Jesus Said

CNN Hero of the Year

2008-10-15T05:37:00.001-07:00

Taking the high road...

2006-12-22T14:35:00.000-08:00

The only thing I knew about Representative Keith Ellison was that he the first Muslim ever elected to Congress. That was yesterday.

Now, I've read a CNN article and I believe that he is a man of integrity.

Here's the background, Representative Goode is all up in arms about Representative Ellison wanting to use a Qu'ran when being sworn into Congress. Further, Goode has been making all kinds of remarks about how we don't need more Muslims in this country and equating electing Ellison to supporting illegal immagration.

Representative Ellison has refused to call Goode a bigot. He has even gone as far as to say he looks forward to meeting Goode and he hopes Goode would take the time to learn about the Muslim religion. Ellison wants to find some common ground.

What a stand up guy. He's right. We need to find common ground.

And, what does Goode have to say?

"I wish more people would take a stand and stand up for the principles on which this country was founded."

Excuse me? Our country was founded on the principles that we would have the freedom of religion. Representative Goode, you are not standing up for the principles on which our country stands. You are standing upon the hollow ground of those who are scared -- scared of people of a different religion, scared of those of a different race, scared of those of a different sexual orientation.

America, my America, is a melting pot of races, backgrounds and religions. America has the best of all countries because we strive for togetherness and tolerance.

I so hope, Representative Goode, that in the spirit of giving, especially in this season of Advent, that you can see your way clear to meeting with Representative Ellison. As Sam Hutson once said, "A Nation divided against itself cannot stand." We need to unite our country as we never have before. We are fighting a Civil War without firing a shot and we certainly cannot have Representatives slinging arrows before they even meet.

I give credit to Representative Ellison for not lowering himself to the name calling that no one would blame him if he did. I beg Representative Goode to take a step back and do the same.

MerryChristmas & God Bless!

--
Posted By Julie to Top of My Head at 12/22/2006 02:40:00 PM

Boycotts and Christianity

2006-12-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

Many Christian groups call for boycotts when a company or TV network does something they don't like -- like offering equal employment for gays and lesbians -- but I wonder, should we?

And, by we, I mean all of us who identify ourselves as Christians. Should we support boycotts? Don't they put people out of work?

What would Jesus do? Would He support a boycott of a TV show? Or would He support a boycott of Ford by the American Family Association? Or would He decide that hurting the hardworking men and women -- I'm sure some are Christians -- with a boycott is the way to go?

Just wondering.

God Bless and Merry Christmas

Child's Play

2006-11-06T13:42:00.000-08:00

I am nearly positive that all of you all ready know just what Child's Play is all about. But, for those who don't, here's what the website says:

"With the help of hospital staff, we’ve set up gift wish lists full of video games, toys, and movies. You can go to each hospital’s list and buy a toy, and that toy will be sent to the hospital. Some of these kids are in pretty bad shape. Imagine being stuck alone in a hospital over the holidays, getting something from a fellow gamer would really raise their spirits. Some of the stuff the hospital will give away for kids to keep, while other gifts (like consoles) will be kept by the hospital for patients to use throughout the year."

The gifts shouldn't be gift wrapped. Any other questions should be checked out here.

Not to toot my own horn, but I donated last year. I try to give to a lot of charities, especially at this time of the year, but this year -- due to the fact I'm broke -- I'm going to have to cut back on the money I give. BUT, Child's Play is the one charity I'm keeping on my list. I'm sure there are others out there in the same financial spot as me, but try to give something. Even $15.00 can be used to buy a gift for a child. They raised over $600,000 for children last year. Let's help them make it to a cool million this year!

Also, I'll be placing a banner for Child's Play and leaving it there (and on my other websites) until after Christmas.

God Bless

If only this were true...

2006-10-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

I found this in my email and it both uplifted me and made me doubtful.

Now, before you read this, I should say that I don't disagree that God works through us all in different ways. I'm not saying that this man didn't do a good deed and that God didn't make sure he was there to help. I'm just saying that when most people do a good deed, they may chalk it up to God's intervention to have them be at the right place and time, but they don't turn around and write an email and send a chain letter about it. Most people go through life quietly helping others and we never hear one peep, which is okay, because God hears the peeps. And, that's really all that matters.

But, I did like the story, which is why I'm posting it here.

Psalm 55:22 --- you really need to read this.

"Friends are God's way of taking care of us."

This was written by a Hospice of Metro Denver physician.

I just had one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and wanted to share it with my family and dearest friends:

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, cursing, 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 phone 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 finally 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 and 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."

My instructions were to pick four people that I wanted God to bless, especially for the months in 2006, and I picked you.

Please pass this to four people you want to be blessed and a copy back to me.

This prayer is powerful and prayer is one of the best gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards. Let's continue to pray for one another.

Here is the prayer:

"Father, I ask You to bless my children, grandchildren, friends, relatives and e-mail buddies reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubt, release a renewed confidence through Your grace, In Jesus' precious name. Amen."

I know I picked more than four and you can, too. When Satan is knocking at your door, simply say, "Jesus, could You please get that for me?"

Being blessed is GOOD...being HIGHLY FAVORED is best!

God Bless

My Favorite Niece...

2006-10-10T08:13:00.000-07:00

Caitlen Totsch, my favorite niece, has a cool opportunity to go to Washington D.C. next spring with her class. This is an expensive trip and to help with the costs, the school is planning a fund raiser.

So, if you have some spare cash and want to purchase anything from the below link, that would be great!

God Bless

http://www.eZfundraising.com/customer/customer.asp?evtId=75373&parId=88134

Guest Blog: Personal reflections on the Amish and the so-called Christian Right

2006-10-08T08:19:00.000-07:00

I was deeply disturbed by the killing of the Amish schoolchildren in nearby Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Children bring out the best part of my personality and the warmest emotions in my heart. From personal experience, I am completely convinced that the Amish live the closest to God of any group of people in America.

In my teens, I worked for awhile picking up cans of milk from Amish farms in Lancaster County and taking them to the dairy for processing. Later in my late twenties, I lunched several days a week at auctions and flea markets with a teenage Amish girl from Lancaster County named Ruth Ann Fisher. We talked mostly about family and faith.

Those talks stirred my spirit so much that I struggled to learn to read the Bible in German and seriously considered joining the Brethren. Eventually, I realized that my experiences were so different that I would never successfully fit in with the Amish lifestyle. I would have been a miserable failure as a farmer and did not know how to really think like one of the Plain Folk. I lived in a world of electric power, higher education and ambition. My German was pathetic.

What I gained from those talks, nearly half of a lifetime ago, is still with me. My faith as a Christian was deeply influenced. There are many pathways to God but few as pure as the Amish. I cannot imagine anyone hating the Amish much less the Amish children.

In many ways, the Amish are like the Anti-Christian Right of the Christian faith although I doubt they had every considered the situation. The Amish are basically non-political. They are oriented toward peace, living plainly, living communally in many ways and care nothing for material wealth or power. They are into forgiveness instead of vengeance. Aggression and violence are alien concepts. Hard work is regarded as a virtue in itself instead of as an avenue to wealth and power.

The so-called Christian Right should look closely at the Amish lifestyle for lessons in what is wrong with their approach to faith and politics. The Amish are focused on becoming more Godly in their person and among their community. They do not seek to impose their values on others by law or force. They do not judge others but instead try to set examples in the way they live their lives.

Hate has no power or legitimacy in the Amish community or Church. They follow the example of Jesus Christ by forgiving and loving the worst of sinners. Only by understanding this fact can the non-Amish understand their reaction to the schoolhouse killings.

