tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2544593779062644122023-11-15T08:41:38.979-08:00The thoughts and musings of a random guyWhatever hits my mind! It might be life in general, politics or even religion!!!!Steele Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10871582695198782933noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254459377906264412.post-29786639373569328142018-05-15T09:58:00.002-07:002018-05-15T09:58:45.577-07:00Hard Times Come to Everyone<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So...it's been well over a year since I've blogged anything. I've come to a point that I usually just publish my thoughts on Facebook. I figured I would take the opportunity to blog instead for a change.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today I sit here in rather dire straits financially. I'm working towards getting my disability started, a process that I'm told takes quite a while. I have a dual purpose in writing this blog. I hope to encourage others who are struggling, and I also intend to look back on this in the future when I'm not struggling to see how far God has brought me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Not one Christian is immune from trials. The Apostles were martyred for their faith-talk about hard times!!! Anyone with a small knowledge of the Bible knows that God tests people many times before He blesses them. I don't know His reasoning for that, and perhaps none of us will ever know the mind of God this side of Heaven.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A common theme that runs through the Bible is faith. Starting in Genesis with Abraham, we find God requiring His servants to have faith. Abraham was in what appeared to be a hopeless situation. He was too old, as certainly was Sarah, to have a child in the natural. God certainly seems to have a habit of waiting until things seem impossible before He does His work, doesn't He? It had to be a miracle!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What about Joseph? There's a hopeless case if there ever was one! His brothers wanted to murder him out of jealousy. They settled instead for selling him to traders. He went into slavery in Egypt. He was falsely accused of sexual misconduct and thrown into prison. How many of us would have given up at that point? I can sure say I would be tempted! Many of us would be asking God what in the world was He thinking? "God, you've given me all of these dreams, yet here I sit in prison accused of something I didn't do!" Yes, I can see myself saying that if I found myself in that position. Don't say it wouldn't tempt you. Joseph held tight to his faith. We have the benefit of hindsight to show us where Joseph ended up, something Joseph did not have. It wasn't like he could open up the book of Genesis and see how things turned out. We know how things turned out. God made his dreams into reality, and Joseph wound up second in command of Egypt!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Poor Job. He lost his children and his health. His wife told him to curse God and die. His friends accused him of harboring sin in his life. Some friends, eh? Satan just knew Job would curse God and renounce Him. In spite of everything happening to him, Job held to his integrity and trusted God. We know what he had to say-even if God killed him, he would still trust Him. That is some faith, folks! We all know how Job's story ended. Just like Joseph, though, Job didn't have the benefit of picking up the good ole KJV or NIV and seeing how his story ended. No! He had to have a faith walk. What happened in the end? God showed up, showed out, and He restored Job double for his trouble! Again, God let Job be in an impossible situation before He worked a miracle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">King David. A man after God's own heart. The inspiration for this blog I'm writing. We read in I Samuel 3 how God grew tired of Saul and told Samuel to go to the house of Jesse to anoint a new king. We know the story. All of Jesse's sons, save David, appeared before Samuel. Not one of them was the new appointed king. David was tending sheep! The sheep tender was to be the new king of Israel. Samuel anointed him king, and David took the throne the next day. Oh, wait, you say that's not how it happened? Well, darn it, you're right! David endured trials and tests long before ascending to the throne. Saul wanted him killed due to jealousy. David was on the run quite a while attempting to escape from Saul. Do you think perhaps David grew weary? I'm sure he did. Perhaps he even asked God what was going on and said he didn't understand what God was doing. In the end, David took the throne of Israel as God had promised.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Look, I could sit here for hours and talk on this subject pulling reference after reference after reference. A.W. Tozer is quoted as saying that God never uses a man greatly until He hurts him deeply. Is it fun? Not at all. No one likes trials and tribulations. We'd rather hear about prosperity and blessings. No doubt God does bless and give prosperity, but He also allows trouble to come our way. We may never understand the exact purpose of why He allows things, but we can be assured it is in our best interest. I don't think God has a problem with us saying we don't understand or praying for understanding as to why He is doing something. In the end, however, we have to trust God and let Him do his work. Hold tightly to your faith-it will be worth it all!!!</span>Steele Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10871582695198782933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254459377906264412.post-81418547202493471272017-02-12T19:58:00.002-08:002017-02-12T19:58:17.359-08:00Challenges Facing Christian SinglesI was asked by a friend of mine about a year and a half ago to write something for our Bible Study class. I found this while going through an old flash drive.<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Challenges
Facing Christian Singles<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Places
to go-there are not as many activities for Christian singles as there are for
the non-Christian. Most Christians who are serious about their walk with God
will not want to go to nightclubs or bars. There need to be more activities on
the weekends for Christian singles to attend, even if they are not intended as
activities to bring singles together for dating.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The
absence of Christian singles, especially in the more rural areas such as ours,
is something that cannot be dismissed. In a more urban setting in a bigger city
this might not be as much of an issue. At my previous church, I was the only
middle-aged Christian single person; there were several singles who were senior
citizens or teens, but no one in my age range. I figure the problem is pretty
widespread, especially in rural areas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Loneliness
is a BIG concern for Christian singles. There’s an old saying about being alone
in a crowd of people. This is something that I feel like at times. I can be in
a church service surrounded by friends/family, but I feel alone. I know I’m
loved by my friends/family as well as God, but it does not take the place of
wishing for a Godly spouse to lean on in hard times or to share the happy times
with. Friends mean well and tell you that you “have them” if you never find
someone, but it’s not the same. I would never want to hurt feelings or make a
friend feel less appreciated, but it’s truly not the same as having a Godly
spouse/girlfriend. In some cases, seeing a happily married couple in a loving,
committed marriage rubs salt in the wound. You begin to question “why me, Lord,
where is my blessing?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Getting
frustrated is yet another issue facing Christian singles of today. The majority
of us have social media whether it be Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, or whatever
the case may be. Seeing happily committed couples on social media, whether
they’re newly married or engaged, can lead to sadness. Yes, I’m happy for that
couple, but as I stated before, it leads to a feeling of “why not me; why am I
unable to find someone?” It can lead you to a point of feeling like God has you
on the “back burner,” blessing everyone else before you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Scammers
and fakes are something that I know all too well about. In my case, I married
someone who wanted to “play church” and played the game well. In the public
eye, she was this Godly, upstanding woman of God who went down to the altar and
could cry a river of tears, while being the total opposite at home behind
closed doors. We have to remember that the Bible tells us that Satan appears as
an angel of light, so why should we be shocked that there are people with less
than honorable intentions in church? This is why it is SOOO important to pray
long and hard before getting married, as well as listening to advice from
God-fearing family and friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Abstinence
before marriage is looked upon as taboo by many in our culture, even among some
Christians. I am currently taking a class on marriage and the family and the
professor pointed out that it’s “next to impossible” to abstain before
marriage. While I disagree with her viewpoint, that is the viewpoint that many
take; they want to “try it before they buy it.” We are saturated with sexual
messages at every turn. Porn channels are available for immediate consumption
on cable/satellite as well as the Internet. Even run of the mill TV shows
feature what was once considered soft porn. Even going into WalMart can be
problematic for those who struggle. You see magazines with scantily clad women
on the cover all the while the magazine gives you headlines about “best sex
ever.” While this isn’t a temptation for every man obviously, men are visual
creatures and it can present a problem for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">7.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">There
is a temptation for many to settle for less than God’s best. Even Abraham had
this issue when God wasn’t moving fast enough to suit him! Many people get
tempted to “missionary date” out of absolute frustration, thinking if only they
could get them to church, they’d be saved and have “instant Christian
relationship.” God knew what He was doing when He gave the command against
being unequally yoked as the non-Christian is more likely to bring the
Christian down to their level instead of vice-versa. As a teenager, I was given
a brilliant illustration. You had two people; one stood on the altar
representing the Christian, while the other person laid in the floor
representing the non-Christian. The person on the altar attempted to pull up
the person in the floor, a task that proved to be very hard. Then the person in
the floor took their turn trying to pull down the person standing on the altar,
a task much easier accomplished! The point in this simple illustration is that
it is much easier to bring the Christian down to the level of the non-Christian.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">You
can also settle for the wrong person even if they’re a Christian. While I don’t
subscribe to the “God has only one person for everyone” philosophy, there is
also a danger in settling even with someone who is a Christian. For example, I
don’t feel someone who has been saved for many years would be a good fit for
someone who just got saved and is a baby Christian. As time went on and the
person got to know more about the Lord, maybe so, but not settling right off
the bat just because they’re “now a Christian.” This would actually come close
to the missionary dating scenario in some ways.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">9.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Another
issue that has worried me is how many changes will I have to make when/if I do
meet someone? After right at 9 years of being single, I have become set in my
ways. If I decide I’m going to go somewhere, I go. If I decide I want to stay
up until 2AM, I stay up until 2AM!!! That all changes in a
relationship/marriage. You have someone else with whom you are making plans
with whether a relationship or a marriage. In a marriage, you can’t simply stay
up until 2AM and watch TV if you so desire. You’re no longer cooking for one in
a marriage, but for two! It isn’t to say that two people can’t have individual
tastes and do things that they like from time to time, but if a marriage or
relationship is going to work, it has to have common ground.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Children
are a factor, especially for us older singles. Mine are almost grown at this
point, but children come into play in a potential relationship, opening up a
virtual Pandora’s Box in some cases. What if you’re interested in someone who
also has children? If the relationship led to a marriage, how are you going to
make room for more children? Do you want children together? How do the children
get along with the potential stepparent? Do you even agree on parenting styles?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">11.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Finances
are a biggie facing someone who wishes to pursue a relationship. Times are
tough and the economy isn’t the greatest these days. Do you even have money to
date? Factoring in children as mentioned in #10 can really make for troubles in
dating. As a college student who’s surviving on grants, loans and the
occasional opportunity to substitute teach, I’m not certain I could sustain a
relationship due to finances. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">12.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Singles
are in many cases expected to get married. Oh, you’re 30 and unmarried? What’s
wrong with you? Many people today want to hold off on marriage and build up
their finances to a secure point, as well as their personal life. The older
generation doesn’t understand this. Gone are the days when people were getting
married at 16 or 17 years old, but well-meaning people of that generation think
it should still be that way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">13.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Let’s
face it, though it is tough to admit, we singles sometimes think that God
simply doesn’t know what He’s doing. Yeah, yeah, yeah, we’re supposed to be
“good little Christians” who never doubt God and trust Him with every aspect.
We’re also human. Going back to #7 and Abraham, apparently even he had doubts
about what God was doing; if not, he wouldn’t have listened to Sarah and
followed her foolish advice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">14.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Is
there something wrong with me? Am I simply too weird to find someone? I’ve had
these thoughts and I guess other Christians have as well. “I’ve been single for
x-number of years, so it must mean I’m not desirable to anyone.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">15.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The
thing that pesters me almost more than anything is the “you’ve got God and He’s
all you need.” Yes, I do have God. I feel that we as Christians should pursue
God before a relationship. However, even God said it wasn’t good for man to be
alone, that He would make him a helper. I don’t know how many times I’ve
reminded God of that verse. If God Himself said it wasn’t good for a man to be
alone, why do some feel that “God is all you need?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Steele Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10871582695198782933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254459377906264412.post-66205980693301435952015-05-02T11:08:00.000-07:002015-05-02T11:08:17.294-07:00Rome and Christianity<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ronald George Reagan</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">EH 412 Final Paper: Rome and Christianity</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Kennett, MO Campus</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Education Level: Junior (I could graduate this fall but I’m
going on for my education degree)</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Elementary/Middle School Degree</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span>Personally,
I am the type of person that finds ANY history interesting. If you would like
to talk about the Romans, the Greeks or the Revolutionary War, I am all ears!
When I was a kid, I discovered a high school history book in a cabinet in the
bathroom left by the previous home owners of which one was a high school
teacher. I was drawn to the section on Rome and can remember thinking how drab
the picture of Caesar looked, so I colored him in with crayon! I know that Rome
has left a marked influence on our culture even today. Hank Williams demoed a
song entitled “Ten Little Numbers” in which he said “I is one and X is 10 so
what’s the use to bother your head to count like Caesar when Caesar’s dead”<span class="MsoEndnoteReference"> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_edn1" name="_ednref1" title=""><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[i]</span></span></span></a></span>
and that certainly describes how I felt about a particular math class earlier
this year. Even the endnotes for this particular research paper are represented
in Roman numerals! I was taught from an early age that the names of the days
and months were of Roman origin. We have holidays that are of Roman origin as
well. As someone who has a huge interest in all things political and in how
laws are formed, I know that Rome has had a lasting legacy on our code of law
and our style of government. My main interest in Rome, however, are the ties
between Roman history and Christianity. While the Bible itself does not
necessarily mention a whole lot about Rome proper, we do find references
throughout the New Testament to Roman rulers, rendering to Caesar what is
Caesar’s, Paul’s Roman citizenry and his appeal to Caesar. There are also some
who say that the book of Revelation had cryptic references to Rome, though that
is really out of the scope of this paper. From a prophetical standpoint, there
was the overthrow of Israel in 70 A.D. that was prophesied by Christ. I simply
find that you cannot separate Christianity from Rome. While Christianity and
the world have changed culturally since those earliest days when Peter, James
and John were penning Scripture and Paul was appealing to the throne to be
heard, we can trace our modern Christianity back to those fledgling Apostles
and their Gospel message that was being preached in the shadow of Rome.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span>The very
start of Christianity coincides with Roman rule. Julian G. Anderson in his paraphrased
<i>A New Accurate Translation of the Greek
New Testament into Simple Everyday American English</i> states that “[a]bout
the time John was born the Roman Emperor Augustus sent out an order that they
must take a census of the whole Roman Empire. This was the first census, and it
was taken while Quirinius was the Governor of Syria.” (Luke 2:1-2).<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_edn2" name="_ednref2" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[ii]</span></span></span></span></a>
Right from the “get-go” we see Roman involvement in the very roots of
Christianity and New Testament Scripture. However, we can go back further
before the birth of Christ and Christianity to see the Roman Empire paving the
way for what was to come.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span>In our
textbook, <i>The Romans from Village to
Empire</i>, we go back in time to the reign of Caesar Augustus, first mentioned
Biblically in Luke. We find that it was a peaceful time with the textbook
telling us there was a “return of peace and stability…”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_edn3" name="_ednref3" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[iii]</span></span></span></span></a>
We find that during this time “Pax Romana” was the flavor of the day, a term
that literally means “Roman Peace” in Latin.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_edn4" name="_ednref4" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[iv]</span></span></span></span></a>
One can only wonder how the Christian message would have fared if Rome would
have been involved in conflict after conflict either in civil war or in war
with other nations. It was this peace that helped set the stage for
Christianity to flourish. This is in stark contrast to the Old Testament when
the Jewish people were seemingly in constant battle with surrounding nations
and being carried off into bondage by other nations. The world in which Christ
was born was one of relative calm and safety in comparison to ancient times and
I dare say even in contrast to our own time as well.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span>Another
underlying factor that allowed Christianity to flourish was the Roman road
system. “The quality and extent of roads in the Roman Empire is legendary.
Thousands of miles of roads connected major cities as well as outlying areas of
the Roman Empire, facilitating and encouraging travel throughout the
Mediterranean world and beyond.” <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_edn5" name="_ednref5" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[v]</span></span></span></span></a>
The gospel of Christ simply could not have occurred, let alone spread in such a
dramatic, explosive fashion if not for the quality of the Roman roads of the
time. When one takes a look at the various peoples that had the Christian
message brought to them, one has to realize the Apostles and those who followed
behind in their footsteps simply would not have been able to travel to the
myriad of places they did if there was not a dependable, quality road system in
place. A casual perusal of New Testament Scripture shows letters being written
to both residents in Israel (the book of Hebrews) all the way to Christians in
Rome (the book of Romans). <span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span>The
intertwining of Rome and Christianity continued past the birth of Christ. Early
on in the New Testament, we are told of Herod the Great who felt threatened by
the birth of Christ. “Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem, in Judea, during
the reign of King Herod. At about that time some astrologers from eastern lands
arrived in Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the newborn King of the Jews? For we
have seen His star in far-off eastern lands, and have come to worship Him.’
