The Barb Wire

Friday, November 13, 2009

Mom's 2nd Career

After being a mom and home-maker and church/school volunteer, Jane Shutt Mason became the archivist of the United Brethren Church --when she was almost 60-after my father died of colon cancer at 58. She had the distinction (and connection) of being a previous president's daughter-in-law and long-time member of the college church.

This was like being a museum procurer,church librarian, preservationist. She traveled with some nuns who were attending national conferences on archives for Victory Noll, the convent in our county. Her archives were like a large closet in the church headquarters building.

When Huntington College -now Huntingon U.--built their new library, the church archives were installed in the library's beautiful walk-out basement and she became the college archivist as well. I think she was then an employee of the college, not sure. She says yes. She thinks she was the college librarian; she was not that.

But she used a computer, and rotated displays of historical items, and helped to choose and design a large and appropriate facility with appropriate cabinets and humidity level controls for preserving old documents. She catalogued and organized the place according to the latest archival standards.

Among those documents are letters from the Wright brothers and their father, who was a bishop in the UB Church. An excellent and most interesting book for young people and adults is The Bishop's Boys: A Life of Wilbur and Orville Wrightby Tom D. Crouch - 1990.

The museum/archives also includes old church and college publications --including those published by my great grandfather, Emmet Mason, church publisher. Mom has an excellent large photo of him and his family dated 1894 --handsome people! Great Grandma wrote on the back the colors and prices of her then 2 children's outfits --bright blue for little Harry, $4 (he became college president) --and red for his sister Ilah, $2.

Mom did this until she was 80, after Rob had arrived there for college, which was 1997.

One day, she turned in the exit doorway to go back and retrieve her glasses, which she had forgotten, and fell and broke her hip. Fortunately, though it was after hours and no one was there to help her, she had a cell phone that was inexplicably charged --inexplicably since she never used it--and she was able to call 911 and say "Help, I've fallen and I Can't Get Up!" (Just like the famous commercial!) She says she retired the next day. Rob moved out of dorm to stay and help her in her recovery. She had excellent hospital re-hab and some handicap bars installed so she could help herself.

A few years later, she had double knee replacement and Rob went back to help her then, also. She got around with her new knees much better than for 2 or 3 decades previous.

About Dad, Wendell D. Mason, he was a quality control chemist for Huntington Laboratories and also a part time chem teacher at IU-PU extension in Ft. Wayne. And great fun, filled with affection and kindness for his family. Always and ever a gentleman --with the common touch, well-liked by all who knew him, including those who worked at the plant where he worked in the lab.

Together, they were a disciplined couple, faithful in church and parenting, who provided a happy home for me and my brother and passed the baton of faith in God and His Son. They taught us principles of tithing, modesty, generosity, kindness, frugality, and the ability to make friends at all social levels. Our family was not wealthy at all --but practical and frugal, without vices --and they borrowed at low interest (gov't loans) and sent us to college --where I married an ambitious, successful guy. After some lean economic times at the beginning of our marriages, my brother and I have never known want --and have been able to afford things our parents never did. They also passed on to us the value of staying married --and parenting faithfully.

Concerned Women for America Note Radical Homosexual Agenda

CWA says there is evidence that children in grades as early as kdgtn are being taught that cross-dressing is an acceptable practice. There is at least one book about Jesse's skirt that encourages cross-dressing. We know of schools that have installed uni-sex bathrooms for the use of transgendering/cross-dressing students --not that we want our little girls to share the bathroom with a boy in drag -- and granted, those little boys probably aren't safe in the boy's restroom.

I certainly feel sorry for children uncomfortable with their bio-assignments --but is it discomfort or something the parents have allowed to go uncorrected since infancy? Should a child not be helped to be glad for his own sex assignment and body? And the normalcy of it? instead of accommodated in his delusion?

Kindness should be our response in every case of confused sex identity/orientation--but accommodation by allowing cross-dressing and cross-bathroom use in school is not part of REAL kindness.

CWA also tells about programs in public schools that include "explicit and detailed instructions on and discussions of various homosexual practices including sodomy."
That is UNACCEPTABLE!

The Uni of Minnesota Press published the book "Harmful to Minors: The Perils of Protecting Children from Sex," which advocates sexual activities with young children, and gives cover to pedophiles/child molesters.

Of course, children in public school are taught that homosexual "marriage' is another acceptable form of marriage . Elementary children are encouraged to read about homosexual animals and to see gay couples and parents as just another good and normal sexual and family arrangement.

In some school districts, they do not require parental notification and approval for such indoctrination.

PARENTS, BE VIGILANT. ASK YOUR SCHOOLS WHAT THEY TEACH ABOUT SEXUALITY AND WHEN AND INSIST THAT YOU BE NOTIFIED AND GIVE PERMISSION FOR ANY SEX EDUCATION, including books that promote the abnormal as normal.

Even straight sex ed has been lacking in moral values for years. I remember the video at Anthony Wayne Middle School that cited all the famous people throughout history that were known to have STD's --which film featured a boy student who became "responsible" by notifying his many sexual conquests that he had an STD and had probably given them one. Another film, rejected by the board curriculum committee, showed a couple going to the drugstore for condoms before gleefully taking advantage of an aunt's empty home when the nephew was given charge over that home. There was no suggestion that this was inappropriate, dangerous or immoral. Just normal!

The best sex ed DOES say "WAIT FOR MARRIAGE!" to another who has also waited. This is the only SAFE SEX. Yes, we should tell kids that if they don't wait, they MUST use condoms to HELP prevent getting or spreading disease. That if they are going to be promiscuous (involved with sex before marriage --leading to many partners), some form of birth control from their doctor or clinic is adviseable in case the condom fails or the partner fails to use a condom.

And we need to teach sex ed to boys and girls separately --as Dr. Dobson notes that natural and appropriate barriers to sexual intimacy between the sexes are eroded by co-ed presentations. The barriers delay sexual involvement; our explicit, value-neutral sex ed seemed to coincide historically with increases in youthful sex involvement and teen pregnancy.

