Hostility to Cordoba House – the so-called Ground Zero Mosque – does far more damage to America and its values than a few planes flown into buildings ever could. [...]
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August 28, 2010
Posted by Muhammad Cohen in: Commentary, Faith, Freedom, Homeland Security, Islam, Minorities, Opinion, Religion, Terrorism, The Pundit's Corner
 One comment August 24, 2010
Posted by Carla René in: Accountability, Advice, African-American, Attitude, Biography & Memoir, Book Marketing Online, Book Review, Books, Business, Business Management, Cancer, Cap and Trade, Children, China, Climate Change, Commentary, Comments & Discussion, Communications, Communism, Community, Computers, Congress, Contributor's Audio/Video, Creative Writing, Current Events, Democracy, Democrat, Diet, Economic Crisis, Economics, Education, Energy, Entertainment, Environment, Environmental Issues, Faith, Family, Fiction, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Relations, Freedom, Freelance Author, General Topics, Geopolitical Events, Global Warming, Governance, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Healthcare, Heroes, History, Homeland Security, Humor, Inspiration & Motivation, Internet, Internet Advice, Interview, Islam, Journalism, Latino & Hispanic, Legal, Life Experiences, Lifestyle, Literature, Marketing, Marriage, Medical, Men's Issues, Mental Health, Mexico, Military, Minorities, Morality, Motivation, Music, Native American, Nature/Wildlife, Non-Fiction, Nutrition, Opinion, Personal Experiences, Philosophical Genres, Poetry, Politics, Publishing, Question of the Day, Recovery, Relationships, Religion, Republican, Rhyme, Satire, Self-Help, Sex, Short Stories, Social Aspects, Social Classes, Social Issues, Sociology, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Television, Terrorism, The Economy, The Media, The Pundit's Corner, The Writer's Corner, Travel, Uncategorized, Website Instructions, Weight loss, Wellness, Women's Perspective, Women's Rights, Working Women, Workplace, World Issues, Writing Essentials
Leave a comment Begun back sometime in 2001, this book was originally a fluke of an idea… [...] August 23, 2010
Posted by Kaye in: Accountability, African-American, Attitude, Children, Commentary, Democracy, Faith, Family, Freedom, Healthcare, History, Islam, Latino & Hispanic, Minorities, Morality, Music, Poetry, Religion, Social Classes, Social Issues, Uncategorized
6 comments The revival of South Pacific was broadcast live on PBS On August 18, PBS live Lincoln Center. The musical which originally opened on Broadway on April 7, 1949 is one of my favorite musicals but then, I love just about everything Rogers and Hammerstein did from Carousel to Porgy and Bess to Oklahoma to Flower Drum Song. As I sat mesmerized in front to my television sometimes singing aloud and other times mouthing the lyrics to songs I consider to be some of the most beautiful songs ever written it slowly began to dawn on me that this musical was not so much about American troops at war on an island in the south pacific as much as it was a story about racism. Continue reading Strange Fruit Living Just Enough For The City August 19, 2010
Posted by Michael Crumling in: Accountability, Commentary, Current Events, Faith, Freedom, Governance, Homeland Security, Islam, Morality, Non-Fiction, Opinion, Politics, Religion, Terrorism, World Issues
5 comments I watched with interest, a news story about people angry and suing because of a cross beside the road which honors the memory of a fallen police officer, killed in service to his community. They allege that because the police department insignia is affixed to the cross, it represents the government promotion of religion. The cross also has the officers’ name affixed. It might just represent who the man was in his life. He served his community as a police officer. Perhaps he was a Christian. One thing we do know for certain is that he is dead. He died serving the rest of us. It is hardly an example of establishment of religion. The separation of church and state is hardly relevant. It is no different than what you might see in Arlington National Cemetery, which one may note is on government property. There may be a dozen reasonable people who would be offended by this display. Continue reading A Mosque Grows in Mahattan August 11, 2010
Posted by Tina Rae Collins in: Faith, Inspiration & Motivation, Non-Fiction, Religion, Spirituality
Leave a comment A little boy named Chris needs help. He lives with a cruel father. His father is always saying he loves Chris but he doesn’t act like it. He threatens Chris with awful punishment if he steps out of line even a little bit. Chris’s father allows a drug addict to babysit Chris and then is angry when he hears Chris saying bad words or talking about wanting to smoke pot. The father often tells Chris that if he doesn’t do everything commanded of him, the father is going to take him to the river and drop him off the bridge some cold night. Chris is always afraid that he can’t measure up. Chris needs our prayers. Chris is you and me, and the father is our God. Do you believe that? I don’t. I know that when you read what I wrote above, you were probably incensed at the father for being so cruel. And yet we are taught that our own heavenly Father is far more cruel than the father in my story. He is not going to throw us off a bridge and drown us. No, he is going to cast us into a lake of fire and burn us. Not burn us up but burn us forever. And ever. Continue reading It Didn’t Enter His Mind August 11, 2010
Posted by Tina Rae Collins in: Comments & Discussion, Faith, Non-Fiction, Religion, Spirituality
Leave a comment Here’s a little mystery. Chris is given some information and he must decide who the perpetrator of a deed is based on information he is given. The story begins. Joshua walks into a room with Chris. Joshua never lies and Chris knows that. Joshua says, “See those ten tables? They were filled with pizza. Jeru ate all the pizza on seven of the tables and he ate all of the pepperoni pizza.” Joshua leaves the room and Jock comes in. Jock also never lies and Chris knows that. Jock says, “Man, Chris, a guy came in here awhile ago and ate every single pizza off all ten of those tables, including all the pepperoni ones.” Chris scratches his head and says, “You know what? I bet that was Roman. I’ve seen him eat five pizzas myself and he’s a really big guy. Yeah, it must have been him.” Continue reading Who Ate the Pizza? August 3, 2010
Posted by Michael Crumling in: Advice, Climate Change, Commentary, Entertainment, Environment, Faith, Habit Change, Humor, Life Experiences, Satire, Social Issues, Television, The Media, Weight loss
Leave a comment I like background noise. It allows me to separate my thoughts. Occasionally, I find it a distraction, but most of the time it is just noise. The presence of the sound is somehow transformative. It sustainably enables me to marshal my thoughts and execute whatever it is I am doing, or it allows me to sleep despite any of the din outside. The volume matters sometimes. A loud television or stereo is interesting when you concentrate on it with interest. However, when you are no longer interested, they become a distraction… sort of like people in life sometimes. But, in both cases you will find that you can tolerate either, very well, if the volume has been reduced a good bit. We have all had that conversation. You’re really listening to someone, intent to hear what they are saying. When they hit a few sour notes, your attitude has changed, and you start to hear “blah blah woof woof……blah blah”. Continue reading A list of crap I no longer wish to hear about July 19, 2010
Posted by Kaye in: Accountability, African-American, Children, Commentary, Faith, Family, Opinion, Social Classes, Social Issues
