Hidden Secrets: Movie Review

Hidden Secrets
Produced by Pure Flix Entertainment

When I agreed to review this movie, I was unsure of exactly how to accomplish the goal without telling the 'story'. As I watched the movie tonight, I realized that the way we live and present ourselves as Christians has a profound affect on others, whether it be good or bad.

I found myself identifying with a few of the characters and wishing one would just go away. But, as the movie progressed, I found that love really does win out, when you keep your faith aligned with the Word. This is one of the most touching films I have seen, and I was very moved by the story line and surprised at some of the revelations. I would recommend that all who profess to be Christians to see this movie and take a friend!

This movie was given to me by Pure Flix for review, through Active Christian Media for which I am a reviewer.

Technorati Tags: Hidden Secrets, Movie, Christians

Shoes For The Spirit: Book Review

Shoes For The Spirit: Encouragements
Author: Tamra Nashman, L.M., M.A.
Publisher: Brentwood Christian Press
Columbus, GA
ISBN: 1-59581-117-6

God’s desire is for all people to walk by faith, placing their absolute trust in his benevolence and ability to direct their lives on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis. His greatest wish is to be in close communion with his creation, and he has authorized the perfect plan to accomplish this goal, accessible and available to all.

For those who need encouragement in any walk of life will find it in ‘Shoes For The Spirit’. The author has written about her own experiences along with those of others to help show how God works through the lives of Christians. Whether it be a with family, friends, children, or perhaps anger, stress, death, or fear, you will find many related stories throughout the book. Tamra uses scripture with each story to show how the God of the Bible worked in the Word and still works the same way in the lives of Christians today.

If you are experiencing difficulties or need encouragement in your walk with the Lord, then I recommend you read this book. You may find yourself identifying with one or more of the stories. You will find how each person came to realize how God helped them each through their life’s problem. Just as you like to have a pair of shoes that fit your feet and never hurt, this book can be the ‘shoes’ to your spirit, encouraging you in the Word, which will never let you down.

Tamra Nashman is a wife and mother of two children. She is an educator and has a Masters Degree in Music and B.A. in Fine Arts. She has also taught on the college level, is a licensed minister and gifted speaker.

My name is Barbara Sanders, a wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker. This book was given to me for review by the publisher through Stacy Harp of Active Christian Media.

Technorati Tags: Book Review, Tamra Nashman, Spirit, Christians, Encouragement

Thursday Thirteen #27

13 of my favorite Bible verses

1. Psalms 23:1, " The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."
2. John 1:1, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
3. Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
4. Matthew 6:33, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
5. Nehemiah 8:10, "Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
6. James 5:16, "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
7. 3 John 1:2, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
8. Romans 12:2, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
9. James 1:4, "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
10. The whole book of ESTHER – the life of Esther is so wonderful to read.

Esther appears in the Bible as a "woman of deep piety, faith, courage, patriotism, and caution, combined with resolution; a dutiful daughter to her adopted father, docile and obedient to his counsels, and anxious to share the king's favour with him for the good of the Jewish people. There must have been a singular grace and charm in her aspect and manners, since 'she obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her' (Esther 2:15). That she was raised up as an instrument in the hand of God to avert the destruction of the Jewish people, and to afford them protection and forward their wealth and peace in their captivity, is also manifest from the Scripture account." - Matthew Henry Commentary.

11. Ephesians 6:12, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
12. 1 Corinthians 13:1, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal."
13. 1 Corinthians 13:13, "And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."

And, one for the road: 1 John 4:8, "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants


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Wednesday around the blogosphere

• A Rabbi's warning to U.S. Christians

Without a vibrant and vital Christianity, America is doomed, and without America, the West is doomed.

• Ohio Governor scorns abstinence program

The pro-abortion governor of Ohio says public school students in his state do not need abstinence-until-marriage education programs. Democratic Governor Ted Strickland has proposed a new budget that would eliminate the $500,000 the state spends annually on abstinence-based sex education.