What we really need is a consistent message to youth that monogamous hetero marriage is still the bedrock arrangment of civilized societies --and the only way to provide children for the future. And why that is important. Building an intact, functional family is a worthy GOAL for every young person. Children need to hear that a couple CAN choose happiness together and resolve conflicts and maintain happy homes. The problems in marriage are NOT marriage itself--but sinful, selfish ways in the lives of individuals. A functional, loving family, headed by intact parents, is a resource for mental, physical, social, and economic well-being of all its members.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

CLC in the West Indies

LOOK! A West Indies Bank gave support to a CLC (Weslyan church --same CLC as ours) in St. Kitt. Google shows that CLC is alive and well --and Christian evangelism of children!

http://www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com/jun1308/news12a.htm

"God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and have eternal life."--the Bible

CHURCH ADVANCES KIDS ACADEMICALLY

There are things learned in Christian Life Club and other activities for youth and children which give them a "leg up" in general knowledge. Last year we studied Africa and learned about the many Free Methodist churches that are there. We had an evening of African foods in our big foyer decorated with AFrican-like decor. We learned that ginger ale is one product of Africa!

One of my children said last night,"There is still an Egypt?" I think she assumed it was only a country from which Moses led the exodus of the Jews. In our scriptural sequence about believing in Jesus, I mentioned that not everyone DOES believe in Jesus --that some people are persecuted for their faith by those who don't believe that Jesus died for their sins and rose from the grave. And I did tell them about the little 12 or 13 year old girl in Egypt who was stoned to death this past year for believing in Christ. We talked about how converting means to turn from our sin --to change--like taking a bath --or being born again as Jesus taught. And how all our sin is removed from us, as far as east is from west, buried in the deepest sea --how God DELETES those bad things from our record when we are really sorry for our sins. They all understood "delete" in this computer age.

They learn vocabulary and how to pronounce big words with which they aren't familiar in a Bible verse like our 2nd badge required verse:

Several stumbled over "inheritance," and learned a new word and how to say it.

More importantly, they accomplish that which is mentioned in the pledge to the Bible, recited every week during the song time:

I LOVE MY CLC KIDS! SHOEBOX MINISTRY IS NEXT!

I have the dearest 4th graders in CLC this year --a smaller class as we separated from 3rd grade due to growth. I have 8 enrolled, 7 regular attenders, but only 6 last night. I love this age. I had them last year, also.

We are a rainbow group, with one of Indian (the country) heritage (his father was Sikh,) 2 bi-racial with white mothers (one Afr. Am. and one Hispanic,) and two Afr. Am. and two caucasians who are cousins (one is my grand son.) (And there is another caucasian boy who came only twice.)

I see maturity coming and respect for the Bible and prayer improving much since last year. And they are learning to keep track of their folders and bring them in (with candy or other little incentives, like bookmarks, as a prize)- so we can send home their memory verses and parents' letters with them. For the bus kids, especially, to get anything home and bring it back is an achievement, what with some of the rowdy behavior that happens there when they all get together --like any school bus or school cafeteria!

The girls who ride the van to and from their Habitat for Humanity neighborhood are clever. They decided to leave their folders in a neighboring room in the church building --and once behind the window blind in our room --so they could get the reward for having it there without actually taking it home and bringing it back. But we straightened that out. They were quite giggly and a little sheepish about it. They wanted to make new folders because the ones they left at church had disappeared! The custodian and I restored the lost.

Lately, we have been learning to find our way around in the Bible --and they all read fairly well and are eager to do it --and so we had a verse sequence last night about giving ourselves to God, each one having a scripture to look up in the sequence --how to become God's child and have eternal life. And we discussed sin and what it is --and they answered the question showing that they have learned over their time in CLC or in their homes --that lying, unkindness, cheating, murder, stealing, disobedience to parents and teachers, anything that displeases God, are sins. And that we must confess our sin to God in order to be forgiven. That He is "faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" --which one of them likened to "taking a bath." They all said they have believed and received Jesus into their hearts --even before last night --for it is by believing in Jesus that we become "the children of God." We have previously gone to the music room and sung from the hymnal, for this "Give to God" Badge, the Christina Rosetti poem/song:

Last night, we had a cut and paste activity to make a little booklet from our curriculum on Steps to Knowing God.

AFter that we did an elimination round on the memory verse for the month --

We review the verse between rounds and each child says one word from memory and the next one does the 2nd word, and so on, until the verse is finished. If they can't think of the next word, they are "out" and can go to the board behind them to review it until the next round. It really makes them concentrate -and they seem to have such fun with it. And they are so excited to get it! The other method of group memorization we use is to write the verse on the board and each one erases a word, in turn, and we all recite the verse until all the words are erased and we are saying the whole verse. A 3rd method of practice is to have all the words of the verses cut up and placed in individual envelopes and then we have a race to see who can put the words in order the fastest.

I've learned this year to give them chances to individually "take the stage" and recite their memory verses in front of the whole group --and record their achievement for their badges right then. Instead of having them do it individually and privately --which often got squeezed out of the schedule and also allowed too much distracting hubbub around them.

So far 6 of our kids have 2 out of 3 verses learned --and 3 or 4 have all of them. We have one huge verse that hasn't been mastered by all, yet.

Courtney, our called and equipped assistant teacher, and record keeper, fixed popcorn and Crystal Lite for all of us. I couldn't teach without an able assistant, a "go to girl." She, herself, will no doubt have her own CLC class when she wants and will be substitute teaching in our public schools this year.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Bankrupt Government Takes on More Burden --Health Care

House of Reps Passed their version of a Health Care Bill.

My husband says we are going to be sorry when we have to depend on a bankrupt government to provide our healthcare --and have no choice of private health insurance. He thinks the private companies will go out of business with gov't. promising a cheaper version and unlimited coverage.

Gov't health care already operates in the red. Why would we vote for them to be in charge of 1/5 of the nation's economy --the healthcare industry?

I read a Blade article that said only 2% of the nation would use the private option --and they took that to mean that the private option wouldn't make a dent in private insurance companies' business. But what did the question mean? Call me and ask me if I'll use a private option from the gov't --and I might say NO because I now have insurance --or because I am opposed to the public option. In truth, if the private option is offered and made attractive with unlimited care paid for by tax monies, then I predict that more than 2% of the people will sign up for it, saying "I pay taxes, so I'm going to get the cheaper gov't health insurance!"

The problem is, the gov't is broke. But that never stops the party of Pelosi and Franks.