7 comments Last night I learned that my friends lost their only son. He was shot and killed by an undercover police officer in Newark, New Jersey last Friday. He was shot in the heart on a warm sunny evening. His name was DeFarra Gaymon, he was 48 years old, he was the father of two girls and two boys all under the age of 12. We called him Dean, everybody did. He was the President and CEO of a credit union in Atlanta. His father is a pastor, he has a sister and three nieces. He was the apple of his mother’s eye and he had a loving wife. He was a soft and gentle man. The news media accounts say that he was in a park and that a complaint was made. The cop that shot Dean is reported to be so distraught that he is under sedation and unable to give a statement some 3 days later. He hospitalized in the very same hospital that Dean died in 3 hours after he was fatally shot. People are speculating that Dean was engaged some unsavory activity and that when the undercover” cop arrived something went awry. I don’t know why Dean was shot and murdered but what I do know is that Dean Gaymon was a loving family man. I do know that he doted on his mother and he loved his family. I do know that he not only cared about his children he also cared for his children and his sister’s children as well. Continue reading A Soft and Gentle Man July 9, 2010
Posted by Michael Crumling in: Attitude, Commentary, Faith, General Topics, History, Native American, Opinion, Philosophical Genres, Religion, Spirituality
Leave a comment Interesting how some ideas become facts, while others are discounted. The concept of “God” is a notion of an explanation to that which we did not understand and a theory of how we became. Evolution is a theory as well. It is not scientifically sufficient to call it fact. There is too much evidence [...] July 7, 2010
I didn’t plan to write here today. I planned to spend my free time researching my next novel. But in my research I ran across a poem that brought tears to my eyes. It was written by the esteemed African American poet of the Harlem Renaissance Countee Cullen. When you get a chance look it up on Google. It is entitled Simon the Cyrenian Speaks and it spoke to me about race. Continue reading Why We Must Forget About Race June 30, 2010
Posted by Tina Rae Collins in: Comments & Discussion, Faith, Inspiration & Motivation, Non-Fiction, Religion, Spirituality
Leave a comment Sometimes I want to smack myself because of my inability to understand scriptures. All my life I have seen the following passage as referring to heaven. John 14:2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. I guess I shouldn’t be too hard on myself. After all, Jesus did leave earth and go up into heaven to the Father. But in what way did he prepare a place for us? Yes, he was a carpenter by trade, but we surely don’t think he went up into the sky to literally construct mansions. He said his disciples knew the way. In another place we find: Continue reading Many Mansions June 10, 2010
Posted by Jose Antonio Ponce in: Faith, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Morality, Poetry, Religion
Leave a comment We’re all heading to the same destination in this life. We end up on the mortician’s table, bloody and bruised, old and twisted, pale, toothless and thin.
Some of us racing to get there while others just mosey along admiring the scenery and waiting their turn. June 3, 2010
In the Catholic Church the priests are all male. In the Catholic church there is a hierarchy that is all male from the Pope on down. Nuns are called brides of Christ but they are actually servants of the Lord. And while several priests, who as I said are all male, have been accused by hundreds of sexual misconduct, they have not been excommunicated from the church as a nun recently was for deciding in favor of a mother in need of an abortion. She decided to save a life and now although she still has her God, she has not church. Continue reading Another Disadvantage of Being a Woman- Being a Nun in a World Ruled by Male Priests May 26, 2010
Posted by georgepolley in: Book Review, Books, Environment, Environmental Issues, Faith, Religion, Spirituality, World Issues
Leave a comment To paraphrase something Thich Nhat Hanh once said, “Everything inter-is.” Everything in nature is interconnected, including humans. We are a part of nature, not separate from it, set apart from and above it to do with it what we will. Like every other species, we are deeply embedded in nature and dependent on it [...] May 10, 2010
Posted by Kaye in: Accountability, African-American, Commentary, Entertainment, Faith, Heroes, Opinion, Politics
2 comments I woke this morning, like we all did, to the news of the death of Lena Horne. While my heart now grieves at her passing I am comforted in knowing that Lean Hone lived a long, productive and successful life. So what does one say about an iconic woman such as Ms. Horne? We can praise her talent, her tenacity, her strength and we can declare her beauty and her grace. Almost everyone recalls her rendition of Stormy Weather and proclaims it their favorite. I recall her renditions of Believe In Yourself, As I Believe In You and The Lady is A Trap. I proclaim them my favorites, these songs are my anthems. If you believe Believe what you feel May 7, 2010
Posted by steve sangirardi in: Creative Writing, Faith, Freelance Author, Relationships, Religion, Social Issues, The Writer's Corner
5 comments Stephen Sangirardi The Monster Bard715@aol.com Once upon a time there was a priest who had the best of intentions. While in the seminary, he devoted himself to God and practically memorized the Bible. He was going to transform the world into a model of Christianity, beginning with the parish he would one day shepherd. No vow was too difficult for the young man to grapple, especially the vow of chastity and purity, and not a night passed when the young novitiate did not pray like a thousand saints rolled into one. The day of his graduation from the seminary came, and the priest was sent out into the world. His parish was a small community in upstate New York, where he would serve under the current pastor. It was understood that when the elder pastor died, the young priest would succeed him. For the first few years of his service, the young man of God zealously served his flock, energizing his sermons with a power that the congregation had never seen before. In addition to sermonizing, the priest counseled anyone who sought his advice and administered Holy Communion in the dead of winter, swirling snow and all, if an ailing person needed to receive the Eucharist at home. In this respect, the priest was like an old-fashioned doctor who made house calls. Word of the priest’s spirituality began to spread to other congregations, and in no time the priest had doubled the number of people who came weekly to his church. He had made proud the old pastor who once told a newspaper reporter that had he, an aging pastor, not chosen the celibate life, the young priest was the type of son he would have wished for. After a few years, however, the price of repression, of sexual sacrifice, had begun to take its toll on the priest. He prayed endlessly to ward off the temptations that began to attack him and he made certain that he never looked at any woman in his parish for too long or spent too much time with any female in the confessional or the sacristy. He practically took to whipping his flesh, as the Reverend Dimmesdale resorted to in The Scarlet Letter after the Rev. had fornicated and produced a child with Hester Prynne. Sure enough, the priest overcame every urge to make the beast with two backs with a woman. Continue reading The Monster April 26, 2010
Posted by Tim Roux in: Books, Communications, Creative Writing, Faith, Fiction, Inspiration & Motivation, Literature, The Writer's Corner, Writing Essentials