Personally, I find far more religious power in the Amish approach than in the approach of the so-called Christian Right. We can all learn from the Plain Folk. I hope our nation will be influenced a little more by the Amish even if we cannot fully follow in the footsteps of these Godly people.

Written by Stephen Crockett (co-host of Democratic Talk Radio http://www.DemocraticTalkRadio.com ). Mail: P.O. Box 283, Earleville, Maryland 21919. Email: midsouthcm@aol.com . Phone: 443-907-2367.

IVF Update

2006-09-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

I just want to fall into a deep hole and never come up for air. I took my blood test today and no baby, not even a little one. Now, they want me to do a follow-up appointment and I just want to cry my eyes out. Here, I've been talking to the 3 embroyos for two weeks, hoping that they were listening and now, I just feel empty.

I wonder if it's me. Am I just not a good enough person to have a baby? Some mean, cold, heartless human being actually posted the following comment after I had posted a message wondering if God wants me to be a mom or not:

Maybe if you were faithful to God's commands he would bless you with a child. I mean, he did create men and women to procreate together. Since you have perverted the natural relationship he created in the very beginning, why would he bless your mess? Personally, I will pray he continues to prevent your empty womb. That child needs an environment that God intended - a mom and a dad.

Can you imagine anyone being so heartless and cold to actually pray another human being does not become a mother? Right at this very moment, if I had a gun and I knew who this person was, I'd kill them -- wait, no, I wouldn't need the gun. What a horrible, horrible thing to say and yet, now I'm filled with doubt, did this nasty person's prayers outweigh mine? Is this some minister or priest whom God thinks more of than me and so He granted his/her prayers over mine -- and the prayers of my friends, family and above all, my wife?

And, just what the Hell is wrong with me that I remembered this posting today or all days? That for one second, I'm actually taking it to heart? Am I really feeling that low?

For two weeks, I have refused the thought that I'm not preggers to cross my mind. I've refused to listen to any negativity. So, I'm giving myself today -- and maybe a part of tomorrow -- to mourn the loss of those three embroyos, but come Sunday, that's it. I'm only looking forward, not back. I'm concentrating on having a happy, healthy baby and nothing more. I am a good person and that nutcase is just that, a nutcase who should be ignored and pitied, not listened to and believed. God knows that I would make a good mother, not a perfect one, certainly not one as good as the mother of God, Mary, but I will be the best mom this world has ever seen. Maybe, He'll bless me with a biological child and maybe, He wants me to adopt, but I'm not giving up, so person who hates, wherever and whoever you are, I ain't broken yet -- nice try.

God Bless!

Separation of Church and State

2006-09-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

The Separation of Church and State. It is a very powerful term. Our founding fathers clearly meant that we would have no state mandated religion. We, as American men (as women didn't count for much in those days), would not be forced to worship in anyone's church. The founding fathers felt that this idea of freedom, extending from religion to the press to the right of protest was so highly valued that it is first on the list of amendments:

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.

Now, in the long run, the separation of church and state has extended to the government does not tax church property and income. Further, for individuals (and if I'm wrong, I'm sure you'll correct me), this extends that any income from church related activities (provided you are a minister, pastor or such) is not taxed.

BUT, the wrong wing goes on and on about how there shouldn't be a separation of church and state. We're a Christian nation, they say. Well, then, I say, let's tax the churches -- property tax especially. Salaries for pastors, ministers, etc. tax them too.

No separation of church and state should mean -- NO SEPARATION!

God Bless

The Pope and the Muslims

2006-09-22T09:51:00.000-07:00

Excuse me while I rant.

Right now, Muslims -- granted the extremists -- work to destroy Israel. Muslims are responsible for 9/11. The majority of terrorists are Muslims. The Pope quotes some guy from the 14th century that the Islamic faith has only brought evil to the world and that they live by the sword and the response from the Muslim community is violence and a call to force the Pope to resign.

Well, I for one have had it with the Muslim faith. Get over yourselves. We all have to share this planet, we all have to work together to build homes for our families and to put food on the table. All I see from the non-American based Muslims are calls to destroy Israel and suicide bombings. I see them bomb stores and buildings because they didn't like a cartoon. I read a quote from a Muslim about how would Christians feel if Christ was being made fun of in that manner. Christ is always being made fun of in some manner somewhere and you don't see Christians blowing up buildings and killing people over it.

Sure, these actions do not represent every Muslim on the planet, but somedays it feels like it.

The Iranian President has threaten Israel with annihilation. If you want me to believe that Muslims are a peace-loving group, stand up and demand his resignation. Remove him from office. Otherwise, you're just a lot of phony peace-talk and no real positive action.

God Bless

Shame on CNN

2006-09-15T12:25:00.001-07:00

So, I'm checking out the headlines at CNN.com and I notice under Entertainment the following headline:
"Clooney, Nobel winner demand Darfur action".

Under ENTERTAINMENT?!? Why is the horror in Darfur listed under Entertainment? The Nobel Prize winner mentioned in the headline is Elie Wiesel (a hero of mine). When Wiesel talks, the world ought to be listening, not banishing it to the ENTERTAINMENT section of news.

We've all ready made the mistake -- the entire world -- for letting Darfur go on as long as it has. We will as a group be punished by God Himself for not feeding, clothing, healing and protecting those in Darfur. Could we not pretend this is nothing more than the launch of a new movie?

God Bless

Shame on CNN

2006-09-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

2006-09-08T05:15:00.000-07:00

In The Beginning

2006-08-08T19:58:00.000-07:00

Have you seen these tracts? A webcomic pointed them out, so I figured I should take a good look.

Now, I know the Bible says that the earth was created in six days, but am I really suppose to take that literally? No where in the Bible does God name just how long a day is to Him. It is totally possible that six days to God is equal to 6 million years.

Further, there are two creation stories in the Bible, which one is true? The one that is discussed is the one where Eve is created out of Adam's rib, but the one before that states, "Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." Genesis 1:26-27

So which is it, the rib or God created men and women in His image? And, what did God mean by "Let us make man... in our likeness" Who were these other people to whom God was referring?

And, while we're on the subject of Eve, I don't buy that Eve ate the apple first. Afterall, men wrote the Bible, were they really going to say Adam ate the apple?

Plus, according to this track, Eve wanted to be God, so that's why she talked Adam into eating the apple. And, launched 6000 years of female oppression.

Blessings!

A quick thought...

2006-07-20T13:04:00.000-07:00

I don't remember if I've touched on this before, but where does the path to Heaven lie? In our faith or in our deeds? If we believe that it is in our faith, then what does it matter what we do in life? If it is in our deeds, then what outweighs what? Will Ken Lay, who was convicted of fraud, get a place in Heaven because he gave money to charity?

Or, is it in God's forgiveness and only in his forgiveness? If we say -- and sincerely mean -- "Hey, God, please forgive me for my sins" on our death bed -- will we be standing at the right hand of Jesus or cast aside as a goat?

Maybe, there's no answer and we must each find our own path.

Oh, one last thing, I'm opening up this blog to other like-minded writers, please send me an email if you are interested.

Blessings!

I wish I had taken notes...

2006-07-17T14:39:00.000-07:00

So, in Mass yesterday, we read part of the story of Amos. Amos was a shepherd and a gardener, but God told him to take off, go to another country and start telling them like it is. So, Amos took off and did just that, but the King didn't want to hear what Amos had to say. He wanted to hear that everything was great. His prophets only told him that God was with him. It's what he wanted to hear -- sound familiar?

So, Father Brian (our new priest) gave an excellent homily about how different things are and how you hear God calling you to your tasks, etc. I wish I had taken notes because it was really good.

But, the one thing I took away, that really stuck with me, was when Father Brian said that God was going to punish the country in the story because while the country was living in very plentiful times, they forgot about the poor -- the widows and orphans, etc.

