Noel Green and I have been friends ever since my freshman year in college/University, 1993. I'm posting my favorite "Noel Green and Friends" videos. Click on the title to be linked to the whole smorgasbord of videos. But here on my blog you can watch my favorites.
The first one, a music video, is fairly well known on YouTube. I just absolutely love it. It's a great song and an excellent interpretation.
This next video makes me laugh to tears every time I watch it.
The Ziploc Fingerman Special is a classic I still love to watch and it was made pre-digital.
Noel made the next two videos for assignments in college.
Okay, here are the Star Wars overdubs that take the cake . . . the spice cake that is . . .
08 March 2008
04 March 2008
27 February 2008
Humble, Grateful
I wrote a song last Wednesday while driving home from work.
make me humble
make me grateful
make me laugh
and make me cry
bring me to my knees.
You're so merciful and
i am so in need
to be what you created me to be.
(I wish I could put the tune up on here. I'm working to put songs up on another site. I'll advertise once I get it going.)
Th funny thing about writing this song is that it was an honest prayer. I felt the need to be changed by God. I felt spiritual "old" and was thirsting for new creation, especially in humility and gratitude. You know the verse in Philippians, "Do everything without complaining" and presenting requests to God with "thanksgiving".
Well, not only was it an honest prayer, but something happened about 15 to 20 minutes later that answered all but the "make me cry" part. An elder from a church in Texas rang me up and explained the goings on for this weekend--their having us in for a congregational introduction/blessing. The elder told us how much money they have already set aside and I got the overall impression that God has had his hand in all of this.
I felt what I already thought to be true--our mission is actually much bigger than us. I felt like God was saying, "Jason and Nicole, you're not going to create the opportunities to ensure this mission moves, but I am." I also felt gratitude instantly. I started, with joy, just wanting to share everything--food, money, clothes, anything. It's hard to express what happened to me exactly, but I was brought to my knees sincerely with regard to humility and gratitude.
make me humble
make me grateful
make me laugh
and make me cry
bring me to my knees.
You're so merciful and
i am so in need
to be what you created me to be.
(I wish I could put the tune up on here. I'm working to put songs up on another site. I'll advertise once I get it going.)
Th funny thing about writing this song is that it was an honest prayer. I felt the need to be changed by God. I felt spiritual "old" and was thirsting for new creation, especially in humility and gratitude. You know the verse in Philippians, "Do everything without complaining" and presenting requests to God with "thanksgiving".
Well, not only was it an honest prayer, but something happened about 15 to 20 minutes later that answered all but the "make me cry" part. An elder from a church in Texas rang me up and explained the goings on for this weekend--their having us in for a congregational introduction/blessing. The elder told us how much money they have already set aside and I got the overall impression that God has had his hand in all of this.
I felt what I already thought to be true--our mission is actually much bigger than us. I felt like God was saying, "Jason and Nicole, you're not going to create the opportunities to ensure this mission moves, but I am." I also felt gratitude instantly. I started, with joy, just wanting to share everything--food, money, clothes, anything. It's hard to express what happened to me exactly, but I was brought to my knees sincerely with regard to humility and gratitude.
25 February 2008
Psalm 9:1ff
i'm thanking you, GOD, from a full heart,
i'm writing the book on your wonders.
i'm whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy;
i'm singing your song, High God.
the day my enemies turned tail and ran,
they stumbled on you and fell on their faces.
You took over and set everything right;
when i needed you, you were there, taking charge.
You blow the whistle on godless nations;
You throw dirty players out of the game,
wipe their names right off the roster.
enemies disappear from the sidelines,
their reputation trashed,
their names erased from the halls of fame.
GOD holds the high center,
he sees and sets the world's mess right.
He decides what is right for us earthlings,
gives people their just deserts.
GOD's a safe-house for the battered,
a sanctuary during bad times.
the moment you arrive, you relax;
you're never sorry you knocked.
i'm writing the book on your wonders.
i'm whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy;
i'm singing your song, High God.
the day my enemies turned tail and ran,
they stumbled on you and fell on their faces.
You took over and set everything right;
when i needed you, you were there, taking charge.
You blow the whistle on godless nations;
You throw dirty players out of the game,
wipe their names right off the roster.
enemies disappear from the sidelines,
their reputation trashed,
their names erased from the halls of fame.
GOD holds the high center,
he sees and sets the world's mess right.
He decides what is right for us earthlings,
gives people their just deserts.
GOD's a safe-house for the battered,
a sanctuary during bad times.
the moment you arrive, you relax;
you're never sorry you knocked.
31 January 2008
Blowback: Laura Ingraham and Ron Paul
I got this video/radio things thru www.mercola.com. Dr. Mercola is a doctor who believes people ought to take control of their health. He absolutely loves Dr. Ron Paul. Below I pasted some of Dr. Mercola's comments from his post:
"In this interview with political commentator and talk show host Laura Ingraham, Ron Paul explains why the Constitution should be followed -- and how unintended consequences are the inevitable effects of current U.S. foreign policy.
In the middle of it, he lets Ingraham know that she is actually unintentionally arguing his own points for him. If you want to hear a man speak with passion and principle, this is the interview you should hear.
Aside from his dedication to principle, there are many reasons why I support Ron Paul, and a major one has to do with his devotion to your health freedom. He believes in:
Expanding the ability of Americans to use alternative medicine and new treatments.
Opposing legislation that increases the FDA‘s legal powers. [Did you know that the FDA has approved of genetically modified foods without labelling? Vegemite, on the other hand,--even though we've had it on our store shelves for years--has been banned by the FDA!!! It is absurd that new government branches like the Federal Bank and the Federal Food & Drug Administration get formed (in America!) without checks or balances!]
The notion that the government should never have the power to require immunizations or vaccinations."
29 January 2008
My Random Album (and economic revitalization)
Band Name: THE BOMB
Album Title: ACCORDING TO OUR BELIEF
Album Cover:
First five tracks:
I Believe
Liberties That Are
Standing, Banking
Dangerous Institutions
More Than Armies
Isn't that cool for coming up random? I used the guidelines I found on my friend, Dan's, blog (click on title to link there). Apparently, it's a "meme".
The full Heidi Wills quote from which the album title came is, "We do not believe if we do not live and work according to our belief."
While I was reading some of the quotes, another one caught my eye, one by Thomas Jefferson, who mostly wrote our constitution before John Adams helped by editing it. Here it is: "I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies."
That prophetic is worth considering now. Today the federal reserve bank exists in spite of being anathema to at least one of the founding fathers. The federal reserve doesn't have to report what it's doing to the American people. Many people don't even know that it prints money at will without reporting it. Wouldn't it be better if they televised their meetings? People who are hurting severely due to inflation might realize the real culprit. That could be the beginning of a solution.
Here is an abbreviated form of Ron Paul's economic plan and is, I think, in the tradition of President Jefferson:
“Real economic reform must address the underlying reasons for the current economic malaise,” said Ron Paul. “This plan is more than just a band-aid for our economy; it fundamentally reforms four areas where government policies are damaging our national economy. When enacted, my plan will provide both short-term stimulus, and lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity.”
