Reading from Genesis

In today's reading, Jacob blesses his grandchildren from Joseph.  One thing of note, he asks that the angel bless the boys.  Now, as a protestant I've always felt uncomfortable with the Catholic practice of praying to saints and angels.  But, technically he's not praying to the angel.  Still, I raised an eyebrow when Jacob asked for the angel's blessing.

Break is a Blessing

Factories get a bad rap often.  I was just thinking of how nice it is to have a Christmas break.   Lots of people are forced to work the stretch between New Year's day and Christmas.  I'm lucky to have this job, blessed.  Thanks be to God. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Vocational Deacon

I have often actually thought of having a ministry consisting of parish ministry as a vocational deacon for Churches that can't afford a priest.  But, I've never felt called.  I've watched lots of Churches close, especially down home.  It's very sad that St. John's United in Shigawake closed it's doors, a Church near and dear to me.  In Stratford, Centennial United and now St. John's has closed.  It's a tough time for rural parishes too.  And, one of the last great costs that a declining parish has is to pay a priest.  Some have multi point parishes to share the cost, but it is still a great expense to declining membership.   But, you have to be called to such a ministry and I have received no such call. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Priest

Mom said that I missed my calling once when we were talking about religion.  Maybe, except that I can't do public speaking and don't know if I could minister to all. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Bad Night at the Soup Kitchen

People can be so rude.  They demand and expect.  They've been institutionalized.  They are so lucky; they don't know what poverty is.  The Syrian refugees know what starving is.  The people of the Ivory Coast know what poverty is.  It's hard to stay focused, stay objective, when dealing with people who are ungrateful and owed everything.  We're not truly assessing need.  We're extending their welfare check.  The more food we give them from our pockets, the more smokes and booze they can buy.  Chris Rock may have said it best when he said that a real homeless man doesn't have a funny sign because a real homeless man is too hungry to be funny.  They actually call sometimes to ask what's being cooked in order to decide if they will come or not.  I remember Kathy or Joyce telling me that their mother used to feed the homeless men out the back door some sandwiches during the depression.  They were genuinely grateful because there was no welfare.  If you weren't lucky enough to have a job, you didn't eat.  I'm not wishing them to be back in this position, but I am wishing that they were grateful like that again.  No, I don't expect begging and groveling, just a little appreciation would be nice.  I want them to have dignity, but I want the soup kitchen volunteers to have some dignity too.  Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Tobit 14:9 GNT from Bible Gateway

Tobit 14:9 GNT

Bring up your children to do what is right. Teach them that they must give to the poor and must always remember to praise God with all sincerity.

Wramier@Yahoo.com shared Tobit 14:9 GNT with you from BibleGateway.com. To sign up for daily verses, devotions, and Bible readings from BibleGateway.com, click here.

Be all things to all people!

I was praying the office this morning and thought about the word men and my intent.  The word man and men has been removed from a lot of liturgy as it is found to exclude women.  Thankfully, it's still in the BCP.  I say thankfully because I'm a bit of a purist about some things (okay, a lot of things) and like originals.  It's good to make women feel included (although there are more of them than men in Church now), but I digress.  I had this prayer in my office today:

"O GOD, who hast made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on the face of the earth, and didst send thy blessed Son Jesus Christ to preach peace to them that are afar off and to them that are nigh:  Grant that all peoples of the world may feel after thee and find thee;  and hasten, O Lord, the fulfillment of thy promise to pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen."

When I pray these prayers, and I use the words man and men, I intend them as all, as mankind.  That is my intent, not to exclude women from God's grace.  I'm fine with removing them for corporate worship, because it's more important; I must be all things to all men (sorry, all people).

Racist?

I think it's wrong to let all these Syrian refugees into the country.  We're letting thousands of invaders into the nation.  We've become soft and they are taking advantage of us.  We're not being prudent.  Some might say, "Can we stop those in need from getting help just because some of them are terrorists?"  Yes!  Because, who are we to decided that someone in downtown Toronto is to die five years from now in a car bombing so that we can uphold our liberal values?  At some point, we have to think of security.  Am I racist?  Many think that I am.  But, I have no problem with immigrants from the UK, Italy, Jamaica, Hindus and Christians from India and Pakistan, Christians and secularists from Africa, Asians, etc.  Islam is not a race.  Sure, most of them are good people.  Many are not.  Jews don't fly planes into Western high rise buildings.  And, the so called moderate Muslims support the radicals through monetary means, or political means, or through indifference.  The Muslim Council should stand up and denounce terrorism louder than all others.  Who am I to decide that it's more important to take in refugees than keep Joe Smith from being killed in an explosion in Montreal in 2019?  This is not fixing the problem.  Because, there are still millions of refugees in the Middle East who won't be coming here.  Fixing the problem is fixing it over there.  Bringing millions of refugees to the West is bringing the problem here too unfortunately.  Them's the facts.  Time will prove me right.  God willing I'm wrong. 

Prayer for the election of a bishop in Huron

ALMIGHTY God, the giver of all good gifts; Grant thy blessing, we humbly beseech thee, to the clergy and laity about to assemble for the election of a Bishop; and give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, that a chief Pastor may be chosen who shall minister before thee to the glory of thy Name, the good government of the flock committed to his charge, and the welfare of thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The Nature of Sin

I've come to believe that sin is perpetual, and support this belief with scripture as well as life experience. However, one verse has continued to bother me (1 John 3:6).  Some Christians believe (and shout it from the rooftops) that once you become truly Christian, you don't (read aren't allowed to or can't) sin again.  And, I wonder where atheists, secularists, and the unChurched get this idea, eh?  As I wrestled with this scripture in 1 John and the seeming incompatibility with other scriptures, I arrived at a possible solution.  It is this:  If we are dead to sin, as St. Paul wrote in Romans 7, then it has no power over us and we can not actually sin.  Again, I'd like to repeat my intent belief; if you believe it's wrong, it's wrong; if you believe it's right, it's right.  This is not relativism.  This is based on taking what was written in Romans 14 about food and applying it to other perceived sins.  I love this chapter, and it has given me great comfort.  But, this is all supposition and I don't need a millstone tied around my neck.  You need to read and pray, and may the Holy Spirit guide you.  Remember again too the great commandment, my so called constitution with which all other rules must fit.  To summarize, sin never goes away and is always with us.  Sin is perpetual and doesn't stop.  But, if we are dead to sin in Christ, then sin has no power over us and we are not sinning but it is only our human nature that is sinful.  Therefore, we will always do what others see as sinful.  However, Christ has freed us from the power of sin, paid the price for it and for death through his death and suffering on the Cross.  This is not a license to sin, rather it is recognizing that sin is ongoing and that we are forgiven.  The lie of the Devil is that we have made ourselves unworthy to have a relationship with God through Christ.

