tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22971448627791910072024-03-12T23:36:36.745-07:00Digging Into Freedom's True MeaningLike many other noble things, freedom has been obscured and redefined to bring people into slavery. Freedom is needed in our personal lives as much as it is in our society in general. If more people can find true freedom in their own lives we will see more freedom spreading to all aspects of our society. God is the author of liberty, and it is only by Him we can know true freedom. Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13127278340704108658noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297144862779191007.post-70012699176538119972017-02-11T19:53:00.000-08:002017-02-11T19:53:54.413-08:00A Tribute to Dewayne Block<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38Pdnq-dXvwQC7TSXgQGmgnPl6aDKgKBFZm6kM4EYbMMqSSoJ5OxkLhha6G4wcgiTIHdNPScl6WDhaJaP60JHBaVmUBRWTjsrxipgQsbZEukTLEXis27h7QY828XOIBD8ZLJanT5flJ8/s1600/Dewayne+Block.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38Pdnq-dXvwQC7TSXgQGmgnPl6aDKgKBFZm6kM4EYbMMqSSoJ5OxkLhha6G4wcgiTIHdNPScl6WDhaJaP60JHBaVmUBRWTjsrxipgQsbZEukTLEXis27h7QY828XOIBD8ZLJanT5flJ8/s320/Dewayne+Block.png" width="232" /></a></div>
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This tribute was posted to the Standing Stone Honey Products Facebook page this week. Something you find with a home business is that many people have helped in getting you to where you are in your endeavors. It's not just money that is important in a business, but the encouragement to keep going on. Dewayne was one of the people who gave me encouragement on a regular basis. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A Tribute To Dewayne Block</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14px;"> As this new year begins, I want to acknowledge the help and encouragement of a friend who tragically passed into eternity last year. Dewayne Block became a friend of mine soon after I began participating in the Homer Farmers Market. He was an older gentleman in his early eighties. He lived by himself just down the street from the farmers market. For his age, he was very active. I became accustomed to seeing him walk up the street week after week to the market. He would come directly to my table of honey bee products. Then we would chat, and he would tell me story after story.</span></div>
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Dewayne didn't have much money. He told me once, laughing, that he went to the bank to withdraw cash so he could get some products from me, but learned he only had $3, so he thought he better not take it out right then! He was a handyman for his landlord, and was given a discount on his rent for his work. One month he informed me that his bills were less, and he would be getting more products from me. He looked for opportunities to use my products as gifts for his family.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyI6Q6OxhDizgUTaTZ9pBX9CHJWSCInbQ_g0qlrqzjmJZn1_BnQimeAUzbFzJyUlIE87tbR9Vx32GYYuJOU8mgw9VNjMMBxmMpKZyBac4_uTEP7G015dAgAHHlaSENgE8kLk9vqEdazxc/s1600/Dewaynes+display.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyI6Q6OxhDizgUTaTZ9pBX9CHJWSCInbQ_g0qlrqzjmJZn1_BnQimeAUzbFzJyUlIE87tbR9Vx32GYYuJOU8mgw9VNjMMBxmMpKZyBac4_uTEP7G015dAgAHHlaSENgE8kLk9vqEdazxc/s320/Dewaynes+display.png" width="320" /></a> People have complemented how nice an oak display is that I set products on at the farmers markets. Dewayne made that stand. One week he promised that he would make a display for me. Another week he came with that beautiful piece of craftsmanship. It is a gift that I cherish.</div>
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One year, upon learning it was my birthday, Dewayne left the market and came back with some muffins for me. The week before Dewayne died, he came to the market looking for me. I wasn't there, but my Dad was there in my place. Dewayne informed him that my birthday was coming up! It was a pleasant surprise that he had remembered.</div>
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Dewayne was known for being a handyman, and was often seen working on the apartment he was renting. One of the primary things he talked about with me was the many jobs he had throughout his life, and the interesting people he worked with. He called me up a couple times to see if I could help him with some of his projects. Dewayne was a pleasure to work with on those occasions.</div>
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I learned of the fire that took Dewayne's life the day it happened from a customer at another farmers market. The fire had closed Main Street, and the building was a historic one. I learned that there was a man unaccounted for that evening, and presumed dead. As more details emerged the next couple days, I became convinced that it was my friend, Dewayne, that died in the fire. After a few days, it was confirmed that it was Dewayne that had died. Someone told me they had heard that he almost escaped because emergency personnel found him near a window. It was figured that he had responded too slowly because he was hard of hearing, and had taken his hearing aids out for the night. The fire happened around 3 AM. The fire was started from another resident that was making methamphetamine.</div>
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I take comfort that Dewayne professed Jesus Christ as his Saviour. I had shared a Christian booklet with him and asked if he was a Christian. He assured me that he was. Dewayne couldn't drive, but made efforts to walk several miles to a church fellowship. Sometimes people from the church he attended would see him walking to the assembly, and they would stop and drive him the rest of the way.</div>
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It is still easy to think about Dewayne coming up that sidewalk. Dewayne is going to be missed. He certainly had a part of making this business a success because of the powerful encouragement he gave.</div>
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-Ron</div>
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The following is a poem that Dewayne copied by hand from an old book at the library. He knew I would like it because it was about bees. He gave me his handwritten copy, and read it to me. Perhaps it will be a blessing to you also:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fQEwKpko3JfWBS9UjIyiRaVR95vocxbb67gbP8PIIO0uKa7NjOh3_yQlnAO4z0ycBs8xqI-WiDf57kT8qhP4DrN1uoQSUc-xEKgp78lXt-bqxWJmOvDHVyTE4toZYlMXv2LIlYZM02g/s1600/Dewaynes+poem.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fQEwKpko3JfWBS9UjIyiRaVR95vocxbb67gbP8PIIO0uKa7NjOh3_yQlnAO4z0ycBs8xqI-WiDf57kT8qhP4DrN1uoQSUc-xEKgp78lXt-bqxWJmOvDHVyTE4toZYlMXv2LIlYZM02g/s320/Dewaynes+poem.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Wild Bees' Home</span><br />
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Wild Bees' of the wood are we;</div>
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But our Hives you must not see,</div>
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Here behold our Happy Home,</div>
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Where we labor, where we Roam;</div>
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Brooks that on their shining bosoms</div>
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Catch the overhanging Blossoms;</div>
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On the banks all bright with clustering flowers.</div>
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Here is where we pass our hours.</div>
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Seldom on this solitude,</div>
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Does a Boy or Girl intrude.</div>
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Let the children fly their kites, and play their games,</div>
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While we make them Honey Day and Night,</div>
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The children, all are happy at their play,</div>
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While the Bees' flit from Flower to Flower,</div>
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While on to make sweet Honey every Day.</div>
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-Unknown</div>
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Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13127278340704108658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297144862779191007.post-65980637472183248802016-04-30T09:34:00.000-07:002016-04-30T09:34:04.496-07:00When is it Right to Die?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcfsQZHXO67_QvXFOfEwXtGrmKjYYbFl_yFntuEFKIRv5o3qDyNsNiN-emMtvfn57bLHTPZoIkXGsGEsxITUXZl7SNplrofcSQeChTP15nfEzzjrVWqYYasKXuB8c3JCE8TgjTa8NbbQ/s1600/IMG_20160404_080854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcfsQZHXO67_QvXFOfEwXtGrmKjYYbFl_yFntuEFKIRv5o3qDyNsNiN-emMtvfn57bLHTPZoIkXGsGEsxITUXZl7SNplrofcSQeChTP15nfEzzjrVWqYYasKXuB8c3JCE8TgjTa8NbbQ/s320/IMG_20160404_080854.jpg" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J.J. Hanson is an advocate for life. He gave me permission to <br />
take this picture of him and his wife as a photographer was <br />
taking their picture.</td></tr>
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Assisted suicide goes by a number of terms that work as euphemisms like: death with dignity, mercy killing, the right to die, etc. Last year, I heard a news program from a local television station where local people gave their thoughts on assisted suicide. People sent their comments by email. Most people seemed to side with assisted suicide. Those that were against assisted suicide made it clear that they thought only God should determine when a person should die. One woman found herself divided on the issue. She said that her mind told her that it was wrong, but her heart told her it was right. She might be helped to understand that she can't depend on her "heart" as peoples' hearts are <a href="http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Jeremiah-17-9/" target="_blank">"deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked."</a> When these subjects are presented, the tendency is for people to depend on their feelings rather than firm principles established by the Creator and a <a href="http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/2-Timothy-1-7/" target="_blank">"sound mind."</a> Others use their mind to justify evil things as their understanding is <a href="http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Ephesians-4-18/" target="_blank">"darkened."</a><br />
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Last month, I went to our state capitol to join with hundreds of other freedom loving people to learn state issues and to share truth. The event was organized by <a href="http://www.albanyupdate.com/" target="_blank">New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms</a>. A topic that is important in our state at this time is assisted suicide. A number of people, including myself, carried signs through the state capitol to announce our opposition to assisted suicide. There was a speaker, who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. His name is<a href="http://noassistedsuicideny.org/fight-against-brain-cancer-informs-stance-against-assisted-suicide/" target="_blank"> James "J.J." Hanson</a>. J.J. has started an organization to combat assisted suicide called the <a href="https://patientsrightsaction.org/" target="_blank">Patients Rights Action Fund</a>. J.J. was diagnosed with the same type of cancer that <a href="http://liveactionnews.org/marine-diagnosed-with-same-cancer-brittany-maynard-chose-life-instead/" target="_blank">Brittney Maynard</a> had. Brittney was popularized by the media because she decided to commit suicide after learning her diagnosis. The media tended to praise her as a hero instead of lamenting her hopeless outlook. The voices she heard were saying, "You can't beat this." She succumbed to those voices and propagated hopelessness to many people. J.J. determined that he would beat the cancer. J.J. fought depression himself, but had people that supported him, and found hope. He recognizes that cancer will likely come back, but he is grateful for every day he has with his family. He knows that not one of us is guaranteed another day, but each day is a gift.<br />
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One thing that occurred to me is the fact that many people who support assisted suicide are strongly against the death penalty for criminals. They make a lot of noise about the botched lethal injections that have happened, yet the poison that is used on death row convicts is the same poison they use to kill people with assisted suicide. To say this mildly, it is inconsistent, and in truth it is hypocrisy.<br />
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Another concern is the position this puts doctors. Doctors have the reputation of helping preserve life. Legalizing assisted suicide would change the role of many doctors to that of destroying life. In Canada, the medical schools are changing the curriculum to make way for assisted suicide which is scheduled to become legal there this year. Among the courses that will be changed will be those dealing with medical ethics. <br />
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What it boils down to is that God is the giver and taker of life. Without His sanction, life should not be taken. Life cannot be devalued without sour consequences which many cannot foresee. Call it unintended consequences. History has shown repeatedly that <a href="http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Proverbs-8-36/" target="_blank">those that hate Wisdom love death. </a><br />
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The state of New York is a primary place the assisted suicide proponents are aiming to change to embrace death for those that desire it. It is still suicide even if it is assisted, and assisting suicide only lays the guilt of this awful crime on more people. While many are suffering, to open assisted suicide as the solution is not going to help as all of human life will be devalued in the process. Those that suffer need to have genuine care. It is my hope that we will address real solutions to human suffering rather than seeing people as animals that can simply be destroyed once they have lost functional value. Human life is a gift and has intrinsic value.<br />
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<a href="http://liveactionnews.org/marine-diagnosed-with-same-cancer-brittany-maynard-chose-life-instead/">http://liveactionnews.org/marine-diagnosed-with-same-cancer-brittany-maynard-chose-life-instead/</a>Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13127278340704108658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297144862779191007.post-90256222508993157812016-03-14T07:53:00.000-07:002016-03-14T08:33:16.478-07:00Home Business Ventures<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdWPrT7bdf29N1QOuonNKud7ytk5V9NIT_7wDz41vdiD0a_u4Q3WMZ0SaahG4_VkbBnQVqO1xMxrqX2NofLkJHhrZaN8pg3AscUDQbNnjVQpyrA5umIjIsxYS_cXQRJ-F2t_mHJLFHHE/s1600/20160314_080740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdWPrT7bdf29N1QOuonNKud7ytk5V9NIT_7wDz41vdiD0a_u4Q3WMZ0SaahG4_VkbBnQVqO1xMxrqX2NofLkJHhrZaN8pg3AscUDQbNnjVQpyrA5umIjIsxYS_cXQRJ-F2t_mHJLFHHE/s320/20160314_080740.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my brother's bird houses and a wooden bird he carved.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> Home
business ventures are becoming more popular as technology makes it
possible to do many things from home that were not possible years
ago. Some people may be looking for some ideas, or just some
inspiration to make something happen. I hope to be able to
provide some inspiration for someone who has had this
desire, but doesn't know where to start. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">To
start a home business you need a product or service to provide that
is of value to others. It could start with growing a pumpkin
seed in your back yard. It could be a skill that you are able
to teach others like the use of a popular computer program. It
could be a service like cleaning out gutters, or walking dogs.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">I
remember years ago, when I was a teenager, Dad had an idea of
starting a lawn service business. He had an old lawn tractor,
and a trailer. He made an ad with Mom's help, and put
it in the classifieds of our local newspaper and we waited
to see how many responses we might get. We received one.
It was a number of miles away, probably around 15 miles. We
knew we were not going to make much money from the venture, though
gas was cheaper back then. We decided to do it anyway as a way
to start our venture. Dad figured it would be good to add up
our expenses over time so we could figure out if it was worth
making a trip like that. He knew that there was
the added cost of wear and tear on the equipment. The venture
was also a way we could work together as father and son.
The neighbors to the place where we mowed saw our work and asked if
we could mow their yard also. That's something that is true of
many businesses. The customers come more from word of mouth or
from watching the work being done at their neighbors than they do
from costly advertisements.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The venture didn't
last long. We once found it hard to get our payment, and
the man of the house decided at one point it might be worth mowing
himself. The neighbor didn't need their yard mowed
after we had cut down some extremely high grass that they were
unable to do. It was a good experience despite it being so
short lived. Dad and I took turns using the riding mower which
was fun to ride when it worked. Sometimes our maintenance time
seemed to be as much as our mowing time. The push
mower was good exercise, and for me, any amount of money was a
great thing.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">It
is great when people can do something that they really like and sell
it. Often times the product a person likes to make just doesn't
have a market demand. I think the lawn business could have
really taken off if we knew how to market it because a large portion
of the population has a lawns, and many people don't
have much time to work on them. We also tried
another venture that probably had much less demand even if we
marketed it better. Dad had a scroll saw, and we would make
lots of cut out ornaments with it. I remember making some
wooden chipmunks of my own design and painting them with some
delicate features. We went to a craft sale and tried to sell
the various wooden items our family had made. We probably
hardly came away with more than the cost of setting up our table.
Dad really enjoyed working with pine wood and a scroll saw, and
the whole family seemed to find some enjoyment from it, but it didn't
seem to have much of a market. I was so happy that one of the
few things that sold was one of my wooden chipmunks.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><br />
My younger brother also had a love of producing things with wood.
There were barn ruins behind our house that had lots of barn board.
It was kind of like the idea of finding diamonds on your own
property instead of searching for them abroad. My brother came
up with the idea of producing bird houses and feeders with that wood
that would otherwise go to waste. He did some marvelous work.
