Can everybody be saved?

Cause Way Thursday
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STROKE: Remember The 1st Three Letters

If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks.
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STROKE IDENTIFICATION:
During a BBQ, a woman stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics);.....she said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening.

Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - at 6:00 pm Ingrid passed away. She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. Some don't die.... they end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

It only takes a minute to read this...
A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke... totally. He said the t rick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE
Thank God for the sense to remember these steps, STR . Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke .

No w doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
S * Ask the individual to SMILE.
T * Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)
(i.e. It is sunny out today)
R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 999/911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

Stick out Your Tongue
Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue.. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other , that is also an indication of a stroke.

A cardiologist says if everyone who reads this sends it to 10 people, you can bet that at least one life will be saved.

Somebody lost the 'Press Release' - the MEDIA were a 'no-show'

The Way Wednesday
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PRI RELEASES GROUNDBREAKING VIDEO
by Colin Mason

On January 22nd, 2008, PRI’s camera crew was at the March for Life, documenting what the secular media consistently refuses to cover. While we were there, we noticed an incredible amount of young pro-lifers, bringing their spirit of joy, hope, and energy to the event.

Feminist organizations keep insisting that pro-lifers are not connecting with America’s youth, and that our message is old and out-of-touch. We decided to prove them wrong by focusing our video almost solely on pro-life youth at this year’s March for Life, and letting them speak for themselves.

The results were nothing less than extraordinary. We were impressed by the vigor, the intelligence, and the courage that these youth displayed in their univocal support for the pro-life cause. They were frankly astonished that pro-choicers felt so confident about their grip on young minds, and they said as much to us.
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[5:19]

'CLICK' on the above > and witness reality
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As far as we know, we at PRI are the first pro-lifers in the history of the movement to conduct this kind of research at the March for Life.

Watch PRI’s groundbreaking work and discover why Steven Mosher, PRI’s president, has said: “anybody who thinks that Roe vs. Wade will not be overturned soon should watch this video. The future voters of America are pro-life.”

Colin Mason is the Director for Media Production at PRI.

in the presence of angels

Vid Way Tuesday
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This is an exciting version of the prayer to Mary. I've not heard this style of this hymn before. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
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[1:28]

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'CLICK' on the above > and listen to the rich vocal harmonies of these young ladies

Baby, oh baby!

Your Way Monday
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Choosing Life at the Movies

2007 could be remembered as the Year of Pro-Life Cinema.

Mark Moring | posted 1/22/2008 in Christianity Today e-zine
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the below is a condensed version of the article. [Read entire article 'here']
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To some, it was a year of war movies and "statement" flicks—including In the Valley of Elah, Lions for Lambs, and Rendition. But others noticed a different trend: In some ways, 2007 was the Year of Pro-Life Cinema.

From the church-friendly Bella to the raunchy Knocked Up, film after film depicted its main character facing an unplanned pregnancy and opting not for abortion, but for carrying the unborn child to term. Children of Men kicked off the year with a dystopian sci-fi tale in which Earth's entire population is infertile; no babies have been born in 18 years. In Waitress, Keri Russell plays Jenna, who ends up with an unwanted pregnancy from her abusive husband. Knocked Up is an R-rated comedy that's as crass as it gets, making it the year's most unlikely "pro-life" film.

The tender Bella celebrates friendship, family, and, most of all, life. In August Rush, Keri Russell plays another mom facing an unplanned pregnancy, this time as a single woman. Capping off the year was Juno, featuring Ellen Page as the title character—a whip-smart teen with an unplanned baby growing inside. What's more, Waitress, Knocked Up, August Rush, and Juno all prominently feature ultrasound images showing the child at various stages of development—powerful images that in real life have helped many young mothers decide against abortion and choose life instead.

Has Hollywood Gone Pro-Life?
Does this all add up to a Hollywood "trend"? Have Tinseltown's filmmakers, oft regarded as liberals and frequently blasted as purveyors of immorality, gone pro-life? It at least represents some changing perspectives and plot lines. Gerard Baker of London's Times said this about Knocked Up and Waitress: "While most women in real life will choose to have an abortion in these circumstances, neither film features any consideration of a termination. … This has some feminists outraged."

While several Christians in the industry applaud the pro-life choices depicted in these films, they're reluctant to call it a trend. "There's no question that after a polarizing 30-year battle over issues like abortion, we're seeing a new environment in Hollywood and in the culture in general," says filmmaker and media guru Phil Cooke. Rob Johnston, professor of theology and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary, notes that with the exception of Bella, these films aren't being made by Christians. " The church cannot take credit for this newfound interest [in pro-life storylines]," says Johnston, author of Reframing Theology and Film.

