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I read it. Didn't know her nor her music but I like her honesty.
"No scripture can mean that God is not love, or that his mercy is not over all his works" (John Wesley - Free Grace, 26)Post Thanks / Like - 2 Thanks, 0 LaughingRuss Sommer, Mike Schutz - "thanks" for this post
While I can appreciate her honesty, I have to wonder if she is being honest because she feels that she can do so with little or no personal cost. In any case, I would have hoped that she stayed out of christian music. This isn't a game, it is a ministry, and I don't believe that one should engage in public ministry while living in public sin.
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I know it perhaps should be a "ministry", but in reality I think it is more business. Christians with musical talent are put in front because they can sing and perform and we call it "ministry"- the church does very little to prepare, equip, and affirm a call to ministry in those people as they set out on their "Christian music careers" but we are eager to criticize when they fail.
I am not just talking about Jennifer Knapp, I am talking about the whole industry going back to Amy Grant when it was just begging to get big. It seems to me that the consumer mentality of the church has contributed greatly to the problem. While it may not be a game (because people take remissness seriously) I don't know if any of us has taken this seriously enough as a "ministry". I think the church has let these folks down as much as some of them has let us down.
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I don't mind saying it even more definitively. CCM is not a ministry. It's an industry. While the artists may have various reasons for being in the industry, the powers-that-be know that Christians are an extremely susceptible to marketing. Throw the name "Jesus" or the adjective "Christian" on it, and we'll eat it up.
The response has already been horrible toward Jennifer Knapp.
Last edited by Jeremy D. Scott; April 16th, 2010 at 07:33 AM.
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I remember her from back when her first album came out. I don't really remember any details, but I would probably recognize one or two songs if I heard them.
That's an interesting interview. Thanks for sharing it.
From the interview, it sounds like she's not doing "Christian music" or "public ministry" anymore. She's claiming only to be a musical artist who is also a Christian.
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There are a number of biblical charcters with whose lifestyles - including sexual patterns - I can't exactly comprehend. Some are pointed to as the Lord's leaders, even His chosen ones. Even Jesus' apparent sex life frankly wasn't much like my own, although I was a Christian most of my first thirty-three years. Paul's references to a celebate pattern have often been the occasion of raising my eyebrows. Often we discover that modern church leaders "carry on" for decades in ways that violate their own anounced values. I personally have known couples whose twenty-plus year mariages have never been physically consumated. Try as I might, identifying with same gender oriented Christians is difficult for me. This paragraph isn't about identifying sin: it's simply an observation that there's a wide range of stuff going on out there. That argument doesn't make sinful behavior less so. When that stuff occurs within the ranks of believers, it should diminish the level of pious platitudes. Jesus didn't condemn people with sexual lifestyles different from His own: He offered them love, forgiveness, freedom, and acceptance. We all need those, regardless of sexual lifestyle. While I personally may not be able to be comfortable with the sexual pattern Jesus exampled, his other ways of dealing with people is something we need more abundantly.
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I agree with most of what you have said here, although many "singers" will simply move around until they find a way to get out front. Churches that I have been in over the years have been careful to see this as ministry and therefore they look for a lifestyle that will support "service after the sale" for lack of better words.
So while I wholeheartedly agree that we as a church should prepare, equip and affirm in this area. We need also to be the ones to put on the brakes when this does not measure up as ministry. While christian music, and I'm including church music as well, is certainly entertainment, the main focus needs to be ministry.
And yes the consumer mentality of the church has contributed greatly to this. Funny that you should bring up Amy Grant, if I may i would add Michael English to the mix. We need to discern, we need to be selective in what we will buy or listen to. I'm not advocating going to concerts with negative banners or boycotting bookstores or anything like that. Just discernment, perhaps we have let some musicians down, should we continue?
Maybe I'm especially sensitive to this because that is my role at church. I'm the guy that leads the singing, I'm the guy that picks the songs, along with others we do it as a team. I introduce and counsel the singers who sing specials, I sing a special every other week. I need to constantly and prayerfully consider what I do as ministry, I need to take seriously the charge that what I do can affect others. If I can't do that, I need to give it up, others should heed this same warning. This needs to be ministry!
Remember that although Jesus and Paul exhibited sexual lifestyles that you and I might regard as odd, they were not sinful in any way. And you are correct Jesus dd not condemn people with lifestyles different than his own. He reserved his condemnation for religious leaders.
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Haven't we discussed this already?
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The Christian Music industry is doing more to harm the cause of Christ than almost everything else, mostly because it masquerades as something positive. It's all about sales figures and avoiding controversy. There isn't much room for depth or challenge - it's all about happy songs. Perhaps I'm jaded knowing more than a few people who've been involved in the CCM machine and come out of it with awful stories.
I am glad that Jennifer Knapp has found a place for her music and that she continues to be inspired by God. I've always liked her music and I expect I will continue to appreciate it. I wish her peace.
I appreciate this quote from the interview. - "If God expects me, in order to be a Christian, to be able to theologically justify every move that I make, I'm sorry. I'm going to be a miserable failure."
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What a delight to find we have a common ground, Jim! That's my role at church...well, some of it. Our pastor has delegated each and every single task to a variety of people so that we seldom have any coherence unless God intervenes. But mine is the face people look at and I pick about half of the songs. It is a major ministry in my eyes. I have to pray for the person who picks the other half of the music regularly. She looks for new and interesting and often has us leading the congregation in choral numbers with notes even most of our sopranos can't reach. I try to understand what our purpose is (praise and worship). There's often quite a bit of disconnect!
But while I understand that my role in church is not to perform, the reason I'm in that position is because I am a performer. I suspect there are many like me who walk that tightrope every week, trying to deny their God-given talents and abilities (to stand out front and perform) and hide behind the cross. Hiding is not necessarily in the nature of a performer! It makes Sunday the most stressful day of the week for me, and I spend the work week working with abused and neglected and otherwise mentally ill kids!
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I would like to look at some of what Knapp said in the article, not to pick apart what she says about homosexuality, but rather to look at where we might be falling short in regards to our own theology and actions. To me the articles in many ways say a lot more about us as a Christian culture than it does Knapp herself.
She both reveals the objectivity and the lack there of concerning not only her own views but also how the church has largely commented on the topic. First she categorizes homosexuality in terms of loving relationships and I am not sure the even heterosexuality quantifies as categorically loving or not. Like most things, I think how we apply our sexuality that makes them loving or not. The question then is if applying our sexuality in a homosexual way is loving to ourselves and our neighbor? Lets leave that question unanswered for the time being so that it does not obfuscate what I think is a bigger problem . How applying heterosexuality in loving to ourselves and our neighbor.What about what Scripture says on the topic?
Knapp: The Bible has literally saved my life. I find myself between a rock and a hard placebetween the conservative evangelical who uses what most people refer to as the "clobber verses" to refer to this loving relationship as an abomination, while they're eating shellfish and wearing clothes of five different fabrics, and various other Scriptures we could argue about. I'm not capable of getting into the theological argument as to whether or not we should or shouldn't allow homosexuals within our church. There's a spirit that overrides that for me, and what I've been gravitating to in Christ and why I became a Christian in the first place.
My concern is that I believe the church has oversimplified the issue of sexuality to the point that as long as it is heterosexual and within marriage it is somehow automatically loving, healthy, and holy. It is the classic case of concentrating so much on what we think loving, and healthy sexuality isnt that we almost never get around to helping people understand what it IS. The amount of relational (and related to this sexual) dysfunction of heterosexual people whom meet the technical requirement of being faithfully married in the church (and our culture) tells us that there is a BIG problem with what we are communicating as being loving relationships.
I say all this not to get homosexuality off the hook, but I think it a symptom of a much larger problem for all of us. I also think that the way we engage the issue of homosexuality can not be one that makes homosexuality somehow a bigger deal than the root of the problem in all of us a culture. I believe if we start to deal better with the core issues we will have a better foundation to deal with homosexuality.
Now some say we already have a foundation- the Bible. Yet few want to deal with the legitimate contextual arguments that Knapp points too here. She admits she isnt capable of getting into theological arguments here, but neither again are most of us. She knew enough to know that most (I dont think all) verses (which there are only a few) that mention homosexuality specifically come in the context of Jewish practice meant to create distinction among the Israelites from the ancient world we live in during the time of the Old Testament. What some take from this is a kind of cherry picking of things that people want to object too while they ignore the rest.
Knapp argues for liberty in Christ which I believe does apply, the question is how do we have liberty in Jesus in a way that doesnt just dismiss the law or cherry pick it but instead fulfills it even if it must in Christian liberty move beyond some of the technicality of it.
Most Christians are not equipped to handle these theological questions either (I feel I am just barely grasping it myself sometimes), but again it is much easier to use scripture as a way to win an argument then it is to seek for how it can and should transform our own lives and move us toward fulfilling its purpose of loving God and our neighbors as ourselves.
The first sentence here is important, and I think again emphasizes my previous point. I think we have failed to really effectively flesh out what it means to love our neighbor as ourselves. Fulfilling this is to fulfill the law and its purpose as it transcends the endless loopholes in looking at love as a legal system (even a divinely inspired one). Yes we can abuse the point of understanding how love my neighbor as myself transcends the law and perhaps we think Knapp has. On the other hand we ourselves have often become reductionist and minimalist as we retract into the law to defend our rights- looking for our liberty in the law rather than in Christ.Some argue that the feelings of homosexuality are not sinful, but only the act. What would you say?
Knapp: I'm not capable of fully debating that well. But I've always struggled as a Christian with various forms of external evidence that we are obligated to show that we are Christians. I've found no law that commands me in any way other than to love my neighbor as myself, and that love is the greatest commandment. At a certain point I find myself so handcuffed in my own faith by trying to get it rightto try and look like a Christian, to try to do the things that Christians should do, to be all of these things externallyto fake it until I get myself all handcuffed and tied up in knots as to what I was supposed to be doing there in the first place. If God expects me, in order to be a Christian, to be able to theologically justify every move that I make, I'm sorry. I'm going to be a miserable failure.
Whenever Christians asks what we are allowed to do they ask a legal question, as they seek to find out what they can get away with. If we fail to find where the Bible tells us no we go right on doing it; often without question if it is loving or best for us in honoring our God created humanity or anothers. We look for legal ways out of the problem so we can do what we want to do in the end. It does not matter if we do this by being strict with the law on one end or by believing that Christ somehow voided the law on the other, the reality is a common attitude that seeks to do what it can to get away with what we want rather than seeks love.
I say all this to point out that I believe the church needs to step up the simple teaching of seeking to love my neighbor as myself in all things. I feel that we do not adequately look to always be fleshing what this looks like out in our lives in a way that expresses righteousness that exceeds that of the Scribes and Pharisees. I believe if we did this it may help answer these difficult theological questions as we better flesh out the point of it all.
I dont think Christians have modeled loving our neighbors as ourselves to the homosexual community in our obsession of making sure we dont somehow accidentally make them think we condone homosexuality. If we can not flesh out love your neighbor as themselves in the society we share with them (or even in a heterosexual sense in our own relationships) how can we help them in sorting out how homosexuality may not be compactable with love my neighbor as myself. Again I want to resist trying to answer the question how homosexuality may fall short of love my neighbor as myself and focus instead on how we can model it better. I just honestly think that we need to work on removing that which obstructs our own eye before we can help our neighbor.
I find this most sad as it reflects I think the common misunderstanding of Christianity and spirituality in our culture that it is just me and Jesus. How we can learn about love my neighbor as myself outside of community I dont know. I dont say this to pick on Knapp, she may find it difficult to find a place in church now that she is out. But, understanding the individualized nature of Christianity and church culture I wonder if she ever really had real Christian community even when she was part of a church.You're living in Nashville. Are you in a church these days?
Knapp: No.
Again- I am saying all this trying to focus on us, not Knapp or homosexuals. Even though the board has been rebooted, we all remember the many conversations we have had about the issue. I would like to instead talk about how we may contribute the issue, and/or fail to adequately help through our own theological and cultural shortfalls. I would like to spin the issue on its head and take some time looking in the mirror. What do you think?
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I don't know about the cause of Christ in general, but I can testify that Christian music does me much more good than harm. I'm not familiar enough with Jennifer Knapp to know whether I like her music, but I don't know how her sexual orientation would be a factor in whether I benefited from it.
I have never understood the concern about the lifestyle of entertainers of any genre. Entertainment is by nature disembodied from the personality and lifestyle of the entertainer. I can enjoy music and humor and athletic ability and good acting without probing into the personal life of the musician, the humorist, the athlete, and the actor. When I enjoy their talents and buy what they produce I may be making a small contribution to supporting their lifestyle but I'm not endorsing it. And I can appreciate truth and integrity in the lyrics of Christian music without putting a stamp of approval on the artists behind it.
