tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44337706105841824382024-03-12T20:23:12.353-07:00Does Air Exist?"We do not see things as they are; we see them as we are"
- Anais NinDoes Air Existhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394981462884670461noreply@blogger.comBlogger266125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433770610584182438.post-4529320635767004862018-01-13T11:44:00.002-08:002018-01-13T11:46:55.226-08:00Learned Helplessness<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I used to think of the “church” all the time. I dreamed of it - the building and the people. I find myself thinking of them less and less. But, they come up </span>in<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> my reactions. In the </span>way<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> I view the world and the people of the world.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have no doubt and no hesitation in calling what went on when I was there -- and what continues to happen -- brainwashing. I know you will all deny it. You have been programmed to deny it. But, whether you are able to acknowledge it or not, it is the truth.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Is the brainwashing intentional? At this point, I don’t believe there are nefarious motives. Just tradition. And fear. The way things have been done for generations. All you know. In fact, I believe the brainwashing varies from household to household. But, it’s clearly still going on.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As the folks my age (40s) are now becoming grandparents, what is passed on in the form of religious beliefs is more and more hearsay and ingrained acceptance of the word of man than the actual words of God.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is debilitating to be under the control of a crowd - an organization - who are ruled by a strange and unreliable game of generational gossip. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last spring, I was<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5x28ff2CXMo" target="_blank"> interviewed </a>about the death of another FOC baby. I said I felt sorry for the family. It’s true. That baby didn’t have a chance and neither did the baby’s parents. They were young (the baby’s grandparents are younger than me!) and they were under the control of an organization they never chose for themselves. Now, they have lost custody of their other baby and are facing criminal charges and prison time.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is not a sin to get medical care for your babies. It really isn’t a sin. You should pray </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">use the resources God has provided - including medical professionals. Putting your faith in God is good, but not researching your professed faith for yourself is just helplessness. And helplessness can cost you dearly.</span></span><br />
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Does Air Existhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394981462884670461noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433770610584182438.post-15974920816373309542017-05-18T20:40:00.001-07:002017-05-18T20:40:49.601-07:00The Ghosts of Dead Men’s Beliefs<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<b id="docs-internal-guid-1cdc9610-1eca-0b97-b403-eba3db966bbd" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You may be surprised to discover that I was not raised in a religious community. Not really. I was raised under a shadow of religion. Like our religion was a persistent and very bossy ghost. I was told what “I” believed, but never asked. I did not experience God personally. I heard some things about other people who had experienced God. But mostly I just experienced judgement and condemnation and also participated in these judging and condemning rituals. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I wish I had grown up in a community that practiced grace and kindness.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That would’ve been amazing. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But, if things had been all soft bunnies, rainbows, and unicorns, I wouldn’t have such an interesting story to tell….</span></div>
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<br />Does Air Existhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394981462884670461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433770610584182438.post-43331162671315480262016-12-25T21:19:00.000-08:002016-12-25T21:35:20.092-08:00Zero Days Without Sarcasm #newyearsresolution #2017 #sarcasm<span style="font-size: large;">I always make New Year's resolutions (and I always break them). Last year my New Year's Resolution was to get into shape. I joined the gym (on a 17-month contract) on New Years Day. And I went to the gym a dozen times in January, four or five times in February, and maybe three more times in all the rest of the months that followed. I have really good reasons/excuses for not going. Really. But, I will be canceling my membership in April.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This year I have a much more serious resolution: to give up sarcasm. Ugh, I can barely type that without rolling my eyes and spewing several sarcastic thoughts! Sarcasm has become an idol to me. I admire sarcasm in others. I think it is a sign of quick wit and superior brilliance. I value humor and intelligence, so it follows that I am irresistibly attracted to sarcasm in all its iterations. But, I must relinquish this dear habit because I have become aware that it is harmful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As much as I hate quoting the dictionary, I can't bring myself to skip these convicting words:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">sarcasm</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">noun</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. harsh or bitter derision or irony.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. a sharply ironical taunt; sneering or cutting remark</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(dictionary.com)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I look at the definition of this favorite pastime of mine, there can be no justification to continue. I must give it up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>is one who deceives their neighbor and says, "I was only joking!"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Proverbs 26:18-19</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm not sure anyone is still reading my blog but if someone does read this entry whom I have ever hurt with my "bitter derision" or "cutting remarks," would you please email me so I can attempt to make amends to you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And, now that I have shared my 2017 New Year's Resolution, would you please leave a comment sharing what your resolution is?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you and Merry Christmas!</span></div>
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Does Air Existhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394981462884670461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433770610584182438.post-75102273603722710952016-04-19T17:52:00.001-07:002016-04-19T17:53:47.345-07:00Mormon Roots?<span style="font-size: large;">I first learned about the Mormon religion (a.k.a. The Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder Day Saints) in a United States History class in college. I had never heard about Mormons or the Book of Mormon or Joseph Smith before that time. When I heard about this man (Joseph Smith), my immediate reaction was that he was a lunatic or heretic (or both). It was just so incredibly unbelievable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Over the years I have known several Mormon people. Some of them were very nice, well meaning people. Others were just ... not. I guess you could say that about the people who claim just about any religious affiliation, Followers included.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In 2012, a man from another Followers offshoot (The Church of the Firstborn), named Darren Russell shared a document with me called <a href="http://suzanneshumaker.blogspot.com/p/documents.html" target="_blank">"<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;">ARTICLES OF FAITH OF THE CHURCH OF THE FIRST BORN KNOWN AS THE FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST - 1918".</span></a> One anonymous commentor pointed out that the Articles of Faith were similar to the <a href="http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,106-1-2-1,FF.html" target="_blank">LDS Articles of Faith</a>. Another commentor claimed that Walter White (who was the leader of the Oregon City Followers of Christ church until his death in 1969) had a maternal grandmother named Carrie, who was part of the LDS Church.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If the Followers had Mormon roots, they were quite hidden to us! We didn't read (or even know about) the Book of Mormon and the other texts the LDS church uses.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Recently, the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/apr/13/followers-of-christ-idaho-religious-sect-child-mortality-refusing-medical-help" target="_blank">Idaho Followers </a>have made the news again and this time the reporter has claimed that the Followers are "fringe Mormons." Interesting. At first I dismissed this as poor reporting. But, maybe there is something to this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If any Followers (current or former) know anything about this, would you please comment on this post and enlighten me? </span></div>
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Does Air Existhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394981462884670461noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433770610584182438.post-52743109016397874132016-02-20T16:24:00.001-08:002016-02-21T13:40:11.461-08:00Prayer Changes Everything #prayerchangesthings #faith<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Rejoice always, pray continually, give
thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">I have recently fallen in love with the practice of prayer.
