Old Friends
Saturday, May 27, 2006
I had to pop out this afternoon, didn't really want to but with it being the Sabbath tomorrow and a bank holiday here on Monday, it was today or never. I only went up to the supermarket, but as usual stopped for a coffee while there. And an old friend who I'd lost contact through circumstances more than anything else came in with her mother and daughter. She is also a full time wheelchair user, and tho I wouldn't go as far to say she is a believer, I did meet her at my former church. But things that turned me away from that church, (at least the nature of them)also turned her away, and she hasn't been to another church since, tho because she did attend mine for awhile, in her own mind, she is a believer. But, she's a nice person nonetheless. So it was nice to catch up, and also swap contact details as both of ours have changed since we last saw one another about 18 months ago. God does somehow seem to use my link with that church, as bad as I feel the experience was personally in different ways. The last time I attended there, I met properly for the first time, which again was just over a year ago, but I met who is now my closest friend here. It struck me last nite, that those Christians who disagree and in some way find offensive my RP beliefs, that when I first knew them all, I didn't have those beliefs. Yet this person I made friends with at the last time I attended, my beliefs were the same as now, and its made not on iota of difference. Richard Cameron when he spoke up for his beliefs also had a similar reaction from those more respected Christians or older folks, so it doesn't seem that dissimilar, with him it was because his beliefs was by implication saying those older or more respected Christians were wrong and even sinning, which is basically what my adherence to the RPW, would say. I think that speaks quite loudly.Yet, somehow God seems to use the contact I had with that church in the past in the present more than anything else in my day to day life. Its strange tho how one of the biggest thorns in my side day to day, (which the way the isolation has increased the whole load it will only ever be) even tho I left over a year ago, contacts from there and people I met there, is ongoing, especially when one considers the initial friends when I what was had average Christian beliefs are really not in the picture alot. God sure does work in mysterious ways. But its always good to renew old friendships.
While out, I got called, "bab," (that one used to irritate me but its the one folks still use most often, "petal" "sweetheart" and "love" by perfect strangers. I don't know if this is an English thing where you always call folks a name like that, or if it goes on abroad too. I never call anyone anything, except a dog maybe or a child, but that's different. But it strikes me as a peculiar practice.
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Facist Face of UK Politics
George Galloway who is known because of his openly hostile stance against the War in Iraq and his sympathies with the Iraquis has been at it again, by, saying if PM Tony Blair was assassinated by a suicide killer, it
would be morally justified, because of all the innocent Iraquis who died during the war. He says he's not advocating anyone try to kill Blair, and would report if he heard anything being plotted. But Galloway has wriggled his way out of tight corner after tight corner, by his silver tongue which wouldn't know the sunny side of the truth if it blinded him. But guess anyone
who sides with Fidel Castro has to be a facist. Anyone who knows me knows I'm no fan of Tony Blair, however, to take the law into ones own hands is to become like the enemy.
A few weeks ago, we heard of John Prescott's
adulterous affair. As well as always seeming a thug and a bully boy with a loud mouth and little going on in his brain when he opens it, well basically he just comes across as totally pig ignorant, and this man is the
Deputy Prime Minister, for goodness sake. Some envoy for our country when he sounds like he'd be more at home in
WormWood Scrubs.
But British Politics has its facist elements, no matter how democratic Tony Blair may like to believe he and his merry men are. The conservatives of course with there many (at least in the past) openly racist politicians are no better. But, I don't want to live in a facist country. To be black and live where you are counted as a lesser citizen is one thing. To be black AND disabled where you are completely invisible if you fit both of the above criterias is harder still. I'm not just in one minority group but two. Three if you include Christian too. But as the video below shows, John Prescott has actually shown his bully boy tactics in the full glare of the camera when supposedly was trying to win votes. If that's him when trying to win the electorates vote, I don't think any of us can be surprised whatever he may do in between election polls.
Of course, all the above is a subtle form of tyranny in one aspect of another. Which will ALWAYS happen in any country when we stray away from Biblical law, and replace it with human law. We haven't had the death penalty for years. And the only folks likely to have guns in our country, are the criminals, because they get them illegally. Just two examples of an endless list.
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Eurovision song contest from hell 2006
Friday, May 26, 2006

I didn't watch the
Eurovision Song Contest last weekend. Okay, I KNOW no one ADMITS to watching it, even if they do, but I REALLY didn't. I saw the result on the news is all. I haven't watched the flippin' thing for years, I think the last time I watched it Johhny Logan won it for the second or was it third time?
Anyhow! Whatever happened to Abba? Who won it in 1974! (I don't mean what HAPPENED to them, I mean they were fun, and none gross!) Believe it or not, back in 1974, when Abba came on the stage at
Brighton, everyone thought THEY were outrageous! But everyone was mesmerized too.

Or the Brotherhood of Man two years later?

Or Bucks Fizz in I believe it was 1981?
Okay, so we get 2006 roll around and we get the self-confessed Devil Worshippers of Finland winning the song contest and the day! Who from the news clip I saw sounded every bit as dreadful as they look! When they came on I heard more than one person who did watch the contest say, they said: "They're so aweful, they're just bad enough to win it" and they did. But the verdict of Deejay is "nil point"! (
Deejay's dodgy French Accent)

Either I am getting old, or the world is a much more dangerous place than thirty years ago. Maybe a bit of both.
Following on from an earlier in the week blog,
the technophobic art of procrastination, I have finally got my bluetooth device connected, and actually got my phone to upload a few pics and a test video clip. I'm thinking I could get some short excerpts of the neighbourhood in video when I am out and about, which isn't frequent but now and then. But knowing some of my neighbours, it could be embarassing, not for me I hasten to add. But, you wouldn't believe some of it. Oh yes, likely you would. As it seems pretty general wherever one is located.
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Awwwww.. anyone know how he feels?