The comprehensive economic revitalization plan is available online at: http://www.RonPaul2008.com/Prosperity.
The four areas that the plan covers are:
1. Tax Reform: Reduce the tax burden and eliminate taxes that punish investment and savings, including job-killing corporate taxes.
2. Spending Reform: Eliminate wasteful spending. Reduce overseas commitments. Freeze all non-defense, non-entitlement spending at current levels.
3. Monetary Policy Reform: Expand openness with the Federal Reserve and require the Fed to televise its meetings. Return value to our money.
4. Regulatory Reform: Repeal Sarbanes/Oxley regulations that push companies to seek capital outside of US markets. Stop restricting community banks from fostering local economic growth.
Congressman Paul has written or co-sponsored numerous bills to enact the policies in his plan. In Congress, he has been a champion of lower taxes and limited government.
Congressman Paul is the ranking member on the House Financial Services Committee's Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology. In Congress, Dr. Paul has never voted for a tax increase or for an unbalanced budget.
Album Title: ACCORDING TO OUR BELIEF
Album Cover:
First five tracks:
I Believe
Liberties That Are
Standing, Banking
Dangerous Institutions
More Than Armies
Isn't that cool for coming up random? I used the guidelines I found on my friend, Dan's, blog (click on title to link there). Apparently, it's a "meme".
The full Heidi Wills quote from which the album title came is, "We do not believe if we do not live and work according to our belief."
While I was reading some of the quotes, another one caught my eye, one by Thomas Jefferson, who mostly wrote our constitution before John Adams helped by editing it. Here it is: "I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies."
That prophetic is worth considering now. Today the federal reserve bank exists in spite of being anathema to at least one of the founding fathers. The federal reserve doesn't have to report what it's doing to the American people. Many people don't even know that it prints money at will without reporting it. Wouldn't it be better if they televised their meetings? People who are hurting severely due to inflation might realize the real culprit. That could be the beginning of a solution.
Here is an abbreviated form of Ron Paul's economic plan and is, I think, in the tradition of President Jefferson:
“Real economic reform must address the underlying reasons for the current economic malaise,” said Ron Paul. “This plan is more than just a band-aid for our economy; it fundamentally reforms four areas where government policies are damaging our national economy. When enacted, my plan will provide both short-term stimulus, and lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity.”
The comprehensive economic revitalization plan is available online at: http://www.RonPaul2008.com/Prosperity.
The four areas that the plan covers are:
1. Tax Reform: Reduce the tax burden and eliminate taxes that punish investment and savings, including job-killing corporate taxes.
2. Spending Reform: Eliminate wasteful spending. Reduce overseas commitments. Freeze all non-defense, non-entitlement spending at current levels.
3. Monetary Policy Reform: Expand openness with the Federal Reserve and require the Fed to televise its meetings. Return value to our money.
4. Regulatory Reform: Repeal Sarbanes/Oxley regulations that push companies to seek capital outside of US markets. Stop restricting community banks from fostering local economic growth.
Congressman Paul has written or co-sponsored numerous bills to enact the policies in his plan. In Congress, he has been a champion of lower taxes and limited government.
Congressman Paul is the ranking member on the House Financial Services Committee's Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology. In Congress, Dr. Paul has never voted for a tax increase or for an unbalanced budget.
28 January 2008
Resonating with Christ's Campaign
Hello my wise friends and family,
There's just something about the campaign that excites me.
The character of "Ron Paul's campaign" resonates so much more with Christian boldness, enthusiasm, and humility than the back-biting and power-mongering of virtually all the other politicians. I know that America is a kingdom of this world just like any other worldly kingdom--as do you. Our government lords it over us just like all the others. I know that none of us can be trusted to govern just as Christ would. But the way of Ron Paul's campaign just seems so much more like something that Jesus would smile at. Perhaps I'm a fool.
I know Ron's not the second coming at all, but I enjoy knowing his truthful message is getting out there much like John the Baptist's message made its way to King Herod (and got him beheaded). I'm glad to see a threatening message enter the powers of our own corrupt government.
I know the idea of anyone without perfect knowledge and motives becoming President doesn't compare to the day when Jesus returns and hands over to God the true kingdom--that will truly be an election Day! But until then, it seems like it would be more honorable to think a good person with a message full of truth and meaning could become President than than to think one of the dodgy candidates that promote themselves more than the truth could take the next seat of power.
Here is a quote from 1 Cor 15 that promotes the eternal message that is far superior to any great government's message whether it be Babylon, Rome, or America:
"Then the end will come. Christ will hand over the kingdom to God the Father as he destroys every ruler, authority, and power. Christ must rule until God has put every enemy under his control. The last enemy he will destroy is death. [ . . . ] Then God will be in control of everything."
God is not yet in control of everything (e.g., the White House and sometimes my own house), but I rejoice as he rebukes and mocks the rulers and powers of this dark world using humble people who speak the truth.
By the peace that truly brings freedom,
Jason
There's just something about the campaign that excites me.
The character of "Ron Paul's campaign" resonates so much more with Christian boldness, enthusiasm, and humility than the back-biting and power-mongering of virtually all the other politicians. I know that America is a kingdom of this world just like any other worldly kingdom--as do you. Our government lords it over us just like all the others. I know that none of us can be trusted to govern just as Christ would. But the way of Ron Paul's campaign just seems so much more like something that Jesus would smile at. Perhaps I'm a fool.
I know Ron's not the second coming at all, but I enjoy knowing his truthful message is getting out there much like John the Baptist's message made its way to King Herod (and got him beheaded). I'm glad to see a threatening message enter the powers of our own corrupt government.
I know the idea of anyone without perfect knowledge and motives becoming President doesn't compare to the day when Jesus returns and hands over to God the true kingdom--that will truly be an election Day! But until then, it seems like it would be more honorable to think a good person with a message full of truth and meaning could become President than than to think one of the dodgy candidates that promote themselves more than the truth could take the next seat of power.
Here is a quote from 1 Cor 15 that promotes the eternal message that is far superior to any great government's message whether it be Babylon, Rome, or America:
"Then the end will come. Christ will hand over the kingdom to God the Father as he destroys every ruler, authority, and power. Christ must rule until God has put every enemy under his control. The last enemy he will destroy is death. [ . . . ] Then God will be in control of everything."
God is not yet in control of everything (e.g., the White House and sometimes my own house), but I rejoice as he rebukes and mocks the rulers and powers of this dark world using humble people who speak the truth.
By the peace that truly brings freedom,
Jason
22 January 2008
Pre-occupations
Here I am at home with the day off from work because of weather conditions. It was rainy and now extremely wet, too muddy to get the cement truck to where we need to pour concrete. So I'm at home with the internet.
I've been thinking about one thing deeply at a time. I'll focus my thoughts and conversation agendas on, for example, biodiversity for a couple of months, then on the book of Acts for a while, and now on Ron Paul. Meanwhile I'm also thinking of other things, at the present time our growing child in Nicole's womb. This doesn't change. It is a deeper thread of thought that affects and responds to almost everything that comes my way each day. Also, always below the perceived surface are my thoughts about God and Christian discipleship. The thought that Jesus is in a real way my redeemer, master, and king affects and transforms every other thought. All my thoughts must adapt to this higher, deeper, spiritual thought. It is certainly more than a thought.