I don’t know why it has taken me so many years to begin to understand the life-changing power of praying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">I have listened to sermons about prayer, read articles, and
chapters of books about it. I have recited prayers by rote. I have prayed aloud, with others, and for others. I have often prayed for meals. But it has always
been, well just lifeless. I don’t think I ever really believed I was
communicating with God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">And I have had some really powerful experiences with prayer
– answered prayers. Corporate prayers. But, for the most part, I have just not been a person who prayers
every day (or even once a week).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">A few weeks ago, my bible study leader encouraged us all to
pray. I ignored the encouragement. Just words. The heavens are brass (see
Deuteronomy 28:23).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">And then I received a text from said leader asking if we’d
been praying. I responded that I always forget. And she suggested I pray while
driving. So I said I would, and I usually do what I say I will do, so I did. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">I prayed all the way to work for my students, my students’
families, my coworkers, everyone who came to mind. And I had a really good day.
I felt empathy for my students. I listened to them more closely. I started to
like my coworkers more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">On the way home, I prayed for my family, church members,
neighbors, and everyone else who came to mind. And the blessings continued. I
pay more attention to others. To what they need and want. To their hurts and
their feelings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">I continue to pray. It has completely changed my
relationships.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Who knew?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Does Air Existhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394981462884670461noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433770610584182438.post-28917709983850520852016-01-24T14:22:00.002-08:002016-01-24T14:22:37.984-08:00Still Struggling with #Pride<span style="font-size: large;">I am plagued by doubts about my salvation. I cannot be good enough. I do not deserve salvation. I do not deserve grace.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know that other people can accept that free gift, but I am convinced that I must earn it or at least be worthy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe I am not chosen by God for salvation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Or, maybe I was chosen, but I have wandered too far from the straight and narrow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Is it too late?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am trying to believe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am trying to have faith.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am trying to repent. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am trying to change my thoughts, words, actions, and beliefs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am trying to accept God's grace and forgiveness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I really am trying to figure this out. Maybe I'm trying too hard.</span><br />
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<br />Does Air Existhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394981462884670461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433770610584182438.post-68142047684712310372016-01-16T21:19:00.001-08:002016-01-16T21:31:03.881-08:00I Am Smart. I Am Strong. I Am Independent. #seekinggod<span style="font-size: large;">I just spent an hour at the gym and I came home feeling GREAT! Thirty minutes on the elliptical, 2 sets of 15 reps on all the weight machines. I am walking on air! I can conquer anything! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh, and have I mentioned in the past ten minutes my collection of advanced degrees? How many countries I've visited? My IQ? The number of books I read each week?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you know me in real life, I probably have.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can probably tell that I struggle, really struggle, with pride. Satan's sin of choice. That's me: SO important. SO smart. SO independent. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v9DWvffQBjE/VpsiVZ3PNpI/AAAAAAAAAS0/ODPzXHM0hAs/s1600/youissmart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v9DWvffQBjE/VpsiVZ3PNpI/AAAAAAAAAS0/ODPzXHM0hAs/s1600/youissmart.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And, really, to be honest: so lost.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I read the Bible, but it doesn't change who I am. It doesn't make me a better person (how could it when I already think so highly of myself?).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I go to church and Bible study, but it's more for education (or entertainment) than for worship.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And I feel so far from God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tonight, two people came to my mind. Two people I think are "weak" and emotionally fragile. Not me. Nope. No way - I have it all figured out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But, wait....maybe being weak isn't the worst thing that could happen to me...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">It's time to be honest: I have hit a "wall" in my faith - well, I likely have been walking around this wall for years - and I am ready to find my way THROUGH it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Prayers would be welcome.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">2 Corinthians 12:10</span></i></div>
<br />Does Air Existhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394981462884670461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433770610584182438.post-38698343202470428372016-01-10T17:22:00.001-08:002016-01-10T17:25:37.297-08:00What Exactly ARE The Things Above?<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Set your minds on things
above, not on earthly things. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Col. 3:2 (NIV)</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I have always imagined that heaven is magical, peaceful,
beautiful – if boring – city in the clouds. There are the requisite mansions
for everyone, golden streets, and angels floating by on fluffy, white clouds.