(Click Pic for full size image)
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Easy Jet Airlines
Sadly, well in fact more tragically (!) I have airline on the TV due to exhaustion making understanding others words difficult. What comes out of ones own brain is always easier. But actually some of my contentment has come from not struggling to "do" when its physically impossible for me to. But, anyone in the UK or europe or wherever this TV proggie airs, will know it is largely full of disgruntled easy jet customers. (one of the cheap flight airlines) People come and are late, miss the boarding or closing time, and people rather than submitting quietly no matter how incovienent usually have a fit in the air line and many of them end up cussing and shouting the odds at the airline staff.
In this particular episode, there were a couple from Greece, who arrived a day late for their flight having mistaken the day for their return flight. The next flight that had seats on it was four days later. However, out of all the customers who had difficulties, they were the only ones who quietly said, okay, and were restrained, polite, friendly even. Others even if paying additional money was involved were not happy and made it known, and yet the couple going back to Greece, even tho there was no additional money involved whenever they got their flight, were the only folks in the whole 30 minute programme who the airline went out of their way to help, and actually did what they don't normally do in an effort to help them. And it was soley because of the couples happy go lucky, friendly even tho disappointed and she was at one point tearful attitude. So, this is one instance of proof, where good behaviour, and nice manners, speak much louder than money or power or anything else.
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The House of Mourning
Boom Boom John Knox
Well the Boom, Boom, should be a dead giveaway to anyone who read what I said
here, that I've been listening to Reverend Paisley. His sermon was on the life and work of John Knox. He spoke of when Knox was a slave, and in the greatest pit of oppression, and I know that pit because of different circumstances, but just as dark and just as oppressive. And Reverend Paisley said, its easy for any of us to stand for God when everyone is telling us how good we are doing, and patting us on the back, yet alone in a pit, is when the truth of how far you will stand speaks out. It kind of assured me where assurance can be so lacking, because I know what a single hour in this pit can entail. Not a day goes by at some time I don't feel bodily I am on the rack, and sometimes it can last for days. To endure it all separated almost entirely from all things and others of the faith, is oppressive to the utmost. And knowing in large measure its BECAUSE of my faith, even more so. And I know how my Reformed Presbyterian beliefs have left me in a wilderness, not by those who are clearly hypocrites, but by those who I believe will also one day be in Heaven. But, I think Reverend Paisley was right. It is easy to stand for God, when there is no risk to life or soul to do so. When theres always someone around to tell us we are doing well. But, and I speak from the experience of a level of oppression that is really in the same equation as what Knox and Martrys of God experienced, it takes a lot more to stand for God when experiencing that level of adversity, day in day out, week in week out, month in month out etc. By God's grace He is letting me. My prayer is that He continues to do so, because yes I do and alot of the time are even joyful in it, but its by no means easy in any reckoning of the term easy.
The house of mourning however, does have its upside. I am currently reading as part of my devotionslas Eccles, and read what Solomon had to say on the house of mourning, and he is so right in many respects. I could be sowing all the oats I never ate, and laughing my way to hell. I do still have the whacky sense of humour, yet I also find myself much more serious minded, in many respects. The house or mourning is the school of God. but as hard as the house of mourning is, it does have its benefits too.
On a totally different note, beware of an email scam from "Eco Bank" mine was from a chappie named MR Rishi Gosine. Theres a new one every week, don't be the "one" who bites the wicked hand, thinking it will feed you.
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The New Webspace
I need to get to bed to rest my body, as if I leave it many more minutes I shan't be able to get outta my w/chair! But, just needed to make a public note about when the new webspace happens, which is taking longer than I anticipated, but when it does, I shall be leaving the majority of this blog on blogger space, and just starting the new space with what's on the index page of this blog. Several reasons for this, one of them being I've been in a spiritual wilderness for a long time. But, I just feel its a time for new beginnings, including my blog. The URL should be the same at least to start with. But will obviously let folks know when that happens or if theres any changes. But any further blogging tonite, or anything online will be from the papal bed! :P Tomorrow I have a reclining chair being delivered which is mostly to sleep in when bed causes me too many problems. Blogging almost upside down could be a new experience!
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The Great Usurper of Rome
Thursday, May 25, 2006

"That Nice old man"
"His Holiness the pope" "Bishop of Rome and Vicar of Jesus Christ" "Prince of the Apostles" "Supreme Pontiff"
Appropriate names:
"That man of Sin" and "Son of Perdition" (2 Thess 2)
There is only one God, the three Persons of the Trinity. Yet this great Usurper of Rome appoints himself and exalts himself and masquerades as God the Father. How many times do we hear him referred to as "Holy Father" ?
Evangelical protestants are increasingly even referring to him as the "Holy Father"
In October 1995, when Pope John Paul II visited New York City, Chuck Colson, Pat Robertson, Bill Bright, and others referred to the pope as "the holy father" They are adulterating the truth and courting the whore of Babylon by doing so. Yet we have had 264 popes in history including the present one, 265 if you include the Apostle Peter, so we must have a heaven full of Holy Fathers.
He not only assumes the title of holy father, he also assumes the position of the Holy Spirit, by putting himself forward as "Vicar of Christ" Christ's representative on earth. The only true representative of Christ on earth is the Holy Spirit.
He also assumes the title of God the Son, by assuming the title of "Supreme Pontiff". (Lord pope) Pope John Paul II always appeared a "nice old man" We all know of one of his many of blasphemious titles of "Vicars of Christ" yet what bigger blasphemies could he commit when on March 25th 1999, he exhorted all Catholics at St. Peters, to "reverence him as Lord, pope," and "Sweet Christ on earth."
George Bush at Pope John Paul's II funeral was pictured grovelling at the side of the man's coffin. Along side Tony Blair and Bill Clinton and other leading political figures, they all paid homage to this great "Spiritual leader" as if he was the most important person who had walked the earth.
Pope John Paul criticised Bible only thinking. Unless you also have the benefit of sacred tradition, and the magisterium, teaching authority of the church. In 1999 he put this in writing.
When a pope dies, the Roman catholic views itself as having lost the supreme head of its church. The teaching authority of the church is suspended. Until a new pope is elected.
When a pope is speaking in ex-cathedra mode, then his word is law and is to be viewed by all Christians as his infallible word. In other words, when the pope speaks on such occasions, he can only get his way, whatever he may be saying. No matter how heretical, blasphemous or anything else. His word goes and he can have his way in any matter he speaks of no matter WHAT.
