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| http://exploredia.com/greatest-pirate-ships-of-all-time/ |
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Christians bullied in America-only the beginning.
When I first saw this video, I wasn't terribly shocked. I mean, we are seeing more and more prejudice toward Christians and people who hate Christians spouting off their claims on TV, the internet, and YouTube. It seems to be a new trend in America. When I was growing up, being a Christian was pretty mainstream and those who didn't believe in Jesus weren't angry about Christian's beliefs and visa versa. That's one of the biggest advantages of our free speech society. We can each believe what we want and state what we believe without fear of being bullied or castigated for our beliefs. Those days are over.
What really shocked me about this video was the place where this speech took place. Dan Savage is an American author, journalist and editor who writes the internationally syndicated relationship and sex advice column, Savage Love. Recently he ventured forth on what he calls an anti-bullying crusade throughout the country. In particular, he focuses on bullying gay people.
Sounds great! I'm also against bullying anyone! Whether for race, size, personality, religion, gender, sexual orientation or anything else. But as it turns out Mr. Savage had an ulterior motive in a speech he gave at a High School Journalism conference last month. Yes, I said High School.
I've copied the video below. I warn you, there is adult language used. (yes, I said High School)
And the people you see walking out are people (probably Christians) who oppose what he is saying.
Yes, I said this was an ANTI-BULLYING speech. Why do I show you this? Because twenty years ago, this man would have been escorted out of this high school for foul language and defaming a religious belief. Both of which would have been completely suitable at an atheist rally or even standing on a soap box in the middle of Times Square. I still do believe in Free Speech!. Just not when you cowardly hide your agenda behind a the guise of a good cause in order to indoctrinate a group of impressionable kids. And where were the teachers? The principal? If you want to have a discourse on what you perceive as fallacies in the Bible or certain doctrines, then be man enough to engage in a professional mature debate with a Bible expert. Not fling your hate-filled drivel at a bunch of young people.
Folks, this is just the beginning. Know your Bible. Be able to give an answer to those, like this man, who pluck verses out of context and spout untruths.
And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. Mark 13:13
What really shocked me about this video was the place where this speech took place. Dan Savage is an American author, journalist and editor who writes the internationally syndicated relationship and sex advice column, Savage Love. Recently he ventured forth on what he calls an anti-bullying crusade throughout the country. In particular, he focuses on bullying gay people.
Sounds great! I'm also against bullying anyone! Whether for race, size, personality, religion, gender, sexual orientation or anything else. But as it turns out Mr. Savage had an ulterior motive in a speech he gave at a High School Journalism conference last month. Yes, I said High School.
I've copied the video below. I warn you, there is adult language used. (yes, I said High School)
And the people you see walking out are people (probably Christians) who oppose what he is saying.
Yes, I said this was an ANTI-BULLYING speech. Why do I show you this? Because twenty years ago, this man would have been escorted out of this high school for foul language and defaming a religious belief. Both of which would have been completely suitable at an atheist rally or even standing on a soap box in the middle of Times Square. I still do believe in Free Speech!. Just not when you cowardly hide your agenda behind a the guise of a good cause in order to indoctrinate a group of impressionable kids. And where were the teachers? The principal? If you want to have a discourse on what you perceive as fallacies in the Bible or certain doctrines, then be man enough to engage in a professional mature debate with a Bible expert. Not fling your hate-filled drivel at a bunch of young people.
Folks, this is just the beginning. Know your Bible. Be able to give an answer to those, like this man, who pluck verses out of context and spout untruths.
And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. Mark 13:13
Monday, May 7, 2012
Jesus meets you where you're at
At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?”
“No,” they replied.
Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it. John 21: 4-6As far as we know, and aside from the ascension, this is Jesus's final time hanging out with the men who had become his close friends and companions for three years. To them, their friend and savior died on the cross and has now been resurrected! They've all seen Him, talked with Him, but still they have no idea what to do. They don't know where to go from here.
