Christian Alternative to MySpace

Today I picked up the May edition of the Birmingham Christian Family publication at our local WalMart. While thumbing through it's pages, I found a faith-based networking site created by two Chattanooga residents. Greg Thomas and Ralph Russ wanted to create a Christian alternative to social websites that attract our teens, and sometimes having questionable content.

JCFaith.com was started one year ago and advertised as clean, safe, and enriching, and it's monitored by Christian adults and pastors. Any messages or photos that are questionable that pop up are quickly deleted. The users are encouraged to get involved in the Saturday chat room prayer groups and Bible studies. The site offers Bible resources, music downloads, blogs and both fun and faith-based polls.

Thomas and Russ originally started JCFaith.com for the youth, but they have found that 50% of the members are 25 or older. In just one year, it has grown to over 10,000 people from all over the world. This ranks it in the top three networking sites in existence.

Linked at Church and State
Conservative Cat
Basil's Blog
Pursuing Holiness
Woman Honor Thyself

Technorati Tags: JCFaith.com, MySpace, Christian, Chattanooga, Bible, Networking

Control your child's Online activity with BeNetSafe

Face it; children love the computer. They love the Internet because it is fascinating and holds lots of interests for them. But, all those interests aren't healthy for our children. Some of the social activities around the Web are some of those.

With a BeNetSafe account, you can track the accounts your children have on the Internet, even if they tell you they don't have one. Some of the places children go are MySpace, Xanga, and Friendster. Children will go to other homes and get on the Internet. But, never fear; BeNetSafe works no matter where they log on.

The only bad thing is BeNetSafe only tracks down information on MySpace, Xanga, and Friendster. But, this is a start. The cost is $19.95 a month or $75.95 per year.

BOTTOM LINE: BeNetSafe is a one-trick pony, but it's good at what it does. If your child has a MySpace, Xanga or Friendster page, BeNetSafe will find it and flag specific problems. And it offers resources to help your teen understand online safety.

PROS: Finds your child's social-networking pages by matching personal information you supply. Warns of problems such as too-personal information made public. No local installation needed.

CONS: Only searches MySpace, Xanga, Friendster. Can't protect against inappropriate e-mail or IM contact. Limited ability to flag dangerous content. Some minor bugs in reporting.

COMPANY: BeNetSafe LLC

Linked at Conservative Cat
Don Surber
Woman Honor Thyself

Technorati Tags: BeNetSafe, Internet, Child, MySpace, Xanga, Friendster

Check your child's MySpace

Hopefully, most parents keep up with their child's account on MySpace. I know my daughter does for 4 children. She is sitting there with them. But, one father got some unexpected news when he read his son's MySpace!

A father in Knoxville, TN, read his son's MySpace and discovered his 14 year old son was involved with marijuana and OxyContin - buying and selling these drugs. So, he took extreme action. He made up a sign that said "I abused and sold drugs." His son wore this while standing in front of the Cedar Bluff Middle School. To some, this may seem to be abuse, but I think, in this day and time, we have to reach our children anyway we can in order to keep them alive! Too many are 'reached' by their peers and get into trouble when they are very young.

The boy told his father he had done the crime and was willing to do the punishment.

The school's principal soon came out and asked the father to call it off, which he did.

By that time the boy said he had already learned his lesson. "This is embarrassing. I ain't going to be doing it again."

And the boy added, "Drugs are for losers. That's all I can say."

Those were the words his dad hoped to hear.

Linked at Conservative Cat
Basil's Blog

Technorati Tags:Drugs, Marijuana, OxyContin, MySpace

Tuesday morning around the blogosphere

While visiting around the blogosphere this morning, I found some good reads!

• Venezuela under Socialism - An interview with Manny Lopez
• Cao's Blog - Hugo Chavez and Venezuela
  
• Mr. Spitzer and gay marriage
  
• After massacre, worshipers ask God, "Why?"
• La Shawn Barber's Corner - Speak No Truth

Technorati Tags: Blogosphere, Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, Spitzer, Gay Marriage, Massacre, Worshipers, God, Truth

Bible distributors' throats slit

Three men who distribute bibles in Turkey were killed by 5 extremists. The men worked at Zirve Publishing House in the central city of Malatya. There was one German and two Turks.

Police detained four men, ages 19 to 20, and a fifth suspect was hospitalized with serious injuries after jumping out of a window to try to escape arrest, authorities said. All five were carrying a letter that read: “We five are brothers. We are going to our deaths,” according to the state-run Anatolia news agency.

