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it's just the title at the top of the page that's new
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Bless His Heart...
Remember Troll-Guy? Uh-huh. Pitiful. And there have been others. Case in point...
When I was about 21, I worked in a video store. It was a cool job where I met loads of people and had a lot of fun. We had many regular customers who came in often -- sometimes every day. One of those customers was Lloyd. Bless his heart.
Lloyd was, I'm guessing, a couple of years older than I… I'm not really sure, as he had sort of an ageless quality about him. To be honest, he looked a bit like an overgrown baby. He was sort of… 'blobby'… not overweight, really, but roundish with little muscle tone… blobby. And his hair looked as if someone had put a bowl on his head and cut around it. Actually, I think I can say with reasonable certainty that Lloyd's mother (who might have also been his aunt and/or his sister) was that 'someone'. Bless his heart.
Lloyd lived back in the 'hollers' (or 'hollows' to you non-Pigsknucklian speakers) at the foot of the Blue Ridge and he worked at the poultry processing plant in Turkeygizzard (the town adjacent to Pigsknuckle). And I'm going to go out on a limb and bet that today, 23 years later, he's still working there. He used to come to the video store after work several times a week, always with his parents (who also worked at the plant). He'd get out of his truck and mosey down the parking lot, wearing his knee-high rubber turkey-guttin' boots, dragging a comb through his bowl-cut. Before he even entered the store, he'd look for me, his blobby face lighting up when he caught sight of me behind the counter. You could actually see him screwing up all his courage just to say hello. Bless his heart.
Lloyd spoke in slow motion (probably because he thought in slow motion) and I had to keep myself from smacking him on the back of the head in an effort to force the words out more quickly. And I really wish I could write his accent the way it sounded. The guy invented new vowel sounds. My friends and family used to love it when I imitated him and I can still make Ryan wet her pants laughing when I 'do' Lloyd. Anyway, our conversations always went like this:
Lloyd (blushing): Haaaa Da-ayann. Haair yoo?
Me: Hi Lloyd! I'm fine, thanks. How're you?
Lloyd (blushing profusely): Ahm fahn. Purdy wehther wi're havin', ain't it?
Me: It is. Is there anything I can help you find tonight?
Lloyd (ready to pass out): Noooope. Ah'll just luuk 'round, thainks.
Me: OK, well if you need help, you know where to find me!
Lloyd (grinning and bumping into the counter as he walked away): Yup. Ah'll fahnd ya!
Bless his heart.
You see, for all my sarcasm and smart-assery, I'm actually not a mean-spirited person. I feel for people like Lloyd. Having been the underdog once or twice in my life, I tend to always root for them… and Lloyd was an underdog if ever there was one. I was always kind and friendly toward him, which, while good, meant I had to be careful. People like Lloyd have big blobby hearts inside their big blobby bodies and it's very, very important not to break them, even inadvertently. As such, I had to humor his crush… at arm's length, anyway. And Lloyd's crush got about as big as his rubber boots. On Valentine's Day, he brought me a box of chocolates the size of my first car. Bless his heart.
Luckily, there wasn't enough nerve in Lloyd's blobby body to actually ask me out, so I never had to stomp on his heart. I don't know that I could have, honestly. I probably would have gone. Can you imagine that date? McDonalds meets Deliverance…
"You shore got a purdy mouth when you eat them chicken nuggets, Da-ayann... and Momma and Daddy think so, too."
Anyway, eventually I moved away from Pigsknuckle and I never saw Lloyd again. I still think of him every now and then and wonder how life turned out for him. I really hope he met someone who appreciated his big blobby heart (and wasn't related to him in any way) and they lived happily ever after.
So, as I say, pitiful men love me. They always have. They still do.
Another case in point…
I take Sundance to the park every day. I like the park. I meet some really nice people at the park. Occasionally I meet a guy I think I'd actually like to go out with. But of course, he never asks. Nooooo. See, when I go to the park, it's first thing in the morning… I haven't showered… I have no make-up on… I'm not wearing my miracle jeans… my dog smells better than I do… I'm so not pretty. I wouldn't ask me out either. But that could all change.
Lately there's been a guy at the park, walking the trail most mornings. He's definitely a 'bless his heart' kind of guy and there is a certain 'Lloydness' about him. For example, he's blobby. And he speaks in slow motion (though his accent's not quite 'holler-ish'). Unlike Lloyd, he doesn't wear rubber boots... but he does wear dark socks with his white sneakers (which, I swear to you, were on the wrong feet the other day). Also unlike Lloyd, he doesn't sport a bowl-cut. In fact, he's bald. Now, I have to tell you, I usually find bald men quite sexy. But I do prefer that if someone is really going the way of the cue ball, they just take it all the way. This guy has an odd rectangular tuft of hair… just above his forehead… about 1x2 inches. It's sort of like someone put a hair-stamp on him and tried to post him somewhere. Bless his heart.
Anyway, when I see him, I smile and say hello, as is my way. It's obviously his way, too, so we did this in passing for about a week. Then he started chatting, as people at the park are wont to do (me included), mostly about Sundance. I'd be friendly but as soon as I could, I'd say, "Well, we'd better get going! Enjoy your walk," and I'd scoot in the other direction as fast as possible. Then, the other day, he brought me into the conversation, asking what I do, have I seen this movie or been to that restaurant, etc.
Yeah. Uh oh.
Today, though? Today he gave me the classic, "Well, you're so pretty, your husband is one lucky fella!" Yes, he said "fella"… and then he looked pointedly at my ring finger… which is quite bare. And I wasn't quick (or smart) enough to come up with an imaginary boyfriend, let alone a husband.
Oh yeah… I see a big box of chocolates in my future...
Bless his heart.
Or mine.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Up... Go!
Ryan and I just saw Disney Pixar's newest creation, UP. I have one word for you. Won.Der.Ful. Go see it. Seriously. Even if you don't have kids. Borrow one if you feel weird going alone. You won't be disappointed. You'll laugh... you might cry a bit (I did)... but I guarantee you'll leave the theater smiling... and you'll have a hard time wiping the smile off your face for quite a while.
OK, I'm off to the balloon store, so later, 'gators... possibly much, much later... I'll send postcards...
Friday, May 29, 2009
Friday Stuffs...
Anyway, it's Friday, so (as usual) I'm going to fill your screen with miscellaneous crap and then go mow the lawn.
First, I have to brag a tiny bit. Ryan got her end-of-year reading assessment back yesterday... she's at a 10.2 level (10th grade, after the 2nd month of school). Tenth graders are 16 years old. She's 9. Cool, huh? Also, she reads at a higher level than 98% of the 4th graders in the country. Me likey. Of course, she still struggles with her 8 times table, so it all balances out in the end.
Second, as of right now, my Booby Walk fundraising effort is at 78% of goal! Whoo hoo! Thank you again to everyone who has donated (including the lovely blogger, She-Who-Is-Not-(Always)-She!). Just in case you'd like to join the ranks of the Booby Savers, here's the link to my 3-Day Event Donation Page. Any and all donations, large and small, are welcomed and appreciated!
Third, I have a book recommendation for you. I just finished Michael J. Fox's Always Looking Up - The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist and it was wonderful! I always found him to be a supremely likeable actor and he's always seemed to me to be a supremely likeable guy... and based on this book? He is. It deals, in part, with his quest for a cure for Parkinson's but it's mostly about his life (and his family, faith, politics, his mission, etc) and his attitude toward living, which is pretty remarkable. It's beautifully written with humor, intelligence, respect, and incredible optimism. I loved it and will likely read it again.
Last, a couple of people asked for my summer reading list, so I figured I'd post it here. I've stacked 20 books to plow through between now and September 1... non-fiction and fiction, with a concentration of (fiction/non-fiction) books about WWII and the Holocaust, a topic I'm very interested in. So, here's my list:
WWII/Holocaust Books
A Song for Summer (Eva Ibbotson)
The Book Thief (Markus Zusak)
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (Mary Ann Shaffer/Annie Barrows)
The Devil's Arithmetic (Jane Yolen)
Anne Frank and Me (Cherie Bennet/Jeff Gottesfeld)
The Magic of Ordinary Days (Ann Howard Creel)
On Hitler's Mountain (Irmgard Hunt)
Man's Search for Meaning (Victor Frankl)
Under the Banner of Heaven (Jon Krakauer)
The Freedom Writer's Diary (Erin Gruwell/Freedom Writers)
The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder (Vincent Bugliosi)
Losing It (Valerie Bertinelli)
Such a Pretty Fat (Jen Lancaster)
The Noticer (Andy Andrews)
The Witch of Portobello (Paulo Coelho)
Sundays at Tiffany's (James Patterson)
Year of the Fog (Michelle Richmond)
In the Woods (Tana French)
Atonement (Ian McEwan)
The Girl Who Stopped Swimming (Joshilyn Jackson)
And that'll do it for today, I think... no more posts 'til (probably) Sunday, I promise! Have a wonderful weekend, my bloggy friends! XOXO
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Save the Boobies!
As many of you know, I'm participating in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk in DC this October. It's a 60-mile walk (over 3 days) for which I have (like all the other walkers) committed to raise $2,300 (if I don't raise it, I have to make it up myself - YIKES! - or forfeit my right to walk). I'm thrilled to say that I stand, as of this moment, at 69% of my goal, having raised $1,595! Whoo hoo! Many of my bloggy peeps have donated, as have many real-life peeps, and though I believe I've thanked everyone via email (and if I somehow missed you, please accept my deepest apologies!), I wanted to say THANK YOU again, from the bottom of my heart! Your generosity has been amazing and so very much appreciated!
