Graduation Dance

Well, graduation season is upon us so here is a little doozie from the past for you to enjoy...:)

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World Of Good Wednesday - U.S. Aid in Indonesian Quake Relief

Today's WOG is in honor of our nations volunteer humanitarian agencies--

U.S. Aid Agencies Help with Indonesia Quake

Aaron Glantz

OneWorld US

Wed., May. 31, 2006

SAN FRANCISCO, May 30 (OneWorld) - American private aid agencies are responding to the massive earthquake that hit Indonesia over the weekend. The magnitude 6.3 quake that struck southern Java in the early morning Saturday left over 5,000 dead, 20,000 injured, and 130,000 homeless.

"We started out giving out tarps," said Steven Green of Oxfam America, which is also providing clean water and other essential supplies to an estimated 20,000 people.

Crowded, makeshift camps have sprung up around hospitals and elsewhere near the quake's epicenter. Despite miserable weather conditions and torrential rain, many survivors have been afraid to return to their homes, as small- to large-scale aftershocks continued over the weekend.

"At first, there were a lot of people who wouldn't go back into their homes even if they survived the quake because of the aftershocks," Green told OneWorld. "Now that the aftershocks have passed we're focusing on providing clean water because it's very common for water-borne diseases to strike after disasters."

Residents of the quake-stricken area have complained that support from the Indonesian government has been slow in coming and of looting within the new tent cities.

The government has also come under criticism for its lack of a national mechanism to coordinate disaster response. "Such a mechanism is essential in a country geographically prone to natural disasters," said the Hong Kong-based Asian Human Rights Commission in a statement Monday.

The group also cited the immediate needs of survivors as canned food and water, baby food and milk, medicines, tents, sleeping bags, blankets, clothes, and cooking equipment.

Oxfam's Green said providing aid to the earthquake in Java has been easier than responding to 2004's tsunami. In 2004, Green says "all the main roads and the airport were knocked out by the tsunami. After this earthquake, the airport was closed briefly but most of the transportation is still working."

In addition, many aid agencies were already in the area providing long-term relief for the tsunami and other disasters.

According to InterAction, the umbrella group of U.S.-based voluntary organizations, there are currently 43 American aid organizations providing relief for earthquake victims. Many are religious organizations like Catholic Relief Services, Lutheran World Relief, Baptist World Aid, and the American Jewish Joint Distribution

Committee.

Habitat for Humanity, the home building charity founded by former President Jimmy Carter, is providing emergency shelter and is assessing how to help once reconstruction begins.

"All these groups have enough resources to be on the ground making assessments of the damage," InterAction's interim CEO Julie Taft said. "So far, with the holiday weekend, donations have been slow but I'm confident that as more people learn about what's happened the American people will step forward with generosity."

The quake struck just before 6:00 am local time Saturday along the southern coast of Java, one of the principal islands of the archipelago nation to the north and west of Australia.

The ancient royal capital region of Yogyakarta, some 275 miles east of the current capital Jakarta, was the hardest hit. The region's royal palaces and Borobudur temple complex are known as prime attractions for domestic and foreign tourists. Many foreigners also come to Yogyakarta to study the Indonesian language, but officials in Washington and London confirmed Tuesday that there had been no reports of American or British casualties.

Aid groups are especially concerned that the weekend's earthquake could cause the areas' long-simmering Mount Merapi volcano to erupt. The 9,800 foot volcano started spewing larger amounts of toxic gas in the aftermath of Saturday's quake.

The Indonesian government is urging residents to stay away from the volcano.

We are such a blessed nation to be able to help anyone who is in need, as we do. It is often a thankless job from critics to the left and right. The World Of Good Wednesday Blogburst thanks these agencies today.

---

If you would like to join the World Of Good Blogburst e-Mail Joe at worldofgoodblogroll@yahoo.com .

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My Soul Proclaims The Greatness Of The Lord

Today's Gospel:Luke 1:39 - 56

Mary set out at that time and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, "Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled."

And Mary said:
"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord
and my spirit exults in God my saviour;
because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid.
Yes, from this day forward all generations will call me blessed,
for the Almighty has done great things for me.
Holy is his name,
and his mercy reaches from age to age for those who fear him.
He has shown the power of his arm,
he has routed the proud of heart.
He has pulled down princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly.
The hungry he has filled with good things, the rich sent empty away.
He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his mercy
- according to the promise he made to our ancestors-
of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants for ever."

Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back home.

May our spirits exult in God our saviour today! Peace.

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Dirty Dancing At The Prom by Barbara Curtis

A book review for Active Christian Media.

With two out of seven kids heading full speed through the teenage years it is good to find a book that is fresh and readable about raising teens in our troubled times. Written as a response to the expense and negative trendiness surrounding today's high school proms, "Dirty Dancing At The Prom" is a book that tackles today's teens and the issues they face. Each section begins with "what Does God say" and ends with some excellent discussion questions.

I found this book to be very funny, biblical and antecdotal.It was tremendously helpful to me as a parent. And I highly recommend it as a book you will return to again and again as a guide through the teen parenting years.

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The High Price Of Gas

From the Examiner:

Man Fails to Pay for Gas; Owner Shoots

A.P.--LIVINGSTON, La. - Deputies arrested a store owner accused of shooting out two tires on a customer's vehicle after the customer said he had no money to pay for gasoline, spokesman Jason Ard of the Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office said Thursday.

The motorist had pumped $36.50 worth of gasoline, then discovered he didn't have the money to pay for it, Ard said. An argument with the store owner followed.

When the motorist tried to leave, the grocery store owner fired a shot that hit one of the customer's tires, then fired a second shot into another tire after the driver pulled back into the parking lot, deputies said.

Deputies booked Nardeep S. Bhullar, 25, the owner of Singhs Grocery, with aggravated assault, criminal damage to property and illegal discharge of a firearm.

Deputies also booked Chaz R. Watkins, 18, of Holden with theft of gasoline, Ard said.

With hotheads noone wins. I have to wonder if the teen was just gonna go home and get some money from his Dad? The least Nardeep could have done is taken the tag number and told the kid if he didn't come back he'd send the police. The second shot is what gets me. The kid was pulling back in. Perhaps some jailtime will remind Nardeep that this is Louisiana is not a province of Pakistan.

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The Source Of Holiness

From today's Office Of Reading:

From the treatise On the Holy Spirit by Saint Basil the Great, bishop

The work of the Holy Spirit

The titles given to the Holy Spirit must surely stir the soul of anyone who hears them, and make him realise that they speak of nothing less than the supreme Being. Is he not called the Spirit of God, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, the steadfast Spirit, the guiding Spirit? But his principal and most personal title is the Holy Spirit.

To the Spirit all creatures turn in their need for sanctification; all living things seek him according to their ability. His breath empowers each to achieve its own natural end.

The Spirit is the source of holiness, a spiritual light, and he offers his own light to every mind to help it in its search for truth. By nature the Spirit is beyond the reach of our mind, but we can know him by his goodness. The power of the Spirit fills the whole universe, but he gives himself only to those who are worthy, acting in each according to the measure of his faith.

Simple in himself, the Spirit is manifold in his mighty works. The whole of his being is present to each individual; the whole of his being is present everywhere. Though shared in by many, he remains unchanged; his self giving is no loss to himself. Like the sunshine, which permeates all the atmosphere, spreading over land and sea, and yet is enjoyed by each person as though it were for him alone, so the Spirit pours forth his grace in full measure, sufficient for all, and yet is present as though exclusively to everyone who can receive him. To all creatures that share in him he gives a delight limited only by their own nature, not by his ability to give.

The Spirit raises our hearts to heaven, guides the steps of the weak, and brings to perfection those who are making progress. He enlightens those who have been cleansed from every stain of sin and makes them spiritual by communion with himself.

As clear, transparent substances become very bright when sunlight falls on them and shine with a new radiance, so also souls in whom the Spirit, become spiritual themselves and a source of grace for others.

From the Spirit comes foreknowledge of the future, understanding of the mysteries of faith, insight into the hidden meaning of Scripture, and other special gifts. Through the Spirit we become citizens of heaven, we enter into eternal happiness, and abide in God. Through the Spirit we acquire a likeness to God; indeed, we attain what is beyond our most sublime aspirations--we become God.

Grace and Peace to you today.