Still, as if I am working on another research paper in a grad school assignment, I can't bring myself to merely read a headline article about an intriguing and intellectual candidate such as Ron Paul. I must consume and digest and post portions of the best and most accurate information. Certainly graduate school has affected me. I have developed a pattern/compulsion of wanting to intellectually download broad and deep research, process it theologically, and . . . turn it in?
That's where I think I run into the most trouble. It seems like the process is more profitable than the product. (It's kind of like genetically modifying foods and other technologies. Isn't it cool we can do it? But is it better?) I'm forced to ask myself if what I am doing is worthy of the gift of life that God has given me. I'm forced to think about God when I get frustrated, when I feel I am living with integrity and taking actions I think are right and yet am dissatisfied. I can't see the benefit of my hard work.
So I read Ecclesiastes and Proverbs. I meditate on the Holy One and the teachings that are good whether I can produce any effective change in the world or not. By mercy I'll live wisely and faithfully even if I am ignored, punished, or beheaded.
I've been thinking about one thing deeply at a time. I'll focus my thoughts and conversation agendas on, for example, biodiversity for a couple of months, then on the book of Acts for a while, and now on Ron Paul. Meanwhile I'm also thinking of other things, at the present time our growing child in Nicole's womb. This doesn't change. It is a deeper thread of thought that affects and responds to almost everything that comes my way each day. Also, always below the perceived surface are my thoughts about God and Christian discipleship. The thought that Jesus is in a real way my redeemer, master, and king affects and transforms every other thought. All my thoughts must adapt to this higher, deeper, spiritual thought. It is certainly more than a thought.
Still, as if I am working on another research paper in a grad school assignment, I can't bring myself to merely read a headline article about an intriguing and intellectual candidate such as Ron Paul. I must consume and digest and post portions of the best and most accurate information. Certainly graduate school has affected me. I have developed a pattern/compulsion of wanting to intellectually download broad and deep research, process it theologically, and . . . turn it in?
That's where I think I run into the most trouble. It seems like the process is more profitable than the product. (It's kind of like genetically modifying foods and other technologies. Isn't it cool we can do it? But is it better?) I'm forced to ask myself if what I am doing is worthy of the gift of life that God has given me. I'm forced to think about God when I get frustrated, when I feel I am living with integrity and taking actions I think are right and yet am dissatisfied. I can't see the benefit of my hard work.
So I read Ecclesiastes and Proverbs. I meditate on the Holy One and the teachings that are good whether I can produce any effective change in the world or not. By mercy I'll live wisely and faithfully even if I am ignored, punished, or beheaded.
21 January 2008
Ron Paul on King's Day
January 21, 2008 7:09 am EST
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA — Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul today issued the following statement reflecting on the struggle for civil rights and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. :
“It is especially fitting that we take the time to reflect on one man’s struggles to defend our Constitutional freedoms during this primary election season. January 15 was the birthday of the great freedom fighter, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and on Monday, we honor him nationwide for his sacrifice and love of liberty for all people.
“To me, the timing is more than a coincidence. The American people, regardless of color or creed, have the opportunity to choose a candidate who will uplift the ideals for which Dr. King fought—and died.
“The fight for freedom—the preservation of our civil rights—is the fight of our lives. Sadly, after Dr. King’s passing we are faced with a violation of our civil rights in the same vein as Jim Crow: The Patriot Act. I have stood against this and all unconstitutional violations of American’s civil rights, and will continue Dr. King’s charge as President.
“Dr. King would be disappointed in our current administration for more than its continued disregard for civil rights, as he stated ‘a nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom.’ We need to change our interventionist foreign policy, and take care of our brothers and sisters at home. Our nation is in a crisis: we are spending billions on war overseas while those around us are suffering and losing jobs, homes, and hope. It is inexcusable; we must solve the economic crisis at home and bring hope to America.
“Dr. King’s heroic actions should resonate with us today, as we recognize that our votes strengthen the fight for our civil rights. Liberty is the true antidote to racism, and freedom-- limited, constitutional government devoted to the protection of individual rights—can uplift us all.”
Dr. Ron Paul is a ten-term Texas congressman seeking the Republican nomination for President of the United States.
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA — Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul today issued the following statement reflecting on the struggle for civil rights and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. :
“It is especially fitting that we take the time to reflect on one man’s struggles to defend our Constitutional freedoms during this primary election season. January 15 was the birthday of the great freedom fighter, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and on Monday, we honor him nationwide for his sacrifice and love of liberty for all people.
“To me, the timing is more than a coincidence. The American people, regardless of color or creed, have the opportunity to choose a candidate who will uplift the ideals for which Dr. King fought—and died.
“The fight for freedom—the preservation of our civil rights—is the fight of our lives. Sadly, after Dr. King’s passing we are faced with a violation of our civil rights in the same vein as Jim Crow: The Patriot Act. I have stood against this and all unconstitutional violations of American’s civil rights, and will continue Dr. King’s charge as President.
“Dr. King would be disappointed in our current administration for more than its continued disregard for civil rights, as he stated ‘a nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom.’ We need to change our interventionist foreign policy, and take care of our brothers and sisters at home. Our nation is in a crisis: we are spending billions on war overseas while those around us are suffering and losing jobs, homes, and hope. It is inexcusable; we must solve the economic crisis at home and bring hope to America.
“Dr. King’s heroic actions should resonate with us today, as we recognize that our votes strengthen the fight for our civil rights. Liberty is the true antidote to racism, and freedom-- limited, constitutional government devoted to the protection of individual rights—can uplift us all.”
Dr. Ron Paul is a ten-term Texas congressman seeking the Republican nomination for President of the United States.
17 January 2008
My Political Fervor
I've never been public about who or what I voted for. I usually went by the philosophy, "vote for the lesser of two evils". Honestly, I'll tell you now, that I voted for "W" twice. Gladly the first time. The second time, I didn't make the final decision until I was filling in the ballot. I don't remember anything in particular about his stance on the issues. However, now I recall that in the debates vs. Gore, Bush swore never to contribute to nation-building and/or policing the world.
Why share my political fervor now? I'll try to tell you briefly . . .
Ordinarily, I wouldn't care about presidential candidates, especially now. I am more confident than ever that Jesus is the rightful King of the Universe, not just the U.S.A., God bless it. So I don't believe that our wonderful empire/country will write history even though I've heard our President and his cabinet make that claim. I believe that ultimately Jesus will come back and all the world powers will be like flies on manure. The poor will be lifted up. The innocent. The peacemakers. The meek. The persecuted. The taxpayers. The tax collectors. The prostitutes. The drug addicts. Everyone who was in real trouble and ran to the candidate who truly meant his promises . . . will be saved. That's what I believe. So, I don't expect much out of even our nation/empire.