• Youth Pastor: Parents, not churches, should raise teens

A youth pastor from Illinois says too many parents are giving spiritual custody of their children to the church.

• 'Equality Ride' to visit George Fox April 5 over stance on gays

The stated purpose of Soulforce is “freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance."

• Christian fired for sharing God

Escobar was directed to stop speaking about her faith, even during breaks and after work hours.

Also, the university ordered her to sign a document admitting she had "an inability to separate her religious beliefs from her role" as an intern.

Linked at Conservative Cat
Blue Star Chronicles

Technorati Tags: Christians, Abstinence, Church, Parents, Teens, Soulforce. Equality Ride

Tony Snows' Cancer spreads to liver

Tony Snow, White House Press Secretary, underwent surgery on Monday to remove a small growth in his abdomen which had been monitored since September. No tests had revealed any return of the cancer he had back in 2005 until Monday. During the surgery, surgeons found that the cancer had spread and metastasized to his liver.

Tony has been upbeat about his recovery from surgery. He is determined to beat this once again.

On the floor of the House of Representatives, Congressman Roy Blunt, R-Mo., said, "I've known Tony, we've all known Tony, for a long time and my belief is if anybody has the stamina and the fortitude and the positive nature to deal with this challenge, he has it," Blunt, who has also battled cancer, said.

He and his family are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Linked at Conservative Cat
Don Surber
Adam's Blog Mid-week Trackback

Technorati Tags: Tony Snow, Cancer, Liver, Metastasized

Bill Maher on the attack again

Or,perhaps I should say 'still on the attack'. Seems he has a never ending dialogue on the wrongs he feels President Bush and his administration have done. But, his diatribe has gotten more offensive than actually spouting truth, of which I think he knows nothing about.

Noel Sheppard at NewsBusters has a write up on Maher. He believes that Maher may becoming the Rosie McDonnell of Cable TV.

The March 23 installment certainly suggested so, with the unabashed and unashamed host leading a herd of disgruntled liberals to slaughter conservatives much as Rosie now despicably does on almost a daily basis. In fact, Maher began this most recent episode with a monologue featuring ten out of eleven jokes about Bush, his family, the Administration, and seemingly any politician with an “R” next to his name.

To read the entire article, go over to NewBusters.

Linked at Conservative Cat
Don Surber
Blue Star Chronicles

Technorati Tags: Bill Maher, President Bush, Jokes, Attack

ThursdayThirteen #26

Things I have done this past week

1. Had problems with Firefox and my blog. Turns out, the problem was with the cache in Firefox. I spent days aggravated at the wrong thing!
2. Took my son's advice to clear the cache and my problem solved itself. My site would not load the front page. Had to go through a back door to even get it. And, certain graphics were not loading. Now, it's fine! Thanks to my son.
3. Took my Mother shopping for her birthday gift. I finally bought her a beautiful jacket at Parisian's.
4. Took Mother out to eat at Fire Mountain. She really enjoys this, and especially getting out of the house, since she only drives to Church or to the Post Office.
   
5. Did my Mother's hair on Friday for her to supposedly go out to eat on Saturday with my brother.
6. Went to my Mother's 90th surprise birthday party at the local community center in her hometown. She was very surprised. Lots of people showed up.
7. Saw many people I hadn't seen in years, including some kinfolks.
8. Went to the wedding of a young girl I have known all her life at our church in the evening. Beautiful bride.
9. Helped clean up the church after the activities were over.
10. My husband took me out to eat Saturday night after the long day. Really enjoyed the barbecue dinner.
11. Attended church on Sunday and went with my husband to Office Max to buy him a new hard drive for his computer.
12. Downloaded the many pictures taken of my two oldest grandchildren before they went to the Jr/Sr Prom. My daughter had to send them from Kodak, and it took for ages for them to arrive at our mailbox.
    