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He Is Light, Very Light

From today's Office Of Readings : St Cyril of Jerusalem

The living water of the Holy Spirit

The water I shall give him will become in him a fountain of living water, welling up into eternal life. This is a new kind of water, a living, leaping water, welling up for those who are worthy. But why did Christ call the grace of the Spirit water? Because all things are dependent on water; plants and animals have their origin in water. Water comes down from heaven as rain, and although it is always the same in itself, it produces many different effects, one in the palm tree, another in the vine, and so on throughout the whole of creation. It does not come down, now as one thing, now as another, but while remaining essentially the same, it adapts itself to the needs of every creature that receives it.

In the same way the Holy Spirit, whose nature is always the same, simple and indivisible, apportions grace to each man as he wills. Like a dry tree which puts forth shoots when watered, the soul bears the fruit of holiness when repentance has made it worthy of receiving the Holy Spirit. Although the Spirit never changes, the effects of his action, by the will of God and in the name of Christ, are both many and marvellous.

The Spirit makes one man a teacher of divine truth, inspires another to prophesy, gives another the power of casting out devils, enables another to interpret holy Scripture. The Spirit strengthens one man's self-control, shows another how to help the poor, teaches another to fast and lead a life of asceticism, makes another oblivious to the needs of the body, trains another for martyrdom. His action is different in different people, but the Spirit himself is always the same. In each person, Scripture says, the Spirit reveals his presence in a particular way for the common good.

The Spirit comes gently and makes himself known by his fragrance. He is not felt as a burden, for he is light, very light. Rays of light and knowledge stream before him as he approaches. The Spirit comes with the tenderness of a true friend and protector to save, to heal, to teach, to counsel, to strengthen, to console. The Spirit comes to enlighten the mind first of the one who receives him, and then, through him, the minds of others as well.

As light strikes the eyes of a man who comes out of darkness into the sunshine and enables him to see clearly things he could not discern before, so light floods the soul of the man counted worthy of receiving the Holy Spirit and enables him to see things beyond the range of human vision, thing hitherto undreamed of.

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He Is Living In Us

Today's Second Reading : 1 John 4:11 - 16

My dear people,
since God has loved us so much,
we too should love one another.
No one has ever seen God;
but as long as we love one another
God will live in us
and his love will be complete in us.
We can know that we are living in him
and he is living in us
because he lets us share his Spirit.
We ourselves saw and we testify
that the Father sent his Son
as saviour of the world.
If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God,
God lives in him, and he in God.
We ourselves have known and put our faith in
God's love towards ourselves.
God is love
and anyone who lives in love lives in God,
and God lives in him.

Have a great Sunday.

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Memorial Saturday

I'm working this weekend :( Have a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend.

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Ask And You Will Receive

Today's Gospel : John 16:23 - 28

Jesus said:
"I tell you most solemnly,
anything you ask for from the Father he will grant in my name.
Until now you have not asked for anything in my name.
Ask and you will receive, and so your joy will be complete.
I have been telling you all this in metaphors,
the hour is coming when I shall no longer speak to you in metaphors;
but tell you about the Father in plain words.
When that day comes you will ask in my name;
and I do not say that I shall pray to the Father for you,
because the Father himself loves you for loving me
and believing that I came from God.
I came from the Father and have come into the world
and now I leave the world to go to the Father."

There is power in Jesus' name. Peace and Blessings.

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The Mexican American Anthem

As you know the Senate passed the reform bill. I hope the House is not as short sighted about this "illegal" situation.

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Who Says White Boys Can't Dance?

For your viewing pleasure, here is the "Evolution Of Dance".

And , because I can't resist: "Go White Boy"!

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Rejoice In The Lord

From Today's Office of Readings:

A sermon of St Augustine

Always rejoice in the Lord

The Apostle commands us to rejoice, but in the Lord, not in the world. For, you see, as Scripture says, whoever wishes to be a friend of this world will be counted as God's enemy. Just as a man cannot serve two masters, so too no-one can rejoice both in the world and in the Lord.

Let joy in the Lord win and go on winning, until people take no more joy in the world. Let joy in the Lord always go on growing, and joy in the world always go on shrinking until it is reduced to nothing. I do not mean that we should not rejoice as long as we are in this world, but that even while we do find ourselves in this world, we should already be rejoicing in the Lord.
Someone may argue, "I am in the world; so obviously, if I rejoice, I rejoice where I am". What of it? Because you are in the world, does it mean that you are not in the Lord? Listen to the same Apostle in the Acts of the Apostles, speaking to the Athenians, and saying about God and about the Lord, our Creator, In him we live, and move, and are. Since he is everywhere, there is nowhere that he is not. Is it not precisely this that he is emphasising to encourage us? The Lord is very near; do not be anxious about anything.

This is something tremendous, that he ascended above all the heavens but is still very near to those who dwell on earth, wherever they may be. Who can this be that is both far away and close at hand, except the one who became our near neighbour out of mercy?

The whole of the human race, you see, is that man who was lying in the road, left there by robbers, half dead, who was ignored by the passing priest and Levite, while the passing Samaritan stopped by him to take care of him and help him; and when the Immortal, the Just, was far away from us mortals and sinners, he came down to us to become - that far distant being - our near neighbour.

He has not treated us according to our sins. For we are his children. How do we prove this? The only Son died for us so that he would not remain the only child. He did not want to be alone, who died alone. The only Son of God made many children for God. He bought himself brothers and sisters with his blood; rejected, he accepted us; sold, he bought us back; dishonoured, he honoured us; killed, he brought us life.

So then, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord, not in the world; that is, rejoice in faithfulness and not in iniquity; rejoice in the hope of eternity and not the brief flower of vanity. Rejoice thus, and wherever you are here, as long as you are here, the Lord is very near: do not be anxious about anything.

Amen!

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The Ascension Of Jesus

Today's Gospel:Mark 16:15 - 20

Jesus said to his disciples, "Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation. He who believes and is baptised will be saved; he who does not believe will be condemned. These are the signs that will be associated with believers: in my name they will cast out devils; they will have the gift of tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and be unharmed should they drink deadly poison; they will lay their hands on the sick, who will recover."

And so the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven: there at the right hand of God he took his place, while they, going out, preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word by the signs that accompanied it.

Amen! Peace to you today.

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13 Reasons Not To Drink

Remember : your friend's always have your back. And a camera!

Warning: drunken nudity and stupidity.

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World Of Good Wednesday - Mountaire’s Faith & Family Day

“MOUNTAIRE’S FAITH & FAMILY DAY”

WILL BE A DAY OF FELLOWSHIP AT PERDUE STADIUM, JULY 30TH

2005's Dove Award Winning New Artist of the Year,
BUILDING 429 TO PERFORM LIVE AFTER THE GAME - FREE POST GAME CONCERT!
EVENT TO HELP RAISE AWARENESS & FUNDS FOR THE JOSEPH HOUSE

Families can to come out to the ballpark to enjoy the excitement of Your Shorebirds Baseball and the joy of fellowship at Mountaire’s Faith & Family Day, Sunday, July 30th. The day will feature support of area houses from worship and messages of faith, along with one of Delmarva’s largest corporate community partners—Mountaire Farms. Together everyone will be raising awareness and funds for The Joseph House, which helps Delmarva’s less fortunate. Mountaire’s Faith & Family Day starts at 1:35pm on Sunday, July 30 with gates opening at 12:35pm. A portion of all that day’s ticket revenue will be donated to The Joseph House.

After the final out of the game, families will continue to be entertained with a FREE post game concert! First, enjoy personal testimonies from two of Your Delmarva Shorebirds, RHP, Blake Owen and RHP, Reid Hamblet, who have volunteered to share their personal story and their own walk of faith with the fans. Then, hang out in the outfield and enjoy the music of the hottest new band currently climbing the Christian music charts, Building 429 as they perform in the Shorebirds Picnic Pavilion. The opening act will be Mountaire’s own “When You Believe” featured this year at Mountaire’s 2006 Gospel Talent Search. Clear Channel Radio’s Q 105 FM is a proud partner of Faith & Family Day and will be on hand to host all the excitement.

”Mountaire is proud to be teaming up with The Shorebirds to help support the First Annual Faith & Family Day.”
ROGER MARINO, CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF PR AND COMMUNICATIONS for Mountaire Farms, stated. “It will be a wonderful opportunity to raise money for a truly worthy cause, The Joseph House.”