But, Ron Paul has brought something to my attention. We have a law to rule our land, not a ruleR. Our nation's forefathers knew that no one has perfect knowledge so, "Let's design a government that let's people live according to their conscience. The government should protect their liberty instead of telling them what to believe, be afraid of, and what to pay for." This desire for the rule of law until Jesus returns makes a lot of sense to me. 1 Timothy 2:2, "Pray for these [rulers] so that we can have a quiet and peaceful life always lived in a godly and reverent way." Ron Paul seems to value this prayer much more than other candidates some of whom exploit the Christian faith for their own popularity.
Ron Paul believes and applies something Jesus said: "When you pray, don't be like hypocrites [two-faced people]. They like to stand in synagogues and on street corners to pray so that everyone can see them. I can guarantee this truth: That will be their only reward. When you pray, go to your room and close the door. Pray privately to your Father who is with you. Your Father sees what you do in private. He will reward you." Ron Paul lives his faith instead of wearing it on his sleeve or exploiting it for votes and popularity.
Mark 6:14-29. John got beheaded for speaking truth to power. Jesus respected John. He spoke the truth about Herod publicly. Ron Paul, too, speaks truth to power. I recall the many times he has challenged the federal reserve bank. He says, "When you print money to cover government spending, it causes the devaluation of the American dollar, inflation. How do you justify essentially stealing from the American people? The constitution does not permit this activity!"
Ephesians 6:10f. " . . . This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world . . ." I believe that many of the powers of our dark world reside in the U.S. government. Don't get me wrong, I love this country! But it's just another kingdom of this world and it's wrong, too!
I'm suddenly politically excited because Ron Paul isn't using Jesus to get votes, but he leads in the way of Jesus. I'm public about my vote and support this time because it is an opportunity to speak truth to power, like John the Baptist. It's a time to challenge the status quo and recognize the weakness rather than the glory of our nation. It's a chance to reason together because Ron Paul's ideas are intellectual and inspiring. He's running for an office that he believes should be very, very small. Perhaps he knows what I know, that only Jesus rightfully sits in Office. We'll see Him ruling with justice when he returns. He will vindicate all those put down and oppressed by the powers of this dark world. Until then, I hope I have the courage to speak truth to power like Ron Paul in the tradition of John the Baptist and Jesus, the eternal King.
Why share my political fervor now? I'll try to tell you briefly . . .
Ordinarily, I wouldn't care about presidential candidates, especially now. I am more confident than ever that Jesus is the rightful King of the Universe, not just the U.S.A., God bless it. So I don't believe that our wonderful empire/country will write history even though I've heard our President and his cabinet make that claim. I believe that ultimately Jesus will come back and all the world powers will be like flies on manure. The poor will be lifted up. The innocent. The peacemakers. The meek. The persecuted. The taxpayers. The tax collectors. The prostitutes. The drug addicts. Everyone who was in real trouble and ran to the candidate who truly meant his promises . . . will be saved. That's what I believe. So, I don't expect much out of even our nation/empire.
But, Ron Paul has brought something to my attention. We have a law to rule our land, not a ruleR. Our nation's forefathers knew that no one has perfect knowledge so, "Let's design a government that let's people live according to their conscience. The government should protect their liberty instead of telling them what to believe, be afraid of, and what to pay for." This desire for the rule of law until Jesus returns makes a lot of sense to me. 1 Timothy 2:2, "Pray for these [rulers] so that we can have a quiet and peaceful life always lived in a godly and reverent way." Ron Paul seems to value this prayer much more than other candidates some of whom exploit the Christian faith for their own popularity.
Ron Paul believes and applies something Jesus said: "When you pray, don't be like hypocrites [two-faced people]. They like to stand in synagogues and on street corners to pray so that everyone can see them. I can guarantee this truth: That will be their only reward. When you pray, go to your room and close the door. Pray privately to your Father who is with you. Your Father sees what you do in private. He will reward you." Ron Paul lives his faith instead of wearing it on his sleeve or exploiting it for votes and popularity.
Mark 6:14-29. John got beheaded for speaking truth to power. Jesus respected John. He spoke the truth about Herod publicly. Ron Paul, too, speaks truth to power. I recall the many times he has challenged the federal reserve bank. He says, "When you print money to cover government spending, it causes the devaluation of the American dollar, inflation. How do you justify essentially stealing from the American people? The constitution does not permit this activity!"
Ephesians 6:10f. " . . . This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world . . ." I believe that many of the powers of our dark world reside in the U.S. government. Don't get me wrong, I love this country! But it's just another kingdom of this world and it's wrong, too!
I'm suddenly politically excited because Ron Paul isn't using Jesus to get votes, but he leads in the way of Jesus. I'm public about my vote and support this time because it is an opportunity to speak truth to power, like John the Baptist. It's a time to challenge the status quo and recognize the weakness rather than the glory of our nation. It's a chance to reason together because Ron Paul's ideas are intellectual and inspiring. He's running for an office that he believes should be very, very small. Perhaps he knows what I know, that only Jesus rightfully sits in Office. We'll see Him ruling with justice when he returns. He will vindicate all those put down and oppressed by the powers of this dark world. Until then, I hope I have the courage to speak truth to power like Ron Paul in the tradition of John the Baptist and Jesus, the eternal King.
Tell that FOX why I'm electable
I found this deleted portion of the Fox News debates on Pat Buchanan's blog, THANKFULLY! I watched the re-cast of their debates in which they kept saying Fred Thompson won hands down. They replayed where Huckabee expected U.S. aircraft carriers to answer Iranian motor boat threats (who have threatened our big warship in their waters!) with the gates of hell. They also replayed where Thompson had to "one-up" the insanity by saying sarcastically that we would be glad to introduce "them" to those virgins they're so eager to meet. Good grief. I was really feeling depressed that Fox viewers put up with such malevolence.
And then, when Ron Paul addressed the rush to kill expressed by Huckabee and Thompson, Brit Hume acted like Ron Paul was an idiot. He said something like, "Um, all of the other candidates said they would leave the decision to the captain of the warship. Why didn't you answer the question?" I was so frustrated! What insanity! That people listen to the hubris of FOX News! (No offense to you.)
I now rejoice to find the highlight of the night's debate, which Fox news(?) deleted from the program when it was recast. If we were living in the first century, I think Fox News would have beheaded Ron Paul instead of merely cutting off his defense for his character. Watch this:
This reminds me of what another unelectable candidate said to intimidation? (See in the Gospel of Luke, ch. 13)
At that time some Pharisees told Jesus, “Get out of here, and go somewhere else! Herod wants to kill you.”
Jesus said to them, “Tell that FOX that I will force demons out of people and heal people today and tomorrow. I will finish my work on the third day. But I must be on my way today, tomorrow, and the next day. It’s not possible for a prophet to die outside Washington."
And then, when Ron Paul addressed the rush to kill expressed by Huckabee and Thompson, Brit Hume acted like Ron Paul was an idiot. He said something like, "Um, all of the other candidates said they would leave the decision to the captain of the warship. Why didn't you answer the question?" I was so frustrated! What insanity! That people listen to the hubris of FOX News! (No offense to you.)
I now rejoice to find the highlight of the night's debate, which Fox news(?) deleted from the program when it was recast. If we were living in the first century, I think Fox News would have beheaded Ron Paul instead of merely cutting off his defense for his character. Watch this:
This reminds me of what another unelectable candidate said to intimidation? (See in the Gospel of Luke, ch. 13)
At that time some Pharisees told Jesus, “Get out of here, and go somewhere else! Herod wants to kill you.”