King Herod was deeply disturbed by their question…”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_edn6" name="_ednref6" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[vi]</span></span></span></span></a>
Julian G. Anderson describes the jealousy of Herod and his connection to Rome. “This
Herod was called Herod the Great. He was appointed ‘king’ of…Israel by the
Roman Government in 37 B.C. He was terribly jealous and suspicious of anyone
who might take away his kingdom.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_edn7" name="_ednref7" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[vii]</span></span></span></span></a>
Just like other despots in history his anger knew no bounds. “Sending [Roman] soldiers
to Bethlehem, he ordered them to kill every baby boy two years old and under,
both in the town and the nearby farms, for the astrologers had told him the
star first appeared to them two years before.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_edn8" name="_ednref8" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[viii]</span></span></span></span></a>
This, however, is just the start of Rome and Christianity meeting and mingling
and it wouldn’t be the end of the Herodian line interacting with important
figures in the Bible.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span>A few hours
before his death, King Herod made a will giving portions of his kingdom to
various family members, an arrangement that Caesar Augustus had approved upon
Herod’s last visit to Rome.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_edn9" name="_ednref9" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[ix]</span></span></span></span></a>
His son Antipas is the next Roman focus of the Bible and events that were to
follow in the life of John the Baptist.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span>As is the
case with most people, Herod the Tetrarch as the Bible refers to him, did not
take to correction very well. When John the Baptist corrected him over a great
moral failure, he wished to put him to death on one hand but was afraid to do
so for fear of the people. He eventually was bound by an oath to do so, an oath
made to his wife’s daughter after he promised to give her anything she wanted. “The
king was sorry, but for the sake of his oath and his guests he ordered [John’s
head] to be given her; he sent and had John beheaded in the prison, his head
was brought on a dish and given to the girl…”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_edn10" name="_ednref10" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[x]</span></span></span></span></a>
John the Baptist was the forerunner of Christ as evidenced by Mark 1:2-3<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_edn11" name="_ednref11" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xi]</span></span></span></span></a>
and in a way, he foreshadowed the martyrdom of Christ even though the manners
of death were completely different. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span>The Bible
is relatively silent on the subject of Christ’s formative years other than a
trip to the Temple as a preteen. With this in mind, we have no idea how little
or how much Rome or Roman law and lifestyles influenced and impacted Him past
indirect things such as the road system. The Roman/Christianity interaction
picks back up in the 12<sup>th</sup> chapter of Mark. The religious leaders of
the day, like Herod the Great had been, were afraid for their positions and
were looking for a way to entrap and discredit Christ. These suspect leaders
had hoped to not only entrap and discredit Him, they wanted to put the hammer
down and get Christ in hot water with the Roman government. They asked him if
it was legal to pay taxes to Caesar or not, to which Christ replied “Give back
to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_edn12" name="_ednref12" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xii]</span></span></span></span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span>If one
searches hard enough, there are probably more minute details that could be
found showing Rome and Christianity interacting. For the sake of brevity, I
will fast forward to the arrest and trial of Christ. At this point even though
early in Christian history, the meeting of Rome and Christianity goes into full
overdrive. Though initially tried under Jewish law, Christ was brought before Pilate,
a Roman official serving in Israel, after being arrested by Roman soldiers. Under
Jewish law, the religious leaders of the day could not have Christ executed, so
they sent Him to be tried under Roman law under which He could be executed. When
they saw that Pilate was not going to condemn Christ to death for what amounted
to Jewish religious questions, they accused Him of saying it was illegal to pay
taxes to the Roman government and that He had proclaimed Himself to be king. Finally
in desperation Pilate gave in to the masses, masses who had been influenced by
the religious leaders, and ordered Christ to be executed.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_edn13" name="_ednref13" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xiii]</span></span></span></span></a>
Even an age old familiar Bible story shows a connection to the Roman Empire!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span>How odd is
it that something that was once a symbol of death and punishment for the lowest
of the low is now a symbol of hope and joy to millions of people? People wear
crosses on a daily basis; people have crosses tattooed on their body; we drive
past churches with crosses every day, day after day; we hear countless sermons
preached every Sunday talking about this once dreaded symbol of death. Though
the cross was used in ancient times before the Romans, it is widely associated
with Rome due to the fact that was what Christ was hung on and countless others
before Him. According to Funk & Wagnalls Standard Reference Encyclopedia, “[t]he
death of Christ by crucifixion caused Christians to regard the cross with
reverence. Since apostolic times the cross has had a prominent place in
Christian liturgy. The early Christians prayed with arms extended to represent
Christ on the cross…”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_edn14" name="_ednref14" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xiv]</span></span></span></span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span>Where does
this leave us? Most religious movements would have fizzled out if their leader
died what was considered a disgraceful death. In our modern times we certainly
do not hear of churches that heed to the doctrines of Jim Jones or David Koresh
(I realize these are extreme examples and not indicative of Christ). Instead
like a bomb exploding, the message of Christ spread all over after His death.
Indeed, “Roman authorities and intellectuals did not know what to make of this
new religion.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_edn15" name="_ednref15" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xv]</span></span></span></span></a> Indeed,
Acts 17:6b tells us that Jewish leaders in Thessalonica stated “Paul and Silas
have turned the rest of the world upside down, and now they are here disturbing
our city…”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_edn16" name="_ednref16" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xvi]</span></span></span></span></a></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span>“The
following night, the Lord stood by him, and said, ‘Cheer up, Paul, for as you
have testified about me at Jerusalem, so you must testify also at Rome.’"<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_edn17" name="_ednref17" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xvii]</span></span></span></span></a>
The rubber is really starting to meet the road at this point. Paul, the first
missionary, was arrested and brought to trial on trumped up charges. “He was
tried before Festus Porcius, who, following an appeal to Caesar, sent him to
Rome.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_edn18" name="_ednref18" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xviii]</span></span></span></span></a>
Though the Bible goes into great detail about the time between then and his
arrival in Rome, it is somewhat silent on what happened once in Rome. Only a
part of a chapter and one whole chapter of 31 verses are devoted in the book of
Acts to his arrival and stay in Rome. The book of Acts ends on this note, a
note that clearly shows Rome and Christianity running parallel to each other, “[s]o
Paul stayed there in his own rented home for two whole years, and he gave all
those who came to see him a warm welcome.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_edn19" name="_ednref19" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xix]</span></span></span></span></a>
<span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span>There are
hints in both the Biblical narrative and other narratives that Paul was freed
and traveled to other places, including Spain, but later returned to Rome and
was martyred there.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_edn20" name="_ednref20" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xx]</span></span></span></span></a>
According to many Christian scholars, especially Roman Catholics who believe
Peter to have been the first Pope, Paul was not the only Christian martyr in
Rome. Peter never referred to Rome by name but he did speak of “Babylon” which
was a Christian nickname for Rome.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_edn21" name="_ednref21" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xxi]</span></span></span></span></a>
Fred Zaspel gives multiple items of evidence to support the claim that Peter
was in Rome and had been buried there.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_edn22" name="_ednref22" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xxii]</span></span></span></span></a>
While it is not known if Peter was actually crucified upside down as many
legends state, it can be established beyond much of a shadow of a doubt that he
did die in Rome as a martyr for his Christian faith.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span>When you
get past the earliest apostles, the Bible itself is mainly silent on the
activities involving Rome and the Christian faith. At that point we must start
relying on other historical sources to fill in the gaps. We find in our
textbook that Nero used Christians as scapegoats for the great fire of 64 A.D.
and “[h]is brutality created some of Christianity’s first martyrs…and
unintentionally [strengthened] the new religion.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_edn23" name="_ednref23" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xxiii]</span></span></span></span></a>
Although not specifically mentioned in our textbook, history teaches us that
Nero went so far as to use Christians as torches to light his garden at night.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_edn24" name="_ednref24" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xxiv]</span></span></span></span></a>
Christian martyrdom is nothing new, although we do not see much of it in the
Western world. One only need to look at the Middle East and the rising of ISIS
to see that history repeats itself. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span>Although
every prior event that has been mentioned was and still is important, and
although each fact fits in like puzzle pieces to make the whole of Christian
and Roman interaction, perhaps the most important date for this aside from
Christ’s crucifixion in circa 29-30 A.D. is <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>the early 300’s
A.D. when Constantine began to look favorably upon Christians. “In 313 he
granted special exemptions from mandatory government service to [Christians]...and
offered Christian churches a share in imperial revenue.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_edn25" name="_ednref25" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xxv]</span></span></span></span></a>
His favor continued to the Christian church and he himself converted to
Christianity, the first Roman emperor to do so.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_edn26" name="_ednref26" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xxvi]</span></span></span></span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span>How often
do we think of Rome when we read our Bible or attend church on Sunday morning? While
we may disagree on certain minor points of theology, the fact remains that
without Rome, there would be no Christian denominations. It was the advancements
of Rome in peace and road systems that allowed the gospel to spread like
wildfire. From Christ and the earliest apostles to Christians in Nero’s time,
Rome had Christian blood on its hands from martyrdom. Although Paul and Silas
never lived to see it, their “turning the world upside down” eventually
resulted in the first Christian emperor and Christianity flourishing as an
official religion recognized and promoted by Rome. It is certainly an
interesting case study to see the intertwining of Rome and Christianity.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div style="mso-element: endnote-list;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br clear="all" />
</span></span><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div id="edn1">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_ednref1" name="_edn1" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[i]</span></span></span></span></a> Rose, Fred. Ten Little
Numbers. Hank Williams, Sr. Mercury, 1998. CD.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div id="edn2">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_ednref2" name="_edn2" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[ii]</span></span></span></span></a> "Luke 2:1-2." A
New Accurate Translation of the Greek New Testament into Simple, Everyday,
American English. Trans. Julian G. Anderson. Naples, FL: J.G. Anderson, 1984.
163. Print.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div id="edn3">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_ednref3" name="_edn3" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[iii]</span></span></span></span></a> Boatwright, Mary T.,
Daniel J. Gargola, Richard J. A. Talbert, and Noel Lenski. "Augustus and
the Transformation of the Roman World." The Romans: From Village to
Empire. New York: Oxford UP, 2004. 305. Print.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div id="edn4">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_ednref4" name="_edn4" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[iv]</span></span></span></span></a> "Pax Romana | Roman
History." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.
Web. 01 May 2015. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div id="edn5">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_ednref5" name="_edn5" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[v]</span></span></span></span></a> Donald, D. "In the
Fullness of Time: Christianity in the Roman Empire." History of Western
Civilization. George Mason University, n.d. Web. 01 May 2015.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div id="edn6">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_ednref6" name="_edn6" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[vi]</span></span></span></span></a> "Matthew
2:1-3." Reach Out: The Living New Testament. Trans. Ken Taylor and Harold
Myra. 23rd ed. Wheaton: Tyndale House, 1969. 3. Print.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div id="edn7">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_ednref7" name="_edn7" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[vii]</span></span></span></span></a> Anderson, Julian G.
"Some Helpful Notes for the Reader." A New Accurate Translation of
the Greek New Testament into Simple, Everyday, American English. Naples, FL:
J.G. Anderson, 1984. 729. Print.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div id="edn8">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_ednref8" name="_edn8" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[viii]</span></span></span></span></a> Matthew 2:16."
Reach Out: The Living New Testament. Trans. Ken Taylor and Harold Myra. 23rd
ed. Wheaton: Tyndale House, 1969. 3. Print.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div id="edn9">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_ednref9" name="_edn9" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[ix]</span></span></span></span></a> Morse, Joseph L., ed.
"Herod the Great." Funk and Wagnalls Standard Reference Encyclopedia.
8th ed. Vol. 13. New York: Wilfred Funk, 1966. 4566. Print.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div id="edn10">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_ednref10" name="_edn10" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[x]</span></span></span></span></a> "S. Matthew
15:9." The Bible: James Moffatt Translation. Trans. James Moffatt. Vol. 5.
Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1994. 20. Print.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div id="edn11">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_ednref11" name="_edn11" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xi]</span></span></span></span></a> Mark. The Message.
Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2009. Mark 1:2-3. Bible Gateway. Web. 02 May 2015.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div id="edn12">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_ednref12" name="_edn12" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xii]</span></span></span></span></a> "Mark 12:17."
Holy Bible: NIV, New International Version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011. N.
pag. Print.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div id="edn13">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_ednref13" name="_edn13" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xiii]</span></span></span></span></a> Maclaren, John J.
"Jesus Christ, The Arrest And Trial Of - International Standard Bible
Encyclopedia." Bible Study Tools. Bible Study Tools, n.d. Web. 02 May
2015.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div id="edn14">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_ednref14" name="_edn14" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xiv]</span></span></span></span></a> Morse, Joseph L., ed.
"Cross." Funk and Wagnalls Standard Reference Encyclopedia. 8th ed.
Vol. 7. New York: Wilfred Funk, 1966. 2507-2508. Print.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div id="edn15">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_ednref15" name="_edn15" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xv]</span></span></span></span></a> Boatwright, Mary T.,
Daniel J. Gargola, Richard J. A. Talbert, and Noel Lenski. "The Early
Principate." The Romans: From Village to Empire. New York: Oxford UP,
2004. 342. Print.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div id="edn16">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_ednref16" name="_edn16" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xvi]</span></span></span></span></a> Acts 17:6." Reach
Out: The Living New Testament. Trans. Ken Taylor and Harold Myra. 23rd ed.
Wheaton: Tyndale House, 1969. 323. Print.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div id="edn17">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_ednref17" name="_edn17" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xvii]</span></span></span></span></a> "Acts 23:11."
World English Bible. Trans. Michael P. Johnson. S.l.: Book On Demand, 2012. N.
pag. Print.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div id="edn18">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_ednref18" name="_edn18" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xviii]</span></span></span></span></a> Morse, Joseph L., ed.
"Paul." Funk and Wagnalls Standard Reference Encyclopedia. 8th ed.
Vol. 19. New York: Wilfred Funk, 1966. 6910. Print.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div id="edn19">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_ednref19" name="_edn19" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xix]</span></span></span></span></a> "Acts 28:30."
A New Accurate Translation of the Greek New Testament into Simple, Everyday,
American English. Trans. Julian G. Anderson. Naples, FL: J.G. Anderson, 1984. 423.
Print.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div id="edn20">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_ednref20" name="_edn20" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xx]</span></span></span></span></a> McCallum, Dennis. "A
Chronological Study of Paul's Ministry." A Chronological Study of Paul's
Ministry. Xenos Christian Fellowship, n.d. Web. 02 May 2015.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div id="edn21">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_ednref21" name="_edn21" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xxi]</span></span></span></span></a> "I Peter
5:13." Reach Out: The Living New Testament. Trans. Ken Taylor and Harold
Myra. 23rd ed. Wheaton: Tyndale House, 1969. 588. Print.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div id="edn22">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_ednref22" name="_edn22" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xxii]</span></span></span></span></a> Zaspel, Fred.
"Biblical Studies." Biblical Studies. Fred Zaspel, n.d. Web. 02 May
2015.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div id="edn23">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_ednref23" name="_edn23" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xxiii]</span></span></span></span></a> Boatwright, Mary T.,
Daniel J. Gargola, Richard J. A. Talbert, and Noel Lenski. "The Early
Principate." The Romans: From Village to Empire. New York: Oxford UP,
2004. 343. Print.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div id="edn24">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_ednref24" name="_edn24" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xxiv]</span></span></span></span></a> "Biblical
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</span></span><div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=254459377906264412#_ednref26" name="_edn26" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[xxvi]</span></span></span></span></a> "Conversion of
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Steele Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10871582695198782933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254459377906264412.post-1353894522913239052015-04-28T22:01:00.000-07:002015-04-28T22:01:10.353-07:00The Clampetts and Nonverbal Communication<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ron Reagan</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
UI345 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
27 April 2015</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Final Paper</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Come and
listen to my story about nonverbal communication. Yes, even our favorite
television show characters can be analyzed for nonverbal communication.