I don't understand your comment about everything being "happy songs" that avoid controversy in CCM. Have you listened to anything by Derek Webb? Am I misunderstanding you?
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Sadly, not since the Great Crash. Can we just say that homosexuality is a complex issue, and the Bible does not address the ideas of homosexuality which are being advocated in our culture (ie, a monogamous romantic relationship between two members of the same sex, which they would like to take place within the confines of marriage if that were allowed), but rather to specific forms of lechery and debauchery that would have been equally wrong if men had been doing them with women?
There are certain conversations that you hate to have, but almost feel obligated to join. For me, homosexuality is one such conversation, and I would love to not have it.
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A question which occured to me today...if a man and woman are married, and engaged in sexual relations with each other, but they do not look upon each other with Agape, but just personal satisfaction and need...is it sin? Or does the fact that their sex is "natural" excuse the intent of the act?
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"No scripture can mean that God is not love, or that his mercy is not over all his works" (John Wesley - Free Grace, 26)Post Thanks / Like - 3 Thanks, 0 Laughing
You bring up some good points James. After reading this through, I find myself drawn to the conversation with the rich young ruler. Jesus asked him to sell all and follow him. I believe that Jesus may have the same to say to Miss Knapp. Cataloging others sin instead of facing ones own sin just doesn't cut it. Yes we have all sinned and fallen short, no doubt in my mind. But we must each face our own sin and we must recognize that it is sin. Maybe we will not overcome it, but admit to it we must.
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I don't see anything in Ms. Knapp's interview that gives anybody other than Christ room to point fingers at sin.
In fact, a strong element running through the article seems to be how she feels rejected by the church, and perhaps always have. It has not been a source of community, love, or healing for her, and so she's found herself outside of that. But not outside of God.
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I believe (and I am sure you do too) that Jesus says this to all us in one way or the other. Cast away all of that which distances you from God and your neighbors and follow Jesus!!!
You are right Jim, but I don't think we can really face our sin until we understand that it does not take place in a vacuum just between me and God and his laws. It is not until we seek solidarity with others through Christ (loving them as ourselves) that we will truly see the things that get in the way and that we need to strive together to overcome through Christ. Sin may be individualistic (perhaps part of the reason it is "sinful"), facing it and repenting of it so as to live in the Way of Jesus is not.
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Ahh but she may be wrong on both counts. Does she really think that God condones her sin? God loves her and he has not rejected her, however she is fooling only herself if she thinks that he is ok with her sin. So how about the church, do they really reject her? Maybe they have, and that would be wrong, but I wouldn't be so quick to paint with a broad brush. I can tell you that my local church would not reject her, we would love her the same as anyone for whom Christ died. And we would do this in genuine love. We would not condone her sin, we would point out that it is sin and we would do so because we love her. She wouldn't be on the platform singing and she wouldn't be involved in ministry, but she wouldn't be rejected she would be loved.
Some people claim rejection when they don't get everything that they want, in fact a lot of people do that. But have they actually been rejected? I wouldn't necessarily take their word for it.
I would rather give the benefit of the doubt, while seeking redemption and solidarity with them and see where it goes then to "not take their word for it" and put another barrier in the way. I think when we add barriers unnecessarily then we compound our sin on top of theirs and fail to be an avenue of redemption and reconciliation Christ calls us in to.
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Hey this is great! One of the things that I have prayed over since the great crash and subsequent new beginning is to seek out common ground.
I hear what you are saying about music selection, I feel a great burden to pick music that will truly minister.
I learned something quite by accident from Gene Scott of all people. He was yelling at his two singers at the time, John Jordan, and Toni Rodriquez, (what a beautiful strong voice she had) He had stopped them in the middle of a song and he shouted "You two don't get it do you! Your job is to put me in the right mood so that I can preach! That song has the word happy in, now sing it again and you had better convince me that your happy!" I have replayed that rant over and over again, one of the things that I tell our congregation is that we are engaged in a group effort, I need to minister to them and to the pastor, in turn they need to minister back. In other words we need to actively "do church" while we sing!
So music selection has to minister, we pick the songs as a team. Once a month we (the organist, pianist, bass player, drummer, sound man, choir director and myself) meet with the pastor to select the songs for the coming month. He shares his vision for the upcoming months messages and we endeavor to select songs that will lead the congregation toward the message. We try to keep new songs to one a month as the unfamiliarity can be distracting, and we close out the congregational singing with a chorus that leads into the prayer time so we try to keep that chorus for at least a month. Last month we used "Above All" this month we are using "There is A Redeemer" by Melody Green. After we pick the songs, I put together the power point and order, then I look the songs over and select a proper key. I try to keep everything in the range between C3,4 and E4,5 although an occasional dip to Bb or a reach to an F is ok.
I think that your description of a tightrope is appropriate. It is difficult to keep everyone happy. Our 85 year old organist is a graduate of New England Conservatory, she is truly a gifted musician, so long as there is written sheet music in front of her. (no chord tab lead sheets) While over on the other side of the platform we have three men who play strictly by ear. So we have a tightrope to walk there as well. We do "Above All" and "Easter Song" with mostly piano, while "And Can it Be" and "Christ Arose" are big organ songs, so we need to balance the type of songs out so that everyone feels appreciated, and yet we have to convey a message in song leading to the Pastor's message. Hey that is stressful isn't it? But is incredibly rewarding when things go well and we are able to build unity in the church through worship!
I am not naturally a performer, I have had to work at that. In fact I am happy to sit in the back and run the sound, I'm very comfortable back there. Hiding is my nature, but I have found that one cannot minister while hiding!
Thanks for sharing! This type of conversation is much more fulfilling than the pitched battles that sometimes occur. And I fall into those far to easily.
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That barrier only exists if we verbalize that doubt. I suppose that we could explore the tension that exists between solidarity and redemption. If we seek redemption only then solidarity isn't possible. While if we head all the way down the solidarity avenue, then redemption passes from our view.
So...how can you tell if anybody is committing sin that you shuoldn't condone through allowing service? It would seem that by that standard, nobody can have ministry in your church, unless they're willing to hide what they are...and I would think that you would have to suspect people of hiding, because that is human nature.
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Oh I don't know, perhaps. But I think for many it is difficult to hide and it comes out other ways.
I can see this when people find solidarity in shared sinfulness- but someone else is always on the outs of that solidarity as sin (if truly relational) is always directed at someone (even if it comes from a like minded group).
I don't follow you on this one. I think the goal of reconciliation and redemption is solidarity in a restored humanity in the likeness of Jesus Christ. I don't understand how seeking redemption only can exclude solidarity when solidarity is what we are being redeemed and reconciled into.
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I, like James, just wish the church had a way to talk about sexuality in terms of love, loving one's self, and loving one's neighbor. I wish we could talk about all forms of sexuality within that, and I wish we could be honest enough to say that the Bible does not possess the sexual ethic which we so often attempt to claim that it does.
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I'm certainly not looking for another discussion on Christian faithfulness and homosexuality (or however you'd trend to phrase it), but I will say that scanning through the posts (almost 500 already) to the interview on CTs website, I was really quite appalled. Lots of hatred/ignorance/prejudice barely disguised by a very, very small theology. I know... web comments are notoriously bad that way, but still...
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I doubt Jennifer Knapp's problems with feeling accepted is with the church, It's more likely with the Holy Spirit. As an alcoholic I was alway's blaming the church, I never felt comfortable, it was alway's THEM! When in truth it was the Holy Spirit who was making me uncomfortable because of my sin, my lifestyle. Praise God for his love and Grace, I allowed him to change me from the inside out, and I'll never be the same again. And I know he can do the same for Jennifer Knapp when she's willing to allow God to be bigger than her desires. jmo
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You have a wonderful testimony, and I don't want to take anything from that, but the Church has a longstanding track record of treating homosexuals in a very unloving manner. I have never heard of the Catholic Church denying communion to an admitted alcoholic, but they will to an open homosexual. I have never heard of churches saying some natural disaster or disease is because there are so many alcoholics in the US, but I've heard plenty of things (AIDS, Hurricane Katrina, the Haiti Earthquake to name a few) blamed on the US homosexual population. Gay people have been assaulted, beaten, killed, had bricks thrown through their windows, and been faced with individuals who tell them they can never get to Heaven because they are an abomination. Had our board not recently crashed, I could point you to more than a few posts where individuals here had asserted that it is impossible to be both gay and a Christian. I have never heard of any of these things being done to or said about alcoholics. Maybe I've just not been exposed to the hardcore underground prohibitionist movement in the US, but so far as my experiences show, people who drink are far more accepted in the church than people who have same-sex attractions.
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- Ben
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death! And to those in the tombs, bestowing life!
Χριστὸς ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας! καὶ τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι, ζωὴν χαρισάμενος!Post Thanks / Like - 1 Thanks, 0 LaughingPaul DeBaufer - "thanks" for this post
Exactly, I suspect that you and I are on the same page, although it seems that we speak a different language. We cannot have solidarity with sinfullness, or we will lose sight of redemption. And yes we seek a solidarity with those who are being redeemed and reconciled, that solidarity is not with sinfulness. We must support, we must love, we must empathise. Yet that love, support and empathy must be working toward redemption and reconciliation. There is a tension, and sometimes we fail others, and sometimes others take advantage.
Shea, I'm probably one of those you're talking about. I personaly do not believe you can be an alchoholic and a Christian (I couldn't) and I don't believe one can be living the homosexual lifestyle and be a Christian. But I am here to testify that God can, and will be bigger than your desires if called upon with an earnest heart.
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James, I believe that you can be an alchoholic and a Christian, but not for long, the Spirit will persuade you to make a choice, if your listening. I believe that the same is true for someone afflicted with homosexuality, the Spirit will persuade, but one needs to listen. I don't doubt Ms. Knapp's faith, but her posturing toward a position that accepts her sin will eventually cause a hardening of her heart. In either case ministry is not the right option.
I will have to add the disclaimer that we need to love the alcoholic and the homosexual, we must love all for which Christ died.
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Jim, I agree!
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I'll admit I only gave it a quick read, but what I heard from Ms. Knapp in that interview was her "posturing toward a position" of openness to God. It sounded to me like she's trying to listen to God and live as a Christian. If so, then perhaps the Spirit will one day persuade her to make a choice, as you said. Let's pray that she chooses continued openness to God and obedience to him.
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I don't claim to know or understand all that Jennifer is coping with. I don't particularly like her style of music, but I do like her. She played her trumpet in my oldest son's wedding. I have been acquainted with her, although not closely, since she was a young teenager growing up with my sons in Chanute, KS. I pray that she will find the peace of God.
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I certainly don't think we are far apart and I have real hope we can overcome whatever "language" barrier we may have.
Yes, we both have said this and agree with that we don't have solidarity with sinfulness- at least not in the the way we typically think of solidarity. When I look at Jesus though he did find a certain kind of solidarity with our sinfulness- not that he took part of or approved of our sin, but he shared in the consequences and results of that sin as if they were his own.
Jesus found solidarity with humanity even though it was broken in order to restore that humanity. As the church we have not "fellowshiped in his suffering" nearly enough as we share in the suffering of others. Christians should have been the first in line to help those with Aids, to stand up against hate crimes, and to fight for basic human rights against those being discriminated against in employment or for hospital visits.
If we had done this, our stand against gay marriage might be believed as one where we are taking a stand against what we believe as sin and not the sinner. (I shared in an earlier post what I thought a good solution is for the marriage issue, but it isn't the point now.) The point is that I do not believe that we have found solidarity in the basic humanity of homosexuals despite that fact that we think they represent fallen and broken humanity in their homosexuality.
We have not met them in their suffering in a way that says 'we see how injustice has robbed you of your humanity as you are treated sometimes as somehow less then human by others and we want to stand with you against these things and restore you.'
Not only is this simply the right thing for Christians to do, it gives us credibility when we speak of love and begins a relationship where we might explore with them how homosexuality may be robbing them of their humanity too. But in the meantime we show how we are going to do all we can on our end to restore, respect, and love them as the human beings made in God's image that they are.
I believe that as a Christian culture our failure to engage homosexuals by appropriately seeking solidarity with them by standing WITH THEM in the ways they are unjustly treated as human beings is a huge log in our eye which obstructs our view of really being able to see and help them remove that which is in their own eye.
Yes there is tension in all these things- but not tension that worries about being taken advantage of. We stepped all over Jesus for our redemption. If people need to step on us, or take advantage of us because we treat them with human dignity then that is a risk we will have to take.
Post Thanks / Like - 9 Thanks, 0 LaughingBetty Bolerjack, John Kennedy, Kent Campbell, Timothy Parker, David Parker, Marsha Lynn, Dennis M. Scott, Todd Erickson, Hans Deventer - "thanks" for this post


