An Ol’ Broad’s Ramblings
Archive for Faith
Misdirection
While we have been paying attention to the Tax and Control Congress is trying to shove down our throats, the Democrats have come up with another way to further erode society. Yesterday, Rep. Fortney Stark (D-CA13) and 14 of his fellow Dem congress critters introduced H.R. 3827, magnanimously titled Every Child Deserves a Family Act. How can anyone argue with that? Of course every child deserves a family!
Unfortunately, the intent of such a bill is not a return to the value of the nuclear family. The family that prays together, stays together idea. It’s not even a bill that would help kids with abstinence, so they won’t be having children they can’t afford, nor know how to raise. It doesn’t address serious issue like the cycle of poverty, or drug abuse. No, what it does it is open the door for further erosion of what is right and wrong.
To prohibit discrimination in adoption or foster care placements based on the sexual orientation, gender identification, or marital status of any prospective adoptive or foster parent.
Now, I don’t give a flying flip if a person is gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgendered, or whatever else they want to call themselves. That’s between them and God. Condoning sin, is sin.
Leviticus 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
That goes for the opposite as well. Now, I know there are way too many these days who are going to come out of the woodwork just to call someone like me all kinds of names, just because my faith teaches me right from wrong. That makes me ‘intolerant’, yada yada. Whatever! But when push comes to shove, wrong is still wrong. I won’t apologize for my faith.
Do I have a problem with gay couples fostering children? Honestly, no, not really, in the SHORT run. There are a lot of loving people of all “orientations”, who can provide for children until appropriate homes can be found for them.
One of the biggest problems in the U.S. right now is not the lack of couples wanting to adopt. It’s how difficult the bureaucracies have made it! Why not address this problem, instead of pushing the homosexual agenda? While I don’t believe that all homosexuals would consider abusing a child, anymore than all heterosexuals would. But, isn’t it quite possible this type of thing will open the door for such abuses?
Glenn Beck – 3/15/10
As much as I’d LOVE to post the entire show, I can’t. 
So, next best thing, go watch the show, in it’s entirety, with NO commercials. 
Even lib>progressive>socialist>commies might learn something. Well, I can hope, can’t I? Those words, Faith, Hope, and Charity, are not buzz words for socialism. And NO, Jesus was/is NOT a socialist!
Super Bowl – Yes. Bible Study – No.
When I first saw this headline in an email alert yesterday, my first thought was that it must be some town in a Muslim country. Or, perhaps some place like Cuba.
Much to my surprise, when I finally clicked on the link this morning, it wasn’t some foreign country, it was my own. Again!
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Banished! City forbids Bible studies in homes
‘This letter will serve as a 10-day written notice to quit such use’
The city of Gilbert, Ariz., has ordered a group of seven adults to stop gathering for Bible studies in a private home because such meetings are forbidden by the city’s zoning codes.
The issue was brought to a head when city officials wrote a letter to a pastor and his wife informing them they had 10 days to quit having the meetings in their private home.
What appears to be a ‘burb of Phoenix, has decided home Bible studies are a no no? A zoning code? Uh, what do they do when someone has a baby shower? Christmas parties? A church isn’t a building. It’s the people. Do you know how many churches have gotten started by a few folks, gathering in someone’s home, to learn, pray, and praise the Lord? My own church (a year before I started attending, with barely 20 or 30) was doing just that. They started out with 5 people, meeting in homes. They had graduated to a little double wide trailer, that had to be renovated to accommodate our growing numbers. We finally have a real church building, with a steeple and everything. Seats about 150? Maybe more. Seems to me, when the church started, way back when, there was one “Leader” and a few fishermen.
“The interpretation and enforcement of the town’s code is clearly unconstitutional, ” said Daniel Blomberg, a member of the litigation team for ADF. “It bans 200,000 Gilbert residents from meeting in their private homes for organized religious purposes – an activity encouraged in the Bible, practiced for thousands of years, and protected by the First Amendment.”
I’d really like to know what kind of people they have on that city council who have decided folks gathering to worship God are breaking the ‘law’.
There had been no complaints about the meetings, which had been rotating among members’ homes before the officer wrote the letter and ordered the group to “terminate all religious meetings … regardless of their size, nature or frequency,” because he noticed signs about the meetings.