As I think everyone will agree, breast cancer awareness and research is a most worthy cause. Boobies are important, people! Each of us, I'd wager, knows someone affected by this awful disease. If you'd like to know why I'm participating in the event, feel free to have a peek at my post, A Hero In Diva's Clothing, about my friend Cari. I'm walking not just for her, but she has certainly been my inspiration - and my hero - for a long, long time.
I hope you'll be able to donate, if you haven't already. If you can, please just go straight to my 3-Day Event Donation Page and click on the 'Click to Donate to Diane!' button at the top of the thermometer. It's a pretty easy process, requiring a credit or debit card, and they accept donations from all over the world (I've had donations from the UK and Australia). Please know that NO DONATION IS TOO SMALL! Every penny adds up! You can donate anonymously if that makes you feel more comfortable, too ('Anonymous' has nicer connotations in the world of philanthropy than it does in our 'comments' sections! ;). If you don't feel comfortable using your credit card and would rather send a check, please email me and let me know.
If you can't donate, I understand (believe me!) but I hope you'll pass the information on to anyone who might be able to... or anyone willing to pass the information on... the more people we reach, the better!
Again, thank you so much for your generosity, past and future! If you have any questions or experience any difficulty when you donate (technical, that is, as I can't make parting with your money any easier ;), please email me or send me a comment. Ronda, I have to apologize as I just saw that you had a problem a while ago when you tried to donate. I'm so sorry I didn't see your note! (I just deleted my Pink Page Blog, as I wasn't keeping it updated and it was making me feel like a slug!) Hopefully, if you try again, it will work.
OK... that's it for now, my bloggy loves. Thanks again for doing your part to Save the Boobies!
Moving On... Well... Sort Of...
What? You chuckled, too. You know you did.
PS... I love all you bloggy people! I love how you get all riled up and are ready to kick ass when someone acts like, well, an ass! As I told my darling Chris (who I actually thought was gay, too, once upon a time), dear Former Reader didn't get under my skin (don't let him get under yours... that's what he wants!). I find people like him sad and pathetic... and, given their grammar and spelling choices (I thought Sadam was dead, too, Mo), quite funny as well. I do feel the need to stand my ground when attacked, though (my daddy taught me that), and I think it's good for good people (yes, I mean you guys) to be able to have their say about the important things... and this was clearly very important to many of you. So thanks for having your say here! You're all the best! XOXO
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Man, I Wish He WAS a Former Reader!
"You cant say nothing bad about Rush Limbaugh, he is a TRUE American who deserves respect!!! You bleeding heart liberals and the so called Christians who follow that piece of crap you call a blog and dont know nothing about the BIBLE are the danger to AMERICAIN, your going to destroy us by turning the country into Sadam and Gamora, Rush and the people who follow him are the only ones who can save us!!!"
Hey, isn't "Sadam and Gamora" that new resort in Florida? I heard that place was pretty cool!
Anyway… "Rush and the people who follow him are the only ones who can save us!!!"
Really, dear Former Reader? Really? Rush 'The Festering Boil on the Ass of Humanity' Limbaugh? (Hmmm… guess I can say something bad about him, eh?) Well, if a neo-con 'savior' who spews forth ignorance, hatred, and fear every time he opens his mouth is the person you want to follow (into the depths of Hell), feel free. That is certainly your right. I, however, am going to head down the road toward what I hope will be a more enlightened and tolerant "AMERICAIN" (with a stop at "Sadam and Gamora" for a weekend of fun in the sun, natch) with people who don't spew ignorance, hate, and fear with every breath; with those bleeding heart liberals, moderates, conservatives, free-thinkers, and "so-called Christians" (you know, the ones who actually try to live by Christ's example… which, in case you didn't know, had much more to do with love, acceptance, and forgiveness than with keeping gay people from marrying); with anyone willing to work together (imagine the concept!) for a world we can all live in, because, believe it or not, that's what most of us truly want.
But hey, if you change your mind and decide to join us, we'll leave the light on for ya'.
Oh, and dear Former Reader, if you'd like to reply to this post, please feel free to do so… in the 'comments' section… you know, a public forum, where other (current) readers (including those "so-called Christians") can respond to you directly (and feel free to grow some balls and leave your name, too). Otherwise, don't bother. I won't be opening any more of your emails. I said I'd defend your right to say what you like… but I don't have to listen (or read, as the case may be). As far as I'm concerned, you (and those like you), have nothing of relevance to say… well, not to anyone with an ounce of intelligence and a shred of humanity, anyway.
And PS… to those who asked, I don't believe our dear Former Reader was actually ever really a reader. I believe he just 'happened' upon a post he didn't agree with and had to spout his two cents… anonymously (natch). Given some of the things I've written about in the past, I feel certain he would have felt the need to open his trap before now and he would have become our 'dear Former Reader' a long time ago!
Dear Former Reader...
Anyway, yes, your email did indeed give me a headache. It wasn't your disagreement that caused it, however. It was the position of ignorance, (perceived) moral superiority, and Christian extremism (not to mention poor grammar and spelling) from which you wrote that made me feel a little ill. And quoting Rush Limbaugh? Icing on the cake, my friend. That made me throw up a little in my mouth. I had to brush my teeth twice this morning.
I'm not foolish enough to think that reiterating my view about the issue will do any good, as you seem pretty firmly entrenched in your rather bigoted perspective, so I won't bother. I will, however, address the more personal parts (and by 'parts', I mean 'attacks') of your email.
First, I am not a lesbian. Not even close. And had you truly been a "long-time reader" of my blog, you would know this. If you scroll down a bit, you'll see a little banner on my sidebar that says, "Another straight person for marriage equality." Straight is the key word there. You see, dear Former Reader, I love men. Love them. I love hanging out with them, being in relationships with them, having sex with them. True, I don't get to do any of those things nearly as much as I'd like, but that's life as a single mom. I deal.
Second, the reason I don't need a man in my life isn't because I'm a lesbian. It's because my conservative, right-wing daddy taught me how to take care of myself… how to do the heavy lifting when another set of hands isn't around. So while I might like to have a man in my life, it's not a necessity. Again, that doesn't make me a lesbian. Really.
Third, the reason I'm not a big fan of marriage isn't because I'm a lesbian (are you sensing a pattern here?). It has to do with the fact that I don't believe two people need a piece of paper to ratify their commitment to one another. I believe marriage is an institution of the church and/or the state. I don't believe in the church and I have little respect for the state. However, I do realize that there are certain legal rights that come along with marriage and for that reason, I see why it can be a good thing (and why everyone who wants to do it should be able to). And I understand that many people do feel the need to honor their commitment in their churches or in front of the state. And that's cool with me. I did it once. I might do it again. With a man. Who knows?
Fourth, the reason my marriage failed wasn't because I'm a lesbian (sigh). It failed because my ex and I never learned to communicate effectively with each other. It ended because he gave up (oh yeah, and because he turned out to be a serial cheater).
Fifth, given my daughter's infatuation with the Jonas Brothers, I seriously doubt she is gay. I really doubt she will "turn gay" when she's a teenager or young adult either. You see, I'm not "giving her permission to be gay." I'm giving her permission to be who she is. So if she happens to be gay, I will love her as much as I do now and I will want her to be happy and able to marry the person of her choice.
Sixth, being a single mother doesn't make me a bad mother. In fact, I happen to be a pretty good mother and I have to tell you, the idea that you could read one of my posts about a social issue and determine otherwise makes me really want to kick you. I do not parade men (or women… since I'm not a lesbian and all) in front of my daughter. In five years, she has only met one man I've dated, and that was after 2 months (and I went out with him for a year) and she has never seen me in bed with anyone but her father (before we split, of course). I take my role as a mother very seriously and what my daughter is exposed to is of the utmost importance to me. So don't you ever presume to know how I parent. EVER.
I think that covers all of your accusations and insults, dear Former Reader. To sum up, I do agree with you that there's a lot wrong with America today… but I really don't think I'm the problem. I do believe that people who spew propaganda, who incite and inspire hatred and fear, who try to impose their narrow personal beliefs and faith on the entire world, whose moral compasses are pointing permanently south… well… I think they are what's wrong with America (and the world) today. But you know what? Though I'm deeply, deeply offended by those people, I'd defend their right to think and say whatever they choose… because that, dear Former Reader, is what America is supposed to be about.
Oh, and by the way… if there is a Hell, you're right, I'm probably headed there. So do me a favor, will you? Could you and Mr. Limbaugh save me a seat? I'm guessing you're going to get the good ones! Thanks ever so much!
Love Always,
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
So Disappointed...
So disappointed.
I'm Not a Twit...
So, while I thank you for your interest in my stunningly mundane existence, and while I love you all and look forward to reading your very interesting and funny and touching and thought-provoking blog posts daily/weekly/monthly/whenever the hell you decide to get off your butt and write something, I'm no Twit. Not that there's anything wrong with it...
Monday, May 25, 2009
Gimme an S! Gimme a U! Gimme an M, M, E, R!
I've got plans, too, baby! It will not be a lazy, hazy summer for us, no siree.
Ryan has begged me not to put her in a summer program this year. Pigsknuckle offers what are effectively summer daycare programs, disguised as 'day-camps'. She went for a few years but she hated them. The kids are scheduled pretty aggressively and they have no say in what activities they do. And while Ryan doesn't mind schedules in general, she tends to be more productive (and happier) when she feels she has some control over what she does. Like most kids, if she's not interested, she doesn't want to participate. I told her she doesn't have to go this year (as I hate to hear her whine every day when I pick her up and I don't mind saving the money I'd be shelling out only to hear her whine every day when I pick her up) but my willingness to allow her to stay home is conditional. Staying home does not mean she can sit on the computer or in front of the television all day, every day. So... she has a list of things she'll be doing (and a few incentives to keep her interested and whine-free)...