Although they are actors portraying another person and not indicative of who
the actor is in real life perhaps, they still bring their characters to life in
front of us, drawing us in as if they were the person we see on the small
screen. From September 26, 1962 until March 23, 1971, CBS brought the antics of
everyone’s favorite hillbillies into living rooms across the United States. If
there was ever a series ripe for a discussion on nonverbal communication, it
would have to Jed and all his kin! The menagerie of the characters that paraded
in and out of the Clampett’s lives, and the Clampetts themselves, proves to be
a hotbed of discussion for the topic at hand.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>First, we
can take a look at the Clampett’s clothing. What a contrast! One would expect
them to be a bit “rough around the edges” when first moving to California from
their native Ozark home. The clothing of the Clampetts led to a huge
misunderstanding right from the get-go. Due to a huge colossal mix-up, the Clampetts
are arrested and put in jail in the very first episode, “The Clampetts Strike
Oil.” Milburn Drysdale, the penultimate snob only eclipsed by his wife,
Margaret, for snobbery, goes to the jail looking for the Clampetts, intent on
bailing them out. Jed and Jethro are dressed for practicality as our textbook
describes in Chapter Four while Mr. Drysdale is always dressed to impress in
his business suit. Expecting a millionaire to be dressed better, he mistakes
Jed and Jethro as “cutthroats” and asks them what they’ve done with J.D.
Clampett! According to creducation.org, we see Mr. Drysdale displaying aggressive
anger; he makes the assumption these “cutthroats” have harmed his new client in
some shape, form or fashion and he is “taking charge” of the situation. The
site further points out his aggressiveness; they list “use of illustrative
gestures” as an example of being assertive. I don’t think one can get more
assertive than Mr. Drysdale did when he grabbed Jed by the shirt demanding
answers!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One would
legitimately believe that would have been the end of the Clampett’s problems
and they could settle down to a new life in “Californy.” Enter Jane Hathaway,
Mr. Drysdale’s homely secretary in the second episode “Getting Settled.” Mr. Drysdale
has entrusted her with the task of changing the family from backwoods bumpkins
to cream of the crop Beverly Hills elites. She has little idea of what she is
about to encounter. Bodylanguageexpert.co.uk says that we have all judged
someone based on their appearance whether we know it or not. They point out
that “[o]ften, we expect certain people to dress a certain way before we learn
anything about their credentials” and further down “[c]ertain types of clothing
carry certain assumptions.” We simply do not expect someone in shabby clothing
to be an oil millionaire that should be living in a mansion. Miss Jane as the
Clampetts come to know her was guilty of the very thing we all have done! She
assumed by their style of dress that they were servants hired to work at the
mansion. Though it was a comedy show and not real life, there is a life lesson
in that episode that we never should judge a book by its cover. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Today, we
think of commercials as something entirely separate from the show. Such wasn’t
the case in the 1960’s when a huge majority of commercials were performed by
the cast. Fernando Poyatos, author of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Advances
in Nonverbal Communication</i>, calls television commercials a “historical
development” in his book. He takes a negative view of television commercials it
would seem, calling them hedonistic and perverted. While that is certainly an
extreme view, it could well be applied to our beloved Clampett clan. One of the
sponsors of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Beverly Hillbillies</i>
was Winston cigarettes. For the first few seasons, every other week had a
jingle added at the end of the theme song for Winston and the end of the show that
week featured Jed, Granny, Mr. Drysdale or Ms. Hathaway in character plugging
the joys of smoking Winston, telling viewers that “Winston tastes good like a
cigarette should.” It was known even then the dangers of smoking, yet they went
every other week plugging this very much harmful product. I wonder how many
children were inclined to start smoking in part due to seeing Uncle Jed puffing
away? Again, I think Mr. Poyatos might be a bit extreme with his views but in
this regard, he does have a very valid point.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Vocalics as
defined by Stephen Edlund at prezi.com is “accent, emphasis, vocal quality,
pitch rate and pulse…” The backwoods idioms of the Clampett clan are certainly
an interesting area to be explored. Jed and his catchphrase “well doggies” is a
standout. Those words by themselves could mean a variety of things to someone
just reading them in print. When combined with Jed’s vocal inflections, they
became a term of excitement. When you heard those words uttered, you could tell
he was in awe of something. Mrs. Drysdale’s disdain for the Clampetts came
through in her vocal articulations, oozing disgust at every turn. In the
episode “The Big Chicken,” she calls them “sordid sharecroppers.” The words
standing alone would point out her disgust but she added a certain vocal tone to
them with the way in which she said it, adding emphasis to her disgust of
having to live next door to these rubes and hayseeds. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In Chapter
9 on vocalics, Mr. Edlund goes on to talk about accents and dialects. He points
out that everyone has an accent and that people are stereotyped according to their
particular grouping. As if their clothing wasn’t enough to dissuade one from
believing them to be a family of Beverly Hills millionaires, the icing on the
cake would have to be the accent Jethro and the rest of the Clampetts spoke
with. On the Season 8 episode “Jed Buys Central Park,” the Clampetts have went
for a visit to the Ozarks where the Silver Dollar City Fair is going on. Looking
for a quick buck, Honest John Shafer, portrayed by legendary actor Phil Silvers
doing his best impersonation of his hit character Ernie Bilko, comes to town.
He runs into Jethro who is anxious to know this “city feller.” Miscommunication
arises as Honest John believes he is dealing with a rube and attempts to brush
him off until Jethro says his uncle has $80 million in the bank. Even after
Jethro telling him this, he obviously still has trouble believing it to be the
truth. He turns to hotel manager Shorty Kellems and asks if Jethro is being
truthful or if the hotel was the “Silver Dollar City Funny Farm.” After being
assured that Jed had “more millions than he could shake a stick at,” Silvers
reprises his conman style that he made popular on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Phil Silvers Show</i> in the 1950’s, attempting to take Jed for all
he could.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In Chapter
15 of our textbook, there is an entire chapter devoted to deceit and lies. The
book says that “[o]n the receiving end, people also rely heavily on nonverbal
channels to size up another’s credibility and honesty.” This once again can be
integrated into the plot of the show. In the first season episode “Jed Buys the
Freeway,” a conman by the name of H.H.H. Jones attempts to sell Jed a variety
of landmarks including the freeway and the Hollywood Bowl. The audience is
clued in to the fact he is a con man but he seems to be fooling the Clampetts.
His exaggerated speech and mannerisms completely give him away to the audience,
leaving one wondering how Jed or Granny can’t see it. He became even bolder
claiming to be a “mountain man” from the Ozarks. In the end, however, Jed sees
right through him relying upon a hilarious nonverbal clue-he can’t hold his
liquor! This same scenario was used again in the last two seasons when Phil
Silvers guest starred in which he attempted to sell Jed various New York City
and Washington, D.C. landmarks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Chapter 12
of our textbook addresses the topic of reciprocity. The book defines this as occurring
when “a person responds to another person’s behavior by engaging in similar
behavior.” While I do not recall too many instances of this occurring in the
show, there are a few instances that stand out. In “The Clampett Look,” a
wealthy socialite and her daughter are convinced that the hillbilly style is in
vogue. Hilarity followed as they believed Ellie Mae to be a trend-setter and in
an effort to fit in with the “new fashion,” they raid the gardener’s shack at
their mansion for clothing! Going back to the second episode, “Getting Settled,”
Miss Jane found herself being fired for the mistake of thinking the Clampetts
the hired help. Jed jumps to her defense saying she had been a big help and had
really “pitched in.” Instead of acting like the Vassar College graduate she
was, she grabbed a hat, pulled it down like Jed’s and started imitating his
mannerisms and speech even telling Jethro to take that “pank chicken (a
flamingo) back to the cee-ment pond!” From that point on, she was accepted
almost as if she was one of the Clampett clan.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Chapter 10
of our textbook might as well have been written with Jethro “International
Playboy” Bodine in mind! “Your image reflects not necessarily how you see
yourself, but rather, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">how you want others
to see you</i>,” opines the textbook author. While the other members of the
family were “what you see is what you get,” Jethro was constantly wanting to
shed the country boy image. He fancied himself to be another James Bond for a
while. In “The Private Eye” he goes to great lengths to portray himself as a “double
naught spy” with predictably hilarious results. When one thing failed, he was
always ready to move on to the next thing whether it was a sheik, a talent
agent, magician or soldier. I think it would be sufficient to say Jethro
suffered from one huge identity crisis, even going so far as expressing to Jed
in “The Hot Rod Truck” that “I’ve got identity problems. I freaked out as a
Hollywood producer, I freaked out as a protestor, I even freaked out as a
freakout and now I don’t know my own thing!” Jed gently reminded him that his “thing”
was eating and with it being Granny’s birthday and a subsequent birthday party,
“you can do your own thing until you’re full as a tick.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Television
shows are quite obviously meant to entertain us and to sell us a product via
the sponsor’s commercials. We can sit and watch these shows for fun, grab a few
laughs at the over the top antics of the characters portrayed and deem
ourselves to be pretty normal in comparison to them. However we can also look
at said characters and see a slice of life in them and see that even they do
not use just words to communicate, but they use nonverbal cues just like we all
do.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Works Cited:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span class="citationtext">Burgoon, Judee K., Laura K. Guerrero, and Kory Floyd.
"Deceiving Others." <i>Nonverbal Communication</i>. Boston: Allyn
& Bacon, 2010. 404-05. Print.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span class="citationtext">Burgoon, Judee K., Laura K. Guerrero, and Kory Floyd.
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Steele Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10871582695198782933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254459377906264412.post-70604986537832723372014-12-29T11:28:00.001-08:002014-12-29T11:28:59.162-08:00Getting back at the junk mailers<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Are you tired of getting junk mail from credit card companies? I used to simply put "junk mail refused-return to sender" on the envelope, but a friend who works for the USPS said that would simply get it thrown out. Recently, First Premier Bank decided to spam my mailbox with one of their ridiculous offers. I loved the letter I wrote them back so much that I decided to share here:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ronald G. Reagan</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">xxxx Cty Hwy xxx</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Steele, MO. 63877-9366</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">First Premier Bank</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">P.O. Box 5526</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sioux Falls, SD. 57117-9756</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">12-29-2014</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">To whom it may concern:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
is a joke, right? I am seriously sitting here laughing my tail off at your ever
so generous offer! So, let me get this straight. You will generously extend me
a $400 line of credit, but only after you charge me a $99 annual fee AND a $95
setup fee. Oh, and there is that ever so small 36% APR. Talk about a sham!
Right up front you have made almost $200 off of me before I even so much as
make a purchase. How many people fall for this junk? You are starting to remind
me of the Nigerian scammers I get e-mails from all the time.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Let
me be blunt. I would not do business with you if you were the last creditor on
the face of the Earth. You are nothing more than a fancy criminal operation
making money on the backs of the poor with your usurious rates and fees. I am
most certainly a capitalist at heart, believing one should be able to make as much
money as they can without government interference, but I feel in your case that
the Federal Government should step in and put a stop to your ridiculous
business practices. I seriously doubt that you have many happy customers
anyway, so I’m sure it wouldn’t take much to get a bevy of people to contact
their elected representatives about your shady practices. To quote the ever
quotable Jerry Lawler when he was talking about Dusty Rhodes, you are “about as
popular as cockroaches in the ghetto.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
have already asked you once before to remove me from your mailing list, a request
that was quite obviously ignored. I will once again ask nicely to have myself
removed from your mailing list since I have no interest whatsoever in giving
you anything other than my 2¢ worth of opinion. I am a prior customer of yours,
a customer who had a positive payment history with you, I never once had a late
payment, and I also paid you in full well before the balance on the card was
due to be paid. If this is how you treat your good clientele, I shudder to
think of how you treat someone who has not been a client in the past or someone
who had a poor payment history. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As I noted in
my last letter to you when you sent me a ridiculously similar offer some months
ago, I would be willing to consider taking a credit card with your bank if you
will drop the annual fee and the setup fee. I would also want the 36% APR
dropped to something more reasonable, but until then, please remove me from
your mailing list as I do not wish to be harassed with more junk mail. The more
junk you send, the more junk I will send back. Why not save yourself the
trouble and remove me from you mailing list? The paper is too hard to wipe my
rear-end on, so I really have no use for the junk anyway other than to put it
in the prepaid envelope you so generously provided.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">You are really
only a step above the Nigerian scammers in my mind! You prey upon the poor,
hooking them in with the promise of easy credit while you become rich with a
long litany of ridiculous interest rates and fees. Again, I believe I will
contact my representatives in the Federal Government and suggest that banks
such as yours be investigated for your obviously shady business practices. I am
also going to post this letter on my blog, a blog which will then be shared
with almost 900 Facebook friends and it will also be shared on Twitter. I
realize it might not make a difference, but even the biggest movements had to
start somewhere. Thank you and have a great day!</span></span></div>
Steele Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10871582695198782933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254459377906264412.post-37168507674846074902014-12-11T20:39:00.001-08:002014-12-11T20:39:59.064-08:00Here it is: My 11 page paper on Christmas for class!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Christmas. Andy Williams crooned that it is “the most
wonderful time of the year” on his 1964 Christmas album (Pola and Wyle, 1963,
Side A, Band 4). From nativity scenes to the Santa Claus at the mall, Americans
will be celebrating Christmas. Everywhere you go, you see Christmas lights and
decorations letting us know what time of the year it is. Rip Van Winkle could
awake from his fairy-tale sleep, and even he would know that Christmas was upon
him! Ronnie Milsap, Ray Charles, and Stevie Wonder would all be able to “see”
from the sounds around them that the season is here again. From the youngest to
the oldest, practically everyone knows the Reason for the season. Christmas is
perhaps the most important day on the Christian calendar seeing that most of
its traditions have Christian connotations, and those traditions bring honor to
the very One for whom the holiday is named after.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span>Christmas
is a decidedly Christian holiday without a doubt. It is the day that the name
of Christ is exalted in song and literature. It is a day that people who have
not been to church in a while may decide to attend with friends or family.
Unlike Easter which is a “one and done” day, the Christmas season is built up
from November until its conclusion in early January, giving perhaps close to a
month and a half for the gospel message to be presented. As a Christian who
believes the gospel message was meant to be presented to everyone, I exuberantly
welcome the Christmas season.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span>According
to Frank Newport (2008) when referencing a recent Gallup poll, 93% of Americans
indicated they would be celebrating the holiday of Christmas (In the U.S.,
Christmas Not Just for Christians, para. 1). According to a U.S. News article
(2008), the population of America at that time was 305,529,237 which would mean
approximately 284 million Americans celebrated Christmas that year alone (U.S.
Population, 2009: 305 Million and Counting, para. 1). Given these numbers, I
believe it would suffice to say that Christmas is a huge deal for the majority
of Americans. However, what if the masses are in the wrong? What if instead of
celebrating the birth of a Savior, we are instead keeping customs that honor pagan
gods? We know how that God feels about the worship of other deities as the very
first part of The Ten Commandments tells us “[y]ou are to have no other gods
besides me” (Exodus 20:3, International Standard Version). When asked what the
greatest commandment was by a lawyer, Jesus replied to him by saying “…[l]ove
the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your
mind. This is the first and greatest commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38, New
International Version). If in fact this day known to the world over as a
celebration of Christ’s birthday is indeed an honorary day set aside for pagan
divinities, it would do us well to find out. We see from these verses above
that God alone is to be honored, so we need to find out if the naysayers have a
proverbial leg to stand on.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span>While they
are certainly a decided minority, there are groups who identify themselves as
Christian that would tell us Christmas is a pagan holiday that no Christian
should be celebrating. Herbert W. Armstrong, founder of the Worldwide Church of
God, said "Ancient Rome's pagan holidays have been chained upon a heedless
and deceived world. These include certain annual holidays---Christmas, New
Year's, Easter, as well as many more, every one [sic] a pagan day… ” (1). The Jehovah’s
Witness organization (n.d.) purports to show that Christmas is littered through
and through with pagan traditions and customs (Why don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses
celebrate Christmas? section, para. 1). Scott Ashley (n.d.) of the United
Church of God, opines the same sentiment by saying that “[n]one of these things
have anything to do with Him, but they have a lot to do with ancient pagan festivals”
(The Christmas Holiday is Largely a Recycled Pagan Celebration section, para.