Mountaire Farms' annual contributions and employee community outreach programs touch thousands of persons in church communities, educational institutions and non-profit agencies in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and North Carolina. One of their largest community events is the Mountaire Gospel Talent Search where each year more than 120 churches compete in children, youth and adult categories for $30,000 in prize money.

”Your Delmarva Shorebirds are once again using America’s Pastime to bring Families across Delmarva together for a very unique and rewarding event.” STEPHEN C. YAROS, Your Shorebirds General Manager stated. “It’s literally a Grand Slam Event, with the musical talents of Building 429, the support of Shorebirds players like Blake Owen and Reid Hamblet all helping to increase awareness and funds for one of Delmarva’s finest charities – The Joseph House.”

The Joseph House is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization, which helps the poor. Its services such as the food pantry, emergency financial assistance, and job readiness training for homeless men all help the poor become more self-sufficient, productive citizens. The Joseph House has always depended upon free-will offerings to fund those services, and receives no money from the government or the United Way. So Faith and Family Day is the Eastern Shore’s opportunity to help!

Building 429 are Warner Bros. recording artists and 2005's Dove Award Winning New Artist of the Year. Building 429 believe that with their newfound success, added responsibility and are eager to use their newfound influence to serve God fearlessly. Building 429 pushes on unapologetically with clear honest and open faith through their music. The concert is produced in association with Young and Associates.

Your Shorebirds look forward to having you and your family inside Perdue Stadium for this incredible Community-Builder. There are multiple ticket packages for “Mountaire Faith & Family Day” on Sunday, July 30. Starting with a $26 ticket that can be purchased for a two-hour buffet in the Polaris Way Out Grill (hot dogs, hamburgers, pulled BBQ chicken, coleslaw, potato chips, watermelon, lemonade, iced tea, and sodas) PLUS an exclusive meet & greet session with Building 429 for autographs and pictures. General admission tickets with a Hot Dog Pepsi Value Meal are $10 and include a hot dog, fries, and a Pepsi during the game. These special ticket packages must be purchased by July 26th and all ticket sales include admission to the post game concert.
(A portion of all ticket revenue will go to support The Joseph House).

Mountaire’s Faith & Family Day starts at 1:35pm on Sunday, July 30 when Your Shorebirds throw the first pitch. Gates will open at 12:35pm and Building 429 will perform inside Arthur W. Perdue Stadium following the last out of the game. So bring the whole family out to the ballpark for an event filled day!

You need to catch all the exciting action in 2006, so reserve your seat today! Multiple Ticket Plan Offers with our Half Season tickets, Mini-plans, and Fan Packs are on sale now. All ticket plans include great gifts and excellent benefits. Please call (410) 219-3112 for more information or visit us at www.theshorebirds.com.

“Your Delmarva Shorebirds…Where Families Come to Play!”

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He Is Antichrist

From today's Office Of Readings:1 John 2:18 - 29

Children, these are the last days;
you were told that an Antichrist must come,
and now several antichrists have already appeared;
we know from this that these are the last days.
Those rivals of Christ came out of our own number, but they had never really belonged;
if they had belonged, they would have stayed with us;
but they left us, to prove that not one of them
ever belonged to us.
But you have been anointed by the Holy One,
and have all received the knowledge.
It is not because you do not know the truth that I am writing to you
but rather because you know it already
and know that no lie can come from the truth.
The man who denies that Jesus is the Christ-
he is the liar,
he is Antichrist;
and he is denying the Father as well as the Son,
because no one who has the Father can deny the Son,
and to acknowledge the Son is to have the Father as well.
Keep alive in yourselves what you were taught in the beginning:
as long as what you were taught in the beginning is alive in you,
you will live in the Son
and in the Father;
and what is promised to you by his own promise
is eternal life.
This is all that I am writing to you about the people who are trying to lead you astray.
But you have not lost the anointing that he gave you,
and you do not need anyone to teach you;
the anointing he gave teaches you everything;
you are anointed with truth, not with a lie,
and as it has taught you, so you must stay in him.
Live in Christ, then, my children,
so that if he appears, we may have full confidence,
and not turn from him in shame
at his coming.
You know that God is righteous -
then you must recognise that everyone whose life is righteous
has been begotten by him.

Folks are starting to consider:

Is Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the Antichrist?

Well if he is not THE Antichrist, we know he is an antichrist, as all good muslims (and bad athiests) are.

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Police Assault and Badgery

To Serve and Protect Indeed! From the Examiner:

Police Get Calls About Bikinis, TV Remotes

REXBURG, Idaho - Law enforcement agencies depend on citizens in the community to be their eyes and ears. But officials in this southeastern Idaho town aren't sure how to respond to reports of skimpy bikinis, lost TV remotes, menacing squirrels, and a report of a neighbor's shrub trespassing.

"You try to help, you don't want to seem uncaring," said Randy Lewis, a captain with the Rexburg Police Department.

Those kinds of calls come in daily to the police, including one where Lewis ended up using a lasso to capture a hissing badger running loose in an apartment.

"What a mistake," he said. "It about drug me off."

Even though many calls don't fall within what police normally do, officers still respond to complaints of loitering ducks and children who won't mind their parents.

Lewis said the Rexburg police probably get more of those types of calls than larger departments.

"We don't have a high frequency of serious crimes, though we do have murders, rapes, child molestations and bank robberies," Lewis said. "Thank goodness they don't happen every day."

Rexburg Police Lt. Ron Larson said he thinks many of the calls are caused by residents not knowing the difference between civil and criminal offenses.

"It might not have anything to do with the police, but they don't know who else to call," he told the Post Register.

Most of the unusual calls come during the summer, he said, and already the department has fielded calls about mean notes taped to trash bins and reports of residents receiving offers of being hypnotized over the phone.

Lewis said the hypnotist calls could be coming from students at Brigham Young University-Idaho as part of their homework.

But a university official said he is not aware of any class requiring that type of assignment.

Meanwhile, Rexburg police will continue to take the calls in stride.

"We don't want to discourage anyone from calling in," Lewis said.

Car 54... where are you?

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Delight In Abundant Peace

From today's Office of Readings: Psalm 37

The fate of the evil and the righteous

Do not envy the wicked;
do not be jealous of those that do evil.
They will dry up as quickly as hay;
they will wither like the grass.

Put your trust in the Lord and do good,
and your land and habitation will be secure.
Take your delight in the Lord,
and he will give you what your heart desires.

Entrust your journey to the Lord, and hope in him:
and he will act.
He will make your uprightness shine like the light,
your judgement like the sun at noon.

Take your rest in the Lord, and hope in him:
do not envy the one who thrives in his own way,
the man who weaves plots.
Abstain from wrath, abandon anger:
do not envy him who turns to evil,
for those who do evil will be destroyed,
but those on the side of the Lord
will inherit the earth.

A moment yet - and the sinner will be gone:
you will look where he was and find nothing.
But the needy will inherit the land
and delight in abundant peace.

What a beautiful promise from our God! Peace to you today.

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Getting the Women's Vote

This was inspired by a viral e-mail I got with pictures of politicians in drag. Too bad there were none of them in mexican garb (wink).

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Sharers In The Divine Glory

From today's Office of Readings:

From the treatise On the Trinity by Didymus of Alexandria

The Holy Spirit renews us in baptism

The Holy Spirit renews us in baptism through his godhead, which he shares with the Father and the Son. Finding us in a state of deformity, the Spirit restores our original beauty and fills us with his grace, leaving no room for anything unworthy of our love. The Spirit frees us from sin and death, and changes us from the earthly men we were, men of dust and ashes, into spiritual men, sharers in the divine glory, sons and heirs of God the Father who bear a likeness to the Son and are his co-heirs and brothers, destined to reign with him and to share his glory. In place of earth the Spirit reopens heaven to us and gladly admits us into paradise, giving us even now greater honour than the angels, and by the holy waters of baptism extinguishing the unquenchable fires of hell.

We men are conceived twice: to the human body we owe our first conception, to the divine Spirit, our second. John says: To all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God. These were born not by human generation, not by the desire of the flesh, not by the will of man, but of God. All who believed in Christ, he says, received power to become children of God, that is, of the Holy Spirit, and to gain kinship with God. To show that their parent was God the Holy Spirit, he adds these words of Christ: I give you this solemn warning, that without being born of water and the Spirit, no one can enter the kingdom of God.