We took some of his bird feeders and houses to a local
festival to sell them. His handiwork received some good
compliments, but few were sold because people at festivals have
a hard time carrying things very far. Once again, the trouble
was marketing. I knew a young man who was very successful at
selling some fancy bird houses, but an advantage he had was that
he lived in a densely populated area.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Today
I have a home enterprise of selling honey bee products. When I
first started beekeeping I remember a man from the honey industry say
that you didn't have to worry about marketing honey because honey
sells itself. Such did not seem to be necessarily the case, and
after years of producing honey I came to recognize that one of the
areas of weakness for the business was marketing. I made it a
fervent prayer that I could learn to market my products. That
prayer was granted especially on a local basis. For how rural
our area is, the amount of honey that I've been able to sell has been
tremendous. It could be better, I'm sure, and it will need to
be if I am to succeed in the future. One thing that helps with
marketing is to believe in your product. Another is to be very
familiar with it, and to share what qualities it has with others.
I went to local farmers markets with brochures that I had made, and
told people how good honey is. Many people really don't know how good
honey is.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">I've
watched people go week after week at a farmers market trying to sell
craft products that don't seem to sell. They've had
some great products, but they were at the wrong place. Some
don't mind as they are retired and vending gives them something to
do. People at farmers markets are mostly looking for food.
When selling a product, keep in mind who it is that you are selling
to, and try to go where they are at.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">People
that are looking for crafts to buy are often thinking of getting them
as a unique gift for someone. The place for this is often a
craft fair, or holiday event rather than a farmers market. Even
if you find that your product isn't received well at one place, don't
get discouraged right away. Some products need to be seen a
number of times before people think of their value.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;">
</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">Don't
be afraid of starting small. Debt is something that causes many
businesses to fail. By starting small, your mistakes are likely
to be less costly. <a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/zec/4/10/s_915010"> "For
who hath despised the day of small things?" Zech. 4:10.</a></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">A
business can start with putting a sign outside your house telling
what service or product you can provide. It can
start with telling your coworkers, family, and friends what you have
to offer. By talking about your business aspirations you can
get advice from others, knowledge of pitfalls in that venture,
encouragement, and even possible sales leads. This is
a subject I could go on and on with as I've spent a lot of time
studying it, but I hope these thoughts helped the wheels spin for
someone.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<br /></div>
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Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13127278340704108658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297144862779191007.post-22330057210264260322016-03-06T21:26:00.001-08:002016-03-06T21:26:51.844-08:00Christian Freedom Under Fire in Norway<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fNbuD39z2Uq1nFfvemAO0OO-fU4tonIo-eGPXZ0TtcJhQXjZ-u1d1ZJWewRL6cdGyVRYtMlEJAegFkMw8lkzFcNy6tVjtZGyVinADopFqOLRAK_qQEtrhKy0y2WVHyEqOkAuYh4s87g/s1600/the-bodnariu-family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fNbuD39z2Uq1nFfvemAO0OO-fU4tonIo-eGPXZ0TtcJhQXjZ-u1d1ZJWewRL6cdGyVRYtMlEJAegFkMw8lkzFcNy6tVjtZGyVinADopFqOLRAK_qQEtrhKy0y2WVHyEqOkAuYh4s87g/s320/the-bodnariu-family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I just signed a petition to tell the government of Norway to return children back to their natural and rightful parents, Marius and Ruth Bodnariu. I'm requesting all readers of this blog to sign this petition. Please go to this link: <a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/christian-family-persecuted">http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/christian-family-persecuted</a> . It is very easy to do. This is an issue that must not be ignored because of the ramifications of the government of Norway not hearing outrage over it. There have been protests throughout the world for the Bodnariu family that had their children stolen from them simply because they are Christians. They have done no wrong. The charge brought against them is that they are "too Christian." <br />
You have an opportunity to express your thoughts on the petition. My comments are the following:<br />
"This is outrageous. Children belong to their parents. Send them back!" Several people have already signed it and made comments since I have. Let's keep up the momentum. At the bottom of this post are video clips that show protests and some of the deep felt concerns for families in Norway. You can do your own research on this subject. It is my hope that many more people sign the petition and that protests would continue throughout the world.<br />
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The children were seized without prior notice from the parents in November of 2015. The children were put up for adoption. There are five children, and one that was only three months old when they were stolen from their parents. The children were split up into three homes. <br />
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One video on this subject brings up the popular poem by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Niem%C3%B6ller" title="Martin Niemöller">Martin Niemöller</a> who was a Lutheran pastor that spoke of the cowardliness of German intellectuals that would not stand against Hitler. The poem goes like this:<br />
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"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—<br />Because I was not a Socialist.<br />
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—<br />Because I was not a Trade Unionist.<br />
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—<br />Because I was not a Jew.<br />
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me."<br />
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Something you can also do is make this family a prayer request in your church. Prayer changes things. This is part of a spiritual battle and must also be fought that way. <br />
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Please forgive the poor English grammar contained in the following video. Those that made it had a heart to share real concerns. It is not just about the Bodnariu family, but others also that had children snatched from them.<br />
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The following radio program by Janet Parshall interviews a lawyer who has been speaking up for parents like Marius and Ruth Bodnariu for a number of years.<br />
<a href="http://moodyaudio.com/person/76578/marius-reikeras">http://moodyaudio.com/person/76578/marius-reikeras</a><br />
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You can learn more from this website:<br />
<a href="http://bodnariufamily.org/">http://bodnariufamily.org/</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFSk-Ls8BuHwIYNHtsqg5D9fzADmw9FrPA7qK1s5bF4ihBiJu7z8aEu0auN1hscL52mAupaf3hiCP-D4J0axBdAR9xpVUx-U0CAcS30eOT6pNVv6cOoDPqbpap9qTboC_qgjopnu30zM/s1600/Bodnariu-2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFSk-Ls8BuHwIYNHtsqg5D9fzADmw9FrPA7qK1s5bF4ihBiJu7z8aEu0auN1hscL52mAupaf3hiCP-D4J0axBdAR9xpVUx-U0CAcS30eOT6pNVv6cOoDPqbpap9qTboC_qgjopnu30zM/s200/Bodnariu-2007.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtifSttnVE19QQ3uFTu3GGqr7B99gEYa02Zmx-DMJMG508gROp_dtVGbr0vMooNnFjutkUJePeyJgOZQkBI6IbKdFR1d_VSnskaIiJ7nB6qAaauSElkbxZhw8wuDSdjp1YkSU_qhtaIw/s1600/thumbs_bodnariu_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtifSttnVE19QQ3uFTu3GGqr7B99gEYa02Zmx-DMJMG508gROp_dtVGbr0vMooNnFjutkUJePeyJgOZQkBI6IbKdFR1d_VSnskaIiJ7nB6qAaauSElkbxZhw8wuDSdjp1YkSU_qhtaIw/s200/thumbs_bodnariu_2.jpg" width="200" /></a>Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13127278340704108658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297144862779191007.post-25490942516102990472016-02-28T20:22:00.000-08:002016-02-28T20:22:10.556-08:00Freedom From Death<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4t5gC5-QJbu_dLxAUhJjd6JKWzjZKthoullGw6sN3EO28XfvTvZD435lmKgTXs1iNO2DLqx6yyAKxCXolT9UfrdbfxcTaGF7Z0WtOuN4zg8AN5ySw4tNe6F3loMktJKFNbvs2C6TXc_E/s1600/IMG_20160228_225022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4t5gC5-QJbu_dLxAUhJjd6JKWzjZKthoullGw6sN3EO28XfvTvZD435lmKgTXs1iNO2DLqx6yyAKxCXolT9UfrdbfxcTaGF7Z0WtOuN4zg8AN5ySw4tNe6F3loMktJKFNbvs2C6TXc_E/s320/IMG_20160228_225022.jpg" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"O death, where is thy sting?"</td></tr>
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There are many freedoms to learn about, but ranking near the top must be the freedom from death. Death is the common denominator for man. The good, bad, rich, poor, big and small must face death. Many of us have been shielded from it by our culture as it is not pleasant to think about. From the Bible we see it as an enemy and intruder, but not the victor. <a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1co/15/55/s_1077055" target="_blank">"O death, where <em id="yui-gen104">is</em> thy sting? O grave, where <em id="yui-gen106">is</em> thy victory?"</a><br />
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Something that comes to my attention again and again lately is the thought of the need to evaluate my life in the light of eternity. Scripture says,<a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/heb/9/27/s_1142027" target="_blank"> "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Heb. 9:27).</a> These thoughts change how we act in everyday decisions and change our values from the earthy to the heavenly. It makes the saying, "The best things in life aren't things," have a richer meaning. <br />
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<a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/mat/16/26/s_945026" target="_blank">"What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"</a> Sometimes not much. For some it may be little more than a <a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/heb/12/16/s_1145016" target="_blank">passing pleasure or a bowl of pottage</a>. Yet an inward knowledge lets us know that there are things worth giving all we have and even dying for. Jesus Christ gave an illustration of that when he said, <a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/jhn/15/13/s_1012013" target="_blank">"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."</a> Then he did it. He gave his life for His own, and then showed His victory over the grave.<br />
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Isaac Watts, a master hymn writer, shared how the more educated and less educated people have the same promises when facing death. He shared these words with a friend just before he died:<br />
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<em>"I remember an aged minister used to observe, that 'the most knowing and learned Christians, when they come to die, have only the same plain promises of the gospel for their support as the common unlearned;' and so I find it. It is the plain promises of the gospel that are my support; and I bless God, they are plain promises, that do not require much labor and pains to understand them."</em><br />
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One plain promise from Christ to believers is His words<a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/jhn/14/19/s_1011019" target="_blank"> "because I live, ye shall live also."</a> He is the <a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1co/15/20/s_1077020" target="_blank">first fruits</a> of this promise. The last enemy will be death and the following promise will be fulfilled:<br />
<a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/hos/13/14/s_875014" target="_blank">"I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction..."</a> Hosea 13:14.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span> The following is a video that gives some of the last words of a large number of people. The emptiness of those that scorned Christ is seen. You can also hear the messages of hope from those that took Christ at His word. <br />
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<a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/jhn/8/51/s_1005051" target="_blank">"Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death."</a> John 8:59</div>
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Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13127278340704108658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297144862779191007.post-90312499518058674512016-02-21T20:34:00.000-08:002016-02-25T17:53:41.912-08:00Shemita Pototoes! <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuJh7ViHOM5YpB1aQek96ETSq3GkzoYuXHncPxQNq5seJmT14DFfewxX7APnOew1Igdb1A9N4sSZFJNN7L-5OLvFfFdpVqieiW9GMOrn_g0H9SiUsppRu1Liknd4H05J7vmo6XyT-xhU/s1600/20150815_201757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuJh7ViHOM5YpB1aQek96ETSq3GkzoYuXHncPxQNq5seJmT14DFfewxX7APnOew1Igdb1A9N4sSZFJNN7L-5OLvFfFdpVqieiW9GMOrn_g0H9SiUsppRu1Liknd4H05J7vmo6XyT-xhU/s320/20150815_201757.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are just a few of the potatoes that came up voluntarily.</td></tr>
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Last year was a great year weather-wise in our area. The garden did quite well even without the attention it needed. Our family had lots of red potatoes that came up voluntary from the year before. They produced bushels of potatoes. Dad called them Shemita Potatoes. The name does not completely fit because the ground was plowed, but was a fun reminder of a Jewish practice that was popularized last year. The Shemita is an agricultural practice to let the land rest for a year in a cycle of seven years. The Shemita would be the seventh of the seven years. By letting the land go fallow for a year it was a reminder of needed rest, and it benefited the land. It is the opposite concept of a lot of modern farming where there seems to be little rest for the land. Minerals are taken out of the soil and not returned. What is added back is often just three necessary nutrients, but trace minerals are left out. The plants we eat can only provide the nutrition that they find, and if it is not available, people suffer a deficiency of important nutrients.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6C1IOGZAgrTrvF5pwZOwu_m5BhfsDdaKw76DbzKKO2sZvuu7qR2gWu5LpZhbb0SfT3Y8WBNjYdPePU60pbXjfaDosoHmyuqS1ejuKql_CSKwu25lGcFTlerY7m4Rid-uwlgrQn47A6EQ/s1600/20150815_201021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6C1IOGZAgrTrvF5pwZOwu_m5BhfsDdaKw76DbzKKO2sZvuu7qR2gWu5LpZhbb0SfT3Y8WBNjYdPePU60pbXjfaDosoHmyuqS1ejuKql_CSKwu25lGcFTlerY7m4Rid-uwlgrQn47A6EQ/s320/20150815_201021.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A number of these pole beans came up from last year.</td></tr>
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Potatoes were not the only things our family was able to enjoy that came up voluntarily last year. I had some pole beans that planted themselves and came up in the spring. This is the first time that this happened for me. I sheltered them from frost and they did very well. Not much more was done with them as I found myself busy with farmers markets and other work throughout the growing season. For weeks on end, despite much neglect, I was able to eat these beans. Often, after coming back home from farmers markets, I would take a walk up to the fence and just snack on the voluntary beans.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQb6n-cjN7-WkKuWeqMq9gxpGHzHev5i-WMAfNMCnJfTDmXKUyMAdPwyXwmvE7eWuPlH3zrI_-Ty3wGG5xritYiQWu9Cxosx-WH2fKIydOIUtmI2VydP8XUZJ2MsLtVkcL4LwpqLtPHNM/s1600/20150815_201404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQb6n-cjN7-WkKuWeqMq9gxpGHzHev5i-WMAfNMCnJfTDmXKUyMAdPwyXwmvE7eWuPlH3zrI_-Ty3wGG5xritYiQWu9Cxosx-WH2fKIydOIUtmI2VydP8XUZJ2MsLtVkcL4LwpqLtPHNM/s320/20150815_201404.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This wild apple tree was so full of apples that it pruned itself.</td></tr>
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Another free food for us was some wild apple trees on our property. We have a number of cultivated apple trees that did not do much of anything last year, but the wild trees did great with little pest trouble. We made lots of cider with the wild apples. My sisters made apple sauce and dried apples for snacking. One wild tree was so full of apples that it had a large branch break off causing the tree to essentially prune itself.<br />
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These free foods are a small reminder to me of God's grace that comes without merit. There are so many object lessons found in nature if we take the time to look.<br />
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<img height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQb6n-cjN7-WkKuWeqMq9gxpGHzHev5i-WMAfNMCnJfTDmXKUyMAdPwyXwmvE7eWuPlH3zrI_-Ty3wGG5xritYiQWu9Cxosx-WH2fKIydOIUtmI2VydP8XUZJ2MsLtVkcL4LwpqLtPHNM/s320/20150815_201404.jpg" style="left: 549.41px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 679.25px;" width="96" />Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13127278340704108658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297144862779191007.post-30733334438365897922016-02-14T19:49:00.001-08:002016-02-15T06:07:08.614-08:00Planned Parenthood's Bullying Tactics<br />
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For a number of weeks last year (2015), there were a number of undercover videos that were released that exposed Planned Parenthood. It was evident from the videos that a number of Planned Parenthood's top employees would be willing to sell unborn baby body parts which remains illegal in the United States. The Center for Medical Progress released the unedited versions of their videos around the same time as the edited. They have been falsely charged of heavily editing the videos to distort the meaning of the Planned Parenthood employees. The full videos are available to anyone to see on You Tube. Editing is necessary for any videos like this to see the important segments. They were not edited to take people out of context. Planned Parenthood would not let its reputation be damaged without a fight, and they announced that they would file a lawsuit. When I learned this, I sent the following letter to our local newspaper:<br />
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<em> In an effort to squelch public outcry to its barbaric acts and stop future disclosure, Planned Parenthood just announced that it will sue the group that released videos that indicated that Planned Parenthood sold baby parts illegally. A couple of young men decided to reveal the true nature of Planned Parenthood. They formed a group called the <a href="http://www.centerformedicalprogress.org/" target="_blank">Center for Medical Progress</a>. The Center for Medical Progress released a number of videos where they did undercover interviews with some of Planned Parenthood's top employees that expressed a willingness to sell human body parts. The videos became very popular on You Tube. Many people became aware that their tax money goes to this national abortion provider and have asked that this end immediately. </em></div>