First, we've got swim team, which runs from the first of June to the end of July... that's 5 practices a week and 6 meets. It keeps us busy.
Second, she's got tennis lessons this year, as she wanted (and got) a tennis racquet for Christmas and now needs to learn how to use it.
Third, I've told her she has to 'train' with me for the Breast Cancer walk in October. I've set a goal for us to walk 350 miles together during the time she's out of school (about 70 days). It's attainable but it'll take some work (which is what goals should do), and if we reach it, I've promised her a trip to the water park (which is expensive and not something I'd normally splurge on). She picked the prize (it's one of her favorite places ever), so I know she'll be willing to work to achieve it. 5 miles a day isn't that much, really, and I'll continue walk more on my own to get ready, but I know Ryan and I know it's not something she'd do willingly otherwise (because walking is boring you know). I've clocked the mileage for various trips around town, as one of my summer goals is to use the car as little as possible, so I'm sure the miles will add up quickly.
Fourth, she's got a reading list. She's picked a load of books from her shelves and she's piling them up to plow through this summer. Though reading is not something I generally have to bribe her to do, as it's one of her favorite things, I figured I'd sweeten the pot a little to keep the momentum going (and the TV off). I've assigned each book a monetary value, from 50 cents to $1.50, so she'll make a little money for each one she finishes and for which she turns in a one-page written report. The idea of a little extra pocket money really floats her boat. I'm just hoping I don't live to regret this one...
Last, she's got a summer-long project to work on. This school year, her Challenge group did an architecture project, where they designed, built, and wired for light, a house. She totally got into every aspect of the project and even built little pieces of furniture on her own to fill the house. Last year, I got her a 3-D architecture kit for Christmas (it makes a house about 2x2 feet), so her summer project (which she picked herself), is to design, build, decorate, and landscape a house. She's really excited about it, as am I, truth be told, and I expect we'll be spending a lot of time at Lowe's during the sweltering days to come.
Of course we've got other, fun stuff to do, too, like several camping trips, day-trips to DC and local sights, and a few lazy days by my brother's pool. But overall, I expect Ryan's summer to be full and interesting.
I've got a few plans for myself, too...
I'm turning off the TV completely this summer and delving into my unread book pile. I've picked 20 books to get through between now and September 1st (anyone want to pay me for reading? I'll happily turn in written reports!). I've also got a couple of big work projects to get done, the BC walk to get ready for, and some decorating projects to see to (I'm hoping to re-do both my bedroom and Ryan's, as that's what she's asked for for her 10th birthday). I've also just finished sorting our our week-long camping trip to Assateague/Chincoteague Islands. And finally, I've got some writing projects I want to accomplish.
As I say, no lazy, hazy summer for us!
What about you? What's on your summer agenda? And for those of you in the southern hemisphere, what will winter bring your way? Do tell...
Friday, May 22, 2009
Holiday? What Holiday?
So, this week is ending up nicely. It's GORGEOUS out there and it's supposed to remain so all weekend. I'm hanging out with the Republican tomorrow, as he ships out to locations under siege next week. We're going to enjoy the weather and his last weekend in a place not inhabited by camels, soldiers, and machine guns. At least he's looking forward to going. Weird? Yes. But he's a Republican, remember? They think weird stuff all the time ;).
Anyway, not much else on the agenda for the weekend. I guess Ryan and I will be gearing up for swim team practice, which starts soon. We had our organizational meeting the other night and I got all warm and fuzzy when parents and kids alike came up to tell me how glad they are that I'm working with the little ones again. I do love those little sinkers and they love me, too, which makes those chilly evenings in the pool (and being in my bathing suit in front of, like, a million people every night) worthwhile.
Camping may be on the schedule for next weekend. I had planned to go Memorial Weekend... you know... next weekend... anyway. The lake will be open for swimming and kayaking, too, so that makes it even better. Yup... sounds like a possible plan, so I'll need to get the tent aired out and waterproofed.
Hope your weekend looks lovely, no matter where you are (and even if it's not a holiday for you... either!). Have a great one, my bloggy peeps! XOXO
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Just for Giggles...
Blogger Issues... Grrrrrr...
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Move Out of My Sunshine, Damn It!
Your answers were all interesting. I didn't want to define 'happy' in my question, as it's quite a subjective thing, isn't it? I didn't want to qualify it or quantify it in any way for you… I wanted to see how you would define it; what it means to you. Many of you described it as a general feeling of contentment or satisfaction punctuated by moments of sheer joy. That's a definition that works for me, too.
Several of you commented that you choose to be happy. I found that especially significant, as the book I read (and loved) recently, The Traveler's Gift, by Andy Andrews, deals with that concept. The book details the main character's (fictional) meeting with Anne Frank and the bit of wisdom she passes on to him, which is about choosing to be happy, regardless of what is going on around you. The ability to do that is something I admire greatly… it's something to which I aspire… but I do think it's easier said than done. And someone quoted Maya Angelou (one of my favorite women on the planet) regarding changing one's attitude if a situation cannot be changed. Again, the ability to do that is something I admire and to which I aspire, but again, easier said than done.
A few of you asked if I'm happy. Well, you see my quote of the week? "Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are." I live in a constant state of tension. It's perpetual. There is an epic battle going on in my head and my heart at all times between the person I think I should be and the person I am. The person I am (who certainly has her good qualities, I know), is very good at fighting the efforts of the person I want to be (which is probably why I find choosing to be happy and choosing to change my attitude so difficult to do… I am, as the Republican tells me nearly every day, an incredibly stubborn person and easily my own worst enemy). The constant combat makes me tired. It makes me sad. In many ways, it keeps me from being truly happy… content… satisfied, with my life and the person I am.
So, my happiness goal is twofold: I want to figure out how to, 1) choose to be happy in spite of what's going on around me, and 2) change the situations I can change or change my attitude when the situation won't budge. Basically, I want to stop standing in my own sunshine. I'm trying. We'll see how it all works out. And maybe I'll bring the subject up again in a few months…
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Happy Poll...
How many of you are happy… really happy… with your lives and who you are?
If you answer "I am!", can you tell me what it is about your life and/or yourself that enables you to say that?
And if you answer "No" (or "Hell no!"), can you tell me what it is that's holding you back? If you can't say; if it's too personal (or if you just don't know), I understand, but if you can divulge (even anonymously), I truly want to know. Truly.
Oh, and if you're one of the people who reads my blog but doesn't usually/ever say anything, feel free to leave an anonymous comment to this particular post (or email me!). I'd really love to hear from as many people as possible about this.
Thanks! XO
Monday, May 18, 2009
Tomorrow... I Promise...
I tried to stop at the F keys, as I never really use those... but... well... I have no willpower. I know... I suck. My new keyboard will be here tomorrow. I promise not to eat it. And to come up with something witty and (somewhat) intelligent to post about. Well... OK... I promise just to come up with something to post about.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Happy Saturday!
Hope your week was wonderful! Take care... speak soon... XOXO
Monday, May 11, 2009
Checking In...
Hope everyone is having a great week so far! Take care... speak soon... XO
Friday, May 8, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Sans Todd...
Todd (2:30): Have you left yet?
Me: Half-way there...
Todd: Flight's been delayed 45 minutes. Thunderstorm. Sorry!
Me: No worries. We'll wait.
Todd (3:45): Flight's been delayed 'til 4:30.
Me: No worries.
Todd (4:15): Flight's been delayed 'til 5:30.
Me: No problem... we'll go get dinner.
Todd (6:00): Flight's been delayed 'til 7:00.
Me (muttering 'crap' under my breath): OK. No problem. Still waiting.
Todd (7:00): Flight's cancelled. F**k! Looking at other options.
Me (swearing silently): Let me know.
Todd (8:00): Next flight's 9:00... arriving at 10:40. Go home and I'll stay in a hotel.
Me (more silent swearing): No. Don't want to come back tomorrow. We'll wait.
Todd (8:30): Flight's delayed 'til 9:45. Will probably get cancelled. Go home!
Me: OK. Call me tomorrow morning and we'll sort it out.
Todd (9:00): Delayed 'til 10:00.
Me: Stuck in f**king traffic!
Todd (9:30): Delayed 'til 10:45.
Me: Still stuck in f**king traffic!
Todd (11:00): BOARDING!
Me: Yay.
And then it was 11:30 and I was pulling into the driveway, Ryan snoring, Todd God only knows where. It wasn't a great day, my bloggy peeps. Tomorrow will have to be better. At least I should get to lay eyes on my friend. One can hope, anyway.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Later, 'Gators!
Addendum... you people are bound and determined to pair me up with Republicans or 'just friends', aren't you? Sheesh. Todd really IS just a friend! And you know how you know for sure? Ryan knows him. I never introduce her to anyone who is more than just a friend... unless I think he's going to be more than just a friend for a long, long time. So there. Pfffffttttt.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Good Morning... Pfffftttt!
As I said, I'm not a morning person. Five-thirty is morning. It's very early in the morning. It's too early in the morning. I don't function well too early in the morning. To prove this point, here are some of the things my non-morning person self did this morning…
1. Washed my hair with conditioner (because I was too bleary-eyed to read the bottles correctly... or at all). In case you were wondering, conditioner doesn't get hair clean... quite the opposite, actually.
2. Brushed my hair... then threw my brush into the trash bin (I just noticed this 10 minutes ago... thank Heavens, as tomorrow is trash day and that brush is new).
3. Stepped outside, in the pouring rain, to put the dog on his lead… in my socks. Ick.
4. Poured water in my mug for tea… but neglected to include the teabag or sugar.
5. Made Ryan's lunch… then put her lunchbox in the refrigerator. Luckily I saw it when I went to get the milk to pour in my hot water.