Leave a comment Back in ancient Rome, the Emperor typically had one thought that troubled him more than any other – “Who guards you against your own guards?”, referring to the Imperial Praetorian guards, who either made you or croaked you, according to whim and political calculation (“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?”). As authors who ghost write the lives of fictional characters, and the occasional real one, the question that betimes intrigues and troubles us is a matching one: “Who ghost writes for the ghost writers?” One answer, of course, might be your editor. Some editors have defined the very essence of their clients’ styles. I cannot remember whether it was Raymond Carver or Raymond Chandler whose characteristically terse delivery was largely attributable to the preferences of his editor. It is undeniable, but rarely confessed, that some editors end up rewriting their authors’ books. My first influence was Lawrence Durrell. Although I wouldn’t claim that he is among my favourite authors, his ‘Alexandrine Quartet’ is right at the top of my favourite books. I could never copy the opulent, sensuous prose style he shared with John Fowles and Truman Capote, but I loved the way that he told the same story from three different angles and then developed it further in the fourth. There is nothing more fascinating than turning characters and storylines inside-out and upside-down in successive books. Continue reading Who are your ghosts, and why are they there? April 21, 2010
Posted by Jose Antonio Ponce in: Accountability, Biography & Memoir, Children, Faith, Family, Morality, Personal Experiences, Relationships
6 comments I sat next to my father in the counselor’s office at west mesa high school embarrassed and staring at my feet. “This is Joe’s last chance Mr. Pahn-cee.” The counselor said, mispronouncing our last name as everyone had done our whole lives. I had been named after St. Joseph the Worker; patron saint of laborers who’s feast day it was on May 1st, the day I was born.,. When I got to the first grade, the nuns renamed me because we already had a Jose in class, Jose Hernandez. By virtue of the alphabet, I became Joe Ponce. “Your son has failed his second year of algebra and is lacking full credits in English and Science because of unexcused absences. At this rate, he will not graduate with his class.” he continued. I could feel my father looking at me. “We believe that he is a good candidate for a new non-traditional program recently started at APS. That’s what Mr. Nuzzo is here to talk to you about.” The counselor gestured toward the older man sitting in the corner of his traditionally spartan, traditionally institutional office. He looked a little like my father. Slightly graying hair combed back, black frame glasses and a simple collared shirt and slacks. A pen in his pocket, just like my dad. “My name is Don Nuzzo,” he said extending his hand “from Freedom High. I’d like to talk to you, but first I’d like to ask your son something. Why do you want to come to Freedom High?” “I’m not sure that I do.” I mumbled. My father made an angry noise. Continue reading Your Mother and Me April 21, 2010
There are a lot of people out there who are going to hate me for this but I don’t think of the United States as being a Christian country. True the majority of citizens may be Christian, but that doesn’t make this a Christian country. The majority of people are still white. Does that make this a white country? The United States is a country founded on religious freedom- all religious freedoms. That’s why we have separation of church and state, that’s why there are laws against any state having a set religion. No matter what any one individual group says we can’t safely call ourselves a Christian country and tolerate other religions. It just isn’t done. Or is it? Continue reading The United States- A Religious not Christian Country April 18, 2010
I’m the mother who just aborted her baby. I’m so ashamed My baby will never have a chance in life and I’m the blame How selfish and foolish I was with nothing to gain Given another chance I would never abort again I went to someone and was told I should I went to others and was told if they were me they would Some friends even said, a baby you can’t even afford How foolish was I because I never ask God Continue reading A Mother’s Guilt April 14, 2010
I rarely watch TV news, especially in the morning. That’s not my idea of beginning the day well. However, today a story caught my attention as I was doing some chores before work. A young girl – she was 11 I believe – got lost in the swamps of Florida. She’d been missing for 5 days. What caught my attention was this. [...] April 6, 2010
Posted by seamus in: Advice, Attitude, Books, Business, Commentary, Current Events, Entertainment, Faith, Family, Freedom, General Topics, Health & Fitness, Healthcare, Humor, Interview, Life Experiences, Lifestyle, Medical, Men's Issues, Motivation, Non-Fiction, Opinion, Personal Experiences, Publishing, Recovery, Religion, Self-Help, Social Aspects, Social Issues, Sociology, The Media, The Pundit's Corner, The Writer's Corner, Uncategorized, Wellness
21 comments Several months ago I woke up feeling odd (not strange for me). Got out of bed, took the old good morning pee, moved down the hall following the smell of coffee and then had to grab a gaudy table halfway down the hall to keep from falling. Not normal but what the hell. I [...] April 2, 2010
I am a very a good thief. There is nothing I cannot steal. It is my profession. Nothing is safe from me. Your darkened home is my domain. Your purse, your ox, your children, your wife all are within my reach. All that catches my eye is mine to possess. Maybe it’s the danger. The thrill of getting caught appeals. It is all I’ve ever known. It came so naturally. The darkness is my ally. Continue reading The Good Thief March 30, 2010
This coming Sunday is Easter, one of the holiest days on the Christian calendar. People who have not been to church all year will make an effort to go just for the blessings of the day. There is a parade down Fifth Avenue in New York to show off Easter hats, an old New York tradition. There will be Easter egg hunts, Easter baskets, Easter outfits and Easter dinners. However there will be little Christian behavior shown if things go as normal. Easter, like all other holidays, has become more about power and greed than about Christ rising from the dead. Continue reading Thoughts on Christian Behavior March 25, 2010
Posted by Kristen Houghton in: Faith, Family, Men's Issues, Religion, Spirituality, Women's Perspective
Leave a comment A friend of mine was concerned about the upcoming holiday season. Recently married to a man with two young children, she and her husband were at a loss as what to do about traditions. “The kids have been wonderful about accepting me as part of their lives and I wanted to do something special for the holidays.” The problem is, she continued, they have no family traditions established for when they come to her house. There are many in the same position as my friend. Some families are a two religion household. Some decide that the customs and traditions of their childhood aren’t what they now need; still others grew up with out any real traditions but wish they had. The solution? Create your own traditions. Holiday traditions become something special because of the memories associated with them. Some are religious, like lighting special candles or serving ethnic foods symbolic of your faith. Others are just generic fun. Anything you do for a holiday can become a tradition. Continue reading Create Your Own Holiday Traditions March 1, 2010
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: African-American, Attitude, Education, Faith, Family, Freedom, History
3 comments I am the descendant of slaves and white slave owners. I did not melt into the pot that is America. The pot melted into me. Back in the later 50s and early 60s no one I knew wanted to admit to that. To be a descendant of a slave meant you were less than a second class citizen, it meant being someone uncivilized from the jungles of Africa. It often meant being told by white people that you looked like monkeys and apes. Of course none of this is true but back then black baby boomers were taught that our history contained one thing- slavery. We didn’t want it to mean that our lives led no where because of this ancestry. For most of us to move on it meant pretending we had no history. Continue reading Being Black and Proud February 15, 2010
Posted by Janice F. Baca in: Faith, Inspiration & Motivation, Lifestyle, Motivation, Non-Fiction, Religion, Spirituality, Uncategorized
7 comments