The town interprets its law so that “churches within its borders cannot have any home meetings of any size, including Bible studies, three-person church leadership meetings and potluck dinners,” ADF said.
Is it just Christian churches they are banning from meeting? I wonder if any Muslims groups, of three or more, decided to meet in someone’s home, would they be banned as well?
“The assembly activities associated with the church, including Bible studies, church leadership meetings and church fellowship activities are not permitted,” wrote Mike Milillo, the city’s senior planner.
“This ban is defended based upon traffic, parking, and building safety concerns. However, nothing in its zoning code prevents weekly Cub Scouts meetings, Monday Night Football parties with numerous attendees or large business parties from being held on a regular basis in private homes,” the ADF said.
I did a little snooping on ol’ Mike. Not a whole lot, but from what I did gather, this city bunch is quite the “progressive” type, with an obsession about signs. So, I suppose it’s not really all that surprising when they get their knickers in a twist over a few people getting together.
Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
I wonder when they’ll start shutting down the big churches. Considering the number of Mosques they have in the area, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was sooner, rather than later.
If traffic is the REAL concern, which is highly doubtful, then all you folks in Gilbert better start rethinking your home weddings, Cub Scout meetings, and adult sex toy parties!
The small church has been forced to halt its regular meetings. It meets now in a local school but only can afford the rental once a week.
Honestly, if I were them, I’d tell that bozo to stick it where the sun don’t shine! There is absolutely NO reason why this should have ever been an issue, ESPECIALLY in a country that was founded by the guiding principle of law found in the study of that same Bible that ol’ Mike and his buddies seems to find so offensive.
A spokeswoman for the city of Gilbert told WND city officials were aware of the concern and planned to address it.
Vice Mayor Linda Abbott told WND the code apparently was adopted years earlier, and there was considerable concern on the city council because of the current issues.
“I’m not in favor of that code. That is something we would want revisited,” she said.
A voice of reason? Maybe. Who wrote that code? When was it implemented? How did it get passed? And just who, with an ounce of integrity, would ever enforce such an offensive code? The folks in San Diego got an apology. Will these people get the same?
Prayers CAN Make a Difference!
Just received this email from Fred about Brooke:
THANK U JESUS!!!!!! Brooke just came out of her coma and looked at her parents!!!! When they told her they were going to the waiting room(visiting hours ended) she made her normal pouting face!!!!! The whole crinkled nose and forehead!!!! She couldn’t talk due to the tubes in her mouth and throat but crinkling the nose let them know she wanted them to stay!!!! I can’t even begin to tell you how grateful I am for God’s mercy!!!! Thank u God for miracles!!!!!
Amen to that! Miracles DO happen! Please pray for her speedy recovery, so she can be back at home, with her family, wrinkling her forehead, and pouting to her heart’s content. 
Words
This morning I was awoken by words in my head. Needless to say, I wasn’t ready to rise and ….well, not shine, but be up and functioning. Let’s face it, I am NOT a morning person. But the words were persistent, so I really didn’t have a choice. And what were those words that were prying my eyes open? “Prove the womb is the tomb.”
What on earth is that suppose to mean? Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m not one of those people who wakes up all bright eyed and bushy tailed. It takes the brain a while to catch up, and don’t even get me started on both eyes. My day starts with a sliver, and with appropriate amounts of coffee, USUALLY things will catch up with the desire, or need, to be awake. It does happen occasionally. 
I had to give this some serious thought. Prove the womb is the tomb. Ok, the womb. Life comes from the womb. The tomb gives you the mental image of death, the end. Adios. Sayonara. Worm food.
Please Pray!
You’ll remember I asked for prayers recently, and linked to my friend, Fred, and fellow blogger’s post about this horrible infection. I am asking for more now. Please.
I received this email from Fred earlier today:
My daughter-in-laws niece, Brooke, is very ill, much worse. I am so thankful for all the prayers and kind words, but I have to let you know, Brooke has suffered a collapsed lung and a heart attack. That’s all I know at this time, as info comes in, I will let folks know.. Keep praying…
No matter your political persuasion, the health of a young woman is in the balance.
Thy Will Be Done!
WOW…. Just…uh…WOW!
Thanks Jerry!