Visibly, through the ministry of priests, the font gives symbolic birth to our visible bodies. Invisibly, through the ministry of angels, the Spirit of God, whom even the mind' eye cannot see, baptises into himself both our souls and bodies, giving them a new birth.

Speaking quite literally, and also in harmony with the words of water and the Spirit, John the Baptist says of Christ: He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Since we are only vessels of clay, we must first be cleansed in water and then hardened by spiritual fire - for God is a consuming fire. We need the Holy Spirit to perfect and renew us, for spiritual fire can cleanse us, and spiritual water can recast us as in a furnace and make us into new men.

Be renewed today. Peace.

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If The World Hates You

Today's Gospel:John 15:18 - 21

Jesus said:
"If the world hates you,
remember that it hated me before you.
If you belonged to the world,
the world would love you as its own;
but because you do not belong to the world,
because my choice withdrew you from the world,
therefore the world hates you.
Remember the words I said to you: A servant is not greater than his master.
If they persecuted me, they will persecute you too;
if they kept my word, they will keep yours as well.
But it will be on my account that they will do all this,
because they do not know the one who sent me."

That explains alot. Peace and Blessing.

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Friday Night Video - I'll Find My Way Home by Jon And Vangelis

Being a serious YES fan and having owned a synthesizer before they were cool, I proudly present the 1980's work of Jon and Vangelis!

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The Da Vinci Post

(With apologies to my regular readers-Charter Communications has been having trouble keeping it's internet service together for the last two days.) Woe is me...Oh had my internet service been down one more day.

I say this because "The Da Vinci Code" opens today in the USA. I have read and heard a tremendous amount of hype over the last week, much from religious sources, regarding this heretical film. It's just too bad that Opie and Forrest Gump had to invest their talent to this rehashing of already condemned Christian Heresy. Nearly every Christian ministry has a book, link or streaming audio or video dealing with this...so I won't be redundant here. You WILL get your fill of this...

With the intention of not giving heresy any more attention than has already been given it by our Early Church Fathers, I would like to take the opportunity to review a book from the book division my alma mater (Bethany House Publishers) for Active Christian Media.

The book is called "The Da Vinci Code Breaker" and, though MSN has the tag line for the movie "the Da Vinci Code is unbreakable", this idea actually falls apart under the slightist scrutiny. Author James L Garlow, with Timothy Paul Jones and April Williams, offers an aphabetized fact checker. In it you will find a wonderfully researched look at the so-called gospels used to support the story of DVC and also the true (and intentionally overlooked by Dan Brown) history of the literature and history of Christianity as it really is, not as some would have you believe. Read this book along with the novel or before you see the film.

At my teenage daughter's request we, as a family, will be using it as a tool to help her speak to her high school friends about the real Christ and not the inventions of Dan Brown and his heretical precursors.

Oh and one more thing...

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Love One Another

Today's Gospel : John 15:12 - 17

Jesus said:
"This is my commandment:
love one another, as I have loved you.
A man can have no greater love
than to lay down his life for his friends.
You are my friends,
if you do what I command you.
I shall not call you servants any more,
because a servant does not know his master's business;
I call you friends,
because I have made known to you everything I have learnt from my Father.
You did not choose me: no, I chose you;
and I commissioned you to go out and to bear fruit,
fruit that will last;
and then the Father will give you anything you ask him in my name.
What I command you is to love one another."

We are known by our love. Peace to you today.

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How To Be Your Own Publicist

by Jessica Hatchigan

A book review for Active Christian Media.

Anyone with a business or ministry could learn a few things from Jessica Hatchigan's book on public relations. The focus of the book is about how to write "newsworthy" press releases. Set up like the popular books for "dummies" and "idiots", this book teaches you the basics of what a publicist does without making you feel like a complete imbecile. And for me, most days, that's saying something.

All kidding aside, I found the book to be very readable. And with it's step by step process, it has the ability to bring a complex business into language and tasks that are achievable and that can be measured by success. I plan on using these new "news" skills in my own life and work.

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I Am The Vine

From today's Office of Readings:

From a commentary on the gospel of John by Saint Cyril of Alexandria

I am the vine, you are the branches

The Lord calls himself the vine and those united to him branches in order to teach us how much we shall benefit from our union with him, and how important it is for us to remain in his love. By receiving the Holy Spirit, who is the bond of union between us and Christ our Saviour, those who are joined to him, as branches are to a vine, share in his own nature.

On the part of those who come to the vine, their union with him depends upon a deliberate act of the will; on his part, the union is effected by grace. Because we had good will, we made the act of faith that brought us to Christ, and received from him the dignity of adoptive sonship that made us his own kinsmen, according to the words of Saint Paul: He who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.

The prophet Isaiah calls Christ the foundation, because it is upon him that we as living and spiritual stones are built into a holy priesthood to be a dwelling place for God in the Spirit. Upon no other foundation than Christ can this temple be built. Here Christ is teaching the same truth by calling himself the vine, since the vine is the parent of its branches, and provides their nourishment.

From Christ and in Christ, we have been reborn through the Spirit in order to bear the fruit of life; not the fruit of our old, sinful life but the fruit of a new life founded upon our faith in him and our love for him. Like branches growing from a vine, we now draw our life from Christ, and we cling to his holy commandment in order to preserve this life. Eager to safeguard the blessing of our noble birth, we are careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, and who makes us aware of God's presence in us.

Let the wisdom of John teach us how we live in Christ and Christ lives in us: The proof that we are living in him and he is living in us is that he has given us a share in his Spirit. Just as the trunk of the vine gives its own natural properties to each of its branches, so, by bestowing on them the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, the only-begotten Son of the Father, gives Christians a certain kinship with himself and with God the Father because they have been united to him by faith and determination to do his will in all things. He helps them to grow in love and reverence for God, and teaches them to discern right from wrong and to act with integrity.

Grace and Peace.

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Help! Mom! Hollywood's In My Hamper!

by Katharine Debrecht, illustrated by Jim Hummel

A Book Review for Active Christian Media.

When I was young I read MAD Magazine almost religiously. I enjoyed it's never subtle sense of humor and the fun it always poked at celebrities. If you ever wanted to know what would happen when MAD magazine meets Rush Limbaugh--this book is for you! "Help! Mom! Hollywood's In My Hamper!" is a clever book about how Hollywood tries to sell itself to the public. In it, two young girls appear to have a magic wardrobe--not the Narnia kind--out of which come Brittney Spears, Madonna, and Barbara Streisand...among others and under assumed names. The tale unfolds with the girls eventually looking ridiculous in their trendy Haughtywood gear.

For a fun conservative romp through pop culture with a good message (and some great caricatures of Hollyweird's biggest mouths), I recommend "Help! Mom! Hollywood's In My Hamper"!

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Gone To The Dogs

The Examiner is reporting a local animal lover gone wild...

Md. Officials Find 57 Dogs in Stinky House

A.P.- WHITEFORD, Md. - Authorities on Friday found 57 dogs in a house and garage after neighbors complained about odors emanating from the property.

Harford County sheriff's deputies and animal control officers obtained a search warrant and entered the house. Inside, they found the dogs, many in poor health, and animal waste throughout the property. One dead dog was also found.

The county's hazardous materials response team, fire and rescue and health officials were summoned to the scene. The dogs were taken into custody by animal control.

The sheriff's office said charges were pending against the property owner, who was not identified.

So they found 57 live dogs in a Harford County home? We used to call mutts "Heinz 57s". I'm sure with that many dogs in one residence there is definitely some mixed blood. I wonder if there were any labra-doodles or peek-a-danes involved?

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If Anyone Loves Me

Today's Gospel:John 14:21 - 26

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Anybody who receives my commandments and keeps them
will be one who loves me;
and anybody who loves me will be loved by my Father,
and I shall love him and show myself to him."

Judas- this was not Judas Iscariot- said to him, "Lord, what is all this about? Do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?" Jesus replied:
"If anyone loves me he will keep my word,
and my Father will love him,
and we shall come to him and make our home with him.
Those who do not love me do not keep my words.
And my word is not my own:
it is the word of the one who sent me.
I have said these things to you while still with you;
but the Advocate, the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name,
will teach you everything
and remind you of all I have said to you."

May God abide in you today!

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Happy Mother's Day - Treat Your Mother Right by Mr. T

Once again for your viewing pleasure...the best mother's tribute on the internet!!