Jesus was a Jew. He spoke the Jewish language, lived the Jewish life, and was very active in the Jewish community. Jesus studied and learned the Old Testament in His growing years, as well as celebrated the Jewish feasts and festivals. It makes sense that Jesus would use the culture, language, and traditions He was surrounded by, to send His new covenant message to the world throughout the ages. This is why it is vital, we as Christians, understand the full impact of His Jewish involvement. It should also be understood that the Jewish culture today is not the same culture of Jesus’ day. This is the reason we must study the complete context of the New Testament. The Jewish community has a way of understanding and interpreting scriptures Christians have not fully embraced. Understanding Jesus’ Jewish life reveals the fullness of His saving grace. He doesn’t want us to miss one syllable of His promise. Continue reading Jesus Was A Jew February 15, 2010
Posted by Tina Rae Collins in: Comments & Discussion, Faith, Inspiration & Motivation, Religion, Spirituality
One comment
1 Corinthians 1:3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: 8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul says Christ was confirmed in the Corinthians by the gifts they received. The only gifts that would confirm are spiritual gifts. These people were to be confirmed by spiritual gifts unto the end. What end? They were to be confirmed, behind in no gift, waiting for the coming of the Lord. The spiritual gifts were to help them be blameless in the “day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” That’s the end. Paul is clear that the Corinthians were to have spiritual gifts unto the coming of the Lord. Those spiritual gifts were to confirm them, and the gifts would not go away because they were to keep the Corinthians blameless “in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Continue reading Confirmed Till the End February 13, 2010
I had a conversation recently that made me think about this. I have always considered myself a “late bloomer.” As a mom, I have watched my children grow into young adulthood and constantly marvel at how much further along in their development they seem to be than I was at their ages! It made me stop and carefully consider why that might be. I grew up in the 50’s and 60’s, a very different time. There were no computers, cell phones or Face Book. My children have grown up with cell phones, computers and other electronics and are extremely proficient in their use. They have been involved in the social networking era of MySpace and Face Book. These things alone may have had a huge impact on how quickly they have “blossomed” in certain areas, simply as a result of exposure. As I thought about upbringing, that, too has to be a factor. I grew up in a household where my mother was an alcoholic. While I knew my parents loved me, the environment was anything but stable in many ways, and I know that while that sort of situation causes you to mature more quickly in some areas, in others, like emotionally, your development can be stunted. I know that to be true of myself. My children, on the other hand, have been raised in a reasonably stable (none of us does it perfectly, after all!) home, in an atmosphere of love, encouragement and acceptance. I believe that, too, has been a factor in why they bloomed so much earlier in some areas than I did. So the soil a seed is planted in – the environment – either encourages growth or slows it. Continue reading Late Bloomer? February 2, 2010
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: African-American, Commentary, Current Events, Faith, Family, Foreign Affairs, Freedom, Religion
4 comments They said God sent them to Haiti to save the children. Even behind bars after being stopped at the border of neighboring Dominican Republic with 33 children and no permission to take them they claimed they were doing the right thing. At this time Haiti is flooded with people helping from all over the world. But with those of good intent come those of ill repute. Trafficking in children is something the struggling government will not allow. Those so called missionaries out to save the children of Haiti kidnapped them, something they would not do in the United States. (Can you imagine the outrage if they went to some of the poorer parts of Mississippi and Louisiana and just took children because God told them to?) They are in jail because what they did was not only wrong but insulting to a country that is trying to survive its worse natural disaster. Did these 10 zealots from Idaho Baptist churches actually think that Haiti was in such dire straits they could take children whenever they pleased? Continue reading Suffer the Little Children- Stealing the Young from Haiti February 1, 2010
Edible – The New Faith The greatest love story that has never been told. Most of our preconceived ideas about Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden come from John Milton’s epic poem “Paradise Lost,” published in 1667. He took the Genesis account and greatly expanded it using his creative flair. Milton used his imagination to create “behind the scenes” conversations with God, Satan, and various angels. His additions to the Genesis account have become imbedded in our culture and have caused many people to mistakenly think Milton’s account is found in the Bible. Not bad marketing technique for ‘backward times’! The Bible account is found in Genesis: 26 Then God said, “Let us make people in our image, to be like ourselves. They will be masters over all life–the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the livestock, wild animals, and small animals.” 27 So God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself; male and female he created them. Continue reading Adam and Eve – the greatest love story January 23, 2010
My darling love, God decided to call you home It has been a long time, but I still feel so alone I realize the day will come when I will heal But right now I miss you and that’s just the way I feel As the days come and the nights go Many have asked, ”are you okay”? most of the times I’ll say no I often sit and think about the time when we first met Those are the times I’m not willing to let you go of, no not yet I can’t forget the first time you held my hand Continue reading I Have Memories January 22, 2010
If I had known my life would turn out like this I never would have joined a gang and taken such a risk Being part of a gang seemed really exciting to me But it was a mistake this I can finally see It’s to late now I’ve already joined I wish I had listened to my mother, I’m her only son She said to me “Son, what you are doing is wrong” I didn’t care; the gang needed me because I was strong Things were great; I got to hang out on the streets at night Doing things I knew weren’t right Continue reading Lord Forgive Me For Joining This Gang January 19, 2010
Love is the most powerful force in the universe (1 Cor. We celebrate love on Valentines Day. While that is January 19, 2010
Did You Know? Improving the quality of your health doesn’t have to be hard or complicated. Simple is always best. Jesus never made anything complicated. Now there is certainly a difference between “easy” and “simple.” Something may be simple but it might not necessarily be easy to do. For me, breaking things down to their basic components simplifies them and I believe the following strategies will help you make 2010 your healthiest year – ever! You can work these into your life any way that works for you – include one a week or one each month in your life until you’ve worked them all in. There’s no set time here – there’s only ONE thing you must do – start! So, here are some simple 3-D living strategies: 1. Make God first priority: live out Matthew 6:33 which commands us to seek FIRST the Kingdom of God. I suggest in your prayer time each morning that you intentionally set your purpose for the day and not just tasks you must complete. Set your spiritual purpose for the day as well (be patient with my boss or show kindness to my children) or whatever you choose. 2. Be a new wineskin: be teachable, open to learning new ways to do things. If you remain set in your ways and are not willing to learn, nothing will ever change. In the Bible we learn that fresh, new wine could only be put into new, supple wineskins. If it was put in stiff, hardened, old wineskins they would burst and the wine would be wasted. Continue reading 10 Simple Strategies for Your Healthiest Year January 10, 2010