Meandering memories, my family/ dance/church history

My mom was a stay-at-home mom, a church worker, a leader, a disciplined woman, with Christian character and Christian convictions. She had been raised in the Central Christian church--some Church of Christ denomination that was liberal. Her mother was into the occult, seances, ouija boards, etc. as some secular women were in those days. Then my mother went to the local Huntington College, a United Brethren college, during the depression, with no help from her father who opposed education for women. She was hired to work for the president, receiving and recording the donations. He introduced her to his son, who was the editor of the college newspaper. She wanted to study journalism and be a reporter. So she was on his staff and romance blossomed. They were a very handsome couple. Mom was beautiful by movie star standards. Dad played college basketball. Mom was a pianist and violinist --not advanced on either. Dad sang in the college quartet. I hear that he, a little rebellious, tried smoking in the family garage --but didn't get addicted. He and Mom went to Greenville College his senior year, her 2nd and final year. There she helped to type and edit Dr. Mae Tenney's book. She also made a group of Christian girlfriends who kept in touch all their lives through a Round Robin letter. I think it has stalled, however, as some have passed away. One of them was a missionary to the Phillippines. They had a reunion when I was in college out in Santa Cruz, CA. She really became a serious Christian while at G.C. She and Dad returned to Huntington, married (her father had nothing to do with the wedding) and became pillars of the college church there in Huntington--where I grew up and later married.

Our family went to church Sunday morning, evening, and to Wednesday night Christian Endeavor for kids and prayer meeting for adults. Every summer we went to Winona Lake where my grandparents built a retirement home, which was Free Methodist Headquarters. After being president of H.C., Grandpa was the headquarters pastor for a time at Winona Lake for the Free Methodists. He changed denominations because he believed in the 2nd work of grace. His wife, my grandmother, had been an FM. We also attended the summer conventions there for Youth for Christ, Moody Bible Week, Oriental Missionary Society, Jewish Evangelism, and the Free Methodist Youth Advance --as Winona was an international Bible Conference grounds with its famous Billy Sunday Tabernacle and home there. The music was professional; the preaching powerful.

We didn't dance, play cards, gamble, swim or fish on Sunday, drink, smoke or chew, --or run around with those who do. Except the dancing. Dancing was BIG in our teen culture. All my girlfriends danced --even at every slumber party. It was much bigger in our teen culture than in my children's. American Bandstand and rock and roll were all the rage. My Christian difference from worldliness was the fact that I decided to be a REAL Christian and not dance. Nor did I ever buy or receive a pop record. Evangelicals saw dancing as inappropriate unless a couple were married to each other, tempting people to get the cart before the horse after the dance! (Sure enough, we hear that proms today are occasions to get a motel room!) MOreover, dancing among adults WAS associated with drinking and temptation to infidelity among the married. I actually saw this going on at a dude ranch recreation barn in Colorado where our family once vacationed. I saw the father of one family dancing cheek to cheek with the mother of another family --and it sure didn't look right to me. They were the only 2 dancing --in the daytime --to a little record player in the recreation barn. My interest was the piano and the old sheet music there --including "Springtime in the Rockies" which I sang throughout the vacation in the car. Our family also did a Yellowstone trip, a Black Hills trip and Mackinac Island. My father planned these trips thoroughly, using a AAA guide. As I recall, Mom wasn't the best traveler --had to check the sheets in the motels to see if they looked clean.

Dancing in the late 50's, early 60's was the girls jitterbugging together while the left-footed boys sat around the room's perimeter and watched --and slow dances for those who were "going together" which, like today, meant 2 people embracing frontally and fully and scarcely moving to the music. They danced every noon hour at school in "inclement" weather --starting in the 5th grade. I danced THEN with my girlfriends, and later became "convicted" about it and never danced again.

I wish I DID know how to dance; what great calorie burning! My kids did theater choreography, (Rob was a successful bottle dancer in Fiddler on the Roof at BGSU! No velcro on the hats and bottles either! ) and learned how to move to music. Since my youth, Christian colleges have mellowed on the subject (this century) --after all, all the evangelical churches and professors' kids were going to their public school dances. And I became a fan of music theater and choreographed dancing as an art form --and my girls now direct such dance in the church! for the annual holiday musical.

But I digress...I meant to talk about Mom.

She let me and Ron completely turn over our living room--literally. We had the couch and chairs turned over and hung with blankets for our tent village in the living room. I remember vaguely her discomfort when her in-laws announced they were arriving soon. Otherwise, she was busy running the laundry and the kitchen with great OC. I ironed all the handkerchiefs and later did much of the family ironing, if memory serves me correctly. She would dampen the laundry and have it in a plastic bag for ironing. Except when she was busy in a church project, we had family dinner at the table every evening--as my father got home shortly after 5.

She was very practical about clothes and she and Dad were "Scotch" about money. She was a depression-era child and they only had one Saturday night bath, one outfit for church and one for school. So it was hard to get her to buy me more! And nothing ever fit me --the family curse of waist being smaller than hips than the usual. Straight skirts were the rage --I couldn't wear those and have them fit. Pants never fit. Not today, either!

Mom was president of the PTA; she and dad were youth leaders at church when I was small. I remember when we went out to make cider with the youth out of wormy apples. I remember them coming to our lake cottage at Winona Lake. I know that Mom and Dad's United Brethren Church had no convictions against Halloween --because they went to a Sunday School party in someone's garage (seems I was there) and dressed as ghosts in bed sheets with only holes for eyes. I know I got to be a witch for Halloween and Dad took us trick-or-treating --and we actually did tricks if someone wasn't home --like moving the porch mat off the porch. VANDALS! I wouldn't let MY kids do that. And I think we soaped windows --just a little. Just enough to say we had been there. My dad, the boy scout commissioner! The Jaycees' officer, the Lions' Club president. And he took us to the mansions in town --and made it suspenseful --he enjoyed Dracula movie and taught us to not be scared of scarey genre in movies and lit by finding them amusing and reminding us they were just "make-believe." Dad was the one who made life fun. Can't say Mom did that.