13. Picked up my daughter's youngest son on Tuesday morning. This is Spring break for his school, and he's staying until Friday afternoon. His brother just older than him just got back from Florida with friends today. His older brother and sister are both in Florida until Sunday. He has spent a week in Florida the past two summers, and they stayed home. So, he stayed home this week and came to Papa and Nanny's.

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants


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NOTE: Somehow comments got turned off on this post last night. I just found out at 2PM today. Sorry!

Oregon teacher fired after Bible references

And, Dan Harrison, father of a student at Sisters, Oregon school where the teacher taught, asked, "How many minds did he pollute?"

Chris Helpinstine, 27, was a part-time high school biology teacher. He had included Biblical reference material in their study in order to show bias in study material. He was teaching them critical thinking.

"Critical thinking is vital to scientific inquiry," said Helphinstine, who has a master's degree in science from Oregon State. "My whole purpose was to give accurate information and to get them thinking."

Helphinstine said he did not teach the idea that God created the world. "I never taught creationism," he said. "I know what it is, and I went out of my way not to teach it."

John Rahm, parent of a freshman, said he daughter had come home, saying she was confused with the supplemental material Helpenstine had provided in their class. He said the "Biblical references prevented her from learning what she needed to learn."

Linked at Conservative Cat
Perri Nelson's Website Midweek Open Trackbacks

Technorati Tags: Oregon, Teacher, Bible, Biology, Critical Thinking, Sisters, Oregon

Muslim Militants in Nigeria kidnap Christian Children

The Voice of Martyrs Australia had asked for prayer for Christians in Nigeria due to the report that there has been a rise in the kidnapping of Christian boys and girls.

13-year-old Victor Udo Usen was abducted in November. A young Christian girl gave Victor's mother a tip on where he was being held in February. But, her rescue attempt failed to free her son. She had managed to get her son and drag him towards their house, but the militants overtook her and took her son away. Members of the mob told her that her son was now a Muslim. She could not understand how those militants could force her 13 year old son into a religion.

Victor’s father, Udo Usen, reportedly said he was unable to react to a distress call from his wife in time to safe his son. "I thought, if I force myself into the house of that Muslim to get my son, I will not only be placing the lives of my family at risk but also creating room for them to attack other Christians in Sokoto," Usen was quoted as saying.

Christian leaders believer the abductions are on the increase and the Nigerian government knows about it but is doing nothing to stop it. Local officials have sometimes answered the complaints, but this doesn't seem to be the norm. Nigeria has over 130 million people, over half of which is Muslim, and 40% being Christians and 10% following other beliefs.

Linked at Conservative Cat
Don Surber
Stuck on Stupid
Pursuing Holiness

Technorati Tags: Nigeria, Sokoto, Christians, Muslim, Kidnapping, Religion

Students protest porn mag trip to Mississippi State

Hugh Hefner's Playboy magazine is planning a trip to Starkville, Mississippi, in order to recruit college girls from SEC schools. They were to be there today and tomorrow. But, nearly 1,200 students signed a petition to be delivered University president Robert Fogleson, asking him and other administrators to denounce the visit from the Playboy. Jordan Graham, who helped lead the petition, said he did not want to see his school represented in the October edition of the porn magazine.

"We as students feel that it's degrading to our university," Graham says of the porn purveyor's visit. "We feel that it's degrading morally, and that it's promoting promiscuity -- not academics." In addition, says the MSU student, "we feel that it's not a true representation of [the principles upon which] Mississippi State was founded ...."

Read more at One News Now.

Linked at Conservative Cat
Mark My Words

Technorati Tags: Mississippi State, Porn, Playboy, Hugh Hefner

Firefox, Blogger, and FTP

I'm having problems with my blog again in Firefox. There are more graphics that come from my FTP site that are not appearing on the blog posts.