Turkey is mainly a Muslim, but secular country. These men had been accused of proselytizing. The general manager of Zirve's says the employees were recently threatened.

Read the Daily Herald for the entire article.

Linked at Third World County
Conservative Cat
Pursuing Holiness

Technorati Tags: Bible Distributors, Bibles, Turkey, Malatya, German, Turks, Zirve, Muslim

Gideons revisited

A representative from the Gideons' organization visited our church again today. We were so happy to welcome him. When he spoke, you knew he was very compassionate about his work to get a Bible into the hands of those less fortunate that those of us who can buy one.

• The Gideons
• Gideons arrested for handing out Bibles in Florida

Update on the arrest of the two Gideons in Florida:

• Gideons battling second round of charges

Technorati Tags: Gideons, Bibles, Florida, Arrest

Employee dismissed for hanging picture of Crucifixion

Pictures were allowed to be hung on the walls of the cubicles of each employee of Barclays, a global financial service provider. But, when Chris Romansky chose to add a picture of the Crucifixion of Jesus just before Easter, he found it was inappropriate. Although he had a cross hanging on his wall, it had never been complained about. But, the company said that the picture was offensive to some, and they complained, so they laid the picture face down on his desk. Chris found it when he came into work and rehung it. But, he was asked to remove it. When he questioned about it, he was dismissed for 'insubordination'.

The manager called him into her office. "She told me people were offended, and she told me anything with Jesus and God can't be up," Romansky told WND.

The manager told him to leave the building. "She took copies of the pictures," he said.

Several conversations with managers and the human resources department followed, Romansky said.

"She [the manager] then called me and told me they're going to have to let me go," he said. He said he'd never even been "corrected" before by the company, and she responded that he was being dismissed for insubordination.

Technorati Tags: Barclay's, Dismissed, Insubordination

A little child shall lead them

This young girl is gifted! I love to oil paint, but she has talent that can't be learned at her young age of 12.

HT: Sprucegoose

Technorati Tags: Artist, Child Artist, Gifted

I do....but I don't

Senator Harry Reid, top Democrat in the Senate, seems to or perhaps he seems not to - be against the ban of the partial birth abortion.

Senator Reid voted for the ban of partial birth abortion. But, seems he had different words to say when the ban was upheld by the Supreme Court Justices.

After news of the ruling became public Reid told the media at a press conference, "I would only say that this isn't the only decision a lot of us wish that Alito weren't there and O'Connor were there."

Pro-life groups thought he was flip-flopping and they blasted him for it.

In a statement sent to LifeNews.com, Wendy Wright, the president of Concerned Women for America, said that "Denouncing a Supreme Court Justice for upholding a law that Sen. Reid voted for reveals Sen. Reid's true beliefs and sneaky tactics."

"Reid voted for the partial-birth abortion ban, yet he also voted for amendments that would have gutted the ban," she explained.

She pointed out what numerous pro-life groups have said -- that Reid, who formerly was a strong pro-life advocate, has shifted his position to try to have it both ways.

"His statement that he would rather have a justice on the Court who overturned the ban than a justice who upheld it reveals his modus operandi -- act one way in actions that voters will see, yet vigorously work to ensure the opposite is the final result," Wright added.

Senator Reid says he supports the decision of the courts. His spokesman tried to say that, although he supports the decision, he doesn't agree with all issues with Justices Roberts and Altio, and 'that's why he didn't agree with their confirmation'. But, the news conference clearly focused on the upholding of the ban of partial birth abortion.

"Sen. Reid's comment reveals a sly ploy of some politicians -- portraying themselves as pro-life to the folks back home, but working for opposite results when in D.C," Wright concluded.

Linked at Church and State
Conservative Cat
Don Surber
Basil's Blog

Technorati Tags: Partial Birth Abortion, Partial Birth Abortion Ban, Senator Harry Reid, Democrats, Supreme Court, Justice Roberts, Justice Alito

13 Things I wish would change

13 Things I wish would change

1. People’s thinking on a few things – gun control, for instance, and that it’s the GUNS that cause the problems. No amount of gun control is going keep a criminal of using a gun, if they are going to commit a crime. Criminals will get guns when those of us who are law-abiding citizens could not.
   