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<em> The real tragedy is not that unborn baby parts are sold illegally, but that unborn babies are being killed legally. The young men that exposed Planned Parenthood had the purpose of sharing truth, and their voices should not be stifled. <a href="http://onenewsnow.com/legal-courts/2016/01/18/daleiden-is-modern-day-david-says-attorney" target="_blank">These men do not have much money</a>, but they have a heart for the unborn and those that don't have an ability to speak for themselves. Planned Parenthood receives millions of dollars in taxpayer money every year. <a href="http://liveactionnews.org/planned-parenthood-president-gets-another-raise-even-affiliates-decrease/" target="_blank"> Planned Parenthood, which is suppose to be a non-profit organization, has a CEO that has a salary of over $400 thousand</a>. Planned Parenthood does not need millions of dollars of our tax money to promote their ideal of death on demand. Let's give the money back to the taxpayers, or at least give it to those that would receive unwanted children into their homes.</em><br />
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I knew when I wrote this letter that some have claimed that taxpayer money that goes to Planned Parenthood does not go toward abortion, but other expenses of Planned Parenthood. This is smoke and mirrors. If money goes toward paying Planned Parenthood's light bills they have more money to apply towards abortion. If someone sent money to support a terrorist group, but specified that the money was not to go toward the direct killing of civilians, the benefactor would still be supporting the killing of civilians.<br />
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Shortly after I wrote this letter, the Center for Medical Progress and Planned Parenthood were in the news again. I was listening to the news on a local Christian radio station when I heard that Planned Parenthood was found innocent of selling fetal tissue by a grand jury in Texas, but two people from the Center for Medical Progress were found guilty for wrongdoing. I questioned what I heard, and wondered if they had really done something wrong, but that sense of disbelief of what I heard remained with me. When I was able to dig deeper into the issue it was obvious that they were falsely charged. One thing that shows the complete incongruity of these charges is that they were charged with buying and selling fetal tissue which is the very thing they were trying to expose! They were also charged with producing artificial driver's licenses, or false IDs. This would be necessary to produce the undercover videos as Planned Parenthood would not freely give this information to them. While some may find fault with their method, it is obvious that their intention was to save unborn babies from wholesale slaughter. Those that indicted these young people follow the same mindset as those that sent the people who saved the Jews in World War II to prison and death camps. Killing people and harvesting their property was legal, but those that produced false IDs to save a few innocent people were considered lawbreakers to be punished.<br />
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A couple of Cornell law professors, Sherry F. Colb and Michael Dorf wrote an <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/29/opinions/planned-parenthood-colb-dorf/index.html" target="_blank">editorial for CNN</a> and expressed that even though they support the work of Planned Parenthood that they found "the prosecution of these citizen journalists, however self-styled, deeply disturbing." They recognized that the prosecution of these young journalist could chill undercover journalists everywhere.<br />
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Why do I write this? It was a concern that others will unjustly question the integrity of the journalists from the Center of Medical Progress and discount the value of their hard work. Their work is not in vain, and neither is the work of anyone who makes their voices heard. We will not be silent till we see the unborn granted the right to life.<br />
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Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13127278340704108658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297144862779191007.post-30564761539440052762016-02-11T21:02:00.001-08:002016-02-11T21:02:35.624-08:00Plans for this Blog Wow. I was hoping to write more this winter as the winter is quieter for me than other times of year because of my vocation. The days have turned into weeks and the weeks into months and no posts have been made. Starting this week, I hope to put a break to the break and start posting at least once a week. Any more than once a week will be a bonus from my standpoint. This is just a goal, but it helps to make goals, or things might not happen at all. It also helps to let others know what you are planning as it leaves you with some accountability and sometimes encouragement or counsel in fulfilling your goals. This is the time of year when writing is more possible, and I plan to make it happen. If there is a take away from this short post, it would be the value of setting goals. It has been said, "If you don't know where you are going, any train will get you there." I'm starting to see the value of a calendar. At the same time I don't want to get so goal oriented that I'm not available for those that need help. <br />
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Some of you have been long-time subscribers to this blog, and I want to thank you for reading my thoughts, and finding these posts to be of value. I want you know that your readership is appreciated. Keep me in your prayers. The issues covered here are sometimes heavy, but I believe they are necessary for understanding the times we live in. The purpose of this blog is to promote freedom that is not to be repented of, but leads to real joy here and in the life to come.<br />
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Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13127278340704108658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297144862779191007.post-10778063757000068252015-07-27T06:33:00.000-07:002015-07-27T06:33:04.411-07:00The Marriage Debate is Far From Over<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I recently sent a letter to our local newspaper about the Supreme Court's decision to redefine marriage. It was similar to the post about marriage I posted on this blog. There were a number of comments posted on the online edition of the paper. One man made the argument that the Supreme Court made the final decision and the debate is ended. This man's thoughts represent the thoughts of many people. I mentioned this to a number of friends and their response was similar to what I thought. If the decision had gone the other way, we know that it would not be the end of the debate. If the Supreme Court had voted one vote differently we would have heard lots of debating from those that oppose genuine marriage.<br />
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There were no winners in this court decision. Why do I say this? There was a lot of celebrating outside of the court building when the decision was made, but the celebrating was for something that will bring the celebrators their own destruction and the destruction of the country. The White House was made a mockery before the world by projecting a symbol of deviant diversity on it. In a figurative way, they celebrated the chains that bind them are made to appear more fashionable. Making this distortion to appear fashionable makes their chains all the more formidable. Those that are making these new laws are destroying the very fabric of our society. They are ripping away the very foundation of the freedoms they experience today. Marriage is one of the foundational institutions of a country. By counterfeiting marriage it weakens the country. When anything is counterfeited the counterfeit fights against the value of the genuine.<br />
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The main point I would like to share here is that the debate has not ended. One deciding vote by nine unelected judges does not change the importance of sharing the truth of genuine marriage. In fact, it should goad us on in sharing why the reasoning behind this unprecedented change is not founded on good logic. This is a very sensitive topic because it effects people we care about. The importance of this topic is such that I believe the cost of ignoring it is greater than any ostracism that would come from sharing the truth. It might be hard to think on serious things, but it is the right thing to do. I like this quote from John W. Gardner: "Moral seriousness does not resolve complex problems; it only impels us to face the problems rather than run away. Clearheadedness does not slay dragons; it only spares us the indignity of fighting paper dragons while the real ones are breathing down our necks. But those are not trivial advantages." The real decisions do not come from nine unelected judges, but start from the dinner time conversations that take place all across America. It has been said "Freedom rings where opinions clash." There is a real effort to stop the freedom of speech. A newspaper in Pennsylvania said it would not publish letters endorsing traditional marriage. They received a barrage of protests and slightly changed their policy saying they would still publish letters for a short time after the Supreme Court's decision to redefine marriage. I would encourage those who want to see freedom ring to write to your local paper or a blog that covers serious things, and let them know that there are people who believe that marriage is still one man and one woman. There are a lot of paper dragons out there taking the attention off from the matters that are really important.<br />
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All four dissenting judges gave written dissent opinions which is highly unusual. These men gave solid reasons for their dissent. Justice Scalia, the longest serving justice on the Supreme Court, gave a logical and impassioned dissent. Justice Kennedy gave the majority opinion and his reasons are widely recognized as being weak and based on emotion. His arguments largely were based on the idea that marriage is just about love which was addressed on this blog. There is a lot of information available which confirms the value of genuine marriage which is a big plus for those that want to weigh in on this landmark decision. History and biological fact are on the side of proponents of genuine marriage. The debate is far from over.Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13127278340704108658noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297144862779191007.post-59791121334058777582015-06-10T03:28:00.000-07:002015-06-10T03:28:33.590-07:00A Defense of Marriage<span style="font-size: large;">Why Defend Marriage?</span><br />
At the time of this writing, the Supreme Court of the United States of America will be deciding whether to change the definition of marriage. I believe an outcome in favor of changing the nature of this age old institution will cause great confusion and spell great ruin to our country. This writing is an attempt to share why I believe marriage can only be defined as the union of one man and one woman. There is a sense in my mind that the things shared here are self-evident and that it is only because of a mass campaign to distort truth that this subject would even become a serious debate in our country.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRnn7KIIv5vk0qWg6iuT76EU0OvE4ST50S2Icv8U8l6b5X3KyK1tI7kyQB7yW-H-wGRHa-J-6QgVAcKeLsYhYLdaP6xnsuaAQ3WQOfdLigpKsEmkPDYu4fPFsZSn_mE3gPsrXVxaY5Wk/s1600/20150608_191901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRnn7KIIv5vk0qWg6iuT76EU0OvE4ST50S2Icv8U8l6b5X3KyK1tI7kyQB7yW-H-wGRHa-J-6QgVAcKeLsYhYLdaP6xnsuaAQ3WQOfdLigpKsEmkPDYu4fPFsZSn_mE3gPsrXVxaY5Wk/s320/20150608_191901.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Marriage According to the First American Dictionary</span><br />
The first thing I'd like to share is the traditional meaning of marriage. Noah Webster, who wrote our first dictionary, gave a straight forward definition of marriage:<br />
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<em>Marriage: The act of uniting a man and woman for life; wedlock; the legal union of a man and woman for life. Marriage is a contract both civil and religious, by which the parties engage to live together in mutual affection and fidelity, till death shall separate them.</em> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Marriage According to Jesus</span><br />
There are those who say, "Which definition of marriage shall we take? There are lots of definitions." Why not take the definition of the author of marriage? The definition that God gave is really not that complicated. In fact, Jesus spoke some very clear words about marriage. He was asked a question about divorce from the Pharisees, and he answered the question by giving the definition of marriage. He started out His discourse on marriage with the question,<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=19&v=4&t=KJV#s=948004" target="_blank"> "Have ye not read that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, 'For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?'"</a> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Marriage According to an Old Bible Dictionary and a Warning</span><br />
I have an old Union Bible dictionary from 1837. I looked up marriage to see the definition they had. After carefully opening the old brittle book this is what I found:<br />
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<em>Marriage (Matt. xxii.2) is a divine institution. (Gen. ii.21-25). It is also a civil contract, uniting one man and one woman together in the relation of husband and wife."</em><br />
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The first reference given in this old book is a parable that Jesus gave. Jesus begins the parable by saying, <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=22&t=KJV" target="_blank">"The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son."</a> Marriage is a picture of things heavenly. After explaining five reasons for marriage the old Union Bible dictionary gives this warning a little further in the entry:<br />
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<em> "No sins are more frequently and pointedly condemned by the Bible, than such as violate or impair the sacredness of the marriage relation; and nothing is wanting to raise this to the highest, purest, and most sacred relation in which two human being can stand to each other, but obedience to the precepts of the Holy Scriptures on this subject."</em><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why Marriage?</span><br />
The second issue I'd like to share is the reason why marriage was instituted. Noah Webster gives this reason within the definition of marriage by writing this:<br />
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<em>"Marriage was instituted by God himself for the purpose of preventing the promiscuous intercourse of the sexes, for promoting domestic felicity, and for securing the maintenance and education of children."</em><br />
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The reasons for marriage which are described above are self evident. The first was to encourage a life long bond between the sexes as opposed to people jumping from relationship to relationship. It was naturally assumed that people would know that that men and woman were made for each other. The second is happiness within the home. When things are done in God's order there is a happiness that comes with it. The third reason is the welfare of the children . Parents are to provide children with their physical and educational needs.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">God's Reason For Marriage</span><br />
In <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mal&c=2&t=KJV#s=927015" target="_blank">Malachi 2:15</a> we learn the reason God has for marriage. There we read that God made marriage that He might seek a godly seed. Because man was made for God's glory it would behoove us to honor the Creator's purpose for marriage. We live in a day when many of the rulers and people of the land are against the Lord and against his anointed. They say,<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Psa&c=2&v=3&t=KJV#s=480003" target="_blank"> "Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us."</a> They say, <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Luk&c=19&v=14&t=KJV#s=992014" target="_blank">"We will not have this man to reign over us."</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pragmatic Reasons, Including the Consequence of Judgment</span><br />
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There are many good reasons that the definition of marriage should not be changed from a <a href="http://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2013/01/ten_non-religious_reasons_to_keep_marriage_traditional.html" target="_blank">pragmatic viewpoint</a>. Of particular concern is that fact that promoting the union of people of the same gender will leave children without a father or mother. This is a denial of the value that a man and woman bring into the family unit. It has long been acknowledged that it is a hardship for a child to lack the role models of a father and a mother. Why would there be an encouragement to deprive a child of the protection of a father and the nurturing of a mother? Another reason to not change the definition is that it would be a huge experiment with no previous knowledge of the long term consequences. Even the ancient Greeks and Romans, who practiced all kinds of licentiousness, knew better than to play with the meaning of the age old institute of marriage. While I believe that the government should have a vested interest in keeping the traditional definition of marriage because it makes sense to not play an experiment of this magnitude on the population, the more important reason is that we should not dare to contradict God's design in this most fundamental institution. To distort the meaning of marriage is to invite judgment much like the makers of the Titanic which said, "Not even God can sink this ship." The manner in which God judges is not always immediate in all of its scope. In a poem entitled "Retribution" Henry Wadsworth Longfellow describes the way God often judges:<br />
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<tr><td style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; padding: 4px 10px; vertical-align: top;"><i>Though the mills of God grind slowly;</i><br />
<i>Yet they grind exceeding small;</i><br />
<i>Though with patience He stands waiting,</i><br />
<i>With exactness grinds He all.</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A New Idea - Reinventing the Wheel</span><br />