Jesus said to them, “Tell that FOX that I will force demons out of people and heal people today and tomorrow. I will finish my work on the third day. But I must be on my way today, tomorrow, and the next day. It’s not possible for a prophet to die outside Washington."
13 January 2008
Ron Paul Intro
I've found the best intro to Ron Paul yet. Just click on the title above and you'll find the site for you. See whether you should register Republican and vote in the primary for the most experienced and consistent and Christ-like candidate. :-)
10 January 2008
As Little as I Am
On December 5th I found out that we're pregnant! Here's the story of how I found out . . .
I called Nicole at about 9:30 that morning to try and work out a solution to my situation of locking my keys in my car in a rough neighborhood at the opposite end of town from her workplace. I did not want to pay $100 for a locksmith. I was having a bad day as it was. Fortunately, Nicole didn't answer her phone when I called. She had just taken a pregnancy test that looked positive and even if it was right, she didn't want to tell me over the phone.
Nicole proceeded to take other pregnancy tests and even do a blood test to confirm her wonderful findings. My day got a lot better when one of my Mexican coworkers, Lomberto, helped me retrieve my car keys. After work I came home, worked out, took a shower, and when I came out . . . Well, I need to back up a little bit. While I was working out, Nicole called me to tell me she would be a little late coming home from work because she needed to pick something up at the store for someone and then grab some Costa Vida burritos to go. So, when I came out of the shower, Nic was standing in the kitchen with the food and said, "Would you mind setting the table?" I said, "Sure," and set to it.
On the table I saw a curious display. I thought, "Neat onesie." It said, 'Don't wake me, I'll wake you.' "Really clever. Who's just had a baby?" I thought. I strained my mind thinking, "Surely I must know a friend who was due about now."
Then my eyes moved down from the clever onesie to an envelope, obviously a card--'For the Dad to be' it said. Almost troubled, I thought, "Why would Nic give a card to a Dad?" Then, my heart began racing especially as I saw the two pregnancy tests. I turned toward Nicole (who was watching me intently) and said, "WHO'S HAVING A BABY?" Nic said, "WHO DO YOU THINK?" Oh! I was so excited, and still am.
- - - - -
A preview of the next few months:
So we are anticipating the arrival of a little Whaley due August 10th. If it comes two days earlier, the birthdate will read the same up, down, forward, or backward. Obviously we have more to think about than the birthdate, though.
We are seeking a church sponsorship (and feel extremely close to finding it) and we're also partner raising for our mission in Wollongong, Australia . . . during a year that promises to be a lite recession for the U.S. Prices may go down slightly, but inflation is surpassing the value of our dollar thanks to the federal reserve printing money for the politicians who want to see our U.S. military strung out across the globe. They don't have the money so they essentially steal it from us by printing more money and going into debt by borrowing money from social security and the Chinese government. . . . I digress . . .
Anyway, I'm not depressed about raising money. We're actually quite encouraged. We even received an unmarked envelope of $100 yesterday from an anonymous donor even though we haven't officially begun accepting checks and such. What a liberal God who gives even before we ask!
This month we are having a retreat over MLK, jr. weekend with our mission teammates and that is sure to be wonderful and edifying. This Saturday night we're having a focus group dinner at the Kohlbacher's (we babysit their boy, Joshua) to present our vision to a small network of future partners of ours in the Gospel. Tomorrow night, our Irish-American friend/neighbor, Pat, is coming over for dinner. She plans to immigrate to Sydney, Australia later this year, too!
In February, we're visiting two churches in Texas, giving presentations and doing Q & As about our vision, plans, and dreams. We're looking forward to both of these weekends. Later in the month, I'm going on a "Faith Walk" with men from various Christian groups for the purpose of drawing closer to God and meditating on personal discipleship. Nicole's coworker so graciously paid for me to do this. (I may post she and her husband's story someday.)
In March, Nic will do a "Faith Walk". We'll probably have another focus group dinner. And we are flying to Belize to join a medical mission team! They have a team of doctors, nurses, and anesthesiologists, but need someone like me to talk to people in the waiting room and in neighborhoods about the message of Christ. We are so excited. Gordon, the anesthesiologist, has helped us organize for this.
09 January 2008
Exciting Day
I had quite an exciting day.
We were pouring concrete for a community college in Mississippi between their building's back doors and a pond/lake filled with water fowl. During break time, Sammy, one of my Mexican coworkers, fed a goose from his own mouth!
I burned the fingerprint off my right index finger while checking to see if my cigarette lighter was working/hot. It apparently was. Still we couldn't get my coworker's tire pumped up using a portable pump plugged into my cigarette lighter, which now smells like burnt flesh. Don't worry, it didn't hurt.
I got to drive the mini-excavator! thru MUD! To see one of these amazing machines in action (and with appropriate music), go to this web address: http://www.bobcat.com/excavators/choosing.
Also, today, I had a great time teaching/facilitating the teen class at church again. We finished reading Jesus' sermon on the Plain from Luke 6. Jesus, who we recognize as God's anointed king of his kingdom, delivers something like a campaign/inaugural address speech. It's probably one of the most life-changing speeches ever IF! one builds his life on the words, not just talks about them.
08 January 2008
Ron Paul Fair and Balanced
Ron Paul was on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno last night and someone has put the interview on YouTube for us and I have put it on my blog to share with the people I love. :-) Part 1 is mainly about Fox News denying Ron Paul's participation in the GOP debates for New Hampshire (where 27% of Republicans haven't heard of him yet). Part 2 is an excellent discussion of Ron Paul's views, clear and simple. I love this man!
Part 1:
Part 2:
Part 1:
Part 2:
02 January 2008
Ron Paul CNN Debate
This video has been edited so that it streams together Ron Paul's responses to questions. There seems to be nothing distinctive about any candidate whether Dems or Republicans in spite of the fact that they attack each other's competence for the Presidency. Why not take a look to see whether Ron Paul knows what he believes and whether his ethos gives him a right to be heard?
You can also see something rare from the television media . . . a "watch out for Ron Paul in Iowa". It's only a few seconds long. "Keep your eye on #3 . . . I'll bet Ron Paul will beat two of the frontrunners . . . he belongs on the stage."
You can also see something rare from the television media . . . a "watch out for Ron Paul in Iowa". It's only a few seconds long. "Keep your eye on #3 . . . I'll bet Ron Paul will beat two of the frontrunners . . . he belongs on the stage."
29 December 2007
Are Antibiotics Useless for Sinus Infections?
I used to have sinus infections all the time, especially in my college years. I took antibiotics every year. I remember asking a doctor one time to "Please give me something stronger this time." So he wrote me a prescription for a more expensive antibiotic. I remember thinking, "This is getting ridiculous. My Microbiology professor keeps telling us about the effects of overprescription of antibiotics." I quit taking them from 1995 to 2003 and actually felt better. I read an article you can link to from the title or read below. First, there is an excerpt from the Journal of the American Medical Association and then Dr. Mercola's commentary that follows. I believe in taking control of our health rather than relying on quick fixes--especially ones that are both harmful and expensive.