John Paul II was one of the biggest advocates of Mary as co-redemptress. He has been called the "most Marian pope in history." His election bought about a new revival of devotions to Mary. No other pope has previously devoted so much time and space in his writings to Mary. He promoted her as co-redeemer, advocate, intercessor, all heretical damnable heresies. No other pope has made so many Marian pilgrimages. After he was almost assassinated in 1981 he went to the "Our Lady of Fatima" in Portugal and there he dedicated the world of our times to the "immaculate heart of Mary." (25th March 1984) He travelled to over a hundred and twenty countries and consecrated each of them to Mary, which is what he was doing each time he arrived somewhere and knelt down and kissed the ground. (25th March 1995) "Mary is the new Eve. The Mother of Christ the redeemer is the mother of the church."
(15th Sept 1885 during an address) he gave the everlasting covenant of Salvation being wrought by "Jesus and Mary, as the alliance of hearts" And when he said this all the papists took this up and started to tell the NEW "good news" of the gospel.
"Mary uniquely collaborated in the work of salvation. Mary is the path that leads to Christ" and he then exhorted to all Christians to make room for Mary in their lives. (30th July 1997) "Mary is the path that leads to Christ" "Mary offers her intercession"
The Bible doesn't even refer to Mary as the Mother of God, let alone having any special exaltation in the way the Catholics do.
On at least five occasions he referred to Mary as "Co-redemptress" Yet the Bible teaches that Christ alone is the sole mediator and Redeemer. Mary was a sinner the same as anyone else. Nowhere does the Bible claim she was sinless. You don't read Christ say, "all ye who are heavy laden come to Mary and I"
All the above teachings show him to be one of the most dangerous of false teachers and led many thousands of people to hell. A damnable heresy. He does it by usurping Christ's position as Christ's representative.
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger said at Pope John Paul's funeral, "He was a priest till the last" No pope before Pope Boniface III had the title. The Title of "Supreme Pontiff" literally means "Great High Priest" There is only ONE Great High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 10:11-12) He accomplished the Work of redemption not Mary, and no pope has a right to usurp him. The Power of the Cross has the power to cleanse, and free from sin, not the pope.
The pope claims to be able to offer up the Lord Jesus Christ over and again, in the Sacraments. He calls for masses and requiem masses upon his death for his people to pray for his soul to be cleansed from sin. What does he have in common with the Lord Christ who was the sinless Lamb?
When the Pope is eating, anyone in his presence must be kneeling at the time! Who else in the world would command that? Did our Lord and Saviour hold himself in such high esteem or was he meek and lowly and washed his disciples feet?
If Pope John Paul is God as he claimed for almost twenty five years in his office of pope, he now lays in his coffin. Shouldn't we in all right be able to expect a resurrection if he is indeed God on earth as he claimed all thru his popedom?
And if not, doesn't that mean he is an IMPOSTER, a USURPER, and a damnable heretic?
With this I end this rant on the popish papist pope for now! But to put it succinctly its all alot of Papal Bull! at John Paul's funeral
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Time-a blast from the past
[UPDATED BLAG]
I went to see my dad today, and he's out of immediate danger. Thanks to those readers who prayed for him.
I used to LOVE Marti Pellow, with or without wet, wet, wet. His voice had something about it, and he sang of things that lay within the deepest recesses of my heart. /download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" height="300" wiAnd when I saw him on TV for the first time the picture was complete. His cheeky smile, and a dark brooding. I was somewhat gutted when reading several years ago he had had to over come drink and drugs problems, as that kind of thing kind of knocks an icon down, into something less than you had always thought.
But, I saw him on the TV this morn, as I was waking up, and I have no idea how many years its been since I last saw him, but he looked OLD, middle aged, and way past his sell by date. And he's probably younger than I am. Time is funny, and as I mentioned a few weeks ago, me not seeming to age has suddenly got to the point of just feeling weird, when everyone who is in your peer group age wise, you see them after a long break and think they look "old" and you are still being mistaken for someone in the first flushes of adult life. Its beyond being cool, now, its just plain weird. But, I still wouldn't choose for it to be the reverse and look "old before my time".
But Marti Pellow, I guess he still had the charm, but, in a middle aged, rugged kind of way. This was one song of his I liked, and the movie Four weddings and a funeral, it was him singing "Love is all around us" that made the movie for me. But time is a funny thing. Theres no stopping it, it marches on regardless. And we often don't notice, or miss the important moments in time, and before one knows it, the years have flown.
My blog is likely to poof into mid cyber air at some point today. As my yankee doodle transition into cyber land is completed. But I've asked them to actually do the settings that need to be done for it to be changed from its current bit of cyberspace to the new bit. And I am going to see my dad, and its likely to happen when I'm out. I just have to republish it to the new bit of cyberspace when I can get to it. Of course, if you're trying to read this, at a time it has poofed, then I may as well have just shut up and not said anything, cos all you'll see is blankety blank. And while on the subject of blogging, the one thing I like about sitemeter, (my stat counter) it tells you what searches have bought folks to your site. Some of them are strange, funny, or just plain weird. But, they amuse me nonetheless. Here's a few from the last 24 hours or so:
superstistion of right hand itching
"where" "let your wind" "go free"
when i am filled i point the way, when i am empty nothing moves me.
soluble asprin
Time was never on our side
beauty reaches for the light
from the shadow of your smile
into my heart
There’s a flower in my field you know
holding love up like a shield
now I know we have it sealed
here in my heart
Every night I turn the lights down slowly
and watch you in your afterglow
I wanna get close to you
tell me you want me to
what can I do?
I need you now
and I want you now
in my life
Where the stream begins to flow
a life of love that springs we know
from every word
into my soul
Treasure buried deep inside
turns the hands of love way back in time
leaving all the past behind
can we let it go?
Every night I turn the lights down slowly
and watch you in your afterglow
I wanna get close to you
tell me you want me to
what can I do?