1 John 1:8Good News Translation (GNT)

⁸ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and there is no truth in us.

Why was I planted there?

I believe God called me to St. Paul's, but why?  What is my purpose there?  Being there, I'm reminded of a few versus (Revelation 18:4 & Jude 1:4).   I feel sometimes that I'm supposed to stay inside the parish community and minister, be a voice for orthodoxy.   Other times, I feel God is giving me the nudge to leave, like today.  Unfortunately,  Cindy is glued there, and so we stay. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Lucas, you suck.

I can't believe Ren killed Solo! Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

First Sunday After Christmas

Today is the first Sunday after Christmas.  Fr. Daniel was off and we had a guest priest.  He was the rev'd Jim Miller.  I'm sorry I was there.  At first, I thought he's a relic from the past, fighting a fight that was won decades ago.  As his sermon went on, it got more and more political and borderline heretical.  I've never felt more like I didn't belong.  I told myself, as I sat in the pew, that he was a visiting priest and not Fr. Daniel.  But, at the same time, I knew that his views permeate the larger Church.  Why do people have to bring politics into worship!  Why!  Why can't we have a selfless priest who will minister to all, who will reconcile both sides?

I've probably said it before, but when I hear the rhetoric about a priest's sin not being a barrier to blessing the elements at the Eucharist, I only think one thing:  that's how they quieted discontent with those who resisted the imposed initial liberal changes; keep them in the pews, from leaving, and they will keep bringing their money.  Because, if they believe in the Eucharist and that differences of opinion don't matter if we focus on what we have in common in Christ, they will not resist and stay in the pews.  When I hear that there is room in the big tent for all Anglicans, dissenting as they may be, I only hear one thing:  there is room for you in the pew (and your money), but not in voting or leadership positions; we don't want you to rock the boat, but want you in your paying pew.  God willing this isn't how it is and I'm wrong.  But, I see that the Prayer Book Society were not the fear-mongers that the liberal clerics claimed they were; they were prophets.  This is how I perceive it.

P.S.  I don't get this move to change the Church to attract those who don't want to be there at the expense of those who are there; people just don't want to be there anymore; cultivate what you have and stop focusing on plants that don't grow here that will choke out the staple crops.  Nor do I understand the move to champion secondary causes such as the environment, animal rights, global warming, etc...

I think I'm done ranting but I'm pissed off.  Ahhh!

I found a great prayer online for inner healing.

Prayer for Inner Healing

Lord Jesus, You came to heal our wounded and troubled hearts. I beg You to heal the torments that cause anxiety in my heart; I beg You, in a particular way, to heal all who are the cause of sin. I beg You to come into my life and heal me of the psychological harms that struck me in my early years and from the injuries that they caused through my life.

Lord Jesus, You know my burdens. I lay them all on Your Good Shepherd’s Heart. I beseech You – by the merits of the great, open wound in Your heart-to heal the small wounds that are in mine. Heal the pain of my memories, so that nothing that has happened to me will cause me to remain in pain and anguish, filled with anxiety.

Heal, O Lord, all those wounds that have been the cause of all the evil that is rooted in my life. I want to forgive all those who have offended me. Look to those inner sores that make me unable to forgive. You Who came to forgive the afflicted of heart, please, heal my own heart.

Heal, my Lord Jesus, those intimate wounds that cause me physical illness. I offer You my heart. Accept it, Lord, purify it and give me the sentiments of Your Divine Heart. Help me to be meek and humble.

Heal me, O Lord, from the pain caused by the death of my loved ones, which is oppressing me. Grant me to regain peace and joy in the knowledge that You are the Resurrection and the Life. Make me an authentic witness to Your Resurrection, Your victory over sin and death, Your living presence among us. Amen.

Human Sacrifice

This time of year is especially special to Satanists too, calling for human and/or animal sacrifice.   First I thought that this doesn't happen anymore.  I mean, wouldn't somebody notice human sacrifice?   Then I thought, "What if they use to be aborted fetuses?"  Nobody would ever notice. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Dumb Conversation of the Day or The UnChurched

C:  "She's not here.  Should I wait?  What can I do with the food donation if she doesn't show up at all?"

W:  "We can't wait.  We don't have a lot of time.  We have Church at six and have to eat and shower before that.  We're going straight from the Church to the Christmas party after.  Why don't we just drop the food off at the Church now?  It'll be opened by now."

C:  "Do you think so?"

W:  "Yes, they'll be getting ready."

S:  "Why would a Church be opened on a holiday?"

Isaiah 53 GNT from Bible Gateway

Isaiah 53 GNT

The people reply, "Who would have believed what we now report? Who could have seen the Lord's hand in this? It was the will of the Lord that his servant grow like a plant taking root in dry ground. He had no dignity or beauty to make us take notice of him. There was nothing attractive about him, nothing that would draw us to him. We despised him and rejected him; he endured suffering and pain. No one would even look at him— we ignored him as if he were nothing. "But he endured…

wramier@yahoo.com shared Isaiah 53 GNT with you from BibleGateway.com. To sign up for daily verses, devotions, and Bible readings from BibleGateway.com, click here.

The Meaning of X-mas

The Meaning

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

The Intolerance of Diversity

hmm...

The intolerance of diversity

Full Lune

They saw it's the first full moon on Christmas in almost forty years.  May it be an omen.  Come Lord Jesus.  Come.

Polar Friggen Vortex

Last year when Climate Deniers were citing the record cold and record snow fall, Climate Alarmists were saying that it was only due to the polar vortex and didn't represent the overall trend of what was happening.  Alright, turn around is fair play.  This year we have record highs expected for Christmas, with no snow.  So, what do we call it?  El Nino?  Call me a climate denier if you will.  I don't see the evidence as conclusive; there is reasonable doubt.  If global tempetures are on the rise, and there seems to be some debate on the issue--with no recorded average increases in over ten years, what proof do we have that it is not a natural phenomenon?  Please have a look at the attached pic and links:

Nightmare

Insane

The Power of Words

I used to pray the prayer of St. Francis almost on a daily basis.  I often added it to the personal prayers in the daily office.  It was a prayer of hope to me.  It was a prayer of change I wanted to see.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it meaningful.  Then, one day, somebody said to me that I was a hypocrite because I didn't do any of the things in the prayer.  I stopped using the prayer.  The well had been poisoned.  The prayer became bitter.  I don't think I've prayed it since that day, certainly not regularly if at all.