Craig Detweiler, Johnston's colleague at Fuller and author of A Matrix of Meanings: Finding God in Pop Culture, says the "trend" may simply be a reflection of good storytelling principles—especially in comedies like Knocked Up. "Comedies almost always end with weddings and births," says Detweiler.

Sister Rose Pacatte, director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies, was especially struck by the pro-life themes beneath the muck and persistent f-bombs of Knocked Up. "Knocked Up speaks the language of today to the people of today," says Pacatte. "Sometimes Christians judge a movie to be 'anti-life' on the face of it, but if they enter the story, they may find something completely life-affirming."

Original, perhaps, but is it countercultural? "There is a general impulse in screenwriting to go against the grain," says Brett McCracken, a film critic for ChristianityTodayMovies.com. Whatever is driving Hollywood's writers and filmmakers, it's good to see more movies affirming the sanctity of life.

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Got teens in the house? Lead them to truth. CS-2

My Way Sunday
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This project in case studies started with yesterday's 'sample'. I hope you're ready - I think this one is much more challenging. Occasionally, some of these case studies you will be loaded with controversy. As you examine these, be sure to allow for differences of opinion.

Be aware that some topics will bring out responses you may not have anticipated. Be ready! Anticipate!

What you, thinking ahead, think would be 'wrong' responses can be a 'teaching' moment. Ask questions that guide thought. Be prepared to find resources that explain more completely the issues at hand.

Ready?

Set?

Go!
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Following-up from yesterday's sample case, we are again going to talk about abortion.

Note: The characters in this case are middle 20's
Janet had been living out of wedlock with Tom for two years. She loves Tom very much. The past few weeks Janet had been attending a church where she had first become a Christian and then a church member. Tom was not interested in church, but he didn't mind if Janet wanted to go.

One evening after a long talk with her pastor, Janet came home and told Tom' We either have to get married immediately, or one of us needs to move out." Tom reluctantly chose marriage.

A few months after the wedding Janet became pregnant. A few days after finding out she was pregnant she was told she had cancer. Her doctor recommended an abortion.

Janet decided to talk with her pastor about her situation. He suggested that she get another opinion from a doctor who was a Christian. The second gynecologist said, "if you don't have an abortion, we can't give you chemotherapy. We can't guarantee you'll live for more than two years without chemotherapy."

Tom insisted that Janet get an abortion. Janet was unsure. She sought the advise of more doctors. Five out of seven strongly advised abortion. Janet decided to carry the baby. She believed God would protect her.

After making this difficult decision, Janet sought out a life-long friend for support, wisdom, and encouragement.
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1. How would you feel about Janet's decision to keep the baby?

2. How would you feel if you were Janet? Her husband?

3. If you were the friend Janet turned to, what could you say or do to be a support to her?

4. What do you think is God's part in this whole story?
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Cases Originally Copyrighted by Jim Burns 1987 - permission granted to use in work with teens.
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There are many 'feelings' that surface when we look at issues like this. Pray for guidance as you review the issues in this particular case study. God be with you!
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FYI - next week's case will look at an alcoholic mother
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Got teens in the house? Lead them to truth. CS-1

Any Way Saturday
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Case studies are tools that can bring biblical principles to life. Today, Saturday, I am going to give a sample case for you to read and review and think about. Tomorrow, Sunday, I will have another Case for you to study. It will be the first in a series of such studies which I will present on subsequent Sundays. Various topics will be covered.

If you use these in a family setting with teenagers, be aware of certain dynamics that develop. Girls will see and think about things very differently than will your boys. When using these, someone should first read the Case aloud to the others. Then the questions can be discussed.
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Fitting in with the events of this past week, today's topic is: Abortion

Update FYI addition: Linda and Jerry in this case are High School seniors.
When Linda told Jerry she was pregnant he was stunned. He felt horrible. He felt responsible and really didn't know what to do. His options weren't very attractive.

You see, Jerry had been waiting for weeks to tell Linda that he didn't love her and that he wanted to break off their relationship. He simply didn't know how to tell her. He had lingered in the relationship because he had felt so guilty about their sexual promiscuity and Linda's dependent, almost helpless attitude toward him. Jerry knew Linda would probably follow any advise he gave her concerning the pregnancy.

Since Jerry wanted out of the relationship, the easiest thing to suggest was abortion. He could even offer to pay for it. Adoption or keeping the baby would only complicate and confuse the situation.

Jerry's conscience gnawed at him because before this happened he was definitely opposed to abortion. Now he wasn't sure.