text:
Land a room in upscale Carmel-by-the-Sea for $69 per night. Tuck into this charming inn Sundays-Thursdays through February to save 60% on rates at similar hotels. Weekends cost $30 more per night.
Mere blocks from the ocean, Carmel Fireplace Inn is an easy walk to local restaurants, art galleries and shops.
Guests at this AAA 3-Diamond inn receive a limited continental breakfast, afternoon port/sherry service and complimentary wireless Internet access. The cozy rooms also boast fireplaces (except room 29).
Not available on: Dec. 24-31; Jan. 1; Feb. 7-10, 15-17
Note: Only a few rooms are discounted to $69 midweek and $99 weekends. Other upgraded room types at this small property are available for slightly more.
How to Book This Deal |
Click here to book online at Carmel Fireplace Inn
Be sure to enter the code ELVES. |
Call Carmel Fireplace Inn at
Mention the promo code ELVES. |

subset: commoncrawl


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Eligible Distressed Areas (2013)Eligible Distressed Areas are those cities, villages and townships which exhibit higher than statewide average levels of economic distress. Applicants for certain competitive MSHDA programming who are located in an Eligible Distressed Area may receive enhancements to their applications. There are no cash awards available to residents, businesses, or local governments based on the Eligible Distressed Areas list.Section 11 of Public Act 346 of 1966 defines an "eligible distressed area" as one or more of the following:
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Tamera Hewlett-Vallejo and her husband, Tom, came within a whisker of losing their Sacramento, Calif., home in a foreclosure auction last month. But as a result of the $26 billion national mortgage settlement, the Vallejos were given a last-minute reprieve.
Their mortgage lender, Bank of America, called off the auction, then offered to slash the couple's mortgage by more than $85,000 and cut their interest rate to 4.6% from 6.7%. As a result, the couple's mortgage payment would be $570 cheaper at about $2,100 a month.
The Vallejos are among the earliest recipients of one of the foreclosure settlement's biggest windfalls. As part of the deal, which was struck between the nation's five biggest mortgage lenders and the states' attorneys general, roughly one million borrowers will have their mortgage principal slashed by as much as $100,000.
Early last month, Bank of America said it had identified more than 200,000 borrowers who pre-qualified for principal reductions. The bank has yet to reach out to these homeowners, however, saying it will begin to send out letters to this group within a week or two, according to spokesman Rick Simon. It aims to reach most eligible borrowers within six months.
But there is a small group of homeowners, including the Vallejos, who are either already in the mortgage modification pipeline or in danger of losing their home, who have already been contacted by the bank.
A last-minute reprieve. The Vallejo's home was scheduled to be sold in a foreclosure auction at 9:30 a.m. on a Monday in early March. "We literally went to Church on Sunday praying for help," said Hewlett-Vallejo.
The day of the auction, however, the Vallejos discovered their address wasn't on the list of properties on the block. Later that day, a representative from Bank of America called to tell them they had qualified for a principal reduction under the settlement.
"I sat with tears running down my face," said Hewlett-Vallejo.
Tamera, a real estate agent, and Tom, who is a teacher, had bought the three-bedroom wood-frame cottage in 2001 for less than $240,000. In the midst of the housing boom, when their home's value had soared to more than $430,000, the couple refinanced in order to get a lower rate and take out extra cash for some home improvements.
Then, in 2009, a commercial real estate deal that Tamera invested in went sour and ended up in litigation. The couple soon fell behind on their mortgage.


text:
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text:
More information on Congonhas
Description: Congonhas
Congonhas is known as the City of the Prophets by the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, architectural listed by Unesco as World Heritage Site and that immortalized the genius of Antonio Francisco Lisboa, Aleijadinho.
Aleijadinho, beyond the twelve prophets carved in soapstone, also carved in cedar beautiful images divided into six chapels representing the Stations of the Cross of Christ, or the Via Sacra, as it is known.
With its baroque architecture, the city also takes us on a journey in time and the golden age of the gold cycle, with beautiful churches and mansions. Main attraction are:
Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos
The Steps of the Passion of Christ (the Cross)
Church of Our Lady of Conception
Church of the Rosary
CAT - Tourist Assistance Center:
2039 Julia Av Kubistchek
Phone: (0xx31) 3731-7394
Hours: Monday to Sunday from 07 to 18 h.
Website: http://www.congonhas.org.br/


text:
I'm broke. Really broke. I've paid off a huge chunk of debt, but the result is that I have no spendable dollars, and I'm going to have a pretty hefty bill to the IRS thanks to my filing situation (married-filing-separately). Which makes me super broke. Even still, a girl can dream of things that aren't completely out of line with wanting. A bike? Shoes? Things that would do me a little bit loads of good.
This beautiful Schwinn Point Beach Cruiser Bike in Red/Cream ... le sigh ... I can picture myself riding to a farmer's market or the gym or anywhere, really. Price Tag: $130-200
I want very much to up my shoe game. I've been working out about 3-4 days a week (that's a half-hour on elliptical + a half-hour doing weights), and I'm using walking shoes that I purchased more than four years ago while living in Chicago. (I remember the trip well -- I had to take a few buses and a train to a Kohl's.) As such, I've realized I should probably buy some shoes that are more attuned to the type of workout I'm doing these days and, you know, shoes that aren't specifically "walking" shoes.
So I'm thinking about something like the Vibram FiveFingers JAYA. If, you know, I can ever afford them. Price Tag: $85.00
I finally bought a washing cup on Thursday. I mean, it was a $3.99 gold plastic washing cup, and I really don't want it to be my main cup, but it gets the job done, I guess. I want to start working on adding more mitzvoth to my calendar. Thus, I've found this beautiful Brown Polyresin Washing Cup that, yes, it might not be expensive, but, well, groceries or a washing cup, you tell me. Price Tag: $34


text:
Is your closet ready for spring? 'Cause if you're on the West Coast, you've got a bunch of reasons to get your shop on.
Kicking off in about 10 days in San Diego, THREAD Show, the multi-city shopping event now in its eighth year, will be promoting emerging designers and artists up and down the West Coast. At each show, THREAD showcases 100 of the top independent designers in each market, as well as cool music, art, food and entertainment from local talent.
And newly added for 2011 are new interactive spaces like the DIY Lounge, Pop-Up Nail Bar, Live Blogger Style-Off Series, THREAD Wellness Lounge and, yes, even a Man Cave so you can shop with your hunnee. Of course, they'll still have their usual gift bags, photo booths, giveaways and trend showcases throughout the event.
(Keep reading to find out how you can win free tickets!)


text: Dr. Ravdin attended Cornell University where he earned a Ph.D. in Neurobiology. After working at the University of California, he completed his training in Medicine at the University of Miami and the University of Wisconsin where he obtained his M.D. and board certification in Medical Oncology. His primary focus is breast cancer and he is widely acknowledged as among a handful of the top breast cancer physicians in the world. He has multiple areas of research interest including clinical trials designed to improve cancer treatment, prevention of breast cancer, understanding risk factors for breast cancer, and understanding the cellular processes that lead to breast cancer development. He is widely sought after to speak on breast cancer throughout the world and his presentations are often reported to be "a vision of the future of medicine." His passion is individualized prevention and treatment of breast cancer.


text:
GAMGI (General Atomistic Modelling Graphic Interface) is a program to build, view, and analyze atomic strucures such as molecules, crystals, glasses, liquids, etc. It aims to be useful for: the scientific community working in Atomistic Modelling that needs a graphic interface to build input data and to view and analyse output data, calculated with Ab-Initio and Molecular Mechanics programs; the scientific community at large studying chemistry, physics, materials science, geology, etc., that needs a graphic interface to view and analyse atomic structural information and to prepare images for presentations in classes and seminars; teaching chemistry and physics in secondary schools and universities; science promotion in schools, exhibitions and science museums.
Clonezilla is a partition or disk cloning tool similar to Symantec Ghost. It saves and restores only blocks in use on the hard drive if the file system is supported. For unsupported file systems, dd is used instead. It has been used to clone a 5 GB system to 40 clients in about 10 minutes.
The WiKID Strong Authentication System is a highly scalable, secure two-factor authentication system. It is simple to implement and maintain, allows users to be validated automatically, requires no hardware tokens, has a simple API for application support (via Ruby, PHP, Java, COM, Python, etc.), supports multiple domains, and supports replication for fault tolerance and scalability. It also supports mutual /host and transaction authentication, wireless tokens only domains, locked tokens (to your PC), anti-keystroke logger keypad PIN entry, etc.
BalanceNG is a modern, IPv6 capable software IP load balancing solution. It is small, fast, and easy to use and set up. It offers session persistence, different distribution methods (Round Robin, Random, Weighted Random, Least Session, Least Bandwidth, Hash, Agent, and Randomized Agent) and a customizable UDP health check agent in source code. It supports VRRP to set up high availability configurations on multiple nodes. It supports SNMP, integrating the BALANCENG-MIB with Net-SNMPD. It implements a very fast in-memory IP-to-location database, allowing powerful location-based server load-balancing.
360-FAAR (Firewall Analysis Audit and Repair) is an offline, command line, Perl firewall policy manipulation tool to filter, compare to logs, merge, translate, and output firewall commands for new policies, in Checkpoint dbedit, Cisco ASA, or ScreenOS commands. It is all contained in one file. It can read policy and logs for: Checkpoint FW1 (in odumper.csv / logexport format), Netscreen ScreenOS (in get config / syslog format), and Cisco ASA (show run / syslog format). It uses both inclusive and exclusive CIDR and text filters, permitting you to split large policies into smaller ones for virutalization at the same time as removing unused connectivity. It supports policy to log association, object translation, rulebase reordering and simplification, rule moves, and duplicate matching automatically. It allows you to seamlessly move rules to where you need them. 'print' mode creates a spreadsheet for your audit needs with one command.