There are two books that will be opened in Heaven one day When they are opened, what will you have to say? Will Christ find your name in both or just one? If it’s not in the Lamb’s Book of Life It means you did not accept Jesus Christ The other is a record book; it will list the deeds we all have done Everyone will be in the Record Book, but not The Lamb’s Book of Life Many of you have worked hard, but never accepted Christ And without Him, you won’t be rewarded for your good deeds Continue reading Two Books (Opened on Judgement Day) January 10, 2010
A father indeed strives daily to possess the attributes of Christ He loves and adores Christ and in all things Christ is first A father indeed trains up his children as instructed by the Lord He seeks advice from God through prayer and the Holy Word A father indeed does not provoke his children to wrath Instead he leads them down a holy and righteous path He demonstrates his love and disciplines his children by using the rod A father, indeed, teaches his children how to honor, respect, and obey God Whether single or divorced he assists in raising his children Continue reading A Father Indeed January 8, 2010
In all fairness (which I slip into sometimes entirely by accident), this piece is not exclusively about Christians; it is about all people who describe themselves as ‘devout’ and then promote hatred and persecution of others. There are some people who describe themselves as ‘devout’ who really are (and who are very special people indeed), but tragically they seem to be outnumbered rather significantly by the ersatz version. Over the last 2,000 years, self-labelling ‘devout’ Christians, ‘devout’ Muslims, ‘devout’ Jews, devout ‘Hindus’ and ‘devout’ Buddhists (even) have been responsible for most of the world’s suffering. On an everyday level, and in nearly all cases, the established churches have enthusiastically acted as an insidious secret police network for the state. The Spanish Inquisition is perhaps the most notorious example of this tendency, but it has been true of the established churches in almost every country in the world, including the Vatican. Continue reading Persecuting Christians January 6, 2010
There was a man who loved the Lord very much. It showed in the way he lived everyday. He didn’t mind sharing the gospel with whom ever he met. He was a man of great wisdom, because he truly feared, loved, and reverenced God. This man knew that God was loving and kind to everyone. He also knew that God was patient and slow to anger. He was a righteous man, who studied God’s word and he tried to live it everyday. He had a loving family that he prayed for daily. He respected and love his wife just like Christ loved the church and he was willing to die for her, just like Christ died for us (the church). He prayed for everything because he believed that God heard the prayers of the righteous. He was a man of great faith, who believed if God said it, then he would do it. He also believed in God’s will. He would always pray “Father if it is your will then let it be done.” He prayed for family members, friends, and his church family. He was not selfish in his praying as he prayed for the homeless, the sick, and for people he didn’t know. Continue reading Hold On To Your Faith January 6, 2010
Once in a great while you have the privilege of witnessing true, pure, selfless, unconditional love, as our Creator intended it to be, and it totally revolutionizes your understanding and concept of just what real love is. It shakes you back to reality and makes you appreciate what you have with your spouse, as imperfect and sometimes frustrating as it may be. I was fortunate enough to witness this first-hand and I will be forever impacted by it. [...] December 31, 2009
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: African-American, Faith, Family, Freedom, History, Religion
One comment This evening while most of us are preparing to ring in the New Year with a glass of bubbly some in the African American community will spend the hours before the change of years in church. Although people of many faiths spend the last night of the old year praying in the new Night Watch is the historical way to celebrate the new year and new freedom. Continue reading Night Watch December 27, 2009
I admit that I have doubts about organized religion because I have seen the damage it has done to numerous societies. I also admit that of late I have voiced strong sentiments about my belief in God and nature, sentiments that have been met with vehement objections because I will not yield to the word of a book supposedly from God but actually written by men. But all the disillusions in the world that come after people force their beliefs on you cannot stop me from living as I was raised and creating a positive environment around me of love. It is from this belief in being my brother’s keeper that I tend to really profess the true meaning of the God I have come to know and love. Continue reading Being Our Brother’s Keeper December 23, 2009
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: Commentary, Environment, Faith, Family, Religion, Uncategorized
9 comments Here is something that may or may not spur more debate on our site. After seeing the latest costly (500 million dollars) and entertaining blockbuster, “Avatar”, I started thinking about the true concept of deities. Mankind has always known that we could not pull off life alone. A higher power was always required. For most ancient civilizations there was a bond between humanity and nature. Nature was usually seen as that which gives birth to everything. Where Christians believe that the lord Jesus will take care of them and all their needs those ancients and those today who understand nature believe Mother Earth will always provide. Continue reading Mother Earth Will Provide December 23, 2009
America’s Christmas Wars By Alan Caruba It’s become the new Christmas tradition; a handful of people who demand that everyone else stop celebrating Christmas by displaying manger scenes in public places or stop singing Christmas carols in school, or stop saying “Merry Christmas.” These people are annoying twits, but they too often get their way because the courts back them with the claim that the state cannot condone any religious expression in public places. Given the long history of religious faith and practice from the nation’s founding and earlier, this is as idiotic as it gets. It runs contrary to America’s long tradition of tolerance. In November, the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in Stratechuk v Board of Education, South Orange-Maplewood School District. It upheld the district’s policy banning celebratory religious holiday music at school-sponsored holiday concerts. While holiday music could still be taught in music classes and songs with religious content “not specifically related to the holidays” could be performed in concerts, the music of Christmas was banned. The court rejected the plaintiff’s claim that the school was unconstitutionally restricting student’s access to ideas. Continue reading America’s Christmas Wars December 21, 2009
September 20, 2009 My judgment day has finally come in the sport of baseball. I’ll never forget the feeling I had when I got off of the airplane at Midway Airport in Chicago, IL: “Holy crap, I’m in Illinois…to play baseball!” I can close my eyes and see myself standing at the terminal, saying this to myself. Coming from a small town, I am always in awe of the big city lights and being in Chicago for the first time definitely gave me a little culture shock. Today itself has been quite the day and I haven’t even done anything baseball related. It started bright and early at 3am to get prepared for my flight out of Stewart Airport in Newburgh, NY. I definitely forgot what it was like to wake up and start the day before the sun rises. Getting in the car with my father and riding to the airport was one of the most nerve-racking experiences I’ve ever had to deal with. In today’s World, people travel all over the country constantly. I have done my far share of travelling, but flying hasn’t exactly been on my radar. Continue reading Is This Really Happening? December 20, 2009