And in the middle of everything, Jesus is on his beautiful, majestic throne
with piles and piles of crowns surrounding the Messiah. Millions of worshipers –
with their perfect bodies – sing to the King with their perfectly melodious
voices. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0WJ05C4LahE/VpMDJmADhSI/AAAAAAAAASg/ZwBESGGq4go/s1600/heaven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, when I read in Colossians that we are to set our minds
on “things above”, I wonder if this is how I should be setting my mind each
day. Is this the key to avoiding anger, gossip, lying, and all the other daily
temptations? Does it work? How do I live in the here and now while my mind is
set on Heaven?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I don’t have the answers, but I do know that what I have
been doing is not working. Someone at bible study asked the question: would the
way we live change if Jesus were physically present. Yes, of course, we all
agree that if we could SEE Jesus at all times we would live a lot differently.
So, I am trying something new: a physical reminder of things above, of Heaven. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0WJ05C4LahE/VpMDJmADhSI/AAAAAAAAASg/ZwBESGGq4go/s1600/heaven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0WJ05C4LahE/VpMDJmADhSI/AAAAAAAAASg/ZwBESGGq4go/s1600/heaven.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I’m wearing a necklace called Heaven (from <a href="https://www.premierdesigns.com/" target="_blank">Premier Designs</a>). It has the key to Heaven, a door with a
keyhole, a crown of pearls on one side and multiple colored gemstones on the
other, one of the charms has a golden cross on one side and a golden road on
the other, and the last charm says “Rev. 21: 18-22”. This physical object that
I’m wearing is my way of reminding myself often to set my mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What do you think Heaven will be like? And, how do you “set
your mind”? <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">These are not rhetorical questions. I really
would like to know what others think and do.</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>Does Air Existhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394981462884670461noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433770610584182438.post-68638345832192820302015-12-29T20:54:00.002-08:002015-12-29T20:56:06.265-08:00Endless Life: Feeling Trapped<h4>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: I've been on hiatus from blogging for a while, but I am working on a few new entries. Thank you to anyone who might still check this blog :)</span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">*****</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">At age 20,
life can drag on and on. Actually life can drag at any age, when a person feels
trapped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“But do not forget this one thing,
dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand
years are like a day.” – 2 Peter 3:8 (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When I was
seventeen, the decisions of two individuals caused my social life to end within
the FOC. Of course I realize that my own decisions, words, and actions over the
months and years prior to this time led up to these little shunnings. But
although I had said and done some stupid and hurtful things, I hadn’t committed
any “unforgivables”. I just wasn’t lucky enough to be born at the right time,
or into the right family, or whatever. The fact was I had suddenly become a
pariah. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So for three
years I lived in a state of essential, though unofficial, shunning. Almost
nobody talked to me, except this one guy, J--, who verbally assaulted me every
chance he got while everyone mutely watched/listened. For three years I went to
the social events and talked to virtually nobody. Toward the end, I talked to a
few other similar pariahs, but I never had a chance of social success after
those two people decided to destroy me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Those three
years were an eternity. Can you imagine? Three years of attending church
services twice weekly, without being greeted or spoken to, or in any way
acknowledged. Three years of attending dances and home parties and decorating parties while being invisible. Three years of having no life outside of my
family and work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But other
things happened during those three years. I went to work and had a fair amount
of success in this aspect of my life. I was trained in every aspect of
automotive office management: payroll, accounts payable, receivables, warranties,
new and used car titling, and month-end reports. At age twenty, I was promoted
to office manager, with a staff of older/more experienced employees reporting
to me. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Something
else happened: guys asked me out all the time. Not FOC
guys, of course, but worldly guys. I couldn’t believe that so many attractive,
charming, successful men would want to date me after all the social silence I’d
endured at the FOC. I didn't want to date the entire world, but it was just one more indication that the "reality" I experience in the FOC didn't check with reality elsewhere.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It came down to the decision to continue living as an invisible
and unwanted recluse in my parents’ basement hoping that the years of
loneliness would pass quickly and the reward (the possibility of salvation for
all that sacrifice) would be real or bolt into unknown territory. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Was this seemingly meaningless
existence even worth it?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
Does Air Existhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394981462884670461noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433770610584182438.post-90794979451198158992015-11-02T21:49:00.001-08:002015-11-02T21:57:17.980-08:00Just Keep Walking: A Lesson on Resisting Temptation<div style="text-align: left;">
My daughter is a hoarder by nature. Sadly, she has a mother who purges her extra clothing, toys, and other nonessential items when things start getting too cluttered.<i> </i>Despite my best efforts, she has way too much stuff. And this is no thanks to her grandmother who likes to help her sneak stuff in the house. It's a constant battle.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One of this little girl's strongest temptations lies in those little coin-operated junk-made-in-China machines near the exit of stores. She always begs and pleads for some "cents" to put into those dispensers of worthless plastic. </div>
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Tonight, I had to stop at Walmart to pick up a prescription (yes, I take them) and I was feeling awful, but the kids did not get that. They are little people with their own agendas. As I was waiting with my daughter at the pharmacy, she chattered about everything she wanted to look at and I just wanted to go home and crawl into bed. I finally told her that I just wasn't feeling up to walking around the store and she acquiesced to leaving all her unfulfilled shopping desires behind and heading home.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As we neared the front of the store, I saw those colorful, glimmering sentries and I sped up to get through the doors ahead of the kids. And that's when the magic happened. I got through both sets of doors and was standing outside Walmart when I turned and saw both kids standing silently behind me. I was thrilled and shocked.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I looked at my little girl and said, "I am so proud of you for walking out the door without asking for coins! Thank you for doing that."</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
She said, "I wanted to ask, but I just kept telling myself, 'keep walking. keep walking'."</div>