And, this morning, for the second time, I was unable to get to my blog from Firefox. It gave me the same message that it gave the other day - there is no file for my front page. This I don't understand, considering they all come up perfectly in Internet Explorer. I had changed from IE to Firefox because of problems, but now have to revert to it. I've been told that others are able to see all of it in Firefox.

If you are having similar problems, or know what is causing this problem, please let me know. It's frustrating to have to sit and look at a blog that doesn't have a header or even my profile picture, let alone finding more graphics that come from my FTP site are not coming up.

UPDATE: My son just suggested clearing my cache in Firefox again. Well, I did, and it works perfectly now! Thank you, son!

Linked at Conservative Cat
Don Surber

Technorati Tags: Firefox, Blogger, FTP

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Not only is today St. Patrick's Day, but it's also my Mother's 90th birthday. She is getting a surprise birthday party that she does not expect. She thinks my brother is taking her out to dinner. That will be a surprise.

AN IRISH BLESSING

May your neighbor respect you,
Trouble neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And Heaven accept you.


Technorati Tags: St. Patrick's Day, Birthday

Problems with Blogger

I've noticed lots of people, including myself, are having problems with Blogger. Mine started last night when I tired to pull it up to do a post.

Today, I have not been able to get my blog up until now. But, it is not working correctly. I can go through blogger.com and get to the dashboard and also post. But, the View Blog button will not take me to my blog front page. So, I decided to try editing a post. I clicked on the View button within that particular post and it came up. That way, I was able to get to the front page.

I've also been reading numerous blogs are having problems with their pictures. My profile picture will not load, nor will my header graphic, which is actually on my ftp site, not blogger.

Update: 4:20PM - I find that Firefox is not pulling up my profile picture and header image, but Microsoft IE is. Never had this problem in Firefox before, so don't have a clue as to why it is happening now.

Linked at Conservative Cat
The Pirate's Cove

Technorati Tags: Blog, Blogger, Blogger Problems, Pictures

How do you work in your church?

Or, more on target, should I ask "do any of us show the attributes of any of these animals?"

I just received the following in an email. I do not know the author, but what profound knowledge this person has about the 'interior' of a church!

• "Some church members are as stubborn as a Missouri mule about doing church work, but as sly as a fox in their own business deals; as busy as a bee in spreading the latest gossip, but as quiet as a mouse in spreading the gospel of Christ. Many are as blind as a bat to see the needs of others, but have eyes of a hawk to see the faults of a few. Some are as eager as a beaver about a barbecue, but as lazy as a dog about the prayer meetings. Some will roar like a lion when things do not go just to suit them, but they are as gentle as a lamb when they need the preacher of the church. Some are as noisy as a blue jay when calling on the church for advice, but as timid as a kitten about talking to the lost and as slow as a snail about visiting absentees and shut-ins. Many are night owls on Saturday nights, but "bed bugs" Sunday mornings and as scarce as hen's teeth on Wednesday nights."

There are so many animals named in that one paragraph that 'work' in a church!

1. Mule
2. Fox
3. Bee
4. Mouse
5. Bat
6. Hawk
7. Beaver
8. Dog
9. Lion
10. Lamb
11. Blue Jay
12. Kitten
13. Snail
14. Night Owl
15. Bed Bugs
16. Hen's teeth

Hopefully, none of our churches have all these animals in them. Otherwise, our church wouldn't exist. But, I'd be wrong if I said the church of today doesn't harbor some of these 'animals' amongst us. We become complacent in our every day walk and fail to pray or go to meetings other than Sunday morning, thinking that will get us through the week. I've missed on Sunday night and Wednesday night and feel like I've been out forever!

There are those that are right handy to be at the next Church outing/meal, etc., but only come on the days there is to be a big meal. And, then there are those that really want to 'run the church' and make noise if all doesn't go their way. But, they aren't quiet when they need the preacher to come visit! I've seen these things happen time and time again.