------------
Antibiotics are commonly used to treat sinus infections, but a new study found that they work no better than a placebo. Further, prescribing antibiotics to sinus patients may cause harm by increasing their resistance to the medications.
In the study, researchers followed about 200 patients with sinusitis. Of the 100 who received an antibiotic, 29 percent had symptoms that lasted 10 days or more. Another 107 received a placebo, and 34 percent had similarly lasting symptoms. The difference was statistically insignificant.
The effectiveness of a nasal steroid spray for sinus infections was also tested in the study, and found to work the same as the placebo (except among a group of patients with milder symptoms, when it was slightly beneficial).
The researchers suggested that the antibiotic did not help the sinus infections because it couldn’t penetrate the pus-filled sinus cavities.
Unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics has led to enormous problems with drug resistance. Antibiotics were recently found to be ineffective against ear infections and bronchitis as well.
The researchers say the results should encourage more patients to forgo antibiotics for sinus infections.
"With a little bit of patience, the body will usually heal itself," said Dr. Ian Williamson, the study’s lead author.
+Sources:
-Journal of the American Medical Association December 5, 2007;298(21):2487-2496
-Houston Chronicle December 5, 2007
Dr. Mercola's Comments:
It’s been known since the last century that antibiotics have been proven to not help you recover from a sinus infection (sinusitis) any faster than a placebo.
Still, Americans spend nearly $6 billion every year on health care costs related to sinusitis, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Imagine if you could put some of that money back into your pocket and address a sinus infection from a foundational level.
How Sinus Infections Occur
Sinus infections occur when the mucous membranes in your nose and sinuses become irritated by a cold, allergy, pollutants or exposure to dry or cold air. This leads your membranes to become inflamed while stimulating your mucous glands to secrete more mucus than usual. As mucus accumulates in your sinuses, it can easily become infected.
But this is all on the surface.
All infections, including sinusitis, appear when certain health principles, such as eating a healthy diet, dealing with stress, and taking time to relax, are not followed.
This dampens the strength of your immune system and allows bacteria and fungus (another primary cause of sinus infections) to take hold in your nose and sinuses. And when it does, you can be left battling fatigue, sinus pressure, post-nasal drip, and thick mucus making it difficult to breathe.
Top Ways to Avoid Getting a Sinus Infection
1. Avoid eating sugar or grains, as detailed in my nutrition plan.
2. Consume good quality krill or fish oil, high in omega-3 fats DHA and EPA.
3. Eat coconut oil. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which is known for being antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal. However, be careful with which oil you choose, as many coconut oils contain fungal toxins. This is because they are commonly made with copras, or dried coconuts, which are often contaminated with mycotoxins. So in order to fully enjoy the benefits of coconut oil, you will want to be sure that you find a company that uses only fresh coconuts to make their oil.
4. Avoid eating these top 10 mycotoxic foods.
5. Get proper sleep.
6. Get regular exercise
If you suffer from sinus infections and other sinus issues often, I highly recommend you also look into the emotional origins of this problem.
Emotions are directly tied to your physical health, and new advances in this field are allowing us to pinpoint very precisely which emotional challenges are spurring your physical ones.
For instance, Dr. Ryke Geerd Hamer, the creator of German New Medicine, has shown that sinus problems are triggered by an emotional “stink conflict,” which could be a severe emotional reaction to an actual odor, or a symbolic feeling that “this situation stinks!”
The sinus infection occurs once you have resolved the emotional conflict, and is actually a part of your body’s healing process. So please do take the time to get to the bottom of any emotional problems that are ailing you.
Natural Treatments for Sinus Infections
If you’ve already come down with a sinus infection, you now know that antibiotics are probably not the answer. Taking them is unlikely to speed your recovery, and will definitely contribute to the growing problem of antibiotic-resistance.
Fortunately, there is a full arsenal of tools available at your fingertips that will soothe your symptoms and get you on the road to recovery. My past article How to Flush Away Sinus Ills details seven of them, and here are the first three:
1. Drink hot liquids, such as tea or hot chicken soup. It will help moisturize your mucous membranes, speeding up the movement of your cilia and thus washing mucus out of your sinuses more quickly.
2. Apply warm compresses to your face, three times a day for five minutes. A small towel soaked in warm water, placed over your face below and between your eyes, will help increase the circulation in your sinuses, which will also help speed up the movement of your cilia.
3. Irrigate your sinuses. (If you’ve never done this before, see the Nasal Irrigation Guidelines source link in the past article above.) Make sure you use a saline solution that does not contain benzalkonium. Benzalkonium is a preservative that can impair nasal function and might sting and burn. To make your own preservative-free saline solution, add one teaspoon of table salt to one pint of distilled water. Nettie pots are readily available and can help facilitate nasal irrigation.
------------
Antibiotics are commonly used to treat sinus infections, but a new study found that they work no better than a placebo. Further, prescribing antibiotics to sinus patients may cause harm by increasing their resistance to the medications.
In the study, researchers followed about 200 patients with sinusitis. Of the 100 who received an antibiotic, 29 percent had symptoms that lasted 10 days or more. Another 107 received a placebo, and 34 percent had similarly lasting symptoms. The difference was statistically insignificant.
The effectiveness of a nasal steroid spray for sinus infections was also tested in the study, and found to work the same as the placebo (except among a group of patients with milder symptoms, when it was slightly beneficial).
The researchers suggested that the antibiotic did not help the sinus infections because it couldn’t penetrate the pus-filled sinus cavities.
Unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics has led to enormous problems with drug resistance. Antibiotics were recently found to be ineffective against ear infections and bronchitis as well.
The researchers say the results should encourage more patients to forgo antibiotics for sinus infections.
"With a little bit of patience, the body will usually heal itself," said Dr. Ian Williamson, the study’s lead author.
+Sources:
-Journal of the American Medical Association December 5, 2007;298(21):2487-2496
-Houston Chronicle December 5, 2007
Dr. Mercola's Comments:
It’s been known since the last century that antibiotics have been proven to not help you recover from a sinus infection (sinusitis) any faster than a placebo.
Still, Americans spend nearly $6 billion every year on health care costs related to sinusitis, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Imagine if you could put some of that money back into your pocket and address a sinus infection from a foundational level.
How Sinus Infections Occur
Sinus infections occur when the mucous membranes in your nose and sinuses become irritated by a cold, allergy, pollutants or exposure to dry or cold air. This leads your membranes to become inflamed while stimulating your mucous glands to secrete more mucus than usual. As mucus accumulates in your sinuses, it can easily become infected.
But this is all on the surface.
All infections, including sinusitis, appear when certain health principles, such as eating a healthy diet, dealing with stress, and taking time to relax, are not followed.
This dampens the strength of your immune system and allows bacteria and fungus (another primary cause of sinus infections) to take hold in your nose and sinuses. And when it does, you can be left battling fatigue, sinus pressure, post-nasal drip, and thick mucus making it difficult to breathe.