Bat

When a mafia goon beats somebody to death with a baseball bat, do we outlaw the playing of baseball.  No.

Pssst... it wasn't the bat.

Conservatives are racist!

Conservatives want everybody to be equal at the starting line.  Liberals want everybody to be equal at the finish line.

Wanna Be a Priest?

"If Jesus were here he'd support [fill in the blank]."

No.  Minister to all.

"If Jesus were here now, he'd be a [fill in the blank]."

No.  Don't make it political.

"If Jesus were here, he'd champion [fill in the blank] cause."

No.  Champion the Jesus cause.  Just the Jesus cause.

"Jesus said to love.  If we really love, we'd [fill in the blank]."

No.  That's your opinion.  Jesus said love.  Love.

The People Who Were the Biggest Influences on Me

Here are the people who were the biggest influences on me and who I am in no particular order:

• Jesus Christ--I'd like to say He was the greatest influence, but I feel He should be at the top of my un-ordered list. 
• Admiral Lord Nelson
• Optimus Prime--I didn't say they all had to be real people.
• My Mother
• My Father
• My Step-father
• The Ven. Tanya M. Phibbs
• Fr. Ted Hales
• Canon Michael Farr
• Fr. Andreas Thiel (Father Andy as I joked I would call him before he was priested.)
• Gene Rodenberry
• St. Paul
• St. Peter 
• St. Thomas
• Br. Bede Thomas Mudge

Honorable mentions go to my daughter--who I wanted to put on the list--and my wife, who although didn't overly change my behavior had a huge impact on me in so many other ways.  Those people all changed how I thought, and sometimes how I perceived things.  Some, like Br. Bede, only had a small impact on me--although I loved his writing--and may have helped/changed one thing/thought.  Some changed many thoughts.  Some shaped my personality.  And, some became influential role models who I patterned by actions after.

Starnge Draems

I had a few that were a little strange.  A few days ago I was flying.   It took a lot of conventeation to stay up.  I couldn't at first.  I had to try so hard.  Last night, I was bald and didn't know it.  Totally. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Grass

Kentucky Bluegrass:  a type of grass, more of a blue hue than pure green although not actually blue. Ontario Bluegrass:  frost. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

VIP

I'm not an important person, but I know lots of important people. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Sad Ship

I'm very sad that Chandra isn't coming with us on the cruise in February.  I wanted to take my folks, Cindy, and Chandra.  It'll never happen again.  But, she wants to spend it with her new boyfriend of six months.  The good book says that they grow up and leave...

What is My Work (an old post from weeks ago that I found in the draft bin)

God has called me to be a father and provider.  I even know how I arrived at St. Paul's Church, by the hand of God.  Now that Chandra is off to school, now what?  What work do I have unfinished? Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

The Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon

Now I love monastic chant.  I wish I could incorporate more of it in my daily office (maybe I should call it sporadic office due to my lack of discipline, but I digest).  There's some catchy unorthodox stuff out there, which I enjoy too.  However, with events of recent weeks in the news, I'm seeing a rise of Templar stuff, a subject of interest to me.  The call to the crusades is a tempting yet impractical and dangerous idea.  But, I gotta admit, the Templar chant has me hooked.  And, fighting monks captures my imagination much in the same way that people are fascinated by Shaolin monks.  Could a holy war, a jihad, be coming?  Is there to be a fourth crusade?  There's really two issues here, and at this point I feel wrong to mix them....


P.S.  Do we have a moral obligation to protect innocent Canadians from acts of terror?  Is the government doing enough (effective)?  At what point is it okay to defend ourselves and for the common people to take up the fight (on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being a random shooting/stabbing and 10 being the total breakdown of society where there is no electricity/jobs/laws/food)?

America The Greatest

Viral video about the fall of America.

The critique of said video.

The free world has lost its leader

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/the-free-world-has-lost-its-leader/article/2574696#.Vk_QlXAkkmL.mailto Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Insane

That's not insane.   Insane is teeing off on a carrot up your ass with a plunger. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Acknowledge What you are angry at.

Do clergy tell people now that it's okay to be angry at God just so that they believe?  So that they are forced to recognize at What they direct their anger?  I've always thought it was wrong, and God willing I will never be tested, to be angry at God. 

Spain

The Spanish drove out the Moore's.  Will it happen again?  Should it? Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Churchill

Churchill said that Dec. 7th was the first night he slept well during the war.  If the reports are true that Russia has been attacked, the jihad may be over (beginning of the end). Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Paris, Death to America, Jihad, and Their War on the West

I'm not calling for the death of all Muslims, or even that they all be kicked out at this point; however, we do need to stop ISIS.  We do need to stop terriorists.  Letting in tens of thousands of unscreened refugees is asking for the next attack to be in Toronto or Montreal.  God help us with Just in Trudeau in charge. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Newds

I eased my way back into the news today, at least checking social media.  I'm still not ready for solid food and may vomit without warning.   I poked my head out of my bunker with the bright flash still on the horizon,  the fallout and socialist winter yet to come.  The half life of the interest of Trudeau's debt will last for generations.  What have we done to ourselves? Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Bike Lanes

Bike lanes should never be on the road.   Aside from hindering traffic, cars are a bigger danger to cyclists than cyclists ever were to pedestrians.   The only real reason bike lanes were added to the streets was to satisfy the pining of tree hugging pine nut eating communists.  If I were Premier,  I would make Stratford a pilot project for bike lanes on the sidewalk.  Cyclists would have to dismount and walk their bikes across the street.  Study the statistics and when there is evidence of reduced cyclists' fatalities, expand it province wide. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Whiskey & Whisky

Most of my collection. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Greenyuck

An old acquaintance, JH, wrote a good pro milk health story.  I went to her FB page to find a link to the story to share it with somebody.  I was overwhelmed with liberalism.  The social spending,  anti trade, wind power, and green green green green green,  was too much for me to take.   I had to exit and never found the blurb. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Remember

Appreantly Fr. Daniel spoke at the service yesterday and John Nater layed a wreath as well.  People gathered to show thanks to our heroes past and present. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Vinegar

I missed the service today, not because I had to work,  but because I'm selfish.  What was once perhaps the greatest day for me has become a bitter reminder and I must find a way to move past this.  Plus, I'm still in a state of shock over the results of the federal election and am in a funk. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

I will never know what it feels like to put on my country's uniform.