2. Political Correctness – which is soon going to make it a crime to say anything derogatory against anyone or anything. Free speech is almost gone from our society.
3. The teaching of diversity sex education in any school!
4. The slower speed limit across town because of the many wrecks caused by big rigs carrying rolls of metal. Speed isn’t causing them to lose their load; the placement of the load on the flatbed is the problem. Make it mandatory to have the correct flatbeds to keep the rolls on the rig.
5. The ability of insurance companies to rip their clients off!
6. Age-discrimination against the older generation at work.
7. People in prison who have been found to be innocent to be able to get retribution when they come out. Most of them have lives that were ruined because of imprisonment.
   
8. For people to quit downing the war, even if they feel they have a legitimate reason. It doesn’t help the morale of those soldiers in Iraq or those going there in the future; After all, these men and women have gone in to fight for our country and don’t need to hear the negativism from back home.
   
9. The price of gas to come down and stay down!
10. Our federal taxes go to a flat tax which would be fair to everyone.
11. Every child to want to read and love it! Reading has always been an interest to me and I encouraged my children to read as much as they could. A child does not know what he/she is missing, if they have no interest in reading.
12. Government to get out of our lives!
13. Everyone to come to know the love of God.
    

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!

Thursday Thirteen Participants

1. BecK 2. Charles 3. Joan 4. she 5. Thomma Lyn 6. Lisa 7. Susan Helene Gottfried 8. Jen 9. This Eclectic Life 10. Wacky Mommy 11. L-Squared 12. KarenW

13. Heather Rae Scott 14. Gattina 15. YellowRose 16. Damozel 17. Tink 18. Di 19. Tilly Greene 20. lulu 21. Donna 22. Jane 23. Shannon 24. Mama Duck

25. Dragonheart 26. Coco 27. Lori 28. Rebecca 29. samulli 30. Barbara H. 31. Janet 32. Cindy Swanson 33. gem 34. mar

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Tragedy at Virginia Tech

Update: Weds April 18, 4PMCDST - NBC recieved a package sent by Cho Seung-Hui, apparently between shootings. (told in news conference on Fox News)

Update: The shooter has been identified as 23 year old Cho Seung-Hui, a Korean and English major at Virginia Tech.

Up until my husband came home, I had not turned on the Fox News. And, this is certainly not the norm for me, when I usually watch the news most of the day. But, today,for some reason, my television never got tuned into Fox News, that is, until my husband said to me, "What did you think of the killings?". I wanted to know what he was talking about. And, he explained that some guy had shot so many students on the campus of Virginia Tech and more were injured.

As of now, there are 33 dead, including the shooter, who shot himself, and 13 more are in the hospital, possibly critically injured. We have no idea what was in the mind of this person. We don't know if he had something against someone on the campus, or had a hatred for the campus itself. We may never know his motive, but we do know it was one of destruction, killing, and upsetting the lives of 26,000 students. Those students will have this embedded in their minds for the rest of their life, and they did not deserve this.

There is really no way to know what another person might do on any given day. But, there should be some warning sign that a person is having a problem. But, we don't even know the identity of this person. Bill O'Reilly just announced this young 23 year old man was a Chinese nationalist that arrived on campus a year ago. But we don't know his name. For those families who lost a child, I pray the many questions they are going to have can be answered by the authorities - that they will be able to piece together the reason for this tragedy.

KOIN News 6 for local news - Campus Massacre
Blue Star Chronicles also has a good post on the tragedies, with some pictures.

The students at Virginia Tech need our prayers, as do the families of the victims. This is not something they will forget so quickly, and will most likely have a big impact on their future lives.

Linked at Conservative Cat
Pursuing Holiness
Don Surber

Technorati Tags: Virginia Tech, Massacre, Tragedy, Death, Prayer

Honesty is the best policy

When I was growing up, we were taught to be honest. And, if our parents found out we had not been honest, then we had to deal with the consequences. I’ve found it’s much easier to be honest and tell the truth, than to have to try and remember who you told what at any given time. It is also easier to be honest in your dealings than have to deal with the people who find you have been less than honest.

I have come across people who say a ‘little white lie’ hurts nobody. I have to say there is no difference in a ‘little white lie’ or any other lie. All lies are just that – lies. No good or bad ones – not white or black – just lies. I figure, if you will lie about one thing, then you will probably lie about another, and how can you be trusted, if I find you have lied about something.

• Proverbs 12:19, "The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment."
• Matthew 12:34, "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh."
  

We should never be afraid to tell the truth, even if it hurts. But, we should do it in love, not for revenge or hatefulness.

• Galatians 4:16, "Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?"

The Bible tells us that, when we come to know Christ, we should put off the old man, the old conversations, and put on the new man.

• Ephesians 4:25, "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another."