Mom was smart. She had done all the family books for her father's business --the first meat-packing/frozen-food storage locker plant in northern Indiana. She insisted that my brother take bookkeeping --and sure enough, he's a businessman/grad today. But I was in band and didn't have time for bookkeeping AND college prep. She started the church newspaper, the College Park Newsette and cut the mimeograph stencil for it and we ran it off together at the church. One 11 x 17 paper, both sides. Then they had to be addressed. She directed the VBS (Vacation Bible School) for many years - a 2 week VBS. And the Congressman's wife (democrat Ed Roush's wife) was usually our song leader; I loved the music and her voice --and that's where I learned the books of the Bible songs. VBS had recreation, music, crafts, and lesson time with booklets for all. Mom was irritated that the craft lady had us make ceramic "apple core dishes" pressed on maple leafs with handles added, one year -because they were glorified ash trays, in her opinion. But she held her tongue, apparently, as director. It's hard enough to get helpers. IN those days, the VBS had a picnic together near the end, behind the Huntington College Old Main bldg --and a final Friday night program --of singing and scripture recitations by the classes. Mom roped me into props --and I remember making a big paper ship --for our boating theme one year. "Sailing with Jesus," I think. We also had western theme one year, and various others. Soldiers, Pioneers --with a covered wagon prop.

Mom had NO tolerance for radio music in the car or house --it was all noise to her. But she would let me practice trumpet (and i was loud!) and piano to all hours with no complaint.

My first record player was one I earned when I got first place for selling magazines for my class trip fund. But I know I never had a "pop" or rock and roll record. I had Oklahoma and Christmas classics --and don't remember anything else.

Next installment: Mom's 2nd career --after homemaking

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Mom Notes

I think Mom, 90, brushed her teeth with her hand lotion yesterday--and decided she needed to find her Crest toothpaste --which was not lost. She showed me the lotion she used --clearly marked "hand lotion."

Everyday, we look for lost things among her chest of belongings. It keeps her busy. She is pretty sure other people are responsible for what she cannot find.

She has a favorite fleece sweater with pockets. It's baby or periwinckle blue with plaid elements --very casual looking. I have to hide it to keep her from wearing it every time she goes anywhere --especially with her favorite pants which are a more aqua blue --so they clash --in addition to wearing it every day at home which is fine. But it needs washing, and she gets real indignant in her opinion that things don't need to be washed just because they have food splotches on them.

"No one is going to notice. People don't look at those sorts of things!"

Same with baths. "People don't take baths every day." (or any day, by her calendar.) "Yes they do, Mom. Rob does; Jon does; I do."
"O that's ridiculous."

She can't open the shower door herself or turn the water on and off, so this supervision of the shower is my daily duty.

Rob gets her breakfast --and no body can make breakfast like Rob, she says. I will brew coffee and doctor it up with flavorings and splenda --and it's no way NEAR the quality of his instant mix of de-caf and caf, black. (Even though she likes sweets!) I fixed scrambled eggs once thinking it was a treat for both Grandmas -- had bacon and the works --and both were dissatisfied. (The other grandma is 88 and can hardly walk but has her mental faculties --and has been visiting quite frequently lately. She's very close to having to go into a facility as I won't be able to compensate if she can't walk anymore.

Of Rob, my mother says he's been taking care of her since he was a little boy.

"No, Mom, just since he stayed now and then with you during some college years. --He wasn't a little boy.

"Well, sure he was!"

She is quite willing to undress in front of nearly everybody, which we certainly don't allow. She just thinks I'm silly to think she ought not undress in front of the men in the family.

But she came here lonely--and she doesn't mind it if Rob and I are on computers in her room, the sun room (my only guest bed on the main floor with bathroom attached). She had gotten so lonely living alone. She would normally want to crab at any who kept her awake past her ridiculously early bed times --but she thinks Rob belongs in her room all night --and doesn't complain about me either. About Rob, she says, "Where IS he, the room is ready!!"

I said, "Mom, he doesn't sleep in your room."
"Why, yes he does!" with the look I get daily that says, "What are you, a do do bird??"

O the trials of life --Mudrake and Mom!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

A Planned Parenthood Director Resigns

From Family Research Council at http://www.frc.org/washingtonupdate/webcast-of-thousands-of-petitions:

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

CASINOS --SCOURGE ON OHIO -DON'T GIVE THEM YOUR BUSINESS!

TOO TOO BAD that we lost the casino vote, Christians. Now, will we be consistent and stay away from them? or take a trip to Las Vegas, as Christians have done. I imagine a place with sexy women, scantily clad, glitz and glamour, and Christians thinking it's just like Disney World or a cruise ship --permissable to spend money there, go to shows and restaurants there --even if they don't gamble.

I'd like to see the places fail financially because WE DON'T GO! They will be beckoning and advertising to the hilt and I can hear young Christians now --saying that it would be legalistic --like never entering theaters --to have a conviction against attending the new "respectable" casino.

Imagine the new indebtedness of gamblers, the new addicts, the prostitution available "under the table" so to speak, the low cost drinks to entice attendance, the temptation to alcoholics to add gambling to their troubles? on top of LOTTO.

The lure of easy money for state gov't is foolishness --when you consider all the new poor the state will have to support when people gamble everything away to local Las Vegas.

GAY MARRIAGE OUTLAWED IN MAINE --GOP NOT DEAD -WINS 2 GOVERNOR SEATS

Hurrah!!! With about 85% reporting so far, 53% of Maine voters have repealed the law allowing gay marriage, made by their legislators. The ministers of the state were said to take an active role in preserving the sanctity of marriage for hetero relationships.

Needless to say, I couldn't be happier --for the sake of the future of civilization --and future children. As I say (like a stuck record!) we do not want our offspring to experience sex homosexually, become addicted to it and identify as homosexuals before they get a chance to mature and experience committed hetero love. One goal of the gay agenda is to persuade children and youth to think gay is ok --to explore their sexuality -- so they will vote for gay marriage in the future and also fulfill homosexual lusts of others, entering that trap door to gay lifestyle. All late-blooming kids and socially insecure kids whose parents failed to give them confidence as males or females are vulnerable --not that we parents can always impart such confidence when peers are telling kids they are fags, lesbians, etc. I certainly agree with "no harrassment" policies --but harrassment policy must not preclude the right to oppose homosexual activities and the right to encourage normal hetero identification among youth. We need to stop assuming that kids who are not stereotypically feminine as girls or masculine as boys MUST be homosexual in orientation and MUST enter into gay experience. Many have left that lifestyle successfully and received nothing but scorn for doing so from gays and liberals.

As for the GOP governors' races --the GOP ain't dead yet --contrary to all the pundits who pronounced the party's funeral --along with the death of the Religious Right.

It's not just the Religious Right that objects to profligate spending, indebting ourselves into the trillions, giving industries to gov't to manage when gov't can't operate in the black on anything themselves. Independent voters aren't happy about that either!