I need you now
and I want you now
in my life
We've been holding on
but things have changed
the fear is gone
we've turned the page
in the book of love
And to know this love
is to feel it all
from high above
to feel the glow
of your love
my love
I wanna get close to you
tell me you want me to
what can I do?
I need you now
and I want you now
in my life
I wanna get close to you
tell me you want me too
I wanna get close to you
I wanna get close to you
Play song
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The technophobic art of procrastination
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
I may have mentioned several months ago I got a new cell phone, out of neccessity than anything else. And tho it was just a bog standard model it does everything BUT make the frothy coffee! Mp3, pics, videos, I still haven't figured out half the features of it. I have neither the time nor the patience. But, last weekend, I did take the plunge, (SPLASH!) of getting a bluetooth adapter for my pc so that it can connect with the phone, and so it should make it easy to upload pics onto the puter. I did in a moment of brief (very brief) madness when I got the phone consider video blogging, but, then decided no, as I would have to go the whole hog and put a paper bag over me head! But, this bluetooth adaptor, I got it out of my bag and opened the packet. Even had a look at the software disk, tho didn't put it in the drive. And ever since, (almost a week later) it is still sat in my drawer, unused and still in the being thought about stage. Now new technology has always fascinated me. I've always been into gadgets and stuff. But somehow, the older I get, the less I get a buzz from it, and because things are not so easy as just plugging in and go'ing alot of times, I find when I have a need to use new technology, even if I equip like with the blue tooth adapter, I procrastinate, in an effort to not have to think about it NOW, yet before I know it, NOW has turned into a month and bladi blah.
So, should I get my
dongle out and plug it in and see if its ready to go? Well, maybe I'll have a cup of frothy coffee first. Too bad my phone don't make it for me!
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More on Resisting the Royals
Continuing on the theme from yesterday of
Resisting the Royals a few excerpts from a sermon given by Richard Cameron during a field meeting:
What are you doing here this day? There are several of you come from afar. Is it your zeal for the Lord of hosts that has brought you here? Oh how few can say that the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up! As for you that have not this end before you, that Christ may come unto this land, and have the crown set upon his royal head, you have little to do here, and we would willingly be rid of you. And we take these hills around us to witness against you this day, if this be not your end to bring Christ back again unto this land.
But let all of us look unto ourselves, and see what we have brought upon ourselves. We will not get a field meeting in Scotland but what is here at this time. Last year we had twenty or thirty, that carried the Lord's banner from one place to another in Scotland. It is not so now; but it is much that we have such a meeting as this. God be thanked for it. But we are brought very low and our persecutors are greater than we; and they are now saying: 'We have got them under, and let us keep them so.' They think they will get us all apprehended, and there is a great appearance of it. They will behead and hang us, if possible eradicate us from the face of the earth. We look upon our right hand, and upon our left hand, and there is no man that knows or cares for us. We are a party on whom few look upon the right hand, few of the ministers and professors. The most part of them have got into towns and country places; and the best news they could hear would be that a party of the enemy had come and cut everyone of us off.
Our Lord is saying: 'If you would have help from me, you must take me to be your King; you must take me to be head of the church.'. Our Lord Jesus is, and must be King upon his holy hill of Zion. There is no king in the church besides him; the Lord has given him to be King to rule in you and over you. Now, are you content to be let the King of Glory, the Lord of hosts, enter into your hearts and souls? And, oh, what say you in Galloway and Nithsdale? Will you take Christ to be your King, and to be the anointed King of the Church? And what say you at Clydesdale and Lothian? Are there any of you here content to cast yourselves at his feet, and to enter your name in his list among his subjects? Come and set down your names, and submit unto him, and give away yourselves unto him. There were hope in Israel concerning our case, if there were any this day crying, 'I am content to take him for my King, my Lord, and Saviour.'Fuller text can be read @ The puritannical blog
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Softly softly please Mr Paisley
Disclaimer: I am not knocking Rev Paisley's ministry or his beliefs or his faithfulness:
BUT, is it just me, or does anyone else find Iain Paisley almost impossible to listen to in his sermon giving? His bawling at the top of his lungs can be quite disconcerting I find, enough that it distracts me from the content of the sermon, and leaves me feeling somewhat terrorized! His suddenly booming out, from a previously quiet tone, has at times left me visibly physically jumping with fright at the suddeness it came upon me. I rarely listen to him for this reason alone, and if I do listen have to steel myself and prepare for the event cos of all the above! Yet, he is one of the more faithful pastors as far as I can see on this side of the pond, and its a pity that his booming so much detracts (for me at least) from the content of his sermons. He has some good things to say, yet it can be so very hard to hear because of the above! And I'm sure in some respects, his habit of booming, no matter what he is talking of, has got him a bad report in many instances needlessly. I recall when growing up, family members would talk about him as if he was the head of the IRA, and saying they didn't trust him. And it was only because of his manner of speech and particularly this booming affect. I did actually manage to get thru a whole sermon of his this morning, but it really helped to tell myself it was only 30 minutes rather than the hour long ones I listen to from other pastors. So, please Mr Paisley, could we have it a bit softly softly?
On another note, I have been struggling to find the taxi fares to visit my dad as often as I would like. But a disabled friend down south has given me the number of The
Lions Club international which is a charity who will often help with the transportation needs of the disabled, so I have contacted them, and tho I have to wait to hear from a second contact, the first lady I spoke to said it should be no problem in them helping me. Thank You, Lord!
And talking of my dad, a family member called me this morning, and they've moved dad to a differnet hospital and never even told me. (Sheesh!) She found out upon telephoning.