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is planning our next visit to WDWI am:
The Slowhands cruise around Europe ~ Part 3 [Day at sea]
Monday July 19th
Following a good nights sleep, we had breakfast at Topsiders, a nice fry up for me and a much more healthy choice for my DW.
Today was a day at sea which came in handy as I had one or two things to sort out to avoid any last minute panics.
We went up to deck 10 and immediately saw how different this cruise was when compared to the Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises we had done previously. Although it was not cold by UK standards, many of our fellow passengers were relaxing on the poolside loungers in sweaters and blankets which seemed very odd!
After a while we went to Cove Café for a cappuccino apiece where we were reunited with Pio who used to work in the adjacent Signals bar, but as is customary with DCL, the bar staff rotate their duties and work in different locations for certain periods of time.
Pio really seemed pleased to see us again and immediately asked my DW about how her Mum was coping. [For those who don`t know, my DW`s Father passed away on the last night of our previous cruise last year so we had to dash back home the day after the cruise.]
When I settled the bill using my Key to the World Card, Pio gave us a Cove Café redemption card which he stamped .purchase five speciality coffees and get the next one free which we will take full advantage of during the cruise!
At 11.00 am we went to Rockin` Bar D to attend the Gold and Platinum Castaway Reception as per the invite we had received yesterday, and shortly after we arrived, Michelle, Doug and Dani came to join us.
CM`s were on hand offering complimentary drinks and canapés and giving everyone a Castaway Club champagne flute which was a nice touch.
Soon, Captain John appeared on the stage and gave quite a lengthy [off the cuff] speech, thanking us all for our loyalty and telling us about the future plans for DCL.
We then saw a short film about the making of the Disney Dream and from the look of it, the ship will be amazing.
After the meeting, my DW returned to deck 10 as I went to the currency exchange counter on deck 3 to obtain some funny money for the various ports of call that we were to visit.
We had been informed that credit cards were widely accepted at all ports of call and so the amounts that I needed were hardly likely to set the World`s currency markets alight! I only needed sufficient funds for tips and "knick knacks" while ashore.
I came a way with a few notes for Norway, Denmark, Russia and Sweden I already had purchased some Euros for Germany prior to boarding, and the ship was not permitted to deal in Estonian currency.
Climbing the stairs to deck 4, I saw the Jocelyn [the Cruise sales lady] was sat alone and so I went ahead and paid a deposit on our 5 day cruise on the Dream for 2011 to coincide with the dates of Tom`s [catrancher and his DW] cruise which they had booked a few months ago.
From here I called into Shutters to collect the photographs we had taken yesterday, using some of the credits left on the card from our last cruise. It was good to see that Ruben [one of Shutters managers] was still on board the Magic and he made a point of joking Do you still have your old Nikon D70? Actually this is the camera that all the Disney photographers used to use but they have upgraded twice since then albeit keeping up the Nikon tradition.
After a snack lunch from the deck 9 outlets we were again reunited with Doug & Michelle who had just left a DVC meeting as they had become members last year. Doug had managed to get an additional couple of DVC baseball caps and lanyards from the meeting which he presented to us. [Dani by this time had already made friends with some other teenagers on board and so she was off somewhere doing her own thing!]
We were ready for dinner early tonight as it was the Formal Night and we all wanted to stand in line for our photos with Captain John and some backdrops in the atrium, with me in my tuxedo and my DW in her posh frock!
Dinner was in Animator`s Palate but as this evening was not the night of the show there, the décor remained in monochrome throughout dinner. We did however tell our other dining partners to have a good look at the décor and to remember it, as things would be different on their next visit. [As they were first time DCL guests, we didn`t want to spoil any surprises for them.]
After dinner we, along with Doug & Michelle headed down to Sessions where we sat next to Tim Moss as he played his piano.
Inevitably several of the songs he played were dedicated to us including Michelle, Wonderful Tonight and several melodies from Phantom of the Opera.
In between his stints, Tim came and sat with us, catching up on what has gone on since we last met.
At one stage Rainer [one of the lead singers from the on-board shows] joined Tim and sang a few songs to his accompaniment. Tim then introduced Rainer and her husband Jason to us and we quizzed her at length about life on board for the artists.
We stayed in Sessions until it closed at midnight, which was when we all retired to our staterooms, very grateful that we didn`t have to endure another time change this evening!
Tomorrow it`s Oslo!
Re: The Slowhands cruise around Europe ~ Part 3 [Day at sea]
What a wonderful day!
is thinking... but it hurtsI am:
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Re: The Slowhands cruise around Europe ~ Part 3 [Day at sea]
Having only been on the Magic in the Caribbean, I'm having a real problem mentally dealing with a picture of people in deck chairs on Deck 4 with sweaters and blankets on.
It just ain't right!
Great report Terry!
Tom (... prefers warm!)
is planning our next visit to WDWI am:
Re: The Slowhands cruise around Europe ~ Part 3 [Day at sea]
Here`s the proof Tom!
Picture 056.jpg
is planning our next visit to WDWI am:
Re: The Slowhands cruise around Europe ~ Part 3 [Day at sea]
Re: The Slowhands cruise around Europe ~ Part 3 [Day at sea]
If it gets any cooler on these Northern Europe cruises they may have to enclose some areas on the Magic like they have the Wonder.
Re: The Slowhands cruise around Europe ~ Part 3 [Day at sea]
It sounds just marvelous, love the report but I wish you had pictures!!
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Re: The Slowhands cruise around Europe ~ Part 3 [Day at sea]
Awwww... no photos of the formal togs?
Your description of your time on board is very appealing Slowhand. Clearly, Herself and I needed to cruise with you and your Mrs!Thank you for being a member of our Secrets Family!!! We are so very pleased to have you with us!
If you haven't joined yet, do register. It's a great place to make friends and share all those Disney secrets!!
is planning our next visit to WDWI am:
Re: The Slowhands cruise around Europe ~ Part 3 [Day at sea]
Ok, just for you Tink
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Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
Jonathan Short/Associated Press
LONDON — Just the idea was a "Thriller": linking Michael Jackson's stage wardrobe, from the military buttoned jackets to his tiny-waisted trousers, with Philip Treacy, the milliner with an imagination as big as the late artist's voice.
Mr. Treacy's challenge was to put together, on female models chosen for their African descent, the outfits from Mr. Jackson's co-designers, Michael Bush and Dennis Tompkins — and then create for each ensemble a hat to correspond in spirit or to tell the Michael Jackson story.
The show was prepared in the utmost secrecy for Sunday night. Read my full article here. Then come back here to Rendezvous and tell us what you think.