ONE GOOD THING -- but too late. Obama has made feeble attempts to cap the bonuses of the failed company heads who borrowed from gov't --but many leaders have already made out like bandits with the government payroll! And continue to do so, saying it is contractual! Ridiculous. If a company borrows money, it needs to pay it back --starting at the top.

Keep up the COMMON SENSE, Voters!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Mudrake Needs Rebuttal Again on the Ryan White Act

Mudrake posted:

What is ignorant was the failure for people to see WHY Ryan White should not have been infected in the first place. It is ignorant to blame religious people for the tragedy of AIDS caused by homosexual activity. Like my Daddy always said, in jest, "A good offense is a good defense." In other words, blame somebody else for your own wrong-doing.

The blame for the tragedy of Ryan White's death doesn't belong to those who have always warned against homosexual behavior, but on homosexuals' extreme promiscuity and injurious practices like anal sex, through which HIV has easy access to the body. These infected people practiced high risk sex, then sold or donated their blood --which Ryan and many others received. Even today, people who know they are infected manage to give blood, though we are able to safeguard the supply in general.

Ryan White is a victim of sodomy's sorrowful legacy to the world.

Yes, it was shameful that anyone should make Ryan a victim --either by his blood or via hateful prejudice to anyone who has HIV/AIDS. But Obama is right --people were ignorant and deathly afraid of the infected, though contact with their bodily fluids was unlikely. It has taken time to prove and teach that casual contact could not spread HIV. Meanwhile, many health care workers, a few dental patients, babies from their mothers, spouses from unfaithful mates have been victims. We've had to make routine clean-ups in public places an elaborate routine to protect ourselves from infection via bodily fluids. We've developed elaborate and expensive privacy laws to protect the identity of the carriers from any accidental or deliberate disclosure of their status. I remember when security walls and windows went up and down in my husband's office as the clinic tried to figure out the best way to safeguard the medical records. Hospitals and schools were told to treat ALL patients and fluids as though they were infected --as any HIV status must not be revealed to those dealing with clean-ups or patients.

It is very expensive to treat and care for this 100 per cent preventable disease --and unnecessarily elaborate and expensive to protect privacy of patients so no one will know who is HIV positive. All those forms we fill out --and all those things doctors' offices have to check before they call your house --cost in clerical man-hours --as the office tries to tell you you need to see the doctor again because of something on your labwork. He dares not leave a message lest you didn't want anyone at your house to know you had lab work. It used to be families knew these things about each other and didn't have to have all this secrecy. Now we have people with STD's like HIV who don't want their families to know --secrets which drive up the cost of healthcare. Usually, secrets concerning our sex lives. So we pay a lot to cover for people's promiscuity.

As for congress-people not voting more aid for AIDS than what we already are giving? I thought we were broke. How do we keep spending for anything???

I'd be more sympathetic to the complaint, if Congress would say "wait for hetero-marriage" and "be faithful" --and advocate the avoidance of promiscuity and sodomy as the no. 1 and 2 preventative measures against this scourge. But, no, that would be too offensive --even though it would be 100 per cent effective for future generations to avoid AIDS.

GOD IS BACK -- NEW BOOK WILL DISMAY HITCHENS & DAWKINS' ATHEISTIC DEVOTEES

Two Oxford-educated journalists from The Economist, John Micklethwait and Adrian Wooldridge, have written the book, God is Back: How the Global Revival of Faith is Changing the World (Penguin Press, 2009)

Unless otherwise indicated, quotations and info below are from Glenn T. Stanton in Citizen magazine, Oct. 2009.

One author is Catholic; the other a "secularist." They conclude that the news for neo-atheists is really dismal. In their words: "In America, the tolerant-to-a-fault Episcopal Church has been in relentless decline," while the conservative Christian denominations are thriving. They say that "people who seek liberation from liberation, do not turn to liberation theology." They tend toward the "serious, biblical kind" of theology.

Stanton says the authors tell how "God is an increasingly big deal in most countries" and they say "the growth of Christianity is nevertheless the most startling religious development" in growing powers like China, So. Africa, as well as most of the Global South.

The book recognizes, in the words of STanton: "when given a chance to do so, increasingly more countries are following the American model of practicing faith and freedom than the European model of secularism and state control. The book states, "The American model of religion--one that is based on choice rather than state fiat--is winning."

From the book: "Today an unsettling worry nags Western liberals: what if secular Europe (and for that matter secular Harvard and secular Manhattan) is the odd one out? They are right to be worried. It now seems that it is the American model [of religion and freedom] that is spreading around the world: religion and modernity go hand in hand,[unlike Islam and modernity,] not just in China but throughout much of Asia, Africa, Arabia and Latin America...The very things that were supposed to destroy religion--democracy and markets, technology and reason--are combining to make it stronger.

Nearly half of Africa identifies as Christian. Islam, too, is growing and they are the oppressors of Christians --except in Communistic Viet Nam where Christians are multiplying daily via "the running pastors" --who run ahead of the local police authorities who beat all converts and pastors when they catch up to them. One typical pastor there was converted at 15 through listening to Far East Broadcasting, a Christian network, via short wave radio. The pastors claim thousands of converts in the mountains. One got up at 4 am to lead a family to faith in Christ before he had to flee from the authorities.

To the neo-atheists' surprise, it's not merely ignorant people converting; it's the educated classes who are converting to Christianity around the globe.

Voice of the Martyrs is doing great work around the world. They have a worker who parachutes literature and short wave radios set to a Christian station into the jungles where rebel soldiers are located. They are helping the Viet Namese converts and the Chinese --by keeping the Christian world apprised so we can pray and send aid.

SAT7 television by the Middle-east to the Middle-east has a wonderful 24-7 tv ministry which is gaining in popularity with its joyous ministry to children and Bible studies for new believers.

So far, the tactic of our philosophical opponents, the atheists, is suppression and brutality as in Communist nations --and denial of free speech to their audiences in America. The tactic of the Muslims, is the same as the atheistic communists -- suppression, terrorism and brutality all over the world.

Even a blind man can see that Christianity is the salvation and light of the world, contrasting greatly with all its philosophical and religious competitors.

The authors of the book conclude, "GOD IS BACK, FOR BETTER!"

Homosexuality - How Do We Dignify the Activities?