And finally, because I want to go see my dad tomorrow, and because today my body feels as if its on the rack, I shall probably spend most of the day horizontalized on my bed. Its bitterly cold here in England, which can make all the difference to almost anyone who experiences pain. But never fear! I can still run the world from my bed! :P
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Resist the Royals

The Royal family swore allegiance to the Crown of Christ. When the present Queen of England dies, her son and heir, Prince Charles, at his coronation will be head of the Church of England, and the vow whereupon the said head, vows to uphold the Reformed Religion in Scotland, is still part of the coronation ceremony. Prince Charles, has already made his intent abundantly clear. He will take the above vow, while instead of holding the title of Defender of the Faith, will hold the new title of "Defender of Faiths". Many people hold the Royal family in high regard for no other reason than there birthright and privilege and them being part of England's history and giving an air of pomp and circumstances. Yet, I call all Christians, whether in the homeland or abroad, to resist the royal family and the way they are heading to take us as a country and to speak on our behalf where "all faiths are equal" Resist, this blasphemy and heresy, Resist! The Royal family needs to be reformed to have any sway in what direction it takes our country in any matters at all. Matters of religion where the lives of prominent royals show how far they are from God, they should not have a say or any tie with. They are guilty of treason. Of the highest degree. They betray Christ with almost every word they utter. I'm not including the present Queen in all of the above, but resist them and let them be reformed, or not have the title of Defender of THE Faith or any faith, and no link with the Crown of King Jesus. Resists, resist, resist. I don't mean take action against them to depose them, as we as citizens do not have that right. But as citizens of Christ's kingdom we have every right and in fact a DUTY to defend HIS Crown even at the cost of some of the rights of the king of England and his helpers. They are not only tolerating, they are openly encouraging false religions, whilst still holding the title of Defender of the Faith and having taken the vow to uphold the Reformed Religion of Scotland. The crown may give them rights of power in our country, but it buys them no special rights of liberties with Christ's crown. No one has that right! Not the Queen of England, or future King, not the Pope, not Tony Blair or George Bush. Resist, and if that means a tiny revolution (tho are not endorsing violence) and fight them on every street corner, with the Word of Truth. Prince Charles is himself an adulterer, and has taken part in excess wickedness, so this man has no claim on the throne of England with all the ties to the Crown of Christ it currently holds. The Word of Truth will always be true, and who can blame the people of this land, standing in defense of true religion, which at all events equates true liberty, anything else is a subtle form of tyranny, and who in there right minds would not resist that? Resist, resist, RESIST. Be a sheep yes, and follow, but do not follow the wrong King.
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I think I have ringworm!
A perfick description of yours truly at times!!
is your pet itching and is it driving him crazy? Does he scratch and doesn’t sleep because he itches so much and keeps you up too? Are you worried that the rest of your pets may get infested and worse yet…your family and friends?
Seriously, I have kept family members awake years ago, with my ridiculous itching! I came across it after clicking on
this link. Somebody pass the Binga bonga!! Then stand well clear in case you catch it!
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Historically Reformed
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Many people will jeer at the going back to historic faith. They will knock the Scots as an example to follow as ancient, no longer binding, or, pre-historic. And that in these days, "anything goes" seems to be the order of the day. Yet if we go back to the forming of the WEstminster Assembly, and its purposes, and the creeds and standards of the Reformed church, we will see why Scotland is set above others as an example to follow. God is unchanging in ALL times. Both then, and now.
The convocation issued by the English parliament when it issued the call for the assembly included for the call
"to procure and preserve the peace at home, and nearer agreement with the church of Scotland and other reformed churches abroad..."
The S L & C includes the words,
" That we shall sincerely, really, and constantly, through the grace of GOD, endeavor, in our several places and callings, the preservation of the reformed religion in the Church of Scotland, in doctrine, worship, discipline, and government, against our common enemies; the reformation of religion in the kingdoms of England and Ireland, in doctrine, worship, discipline, and government, according to the Word of GOD, and the example of the best reformed Churches; and shall endeavour to bring the Churches of GOD in the three kingdoms to the nearest conjunction and uniformity in religion, Confession of Faith, Form of Church Government, Directory for Worship and Catechising; that we, and our posterity after us, may, as brethren, live in faith and love, and the Lord may delight to dwell in the midst of us."
Note only England and Ireland are named, because Scotland already had the nearest attainable to True religion.
"The divines there congregated were men of imminent learning and godliness and minsterial abilities and fidelity. And not being worthy to be one of them, myself, I may the more freely speak that truth which I know. Even in the face of malice and envy that as far as I am able to judge by the information on all history of that kind, and by other evidence left to us. The Christian world since the days of the Apostles had never an official assembly of more excellent divines thatn this synod and the synod of Dordt. " [Richard Baxter--who though an imminent minister and scholar of the day, was passed over as being part of the assembly, tho knew many of the divines personally, but not being amongst them, had no axe to grind]
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DJ's dodgy deals!
Well I buy from e-bay sometimes. I always try to deal fairly and honestly. Several months ago, I was getting payments deposited into my paypal account intended for another seller, and I sent all the payments to about five individuals back!! (some say I was foolish, but we'll see) but, I needed some glucose testing strips. I can't at present get them on prescription and to buy new from a pharmacy can cost an arm and a leg. So, I saw some new still boxed ones on e-bay for my glucose monitor model, and went ahead and bought them as they were much less expensive than regular prices. They came this morning. And this vial of 50 glucose strips was someones prescription! YIKES! As they had the person who they were intended for name on it, along with the name of the dispensing chemist, as do all our dispensed prescriptions! I feel kind of guilty, tho I bought them in good faith! And they are exactly as described by the selller. But somehow, someone selling presciption medicines, which they got for free, (diabetes is one of the conditions which allows for free prescriptions in the UK) seems unethical to be making money on our already straining at the seams health service! If they had taken them back to the chemist, they could have reused them seeing as they are unopened. But, its a nice little earner or side line for folks who may have no qualms about making money off the back of our health service. Meanwhile I'm left with my vial of glucose strips, knowing I bought them in good faith, yet somehow feeling a bit guilty too.
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One of those days....
[updated blog]
Zzzzzz....... struggling with exhaustion. I started to listen to a sermon (for the third time) on the history of the Westminster Assembly by David Silversides, and ended up dozing off within a short time, as when exhausted its impossible for me to stay awake. Tis most annoying dozing off during the same sermon three whole times though!!
So, hence my blog is unusually blankety blank. But maybe later, if I stay awake for two consecutive hours at a time!! (sheesh!)