text:
This Positive Life: An Interview With Gary
March 10, 2010
This podcast is a part of the series This Positive Life. To subscribe to this series, click here. Please note: These files can be quite large. Allow some time for them to download. |
Table of Contents
- HIV Diagnosis
- Disclosure in Work and Family Life
- Dating and Loss of Libido After Prostate Cancer
- Connecting to Care for Prostate Cancer and HIV
- Keeping Healthy, Following New Paths
- Turning 60: Aging With HIV
- Lessons Learned in Living With HIV
This interview took place in September 2009.
Gary |
About Gary While Gary has never viewed HIV as a blessing in disguise, he also hasn't been a martyr to the disease. After the tragic loss of his partner and his own HIV diagnosis in 1992, Gary has made a point of learning all he can about HIV and soldiering on despite his losses, his fears and a battle against prostate cancer (and the treatment for it). Knowledge, work, personal goals and various support networks have all served to safely shepherd Gary into his 60s with grace, good humor and a desire to help others. |
HIV Diagnosis
This is Olivia Ford reporting for TheBody.com. I'm here today with Gary, who's been living with HIV since 1992. Gary, welcome to This Positive Life. Can you start by describing how you found out that you were HIV positive?
Actually my partner was diagnosed. I was living in Detroit at the time. I decided, "Well, I better get checked out too," and my test came back positive. This was in 1992.
Very rapidly following his HIV diagnosis, Thom, my partner, was diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer. Within six months, he had passed away.
That was a very tough time for me, especially dealing with finding out I had HIV, and then six months later my partner passing away. Those six months were horrific for him. It was a very bleak time, especially because there were not many HIV medications out at the time.
I don't know when I was actually infected, but I remember back in about 1988, I had the worst flu. We found out later that that's a symptom of seroconversion. It could have been about 1988 or so that I was actually infected with HIV.
At the time, my reaction to finding out I had HIV was that I really didn't want to hear anything about it. It was tough enough taking care of Thom and all that. Anything that would come on TV, I would just turn the station. I really didn't want to hear anything about HIV.
Eventually I grew more used to it. Actually, I happened to see a special on individuals living with HIV. It was probably 1993 or 1994. [Renowned HIV/AIDS activist] Larry Kramer made a statement that really helped me deal with my disease and living with it. He said, "Living with HIV is like living with a monster in your house. Sometimes it's quiet and asleep in the corner. And other times, it's going crazy and trashing and destroying everything in the house."
For some reason, that really struck a chord with me and helped me learn how to deal with living with HIV.
From that point, I kind of dove into it and really wanted to become more aware of what was available. AZT [Retrovir, zidovudine] was the only thing that was available at the time and I did not respond well to AZT. My T cells were about 700 when I was diagnosed and within six months they had fallen to 500.
Especially with what had happened to Thom, I thought, "Well, OK, this is it. It's not going to last very long. I'm not going to last very long." That was the whole story of how everybody was living and dying with HIV.
Then Videx [didanosine, ddI] came out. I switched to Videx and I responded better to that and was on that for several years. Then I had to be transferred to Cleveland, Ohio, and was involved in a clinical trial at University Hospitals for Viracept [nelfinavir], which was the second protease inhibitor that came out following Crixivan [indinavir].
I responded very well, and that basically saved my life, because at the time my T cells were down to 200. I was feeling OK, but I was on the verge. With the Viracept, even though there were some side effects, I was able to rebound. My T cells came up.
Being involved in the clinical trial, I really did try to educate myself more and more about living with HIV. That's kind of how I became aware of POZ Magazine. Before POZ started, they had InfoPack, a newsletter that was in e-mail, started by Stephen Gendin and Sean Strub. At that point, I got involved with receiving the e-mail from them. That helped me learn more about treatment and people living with HIV.
How old were you when you and your partner were diagnosed?
Let's see. It was '92, so I would have been 43. Thom was the same age.
How did you and Thom find care initially? Was it more difficult with Thom having cancer and HIV?
There were doctors in Detroit who were already specializing in HIV and AIDS. In Cleveland, it was the same. When I went there, I went to the University Hospitals, which actually had an AIDS Clinical Trials Unit. John Carey, M.D., was my doctor. He was very active in HIV and in research and that type of thing. I was fortunate to get that type of care that early.
What was your community like in Detroit? Was there a large gay community there?
Yes. Detroit is a city of a million people, and there are about three million in the metro area, so there was quite a gay community. There weren't a whole lot of HIV organizations. Like I said, when I was in Detroit, I didn't really want to hear much about it, so I didn't get involved at all in any HIV activities.
Then when I went to Cleveland, it was a little different. It was when I was making my evolution into more acceptance, and I heard Larry Kramer and got involved in the AIDS Clinical Trials Unit. I actually volunteered for quite a few clinical trials. They did a lung study where they injected your lung with a saline solution and then withdrew that liquid. In your lungs are where very young cells are made, and so they were able to study the progression of HIV, how it affects very young cells in the lungs, which was kind of a very unusual study. [Laughs.]
There were some other studies that I got involved with. I just really started trying to educate myself more and more about HIV and the treatments.
What regimen are you on now, if you don't mind my asking?
Prezista [darunavir, TMC114], Truvada [tenofovir/FTC] and Norvir [ritonavir].
How's that been for you?
It's OK. There are some stomach problems, but that's something you live with. [Laughs.]
Besides the low CD4 count with the AZT, you haven't, at this point, had an AIDS diagnosis?
No. I mean, I had neuropathy and I've had shingles. I've had pneumonia, but it wasn't a real serious type of pneumonia. I had thrush -- the standard type of stuff like that -- but nothing life threatening that I've had to deal with.
Going back to 1992: What was your knowledge of HIV at the time that you were diagnosed? Thom went and got tested, but what was the impetus for his getting tested?
You knew HIV was out there, but if you weren't infected, it really wasn't something that you tried to learn about. We had friends that were dying all the time. I had several good friends that passed away in the late '80s and early '90s. It was when safe sex started coming around and you knew that you needed to be protective. But Thom and I were in an exclusive relationship, so it really wasn't something that we were that concerned about.
The community had begun to organize, but there really wasn't a whole lot out there. There was ACT UP [AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power], which was the radical arm of the HIV movement and really did help bring about a lot of awareness and a lot of faster-track approval of medications. Thank God that they were around.
But there wasn't a whole lot of support. Thom had started a two-for-one support group several years back, in the late '80s. He had two people for every person that was diagnosed with HIV, as a support person for them in Detroit. It was informal -- just friends who had gotten together who had agreed to help other people who were living with the disease: getting them food or helping with their home or doing whatever they needed. If they needed to go somewhere and they couldn't drive, that type of thing. Because, as people were getting diagnosed with the disease, they began not to be able to take care of themselves.
Gary while he was living in Japan (and sporting a beard) in the early 1980s. |
It seems that, in a sense, prior to being diagnosed, Thom had already gotten involved in HIV/AIDS work. Was he surprised himself when he was diagnosed? Were you surprised?
The way it started was that he had this really bad pain in his back. It was actually the cancer tumor that was causing the pain. He went to get that checked out. That's the initial reason he went to the doctor -- because of the pain in his back. As part of their procedure, they tested him for HIV, and that's when they found out that he had HIV and he had this very aggressive cancer.
What kind of cancer was it?
I don't remember. When they found it, it was the size of a golf ball. By the time he passed away, it was the size of a grapefruit. That was within six months.
Did any doctor express an idea that the cancer might have been related to the HIV? Were they really independent of one another?
They really didn't know at the time. There was never any official word that the two were directly connected. The problem was the treatment for the cancer, the chemotherapy, which ruins the immune system. In trying to treat the cancer they were ruining his immune system, which was being ravaged anyway by HIV.
He just deteriorated. He had been very healthy, worked out four, five times a week. Within six months, he looked like an 80-year-old.
How long had the two of you been together?
We'd been together about seven years. We'd known each other for about 15 years, but we'd been together about seven.
I imagine that Thom was the first person that you told about your diagnosis. Who else did you tell soon after?
Two people that I knew at the time, friends of mine, who were positive. They were the people that I contacted. Another very good friend of mine, also -- I talked to him about it because I needed to.
Do you remember feeling supported by the people around you as you were telling them?