1. What would you say to Jerry?

2. Is the Christian answer to marry and try to work out the relationship? Why or why not?

3. What would be Linda's options if Jerry broke off the relationship?

4. What can people do to prevent situations like this one from happening?

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Now, get ready for tomorrow when we'll try it again.
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Cases Originally Copyrighted by Jim Burns 1987 - permission granted to use in work with teens.

Miss me? Sorry, no breaks before, during, or after

Heart Way Friday
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On this date:
in 1915, the inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell, inaugurated U.S. transcontinental telephone service. (Go to article.)
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R&B singer Alicia Keys turns 27 years old today.
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in 1879, Harper's Weekly featured a cartoon about military spending by Congress. (See the cartoon and read an explanation.)

coincidental tag?

Cause Way Thursday
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TAGGED
I've been tagged by Adrienne of Adrienne's Catholic Corner.
Rules:
1. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages).
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people.

The nearest book to me was, Finding Black and White in a World of Grays - MAKING CHOICES, Practical Wisdom for Everyday Moral Decisions, by Peter Kreeft.

On the unhappy 2nd day after the anniversary of Roe v Wade, this is what I found by following the above directions:

"...The second was childless and eager to adopt. But the first woman paid a healer to kill her child even though the childless woman said to her, 'Please do not kill your child. If you don't want her, I do.' "

Now, how's that for a passage coincidental to the calendar of events this week?

I tag:
The first 5 responders.
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let's get it right, shall we?

The Way Wednesday
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“Jane Roe” Endorses Ron Paul on Roe v. Wade Anniversary
You can read the statement by 'clicking' on the above headline.
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EXCERPT from:

Global Warming and Pagan Emptiness Cardinal George Pell on the latest hysterical substitute for religion.

Interview by Michael Gilchrist
January 2008 in The Catholic World Report
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CWR: You are one of very few public figures in this country to express open skepticism about man-made climate change and its alleged long-term effects. What is your reading of the scientific evidence for climate change? What is the basis of your skepticism?

Cardinal Pell: I am certainly skeptical about extravagant claims of impending man-made climatic catastrophes. Scientific debate is not decided by any changing consensus, even if it is endorsed by political parties and public opinion. Climate change both up and down has been occurring, probably since earth first had a climate.

Science is a process of experimentation, debate, and respect for evidence. Often it is dealing with uncertainties rather than certainties, and so its forecasts and predictions can be spectacularly wrong. We must not ignore evidence that doesn't suit our cause. Long-term weather forecasting is a notoriously imprecise exercise.

In the 1970s some scientists were predicting a new ice age because of global cooling. Today other scientists are predicting an apocalypse because of global warming. It is no disrespect to science or scientists to take these latest claims with a grain of salt. Commitment to the scientific method actually requires it.

Uncertainties on climate change abound. Temperatures in Greenland were higher in the 1940s than they are today, and the Kangerlussuaq glacier there is not shrinking but growing in size. While the ice may be melting in the Arctic, apparently it is increasing in extent in the Antarctic. Overall world temperatures have not increased since 1998 according to the statistics—whatever the case might be in particular locations.

[Read entire article 'here']
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Movies for the Next Generation by Elise Ehrhard

January 22, 2008 on www.InsideCatholic.com
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2007 saw a flurry of secular films that were unabashedly pro-life in their outlook, even when they were far from family fare. Movies such as Waitress; the raunchy, R-rated Knocked Up; Bella; and Juno all achieved measures of success with mainstream moviegoers, from the little independent surprise Bella (which was marketed to church-goers) to the blockbuster Knocked Up.

Their success was no fluke. Writers and producers today understand that any unexpectedly pregnant character in their films must choose life, if the movie is to be successful with young audiences (their most important demographic).

Not only do these films portray life as a beautiful choice; many also mock the abortion mentality for laughs. In Knocked Up, the pregnant woman's unsupportive mother tries to convince her daughter to have an abortion by citing a relative who became pregnant and "had it taken care of." The mother then adds, "And you know what? Now she has a real baby." The audience responds with nervous laughter, recognizing the woman's self-delusion about the "realness" of the aborted child.

Juno, a film Washington Post reviewer Desson Thomson praised for its "euphemism-busting candor," is even more refreshing in it honesty about abortion. Frequently in film, abortion advocates are portrayed as compassionate characters -- the only ones who really care about the young mother. Yet in Juno, the vulgarity and bitterness that is so much a part of the abortion-rights movement is personified in the receptionist Juno encounters at an abortion clinic. She is crass in her attitude toward sex as she tosses a flavored condom at Juno, only helping to cement Juno's misgivings about the procedure she's considering. [read entire entry 'here']
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Happy UN-birthday

Vid Way Tuesday
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It didn't start here, but it certainly became legal here and then. Many believe that we have no right to 'play God' - others believe they alone have the right to procreate and then destroy another's life being formed within them.