1). Of the myriad of reasons that a small minority would give not to celebrate
Christmas, this is perhaps their strongest argument, but it is an argument that
simply will not hold water upon further examination. While one might look
circumspectly enough to find traces of paganism in some of our Christmas
traditions, the good that is accomplished in the Christmas season far outweighs
any bad that might have been associated with it in the past. Any remaining
stench of pagan traditions have also been long since been absorbed with the passage
of time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span><span style="line-height: 150%;">Some of my earliest memories are Christmas get-togethers with family,
family that is now in large part gone on. I feel in many ways that the couplet
from the Happy Goodmans song, “It Looks Like Everybody’s Going Home,” describes
me when it is said, “I look around and I feel like a stranger, for the old
familiar faces seem so few” (Wilburn, 1973, Side B, Band 6). If my family had
subscribed to a viewpoint that Christmas was a wholesale celebration of
paganism, I might not have had so much family to have celebrated my life with.
It was not about seeing Christmas decorations, nor talking about Santa Claus,
but seeing family that you had not gotten to see in a long time. My dad is from
a large family, family that eventually spread out all the way from Illinois to
Memphis. My mother’s family has spread all the way from here to Wisconsin and
Virginia. Other families obviously have spread out even further than that due
to careers or other personal choices. That makes for a high improbability of
seeing one another too much during the year. Does not the Bible talk about
family being of the utmost importance? What can be so wrong about a time that
everyone can get together and fellowship? Families are not paying homage to
some pagan deity when they choose to spend time with one another on the special
day known as Christmas. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span> </span>In our rushed society, how many people make time for
church anymore? Although I am one of the types that “if the door is open I will
be there,” I realize that many are not. I am certainly not about to criticize
someone for not attending; that is between God and them. It could be that their
work schedule is so crazy that they are rarely off when the church doors are
open; perhaps they are so frazzled after putting in a 40, 50 or 60 hour work
week that they need time to recuperate. Christmas might perchance be the only
time they can darken the church doors. Since it is likely a given that they will
hear the message of how Christ came to die in our stead, giving us eternal life
if we choose it, what better time for that person to come to church? Even if
the situation is such that the person could come to church during the year, but
chose not to, what better time to choose to do so? Amber Hildebrandt (2013) of
CBC News reports that nearly one third of our Canadian neighbors planned on
attending church for Christmas, a figure I would believe would probably be
mirrored here (</span>Christmas Crowds Soar but Churches Pass Up Opportunities<span style="line-height: 150%;">, para. 1). As a Christian, it is about winning souls for the Kingdom of
God, not splitting hairs about what day they came! Mary Fairchild (n.d).,
Christianity expert for about.com, says “[m]oreover, Christian churches see
Christmas as an occasion to spread the good news of the gospel at a time when
many unbelievers pause to consider Christ” (Mass of Christ section, para. 2). It
is beyond me exactly why any sane Christian, God-fearing person could or even
would remotely argue that we are somehow honoring pagan traditions when we see
people in church hearing the gospel message.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span> </span>From Jim Nabors singing “Go Tell It on the Mountain”
(Nabors and Copeland, 1967, Side A, Band 1) to Elvis Presley crooning sacred
Christmas numbers such as “Silent Night” (Gruber and Moore, 1957, Side B, Band
2) on his long in print Christmas album, the message of Christ is conveyed in
song upon song every Christmas season. Just like the person who hears the
gospel message only once or twice a year, they are hearing the name of Christ
exalted in the music, music that is played in stores, on television, and on the
radio. The central message of the Gospel is manifest in many Christmas songs,
leading me to beg the question to the Christmas naysayers, what is so wrong
about a time of the year that the story of Christ is brought out for public
viewing in song? Some people feel we are in the time spoken of by the Old
Testament prophet Amos. “The time is surely coming,” says the Sovereign Lord, “when
I will send a famine on the land—not a famine of bread or water but of hearing
the words of the Lord” (Amos 8:11, New Living Translation). If we are indeed in
those days of famine, we certainly do NOT need to snuff out the candle of God’s
message to mankind that is prevalent in Christmas music this time of the year.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span> </span>Christmas is a relaxing day of the year if you allow it
to be. Many people will choose to stay home, watching parades, football, and
maybe even a Christmas movie. Others will choose family time to go look at
Christmas lights or simply just spend time with one another. No matter the
chosen mode of relaxation, Christmas can be a peaceful day of the year if you
allow it to be. We all need time to recharge our batteries, and this makes for
a picture-perfect time to do so. In Genesis 2:2-3, the Bible tells us “[b]y the
seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day
he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy,
because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done” (New
International Version). In Mark 6:31, it reads “[a]nd he said to them, ‘Come
away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.’ For many were coming
and going, and they had no leisure even to eat” (English Standard Version). If
God afforded a rest after working, why should He begrudge us a day that we can
use to recharge ourselves even if it happens to be on a day with supposed pagan
undertones?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span> </span>Christmas is just a fun time of the year! There are
Scrooge-types out there who simply will not entertain the idea of “fun,” but
the Bible tells us that there are times for celebration and merry-making.
Caroling down the street with neighbors; singing along with the family while
someone strums the guitar or putting decorations on the tree and hanging
lights. Stevie Wonder told us that “everyone is a kid at Christmas time” in one
of his popular songs (Miller and Miller, 2003, Track 14). Folk/Country singer
John Denver teamed up with the Muppets and gave us their rendition of “Little
Saint Nick” (Wilson and Love, 1979, Program 3, Song 1). There are so many
Christmas activities that give you the “warm fuzzies” that you merely do not
get any other time of the year. While the Bible is certainly full of references
to judgment and damnation, it also talks about having joy and being happy.
Christmas certainly represents a time of merry-making and joyfulness! Solomon,
considered the wisest man to have ever lived, told his readers “…I commended
enjoyment because there is nothing better for man under the sun than to eat,
drink, and enjoy himself…” (Ecclesiastes 8:15, Holman Christian Standard
Bible).</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span> </span>Another nail in the coffin for the Christmas argument
comes from the Bible itself. We find the Apostle Paul telling the believers at
Colosse, “[s]o don’t let anyone criticize you for what you eat or drink, or for
not celebrating Jewish holidays and feast or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths” (Colossians
2:16, Living New Testament). One of Herbert W. Armstrong’s main arguments was
that God never cancelled the adherence to the Jewish feasts, and he says we
should be celebrating those instead of so-called “pagan” holidays (1). We can
put that argument to bed with this passage. We can provide further collateral
damage to this argument with the words of James, considered by many to be the
very brother of Jesus. “For the one who obeys the whole law but fails in one
point has become guilty of all of it” (James 2:10, New English Translation). If
one can poke holes in the arguments of Armstrong on keeping the Jewish Law
seeing how he was one of the chief proponents of abandoning Christmas, the boat
of not celebrating Christmas begins to fill with water and sink as well.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span> </span>The final nail in the coffin for those who argue that
Christmas is pagan influenced and we should veer away from it is the very hypocrisy
of those who argue for the removal of pagan influences. The very days our week
are named after or for pagan deities. J. Hampton Keathley, III (2004), points
out that, for instance, “Thursday originally stood for the Germanic god of the
sky or of thunder. Tuesday stood for Tiw, the god of war. And Wednesday is
derived from Woden, the chief god in Germanic mythology. Sunday and Monday were
related somehow to the worship of the sun and the moon. Saturday is from
Saturnus, or Saturn, and Friday comes from Fria, the goddess of love” (Argument
Number 4: Christmas Traditions are from Paganism section, para. 13). I also
remember from my studies in school that the planets are generally named after pagan
deities, but I do not see a serious movement at hand to rename the planets
after the twelve disciples or any of the many Old Testament heroes of faith! I
love the way that Mr. Keathley (2004) sums up his argument, a summation that
puts the final hammer blow on the final nail in the coffin before it is lowered
six feet under by the “Christmas is pagan” undertaker. “When Friday roles
around we don't think about Fria, the goddess of love. On Saturday we don't think
about it as Saturn's day, but as our day off! The same applies to the
traditions of Christmas” (Argument Number 4: Christmas Traditions are from
Paganism section, para. 13).</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span> </span>Some would no doubt argue the veracity of the Christmas
argument I made above by saying that even though we may have Christian liberty
to not observe the Jewish feasts and celebrations, we are not given carte
blanche to celebrate Christmas. Again, I think that this argument can be retired
and put out to pasture by Scripture. Relying again on that stalwart champion of
Christian liberty, Paul, we can turn to First Corinthians 8:4-6 and see what he
had to say in regards to eating food that had been sacrificed to idols. “With
regard then to eating food sacrificed to idols, we know that ‘an idol in this
world is nothing,’ and that ‘there is no God but one.’ If after all there are
so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many
lords), yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and
for whom we live, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and
through whom we live” (New English Translation). Yes, I know this is talking
about food, but if God can bless and “make clean” food offered to an idol, is
He not also capable of cleansing what some think a pagan celebration? In
another of his epistles, Paul told the Roman Christians</span> that “<span style="line-height: 150%;">[o]ne person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike.
Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes
it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not
observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who
does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks” (Romans
14:5-6, New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update). I am also brought to mind of
what God told Peter when He told him in Acts 11:9b that “[w]hat God has
cleansed, do not call common” (Jubilee Bible 2000). An unknown 4<sup>th</sup>
century bishop (n.d.) summarized the whole thing when he said "We hold
this day holy, not like the pagans because of the birth of the sun, but because
of him who made it" (qtd. in Christmas section, para. 4). </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span> </span>I would also like to point out a few things from my
personal observance about the common things we see every Christmas season and
how those things fit in well with the Christian belief. We see Christmas trees
from the poor-house to the White House. What was Christ crucified on? A cross
made from a tree! What type of tree is the Christmas tree? It’s an evergreen
tree; this symbolizes the eternal life that we have if we accept Christ as our
Savior. We top off the tree usually with an angel or a star. It was the angels
that announced the birth of Christ and a star that the Maggi followed to see
Christ. We put lights on the Christmas tree and on our houses; Jesus was the
Light of the world, and He was sent to shine bright for the world to see! The
ornaments symbolize the beauty of Heaven, a beauty described in the book of
Revelation. We adorn our houses with fake snow, either the fake spray on kind
or the quilted kind made from cotton. What color is snow? It’s white, a color
that the Bible mentions when it says that our robes will be white as snow. The
old faithful standby King James Translation of 1789 explains that “</span><span class="text">…though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they be red like crimson, they shall be [white] as wool” (Isaiah 1:18, King
James Version).</span><span style="line-height: 150%;"> Like Hank Williams and the
song about making a Bible from a deck of cards (Myrick, 2010, Track 40),
Christmas is what we make it. God most certainly looks at the intent of our
hearts. God is not sitting high and mighty upon His throne waiting to thrust
lightning bolts at us, nor is He turning up the furnace of Hell seven times
hotter because we choose to celebrate Christmas.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span> </span>Another point I would like to bring out is that I do
believe in a literal Satan who is in opposition with a literal God. I have oft
heard that for everything God has to offer, Satan offers a counterfeit. Without
veering too far afield here, it would behoove me to point out that this former
angel, once known as Lucifer, is known for his ability to transform “himself
into an angel of light” (2nd Corinthians 11:13-15, New King James Version). Throughout
history, Satan and his minions have introduced imitations of what God has to
offer in an effort to steer people away from knowing the real truth. John Hoole
(2010) points out “Satan just cannot get rid of God’s tree – so what has he
done instead?<span> </span>Answer – Satan has planted
MORE TREES – many more.<span> </span>His goal?<span> </span>To HIDE God’s tree in a veritable forest of
counterfeit trees.<span> </span>These trees look like
– smell like – feel like – the real tree of God.<span> </span>But they are imposters.<span> </span>They are trees of death – not trees of life”
(IN WHAT WAYS DOES THE DEVIL COUNTERFEIT THE THINGS OF GOD TODAY? section,
para. 3). Is it really that far stretch of an imagination to think that God’s
arch enemy would counterfeit the day Christ’s birth is celebrated by having
other gods honored on that day? Lady Rose (2011), a decidedly non-Christian
writer, gives further credence to my thoughts by giving the names of 13 deities
who were celebrated on December 25, one of which was Sol Invictus, also known
as “The Unconquered Sun” (13 Gods Associated With December 25, para. 2). Would
it not stand to reason that the master counterfeiter would copy the day that
Christ, “The Unconquered Son,” was born upon? Michael F. Bird (2011) sums it up
in the best way possible. “Christmas means that the unconquerable god of the
Romans just got conquered. A pagan Roman holiday just got stuffed with more
Christianity than a December Turkey stuffed with spiced bread crumbs” (December
25 means the Triumph of Christianity over Paganism, para. 3).</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span> </span>If and when Scrooge decides to give me a “bah humbug,”
I’m going to give him a big “Merry Christmas!” Christmas is something special,
a day unlike others that you won’t find any other time of the year. God is not
sitting on His throne in Heaven waiting to strike me down for putting up a
Christmas tree, nor is He turning up the furnace in Hell extra hot because I
have my fireplace hearth and mantle festooned with my numerous Christmas houses
and figurines. The arguments of those who wish to forbid the celebration of
Christmas based upon some sort of past association with pagan rites and deities
have been refuted thoroughly backed by arguments from people knowledgeable in
the Christian faith and from Scripture itself. I feel that if one had to base
an argument straight from “sola scriptura” that it would be entirely possible
still to refute the claims given. Christmas is a time for families to be together,
a time for the name of Christ to be exalted in churches and Christmas hymns,
and a time for people to have fun and relax. Perhaps I am like country singer
Bill Anderson and was born with too much of the spirit of Christmas in me
(Anderson, 1969, Side A, Track 6), but I must agree again with how Andy
Williams put it-it’s the most wonderful time of the year (Pola and Wyle, 1963,
Side A, Band 4)! The words of Mary Fairchild (n.d.) give the best summation
possible to those who want to “bah humbug” us away from Christmas. “I find
myself wanting to ask, how can we fail to remember this day with great joy and
reverence? How can we not celebrate Christmas?” (Why Do We Celebrate Christ's
Birthday? section, para. 3). All I can add to her words is a hearty amen!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">Works Cited:</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>1 Corinthians.
New International Version. </i><span>Box Lea
Vers<i>. </i>New York City: Zondervan, 2011<i>. BibleStudyTools.com. </i>Salem
Communications Corporation. Web. 11 Dec. 2014<i>. </i></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>2 Corinthians</i>.
<i>New King James Version</i>. 2nd Vers. New York City: Thomas Nelson, 2012. <i>Bible
Gateway</i>. Zondervan. Web. 11 Dec. 2014.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Acts</i>. <i>Jubilee
Bible 2000</i>. Colombia: Ransom International, 2010. <i>Acts 11 The Holy
Scriptures </i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span> </span>(Jubilee Bible 2000)</i>. Ransom
Press International. Web. 11 Dec. 2014.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Amos</i>. <i>New
Living Translation</i>. Carol Stream: Tyndale House, 1996. <i>Amos 8</i>. BIble
Hub. Web. 11 Dec. 2014.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Anderson, Bill. <i>My Christmas List Grows Shorter Every Year</i>.
Bill Anderson. Decca, 1969. Vinyl recording.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ashley, Scott.
"The Top 10 Reasons Why I Don't Celebrate Christmas." Editorial. <i>Good
News Magazine</i> Nov.-Dec. 2006: n. pag. <i>- Good News Magazine</i>. United
Church of God. Web. 10 Dec. 2014.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Armstrong,
Herbert W. <i>Pagan Holidays--or God's Holy
Days--Which? </i>Pasadena, CA: Ambassador College, 1974. 1. Print.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<br /></div>
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Bird, Michael F.
