I ain't got long to stay here

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This day, the First Sunday of Advent, in all of its Lessons and Music, is what the song describes: “the trumpet sounds within my soul.”

Our time here is short; we had best make the most of it. And it is not just our individual span, our “threescore years and ten.” All things shall come to an end, and after that, the judgment. The Bridegroom has tarried long. But he is coming.

Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (BCP p. 159)

Silencing of God: The Dismantling of America's Christian Heritage, Dave Miller

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Silencing of God: The Dismantling of America's Christian Heritage, Dave Miller

I have heard of Dave Miller’s DVD “The Silencing of God” but have only recently viewed it. I was able to get a preview at a Bible Reading Marathon conducted by the Toledo Road Church of Christ of Lorain, Ohio at the Black River Amphitheatre with the Scriptures being read by teenagers over a 24-hour period where Brother Miller was able to speak at this event. While he and I were discussing our concern about the direction our country is being pushed, I asked brother Miller if he thought about putting this material in book form so people could communicate these vital facts documenting our nation’s Christian heritage with others as they are able more easily. I was delighted to hear that a coffee table full-color edition of the book had just been published. As the adult class where we attend began viewing the DVD, I ordered a copy of this book for the church library. It is an excellent product both from content and the attractive quality of printing.

Those who know me personally know I attempt to keep up on national politics and the forces that are attempting to take us further away from God. So, the material in the DVD was not a total shock to me. What was surprising to me is the voluminous efforts early leaders made to ensure all knew our county was established to be a Christian nation—monuments, money, manuscripts, correspondence, speeches, mottos, oaths, songs, constitutions—Federal and States, etc. I often hear people say the United States is not a Christian nation and was never designed to be one. That the Founding Fathers desired to establish a secular government that merely tolerates various religions. I knew before watching the DVD that was absurdly FALSE. The Founding Fathers wrote the First Amendment to protect religious freedom as opposed to the sinister twisting of the phrase, “a wall of separation between church and state,” in a letter by Thomas Jefferson to a Baptist association to reassure them that the Federal Government would not interfere with religion to restrict the exercise of religion. I am alarmed that some fail to realize the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments, were written to preserve individual freedom from government interference. Particularly alarming is that few seem to realize that the freedom of the Press and Religion go together—these two are both in the First Amendment. Ask yourselves, “If the Press was being treated by the Federal Government the same way Christianity is, would they tolerate it?” It is a highly relevant question! 

What I learned from the DVD is just how overtly the Founding Fathers and early leaders were in favor of New Testament Christianity. Sometimes people like to refer to our “Judeo-Christian Heritage”; however, the Founding Fathers were more specific to our Christian Heritage. They pointed out that we are a tolerant Nation because of, not in spite of, New Testament Christianity. The degree to which they expressed this was rather eye-opening to me. One of the quotes I vividly remember was by John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the first U.S. Supreme Court. The early founders of our Nation were not shy about affirming the importance of Christianity to the preservation of the Nation. John Jay wrote about supporting infidel (non-Christians) leaders:

Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers. It is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest, of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.—Page 89.

Some refuse to be involved in politics in any way and prefer to avoid all discussion on this subject; however, political and societal forces are pushing churches into areas that we cannot support; e.g., accepting the homosexual lifestyle and using our tax dollars to fund abortions. If we do not use our rights to make Christ’s views, which must be our views, on these two subjects clear to our leaders, then we will lose these two battles. And these two highly activist lobbies will not be interested in letting the church exempt herself. I wish we could continue in the luxury on relying on others to shoulder the political fight so we can focus solely on spreading the gospel, but we cannot. We must devote resources in this struggle too, or our ability to spread the gospel may be severely hindered. If we do not bow to our knees in prayer to God, we may find our knees forced to the ground against our wills and then we will be willing to pray to God but it will be a cry out to God in despair.

I found the words of President James A. Garfield, a member of the Christian Church, to be worthy of adoption:

Now, more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to present them in national legislature…. If the next centennial does not find us a great nation…it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.—Page 89.

It is time for Christians to be “strong in the strength which God supplies thru His beloved Son.”