The United States Supreme Court agreed with those who wanted to be able to choose for themselves, including the right to take that life within. Can we, who expect to one day stand before the Judge of all mankind, hold firm to the belief that says we can take innocent life for any reason at all?
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(2:54)

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'CLICK' on the above > and ask, "Where do I stand?"
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On this date

in 1973, the Supreme Court handed down its Roe vs. Wade decision, which legalized abortion. (Go to article.)
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Actor John Hurt turns 68 years old today.
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in 1887, Harper's Weekly featured a cartoon about New York City's government. (See the cartoon and read an explanation.)

finding myself

Your Way Monday
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Catholic Carnival 155 is up and running!
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Baptism by the Holy Spirit is the experiential way to know God. Have I really experienced God?

A commentary by:
Saint Nicholas Cabasilas (c.1320-1363), Greek lay theologian
Life in Christ, II, 75f. (cf. SC 355, p.203)

“The Bridegroom is with them”

We have two ways of knowing an object: the knowledge we can get through hearsay but also that which we can acquire for ourselves. By the first means, we do not make contact with the object itself but grasp it through words, as in an image…; having direct experience of an object, on the other hand, means encountering it at first hand. In this second sort of knowledge, the form of the object seizes the soul and awakens its desire...

This is how the New Covenant differs from the Old: formerly it was a word that taught men; today it is Christ in person who, in an inexpressible way, prepares and forms men’s souls. If the teaching of the Law had been sufficient to lead man to his destination, such extraordinary acts as that of a God become man, who was crucified and died, would not have been necessary. The same thing is true of the apostles, our forefathers in the faith. They had listened to the Saviour’s teaching, the words from his mouth; they had seen his miracles and all that he bore for mankind’s sake; they had seen him die, rise again and return to heaven. They knew all about these things and yet they manifested nothing new or generous or truly spiritual until they had been baptised by the Holy Spirit… Only then was a true desire for Christ kindled within them and, through them, in others.
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On this Date

in 1924, Russian revolutionary Vladimir Ilyich Lenin died at age 54. (Go to article.)
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Opera singer Placido Domingo turns 67 years old today.
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in 1865, Harper's Weekly featured a cartoon about public safety. (See the cartoon and read an explanation.)

My Way Sunday
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Weekends sometimes fill the clock more fully than other days. This was a travel weekend. Left home 7:30am Saturday morning; returned home 7:30pm Sunday evening. Aside from the fact that the NFC Championship game was then in full swing, I was tired and had committed to my wife to stay away from the computer. The result was no posts for Sunday.

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Skewer until well-done

Any Way Saturday
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Where will it end? Or, will it ever end? The links below tell quite a story. There is a current raging movement of Christianophobia: Irrational fear or hatred of Christians.

• Canadian Catholic magazine faces 'Human Rights Commission' for opposing homosexuals
• British Court Rules Airline can Censor Cross worn by Employees
• Amendment to protect free speech of British Christians defeated

Even a spokesman for the Vatican conceded this to be the case. Vatican officials, including Archbishop Dominique Mamberti of the Vatican Secretariat of State, have supported the recognition of the term and acknowledge the phenomenon.
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We are all walking around with a collection of concentric circles on our back - we are targets for everybody. Even National Public Radio (NPR) got in on the act.
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dateline
SALT LAKE CITY (CNA) - A January 7 public radio skit that made disparaging remarks about the Eucharist while attacking Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee. In the radio skit, a man’s voice then says:

“Tired of bland unsatisfying Eucharists? Try this Huckabee family favorite. Deep-Fried Body of Christ--boring holy wafers no more. Take one Eucharist. Preferably post transubstantiation. Deep-fry in fat, not vegetable oil, ladies, until crispy. Serve piping hot. Mike likes to top his Christ with whipped cream and sprinkles. But his wife Janet and the boys like theirs with heavy gravy and cream puffs. It goes great with red wine.”

After the outrage among Catholic listeners became apparent, an official from Public Radio International, the parent organization that carries the radio show, contacted the Catholic League. The official said that the offensive skit was pulled from the company’s website and that an on-air apology was given.