Comimg home from Base Borden is the shittiest thing I've ever had to do.  I thought about it a lot.  I chalked it up to then thinking I was too passive, being an introvert.  I thought I fu3ked up the role-playing scenarios (which i subsequently passed on my ATS testing).  In retrospect I now know that there were several unknown hurdles that contributed to my disappointment and shame.  To Sergeant Smith who anxiously tried to get me started:  Thank you. To Canadian Forces Chief Warrant Officer Fitzgerald who, in janitor's camo, talked to me at length about nothing at all until it was time for orientation:  Thank you. To Major Simpson who saw something in me that nobody else did and sent me to MP school:  Thank you Sir!  God bless you for giving me a chance. To the doubters:  Thanks for giving me the strength to compete. To those who failed me before I started:  You won; the loss is all mine. To those who broke my spirit:  May God have mercy on your soul. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Acta Non Verba

We say we need to get more young people involved in the Church, and St. Paul's specifically.   But, we don't really mean it.  The veteran parishioners have their clutches sunk deep into the meat of the institution and are unwilling to relinquish control.  When they do eek out some control and responsibility, it is only to well vetted like minded lackeys.   Power blocks form.  They are unwilling to share ownership.  Sure, they'll share the work load, but not the decision making. When they say we need new people in the Church, I hear paying members in the pews. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Liberals Attack Queen After One Week in Power

There is a strong republican movement within the Liberal party of Canada that didn't fade away with John Manley's retirement from politics.  Save our Queen by signing the petition:  http://www.savethequeen.ca Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android From:"Dominion Secretary" <domsec@bellnet.ca> Date:Tue, Nov 10, 2015 at 2:41 am Subject:MONARCHIST COMMUNIQUÉ: URGENT! ACTION REQUESTED: PICTURE OF QUEEN REMOVED FROM FOREIGN AFFAIRS HQ BUILDING OVER WEEKEND   URGENT BULLETIN: QUEEN’S PICTURE REMOVED OVER WEEKEND FROM FOREIGN AFFAIRS HQ (PEARSON BUILDING) IN OTTAWA   Member alert – action requested!   FROM: ROBERT FINCH, DOMINION CHAIRMAN   Over the weekend, the picture of The Queen hanging in the foyer of the Lester B Pearson Building was replaced by the work Canada Ouest Canada Est by the Canadian artist Alfred Pellan.   The move has been defended by Adam Barratt, the Press Secretary to Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Dion. He observed that the painting had been placed in the foyer for the inauguration of the Building by The Queen in 1973, and “I am sure Her Majesty would not be at all troubled to find it once again taking its place as a relevant symbol of Canada’s history and culture.” [our translation]  Media reports suggest that the art world and Public Servants had been most upset by the decision to remove the painting by then Minister John Baird in honour of HM’s Diamond Jubilee around the time of the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2012.    It is not the purpose of the League, in general, to view with suspicion every re-arrangement of images of The Queen. Canada’s loyalty to the Crown does not depend on where such imagery appears. But it is curious, at the start of the first complete week of the Trudeau government, that such a high-profile removal of The Queen’s portrait would have been made.  Surely in this instance, a way should have been found – and could yet be found – to display both The Queen, Head of the Nation and focus of our Allegiance – and what is certainly a very beautiful Canadian painting in the foyer of the Pearson Building.   Appended below are statements the League received and previously circulated from Mr Trudeau and the Liberal Campaign in respect of our Monarchy. We ask League members, especially those occupied by incoming Liberal MP’s, to express their concern to their MP and to Mr Trudeau – underlining that the deeper issue raised in our minds is whether this is the first of series of initiatives to excise images of The Sovereign from our national life. What the motivation for such action would be is puzzling given the professed support of the new administration for the Crown.   It may take some digging to contact your MP if elected for a first time.  Mr Trudeau. however, is accessible via an email contact form:   Email: http://pm.gc.ca/contactpm (form) Office of the Prime Minister, 80 Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2 Fax: 613-941-6900   As always we will keep you and the media abreast of symbolic and substantive actions affecting the Crown by the new government.  We will not rush to judgement; but neither will we overlook the fact that this election gave the government no mandate to change or derogate the fundamental institution of our national identity.   TRUDEAU/LIBERALS ON THE RECORD A) May 2014: letter to Chairman Finch   Thank you very much for taking the time to write to me regarding the monarchy in Canada. I would also like to thank you for your kind words of congratulations. At the 2012 Liberal Party Convention, delegates were invited to introduce, debate, and vote on Liberal policy. Delegates explicitly rejected a motion to include severing Canada's ties with the monarchy as part of Liberal policy. My view is that severing our centuries-old connection to the monarchy is not a decision to be made lightly. The monarchy remains a cornerstone of Canada's foundation, and any debate surrounding changes to this institution must include as many Canadians as possible in the discussion. Thank you again for taking the time to write. I always appreciate the opportunity to hear the thoughts and opinions of Canadians. It is through such exchanges of ideas and opinions that I can best represent not only my constituents, but all Canadians. Sincerely, Justin P. J. Trudeau Member of Parliament for Papineau Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada   B) October 2015: reply from national Liberal Campaign HQ to League survey of party positions   Queen Elizabeth II is the longest reigning monarch in Canadian history and remains a beloved figure for many Canadians. Over the past 63 years, she has stood with Canada through key moments of our country’s history and, as our nation underwent change and transformation, has been a rock of stability and a steadfast keeper of tradition. The Liberal Party has no intention of re-opening the Canadian constitution on this issue. Her Majesty will remain an integral part of our country’s evolution, progress, and future.       The Monarchist League of Canada La Ligue monarchiste du Canada PO Box 1057/CP 1057 Lakeshore West PO OAKVILLE, ON L6K 0B2 www.monarchist.ca domsec@sympatico.ca   Ce message est vous envoyé en tant que membre, ancien membre ou un ami de la Ligue. Pour vous retirer de cette liste de diffusion, il suffit d'envoyer un e-mail de réponse avec "désabonnez" dans la ligne objet. ~ ~ ~   ~ ~ ~   ~ ~ ~ This message is sent you as a member/former member/friend of the League. To remove yourself from this email list, simply send a reply email with "unsubscribe" in the subject line.

