The Tinfoil Burlesque

Psychodramaturgical. In reference to the latest hate letter from the Iranian President/Puppet, Psychodramaturgical comes to mind. I don’t know if he’s on the pipe, but golly he sounds multi-dimensional. We all exist in space and time, but I think the half pint may be visiting a few rotations “X” and “Y” in his spare dimensions. Consider this an answer to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who probably wouldn’t appreciated being contracted even further to: MADnejad.

MADnejad: You are all wrong. At least Borat makes me laugh. You have called me corrupt, evil, and I take issue with that. You see, you have referred to my government that way, and here in America it is, “We, The People” who govern. Our President was not selected for us by Mullahs. You could look it up: nearly half the people voted against his gaining the office of the President. That doesn’t denote weakness in us, but strength. Even if our political beliefs divide us, we are still all Americans, and we all much prefer to live free from oppression. We do not fear our Government-can your people say the same? No wonder you are sending so much trouble over the border into Iraq. If the freedoms there were to catch on in your Iran, it would no longer be Your Iran.
I note in your letter your one-note Palestinian screed. I can almost hear you speaking in the UN General Assembly about Israel: “You know nothing at all, nor do you take into account that it is expedient for us that one Nation perish for the people, and that the whole World not fall into Chaos.”
MADnejad, you stink. Those of us who refuse to accept your fantasies as Reality are in mortal danger from you and your ilk, but guess what? Mortal danger doesn’t scare us- it is hard to terrorize those who do not fear. You are a loser because you want the world to be the way you like, instead of liking the World we have. It’s a beautiful place, and you and your Muslim buddies are trashing it with all of your Islam stuff. Without going all Hindi-Vishnu on you, we create and you destroy. But you’re missing the bigger picture. Greater than all of us is God,(not Allah) Who will take all that we do to His Creation very seriously. And if you think an elephant never forgets, wait until you’re standing in judgment before God. You are on the wrong side of history, and your future has an expiration date.
May God continue to Bless His People.

The Tinsel Burlesque

Burlesque (n)-From the French/Italian burlesco/burla: A jest, mockery. Any broadly comic or satirical imitation; derisive caricature; parody.
The most despised day of the year is now behind us; during the long torturous month ahead, be cool, be patient/long suffering, persevere and if you can, buy an iPod or other music player. Anything with headphones. The most despised day is of course the one in which Christmas music begins infesting your radio.
John 4:23,24
“23“But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. 24“God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
The verse mentions nothing about dogs barking “Silent Night”. Or Chipmunks with their Uncle Dave singing “Feliz Navidad”. Or Ozzy Osborne singing “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem”.
God is not mocked, and I’m certain that He’s not amused, either. In my church we will sing the Christ-honoring Christmas songs as we worship God together. That is Holy communing of God and His people such as Jesus mentioned in the verse above: “In spirit and in truth.” When I sing to God, in the car, at work (very quietly, as not everyone uses headphones) or at home, it is worship and praise, and it happens most every day of the year. When Buddy Hackett tells the ‘Christmas story’ with a string of expletives, when the Red Hot Chili Peppers do “Oh Holy night” it is an unholy affront. When ten thousand variations on this unholy theme regurge out of our radios for the next 30 days, it is overwhelmingly offensive.
Tinsel. Tinsel is shiny and pretty, but has no light-it only reflects the light which touches it. Christians are called to be the ’Light of the World’ which is only possible as we are lit from within, having the Holy Spirit indwell us. We should be shining brightly in a darkened world. In the analogy of the Christmas decorations, we Christians would be the bulbs strung together, and those who do not have His Spirit would be the tinsel. The tinsel looks pretty in our light, but take us away, and there’s no shine for nothing.
If you sing, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” in the next month, whether in your car accompanying Perry Como, or in a church service, or just by yourself, listen to what you’re singing:
“God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay,
Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day;
To save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray.”
We are born astray-born into sin, and singing songs from the point of view of Christians no more makes you saved than quoting Mel Brooks makes you funny.
Worship God in Spirit and in Truth. Don’t be tinsel.

Even So

Although there have been attacks and threats that have plummeted our country into a time of war and dissension, even so, I am thankful that we have a government in place that continues to bend to the will of the people to find equitable and just and noble solutions, and that we still have those who are called to lead by serving their countrymen with commitment to the sovereignty of our nation under God.

Although there are those who would like nothing better than to see the destruction of this great nation, even so, I am thankful that there are those who still love and appreciate the ideals of liberty and justice that began this country and are willing to protect its existence and the lives of their countrymen with their own.

Although there is still hunger and disease and injustice around the world and in our own country, even so, I am thankful that there are those in this country of bounty and blessing who are compelled by their compassion and concern to give time and money to organizations that try to relieve those miseries.

Although there are neighbors and friends and family who do not acknowledge the existence of God, even so, I am thankful that our country upholds the right of religious freedom so that one day, if any of them comes to the knowledge of the truth, they will be able to worship freely and without fear.

Although everyone has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and deserve nothing less than total destruction, even so, I am thankful that God has made a way of deliverance from what we deserve, by the sacrificial action of His Son on the cross, to mercifully and gracefully provide a way of eternal fellowship with Him.

Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of family and friends, both near and far, with whom we can share this day of thankfulness, and who make our lives so much more dear. Our hearts are full of gratitude for Your provision and sovereignty. Please bless us and protect us today.

le

Muslim or Martian?

Muslim or Martian?

It’s quiz time on FDW! This won’t be a fancy fill in the blank and see how many correct answers are tabulated when you click a button. Have pen and paper handy and keep score for yourselves. Think of it as being interactive with tools from an earlier generation.

Each of the statements or questions below have to do with either Martians or Muslims. Have fun!


1. “GENERAL CASEY, DO YOU HAVE AN OPINION?”
“WELL, SIR... DO WE KNOW THEY'RE HOSTILE?”

()Martian ()Muslim

2.“AN ADVANCED CIVILIZATION IS BY DEFINITION NOT BARBARIC.”

()Martian ()Muslim

3.“THEY'RE AN ADVANCED CULTURE. THEREFORE, PEACEFUL AND
ENLIGHTENED…I SUSPECT THEY HAVE MORE TO FEAR FROM US... THAN
WE FROM THEM.”

()Martian ()Muslim

4. “MR. PRESIDENT, WE MUST NOT SEND THESE PEOPLE THE WRONG MESSAGE.
WE NEED A WELCOME MAT, NOT A ROW OF TANKS.”

()Martian ()Muslim

5. WE COME IN PEACE. WE COME IN PEACE. WE COME
IN PEACE.”

()Martian ()Muslim

6. “LADIES
AND GENTLEMEN, THIS COULD BE A CULTURAL MISUNDERSTANDING… HE DID SAY THAT... "WE COME IN PEACE."

()Martian ()Muslim

7. “THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT "THAT WE TWO PEOPLES HAVE A GREAT DEAL
TO OFFER ONE ANOTHER. AND LET ME MAKE IT CLEAR, YOU HAVE NOTHING
TO FEAR FROM US. OUR CUSTOMS MAY BE STRANGE TO YOU, BUT WE MEAN NO
HARM."

()Martian ()Muslim

8. “I'M NOT GOING TO START A WAR.” “WE'RE ALREADY AT WAR,
SIR.”

()Martian ()Muslim

Okay! I’ll have the answers on the comment page. Last one there is an infidel.

Tiny Dancer

Elton John suggests banning religion:

"From my point of view, I would ban religion completely. Organized religion doesn't seem to work. It turns people into really hateful lemmings and it's not really compassionate."

Seriously. Okay, so some of his beef is with the bible, I imagine, which condemns homosexuality as sin. And as we all know, homosexuals are being tortured and put to death left and right by Christians around the world. Okay, that sarcasm was a little over the top. How about this? Christians routinely picket businesses that employ homosexuals. No? Maybe Christians regularly vandalize the homes of homosexuals? Christians harass homosexuals in their workplaces? Okay, on occasion, Christians give homosexuals disapproving looks.

I don't believe that the Book of Mormon is true. I think that every word of it is a falsehood. Any suggestion that I should embrace Mormonism as the true religion is met with a polite "no." And yet, for some reason, I don't feel compelled to suggest that we start a petition to ban Mormonism. Why? Because I believe in religious freedom. And quite clearly, Mr. John does not. He's also not very knowledgable if he believes that Christianity turns people into hateful lemmings. I wonder if he knows any. The Christians I know are the most decent, kind and charitable people I associate with. I think Christianity had a great deal to do with the abolition of slavery. It also had much to do with the civil rights movement. Now, it is concentrating much of its efforts into stopping the holocaust of unborn human beings that is happening worldwide. I think that is quite compassionate.

Sir John needs to do some research. And I don't mean from 1200 A.D. He is right about one thing, though. There is an organized religion with a lot of antagonism towards gays. Actually, antagonism is quite the understatement. Sir John might want to turn his attention toward that religion. It is pounding on his doorstep.

le

A Thousand Words

NV

Every Day

The Day For True Veterans

There are many fine tributes to our Veterans out there today, remembering those who have sacrificed and fought to keep our Nation whole and safe. Allan has a fine tribute in the Nudas Veritas folder: click the second picture, hear the song and watch the video.
Another tribute which honors out Veterans is found at:
http://www.military.com/VeteransDay/VeteransDayTribute.html
I was a peace-time veteran, but still was proud to serve. My nephew in law is a Marine in his second enlistment. Yesterday was the ’Birthday” for the US Marines, and I’m sure that he and his buddies celebrated.
And that’s at the heart of it all: We celebrate Life and honor Death, honor those who sacrificed so that we may live free. I Praise God for our Military, all branches, every member. Tomorrow in church they will ask all Veterans to stand, and we are honored to accept those thanks, that appreciation. Veterans Day can last all year long in our hearts.