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<br /></div>
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Ecclesiastes. Holman Christian Standard
Bible</i>. Faithlife/Logos Bible Software, n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2014.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Exodus</i>. <i>Bible
Hub</i>. Biblos.com, n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2014.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Fairchild, Mary.
"Why We Celebrate Christmas on December 25." <i>About</i>. About.com,
n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2014.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Genesis</i>. <i>New
International Version. </i><span>Box Lea
Vers. New York City: Zondervan, 2011<i>. </i>BibleStudyTools.com<i>. </i>Salem
Communications Corporation. Web. 11 Dec. 2014<i>.</i></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Goodman, Vestal,
Howard Goodman, Rusty Goodman, Sam Goodman, and Bobby Goodman. <i>It Looks Like
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span></span></span></span></div>
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Hildebrandt,
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Hoole, John.
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Isaiah</i>. <i>King James Version</i>. <i>Bible Gateway</i>.
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>James</i>. <i>New
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Keathley, J. H.,
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Matthew</i>. <i>New International Version</i>. Box Lea Vers. New York City: Zondervan,
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Mark. English
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Romans</i>. <i>New
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
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<![endif]-->Steele Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10871582695198782933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254459377906264412.post-55420399805029112262014-11-13T08:11:00.000-08:002014-11-13T08:11:27.662-08:00If you'll try a little kindness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text John-8-4" id="en-NLT-26351"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>“Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery.</span> <span class="text John-8-5" id="en-NLT-26352"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?”</span><span class="text John-8-5" id="en-NLT-26352"><sup> </sup></span><span class="text John-8-6" id="en-NLT-26353"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>They
were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against
him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger.</span> <span class="text John-8-7" id="en-NLT-26354"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, <span class="woj">“All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”</span></span> <span class="text John-8-8" id="en-NLT-26355"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.</span><span class="text John-8-9" id="en-NLT-26356"><sup class="versenum"> 9 </sup>When
the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with
the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with
the woman.</span> <span class="text John-8-10" id="en-NLT-26357"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, <span class="woj">“Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”</span></span><span class="text John-8-11" id="en-NLT-26358"><sup class="versenum"> </sup></span></span><span class="text John-8-11"><span class="woj"> (John 8, New Living Translation)</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text John-8-11"><span class="woj">Why are folks so quick to condemn and judge? It seems that there is a mentality that if someone wrongs us, we must immediately think the worst about them; we must treat them like a heathen outcast! How dare they do that to us! Perhaps we even talk to someone about them because "hey, they need prayer, ya know!" Oh, no, we're not "gossiping" at all, we're simply "sharing what happened to us!"</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text John-8-11"><span class="woj">Have you prayed about it as much as you've talked about it? I love that saying. If we prayed about it, we might find God telling us to read Romans 12:20:</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text John-8-11"><span class="woj"></span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Instead, "If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty,
give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals
of shame on their heads."</span><span class="p"> (New Living Translation)</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="p">We as humans tend to act before we think. We get all out of joint over some perceived offense and think that we have a right to be mad at someone. Did you ever stop and think that person might not have meant to offend you? Now I'm not talking about some </span><span class="p">egregious thing that was certainly intentional, but I'm thinking of instances that maybe they forgot something that was important to you or forgot to call/text you. Is that really worth getting mad about?</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="p">Are you perfect? I'm sure not! I've promised things before and they've totally slipped my mind. It happens. I promised a friend my chili recipe for instance and I keep forgetting to write it down and bring it to her. What kind of person would I be if I got mad at someone for something unintentional when I'm not perfect? I think we can find instance of that in the Bible as well in Matthew 18:</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="p"></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Matt-18-21"><sup class="versenum">21 </sup>Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”</span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text Matt-18-22" id="en-NIV-23750"><sup class="versenum"> 22 </sup>Jesus answered, <span class="woj">“I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.</span></span><span class="text Matt-18-23" id="en-NIV-23751"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> 23 </sup>“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-18-24" id="en-NIV-23752"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">24 </sup>As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-18-25" id="en-NIV-23753"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">25 </sup>Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.</span></span><span class="text Matt-18-26" id="en-NIV-23754"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> 26 </sup>“At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’</span></span> <span class="text Matt-18-27" id="en-NIV-23755"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">27 </sup>The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.</span></span><span class="text Matt-18-28" id="en-NIV-23756"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> 28 </sup>“But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.</span></span><span class="text Matt-18-29" id="en-NIV-23757"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> 29 </sup>“His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’</span></span><span class="text Matt-18-30" id="en-NIV-23758"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> 30 </sup>“But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-18-31" id="en-NIV-23759"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">31 </sup>When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.</span></span><span class="text Matt-18-32" id="en-NIV-23760"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> 32 </sup>“Then
the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I
canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-18-33" id="en-NIV-23761"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">33 </sup>Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’</span></span> <span class="text Matt-18-34" id="en-NIV-23762"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">34 </sup>In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.</span></span> <sup class="versenum">35 </sup>“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">Yikes! That right there is some serious business, friends! If we don't forgive, God's not going to forgive us! We need to forgive the inexcusable in others because God has forgiven the inexcusable in us. That doesn't mean that we need to put ourselves in a situation to be hurt again by any means, but it means we give it over to God and let Him handle the situation.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;">Like Glen Campbell said in the song I added, let's try a little kindness to people. Let's try to hold people to the standard we would want to be held to. We simply don't know what is going on in people's lives and we should treat them accordingly, giving them the benefit of the doubt. When someone does do the inexcusable to us, let's forgive them and let God handle it. We don't have to put ourselves back in the way of harm and hurt again, but can forgive and show them the love of Christ.</span> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Matt-18-35" id="en-NIV-23763"><span class="woj"></span></span></span></span><span class="p"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text John-8-11"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text John-8-11"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></span></span>Steele Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10871582695198782933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254459377906264412.post-22820522607118791032014-11-10T20:10:00.000-08:002014-11-10T20:10:18.860-08:00There's nothing to fear!<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we
have to fear is...fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified
terror which paralyzes...</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wise words from Franklin Delano Roosevelt. As a child, I found that statement humorous, but as an adult, I totally can relate to the premise President Roosevelt was putting forth in his inaugural address. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It seems everywhere I'm turning these last few days that I see the subject of fear. From Christian memes on Facebook to my Interpersonal Communication class this afternoon, fear is being addressed. How many people deal with a crippling, paralyzing fear that controls their lives, a paralyzing fear they never share with the world? It may be something as small as a fear of public speaking, but it can be something as devastating as having a fear of leaving your house. The more we focus on what we fear, the firmer a grip it's going to hold on us.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fear will rob you of your destiny if you allow it. God brought the Israelites out of Egypt's bondage; He was ready to take them to the Promised Land, something promised to their ancestors many years before. We know the story how it was a land flowing with milk and honey. Twelve spies were sent out to spy the land, but ten of them brought back a fearful report, a report that said the land was full of giants. Gripe, gripe, complain! Gloom, despair and agony on me! Like Roy Clark, Grandpa Jones, Archie Campbell and Gordie Tapp doing their Hee Haw skit, these ten spies were full of negative talk. Somewhere along the line they forgot that when God promises, God delivers! That whole generation of Israelites was not allowed to enter the Promised Land save Joshua and Caleb.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Isaiah 41:10 tells us this: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will
strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous
right hand. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We can Google any number of Bible verses dealing with fear and anxiety. God doesn't want us to fear! Going back to a previous blog where I pointed out "new level, new devil," Satan is going to come at us with a full frontal assault when God is ready to move us to a new level. God was ready to move Israel into the land flowing with milk and honey, but Satan put fear in their hearts. They missed their destiny!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Will you miss you destiny, fellow Christian? Will you allow Satan to dance around with glee knowing he kept you from a blessing? Will you instead stand up for your blessing and enter your destiny that God has prepared for you? Forget "fake it until you make it," but instead "fake it until you BECOME it!" Step out in faith, cast your fear and anxiety upon God and let Him take care of your fears!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The <span class="sc">Lord</span> is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? Psalms 118:6 (ESV)</span></span>Steele Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10871582695198782933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254459377906264412.post-74267277255049440982014-11-07T13:50:00.000-08:002014-11-08T07:59:26.312-08:00Going up a level? Get ready for a new devil!<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm not always a big fan of Joyce Meyer (though I believe she's sincere), but I've heard the words "new level, new devil" from her before. I kept having those words echo in my mind yesterday afternoon; today I felt led to write a blog on it. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm a big fan of retro-gaming, still owning my Atari 2600 with 150+ game cartridges. I could probably pick most any game to show as an example, but I'll pick one of my all-time favorites, Pac-Man. I'm sure everyone is familiar with Pac-Man and how the little ghosts chase him around the maze while he eats dots. After Pac-Man has cleared out all the dots and power pellets, he moves on to a new level as do the ghosts. After so long, though, the ghosts become more aggressive and faster. No longer does Pac-Man have it so easy!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I believe we can find a spiritual component in Pac-Man. You see, our lives are the same exact way. When God gets ready to move us up to another level, Satan is not going to stand idly by while we get our blessing. No! He's going for full frontal assault! Whether that blessing be finances, relationships, physical or emotional well-being or a spiritual blessing, Satan is going to fight. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Bible tells us that the devil comes to kill, steal and destroy. His handiwork is evident throughout the ages. Even Christ Himself had to fight Satan in the wilderness before the Father moved Him up to a new level. Though certainly never fun, it is in the heat of these battles that we learn to trust God. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">We must keep ourselves on guard against the schemes of the enemy. He's not going to come at you in a red suit with a pitchfork, but instead he aims the fiery darts at our mind in a myriad of ways including doubt and temptation. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I think many of us are probably worry-warts. What if "this" and what if "that?" We worry over things that will likely never occur. As a humorous aside, I'm reminded of an episode of The Beverly Hillbillies where Granny is intent on getting Miss Jane married. Jed wouldn't go for it, so she went to Jethro. Jethro, always thinking he was an "international playboy," was worried that "she might say yes" and he'd be stuck with her. Granny replied to him that "the moon might come down and kiss you on the forehead, but it ain't likely!" I think that aptly describes most of what we worry about!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">He many times will pull on the heart strings as a friend put it to me. He's not going to go after you with something you don't care about. Look at Job and how he lost his kids. If there's a particular blessing you're holding out for, he will many times attack us in that area.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">It's time we stand up for ourselves as Christians and know who we are in Christ. It's time to remind ourselves of Whose we are and that He said He came to give us life and give it more abundantly!</span></span>Steele Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10871582695198782933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254459377906264412.post-1323699110002626582014-11-05T15:14:00.000-08:002014-11-05T15:14:16.667-08:00Not another Christmas blog! <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Yeah, yeah, I've already written a Christmas blog last year. As part of my Rhetorical and Critical Thinking class, I'm required to do a paper of my topic choice and present a pro/con argument. Naturally I chose Christmas. Here's my "pro" argument (a bit different than my last blog):</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
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Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
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</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">We probably do not think much about there being a
controversy surrounding Christmas. There are splinter groups who believe that
Christmas is everything from over-commercialized to a pagan holiday that will
send you straight to the bowels of Hell. This turns into a fairly heady topic
on religious forums around this time of the year; sometimes before! So what are
we to make of this holiday called Christmas? Is it okay to celebrate it? It is
my personal opinion there is not one iota of an issue with Christmas for a
multitude of reasons. On Christmas day, families get together that often have
not laid eyes on one another in a long time, churches are visited by people who
perhaps have not been to church in a while, the name of Christ is most
certainly exalted in Christmas hymns, people are more relaxed, and it is just
good plain fun!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span>Some of my
earliest memories are Christmas get-togethers with family, family that is now
in large part gone on. It was not about seeing Christmas decorations, nor
talking about Santa Claus; it was seeing family that you had not seen in a long
time. My dad is from a large family, family that eventually spread out all the
way from Illinois to Memphis. Some families obviously have spread out even
further than that due to careers or other personal choies. That makes for a
high improbability of seeing one another too much during the year. Christmas is
a time that many employers, if not most, allow their employees to have a day
off, giving them time to travel and see one another. It would be close to a
statistical impossibility for everyone to meet on some random date such as June
22; the hassle of everyone trying to get off would be a nightmare! With few
exceptions, most people are off work, allowing them to plan a get-together on
that day. Does not the Bible talk about family being of the utmost importance?
What can be so wrong about a time that everyone can get together and
fellowship?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span>In our
rushed society, how many people make time for church anymore? Although I am one
of the types that “if the door is open I will be there,” I realize that many
are not. I am certainly not about to criticize someone for not attending; that
is between God and them. It could be that their work schedule is so crazy that
they are rarely off when the church doors are open; perhaps they are so
frazzled after putting in a 40, 50 or 60 hour work week that they need time to
recuperate. Even the Bible tells us that God rested after the work of creation.
Going back to what I pointed out on family get-togethers, Christmas might
perchance be the only time they can darken the church doors. Since it is likely
a given that they will hear the message of how Christ came to die in our stead,
giving us eternal life if we choose it, what better time for that person to
come to church? Even if the situation is such that the person could come to
church during the year, but chose not to, what better time to choose to do so?
Brother Andrews, my pastor, once asked someone why they only came on Easter and
Christmas. The response he got, though sad, was a bit humorous. The man told
Brother Andrews that he was in fact in God’s army, but in the Secret Service
portion! If that “Secret Service” person only comes on Christmas day, but still
hears the message, giving their heart to Christ, I want to know where someone
finds fault with Christmas. Shouldn’t you be proud that there was a special day
set aside that he could hear the message of the Gospel? As a Christian, it is
about winning souls for the Kingdom of God, not splitting hairs about what day
they came! </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span>I consider
myself a connoisseur of Christmas music, having LP upon LP, CD upon CD,
cassette upon cassette, 8-track upon 8-track and so forth. To say I love
Christmas music would be like saying the Pope is Catholic! I bring this up to
show that if anyone should know the message of Christmas music, I should. From
Jim Nabors singing “Go Tell It on the Mountain” to Elvis Presley crooning
“Silent Night,” the message of Christ is brought forth in song every Christmas
season. Just like the person who hears the gospel message only once or twice a
year, they are hearing the name of Christ exalted in the music, music that is
played in stores, on television and on the radio. The central message of the
Gospel is evident in many Christmas songs leading me to beg the question to the
Christmas naysayers, what is so wrong about a time of the year that the story
of Christ is brought out for public viewing in song?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span>Christmas
is a relaxing day of the year if you allow it to be. Many people will choose to
stay home, watching parades and football. Others will choose family time to go
look at Christmas lights or simply just visit with one another. No matter the
chosen mode of relaxation, Christmas can be a tranquil day of the year if you
allow it to be. We all need time to recharge our batteries, and this makes for
a picture-perfect time to do so.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span>Last but
not least, Christmas is just a fun time of the year! There are Scrooge-types
out there who simply will not entertain the idea of “fun,” but the Bible tells
us that there are times for celebration and merry making. Caroling down the
street with neighbors; singing along with the family while someone strums the
guitar; putting decorations on the tree and hanging lights. There are so many
Christmas activities that give you the “warm fuzzies,” that you merely do not
get any other time of the year. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span> </span>If and when
Scrooge decides to give me a “bah humbug,” I’m going to give him a big “Merry
Christmas!” Christmas is something special, a day unlike others that you won’t
find any other time of the year. God is not sitting on His throne in Heaven
waiting to strike me down for putting up a Christmas tree, nor is He turning up
the furnace in Hell extra hot because I already have my fireplace hearth and
mantle festooned with my numerous Christmas houses and figurines. Christmas is
a time for families to be together, a time for the name of Christ to be exalted
in churches and Christmas hymns, and a time for people to have fun and relax.