Tell me, Bloggers, what is natural about what homosexual males do to have sex??? How do you dignify it and make it harmless, aesthetically artistic, romantic, sanitary, and consistent with how we are designed for procreation and love-making? How do you explain the extreme promiscuity, high numbers of annual partners? or the tolerance for something like anal penetration and anal/oral contact --the latter was reported to be experienced by nearly all gay men and many lesbians, as well. I didn't see Brokeback Mountain, but I understand they tried to dignify the act of sodomy and make it romantic, but I believe that's futile. I'd call that movie a tragedy for normal women when men aren't real men for women.

As of 1997, 77% of U.S. AIDS cases in whites had occured in gays. According to the Seattle Daily Sexual Diary Study by Corey & Holmes about the transmission of Hepatitis A in homosexual men, 1980, averaged on a yearly basis, gays: fellated 108 men and swallowed semen from 48; exchangd saliva with 96; experienced 68 penile penetrations of the anus and ingested fecal material from 19. In three different studies, gays reported sex in public restrooms, ranging from 14 % to 41% to 66%. 45 to 64 to 90 % reported using illegal drugs. (If you want sources, I got 'em.)

This sound like something you want to encourage among children? that what men can do with men --even in a committed relationship which marriage doesn't make --is healthy? Or appealing? Romantic? Loving?

Clearly, the activities are addictive, and that should cause us to slow down in our advocacy.

I feel like their sense of SELF and dignity must be shot to heck! to endure such indignities, smells and tastes! to take such risks with so many strangers! I weep for anyone with such a loss of their sense of SELF to escapism in search of orgasms with anyone and everyone by repugnant methods at the expense of their health. I wonder how many were molested as children. (There is data suggesting many are.)

By 1970, by Kinsey reports of 1940 and 1970, only 1 % of gays and 63% of lesbians said that they had never had a one night stand --while 42% of the gays and 7% of the lesbians said that "over half" of their partners had been 'one night stands' 70% of gays and 29% of lesbians reported that they had had sex only ONCE with over half of their partners. This represents a big increase in these numbers from 30 years earlier --Yet there was much more openness and acceptance for gays in 1970.

Still their suicide attempts were very high in 1970 when gays were starting to have pride parades and these were attributed to problems with lovers instead of society's lack of approval. In 1991 there was a survey by the San Francisco Dept' of Public Health and the LA Times reported about it that "each successive generation is taking more risks than the one before."

This recklessness in the wake of the AIDS crisis -the continuing failure to use "safer sex" --accounts for the fact that more than half of all new AIDS cases every year are among homosexuals --the other figure representing other promiscuous and IV drug-using people.

Whether it's 10 percent or 2, do you want anyone to entice your kids into same sex activities --at ANY age??? And do you think that a good percentage of homosexuals are NOT enticed and lured --who could have otherwise been straight??? Considering the impact of self-image vs. peer pressure --and charismatic older men or women or more confident adventurous peers taking the insecure, uninitiated under their wing.

It's all too easy for a child to be influenced by another family's pornography --to have sons whose friends would con parents into thinking they were good friends and take them to a strip joint. If we think we can protect our teen and young adult kids in Sodom and Gommorrah while living in those cities when the culture gets that bad, we are probably kidding ourselves. God wanted Abraham to get his family out of there and sent angels to tell them so. Granted, regardless of others, sin abounds in our hearts --and we are all targets of Satan's temptations and the sexual libido is very errant --a place for Satan to establish a foothold. Which is why "Guard your heart," is a good message for us all.

The facts of our immoral culture explain why some people discard the TV's, undergo home schooling and form their own Christian schools. Culture has many inroads for Satanic influence from others, from media, from schools, from liberal hawkers on the internet --from internet porn, etc.

It's time for Christians to once again scrimp and save, live simply, and put their money into Christian colleges that still believe the Bible --like Patrick Henry --whose debate teams are world class champions preparing for a world which sorely needs such graduates in public service.

The normal rebellious tendency of the young, the natural challenge many adolescents pose to parental teaching and tradition, the inevitability of leaving home, going to college and using the internet-- puts all young people at risk for immorality.

I, for one, don't want any teachers for my offspring who aid and abet that rebellion or risk-taking in the name of education.

Homosexuality is just ONE of the forms of dangerous, promiscuous immorality out there --but the only one that adult culture and gov't are promoting to students as good (See Citizen magazine, Oct. 09) --and starting to protect with imposed silence on the truth.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Lifetime's "Last Exit "--A Movie Review for Working Moms

I just saw Last Exit with Andrea Roth and Kathleen Robertson as co-stars. On Lifetime, which I hardly ever watch anymore because of all their pro-gay and adultery themes, Army Wives and Desperate Housewives re-runs--as if women were mostly interested in adultery and lesbianism. Many of their movies also promote the fantasy that single moms will meet handsome elegible supermen --usually rich --something that almost never happens for single moms.

I think this film is masterfully made --with snippets of future, past and present going back and forth --and no confusion. Easy to follow and very suspenseful with sustained air of foreboding throughout.

Two working women, one a single mom of a handicapped son whose father went on to college and married another; the other, a successful, pregnant, career woman with unemployed husband and two kids who are about to lose their home since he lost his job.

Both are under time pressure exacerbated by needs to attend to their children. The single mom has a lousy car with no air-conditioning in oppressivly hot weather. Both are fastened to their cell phones which frequently lose contact. I don't know which actress is which, but the single mom is a great actress; I felt her pressure, her desperation, her misery in the heat, her panic, her anger. Should've gotten an Emmy award!

Traffic is inner city and free-way crazy --with rude drivers everywhere. And this married mom cuts off the single mom at "the last exit" and prevents her from getting to work on time. She works for a lawyer and she is too late and misses the courier's delivery of a document her boss needs by 2 pm. So he sends her out to the courier's to get it. The courier company makes her wait and wait while the lady attends to other customers on the phone. And the company can't reach their courier by phone. She leaves and sees the couriers in a park-like place as they start to disband - bicycle couriers --and she runs and runs through flowerbeds, etc. to catch the courier --and does. Her car had stalled --often--she can't turn it off --and she leaves keys in the car --and uses The Club to lock her car --but then finds that this time she has locked herself out finally --the policeman threatens to tow it --but she stops him and he relents and easily unlocks her car for her -- but he still tickets her.

She goes to buy her son his birthday present for dinner that night with him and his father --and her accounts are depleted --in front of an old high school acquaintance who owns the toy store. She is embarrassed. Both women call it a computer glitch. She pawns her necklace and runs back with the money for his expensive toy.