Have you ever felt like that? You've met Jesus, spoken with Him, followed Him, but in your day to day life you don't know what else to do but what you've always done. You don't see that anything has really changed.
So what did the disciples do? They went back to what they knew before Jesus. They went fishing!
But something had changed. And they would never be the same. Jesus showed up again and turned their ordinary fishing expedition into a catch so abundant they couldn't haul in the net! Part of me wonders if Jesus wasn't showing them right then and there how many people they would catch and bring to a saving knowledge of Him. More than they could believe! More than they could haul in!
 |
| http://www.pastorgraphics.com/Fishers_Of_Men_PowerPoint_Sermon-33925.html |
Yes, indeed, their lives had changed. They would never be the same. They would never be ordinary fishermen again. And neither will you. But the choice is yours. You may think you're just an ordinary smoe. leading an ordinary life, with ordinary skills and talents. You may even think that you're not sure you're up to the adventurous, abundant life Jesus offers. You may be worried what He'll ask of you. You may think you're not dedicated enough, brave enough, or maybe, that honestly, you're not sure you love Jesus enough to sacrifice everything.
After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”
“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. John 21: 15-17Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him three times. The first two times He used the Greek word for love, Agape, which is an unconditional, self-sacrificing, all-encompassing love which is completely independent of the actions or character of the one being loved. It is the way God loves us.
All three times when Peter answers. Yes, I love you.. but he used the Greek word Philia which means brotherly love, the strong bond of friendship. In other words, Peter cannot lie to Jesus. He is not sure he loves Jesus with agape love. All he can offer is Philia love.
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| http://ruinedfortheordinary.com/you-are-loved-believe-it/ |
And He does the same for us! All He asks is that we follow Him. Bring all your worries, fears, inhibitions, lack of dedication, lack of love, lack of faith and doubts to Him. He understands how weak we are. He will meet you where you're at! He only asks for honesty and a heart that truly wants to follow Him. Then watch what He will do with what you give Him!
Peter became the leader of the Christian church in Jerusalem!
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| http://www.wilsonsalmanac.com/book/jun29.html |
Friday, May 4, 2012
Vitamix and Health - my review
I know many of you have come to expect a writing lesson on Fridays (and I do hope they've been helpful!), and though I have other topics I could discuss in that regard, and I truly do love to help other writers, this blog's main focus surrounds these themes
I also want to make it a time when you can ask me anything. In fact, if you're too shy to leave a comment, you may email your questions to marylu_tyndall@yahoo.com and I'd be happy to answer them here on Friday. Or if you simply have some comment or something to say, you can email that to me as well.
For those of you non-shy people (And you know who you are), I'd like to hear from you, so please pour your hearts out to me and let's have a Friday chat!
Before we get to today's blabbing, I'd like to announce that June will be Veil of Pearls Month ! Yes, you heard it here first. Every Friday in June, I'll be posting something about my new release, Veil of Pearls.. things like an indepth look at the characters, a video trailer, a you-guess-what-the-character-says-next contest, and other surprises. All you have to do is leave a comment and your name will be entered to receive a free, signed copy of the book!
Topic of the week: My New Vitamix!
Some of you may remember that I'm on a quest to lose ten pounds before July when hubby and I are going to a Sandals resort in Jamaica! Well, so far I've lost 4 pounds. Doesn't sound like a lot, I know. But hey, I'm only 5'1" and over 50, so give me a break! In addition to my weight loss, I'm trying to become super healthy. Everything I read on the topic leads me to believe that my diet should consist of a bunch of organic fruits and veggies, whole grains, limited lean meats and chicken, less sugar and more exercise.
So I bought a Vitamix! My husband call it my Woman's Power Tool. It's a glorified, awesome blender that doesn't just blend, it does so much more! You know how some people have juicers that extract juice from veggies and fruit? Well, the Vitamix actually takes the whole fruit and veggies and grinds them up so small that you can make a smoothie out of them, using the whole fruit and not just the juice. So, it's SUPER good for you.