The Disciples' Prayer, Hugo McCord

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The Disciples’ Payer, Hugo McCord


Recently, I was requested to present a series on prayer. As I assembled reference materials, I shopped at a local used bookstore and came across a popular book that stated it was the 10th anniversary edition, and I learned it has over 1 million copies sold. I purchased the volume to see if it had any insights or approaches that I might find of use. While the book had several positive points, it also had some negative ones too. I went to my shelf and started reading Hugo McCord’s The Disciples’ Prayer and thought “Now this is a book on the subject that should be in new and used bookstores in a celebrated 10th anniversary edition!” Sadly, many of the works published among churches of Christ do not have the marketing support as some of large publishing houses. I believe brother McCord’s book far exceeds the value of the one I purchased that day.


The late brother McCord wrote this book in 1954 as Vice President of Central Christian College (now Oklahoma Christian University). McCord’s scholarship was well known. He received degrees from Freed-Hardeman College (now University), University of Illinois, and a doctorate from Southern Baptist Seminary. Brother McCord’s dissertation was on the supposed “Synoptic Problem” which I find of interest since it is a theory of many modernists who attack the Bible. The “Synoptic Problem” claims there are discrepancies, even contradictions between Matthew, Mark and Luke. They even go so far as to suggest an imaginary author called “Q” that the gospel writers had to borrow from. Some suggest that Mark’s gospel was written first and Matthew had to borrow from it. Imagine that! Matthew, an apostle who was with Jesus during His ministry, had to borrow from Mark who was not an apostle. Difficult to believe? Indeed. Occasionally McCord writings point out how these critics overlook certain realities that contradict their theories. For example, McCord’s chapter on “Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread” discusses the word “daily” and how modernists have far missed the mark:

Many scholars have doubted that the word “daily,” epiousion, in this petition is a faithful translation. Actually, some great scholars have been unfamiliar with epiousion. Origen (c. 185-254) was bold to say that Matthew and Luke just made up the word. But Chrysostom, Gregory Nyssen, and Basil of Caesarea—all eminent Greek-speaking scholars—thought that epiousion really means “daily”… Centuries elapsed, and modern scholars, still unfamiliar with epiousion, refused to accept the translation “daily” (needful). However, thanks to penetrating scholarship (?), the stigma of coining the word was taken off Matthew and Luke, and laid on the broad shoulders of imaginary author “Q,” from whom Matthew and Luke copied (?). So said modernists Moulton and Milligan as late as 1919. But in 1925 Q was exonerated from coining the word, for lo it was found in an old Greek housekeeping book. (Page 62)

The Disciples’ Prayer discusses the model of prayer Jesus gave in the “Sermon on the Mount” in Matthew and later to a smaller group in Luke. These two accounts are not parallel in the chronological but topical sense since the Sermon on the Mount is five chapters before the model prayer of Luke 11. Also, the wording is not identical in these models which indicate it was never intended to be recited repetitively as some do—a practice Jesus warned about just prior in Matthew’s account. And churches of Christ are not the only ones to point this matter out! I found the words of Martin Luther of interest on this and more pungent:

Thus, as we see, it was carried on in monasteries, nunneries and the whole ecclesiastical crowd, that seem to have had nothing else to do in their calling than to weary themselves daily so many hours, and at night besides, with singing and reading their Horas; and the more of this they could do, the holier and greater worship they called it. And yet among them all there was not one that uttered a real prayer from his heart: but they were all filled with the heathenish notion that one must tire God and one’s self with crying and muttering, as if he neither could nor would otherwise hear; and they have thereby accomplished nothing else than to waste their time and punish themselves…with their praying.— Martin Luther, Commentary on the Sermon On The Mount, Philadelphia, PA: Lutheran Publication Society, 1892, pp. 240-269.

Brother McCord does a thoughtful and insightful analysis of what some commonly refer to as “The Lord’s Prayer” or “The Model Prayer”. McCord points out that it was never a prayer that the Lord actually prayed so to call it “The Lord’s Prayer” would be incorrect unless one is speaking of a pattern of prayer taught by the Lord. The study of prayer has been enriching and this small volume spoke volumes compared to other works I have examined of longer length.