My daughter Elizabeth and I attended an open house at the college she decided to attend. The dean spoke to the students and posed this riddle to them. “Five frogs are sitting on a log. Four decide to jump off. Question: How many are left?” We looked at each other thinking – duh – that’s pretty obvious, there’s only one left – but here is what he said. [...] December 16, 2009
One day while sitting at my desk having a pitty party. I had just hung the phone up after talking to my son. He had been on yet another interview and didn’t get the job. When I heard the sadness in his voice, saying well mom back to the drawing board. Those words pierce a whole in my heart. My son lost his job in June. He has been applying on many different web sites and other places. He hasn’t been blessed with another job. He decided to go back to school to finish his degree which is a great move. I will continue to encourage him and always tell him to trust and put God first. When God is ready to bless him with another job, He will in His time. My is 6 ft 1, 25 five years old and he is in good health. I see, talk , text and hug him everyday. He also has a beautiful 6 years old daughter. She brings me happiness just looking at her. That same day while sitting at my desk about 2 or 3 hour later a middle age man and a young woman sat at my desk. The man wanted info on his son’s account. After checking things out on the computer I found out that he was not on his son’s account, therefore I told him there was nothing I could do for him. Then he pasted me a stack of papers, after looking through them, I discovered that the stack of papers papers were an approved POA. As I glanced through the papers and looking up at both of them I could see the hurt and tears in thier eyes. The spirit in me told me I had to say something to them. Obeying, I asked the father if the son was okay, with tears in his eyes, he said no. He told me that his son only had a few days or months to live. “My son has brain cancer.” for a moment I was choked for words and didn’t know what to say. I remembered asking him if he was okay, he told me yes. Continue reading Don’t forget to count your Blessings December 16, 2009
My mother and I go to church every Sunday. It’s a nice church with a somewhat conservative message and a mass like I remember as a kid. Although the mass is not in Latin, we still celebrate the mass with all of what people might call pomp and circumstance. There is a processional at the beginning of the mass with incense and at least two deacons in support of the monsignor. We don’t skimp on prayer and sing the Gloria, the Kyrie and the responses. Not all of our masses at the church are like this. The evening youth mass is a high-spirited event with a youth choir, complete with an electric bass, amplified guitars, drums and even a bongo boy. The early morning masses are more reserved and the Spanish mass is well attended by all cultures, but my favorite is the high mass mid-morning on Sunday. People tend to be a bit more…respectful at this mass. They genuflect and bow at the proper times and dress appropriately. They listen attentively to the word of God and don’t chatter during the sermon, which is always reassuring, thought provoking and challenging. Parents at this mass lead their children by example, gently but firmly explaining the solemnity of the mass and it importance, and the children…oh…they are so precious stumbling through their prayers, exchanging the sign of peace and, for the most part, sitting peacefully, hands folded in prayer. Continue reading Angels we have heard. December 15, 2009
Position is paramount in importance. I don’t mean social position or even financial position. Those are superficial indicators at best. Really knowing who you are brings enormous power and peace. For example, when my daughter, Elizabeth, was a toddler, my husband owned a restaurant. While she was very well-behaved, she just knew her daddy owned the place and she walked in with a toddler-sized attitude of authority. Without a moment’s hesitation, she’d go behind the counter and even back into the kitchen to find her daddy and get a cookie. She never did this anywhere else. However, she was the owner’s daughter, and even at her tender age, knowing this filled her with assurance. She had no doubt that she had every right to go in the back and find her father and get whatever she needed. She knew where she stood. Not too many of us fully comprehend the privileged position we have in Jesus. How awesome to realize that because of Him, you are a child of God. He is your “Dad,” the King, so that makes you a son or daughter of the King – a prince or princess. You are royalty. Get hold of this truth, and it will revolutionize not only your self-image, but your entire life. You can approach His throne in prayer with the same boldness and confidence Elizabeth demonstrated in seeking out her daddy. Continue reading Where Do You Stand? December 13, 2009
I am a survivor of the Iraq War I am alive but my mind wonders afar I remember when I wanted to die for my country I was willing, but now I feel so angry I saw so much, but it’s strange because I don’t want to tell it I keep telling myself if I did, maybe the pain would quit You see, I’m hurting inside but I can’t let anyone know About the dark secrets I have carried within, oh no! I’m afraid to talk about them, who will understand? Continue reading I Am a Survivor of the War December 11, 2009
Posted by AngelaPoseyArnold in: Biography & Memoir, Education, Faith, Family, Freedom, History, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Lifestyle, Non-Fiction, Personal Experiences, Relationships, Religion, Short Stories, Social Aspects, Social Issues, Spirituality, Women's Perspective
Leave a comment Christmas 1947-Alabama (Not so much unlike Christmas 2009–Alabama—same heart–same spirit) By Angela Posey-Arnold “What are you getting for Christmas this year, Jimmy? I think I’m getting a record player. I picked one out at Elmore’s.” Bonnie said to her friend and classmate at lunch. Jimmy swallowed the last bite of apple, “A record player? That will be neat. I’m hoping to get the .22 Winchester I asked for. I need it for hunting. I think I will get it”. “I can’t wait for the class Christmas party tomorrow. The best thing is being out of Haleyville Junior High School for the Christmas Holidays. Mother made some cookies for our eighth grade party. Oh, by the way, we want you to go with us to town this afternoon. And stay with us for the Tree Decorating Downtown tonight. Can you go if my Mom picks you up?” Jimmy asked. Continue reading Christmas 1947 December 11, 2009
Posted by AngelaPoseyArnold in: Children, Creative Writing, Faith, Family, Fiction, General Topics, Humor, Poetry
Leave a comment More rapid than an eagle, his Ford truck flew [...] December 7, 2009
This is a true must tell story. I’m a born again Christian filled with the Holy Spirit. My husband and I planned a trip home for Christmas in 2008. It had been over twenty years since we had spent Christmas in my home town. I was truly excited because my sisters, brothers and the grandchildren would gather at my mother’s house. I lost my father in 1984 to cancer. There are eight children, around eighteen grandchildren, and fourteen great grandchildren. My mother is a blessed woman. She married her second husband at age 73. Through that marriage came three more step children and one more step grand child. About a month before our planned trip home we received some bad news. I found out that my mother had breast cancer. It was devastating news. I didn’t let it get me down because I knew who was in control. Most of all, my mother knew too. I began to do what I knew best and that was to pray. In my spirit I knew my mother was healed by Christ’s stripe just like He said. My mother’s concern was for her children not to be worried about her. What a strong woman. Things began to move of fast. Within two weeks, my mother had a mastectomy. And things went great. Although I wasn’t able to be there with her, I wasn’t worried and counted it a blessing that all of my sisters and brothers lived in the same town. I remembered talking to my mother on the phone after the surgery. She told me that immediately after she began to sing “God Has Smile on me.” She knew that she was already healed. My mother’s recovery was going good praise God. She was waiting for her wound to heal so she could continue further treatment. Continue reading Saved on Death’s Bed December 6, 2009