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"I bet you don't want those things now that you can't see them." I said. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It made for a good discussion with both kids. Because temptations will plague us throughout our lives. I have lived long enough to know that what is tempting to some people is not at all tempting to others. I am not tempted to eat pastries, drink soda, or use drugs. But those are very real temptations to millions of others. I am tempted to sin every single day though. Sometimes I keep walking and sometimes I fail. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But tonight was a good illustration and reminder: just keep walking. The farther away we get from our temptations, the farther we are from them. I'm no expert on addictions, but I'm going to remember this lesson for a long time. Just keep walking. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not
let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,
he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV) </div>
Does Air Existhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394981462884670461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433770610584182438.post-40980162592878408772015-10-16T21:35:00.003-07:002015-10-16T21:35:50.837-07:00The most interesting people are imperfect and unafraid to be real #plasticpeople #keepitreal I recently described someone by saying, "I really look up to her." The responses? "That's pretty incredible because you don't look up to very many people."<br />
<br />
The first thing I have to do right away is confess: my low self-esteem has resulted in the building of great, thick walls of false bravado. People who know me superficially - the way the VAST majority of people do know the folks around them - may say that I am confident (those who like me) or that I'm a snob (everyone else). But the truth is that I'm neither confident nor snobbish. I often avoid social settings because I believe other people are annoyed by me. I don't trust myself to know and apply the rules of social etiquette.<br />
<br />
But, I do have other reasons for disliking other people: they're fake (myself included). It's just too much work to make small talk with perfect, plastic, always-cheerful people. I'm sorry, but they're just not interesting.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The people I respect are unafraid to be real.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I don't like perfect people. I don't need someone to tell me all the platitudes and wisdom that pop into their heads unless it's in the CONTEXT of a hard-earned personal narrative. </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
I want to surround myself with people who have had real, imperfect lives, and have learned from their mistakes - or are in the process of learning/growing. I want to spend time with folks who are willing to be real about the ugliness of humanity and their less-than-stellar moments/days/years. </div>
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Does Air Existhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394981462884670461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433770610584182438.post-81403183743949957942014-10-15T21:23:00.001-07:002014-10-16T20:45:18.778-07:00Fire Insurance - Get Outta Hell Free Card<span style="font-size: large;">In September 2001, I still had what old Christians call a new believer's fire (pardon the pun). I was on fire for Jesus. It's something like the feeling of falling in love - a feeling of euphoria, single-mindedness. And I was newly in love - with Jesus. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">After 26 years of being told I'd go to Hell for this, that, and the other thing (most of which I had absolutely no control over); I had become convinced of the GOOD NEWS of Jesus - see Romans 6:23.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I couldn't believe I hadn't discovered this truth sooner! I wanted to share this love and security with everyone.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I guess I had a reputation at my office (I was then working as a technical writer) as an evangelist, bible thumper, proselytizer. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">So, when September 11th (2001) happened, some people wanted to talk to me about God. And one man, who practiced Hinduism, brought his wife and child to work to meet me and talk about Jesus. I told them about the path to salvation, invited them to church, and gave them a bible.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">My coworker, the Hindu, thanked me for the bible and said he would put it in his home with his other holy items. Um, what? I asked him about the other items. And he informed me that he was going to add the bible to his Hindu items. This seemed very wrong to me. Sacrilegious. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I told him that God is a jealous God and that we are only to worship Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Later that week I talked to my pastor about the situation and I was surprised by his advice. He said to lead any willing person to Jesus, and then let Him do the rest.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">We can't get right with God before approaching God because we can't get right with God without God's help. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Think about it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You may not have another day, week, month, or year. You just never know when your time here is up. So, if I were you, I'd invite Jesus in. Maybe you think I'm wrong to say that avoiding Hell (fire insurance) is a valid motivation for seeking Jesus. </span><span style="font-size: large;">But, I disagree. Go to Him under any circumstance. Let God do the rest. </span></div>
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Does Air Existhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394981462884670461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433770610584182438.post-54643285788136911572014-03-27T13:13:00.000-07:002014-03-27T13:17:52.679-07:00"Let It Go" Lyrics & Personal Application #Frozen<b style="border: 0px none; font-family: Verdana, Arial; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-size: large;">While I'm not big on television or movies myself, my seven-year-old daughter loves a good movie. Her first movie obsession - beginning about age two - was "The Little Mermaid". I think she watched that movie at least fifty times. She still loves playing with mermaid dolls in the bath. Then, about a year ago, she discovered "Gnomeo and Juliet" - a movie that I hope will spark her appreciation for Shakespeare one day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The last few days, she's been watching "Frozen" on repeat mode. It's a well-made movie with some really good songs. One that moved me was, "Let It Go," by Idina Menzel. I'm printing the lyrics to this moving song here, along with my reaction below:</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br style="border: 0px none; font-family: Verdana, Arial; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /></span>