6. Wore my new running shoes to the park (in the rain)… so now they smell like my old running shoes… the ones I kept specifically to wear when it rains… because they smell… from getting wet… and I didn't want my new shoes to smell the same way… which they now do.
7. Wore a Virginia Tech sweatshirt to the University of Virginia hospital, which I learned was a colossally stupid thing to do that last time I had to go over there (you'd think those people would be able to put college rivalry aside once they had an MD after their names, wouldn't you?).
And now I'm going to take a nap.
Monday, May 4, 2009
The Swine Flew!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
A Gift...
You know how I did that post on change a while ago? I've been feeling the need to change my way of thinking but haven't been quite sure how to go about it. This book speaks to anyone looking for ways to move forward when they're feeling stuck. Well, it spoke to me, anyway... in some rather eerie ways, really. At points, it felt written specifically for me.
It's self-help disguised as fiction, which is what made me pick it up. I have great difficulty getting through self-help books, as I often tend to find them irrelevant (to me), silly, cryptic, or just plain 'out there'. This book was none of those things.
It's the story of David Ponder, a man at the end of his rope. He feels like a failure - as a businessman, a husband, a father, a provider, a man. Driving home after being fired, feeling desperate, he wonders if his family would be better off if he was dead. His car hits a patch of ice and careens out of control and everything goes black. When he comes to, he's sitting in an office with Harry Truman, on the day he signs the order to drop the bomb on Hiroshima. President Truman (the only one who can see David) gives him the first of seven 'decisions for success'. After this encounter, David is transported to six other people, Anne Frank and Abraham Lincoln among them, and they each give him another piece of the puzzle, until he has all seven decisions.
The information he receives (and conveys to the reader) is simple, really... the decisions or rules for success are certainly things I've heard before. They're about taking responsibility for yourself and your situation; about serving others; about taking action; choosing to be happy and being grateful; believing in yourself and your dreams; forgiving yourself... but Andy Andrews presents the information in a way that made me see it through fresh eyes... and it's been a while since that happened. I really identified with David Ponder. Though I've never, ever considered ending my life (nor would I ever, ever, ever do that), I've certainly felt at the end of my rope. I've felt it pretty recently, in fact. I've felt a failure. I've felt tired and fed up and pissed off and stagnant - unable and unwilling to make the changes necessary to get out of this trench I've dug for myself. But this book... well... it could be the proverbial kick in the ass I've been looking for.
So if you're craving change and feeling stuck, you might want to take a peek. I thoroughly enjoyed it. So you know, there is a 'God' element to it... bits that have to do with a divine plan and God watching out for us. Most of you know that although there is certainly an element of spirituality to my make-up, I don't really do God the way most people do or believe in things like a divine plan. But I still found it OK... I found that I could easily take out the bits that didn't work for me and apply the information regardless. I'm guessing that was the author's intent.
If you decide to read it (or have already done so), please let me know. I'd love to know what you think of it...
Hope your weekend was great!! XO
Saturday, May 2, 2009
I do spend more money than I should on books and magazines. And I love to browse catalogs for house stuff and clothes... I just tend not to buy from them (though maybe I would if I had loads of money... I dunno). They are my material indulgences. If I ever have any extra money, I prefer to spend it on going and doing rather than getting.
But I found something I'd totally splurge on if I had the cash (a lot of cash)...
Doesn't that look heavenly? I could meditate my butt off if I had that pool.
So, what about you? What thing would you splurge on if you had a load of extra cash to blow?


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clutch pedal still there
It was a muncie 4 speed for most of it's life until my father got old and had trouble driving it so I changed it to an automatic before he died. for some reason he still never drove it.
From the album:
61 Catalina
- 10 images
- 1 comment
- 0 image comments
Photo Information for clutch pedal still there
Taken with LG Electronics VS835
- 3.5 mm
- 39996/1000000
- f f/2.2

subset: commoncrawl


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PickaxeChat supports adding, saving, and managing multiple Minecraft accounts. Essential for server admins with secondary accounts!
Made with best-practices in mind to reduce battery usage so you don't drain your battery when you're on the go.
PickaxeChat keeps your account safe by not storing your password. It encrypts and stores your access token instead, just like the vanilla launcher!
Easily add, edit, and delete all of your favorite servers. Right on the home screen, you'll be able to see servers, their statuses, MOTD's, and more!
PickaxeChat offers a large variety of themes. Pick from pastel, high-contrast, colorblind friendly, classic, and many others.
Just like Minecraft on desktop, PickaxeChat allows you to press a button to complete commands, names, and recently typed messages.
Made by a long-time Minecraft player and server owner, PickaxeChat aims to be the definitive Minecraft chat client for mobile.
PickaxeChat aims to be the better, cleaner, and more user-friendly Minecraft chatting app. We want to consistently be responsive to feedback and suggestions from the community and maintain a crash-free clutter-less experience.


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Beautiful Townhome in Sunriver Oregon Resort Area
- United States, Oregon, Sunriver
- 3BR/4BA (Sleeps 8)2225 Sq.Ft.
- Resort: StoneRidge Townhomes at Sunriver
- External Website: http://www.stoneridgetownhomes.com
Nestled within Sunriver, the Northwest's premeire resort community, discover StoneRidge, an exquisite haven among the pines of Central Oregon. This luxury townhome sanctuary offers exclusive accommodations, recreation, and an environment in which to enjoy the perfect vacation.
StoneRidge offers 36 luxury two and three bedroom townhouses with private master suites, jacuzzi tubs and designer features throughout
As a Resort for all Seasons, Enter a world of elegance in one of our beautifully appointed townhomes, located in a natural forrest setting. Conveniently located in Sunriver, StoneRidge offers amenities and appointments unsurpassed in luxury resort developments. The grounds are landscaped with lawn areas, enhanced with water falls and ponds. Each townhome has a paver entry courtyard and private patio overlooking a spectacular landscape scene.
StoneRidge homes are professionally designed, decorated interiors completely furnished and accessorized.
Large spacious kitchen and an open floor plan make a wonderful gathering area for family and friends.
Each home is furnished with Flat Screen TV's, Bose Surround System, Free WiFi Internet.
On site recreational amenities of the clubhouse include, seasonal pool, year round spa, exercise room, steam, sauna, library and 2 outdoor tennis courts. Bicycles are also included.
StoneRidge is a Non-Smoking Property and No Pets allowed
Visitors come from all over the world to sample Central Oregon's skiing, golfing, white water rafting, mountain biking and hiking in the Cascade Mountains.
As a resort within the Sunriver community, StoneRidge owners and their guests have access to the many recreational facilities of Sunriver including canoeing, horseback riding and biking on over 30 miles of paved nature trails.
Conveniently situated and beautifully furnished, The Resort Club is the activity center of StoneRidge Townhomes. The décor is a combination of contemporary warmth and Old World style. The ambiance of the great room can be enjoyed while sitting in front of the massive rock fireplace with it's crackling fire.
You don't have to leave StoneRidge to unwind, limber up in the state of the art exercise room overlooking the swimming pool and then take a dip in the year-round spa, or test your tennis abilities on our private championship courts. Move indoors for a leisurely steam bath or dry-heat sauna. Your kids will love how independent they feel in StoneRidge's secure environment and with all the Resort Club amenities you'll never hear them ask, "What's there to do?".


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Man was a monkey and evolution is a rollercoaster. You had empires ruled by emperors, kingdoms ruled by kings and now you have Nations ruled by, swayed by Nuisance.
A nobleman, a foot soldier, a pikeman, a cavalier and a peasant held higher social stature than the Jester, the clown, the harlots and a hoofer.
Now your foot Soldier, your commoner, your peasant, your regular daily life bread earner leaves on an uncelebrated death, given a paltry farewell in a remote village and those clowns of Mumbai theatrics have enough nuisance to sway the opinions of every "paddy on the head" new generation oh so cool waste.
Frenzy is generated to live half a week, frenzy grown on the blood of that foot Soldier and reaped by that bollywood jester.
That "how's the josh" survives only in cosy air-conditioned PVR and INOX and yet that won't last a Hangover.
The Grisly, that ugly tanned commoner, that foot Soldier is seen a plenty at Jammu Railway Sation and I bet you won't walk to him and ask "how's the josh" no, you won't, he after all reeks of that sweat he earned on a steep climb to the post he held.
He, after all carries that tan, the tan that razor sharp piercing snow Blizzard left on his weather beaten face.
He, after all has every Long Range Patrol etched on his skin, that etching is pretty much legible, not many would see though.
That rucksack isn't the only weight he hauls, that burden of war he carries with pride.
He, after all is a brute that belongs to the wilderness, he would be skinned, stripped of all that finances he saved over years by you the countrymen as he arrives to the civilized world, he is a gullible customer, you'll sell everything at a higher price to him. He after all knows nothing of your cunning plans for him.
Nuisance after all is what rules the world of fickle today and then a traffic police constable has more to offer as a threat to you than that common foot Soldier, there you go.
Any random man who has a pint of Nuisance affecting your life on a regimen draws your genuine respect and if not respect, your fears, your allegiance, your submission.
But then, boy, I tell you, that commoner, that peasant, that soldier forgot to acquire that pint of much needed Nuisance and obviously enough you forget to respect him in turn.
Slapped enough observations of a tanned commoner in your face already to sag that "how's the Josh" frenzy of yours my friend. Get back to your cheeseburger and PS-4 , my write up here doesn't carry enough Nuisance worth your time.
Nuisance rules, it does my friend, my write up would draw a hundred views but a DHINCHAK POOJA crass lowly braying on YouTube would have a Five Million Views……ha ha ha, well that's how Nuisance has come to rule our world.
Evolution then is just a rollercoaster and as of now we are on a descent.