Do you remember seeing illustrations of how carts might have had square wheels, but as man got smarter he learned that a round wheel was more efficient? I doubt man ever had square wheels, but it seems like redefining marriage would be like trying to reinvent a wheel to be square instead of round. Here in New York, there was an effort years ago to redefine marriage in our state. It was first rejected by the New York Court of Appeals before becoming law by the legislature. The reason it was rejected by the court was stated in these words:<br />
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<em>“The idea that same-sex marriage is even possible is a relatively new one. Until a few decades ago, it was an accepted truth for almost everyone who ever lived, in any society in which marriage existed, that there could be marriages only between participants of different sex. A court should not lightly conclude that everyone who held this belief was irrational, ignorant or bigoted. We do not so conclude.”</em></div>
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Hernandez v. Robles, 7 N.Y.3d 338, 361 (2006). </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Will Marriage Change?</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvA_5K00uLw6qy3A3nKuIh9wKGJfcqotE86n8-sjqX9xtYcLVux29e6qzOfUN8YxcwNPWEU5qBkBdT60zbpWoMxoEjvH48YNO84wrbhpu8x3CNFA2Aejtm4Y28He8Eiys4MYJpoDsD3g/s1600/IMG_20150609_163859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvA_5K00uLw6qy3A3nKuIh9wKGJfcqotE86n8-sjqX9xtYcLVux29e6qzOfUN8YxcwNPWEU5qBkBdT60zbpWoMxoEjvH48YNO84wrbhpu8x3CNFA2Aejtm4Y28He8Eiys4MYJpoDsD3g/s320/IMG_20150609_163859.jpg" width="250" /></a> Marriage will remain one man and one woman united for life no matter who seeks to redefine it. William Cullen Bryant observed, "Truth, crushed to the earth, shall rise again." Like as a rose that is just as sweet by any other name, genuine marriage will shine as a testimony against counterfeit marriage because the nature of both carry their own actions and fruit. An old riddle would apply here. If you called a tail a leg on a four legged dog, how many legs would it have? Answer: It would still have four because the tail would still be a tail even if you called it a leg!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Beauty of Authentic Marriage</span><br />
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Marriage as God designed it is beautiful because He does all things well. God gave the first marriage to Adam and Eve. The marriage was created before any sin entered the world. Jesus showed his power to create with his first miracle during public ministry of turning water into wine at a wedding. God chose marriage as an example of the nearness and the dearness of his relationship to the Church. The bride of Christ, which is the Church, waits with eagerness for that time of being united with Him forever.<br />
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In this video which is less than three minutes, Allen<br />
Keys defends traditional marriage in a debate with<br />
then Senator Obama. <br />
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Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13127278340704108658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297144862779191007.post-53021391713630680182015-05-12T15:37:00.001-07:002015-05-12T15:37:44.077-07:00The Benefits of Stinging Nettle<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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Many people find stinging nettle to be a real nuisance. I did too, but have since found it to be a blessing in disguise. My first experience with stinging nettle was as a boy. My mom liked roses, and Dad had planted a miniature rose on the edge of our property. I remember the name of the rose was "Robin Hood." It was a very tiny rose bush. Being it was planted on the edge of the property, and my parents were so busy, the little rose bush had been neglected and had weeds growing all around it. The weeds were very tall and thick, and I think it was a little bit of a surprise that the little rose was even alive. Dad determined to help that little rose from its plight. It was a pretty significant undertaking because of the magnitude of the wild plants around it, but he had help. Yes, he had me to help. I tried to be a help, but soon found that the plants I was pulling stung my hands awfully. I told dad, but he didn't seem to believe the nettles stung that bad, and wanted me to continue. He was pulling the same plants, but didn't seem to feel a thing; at least nothing like I did. Dad worked at a lumber mill at one time and often used hand tools in the garden. His hands had become very callused, and he couldn't feel the nettles well at all. He urged me to continue. For me it was torture, and I started to cry. He sent me to the house. I ran to the house and washed and washed my hands with water trying to relieve them of the burning. A short time later, dad came up also. After weeding a while longer some of the nettle got between his fingers where they weren't callused and he had a little bit of an idea of what I experienced. He washed his hands also, and apologized for having me pull them without protection for my hands. This was my introduction to stinging nettle. I've since learned to like it, and because of this experience, respect it.</div>
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For years, I've studied herbs because of the many uses they have. It is my belief that there was a plant created for every common aliment of man. In fact, there was the tree of life that God made that had qualities to keep man alive indefinitely. This healing tree was taken away from man because of man's rebellion towards his Creator. We have many plants that have wonderful healing qualities, but none like the tree of life. I believe the stinging nettle is one of the best plants available to man today. While many search abroad for hidden treasure, the diamonds often lay buried in their own backyard. I believe this is the case with stinging nettle.</div>
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One of the reasons I was sold on stinging nettle is the fact that it is one of the plants that are an indicator of rich soil. Plants like different types of soil, and if you see stinging nettle growing somewhere of its own accord, you can be pretty confident that the soil under it has lots of nutrients. To me, it only made sense that if the soil is rich in minerals, the plants that grow in it must also share more nutrients. This goes against the entire medical establishment and current agricultural practices. The idea that what we eat makes a difference in our bodies health is a counter cultural idea. I'm open to a lot of counter cultural ideas because I believe a lot of what is happening in our culture is totally backwards. </div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UTVzejf8JnQ/VTRqj0bC1SI/AAAAAAAAeKY/dANnNT2d0NE/s2560/1429498495232.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UTVzejf8JnQ/VTRqj0bC1SI/AAAAAAAAeKY/dANnNT2d0NE/s350/1429498495232.jpeg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a> Years back, after seeing the lowly nettle as a friend, my belief in its value for nutrition was confirmed more from a booklet on a magazine rack at a check out counter at a grocery store. Seeking to avoid the gaudy and sleazy publications, my eyes fell on a little booklet that gave the tip that a tea made from stinging nettle and peppermint could help those suffering with arthritis. Stinging nettle removes uric acid from the body relieving the body of arthritic pain. It also contains significant amounts of magnesium and iron. One thing you will notice when you make nettle tea is that is has a vibrant green color. This is because of the chlorophyll that it contains which makes it a commercial source of green dye. I believe the green, chlorophyll is healthful for the body.</div>
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Other Uses of Stinging Nettle:<br />
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As mentioned, stinging nettle is a source of a natural dye. The fiber in the stalk of Stinging Nettle was traditionally used for producing a linen-like cloth. Even the name "nettle" is derived from the term "textile plant." The leaves are also known to be a good fertilizer. It is used as an early spring potherb, and can be cooked like other greens. I've dried and powdered the leaves to add some nutrition to other foods. If you are looking for a good tea substitute, I think Stinging Nettle fits the bill. It is my opinion that the mineral content of the tea gives it a smooth taste, without the astringency of regular tea. It is best to harvest stinging nettle in the spring as the leaves are more tender, and it is considered better to harvest it before the inconspicuous flowers bloom.<br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X_FB0VuhZ4o/VTRqmE6AHtI/AAAAAAAAeKg/gi_B4hPlqeY/s2560/1429498515385.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X_FB0VuhZ4o/VTRqmE6AHtI/AAAAAAAAeKg/gi_B4hPlqeY/s350/1429498515385.jpeg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a> Most the time, I harvest Stinging Nettle without gloves, but I am careful how I pick it. I make sure to not grab the plants between my fingers where the skin is more sensitive. I've found the broad part of the leaves don't seem to sting as bad as the stems. I'd recommend wearing gloves for those who are unfamiliar with it. It is a plant that requires some respect. It is also a welcome part of spring.</div>
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Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13127278340704108658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297144862779191007.post-78086742861606410452015-03-18T17:03:00.000-07:002015-03-18T17:03:51.366-07:00More Bumper Stickers!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBccaW5WM6k9cCbDcOSn-3NL-yEjyeBAMbuDyM-I-TnIRoTrEqOd0rNMcV8zd3ERoyXEIWLFVCDBOWdvRVdXRHUTEE6Lo4qMaD073LxoLkpPf5h0zczFwVlZZXdzDt0ey1Lue-efhe-iE/s1600/IMG_20150309_002844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBccaW5WM6k9cCbDcOSn-3NL-yEjyeBAMbuDyM-I-TnIRoTrEqOd0rNMcV8zd3ERoyXEIWLFVCDBOWdvRVdXRHUTEE6Lo4qMaD073LxoLkpPf5h0zczFwVlZZXdzDt0ey1Lue-efhe-iE/s1600/IMG_20150309_002844.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></div>
A while back, I wrote a<a href="http://maptofreedom.blogspot.com/2014/08/bumper-stickers-slogans.html" target="_blank"> post about bumper stickers</a>. It was pretty fun to write. It looks like a lot of people liked reading it too. As I drive, I make some effort to read the bumper stickers on the cars surrounding me. Sometimes they make me smile. For example, there was one that said, "I'd rather be driving..." I had a hard time making out what else it said. Then as I got closer, I noticed it was an advertisement for a local golf course. He'd rather be driving at the such and such golf course. It was a fun play on words. There seemed to be an added element of humor to it because the traffic was heavy and slow as we waited for the traffic lights to change. <br />
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Many of the bumper stickers I see come from the small city of Ithaca. There are a number of "Ithaca is..." bumper stickers that have a green background with white print. I mentioned the "Ithaca is Gorges" sticker last time. A long while back, there was one that said "Ithaca is Not George's." This was referring to a former president here in the United States. If I had to pick an "Ithaca is..." sticker it would be an "Ithaca is Zone 5." Perhaps it would be primarily avid gardeners, like me, that would appreciate that sticker. It was a creative local business man, who owns a plant nursery, that came up with that one.<br />
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"Birth Control Prevents Mini Vans" was on a car touting lots of bumper stickers. This sticker promotes the fallacy that children are an unprofitable drain on resources and the environment. In contrast, there is no greater and valuable asset than children. The idea that children are not worth sacrificing for is destroying the value system of many, and leaving us with a more solipsistic environment. Yes, children take resources, but there are not enough resources available to equate to the value of one child. You can exhaust the resources of every bank in the world and one child is of more value by far. Worth less than some mini vans and the resources they take? As someone I know likes to say: "Really?!"<br />
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Here comes a sacred cow of the day: "COEXIST." This bumper sticker is very creative. The word "coexist" is a representation of many religions on this sticker. Each letter is formed as symbols of different religions. For example, the "c" is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_and_crescent" target="_blank">star and crescent</a> which represents Islam, while the "t" looks like a cross representing Christianity. Its meaning is more than meets the eye. It is not about just living in peace with other religions. The idea conveyed is that one religion is as good as another. This is a sacred cow of the day, but it simply is not true. It makes nonsense of logic. Christianity is exclusive in nature because Christ made it clear that He is <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jhn&c=14&v=6&t=KJV#s=1011006" target="_blank">the only way to the Father</a>. To put other religions on the same level would violate <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Exo&c=20&v=3&t=KJV" target="_blank">the first two of the Ten Commandments</a> which say in essence: "No Substitutes!"<br />
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Following the same vein is a bumper sticker that said, "God bless the whole world, No exceptions." God does make His <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=5&v=45&t=KJV#s=934045" target="_blank">sun to shine on the good and the evil, and sends rain to the just and the unjust</a>, but He makes it pretty clear what nations will be blessed. <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Psa&c=33&v=12&t=KJV#s=511012" target="_blank">"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD" Psalm 33:12.</a><br />
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Here is a bumper sticker that made me think: "When injustice becomes law, Duty requires rebellion." That is deep. There are a lot of injustices today, and people put up with them. The saying seems to be attributed to Thomas Jefferson, but there is no new thing under the sun. It was ideas like this that made it possible for America to be established. There could be an idea that rebelling is fashionable. This, I think, is the other side of the ditch from the apathy we see. Because God is the highest authority, <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Act&c=4&t=KJV#s=1022019" target="_blank">there are times</a> that obedience to God makes some ordinances of man irrelevant. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnfr4KSDrn8BVjux2R3k6qo0__5Pckk9XMUbzQWc3qmdG0uYTmpnnH_t1UWtM84YDT8VjICl0ec_amVJvxpHP5C2uMYu9OfKzKCeOexVhX6Gb48D_1Hmend7WRuv5Mt80VbQWtmgsYpo/s1600/20150308_140803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnfr4KSDrn8BVjux2R3k6qo0__5Pckk9XMUbzQWc3qmdG0uYTmpnnH_t1UWtM84YDT8VjICl0ec_amVJvxpHP5C2uMYu9OfKzKCeOexVhX6Gb48D_1Hmend7WRuv5Mt80VbQWtmgsYpo/s1600/20150308_140803.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
"Jesus Saves!" This bumper sticker is on the car of someone I know. It's pretty short, but it means a lot more than it looks. I remember riding in a car by a church building with a boy. There was a sign near the building which said, "<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=1&v=21&t=KJV#s=930021" target="_blank">He is Risen</a>!" The boy said, "That's a funny sign. It doesn't make any sense." You see, he didn't know Who it was talking about. Many people do not know who Jesus is or who He is saving. Many people that say that they know who Jesus is, don't know what He came to save them from. Oh, there is so much wrapped up in that little slogan: "<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=1&v=21&t=KJV#s=930021" target="_blank">Jesus Saves</a>!Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13127278340704108658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297144862779191007.post-91329660521094055792015-02-23T07:15:00.001-08:002015-02-23T07:15:31.881-08:00Only The Experts<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Who Are the Experts?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> We live in a day when "expert" advice is given a high value. Often the qualifications for the expert are primarily based on the schools the person attended and the degrees earned relating to a field. A true expert does not necessarily have degrees or come from a school that is reputable. There is no question that for determining quickly if a person is an expert in a field that those qualifications would at least indicate a familiarity with the field he is in. To get the best advice takes more work and more time than checking the letters printed behind a name. We could make a difference between an expert and an authority on a subject. An<a href="http://webstersdictionary1828.com/Home?word=Expert" target="_blank"> expert</a> would imply experience in the subject, while being an <a href="http://webstersdictionary1828.com/Home?word=Authority" target="_blank">authority</a> in a matter would imply a broad knowledge in it. We also would define an authority as one who has power over us. For my purposes here, the terms of experts and authorities will be used interchangeably. Some people perceive our rulers are experts in the things that the citizen need most. We want knowledgeable and wise people governing the land, but who is it that determines who is wise? Thomas Babington Macaulay, a British historian said, <a href="http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/quote_blog/Thomas.Babington.Macaulay.Quote.6D9C" target="_blank">"And to say that society ought to be governed by the opinion of the wisest and best, though true, is useless. Whose opinion is to decide who are the wisest and best?"</a> We know that majority opinion does not necessarily mean an idea or person is wise. Some of the worst decisions for leadership have been determined by a majority. Some of the worst forms of art are enjoyed by a majority. There needs to be a reference point to know what is wise and best. There is also the consideration that when evaluating a person that every person has many qualities that can not be measured by man made tests.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">The Need for Experts</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"> If you are going to have heart surgery, you don't want an amateur surgeon to be working on you. Most of us wouldn't even want a novice dentist working on our teeth. We need experts. The world would not be very nice without them. If you are making a search for information on the Internet, you want the information of an expert or someone who knows what he is talking about rather than lots of unfounded opinions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">The Danger of Trusting Experts</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> The problem comes when people feel they need experts for everything. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Today, we have some people that say that parents can't make medical decisions for their children, only experts can do that. There is a subtle impression that only experts can make medical decisions, only experts can invest wisely, only experts can tell people what their vocation should be, only experts can understand issues of science, only experts can make laws, and on and on it could go. C.S. Lewis made a good observation when he said, <a href="https://everydaydoctrine.wordpress.com/2010/02/08/theology-there-are-no-experts-in-truth/" target="_blank">"For who can endure a doctrine which would allow only dentists to say whether our teeth were aching, only cobblers to say whether our shoes hurt us, and only governments to tell us whether we were being well governed?"</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"> Because "experts" have the trust of people, the natural guard that people put up is not there. If so-and-so said so, it must be true. I think of <span id="goog_252393875"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/">Dr. Benjamin Spock<span id="goog_252393876"></span></a>. He had a book that out-sold every other book in the non-fiction category other than the Bible. Dr. Spock had a saying for mothers that went like this: "You know more than you think you know." I think there is a lot of truth there in regards to mothers that care about their children. It sounds the very opposite from what you would expect from an expert. Experts often like people to know how much they don't know. Parents trusted Dr. Spock for his parenting advice for childcare because he was recognized as an expert. One bit of advice he gave was that mothers should lay their babies face down. The idea behind it was that if you lay them face down that they would be less likely to drown in their own spit up. It is now believed that this advice is wrong and <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/healthreport/facing-the-evidence---part-one/3345712#transcript" target="_blank">thousands of babies</a> may have died because of being smothered by having their faces down. People were taking "expert" advice, but it failed them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">The Result of Specialties Because of Experts</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"> There's an old saying that went like this, "Jack of all trades, and master of one." It was originally a pretty positive saying. Someone changed it to say "Jack of all trades, and master of none." Today we see very few Jacks of all trades, but lots experts of one specialty. As a corporate and welfare mindset besiege us, and fewer people have a trade, many have made it their aim in life to figure out how to get other people to work for them. Butler D. Shaffer, professor at Southwestern University School of Law, observed this about the State when he said, <a href="http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/quote_blog/Butler.Shaffer.Quote.30BE" target="_blank">"The State has had a vested interest in promoting attitudes that would tend to make us skeptical of our own abilities, fearful of the motives of others, and emotionally dependent upon external authorities for purpose and direction in our lives."</a> People will need to work for other people and get advice from authorities, but there seems to be a lot more bosses and "experts" than what are needed. We can be glad that there are those that have a specialized skill, but there are perspectives that a man with general skills has that a specialist doesn't. A general family doctor might not have the ability to do everything a specialist could, but he can likely see many things that a specialist couldn't. Parents might not have all the information that an authority in child training might have, but they know their own children better than any authority or expert.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Maneuvering in a World of Experts</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"> Sometimes we just take the word of experts because we don't want to do our own homework. Sometimes we simply don't have the means to figure things out ourselves. It would behoove us to make decisions with the help from many counselors.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <div id="yui-gen74">
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Pro&c=11&v=14&t=KJV#s=639014" target="_blank">"Where no counsel <em>is</em>, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors <em id="yui-gen75">there is</em> safety" (Proverbs 11:14).</a></span><br />
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There are things that we can figure out without being an expert in every field. Where we see "experts" diverting from tried and true principles we would be wise to think long and hard before taking their advice. G. K. Chesterton wrote about <a href="http://www.chesterton.org/taking-a-fence-down/" target="_blank">not taking a fence down</a> unless you know why it was put there in the first place. We live in a day when "experts" are suggesting a lot of things that contradict tried and true practices. A lot of good fences are being pulled down. In the end I think we will be asking: <div id="yui-gen71">
<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Co&c=1&v=20&t=KJV#s=1063020" target="_blank">"Where <em id="yui-gen72">is</em> the wise? where <em>is</em> the scribe? where <em>is</em> the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?" (I Cor. 1:20).</a><br />
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In the first paragraph of this post, I mentioned we need a reference point to know what makes a person wise. This reference point must be the Bible because it is there that we find divine wisdom. As I thought on this subject, a verse resurfaced more than once: <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Rom&c=3&v=4&t=KJV#s=1049004" target="_blank">"...let God be true, but every man a liar..." Romans 3:4.</a> In maneuvering in a world of experts, it would be a good practice to see if the places we are getting advice from, no matter how esteemed they are, line up with principles found in Scripture.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Encouragement to the Non-Professional</span><br />
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While we could get the idea that only "big" people can see big or good results, God uses normal or "little" people that look to Him to do big things. Jesus chose people that were recognized as being <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Act&c=4&t=KJV#s=1022013" target="_blank">"unlearned and ignorant men"</a> of the day to be His disciples. The wisest man in the world, Solomon, acknowledged his lack of wisdom before being granted it. David, a young man, not trained in war, was the one to take on Goliath.<br />
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<div id="yui-gen73">
<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Co&c=1&t=KJV#s=1063027" target="_blank">"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;</a><div id="yui-gen82">
<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Co&c=1&t=KJV#s=1063027" target="_blank">And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, <em id="yui-gen84">yea</em>, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:</a><div id="yui-gen87">
<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Co&c=1&t=KJV#s=1063027" target="_blank">That no flesh should glory in his presence" (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).</a></div>
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Take courage, and ask for wisdom. Wisdom says, <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Pro&c=8&t=KJV#s=636017" target="_blank">"I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me" Proverbs 8:17.</a><br />
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May God grant us wisdom to know when and where to get advice.</div>
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</span>Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13127278340704108658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297144862779191007.post-30359894680227361062015-01-22T07:47:00.000-08:002015-01-22T07:47:53.882-08:00Freedom From the Rat Race of Life<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.45px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-top: 0.7em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">“Modern civilization is so complex as to make the devotional life all but impossible. It wears us out by multiplying distractions and beats us down by destroying our solitude, where otherwise we might drink and renew our strength before going out to face the world again.”</span></div>
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- A.W. Tozer, <em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Of God and Men</span></em></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorwDgtSGUNaUHmmCU7w7Cjec1lvIJKhDFkJpxpQNOvA2LATJ0fZ6udnDs1LNcx-y7hs63FaUQeR28EOmyrFVn1XcSIw3tUbNQoA-YCvSyAkjw5pftbLaLSLvjsIxoXOEzPA1V7kWPtHw/s1600/IMG_20140904_104424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorwDgtSGUNaUHmmCU7w7Cjec1lvIJKhDFkJpxpQNOvA2LATJ0fZ6udnDs1LNcx-y7hs63FaUQeR28EOmyrFVn1XcSIw3tUbNQoA-YCvSyAkjw5pftbLaLSLvjsIxoXOEzPA1V7kWPtHw/s1600/IMG_20140904_104424.jpg" height="400" width="348" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We can find ourselves caught up in our own pursuits<br />
which in the end will take us nowhere. </td></tr>
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Idleness is the Devil's workshop they say. There is a lot of truth to that. Extreme busyness can also be the Devil's workshop. How many homes might still be together if a father or mother had not spent so much time at work that was beyond what was needed? Many people seem to be proud of the long hours they spend at their jobs. There is a satisfaction in earning money with your own hands which is good and proper. The danger comes when busyness puts us in a rut where we can't even stop to value the things which are most important. This is a danger that Jesus spoke of in the parable of the sower. He explained the soul threatening dangers of several groups of people. The group that relates well to this subject of busyness is the seed that was planted among the thorns. I tell people that this group looks like America. Of course, the meaning of it can be seen universally. Jesus explained the meaning of this group by saying,<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mar&c=4&t=KJV#s=961018" target="_blank"> "And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful" Mark 4:18-19.</a><br />
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Different people have different situations when it comes to quiet time with God. I remember a saying that went like this: Those that love the "church" come to fellowship on Sunday mornings. Those that love the pastor come to fellowship on Sunday evenings. Those that love the Lord come together on Wednesday night prayer meeting. I couldn't help but recognize from some of my own observations that there was some incidental truth to the saying, especially in the first two observations. There is a danger of making another tradition out of "going to church." There can become a perception that rest of the week belongs to us. We will find a greater satisfaction in giving God our whole week. Going to some meeting or program is not what we need to be closer to God. There is an undue pressure to make people feel guilty for not making it to every program. For some, there are distractions everywhere, and coming to a program set up by a church fellowship might be just what is needed. It could act like an oasis of quiet time in their busy lives. Others might find themselves so divided in their time with religious programs that it takes what little time they might have with the Lord. The programs could become a care of the world if they are not careful; this is especially true because of the nature of many church services today. For those in this situation, it would be better to scale back the programs and dedicate some time alone with God in His Word. <br />
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We all have the same amount of hours in a day. Many of us tend to be very busy. Those that have a greater demand from others have to space their activities closer together or have more things to say "no" to. When I was a child, I desired to play piano. It was suggested that I take lessons from a woman who was great at playing piano, but also known to be very busy. It was decided by my parents to not ask her because of the consideration of the tight schedule the lady already had. From the considerations made in that decision, I remember my grandpa saying that if you want something to get done, ask someone who is already busy. They'll get it done. This is speaking of the good character of many that are busy. It is good to be busy with good things. It involves wisdom to know what things we should be busy about, and then we all have to decide what to say "no" to. Let's pray for wisdom. Let's purpose to say "no" to things that would take time from things of higher purpose. Business owners recognise that things like social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) can hinder their success in business by robbing time from their business activities. This can also be the case with all of us when it comes to our quiet time. May we purpose to make a quiet time to be alone with God to be refreshed from Him who gives us living water. We will find if we weed out those things which cause us unneeded cares that there will be a fruitfulness about our lives as God's word prospers in our lives unhindered by those weeds. Let's find that quiet time with Him in order to be refreshed so that we may do great things!<br />
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The author of the following story is unknown. It illustrates how Satan could use busy lifestyles. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
Devil’s Convention:</span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Satan called a worldwide
convention.</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor; line-height: 0.25in; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In
his opening address to his evil angels, he said, ’We can’t keep
the Christians from going to church.’</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor; line-height: 0.25in; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘We
cannot keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth.’</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor; line-height: 0.25in; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘We
cannot even keep them from forming an intimate, abiding relationship
experience in Christ. If they gain that connection with Jesus, our
power over them is broken. So let them go to their churches; let them
have their conservative lifestyles, but steal their time, so they
can’t gain that relationship with Jesus Christ.’</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor; line-height: 0.25in; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘This
is what I want you to do angels …</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor; line-height: 0.25in; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Distract
them from gaining hold of their Saviour and maintaining that vital
connection throughout their day!’</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor; line-height: 0.25in; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘How
shall we do this?’ shouted his angels.</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor; line-height: 0.25in; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘Keep
them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable
schemes to occupy their minds,’ he answered. ‘Tempt them to
spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow.’</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor; line-height: 0.25in; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘Persuade
the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7
days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty
lifestyles. Keep them from spending time with their children.’</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor; line-height: 0.25in; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘As
their family fragments, soon, their home will offer no escape from
the pressures of work!’</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor; line-height: 0.25in; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘Over-stimulate
their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice. Entice
them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive. Keep
the TV, VCR, CDs, and their PCs going constantly in their home and
see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays
non-biblical music constantly. This will jam their minds and break
that union with Christ.’</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor; line-height: 0.25in; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘Fill
the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers. Pound their minds
with the news 24 hours a day. Invade their driving moments with
billboards. Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order
catalogues, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional
offering free products, services and false hopes.’</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor; line-height: 0.25in; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘Keep
skinny, beautiful models on the magazines so the husbands will
believe that external beauty is what is important, and they will
become dissatisfied with their wives. Ha! That will fragment those
families quickly!’</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor; line-height: 0.25in; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘Even
in their recreation, let them be excessive. Have them return from
their recreation exhausted, disquieted and unprepared for the coming
week’.</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor; line-height: 0.25in; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘Do
not let them go out in nature to reflect on God’s wonders. Send
them to amusement parks, sporting events, concerts, and movies
instead.’</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor; line-height: 0.25in; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘Keep
them busy, busy, busy! And when they meet for spiritual fellowship,
involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with
troubled consciences and unsettled emotions.’</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor; line-height: 0.25in; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘Go
ahead, let them be involved in soul winning; but crowd their lives
with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Jesus.’</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor; line-height: 0.25in; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘Soon
they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health
and family for the good of the cause.’</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor; line-height: 0.25in; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It
will work! It will work!</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor; line-height: 0.25in; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It
was quite a convention. The evil angels went eagerly to their
assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busier and more
rushed, going here and there.</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor; line-height: 0.25in; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I
guess the question is has the devil been successful at his scheme?