Perhaps I am like country singer Bill Anderson, being born with too much of the
spirit of Christmas in me, but I must agree with how Andy Williams put it-it’s
the most wonderful time of the year!</span></span></div>
Steele Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10871582695198782933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254459377906264412.post-59522803886893560152014-11-01T17:06:00.000-07:002014-11-01T22:04:53.631-07:00Be patient and trust the processI do not think I have blogged on this thought before. If I have, you are just getting a double dose!<br />
<br />
At my last job, I was in charge of accounts for a rent to own company. My job was to call people and remind them that their payment was due. If that did not work, I was supposed to send out "friendly reminder," "7 day notice," and "termination" letters depending upon how late the customer was. In the meantime, I was also supposed to try to continue making telephone contact as well as going to their home if the other methods were not getting a response. If none of that worked, I had to mail out a certified letter to their home telling them that the company I worked for would consider prosecution if the situation was not remedied.<br />
<br />
I am not the most patient person in the world, at least I used to not be. I would start to get frustrated with certain clients who never could seem to pay on time, nor could they be bothered (it seemed) to communicate with me what was going on. When I would begin to get flustered, my boss would remind me to "be patient, Ronnie, trust the process!" He always had a laugh when he said it, but the added touch of calling me "Ronnie" made it a bit more hilarious, relieving my stressful mood.<br />
<br />
I see a spiritual component to this, although it wasn't intended as such obviously.<br />
<br />
How often do we become frustrated with God? We pray, we pray, we pray. We pray some more! We might perhaps even try to bargain with God. We even perhaps beg Him to change things! We may tell Him we just "can't take it anymore!" I wonder if God looks down on us and says to us what my boss used to say to me? "Be patient, son/daughter, and trust the process!" Maybe He even has that slight giggle like my boss did when saying it?<br />
<br />
Paul tells us in Philippians 1:6 that "being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it..." We can have confidence! God is going to do what He said He would do! Of course, Satan will attempt to fight us every step of the way, telling us that God has forgotten about us, or tell us that God has us on a back burner while He is "busy" doing things for other people.<br />
<br />
God is working on that "good work" in my life right now. I used to get stressed out with what was going on in my life just as I would stress out over the work situation. I thought I needed to see the big picture. I was like the little kid (aren't we all sometimes?) who would quiz his parents every few miles asking "are we there yet?" "How much longer, God?" Then when things didn't work out as I planned (notice "AS I PLANNED!!!"), I would become frustrated, letting doubt, fear and defeat creep in. In effect, I was calling God a liar! Mind you, no, I didn't mean to call Him a liar, but I was.<br />
<br />
Slowly but surely God is showing me I don't have to see the big picture. Like the old song tell us, "one day at a time, sweet Jesus, that's all I'm asking of You...." Take things one day at a time. Sometimes miracles do happen overnight, but many times God has to prepare us for that miracle. God has to take us through a refinement and learning process before He can release that miracle to us. If He simply gave us what we want when we wanted it, we would wind up in more misery than we could imagine. We are sometimes like the teenager who assumes they know everything, can handle everything, and like the J.G. Wentworth commercials, "it's my [blessing] and I want it now!"<br />
<br />
In closing, I would tell you to be patient and trust God's process. He may take us along some roads and paths that do not seem to make sense to our human mind. Look at any number of Biblical faith heroes. Joseph was sold into slavery, winding up in prison before he ascended to second-in-command of Egypt. David was anointed king of Israel, but fled for his life before ascending to the kingship. Even Jesus Himself had to go through the wilderness temptations! Be patient and trust God's process.Steele Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10871582695198782933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254459377906264412.post-2735601774042497582014-07-29T19:05:00.001-07:002014-07-29T19:05:38.527-07:00Reposting for a friend whose writings I love: Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow<a href="http://simplysassaclass.blogspot.com/2014/07/parting-is-such-sweet-sorrow.html?spref=bl">Living Simply Sassy Classy: Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow</a>: Today, I parted with a dear friend and companion of mine. We had been together 10 long years. 2 of those years were hidden in a storage unit...Steele Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10871582695198782933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254459377906264412.post-668658189407451272014-07-10T09:24:00.002-07:002014-07-10T09:30:02.910-07:00What if TODAY was your LAST day?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/zFhh3ewWPWU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">An</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">other song Hank thought enough of to do a couple of different versions. Hank seemed fascinated with death as evidenced by so many songs dealing with death. In his last days he told his wife he saw Jesus coming down the road for him. It was almost as if he had foreknowledge that he was going to die. At the young age of 29 he did just that and was found dead in the backseat of his Cadillac.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What a tragedy, a life cut short at such a young age. It happens all the time and to people younger than Hank. Recently a 16 year old was struck by lightning and killed. We all expect to live a long and fruitful life but it doesn't always happen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Do you know what's a greater tragedy? A person dying who hasn't accepted Christ's free gift of salvation. If you live to be 120 and die without Christ, you've wasted your entire life. Without delving into a ton of theology here it'll suffice to say that Christ offers life. Not just a life down here but a life after death. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You see, we're dying. The moment we were born is when we started to die. It doesn't matter if you go at 16 or 120, you're still going to die! The Bible spells this out for us when it says it's appointed unto man once to die and then the judgement. If you knew you were going to die tomorrow what would you do different?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The thing is you could die tomorrow or you could even die five minutes from now. Are you ready to go? Have you accepted Christ's free gift of atonement? We're all imperfect people before a perfect God but a perfect God who provided a way for your ticket to Heaven.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You're not promised tomorrow. I had a friend who once told me he believed what the Bible said but would also tell you he wasn't a Christian. When I quizzed him about it he told me that he was waiting for his death bed and would be saved five minutes before he died. Now I believe in death bed salvation if a person is sincere in their repentance but do you REALLY want to base your eternal destination on maybe hopefully God will forgive you five minutes before you die? How many people are even coherent enough to make such a decision five minutes before they die?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The point is you don't know when you'll die. Maybe you'll live to be 120. You also stand just as much of a chance of dying before then and you might not have time to repent. Are you walking with Christ as your personal Savior or are you going through the motions thinking "one day I'll be saved?" Don't be like King Agrippa in the Bible telling Paul to come back at a more convenient time. We never find that King Agrippa found that "more convenient time." Today is the day of salvation; accept Christ as your Savior while there's still breath in your body. He loved you enough to give His life for you; won't you give Him yours in return?</span>Steele Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10871582695198782933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254459377906264412.post-81711611702313979812014-07-09T22:50:00.001-07:002014-07-09T22:55:18.603-07:00So much to be thankful for<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ui6GlhXbi9w">Hank Williams: Thy Burdens Are Greater Than Mine</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div id="lyrics-body-text">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span>
<div class="verse">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Travelin' down a lonely highway<br />
I knew not where the road would end<br />
Not a penny in my pocket<br />
All alone without a friend</i></span></span></div>
<div class="verse">
<br /></div>
<div class="verse">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>In a little country village<br />
I met a man and he was blind<br />
As I helped him cross the highway<br />
Oh Lord, I cried his burdens are greater than mine</i></span></span></div>
<div class="verse">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>I can see the light of day, I need not feel my way<br />
Yes, his burdens are greater than mine</i></span></span></div>
<div class="verse">
<br /></div>
<div class="verse">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Met a lad while on my travel<br />
Tryin' hard to play the game<br />
Though his leg was very crippled<br />
And he could not speak his name</i></span></span></div>
<div class="verse">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Yet, he smiled in understandin'<br />
Though life to him had been unkind<br />
And as I watched, I cried in sorrow<br />
Oh Lord, I see his burdens are greater than mine</i></span></span></div>
<div class="verse">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>I can speak my name aloud, make my way among the crowd<br />
Yes, his burdens are greater than mine</i></span></span></div>
<div class="verse">
<br /></div>
<div class="verse">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Just by chance I passed a graveyard<br />
I saw a young man kneelin' there<br />
In his hands, there were some roses<br />
On his lips, there was a prayer</i></span></span></div>
<div class="verse">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>On a stone, these words were written<br />
"Your soul is God's, your memory mine"<br />
And as I watched, I cried in sorrow<br />
Oh Lord, I see his burdens are greater than mine</i></span></span></div>
<div class="verse">
<br /></div>
<div class="verse">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">One of my all time favorite songs by Hank Williams, one he never recorded commercially. The haunting voice of Hank makes this all that much better of a song. Hank apparently liked this song even though he never did an official recording of it for release but he did versions for The Johnny Fair Syrup Show, The Mother's Best Shows and The Health and Happiness Shows; MGM thought enough of the Johnny Fair version to release it as a single after Hank's death. This song would have been perfect for his nom de plume, Luke the Drifter. However, I didn't come here to tout the music of my favorite singer but rather to make an observation.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="verse">
<br /></div>
<div class="verse">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">I can be a complainer as we all can be. I wish it would quit raining. I wish it wasn't so hot. On and on the list goes. We get so busy with seeing all the negative things we can't see the positives. We get so wrapped in our little bit of problems that we can't see the rainbow that's in the sky after the rain. We focus on the fact we got rained on! Hey, KFC didn't have any chicken livers on the buffet.....I must complain to the manager about such a travesty! It might be easier to find what we DO NOT complain about!</span></span></span></div>
<div class="verse">
<br /></div>
<div class="verse">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">I think this song sums it up so well. Traveling down a lonely highway, flat busted broke, no clue where the end of the road was and not even one friend to complain to about his miserable lot in life! I can imagine even that our fictional character was hitchhiking down the road. We could go all that much further and play a scenario that he was so broke he couldn't buy gas for his car and had ran out a few miles back. This would truly be a Hee Haw moment of "gloom, despair and agony on me." No one could dare blame our fictional wanderer if he felt a twinge of self-pity. I mean, wouldn't we feel the same way? None of us would be displaying much sunshine if our parade got rained on as much as Hank's character did, would we? </span></span></span></div>
<div class="verse">
<br /></div>
<div class="verse">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">Something happened to Hank's fictional character in this song. He found out that there were others who had it much worse than he did. He realized in reality he had it pretty doggone easy compared to these three people he met along the way. He ran into two physically challenged people, one with a leg problem that couldn't even speak and the other blind. Hank's character had full use of his body. Though the road was long and seemingly unending he could at least walk it and enjoy the beauty of the nature around him. He didn't have to have someone lead him along or someone push him along in a wheelchair. He could speak out loud when he needed something unlike one of the people he met.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="verse">
<br /></div>
<div class="verse">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">Finally he passed a graveyard. If a graveyard doesn't put things into perspective for you there isn't much that will I'm afraid. It wasn't just any graveyard though. A young man was kneeling there beside a new dug grave. Do you get that? A young man! Not an elderly couple who had spent many years together and lived a full life. No. What a tragedy we're seeing portrayed in front of us with this song. Our character now realizes just how good he has it and is probably feeling ashamed of how miserable he was feeling earlier.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;">I said all of that to offer up the thought that we're the same way. We gripe and we complain. When you're feeling down and out instead of feeling sorry for yourself, think about those that have it much worse than you. Perhaps go volunteer to help others such as the homeless or the elderly and you'll see how good you actually have it. </span></span><i> </i></span></div>
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Steele Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10871582695198782933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254459377906264412.post-6847099083812245902014-07-09T21:28:00.001-07:002014-07-09T21:41:09.612-07:00Do you believe what you believe?<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Do you believe what you believe? Well, do you? Okay, it sounds like a silly question, doesn't it? If you "believe" it, why wouldn't you "believe" it? Lol! This question was posed in Bible Study tonight at church. Out of one simple question came a great study. I suppose the better way to phrase it might be to ask "do you believe what you say you believe" but the phrasing of the question is an attention getter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As Christians, we're apt to say "oh, sure, I believe that." We SAY we believe that God can do miracles but do we REALLY believe that? When the rubber meets the road, what do we do?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">God promised He would supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Phillipians 4:19:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><i>And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. (New Living Translation)</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We as Christians can proclaim that verse all day long. Some people do take it to heart and can truly step out in faith and believe God will do that which they need. What happens when that unexpected bill hits? When the weather is exceptionally cold for days on end and a water pipe bursts AND we get one of the most expensive electric bills we've ever seen, what happens then? Do we worry and fret or do we trust God in faith that He has it under control?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><i><a href="http://biblehub.com/matthew/10-29.htm">Matthew 10:29</a> What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. <a href="http://biblehub.com/matthew/10-30.htm">30</a> And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. <a href="http://biblehub.com/matthew/10-31.htm">31</a> So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. (New Living Translation)</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I've heard it said that God has never been found guilty of child neglect. While a cutesy saying, it is true. God promised to never leave us nor forsake us. He will take care of our needs. But do we believe that? Do we leave the situation in God's hands or do we sweat and fume?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We can short circuit God's blessings for our lives because of our unbelief. If we walk around all day long with our head held low and doubt that God will do what He said He would do, how can we expect His blessings?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i><a href="http://biblehub.com/mark/6-5.htm">Mark 6:5</a> And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. <a href="http://biblehub.com/mark/6-6.htm">6</a> And he was amazed at their unbelief. (New Living Translation)</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What a sad commentary right there. Jesus was among them, the very One who was not only willing but capable of doing mighty miracles. Because of their unbelief He was unable to perform miracles, something He generously wanted to give them. We shake our heads in disbelief at these people and think it's a terrible thing that they missed out on but.....what about us? How do we react?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When you pray, do you trust God will do what you've asked? Now I don't mean we should go asking for a million dollars or a new car but if we've asked according to His will, how do we react? Do we go away with confidence in God or do we shrug our shoulders and say "well, it was worth a try?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We live in a microwave society where everything is at an instant. If we want a pot pie, we pop it in the microwave for 4 minutes and it's done. If I want to watch a favorite show, I no longer have to wait for a TV station to run it but I pop in a DVD or cue it up on Netflix or YouTube. We expect God to work on that schedule and He doesn't! God's timing is not our timing but we think it should be. When God delays answering our prayer, how do we react? Do we continue to trust in Him or do we decide to do our own thing? Do we quietly trust Him to do what He promised or do we start balling and squalling like a spoiled 3 year old who didn't get his/her way?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Abraham got caught in that very situation. God promised him a son in his old age. When things didn't go exactly on the timetable that Abraham and Sarah felt it should, Abraham tried his own thing instead of waiting on God. This caused distress for not only Abraham but also Ishmael and Hagar as well as Sarah. Had Abraham stayed the course and waited on the promised son a lot of heartache would have been avoided. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It's easy to pick on Abraham and point out what he did was wrong. We're all great at pointing out what went wrong after the fact, aren't we? What was Abraham thinking? How could he not trust God? Most assuredly we would have did it differently, right? We're superior to ole Abraham and would've did it differently! Oh, yeah, that's just how it is! Sure and I have ocean front property to sell you here in Steele, MO. How many of us have accepted that new job or entered into that relationship we knew wasn't "right" all because God was taking too long and we began to doubt He was going to do it? Admit it, we've all did it at one point or another in our lives. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, do you believe what you say you believe or are you just talking the talk? Take time out with God today and see if you're walking the walk or just talking the talk. I would love to link you to a great Bill Gaither song called "I Believe It" that was on one of his early albums (back when it was The Bill Gaither Trio) but YouTube doesn't seem to have it. </span>Steele Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10871582695198782933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254459377906264412.post-78925604658464988422014-07-02T22:55:00.000-07:002014-07-02T22:55:23.467-07:00False prophets and "touching God's anointed"<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I suppose anyone who knows me well knows I hold strong opinions on things; I wasn't voted "most opinionated" in high school for no reason! I've learned to tone it down over the years and be a little more moderate. Sometimes things just get to be such a burr in the butt that I have to speak! False prophets are one thing that can get me worked up as you'll see from other posts I've made.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I had a spirited discussion on Facebook about Joel Osteen yesterday. I realize he's a pretty popular guy in the world of Christendom today and you're opening up a hornets nest to speak ill of him with some folks. You have some who'll tell you "oh, you shouldn't call out a fellow Christian" or "hey, we need someone positive in the church today." My comments were removed from the discussion because I outright called Joel Osteen a false prophet and I had one person telling me I really "needed to be careful" and not call names. Perhaps I went too far in name calling but exactly what do you call someone who teaches a feel good message that doesn't line up with the Bible?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">How far have we come? I think we've regressed when we can't call a spade a spade without someone saying we're name calling! Here's a man who went on CNN and had an awesome opportunity to witness to the world about the Christian faith. Instead he loused it up by saying he just couldn't say whether or not Christ was the only way to Heaven. Look, yes, I know Peter denied Jesus three times under pressure. Peter repented of his actions and became a mighty soul winner. Mr. Osteen seems more concerned with being a cheerleader and telling people God wants them to have the prime parking spot at the grocery store. You can have "your best life now" according to Mr. Osteen. Somehow that doesn't jive with Jesus saying we'd have persecution and troubles in the world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">What I really get bugged by is this whole "touch not my anointed" thing. People are walking around in fear of DARING to say something a preacher is saying is wrong and seem afraid to think for themselves. In Acts 17 we find the Bereans searching the Scripture to see if what Paul is saying was true. A true man of God shouldn't be having to scare people with this "touch not mine anointed" line. My pastor has said many times before not to take his word for it but to look it up because we should know Scripture ourselves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">We find the New Testament replete with references to Christ and the New Testament saints not afraid to speak the truth about religious wrongs being practiced.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">In Matthew 3:7, John the Baptist had this to say: <span style="color: #b45f06;">But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism,
he said to them, You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee and escape
from the wrath and indignation [of God against disobedience] that is
coming? (Amplified)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">In Jude, we find the following:</span><br />
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<tr><td><sup><a href="http://www.bibleshark.com/bible/AMP/Jude/1/10/" title="View this scripture">10</a></sup>
<span style="color: #741b47;">But these men revile (scoff and sneer at) anything they do not happen
to be acquainted with and do not understand; and whatever they do
understand physically [that which they know by mere instinct], like
irrational beasts--by these they corrupt themselves and are destroyed
(perish).