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is:

• Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

If we follow that advice, we should want to be truthful and honest in all our conversations and dealings with others.

Technorati Tags: Honesty, Bible, Consequences

Seed Planting Blog Award

Tonight, I found I had been the recipient of the Seed Planting Blog award from Jay Adkins. Then Stacy Harp, of Active Christian Media, nominated me. I appreciate the award very much, and want to pass it on to those I feel deserve it, as well.

Jay started the award and was the first to nominate me. My nominees can go to his blog and find the award and the rules. Do participate and award those you think have planted seeds for the Kingdom on their blogs.

My nominees for this award are:

1. Adrian's Blog
   
2. Pursuing Holiness
3. Cerulean Sanctum
4. Neil's Notes
5. Adam's Blog
6. In The Outer
7. See Through Faith

Technorati Tags: Seed Planting, Blog Award

Join Christian Blogosphere Blogroll

Christian Blogosphere is a great blogroll to join, if you want to meet other Christians and check out other great Christian blogs. You can check out Michele's requirements to be added to the Christian Blogosphere blogroll. One of those is to be a member of The Truth Laid Bear. So, if you aren't a member, go out and join now.

Technorati Tags: Christian Blogosphere, Blogroll, Christian

A nation of nincompoops?

Linda Chavez says we are in her latest article.

Perhaps we are:

Shocked, shocked by shock-jock

Also read Kathleen Parker's article The Pimp 'n Ho Culture Gets Real.

Technorati Tags: Linda Chavez, Nincompoops

Converted Christian locked in cellar for 17 days

In Malabar, India, a convert to Christianity from Islam was beaten and locked up in a cellar by his brother-in-law. Maheen Sathar has been a believer in Christ for 4 years. He had been waiting on his wife to be saved so they could be baptized together. But, she was influenced by her brother. When Maheen decided to go ahead and be baptized by himself, she told her brother. He tried to take him to Saudi Arabia, give him property, etc., trying to force him to convert back to Islam. But, Maheem would not deny God, even if it meant he would be killed. So, his brother-in-law then beat Maheen, put him in the cellar, and wouldn't let his wife see him in the cellar.

Maheem would not convert back to Islam so the brother-in-law and other extremists decided to kill him. This really disturbed his wife, Muneera, so she prayed to God. She had a vision of her husband being in Heaven, but she couldn't get to him. So, she prayed for forgiveness and accepted Jesus as her Savior.

Then she called Rev. Paul Ciniraj Mohamed, the Director of the Salem Voice Ministries by telephone and told him all the details. He reached the place and met the believers first. There were very few Christian believers and all of them were converted. They prayed together and approched a politician. By his help they met a senior police officer and the police forcely released Maheen from the cellar.

Yasin and his gang were going to attack the pastor, but fellow believers got to him and hid him. Maheem and Muneera are living in another place but will have to be moved to another area in order to be safe from the gang.

"Christian persecution is increasing widely thoughout Asian and African countries. Many pastors, believers, evangelists and believers murdered, beaten and jailed. Churches vandalized. Authorities keeping silence or protecting attackers in several places. Hearing all these, many people showing their sympathy and leave it. We need prayers ; continuous prayers from the dedicated prayer warriors", Rev. Paul Ciniraj said.

Technorati Tags: Christian, Islam, Persecution, Malabar, India

Linked at Conservative Cat
Pursuing Holiness

What does MSNBC owe Jackson or Sharpton?

David Gregory, of MSNBC, spent 15 minutes, of the Imus In The Morning time slot today,discussing Imus with Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton.

Gregory brought up Jackson's use of 'hymie town', of which he had apologized. But, Jackson said there was no comparison of that, of which he apologized 24 years ago (after all Gregory didn't hear it himself) and Imus' statement on television to thousands. Well, Imus apologized, but it's not good enough for Jackson?

Jackson: "It’s not just Imus making a statement but when people like you appear on the show and Tim Russert and, and, and McCain and Harold Ford, you give, you’ve given credence to the show."

At that point, a chastened Gregory seemed to concede the point. He noted, "Reverend, it is a fair point and I take your point about my appearances on Imus and those of my colleagues as something that I and others have to think about as well." Anyone remember a time when the combative White House correspondent conceded a point to Press Secretary Tony Snow?

Jackson went on to question Gregory about how many black people are employed to be a host during the periods of 3 - 12. Gregory could only name one woman.