And then the boy's father announces he is moving an hour away (farther) and buying a house --and he wants the boy for the boy's sake. She is furious. And BTW, she has just lost her job because her boss fired her --even though she got back with the document; he, in the meantime, got the court date moved -- which he said made him look bad and that she had been late before --and he just couldn't take that anymore.

The other lady was also having a time crunch due to kids --and missed an important appointment that would have guaranteed a lucrative promotion for her.

Now the two meet on the road where single mom's car has stalled --and career mom honks at her to move her car. And single mom SNAPS. And Married mom pulls her car around and single mom sees the same expensive private school logo on the back of the career woman's car --same car that cut her off that morning --which made her late to work, losing her job. She snaps --and gets her car started and pulls up behind the other woman who is stalled now by traffic. And starts to beat on her car --recognizing her from the morning.

Then a car chase ensues and there is a crash. One survives.

I thought as I watched it that it said a lot to us about what is really important --and how employers are SOOOOO TIME-CONSCIOUS --and so inflexible --and how hard this is on mothers, in particular. Yes, some things, like court dates are WAY TOO IMPORTANT. If you miss a court date in custody hearing, e.g., there just aren't many excuses that will buy you any time or pardon. The legal and business world are very inflexible --sometimes, schools are, also. It is a cold, cruel world.

I thought, too, how nice it is when mothers can stay home for children and help them with the hustle and bustle of school life --which drives everyone crazy trying to prepare the kids for the adult rat race.

Someone wrote, "Stop the World, I want to Get Off!" It was a movie, wasn't it?
These poor ladies illustrated that sentiment well. The plight of single mom was very evident --the plight of one dealing with handicapped child. The troubled children of the career mom were typical stereotypes, too. Children of the priviliged whose kids were acting out for their too busy parents.

It's really a movie to see for the craftsmanship, IMHO --even though I told you the story line. But I don't know when it will be available again.

Mr. Delong's Promotion of Homosexuality in Classroom Should Backfire on HIm --even with the research itself.

From a blog article by Elizabeth Meyer, PhD at Psychology Today website:

Now, WHY with particularity toward sex, gender, and sexuality? Why are THESE the issues about which a student should question "normative thinking" and about which one should critically evaluate? These issues especially! Is this the greatest issue of our day about which we must learn to question normative thinking? I would say "evolution" is the issue. However, if we have begun to think normative thinking means "gay is good," then, yes, we had better critically evaluate info for ourselves.

NOW, WHAT IF THE TEACHER, AFTER THE ASSIGNMENT, ASKED THE STUDENTS THIS, for the sake of objective discussion and critical evaluation: If a behavior is found among the animals, does that make it healthy or good when humans do it???

The dog humping your leg is natural, and good people teach their dogs not to do that. Just as it may be "natural" to "get off" any way you can, doesn't mean it is GOOD or RIGHT to do so, now, does it? Finding homosexual behavior in nature doesn't mean homosexuality is good or immutable or inevitable.

Not everything animals do is good for humans. Some eat their young or their mates; many are polygamous or abandon their mates to raise the offspring alone --and some eat their own excrement and regurgitation. And many are dangerous and violent. And yes, some of these behaviors are found in humans, but we still have the good sense not to encourage them to our kids nor hold pride parades for them.

We assume that a teacher assigning such a paper hopes the students will CONCLUDE that homosexuality is good, natural, inevitable and immutable --just because homosexual behavior can be found in nature. Especially considering his membership in the GLBTQ organization. He is propagandizing with his assignment. And I'd be right down there in the principal's office wanting my kid to have a teacher who did not propagandize for homosexuality. Or I would at the very least equip my child to contradict the teacher's pro-gay agenda, if that, indeed, is what the teacher intended. Just as we equipped ours to combat the evolutionists' and gay dogma when THEY were students. And I'd make sure the teacher knew he could not say that all or any peculiar animalistic behavior is legitimate behavior for humans --just because it is "found in nature."

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Air Force One --the President's Opening Remarks

I think I have seen snatches of Air Force One, the movie. Tonight I just listened to the opening speech of the president --saying the Free World, the U.S., had acted too late --watching the horror in Kazakastan? from afar on tv -- hiding behind sanctions and attempts at diplomacy, as 200,000 men, women, and children were murdered by their dictator. He concludes that we must not ever again try to negotiate with those who inflict terror on the world, on their countrymen --or words to that effect. And that we should do what is right to end such suffering wherever we find it.

Wasn't that Geo. Bush, II's thinking? Not that we took on the whole world --just the pieces of it that WERE directly sponsoring terrorism on us and threatening our national security interests. Even the charge that we cared only about oil overlooks the fact that OIL IS a national security interest. The US is not ready to function militarily or economically without foreign sources of fuel.

This fictional movie president committed us even beyond our national interests --saying "never again" to ignore the plight of thousands being displaced and murdered by their rogue leaders. He appealed to the world to do what is "right."
And said, we will not negotiate --that these rogue gov'ts. needed to fear us [of the free world.]

President Obama, watch the movie! Not that we can afford to go everywhere. We don't have enough people to give to this cause --nor enough money at this time. But National Security and defending the defenseless ought to always be uppermost priorities for a great, humane nation.

NW OH Planned Parenthood --No Abortions in their Annual Report?

Planned Parenthood's Year in Review tells us they served 6,294 patients in Toledo, 14,976 visits at their 2 health centers, 2,630 Pap tests, 2,138 Depo Prevera injections, 301 Nuva Rings, 100 IUD's, 2,616 HIV tests, 50 walk in Teen Clinics -- and 4,658 clients participated in education programs in 2008.

but how many abortions did they do or arrange? Nary a word!!! Seems they have finally got the message --that if they want public support, they better be quiet about their abortion record.

Granted, if you read farther, you saw this paragraph:

If you'd like to tell them what you think about their abortion advocacy, you can write them at advocacy@ppnwo.org

GREAT QUOTE IN NEWSWEEK ABOUT TODAY'S ATHEISTS

Heh heh. This was written by Lisa Miller, the religion editor, in Newsweek article about a new film called Collision --about 2 white guys arguing about faith vs. atheism in a bar. She said neither side concedes any points --Christopher Hitchens vs. an Idaho pastor, Douglas Wilson --arguing about whether Christianity is "good for the the world."