Top Ways to Avoid Getting a Sinus Infection
1. Avoid eating sugar or grains, as detailed in my nutrition plan.
2. Consume good quality krill or fish oil, high in omega-3 fats DHA and EPA.
3. Eat coconut oil. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which is known for being antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal. However, be careful with which oil you choose, as many coconut oils contain fungal toxins. This is because they are commonly made with copras, or dried coconuts, which are often contaminated with mycotoxins. So in order to fully enjoy the benefits of coconut oil, you will want to be sure that you find a company that uses only fresh coconuts to make their oil.
4. Avoid eating these top 10 mycotoxic foods.
5. Get proper sleep.
6. Get regular exercise
If you suffer from sinus infections and other sinus issues often, I highly recommend you also look into the emotional origins of this problem.
Emotions are directly tied to your physical health, and new advances in this field are allowing us to pinpoint very precisely which emotional challenges are spurring your physical ones.
For instance, Dr. Ryke Geerd Hamer, the creator of German New Medicine, has shown that sinus problems are triggered by an emotional “stink conflict,” which could be a severe emotional reaction to an actual odor, or a symbolic feeling that “this situation stinks!”
The sinus infection occurs once you have resolved the emotional conflict, and is actually a part of your body’s healing process. So please do take the time to get to the bottom of any emotional problems that are ailing you.
Natural Treatments for Sinus Infections
If you’ve already come down with a sinus infection, you now know that antibiotics are probably not the answer. Taking them is unlikely to speed your recovery, and will definitely contribute to the growing problem of antibiotic-resistance.
Fortunately, there is a full arsenal of tools available at your fingertips that will soothe your symptoms and get you on the road to recovery. My past article How to Flush Away Sinus Ills details seven of them, and here are the first three:
1. Drink hot liquids, such as tea or hot chicken soup. It will help moisturize your mucous membranes, speeding up the movement of your cilia and thus washing mucus out of your sinuses more quickly.
2. Apply warm compresses to your face, three times a day for five minutes. A small towel soaked in warm water, placed over your face below and between your eyes, will help increase the circulation in your sinuses, which will also help speed up the movement of your cilia.
3. Irrigate your sinuses. (If you’ve never done this before, see the Nasal Irrigation Guidelines source link in the past article above.) Make sure you use a saline solution that does not contain benzalkonium. Benzalkonium is a preservative that can impair nasal function and might sting and burn. To make your own preservative-free saline solution, add one teaspoon of table salt to one pint of distilled water. Nettie pots are readily available and can help facilitate nasal irrigation.
17 December 2007
Letter from Ron Paul
December 17, 2007
What a day! I am humbled and inspired, grateful and thrilled for this vast outpouring of support.
On just one day, in honor of the 234th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, the new American revolutionaries brought in $6.04 million, another one-day record. The average donation was $102; we had 58,407 individual contributors, of whom an astounding 24,915 were first-time donors. And it was an entirely voluntary, self-organized, decentralized, independent effort on the internet. Must be the "spammers" I keep hearing about!
The establishment is baffled and worried, and well they should be. They keep asking me who runs our internet fundraising and controls our volunteers. To these top-down central planners, a spontaneous order like our movement is science-fiction. But you and I know it's real: as real as the American people's yearning for freedom, peace, and prosperity, as real as all the men and women who have sacrificed for our ideals, in the past and today.
And how neat to see celebrations all across the world, with Tea Parties from France to New Zealand. This is how we can spread the ideals of our country, through voluntary emulation, not bombs and bribes. Of course, there were hundreds in America.
As I dropped in on a cheering, laughing crowd of about 600 near my home in Freeport, Texas, I noted that they call us "angry." Well, we are the happiest, most optimistic "angry" movement ever, and the most diverse. What unites us is a love of liberty, and a determination to fix what is wrong with our country, from the Fed to the IRS, from warfare to welfare. But otherwise we are a big tent.
Said the local newspaper (http://www.thefacts.com/story.lasso?ewcd=36475b4d132fc0a1): "The elderly sat with teens barely old enough to vote. The faces were black, Hispanic, Asian and white. There was no fear in their voices as they spoke boldly with each other about the way the country should be. Held close like a deeply held secret, Paul has brought them out of the disconnect they feel between what they know to be true and where the country has been led."
Thanks also to the 500 or so who braved the blizzard in Boston to go to Faneuil Hall. My son Rand told me what a great time he had with you.
A few mornings ago on LewRockwell.com, I saw a YouTube of a 14-year-old boy that summed up our whole movement for me. This well-spoken young man, who could have passed in knowledge for a college graduate, told how he heard our ideas being denounced. So he decided to Google. He read some of my speeches, and thought, these make sense. Then he studied US foreign policy of recent years, and came to the conclusion that we are right. So he persuaded his father to drop Rudy Giuliani and join our movement.
All over America, all over the world, we are inspiring real change. With the wars and the spying, the spending and the taxing, the inflation and the credit crisis, our ideas have never been more needed. Please help me spread them http://www.ronpaul2008.com/donate in all 50 states. Victory for liberty! That is our goal, and nothing less.
Sincerely,
Ron
What a day! I am humbled and inspired, grateful and thrilled for this vast outpouring of support.
On just one day, in honor of the 234th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, the new American revolutionaries brought in $6.04 million, another one-day record. The average donation was $102; we had 58,407 individual contributors, of whom an astounding 24,915 were first-time donors. And it was an entirely voluntary, self-organized, decentralized, independent effort on the internet. Must be the "spammers" I keep hearing about!
The establishment is baffled and worried, and well they should be. They keep asking me who runs our internet fundraising and controls our volunteers. To these top-down central planners, a spontaneous order like our movement is science-fiction. But you and I know it's real: as real as the American people's yearning for freedom, peace, and prosperity, as real as all the men and women who have sacrificed for our ideals, in the past and today.
And how neat to see celebrations all across the world, with Tea Parties from France to New Zealand. This is how we can spread the ideals of our country, through voluntary emulation, not bombs and bribes. Of course, there were hundreds in America.
As I dropped in on a cheering, laughing crowd of about 600 near my home in Freeport, Texas, I noted that they call us "angry." Well, we are the happiest, most optimistic "angry" movement ever, and the most diverse. What unites us is a love of liberty, and a determination to fix what is wrong with our country, from the Fed to the IRS, from warfare to welfare. But otherwise we are a big tent.
Said the local newspaper (http://www.thefacts.com/story.lasso?ewcd=36475b4d132fc0a1): "The elderly sat with teens barely old enough to vote. The faces were black, Hispanic, Asian and white. There was no fear in their voices as they spoke boldly with each other about the way the country should be. Held close like a deeply held secret, Paul has brought them out of the disconnect they feel between what they know to be true and where the country has been led."
Thanks also to the 500 or so who braved the blizzard in Boston to go to Faneuil Hall. My son Rand told me what a great time he had with you.
A few mornings ago on LewRockwell.com, I saw a YouTube of a 14-year-old boy that summed up our whole movement for me. This well-spoken young man, who could have passed in knowledge for a college graduate, told how he heard our ideas being denounced. So he decided to Google. He read some of my speeches, and thought, these make sense. Then he studied US foreign policy of recent years, and came to the conclusion that we are right. So he persuaded his father to drop Rudy Giuliani and join our movement.