Happy Mother's Day, Mitzi! :)

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Friday Night Video - Heaven by Los Lonely Boys

Is this the Christianization of secular music or the secularization of Christian music?

There is a local ministry whose goal is to "replace worldly music with Christian music". I'm not so sure that is possible or is even a good idea. Seeing that songs like "Heaven" (LLB/Salvador) and "God Blessed the Broken Road"(Rascal Flatts/Selah) and "God Gave Rock 'N Roll To You" (Petra/Kiss) have been recorded in both genres perhaps it is not a matter of replacing rather than influencing. I remember when Go West Young Man by Micheal W. Smith came out. I thought it was like his "Sgt. Peppers". Later I found that, like nearly all musicians, MWS was influenced by the Fab Four.

The problems I see with Contemporary Christian Music are number one : the production quality, which always seems 10 years behind. And number two, the tendency to have artist try and sound like some secular artist. Here is a listing of sorts.

Perhaps those issues will be overcome someday. Until then we will just have to keep praying for great songs that crossover well. OR praying for great original sounding artists like Rich Mullins (RIP) and Chris Rice!

This is an open trackback post...Trackback Here:

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Many Paths But One Way

From today's Office Of Readings:

A letter of Pope St Clement I to the Corinthians

There are many paths but one Way

My dear friends, this is the way in which we find our Saviour Jesus Christ, the High Priest of all our offerings, the defender and helper of our infirmity.

By him we look up to the heights of heaven. In his face, exalted and without blemish, we see ourselves reflected. By him the eyes of our hearts are opened. By him our foolish and darkened understanding blossoms up anew towards his marvellous light. By him the Lord has willed that we should taste of immortal knowledge. He is the radiant light of God's glory. He is now as far above the angels as the title which he has inherited is higher than their own name.
Let us then, men and brethren, with all energy act the part of soldiers, in accordance with his holy commandments.

Think of the soldiers who serve under our generals, and with what order, obedience, and submissiveness they perform the things which are commanded them. Not all are prefects, nor commanders of a thousand, nor of a hundred, nor of fifty, nor the like, but each one in his own rank performs the things commanded by the king and the generals. The great cannot subsist without the small, nor the small without the great. There is a kind of mixture in all things, and thence arises mutual advantage.

Let us take our body for an example. The head is nothing without the feet, and the feet are nothing without the head. The very smallest members of our body are necessary and useful to the whole body. All work harmoniously together and they are under one common rule for the preservation of the whole body.

In Christ Jesus let our whole body be preserved intact. Let every one of us be subject to his neighbour, according to the special gift bestowed upon him.

Let the strong not despise the weak, and let the weak show respect to the strong. Let the rich man provide for the wants of the poor; and let the poor man bless God, because he has given him one by whom his need may be supplied. Let the wise man display his wisdom, not by mere words, but through good deeds. Let the humble not bear testimony to himself, but leave witness to be borne to him by another. Let him that is pure in the flesh not grow proud of it, and boast, knowing that it was another who bestowed on him the gift of continence.

Let us consider, then, brethren, of what matter we were made. Let us consider how we came into this world, as it were out of a sepulchre, and from utter darkness: who and what manner of beings we were. He who made us and fashioned us, having prepared his bountiful gifts for us before we were born, introduced us into his world.

Since, therefore, we receive all these things from him, we ought for everything to give him thanks; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

...and Amen.

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Sing Out To The Lord

From today's Morning Prayer : Psalm 147

The Lord's goodness and power

Praise the Lord!
It is good to sing praise to our God;
it is a joy to sing his praises.

The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem:
he will call back Israel from exile.
He heals broken hearts
and binds up their wounds.
He counts all the stars;
he calls each of them by name.
Our God is great and great is his strength,
The Lord supports the needy,
but crushes the wicked to the ground.

Sing out to the Lord in thanksgiving,
sing praise to our God on the harp.
He covers the sky with his clouds,
he makes rain to refresh the earth.
He makes grass grow on the hills,
and plants for the service of man.
He gives food to grazing animals,
and feeds the young ravens that call on him.
He takes no delight in the strength of the horse,
no pleasure in the strength of a man.
The Lord is pleased by those who honour him,
by those who trust in his kindness.

Blessings!

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Catching The Big One

For Illustration Friday : Fat

It's that time of year again! Everytime I cross the Bay I dream of dropping in a line and catching the "big" one. I don't even care if it ends up being the one that got away ( and we all have one of those --wink--). :)

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World Of Good Wednesday - Tiffany Howard Memorial Tournament

This week I'm highlighting a local charity event: The Tiffany Howard Memorial Coed Softball Tournament.

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The 5th Annual Tiffany Howard Memorial Coed Softball Tournament is set for Friday, May 19th through Sunday, May 21st. The games will once again be played on the Glen Ward Memorial Field on Old State Road in Crisfield,MD.

Tiffany Howard was just 16 years old when an auto accident claimed her life in July 2001. She would have been an incoming junior that year at Crisfield High School. Tiffany pitched for the varsity softball team. “It was her favorite sport”, states her mother, Laura Howard. Family and friends could not think of a better way to honor her memory than to organize a softball tournament.

Proceeds from the annual tournament go towards scholarships given in Tiffany’s memory. Because she had hoped to become a physical therapist, scholarships are given to students going into a medical field.

Tournament organizers are looking forward to a fun filled, community spirited weekend. “We have been so blessed by the turn out each year,” said Mrs. Howard. The entry fee will be $125 per team, which will be accepted on a first come basis. Twelve teams will be slotted for this year’s event.

Call Laura or Jeff Howard at (410) 623-2276 to register a team, or to volunteer to help at the tournament.

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The World of Good Wednesday Blogburst exists to bring to light the good that people, churches, organizations, and civic groups do in the world. If you would like to join the World Of Good Blogburst e-Mail Joe at worldofgoodblogroll@yahoo.com.

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It Is Not I Who Shall Condemn Him

Today's Gospel : John 12:44 - 50

Jesus declared publicly:
"Whoever believes in me
believes not in me
but in the one who sent me,
and whoever sees me,
sees the one who sent me.
I, the light, have come into the world,
so that whoever believes in me
need not stay in the dark any more.
If anyone hears my words and does not keep them faithfully,
it is not I who shall condemn him,
since I have come not to condemn the world,
but to save the world.
He who rejects me and refuses my words has his judge already:
the word itself that I have spoken will be his judge on the last day.
For what I have spoken does not come from myself;
no, what I was to say,
what I had to speak,
was commanded by the Father who sent me,
and I know that his commands mean eternal life.
And therefore what the Father has told me
is what I speak."

Amen and Amen.

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Brooks and Dunn - Aint Nothing Bout You

I heard this on the road yesterday and I thought of my wifey. That's one of the beauties of artists, they are always saying and showing things in ways you wish you had.

Peace and Love.

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Lord, Descend From Your Heavens

From today's Morning Prayer: Psalm 144

For victory and peace

Blessed be the Lord, my help,
who trains my hands for battle,
my fingers for war.
The Lord is kindness and strength,
my refuge and my liberator.
He is my shield, and I trust in him-
he places my people under his rule.

Lord, what is man, that you should take notice of him?
The son of man, that you should give him respect?
For man is as nothing,
his day is like a shadow that passes.

Lord, descend from your heavens,
touch the mountains so that they smoke.
Brandish your lightnings and scatter my enemies,
fire your arrows, sow confusion among them.
Send down your power from above,
raise me and free me from the flooding waters,
from the power of those of foreign race,
whose speeches are not to be trusted,
who lift up their hands in perjury.

I will sing a new song to you, God:
I will sound your praise on the ten-stringed harp.
You give victory to kings,
you rescue David your servant
from the swords of his enemies.

God is my shield, the protector against the deceitful and the swords they raise.

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Allah's Cosmic Egg

The Borneo Bulletin is reporting the discovery of a miracle egg with Allah's name on it.

Miracles of Islam in this modern world are found everywhere. A staff member at the Ministry of Religious Affairs who resides in Kg. Terabau said his son had bought some eggs and he noticed that one of the egg shells was a little distorted. Taking a closer look, he saw the word "Allah" inscribed on the egg.

Hardly believing what he saw, the staff member brought the egg to a religious expert at his ministry who also verified that the egg shell had the writing "Allah" embedded on it.

It was not the first time that such a miracle had happened. Similarly strange discoveries have also been made in the past. On one occasion, a housewife who was about to fry an egg discovered that its shell had on it writings from the Kalimah, a revered Islamic text containing the phrase "There is No God but Allah".