Here you see me about to make my smoothie. I put into the Vitamix
1 Orange
Frozen strawberries and blueberries
1/2 Zukinni
Kale
Grapes
Spinach
1/2 Banana
1 cup of coconut milk
1/2 cup Kefir
I usually also add an apple and some broccoli. Actually, you can put anything you want in it
Here's the result. It's a delicious smoothie that really fills me up and lasts all day. Plus, I'm getting all those nutrients from all the fresh organic fruits and veggies! (I mean, who wants to eat all that stuff raw?)
I have to tell you that since I've started this, I feel really good!!
The Vitamix also does other things. It chops veggies for salads, makes salsa, hummus, ice cream, soup, peanut butter, and grinds whole grain then kneads dough to make bread..
The only trouble is, it is expensive. But it comes with a 7 year warranty and I can tell you, it's top quality. If you are considering becoming healthier and eating right, this is the way to go.. and it is worth saving your pennies for. (And no, I'm not being paid by Vitamix to say any of this) :-)
Have a great weekend!!!
- Bringing God glory
- Encouraging the Saints
- Christianity and Culture
- News about my books!
- History
- Bringing your attention to other great books and products
- Tall ships and pirates!
 |
| http://www.theheartlinknetwork.com/blog/?p=2601 |
For those of you non-shy people (And you know who you are), I'd like to hear from you, so please pour your hearts out to me and let's have a Friday chat!
Topic of the week: My New Vitamix!
Some of you may remember that I'm on a quest to lose ten pounds before July when hubby and I are going to a Sandals resort in Jamaica! Well, so far I've lost 4 pounds. Doesn't sound like a lot, I know. But hey, I'm only 5'1" and over 50, so give me a break! In addition to my weight loss, I'm trying to become super healthy. Everything I read on the topic leads me to believe that my diet should consist of a bunch of organic fruits and veggies, whole grains, limited lean meats and chicken, less sugar and more exercise.
Here you see me about to make my smoothie. I put into the Vitamix
1 Orange
Frozen strawberries and blueberries
1/2 Zukinni
Kale
Grapes
Spinach
1/2 Banana
1 cup of coconut milk
1/2 cup Kefir
I usually also add an apple and some broccoli. Actually, you can put anything you want in it
I have to tell you that since I've started this, I feel really good!!
The Vitamix also does other things. It chops veggies for salads, makes salsa, hummus, ice cream, soup, peanut butter, and grinds whole grain then kneads dough to make bread..
The only trouble is, it is expensive. But it comes with a 7 year warranty and I can tell you, it's top quality. If you are considering becoming healthier and eating right, this is the way to go.. and it is worth saving your pennies for. (And no, I'm not being paid by Vitamix to say any of this) :-)
Have a great weekend!!!
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Charleston, a fortress walled in with a moat?
And you thought only fort-like walls and moats were meant for Medieval Castles? Well, it may shock you to know that lovely Charleston, South Carolina, formerly known as Charles Town, was one of two colonial American cities that was surrounded by massive walls, bastions, batteries and a moat! (The other was St. Augustine) In 1690, under constant attack by Indians, pirates, and the Spanish, the Charles Town Assembly thought it prudent to "build a sea wall fronting the Cooper River and to construct entrenchments, parapets, sally ports, gates, and drawbridges around the town."
Colonel William Rhett, a prominent citizen, was in charge of the construction. His house is located on the map below which shows the wall surrounding the city, along with the locations of each Bastion
Midway between Granville and Craven bastions, Half-Moon Battery projected into the bay. It stood above the original Court of Guard. The Old Exchange building was built upon this spot in the mid-18th century. During the restoration of the Old Exchange in 1976, archaeologists unearthed a portion of Half-Moon Battery under the dungeon of the Exchange, which can still be seen today. (I've seen this exact spot when I visited Charleston a few years ago! Very cool)
The only way into the Charles Town fortress was over two drawbridges situated near the intersection of present-day Broad and Meeting Streets. Midway between the Carteret and Colleton bastions, the wall projected sharply to a triangular point. A visitor would pass through the outer wall by crossing a drawbridge on one side of this triangle at point K on the map above, only to find himself standing in a structure called "Johnson's Covered Half-Moon," situated in the middle of the moat, which presumably functioned as a sort of security check-point. A second drawbridge, labeled H on the map, then ushered the visitor past the inner wall into the city proper at point H on the diagram.