And, it got me thinking.

Pat Robertson once said that the hurricanes were sent upon us because we protect gays and lesbians in this country. I'm sure numerous members of his following believe him, but God doesn't punish for sex -- not historically -- He punishes because of the way we treat each other and our lack of generosity. Now, I don't know if natural disasters are harming our country and the world because God is punishing us, but if he is, it's got to be because we have left the poor behind.

We allow our government to cut the spending on healthcare and schools, but allow it to grant tax breaks to the oil companies. Is this a Christian or even a Godly way to do things?

No, it is not.

Maybe the unrest in the middle east, the fires in California and the hurricanes are God's punishment, not because of some protections people think gays have, but because of the lack of reaching out to others we are showing in this country.

God Bless

Where will you be?

2006-07-16T16:33:00.000-07:00

I wrote this song called Where will you be. I just recently purchased a music creating software so I can finally try my hand at recording it. Please feel free to take a listen and tell me what you think!

God Bless

Self Doubt and Confusion

2006-07-03T15:53:00.000-07:00

Ever felt confused? Ever wonder just what it is that God has planned for you? I know that I should trust in God and let go of fears and worries. Let Go and Let God. Not a bad way to live.

But, Cheryl and I have been trying for a baby for more than two years. We tried at home inseminations with known donors four times -- no luck. We have tried three AIs with one clinic, no luck, but I'm happy we've switched clinics. We're now on our second try with our new clinic and while I'm happy there, I'm sitting here wondering if I'm pregnant or not.

Then, I think, what if God doesn't want me to be a mom? What if he has some other plan for me and we're just wasting thousands of dollars trying? How do I know? Do I keep plowing ahead and use up all of the tries my work insurance offers or do I give up now?

I can't imagine going through life and not being a mom. I'm a stepmom, but it really isn't the same. My stepchildren are grown and, apparently, stepmothers don't count for much of anything in this society. Maybe, it's different for stepmoms who were in the children's lives when they were little guys, but coming in as teenagers -- it don't mean a thing.

So, I asked God this past Sunday to send me a sign. I know that if we give up on a biological child, I will never be a mom. Cheryl is not for us adopting at all, plus the added expenses with adoption are really something we can't afford. (Yeah, I've heard all the talk about if you can't afford the adoption, how can you afford the child? But, it's different. A child's added costs are overtime. Adoption fees are pretty much up front.) Plus, is the state of Wisconsin really going to grant us a child given that there are so many straight married couples out there.

Add to all of this the wonder of just what the heck am I doing with my life? I'm 38 and I still haven't figured out what I want to do from now until death.

I have total faith in God, but somedays, I just wish he could grant me a sign.

Anyone else feeling this way?

Blessings.

Education

2006-06-17T06:06:00.000-07:00

I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but I serve on St. Richard's School Board. I've just finished my three year term and I've agreed to serve a one year term. St. Richard is a K-8 school. When I have a child of my own, I plan on sending him or her there.

This is an interesting time to be on a Catholic School board. Catholic education is far superior to public school education and yet enrollment in Catholic Schools is way down. There is talk that some Racine Catholic schools might be closing and some might merge with other schools. The schools are losing money and, yet, they still manage to educate their students for roughly $3000 per year, which is less than the figures I've heard for Racine Unified Students, which have ranged from $6000 to $13000.

It has been proven that smaller class sizes benefit children from every walk of life. Being able to have that one on one time with a teacher is conducive to learning. Yet, our public school systems throughout our state are becoming more and more overcrowded. And, more and more expensive to maintain.

Now, I'm not an expert on education, but when I hear that 85% of St. Richard students who go on to Racine Unified High Schools make the honor roll each year. I believe that we must be doing something right.

Even if you are not Catholic, your child can benefit from a Catholic education. No matter what your religious background is the values are the same.

So, if you've got a little guy or gal who is starting school (and you live in Racine), give St. Richard a chance. They have terrific teachers, a great principal and nice school board members (if I do say so myself). And, this year, the school is looking into starting a 4-year old kindergarden.

God Bless

The Gay Debate has gotten sillier...

2006-06-06T12:08:00.000-07:00

I just read a couple of editorials on why Gays should NOT be allowed to marry in America. Both articles stated the same idea -- if Gays are allowed to marry, churches and religious schools who discriminate against them will lose federal (and, even though it wasn't mentioned, state) funding.

What?!?

It is okay to discriminate against a group of people so that another group doesn't lose money? Have they truly lost their minds?

If I started a religion that said, um, all latinos should not intermarry with whites and then, I started a college, um, I would not receive any federal funding because I discriminate against latino/white couples.

And, I shouldn't receive federal funds.

Do these people actually read what they write? And, if they do, do they really believe this?

I pay federal taxes and my tax dollars should not be used to support any religious school that would discriminate against someone who is black, latino, white, asian, gay, straight or whatever. Frankly, if religious schools lose money, suddenly they aren't going to care so much if a student is gay or not. Money talks and we all know it.

My point is that we cannot support a bogus, un-Christian amendment because some small minded people will lose Federal funding. Aren't those my tax dollars too?

God Bless

The DaVinci Code...

2006-05-16T05:15:00.000-07:00

The movie's about to open and now everywhere you look someone is writing an article about the DaVinci Code. Somehow, according to one article I read, Dan Brown's book -- if it were to be considered as truth -- negates Christianity.

First, I'd like to say that it is just a book -- a well written page turner, but still nothing more than a book.

Second, how can anyone say with any actual fact that Jesus was NOT married to Mary Magdalene? How do we know this? What Jesus did between age 12 and age 30 isn't in the Bible. We do not know where He went or what He did. The Jewish faith is all about family and Jesus was Jewish, so perhaps He did marry. Or, perhaps, He did not marry, but isn't believing one or another really just a guessing game?

Third, if Jesus was married, how does this negate Christianity? In my mind, it only negates the Vatican's belief that Priests should not marry. It does not negate the basic belief of Christianity that God's only son, Jesus, died on the cross for our sins and rose three days later.

Now, someone once told me that if Jesus had been married, that would mean that He had sex and then He would not have been an innocent dying on the cross for all our sins. Like somehow sex or the lack of sex is what makes you an innocent in God's eyes.

Now, I don't know if Jesus was married to Mary or not. I'm not even sure that I believe one way or another. I know that the Catholic Church for centuries portrayed her as a prostitute and it was in recent times they came out and said, "We made a mistake. She wasn't a hooker." So, how do we know that the Church will not do this again? How do we know that one day the Vatican will have to say, "Yes, we hid the truth from you for 2000 years. Oops."

I do know that there are a lot of Gospels that didn't make the cut into the Bible, such as the Gospel of Thomas. And, it seems as if the books that did make the cuts -- such as Paul's letters -- usually denounce women's roles within the Church. So, to believe that a group of men decided that they would hide the secret of Jesus' marriage isn't a far stretch.

Blessings

Blogging...

2006-05-07T21:45:00.000-07:00

So, the day that the life sentence came for Al Qaeda Terrorist Moussaoui, I wrote an entry on one of my other blogs about him. (click the link to read the blog). Anyway, what I wrote was support for the life sentence, because I don't, as both a Catholic and a Christian, believe in the death penalty. I believe that everyone deserves a chance to come to terms with their maker and ask for forgiveness -- along with the opportunity to ask Jesus Christ to be their personal savior.

Anyway, I didn't think my blog gloated on the fact that I believe Mr. Moussaoui will spend eternity in the fires of Hell. I believe this because he doesn't show any remorse and he made a statement after the sentencing "America, you lost."