First a miracle cow, then a miracle fish...now an egg. My question is why this animal fixation AND if Allah can manifest this...Why can't Allah manifest a decent religion?

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Guard The Borders Blogburst - Nacho Anthem

Or "Listen honey, there filleting our song". I hate when they do that in commercials too, change the lyrics of a great song to sell you a chunk of cheese.

Joe :)

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Nuestro Himno: Is It Really "Our Anthem?"
By Rahel B. Avraham of CustomerServant

The pro-illegal immigration folks now have their own campaign song. It’s called “Nuestro Himno,” (our anthem), and it’s peddlers say it’s just a re-interpretation of our national anthem, “The Star-spangled Banner.” Let’s see if that claim actually holds water.

First, an English translation of “Nuestro Himno.”

Verse 1

It’s sunrise. Do you see by the light of the dawn

What we proudly hailed last nightfall?

Its stars, its stripes

yesterday streamed

above fierce combat

a symbol of victory

the glory of battle, the march toward liberty.

Throughout the night, they proclaimed: “We will defend it!”

Chorus

Tell me! Does its starry beauty still wave

above the land of the free,

the sacred flag?

Chant:

It’s time to make a difference the kids, men and the women
Let’s stand for our beliefs, let’s stand for our vision/What about the children, los ninos ?

These kids have no parents, cause all of these mean laws.

See this can’t happen, not only about the Latins.

Asians, blacks and whites and all they do is adding

more and more, let’s not start a war

with all these hard workers,

they can’t help where they were born.

Verse 2

Its stars, its stripes,

Liberty, we are the same.

We are brothers in our anthem.

In fierce combat, a symbol of victory

the glory of battle,

(My people fight on)

the march toward liberty.

(The time has come to break the chains.)

Throughout the night they proclaimed: “We will defend it!”

Tell me! Does its starry beauty still wave

above the land of the free,

the sacred flag?

And now, to put things in perspective, the lyrics to “The Star-spangled Banner.”

The Defense of Fort McHenry

September 20, 1814

By Francis Scott Key

Oh, say can you see, by the dawn’s early light,

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,

O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,

Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,

What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,

As it fitfully blows, now conceals, now discloses?

Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,

In full glory reflected now shines on the stream:

‘Tis the star-spangled banner! O long may it wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore

That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion

A home and a country should leave us no more?

Their blood has wiped out their foul footstep’s pollution.

No refuge could save the hireling and slave

From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:

And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand

Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation!

Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land

Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.

Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just,

And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”

And the star-spangled banner forever shall wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

As you can see, there’s very little similarity between these two pieces, and that’s just scratching the surface. The fact is “Nuestro Himno” is not a simple translation of our national anthem into Spanish. It’s an attempt to take what is now a very familiar tune, which carries with it very vivid associations for some of us, and slap a pro-invader anthem on top of it.

The Star-spangled Banner was written in response, to a real life-or-death battle. If we had lost that part of the war of 1812, we’d be British subjects. On the other hand, this new cheap imitation that wants so desperately to be our national anthem is a plea for acceptance on behalf of those who have broken the laws of this country, and yet want to be forgiven for their trespass without paying any penalty.

“We know we’ve broken your laws, but can we have some of your hard-earned liberty anyway? After all, we’re brothers. And if you don’t give us some of your freedoms and rights, more than we already have, we say that your flag no longer flies over the land of the free and the home of the brave, because we’re in this land, and we’re not free, and though we were brave enough to cross through Central America and Mexico to sneak across the border, you don’t call us brave. But we are brave! We sneaked past your border guards, and we believe we can halt your economy in one day, and we don’t care if you give us free schooling, government subsidies for every baby born in this country. We’ll wave Mexican flags, and even cover your flag with ours, and we’ll even claim that your entire southwest region is ours and we’re going to take it back, but all the same, we want you to accept us as perfectly legal.”

This, at least, is how I interpret this anthem’s message.

And some record company’s CEO has ingeniously figured out how to cash in in a big way on the immigration fight going on in this country. By asking that “Nuestro Himno” be played simultaneously on Latino radio stations yesterday, and marketing it as simply a re-interpretation of the national anthem that will allow Hispanics who don’t speak English to understand what they’re singing, that CEO stands to make a huge amount of cash, and gain himself a lot of publicity.

If anyone is really interested in understanding what the national anthem’s lyrics mean, they could very easily have the lyrics translated in non-poetic form. But this is poetic license gone horribly wrong. And the national anthem isn’t copyrighted, so no one has to pay any royalties. No record producer could have missed that.

To conclude, I would answer the question I posed in this way. “Nuestro Himno” is a shining example of criminality and greed. Nothing more.

_________________________________

This has been a production of the Guard the Borders Blogburst. It was started by Euphoric Reality, and serves to keep immigration issues in the forefront of our minds as we’re going about our daily lives and continuing to fight the war on terror. If you are concerned with the trend of illegal immigration facing our country, join our Blogburst! Just send an email with your blog name and url to euphoricrealitynet at gmail dot com.

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The Spirit Gives Life

From today's Office Of Readings:

St Basil the Great on the Holy Spirit-The Spirit gives life

For this cause the Lord, who gives us our life, gave us the covenant of baptism, containing a type of life and death, for the water fulfils the image of death, and the Spirit gives us the promise of life. Hence it follows that the answer to our question why the water was associated with the Spirit is clear. The reason is because in baptism two ends were proposed: on the one hand, the destroying of the body of sin, that it may never ripen into death; on the other hand, our coming to life in the Spirit, ripening and having our fruit in holiness. Like a tomb, the water receives the body, symbolizing death; while the Spirit pours in the quickening power, renewing our souls from the deadness of sin into their original life. This then is what it is to be born again of water and of the Spirit, the water bringing the necessary death while the Spirit creates life within us.

In three immersions, then, and with three invocations, the great mystery of baptism is performed. Thus the symbol of death is made complete, and by the passing on of the divine knowledge the baptized have their souls enlightened. It follows that if there is any grace in the water, it is not of the nature of the water, but of the presence of the Spirit. For baptism is not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience towards God. So in training us for the life that follows on the resurrection the Lord sets out all the manner of life required by the Gospel, laying down for us the law of gentleness, of endurance of wrong, of freedom from the defilement that comes of the love of pleasure, and from covetousness-- all this so that we can by our own choice achieve all that the life to come of its inherent nature possesses.

Through the Holy Spirit comes our restoration to paradise, our ascension into the kingdom of heaven, our return to the status of adopted sons, our liberty to call God our Father, our being made partakers of the grace of Christ, our being called children of light, our sharing in eternal glory -- in a word, our being brought into a state of all fullness of blessing both in this world and in the world to come, of all the good gifts that are in store for us. Through faith we behold the reflection of their grace as though they were already present, but we still have wait for the full enjoyment of them. If such is the promise, what will the perfection be like? If these are the first fruits, what will be the complete fulfilment?

Fullness of Blessing to you today. :)

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And Now For Something Completely Different...

I'm at a loss for words!

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The Old "Torn Down" Cross

From the Baltimore Examiner (becoming one of my favorite reads):

Md. Cracking Down on Roadside Memorials

AP-ANNAPOLIS, Md. - State officials are cracking down on some roadside memorials to people killed in accidents because the tributes are so large that they've become distracting to drivers.

Until recently, highway officials have only loosely enforced a law against unauthorized memorials on state-maintained shoulders and medians.

"It's going to come to this now, a very formal policy," said David Buck, spokesman for the Maryland State Highway Administration. "Because we wanted to give folks an inch, and they've taken well more than a mile."

The change was prompted by a dispute between the family of Christopher Stewart, who was killed in a motorcycle accident on Oct. 28, and Christopher Oros, who tore down a wooden cross and illuminated Star of David that the family had put up along Interstate 97.

Oros said he took down the memorial only after a call to the state failed to prompt action.

"I empathize with the grief that these people have gone through," Oros said. "I hope they'll find comfort in memorializing the family member in a way that does not create another hazardous situation on the highway."

The Stewart family's memorial is among the first scheduled for removal, but Buck said most existing highway memorials will not be disturbed.

Brenda Stewart, said losing her son's memorial would be "like losing our son all over again."

My only comment is : who is Christopher Oros?

Sad state of affairs there, IMHO.