Originally printed West Virginia Christian, Vol. 18, No. 1,January 2011, p. 8. Reprinted by permission.

So we're living in Kingston...

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... and I'm getting home sick. If you know me, download skype and call/msg me. Seriously -- it's free, and it's cool.

Short Story: Nathan got a job in Kingston. When he first mentioned the job opportunity, I was like "Ummm... No. I'm not moving to Kingston." Then, through the many trials leading up to the job offer, I could see God's Hand leading us to this place. I began praying that Nathan *would* get the job. Then he did, and we spent a week in a motel trying to find a short term-lease (which we found), we moved that weekend, and I left for Florida the next day. After visiting my new Snowbird Mum for nearly 3 weeks, I came back to our new home. A week later, it's starting to settle in that we're not moving back to Ottawa any time soon.

It's cold outside, and I don't know anyone. How do people make friends in new cities? I mean, seriously. In grade school, you'd walk up to someone and ask them if they wanted to play tag, or build a snowman. Bang! Instant friend. I might not have been a social butterfly, but I didn't have to drive 2 hours to play Settlers, or "talk about feelings." This whole finding new social circles sucks.

I need to find a church... I did some research last month and found half a dozen in Kingston that didn't scare me (okay, I guess the rest weren't that bad -- just theologically stunted -- but I'm sure they have a heart for God). Nathan went to the closest one a few weeks ago (while I went to a Southern Baptist church in FL -- but that's a whole different story), and he seemed to like it. So maybe we'll go back this Lord's Day.

It would be a lot easier if there was an RP church in Kingston... Sovereign God? check. Biblical theology? check. Covenental relationship? check. Singing the Word of God? check. Yeah.. I love my Psalms. Give me 119x over "Here I am to Worship" anyday of the week. A few years of singing lessons and I might post some youtube videos... Until then, you can listen here. I've had a Psalter on my wishlist for a few years now... I think it's time to order one myself. But I digress...

I should take some classes... Bellydance, woodworking, art, acting. Something. I should also probably look into getting a job. Sigh... Is there anything in Kingston aside from prisons and universities?

Staying indoors makes it easier to pretend I'm not completely alone in a new city, miles from anyone I know... well, aside from Nathan, but he's at work >.>

I think I'll go outside now.

So we're looking for a house in Kingston...

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... and this is our search area. It extends down to Lake Ontario's Shore. While it would be cool to live on Wolfe or Howe Island, I don't think Nathan would enjoy taking the Ferry to work every day >.>


View Larger Map

It would be larger, but those long lakes are a real pain to drive around. I guess it would be easier if we stayed within Kingston, but I have this dream of raising alpacas and spinning their fibre on a beautiful spinning wheel I designed and carved myself. Somehow, I don't think I can do that within city limits, aye?

On the other hand, being close to everything Kingston has to offer (I'm still trying to figure out exactly what that is) would be handy. Buses are handy (although I got my G1 last week, after letting it expire nearly 2 years ago, so I can do my G2 test as soon as I practice parking >.>), and I think it would be easier to resell if the house weren't in the middle of nowhere.

I still want to build my Timber-Frame Strawbale house, but I think that might have to wait until I can get Nathan to warm up to the idea.

Dishonoring the Corps

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Subject:Dishonoring the Corps

Dishonoringthe Corps; Marines in inaugural parade had bolts removed from their rifles

Dishonored and disarmed: Boltsare clearly missing from these Marine rifles during President Obama's inaugurationparade. This is an unmistakable insult to the honor of the Marine Corps.David Codrea has revealed thatPresident Obama has so little regard for the United States Marines riskingtheir lives under his command life that they were forced to dismantle theiralready empty parade rifles for his second inauguration parade. This is nothingless than a slap in the face of the Corps:
"Didn't know the Marines hadto take the bolts out of their rifles for the Inaugural," an emailforwarded to Gun Rights Examiner from aUnited States Marine Corps source observed. "Wonder if someone can explainwhy [they] would be marching in the inaugural parade with no bolts in theirrifles!"
The email linkedto a YouTube video of the 57th Presidential Inaugural Parade,embedded in this column, featuring Bravo Company Marines from the MarineBarracks Washington. Sure enough, the observation in the email isconfirmed by watching the video, with screen shots provided in the photoand slide show accompanying this article.
This prompted an internet searchto see if others had also noticed, and the Blur-Brain blog had."The bolts have been removedfrom the rifles rendering them unable to fire a round," the post stated."Apparently Obama's Secret Service doesn't trust the USMC. Simply searchingeach guy to make sure he didn't have a live round hidden on him wasn't enough,they had to make sure the guns were inoperable.
Obama doesn't trust the very menwho put their lives on the line to serve their country. I guess it shouldn't bethat much of a shock. Untrustworthy people find it very difficult tobelieve that other men have honor.
It is very sad that he can not trusthis own country men. Reminds me of the actions of the MAD RomanEmperor Caligula...Maybe a good name for the president is CALIGUBAMA.....