Well, I took some heat from a reader in New York. And, that's understandable, not everyone has to agree with my statement, but she wrote something that's really been digging at me since I read it:

"For one thing, I doubt that you are a "Christian" if you are a Catholic.....faith in an organization is not the same as faith in Our savior."

This bugs me. Since when is the Catholic Church not a part of the Christian faith? Since when are they mutually exclusive? As a Catholic, I believe that Peter was our first bishop of Rome, or, as he is now known, the Pope.

Now, I don't believe in everything the Catholic Church states, but I feel at home when I attend Mass. I enjoy participating in the Mass. I have felt closer to God and Jesus since I first decided to be Catholic.

So, I guess I take great offense of someone questioning my Christianity merely because they don't have the same way of expressing their faith as I do. I wouldn't question the faithfulness of a Lutheran or a Methodist because they don't choose to practice the same faith as me.

So, I'm curious -- if you aren't Catholic, how do you see the Catholic Church and if you are Catholic, have you experienced this kind of doubt from other believers?

And, speaking as someone who was reared with a non-Catholic bent, is it me or are protestants becoming the new Catholics? Wasn't the Catholic religion the one that pre-judged everyone? Wasn't it the Catholics who thought they were the only ones going to Heaven? Now, it seems like for some protestants, the roles are reversed. BTW, I'm sure there's still high and mighty Catholics out there, but I'm running into less and less of them.

God Bless

If you talk like a bigot, you must be a bigot...

2006-04-10T20:09:00.000-07:00

Religious Wrongs are claiming that being required to attend diversity trainings or not being allowed to harass gay students is against their religion. They are claiming that they are being persecuted in this country.

Persecuted? They don't know the meaning of the word! Try being told on a daily basis that you're going to Hell. Of course, if you're one of those right wing so-called "Christians", you think somehow you have a right to judge someone else's life. Seems to me, that Jesus didn't approve of us judging each other. If you're going to talk the talk, you need to walk the walk and these "Christians" can't take step one to follow Jesus.

Jon Davidson who is the legal director of Lambda Legal said, "What if a person felt their religious view was that African Americans shouldn't mingle with Caucasians, or that women shouldn't work?"

"Christian" activist Gregory S. Baylor "says he supports policies that protect people from discrimination based on race and gender. But he draws a distinction when he argues that sexual orientation is different Ã‚Â a lifestyle choice, not an inborn trait."

Baylor went on to say, "Think how marginalized racists are. If we don't address this now, it will only get worse."

What? You wish to speak against an entire group of people based on the fact that you don't like the way God made them and you're worried about "Christians" being marginalized?

But, ignoring the bigoted view that gays have made "lifestyle choice", how would Baylor feel if someone took offense to the way he drives his car?

To run this point further home, can I go to work and preach to my co-workers about the evils of drinking? Drinking is a lifestyle choice, if I know that a co-worker drinks -- even if it doesn't interfere with his or her work -- can I continually tell them what a horrible habit it is and how they shouldn't drink?

What about smoking? If I know a co-worker smokes, can I bring pictures of lungs ravaged with cancer into work and hang them on their cubicles? Can I hang them in mine? Isn't that showing a lack of tolerance that is required for people to be able to work together to get a job done?

How is that different from hanging anti-gay signs in your cubicle?

Sitting next to a person who is gay and being tolerant is NOT being "anti-Christian", it is being Christian.

Let me remind the "Christian" fakers, Jesus wouldn't be sitting with you when breaking the bread, he would be sitting with those who are truly marginalized b society and ntrulyyy persecuted. That isn't going to be the ones who only think they're being marginalized and persecuted, he'll be with the ones who really are.

I'll bet my spot at Jesus' right hand for all eternity on it.

God Bless.

Did Jesus Request to be betrayed?

2006-04-06T11:22:00.000-07:00

According to a Chicago Tribune article from this morning, National Geographic has "unveiled an ancient manuscript" that "indicated that Jedas betrayed Jesus at Jesus' request."

You know, I've always wondered about that. Whenever we read the Passion in Church, I'm always thinking, "Would I have denied Jesus, like Peter?"

And, "Could I have betrayed Jesus like Judas did?" I've oftened wondered if Judas suffers in the afterlife. Afterall, if he hadn't betrayed the Son of Man, Jesus would not have died and been raised from the dead three days later.

Bishop Irenaeus of Lyon in 180A.D. actually denounced the Gospel of Judas because it didn't fit into "mainstream Christianity". He believed that it was a "fictitious story". But, could it be true?

Could it be possible that the Son of Man needed someone to betray Him, so He asked one of His disciples? Perhaps, He requested this of Judas Iscariot because He knew that of all His followers, Judas would grant His request.

I'm guessing, since the Catholic Church has made a habit of denouncing gospels with which they did not agree, the Church will again come out and denouce this manuscript.

But, maybe they shouldn't.

It is entirely possible that Judas revealed his deception to someone else prior to Judas taking his own life. It is, also, likely that the other four gospel writers knew of this and choose not to reveal it in their own manuscripts. Think about it, by requesting a betrayal, Jesus was practically committing suicide. Maybe, the gospel writers didn't want it to be known that Jesus aided in his own walk to death. Maybe, that knowledge would have been too much for the early church to bare.

Unfortunately, we probably will not learn the truth until after we have faced our own mortality and we stand face to face with Jesus.

Blessings.

My thoughts exactly....

2006-03-31T13:16:00.000-08:00

Here's a political cartoon drawn by David Horsey:
It says exactly what I've been saying all along.

Blessings

Random Thoughts...

2006-03-26T11:56:00.000-08:00

I run a blog about politics and daily life, another one the reviews webcomics and video games, one about my American Eskimo Dog, one with book reviews, one with a story I haven't finished writing and then I run this one.

This one, Jesus Said, was to be a place where I could allow my Christianity freeform and write about Church and Bible readings, etc. But, then I started other blogs and life became busy and suddenly, I no longer had time to write in this blog.

But, still visitors would trickle in one or two at a time and some would leave comments, so today, when I sat on my couch and thought about all the things I needed to do, I thought I really need to post in my blog.

Today, the readings in church included one from Saint Paul. He saids in Ephesians that we are all saved by grace. He says that works will not save us, but that God grants us our salvation based on nothing more than His love for us, so that we might not boast about our own doings.

Well, this got me thinking, I mean, Saint Paul boasts in his writings all the time about what he's done or doing and for whom he does these things. He states in Ephesians 3:1, "For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles"

What does that mean? The prisoner of Jesus Christ? Also, he sounds quite boastful just two verses later (3-4), " How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
4Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) "

And, since I'm never too keen on a lot of things Paul wrote, don't do me -- the Gentile -- any favors. I'm sure that without Paul being a prisoner of Christ, I can still find my way to grace.

But, is he right? Is it just grace that will send us to salvation?

Jesus said himself that what you do for the least of you, you do for me. Doesn't that sound like you need to do some works in order to find your way to salvation?

So, should I believe the Son of Man or Paul?

Blessings

Casper D Dog

2006-03-16T04:53:00.000-08:00

As you may or may not know, I run another blog for my American Eskimo Dog. It's just a cute little blog about his "adventures". Anyway, few weeks ago, another Eskie stopped by and left a comment. I didn't check out his blog right away, but by the time I did, I saw that the little guy is suffering from Evan's Syndrome.

So, if you're an animal lover and have a couple extra bucks to spare, please read Casper's story and donate to his medical bills.

God Bless

Friends...