Jackson: "The time when MSNBC shows come on, when the Wolf Blitzers come on, when the, uh, the Chris Matthews come on, I'm saying there is too much cultural isolation in the media. It should be more diverse and that's my basic appeal. We meet with officials today. We gonna talk about the employment categories, talk about hosts, and producers and content and supply diversity, All these things matter. You look at the, the, the weekly shows, the, the ‘Face the Nation,’ the ‘Meet the Press’ shows."

Gregory also questioned Sharpton about the Tawana Brawley case, of which he has questioned him on a previous show.

Gregory asked Sharpton innocuous questions such as "Why do you think NBC made the decision?" And he certainly didn’t make the point that, according to the Drudge Report, Don Imus asserted on his radio show on the same day: When will Al Sharpton apologize to the members of the Duke lacrosse team?

Again, what does MSNBC owe Jackson or Sharpton?

Linked at Conservative Cat
Basil's Blog
Don Surber

Technorati Tags: MSNBC, Imus, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson,

Breaking News on Duke Lacrosse case

The Attorney General of North Carolina has dropped ALL charges against the three accused Duke University lacrosse players. They have been found innocent of all charges because of a rush to accuse by the District Attorney Nifong. He said Nifong pushed forward with the case unchecked.

We wish Collin Finnerty, 19, of Garden City, N.Y.; Dave Evans, 23, of Bethesda, Md.; and Reade Seligmann, 20, of Essex Falls, N.J., the best in their lives. Hopefully, they will be able, in time, to put this behind them and move on and have a very healthy and fruitful life. Our prayers go out to them.

Read more about the case at La Shawn Barber's blog. She has followed this case from day one.

North Carolina Attorney General Drops all Charges

Linked at Conservative Cat
Basil's Blog
Don Surber

Technorati Tags: Lacrosse Players, North Carolina, Attorney General, Nifong,

Thursday Thirteen 29

Thirteen Things I do not like

1. Cars cutting me off in traffic – they will pass, almost hitting me, and then get right in front and start slowing down, only to make a right hand turn. Why can’t they have a little patience?
2. Having a conversation with someone, and, when someone else comes up and interrupts, the person you were talking to just dismisses your conversation and starts up one with the other person. Makes you feel a little like you are not important.
3. Seeing a ‘for sale’ ad, going to the store, and finding they don’t even have the product. Then, they refuse to give you a rain check. It was all a gimmick to get you into the store, hoping you would buy something more expensive. I usually leave the store without buying anything.
4. Having my schedule interrupted by others changing their minds, or games being cancelled, or played in another location.
5. Having something, like a car or truck, supposedly ‘fixed’, only to find they not only didn’t fix what was wrong, but tore up something else in trying to fix it. Then, they expect you to pay them for what they did!
6. Having my power cut off for work to be done – and they don’t give us a little cut in our power usage cost. After all, we have done without; why should they be paid?
7. Ordering something from an online company, and it taking forever to get it. Or, ordering from someone on Ebay, who is supposed to be honest, and then, they don’t answer emails and fail to send the product for weeks, or may not send it at all.
8. Being intentionally lied to, and the person knows I know they are lying.
9. The continuous coverage of something on TV that doesn’t mean a hill of beans to the average person. Yet, they think we need to know. Oh, I know there are people out there that strive on this kind of stuff – but enough is enough!
10. Obnoxious or distasteful ads on television.
11. That satellite/cable TV doesn’t allow the subscriber to put together their own program schedules of things they like, rather than having to pay for numerous channels we never watch – like all the music channels, and MTV.
12. That the color black comes in so many shades. You can never match something black from one designer with something from another – colors vary so much it looks tacky.
13. The barrage of words directed at President Bush and his cabinet about the way they have done their job, and that Bush needs to be impeached. It is all so ridiculous!

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!

Thursday Thirteen Participants

1. Lene 2. Susan Helene Gottfried 3. MamaToo 4. Ctina 5. Shannon 6. Jen 7. Judy 8. Wacky Mommy 9. L-Squared 10. Thomma Lyn

11. Christine 12. Xilly 13. gem 14. Gabrielle 15. Jane 16. Sonja Foust 17. Amy Ruttan 18. Kathy 19. Missy 20. Lisa

21. Raggedy 22. My Twenty Cents Keeps Moving 23. spyscribbler 24. Janet 25. delightfulduchess 26. Amy 27. Irish Church Lady 28. Dane Bramage 29. Marcia

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Living by the rules

We live life by rules, whether they are set by ourselves, or someone else who is in charge. When we work for an employer, we are expected to do things by their rules. We join the company with the knowledge that we do what they say; otherwise, we might find ourselves without a job.