You be the judge!</span><br />
</div>
<div style="border: currentColor; line-height: 0.25in; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Does
‘busy’ mean: B-eing U-nder S-atan's Y-oke?</span></div>
Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13127278340704108658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297144862779191007.post-16287624183819295732015-01-11T22:46:00.001-08:002015-01-24T05:55:18.071-08:00Seeing Through And Not Just With The Eye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpWWeKJ_xx2Sl6Q9EPDfRjCIFQEi90w5xyX5OFJFjtpHNpsbpNZM23H1_ymQeRuMGGRiT2AaYEFEQN03x7miqQ_a2rEm09GHKl9EpMunxEcGGGwf4IS4CE-SWygoh8wfFenYKhmA_kNY/s1600/20140616_204429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpWWeKJ_xx2Sl6Q9EPDfRjCIFQEi90w5xyX5OFJFjtpHNpsbpNZM23H1_ymQeRuMGGRiT2AaYEFEQN03x7miqQ_a2rEm09GHKl9EpMunxEcGGGwf4IS4CE-SWygoh8wfFenYKhmA_kNY/s1600/20140616_204429.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
This past year, I saw an amazing, cloudy sky that gave me a sense of awe. The colors could not be described with my limited vocabulary. I snapped a picture of it. The camera could not capture the true beauty of that sky. As I considered the beauty of it, I thought of an atheist friend who loved taking pictures of the sky and posting the vividly colorful photos on his social media site. He possessed a real appreciation for color. I thought of how color cannot be explained by vertical Evolution. The world could function quite well without color, yet our Creator gave us color to enjoy and appreciate. I suppose God could have given us just enough sight to grope along and not bump into things, but instead, we have been given the ability to even see things like the distant stars. After I had gazed into that bright, cloudy sky, I thought of the thoughts of a song writer who wrote these words thousands of years ago: <br />
<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Psa&c=19&t=KJV" target="_blank">"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.</a><br />
<div id="yui-gen52">
<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Psa&c=19&t=KJV" target="_blank">Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.</a><br />
<div id="yui-gen64">
<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Psa&c=19&t=KJV" target="_blank"><em id="yui-gen68">There is</em> no speech nor language, <em>where</em> their voice is not heard."</a></div>
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I realized that God was sending messages to my friend that could be found in the sky if only he would have the eyes to see them.<br />
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A poet, William Blake, described how people can see things, but miss them this way:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/10/13/seeing-through-not-with-the-eye/" target="_blank">"This life's dim window of the soul</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/10/13/seeing-through-not-with-the-eye/" target="_blank">Distorts the heavens form pole to pole</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/10/13/seeing-through-not-with-the-eye/" target="_blank">And leads you to believe a lie</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/10/13/seeing-through-not-with-the-eye/" target="_blank">When you see with, not through, the eye."</a><br />
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Jesus spoke of how eyes can see things and yet the mind is not always able to see what is seen. He, the Creator of the eye, asked His disciples,<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mar&c=8&v=18&t=KJV#s=965018" target="_blank"> "Having eyes, see ye not?"</a> They had just seen some outstanding miracles, but still did not grasp those things that He wanted to teach them. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHoVbWtVX9-w5wF160mvgeWDNRdIlRU2K6IUYfqJ4Oru06e0mEJ2DMvZ65aeX0serkcdq_J0uN25Ts2brnZJhg8Nh-IThXglKXmZMAQWlPjd8EuLl-eCHDmcKh9TZ0n0dieExtGQfE8s/s1600/IMG_20150110_151730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHoVbWtVX9-w5wF160mvgeWDNRdIlRU2K6IUYfqJ4Oru06e0mEJ2DMvZ65aeX0serkcdq_J0uN25Ts2brnZJhg8Nh-IThXglKXmZMAQWlPjd8EuLl-eCHDmcKh9TZ0n0dieExtGQfE8s/s1600/IMG_20150110_151730.jpg" height="400" width="206" /></a></div>
When you look into the eyes of a friend, you can usually tell some of how he is thinking about you because the eye has a way of communicating. The eye is directly connected to the brain. It is as if it is part of the brain. When you see the eyes of someone, it is as if you are looking at the brain. They are like a window of the mind. John Bunyan in his classic book, <a href="http://thecommonroomblog.com/2005/08/narration-of-the-holy-war-by-john-bunyan-2.html" target="_blank">The Holy War</a>, spoke of an entryway to the soul of man called Eye-Gate. Christ spoke of the powerful influence of the eye, and used an illustration of it to help us understand why we need to direct our attention towards Him. He said,<br />
<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=6&t=KJV#s=935022" target="_blank"> "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great <em>is</em> that darkness!" Matthew 6:22-23.</a><br />
It is sin that causes people to be unable to see God. In our current state, we cannot see God and live, but when Christ returns and changes our bodies we will be given eyes that will see him.<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Jo&c=3&t=KJV" target="_blank"> (1 John 3:2)</a><br />
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<div>
Saint Paul encountered Christ on the road to Damascus. He saw a great light that caused him to be blinded. While he was blinded physically until he was prayed for by a believer, his spiritual eyes were opened in that encounter with Christ. In that encounter, Christ gave him a mission to reach the Gentiles and stated this purpose to him...</div>
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<div id="yui-gen67">
<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Act&c=26&t=KJV#s=1044018" target="_blank">"To open their eyes, <em id="yui-gen91">and</em> to turn <em>them</em> from darkness to light, and <em id="yui-gen90">from</em> the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." Acts 26:18</a></div>
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It is my hope that you, my reader, may find:<br />
<div id="yui-gen62">
<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Eph&c=1&t=KJV#s=1098018" target="_blank">"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints..." Ephesians 1:18.</a></div>
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<br />Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13127278340704108658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297144862779191007.post-82076790980456251172014-12-28T20:11:00.000-08:002014-12-29T20:09:30.335-08:00Elijah's God Still Lives<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yJClnG3tmV4PWNpVBUc97I0isnPAQujo9JXWk3YrbUXyJQeVzuPcph93AmLGgw7AribLDAgdin8qATHg8W5bN2i5_5nDxqKRCR_IuowzorojaRDiaXhpAWDMKAPwEq_sQWyu1dBrSNs/s1600/IMG_20141228_155156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yJClnG3tmV4PWNpVBUc97I0isnPAQujo9JXWk3YrbUXyJQeVzuPcph93AmLGgw7AribLDAgdin8qATHg8W5bN2i5_5nDxqKRCR_IuowzorojaRDiaXhpAWDMKAPwEq_sQWyu1dBrSNs/s1600/IMG_20141228_155156.jpg" height="368" width="400" /></a></div>
[For a number of years I have received papers in the mail with true accounts like this. They are written by an older gentleman who goes by the name of Brother Norman. He writes these articles for his local newspaper which prints them regularly. I am sharing this one for readers of this blog to enjoy also.<br />
- Ron] <br />
<br />
In the early 1920's a group of seven young <span class="il">Chinese</span> Christian men sailed to a small island off the coast of <span class="il">China</span> to evangelize the fishing village of Mei-hwa. It was a pagan village, the people being devoted to the worship of ancient idols that were venerated by their ancestors long ago. As far as was known, only one Christian lived in the village---- the mid-wife lady, and it was through her urgent invitation that this <span class="il">missionary</span> evangelistic team was there. The oldest of the seven young men and the leader was destined to go on to become a well known figure in the persecuted Christian church in <span class="il">China</span> and a prolific writer; many of whose books have been translated into English. His name was Watchman Nee. <br />
<br />
For days this enthusiastic team of evangelists mingled with the people at the market place, preached on the streets, passed out Christian literature, but the best response they could get from the people of the village was just an aloof politeness. <br />
<br />
Finally the youngest of the team, Kuo-chig Lee shouted at the crowd in frustration, "Why don't you people believe on the Lord Jesus?"<br />
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"Oh, we do believe in our great king, Ta-Wang. He never fails us."<br />
<br />
Kuo-ching questioned the people further about this god and he learned that every year on January 11th they held an elaborate festival to honor Ta-Wang. They took his massive idol from its temple and paraded it through the streets. They feasted and rejoiced and made music and worshiped this idol. They had done this for 286 years and Ta-Wang had always provided them with beautiful weather for that day. It had not rained on January 11th for 300 years, they boasted. <br />
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Impulsively Kuo-ching cried out, "Then I promise you that our God, who is the true God, will make it rain this year on January 11th," he announced in a loud voice.<br />
<br />
The crowd took up his challenge. Say no more," they replied, "If it rains on the 11th then this Jesus Christ you speak of is God and we will listen to what you say about Him. Now we will see."<br />
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When the seven evangelists were all together again and Kuo-ching related what he had done, there was much consternation among them. For one thing, January 11th was only two days away. For another thing, this was one of those parts of the world where dry periods and rainy periods were fairly predictable---- and this was the dry period.<br />
<br />
Watchman Nee's first thought was to chide Kuo-ching for his impulsiveness, but instead he went aside to pray about the matter. As he prayed, he thought of the Biblical account in <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Ki&c=18&t=KJV" target="_blank">I Kings, chapter 18,</a> of the prophet Elijah challenging the priests of the false god, Baal. He proposed that both he and they would build an altar---- he to Jehovah God and they to Baal. They would lay out wood on both altars for fuel and sacrifices on top of the wood, but neither would put fire to the wood. "The God who sends fire to consume His own sacrifice, let Him be God," Elijah challenged. The Baal worshipers went first and yelled themselves hoarse for several hours praying and chanting and begging Baal to light their fire. All to no avail. Elijah first called for barrels of water to be poured over his sacrifice---- making it more difficult to burn---- then prayed a brief prayer of calm faith... and whoosh! Heavenly fire suddenly consumed water, wood, sacrifice and even altar stones! God whispered to Watchman Nee's spirit, "I still live, I can do this."<br />
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January 11th dawned bright and clear. Not a cloud in the sun-lit sky. The festivities began as planned. The pagan priests got their idol out and started up the street with it. Everything was set up for a triumphant celebration that would demonstrate the superiority of Ta-Wang over the "new" foreign God. <br />
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Suddenly a huge rain drop was heard hitting a tile roof. Then another and another! It was a tropical deluge. The priest toting Ta-Wang slipped and fell on the rain slick street. Poor Ta-Wang hit the pavement so hard he broke his head and one arm off. By the time the rain stopped, water stood in the streets level with the porches on the houses.<br />
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Undaunted, the pagan priests patched up Ta-Wang and said they had made a mistake and the feast was supposed to have been on the 14th that year. But at exactly the hour they named for the festivities to start on the 14th, another torrential downpour began and Ta-Wang got another undignified soaking.<br />
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The power of false religion was broken on the island of Mei-hwa and a great number of people responded to the Gospel, resulting in a strong church.Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13127278340704108658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297144862779191007.post-47383451246283585152014-12-24T07:03:00.000-08:002014-12-24T08:22:50.884-08:00Come, Desire of Nations, Come<div style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 10pt;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGz48wmttYxSMN5MmXX4K9eUwme3-IMs-sbTlM59ZeAiddrg6IjP4V-K3LaIQ7rrd5MHTyrpVNNEtXCKdAG2yI-l5CdbDcNuD9yxjOrhQ_S6P3bF1NpoAB573T5-x5Jy02OSEr4RjNmrw/s1600/20141211_113250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGz48wmttYxSMN5MmXX4K9eUwme3-IMs-sbTlM59ZeAiddrg6IjP4V-K3LaIQ7rrd5MHTyrpVNNEtXCKdAG2yI-l5CdbDcNuD9yxjOrhQ_S6P3bF1NpoAB573T5-x5Jy02OSEr4RjNmrw/s1600/20141211_113250.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When Christ first came, few recognized Him<br />
as King, but when He comes again every <br />
knee will bow.</td></tr>
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Economic ruin, crime, and politicians that make it an occupation to lie are a few of the news items we've grown accustom to. I don't think it is just me that is ready for a change for the better. It is exciting looking back in history and seeing times of revival where whole towns were transformed. The broken homes were healed and vices like gambling and alcohol lost their grip on peoples lives. These things happened because Christ came into their towns and became their Prince of Peace. When Christ first came to this earth, he came as a servant and showed us how to live. When he comes the second time he will come as King. </div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">"The government shall be upon His shoulder" Isaiah 9:6</span></div>
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<span style="display: inline-block;"></span> When things are put on the shoulder they are usually very heavy. Christ took the heavy burden of the cross for us upon His shoulder. This verse is the antithesis of that because Christ's shoulder in this verse is the symbol of authority. And unlike Moses, who said he was unable to manage a great number of people, Christ is up for the task. As we see the princes of this world say," Let us break His bands and cast away His cords from us," the Son promises that He will break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. The warning to the rulers of men is to "kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and ye perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little." To those who humble themselves before Him they find that He is the Prince of Peace. He came as a baby in swaddling clothes, but we will see him a man with clothes of royalty and hair that is white. The baby in a manger is the Ancient of Days and reigns supreme. My favorite Christmas carol, Joy to the World, cries out this time of year with the words: "Let every heart prepare Him room." Our hearts need lots of room because He has a big throne.<br />
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The carol, Joy to the World, is not even about the first coming of Christ, but his second. I think Joy to the World is my favorite carol because it is expresses the rule of Christ in present tense and as you sing it thinking about the words it gives the feeling of things being made right even now . It is a little bit of a foretaste of things to come. This carol brings perspective on the first coming though. It makes us stand in wonder at the power that Christ reserved and leaves us with the knowledge that He rightly should have been received with gladness rather than rejected. He will yet get the glory His is due as another carol, Hark the Herald Angels, says, "Hail, the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!" and "Come, Desire of Nations, come, fix in us thy humble home." How humbling it is that He would make my heart His Home!<br />
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Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13127278340704108658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297144862779191007.post-53007760413053446342014-12-16T07:12:00.000-08:002014-12-16T07:12:58.030-08:00The Value of Pumpkins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This year our family has really appreciated pumpkins. We didn't grow them this year. Perhaps we appreciate things more when they are not as available. I've thought in the past that pumpkins were not the best choice as a food because they have such a large seed cavity, and do not have as much flesh as squash. This is not to say I don't like pumpkin. I do have pleasant memories of making homemade pumpkin pie with real pumpkin years ago. It was the best pumpkin pie in my memory. At a farmers market I was given a bargain on a big pumpkin this year. I took it home for $1. It decorated our front porch for a while. Memories of that excellent pumpkin pie from years ago would not allow this pumpkin to just go to waste. I taught my sister, Hannah, how to bake it, and pulverize it so it could be used as pie. She has made lots of pies from canned pumpkin, so after showing her how to pulverize it, she was on own and she baked up a number of excellent pies. Our family was starting to get used to having pumpkin pie for days. I didn't know how good a "big" pumpkin would taste, but as pie, this big pumpkin was just fine. Usually people use small pumpkins known as pie pumpkins or sugar pumpkins for baking purposes. Then I was given pumpkin flesh from an even bigger pumpkin. This pumpkin was huge and probably reached my knee in height. I was concerned that the taste would not be as good because it had a more stringy texture. Hannah went to work with this also, and more pumpkin pies were made. These came out very good too. It was looking like pumpkin pie would become a staple in our home.<br />
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Then there are the seeds. These are a powerhouse of nutrients! Pumpkin seeds have lots of vitamin E, magnesium, and are well known for their zinc content. I have bought the seeds without shells at a grocery store and have even grown the type that does not have shells, but was not aware until recently that you can eat seeds from pumpkin and squash without shelling them. I always pictured the shells to be woody. The pumpkin and squash shells are not overly chewy, and they contribute more zinc to the diet than the seeds alone. I put them in our toaster oven for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and they make some very good snacking seeds. Our family grew lots of winter squash this year, so I tried the squash seed also. They came out good, but they are a lot smaller and pop as they bake. Many seeds popped outside of the baking pan! The pumpkin seeds did not pop like the squash seed did, but both came out excellent in flavor and crunch. I'm so glad we planted lots of squash this year, but I'd like to plant some pumpkin next year now that I know how much I like the big pumpkin seeds!<br />
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Pumpkin flesh contributes around 300% of your daily requirements of vitamin A per half cup serving. That is impressive when considering how hard it is to get large amounts of nutrients from all natural sources. You can use pumpkin flesh to make pie, pudding, bread, or pancakes like you would canned pumpkin by baking and pulverizing it. We started out by cutting the pumpkin in half and scooping out the seeds and stringy pulp. We baked our pumpkin for about an hour and half in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit in a pan with about half an inch of water with the cut side down. We then scooped the flesh from out of the pumpkin shell and put it in a blender. A food processor would probably work better. The pumpkin is ready to use just like you would canned pumpkin at this point. The extra could be put in storage containers to freeze. We just put the extra in the fridge and kept making pies for days on end, and everybody was happy with that. <br />
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How I wish we had grown pumpkins this year!<br />
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If you have suggestions for using pumpkins, you are welcome to leave comments. Thanks!</div>
Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13127278340704108658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297144862779191007.post-29930928765586770872014-10-30T14:53:00.000-07:002014-10-30T14:53:28.368-07:00A Reformation on Halloween<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a sign in front of a local church building.<br />I believe we would do well to replace<br />Halloween with a more worthy cellabration.</td></tr>
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The title "A Reformation on Halloween" is not an indication that I believe we should somehow clean up some of the grosser sins in the celebration of Halloween. I would say from the outset of these thoughts that Halloween is not something to be reformed, but rather abolished altogether. We live in a world where truth is mixed with error, and people are afraid to give up traditions they've grown up with to the peril of their conscience, their souls, and their children. The Word of God is made of no effect through tradition that is all around us. <br />
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The believer in Christ is set free from the law of sin and death. Halloween is the celebration of sin and death. According to Solomon, those that hate God's wisdom love death. Contrasting that, it is only logical that those that love wisdom also love life and do not glamorize sin and death. Halloween is the epitomy of glamorizing sin and death in our culture. It is a "holiday" that celebrates deceit, not honesty; trickery, not kindness; fear, not love; death, not life; the prince of darkness, not the Prince of Peace.<br />