Another U.S. nuclear worker found dead — Third death at nuke plant this month

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The Rumor Mill News Reading Room 
Another U.S. nuclear worker found dead — Third death at nuke plant this monthPosted By: RumorMail [Send E-Mail]
Date: Friday, 22-Feb-2013 15:37:56

http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/event-status/event/2013/20130219en.html#en48761 NRC: Event Notification Report for February 19, 2013: Brunswick Nuclear Plant, North Carolina [...] OFFSITE NOTIFICATION DUE TO ONSITE CONTRACTOR FATALITY [Feb. 16, 2013] At approximately 1318 hours (EST), the Main Control Room was notified of a contract employee slumped over on a fork lift inside the protected area. First Responders were dispatched to the scene. Off-site assistance was requested and arrived on-site at approximately 1330 hrs. CPR was administered by the First Responders and Paramedics. At 1403 hrs., the paramedics determined that the efforts to revive the patient were unsuccessful. The cause of death has not yet been determined. [...] Death on February 19th: Worker dies at U.S. nuclear plant -- Same day local news airs investigation into "alarming pattern" of safety violations (VIDEO) http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/oh_lake/contractor-working-at-perry-nuclear-power-plant-dies-after-medical-incident-firstenergy-says News Channel 5 (ABC Cleveland), Feb. 19, 2013 at 9:15p ET: A man working at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant in Lake County died while on the job Tuesday, the company confirmed. According to a spokesman for FirstEnergy, a medical incident occurred inside the plant [...] He was pronounced dead at the hospital. The company said tests at the hospital verified that the person involved in the incident was not contaminated. [...] He was supporting preparations for an upcoming refueling outage. No other details about the incident have been released. [...] NewsNet5 (ABC Cleveland), Feb. 19, 2013 at 11:04p ET: The Perry Nuclear Generating Station near Cleveland is under intense scrutiny by Nuclear Regulatory Commission inspectors, who have uncovered a pattern of safety violations inside the plant. [...] Chuck Casto is a Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regional Administrator who is overseeing ongoing inspections at the plant following a series of safety violations involving workers inside the plant. “It starts to worry you about the spread,” Casto said. “Are problems spreading?” [...] “It shows that people are violating basic safety procedures and if they don’t care about their own safety, how can they care about your’s or the community’s?” [former plant worker] Bryan Reo said. [...] ----------- Death on February 7th: Strange Days at U.S. Nuclear Plant: "Individual" lying on ground un http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/event-status/event/2013/20130208en.html#en48731 ------------ Bloomberg: Bones Found at Michigan Nuclear Plant May Be Human [...] Berrien County sheriff’s officials collected the bones and are determining if they are human, Bill Schalk, a [Cook nuclear] plant spokesman, said in a phone interview. “Obviously, it’s quite rare” for bones to turn up in a nuclear plant’s water intake system, Scott Burnell, a spokesman for the federal atomic agency, said in an e-mail. [...] Divers found 6-inch (15 centimeter) and 4-inch bone fragments [...] A spokesman for the Berrien County’s sheriff’s office in St. Joseph, Michigan, couldn’t immediately be reached for comment. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-13/bones-found-at-michigan-nuclear-plant-may-be-human.html http://enenews.com/worker-dies-at-u-s-nuclear-plant-same-day-local-news-runs-expose-about-alarming-pattern-of-safeyy-violations-there-videos