Yes, I do. I vividly remember that day with the diagnosis, and when the doctor came in and said, "You're positive." When you find out something's "positive," that's normally a good thing, you know? But it was just a brief second, and then I realized, no, that's not a good thing.
It was very strange because I remember driving on my way home from the doctor's, and looking at the person in the car next to me, thinking, "Why do I have HIV? Why do I have to have this?" Actually, I was going on vacation the next day. The whole vacation was a strange one.
Do you remember where you went on vacation?
Yes, Thom and I went to a resort in western Michigan called Saugatuck. It's a popular resort on Lake Michigan.
Can you remember what the doctor said to you that day? Did he just say, "You're HIV positive," and then walk out?
I don't remember. My mind was just reeling at the time because I kind of expected it, but I didn't want to have it. I remember that he left me alone for a little bit because he said, "You just need to sit here for a little while and collect your thoughts. You can take all the time that you want."
But I don't remember what he said after he told me that I was positive. I know that my mind was processing it and dealing with it and reeling from it.
This podcast is a part of the series This Positive Life. To subscribe to this series, click here. |
Reader Comments:
I enjoy your story, and also dealing with the virus my self for 15 years at the age of 54 I finish college with my BA. and you are in my prays , and I did not think that i would be living this long but i do have family support and my church family and friends which is very important . I am working in behivoral Health field with HIV/AIDS clients and also have a HIV Ministry at my church.
Very inspiring story. I was just diagnosed last week. Heart wrenching experience when i was told, but my partner who happens to be 21yrs younger is sooooooo understanding and supportive. Of course his being a nurse probably helps. It took me a week off to gain composure, but I've come to terms that LIFE WILL GO ON. I've been planning very hard sacrificing for my retirement (17yrs to go) and have every intention on doing and enjoying it so.
I can relate the sister thing; I have a brother, sister and my parents. The day I told them, it changed us forever. I was diagnose back in 2003. Two years later I told my family it hasen't been the same. they don't visit me and they don't invite me to there homes. We talk but its quick. I wish I can find a place here in florida where I can talk about living with hiv. I commend you for being strong. I'm a positive person, I'm 54 yrs. young and I will be a grandfarther come MAY 2011. That keeps me strong and positive.
In Gary's story i regocnize a lot, being tested HIV+ spring 1989, the low cd4 , the trials and above the losing of so many people to hiv, and why i survive, try to live every day, being gratefull still alive, have lost my wife in 2003, but my 2 streetdogs and some people giving me love and strength, life is a gift, and why some die young and some old, only God knows !
i really fear the mention of a word HIV/AIDS
but thanks a lot for your articles because they some how give me the courage to go for a test.though i am still thinking of it!!!!
This is by far the best source of info I have seen so far, dealing with HIV. I have been recently gaining the courage to deal with this affliction and after discovering this site, I don't feel so alone anymore. In fact I feel empowered, there are so many people walking around infected, that are ashamed and in denial. I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel and I now feel compelled to become more vocal, and come out of the HIV closet. People have been dying of and living with diseases since mans inception. Reading these stories has given me the strength to move ahead and not live in fear, thank you!
great story. Gary you are so strong and so optimistic to go through all of this with so little support.
Gary has been a best Friend for over 25 yrs. I have seen him as loving, caring,and most of all Blatantly honest. I do believe it is his stubborn German heritage that has brought him thru all of this. He is relentless in believing try, try and try again. Totally relentless in letting things slide. a trait I truely admire. doesn't have time for small talk or meaningless conversation. Lets just say he is a uncomperable, UNMOVABLE Force when his mind is made........ Oh! and one more thing...relentless and fearless when it comes to standing up to be counted........KS Smale
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Consumer Reviews of CARRIER furnaces
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Years owned: 6
Satisfaction Rating:
"Carrier Infinity System"
We are extremely disappointed in our Carrier Infinity system. It's quiet and efficient, when it's working, but that's it. The system was installed in 2004 and is on its 3rd motherboard and 3rd blower motor/module. The most recent blower motor just went out after the factory warranty was up, and it's not cheap. It's ridiculous for us to have to spend so much money to keep a system going. I would not recommend a Carrier to anyone, and I will never buy a Carrier again, period.
Years owned: 14
Satisfaction Rating:
"Carrier 90% efficiency gas furnace"
I bought a Carrier 90% efficiency gas furnace with an air cleaner 14- years ago by a licensed and reputable HVAC contractor. The furnace has never given me a problem, and I have never had it maintained or serviced during those years. It is a solid quality furnace. I would definitely get another one.
Satisfaction Rating:
Help! Would like to buy a Carrier air conditioner. Please tell the truth. Is the Carrier really good or should I buy a Lennox?
Years owned: 11
Satisfaction Rating:
I am a home builder and remodeler, so I have a bit of knowledge. My Carrier is 11 years old and I've put $900.00 into keeping it going. Things that should last 20-30 years going bad. Horrible, horrible company. Be advised!
Years owned: 3
Satisfaction Rating:
I am a service technician in the heating and cooling industry. Bought a house 3 years ago and it has a Carrier 92% furnace. I knew from the get go, it was going to be a problem. #1. Carrier parts are insanely expensive (even at the cost I can get them for). #2. The draft motors, on any Carrier or Bryant(same company) are notorious for being very noisy and cost an arm and a leg. Carrier has had the awesome idea of being the "innovator" in making new manufacturing styles of all their parts, thus making the parts expensive and more prone to break down. I have babied this furnace along, which mind you is only 9 years old along until I replace it with a Lennox. (which btw my company isn't even a Lennox dealer, but they are by far the quietest, most reliable, easy to repair furnace I have ever worked on) They are a little more expensive initially but well worth it in the end. I tell customers to never by any product made by Carrier. Complete nightmare.
Years owned: 9
Satisfaction Rating:
"Mabelann Anderson,"
I have the 80,000 btu 90t high efficient furnace. One year plus a few days later, I had a Mother board replacement. In 2009 (April), I had a Mother board replacement. In 2009 (December), I had a Mother board replacement!!!!! In April of this year, I need a motor replacement. I am not a happy camper when it comes to Carrier as their only solution is a new furnace which is a few hundred dollars (my cost) over what I paid in 200l. Doesn't sound fair to me!
Location: Michigan
Years owned: 19
Satisfaction Rating:
"Its 19 years old, and its getting replaced"
Purchased in the fall of 1991 and has survived nineteen Michigan winters. Two service calls in all of that time does not seem too bad to me. Now that spring has arrived, I will be getting a new unit (the installers are not so rushed this time of the year). I am comparing the Carrier and Bryant units and have several professional companies here in Grand Rapids that are more than capable of good installations. I just know there are more efficient units out there than the one I have---well done, Carrier.
Years owned: 3
Satisfaction Rating:
"Warm and fuzzy from our Carrier furnace!"
We love our Carrier furnace (Infinity 96). The heat is always consistent. It is quiet and it heats our house very evenly. We're moving now and planning on upgrading the furnace in the new place - I don't think that we'll choose any other brand.
Satisfaction Rating:
"Neighbour's Carrier Heat Pump Too Loud"
Our neighbors just got a Carrier heat pump a few months ago and installed it outside our bedroom window. It wakes us up every time it turns on. It is louder than a diesel truck parked in our driveway. The Carrier repair guy just made excuses, but didn't do a thing. Thanks a lot for making this piece of junk, Carrier.
Years owned: 1
Satisfaction Rating:
"Furnace Installer, Dan Oberdorf, Wisc Dells, WI"
We built a new home and he installed a Payne furnace which we were told is part of your company. We had the blue prints on site the whole time and still he put the furnace in the place where our future bathroom is going. Pipes were already stubbed in so there was no reason to put the furnace where he did. When we called him to point out the problem, he got irate with us and was going to refuse to move it. He finally did move it but it ended up costing us another $500.00. We feel that we should not have to pay for his mistake. The furnace started making all kinds of funny noise. The body of the furnace was not put together correctly or leveled right and the air intake plug wasn't put in. The corners of the galvanize housing was missing. Air was leaking out when the fan kicked in. There was a whistling noise. We also found out that it is a contractor grade and not a residential unit. The furnace is again making funny noises, vibrates and rattles. We are afraid that this could eventually cause a gas leak. We were told that only a licensed Carrier service person can work on this unit to keep the warranty. We do not want this man back in our home. Please let us know if there is someone else in our area. If we would have to do this over, we would be very reluctant to buy your furnace.
The opinions expressed in these reviews are the opinions of consumers that submitted reviews to FurnaceCompare.com. They do not necessarily represent the opinions of FurnaceCompare.com.