2006-02-28T10:09:00.000-08:00

Last night, I'm talking with my sister-in-law, Robyn, who is married to my brother, Scott. She mentions to me that my sister-in-law, Tara, (who is married to my brother, Brian) is participating in the Breast Cancer Walk -- the one for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation -- in Chicago in September. So, Robyn tells me that Tara is planning on sending out a notice to all our family members, so I get the information together and send an email to all of my friends -- and who is the first to respond? Darren Pillsbury of Imaginary Friends. He has even offered to put a link on his site to the donation site!

Thanks so much, Darren!

So, if you would like to donate to this worthy cause in my sister-in-law's name, click this link. Or, go to the website: www.the3day.org. Click on Donate. On the left side, choose Chicago. Under Participant's Name, enter Tara Totsch and hit search. Visit the link to donate in Tara's name.

Thanks in advance!

Till next time!

The Power of Prayer

2006-01-27T14:42:00.000-08:00

Mother prays to take daughter's cancer

Janine Ackerman prayed that God would allow her to commit the ultimate sacrifice -- exchanging her life for her daughter's. Janine's daughter, Kayla, suffered from cancer for most of her life. By the time she was seven, Kayla had had nine brain surgeries. That's more than one a year.

Well, now, thanks to her mother's prayers, Kayla is completely cancer free.

Unfortunately, God held Janine to her word and she was diagnosed with stage four liver cancer. Last week, she lost her battle with the diease.

She commited the ultimate sacrifice for her child, I wonder how many of us would do the same.

Blessings

Pope Warns About Loveless Sex

2006-01-25T14:09:00.000-08:00

Not to berate Loveless Sex, but I'm positive there are plenty of married couples in loveless marriages that have sex.

Mine is not one of them.

Blessings.

The Book of Daniel...

2006-01-23T18:27:00.000-08:00

I wasn't sure if I was going to watch "The Book of Daniel". Cheryl and I record so many shows during the week and try to watch them on weekends, so I didn't want to add another show to the mix.

Then, I heard the right-wing Christians are all up in arms about this show. They are very upset that this religious family is protrayed with all their issues showing. (Where have these people been? Most of the right-wing Christians I know are just like everyone else. Meaning that they have their own problems.) Anyway, I figured if the show is getting people this upset, I need to watch it.

So, we recorded it and watched it. It was actually pretty good. A little stretching with the issues, I mean, a closeted gay son, a pot dealing daughter, a drunk wife, a promiscous son and a pill popping priest. No one has this many issues!!!!

Anyway, I like the discussions with Jesus. What's wrong with the American Family Association? They haven't even watched the show. What a bunch of hypocrites! I'll bet if I dug into their backgrounds, I'd find some gay sons, dope dealing daughters and a womanizer for a son.

In fact, I'd stake my life on it.

God Bless.

Pat Robertson

2006-01-12T08:58:00.000-08:00

Pat Robertson has finally lost his mind.  He went on his show and said, "Woe unto any prime minister of Israel who takes a similar course to appease the EU, the United Nations or the United States of America."  He went on to say that the stroke was God’s punishment for dividing His land.

The 700 Club has millions of viewers all over the globe.  Can you imagine if these people believe Mr. Robertson?

I don’t know to what God Pat Robertson is referring, because my God is not a vengeful God.  My God is a loving God who would not strike someone down because He did not follow His word.

Republican Christianity

2006-01-11T11:34:00.000-08:00

George W. Bush authorized illegal wiretaps on American citizens under the guise of security.  The argument further goes that since the calls were international calls, the wire taps were legal.

How can it ever be legal to spy on American citizens?

How can it be okay to NOT have to obtain a warrant?

Why is it okay to give up civil rights in order to be “secure”?

Further, why is this coming from an administration that is spouting Christianity at every turn?

When did Jesus spy on his disciples?

(Yeah, yeah, on the road to Emmaus where He didn’t allow them to know that He was Him, but that was sneaky, but does not constitute spying in my book (Luke 24:13-32))

Furthermore, where is the Christianity in the corruption in our government?  Show me where Jesus accepted trips and golf outings from the Jewish people in order to further their causes, like our leaders who accepted money, donations and gifts from Jack Abramoff, the lobbyist.

Where is the Christianity in that?

Why in the public forum is Christianity reduced to Pro-life (but only in the case of abortion, not in the death penalty) and sex (as in gay sex and gay marriage, which obviously leads to more sex)?

Jesus was so much more than that.

American Eskimo Dog Buttons...

2006-01-10T10:04:00.000-08:00

For a limited time, I Love My American Eskimo Dog buttons are available. If you love your Eskie (and I know you do), please buy one. Only $2.00 each and that includes shipping and handling.

Help keep the Eskie Lover site free! Buy a button today!

Is Jesus the Son of God or the Son of Joseph?

2006-01-03T08:10:00.000-08:00

According to Matthew, there are "fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ" in this Geneology of Jesus, Matthew takes us from Abraham to David to the Exile and then to Joseph and from Joseph to Jesus.

Was he correct?

No, I don't think so and I'm a little confused as to just why no one else has mentioned this.

If you believe that God is Jesus' father, than Joseph is his step-father. Which means Joseph cannot be at the end of the genology trail, Mary must be. After all, it would make sense as everyone knows that the Jewish people do not count you as Jewish unless your mother was Jewish. Hence, even though my maternal grandfather was half-Jewish (his mother was Jewish), my mother and myself are not Jewish. The Jewishness of our family stops with my grandfather.

So, if the Jewish people always traced their history via their mothers, why was Matthew trying to trace Jesus' history via his step-father?

I don't know the answers to these questions. I just form them in my mind and decided to ask.

Blessings.

I know...

2005-12-13T16:00:00.000-08:00

I know that I promised a charity a day, but I'm falling behind and haven't been able to keep up. Maybe, I should've made this promise after I found 25 charities!

Anyway, I took a Christian Test and thought I'd post the results here:

Blessings!

The Babe in Christ
You scored 48% fear of God and 56% love of God!

You have developed a reasonable sense of love and fear of God. You also have a decent grasp of Christian principles and a solid understanding of what God is all about. Most likely, you have just recently (within the last few years) decided to get serious about God and truly accept him as your lord and savior. If not, you may just be a Christian with delayed spiritual development. You have given up a few things to get closer to God and you have made a significant amount of progress in this area. For example, your friends can clearly see a marked difference between you and non-believers. However, you realize that this noticeable difference is just the beginning. Your goal is to be Christ like and you realize that you have a lot of growing to do before people will be able to look at you and see Christ. Of course, you can never be equal to Jesus, but it's possible to get very close. With prayer, determination, and sacrifice you will eventually achieve your goals. May God bless you and thanks for taking this test.

My test tracked 2 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

You scored higher than 0% on fear of God

You scored higher than 0% on love of God

Link: The Am I Like Jesus Test written by MetalliScats on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

Best Friends

2005-12-05T09:27:00.000-08:00

Best Friends Animal Society is more than just a non-kill shelter. They take care of the animals no one wants.

From their website:

"Best Friends is working with you and with humane groups all across the country to bring about a time when homeless, unwanted animals are no longer being destroyed in shelters, and when every healthy dog or cat can be guaranteed a good life in a caring home.Best Friends provides information, assistance, and training to people and grassroots groups who are looking to create no-kill communities. "

Check them out and help them give these animals a second chance.

One: The campaign to make poverty history

2005-12-04T06:34:00.000-08:00

From their website:

"WE BELIEVE that in the best American tradition of helping others help themselves, now is the time to join with other countries in a historic pact for compassion and justice to help the poorest people of the world overcome AIDS and extreme poverty. WE RECOGNIZE that a pact including such measures as fair trade, debt relief, fighting corruption and directing additional resources for basic needs - education, health, clean water, food, and care for orphans - would transform the futures and hopes of an entire generation in the poorest countries, at a cost equal to just one percent more of the US budget. WE COMMIT ourselves - one person, one voice, one vote at a time - to make a better, safer world for all."