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Most Instruments are shipped signature required. Only UPS Next Day Services are guaranteed, other services are not and will not be refunded if the item does not arrive on time. If you are concerned about signature we can have it held at a UPS Store by providing the ship to address in the alternate address during checkout. Please email us at firstname.lastname@example.com with your order number or give us a call at 623-933-8319 if you would like to have this done after the fact, additional charges may apply.
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Teaming Up to Address Childhood Obesity in Rural Washington State
The Washington Health Foundation funded three projects in rural areas of Washington State that addressed childhood obesity by changing policy, the environment or individual behavior. RWJF provided a matching grant.
Key Results
- The Washington Health Foundation and RWJF jointly funded three projects:
- Classroom in Bloom gives schoolchildren an opportunity to plant and maintain a half-acre garden.
- Healthy Teens uses peer health educators to increase physical activity and improve the nutrition of high school students.
- Healthy Nutrition and Fun Exercise supports ongoing efforts to influence health and nutrition in eight rural communities.


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The Best Oil Additive for Older Engines is a lubricant that can bring real benefits to the vehicle owner. Some of the specific benefits that Best Oil Additive for Older Engines provides for the classic car operator are as follows: should help stop oil burning, improved lubrication, reduce engine wear, be effective at high operating temperatures, reduce friction and oil consumption, improve compression and save fuel, and be safe for aluminum engines and catalytic converters. This type of older engine treatment will bring value and benefits to owner/operators.
Let's delve into what a superior engine oil additive should be comprised of.
Fortifying Your Engine Oil with Superior Additives
To be the best oil additive for older engines, the chemistry should utilize high quality VI improvers. VI improvers are technically knows as viscosity improvers. These VI improvers help an older engine maintain its viscosity throughout the service life of the motor oil being used. Typically, conventional motor oils utilize VI improvers of low quality. During engine operation, these VI improvers start to shear, or be literally torn apart.
For example, if your older engine is running a 10W40 engine oil, over a short period of time, your engine begins to shear down, or tear apart, the VI improvers, thus lowering the viscosity. When your engine is asking to be protected with a 10W40, now as the VI improver is sheared, the viscosity lowers to 10W30, and this viscosity continues to degrade during its service life. This exposes your engine to unwanted wear. Adding the Best Oil Additive for Older Engines helps to maintain the viscosity of your engine oil.
Another useful additive that is found in a quality oil additive for older engines is a friction modifier. Friction modifiers reduce friction between metal surfaces. By reducing friction, you reduce heat in your older engine. This leads to lower operating temperatures, longer engine wear, and better fuel economy. Also, it is important that the Best Oil Additive for Older Engines uses high quality base stock oils.
Next, formulated into the Best Oil Additive for Older Engines are anti-wear agents that provide a film of protection for engine components.
So far, the Best Oil Additive for Older Engines is starting to materialize as one of the most unique and useful products for older engines which provides a powerful ability to reduce heat, friction, and wear.
Better Base Stocks = Longer Engine Life
The next critical area in manufacturing the Best Oil Additive for Older Engines would be the choice of base stocks.
It is critical that the base stocks be highly refined by having them be severely hydrocracked and hydrofinished. Typically, conventional oils do not use these combinations of pure base stocks. Severe hydrocracking and hydrofinishing removes waxes and other byproducts. The combination of these two types of base oils vastly improves the oil's ability to flow during cold temperatures.
Also, as the engine operates in extremely high temperatures, these two base oils impart outstanding oil film protection, keeping moving engine parts separated. Also, these highly refined base oils have naturally high viscosity indexes. They maintain their viscosity over a wide range of temperatures. They resist oxidation, thus drastically reducing oil consumption, leading to dollar savings.
Having an oil additive that contains these two highly refined base oils helps to provide an oil that does not create unwanted varnish, sludge, and gum buildup on critical motor parts. Adding such an oil additive with these high quality base oils will help improve the performance of lower quality conventional oils.
Stopping Friction and Lowering Heat
The ability for an oil to provide a reduction in heat and friction would be extremely useful for older engines. Heat buildup is very detrimental to an engine's service life. The heat is being generated from friction. The only way to combat friction is to use superior base oils along with the finest friction and anti-wear additives.
Utilizing friction modifiers and anti-wear agents will provide the engine with unmatched protection against friction and wear. If friction is reduced, heat and wear are also reduced.
Save Money by Using the Best Oil Additive for Older Engines
When considering all the parameters that we've discussed in regards to what constitutes the best oil additive for older engines, finding such a product and choosing to use it would appear to be a wise decision.
For many older vehicle owners, the current competitive economic environment requires that all aspects, including the maintenance of the older vehicle, be given the best possible chance in reducing operating expenses and helping to minimize breakdowns.
Any product that can help keep your vehicle running is a product worth investing in.
Oil Additive for Old Engines with PTFE
Can an old engine benefit from a motor oil additive with PTFE? In many cases, utilizing a good quality engine oil additive can bring the vehicle owner significant benefits.
Viscosity Improvers
VI Improvers are called polymers. Think of them as very small or miniature coils, which are so small they can only be seen under a microscope. These miniature polymer coils are actually giants when they are asked to perform.
During cold temperatures, these polymers "coil up" so that the lubricant can flow easily in extreme cold temperatures. During extremely hot operating conditions, the polymer then "uncoils" to slow down or hinder the oil molecules more and more, thus not allowing the oil or the viscosity to thin down. Visualize that at low temperatures, the engine oil is less thick and during extremely elevated temperatures, the oil is less thin.
These polymer coils give an engine oil its desirable characteristics. Over time, viscosity improvers or polymers tend to shear out. In other words, the coils are literally cut up over time. When this shearing happens, the motor oil slowly loses its multi-viscosity, multi-temperature characteristics. When deciding what is a good oil additive for old engines, look for an oil booster that contains quality shear stable viscosity improvers and PTFE.
Protects Against Corrosives
When choosing a quality oil additive for old engines, look for one that has been engineered to protect against corrosives. When an engine is operating, corrosive acids can appear. These acids over time can eat away at engine components. A quality oil treatment and stabilizer for old engines should offer the ability to protect against corrosives.
Control Wear
One of the main objectives for an engine oil is to protect all the internal parts it comes in contact with. An engine oil is made up of base oils and carefully selected additives that must work together in controlling contaminants and corrosives, helping to cool the engine, and protecting all parts from friction and wear. Slowly but surely conventional motor oils start to degrade and lose their effectiveness in combating the myriad of issues they were designed to perform.
As the oil is exposed to corrosives and high temperatures, the important base oils and additives become weaker. To slow down this downward spiral, utilizing a quality oil additive for old engines can vastly boost an engine oil's lifespan and performance. Adding an oil treatment and stabilizer will help an engine oil keep temperatures cooler, help to reduce engine wear, reduce engine oil consumption, improve compression, protect against rust and corrosion, boost viscosity, and help to stop oil burning.
Adding an oil additive for old engines that contains PTFE will help reduce engine friction and wear, protect your engine during cold starts, help to reduce heat, and promote longer oil life.
There are many demands placed on engine oils. Sometimes the demands are too great for conventional motor oils to handle.


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Your IT needs are driving you nuts. You aren't sure when - or who - to call for help, what to update, what not to update. Hey… is this a virus, trojan, worm, ? How dangerous is it? What do I do about it? My email or backups or maybe even your server isn't working.
If you run a business, you know the dilemma. Staffing an IT department often isn't cost effective. But then, neither is having your executive assistant act as your IT staff. Every minute a member of your staff is doing IT work is time that they aren't helping the company in your core business.
Which brings us to the proverb referenced in the title of this blog entry, 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure'. That, in a nutshell, is the essence of managed services.
Properly done, a good managed services provider will make your IT support almost invisible. They do it by providing proactive support to prevent issues from appearing in the first place. It might include virus protection, email spam protection, email services, software updates, security updates, backups, file sharing. On the rare occasions when you need something special, a good provider will have a ticketing system in place that will reach a member of their team immediately and deal with whatever issue you are having quickly and efficiently.
One of the wonderful things about technology today is that no longer is it required that a tech be on site for every little issue. In today's world, remote tools are very effective. Now, it's possible for a support person to be actively engaged with the problem computer in under a minute. In most companies that's faster than an IT staffer could walk to the problem.
But the real beauty of all this is that almost all of this is done after hours and done remotely. No longer will your workday be interrupted by someone coming around to update a piece of software. You won't be faced with mountains of spam mail, your backups are always done (and done offsite for maximum protection), not to mention all of the other services usually provided in the managed services package.
A good provider will put together a package that consists of a core suite of tools and tasks that will take care of all of the basic IT needs. And a really good provider will be able to find, implement, and maintain solutions specific to the way you run your business. Email, onsite and cloud backups and storage solutions, constant monitoring of your environment and general support. It all comes in one package, at one price, which makes budgeting for your IT needs incredibly easy.


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Thermo King wins Best Brand prize from ETM-Verlag For the 11th consecutive year, readers of the reputable German trade magazines lastauto omnibus, trans aktuell and FERNFAHRER voted Thermo King "Best Brand" in the "Cooling Units" category. Thermo King is a manufacturer of transport temperature control solutions for a variety of …Read More »
Schmitz Cargobull wins Best Brand prize from ETM-Verlag
Schmitz Cargobull wins Best Brand prize from ETM-Verlag Stuttgart/Horstmar – The readers' decision was clear: Schmitz Cargobull is the winner of the 'Best Brand' award in the Trailer category. Europe's leading trailer manufacturer has won the title for the fifth time. The readers of the Fernfahrer, lastauto omnibus and trans …Read More »


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Televangelist, Christian Leader Jerry Falwell Dies
The Television Minister
Watch video clips of Falwell preaching on his TV program.