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<td><sup><a href="http://www.bibleshark.com/bible/AMP/Jude/1/11/" title="View this scripture">11</a></sup>
<span style="color: #741b47;">Woe to them! For they have run riotously in the way of Cain, and have
abandoned themselves for the sake of gain [it offers them, following]
the error of Balaam, and have perished in rebellion [like that] of
Korah!
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<td><sup><a href="http://www.bibleshark.com/bible/AMP/Jude/1/12/" title="View this scripture">12</a></sup>
<span style="color: #741b47;">These are hidden reefs (elements of danger) in your love feasts, where
they boldly feast sumptuously [carousing together in your midst],
without scruples providing for themselves [alone]. They are clouds
without water, swept along by the winds; trees, without fruit at the
late autumn gathering time--twice (doubly) dead, [lifeless and] plucked
up by the roots;
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<td><sup><a href="http://www.bibleshark.com/bible/AMP/Jude/1/13/" title="View this scripture">13</a></sup>
<span style="color: #741b47;">Wild waves of the sea, flinging up the foam of their own shame and
disgrace; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of eternal darkness has
been reserved forever. (Amplified)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">In Acts the 8th chapter, we find Peter rebuking Simon the Sorcerer for his wishing to purchase the ability to the gift of the Spirit: </span><br />
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<tr><td><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><sup><a href="http://www.bibleshark.com/bible/AMP/Acts/8/17/" title="View this scripture">17</a></sup> <span style="color: #38761d;">Then [the apostles] laid their hands on them one by one, and they received the Holy Spirit.</span>
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<td><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><sup><a href="http://www.bibleshark.com/bible/AMP/Acts/8/18/" title="View this scripture">18</a></sup>
<span style="color: #38761d;">However, when Simon saw that the [Holy] Spirit was imparted through the
laying on of the apostles' hands, he brought money and offered it to
them, </span></span></td>
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<td><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><sup><a href="http://www.bibleshark.com/bible/AMP/Acts/8/19/" title="View this scripture">19</a></sup> <span style="color: #38761d;">Saying, Grant me also this power and authority, in order that anyone on whom I place my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.</span>
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<td><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><sup><a href="http://www.bibleshark.com/bible/AMP/Acts/8/20/" title="View this scripture">20</a></sup>
<span style="color: #38761d;">But Peter said to him, Destruction overtake your money and you, because
you imagined you could obtain the [free] gift of God with money!
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<td><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><sup><a href="http://www.bibleshark.com/bible/AMP/Acts/8/21/" title="View this scripture">21</a></sup>
<span style="color: #38761d;">You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is all
wrong in God's sight [it is not straightforward or right or true before
God].</span>
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<td><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><sup><a href="http://www.bibleshark.com/bible/AMP/Acts/8/22/" title="View this scripture">22</a></sup>
<span style="color: #38761d;">So repent of this depravity and wickedness of yours and pray to the
Lord that, if possible, this contriving thought and purpose of your
heart may be removed and disregarded and forgiven you.
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<td><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><sup><a href="http://www.bibleshark.com/bible/AMP/Acts/8/23/" title="View this scripture">23</a></sup> <span style="color: #38761d;">For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in a bond forged by iniquity [to fetter souls]. (Amplified)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Peter didn't say he'd pray for him or wish him well; he got straight to the point!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Folks, God is not going to cut you down for calling wrong "wrong." As Christians we have a responsibility to point out those who are in error with their teachings. I'm not talking about doctrinal differences but I'm talking about outright error and falsehood. Even the Bible gives us instructions on what to do with a brother or sister who is "overtaken in a fault." Spiritual lives and eternity is on the line!</span></td></tr>
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<br />Steele Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10871582695198782933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254459377906264412.post-63301022654007056282014-05-30T07:11:00.000-07:002014-05-30T07:18:08.516-07:00Making merchandise of God<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me say upfront that I have no problem with a preacher/pastor making a living. Paul said not to muzzle the ox that was treading out the grain. If someone is involved in ministry doing God's work they should be supported in a decent manner. I do take issue with "preachers" who live in gated communities and drive a Rolls Royce or Bentley with a personal chauffeur while living in multi-million dollar homes in said gated community. Sadly I believe too many see that as the face of Christianity and want nothing to do with it. If the only familiarity I had with Christianity was some guy on TV in a designer suit driving a Bentley while living in a multi-million dollar home, I might be turned off, too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Several years back I got subscribed to Jimmy Swaggart's magazine somehow. Look, people make mistakes and they struggle. Even King David had an affair and murdered Uriah, the wife of Bathsheba. I don't hold what he did in the 1980's against him as it's water under the bridge. If he's repented, God has forgiven. I simply inquired about whether or not his old LP's were available on CD. I love his music from the 70's up until about the early 80's. Somehow they got my address and I started receiving his magazine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I read them each month when they came in even if I didn't agree wholeheartedly with his personal views on a few things. What really got me was he kept offering his "Expositor's Study Bible" and saying God wanted that in the hands of EVERY Christian and it could be yours for a love offering of $75! I'm not about to pay $75 for anyone's study Bible when I can get multiple versions free on my tablet and I more than likely can find commentary online or in other books. This led me to write the ministry a letter via e-mail.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I suggested to Jimmy (or whomever actually reads their correspondence) that they were doing Christians a great disservice with their $75 asking fee. I once heard a radio minister say he had a book that he felt every Christian should read and while a love offering would be nice, it wasn't required to get the book. If you called he would send you the book free of charge and he would trust God to meet the expenses of printing the book and postage, etc. I suggested to the Jimmy Swaggart ministry that perhaps they should adopt the same philosophy and even went to the extent of asking what about the "little widow lady" who lived on a fixed income. No response.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next month rolled around. Same offer.....you send Jimmy $75 and he'll give you the Bible. I repeated my same e-mail again and suggested this time if they didn't intend to give me a reply to please remove me from their mailing list. That got someone's attention as I've never received another piece of correspondence from the Jimmy Swaggart ministry since then.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This morning a friend on Facebook posted "prophecy" from a fella named Doug Addison. I've never heard of him but the "prophecy" looked to be the typical cookie cutter "God's gonna do something big for you" that would fit anyone and their brother. I decided to peruse Mr. Addison's website and see what it contained.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I found out that Mr. Addison can interpret dreams and is a life coach. There wasn't any mission statement attempting to bring people to Christ that I saw. It was all about him and that God gave him the ability to interpret dreams back in the 1990's and he could teach you to interpret dreams as well. I'm sure, naturally of course, he's not going to teach you for free. As a matter of fact he was attempting to sell a book to those who were interested about dreams.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's where I take issue. We find NO ONE in the Bible or in church history that was "taught" to interpret dreams. Joseph in the Old Testament had the ability to interpret dreams. When Pharaoh had his ominous dreams and the wise men and magicians of Egypt couldn't interpret them, Joseph didn't offer to "teach" them how. No, he got down to God's business and gave Pharaoh the interpretation of his dreams. The same thing with Daniel many years later; he didn't offer to teach anyone how to discern dreams, he got down to business with Nebuchadnezzar. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I believe that God does give dreams. I believe he's the same yesterday, today and forever. If He chose to do it in the Old Testament he can still give dreams today. However, God isn't into cheapening any gifts He has to give. Just as we only find a handful of these instances in the Bible, it's still quite a selective process I'm sure. While perusing Mr. Addison's site, I found him "interpreting" dreams en masse saying</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">what various dreams meant. If you dreamed you were falling it meant this or that. If you dreamed of being late for an appointment or a job it meant to be on the lookout and don't be late for what God is going to give you. I saw people posting pitifully asking what this dream or that dream meant. Of course I'm sure you'll have to buy his book or take his course in teaching people how to interpret their dreams.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the New Testament we find that Jesus ran the money changers out of the temple for selling to people right in God's house. I wonder what He would have to say if He were walking among us today?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is in no way an indictment against all pastors or preachers. Again, a pastor or preacher has to make a living. Not a killing but a living. Our pastor and his wife live in a very small house living off what little the church can afford, her retirement and his income from a full time job. I wonder if perhaps these high-roller preachers could be convinced to help out someone who's truly doing God's work? Probably not.</span>Steele Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10871582695198782933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254459377906264412.post-13650188368982191242014-05-23T16:19:00.004-07:002014-05-23T16:20:14.588-07:00Don't ignore what God has put in front of you<span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Years ago, I heard the famous Jerry Clower tell a story, one that might relate to OUR lives.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> A guy was caught in a flood. Things got so bad he had to climb on to his roof to escape drowning. He begged God to save him.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">
Shortly thereafter, a boat came by and offered him a ride. He replied
that he was waiting on God and wouldn't accept a ride because God was
going to save him.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> The waters
continued to rise and he got more earnest with God about wanting to be
saved from drowning. A helicopter came by and offered him a ride. The
reply was the same-God would save him!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> Finally, the waters
reached to a point he was about to go under and as he begged God again
to save him from drowning, another boat came by. Nope, God's gonna save
him!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> The man drowned and went to Heaven. When he met God, he
asked Him why He allowed him to drown. God replied, "you dummy! I sent
you two boats and a helicopter!!!"</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> How many times do we do this
in our lives? Because God didn't work the way WE wanted Him to do we
turn down a blessing. Wouldn't it be a shame if we came to the end of
our days and found out we had left multiple blessings on the table
because we didn't think they looked the way we thought they should?</span></span></div>
Steele Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10871582695198782933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254459377906264412.post-379154848420051952014-04-07T14:22:00.002-07:002014-04-07T14:23:04.644-07:00The Power of One<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The power of one. This is something I've been thinking of for about a week or so and while I have a bit of down time between classes, I figured I would address it.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">We hear that “one is a lonely number” and there’s
strength in numbers. Yes, those things are undeniably true. Sometimes, though,
change starts with the power of one.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Two times a week I sit in a so-called political
science class in which it seems almost every belief I hold sacred is ridiculed.
In the mind of this professor, liberal equals good and conservative equals bad.
She has been the subject of previous blogs I’ve written, quite a few Facebook
status updates and numerous tweets. On a personal level, I find her to be a
pleasant person who is quite likeable but who is also very dead wrong from so
many standpoints including political, religious and historical.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">As I sit through this class biting my tongue, I am
blessed to know that I was raised differently, that I was actually taught the
true history of America (even learning more about our Founding Fathers as I
became an adult) and was raised in a Bible-believing, Christ-centered church. I
also realize that my generation isn’t getting younger and there’s a generation
coming up behind my generation that may well not know the rich history of this
nation and are being indoctrinated in falsehoods and half-truths on a daily
basis.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I look around and see everything topsy-turvy in this
nation. Truly the Bible was right in saying in the last days evil would be
called good and good would be called evil. I sometimes think that maybe our
great nation is beyond hope and it’s useless to even try, especially when you
have liberal professors spewing out leftist indoctrination, even going to a
point of saying that socialism is good (yes, this was said the first day of
class) and holding up the USPS as some sterling model of how well the
government works. It’s enough to make one consider throwing in the towel.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Oh but that power of one! What can one man do you
ask? History is chocked full of references to that “one man or woman” who made
a difference. Just pick up a Bible and see how that those who had God and truth
on their side turned things upside down! One person, as long as they have God
on their side, is a MAJORITY!!! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Don’t be afraid to speak up for what’s right. Yes,
you may get ridiculed for saying what’s right and even laughed at. I’m sure
Noah, a great man of the Judeo-Christian heritage, was laughed and sneered at
for building a boat when no one had saw rain before. In the end, though, he was
proven right and I’m sure there weren’t many who didn’t wish they had listened
to Noah. Speak up for what is right. Do your research on the topics that
matter. When you’re told that Christianity played no role in the shaping of
this nation, refute that with the facts. You never know who is listening and
may have their way of thinking changed as a result of you standing up for the
truth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I also want to give a shout out here. As much as I
love blogging/talking about the liberal professor I deal with, I’ve also had
professors who make it a point of telling you to think for yourself and to
research the issues before having a knee jerk reaction!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Steele Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10871582695198782933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254459377906264412.post-79307295315955784512014-03-25T19:11:00.001-07:002014-03-25T19:11:11.848-07:00School PrayerI was required to write an assignment on school prayer for my Diversity in American Schools class. I had to trim down my submission just a bit since it was just one page allowed. Here's what I wrote:<br />
<br />
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For close to 200 years schools were allowed to have
prayer and Bible reading. The prevailing notion that the Founding Fathers of
this nation were somehow scared of religion or were deists who were terrified
of religion is simply not true. Here’s a quote from Benjamin Franklin himself:</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“In
the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we
had daily prayers in this room for the divine protection! Our prayers, sir,
were heard; and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in
the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending
providence in our favor.”</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This doesn’t sound like a man terrified of religion
to me! Thomas Jefferson, while certainly not someone that would be classified
as a mainstream Christian, did believe in Christ and even spoke of “Nature’s
God.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">According to Noah Webster, another of our Founding
Fathers and the founder of the dictionary named after him:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">"No
truth is more evident to my mind than that the Christian religion must be the
basis of any government intended to secure the rights and privileges of a free
people.”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Again, it doesn’t sound like he was terrified of
religion in the government! As a matter of fact, Noah Webster is the man
responsible for the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Blue Back Speller</i>,
a book that was in use in American schools for over 100 years. If you wonder
what’s special about it, a look at it will find it replete with Biblical
references galore. It was a book that Benjamin Franklin used to teach his
granddaughter with even. This doesn’t sound to me as men who would be against
prayer in school.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Those who frown upon prayer or any mention of God in
our schools point to the 1<sup>st</sup> Amendment saying that Congress will not
establish a religion. One only need to look at England and how they had a
national church to see what our founders were attempting to prevent. They didn’t
want a “Church of America” or a particular denomination having influence as did
the Catholic Church in other countries where the ruler was expected to seek the
blessing of the church. They were not attempting to wipe out every vestige of
Christianity as the ACLU and militant atheist groups contend.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">They will also point out that there may be
non-Christians in the class. They have the right, at least in my opinion, not
to participate in prayer. If the majority of students wish to have prayer, why
should they be stopped? No one is trying to make this a “convert or die”
scenario or making someone an outcast because they don’t subscribe to the
majority view. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What do we have to show for 52 years of forced
secularization of our schools? School shootings, metal detectors, teenage
pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, drugs, and other non-desirable things.