Parents make rules for their children,and expect them to obey them. But, when they don't, there are usually consequences for their disobedience. It may be that they are grounded for a time, or perhaps have lots of privileges taken away from them, i.e., cell phone, automobile, computer, etc. The kids make the decision to obey or not to obey, and either grow or suffer the punishment by their parents.

And, there are rules we live by as a Christian. God knows we live in a world of secular tendencies. We find ourselves being pulled from both sides daily. But, we are expected to resist those secular tendencies and live by the commandments He has laid out within His Word.

• Matthew 22:37-40, "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

And, there are consequences, when we don't keep His commandments...

• Psalms 89:30-34, "If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments; If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments; Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips."

The secular world may write us off, or perhaps fire us from the job. But, God, in his loving kindness, will give us another chance. He may chastise His children, but he never forsakes them.

Technorati Tags: Rules, Life, God, Commandments

This Day in History

1849 - Walter Hunt patented the safety pin. He sold the rights for $100.

1912 - The British luxury liner Titanic sets off on its maiden voyage across the Atlantic Ocean; five days later it sinks after hitting an iceberg.

1925 - The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is published; it will become one of the most important novels of the 20th century.

1955 - Dr Jonas Salk successfully tests Polio vaccine

1960 - The U.S. Senate passed the Civil Rights Bill.

1974 - Golda Meir, a founder of the state of Israel, announces that she is resigning as prime minister.

Technorati Tags: History, Today, The Great Gatsby, Jonas Salk, Walter Hunt, Titantic, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Golda Meir, Civil Rights Bill

Lost and Found

Kari Mitchell was re-united with her dog, Mickey, at the Kansas City, Missouri airport on Tuesday.The Boston Terrier disappeared 4 1/2 years ago, and showed up in rural Montana.

Mitchell told the NBC affiliate the Montana animal shelter traced Mickey back to her with the help of an implanted microchip.

Technorati Tags: Boston Terrier, Montana, Missouri, Lost and Found

Guidance

I got an email to day about guidance. The email mentioned that “G” made this person think of God, then you have “U” and “I”, plus Dance. Two people cannot lead in a dance. Otherwise, you’d have no place to go, or, worse, you would be stepping on each other’s toes.

• Psalms 25:5, "Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day."

When we let Him do the leading, and we do the following, then we are less likely to stray from the path, on which He would prefer we walk. It is so easy to get in with the wrong crowd, if we lose sight of the Word, and do things that would separate us from God.

• Psalms 23:3, "He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."

In these two scriptures above, we see that, when we let God do the guiding, and we do the following, He leads us in truth and righteousness, and teaches us the truth, and restores our soul. Only God can lead us in the path of righteousness, and, when we are discontent, it leads us to an unsteady walk. Just as in dancing, we have to be willing for one to lead, we need to surrender to God and let him do the guiding in our walk with Him.

Technorati Tags: Guidance, God, Truth, Righteousness, Salvation

Thinking Blogger Award

Last Wednesday, I was surprised to find I had been ‘tagged’ by Maxine over at Nanna’s Reflections for the Thinking Blogger award. Although I had never been to Maxine’s blog or knew anything about her, evidentially, she knew about Tidbits and Treasures. I was honored to be one of her Five. I hope I can continue to give her and others reasons to keep coming back to Tidbits and Treasures. I will try and produce just five other bloggers, who, along the way , have made me stop and think in my travels on the blogosphere. I’m a little late, but maybe the links will make up for that.

1. Carol, at She Lives Carol is so lively and such a good writer, she really makes me think. I wonder where she gets all her energy for all the gigs she does, plus raising a family, and doing all the things she does. Being a little (just a little – LOL ) she makes me think I’m getting tired.
2. Cindy Swanson at Notes in the Key of Life I often find Cindy blogs about things in the past, and she makes me think about things in my past, people I’ve known and lost contact with – things I’ve always meant to and never got around to it. I just find myself giving myself a once over, when I visit her refreshing blog. She’s one of us!
3. Lyn Perry of Thought Renewal I came to know Lyn through his Bloggin Outloud blog. Thought Renewal does just that- makes your renew your thinking!
4. Polly Boyette at Life is a Buffet Polly is an author. Her writing is funny, but I find myself learning from the life experiences she has written about.
   
5. Jay Adkins - makes me think lots! He hit the jackpot with his post entitled Let Jesus Be your Red Bull Been there, done that (let circumstances keep me from church), and you feel worse afterwards.
   