Their Store:

The Farley Foundation

2005-12-03T08:14:00.000-08:00

Here's what the Farley Foundation is all about (taken from their website):

"It's every pet owner's worst nightmare. A beloved pet needs veterinary care, but the owner can't afford treatment. For many seniors and people with disabilities, this scenario is a sad reality.

That's where the Farley Foundation steps in.

The Farley Foundation helps sick and injured pets that belong to low-income seniors and people with disabilities.

The Foundation offers financial assistance to veterinary clinics in Ontario to help cover the cost of providing necessary veterinary care for pets belonging to seniors receiving the Federal Guaranteed Income Supplement or people with disabilities who receive the Ontario Disability Support Payment, and who cannot otherwise afford treatment for their pets."

Isn't that a worthwhile cause?

Cole Hein

2005-12-02T07:10:00.000-08:00

"Cole Hein has an undiagnosed illness that can make him stop breathing and possbily lead to his death! Cure4Cole.com is part of an international effort with the help from Lamar Outdoor advertising to find anyone with information that could help save Cole's life!"

Go to the website, read the story. There's no asking for money, just asking if you can help find a diagnosis. If you're a doctor or know one or a nurse or anyone that might have an idea, please help. If you have your own website, please post about Cole on your site. Someone, somewhere should know what's causing this.

They are asking for cards:

"Please feel free to write Cole some happy mail and let him know you were by his website. Please DO NOT SEND ANY MONEY! We are hoping to break the world's record for cards recieved (another way to get the word out about Cole)
Po Box 4096
Redwood Postal Outlet
Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
R2W 5K8"

BTW, anything in quotes is directly from the site.

Save the Children

2005-12-01T09:11:00.000-08:00

Today is World Aids Day, so in honor of it, I have decided today's charity is Save the Children.
From their website:

"Save the Children recognizes the inextricable link between the wellbeing and survival of mothers and that of their children. Research has consistently shown that when mothers have health care, education and economic opportunities, both they and their children have the best chance to survive and thrive."

Save the Children works to provide all types of care for children and families, all over the globe.

Won't you help them, just a little?

Blessings.

Rosa Parks

2005-12-01T06:04:00.000-08:00

Fifty years ago, Rosa Parks refused to move to the back of the bus. Fifty years ago, this small woman, by remaining seated, took a stand for human rights everywhere.

Please, no matter what your race, creed, religion, sexual orientation, take the time today to remember Rosa Parks. Let's try to walk in her footsteps, showing us to not stop until everyone is treated with the respect and dignity that human beings deserve.

God Bless

Charities...

2005-11-30T13:10:00.000-08:00

We're in the midst of Advent, so for the next twenty five days, I will be posting information about a different charity.

Today, I'm starting with Child's Play. This is a charity that, well, I'm just going to steal their about us:

"For the past three years, gamers and geeks around the world have raised nearly a million dollars in toys, games and cash for sick kids in Children's Hospitals across the globe through a grassroots charity called Child's Play.

Created by Penny Arcade, no "Administrative Fees" or other nonsense is collected; all gifts and donations go directly to the hopitals for distribution to sick kids."

They even make it easy for you by directly shipping the items you purchase on Amazon.com directly to the hospital.

Please check them out and donate what you can. Remember, Jesus said, "What you do for the least of you, you do for me." You'd really be making a difference in a sick kid's life.

Blessings.

Guest Blog: Not A Penny More

2005-11-29T13:28:00.000-08:00

The Republican Party under the leadership of Bush, Cheney, Frist, Delay and crew has pushed the tax burden from the wealthiest of Americans and large corporations onto the middle class. They have combined this financial assault on the middle class with huge cuts in government services for the middle class and the poor.

In order to pay for the huge tax cuts to the wealthiest of the wealthy, our nation has developed a growing, severe government debt problem. Combined with irresponsible government spending on a senseless war in Iraq and an reckless, ineffective expenditures on homeland security, the Bush Republican tax cuts for the Super Wealthy has finally produced a rebellion from both fiscal conservatives and the general public.

Rumors are being floated that some Republicans close to the Bush White House would like to eliminate the interest deduction on home mortgages from federal income tax laws. This measure would fall harshly on struggling middle class homeowners. It would badly undermine the real estate, construction and banking industries. It is not a reasonable response to the public debt crisis created by Bush Republican policies.

The middle class and the poor have made enough financial sacrifices in order to enrich the rich. These Americans should not provide one penny more as citizens, taxpayers and voters to the misguided policies of the Bush Republican elite.

Republicans in Congress and the Senate will likely be defeated in the next election unless these misguided Bush Republican priorities are quickly and completely abandoned. They are facing a taxpayer revolt that could return them to a permanent, small minority political Party.

The Wall Street interests that finance and control the Bush Republican political machine has pushed average Americans to the wall financially. Price-gouging, out-sourcing and exporting American jobs by large corporations are serious threats to middle class America. Government policy under the Bush Administration serves these same Wall Street policies and threatens middle class America equally.

The nation stands at the threshold of a dramatic choice between different views of our future. We will become a nation of a few very wealthy ruling over a huge majority of working poor if we follow the Bush Republican path. Our other choice is to remain a predominantly middle class nation dominated by middle class values like our Founding Fathers envisioned.

It is the firm belief of this writer that American citizens will side with our Founding Fathers. American Democracy is at stake along with the American Dream.

Written by Stephen Crockett (co-host of Democratic Talk Radio http://www.DemocraticTalkRadio.com ).
Mail: P.O. Box 283, Earleville, Maryland 21919. Email: midsouthcm@aol.com . Phone: 443-907-2367.

Reprinted with permission

NOT PRO-FAMILY

2005-11-24T12:49:00.000-08:00

Below is the list of co-sponsors of the anti-gay amendment. This was released by a pro-family group. First, I'd like to point out the obvious -- they are all Republicans. Second, I'd like to point out that not ONE OF THESE PEOPLE should be called PRO-FAMILY!!! Not one. Anyone who blocks someone else's ability to become a family, cannot be considered pro-family. There are over 100 rights that gay people have that they will lose if this passes. I urge all Wisconsinites to contact these un-American, non-Christian and anti-family representatives and tell them to pull their sponsorship of the anti-gay, anti-American and anti-family amendment.

Either they pull their sponsorship or you're pulling your vote...(This won't work on Cathy Stepp, she's not running next year.)

Co-sponsors included Senators Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend), Ted Kanavas (R-Brookfield), Alan Lasee (R-De Pere), Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin), Joe Leibham (R-Sheboygan), Tom Reynolds (R-West Allis), Carol Roessler (R-Oshkosh), Dale Schultz (R-Richland Center), Cathy Stepp (R-Sturtevant), and Dave Zien (R-Eau Claire) and Representatives Sheryl Albers (R-Reedsburg), Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan), Garey Bies (R-Sister Bay), Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Horicon), Stephen Freese (R-Dodgeville), John Gard (R-Peshtigo), Mark Gottlieb (R-Port Washington), Scott Gunderson (R-Waterford), Eugene Hahn (R-Cambria), J A Hines (R-Oxford), Mark Honadel (r- South Milwaukee), Michael Huebsch (R-West Salem), Jean Hundertmark (R-Clintonville), Suzanne Jeskewitz (R-Menomonee Falls), Samantha Kerkman (R-Burlington), Steve Kestell (R-Elkhart Lake), Joel Kleefisch (R-Oconomowoc), Judy Krawczyk (R-Green Bay), Rob Kreibich (R-Eau Claire), Frank Lasee (R- Green Bay), Daniel LeMahieu (R-Oostburg), Gabe Loeffelholz (R-Platteville), Thomas Lothian (R-Williams Bay), Terri McCormick (R-Appleton), Dan Meyer (R-Eagle River), Phil Montgomery (R-Ashwaubenon), Terry Moulton (R-Chippewa Falls), Jeff Mursau (R-Crivitz), Stephen Nass (R-Whitewater), Lee Nerison (R-Westby), Ann Nischke (R-Waukesha), Al Ott (R- Forest Junction), Carol Owens (R-Oshkosh), Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon), Mark Pettis (R-Hertel), Don Pridemore (R-Hartford), Scott Suder (R-Abbotsford), Debi Towns (R-Janesville), John Townsend (R-Fond du Lac), Karl Van Roy (R-Green Bay), Robin Vos (R-Racine), and Mary Williams (R- Medford).