Maybe, just maybe, it’s time we revisit the place that our Judeo-Christian
heritage should have in our public school system.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I would also recommend a book to anyone who would
like to research this further. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What if
the Bible Had Never Been Written</i> by D. James Kennedy. It goes into great
detail about the place the Bible has had in shaping not only American society
but it’s place in literature and the arts including Shakespeare. </span></div>
<br />Steele Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10871582695198782933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254459377906264412.post-39719349017175987012014-03-18T08:10:00.000-07:002014-03-18T08:10:05.101-07:00Blame the white guy!As part of my college education I'm forced to take a class on diversity in American schools. Yes, there's diversity in schools; white people, black people, people of different ancestries, etc. I certainly don't think we need to go back to the days of segregation; that was wrong and should have been done away with.<br />
<br />
As part of this course, I'm told in the book consistently how the white man is to blame for everything. The authors claim to be presenting no agenda and that they're neutral. Bull hockey! Anyway, on to the point of this blog. Our assignment was to choose between two scenarios and give our thoughts; I chose to do both scenarios and give my thoughts. The one on page 217 was of a child not being allowed to talk Ebonics in school and the parent crying racism; the one on 207 was of a child who didn't speak proficient English and needed to go to the restroom; it was plain what she was wanting but the teacher wouldn't allow her to go without speaking proper English. Following is the assignment I turned in:<br />
<br />
<br />
I chose to do both situations actually.<br />
<br />
I'll start with the one on 217. There is such a thing as standard
English and it should be spoken in the classroom setting. You don't
"axe" a question, you "ask" a question. I tire of hearing in the
so-called mainstream media and in the book how that white people are
somehow discriminatory against others and at fault for the "plight" of
all minorities. I have to believe Martin Luther King, Jr. would be
ashamed of this; this is NOT what he sacrificed his life for! MLK spoke
proper English and said he dreamed of a society where one wasn't judged
by the color of their skin. When people demand special treatment because
they refuse to speak or learn proper English, it's not discriminatory
and they should assume if they refuse to talk correctly that they will
be viewed as less intelligent. I don't care if it is a white or black
person talking in a non-standard form, they're going to be viewed as
less intelligent. There are plenty of black people who speak proper
English, are well-educated and have made something of themselves in
politics, government and entertainment, people such as Charley Pride,
Allen West, Clarence Thomas, Mia Love, Herman Cain, Bill Cosby and many
others. Speaking of Bill Cosby, take some time to research his feelings
on the whole Ebonics debacle. Per Bill Cosby (and Snopes has verified
this as true):<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: red;"><strong><em>They're standing
on the corner and they can't speak English. I can't even talk the way
these people talk: Why you ain't, Where you is, What he drive, Where he
stay, Where he work, Who you be... And I blamed the kid until I heard
the mother talk. And then I heard the father talk. </em></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: red;"><strong><em>
Everybody knows it's important to speak English except these
knuckleheads. You can't be a doctor with that kind of crap coming out of
your mouth. In fact you will never get any kind of job making a decent
living. </em></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: red;"><strong><em>
People marched and were hit in the face with rocks to get an education,
and now we've got these knuckleheads walking around. The lower economic
people are not holding up their end in this deal. These people are not
parenting. They are buying things for kids. $500 sneakers for what? And
they won't spend $200 for Hooked on Phonics. </em></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: red;"><strong><em>
I am talking about these people who cry when their son is standing
there in an orange suit. Where were you when he was 2? Where were you
when he was 12? Where were you when he was 18 and how come you didn't
know that he had a pistol? And where is the father? Or who is his
father? </em></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: red;"><strong><em>
People putting their clothes on backward: Isn't that a sign of
something gone wrong? People with their hats on backward, pants down
around the crack, isn't that a sign of something? Or are you waiting for
Jesus to pull his pants up? Isn't it a sign of something when she has
her dress all the way up and got all type of needles [piercing] going
through her body? </em></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: red;"><strong><em>
What part of Africa did this come from? We are not Africans. Those
people are not Africans; they don't know a thing about Africa. With
names like Shaniqua, Taliqua and Mohammed and all of that crap, and all
of them are in jail. </em></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: red;"><strong><em>
Brown or black versus the Board of Education is no longer the white
person's problem. We have got to take the neighborhood back. People used
to be ashamed. Today a woman has eight children with eight different</em></strong></span><span style="background-color: red;"><strong><em>'husbands'
— or men or whatever you call them now. We have millionaire football
players who cannot read. We have million-dollar basketball players who
can't write two paragraphs. We as black folks have to do a better job.
Someone working at Wal-Mart with seven kids, you are hurting us. We have
to start holding each other to a higher standard. </em></strong></span><br />
<div class="quoteBlock">
<br /><span style="background-color: red;"><strong><em> We cannot blame the white people any longer.</em></strong></span></div>
<div class="quoteBlock">
<span style="background-color: red;"><strong><em><br /></em></strong></span></div>
If I chose to move to or visit another country for an extended length
of time, wouldn't I be expected to fit into mainstream society? Why is
it expected that mainstream society should be accepting of substandard
English then? I can't go into a school or business and start talking
like Jed Clampett, can I? I would be told that I know better! But yet
because someone is of a different skin color than I am, they're given a
free pass to talk substandard English. In reality, you're calling the
black person stupid and saying they don't have enough sense to learn
standard English in my opinion and nothing could be further from the
truth.<br />
<br />
My thoughts on the incident on page 207? The teacher knew full well
what Malia wanted. Perhaps Malia wasn't well-versed in English and an
exception should've been made. The teacher was wrong in allowing her to
urinate on herself in front of the class and the teacher should face
disciplinary action. However, we read on the next page how this left
"lasting emotional scars" on Malia. Really? Please! Can I claim that my
kindergarten teacher hitting my hand with a ruler because I didn't get a
green crayon out fast enough to suit her left emotional scarring or
that a high school choir teacher not allowing me to go to the restroom
when I needed left emotional scarring? I had a well-known science
teacher here at SEMO yell at me last semester because I didn't get
string out fast enough to suit her; can I scream emotional scarring?
While what Malia's teacher did was not correct and unacceptable it's
also time for Malia to move past something that happened as a kid; too
many want to blame their lot in life on something that happened in their
childhood. At some point you have to move ahead and grow up.<br />
Steele Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10871582695198782933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254459377906264412.post-52605196291794102502013-12-18T21:12:00.001-08:002013-12-18T21:12:24.985-08:00Phil and A&EI've been in a writing mood and was wondering what I could blog about. Thanks to the repressive folks at A&E, I have a blog!<br />
<br />
Let me be clear up front. I'm not a huge fan of Duck Dynasty. My oldest son loves it; I can take it or leave it and actually find it to be on the silly side. It smacks of typical reality TV to me. Yes, I'm pleased they show Christian values and prayer but it's simply not my cup of tea.<br />
<br />
I have friends and family who have chosen the homosexual lifestyle. Yes, I said "chosen." God didn't design a man to be with a man or a woman with a woman, end of story. There's NOTHING at all natural about a man wishing to put his penis into the anus of another man. However, that's not the point of this posting to debate whether homosexuality is something natural or not.<br />
<br />
We have a Constitutional right to free speech. Phil Robertson exercised that right. I'm sure from a legal standpoint A&E can suspend him indefinitely from the show for whatever reason they want. However, had Phil came out in support of the homosexual lifestyle this would all be a moot point. He would be heralded as a hero and be given accolades for daring to be different. But because he disagreed with a MINORITY of the population, a vocal minority at that, he's going to be suspended from the show. Bull hockey!<br />
<br />
What happened to the right of the straight guy being able to speak his mind? In college classes we're told how we're supposed to respect the "differences" of those around us. Well, it's about high time people start "respecting" my "difference!" I'm tired of being expected to roll over and play dead when I have a dissenting opinion that isn't politically correct.<br />
<br />
However you choose to live your life isn't my business. I may disagree and I will pray for you but it isn't my business. However, if I'm asked my opinion of a lifestyle, I will most certainly state my opinion. It's a scary situation when people start being reprimanded for having an opinion. George Orwell certainly comes to mind right now..........Steele Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10871582695198782933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254459377906264412.post-10419594371453434792013-12-17T21:37:00.000-08:002013-12-17T21:38:03.133-08:00It matters who you date, Christian single!<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/11-13.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>13</b></a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">For men of this stamp are sham apostles, dishonest workmen, assuming the garb of Apostles of Christ. </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/11-14.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>14</b></a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">And no wonder. Satan, their master, can disguise himself as an angel of light. </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/11-15.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>15</b></a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">It is therefore no great thing for his servants also to disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will be in accordance with their actions. (Weymouth New Testament)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/wey/2_corinthians/11.htm">http://biblehub.com/wey/2_corinthians/11.htm</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When we watch an old cartoon or maybe look at a comic strip, how is Satan displayed? Usually as this comical little guy wearing a red suit, holding a pitchfork and having pointy ears and a tail. Now if Satan came disguised as that no one, I repeat NO ONE, would likely fall for his tricks. Instead he generally comes to us as something or someone that looks good and doesn't hold any appearance of evil. Indeed, the Scripture posted above bears this out. What does this mean for the Christian single?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There are many ways in which Satan might come at a Christian in an effort to entice them but I want to focus on this from an aspect of Christian singles who are seeking God for that someone special in their lives. As someone who's been through a bad marriage which resulted in a divorce, I can tell you first hand what the wrong relationship will do to your walk with Christ. Satan doesn't have just one trick up his sleeve, either.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Too many people have the idea of "missionary dating." Hey, if only I can get him/her to come to church with me, I can change him/her! Yeah, that's all it will take! I had the same idea as a teenager and even dated someone who wasn't a Christian. Now before I go too much further, let me say there's nothing wrong with witnessing to a non-Christian and inviting them to church. Dating them will likely lead to a disaster! A dear friend of mine gave me the illustration once of two people, one standing on the altar and one lying in the floor. The person on the altar is the Christian and the one in the floor the non-Christian. Which is going to be easier, pulling the person up or pulling the Christian down? Same thing will happen if you choose to enter in a relationship with a non-Christian.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Perhaps the most dangerous thing is the person proclaiming themselves a Christian who isn't. This falls into two categories. My pastor is a funeral director and he says that many times when he asks what religion a person was, he gets told "Baptist." That person hasn't darkened a church door in years but they claim themselves of the Christian religion. No pointy fingers here or no judgement passing. That person has to answer to where they stood with God. It's the second one that's much more dangerous to the Christian if they're not careful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">About three years ago, I met a lady online. We had both been a part of Christian Mingle and had a ton of mutual friends in common. We decided to see if there was something "there" between us. She seemed like a dream come true. Church secretary. She helped with the youth in her church and I believe even taught Sunday School some. She explained to me she was waiting for marriage and ANY guy who tried ANYTHING with her was out the door. Yes, sir, sounds great! If it sounds too good to be true.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">She "slipped up" one morning and suggested we should sleep together when I came to visit. When I called her out on it, well, it was a joke. Bad taste but a joke. Okay, we're human and mistakes happen. Other little things came up here and there but always she had an excuse. Hey, I'll admit it, I had been suckered in by all her smooth talk; I wanted it all to be true. Just like a car that we desperately want and we fail to check under the hood to see what problems there might be. When I finally did meet her in person, the "slip ups" weren't slip ups at all. This self-professed Christian lady did not at all portray the persona she had presented.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Be careful in what you'd doing, Christian singles! The devil would love nothing more than to trip us up. Trust me when I say a miserable relationship/marriage WILL hurt your relationship with God!</span>Steele Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10871582695198782933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254459377906264412.post-80025011118467823352013-12-16T22:16:00.000-08:002013-12-16T22:16:27.805-08:00Christmas. To do or not to do, that is the question!<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm a Christmas nut. Many, many moons ago my ex-wife and I decorated our little apartment in October. Shoot, I'm usually listening to Christmas music in August and I'm Walmart's first shopper in the Christmas section when they put it out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I realize that many say Christmas has pagan origins and we shouldn't celebrate it. If that's your personal conviction, so be it. I would never attempt to shove Christmas down the throat of someone who didn't believe in its celebration. I would also hope that the reverse would be true; I don't wish to have someone condemning me because of my belief that it's alright. I think this comes down to what Paul talked about in the New Testament. He said some believed it okay to eat meat sacrificed to idols and others did not; he said that we must answer to Christ in regards to what we allow or don't allow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Perhaps some of the Christmas traditions can be traced back to pagan influences. Number one, I've never been a pagan nor was I alive when the traditions were changed! Let me address the common arguments I hear and I will address them as to how I believe.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">One thing I've always heard is that Jesus could have not been born on December 25th. You know, I'm not a theologian nor do I know enough about what the climate was during the time of year He was born. I do hear people make the point that it's always other religions honoring their deity on December 25th. I've always heard that Satan has an imitation for everything real. We find variations of Noah's flood in other religions. We find attempts in other religions to have a savior/redeemer. If Satan is the expert in copying Christianity for other religions, why not copy December 25th for these other religions? Again, there's nothing in Scripture to bear this out but it is a thought.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Another thing I hear often is the "Santa Claus myth" and/or how close "Santa" is to "Satan." I'll take this issue one thing at a time. People say that if you tell your kids about Santa that they will find out it's a myth and they'll also believe Christ to be a myth. Okay, I can see that point but I disagree. First of all, I don't, nor have I ever, prayed to Santa. I don't go to the First Pentecostal Church of Santa. I don't read a Bible about Santa. Growing up, I knew what was real and what was fake. I took Santa no more serious than I did Bugs Bunny or Woody Woodpecker. And for the Santa vs. Satan thing, a quick bit of research will fix that. Santa is another word for "saint." We have Santa Monica in California and there's also the Santa Anna winds; I don't hear anyone saying they must be a haven of evil!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Third of all, if Christmas were this huge pagan holiday that we should avoid, why do we have the ACLU fighting tooth and nail attempting to remove nativity scenes from the public square? We're talking the same group who wishes to remove any religious references from the public square including The Ten Commandments and other vestiges of Christianity. If Christmas offends them, it must not be a big pagan holiday, right?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So, here's my take on the subject of Christmas. I'm not worshiping a tree, not at all! What did Christ hang upon when He died for our sins? A tree! The Christmas tree of choice is an evergreen tree, a tree that stays alive year-round. That reminds me of the eternal life I'm promised when I die or go via the rapture. The decorations, well, I don't worship those either. They remind me of the beauty of Heaven. If we read Revelation it describes the Holy City and the beauty of it. The lights remind me that Christ is the light of the world and that we are to project that light to a lost and dying world. It could also remind us of the star that led the Magi to the Christ-child.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If you choose not to celebrate, more power to you; I won't condemn you or call you names. All I ask is the same respect for my choices!</span>Steele Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10871582695198782933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254459377906264412.post-31795722258483822342013-08-04T18:32:00.003-07:002013-08-04T18:32:50.727-07:00Don't take your health for granted<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I
have to be desperate these days to go to see the doctor. The thought of paying
cash for an office visit since I don't have insurance is frightening.
Thankfully the </span>nurse practitioner’s office I use allows a
substantial discount for paying up front.
Laying all that aside, let’s get to the meat and potatoes of what
happened.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I
think a lot of you are familiar with the fact I’ve been dealing with some pain
for over a month now, pain I blamed on wrestling with the boys and landing on
my elbow. Eventually, the pain began to spread into my arm and shoulder. I even
have dealt with shooting pains in my fingers. I scheduled a doctor’s
appointment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As
always, I got weighed and had my vitals took. I showed to have gained about 1 ½
pounds since my last visit way back in February. Considering I was fasting in
February and wasn’t on this visit, it shouldn’t have been alarming on that part
but it alarms me. I was exercising like crazy earlier in the year, spending a
lot of time on the gazelle and/or walking several miles per day. Not good.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I
fell out of my routine and being in pain for a couple of months hasn’t helped
anything. My blood pressure was up (not dangerous by any means) as was my heart
rate. This is NOT good. I’ve been forcing myself to get back on the gazelle
lately. I may be sore afterwards but the weight has to come back off and the
blood pressure MUST come down. I’m not proud of myself but what good will I do
to beat myself up?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Here’s
to starting the journey of healthiness again.</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
Steele Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10871582695198782933noreply@blogger.com2