Get that? AFTER the skit aired and people complained, they said they were 'sorry'.
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Why are Catholics so thin-skinned anyways?
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Yesterday, I had a conversation with a construction consultant at a local 'big-box' DIY store regarding materials costs for a project in which I may be involved in the near future. As conversations sometimes go, this one drifted off topic. He began telling me of some church mission experiences in which he has been involved over the years. I tried to be a polite listener, finding his tales interesting, and we were standing in a very public space at a counter in the store. Most of the efforts had been in various Caribbean Island locations.

I mentioned I had recently met a Catholic priest from Haiti who was now in the USA doing graduate work at a University here. His response wasn't one of interest, though. His response was almost hateful. He responded that the Catholic Church was the biggest obstacle the groups he missioned with had to face in the various islands. "They're a bunch of idolaters!" he stated. "And they go around trying to get other Christians to worship statues of Mary with them. It is really confusing to the people, who are so poor and in need of our assistance. Mary needed salvation just like the rest of us; she was human, and they want to make some kind of god out of her."

I commented that Catholics don't worship statues. He insisted he knew otherwise, because he had talked to a number of these superstitious ignorant Catholics while he was there. They had told him that they prayed to Mary, embodied in the statue. I think there was something lost in the translation.

Before we got into a verbal tete-a-tete, he quickly decided to get back on topic and talk about the project again. I left wondering how many people are infected by some ignorant view of Catholicism they got from some ignorant Protestant pastor, or some ignorant Catholic.
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On this date

in 1937, millionaire Howard Hughes set a transcontinental air record by flying his monoplane from Los Angeles to Newark, N.J., in 7 hours, 28 minutes and 25 seconds.. (Go to article.)
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Country singer-actress Dolly Parton turns 62 years old today.
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in 1884, Harper's Weekly featured a cartoon about trade policy. (See the cartoon and read an explanation.)

COLD BLOOD in cold hearts

Heart Way Friday
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The story is the same. It doesn't matter if it is Indianapolis IN, or Washington DC, or Los Angeles CA. Innocent people are being murdered - men, women, children. The devil is on the lose. Some of these possessions are through drugs and alcohol - some are in psychological problems. The result is the same.

Tuesday in Indianapolis, the news was all about 2 young mothers and two baby children - shot to death by a then unknown shooter. The Indianapolis Star newspaper quotes the local sheriff as saying, "We’re not going to stop until we find you and put you in a cage where you belong. There’s a special place in hell for you, and we’re going to see that you get there.” The murders have touched the hearts of the city. Tips are coming in from unexpected sources. The combined efforts fo several law enforcement agencies are working to find the killer(s).

The mother of the boyfriend of one of the young mothers says, “They’re cruel. That’s the devil in somebody. How could you just shoot a 4-month-old baby and a (22)-month-old baby like that? They were good people. How could they do that?”
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Where is our heart? Where is our soul? Where is our conscience?

A local pastor commented "I doubt we can ever transform society enough to recognize every person who is descending into mental illness, paranoia, or who is hearing voices, or has a huge chip on his shoulder, or is a sociopath, and get them help or get them to cooperate with help once their need is recognized. And we have few mechanisms for locking dangerous people away or forcing them into treatment before they have actually done anything threatening others. "

Are you ever afraid in the city or neighborhood you live in? ...or work in? ...or go to school in? ...or go to church in? ...or shop in?

What can society do to stop this senseless violence?
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On this date

in 1912, English explorer Robert F. Scott and his expedition reached the South Pole, only to discover that Roald Amundsen had gotten there first. (Go to article.)
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Actor Kevin Costner turns 53 years old today.
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in 1862, Harper's Weekly featured a cartoon about New York City's government. (See the cartoon and read an explanation.)

Autism: something to Rap about - LISTEN!

Cause Way Thursday
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Most of us know or have encountered special needs people. They are around us in all different kinds of circumstances. Talk to them and their families. Learn the issues. Help their cause.
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'CLICK' on the above > and listen closely
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For more information on autism, go to "Autism Speaks".
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On this date

in 1893, Hawaii's monarchy was overthrown as a group of businessmen and sugar planters forced Queen Liliuokalani to abdicate. (Go to article.)
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Actor James Earl Jones turns 77 years old today.
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in 1863, Harper's Weekly featured a cartoon about the Civil War. (See the cartoon and read an explanation.)

Old versus new - full circle

The Way Wednesday
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St. Ignatius, pray for us.
Many of us have benefited greatly from the spiritual direction we received by practicing the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. St. Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits, an order dedicated to evangelization and loyal to the Pope and Magesterium of the Church.