All over America, all over the world, we are inspiring real change. With the wars and the spying, the spending and the taxing, the inflation and the credit crisis, our ideas have never been more needed. Please help me spread them http://www.ronpaul2008.com/donate in all 50 states. Victory for liberty! That is our goal, and nothing less.
Sincerely,
Ron
15 December 2007
Ron Paul and Political Paradigms
I read a short positive article on Ron Paul I wanted to share. Click on the title "Ron Paul and Political Paradigms" to be linked to the article.
I've been teaching/facilitating the teen class on Wednesday nights for several months now. We originally started going through the book of Acts. I believe the book of Acts is about the restoration of Israel. Israel was restored when, for starters, the risen Jesus became the eternal king/Messiah of the offspring of David (2 Samuel 7). However, though Israel was essentially restored at that point through the ascension and enthronement of Jesus the King/Messiah, the Apostles asked him, "Master, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now? Is this the time?" What did Jesus say? He had already taught them about the kingdom in a forty-day seminar, hadn't he? Most of the people he came across in the book of Acts already understood the kingdom before he had even come along.
However, I've often heard it taught that those foolish Apostles misunderstood the nature of God's Kingdom. "It's a spiritual, not a political, kingdom . . . (blah, blah, blah)."
But Jesus didn't ridicule the Apostles for a misunderstanding this time. They understood that there had been the effective anointment of the true king of Israel and the world. They only wondered when the regime change would begin to transform Israel and the world. Hence their question's emphasis on time. And hence Jesus' answer's emphasis on time and the Father's will. He told them, "You don't get to know the time. Timing is the Father's business. What you'll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you'll be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world."
It is correct that God's Kingdom is spiritual, for the Holy Spirit initiates the regime change rather than some human-contrived political establishment. However, the Kingdom is a political realm. It is an eternal, political Kingdom already verified thru the King's resurrection. His power has already been demonstrated in the new Israel, in us, thru the Holy Spirit. Israel can now truly be a light to the ends of the world, not simply because they are scattered, but because God has appointed Jesus as Messiah by raising him from the dead. The Kingdom is being restored to this day, and until the King returns, each time we bow our allegiance to Jesus, the God-approved King.
In our teens class, we imagined that each of us was a national ruler. Some would be Presidents, others Prime Ministers, others Warlords, and still others Kings and Queens of Kingdoms. (I was Emperor of the Welsh Empire.) We imagined the first ten lines of our inaugural address in order to prepare for the inaugural address of the King of kings and Lord of lords. Then, we listened to Jesus' sermon on the plain where a congregation gathered around him both to hear him and to be cured of their ailments. Those disturbed by evil spirits were healed. Everyone was trying to touch him--so much energy surging from him, so many people healed! Then he spoke: . . .
I would encourage you to read the first ten lines of Jesus' inaugural address starting in Luke 6:19.
I've been teaching/facilitating the teen class on Wednesday nights for several months now. We originally started going through the book of Acts. I believe the book of Acts is about the restoration of Israel. Israel was restored when, for starters, the risen Jesus became the eternal king/Messiah of the offspring of David (2 Samuel 7). However, though Israel was essentially restored at that point through the ascension and enthronement of Jesus the King/Messiah, the Apostles asked him, "Master, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now? Is this the time?" What did Jesus say? He had already taught them about the kingdom in a forty-day seminar, hadn't he? Most of the people he came across in the book of Acts already understood the kingdom before he had even come along.
However, I've often heard it taught that those foolish Apostles misunderstood the nature of God's Kingdom. "It's a spiritual, not a political, kingdom . . . (blah, blah, blah)."
But Jesus didn't ridicule the Apostles for a misunderstanding this time. They understood that there had been the effective anointment of the true king of Israel and the world. They only wondered when the regime change would begin to transform Israel and the world. Hence their question's emphasis on time. And hence Jesus' answer's emphasis on time and the Father's will. He told them, "You don't get to know the time. Timing is the Father's business. What you'll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you'll be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world."
It is correct that God's Kingdom is spiritual, for the Holy Spirit initiates the regime change rather than some human-contrived political establishment. However, the Kingdom is a political realm. It is an eternal, political Kingdom already verified thru the King's resurrection. His power has already been demonstrated in the new Israel, in us, thru the Holy Spirit. Israel can now truly be a light to the ends of the world, not simply because they are scattered, but because God has appointed Jesus as Messiah by raising him from the dead. The Kingdom is being restored to this day, and until the King returns, each time we bow our allegiance to Jesus, the God-approved King.
In our teens class, we imagined that each of us was a national ruler. Some would be Presidents, others Prime Ministers, others Warlords, and still others Kings and Queens of Kingdoms. (I was Emperor of the Welsh Empire.) We imagined the first ten lines of our inaugural address in order to prepare for the inaugural address of the King of kings and Lord of lords. Then, we listened to Jesus' sermon on the plain where a congregation gathered around him both to hear him and to be cured of their ailments. Those disturbed by evil spirits were healed. Everyone was trying to touch him--so much energy surging from him, so many people healed! Then he spoke: . . .
I would encourage you to read the first ten lines of Jesus' inaugural address starting in Luke 6:19.
08 December 2007
Who Would the World Elect?
Check this out! Click on the link--http://www.whowouldtheworldelect.com/--and vote for your candidate of choice. Then, notice who has the most votes internationally! Do more soldiers support Ron Paul than any other candidate? Do his messages attract people in other countries more than any other? Or is it all a scam?
If you have not done so already, I ask that you watch some Ron Paul videos, read his views on Wikipedia, or read his articles from his website. You won't see anything about him on the television media and when you do they tend to lie. (For example, I have heard them say a number of times that he isn't really a Republican candidate because he's the only one who thinks we shouldn't have invaded Iraq. But in our history we have usually elected Republican Presidents to get us out of wars. Ron Paul is of the original Republicans, not of the Imperialist neo-cons.)
It really makes me wonder why the television news sources almost ridicule him while there is a sense on the web of a real fervor for Ron Paul. Rather than letting the present powers decide who is the most qualified or eligible candidate, I would rather let the support come from a grassroots movement. Perhaps that's kind of scary since it would include both saints and sinners. Surely support would come from greater saints than the ones in power right now, but it may also come from worse sinners.
If you have not done so already, I ask that you watch some Ron Paul videos, read his views on Wikipedia, or read his articles from his website. You won't see anything about him on the television media and when you do they tend to lie. (For example, I have heard them say a number of times that he isn't really a Republican candidate because he's the only one who thinks we shouldn't have invaded Iraq. But in our history we have usually elected Republican Presidents to get us out of wars. Ron Paul is of the original Republicans, not of the Imperialist neo-cons.)
It really makes me wonder why the television news sources almost ridicule him while there is a sense on the web of a real fervor for Ron Paul. Rather than letting the present powers decide who is the most qualified or eligible candidate, I would rather let the support come from a grassroots movement. Perhaps that's kind of scary since it would include both saints and sinners. Surely support would come from greater saints than the ones in power right now, but it may also come from worse sinners.
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