Blessings

Friends...

2005-11-23T13:21:00.000-08:00

So, yesterday, I posted the letter that I had sent to my family and friends regarding the Anti-gay amendment. Did I receive a response? No, not one person wrote back and said, "Hey, I'll do this" or even "Hell, no, I support this amendment." Nothing, not a comment in either the positive or negative.

What the heck does that mean?

If you ask your friends for help, aren't they suppose to circle the wagons and dig in? Shouldn't they say, "Hey, I'm here." or, "I had no idea this way happening."

No, I guess not.

I'm a little surprised and disappointed. I've always responded to their causes.

Blessings.

DearFriends

2005-11-22T16:18:00.000-08:00

I sent this out to my family and friends today. I'd like to pass it on to my readers, too. Please help.
Blessings...

Dear Family and Friends,

Today, I am not sending you an email filled with jokes. I am not sending you an email with baby pictures or a cute story for you to pass on. I am sending you an email to beg you for your help.

Right now, the Wisconsin Legislature (http://www.legis.state.wi.us/) has created an Anti-Gay Marriage amendment. This amendment will assure that gays and lesbians will not be able to get married in this state, nor will they even be able to have civil unions. In fact, this amendment is so harsh that 100 current domestic partnership rights granted to straight couples will be outlawed.

For many gay people in Wisconsin, this means an end to the few rights we have – the ability to name who should make our health decisions comes to mind.

In the coming months, I am positive that you will hear a lot from the so-called Christian right. They will tell you lies to get you to vote for this amendment. They will try to convince you that this will improve Wisconsin families. All of it is a big lie.

Gay marriage does not take away any rights straight married couples have.

Gay marriage will not hurt your benefits.

Gay marriage can only strengthen families in Wisconsin.

Please Cheryl and I cannot fight this fight alone. We’ve all ready made our views known to our representatives. We need you to do the same. Please click the link to be taken to the government site where you can look up your representative. (http://www.legis.state.wi.us/) Please contact him or her and ask them NOT to vote for this amendment when it comes up for a legislative vote in January. Please, keep on top of them. Make sure they know that a vote for this amendment will result in losing your vote in November.

I wish that I could wave a magic wand and make this all go away, but I can’t. I wish that I could fight this without having to ask for help from anyone, but I can’t.

I know that I (and Cheryl, too) have the best friends in the world. I know that we can count on all of you to contact your representatives and let them know you DON’T support this amendment.

And, if I’ve missed anyone, please feel free to pass this on.

If you care anything about Cheryl and my welfare, please contact your legislator.

God Bless,

Julie

Wisconsin - Today's the Day

2005-11-21T06:06:00.000-08:00

I just wrote a terrific post regarding the Anti-gay marriage ban that the legistlature will be deciding on today. I wrote about how you shouldn't be fooled by the hatred of the right wing and how gay marriage won't harm straight marriages, etc. And, somehow, I lost it all by trying to select my whole post to change the font! The whole thing. And, of course, I was writing off the top of my head, so I didn't have any notes or anything to go by.

I'd just like to say that the right wing is wrong on this issue. Gay marriage will not hurt anyone and it would improve the lives of countless people. This is retroic it's the truth. Anyone, who would support an amendment that restricts someone else's rights, has hate in their heart. Plain and simple -- hate. That right-wing crap about love the sinner, hate the sin. That's coming from the same people who brought you "9/11 happened because of gays and lesbians" and "the hurricane hit Louisana because of gays and lesbians". Keep that in mind when you vote next November. Do you really want to throw your lot in with "those" people?

Jesus told us in Matthew what will happen during the final judgment and no where in there did He mention gays and lesbians. He did mention goats and sheep. Sheep look out for their fellow man and Goats don't. Sheep spend eternaty with Jesus and Goats are sent to the fires of Hell. (Full passage below.) You need to decide, are you going to be a Sheep or a Goat? Will you vote against a ban that will harm your fellow human beings or will you throw caution to the wind and vote for it? Will you be able to look God right in the eye and say, "Yep, I dashed the hope of gays. I destroyed their families. I made it harder for them to protect their rights as human beings."?

Well, will you?

And, when you do, just where do you think you'll be standing when its all over?

God Bless

The Final Judgement

When the Son of Man comes in his glory with all of his angels, he will sit on his royal throne. The people of all nations will be brought before him, and he will separate them, as shepherds separate their sheep from their goats.
He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, "My father has blessed you! Come and receive the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world was created. When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me."
Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, "When did we give you something to eat or drink? When did we welcome you as a stranger or give you clothes to wear or visit you while you were sick or in jail?"
The king will answer, "Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me."
Then the king will say to those on his left, "Get away from me! You are under God's curse. Go into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels! I was hungry, but you did not give me anything to eat, and I was thirsty, but you did not give me anything to drink. I was a stranger, but you did not welcome me, and I was naked, but you did not give me any clothes to wear. I was sick and in jail, but you did not take care of me."
Then the people will ask, "Lord, when did we fail to help you when you were hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in jail?"
The king will say to them, "Whenever you failed to help any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you failed to do it for me."
Then Jesus said, "Those people will be punished forever. But the ones who pleased God will have eternal life." (Matthew 25:31-46)

Anti-Gay Amendment

2005-11-18T15:35:00.000-08:00

"Yesterday, State Senator Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) and Representative Mark Gundrum (R-New Berlin) began asking lawmakers to cosponsor the amendment. The deadline for cosponsors is this Monday, November 21st." stated an email I received from the Human Rights Campaign.

Really? First, this is no surprise. The Republicans want to get this on the ballet in Nov. They want to secure a huge right-wing turnout in the 2006 election. They're hoping that this issue will be the one that will bring back a Republican Governor to this state.

Second, this amendment will ban civil unions -- completely. The supporters kept claiming that it wouldn't, but it will. Now, they're even admitting it. Do not be fooled by the instigators... First, this is only an issue because it is volatile, because it angers people. Otherwise, the right wing could care less. Example, Bush promised a National amendment, got elected and it went away. Second, this is hatred, plain, simple in you face hatred. Anyone and I mean anyone who would support an amendment banning one group of people from having the same rights as another group of people are filled with unmitigated hatred. Don't let them fool you. They hate gays. Deep down inside, they really hate gay people. They have even fooled themselves. Finally, don't even let them start to tell you that this is what God wants. God doesn't give a rat's ass if Gay people are allowed to marry -- He doesn't -- and if He does, may He strike me dead right now as I post this. May I die a horrible death while at my keyboard.

I'm still here.

Finally, contact your representatives, let them know that you elected them to lead this state, not to follow a hate-filled agenda.

Let's take back Wisconsin from the narrow minded, backwards, non-Christian and hate-filled people. Let's give it back to the people, you and me.

Make sure you contact your representatives and let them know just how you feel.

Blessings.

Are we a Christian Nation?