First Nations Celibate Liberal Victory

Liberals don't support First Nations bands.   Liberals support socialism.   Giving out money is what they do.  Teach a man to fish. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

ISJT

I wonder if I've moved at all.  Psychologists say our personalities are set by age seven.  Still, we can grow and push ourselves.  We can stretch and adapt.  But, I like my MB type.  Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

21st Century Bible

"WHERE IS YOUR BROTHER ABLE?" "Am I my brother's beeper?" Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Fleece

I was just thinking that the government forcing people to pay for the poor (institutionalized) makes the liberals like Fr. Daniel's temple leaders fleecing the widow. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Dad

I thought I'd take a minute here to write about Dad.  It's been a rough ride.  After years of being estranged,  we started talking again this past year.  We spend an hour a week out for coffee.  Perhaps it will never again be as it was.  I think, though, we have burried the Hachette.  I never really knew him until the summer I turned nine, then didn't see him again until I was 18.  Family friction later caused us to walk apart with much hard feelings.  I still do not speak to my oldest brother.  We humans can be hateful animals and wound so severely. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Nazi

A friend of mine, Vivian, said to me that he (PM Harper) was ready to be done.  He was tired.  It had taken it's toll on him.  Years of abuse, being called a Nazi and everything, It hurts.  That hit home.  That I understand.   I too have been wounded with titles of racist,  bigot,  hateful, cold harted, close minded,  ignorant, simple, uneducated, member of the flat earth society, brainwashed, lackey,  greedy,  heartless,  sexist, etc...  Maybe he did need a break.  I wish him the best.  Rest well Mr.  Harper.  You made me proud to call myself Canadian. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

A different time? No. Maybe we were different...better.

One of my fond memories of childhood was shooting with my dad.  He taught me to show firearms the proper respect and to be responsible.   We had a rack full of unsecured rifles on the wall in the kitchen.  We never dared to touch them.  None of the children ever did.  It was the way it was. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Penny

Fr. Daniel's sermon today was interesting.  What if Jesus wasn't holding up the widow who gave all that she had in order for her to be praised?  What if He was laminating that she felt she had to do so because of others?  He goes on to say that the religious leaders devour the homes of widows. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Do We Have a Responsibility?

Out for coffee on Thursday, Dad said, "The first question man asked God was, 'Am I my brother's keeper?'"  Then answer of course is yes.

Bears

The right to bear arms is not just an idea of the Age of Enlightenment.  It is a natural right, one of a free people which was only previously held by the aristocracy and nobility.  The American founding fathers were wise enough to enshrine that right into their supreme law to protect the people from the rulers.  It is a civil liberty that is won only through revolution.  And, it will be lost due to fear and ignorance on the behalf of people that don't understand the true nature of those who are the perpetrators of gun crimes.  The infringement of that right--the right of a free people to bear arms--is the harbinger of a people who are not to be free.

Post Script:  There have been a lot of powerful and influential people that have spoken for and against that natural right, Mao, Hitler, Jefferson.  But nobody perhaps stated the important relationship as well as Machiavelli when he said that, "When you disarm the people, you commence to offend them and show that you distrust them either through cowardice or lack of confidence, and both of these opinions generate hatred."

Unchanging Minds and Petty Politics

We're never petty.  It's always the other guy.  It's just that they don't realize their wrong way of thinking.  I understand the only right way.  If only they could get along. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Subverting Democracy

Dad has always maintained that the conservatives have no natural allies in The House of Commons.   Just in Trudeau has talked about a preferential ballot--which will ensure no future majority government.   This hurts conservatives the most.  Small L liberals will select Liberal as choice one and NDP as choice two as choice two, or vise versa.  They will not vote right.  Right voters will vote CPC, and few will be able to stomach the other two main parties.   This will be two votes for the left, one for the right--ensuring leftist control of the HOC.  If they implement a representive vote parliament,  that is to say you get 5% of the votes and are given 5% of the seats, I won't vote anything but Christian Reform again. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Admiral Duncan

Nelson is a hero of mine.  Still, I would pay good money to be a fly on the wall for Admiral Duncan’s address to the crew of his flag ship after the mutany.

Robert E. Lee

I've always thought that Robert E. Lee was rather stupid for turning his army around when he could have taken DC.  But, he had values.  He was made of stronger stuff than people now.  George Washington served no more than two terms by choice.  Choice!  For the preservation of what he knew was right.  Where have these people gone and why have those who replaced them not believed in a fair contest?  Why do the new leader believe in what they offer more than in democracy?  Why must they win at all cost?  Why must they subvert democracy? Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Why does everybody that came out of seminary in the last 40 years believe that liberalism is THE right way and that people just need to be educated out of their ignorance?

Something about Fr. Daniel's prayer in Sunday's bulletin bothered me.  Protect us, or keep us, from unchanging minds, and from petty politics.  Okay, who's going to be the first one with a clerical collar to embrace gun ownership?   How about joining in the fight against the debilitating welfare state?  Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Angry, More Than Angry

I'm so upset and frustrated right now.  Liberals are destroying everything I hold dear, Church, the economy, national security, national sovereignty,  education, democracy,  individualism, and the list goes on.  Plus, they have us--as a society--on a collision course with ethnicide.  Everybody's culture is valid but ours.  P.S.  A Christian choir was just ban in Toronto.  Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Reading

I've never liked reading in Church because I make mistakes.  And, I believe reading in Church should honor God.   I have posted an awful YouTube video of myself praying morning prayer, awful.   My hope is that it will be helpful for someone. May God forgive my pride and see past my mistakes, and protect me from shame while making me humble.  Amen. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Onions

I used to be very pro union, a union steward.  Today I weighed the idea of outlawing unions, toyed with the idea.  They subvert democracy and have become all but all powerful.  They beat Tim Hudak.  They had a hand in the downfall of PM Harper.  While political parties have imposed spending limitations--individuals only, can donate a maximum of $1500 CAD/year--labour unions have no such limitations; they are free to spend as much as they want, borrow to spend even and pay back later.  They can, and do, attack freely in the media...for a price of course; money being no object, the conservatives are always at a disadvantage.  Corporations are not allowed to donate to political parties, not one cent.  The unions got out the vote, the unionized teachers even got out the university vote like never before I've been told.  The unionized public sector workers turned on the ruling conservative party.  A pet peeve of mine, even when the conservatives are in power the bureaucracy goes into full on attack/survival mode; the first order of business of any organization is self preservation.  Small government conservatives are by nature anti bureaucratic and are therefore the enemy.  Oil and water, it's a fight to get anything done for conservatives.  Bureaucrats leak information and try to embarrass their elected conservative bosses.  Any group that receives government money, nay the people's money, are going to fight fiercely to ensure it keeps coming in.  The supply must not stop.  Effectiveness of programs is not the goal or objective, increasing the budget is.  Spend it or loose it.  Unionized teachers?  Indoctrinate a new generation of leftist voters!