Incidentally, yesterday I called the US OF A about my new webspace. And it should all be commpleted by tomorrow. But, yankee doodle men are very polite methinks. The guy kept calling me "ma'am" then he went to my maiden name, (my real Christian name) and he was very patient had no problem understanding my accent, and he was concerend about the cost. But cos I was calling via VOIP fone, it was only a penny per minute, and so no more expensive than calling my next door neighbour. Anyone on a broad band connection, I can recommend the new VOIP fones. (the hardeware phones rather than services such as skype) as the connection is as clear even when thousands of miles away, as if in the same house.
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Never FAils
Monday, May 22, 2006
Yesterday, My Sabbath was alot less burdensome than being separated from other Christians it generally is. I felt God sustained and upheld me all though it. It wasn't as near as hard as they can sometimes be. Today, my dad was taken into hospital. I never fail to come under some kind of attack in any situation where I have felt God has upheld me. It never fails. The next few days are critical as if he makes it or not. He's 87, got bladder cancer and kidney failure. Dear reader, please pray for his soul, he doesn't know the Lord. Unless I can find a friend who is free and willing to take me, I can't get to see him till Thus. As I can only get there via taxi, and don't have the money for taxi fares that distance. Good huh?
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Vindication from the shadows
Sometimes, things that can last almost a life time, turn out to be never what they seem.
I spent decades, being thought a psychotic lunatic. All because a physical illness I had went undiagnosed. Schizoprhenic, epileptic, institutionalized.. all words that were bandied around in my world and seemed as if they would forever be. Yet, I remember when the porphyria first came into the picture, and I told a friend, the genetics doctors were convinced this was my problem. The friend said What a picture, to have such a desease all those years, and no one knew, what grace God had given all those years. And not sure I got the full gist of what she meant, but, I did at last feel vindicated, for all the misdiagnoses, mis-treatments, the years incarcerated inside the nut house, and the long held to belief that I would end my days in the nut house, all had a reason outside of what had been expected. VINDICATION, had arrived in only a way that God could. As much as in some ways I hate this desease, as it can be so very hard to cope with, there is really no other disease that would have in one fell swoop, vindicated me and my sanity both past, present and future, the way this particular disease has.
And so we walk on through life. Vindications arrive in all kinds of subtle forms or shades. I had a few grrr making hours yesterday, over a relative. And it continued for most of today, frustration kind of thing, and YET, this also has left me feeling VINDICATED. Folks will often only see the surface of any one person. They never know what makes them tick, or what goes on under the surface, or what really lies behind some people. They are GOOD at covering their tracks. I always used to refer to Pope John Paul as a "nice old man". Yet how many people did he lead into hell? The same can be said in all walks of life. And I think its true in many instances that you have to live with someone to actually know them. Anyone can put on a good act for an hour or two, and an hour or two consistently over years, at set intervals so that the picture you see when with them all the time is not the picture everyone else sees. And if you try to put your point across which you know is valid, they dont' see it, think you're being paranoid, unfair, or just plain ungracious. They will think ill of you rather than thinking you just might possibly be right, about someone they have always seen on their best behaviour. Yet, a little bit of you knows, that, other do suspect, those who have been in the frame many years, perhaps family, or as good as. They do see a bit of the same picture as you, yet, yours is much more stark, much more real, much more vivid. And the frustration that a person who can so give one face to the world, while showing those closest to them another, is one of the most oppressing, frustrating things I can think of. And yet, something happens. Life moves on. Someone else or perhaps multiple other people are suddenly present on the scene. And you know you have to live with someone to know the real them. At least in many cases. And suddenly the outsiders who are constantly on the scene, see what you have seen, what has driven you beyond bounds for emotional stress, and made you feel insane with rage because you were so helpless lto do anything about it, and suddenly you are again, VINDICATED.
Two kids in a family. Maybe more. One is a nice looking, butter wouldn't melt in their mouth kind of kid. The other a bit of a rogue. People will always believe the worst of the rogue, yet could not believe so and so, (the angel who butter wouldn't melt) could EVER do such a thing. Appearances can be deceptive. Its a bit like some adults will hide their sin much more easily than others do or can, so its probably easier to think better of them. In all shades of life. Things are not always what they say on the packet. (I say this sincerely now) things will be completely otherwise to the view you get whilst having a brief visitation or interlude. What goes on behind closed doors, remains in the recesses of those inside mind and heart. So, people are complicated. But, there are two sides to every story. You may think the Mr Brown two doors down, who got into his car, with his kids, and drove while over the alcohol limit reckless, and careless, and you would be right. But, perhaps Mr Average, three doors up, who mows Old Mrs Parkers lawn for her when her husband died, or took little Johnny (her nephew) to the football game, after his father left his mother, is a right solid, good, nice, decent guy. Yet, maybe Mr Brown, had a black moment once in ten years, and tho a serious breach and lack of responsibility on his part, perhaps for the next ten years, he will be so pedantic about his families safety, that to think he could ever be so reckless as to drive over the limit is unthinkable. Yet, then theres Mrs Parkers lawn mower, Mr Dependable, maybe, Mr Dependable, is only Mr Dependable to the world outside his door, maybe Mr Dependable, on his own territory, is as different as East from West, and inside his own territory maybe it creates oppression, anger, and alot more negative things besides. But, it seems to me, whatever it is in life, that one day, such as like with my long history of wrong diagnoses and wrong treatments, that God will vindicate the shadows we live in, and they will not remain our shadows alone forever, because as we become vindicated from within the shadows, we know, its not something we have to fight to be believed now. Others have seen or experienced it too. It wasn't YOU, being an odd ball, or irrational, or just plain starking mad. And though it can be initially frustrating, VINDICATION, can be very sweet.
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If I Could Tell You
When my new webspace is active, (its proving very frustrating going transatlantic!! Sheesh!) I may well change back to wordpress. As this company makes it quite simple to not keep deleting ones blog irretriveably as I used to do when using wordpress with my current webspace host.