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Lord, Who Shall We Go To?

Today's Gospel : John 6:60 - 69

After hearing Jesus, many of his followers said, "This is intolerable language. How could anyone accept it?" Jesus was aware that his followers were complaining about it and said, "Does this upset you? What if you should see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before?

"It is the spirit that gives life,
the flesh has nothing to offer.
The words I have spoken to you are spirit
and they are life.

"But there are some of you who do not believe" For Jesus knew from the outset those who did not believe, and who it was that would betray him. He went on, "This is why I told you that no one could come to me unless the Father allows him". After this, many of his disciples left him and stopped going with him.

Then Jesus said to the Twelve, "What about you, do you want to go away too?" Simon Peter answered, "Lord, who shall we go to? You have the message of eternal life, and we believe; we know that you are the Holy One of God."

Peace to you.

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Friday Night Video - Hips Dont Lie (Fans Only Version) By Shakira

I think there should be more of this. You know, videos made with "normal" people having a blast with the music. By the way, I'm the guy in the shades...all of them. OR the dude in the middle of the street! Anyway, in honor of my spanish friends, wife and family on Cinco De Mayo, I say:

Never really knew that she could dance like this

She make a man wanna speak Spanish

Como se llama? Si
Bonita? Si
Mi casa? Su casa?

Besitos, Mi Amores!

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Cinco Deny-O

Ok...so I'm not really opposed to celebrating Cinco De Mayo. I got exposed to it because my wife is a legal immigrant from Chile. I don't think you should hurt or slander ones culture. However, Mexican independence should be celebrated how by Mexican Americans? Maybe as independence FROM Mexico... when they became citzens.

HotAir.com has some info on The Cero Peso Campaign and the Open Borders debate. Check it out.

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When Size Matters

From The Baltimore Examiner:

Calif. Woman Has 14-Pound Preemie Baby

The Associated Press

May 4, 2006 9:33 PM

MANTECA, Calif. - A baby girl, who had grown so much inside her mother that she had to be delivered one month early, was born much heavier than average at 14 pounds.

Olivia, born on March 22 to Brandy Womack and Zack Patrick, is finally home after nearly a month spent in a hospital where doctors monitored her underdeveloped lungs and heart.

"Her newborn diapers didn't fit her," Womack told KXTV. "We had to take everything back and get it upgraded."

Medical staff decided Womack should deliver her daughter before full term when a sonogram in the seventh month showed she already weighed about 11 pounds, nine ounces. Doctors estimated that if Womack had carried Olivia for the full nine months, the baby could have reached about 16 pounds.

"The doctor said because she was so big already, they wanted to get her out," Womack said.

The baby was delivered by c-section, and doctors who have examined her found no medical conditions that explained her size.

But now that she's out, Olivia's growth spurt seems to have slowed down. Unlike most newborns, who gain four to eight ounces a week during their first month, she's added only three ounces since birth.

Her parents said that as long as she's healthy, they're happy.

"I hope she stays this size for a while," Womack said.

Or subtitled:"When no amount of La Maz training will do". Breathe in breathe out.

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The Bread Of Life

Today's Gospel:John 6:52 - 59

The Jews started arguing with one another: "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" they said. Jesus replied:

"I tell you most solemnly,
if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood,
you will not have life in you.
Anyone who does eat my flesh and drink my blood
has eternal life,
and I shall raise him up on the last day.
For my flesh is real food
and my blood is real drink.
He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood
lives in me
and I live in him.
As I, who am sent by the living Father,
myself draw life from the Father,
so whoever eats me will draw life from me.
This is the bread come down from heaven;
not like the bread our ancestors ate:
they are dead,
but anyone who eats this bread will live for ever

He taught this doctrine at Capernaum, in the synagogue.

Praise Jesus, the Bread Of Life.

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Abu's Got A Gun

He's no Charleton Heston.

Note to Terrorists: choose your heroes wisely... ;)

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Unless I Have Someone To Guide Me

From today's First Reading:Acts 8:26 - 40

The angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, "Be ready to set out at noon along the road that goes from Jerusalem down to Gaza, the desert road". So he set off on his journey. Now it happened that an Ethiopian had been on pilgrimage to Jerusalem; he was a eunuch and an officer at the court of the kandake, or queen, of Ethiopia, and was in fact her chief treasurer. He was now on his way home; and as he sat in his chariot he was reading the prophet Isaiah. The Spirit said to Philip, "Go up and meet that chariot". When Philip ran up, he heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?" "How can I" he replied "unless I have someone to guide me?" So he invited Philip to get in and sit by his side. Now the passage of scripture he was reading was this:

Like a sheep that is led to the slaughter-house,
like a lamb that is dumb in front of its shearers,
like these he never opens his mouth.
He has been humiliated and has no one to defend him.
Who will ever talk about his descendants,
since his life on earth has been cut short!

The eunuch turned to Philip and said, "Tell me, is the prophet referring to himself or someone else?" Starting, therefore, with this text of scripture Philip proceeded to explain the Good News of Jesus to him.

Further along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "Look, there is some water here; is there anything to stop me being baptised?" He ordered the chariot to stop, then Philip and the eunuch both went down into the water and Philip baptised him. But after they had come up out of the water again Philip was taken away by the Spirit of the Lord, and the eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing. Philip found that he had reached Azotus and continued his journey proclaiming the Good News in every town as far as Caesarea.

May the Spirit direct you today.

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Almost Famous

For Photo Friday: Famous

Here is a shot of the 1980's book cover of A Light In Zion. That's me with the binoculars. :) This cover has since been replaced with a PC (romanticised harlequin novel type cover with no arabs with guns) version.

I like mine better.

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The Preaching Of The Apostles

From Today's Office Of Readings:

The treatise On the Prescription of Heretics by Tertullian

The preaching of the Apostles

Our Lord Jesus Christ himself declared what he was, what he had been, how he was carrying out his Father's will, what obligations he demanded of men. This he did during his earthly life, either publicly to the crowds or privately to his disciples. Twelve of these he picked out to be his special companions, appointed to teach the nations.

One of them fell from his place. The remaining eleven were commanded by Christ, as he was leaving the earth to return to the Father after his resurrection, to go and teach the nations and to baptise them into the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

The apostles cast lots and added Matthias to their number, in place of Judas, as the twelfth apostle. The authority for this action is to be found in a prophetic psalm of David. After receiving the power of the Holy Spirit which had been promised to them, so that they could work miracles and proclaim the truth, they first bore witness to their faith in Jesus Christ and established churches throughout Judea. They then went out into the whole world and proclaimed to the nations the same doctrinal faith.

They set up churches in every city. Other churches received from them a living transplant of faith and the seed of doctrine, and through this daily process of transplanting they became churches. They therefore qualify as apostolic churches by being the offspring of churches that are apostolic.

Every family has to be traced back to its origins. That is why we can say that all these great churches constitute that one original Church of the apostles; for it is from them that they all come. They are all primitive, all apostolic, because they are all one. They bear witness to this unity by the peace in which they all live, the brotherhood which is their name, the fellowship to which they are pledged. The principle on which these associations are based is common tradition by which they share the same sacramental bond.

The only way in which we can prove what the apostles taught--that is to say, what Christ revealed to them-- is through those same churches. They were founded by the apostles themselves, who first preached to them by what is called the living voice and later by means of letters.

The Lord had said clearly in former times: I have many more things to tell you, but you cannot endure them now. But he went on to say: When the Spirit of truth comes, he will lead you into the whole truth. Thus Christ shows us that the apostles had full knowledge of the truth, for he had promised that they would receive the whole truth through the Spirit of truth. His promise was certainly fulfilled, since the Acts of the Apostles prove that the Holy Spirit came down on them.

Peace and Blessings abound to you today.

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Bomb Iran

I was working on the dock when I overhead a couple of watermen talking about middle eastern politics. Their solution was to "wipe out the whole d*nmed sub-species." My first thought went to Vince Vance and the Valiant's Bomb Iran.

So I made this video, which according to who you ask is either funny or not. The first two commenters on Youtube.com don't get it. I don't think they are Americans. I guess I should explain why this is funny.

Also at Wizbang.

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Satisfying Death's Requirement

From toady's Office Of Readings:

From a discourse by Saint Athanasius, bishop

On the incarnation of the Word

The Word of God, incorporeal, incorruptible and immaterial, entered our world. Yet it was not as if he had been remote from it up to that time. For there is no part of the world that was ever without his presence; together with his Father, he continually filled all things and places.