How Will It Work

"Socialism will work when we are rich enough to afford it."  Unknown Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Why?

The noon day demon hit pretty hard yesterday.  What am I doing?  What is my purpose?  Why am I here?  Have I wasted my time?  Am I?

Shortened Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy. 
Amen.

Desiderata

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

© Max Ehrmann 1927

Flag

I was asked to be in the colour party for Remembrance Day at our Church, but it is something I can't do.  Perhaps my single biggest regret is that I have never served.  I have wanted nothing more than to put on the uniform.  I have not earned the right, as I feel I need to, to carry the flag nor be in the colour party. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

You May Have Noticed

You may have noticed that I have not posted about the Federal election.  It's too soon.  Sorry.

While I'm Ranting

Where are the children!  That's the cry.  We need to get the youth into the Church.  This is the cry of the fearful.  Why does everybody assume that the Church will die out without young people in it?  We think so linearly.  Perhaps the biggest demographic group, the largest age group, is the baby boomers.  The recently, or soon to be, retired.  There is a huge potential ministry here among these unchurched.  There will always be elderly.  Why shouldn't they be the recruits we seek?

Comment to Bra I Thought I'd Post Here

The number of men in main line Churches is dropping. The number on conservatives is at an all time low. Where is our focus? Including liberals, incorporating social engineering policy in doctrine, and propagating anti conservative rhetoric.

Thank You

When I leave the drive thru window, I always say, "Thank you."  Many think this strange, I believe. Why thank them?  I gave them business.  Yes, but, they served me, and probably for a low wage.  And, probably having a crappy day, I thank them.

Bishop With a Bra

Sounds a bit crass, doesn't it?  I think so.  That's why I took offense to a blurb including the phrase, and I'm paraphrasing, something about understanding when you are celebrating the Eucharist with a slipping bra strap.  Anyway, that's not my point.  SSDJ elected a new Bishop Visitor, and she's a woman.  I understand this.  It makes sense.  After all, I did drive to Michigan to visit a monastery with a convent just down the road in Toronto.  I do get it.  But, part of me wonders if in the world we live in, if a cloistered group of men elected their first male Bishop, would not feminists cry foul?  No rallying cries of a woman can do the job just as well, no better?  The first thought that popped into my head?  Right or wrong?  Liberal.  I don't have a problem with my Bishop having a vagina.  But, with a woman Bishop, she's almost certainly a liberal feminist?  How is she going to minister to all?

On a side note.  I was thinking the other day about Church inclusion.  Do we, as a centre of the road denomination, include conservatives?  Hunters?  Gun owners?  Traditional marriage supporters?  Bible literalists?  Anti pluralists?  By include, I mean more than let them sit in the pew and support financially.  I mean, do we elect them wardens?  Synod delegates?  Make them priests?  Encourage debate and the ever loved liberal maxim embrace change?  Change is inevitable?  We all must learn to change and adapt?  Yeah?  Well, how about you adapt to conservatives and let us back into our Church.

Cage

With the rules of probability saying that there are intelligent beings out there, I'm now almost convinced we are in a cage.  The only question is whether it is bars or glass.  We could have a do not talk to the animals sign hanging on planet Earth.  Or, we could be living inside a hologram or CGI/The Matrix world.  Or, maybe God did really create the Earth (which flies in the face of science).  It could be all three, or two of the three; but, I believe it includes number three.  So, bars or glass?

AFP Fall Gathering

Saturday I went to the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer's Fall Gathering.  The guest speaker was Sr. Elizabeth Anne SSJD and there were some hum moments for me.  I really liked the prayer the sister read by George Appleton, which goes as follows: 

O God, I know that if I do not love thee
with all my heart, with all my mind,
with all my soul and with all my strength,
I shall love something else
with all my heart and mind and soul and strength.
Grant that putting thee first in all my lovings, 
I may be liberated from all lesser loves and loyalties,
and have thee as my first love, my chiefest good and my final joy.  Amen

The subject of the rod and staff surfaced as we read over the 24rd psalm.  I thought that it's more like a pool noodle than a rod as God has been very merciful with me.  Or as I said, "He hasn't punished me as I deserve."

There was also a great piece by Abba Poemen:

The nature of water is yielding, and that of stone is hard. Yet if you hang a bottle filled with water above the stone so that the water drips drop by drop, it will wear a hole in the stone. In the same way the word of God is tender, and our heart is hard. So when people hear the word of God frequently, their hearts are changed.

When I first saw this, I turned away in mild disgust.  The reason?  The back drop for the poster on which the words were displayed looked too green.  I thought it was yet another environmental blurb being rammed down my throat.  Perceptions....

NDD

The noon day demon was so bad yesterday.  There's so much I haven't done.

Excess

If anything is a sign of excess in affluent Western society, it has to be that we have produced a class of people who live off the state—similar to decadent ancient Rome with their servant slaves--and do no work (2nd and 3rd generation sometimes), drinking and smoking pot with that money at parties in housing paid for by the government while they supplement (and stretch) their guaranteed income with free services provided by charities who’s true purpose is to feed those with nothing, nothing. All this free living is done while your refugees eat weeds. That's excess. That's the true decadence of Western society. That's the fat on the meat. Lean muscle works and carries the fat.

Are we weak, dry-rot rotting from the inside out?

In regards to Islam specifically (with it's warts intact), is multiculturalism still constructive? Has this value failed us (made us vulnerable/been exploited)? If no to the former and/or yes to the later, can it be made a valuable ideology again if it is made subject to certain conditions (so that it doesn't trump all other values/freedoms--such as free speech, religious tolerance (for all faiths) and the freedom to practice that faith, gay rights, security & safety, a celebration of a true mosaic society (free from censorship in the name of not offending anyone), and the rightful celebration of our Canadian heritage)?