The Invisible Woman
Thanks to Jerry for sharing.
A Sign In The Heavens?
Is this incredible thing in heavens a sign from God?
Some people are seeing a flying cross, or perhaps a Star of David.
Others say it resembles a ninja-style throwing blade or even a science-fiction spaceship from such Hollywood creations as “Star Wars,” “Star Trek,” “Babylon 5″ or “The Last Starfighter.”
While scientists don’t think it’s a comet, they’re not exactly sure of the precise origin of the incredible object soaring some 90 million miles from Earth, snapped just a few weeks ago by the Hubble Space Telescope.
“I’ve seen thousands of astronomical images over my career, but this is one of the few absolute jaw-droppers: A flying X-pattern with trailing streamers,” said Ray Villard, a contributing writer to Discovery News. “Whatever it is, nothing quite like it has ever before been seen in the heavens.”
The sky is pretty big. Odds are, there are quite a few things up there they’ve never seen before since they can’t watch the entire sky, all at the same time.
“The truth is, we’re still struggling to understand what this means,” comet expert David Jewitt at UCLA told Britain’s Daily Mail. “It’s most likely the result of a recent collision between two asteroids.”
If it is indeed the result of such a collision, it would be the first time astronomers have gazed upon the immediate result of such a crash.
Whatever it is, it’s pretty cool. Which was is it heading? 
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ predicted celestial signs concerning the end of this current age and His return to Earth to establish the kingdom of God.
- “And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.” (Mark 13:25-26)
- “And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.” (Luke 21:11)
“With 2012 doomsday hysteria building, this might get attention on the Internet as yet another omen of the ‘End of Times,’” notes Villard. “Those who’ve overdosed on Nostradamus might see a flying Star of David, or a pentagram.”
While the year 2012 is significant, Obama will be defeated…I’m praying, and the Mayan calender ends, God never gave us a specific date. He did, however, gives us a lot of indications through His Word. I’m not saying this is one of His signs, there are plenty of them, right here on Tera Firma we should be watching. But it might be.
The RIGHT To Speak
Man Sues California Mall After Guard Arrests Him for Having Conversation About God
Imagine getting arrested for just striking up a conversation about religion in public.
That’s what happened to California resident Matthew Snatchko in 2006 when the youth pastor initiated a conversation about God with three shoppers at the Roseville Galleria mall.
The women gave Snatchko permission to broach the subject, but a nearby store employee said they “looked nervous,” so he ordered the evangelist to leave. After Snatchko refused, mall security arrested him.
The man asked permission to speak to the women, the women gave consent, and some yahoo decides they ‘looked nervous’? The women could have, at any time, ended the conversation. The fact they chose not to should be an indication they may have wanted to hear what the man had to say.
“He was put in handcuffs and hauled down to the mall’s security station and later booked at the local jail,” said Snatchko’s attorney Matthew McReynolds of the Pacific Justice Institute, a legal defense organization specializing in the defense of religious freedom.
Snatchko was later released and never charged with a crime, but he and the Justice Institute decided to challenge the constitutionality of Roseville Galleria’s restrictions on conversations about topics such as religion and politics.
Handcuffing a person who is exercising his/her 1st Amendment rights doesn’t sit well with me. A mall banning topics of conversations? Who are they to say what a person can talk about? I wonder how many kiosks were selling Obama t-shirts, plates, posters, etc.? Isn’t THAT violation of their ignorant rule? Is there are bookstore in this mall that sells Bibles? Or any books about the world’s religions? How about a Hallmark store that has cards relating to religious holidays?
“By roaming the mall and randomly approaching other mall visitors, plaintiff effectively circumvents any attempt by Westfield to reasonably regulate his expressive activities in the mall’s common areas,” the court document reads.
McReynolds confirmed Snatchko had been given the Courtesy Guidelines prior to his arrest but said the pastor “believed he was complying with them, and that they were being misinterpreted by the security guards who accused him of ’soliciting,’ even though he was not selling anything.”
I see. So, you can talk to people in the mall, but it must be in specified locations. I don’t see how that’s not a violation of his 1st Amendment rights. The guards may well have been overstepping their bounds. I’ve had the acquaintance of several such ‘guards’, who thought they were the real thing (police). They tended to overstep their bounds on numerous occasion just because it made them feel like big shots. Kind of pathetic actually.