I cannot believe the time ALREADY! (Sheesh!) I have spent the four hours since waking making phone calls, seeing to this and that, I only just now managed to get myself dressed for the day! So, shall turn into a regular production line now! I was listening to a sermon earlier, on the history of the WEstminster Assembly, and got the phone call about the elderly releative being taken into hospital which totally shipwrecked my concentration to go back to it after the phone call. orrent of emotions that will not be anything that should exist within families. Human beings are complex. Someone said that to me a few weeks ago, and thought they were talking about someone else, and it was moi!! But tis true, we are!
If I Could Tell You
W. H. Auden
Time will say nothing but I told you so,
Time only knows the price we have to pay;
If I could tell you I would let you know.
If we should weep when clowns put on their show,
If we should stumble when musicians play,
Time will say nothing but I told you so.
There are no fortunes to be told, although,
Because I love you more than I can say,
If I could tell you I would let you know.
The winds must come from somewhere when they blow,
There must be reasons why the leaves decay;
Time will say nothing but I told you so.
Perhaps the roses really want to grow,
The vision seriously intends to stay;
If I could tell you I would let you know.
Suppose all the lions get up and go,
And all the brooks and soldiers run away;
Will Time say nothing but I told you so?
If I could tell you I would let you know
.
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Let the wind blow where it may
This letter by M'Ward to Richard Cameron speaks very much about witness. And its speaking as much to me, (perhaps more than many) as well as to anyone else, who are not consistent to the truth at all times, and I don't think theres one single believer alive who is. (even the wisest amongst us) So, let the wind fall where it may. And may the first arrow pierce my own heart sharpest. Its an excerpt from the book "
Lion of the Covenant"
A new necessity is laid upon me to write this line unto you, by the account I have had of the solemnity of that reception decreed for the Duke of York in Scotland. Brother, I cannot hide from you that I would have been less troubled if I had heard that he had marched down to Scotland with an army, made up of his English, French and Irish papists, than to have heard that by this very deed we have declared our abominable baseness in the sight of God, angels and men. Alas, whither have we not caused our shame to go! Oh, where is the spirit of our noble ancestors, zealous for the Lord God of hosts? Alas, where are our Knoxes, who said that one mass was more fearful to him, than if ten thousand armed enemies were landed in any part of the nation, to suppress the whole religion? All that made us famous and renowned among the nations was our love and loyalty to Jesus Christ, our former faithfulness and fixedness in his cause, our fevour in opposing kings when they did show favour to the popish party; that was that rich and radiant diadem which made us a renown among all the churches of Christ; but now, by this base, this abominable deed in the sight of all the nations, that beautiful crown is fallen from our heads... We seem to have forgotten we have souls, and are so much beasts, as, with the faces of men, we can bow our neck to the yoke of bondage, and glory in being so base.
Will they look upon us as the successors of those who so contended the truth against Queen Mary of unhappy memory? Will they look upon us as the posterity of those who ventured the whole interest of the nation for the defense of true religion and just liberty? It is easy for you, dear brother, to judge what they must and will say of us. It may be they will find names for it; but I profess, I can find none expressive of its nature.
Now brother if you would know what I intend by all this, I shall shortly tell you. You see how matters stand, and how the whole nation is ready to be looked upon as a company of poor, base, degenerate souls having neither regard for religion nor any respect to the liberty of the nation; but as a miserable company who by this foolish frolic have declared to the world how easy it is for this declared enemy of Jesus Christ and his interest, the limb and instrument of Antichrist to command their service and assistance. And therefore to prevent this, I would have you forthwith, without any further demur, procrastination or delay, speak to some of your more zealous and serious brethren, and awaken them unto the due and deep consideration of these things; that they and you may excite and stir up the people to give such a present signification of their hatred at, and abhorrence of this deed, as may let the world hear that there are persons in that land of that love and loyalty to Christ, and of that they regard to liberty, as they dare adventure at all disadvantages, yeah in the sight of death.
There is something on your part now presently called for as indispensable duty.. I would have you call all the godly, in all the several corners of the nation, to keep a day of solemn public humiliation, that an idolater was with so much solemnity and ceremony welcomed, in such capacity, as the presumptive heir to the Crown, into a land engaged under the penalty of incurring the displeasure of God Almighty, to extirpate these abominations..and as a second branch of the cause of this fast the grievous sin not calling to public mourning sooner, but leaving you to sub-divide and branch out the causes of this public humiliation, according as you see reason, both from what is already suggested, and what will certainly occur to yourself, when you set yourself seriously before the Lord to consider it.
You know well, brother, that it would make many who now sink into the depth of sorrow, weep for joy to see you, as incensed with the true zeal of God, call to weeping and mourning for the madness of mirth.. You know beside how this would contribute for the keeping up, or rather recovering the credit and necessary repute of the ministry, brought under contempt by our course and carriage.. Up, dear brother, rise and be doing; call in your brethren to this weeping, this wrestling, this witnessing work; stir up yourself and others to seriousness in this duty.. So carry, so acquit yourself in this juncture, as it may be evident you can neither be dared nor daunted into forbearance of a duty of so much concernment to the cause, by the frowning or fear of this furious enemy, nor be demurred by your reluctant brethren.. Let not the want of the company or concurrence of such who have not the spirit of the day, and whose hearts are hid from understanding, present duty, make you shrink or shun so eminent an appearance for your God. Up and be doing; go forward, as not fearing what flesh can do unto you.. Your own God shall be with you, and hold your hand in the undertaking, and make your single and serious essayings, yeah, to admiration.. Grace in its plenty and power will be sufficient for the work, and make it appear that while you are in it, and about it, you are not alone; grace, great grace, from the God of all grace be with you.
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Most Ironic headlines of the week
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Illegally Yours Darlink
Well, apparently, DJ could have a criminal record, (besides
THIS one that is!) as could many other folks in England who have never broken the law of the land. (well, 'cept for that time when... ;-)) but, as
this story currently going on in England shows, almost three thousand Britians have been wrongly labelled as criminals by the Criminal Records Beureau. People are being refused jobs, places at university, all the regular things, because they have been placed on the criminal records beaurau files wrongly. Ahhh, don't you love justice? It is apparently a computer error!