Guns?

Do strict gun laws reduce gun violence? Do we need to look at the issue critically and reevaluate our strategy for creating effective tools to reducing illicit gun use?

Tough Guy When I'm Tied Up

Liberals are tolerant of extremism overseas to avoid violence at all costs, but won't tolerate dissenting views domestically where they don't have to sacrifice to do so. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Bad

FATHER forgive me for taking the wrong fork in the road on purpose.  Have mercy on me in Jesus' name.  Amen. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Strange Dream

I had yet another strange vivid dream. I was at a cottage, I think.  A retreat?  It reminded me a lot of St. Gregory's Abbey, although I saw no monks.  I was speaking with a woman with short blond hair in the dinning room.  She reminded me of a personal trainer/motivational speaker type.  She asked me about something to do with cars in Canada, to which I explained that most of our cars came from the USA; therefore, Canadian laws seemed a little redundant as US laws already affected their manufacturing.  There was another woman in the room, and I think she asked me to be quiet while the first woman talked on the phone, reporting fraud on my credit card.  Then the first woman said to me that I was probably going to think that this was too early.  Then she hugged me.  She abruptly explained that she knew about my nightmares and my anxiety and that I was a supervisor; she proceeded to tell me everything about me.  I was astonished and asked her if she was an angel.  I felt she was an arch angel.  She did not answer my question, but proceeded to tell me that I had to make haste and leave right away.  I went outside to go to my car to escape.  I noticed that there was water; it looked like I was on an island with one bridge (to the North we'll say).  There was some great danger coming from the North shore.  Two men in long dark rain coats approached me and told me I had to leave now.  I thought maybe they were angels.  About the same time, two crocodiles came out of the water to the South and the two women fought them.  The first woman opened her mouth and bit down on one crocodile, killing it.  In a most unsettling way she proclaimed the word blood loudly.  The second woman was overpowered and killed by the second crocodile.  The first woman and the second crocodile squared off, but there was some hesitation for some reason.  Of course, I didn't listen to the two men in the rain coats as I stopped to pick up Cindy from a gas station on the island just South of the bridge.  The danger, which I felt was looking for me, was approaching the bridge, and I wasn't off the island yet.  Cindy was taking for ever to get in the car and I was yelling at her to hurry up.  This is when I awoke from my slumber as the real Cindy was getting up for work.  I don't know how it ends or what it means.  I have some ideas...

Ant and the Welfare Hopper

Lazy Individuals Believe in Entirely Redistributing Assets Laborers Supply (or LIBERALS). The lazier the people in a geographic region, the more often they will vote left. Social Justice means taking from the ant and giving to the grass hopper. Limousine Liberals pander to the lazy and buy their votes. In ancient Rome, no Roman worked but they all got payed. The slaves did all the work and Rome was a welfare state. Speaking as a worker who is a slave to the state, I'm getting fed up with waiting on and working for the Romans.

Strange Communion Dream

I awoke from another very strange dream.  I was in a cathedral and our old rector from St. Paul's was officiating.  When it came time to go to the Altar Rail for the Bread and Wine, I realized that I was only wearing my cross and my boxers, naked.  Cindy said not to worry about it.  Then I was on a train, traveling through native Indian land, a sovereign country up North somewhere in what is now Canada.  I was still unclothed and found an old pair of acid washed jeans that had my name written on them on the tag on the inside, in pen in my handwriting.  The train left the tracks after a junction, and somehow I got it back on the tracks by myself, hiding the fact as I was supposed to throw the switch I think.  We arrived at another church where there were two priests officiating, and it felt really off.  We started by eating a meal in the church, which was nasty.  It was like the filling of chicken pot pie, but past it's best before date or something.  We left this to go to an attached chapel at the back of the church for a sort of communion.  The two priests officiated, and an impromptu assistance was given from somebody in the crowd to distribute the elements, two cups of wine with no bread.  There was mention of a father and a son, but no spirit.  One of the officiants said that they were different, just as one could distinguish between the father and son.  We were to drink from both cups at the same time, messy.  Gut feeling, the whole thing seemed really wrong in my bones.  Cindy drank and I did not.  Although I was in the communion line, I somehow missed the elements.  We returned to the church to finish eating and Cindy said she felt sick.  I then woke from my strange dream.

Is Hell Eternal?

Something I've thought about for a long time, but haven't shared (because I don't like millstones around my neck), and was reminded of today with a Facebook post (which prompted my last post) is about time, God, Hell, and the release of spirits.  If time is not linear, God lives outside time, Hell is eternal, and Jesus preached to the spirits imprisoned in Hell, time is relative and can be warped, is it possible that every soul that will ever go to hell is already there, was there before The Crucifixion?  This seems to answer the paradox of what happens to those who die after the resurrection who knew not Jesus.  The spirits who accepted Jesus were released.

The Bible is a book of science.

Did God create everything in six days?  Did the sun stop in the sky for Jeremiah?  Did Adam, Noah, and Abraham live for hundreds of years?  Simply by observing the length of days and human life spans we can judge for ourselves that Ernestine was wrong and that time is not relative, can't be bent nor slowed nor sped up.  Such a stupid concept.

One Business week in an Abbey

What business do I have in an Abbey?  None.  But, I spent a business week in an Abbey and survived.  It was a very rich experience.

Do

I define myself by my occupation,  right or wrong.  Our Lord was a carpenter.  If only I could take comfort in that. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Plenty

The LORD has blessed me greatly.   I am ashamed at all that I have. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Horse Crap Dream

I had a strange dream, and perhaps for the first time I understand it all.  I was a minor league baseball player, called up to the majors.   My bus was late and I arrived half an hour after the game started.   My manager benched me and wouldn't let me bat.  Then he made me clean up horse crap that was on the field. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Dreams

Aside from having dreams of serving,  I always wanted my death to have meaning.  I imagined dieing from an AK47 wound.  Sound morbid?   Maybe.  Natural causes just seems such a waste.  Jesus said that the greatest act of love was to give your life for a friend.  At least iy gives it purpose and meaning. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Impartiality

See, I couldn't be a priest; I feel too strongly about certain topics and I wouldn't be able to keep my mouth shut.  I wouldn't be able to minister to all, something that is required--and often is a casualty.

If good fences make good neighbours, do good walls make a good mental state?