Falwell Marks a Milestone
Steve Inskeep spoke to Rev. Jerry Falwell in 2006 as the preacher prepared to open a large, new church building — 50 years after he attracted his first few dozen followers.
History of Falwell's Ministry
Believing church and state to be inseparable, Falwell has had an undeniable influence in modern politics, and much of his life has seen him embroiled in controversy.
Follow a timeline of the half-century history of Falwell's ministry.
The Preacher and the Activist
How did Jerry Falwell come to publish his autobiography with the help of a gay ghostwriter? Steve Inskeep interviewed Falwell and writer Mel White, and each has a different story to tell.
The Rev. Jerry Falwell, a pioneer among televangelists who later became a leading voice in the national debate over Christian values, has died at the age of 73.
Falwell was discovered without a pulse Tuesday in his office at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. He was pronounced dead at a hospital an hour later. Dr. Carl Moore, Falwell's physician, said he had a heart condition and presumably died of a heart rhythm abnormality, according to Associated Press reports.
A fundamentalist preacher, Falwell burst onto the national scene in 1979, when he launched an organization he presumptuously called the Moral Majority. Critics liked to say that it was neither. What is undisputed is that the Moral Majority became the vehicle that carried millions of born-again Christians out of their separatist tendencies and into the center of political activism.
They did it by bringing politics to the pulpit, getting churches to hand out voter guides, and creating get-out-the-vote drives that would become the envy of many a politician. The religious right was born — and Falwell became its chief spokesman. The goal was to overturn the Supreme Court's ban on school prayer and reverse the nation's direction on feminism, abortion and gay rights.
"I believe that homosexuality is moral perversion," Falwell told NPR in 1996. "I think it is a violation of the laws of nature, as well as the laws of God. I do not think that that gives me permission to be unkind or ungracious to a person who may be living a homosexual lifestyle."
In some ways, Falwell was an unlikely religious leader. He was born Aug. 11, 1933, and grew up in Lynchburg, the son of a one-time bootlegger who hated preachers. His grandfather was a staunch atheist.
But Falwell heard the call while listening to a radio preacher. He built a church from scratch — Thomas Road Baptist — in Lynchburg. It grew to a mega-church of well over 20,000 members. He started a Christian school, then a college and most recently a law school, raising much of the money from his television ministry. Critics said he spent more time asking for contributions than ministering to viewers.
Falwell followers saw him as a capable defender of decency and of godly values, but he often had detractors gnashing their teeth. He once told a gathering of ministers that the anti-Christ is a Jewish male who is alive in the world today.
Two days after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, during an appearance on Pat Robertson's television show, Falwell claimed that the attack was God's judgment on America's immorality.
"I really believe that the pagans and the abortionists and the feminists and the gays and the lesbians, who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People for the American Way — all of them who try to secularize America — I point the finger in their face and say, 'You helped this happen.'"
Later, Falwell apologized, saying his remarks were insensitive and that he never meant to blame anyone except the terrorists.
Barry Lynn, leader of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, has been one of Falwell's harshest critics over the years. Lynn says Falwell was wrong about everything, but he does give Falwell credit for standing up for his beliefs.
"He was the key point-man in the creation of the modern-day religious right. And for a lot of Americans, he will be forever the face of the religious right," Lynn said.
In the late 1980s, the Moral Majority disbanded and Falwell went back to saving souls. Other groups took over the political legwork. In terms of legislation and constitutional amendments, the Moral Majority failed. But it did force politicians to address questions many would rather have avoided.
And Falwell's legacy of spurring religious conservatives into political action has hardly abated. One example: Christian protesters and their allies in Congress forcing the nation's attention on Terri Schiavo.
Falwell added his voice to that debate, referring to the Schiavo case as part of America's "death syndrome." It started, he said, with the "legalization of abortion — now euthanasia."
Timeline: A Half-Century of Falwell's Ministry
Falwell's Opinions
The Case Against Penthouse (Feb. 3, 1981)
Leaving the Leadership of the Moral Majority (Nov. 3, 1987)
The Jim Bakker Scandal (Nov. 23, 1987)
Personal Repercussions of the Bakker Scandal and PTL Bankruptcy (Oct. 8, 1987)
Falwell and Pat Robertson on The 700 Club Cast Blame for Sept. 11 (Sept. 13, 2001)
Falwell Compares Roy Moore to Martin Luther King Jr. (Aug. 21, 2003)
Believing church and state to be inseparable, the Rev. Jerry Falwell has had an undeniable influence in modern politics, and much of his life has seen him embroiled in controversy.
Aug. 11, 1933: Jerry Lamon Falwell is born in Lynchburg, Va.
June 1956: Shortly after graduating from Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Mo., Falwell becomes pastor of the new Thomas Road Baptist Church of Lynchburg, Va.
April 12, 1958: Falwell marries Macel Pate.
1967: Falwell creates the Lynchburg Christian Academy, a fully accredited Christian day school offering K-12 education.
1971: Falwell founds Liberty University.
1972: The SEC files charges of "fraud and deceit" against Falwell's church for the issuance of $6.5 million in uninsured bonds. The organization wins its case in 1973, but Liberty University files for bankruptcy and reorganizes, losing millions in church investors money.
June 1979: Falwell organizes the Moral Majority, a political lobbyist group tasked with bringing Christianity to the forefront of the Republican Party platform. The group considers itself the force that elected Ronald Reagan to the presidency.
1981: Penthouse publishes a Falwell interview given to freelance reporters and Falwell files a $10 million lawsuit against the magazine, stating that the interview was sold without his consent. The case is dismissed.
1983: Falwell sues Hustler for featuring a parody of him in an advertisement. Although the jury denied compensation for his claims of libel and invasion of privacy, they awarded him damages for "emotional distress." Hustler founder Larry Flynt appealed the decision, and in 1988 the Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of the magazine.
1987: Televangelist Jim Bakker passes control of his PTL Ministry to Falwell after a series of financial and adultery scandals, most notably Bakkers conviction for fraud that sends him to prison for five years. Within months, PTL files for bankruptcy. Falwell and the PTL board of directors resign.
1989: Having helped the Republican Party win three presidential elections, Falwell officially disbands the Moral Majority, saying, Our mission is accomplished.
1995: Falwell begins publishing the National Liberty Journal.
Sept. 2001: Falwell comes under fire after he blames gays, abortionists, the ACLU, and other groups for the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. He publicly apologizes for his remarks.
2003: Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore loses his seat on the bench for refusing to remove a monument to the Ten Commandments from the courthouse grounds. Falwell defends Moore's actions, comparing him to Martin Luther King Jr.
2004: Falwell founds the Moral Majority Coalition, a "21st century resurrection of the Moral Majority" and pledges to lead the organization for a minimum of four years.
2006: Relations between Falwell and Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) warm after McCain speaks at Liberty University. During a campaign speech for the 2000 presidential election urging the country to return to social moderation, McCain referred to Falwell (and others) as "agents of intolerance."
May 15, 2007: Falwell dies in Lynchburg, Va.


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Interview with Todd Compton--Part 1:
AMS: Welcome to the Apostate Mormon Show. Today's show is a very special treat for me, as I will have the pleasure to interview one of Mormonism's best scholars, Dr. Todd Compton. Dr. Compton is not your typical Mormon historian, because he believes in studying history, whether or not it is faith promoting. This may sound like a… not such a big deal to those listeners who were never part of the Mormon tradition, but it is quite revolutionary in Mormon circles. So, welcome to the show, Dr. Compton.
TC: Glad to be here.
AMS: Your book, "In Sacred Loneliness – the Plural Wives of Joseph Smith", is one of the gems of Mormon research and thought. This hour, next, we will delve into a couple of chapters of the book and we'll talk about a number of subjects having to do with polygamy, the early LDS church, and contemporary issues having to do with polygamy. It is such a pleasure to have you on. I have greatly enjoyed your book, and I admire your work. I've got to say for the listeners who haven't read the book that it is full of intrigue, and it's like a great novel. It's got the intrigue, the sex, the mystery, it's got it all…
Before we get much further into the conversation I need to introduce you to our listeners. You have a PhD in Classics, from the University of California Los Angeles. You've taught at UCLA, the University of Southern California, Cal State Northridge. You are the author of "Mormonism and Early Christianity." When was that published?
TC: I'm one of the editors of that…
AMS: Oh, you're one of the editors, okay…
TC: Some of the Nibley collected works volume series…
AMS: I see. You're also a contributor to the "Encyclopedia of Mormonism," you've been published in the American Journal of Philology, Dialogue: a Journal of Mormon Thought, Classical Quarterly, the Journal of Popular Culture, among others. So, you're widely published. Was "In Sacred Loneliness," was that your second book?
TC: Um, I consider it my first book. There was another, kind of previous book that isn't really, you know, in the same category of scholarly books… So I consider it my first book.
AMS: You are the recipient of the Best Article Award from the Mormon History Association, and just a very interesting person. You are currently working on a new book? Do you want to tell us a little bit about that?
TC: Um… yea, but, let me do my statement first, okay?
AMS: Very good, let's go ahead and do that.
TC: Okay. This is kind of an explanation of why I'm doing this program. So, I'm going to read it right now. [Reading from prepared text] I'm doing this interview as an active Mormon, as a believer in God and Jesus Christ, and Christ's Church. I am not a particularly outstanding Mormon, never having served as a Bishop or Stake President, for instance, but I'm an average Mormon who shows up every week. I believe the LDS Church has been and is far from perfect. Nevertheless, I believe God has called me to be a part of it, to be improved by it in some ways and to help improve it in others. I'm a Liberal Mormon, though some people consider that a contradiction in terms. I participate in an interview program like this because long ago, I decided that Jesus' example obligates us to talk with everyone. He was fiercely criticized by religious conservatives in his day, for teaching people the conservatives considered sinners. We are not to wait until we have as listeners only other active conservative Mormons. Jesus' call and outreach goes to all human beings and we should not consider any group of human beings out of the reach of his call and outreach as we strive to follow Him. [No longer reading] So, there's my statement.