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: Attitude, Commentary, Faith, Relationships, Religion, Uncategorized
8 comments I think I have started something that cannot be finished. There can be a finite number of comments when it comes to anything about religion. Let me stick it out a little further. There are those who believe in the book call the Bible. There are those who follow the teachings in it. But what they follow are the interpretations of some other people from some other times. The need to believe in themselves. Continue reading Death or Religion- Part 2 December 2, 2009
Improving the quality of your health doesn’t have to be hard or complicated. Simple is always best. Jesus never made anything complicated. Now there is certainly a difference between “easy” and “simple.” Something may be simple but it might not necessarily be easy to do. For me, breaking things down to their basic components simplifies them and I believe the following strategies will help you make 2010 your healthiest year – ever! [...] December 1, 2009
Posted by georgepolley in: Books, Creative Writing, Faith, Fiction, Latino & Hispanic, Mental Health, The Writer's Corner
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1 Joseph Fernandez had just turned twenty five. On his birthday, he and his mother went to the church. At five o’clock in the morning, the old woman came into his room and shook him by the shoulder. “Joseph,” she said; “get up!” Then she shuffled out, leaving him to rub his eyes at the sun, which was just beginning to show itself through his window. Dressed, the two of them walked down the long street to the church. Joseph favored his game leg, the left one, the one crushed in the accident. His mother walked ahead of him, slowing every now and then and glancing over her right shoulder, as if to make sure that her son was still following after her. One never knew about that young man. Slowly, they climbed the long steps into the church, stopping briefly at the basin to dip their fingers and cross themselves, then moving silently into the body of the church. Genuflecting and crossing themselves again, they took their places in a pew, way down in front, where his mother liked to be. Joseph recalled having let his eyes run to the altar, which stood in awesome and overpowering silence behind the rail where he would soon receive that bit of Christ’s body that was his. He saw Christ hanging on His Cross, and to one side, the beautiful figure of Mary, His Mother, dressed in blue and white. It seemed to him as if She were smiling down at him. He crossed himself rapidly several times, shivering slightly, recalling the first time he had stood in the field and the Virgin had come to him in a vision. She had been smiling at him. He looked quickly sideways at his mother. Her head was bent and her lips were moving rapidly with her prayers. Wisps of grey hair had straggled loose from the bun at the back of her neck and hung by the side of her face. He wanted to reach out and touch her, but didn’t. Instead he looked back at the Virgin and became lost in Her beauty, almost feeling as though She were holding him, one of her lost ones, in Her arms. Continue reading Fernandez’ Tale December 1, 2009
For several months now I have been receiving this rather disturbing email over and over. It tells the following story: two men walk into Sunday services wearing masks and carrying rifles. They ask the congregation of 2,000 “Who is willing to take a bullet for Jesus?” The choir leaves, the deacons leave and most of the congregation leaves. 20 people are left and the gunmen say: “Reverend you can go ahead with your sermon. We got rid of all the hypocrites.” Then they turn and leave. The next line in the rather long email reads: What would you do? Continue reading Death or Religion-What Would You Do? December 1, 2009
One of the great pleasures of reading indie authors is that they are often literary Luddites, exuberantly smashing the commercial frameworks imposed on their more industrially-produced cousins, replacing them with a more zestful, fresh, individual and – might I say – compelling approach to their work. It is not that they do not recognise as well as anyone the existence of the rules and formulae drawn up to govern the structure, content and style of mainstream modern literature, it is just that they prefer to explore other creative options for the good of their, and our, souls. “Know what you should do then do as you like” was the moral guideline I was schooled in by my parents and it is the literary guideline of many indie authors too. Let me declare straight off that Stuart Aken’s pointedly joyous ‘Breaking Faith’ is the output of such an independent and questing mind. However, if you like to slot books as automatically and systematically into standardised categories as the priapic photographer Leighton Longshaw likes to slot his …. no, no, I’ll come back to that later …. then this novel may pose you something of a challenge. Continue reading Review of ‘Breaking Faith’ by Stuart Aken November 29, 2009
I was deathly ill, my health was poor I felt death knocking at my door I am a child of God saved by the Blood of The Lamb I began to pray asking God to heal me in Jesus’ name I wasn’t ready to die, I was on a mission for my Lord I believed and was living His Holy Word I laid in bed sick for many days Trusting and believing God to do what he said I was so sick, my tears I could not wipe But I believed I was healed by His stripes Continue reading Death Was At My Door November 29, 2009
Faith is like the mighty roaring wind When the wind stops, it is peaceful in the end When you have faith, oh what peace it brings When the wind blows, you can’t see it But, you know it’s there until it quits Faith is also something that can’t be seen But it is with [...] November 6, 2009
Posted by Muhammad Cohen in: Commentary, Current Events, Faith, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Relations, Islam, Religion, Sports
Leave a comment Indonesia and Israel and Muslims and Jews moved toward better relations on the tennis court this week. [...] October 28, 2009
Posted by steve sangirardi in: Commentary, Creative Writing, Faith, Life Experiences, Personal Experiences, Religion
One comment Stephen Sangirardi Let Us Blush and The Gaza Strip Bard715@aolcom October 27, 2009
The first thing I learned before I knew there was a Civil Rights Movement was that there was always going to be a fight. Somebody somewhere was going to try to take away your rights, take away your belongings, take away your life. Before it had a name there was no movement there were just people trying to survive. And those people always had to fight to stay alive. Continue reading Always a Fighter October 21, 2009
Bob invited us to brag about our children and you certainly don’t have to ask me twice! I was 29 when I got married (and at that point I never thought that would ever happen) and had my first child at age 30. Pretty much my heart’s desire had always been to have children. [...] October 20, 2009
Posted by AMusico in: Attitude, Faith, Habit Change, Inspiration & Motivation, Lifestyle
Leave a comment America’s first national Thanksgiving occurred in 1789. According to the Congressional Record for September 25th of that year, this was the first act of the Framers after completing the Bill of Rights: Elias Boudinot said he could not think of letting the session pass without offering an opportunity to all the citizens of the United States of joining with one voice in returning to Almighty God their sincere thanks for the many blessings He had poured down upon them. [...] October 12, 2009