What we need in our churches today are those that are true warriors for Christ: prayer warriors, intercessors, and those not afraid to help where help is needed. Many want help, but never want to give help. I believe that it's just as important a job to be janitor for the church and clean the toilets as it is to serve on any other job. It takes the whole body to make up the true church. And the 'whole body' should be willing to do what is necessary to help the church grow both spiritually and in numbers. When we have gossipers that spread the bad news, it gets around. Nobody wants to go to a church where you have lots of 'loose tongues'.

If a church has all those 'animals' in it's congregation, perhaps the thing to do would be to corral them all up on the front row and preach the Word to them! Seriously, we need to pray for the 'health' of our church - for the people to see the light of God through the Word preached, and for the Holy Spirit to enlighten them as they read for themselves. Then, perhaps it would weed out the 'sin' in our hearts,and our church could become healthy and more on the fire for the Lord!!

Technorati Tags: Church, Church Members, Congregation, God, Holy Spirit, Bible

Will Illegal Immigrants be rewarded?

I was appalled to read what I just read in the Bradenton News. Seems illegal immigrants think they deserve an education in a place where they should not be in the first place! Why can things not be done through legal channels?

Yes,illegal immigrants are pushing for a law that would let them pay in-state tuition in order to get an education. Seems this law, named The Dream Act, would afford them an education and one day earn them citizenship.

Andres Garcia came here from Guatamala with his family through the California border from Mexico. They were fleeing war in their homeland. But, illegal is still illegal. But, apparently U.S. Reps. Lincoln and Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami, who stood with Garcia and others, think that they should be rewarded with an education and citizenship.

For more than half a decade, lawmakers have unsuccessfully introduced the "American Dream Act," but experts say this may be the year it becomes a reality.

"Congress, this year, is in the hands of leadership more inclined to pass comprehensive immigration reform than those of the past few Congresses," said the bill's co-sponsor, U.S. Rep. Howard Berman, D-Los Angeles, referring to the new Democratic majority. "The Dream Act will be included in that comprehensive legislation."

But even under the Democrats, comprehensive immigration reform for the country's estimated 11 million illegal immigrants may be too controversial to pass before the 2008 election season - making the "Dream Act," a palatable fallback plan.

The Democrats, who fear a fallout if they pass an amnesty act, will more than likely pass this Dream Act. It will give them an alternative to say that they did 'help'. If this is passed, then those eligible immigrants will be given permanent status in the US after 6 years.

Linked at Conservative Cat

Don Surber

The Liberal Wrong

Technorati Tags: Dream Act, Democrats, Illegals, Illegal Immigrants, Guatamala, Amnesty, Citizenship

Chocolate could prove to be a lifesaver

Diseases ranging from dementia to strokes could be repelled by a chemical found in chocolate. Professor Norman Hollenberg says the chemical epicatechin could be as helpful as penicillin or anaesthesia.

Dr. Hollenberg has been studying a group of Central American Indians whose diet is rich in cocoa. He sways they rarely suffer high blood pressure and have less heart disease, strokes, or cancer. These people live on isolated islands, and, when they move to the Panamanian mainland, their health changed and they were more apt to suffer from these diseases. This led them to believe their consumption of cocoa had significant impact on their health.

Analysis of death certificates showed that the Kuna, who start drinking cocoa from the moment they are weaned, were 25 times less likely to die of cancer and 13 times less likely to be killed by a stroke.

Death from heart disease was five times less common, while diabetes deaths were six times less common, according to the report in the International Journal of Medical Sciences.

Linked at Conservative Cat
Third World County

Mark My Words

Most of the chemical epicatechin has been removed from the chocolate that chocolate lovers eat. But, in the future, the plant compound may be used to develop drugs or sold as a dietary supplement. So, perhaps one day we will be able to see the effects of this chemical on our lives.

Technorati Tags: Chocolate, Epicatechin, Chemical, Drug

Scientist received death threats over global warming publication

Canadian climatologist Dr. Tim Ball has received 5 death threats because of his claim that global warming is not caused by man. Dr. Ball has come against this belief for 30 years. But these problems began when The Drudge Report posted an article he had written.