AMS: Very good.
TC: Okay?
AMS: Well, I have to add to it, if I may, that I think you're being very gutsy to do this, because it is not traditionally well seen in the Church for people such as yourself to be speaking out. And, as a matter of fact, it is… we'll delve into that later, but… your book probably raised some eyebrows as well.
TC: (Laughs) Yes.
AMS: Well, let's talk about your book. It is very large. It's over 600 pages, with a couple hundred pages of references and notes. It must have been a monumental undertaking. How long did it take you to research and write this book?
TC: Uh, it took about 5 years… You know, and it's funny because people think writing a book like this is a lot of work. But you read interviews with professional authors and they say, "Yea, I write three pages a day." And if you think about it, three pages a day… in one year you've got 900 pages.
AMS: That's true.
TC: So, to me it didn't seem like a monumental task. When I was doing it, it was a lot of fun. And then it ended up pretty long just because there's 33 women in there…
AMS: Yes, there's a lot of people.
TC: So, I was glad that Signature was willing to publish it at that length.
AMS: Yea, did you… Were you approached by Signature Books, who is your publisher, first, or did you approach them?
TC: What I did is, when I had a manuscript that was actually just the first half of the book, I was thinking of publishing it in two volumes at that point. I sent query letters to a number of publishers who were interested in Mormon history. Two were most interested, and they were University of Utah Press and Signature Books. University of Utah accepted it first, and I was going to publish it with them, and then they kind of dropped their Mormon series. Signature was still interested, so I published it with them. So, I was happy with either of those, but I kind of leaned to University Press because I thought it might help my academic career further.
AMS: Um hum. Did you attempt to publish it with Deseret Book?
TC: I actually, uh… explored publishing it, not with Deseret Book, but with the BYU University Press. I let them see part of it, and predictably they were not really too interested (laughs).
AMS: Okay, okay… I notice today on amazon.com that… I keep sending lots of people to your page on amazon.com. And I noticed today that they only have two copies left. So, I assume it's been a popular book. Do you have any idea how many copies have been sold?
TC: Well, in the first two months, 2000 copies were sold. So, then they did another edition, which is another few thousand copies. I'm not sure exactly how many. So…
AMS: A substantial amount.
TC: For a scholarly Mormon history book, that is very good, that's almost Best Seller status. For a Deseret Book, that's nothing (laughs).
AMS: Well, yea, but… Deseret Book doesn't specialize in scholarly publications anyway.
TC: Right.
AMS: Let's talk a little bit about your motivation in writing this book. What gave you the idea?
TC: Um, my background is in the Classics, which is Greek and Latin. And, um, I finished my degree at UCLA and I taught, just a little bit, at USC, and I was having trouble finding other jobs. At this period in time, I happened to have a friend who came down here to southern California and had had a summertime fellowship with the Huntington Library. She suggested that I apply for it, apply for one of these fellowships, and she suggested I apply to work on the journals of Eliza R. Snow, which the Huntington Library has. And, I thought it was kind of a crazy idea, because I didn't have a background in Mormon history, but it, um, looked like it would not take too much time to apply. And so, I applied and strangely enough they gave me a fellowship. So, they were basically paying me to research the journals of Eliza R. Snow, who of course was one of the plural wives of Joseph Smith. And, as I started doing that, started studying her journals I was trying to identify the people in her journals. I realized I would really need a good list of Joseph Smith's plural wives. There was a good list of Brigham Young's wives, and Heber C. Kimball's wives, but I didn't feel there was a good list of Joseph Smith's wives. The best list there was--modern, scholarly list, was an appendix by Fawn Brodie. And, I felt that had lots of problems. It was inflated, it depended too much on anti-Mormon writing, and I just felt… I couldn't rely on it. Even though I felt it was valuable…
AMS: Sure…
TC: And, it was great that she'd done it. It helped me get started on my own research.
AMS: Right.
TC: So, I decided I needed to make my own list, to make my own decisions on which women were plural wives of Joseph Smith, and to do this I had to start studying their lives a little bit, reading what they themselves had written. And that's what got me started. And then I just got interested…
AMS: Yea, and it kind of grabbed you…
TC: My life was no longer my own at that point, it was just so incredibly fascinating.
AMS: The subject is so fascinating, and the way you write it is so interesting, it's like reading a good novel.
TC: Well, I'm glad you feel like that.
AMS: It's really good. We have to take a quick break, and we'll be right back with Dr. Todd Compton.


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This article was originally published at https://r3publican.wordpress.com/2017/11/13/sure-establishment-ed-gillespie-didnt-run-on-trumps-agenda-but-trump-isnt-enacting-his-agenda-either/
R3publicans: Establishment Ed Gillespie Didn't Run On Trump's Agenda; Trump Isn't Enacting His Agenda Either
Sure, Establishment Ed Gillespie Didn't Run On Trump's Agenda. But Trump Isn't Enacting His Agenda Either James Kirkpatrick • November 10, 2017 For immigration patriots, there's a Narrative in place to explaining the crushing defeat of the GOP throughout Virginia on Tuesday night. "Establishment Ed" Gillespie, whose entire life story is a kind of Pilgrim's Progress illustrating the utter pointlessness of the Beltway Right, didn't push the Donald Trump agenda and so Trump's voters didn't turn out. True—but insufficient. A more disturbing explanation must be faced: President Trump has energized the Left but he's not energizing the working-class voters who gave him victory—because he is not sufficiently delivering for them. read more at http://www.unz.com/article/sure-establishment-ed-gillespie-didnt-run-on-trumps-agenda-but-trump-isnt-enacting-his-agenda-either/ summary via R3publican


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Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Guest Blogger: Earle E. Van Gilder
Earle's release is SAID THE SPIDER. Here's a synopsis of it: "Sophisticated crime syndicate parasites invade the normally solid foundation of Midwestern banking and generations of established manufacturing. Executives and management usually in control suddenly find they are masterfully manipulated into a web of irreconcilable personal and financial seduction.
From the traumatic discovery at the river's edge to the eventual confrontational conclusion SAID THE SPIDER seduces greedy, gullible and unsuspecting prey into a deadly and graphic whirlwind of corporate disaster leading to murder, suicide and revenge.
The early exploits of the juvenile crime spree by a youthful mastermind who cleverly manipulates his prey leads the reader to the ruthless genius manipulating the city. This drama of cause and effect with no escape from the temptations of lust, greed, and ignorance has been cleverly baited.
The corporate investigative agency and police sources enter almost too late to stop this whirlpool of turbulence as the bank Vice President's realize their own failure and the investors and corporation officers panic and retreat from the coming Armageddon.
As murder, suicide and monumental financial losses are exposed, the crime syndicate learns of an investigation which might interrupt their lucrative operation. Crime bosses will stop at nothing to successfully complete their artistic looting of a major bank and manufacturing complex.
Time is running out. Investigators are pulling pieces of the puzzle together. Corrupt and greedy bank executives are running for their lives. The syndicate is charging ahead in their goal of complete domination and eventual departure culminating in a surprise and conclusive end to fraud and murder.
Earle has answered some questions for me about his book and his writing style.
Mason: What inspired you to write this book?
Earle: Before and after my retirement as President of a corporation dealing in industrial espionage, white collar crime, undercover and criminal investigations I was asked to share my experiences and stories. Also, just the sheer enjoyment of writing.
Mason: Do you have a writing schedule?
Earle: None at all.
Mason: What type of research did you do for the book?
Earle: On the three books I've written it required only limited research because they were part of my history. On occasion I did limited research into methods, geography, events etc. that were needed to recall times and events. There will be a time when my actual recollection and memory requires making new adventures that are less real to me but I'll handle that when the time comes.
Mason: What was the best/worst thing about writing?
Earle: When writing I can't recall a "worst" thing because I become absorbed in the story and characters. The "best" thing is accomplishing the task at hand and returning to it over and over again in trying to perfect the story.
Mason: Did you encountered 'writer's block?' If so, how did you overcame it?
Earle: I was never concerned with "writer's block" but have experienced times when I'm more productive or less productive. I write for myself and if along the way someone might enjoy the story that's a good thing.
Mason: What message would you like readers to take away from your book?
Earle: Crime doesn't pay, most of the time.
Mason: What can readers expect next from you?
Earle: A vivid imagination and authentic adventures.
Earle, thanks for guest blogging here. Your background has lead to a fascinating story.
Now for a bit of background on Earle. For more than 40 years Earle "Doc" was involved in the investigation of white-collar crime. The last 20 years he ran his own Investigative Corporation partnering with major firms, local and state government agencies and law enforcement to solve a wide range of criminal activities from internal theft and white collar crime to insurance fraud, criminal investigations and undercover operations.
Earle is also a certified Kyokushinkai Karate Branch Chief and martial arts instructor and well versed in the handling of weaponry. These experiences combined with his Marine Corp and equestrian experiences have resulted in a number of short stories which in turn led to his first novel, SAID THE SPIDER. He recently completed a second novel, GUMSHOE DIARY, THE MONTH OF MAY.
For more on Earle and his book, check out his website at Outskirts Press.