2005-11-10T15:31:00.000-08:00

With the Wisconsin's legistlature's desire to legislate morality and the idea that America is to be a Christian nation, I thought I should discuss this overzealous movement. First, I have nothing against the idea that America is a Christian nation -- none whatsoever. Because I believe that we can live with the Christian ideals that Jesus laid out for us and still have religious freedoms. Where I disagree with the religious fundamentalists in this country is when they wish to pick and choose how they will follow Christ.

In Mark 12, Jesus is asked by the scribes, "Which is the first of all the commandments?" Jesus replied, "... You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength."¹

Have you ever met a so-called religious fundamentalist? I don't mean seen one on TV, I mean up close and personal. Have you looked in their eyes? I can honestly say that I have seen their eyes and they are full of hate and loathing for those they wish to "save". A few years ago, I went to a gay pride fest and I met one of these so-called followers of God. I could see the hate in his eyes. I wonder how you love your Lord and God with your heart, soul, mind and strength when you are filled with so much hatred for your fellow man. Can you carry around hate and still love God?

And, it isn't just the anti-gay people who carry around hatred for their fellow citizen. Ever talk to a church going racist? There are many of them who can point to biblical passages on why the races shouldn't intermingle. Please don't think the Christian racist is a breed which has died out -- they haven't, they're just quieter now.

Further in the same passage, Jesus said, "The second [commandment] is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' "² When are you showing that you love your neighbor when you don't support social programs that will give your neighbor a helping hand? When are you showing love of your neighbor when you sign into law a program that makes it harder for people to file for bankruptcy -- especially when 50% of bankruptcies are caused by medical bills and approx. 30% are caused by job loss? How is that loving your neighbor?

How is supporting a Social Security plan that will leave many worst off, loving your neighbor? How is supporting legislation that denies rights to a specific group because you don't agree with the way they were born, loving your neighbor?

Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me."³

If we do not properly educate our young...

If we do not reach out a helping hand to those less fortunate...

If we do not stand together to support and love one another, we are denying the existence of Jesus' greatest commandments.

If we support tax cuts that only benefit 1 or 2% of our nations citizens, we are not doing for the least of Jesus' people.

And, that does not make us a Christian nation.

Blessings.

1. Mark 12:28 - 30. Quoted from New American Bible
Catholic Book Publishing Co, New York 1992
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2. Mark 12:31. Quoted from New American Bible
Catholic Book Publishing Co, New York 1992
{Return}
3. Matthew 25:40. Quoted from New American Bible
Catholic Book Publishing Co, New York 1992 {Return}

Email

2005-11-03T09:21:00.000-08:00

This is an email I received this morning:

THE LAW IS THE LAW !
This is one of the better e-mails I have received in a long time! I hope this makes its way around the USA several times over!!!!! So Be It!

THE LAW IS THE LAW

So if the US government determines that it is against the law for the words "under God" to be on our money, then, so be it.

And if that same government decides that the "Ten Commandments" are not to be used in or on a government installation, then, so be it. I say, "so be it," because I would like to be a law abiding US citizen.

I say, "so be it," because I would like to think that smarter people than I are in positions to make good decisions.

I would like to think that those people have the American public's best interests at heart.

BUT, YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE I'D LIKE?

Since we can't pray to God, can't Trust in God and cannot post His Commandments in Government buildings, I don't believe the Government and its employees should participate in the Easter and Christmas celebrations which honor the God that our government is eliminating from many facets of American life.

I'd like my mail delivered on Christmas, Good Friday, Thanksgiving & Easter. After all, it's just another day.

I'd like the "US Supreme Court to be in session on Christmas, Good Friday, Thanksgiving & Easter as well as Sundays." After all, it's just another day.

I'd like the Senate and the House of Representatives to not have to worry about getting home for the "Christmas Break." After all it's just another day.

I'm thinking that a lot of my taxpayer dollars could be saved, if all government offices & services would work on Christmas, Good Friday & Easter. It shouldn't cost any overtime since those would be just like any other day of the week to a government that is trying to be "politically correct."

In fact....

I think that our government should work on Sundays (initially set aside for worshipping God...) because, after all, our government says that it should be just another day....
What do you all think????

If this idea gets to enough people, maybe our elected officials will stop giving in to the "minority opinions" and begin, once again, to represent the "majority" of ALL of the American people.

SO BE IT...........

Please Dear Lord, Give us the help needed to keep you in our country!

'Amen' and 'Amen'

Touche!

These are definitely things I never thought about but from now on, I will be sure to question those in government who support these changes. At the top, it says "I hope this makes its way around the USA several times over!!!!!"

Let's see that it does. Keep it in your mailbox and resend it whenever someone new comes along.

Reply...

2005-11-03T09:20:00.000-08:00

Below is my reply to the email:

Point One: If the government is required to work on Sundays, just what day of the week should they get off? We would have to pay government employees overtime for going over 40 hours a week.

Point Two: Thanksgiving is NOT a religious holiday.

Point Three: If you make government employees work on religious holidays, then big business will decide that it is okay to make everyone work on religious holidays. I for one have spent time working on Christmas and Easter when I would rather be with my family.

Point Four: The Under God part of the pledge wasn't added until 1954, so if they remove it, we're not banning some long held tradition. As a point of fact, the pledge didn't even exist until the beginning of the last century.

Point Five: Email such as this only serves to upset people on both sides of the God talk and it clogs up email boxes when the readers could be doing work in God's name, as oppose to sending out inflammatory emails.

God Bless

Under God

2005-11-03T09:13:00.000-08:00

But, those five points are not all I have to say on the subject.

Jesus said, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things which are God's." (Matthew 22:21).

What Jesus didn't say was that all things are God's. Everything from the birds in the sky to the grass on the ground to you and me. We are all God's creation and we all belong to Him. So, does it matter -- and does God care -- whether we say "One nation under God" or we don't? Whether we say the words "under God" or we leave them out, this is still a nation under God, isn't it?

Our founding father's wanted us to leave God out of it and why? Because having God involved in our nation opens the government up to being ruled by one religion and leaving religion being ruled by our government.

I happen to believe that we are NOT a Christian nation. That is to say, we have Christians in our midst, but as a whole, we do not act in a Christian manner. Despite how some of my fellow Christians feel, we will not be a Christian nation until we follow Jesus's teachings. (By definition, a Christian is a follower of Christ Jesus.)

Until we heal our sick, help our poor, work for peace, ensure justice to all and end both abortion AND the death penalty, we do not deserve to be called a Christian Nation.

Until that time comes, we will just be a nation that includes some Christians.

Welcome

2005-11-02T09:35:00.000-08:00

Last night, as I was listening to the gospel reading, I thought about how I could create a blog where I could list Jesus's sayings and my interpretation of them. Or, maybe just list the sayings.

Anyway, society in general has been giving a lot of lipservice lately to the idea that America is a Christian nation. When I say lipservice, I mean that we're talking the talk, but not walking the walk. I think being reminded of what Jesus Said might make a difference in how we begin to live our lives.

So, a little about me.

At the age of 17, I came out and struggled for a very long time with my sexuality and with my relationship with God and Jesus. At the age of 29, I became Catholic -- not converted, because you would have to belong to another religion to convert and I didn't. I have, for the past 9 years, been very involved with the Catholic Church. I've taught both 2nd and 6th grade religious education classes. I've served on the school board for my local parish school. I sing in the choir and most recently, I have become a reader, Eucharist minister and a cantor. (I've been busy.)

I've completed a lot of Bible study on my own. If I could, I would read the actual Greek translations. I, also, do not believe that the Holy Bible is the end all and be all for the teachings of Christ. I believe that the Gospel of Thomas, as well as other writings that didn't make the Biblical cut are just as important.

Blessings