Amazing, eh? The Walls and moats didn't last long, however. After a devastating hurricane in 1713, followed by huge growth in the city, the walls were dismantled around 1718.
Colonel William Rhett, a prominent citizen, was in charge of the construction. His house is located on the map below which shows the wall surrounding the city, along with the locations of each Bastion
| A. Granville Bastion | G. Half Moon | N. Kea: L. Smith's Bridge | T. Quaker Meeting House |
| B. Craven Bastion | H. Draw-bridge in the line | O. Minister's House | V. Court of Guard |
| C. Carteret Bastion | I. Johnson's covered half moon | P. English Church | W. first rice patch in Carolina |
| D. Colleton Bastion | K. Draw-bridge in half moon | Q. French Church | 6. Poinsett |
| E. Ashley Bastion | L. Palisades | R. Independent Church | 10. Tradd's house |
| F. Blakes Bastion | M. Col. Rhett's bridge | S. Ana baptist Church | 13. Col. Rhett's house |
Midway between Granville and Craven bastions, Half-Moon Battery projected into the bay. It stood above the original Court of Guard. The Old Exchange building was built upon this spot in the mid-18th century. During the restoration of the Old Exchange in 1976, archaeologists unearthed a portion of Half-Moon Battery under the dungeon of the Exchange, which can still be seen today. (I've seen this exact spot when I visited Charleston a few years ago! Very cool)
The only way into the Charles Town fortress was over two drawbridges situated near the intersection of present-day Broad and Meeting Streets. Midway between the Carteret and Colleton bastions, the wall projected sharply to a triangular point. A visitor would pass through the outer wall by crossing a drawbridge on one side of this triangle at point K on the map above, only to find himself standing in a structure called "Johnson's Covered Half-Moon," situated in the middle of the moat, which presumably functioned as a sort of security check-point. A second drawbridge, labeled H on the map, then ushered the visitor past the inner wall into the city proper at point H on the diagram.
Amazing, eh? The Walls and moats didn't last long, however. After a devastating hurricane in 1713, followed by huge growth in the city, the walls were dismantled around 1718.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Is Satan real?
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| http://alturl.com/fg6dq |
The majority of American Christians do not believe that Satan is a real being or that the Holy Spirit is a living entity. Nearly six out of ten Christians surveyed either strongly agreed or somewhat agreed with the statement that Satan "is not a living being but is a symbol of evil", the survey found. Forty per cent strongly agreed with the statement while 19 per cent of American Christians somewhat agreed.
Likewise, most Christians in the United States do not believe that the Holy Spirit is a living force. Fifty-eight percent strongly or somewhat agreed with the statement that the Holy Spirit is "a symbol of God's power or presence but is not a living entity."
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/most.us.christians.dont.believe.satan.holy.spirit.really.exist/23071.htm
Say What? Are you as shocked as I am? How can a Christian call upon the power of the Holy Spirit to defeat an enemy if they don't believe either of them actually exists?? And more importantly, how can people call themselves Christians if they don't believe the Bible?
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| http://alturl.com/pnwy6 |
How are we to be equipped against an enemy if we don't know what we are up against? Why don't pastor's preach sermons on hell and Satan? Are they afraid of offending their parishioners or maybe scaring them off? Isn't it better to just talk about happy things like God's grace? But see what happens? People aren't informed and they stop believing and they are left defenseless against a ruthless enemy.
Your thoughts?
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