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<div style="border: 0px none; font-family: Verdana, Arial; margin: 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">"Let It Go"</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The snow glows white on the mountain tonight<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Not a footprint to be seen<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />A kingdom of isolation,<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />And it looks like I’m the queen.<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />The wind is howling like this swirling storm inside<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Couldn’t keep it in, heaven knows I tried<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Don’t let them in, don’t let them see<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Be the good girl you always have to be<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Conceal, don’t feel, don’t let them know<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Well, now they know<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Let it go, let it go<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Can’t hold it back anymore<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Let it go, let it go<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Turn away and slam the door<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />I don’t care<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />What they’re going to say<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Let the storm rage on,<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />The cold never bothered me anyway<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />It’s funny how some distance<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Makes everything seem small<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />And the fears that once controlled me<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Can’t get to me at all<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />It’s time to see what I can do<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />To test the limits and break through<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />No right, no wrong, no rules for me<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />I’m free<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Let it go, let it go<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />I am one with the wind and sky<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Let it go, let it go<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />You’ll never see me cry<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Here I stand<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />And here I'll stay<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Let the storm rage on<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />My power flurries through the air into the ground<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />My soul is spiraling in frozen fractals all around<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />And one thought crystallizes like an icy blast<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />I’m never going back,<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />The past is in the past<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Let it go, let it go<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />And I'll rise like the break of dawn<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Let it go, let it go<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />That perfect girl is gone<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Here I stand<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />In the light of day<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Let the storm rage on,<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />The cold never bothered me anyway</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This song could easily be a symbol of my last years in the FOC - feeling isolated and stuck. My leaving - "no rules for me - I'm free." And, after many long years of working through the past and overcoming the records playing in my brain, this stanza says it all:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; text-align: center;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; text-align: center;">
</span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; text-align: center;">
</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">It’s funny how some distance</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Makes everything seem small</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">And the fears that once controlled me<br />Can’t get to me at all</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; text-align: center;">
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
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</span>Does Air Existhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394981462884670461noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433770610584182438.post-11651496417707347252014-03-18T21:33:00.001-07:002014-03-18T21:33:41.769-07:00A Tiger Doesn't Lose Sleep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aD1zt1hz0Mw/Uykd4KHRhbI/AAAAAAAAAO8/iUbdsVXwv7g/s1600/579206_519342941521995_76449172_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aD1zt1hz0Mw/Uykd4KHRhbI/AAAAAAAAAO8/iUbdsVXwv7g/s1600/579206_519342941521995_76449172_n.png" height="640" width="469" /></a></div>
<br />Does Air Existhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394981462884670461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433770610584182438.post-30393993699899143812014-01-26T21:07:00.000-08:002014-01-26T21:08:11.195-08:00Are You a Christian Scientist or a Scientologist?<span style="font-size: large;">In the 1990s, I was a young adult, recently out of the FOC; yet, I didn't have a lot of ways of successfully relating to the world or explaining why I had some very odd attitudes, beliefs, and practices. Why hadn't I ever been to see a doctor? Was a Christian Scientist or a Scientologist? Well, neither.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I hadn't - at that time - even heard of such religions. I barely understood the difference between Judaism and Christianity. I learned not to share my differences with most people because it just led to questions I either couldn't answer, or didn't really want to talk about.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I don't really think about those other religions much - except that they share some practices with the FOC such as shunning ex-members and discouraging medical interventions. Christian Science actually has more in common with the Oregon City branch of the FOC than I would've imagined. Not only are they faith healers, who believe in the Bible - they also do not have ministers, but base their religion off the legacy of their leader's words (in the case of Christian Science, the published work of their leader). Like the FOC, many practitioners, children and adults, have died from medically-preventable ailments. Christian Scientists practice faith healing through consultations (in person or over the phone, where the practitioner / provider argues the illness out of the patient / parishioner. It is the only faith healing practice that qualifies for billing through medical insurance.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Scientology, on the other hand, is not based on the Christian religion. It was started by L. Ron Hubbard, a science fiction writer, and was made famous by Tom Cruise. Scientologists believe people are immortal in that the essence of us lives on in nature. I haven't delved too much into researching their beliefs, but from skimming their website, they believe in striving to be the best they can be, spiritual enlightenment, etc. While many may believe that Scientologists practice faith healing; but, according to their website, they do take prescribed medicine and seek medical care with the exception of psychiatric medicine, which they believe to by harmful and sometimes deadly.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">While I am no longer a faith healer, I do appreciate the basic belief. I believe in prayer with medicine - that God can heal and God can (and does) use medical doctors and medicine to help us heal. And, while I do not agree with most of the Scientology movement, I do appreciate the idea that psychiatric medicines are overprescribed and often not the best path.</span><br />
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Does Air Existhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394981462884670461noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433770610584182438.post-54827854382377791962014-01-19T22:03:00.000-08:002014-01-19T22:03:36.469-08:00Men First<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Imagine the scene.