Dr. Ball's wife is very concerned about his well-being. But, he continues to have speaking engagements. The Canadian Free Press, who ran his article, thinks he needs to turn in the ISP addresses from those threats.

"Global Warming, as we think we know it, doesn't exist," Ball wrote in his Drudge pick up CFP column. "And I am not the only one trying to make people open their eyes and see the truth. But few listen, despite the fact that I was one of the first Canadian PhDs in Climatology and I have an extensive background in climatology, especially the reconstruction of past climates and the impact of climate change on human history and the human condition," Dr. Ball wrote. "Few listen, even though I have a PhD, (Doctor of Science) from the university of London, England and was a climatology professor at the University of Winnipeg. For some reason (actually for many), the World is not listening. Here is why."

"Believe it or not, Global Warming is not due to human contribution of Carbon Dioxide (CO2). This in fact is the greatest deception in the history of science."

Ball says those that have pumped lots of money into the global warming theory feel threatened.

Meanwhile, CFP staff is currently collalting the more than 2,000 emails sent to Dr. Ball and will publish the death threats with their email and IPO addresses.

Linked at Conservative Cat
Don Surber
Third World County

Technorati Tags: Global Warming, Scientist, Death Threat, Dr. Tim Ball, Canada

The Myth of Daylight Savings Time

Each Spring, we rush to run our clocks forward for one hour. And, in the Fall, we turn them back one hour. We think we are giving ourselves one more hour of daylight in the Spring. What we are truly doing is messing up our internal body clock. It makes us have to get up one hour early - usually dark, and it makes us grumpy.

Daylight savings time does nothing to the earthly time table. While we run it forward one hour, it doesn't change a thing on earth. God's timetable stays the same. The amount of hours in the day and night stay the same. The sun still comes up at the same time, although we see it as an hour earlier on our clock. The sun still goes down at the same time God meant for it to go down. "Time" changes for us, but yet stays the same.

I wish man had never come up with the idea of Daylight Savings time. I was perfectly happy getting up at the regular time. It didn't make me feel any better to have an extra hour of daylight. I guess it might make some workers happy that they are getting home a little earlier in the afternoon in the daylight. But, to me, they could have left well enough alone! Man always has to get in the middle of things and foul something up.

This morning, I sat in church during the worship service and yawned! I could have used another hour of sleep. I got up at 8AM, which was actually 7AM for me, and that's too early. I'm a night owl, and night owls like to sleep later. I had to be at church a little early this morning, and losing that hour of sleep makes that tough. But, I lived through it, and I'll continue to live thorugh it all summer. But, I do wish they would dump this Daylight Savings Time and let us get on with our lives as God planned it.

In fact, go read what Ken at Oblogatory Anecdotes has to say about Daylight Savings Time. He's convinced it causes global warming!

Linked at Church and State
Conservative Cat

Technorati Tags: Daylight Savings Time

Attitude, Reaction, Offense

I am responsible for my own well-being, for my attitude, and the response I give to others, who, in my opinion, might want to hurt or slander me. In other words, I determine the attitude I will take toward anything that is thrown my way.

We’ve heard so much about Ann Coulter and the f-word she used. If you know anything about Ann Coulter, you know she says things for reaction, and this time she got it. But, there are those that are coming out against her freedom of speech, albeit shouldn’t have been said. But, that doesn’t mean she didn’t have the right to say it.

Responsibility is becoming a lost word in our society. Doesn’t matter what one does, there always seems to be a reason he/she to take away their individual responsibility. A teenage shooter kills his classmates, and he/she is automatically either ‘insane’ or they suffered under their parents’ guidance and upbringing. A drunk driver has a wreck and hurts someone seriously, and he wants to claim he didn’t do it on purpose. Yet, his alcohol level is way beyond legal limits. Someone intentionally says things to hurt someone’s feelings and everyone who hears it know the person actually meant what he/she said. But, they adamantly disagree – “it was a joke”, or “all in fun”.