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I believe in the doctrine of replacement. It is the concept of overcoming evil with good. (Romans 12:) Years ago, when I was yet a youth, my family would join other families on October 31st to celebrate<a href="http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/onlinediscipleship/halloween/reformation_day.aspx" target="_blank"> Reformation Day</a>. Reformation Day is a day to celebrate because the Reformation has changed our world for much good by making the knowledge of Scripture more widely known. We would do a skit of Martin Luther pounding the<a href="http://www.spurgeon.org/~phil/history/95theses.htm" target="_blank"> 95 theses on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany</a>. This day is the same day that is celebrated like as if it was the Devil's birthday. I believe it is good to replace the day Halloween with Reformation Day. The publisher of the calendar on my wall had the right idea. On the 31st of October, where Halloween is printed on many calendars, it says "Reformation 1517."<br />
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Halloween is characterized as a time of fear. The fear of the creature is of the Devil. Perfect love casts out fear. Fear of the wrong things is not a small mistake. Jesus said,<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Luk&c=12&v=4&t=KJV#s=985004" target="_blank"> "And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.</a><br />
<div id="yui-gen97">
<div id="yui-gen95">
<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Luk&c=12&v=4&t=KJV#s=985004" target="_blank">But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him."</a> During Halloween, there is an emphasis on blood and an attempt to give the fear of death. People seem to take some kind of pleasure in these things. A Christian embraces life, not death. Death does not have the victory. Jesus demonstrated this in His resurrection. The same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead will also do the same for all that have faith in Him. We can say, <br />
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<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Co&c=15&v=55&t=KJV#s=1077055" target="_blank">"O death, where <em id="yui-gen102">is</em> thy sting? O grave, where <em id="yui-gen103">is</em> thy victory?"</a></div>
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Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13127278340704108658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297144862779191007.post-11861192386538500052014-09-27T17:25:00.000-07:002014-09-27T17:51:04.856-07:00Which? A Poem About the Value of Children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What value is in a child? The following poem from McGuffey's Fourth Reader gives a story of a couple that were very poor with seven children. They found themselves in a position where they were given the opportunity to give up one of their children in order to get material gain. They looked at each of their children before giving their reply. They found themselves refreshed by considering the blessings they had. Here is the poem simply entitled:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Which? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
by Mrs. E. L. Beers<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Which shall it be? Which shall it be?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I looked at John-- John looked at me;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Dear, patient John, who loves me yet</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As well as though my locks were jet.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And when I found that I must speak,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My voice seemed strangely low and weak;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Tell me again what Robert said!"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And then I, listening, bent my head.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"This is his letter:"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"'I will give</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A house and land while you shall live,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If, in return, from out your seven,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One child to me for aye is given.'"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I looked at John's old garments worn,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I thought of all that John had borne</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Of poverty, and work, and care,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Which I, though willing, could not share;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I thought of seven mouths to feed,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Of seven little children's need,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And then of this.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"Come, John," said I,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"We'll choose among them as they lie</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Asleep;" so, walking hand in hand,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Dear John and I surveyed our band.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">First to the cradle light we stepped,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Where Lillian the baby slept,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A glory 'gainst the pillow white.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Softly the father stooped to lay</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">His rough hand down in a loving way,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When dream or whisper made her stir,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And huskily he said: "Not her!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We stooped beside the trundle-bed,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And one long ray of lamplight shed</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Athwart the boyish faces there,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In sleep so pitiful and fair;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I saw Jamie's rough red cheek,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A tear undried. Ere John could speak,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"He's but a baby, too," said I,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And kissed him as we hurried by.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Pale, patient Robbie's angel face</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Still in his sleep bore suffering's trace:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"No, for a thousand crowns, not him,"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He whispered, while our eyes were dim.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Poor Dick! bad Dick! our wayward son,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Turbulent, reckless, idle one--</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Could he be spared? "Nay, He who gave,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Bade us befriend him to the grave;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Only a mother's heart can be</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Patient enough for such as he;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And so," said John, "I would not dare</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To send him from her bedside prayer."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Then stole we softly up above</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And knelt by Mary, child of love.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Perhaps for her 't would better be,"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I said to John. Quite silently</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He lifted up a curl that lay</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Across her cheek in willful way,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And shook his head. "Nay, love, not thee,"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The while my heart beat audibly.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Only one more, our eldest lad,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Trusty and truthful, good and glad--</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So like his father. "No John, no--</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I can not, and will not let him go."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And so we wrote in courteous way,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We could not drive one child away.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And afterward, toil lighter seemed,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thinking of that of which we dreamed;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy in truth, that not one face</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We missed from its accustomed place;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thankful to work for all the seven,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Trusting the rest to One in heaven!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> ________________________</span><br />
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Of special significance to me is that this poem tells of a family of seven children which is the number of children that my parents had. My grandpa on my Mom's side came from a family of eight children. One of them was my great-aunt, Aunt Liz. When I was a caregiver to her I'd ask her questions about her childhood. Her mind was keen and she had some wonderful stories to tell. Sometimes, when you heard the stories of her or Grandpa, you'd wonder how any of them lived to adulthood. I didn't want her story to be lost and I asked her to write our family history down so it wouldn't be forgotten. She took a notebook and wrote down what she thought was important. She finished the story by giving a tribute to her mother who raised them alone because her husband died while the children where young. This was her tribute: "She had everything in order, and believed God took care of all our needs and provided everything." I really like the way she ended her story. It ends much like the poem above. It is the heritage that I would like to pass on.<br />
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Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13127278340704108658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297144862779191007.post-9703670324402712152014-08-28T14:23:00.001-07:002015-04-25T03:45:07.663-07:00Freedom From The Trap of Tradition<br />
What do you think of when you think of tradition? Do you think of a warm apple pie at Thanksgiving or do you think of the Pharisees tradition of washing hands? Perhaps many would think of the song "Tradition" from the musical <i>Fiddler on the Roof</i> which gave some insight into how Jewish tradition is valued<i>.</i> I think of the church buildings and the hierarchical structure of church leadership. Amish people are a group that are a prime example of the powerful influence of tradition. Though it is easy to see how the Amish are seeped in tradition, they are not alone, but our whole culture has traditions that powerfully influence us.<br />
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Before looking at some traditions that influence people, let’s consider the moral ramifications of tradition. Is tradition good or evil? I studied the Bible for information about tradition and found that most of the time it was spoken in a negative light. Christ put a light on traditions that were blinding people to more important issues. Tradition was also used to circumvent God’s word. <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=2Th&c=3&v=6&t=KJV#s=1119006" target="_blank">There is a verse that tells us to hold onto good tradition.</a> So there are good and bad traditions, but God’s word must take precedence over any tradition.<br />
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America has a lot of tradition. My family was shopping in a store where there was another Christian family. The mother had a headship veiling on and had a number of children. Another woman who was a shopper spoke to one of the little boys. The woman said, “Is Santa coming to your house?” The boy looked confused. The woman said, “You know who Santa is, don’t you?” The boy quietly told her “no.” The woman’s demeanor changed and she angrily told the boy, “You’re lying!” She then walked away. We can look back at ancient cultures and see the faults in people that had idols, but we have some very real idols in our American culture. I know there are Christians that hold Santa dear, but he is an idol that competes with the affections that children need to apply to Christ. The Scripture clearly tells of the need to cast “<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=2Co&c=10&v=5&t=KJV#s=1088005" target="_blank">down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God."</a> It would be hard for us to hear Christ say, <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mar&c=7&v=9&t=KJV#s=964009" target="_blank">"Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition."</a><br />
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The Amish have tradition that both knits families together and tears families apart. Most heart rending are the stories where people have sought to please God in their lives, but tradition conflicted with obedience to God, and families have been divided. Christ warning to the Pharisees about making the Word of God void through their tradition is lived out in many Amish communities. There is the testimony of Ephraim Stoltzfus, who wanted to have a Bible study with friends and share the gospel with the community. These things were not allowed in the Amish group he was a part of. He had a choice to make. Obey God or man’s tradition. The choice became clear, and he faced the consequence from man. He was excommunicated from his Amish community. Most Americans would have no idea what this would be like because most people are more independent from the lives of others compared to the Amish. After being excommunicated he felt the wrath of man, but came to know in a greater way the smile of God. <br />
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When reading the definition for “tradition" in Webster’s 1828 dictionary I found it interesting that it gives an example of a difference in the Roman Catholic church, Jews, and the Protestant church in relation to the authority of tradition. It states: <a href="http://webstersdictionary1828.com/Home?word=Tradition" target="_blank">“The Jews pay great regard to tradition in matters of religion, as do Romanists. Protestants reject the authority of tradition in sacred things, and rely only on the written word.” </a><br />
This is the issue Jesus spoke of when he gave warnings against making God’s Word void through tradition. Tradition must never be given the authority of Scripture unless the tradition comes from Scripture. The Protestant Reformation helped bring to light the trap of human tradition.<br />
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The Jews believed that washing hands before eating was a large crime because of tradition. They made up a story of a demon, called Shibta, that dwelt on men’s hands by night would be authorized to be on the food of those that would eat without washing their hands. This evil spirit was believed to be harmful to those that didn’t wash their hands. Those that didn’t wash their hands before eating would be excommunicated. Jesus was found to be perfect concerning the law of God. It seems the best accusation that could be found against his disciples was this human tradition of washing hands. <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=15&v=2&t=KJV#s=944002" target="_blank">When the scribes and Pharisees brought this to Jesus’ attention, he brought to their attention how they had transgressed God’s command by their tradition.</a><u> </u> He told how they obeyed a man made tradition that allowed them to violate the command to honor their parents. He charged them with hypocrisy saying, <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=15&v=7&t=KJV#s=944007" target="_blank">“Ye hypocrites...” </a> He clarified the situation by telling the multitude around him that it is not that which goes into a man’s mouth that defiles him, but that which comes out. Jesus had a way of clarifying issues.<br />
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Sometimes traditions are carried on, but people don't know why they do them. The story is told of a woman who was preparing a holiday meal. She cut a piece off the bottom of a ham before putting it in the pan to bake. When asked why she cut it that way, she replied, "My mother always cut the bottom of the ham before putting it in the pan." The question was asked to the mother who replied that her mother had always done it that way. They were able to ask the matriarch of the family why she cut the bottom off the ham before putting it in the pan. She replied that she cut the ham before putting it in the pan because the pan she used was too short for the ham to fit into.<br />
Some traditions can be an unneeded burden, but others can be a great way for families and friends to make some good memories. May God grant us wisdom to discern which ones to hold on to and which ones to let go.<br />
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This video is a BBC documentary about Amish tradition, and gives the testimony of Ephraim Stoltzfus. I think it will be a blessing to watch. I believe his testimony will merit a post by itself, but please watch this to see how tradition can hinder God's Word.Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13127278340704108658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297144862779191007.post-62678590876067276652014-08-11T12:48:00.001-07:002015-03-18T20:15:57.532-07:00Bumper Stickers & Slogans I live near to a small city called Ithaca. Bumper stickers and slogans seem to be very popular in Ithaca. A lot of the population has connections to two local colleges (Ithaca College and Cornell University). Perhaps it is because it is a college town that prompts people to be expressive with their views. The bumper stickers are not the type that seem typical in other areas. The slogans are often political. In other areas you often see bumper stickers that are for a school a child attends or a favorite ball team. The slogans you find in Ithaca are different in that they often clearly express ideas of a worldview. A popular sticker that is an exception to the political expression is "Ithaca is Gorges." This one is a creative play on words as Ithaca is gorgeous, and it has some beautiful gorges.<br />
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There are often beggars in Ithaca. It seems that some people know that begging can be a lucrative endeavor. One sign I saw as I was leaving a parking lot was held by a young man . The sign stated: "Too Dumb to Steal, Too Ugly to Prostitute. Anything you can give will help. God Bless!" Yuck! It baffled me that someone would have that kind of a mindset. It was as if he couldn't even think of a good way of making money. Honest work was not even an option.<br />
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A more subtle message I saw on a bumper sticker was "Hate is not a Family Value." On the surface this looks convincing. As an independent thinker, I ask myself, "According to what standard?" As a believer in Christ, I find parts of the Bible that say that I should hate evil. If the person that carried the "no hate" message was honest, he would admit that he hates certain things himself. The issue isn't so much whether we hate certain things, but rather if we hate the right things. We live in a time when people do what the prophet Isaiah lamented of in his day. <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Isa&c=5&t=KJV#s=684020" target="_blank">They say evil is good and good is evil. (Isaiah 5:20)</a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WbSYAo78dYw/U-glSiBdRbI/AAAAAAAAdis/Zr0u7PJOQuE/s1600/20140804_161136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WbSYAo78dYw/U-glSiBdRbI/AAAAAAAAdis/Zr0u7PJOQuE/s1600/20140804_161136.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a> Another message that has been expressed in a number of ways, including a stop sign that had the word "WAR" spray painted on it, is the "End War" message. Bumper stickers that say "War is not the Answer" and "Stop the Endless War" are rather prevalent. This I can agree with. Another bumper sticker gives the other side of the coin and also makes sense: "Defend or Die." The real solution for war to end is the gospel of Jesus Christ to change hearts. Christ is the Prince of Peace. Those that follow him will heed his command to be peacemakers. The old slogan: "Jesus is the Answer" is spot on.<br />
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I saw a bumper sticker in Ithaca that mentioned Jesus. It said, "Jesus Didn't Heal For Profit." On the surface this looks good. The problem is that it is implying something that is not good. It is the mindset that the world owes me something. It is the same message as the "I Love Obamacare" bumper sticker. It is the same mindset as the young beggar that couldn't think of an honest way to get money. <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jhn&c=6&v=26&t=KJV#s=1003026" target="_blank">One of the things that Jesus reproved people for was that after he had given them food they came for that purpose and not for the truth that would benefit them for eternity.</a><br />
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Here's a potshot: "Church + State= Taliban. This one is false in not just what it implies, but also in fact. The problem is the ideas that those in the Taliban carry. "Ideas have Consequences." As for religion and government, it is impossible to separate the two. The choice we make is whether we acknowledge God who is unchanging and the ultimate Lawgiver, or trust in man who changes, and whose rules pass away like he does.<br />