They say if you're going to pray/meditate/study/relax/unwind you need a quiet place.  It's often recommended.  But, I can't find one.  I like my house, and I have to desire to move.  But, sometimes it's like living inside a bass drum.  The fad now is open concept, especially in small war time cottages.  But, The Greatest Generation knew something we have forgotten about those little rooms with lots of walls.  They knew how to enjoy the space better.  They knew how to get away.  To escape.  I'm looking forward very much to my upcoming stay at St. Gregory's Abbey.

I have to learn to say no; I'm important too.  "No, I can't do that for you.   I need my rest." Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Dreams Dreams Everywhere

Two more,  I went to a "massage parlor" in one.  I left before she could give me a massage and she was p1$$ed.  In the other, I was changing the roads so that my GPS would find a better way to the destination. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Tonight's Dream

Tonight's strange dream again involved the BAU.  Agent Morgan wanted me to watch a video about a new hire.  He was trying to warn me that new people were a threat because we didn't know anything about them. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Year Zero

This is year zero, For passing basic training or even getting into the Army, For my dream of the Navy, For serving my nation. This is year zero, For being a police officer, For being a boarder guard, For being an intelligence officer? I have not realized my dreams. What have I done? Where do I go now? Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Sheepherders

It's not right that the United Sheepherders Union can contribute uncapped amounts of cash to political ads that elect parties who increase the money given to union workers.

What did you say!

We live in a generation of the perpetually offended.

Harvest

I prayed to be a harvest worker, but I have never been called.

Hard Readings

One of the readings from the one year challenge today was 1 Corinthians 6, a hard reading in the modern world; however, the dreaded part about homosexuality is followed up in the very next section by Paul telling us that everything is permitted.  The other hard reading was from the morning office, Abraham is to sacrifice Isac to God, a favorite of Atheists.  Recently, I said that love is sacrifice.  So, this is fitting and good timing.  For Abraham this showed that he loved God more than anything.  Traditionally, I think, this is how this reading is viewed.  Abraham is being tested.  But, could it be foreshadowing the crucifixion?  God is showing Abraham, and us, how much he loves us.  He gave His Son to save us!  Wow!  BTW Atheists, God did not let Abraham kill Isac, FYI.

Island

Another sleep, another strange dream, this time I was in a boat.  I found an uncharted tropical island, just big enough for a house.  There was an old man, and some kids that lived there.  The kids had a dark complexion and they wanted off the island.  They disappeared from my dream and then it was just me and the old man.  It turns out that he didn't want to leave the island because he was a Nazi war criminal, in his 90s probably.  He told the story in flash back of arriving on the island to hide; strangely with me in it.  The whole thing was in a movie, and I tried to send a message to the audience watching about his age.  In a move that stunned me, I offered to hide him in Brazil to live out his days, because he was afraid to leave the island....

Warming

"I'm not convinced that the evidence supporting Global Warming is conclusive."

"Witch!  Burn him!"

"I think the Earth goes through natural cycles of warming and cooling.  If the Earth is warming, I think your evidence that it is man caused is circumstantial."

"Any idiot with half a brain can see the connection that the girls started to have fits after talking to the slave woman!  Why can't you see this?"

Love

In my 40 short years, I have learned: Love is sacrifice.  Selfishness is unilaterally doing whatever it is you want. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Sponge Bob Abraham

What if there are only 20 people LORD?  What if there are only 10 people LORD? Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Horse

I don't understand why people let themselves get so worked up that women don't play professional baseball.  I can enjoy going to the race track;  I don't lament the fact that I can never be a horse.  But seriously,  I'll never be a jockey.   I'm too big.  I can still enjoy the race. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Rah

Decisions decisions...

William Ramier Manufacturing Shokucho AISIN CANADA INC. 180 Wright Blvd Stratford, ON, N4S 0A9 Cell: 519-535-8027 wramier@aisincanada.com

One more post is needed to make the total number a nice odd number.

Three More Dreams

I was the captain of a ship in space, trying to convince a fellow captain that if would be better for our crews to travel together in a sort of crossover between BSG and Voyager; I was an imposter infiltrating a bikers' gang; I ran over a cyclist in a head on collision that was super real.  Vivid dreams are superreal.

Versions

When arguing with Atheists, one thing that often comes up is Bible validity due to the number of successive translations.  The point I make is that they are translated from original texts, not the preceding translstion.  It's not the telephone game.  That being said,  modern translations have received heavy criticism from Christian groups due to changes made to key doctrinal scriptures.  For example, virgin being changed to young girl or removal of the Blood of Christ or the nature of sin. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Bad Joke

I used to jokingly say that I wanted Cindy to die before me so that she didn't have to live without me/be alone, a terrible joke.  I wouldn't want to be without her. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Blessed Are The Greek

I started the One Year Bible Challenge, possibly in part due to a comment made by Fr. Andrew OSB that disturbed me; he said the he wouldn't consider opinions of Christians who had not read the whole Bible.  But, I digest.  Today's reading included The Sermon on the Mount.  The most famous speech in the history of the world, The Sermon on the Mount holds so much within it--so much knowledge.  It is a true treasure. 

Wrk

This week has been a very trying week at work.  It's the kind of week that pushes one to the edge.  It makes a hard job harder.  I wish more people believed--and put into practice--what I believe; who you work with makes a huge difference in making work tolerable.  Complainers only make it worse.

More Readings

I started the one year Bible challenge Sunday.  I'll give it a go.  I've never read the Bible cover to cover--not the way it's supposed to be read--and I'm going to try.  Genesis is surprising me.  Did you know that Noah took seven sets of two of some of the critters?  Did you know that Adam was warned about the tree of  knowledge before Eve was created?  Did you know that God created animals during the six days of creation and then formed animals for Adam after the six days of creation?

Ahh

Between the noon day demon and Asmodeus, it's awful sometimes.

Today's Readings

Could Psalms 105:8 be a time line?  Romans was interesting too.  Are there enough unpronouncable names in chapter 16?  Going back to politics in the Church though, Romans 16:18 made me take notice.

Romans 16:18New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

¹⁸ For such people do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites,^[a] and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the simple-minded.

2 New Strange Dreams

First one, an onion was coming into ACI and I was at the nomination meeting for officers.   The second I was a vampire.  I met another vampire and he moved far away.  His servant came to me after his master was killed by a vampire hunter and I killed the servant.  Tying up loose ends? Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android