I like a scripture in the Bible that reads: Psalms 119:165, "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them."

Each of us have the ability to either be offended or not be offended; it is our choice. But, it is not right for the media and others, including conservatives, to come down hard on the head of Ann Coulter, if they are not willing to also come down on the heads of the liberals that do the same sort of thing, and perhaps worse. Cassy Fiano has an article entitled “But words will never hurt me” that everyone needs to read. When we do that, it’s like parents who will discipline the child that strays for the first time, yet they overlook the problem child that they have not had any success in turning from his/her wicked ways. Do we just sweep it under the rug when the liberals spout this same sort of thing, yet recommend that everyone disengage themselves from Ann Coulter? She uses shock language, at times, and it does get tiring at times, but I’ve heard much worse and it never gets reported or at least, not to the degree this incident did. If we treat her the way that is being recommended, why don't we round up the others who have done the same thing and treat them in the same manner?

As L. Brent Bozell, III, of the National Ledger says, it seems that the ‘media elite’ are ‘in the liberal publicity business’.

Linked at Church and State
Conservative Cat
Don Surber

Technorati Tags: Attitude, Reaction, Offense, Responsibility, Ann Coulter, Conservative, Liberal

Thursday Thirteen #25

Thirteen random things on my mind today

1. For the 8th day of March, it is beautiful outside - gorgeous sun shining through my windows. And the temperature is already up to 69 degrees at 11AM.
2. Sad morning for our neighbor, who lost his wife to cancer on Monday afternoon.
3. Our neighbor, who is only 5 mos younger than me, will be buried today. She had only quit work a few months ago after working all her life. She was the manager of a large clothing store. She only found out how sick she really was after quitting work.
4. My husband had to work and is unable to go to the funeral. We both went to the viewing last night. The funeral home was jam-packed with friends and relatives and people with whom she worked.
5. I'm trying my best to get back to regular blogging. I go for a few days posting, and then my mind goes blank. Well, actually I have lots of ideas for posts. I just can't get them in order. Don't know whether my mind is over worked or just giving into getting older. :)
6. I need to figure out what I am going to fix for dinner tonight. I would like to have something great, but I want an easy recipe for 'great'. Any suggestions?
7. I read A Chelsea Morning, and I tell you, Barb really makes me want to tend to my house more! I tell you, that girl has energy! And, she has great recipes!
   
8. I dread going to Rachel's funeral today and having to say goodbye to such a sweet person. I'll always remember her as having been the person that helped my husband buy my gifts at Christmas. She was then the manager of the Tall Department in a large store in town. He could walk in, tell her to find him some nice clothes she could wear (we were both the same size then) and she'd load him down for Christmas! Everyone loved her. One young woman she worked with told me Tuesday, at the store, that she'd never know the many lives on which she had an impact. Don't we all want to be known for that!
9. I'm sitting here writing my Thursday Thirteen when I should be either cleaning house, or getting ready to go to the funeral.
10. You can see housecleaning and funeral has my mind occupied this morning.
11. Saturday is our only granddaughter's 17th birthday. She is Captain of the Varsity Soccer team and they have a game Friday night. Hopefully, we will be able to attend.
    
12. I need to get with the plan and get out and exercise! I need to lose some weight but it's hard to exercise or walk by yourself. I'm not usually a procrastinator, but this one has me buffaloed! I'm going to have to buckle down and WALK! I need a partner.
    
13. Last thought: live life to the fullest today. We never know when it will be our last. Give of your best, love lots, and most of all hug your spouse/children every day!
    

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Lost in the 'forest'

If you are a regular around here, you’ll notice I’ve once again taken a hiatus on my blog. But, it wasn’t from wanting to, but I’ve just gotten mired down in muck – not the mud around here, but the mud coming through the news and some personal goings on. It is hard to think with your mind so cluttered with others’ thoughts.