In recent years, the Jesuits have been decreasing in numbers. Within the Church, some place the blame directly on the 'drifting' they've noticed in Jesuit practice and theology. Recently, Rome has been talking to them in very strong and direct terms. Recent comments have, in effect, told them to get back in line. So much good has been done by the Jesuits over the centuries, that it is hard to imagine them being in the condition they find themselves today.
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Bring it on
Right down the road from me, about 70 miles or so, an exciting conversion is taking place. Greensburg IN is once again looking forward to a population boom. St. Mary Catholic Parish is getting ready for it. The Diocesan Newspaper, the Criterion, tells it this way.
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GREENSBURG, Ind. (The Criterion) - Eighty families in a small farming and railroading community in south central Indiana gathered together as one to leave behind a legacy.

PART OF A NEW LEGACY - Anthony Treash, a third-grade student at St. Mary School in Greensburg, leaves his “lasting impression”

Families of Irish and German descent, bound together by their Catholic faith, sacrificed their time, talent and treasure to build what would become St. Mary Parish in Greensburg, the largest church and congregation in Decatur County. That was the late 1870s and early 1880s.

Today, history is repeating itself.

Exciting times are coming to Greensburg, and St. Mary Parish is no exception. A new major auto manufacturing plant is moving to town, new construction and growth are everywhere, and change is in the air — in many ways the same kind of excitement and growth that was being experienced in the late 1800s.

You can read the whole article here.
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On this date

in 1991, the White House announced the start of Operation Desert Storm to drive Iraqi forces out of Kuwait. (Go to article.)
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St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols turns 28 years old today.
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in 1869, Harper's Weekly featured a cartoon about Indian policy. (See the cartoon and read an explanation.)

Salesman of the Year

Vid Way Tuesday
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'CLICK' on the above > and answer the ???
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Scripture tells us we are ALL expected to spread the gospel. How do you do it?
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On this date

in 1967, the first Super Bowl was played as the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League defeated the Kansas City Chiefs of the American Football League, 35-10. (Go to article.)
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Colorado Rockies left fielder Matt Holliday turns 28 years old today.
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in 1881, Harper's Weekly featured a cartoon about the Balkans. (See the cartoon and read an explanation.)

On this date

Patrick Dempsey, Actor ("Grey's Anatomy"), is 42
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in 1982 An Air Florida 737 crashed into the 14th Street Bridge in Washington, D.C., after takeoff and fell into the Potomac River, killing 78 people.
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in 1877, Harper's Weekly featured a cartoon about the Electoral College controversy. (See the cartoon and read an explanation.)

My Way Sunday
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reflections on being a Christian man, part 10
[final segment of this series]

How many times have you gone to another person and asked them to forgive you?

How many times has someone come to you and asked you to forgive them?

Forgiveness is at the heart of it all. Jesus' death on the cross was all about forgiveness. Early in Matthew's gospel I hear an admonition to put forgiveness before my giving to the Lord. In his gospel, Matthew writes in Chapter 5, verses 23-24:
23 Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you,
24 leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Later in his gospel, Matthew again highlights the importance of forgiveness by its presence in the Lord's Prayer. Chapter 6, verse 12 reads:
12 and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;

This is followed in verses 14-15 by the words:
14 If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you.
15 But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.

So Matthew, throughout, teaches us the importance of forgiveness. As a Christian man, I am bound to follow the great example that Jesus gave and taught. Matthew records another story of Jesus in Chapter 18, verses 21-25. In it I am given an example of what forgiveness might look like in practice.
21 Then Peter approaching asked him, "Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?"
22 Jesus answered, "I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.
23 That is why the kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants.
24 When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount.
25 Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt.
26 At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.'
27 Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan.
28 When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, 'Pay back what you owe.'
29 Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'
30 But he refused. Instead, he had him put in prison until he paid back the debt.
31 Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair.
32 His master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to.
33 Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?'
34 Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt.
35 So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart."

To me, all of this implies courteousness, kindness, humility, gentleness and mutual assistance. The attributes a Christian man carries in his arsenal of character traits are numerous. I need to learn them all, and recognize that forgiveness is a highly favored virtue.

And for those time when I get angry, I believe these passages suggest that I remain calm when someone offends me - remain calm, and grant forgiveness when asked for it ... hold no grudges. Sounds easy enough, doesn't it?

In an incident where I was assigning various people to tasks for an upcoming dinner, I had a test. At a planning committee meeting, only days before the event, one of the key people on the team told me he wasn't going to be in town the day of the event , and in fact wouldn't be around to finish the preparations needed for his aspect of the dinner - I blew up. It was very uncharacteristic of me, but it happened. It so affected the individual, he got up and walked out of the meeting.

After the meeting I went to his home to ask his forgiveness. To make it harder, his wife answered the door and said he wasn't available. I had to beg her to coax him into coming outside and talking with me. She did - he did - I did. It all worked out, and we're still good friends today.