Jonah 3:1-3 NLT “Then the Lord spoke to Jonah a second time: Get up and go to the great city of Ninevah, and deliver the message of judgment I have given you. This time Jonah obeyed the Lord’s command…” What an incredibly encouraging portion of scripture this is! Jonah ignored the Lord’s command the first time. How many times do we hear deep within our spirits that we should (or shouldn’t!) do a certain thing and just ignore or overlook it? Many times we find out later exactly why we got that warning and must pay the consequences for neglecting to pay attention. Haven’t we all experienced that awful feeling that we’ve blown it big time. We were warned – we just didn’t listen. It’s too late now. But God. October 9, 2009
Now is all we really have. We can put something off into the future and say we’ll do or have it “tomorrow.” But there is no tomorrow because every day becomes today! There’s certainly no harm in planning for the future, setting goals. Those are actually very good things that give our lives structure. [...] October 8, 2009
Posted by schreiberapfel in: Current Events, Faith, Family, General Topics, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Uncategorized
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There was the sudden rush of water, rising, quick and fast. They had to run. Run! Go to the second floor of the house, no the water is still rising, now go to the rooftop. It’s cold, they’re wet, water everywhere. Water now gets higher and higher. Water is almost on the rooftop! Mama I’m hungry! Mama I feel cold! It’s getting dark, why are we still here? Will somebody come for us? My child, we have to sleep here at the rooftop for the night. But mama we’re wet, and it’s cold. We have to wait for help, we have to wait for help to come. Tomorrow, they will rescue us. Tomorrow when you wake up, the rescuers will be here…. But tomorrow never came, rescue never came. October 6, 2009
Posted by AMusico in: Attitude, Creative Writing, Faith, Life Experiences, Personal Experiences
Leave a comment The next morning he left for school and as I prepared to leave for work, I just lifted him up to the Lord in prayer. As I was finishing up a few last minute tasks, the words, ‘Tell Matt to give it all to the Lord,’ popped into my head. I stopped and considered that. I wasn’t sure if he’d truly understand how to do that, but it wouldn’t leave me so I called and left a message on his cell phone. [...] October 3, 2009
Posted by cmusico in: Advice, Attitude, Biography & Memoir, Economic Crisis, Economics, Faith, Family, Finance, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Humor, Inspiration & Motivation, Journalism, Life Experiences, Motivation, Nutrition, Personal Experiences, Recovery, Relationships, Weight loss
One comment This month marks a rather large milestone in my life — it’s the official one-year anniversary of my real-world independence. This time last year, I moved into my apartment in Jersey City. Sure, I stayed in the dorms at Seton Hall University, but I always went home for the summer. This was different, though. This time I was moving out for good. In that time, we’ve seen a lot go on in the world around us. Our economy collapsed, the Mets collapsed (again), the Phillies actually won the World Series, the Steelers won another Super Bowl, we had our first black president, and about 3,000 celebrities passed away. Personally, I’ve seen a lot happen as well. I’ve lost about 20 pounds, seen my job transform in good and bad ways, and learned a whole lot about how strong and resilient I can be when necessary. I’m a big believer that a lot of the events that happen in our lives do influence how we act with regard to our finances. Here are eight of the most important lessons that I’ve learned in the past year — and lived to tell you all:
October 2, 2009
Posted by AngelaPoseyArnold in: Biography & Memoir, Faith, Family, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Personal Experiences, Relationships, Religion, Spirituality
One comment An Expert Witness By Angela Posey- Arnold
“I would like to stand up and say that I love the Lord.” The members of the congregation where I attend church usually start their testimony with those words. Then they begin by telling everyone what the Lord Jesus has done for them. The stories are their own and come straight from their hearts. I am always blessed by one sweet man that stands up, usually the first to stand when testimony time is announced. He has a speech impediment but he stands up straight and tall and with a massive amount of courage he shares his testimony. I have to admit I cannot understand some of his words but it doesn’t matter, the look of love on his face is enough to see the Lord shines though him. He is not afraid to stand up and say he loves the Lord. My testimony begins before I was born. I came into this world blessed by God. He so graciously planned for me to be born into a family that loved Him. My family prayed for me before I was born. I am so thankful because when I was two weeks old God began to perform miracles in my life. At two weeks of age, my Mother, an RN, noticed that my legs were uneven and my hips were uneven. They took me to the Doctor and I was diagnosed with Congenital Hip Dysplasia. In 1960 this was usually a diagnosis followed by a life time of a severe limp and uneven legs. My family was devastated to hear the Doctors say I would always limp and possibly not even be able to walk. Continue reading An Expert Witness October 1, 2009
Posted by Jose Antonio Ponce in: Faith, Family, Life Experiences, Poetry, Spirituality
Leave a comment My brother recently went through a prolonged illness and passed away last week. I will miss everything about him and I look forward to seeing him again. There’s no time in heaven Each day is the next And the minute you get there It’s like you never left
Each morning the sun shines The fruit’s always sweet There’s the slightest of breezes And cool grass at your feet
In fields dogs run free And all birds fly high Every creature is wild Under God’s endless sky
The night’s filled with passion Or romance, if you choose The moon’s always full And no such thing as the blues October 1, 2009
Posted by AngelaPoseyArnold in: Current Events, Faith, Family, Freedom, General Topics, Inspiration & Motivation, Military, Relationships, Religion, Social Issues, Spirituality
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Shield of Faith By Angela Posey-Arnold “…….. hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:16 NLT) The war is on. The nation is attacked by a massive mighty power under the cover of darkness. The morning dawns and destruction meets every eye. The President declares war against the enemy and sends one soldier out alone to fight this battle and expecting him to win. No helmet, no gun, no bullet proof vest, no boots, nothing. Just dressed in duty camos he walks out alone into a barrage of bullets. Alone with no shield, no weapon, no superior officer to give him orders, no medics to save him when he is wounded and no Chaplain to pray for his dying soul. Why would any President conceive in his mind that one lone man, defenseless, could possibly survive much less fight a mighty power unarmed? He wouldn’t if he wanted to win. Continue reading Shields Locked September 30, 2009
Posted by Tina Rae Collins in: Attitude, Comments & Discussion, Faith, Family, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Motivation, Personal Experiences, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality, Wellness
One comment I have weathered a major storm in my life. It isn’t quite over, but I am now riding out the tail-end of it. [...] |
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The Men in the Hole in the Ground
They are alive under ground in Chile. They may be there until Christmas. While the rest of us complain about crowded subway cars, highway congestion and the world being financial mess thirty three miners are trapped over 20,000 feet below ground just trying to survive. Continue reading The Men in the Hole in the Ground