Seems every time an election campaign starts, the mud starts flying. It took one word from Ann Coulter to get the liberals agitated. And the Republicans themselves have come unglued because of her choice of words in her speech.

Sister Tooljah has a post on liberal bloggers who have gotten away with using the very same explosive word as Ann Coulter. Wil’s Corner has googled the word and check out what he has found.

Is there a double standard for conservatives and liberals? I would think so, especially as long as we have a Republican named George Bush in the White House. Or, perhaps it is any Republican in any capacity in the government. Let a Democrat say anything negative and you never hear another Democrat come out against it. Let a Republican come out with the same thing, and you would think that they have just declared war on the universe, to hear the outcry from the lefties.

I am so tired of political correctness. I wish we could get back to honesty – not just for our kids but for all the adults who haven’t ‘grown up’ yet. Why isn’t there an outcry against all the wrongs in the world – not just a select few? We can look around and see wrongs that will never be righted. Why can’t those be worked on rather than trying to demoralize individuals? There are many on both sides that I have a problem with, but to go after the jugular is not my style. As the old saying goes, ‘it will all come out in the wash’. You need only watch their actions or lack thereof, and listen to their speeches, and you’ll soon decide who you should support in the upcoming elections. There are many Blogs out there that will keep you abreast of things these people have said or done in the past that does not coincide with what they are saying/doing now. You will soon learn who is being ‘politically correct’ for the time being, or being honest consistently. As with the colors of black and white, it’s just as easy to see through the muddy waters of a politician.

Linked at Conservative Cat
Cao's Blog Midweek OTB
Don Surber

Technorati Tags: Ann Coulter, Conservative, Liberal, Republican, Democrat, Politicians, Campaign, Election

Extreme Endurance

How many of us could stand up to extreme pain from continuous beatings because we would not deny God?

A street preacher named Shagedly Atakov was offered his freedom by the Turkmenistan President Saparmurat Niyazov in 2000, if he would recite the Muslim creed and swear allegiance to Niyazov. He refused. So the bureaucrats were determined to 'break him morally or destroy him physically'.

He had been threatened in December 1998 and was given a sentence of two years. They thought that was too lenient, so they gave him two more years. He endured many beatings that left him so sore he couldn't even have his children touching him when they visited.

In February 2001, he told his family goodbye when they visited. Although he was almost to the point of being free, he probably knew he would never have freedom if he didn't denounce God. He chose death instead of forsaking his allegiance to his Savior.

From Extreme Devotion by The Voice of the Martyrs.

Technorati Tags: Endurance, Preacher, God, Freedom, Paini

Tornados hit hard in Alabama

Weather in Alabama today has been devastating. Tornadoes have hit several places. And, we are not out of the woods yet, according to the weatherman.

Enterprise High School in South Alabama was hit by a tornado at 1:30 this afternoon. The gym is in completely destroyed. Looking at the steel structure, it looks like the wind treated it like lumber. The report is that the school itself has lots of damage. Also, the students parking lot looks like a demolition area, with cars on top of one another, with twisted metal everywhere, and windows blown out. And, the most tragic thing is the 8 deaths that have come out of that, and many more with injuries. And, they say the death toll may go higher.

Many houses were destroyed. Trees were splintered as though they were little toothpicks. It is a tragic sight to see.

Also, a tornado hit down in Wilcox County. The news has just reported that there are 5 deaths in Wilcox County, a very rural county, although this story says there was only one fatality. Hopefully, the one fatality is all there will be found, and it was at Miller's Ferry.

So many people are in need now of material things, but most of all, they need our prayers.

Linked at Conservative Cat
Don Surber
Pirate's Cove

Technorati Tags: Tornados, Enterprise, Enterprise High School, Wilcox County, Alabama, Death