And, I can’t leave out Tom at Thinking Christian - although he has already been tagged. But, he makes anyone think.

• If you wish to participate in this Meme, after, and only after being tagged, link to 5 blogs that make you really think.
• Link to the Thinking Blog so everyone will know the origin of this award
• Optional: Display the award, which can be found at Thinking Blog
  

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Thursday Thirteen #28

Things of which I'd love to have 13!

1. 13 pairs of all the colors of hose I wear. I’m forever running my finger through a pair at the last moment. Also, I usually tear a pair up when I wear a particular pair of high heels!
2. 13 pair of black slacks in the kind I wear all the time. I’m tall, and apparently, the manufacturers choose not to make tall slacks in too many choices of color like they once did. AND, I do love black. I tell everyone I wear black, THEN, I change to BLACK – joke!
3. 13 good books to read – I’m almost there. I review books, but I’ve also bought several myself, and 4 on the way,
4. 13 ways to say nicely that I don’t like certain music that is played at church.
5. 13 soft pairs of walking shoes. I go between 2 pair, brown and black. I need a dressier pair for slacks and suits.
6. 13 Purses to go with each pair in the right color – easily changeable to the next one! I usually take around one purse, regardless of what I am wearing. I hate to change things over.
7. CLOSETS! You never have enough, regardless of how many you put in a new home! IF I could build mine over, I would have one BIG room just for clothes!! I get tired of changing clothes from one closet to another during different seasons.
8. 13 tickets to a great live show – I’d take the 10 in our family and 3 close friends. Or, that might work out to be the two teenagers girlfriend/boyfriend and ONE of my close friends.
9. Trips I could get my husband to go on, starting with a trip to the mountains, and then to The Biltmore house.
10. 13 pots of spring/summer flowers to set out. My yard and patio looks so blank right now.
    
11. 13 cards for my husband’s new camera, for when he loses another one! He has lost a 2G two times. He found it the first time. I found it last night – right where he put it and had already looked 2 times. I told him he’d never get rid of me, considering I could go behind him and find almost anything he misplaced. I got a hug!
12. 13 tickets to a big lottery – I never buy them, but perhaps the 13th one would be my lucky charm!  We could use it for our grandkids.
13. 13 more ideas for another Thursday Thirteen

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!

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Using Church for political gain

I've been under the impression that there is, according to some politicians, a separation of state and church. Therefore, you don't mention religion within any form of government function, or use religion to get ahead.

But, some politicians lose sight of the 'separation of church and state' stance they say is in the Constitution (which it is not). The following quote, taken from the First Amendment, is mis-interpreted.

• "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

If it is 'convenient' for their purposes, politicians fall back on God to give them support. Cases in point:

1. Gov. Rod Blagojevich of Illinois: "Budget puts me on the side of the Lord.

   This is Armaggedon, and we are on the side of the Lord.", Blagojevich replied.

2. Barack Obama - Speaks at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Sioux City, Iowa

   Obama challenged the congregation to get involved in the race for the White House, regardless of which candidate they support. "I want you to be involved in this election...there is too much at stake", he said. "This is your country and we shouldn't settle for less. We shouldn't settle for a situation in which it only works for a lucky few."

   
   
3. Hillary Clinton - Speaks at Wesley African Methodist Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas.
   

Speaking at a breakfast meeting before going to the church she had the following to say:

Criticizing the Bush administration on a range of issues, the New York senator said she would create a universal pre-kindergarten program, provide health care for all Americans and generate jobs.

I have only had time this morning to run these three candidates down. I am sure there are more than these going to Church to speak to advance their candidacy. I would think, if they really did view separation and state the way they do for everyone, then, they themselves would think twice before getting up before a congregation to speak about anything. But, then, I'm only another voice in blogosphere who thinks you should live by what you preach.

Linked at Conservative Cat
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Stuck on Stupid

Technorati Tags: Church, Politicians, Politics, Separation of Church and State, God, Religion

Passover Seder dinner

I am not Jewish and had never participated in a Seder dinner until last night. A Messianic Christian couple came to our church and put on a Seder for us last night. We learned how to prepare for the dinner, the customs of the Jewish people, and what the Passover Seder was all about. The lady also had special Seder plates that were placed in the middle of the tables,holding all the necessary symbolic items.

If you ever have the privilege of attending a Seder meal, I would encourage you to do so. Just prepare for a longer dinner than your usual dinner meal. You will learn lots of things that perhaps you never knew. The week of Passover is 8 days and ends on Easter Sunday or Resurrection Sunday, as lots like to call Easter Sunday.