If this man was called to go to the mall, where many young people tend to congregate, then that’s what he has to do. I find it amazing that so many kids are wondering through life with no direction, no moral compass, and when they are offered a direction, someone has to step in and call a halt.
But constitutional attorney John Eastman says that “to require a permit to even speak about your religious faith to anybody in the mall starts looking like it’s unreasonable and might well be unconstitutional.”
Eastman, a professor at California’s Chapman University School of Law, says because Snatchko was seemingly engaged in a private conversation and not a public address, his speech would not have violated mall rules were it not for its content.
When any organization, be it a mall or a government, invades on a private, consensual, conversation, you know we are in big trouble. Just when did the sharing of faith become a sensitive issue? It use to be an extremely important part of American life. It still should be.
U.S: Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
California: SEC. 2.
(a) Every person may freely speak, write and publish his or her sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of this right. A law may not restrain or abridge liberty of speech or press.
For Unto You…
Luke 2:1-16
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
“Educator” Violates 1st Amendment
College Instructor Compares Crucifix to Swastika
Eastfield College is accused of suppressing the religious expression of students after a ceramics instructor compared the crucifix to a swastika and refused to allow students to create religious symbols.
“Unfortunately, not everyone has the Christmas spirit or even a basic understanding of religious freedom,” Kelly Shackelford, chief counsel of Liberty Legal Institute, said in a statement. “The government cannot ban crosses and religious symbols.”
The controversy involves retired auto worker Joe Mitchell and Eastfield Community College in Mesquite, TX. Since 2006 he has been enrolled in a non-credit ceramics class comprised mostly of retirees. During the spring class, Mitchell made a number of crosses for friends and fellow parishoners at his church, St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church.
That’s when he ran into trouble. According to court documents obtained by FOX News Radio, a memorandum was sent to students forbidding them from creating any religious items including Christmas or Easter-related items.
“The making of such pieces at Eastfield College demeans the goals of the ceramic program at EFC,” stated a memo written by James Watral, chair of the ceramic program.
No, what this moron has done demeans the faith of millions.
“Ms. Blackhurst then asked Mr. Mitchell if he considered a swastika offensive. He responded, ‘Of course.’ She then proceeded to compare the cross to a swastika. She stated that many individuals view the cross as an offensive symbol in the same way that many people are offended by swastikas, and that his crosses would therefore not be fired by the department.”
Well, let’s take a look, shall we?
Here, we have the results of the followers of the swastika:
Now, let’s see what that other ‘offensive’ symbol represents: 
“I felt humiliated and that my spirituality was being demeaned,” Mitchell said in a written statement. “The whole point of art is to express who you are.”
“It appears the Eastfield College art department has no room in the inn for artistic religious expression such as that of Michelangelo or Leonardo da Vinci; hopefully they will change their mind,” said Hiram Sasser, director of litigation at Liberty Legal Institute.
Don’t think there is an agenda in schools, especially colleges, big and small? Think again. This is a perfect example. Evidently, this so called instructor is totally clueless. I’m sure Christ will forgive her for being a complete assjack, and He’ll also forgive me for calling her such.
One of Those Emails
You know the kind, you’re suppose to pass along and send back. Mostly, I hate those things, and just delete them. No, I don’t believe that if I pass such and such to 10 million people, Bill Gates is going to send me a check that will pay my bills for the rest of my life. No, I don’t think that an email will save some kid’s life in Uganda.
So, when I got this one, instead of just deleting it, or passing to four people, I decided to post it. Hope it touches you as much as it touched me.
This was written by a Metro Denver Hospice Physician: (whether it was or not, isn’t the point…it’s the message)
I was driving home from a meeting this evening about 5, stuck in traffic on Colorado Blvd., and the car started to choke and splutter and die – I barely managed to coast into a gas station, glad only that I would not be blocking traffic and would have a somewhat warm spot to wait for the tow truck. It wouldn’t even turn over. Before I could make the call, I saw a woman walking out of the quickie mart building, and it looked like she slipped on some ice and fell into a gas pump, so I got out to see if she was okay..