In the mean time, earlier this week, the government announced it has absolutely no flippin' idea how many illegal immigrants we have in this country. (efficient huh?) and that they were considering holding an
amnesty on those in this country illegally which would allow them to stay here. See? Who says crime doesn't pay? The illegal immigrant figures are estimated at 500,000 which in a country the size of this, is a huge figure! And to add insult to injury, but this is somehwhat the most ironic of all, (well, except for the other news story I heard yesterday, where someone at the home office was exchanging sex for favours so that those who are here illegally would be able to stay) is that
five illiegal immigrants cleaned immigration service offices for years and years! (sheesh!)
We are an island. Our borders and boundaries should be alot easier to manage than the rest of Europe where there borders are not so clearly or easily defined. Wakey, Wakey Britain!! Its all happening right under the folks in the know noses! (Sheesh! again!)
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The Way of Affliction
There is a verse in Psalm 119: that says, it was good for me that I was afflicted.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
And in many ways that speaks to my entire low estate. I was afflicted and wouldn't bear the yoke so was afflicted some more. And since submitting and bearing the yoke, at times it can still seem unutterably hard. And in some ways, it seems that man is unjust in all their ways, for continuing to increase or add to the burden when I am bearing a yoke when they have not been asked to bear one of similar weight. Its hard to not feel judged for the reality no one I know can understand. And it comes from all areas of life. Often through others sin, (most often) often for other reasons that I can't define as it would only be speculation. And I do pray for deliverance of this horrendously difficult journey. I also pray as above to be quickened, as, because of many things that come into the ball-game, the devil gives a true foundation and the false conclusion, (such as Durham spoke of) that apostasy would be a much easier option. And it can be hard to battle against that, every day when every day can contain such spiritual onslaught when in such a weakened physical condition. I have to rely on God to quicken me, so that when that comes into the arena, tho the temptation can remain, that He won't let me and will help me persevere when every sense around me tells me its pointless too. As a false conclusion will often blight the whole of our perception of something. And I think God does quicken me, by the mere fact I am holding on, and waiting patiently for deliverance, and also trying to follow His precepts and statutes in the most adverse circumstances one can imagine. Its no fun for anyone to be sick for the rest of their life. Its even worse when so abandoned of every natural comfort the world has to offer, and you are often facing what could be your last hours, because you are sicker, and still not a dram of comfort from anyone on earth. And I've seen in some cases how God's statutes have been broken in others dealings with me in my condition. But I know that God does consider my affliction, and I know that we can't work our way to deliverance either eternal or temporal. Yet somehow, keeping on the right path, and knowing one is, and knowing that God promises compassion to His people and that He will deliver them, and knowing how I get taunted by thoughts or temptation of apostasy being the way to get some peace in the here and now, I know its God that keeps me keeping on, as I don't have the power, strength, or capacity to walk through this fire for a day, let alone a week, or a month, or a year. God will rein his people in to subservience in whatever way He sees fit. And whatever enters our lives, good or bad, they are all under His controlling providences, and affliction will either send you reeling completely away from God, or the reverse. If you don't bear the yoke, of existing affliction, then additional affliction can crush you so underfoot, that eventually you do. In some ways, it is like a colt being broken in who kicks and bucks to not let his master ride on its back. As you can kick and buck all you like against the weight of your master, but in doing so, you will either increase the weight, or you can't kick any more and submit and give in, and then if the latter, all you can do is wait, and pray, and plead ones cause before God. And know and believe that HE does consider your affliction, even while it seems mankind doesn't. And that He has his eye on you and a Father's pitying heart. And He will deliver you.
153Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.
154 Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.
156 Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.
157 Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
158 I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.
159 Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness. [Psalm 119]
160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
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Judgements
Sometimes, I don't need to say a word. As I read something that so speaks to my own estate and condition, and someone else has said it far more ably than I ever could. I've also made the blockquote texts bigger, as I can't speak for others, but I found it near impossible to see well enough to read. So, I hope its easier for others now too.
My hit counter to this site, appears to have almost stopped working the last day or two too, I remember this happening at another blog, so guess I'll replace it in the coming days if it doesn't start re-working.
He teareth me in his wrath, who hateth me, he gnasheth upon me, etc. All expressions to point out how everyone that hated him got leave to take their will of him (as Psa 37:12). [Then] the violent hatred of the wicked against the godly is set out under this expression, He sharpeneth his eyes upon me. It is a reviving to the light of his eye; he feeds on it. Or it is a fiery look, to point out the inward hatred of the wicked, and it may take in Job's friends as dealing roughly with him. Yea [v. 10]: They gaped upon me with their mouth, as men that laugh and say, Aha. They have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully. i.e." They have buffetted me with their ill tongues though they held off their hands. They have gathered themselves, etc. Like as men combined to carry on my affliction, God hath delivered me unto the ungodly. (v. 11) All this is come upon me by God's providences. This I deny not. All my substance is devoured by the Sabeans, Chaldeans, etc.
The third part of his condition is the saddest. He grants (v 12.). that God evidences anger as an enemy. I was at ease, but God has broken me assunder, in respect of body, mind and family. He hath also taken me by the neck, and shaken me to pieces. He has done with me as a strong man that is angry with another. And set me up as his mark or butt, at whom he shoots the arrows of his judgements. For he has so many judgements, and every one of them lights upon me, and sticks into me, as a dart, time about [in turns]. He cleaves my reins, etc. (v. 13, a similutude taken from the m ost vital part of the body), and he does not spare. He poureth out my gall on the ground; he seems to have no restraint till he have the life out. He breaks me etc. (v. 14). He goes on upon or against me with new judgments, as if the former were not enough; And makes breach upon breach, or death upon death, [lacking] words to set out what he would say. Yea, he comes upon me, like a giant, for strength and terror, as if presently he would put out my life; expressing what sense he had of God's dealings. [James Durham--Lectures on Job, Chapter 16]
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A little known fact
According to evolution: Fifty million years ago, dinosaurs roamed the earth; three years ago, I opened my blog!!
;-)
Just needed to get THAT idiosyncratic thought out of the way!
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