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Another bumper sticker showed a picture of a dog behind bars. It said, "Liberate Laboratory Animals." There are many experiments that probably shouldn't take place and it is a shame that animals are being used in unprofitable ventures. I’m glad though when it is the guinea pig that is being experimented on and not me. You and I are the “guinea pigs” that will be experimented on if animals are not. It has been reported that in China experiments are preformed on prisoners. It has also been claimed that the government of the United States has done this to soldiers in the military. Human experimentation has taken place with embryonic stem cells which involves taking the life of embryos. Human life has been devalued. Human life needs to be of much greater concern than experiments on animals. I have a bumper sticker that expresses this with a picture of a large hand tenderly holding the hand of a baby. The message reads, “Life is Precious.”<br />
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The following was on a teenager’s tee shirt: “I can only please one person per day. Today is <u>not</u> your day.” Ouch! What a way to greet everyone! Another shirt worn by another man said, “My dreams are going to shatter yours.” I don’t know the man, and maybe that’s best! Christ gave a command that beats every slogan here when he said, “<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jhn&c=13&v=34&t=KJV#s=1010034" target="_blank">A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.</a>”<br />
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Sound bites and slogans can’t express things to the degree that is required for many subjects. Witty and succinct sayings sound good, but truth isn't always flashy. Though it is not always popular, truth must win in the end.<br />
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Thoughts on more bumper stickers can be found at this link: <a href="http://maptofreedom.blogspot.com/2015/03/more-bumper-stickers_18.html">http://maptofreedom.blogspot.com/2015/03/more-bumper-stickers_18.html</a>Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13127278340704108658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297144862779191007.post-71237784875718800892014-03-24T07:28:00.000-07:002014-03-24T07:28:54.852-07:00A Christian-Agrarian <br />
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What is a Christian-agrarian? Herrick Kimbal introduced me to this term. The Christian part is easy enough to understand, but agrarian sounded a little different. Basically it is someone that promotes living off the land. Traditionally this would be a farmer, but the difference that is purposed in using the word <em>agrarian</em> is to differentiate the modern factory type farming from the traditional family farm lifestyle. An agrarian might not be a farmer, but has the desire to see the earth made fruitful in a sustainable way. By adding Christian to agrarian it is the acknowledgement that life with Christ gives lasting purpose. It is the Creator who was the first gardener. He created the world to produce sustenance by skillfully working the ground. It could be understood that a family can be fulfilled in a richer way by a Christian-agrarian lifestyle. Herrick has written a book to share this lifestyle and has sought to live it out as an example. The name of the book is: <em>Writings of a Deliberate Agrarian</em>.<br />
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The agrarian lifestyle is not anything new though it is counter-culture right now. It is the lifestyle that was most common in this country until the Industrial Revolution. Many people believe we lost something when families stopped producing their own food. Herrick makes the case in his book that it is not just making a living that counts, but how you live. He shows how work itself has tremendous value. He challenges the idea that money is the most valuable thing by focusing on the value of relationships, hard work, and living life as it was intended. Herrick talks about a subject that I hold close to my heart: freedom. Here's a quote from the fourth chapter of his book:<br />
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<em> "We see value in the satisfaction that comes with being able to take care of your own food needs and not being dependent on the industrial providers, even if it is just in part. This is freedom. This is part of what makes The Good Life good." </em><br />
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A Christian-agrarian sees creation as a place to practice stewardship. This stewardship is passed on to children with a multi-generational vision. Herrick contrasts this lifestyle to systems that separate people from the ground where things come from and that vie for the time that is needed for relationships to be close. <br />
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Herrick wrote this book a number of years ago, but just had it published as a Kindle book making it very affordable. You can get the book downloa<span>ded to your Kindle device. I just read the book in one day and it leaves you with a desire to leave this world a better place. Part of the book is a vision for a good life and another part is Herrick's testimony of how he is working that vision out. At the end of the book is an epilogue that has a special effect because it is an acknowledgement of seeing the fruit of his labors, and seeing much of his vision being fulfilled.</span><br />
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I strongly recommend this work as its message is much needed today.<br />
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Here is a link to where you can get this great book at Amazon:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J532CC2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00J532CC2&linkCode=as2&tag=whizbook-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">http://www.amazon.com/gp/<wbr></wbr>product/B00J532CC2/ref=as_li_<wbr></wbr>qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=<wbr></wbr>1789&creative=9325&<wbr></wbr>creativeASIN=B00J532CC2&<wbr></wbr>linkCode=as2&tag=whizbook-20</span></a><br />
If you don't have a Kindle, you can get a free program to read the book on your computer or a smart phone. Herrick has a link to this in his blog.<br />
If you want to be introduced to Herrick's writings you can check out his blog at:<br /><a href="http://thedeliberateagrarian.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">http://thedeliberateagrarian.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</span></a></div>
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Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13127278340704108658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297144862779191007.post-62432892100926716842014-03-09T22:17:00.000-07:002014-03-12T17:54:34.862-07:00Today's Pilgrims, The Romeike Family<div dir="ltr">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhxFjkoRxRzc6Wpx2RyDB4MsON2F-HcN9LiMBGVa9RT3gYsFaEjlMfnSSvdTYjhAwm4DWCWY0ApmoSvYKdjYMLUNbPfSuMsWtiftmbqJWEy69eAjpCT6CJLzM-zSYbeR7LpWn9JHwXfc/s1600/Romeike+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhxFjkoRxRzc6Wpx2RyDB4MsON2F-HcN9LiMBGVa9RT3gYsFaEjlMfnSSvdTYjhAwm4DWCWY0ApmoSvYKdjYMLUNbPfSuMsWtiftmbqJWEy69eAjpCT6CJLzM-zSYbeR7LpWn9JHwXfc/s1600/Romeike+family.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a> The Romeike family has experienced their share of emotional roller coasters. The Romeike family came to America in 2010 to escape persecution in Germany. They were granted asylum because of Germany's harsh laws that make the fundamental right of homeschooling illegal. They fled to this country for freedom much like the pilgrims did. In Germany, they would be subject to heavy fines, possible jail time and lose of custody of their children. Asylum was granted because of the family's religious views that caused them to homeschool, and the improper motivations of German authorities to suppress home-schooling as a social group. This ruling was challenged by the Obama administration. I think of the irony of this circumstance when I consider the words of Emma Lazarus that are inscribed on the Statue of Liberty. These words have been an expression of the hopes realized by so many people that came here for freedom: </div>
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<em>"Give me your tired, your poor,<br />
Your huddled masses, yearning to be free,<br />
The wretched refuse of your teaming shore,<br />
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,<br />
I lift my lamp beside the golden door."</em>
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Is that golden door closed to homeschooling families? What is very striking about this case is that asylum was granted by a judge, but the Justice Department, headed by Eric Holder, appealed the decision of the judge. This is the same department that is well known for not enforcing a number of laws. Instead of going after those that had violated law, this department went after this hard-working and well-respected family. This is the same department that allows millions of illegal immigrates through our borders with impunity. The sixth circuit went along with the federal government. The case was appealed to the Supreme court where the appeal was denied. Public outrage was expressed and a Supervisor with Homeland Security contacted the attorneys of the home-school family and let them know the family had "indefinite deferred status." This means the family should not be deported to Germany where they would lose custody of their children. We rejoice that this family is allowed to stay here, but we also remember that the Romeike family is only one of many families in Germany that have been refused the basic right to raise their children as they see fit.<br />
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Uwe Romeike, who is the father of the family, is a piano teacher. He didn't come to this land to just get a hand-out. He has work and plans to keep working for a living. He's made it clear that he would stay in Germany if authorities would just leave their family alone and let them raise their children. On the website of <a href="http://www.hslda.org/legal/cases/romeike.asp" target="_blank">Home School Legal Defense</a>, he is quoted as saying,<br />
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<em> “We are happy to have indefinite status even though we won’t be able to get American citizenship any time soon. As long as we can live at peace here, we are happy. We have always been ready to go wherever the Lord would lead us—and I know my citizenship isn’t really on earth.”</em><br />
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When Uwe says that his citizenship is not really on earth, he is referring to heaven. Uwe believes, as a Christian, he is just passing through this life to experience a life that is much greater after this life. The Bible tells us that our citizenship "<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Phl&c=3&v=20&t=KJV#s=1106020" target="_blank">is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." Philippians 3:20</a>.<br />
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Uwe thanked all those that helped his family and said,<br />
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<em>"I thank God for his hand of blessing and protection over our family. We thank
the American government for allowing us to stay here and to peacefully
homeschool our children—it’s all we ever wanted.”</em><br />
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In this post I have compared this family to the pilgrims. I believe that this is an accurate comparison. One of the primary reasons the pilgrims came here was a concern for the influences on their children. William Bradford, who was a historian and a leader of the original Plymouth colony, spoke of this concern in his book where he said that one reason they had to leave Holland was that their children were being "<a href="http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1601-1700/william-bradford-and-plymouth-plantation-11630075.html" target="_blank">drawn away by evil examples into extravagant and dangerous courses."</a> Uwe and his wife, Hannelore were deeply concerned about the witchcraft and other immoral teaching their children would receive in the German government schools. In another post on this blog, it was reported that another German family, the <a href="http://maptofreedom.blogspot.com/2013/12/children-taken-from-caring-parents-at.html" target="_blank">Wunderlich family</a>, had their children taken from their home at gunpoint. The Wunderlich children are now forced to attend a government school. Seeing the evil that is taking place in Germany, the lawyer for the Romeike family, Michael Farris, made a promise to Uwe. He said this:<br />
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<em>“When we lost at the Sixth Circuit, I told Uwe that he would go back to
Germany over my dead body. I’m glad that wasn’t necessary! This is a courageous
family and one that deserves to stay here. They are modern day Pilgrims.”</em><br />
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We are so glad that these modern day pilgrims are here to stay, but we must not forget the others that are being persecuted for homeschooling their children in Germany. Our government made the right choice in letting the Romeike family stay here. It is my hope that we see this good judgment with other families fleeing persecution and that others won't have to go through what the Romeikes did in order to stay here.<br />
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To every believer in Christ there is a promise of a better country. The Bible tells us of those that <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Hbr&c=11&v=13&t=KJV#s=1144013" target="_blank">"died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of <em>them</em>, and embraced <em id="yui-gen80">them</em>, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that <em>country</em> from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better <em>country</em>, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city."</a> <br />
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If you are a Christian, you are a pilgrim!<br />
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<em>(The following videos are dated, but give an understanding of the subject matter of this post)</em></div>
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<br />Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13127278340704108658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297144862779191007.post-67551035095675060022014-02-09T19:47:00.000-08:002014-02-09T19:47:03.852-08:00Oklahoma, Land of the Free<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRcWvWf_X4UfNRfV3gQTvTd9m7hxXOxBYp_RzBccngg6Sx_aEy66flOL7-7s76r-uR2cUG-NGfz1G4dh6GySHSwOka4EWt2Ly3RH3k6qz2xA_Xjyr_PcShsKNmpf4XfsXSYwZirYQcxo/s1600/Flag+of+Oklahoma.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRcWvWf_X4UfNRfV3gQTvTd9m7hxXOxBYp_RzBccngg6Sx_aEy66flOL7-7s76r-uR2cUG-NGfz1G4dh6GySHSwOka4EWt2Ly3RH3k6qz2xA_Xjyr_PcShsKNmpf4XfsXSYwZirYQcxo/s1600/Flag+of+Oklahoma.png" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Part of my family lives in Oklahoma which makes it a special place for me. It's a long drive from here in New York to Oklahoma. When I've driven there it feels real good to see the sign welcoming you into Oklahoma. When I've driven back it also feels real good to see the sign that you're in New York. There's a big difference between the two states, and it's not just the geography. There is a difference in the ideology of the people. This can change, but right now I believe Oklahoma is one of the freest states, if not the freest, in these United States.<br />
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I believe it is the freest state because of one issue: the issue of education. Oklahoma has a government school system just like all the other states, but one noticeable difference is that homeschooling takes place in the state without fetters. Oklahoma is currently the only state to have homeschooling a protected right within the state constitution with no stipulations. Parental rights are upheld. Parents are acknowledged to be fully responsible for their children. Parents have always been responsible for their children, but here is a state that acknowledges it without reservation. I believe that the nature of the education of children is the reason that we have seen the nature of our nation change so quickly in the last few decades. If more states allowed greater freedom by giving parents their rightful place, we may see some marvelous things for the good.<br />
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There is a beauty in states that are different from others. In Pennsylvania the car inspections are strict when it comes to rust. Here in NY, rust is not an issue and you can find cars that are rusting to pieces. In Oklahoma, if you were to ask about their standards of car inspections they might say, "What's that?" because there are none there. I like that. Here in NY, you have to get an inspection every year if you want to drive without the threat of fines. You have to take it to someone else, even if you've inspected it yourself all year long; and it typically costs around 20 bucks. In Oklahoma, you might see some funny things driving down the road on occasion, though you're unlikely to see much rust because cars don't rust much there. By the way, while driving in OK, I never felt threatened by the non-inspected cars. <br />
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Here in NY, building inspections seem pretty important. Some counties are probably better or worst than others. And when I say worst, I mean more strict. When I say better, I mean more free. If you were to ask someone in OK about building inspections, he might say, "What's that?" Well, not exactly, but pretty close. It's not the big thing there that it is here. Some of the building code requirements in NY just go beyond the pail, and especially when they start making rules about the inside of your house. I know a man that got fines for buildings that were about an inch longer than permitted by a code. It's outrageous!<br />
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Here in NY there was a gun control bill recently passed. Many, many people are against it. It's another encroachment of freedom. I hope, like many others that it gets repealed. Laws like this don't even see the light of day in OK. <br />
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Another recent headline came from the state of Oklahoma saying that lawmakers from the state are looking at <a href="http://americaresists.com/oklahoma-lawmaker-mike-turner-get-the-government-out-of-marriage/" target="_blank">banning marriage</a>. It was a twist on words, but what the lawmakers there are saying is that government should not be in the marriage business. People in Oklahoma do not want marriage to lose its meaning. There are legal challenges being brought against the state to acknowledge other definitions to marriage other than the established meaning that it is a covenant of the union of a man and woman. Oklahoma lawmakers are saying if you change the meaning of marriage in our state we will not sanction it with our approval. Instead, we will give our people more freedom by getting government out of this realm altogether. These courageous lawmakers are to be commended. Rah, rah for the Sooner state!<br />
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One of the largest encroachments to freedom in our lifetime is the recently enacted so-called "Affordable Care Act." It looks like more people are realising the mistake this law is. In Oklahoma there is legislation being introduced to <a href="http://blog.tenthamendmentcenter.com/2014/01/oklahoma-bill-would-virtually-nullify-obamacare/" target="_blank">nullify this law from being enforced in that state</a>. Here's an example to the other states!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mwMTPMgcPcaZRTwX_PIMVjuDn929vNV3JNIINdrHcfy1bVOnbFq-qFyaNFcAX0UdI6yh0Hb3eLqaDkNGdQ1ACjSIhe2F69oaNgAYXE0oRiYrtOPiRNSskMO1gRcpNIeaWc_gTIG1hmg/s1600/Oklahoma_monument.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mwMTPMgcPcaZRTwX_PIMVjuDn929vNV3JNIINdrHcfy1bVOnbFq-qFyaNFcAX0UdI6yh0Hb3eLqaDkNGdQ1ACjSIhe2F69oaNgAYXE0oRiYrtOPiRNSskMO1gRcpNIeaWc_gTIG1hmg/s1600/Oklahoma_monument.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a> Many in Oklahoma recognise that their freedom comes from God. At the state capital, a monument was recently set up that prominently displays the Ten Commandments of God. There have been challenges to this. It seems these challenges come from people outside of OK.... people from NY. This group claims that they worship Satan and believe that their <a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2014/jan/08/nation/la-na-nn-satanic-monument-oklahoma-20140107" target="_blank">bizarre statue of Satan</a> has as much right to be at the state capital as a monument that recognises where just law and freedom come from. Once again, the media has emphasized a false premise that all religions are equal. This is obviously not what the founders of America had in mind. You don't see in the Declaration of Independence any need to acknowledge Satan after it acknowledges God as the giver of unalienable rights. This is because absolute truth was still recognised.</div>
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Oklahoma has become a lightning rod for a lot of these issues because of not following in the same rate the decadent flow that is taking place. It is not an accident, and I think I know the reason for this. Our family receives a publication from an electric company in OK. In one issue it gave information about the lawmakers in OK. It was an eye opener for me. Often the schools these lawmakers came from were Bible schools. Many of them have positions in their churches. It is as if it is recognised by the people that their representatives are more fit for public office if they serve their church. There are people there that are a God fearing people. When people fear God there is a natural respect for private property. This spells: FREEDOM.<br />
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What I've written here could look like a comparison of NY vs. OK. It's more than that. It's a picture of what we could be in NY for the better. I live in NY. I've tasted OK. I'd like everyone from every state to get a taste of what freedom is. I think if freedom could be tasted and seen more clearly that more people will seek to better the plot of ground they are on....or maybe pull up their stakes and head to a place like Oklahoma.<br />
Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13127278340704108658noreply@blogger.com9