When I got there, it looked more like she had been overcome by sobs than that she had fallen; she was a young woman who looked really haggard with dark circles under her eyes. She dropped something as I helped her up, and I picked it up to give it to her. It was a nickel.
At that moment, everything came into focus for me: the crying woman, the ancient Suburban crammed full of stuff with 3 kids in the back (1 in a car seat), and the gas pump reading $4.95..
I asked her if she was okay and if she needed help, and she just kept saying ‘I don’t want my kids to see me crying!,’ so we stood on the other side of the pump from her car. She said she was driving to California and that things were very hard for her right now. So I asked, ‘And you were praying?’ That made her back away from me a little, but I assured her I was not a crazy person and said, ‘He heard you, and He sent me.’
I took out my card and swiped it through the card reader on the pump so she could fill up her car completely, and while it was fueling, walked to the next door McDonald’s and bought 2 big bags of food, some gift certificates for more, and a big cup of coffee. She gave the food to the kids in the car, who attacked it like wolves, and we stood by the pump eating fries and talking a little.
She told me her name, and that she lived in Kansas City. Her boyfriend left 2 months ago and she had not been able to make ends meet. She knew she wouldn’t have money to pay rent Jan. 1, and finally, in desperation, had called her parents, with whom she had not spoken in about 5 years. They lived in California and said she could come live with them and try to get on her feet there.
So she packed up everything she owned in the car.. She told the kids they were going to California for Christmas, but not that they were going to live there. I gave her my gloves, a little hug and said a quick prayer with her for safety on the road. As I was walking over to my car, she said, ‘So, are you like an angel or something?’
This definitely made me cry. I said, ‘Sweetie, at this time of year angels are really busy, so sometimes God uses regular people.’
It was so incredible to be a part of someone else’s miracle. And of course, you guessed it, when I got in my car it started right away and got me home with no problem. I’ll put it in the shop tomorrow to check, but I suspect the mechanic won’t find anything wrong.
Sometimes the angels fly close enough to you that you can hear the flutter of their wings…
Psalms 55:22 ‘ Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee. He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.’
Shared by Rosemary.
We don’t often realize the affect we can have on others. We go through our days, concerned with our own problems, and forget there are those with much bigger issues that make our concerns pale by comparison. I pray that, not only during the Christmas season, but throughout the year, we can put aside our petty differences and remember the sacrifice of One much greater than us. It is no sacrifice for us to show a kindness to others. A kind word, a smile, perhaps the spare change in your pocket, can sometimes have a greater affect than we will ever know.
A Moment of Silence
Today, at noon eastern, 11 central, please take a moment to pray for those in Washington, D.C. Pray they will remember who gave them their job, and who can take it away. Pray they will read the Constitution and remember their oath of office. Pray they will remember who they work for, We, The People. Pray they remember those who fought and died to preserve our freedoms. Pray they will not be in such a hurry to destroy those freedoms. Pray we will remain the United States of America, and all it stands for. Pray they will see the Light!
A Miracle
I missed sundown. Was off doing something I’d rather not have been, but that’s neither here nor there.
A little history:
Chanukah — the eight-day festival of light that begins on the eve of Kislev 25 — celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, of purity over adulteration, of spirituality over materiality.
More than twenty-one centuries ago, the Holy Land was ruled by the Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks), who sought to forcefully Hellenize the people of Israel. Against all odds, a small band of faithful Jews defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth, drove the Greeks from the land, reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and rededicated it to the service of G-d.
When they sought to light the Temple’s menorah, they found only a single cruse of olive oil that had escaped contamination by the Greeks; miraculously, the one-day supply burned for eight days, until new oil could be prepared under conditions of ritual purity.
To commemorate and publicize these miracles, the sages instituted the festival of Chanukah. At the heart of the festival is the nightly menorah lighting: a single flame on the first night, two on the second evening, and so on till the eighth night of Chanukah, when all eight lights are kindled.
While, in the large scheme of things, Christians aren’t considered Jewish, in our history, we are. Jesus was brought up in the Jewish faith. The first followers were Jewish. These Jewish apostles went out into the known world, and shared the Word.
Now, I realize there are some people who have major issues with their Christian roots being in the Jewish faith, but I’m not one of them. So, to my Jewish “cousins”…..