Campaign Promises

Someone emailed this to me. One of those St. Peter things, which of course, is not scriptural at all, but it made me smile so here it is:

While walking down the street one day, a senator is hit by a truck and killed. His soul arrives in Heaven and is met by St. Peter at the pearly gates. "Welcome to Heaven," says St. Peter. "We seldom see a high official around these parts, so we're not sure what to do with you." "No problem, just let me in," says the senator." Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do, is have you spend one day in Hell and one in Heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."
"There's no need! I want to be in Heaven," says the senator.
"I'm sorry, but we have our rules."
And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator, the doors open, and he rides the elevator down, down, down. When the doors open again, standing in front of all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him. Everyone is very happy and in formal dress. They run to greet him, and they reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They dine on caviar and lobster and are having such a good time that, before the senator realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a big hug and waves while the elevator rises.
The elevator goes up, up, up, and the door reopens in Heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him. So 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by, and St. Peter returns."Well, you've spent a day in Hell and another in Heaven. Now, you must choose where you want to spend eternity."He reflects for a minute and then answers, "Well, I would never would have thought it, I mean Heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better satisfied in Hell."
So Saint Peter escorts him to the elevator, and down, down, down he goes into Hell.
Now, the doors of the elevator open, and he is in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags. And it's hot, hot, hot, and the odor is just horrible. Sweltering hot. Hot and miserable.
The Devil comes over to him and smoothly lays his arm around his shoulder." I don't understand," stammers the senator." The day before I was here, and there was a golf course and club, and we ate lobster and caviar and danced and had a great time. Now all there is, is a wasteland full of garbage, and my friends look miserable."
The Devil looks at the senator, smiles, and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning."

Tee hee! Why does this seem funnier when my guys didn't get elected?

le

Cool.

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." Eph. 6.13

...and carry some extra bibles in your pocket.

le

Don't Cry. It's Just the Onion.

See here.

le

ps My home internet router is down, so can't post more now. Have a wonderful day, Americans.

Shamed and Haggard

I have compassion for a fallen brother. If I were to lift up a stone to smite him, it would best drop on my own head, as I am also just a sinner, saved by Grace. I have faults and have struggled at times while on the path God has given me to walk. I have this in common with every Christian on the planet, though that doesn’t make it right to be wrong.
“14As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16
What, Me Holy? This seems impossible, given our once-fallen state. But we don’t remain fallen when we are accepted into God’s family. It’s said that when we are in Christ, no matter how dark our sins were, when God looks at us, he sees Jesus.
“1Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1-4
I am not defending Ted Haggard. Up until a few days ago, I had never heard of him. But I am not condemning him either, as I would be a hypocrite. I certainly condemn the sin, as we all should. But how can I condemn him when I am not his judge? He and his works WILL be judged, just as mine will be when I stand before God on my day of Judgment. But if I were not moved to compassion for a fallen brother, when I have been forgiven for so very much by God, I would be like the King’s servant in the parable, who had been forgiven a fortune owed to the King, but who in turn refused to forgive another servant owing him just a pittance. Ted Haggard has sinned. And asked for forgiveness. What would you say or do if you were in his church?

WHEN IS AN APOLOGY NOT AN APOLOGY?

When it sounds like this:

"As a combat veteran, I want to make it clear to anyone in uniform and to their loved ones: my poorly stated joke at a rally was not about, and never intended to refer to any troop. I sincerely regret that my words were misinterpreted… and I personally apologize to any service member, family member, or American who was offended.” This is for stating before a college audience: “Education, if you make the most of it, you study hard and do your homework and you make an effort to be smart you can do well. If you don’t, you get stuck in Iraq.”

He…regrets….that…his…words…were…misinterpreted… Doesn’t that imply that I owe him an apology? Or the thousands of military who were offended? Was Kerry the offender or are they?

Here is how to confess and right wrongs (and I borrow this liberally from “The 2959 Plan, A Guide to Communion With God” from S.S.B. Ministries):

1. Confess & Repent (admit it and have sorrow) to God
“I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance…a repentance without regret, leading to salvation.” 2 Cor. 7.9, 10

2. Accept God’s forgiveness and rejoice in freedom from the burden
“If the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8.36

3. Make it right with those offended: Confess and ask forgiveness.
“If therefore you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go your way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.” Matt 5.23, 24

Wrong approaches to asking for forgiveness:
A. Sharing blame “I sincerely regret that you can't get my joke."
B. Being vague “I sincerely regret [being]... misinterpreted"
C. Placing a doubt “It was a joke, but I apologize to anyone I may have offended.”

Right approach to asking for forgiveness:
Name the offense “I see I have been wrong in implying that the troops are stupid. Will you forgive me?” or how about even "I see that I have been wrong in implying that the President is stupid and uneducated. Will you forgive me, Mr. President?"

4. Make it right/make restitution

5. Set it right within yourself/forgive yourself and seek cleansing
“When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long…” Psalm 32.3

You're looking quite thin, Mr. Kerry.

le

11-2-06 UPDATE It's not perfect, but here is a pretty good apology. He admits shame for what he has done wrong (although he is a bit vague on what he did in this particular statement), he resigns (makes it right) and he asks for forgiveness. Of course, he was caught red-handed and there was little room for spin.) I don't know what he said to God, but I hope he apologized to Him, too.