If Lisa is a Christian herself, I couldn't tell. Seemed she leans toward the atheist side. But I sure liked her assessment of the online atheists. What she didn't tell is how nasty and repressive as bloggers so many of them are. They attack and kick off bloggers whose views they dislike --rather than putting up a good rebuttal.

As for Christianity being good for the world: We know of the secret nuclear facilities of Iran now. Iran is where Sharia law and Shihite Muslims reign. Saudi Arabia is the hotbed of Al Quaeda and they tend to be Sunni Muslims, as I understand it. Egypt and Somalia have stoned young girls to death in the last year, a rape victim and a convert to Christianity. The Communists of North Viet Nam are persecuting Christians with brutal police harrassment as we speak --and there are thousands of converts there. In India, the Muslims have persecuted Christians in Orissa and driven thousands from their homes. Also, in Africa and everywhere in the middle -east --in nearly every country where Muslims are the controlling majority, there is constant turmoil, death and poverty. Is it a matter of time before they bring it to the US?

And the online atheists will be right there with them, wanting to incarcerate Christians and suppress Christian liberty --as so often expressed by the worst of the Christian-hating bloggers --named Mudrake. As for the more famous/infamous atheist PZ Meyers, he's just an intolerant jerk whose tool is mockery of those who disagree with him.

There is a goal of Islam to eventually dominate the world with their adherents, religion and laws --and they allow no dissent and no religious freedom for other faiths. And the atheistic bloggers sound just the same. So tell me, Mr. Hitchens, is Christianity bad for the world? compared to online atheistic hatred for Bible-believers, compared to atheistic communism and erroneous Islam with their terrifying doctrines?

Mohammad elevated himself over Jesus Christ, lied about the historical record of his death and resurrection. He elevated himself over the one who teaches charity and love, and compels the church to good works all over the world. Granted, Christianity has a checkered past due to Catholic Church corruption throughout history and to the present day. And the Church of England had a dubious start under Henry VIII for bad reasons--and that church is splitting between those who believe the Bible on matters of morality and those who don't.

Mohammad is responsible for ONGOING, present-day beheadings, conversion by the sword, religious intolerance of the worst sort --and for marrying a 9 year old, marrying an older rich woman, being a political schemer, etc. Reportedly, even he doubted the nature of his angelic source at some points of the revelation of the Koran. I do believe he was deceived by the one who would appear as an angel of light (Lucifer) and deceive many. Supposedly Mohammad was illiterate, so to write the Koran, he claimed an angelic inspiration and used scribes --one who famously quit because he doubted the authenticity of the source when Mohammad's revelations suited his political ambitions.

I'll take Jesus's "love your enemies" and promise of eternal life over "kill the infidel," terrorism, honor killings, beheadings, female circumcision and marching around a square box at Mecca any day.

The Protestant Reformation did more to civilize the world than any movement since --with the Bible in the hands of the laity. The Christians ended slavery in England and the US and today they and the predominantly Christian U.S. are responsible for more humanitarian works in the U.S. and around the world than any other single group. Much that is good about the U.S. (or even Europe) is because of our Bible-respecting, God-believing culture of past days. Hatred is not justified for Christians; but atheists think Christians deserve to be hated for not approving gov't endorsement of homosexuality, abortion and using embryos for science. They say "all manner of evil against [Christians] falsely," as an excuse to deny them their free speech rights and freedom of religious advocacy regarding our laws. They consider it fair game to hatefully scorn them for not believing in evolution.

Actually, the atheists have much less to like about radical Muslims with their extreme moral views (death to homosexuals, e.g.) So why do they focus on Christians? Because Christianity is the truth and in their atheism they play right into Beelzebub's hands and focus on the true religion instead of Islam --with whom they share a hatred of Christianity. But Islam ALSO hates atheism and their libertine moral views. Atheists are said to be 12% of Americans now; they ought to quit biting the hand that tolerates them. If Islam is in a position to persecute Christians or atheists, they'll treat us the same!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Answering AND THEN SOME --comments on my blog

Blogger Andthensome said...[to Barb]

Blogger Barb said...

Actually, the human body is a perfectly wonderful design --except for genetic mutations, defects, diseases --explained by The Fall.

the way pain signals that we are sitting on a tack --so we can stop doing it! The way our body heals. The stuff that skin is made of --the nails to help protect the ends of our toes and fingers -- The way of conceiving, growing and feeding a baby. The laminem molecule that holds our cells together (shaped like teensy tinesy crosses.) The heart that beats and pumps tirelessly --the brain and all its functions --the pleasure receptors --the emotional capacity

we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" and a scientist could tell us better.

And DNA is a 6 foot strand of language made of 4 building blocks or "letters" determining all our characteristics --which strand is found inside every cell of our body

All very awe-inspiring --and very much DESIGNED, not random accidental evolution arising from natural selection--which does occur within "kinds" and is interesting in itself, but cannot account for all the diversity and marvels in life.

Ours is not a perfect earth or perfect physique --because of the fall. But what we have is still VERY good at its best-- as the Creator pronounced it to be. And yes, baby teeth are part of a plan to accommodate growth from infancy to adulthood.

No happenstance to our existance. So whether you think a GOD is behind us or not --some intelligent creative entity surely is. And I think the Bible is a wonderful book accounting for the who and why behind our being.

October 24, 2009 9:57 AM

Blogger Barb said...

I can't explain the mysteries to you --the why of evil --death as a punishment from a loving God. But He is perhaps not loving in the sentimental human way except in Christ --He loves Christ and has given charge of us to His Son. We don't know how wide God's grace will extend to unbelievers and sinners--but we are told that the sure way to avail ourselves of this sacrificial love and eternal life is to BELIEVE in the SON and be remorseful for sin.

I just believe with all my being that Jesus Christ rose from the grave after 3 days and promised that He was preparing a place for us --that faith in Him is the gateway --that God sent Him to redeem humanity and give us the immortality that God planned for us in the first place.

I read the story of Paul's conversion and see how he changed. I read the story of the healing of the lame man in Jerusalem --when they went back and confronted the Jews with Jesus' resurrection and their witness of that miracle. The story of the raising of lazarus. I believe it all!!! And it is the best news in the whole world --and it is life-changing news. There is a Baptism of love through the Holy Spirit --a life change the believer can experience.

It's all mysterious --but not foolishness --Biblical Christianity is the best guide for life the world has yet seen. And our ONLY real hope of immortality.

October 24, 2009 10:11 AM