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Welcome to 'In the Chimehours': An exploration of English folklore, folk tradition & magic, and my journey as an English Witch returning to her roots.
I'll be working in collaboration with the boys at Miles Cross (Matt Baldwin-Ives and Ian Thurlby), who have been kind enough to provide all the images for this project, and have lent a greatly needed hand with the 'back of house' goings on. I'm so excited & honoured to be able to show off their work.
I want to completely step away from Crooked & Hidden Ways, and concentrate solely on this project, but the site will remain running (and I'll be posting links there) for a while. To give everyone a chance to follow me over here, before completely taking the blog down. I want to thank all my readers, and friends, who have be following along these past few years, I am indeed very grateful for your support and feedback.
The number one question on everyone's lips during the lead-up to launching this blog was "What are the Chime hours?"
So with that question… Here we go…
"I wor born in the chimehours and can see what other folks can't see, leastways, so they tell me"
'Chime Hours' or 'Chime Children' are not much talked of these days, as the chiming of church bells have become less and less frequent. Not often will you hear the term 'Chime Child' uttered, apart from by those who follow the older ways and superstitions of the British Isles, especially those who were born within the chime hours themselves. Three, six, nine, and midnight are the most commonly accepted times of the chime hours. These were the hours that, in monastic tradition, prayers were required, and were marked by the tolling of the church bells. However, in Somerset and East Anglia those hours are held to be eight in the evening, midnight, and four in the morning. There's still some argument as to whether a Chime Child was born exactly on the toll of the church bells, or within that hour, depending on where you were born. Still in other locales those hours are specifically limited to those who were born between midnight and dawn, Friday to Saturday. According to those, Sunday bore no Chime Children.
I was born on a Saturday, not long after the church bells were rung. A stones' throw from the hospital where I lay wet and sticky from the womb, mewling naked upon my mother's breast, the second round of tolls peeled through the night, marking quarter past the chime hour.
Those who were born within the chime hours are said to be gifted with 'the eyes to see'. They had the eyes to see things which were usually hidden from ordinary people, such as ghosts, spirits and demons. The British folklorist T. F. Thiselton Dyer in The Ghost World (1893) states;
"Thus it is said in Lancashire that children born during twilight are supposed to have this peculiarity, and to know who of their acquaintance will next die. Some say that this property belongs also to those who happen to be born exactly at twelve o'clock at night, or, as the peasantry say in Somersetshire, 'a child born in chime-hours will have the power to see spirits'."
Still other abilities are attributed to Chime Children. They are said to be skilled at herbal medicine, magic and healing, seership, and the power to control animals (both wild and tamed). A chime hour birth also made one privy to certain songs and carols; song and carols that would usually only be sung at certain times, by certain people. A chime hour birth could cancel out the bad luck that the mere utterance of these traditional songs, at the wrong time of the year, could bring. In some stories closer to the sea, Chime Children had an affinity with the waves, and these children were often the ones taught to sing the sailors or fishermen home. It is said that they can even control the sea and the weather, if born close enough to water.
Another belief was that Chime Children were the only ones able to see and hear the Ratchets, the spectral hounds of the Otherworld (the Cŵn Annwn led by Gwynn ap Nudd, or the hounds of Herne the Hunter) which formed part of the Wild Hunt, and live to tell the tale. To catch sight or sound of those hounds was usually the harbinger of death, excepting those of a chime hour birth.
Chime Children are blessed with 'the second sight', and in times of old were watched closely as they grew, to see how their gift would manifest. In parts of Ireland and Scotland, particularly the Highlands, this was accepted as normal, and it was believed that these gifts and abilities were God-given. Song and prayers were taught to the seer, in order to aid them to 'see true'. As with any gift of this kind, many of those who were born within the chime hours considered it a curse, and would gladly be rid of it. The burdens of a Chime Child are many, especially when they have no one around to guide them in using their gifts.
"Es aw looked out my asey-casey,
On a moonlight night,
Aw sah th' dead carrying the live.
Wasn't that a wunderful sight?"
(Lincolnshire Traditional)
Text – Sarah-Jayne Farrer
Images © Matt Baldwin-Ives (www.milescross.co.uk)