Women and girls have worked hard to prepare their best dishes for the potluck.
They’ve arranged these delicious offerings on nice serving trays and together,
dozens of women have set out stacks of plates, silverware, napkins, and cups.
Multi-gallon pots of coffee are brewed. Everything is set up. Time to eat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Men and boys rush to
line up and pile food onto their plates. They take their heaping plates to a
table and wait for their wives to bring them coffee. Other men crowd in with
plates of their own. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Where are all those
women who have prepared this feast? Where are their daughters, who’ve eagerly
helped? They stand back until all men and boys have helped themselves and taken
the best seats. Some women bring cups of coffee to the men.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">After the men and boys
are served, seated, and eating; the ladies begin to line up. The food is
getting cold, the favorite dishes are running out, and the seats at the tables
are taken. That’s okay, because they’re not expected to sit with their menfolk
to eat. A woman sitting down at a men’s table would be scandalous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I didn’t think it was
odd. I certainly didn’t like it, but like so many other rituals which were set
up in favor of men and boys, I had no power to change it. It just was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Now imagine what
potlucks and church events are like outside the FOC. Women and men prepare food
to share – mostly women, but many men enjoy cooking and happily add their best
dishes to the feast. When it is time to eat, and leader calls everyone to
attention and prays for the food. Then people line up and fill their plates.
People are not segregated by gender, though sometimes by age. Elderly folks are
often invited to go first, or children. But I always get my food with my
husband – not for him (he likes to serve himself), and certainly not after him.
And we sit together. He would hate to be forced to sit at an all men’s table.
How boring!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“…but whosoever will be great among
you, let him be your minister; and whosoever be chief among you, let him first
be your servant”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Matthew 20:26-27<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Does Air Existhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394981462884670461noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433770610584182438.post-23280579055772108392014-01-12T11:08:00.001-08:002014-01-12T20:58:20.635-08:00The Power of Words: The Other F-Word<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Many people think I’m
weird about words. “It’s just a word,” a counselor friend declares – attempting
to convince me that it’s fine for children to curse. I don’t agree. Even while
teaching adults, I often stopped students in hallways and common areas
who were dropping f-bombs to let them know that educated people should
have attained the use of a broader vocabulary than f-ing this and f-ing that. It
simply makes people sound ignorant, in my opinion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">When it comes to my
children, I’m even more vigilant about what they can hear, because what goes in
may eventually come out. With my oldest, I managed to prevent him from even
hearing the f-word until he was ten. That wasn’t easy to do. It meant heavily
restricting his movie-watching, friends, and most-importantly: where he went to
school (private Christian school). Then one day, it happened. I left him with a
trusted sitter, someone I’d known forever and trusted. She, apparently, thought
nothing of saying it in front of my kid. And he came home and proudly repeated
it. Theory confirmed (what goes in comes out).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">But the real f-word is
much more dangerous, in my opinion. The word is “fool.” I remember the first time I
heard someone use the word – in seventh grade as we were heading for our
after school buses, a worldly kid shouted at another boy, “You’re a fool!” A
felt icy cold air around me. I felt certain that boy had just signed himself up
for hell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">But I say unto you, That whosoever
is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment:
and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the
council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">- Matthew 5:22</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">When I was around fifth
or sixth grade, some of my peers started using the word “idiot.” When my folks heard
us kids using the word, they put a stop to it, pointing out that idiot is synonymous to fool. I
later came to realize that most insults are also synonyms of fool. So are
there any safe insults to hurl at people? Is this the point of Matthew 5:22?
Don’t insult people? Don’t call people names?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Although, I’ve overcome
my past enough to realize much of what was taught and widely accepted was not
biblically accurate, I’m still terrified of words like fool.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">And worse than fool, is
the taking of God’s name in vain – which, to my mind, I confuse with blasphemy.
