immoral in their conduct, and that we should not tolerate that. I believe that homosexual acts between individuals are immoral, and that we should not condone immoral acts.

So the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell allows an individual to serve the country, not — [inaudible/interruption] that allows individuals to serve their country. If we know about immoral acts, regardless of committed by who or — then we have a responsibility. And I do not believe that the Armed Forces of the United States are well served by saying through our policies that it’s okay to be immoral in any way, in any way, not just with regards to homosexuality. This is from that standpoint saying that gays should serve openly in the military to me says that we, by policy, would be condoning what I believe is immoral activity. And therefore, as an individual, I would not want that to be my policy, just like I would not want it to be our policy that, if were to find out that so-and-so was sleeping with someone’s wife, that we would just look the other way, which we do not. We prosecute that kind of immoral behavior between members of the Armed Forces.

Audio here

Thanks to Think Progress for the Transcript and link to sound.

Where are the pro-adultery groups in this mix? The Homosexual groups are complaining about being mixed in with adulterers but I don't hear complaints that adulterers are being mixed in with the homosexuals.

Last Tuesday (13Mar07), an ABC reporter asked Clinton whether she thought homosexuality is immoral. She replied: "Well, I am going to leave that to others to conclude." - Since then (Thurs 15Mar07) Hillary Clinton told Bloomberg News, "Well, I've heard from a number of my friends, and I've certainly clarified with them any misunderstanding that anyone had, because I disagree with General Pace completely, I do not think homosexuality is immoral." -

Barack Hussein Obama released a statement on this same Thursday. "I do not agree with General Pace that homosexuality is immoral. Attempts to divide people like this have consumed too much of our politics over the past six years." - The day before Obama's statement was, "Traditionally, the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman has restricted his public comments to military matters. That's probably a good tradition to follow." -

Republican presidential candidate Sam Brownback stated in a letter: "We should not expect someone as qualified, accomplished and articulate as General Pace to lack personal views on important moral issues. In fact, we should expect that anyone entrusted with such great responsibility will have strong moral views."

Asked whether he agreed with Pace's comments, Brownback said: "I do not believe being a homosexual is immoral, but I do believe homosexual acts are. I'm a Catholic and the church has clear teachings on this."

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prying1 sez: The issue really is, "Is there a God and did he set up rules for mankind to live by?" - I say yes. -

But what I say is unimportant compared to what each person's heart says. Inside all of us is a conscience that nudges us when we want to go the wrong direction. Then when someone comes along and says, "Hey! You're going the wrong way!" we get defensive. This happens whether the issue is homosexuality or eating to much chocolate cake.

It is an issue of sin.

For the uninitiated, sin is, simply put, disobedience to God. He set up the rules not General Pace or Hillary or Obama or Brownback or me. People can disagree with the rules, love the rules or hate the rules but we can't change the rules. - So it goes -

Those railing against General Pace simply prove that people do not like to be corrected. Consciences get pricked and in response people lash out. All of mankind needs to recognise that a conscience is a good thing and helps us see those things that we allow to stand between us and God.

Morality is not something that we can make our own definitions for. When we do try to conform morality to our desires we twist our consciences and that, my friends, is not a good way to live life.

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Attribution to: CNS News.com and Time.com



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Write in Cary Cartter for President in 2008
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Barak Obama - Please Define Economic Parity - What is it?

OK - I'll admit it. This is a long post to ask a simple question. A question that popped into my head as I was websurfing this morning. I have a feeling that the answer cannot fit into a single pair of parenthesis but can take on many shapes and forms. Even more important than the "What is it?" are the questions of how do we get there? How will we know we are there? AND! Is it even possible to get there? Whose definition of Economic Parity will we use?

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Here is the path I took on the web this morning. First I clicked the "Next Blog" link on the top bar of my blog page. I was taken to Marathon Pundit who had a post he titled - Obama's church's tenet raise questions -

In the post John Ruberry points to a Chicago Tribune article, - Race is sensitive subtext in campaign (Free Registration needed for page 2-3) - that references Barack Hussein Obama's church, Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago IL. The article highlights a bit of the 12 precepts and covenantal statements the church stands on and which (the article says) conservatives have a problem with.

The congregation posits what it terms a Black Value System, including calls to be "soldiers for black freedom" and a "disavowal of the pursuit of middleclassness."

In an interview late Monday, Obama said it was important to understand the document as a whole rather than highlight individual tenets. "Commitment to God, black community, commitment to the black family, the black work ethic, self-discipline and self-respect," he said. "Those are values that the conservative movement in particular has suggested are necessary for black advancement.

"So I would be puzzled that they would object or quibble with the bulk of a document that basically espouses profoundly conservative values of self-reliance and self-help."

In his published memoirs, Obama said even he was stopped by Trinity's tenet to disavow "middleclassness" when he first read it two decades ago in a church pamphlet. The brochure implored upwardly mobile church members not to distance themselves from less fortunate Trinity worshipers.

"As I read it, at least, it was a very simple argument taken directly from Scripture: `To whom much is given much is required,'" Obama said in the interview.

So I (prying1) found it neccesary to see for myself the 12 tenets the church lists. I could see Barak's point. But beneath the 12 points was a 10 point vision statement of the pastor which listed as number 10: "A congregation working towards ECONOMIC PARITY." - (caps his) -

OK! Sounds good. But how does one get there? If it is indeed through Commitment to God, community, family, work ethic, self-discipline and self-respect (any race can use these not just blacks.) then I have no problem with it. But if it is through the socialistic system of redistribution of wealth then I (prying1) have a major problem with it.

I would like to know Barack Hussein Obama's definition of ECONOMIC PARITY. Does he think it is really something that CAN be achieved and how would he intend to get us there? These are questions those in the MSM should be asking of a person who wants to lead the most powerful free nation in the world.