You ever had to 'eat crow'? Care to tell us about it?

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On this date

Rush Limbaugh, radio talk show host, is 57
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in 1915, the United States House of Representatives rejected a proposal to give women the right to vote. (Go to article.)
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in 1861, Harper's Weekly featured a cartoon about secession. (See the cartoon and read an explanation.)

Moroni on the lose

Any Way Saturday
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Readers, note. Please keep your comments ecumenically sensitive. This blog is read by Catholics and Protestants alike. [Please read the 'Victory Rule' for commenting to the right in the side column.]

The following article is by a conservative mainline Protestant Publisher.

Advance Copy:
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Romney Candidacy Brings Mormonism to Public Scrutiny

The Wired Word for Sunday January 13, 2008

In the News

The fact that Mitt Romney is a Mormon has presented a recurring problem for the Republican presidential candidate since 29 percent of Republicans told the Harris Poll last year that they probably or definitely would not vote for a Mormon to be president. Last Sunday, The New York Times Magazine addressed that issue in an extensive article titled "What Is It About Mormonism?"

The article pointed out that, in fact, a majority of Americans have no idea what members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) -- the Mormons -- believe. While many Americans consider Mormons to be good neighbors and people of high moral values, many also have the sense that the Mormon Church, born in 1830 in the United States, has a theology that does not jibe with Christianity as understood in the mainstream churches.

The article attributed this view to several facts, including that the Mormon church once embraced polygamy (though it abandoned that practice more than a century ago) and that it has maintain a good deal of secrecy about its religious practices. What's more, when Mormon doctrines are explained, they are found on several points to be significantly different from Christianity as taught in Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox churches.

As one example of a different doctrine, the article quotes Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, who said, "God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens! That is the great secret." Mainstream Christianity, in contrast, considers God a being wholly other than what human beings are, and not simple an exalted human.

As another example, the article points out that while LDS members believe in the Bible (the King James Version only), they have further scriptures of their own -- the Book of Mormon -- which they consider "another Testament of Jesus Christ."

The article notes that Mormons today often identify themselves as "Christians." Romney, in his speech in December designed to allay concerns about his Mormon faith, stated, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of mankind." Most traditional Christians who examine LDS theology, however, argue that Mormonism is too different from historic Christianity to be included in that definition.

All of this, of course, raises questions about whether a candidate's religious faith should have any bearing on his electability. From a constitutional viewpoint, the religion of a candidate is supposed to make no difference. Yet clearly it does in the minds of some voters.

More on this story may be found at these links:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/06/magazine/06mormonism-t.html?_r=1&scp=8&sq=mormon&oref=slogin

http://pewforum.org/docs/?DocID=267

http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/9r2/9r2068.html

http://lds.about.com/od/basicsgospelprinciples/f/christians.htm

The Big Questions

1. We know that within Christian orthodoxy, there is a wide variance of emphases and practices. Catholics, evangelical Protestants, mainline Protestants and Orthodox Christians do not agree with each other on every point. Even within single denominations, there are disagreements about how Christianity should be expressed and practiced. Given that range of belief and practice, how do we know when we have strayed beyond the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints?

2. A recent editorial in The Christian Century points that in line with the Constitution, Mitt Romney has insisted that "a person should not be elected because of his faith nor should he be rejected because of his faith." Yet in his speech about his religion, he "went on to try to establish himself as an honorary evangelical. ... he said that he would not 'separate government from God.'" The editorial suggested that the candidate was trying to have it both ways, saying in effect, "You should vote for me because I share your faith; but insofar as I, as a Mormon, don't share your faith, then it's a private matter ..." What is your reaction?

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What do you think?
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Christmas Animation

Heart Way Friday
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Some days it is all I can handle to just get something up on this blog...and some days it works out OK. Here is one additional look back at the past several weeks we've been celebrating.

'CLICK' on the above > and reflect ... then go forward.
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On this date

Brad Roberts, Rock singer (Crash Test Dummies), is 44
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in 1964 The Beatles' first album in the United States, "Introducing the Beatles," was released.
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Help! I fell down and can't get up.

Cause Way Thursday
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I won't even begin to try and tell what this week has been like. The result is very little blogging.
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The following is from my good friend Claire [I do not know which day this appeared].
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A post at Washington Monthly this morning:

A pair of researchers has just published an update that compares various countries on their rates of "amenable mortality," defined as deaths that are "potentially preventable with timely and effective health care." In 1997, the United States ranked 15th out of 19 industrialized countries. So how are we doing now?