Maybe I’m incorrect about that, but I figure it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Truthfully I’d prefer to hear the f-word a million times than to hear someone
take God’s name in vain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">What do you think about
the power of words? Harmless or very potent? <i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
Does Air Existhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394981462884670461noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433770610584182438.post-48047363694662267532013-12-26T06:00:00.000-08:002013-12-26T06:00:03.053-08:00New Beginning<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="bqQuoteLink" style="line-height: 26px;"><i>"Let go of yesterday. Let today be a new beginning and be the best that you can, and you'll get to where God wants you to be."</i></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; font-style: italic; line-height: 25.98958396911621px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="bodybold" style="line-height: 20px;">- Joel Osteen</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"> </span></i></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Does Air Existhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394981462884670461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433770610584182438.post-6051820286002379122013-12-25T06:00:00.000-08:002013-12-25T06:00:06.448-08:00The Gifts of the Magi<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I know many Christian families who use the gifts of the magi as models for giving to their children. To represent myrrh - personal hygiene items (we usually give the kids new toothbrushes in their stockings); for frankincense, an item to further their spiritual walk such as a devotional book; and then the gold gift, which our family represents by wrapping this one in gold paper: the gold gift is an item the kids really want: a video game, bike, doll, etc. How does your family integrate Jesus into this holiday? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">****</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="chapter-1" style="background-color: white;">
<span class="text Matt-2-1" id="en-KJV-23171"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span class="text Matt-2-2" id="en-KJV-23172"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span class="text Matt-2-3" id="en-KJV-23173"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span class="text Matt-2-4" id="en-KJV-23174"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span class="text Matt-2-5" id="en-KJV-23175"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span class="text Matt-2-6" id="en-KJV-23176"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span class="text Matt-2-7" id="en-KJV-23177"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span class="text Matt-2-8" id="en-KJV-23178"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span class="text Matt-2-9" id="en-KJV-23179"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span class="text Matt-2-10" id="en-KJV-23180"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span class="text Matt-2-11" id="en-KJV-23181"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span class="text Matt-2-12" id="en-KJV-23182"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span class="text Matt-2-12"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-2-12"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Matthew 2:1-12</span></span></div>
Does Air Existhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394981462884670461noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433770610584182438.post-66825193320396077422013-12-24T06:00:00.000-08:002013-12-24T06:00:09.952-08:00The Birth Story<div class="chapter-1" style="background-color: white;">
<span class="text Luke-2-1"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My children love this story - and know it well. My seven-year-old has been paraphrasing it since she was four, but she still asks us to find it in the Bible and read it to her every Christmas.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-1"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">***</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-1" id="en-KJV-24975"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-2" id="en-KJV-24976"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.</span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-4" id="en-KJV-24978"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-5" id="en-KJV-24979"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-6" id="en-KJV-24980"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-7" id="en-KJV-24981"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-8" id="en-KJV-24982"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-9" id="en-KJV-24983"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-10" id="en-KJV-24984"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-11" id="en-KJV-24985"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-12" id="en-KJV-24986"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-13" id="en-KJV-24987"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-14" id="en-KJV-24988"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-15" id="en-KJV-24989"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-16" id="en-KJV-24990"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-17" id="en-KJV-24991"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-18" id="en-KJV-24992"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-19" id="en-KJV-24993"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-20" id="en-KJV-24994"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Luke-2-20"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Luke 2:1-20 KJV</span></span></div>
Does Air Existhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394981462884670461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433770610584182438.post-82722105350445691642013-12-23T13:10:00.003-08:002013-12-23T13:10:55.405-08:00People Will Not Endure Sound Teaching<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>2 Timothy 4:3</i></span></span></div>
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Does Air Existhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394981462884670461noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433770610584182438.post-14891514666613015622013-11-24T22:03:00.005-08:002013-11-24T22:03:58.918-08:00A Picture in Words #wordle #WordCloud<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Dear Readers,</span></div>
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During the month of November, I have the custom of posting my daily gratitudes on Facebook. I will share some of them with you next weekend, but for today - here is a word cloud of some of the most common words I have used in the past few months on my blog: </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-YO6Fl5RQI/UpLmY5ZdChI/AAAAAAAAAOI/UuA3gwPvT68/s1600/Cloud+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-YO6Fl5RQI/UpLmY5ZdChI/AAAAAAAAAOI/UuA3gwPvT68/s400/Cloud+1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">I hope you will all have a peaceful Thanksgiving this year. I would love to hear something YOU are thankful for today.</span></div>
<br />Does Air Existhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394981462884670461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433770610584182438.post-56129399250273069912013-11-17T19:04:00.000-08:002013-11-17T19:05:40.538-08:00KJV Only movement? Is the King James Version the only Bible we should use?<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana;">For a long time after leaving the FOC, I was afraid to attend another church, having been told on numerous occasions that attending no church at all was preferable to going to one of those "worldly churches" who practiced false religion among other heresies. I was also afraid to read the Bible - connecting much of it with fear of hell-fire and damnation. After nearly six years, I became a born-again believer and began reading the New International Version of the Bible - I really needed to a fresh perspective. To this day, King James scriptures bring back the fear and intimidation I associate with the FOC.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana;">But, some of my relatives were upset with my choice of Bible, stating that it was a heresy to change scripture. I didn't buy it because, obviously, Jesus didn't speak in the King's English and the Bible wasn't written in any form of English. It's all a translation. The article below addresses the KJV only beliefs of so many English-speaking Christians to this day.