As an aside:
Trying to find a definition of ECONOMIC PARITY I came to Why Income Distribution Doesn't Matter in This Country at Coyote Blog - Excellent read!


- Hat tip to Maobi for link to Coyote -

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Wednesday Heroes Roy Velez and His Two Sons, Jose and Andrew

The following posting is from the Wednesday Hero Blogroll - Please click the link on the bottom of the page to join in honoring the brave men and women of our military.

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This Weeks Heroes Were Suggested By CavMom

This week I have three people to talk about. Roy Velez and his two sons, Jose and Andrew. One who was lost in Iraq and another who lost his life in Afghanistan.

It happens almost daily. A stranger reaches out to comfort Roy Velez, unintended symbol of unspeakable loss and grief.

Today it's a woman who approaches as he's halfway through breakfast at Montelongo's Mexican restaurant.

"My brother told me about you and your sons," she says, extending her hand.

He takes her small hand between his - this sturdy man who has buried two boys who went off to war - and listens gently as her own story of sorrow spills forth. Her 8-year-old daughter, a traffic accident, her son at the wheel.

As waiters bustle about with trays of huevos rancheros and barbacoa plates, Mr. Velez does what he does best: offers up a soft prayer to help this mother endure her emptiness.

Strangers learn about Mr. Velez from newspapers and TV. They come to him to share their gratitude or their grief. They come to thank him and console him, tearfully, for his family's sacrifice.

This is how Mr. Velez chooses to live after losing two sons in two years, not riven with anger or paralyzed with sadness. But as someone ready for those who might slip into the darkness of despair.

For his strength for others, compassion and grace - and for serving as inspiration for anyone who knows his story - Mr. Velez is the 2006 Dallas Morning News Texan of the Year.
Because this story is so long, I've linked to the article which you can read in it's entirety.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Have Every Right To Dream Heroic Dreams.
Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. If you would like to participate in honoring the brave men and women who serve this great country, you can find out how by clicking here.


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What Controversy Over the Dead Sea Scrolls? San Diego Museum Doesn't Want Opposing Views

A little over a week ago I posted about the Dead Sea Scrolls coming to San Diego.

Two reasons why I posted were, I've always been fascinated by the scrolls and I know a few folks that visit regularly live in So Cal..

You might say it was a public service announcement.

Then, seven days later, I received a comment from 'Charles' making statements about and asking valid questions concerning the upcoming exhibit and the lectures involved with it.

Controversy? What controversy? It's just a bunch of old papers, right? Well! OK. Papyrus and animal hides. Slap 'em into cases with bullet proof glass (See National Treasure) and let people file by to look at 'em. What's the problem?

Well. It seems the people running the show are from the 'old school'. This group supports the Qumran-Essene theory of Scroll origins which basically stated is the town close to the caves where the scrolls were found (Khirbet Qumran) housed the people (Essenes) that wrote the scrolls.

In the 1980's and 90's this view was challenged.

Some say that many of the scrolls do not match up to Essene teachings.

As a result...

During the 1990s, another theory expressed "that the authors of the scrolls were "Essene-Like" or a splinter Essene group rather than simply Essenes as such. This modification of the Essene theory takes into account some significant differences between the world view expressed in some of the scrolls and the Essenes as described by the classical authors. Together, the two theories may be called the "Qumran-sectarian theory". (Wikipedia)

Other theories concerning the origins of the scrolls are:

• It was a Sadducee community in Qumram.
  
• The scrolls came from several libraries in Jerusalem and were hidden in 68-70 AD during the Roman Seige.
  
• The scrolls were part of the actual library of the Temple in Jerusalem
  
• A Christian connection (that prying1 sees as wishful thinking) that one scrap is from the book of Mark or that James the Just and Paul of Tarsus are described on scraps in some way.

Apparently the recommended reading list and stated lecturers do not touch upon the debates concerning the origins of the scrolls themselves. That is, the Qumran-Essene theory versus the newer theories. For years there was a clique of scholars that had control over the scrolls until they were forced to release them for others to study. It appears that the same clique is running the Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibition at San Diego Natural History Museum as at the Seattle Exhibition last year and others in previous years.

For example the book, Who Wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls?: The Search for the Secret of Qumran by Dr. Norman Golb could easily be listed but it is not. Dr. Golb's and numerous other author's evidence contrary to the Qumran-Essene theory has not appeared at any 'official' showing of the scrolls.

prying1 sez: In the United States people love debate. Especially if pies are thrown at the end. Just kidding about the pies but I'm not kidding about the debate. The San Diego Museum and the Associations sponsoring the showing of the scrolls are seeking monetary gain (and rightly so - They need and deserve pay for the work being done concerning the scrolls. The scrolls don't preserve and translate themselves.) along with their desire to 'entertain' and 'teach the public'. If they were smart they would play on this controversy. I'm not saying that they should advertise it like a wrestling smackdown but it could be played up and have two opponents meet to present their views. Perhaps two panels to meet and confer in a public setting with or without tickets.

I'm certain it would selland increase interest in the showing. Looking at the lecture schedule it looks like there are plenty of nights available to toss this subject in.

I am in no way a scholar although I'm not stupid either. Seems to me the ones "holding on to the knowledge" are simply trying to make
themselves appear more important than they really are. To me that is
sad.

I thought that when they finally released the scrolls in the 90's that they might
have figured that out for themselves. Living in an ivory tower does
not make a person smarter than others or more right than another. - -
- - If they are afraid of debate they are simply afraid of being
proven wrong.

Truth is. (please note period at the end of that statement) I like to
use the word immutable as a qualifying word for 'truth'.

So if they are right or wrong they should learn the truth and move on.

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