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Unlikely Friendships
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It is exactly like Isaiah 11:6: "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid . . . " Written by National Geographic magazine writer Jennifer Holland, Unlikely Friendships documents one heartwarming tale after another … More »
It is exactly like Isaiah 11:6: "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid . . . " Written by National Geographic magazine writer Jennifer Holland, Unlikely Friendships documents one heartwarming tale after another of animals who, with nothing else in common, bond in the most unexpected ways. A cat and a bird. A mare and a fawn. An elephant and a sheep. A snake and a hamster. The well-documented stories of Koko the gorilla and All Ball the kitten; and the hippo Owen and the tortoise Mzee. And almost inexplicable stories of predators befriending prey—an Indian leopard slips into a village every night to sleep with a calf. A lionness mothers a baby oryx. Ms. Holland narrates the details and arc of each story, and also offers insights into why—how the young leopard, probably motherless, sought maternal comfort with the calf, and how a baby oryx inspired the same mothering instinct in the lionness. Or, in the story of Kizzy, a nervous retired Greyhound, and Murphy, a red tabby, how cats and dogs actually understand each other's body language. With Murphy's friendship and support, Kizzy recovered from life as a racing dog and became a confident, loyal family pet.
These are the most amazing friendships between species, collected from around the world and documented in a selection of full-color candid photographs.
Baker & Taylor
A senior writer for
& Taylor
Presents a collection of stories about animals who have forged unlikely, abiding bonds with other animals of different species, from Koko the gorilla and All Ball the kitten to Owen the hippo and the tortoise Mzee.
47 remarkable stories from the animal kingdom
Community Activity
Add a CommentMy sons and I enjoyed seeing the photographs of the animal couples together; such as a 240 pound gorilla and her pet kitten or the sheep that adopted an orphaned baby elephant. Stories are short and give a little detail as to where the animals live and how their friendships came to be.
This is a book for animal lovers. And if anyone has ever asked how you can treat animals like family give them this book and they just might begin to understand. These are heartwarming stories about animals that would normally not be together (and sometimes would eat each other) getting together and showing all signs that they are friends. Some of them were introduced by humans to try to save orphaned animals but some of them found each other on their own. And those, for me, were the better stories. The photos that go with the stories are amazing and adorable. They are all short little stories so you can read one in a few minutes or you can get through the whole book in a rather short time. If you stop and want to pet every dog you pass on the street you are going to want to read this.
What makes them unlikely is the predator/prey relationship that often characterizes these friendships. The book leads you to contemplate the question of "nature vs. nurture". It is a quick, easy read with adorable pictures that will just put a smile on your face.
There is minimal text and almost one photo per page of text. I found the paper color or font color made reading it more difficult in certain lighting situations, but I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy and appreciate animals as individuals with personalities and rich emotional lives.
Very sweet book. Forty-seven stories of unlikely interspecies friendships. The touching pictures round it off.
very touching. this book show us that animals have feelings as much as humans do
Great stories (some have been around), I just wish she had gone into more detail.
Who can resist a book cover that shows a tiny monkey lovingly hugging a bird? Not my family. This is a fantastic book containing 47 heartwarming stories of "unlikely friendships" in the animal kingdom. Each story has photos to go along with it, so it's not necessary for the reader to actually "read" each tale - the picture tells it all. Small children will be fascinated by the photos of the rat cuddling a snake, something highly unexpected and yet there it is! The author, Jennifer Holland, writes for National Geographic magazine and each of these true animal tales will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. It's a great book for everyone, young and old alike. Reviewed by BPL staff DH
Add Age Suitability6semkereaders thinks this title is suitable for All Ages
bklynfig thinks this title is suitable for 10 years and over
Add a SummaryThis is a great read for reluctant readers. Each Unlikely Friendship is presented as its own short selection with pictures. Many of the stories are very cute
Add a QuoteAnd the hippo, already prone to poor behavior, seemed content to copy his bovoid friend's antics. He'd happily climb the fences of his pen-as much as a hippopotaums can be said to "climb" anything-and he'd surprise terrifed tourists into giving up the contents of their picnic baskets.
Find it at NYPL
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Beautiful colors and excellent embroidery give this reversible ready-made Bookmark, Pulpit Scarf, extra-large Communion Table Runner, and Stole Set a custom look. Made of revolutionary Liberty fabric, colorfast and soil resistant, this convenient reversible design lets you display beautiful paraments in each of the four liturgical colors, making this an exceptional value and quality set.
This set of 8 includes Bookmark, 3 1/2" x 36"; Pulpit Scarf, 18" x 36"; extra-large Communion Table Runner, 20" x 108"; and Stole, 90" long, 4 1/2" wide, tapering to 1 1/4" at the neck—in red/white and in purple/green; each is finished with chainette gold fringe.
Bookmarks of each color combination feature cross image.
The purple side of the Pulpit Scarf, extra-large Communion Table Runner, and Stole features crown over IHS image; the green side features Alpha and Omega image.
The red side of the Pulpit Scarf, extra-large Communion Table Runner, and Stole features descending dove image; the white side features cross and crown image.
Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery, when not in stock. To check stock availability, please contact us at 1-800-672-1789. All of the Ascension Series pieces can be made to custom fit your chancel area. For help with placing a custom order, please call our Custom Sales Department at 1-800-237-7511. Take a moment to look at our entire selection of Reversible Parament Sets.
Looking for new ways to make your worship experience more meaningful? Explore Worship Connection for ideas and resources for all the ways we worship.
Want some practical guidelines on how to prepare the sanctuary and its furnishings for the celebration of worship and sacraments throughout the Christian year? Investigate United Methodist Altars. It provides helpful information for everyone preparing the sanctuary for worship. See how it can help you.The Book of Common Worship provides orders of worship and liturgical texts for each Sunday, festival, and season of the year.Chalice Worship assists worship leaders in preparation for various worship occasions.
Care Tips. . .Dry clean only.
Did you know. . .Paraments are the linens and cloth hangings used on communion tables, altars, pulpits and lecterns; they "clothe" the central furnishings in the chancel. The colors of the paraments reflect the traditional colors of the seasons of the Christian year, and are changed as the seasons of the Christian year change. Often they are embellished with specific symbols appropriate to the particular season.


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The Packers worked inside the Don Hutson Center on a chilly day today and practiced without pads. The first injury report of the week had Nick Barnett miss practice with swelling in his knee. Mike McCarthy said they just want to be "smart" with Nick. Ryan Pickett with a sore hamstring, tested for the trainers but did not participate. Brandon Underwood also sat it out with a hip injury. Johnny Jolly's sore knee and Charles Woodson's aching shoulder had them limited in practice. Jeremy Thompson, a week and a half removed from a stinger at practice in which he was taken by ambulance to the hospital, has already been ruled out of the Steelers game.
In the locker room after the workout, Brandon Chillar was understandably happy over his new contract extension. He said he's "very happy" to remain a Packer for the next four years. Jolly was understandably concerned about the new drug posession charges he's facing in his Houston hometown. A Harris County, Texas grand jury returned an indictment Tuesday on charges Jolly illegally possessed over 200 grams of codiene, found in several cups of cough syrup in his car in August of 2008. Jolly said he got a call from his lawyer Tuesday night about the case and he'll leave it in his hands. Jolly said he doesn't want the case to become a distraction for himself or his team as the football season draws to a close and the team in the midst of a playoff berth.


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« Back
Explore Climbing Class
Start Time: August 11th, 2012 @ 9:00am
End Time: August 11th, 2012 @ 10:30am
Come explore the basics of movement on rope
- Remember to sign up at the front desk prior to the class
- You must to be top-rope Belay certified to take this class (if you aren't yet, just come in and have a staff member show you how!)
- This class is for members of the Explore! Climbing program


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Currently showing: NSTP workshops in Wellington in March 2013
Monday 11 March 2013 | Wellington, Wellington
In conjunction with National Services Te Paerangi, Archives New Zealand hosts this special one-day workshop on translating curatorial research into exhibition labels.
Tuesday 12 March 2013 | Wellington, Wellington
A joint National Services Te Paerangi/Interpretation Network New Zealand workshop giving participants the opportunity to learn more about writing for the web at an introductory level.
26-27 March 2013 | Wellington, Wellington
An introductory level workshop on Maori in Museums for ATTTO trainees and representatives from small museums, art galleries and the arts and cultural sector.
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