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana;">* * * *</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana;">by S. Michael Houdmann </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana;">Many people have strong and serious objections to the translation methods and textual basis for the new translations and therefore take a strong stance in favor of the King James Version. Others are equally convinced that the newer translations are an improvement over the KJV in their textual basis and translation methodology. GotQuestions.org does not want to limit its ministry to those of the "KJV Only" persuasion. Nor do we want to limit ourselves to those who prefer the NIV, NAS, NKJV, etc. Note - the purpose of this article is not to argue against the use of the King James Version. Rather, the focus of this article is to contend with the idea that the King James Version is the only Bible English speakers should use.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana;">The KJV Only movement claims its loyalty to be to the Textus Receptus, a Greek New Testament manuscript compilation completed in the 1500s. To varying degrees, KJV Only advocates argue that God guided Erasmus (the compiler of the Textus Receptus) to come up with a Greek text that is perfectly identical to what was originally written by the biblical authors. However, upon further examination, it can be seen that KJV Only advocates are not loyal to the Textus Receptus, but rather only to the KJV itself. The New Testament of the New King James Version is based on the Textus Receptus, just as the KJV is. Yet, KJV Only advocates label the NKJV just as heretical as they do the NIV, NAS, etc.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana;">Beyond the NKJV, other attempts have been made to make minimal updates to the KJV, only "modernizing" the archaic language, while using the exact same Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. These attempts are rejected nearly as strongly as the NKJV and the other newer Bible translations. This proves that KJV Only advocates are loyal to the King James Version itself, not to the Textus Receptus. KJV Only advocates have no desire or plan to update the KJV in any way. The KJV certainly contains English that is outdated, archaic, and sometimes confusing to modern English speakers and readers. It would be fairly simple to publish an updated KJV with the archaic words and phrases updated into modern 21st century English. However, any attempt to edit the KJV in any way results in accusations from KJV Only advocates of heresy and perversion of the Word of God.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana;">When the Bible is translated for the first time into a new language today, it is translated into the language that culture speaks and writes today, not the way they spoke and wrote 400 years ago. The same should be true in English. The Bible was written in the common, ordinary language of the people at that time. Bible translations today should be the same. That is why Bible translations must be updated and revised as languages develop and change. The KJV Only movement is very English-focused in its thinking. Why should people who read English be forced to read the Bible in outdated/archaic English, while people of all other languages can read the Bible in modern/current forms of their languages?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana;">Our loyalties are to the original manuscripts of the Old and New Testaments, written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Only the original languages are the Word of God as He inspired it. A translation is only an attempt to take what is said in one language and communicate it in another. The modern translations are superb in taking the meaning of the original languages and communicating it in a way that we can understand in English. However, none of the modern translations are perfect. Every one contains verses that are at least somewhat mistranslated. By comparing and contrasting several different translations, it is often easier to get a good grasp on what the verse is saying than by only using one translation. Our loyalty should not be to any one English translation, but to the inspired, inerrant Word of God that is communicated by the Holy Spirit through the translations (</span><a class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="2 Timothy 3.16-17" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/2%20Timothy%203.16-17" style="color: #3d448a; font-family: Arial, Verdana;" target="_blank">2 Timothy 3:16-17</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana;">).</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana;"><br /><br />This article was reprinted with permission and was originally published on <a href="http://www.gotquestions.org/KJV-only.html" target="_blank">gotquestions.org.</a> </span>Does Air Existhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394981462884670461noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433770610584182438.post-57707168693596969942013-11-10T10:46:00.000-08:002013-11-10T10:46:28.730-08:00What Does the Tea Party (TCOT) Have in Common With the Church?<span style="font-size: large;">We're stronger together - but apparently humans just can't stay united behind a cause. I'm certainly not a member of the Tea Party - though I mutually follow many of these folks on twitter. Apparently they're losing influence because of factions. Sounds like the Christian church - so many pet religions: Methodist, Pentecostal, Baptist, et.al. And that doesn't even include those far-outside-the-norm factions: Mormons and the other door-knockers, the Jehovah's Witnesses. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">How can the Gospel be interpreted so differently by so many? Imagine how influential Christians could be if we were all united!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Followers of Christ are similar in this regard. I'm not talking about all the in-fighting and disagreements over doctrine (such that there is - watered down and handed down and altered to fit the most influential / bullies). I'm talking about the different FOC churches. The four Idaho FOC churches, which do not get along with each other. The Oregon City FOC, which believes it is the only group of true believers and that the Idaho groups are worse than worldly people. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As far as I know the sister religion, The Church of the Firstborn, is far more accepting of both newcomers and other COFB believers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This week, I heard a rumor that another Oregon City FOC baby had died - last name of Eells. Turns out that baby was from one of the <a href="http://www.katu.com/news/investigators/Fallen-followers-Investigation-finds-10-more-dead-children-of-faith-healers-231050911.html" target="_blank">Idaho groups</a> - a large portion of which have the same surnames as the Oregon City group. Relatives who haven't spoken in lifetimes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What are the effects of the divisions and fractures in groups, faiths, even political parties? Are we stronger together? How can so many people think differently from each other and still be convinced all others are wrong?</span><br />
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<br />Does Air Existhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394981462884670461noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433770610584182438.post-18705743419228387712013-11-03T18:14:00.000-08:002013-11-03T18:14:16.416-08:00Praying for Oregon City<span style="font-size: large;">I was planning to write a post about thankfulness today. But I've been seeing posts from Facebook friends about the day's events in Oregon City. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A policeman was shot in the face when responding to a house fire, neighbors were evacuated, and residents received reverse 9-1-1 calls instructing them to stay inside.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, to anyone who reads this message: please pray for the safety of the residents of Oregon City.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To read more about this story, you can follow this link: <a href="http://www.koin.com/news/clackamas-county/gunman-possibly-near-oregon-city-fire" target="_blank">Oregon City Officer Shot.</a></span><br />
<br />Does Air Existhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394981462884670461noreply@blogger.com4