You can go to this web site and learn all about having a Passover Dinner for a Christian congregation.

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Technorati Tags: Passover, Seder, Christian, Messianic, Easter

No room for a Savior

2000 years ago, a Savior was born. God sent his only begotten Son to earth. He would live a life as we do, but would be crucified on a cross, being punished for sins he never committed. But, through his death and resurrection, we have been given a chance to reign with him one day, if we accept that free gift of grace through faith. Salvation is ours, if we want it.

Back then, there was no room at the Inn for Mary and Joseph when it came time for her to give birth. They were not treated as royalty. And, Joseph had a dream where the Lord sent an angel to him, and told him to get Mary and Jesus out of Bethlehem because King Herod was going to try and destroy him. So, again, they had to leave their home to protect our future Savior, until they heard the King was dead. Upon his death, they could again return to their home without worry.

This week, we are celebrating Passover. Easter, which many celebrate as Resurrection Sunday, comes next Sunday. That is the day that Jesus arose from the grave. But, so much has happened in the world since that day.

We have His Word in the form of the Bible. But, there are many trying to say the Bible is only another book of fiction – ‘nice stories, but truly fiction’. For, why would a ‘loving God’, as He is portrayed in scripture, let people die and not heal them all? Why would he let little children suffer, and babies be aborted? How could He stay quiet when thousands of people were killed in one morning? Where was He?

And, as Easter approaches, we have a man trying to prove that the tomb of Jesus was found with the bones of Jesus and ‘his supposed wife’, along with others. Those of us who hold that the Word of God is truth, know this could not be true, since the Word says he was crucified, laid in a tomb, and 3 days later, he was gone, with only the grave clothes remaining. And, according to the Word, Jesus was never married. He worked as a carpenter for 30 years and then began his public ministry, in which he stayed until he was crucified at the age of 33.

• Matthew 28:6, "He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay."

Then there is the 'return of the secret Mark Gospel'. The debate begins again!

Ho-hum, you say? Isn’t it simply Easter season, when fresh Gnostic gospels or dubious ossuaries show up like spring daffodils?

Christianity is being ‘railroaded out of town’ by those that stick to ‘separation of church and state’. Christian clubs have to fight in order to be able to hold meetings in school. Children are told not to pray at school.

Author David Limbaugh, in “Persecution: How Liberals are Waging War Against Christians,” wrote how a judge threatened public school students, back in 1995, with arrest and incarceration for six months if they mentioned the name of Jesus.

Remember how protestors were allowed to paint the Capitol steps by the Capitol police? But, Christians are not allowed to kneel and pray.

The Christian Defense Coalition was sponsoring a public celebration of The Stations of the Cross when they were ordered to leave a public sidewalk in front of the Library of Congress while they were kneeling in prayer.

The group had been granted a permit by the United States Capitol Police and they were not blocking pedestrian traffic on the public sidewalk.

More and more, Christians are treated as though our faith is something of which we should be ashamed. Our mouths are being shut while perversion is being shown all over the television, allowed to be shown in art displays, and it is taking place on our public streets. Yet, the Christian population is the one that is being told they are wrong.

Just as it happened 2000 years ago, it’s happening today. People are too busy to bother with Jesus. Some feel that they live a ‘good life’ and they don’t need a ‘Savior’ to keep them straight. Life is supposed to be lived, not ‘depressed’, as some would see a life of holiness – living for the Lord.

As we approach Easter (Resurrection Sunday), it is my prayer that eyes will be opened to the real truth, that ears will hear what is being said, and lives will be changed. Too much is happening in the world today to shove the Word on a back shelf and not realize that the day of Jesus’ return is quickly approaching.

• Luke 21:28, "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."

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Technorati Tags: Savior, Easter, Jesus, Salvation, Resurrection, Redemptin, Bible, Grace

Tucson man in Nicaragua prison

27 year old Eric Volz, from Tucson, is in prison after being convicted of murdering his x-girlfriend in Nicaragua. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison. He had been living in Nicaragua for about 2 years when he was arrested.

Many people believe he is innocent. He had an alibi and 10 witnesses, but that was all ignored. His attorneys are appealing the conviction, but he is still in prison.

It's believed by some that he was arrested because he is an American. He is the publisher of a bilingual magazine called El Puente Magazine.

HT: Stacy Harp

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Technorati Tag: Eric Volz, Nicaragua, Prison, Murder