9 comments:
Earle, thanks for blogging here. Your book sounds very intriguing. Wishing you much success with it.ReplyDelete
What an interesting background Earle has! He's obviously well-equipped to write this type of book...and traditional mysteries, I'd think, too. Best wishes for the book!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJanuary 19, 2011 at 8:02 AM
Mason - Thanks for hosting Earle.ReplyDelete
Earle - I like the way you've used your own background for this novel. Corporate espionage and "white collar crime" are fascinating, especially when the author has the kind of investigative background that you do. I wish you much success with Said the Spider.
It looks like there's an intricate "web" of intrigue in this book ... How wonderful to use your own background as research ... Best wishes!ReplyDelete
With his background, I don't think he'll ever run out of stories.ReplyDelete
Mason, there's an award for you at my blog :)
Love the cover! Sounds like a great book - industrial espionage is always a great idea for a story.ReplyDelete
Thats impressive, I had to look some of the words up LOL great interview by you Mason, and Earle gave some replies. Its interesting to see a writers thoughts on the page in a set up like this.ReplyDelete
I'm impressed Earle was able to write a book without a schedule. I need lists and schedules and goals to get anything done! ;)ReplyDelete
Corporate and financial crime is a lot more exciting as a topic for thrillers than one would think. Thanks for an interesting interview, Mason.ReplyDelete


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Why Governance, Risk, and Compliance Platform Accessibility Matters
We sat down with Shannon Harrison, LogicGate's Senior Director of User Experience, to learn why we're making accessibility…
Every company must consider a variety of internal and external factors that affect how well it can meet or exceed its stated goals. This collective array of factors is commonly referred to as Enterprise Risk, and it's the primary source of uncertainty in any business. Today, company leadership must grapple with an ever-increasing number of question marks prompted by unpredictable economic times and radical innovation in a rapidly changing world.
More than ever, how well a company manages its business is directly related to how effectively it manages its business risk. A comprehensive risk management program is essential for companies to reduce uncertainty, make confident decisions, and move the business forward on behalf of its shareholders, its employees, and its customers.
The most effective overall approach to identify and minimize risk is a process called Enterprise Risk Management (ERM).
Critical risk-related business issues discussed in boardrooms and corner offices fall into three distinct categories—macroeconomic risk, strategic risk, and operational risk.
Macroeconomic risks are those related to uncertain economic and geopolitical situations that can threaten a company's growth or very existence. These risks are commonly seen in the news: trade wars, Brexit, interest rate hikes, and political unrest are a few examples of global macroeconomic risks in 2019. Such constantly changing macroeconomic conditions underscore the benefits of companies remaining both nimble and vigilant.
Strategic risks arise from adverse business decisions or the failure to implement appropriate business decisions in a manner that is consistent with the institution's strategic goals. A shifting regulatory environment, advancements in technological innovation, and evolving customer demographics are among the most common strategic risks that bear constant scrutiny.
Operational risk is the prospect of loss resulting from inadequate or failed procedures, systems, or policies.Operational risks can include shifting labor markets, the changing costs of business and healthcare insurance, and wrestling with the growing importance of cybersecurity.
Regardless of the type of key risk, a successful business model should include ways to identify, monitor, and manage potentially disruptive events.
The eventual success of any Enterprise Risk Management program depends on a company's ability to develop a proper framework and corresponding implementation plan. This often requires a dedicated team with well-defined objectives, a clear project scope, and an agreed-upon allocation of responsibility. This team is commonly headed by the Chief Risk Officer.
The ERM team is a fundamental part of a company's larger, overarching risk management efforts. The team must not only put best practices in place and ensure they're followed, they must also serve as champions for risk management throughout the rest of the organization.. It's helpful when company-wide functions such as Compliance, Incident Management, and Information Security Risk are represented in addition to Finance, Accounting, and Internal Audit. This helps to mitigate the most common threats to an effective ERM program: lack of communication and buy-in.
Assessing the Costs and Benefits of ERM
Among the many benefits of having a single business unit responsible for ERM, it provides a company with a strong foundation for a successful risk-management process and culture. A centralized risk-management department can develop standard policies, measurement methodologies, and risk frameworks that can be leveraged throughout the rest of the organization. It's an approach that gives senior management and decision-makers a clearer view of the interrelationships among existing risks and facilitates proactive thinking about potential future risks.
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There comes a point in our lives when we sense that something bad is about to happen when we assume "invincibility."
We continue in sin because we willingly abuse 1 John 1:9.
"If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
1 John 3:6 says, "Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him."
For 33 years in masturbation, 10 of these years in pornography, I abused that verse of Scripture.
It became my hypocritical fall back position so that I would "seem" right when it would be time for me to preach and teach the Word of God.
Afterwards, I would resume the sexual addictive cycle of
1. Thoughts/fantasies.
2. Ritual/Provision for the flesh.
3. Acting Out Sexually.
4. Remorse.
There is a difference between remorse and repentance.
Remorse is about you being sorry that you got caught.
Repentance means "godly sorrow that works repentance, leading to salvation not to be regretted..." (2 Corinthians 7:10). You fully grasp that you hurt the heart of the Lord in your sin. It means that you are done forever with that sin according to Proverbs 28:13. Remorse covers sins. Repentance removes sin far from you because you are in God (abiding in Him see John 15:1-8) and so near to God (see James 4:7-10).
Hebrews 12:1 says, "Let us lay aside every weight and the SIN that does so easily beset us…"
James 1:21 says, "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."
Do not get me wrong. God lovingly forgives us freely. That's His nature. When we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, BUT when we treat God like a walking mat and walk all over the blood that was shed for us because we would not stop sinning, we do not have the terror of God in us.
In 2 Corinthians 5:9-11, Paul says, "Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences."
The dispensation of grace has been so abused that we now hear convoluted teaching that we can sin and all our future sin is forgiven because Colossians 2:11-15 declares that God nailed the handwriting of ordinances against us to the cross of Christ. Past, present, and future sins are forgiven.
Many people have said as a result that…."God knows my heart."
Yes, He does know your heart that it"…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, Who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9
Ecclesiastes 8:11-13, the Preacher said, "Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him. But it will not be well with the wicked; nor will he prolong his days, which are as a shadow, because he does not fear before God."
You have to ask yourself if you are a practitioner of lawlessness or not.
Because if you practice sin because you claim that you can't control yourself, the Lord will tell you one thing.
"Depart from Me you who practice lawlessness."
When you have the terror of God in you, you will not sin.
When you didn't get judged for the last time you sinned, nothing happened, you feel that you could get away with it. Again, and again.
The endless cycle continues.
No fear of God in us.
Many have talked so much about the "fear of the Lord" as if it's just the reverential, worshipful fear of God when we are in a church service.
After hearing Paul Washer preach on this, my perspective dramatically changed.
I already had a healthy fear of God like avoid the third rail on subway tracks. I already knew about the "flame of fire in the eyes of Jesus," Revelation 1:14, 2:18, and 19:12.
But to understand the fear or terror of God in the light of your sins is a different perspective.
As I was witnessing with the Abolitionist's Agitation Signs of murdered babies, a lady was offended that a man would tell her about how to govern her right to choose. She claims to be a professed believer in Jesus, yet, she advocates the murder of babies. She told me that it's between her and her God. It was bold and blasphemous.
When you stand before the judgment seat of Christ, it is not going to be a Hollywood award ceremony.
Days later, I said to myself, she really do not want to stand before the Head of the Church, if she is genuinely saved, to give an account for what she just said. The flame in His eyes is not a light show. It is the anger and terror of God staring at you and penetrating your entire being. To the degree that you will understand, in no uncertain terms, that He is fully God and fully angry.
It is there, in the Flame of His eyes, that the good and the bad will be judged by Him of all believers that made it into the kingdom. It will be the place where all our deeds will be exposed and where we will render an account before God.
Paul said in Romans 14:10-12, "For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: "As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God." So then each of us shall give account of himself to God."
Then there is the judgment of our works. That is, the things that we believe that the Lord told us to do and built on top of the foundation.
Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:10, "But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire."
The reason why believers sin so easily is that there is no terror in the eyes of people.
Paul said in Romans 3:10- 18, "As it is written:
"There is none righteous, no, not one;
There is none who understands;
There is none who seeks after God.
They have all turned aside;
They have together become unprofitable;
There is none who does good, no, not one."
"Their throat is an open tomb;
With their tongues they have practiced deceit";
"The poison of asps is under their lips";
"Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness."
"Their feet are swift to shed blood;
Destruction and misery are in their ways;
And the way of peace they have not known."
"There is no fear of God before their eyes."
If we were really terrified of God, sin would be a quick thing of the past.
There are many people that do not like this kind of God. They would much rather have the loving, soft, forgiving God that understands that we are not perfect and that He understands that we make "mistakes."
There is a vast different between making mistakes and deliberately sinning against God.
Many believe that this is "sledge hammer preaching."
No, this is the very nature of God that we never preached about because all of us want to avoid turning people way from what the Bible clearly states.
We avoid these messages because as Todd Friel, Ray Comfort, and Tony Miano said we have erected a god that is not like the God of the Bible.
Many of us practiced idolatry and didn't even know it. We have shied away from the awesome terrible God that brings judgment upon those that continue in sin. Grace cannot abound when we continue in sin (see Romans 6:1).
Paul tells us "That if we would judge ourselves we would not be judged."
Every time folk in the church of Corinth took communion, they would get sick and some of them would die because they had failed to discern or fully understand the Lord's Supper. This means that you understand clearly, and with all gravity that the Body and Blood of our Lord was sacrificed for our sins. To desecrate this celebration is blasphemous and worthy of judgment, up to and including death.
Therefore, we must preach the terror of the Lord because when you are not scared to sin, you will sin as easy as breathing air and drinking water. You will not think twice about going for it. But after you get a revelation of the terror of the Lord, we need to warn others to be very afraid because God is love, but He is also just, righteous, and holy, and God has zero tolerance for sin.