Answer: we're now 19th out of 19. The rest of the countries have improved their performance by an average of 16%, while the U.S., that well-known engine of healthcare innovation, has improved by only 4%. So now we're in last place at 110.

But there's a bright side: at least our healthcare isn't funded by the government, like it is in France. Keep that in mind if someone you know dies of preventable causes. Their odds would have been a whole lot better in Paris, but who'd want to live in a socialist hellhole like that anyway?

On this date

Nicolas Cage, Actor, is 44
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in 2005 Conservative columnist Armstrong Williams was dropped by a major syndication service because he'd accepted a payment from the Bush administration to promote the No Child Left Behind law.
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in 1871, Harper's Weekly featured a cartoon about the German empire. (See the cartoon and read an explanation.)

SUNDAY ADDENDUM

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I, uncle jim, am an ‘in-the-shop’ working and managing partner in an automotive specialty repair shop. I am commenting here on this my blog as an addendum, if you will, to a series of posts at http://adorotedevote.blogspot.com/ by the writer of that blog. You may go to that site and read the whole piece.
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Myth #1 -
Women get "taken" every time they go to a shop because they don't know anything about cars, and the shops know this so they take advantage.

MY VIEW of the reality - [concurs greatly with Adoro – see her post of 1/4/08]
IF the individual shop is one who tries to take advantage of people, they will TRY to take advantage no matter whether it is a man or a woman. IF there are more women who are less knowledgeable or are less able to project an air of self-confidence in the conversation than men, then more women will be taken advantage of than men.

IF the individual shop is honest and forthright, they are that way to all comers, not just to men or just to women – and not just to the knowledgeable and self-confident.

IF the customer doesn’t present themselves in a “Hey, I know a lot about cars, so don’t try to snow me” manner, in other words as a ‘know-it-all’, they’ll get a lot farther down the road to a good repair [even if they really do know a lot] a lot faster.

Myth #2 –
If a man handles a dispute with the insurance company or repair shop, it will be resolved.

MY VIEW of the reality - [concurs with Adoro – see her post of 1/4/08]

Myth #3 –
Insurance companies are out to screw everybody.

MY VIEW of the reality - [concurs greatly with Adoro – see her post of 1/4/08]
Insurance companies are out to make a profit – that is the nature of business. They do not usually function differently because the insured is male, or is female. They do try to protect their stockholders’ and owners’ interest. They do try to provide good service to their customers based on the terms of the contract. Individuals within the insurance company, who may be graded or rewarded based on performance [translated as ‘more profit’ or ‘lower payouts’] may make it harder for the insured to collect monies actually due them. But, that will eventually catch up with most of them because the company does not want a reputation as one who reneges on their obligations.

Caveat Emptor – read the terms of your contract. The area I’ve seen the closest to being rip-offs are some extended coverage ‘warranty insurance’ contracts. The car dealers who push these products sell these contracts, take their commission, and are off the financial hook. SOME of these products make it very difficult for the policy holder / car owner to collect for what were thought to be covered items. Read the fine print. Some of these documents are ingenious in the ways they keep you from collecting. In dealing with these companies, the repair facility then becomes an innocent by-stander in the ensuing war between the car owner and the extended coverage carrier.

Myth #4 –
Repair shops are out to screw everybody.

MY VIEW of the reality - [concurs with Adoro – see her post of 1/4/08]
Also read item #3 above. Additionally, where I work, we do sometimes see and hear horror stories about issues customers have with another repair facility. We can only give our opinion as to the needed repairs and our pricing, and have often times saved the people a bundle of money over what the other guy diagnosed and quoted. Sometimes, there are those who try to take advantage … see #3 above. Word of mouth referrals go a long way. Ask a friend who they trust. Most of our first time customers come by word-of-mouth referrals.

Myth #5 –
Men have no respect for the capacity of women to understand mechanical things

MY VIEW of the reality - [concurs with Adoro – see her post of 1/4/08]

Myth #6 –
If my car has a warranty, I have to get it fixed at the dealership.

MY VIEW of the reality - [concurs with Adoro – see her post of 1/4/08]

Myth #7 –
What about aftermarket parts? Used parts? Remanufactured parts?

MY VIEW of the reality - [which concurs greatly with Adoro – see her post of 1/4/08]
Additionally, there are actually some aftermarket parts that exceed the quality of the OEM part. Some specific parts become known in the repair industry as being deficient in design. The result is that some aftermarket company then ‘builds a better mousetrap’. Savvy repair shops use these parts whenever they can.

I will continue to follow additional posts on these topics at Adoro Te Devote’s blog and I will comment appropriately when I can.
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uncle jim