Out of his loving-kindness for us he came to us, and we see this in the way he revealed himself openly to us. Taking pity on mankind’s weakness, and moved by our corruption, he could not stand aside and see death have the mastery over us; he did not want creation to perish and his Father's work in fashioning man to be in vain. He therefore took to himself a body, no different from our own, for he did not wish simply to be in a body or only to be seen.

If he had wanted simply to be seen, he could indeed have taken another, and nobler, body. Instead, he took our body in its reality.

Within the Virgin he built himself a temple, that is, a body; he made it his own instrument in which to dwell and to reveal himself. In this way he received from mankind a body like our own, and, since all were subject to the corruption of death, he delivered this body over to death for all, and with supreme love offered it to the Father. He did so to destroy the law of corruption passed against all men, since all died in him. The law, which had spent its force on the body of the Lord, could no longer have any power over his fellowmen. Moreover, this was the way in which the Word was to restore mankind to immortality, after it had fallen into corruption, and summon it back from death to life. He utterly destroyed the power death had against mankind -as fire consumes chaff- by means of the body he had taken and the grace of the resurrection.

This is the reason why the Word assumed a body that could die, so that this body, sharing in the Word who is above all, might satisfy death's requirement in place of all. Because of the Word dwelling in that body, it would remain incorruptible, and all would be freed for ever from corruption by the grace of the resurrection.

In death the Word made a spotless sacrifice and oblation of the body he had taken. By dying for others, he immediately banished death for all mankind.

In this way the Word of God, who is above all, dedicated and offered his temple, the instrument that was his body, for us all, as he said, and so paid by his own death the debt that was owed. The immortal Son of God, united with all men by likeness of nature, thus fulfilled all justice in restoring mankind to immortality by the promise of the resurrection.

The corruption of death no longer holds any power over mankind, thanks to the Word, who has come to dwell among them through his one body.

Give thanks for the Word made Flesh!

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The Religion Of Peace Strikes Again

This time striking a six year old child.

"This 6-year-old tyke accidentally stepped on her teacher's prayer rug as he was kneeling. He finished his prayer, then stood up and beat the living hell out of her. (Morocco)

From TROP.

A man of prayer reacts. Nice, huh?

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Guard The Borders Blogburst - Day Without Illegals

By Heidi at Euphoric Reality

Today is the much ballyhooed Day Without Latinos......otherwise known as Nothing Gringo Day...officially (yes, as in politically-official) known as the Great American Boycott of 2006: No Shopping, No School, No Work.

Amboy Times has some helpful advice for the title of these strikes/boycotts/stick-it-in your-eye rallies: "I recommend a less confrontational title, perhaps 'Bite The Hand That Feeds You Day' or how about boycotting all the free medical care, schools, and other government services? They could call it 'No Payroll Taxation Means No Government benefits Day' - hmm...a bit wordy, that one...”

Whatever the name, illegal aliens (presumably of Latino descent only, since this is all about THEM, nevermind the hundreds of thousands of illegals from Ireland, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, etc.) intend to show us that THEY are the engine that drives the American economy. They hope to wreak havoc on our economy to prove that we can never live a day without them because "THEY are America."

Pro-immigration activists say a nationwide boycott and marches planned for May 1 will flood Americas's streets with millions of Latinos to demand amnesty for illegal immigrants and shake the ground under Congress as it tackles reform.

"There will be 2 to 3 million people hitting the streets in Los Angeles alone. We're going to close down Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Tucson, Phoenix, Fresno," said Jorge Rodriguez, a union official who helped organize earlier rallies credited with rattling Congress as it debates the issue.

Organizers of the May Day marches, which have strong support from big labor and the Roman Catholic church, vow that America's major cities will grind to a halt and its economy will stagger as Latinos walk off their jobs and skip school.

Various city leaders, contrary to their appointed duties, are having the opposite kind of reaction you'd expect. In the spirit of truly compassionate sycophants, they plan to aid and abet the lawbreakers:

Teachers' unions in major cities have said children should not be punished for walking out of class. A spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Unified School District said school principals had been told that they should not try to keep students in class but instead should walk with the children to help keep order.

In Chicago, Catholic priests have helped organize protests, sending information to all 375 parishes in the archdiocese.

Personally, while I don't like it, I have to thank them for spitting in America's face over and over. That bitter froth is starting to wake up the apathetic to just how wrong everything is. As Right As Usual points out: "The more the Aliens gain 'strength', the more natives get their backs up. Take a hint, Pedro - you DON'T have the right to petition the government - it isn't YOUR government. That's a right granted to CITIZENS of the USA."

BobGriggs.com voices the sentiment of an ever-growing contingent of appalled Americans:

"I have finally reached the boiling point on illegal immigration. We are a nation of laws, including those that control how visitors can enter this country, how long they can stay and how they can become permanent citizens. I expect those visitors to obey the same laws that citizens are expected to follow; and I expect my government to enforce the law when those visitors choose to ignore it.

It’s bad enough when the invaders (and that’s what they are) sneak across the border by night, then hide in the undocumented crevices of society. It is quite another thing to then demand, by the light of day, that their lawlessness be excused. Such have been the marches staged across the nation and in my Capitol– thousands of lawbreakers protesting my representatives’ efforts to control our borders and stop the lawlessness.

It angers me when the interlopers so brazenly demand the protection of the same law that they flaunted with their very first steps on American soil. My blood boiled as I watched student illegals skip the classes that you and I paid for to protest that you and I aren’t doing enough. I fumed as I watched illegals, waving the Mexican flag, insist that I 'treat them like Americans'.”

Kit at Euphoric Reality reports that Tulsa is planning a HUGE rally for immigrants where cooperation with the masses and the enabling of lawbreakers is the order of the day. Event organizers, having learned from previous rallies that defiant Mexican flag-waving is counter-productive to their claims that "We are Americans, too", has urged participants to only carry U.S. flags and "wear white as a symbol of hope". They are also referring to their movement as A Day Without Immigrants. Yes, yet another rally nickname, but this one apparently aims to be more generically "inclusive".

...CSA (American Dream Coalition, or Coalicion del Sueño Americano) President, Rev. Victor Orta II, said that arrangements had been made with Tulsa Public Schools, Broken Arrow Schools, and Union School District for high school students to be allowed to leave at 1:30 p.m. in order to give parents the opportunity to take their children to the rally if they wish.

....
Orta also wished to dispel rumors in Tulsa's Latino community that the Tulsa Police Department (TPD) is planning on using the event as a way to corral undocumented individuals, or that federal immigration officers would be undercover at the rally.

"I spoke personally with [acting Police Chief] Bill Wells," Orta said, "and he assured me that a policy was established several years ago that 'no officer of ours is allowed to ask anyone for immigration papers, and that policy has not changed'."

Orta described his discussions as being "very positive," adding that [Police Chief] Wells will be a podium guest and possibly a speaker at the rally, and the only police presence at the May 1 event is to be for security reasons. Orta is scheduled to meet with Sheriff Stanley Glanz this week to work out similar arrangements with county officers.

Tulsa Community College (TCC) has volunteered the free use of its downtown parking lots for rally attendees in another sign of the cooperative spirit many organizations in the community are showing in what is seen as perhaps the most critical time in the history of Latino immigration.

Whoops - there it is again - Latinos only, I guess. It is all about THEM, after all. Fortunately, contradicting Reverend Orta's assurances, an eyewitness trucker one hour south of Tulsa reported seeing 30 ICE vehicles and approximately 10 white government buses heading north toward the city tonight. Are the government vehicles carrying refreshments for the rallying masses or dare we hope that our government has plans to do the right thing?

Similarly, Right on the Right wonders if something is brewing in LA. Another eyewitness spotted something hopeful - go here to find out what he saw - and approached an officer:

"I asked one of the deputies what the deal was, and he said 'The deal with what? I don't see anything.'

This boycott tomorrow in L.A. is going to get very interesting. Did anyone else notice that the cops are being really nice in helping to block off streets and herd people into certain areas? The planned route down Wilshire from MacArthur park to La Brea is easily an area that could be cordoned off with the right amount of troops and some strategic planning.

Viva La Revolucion my ass!!!!"

One has to wonder if anyone has remembered to tell the California legislators that they're coddling a huge mass of people who are lawbreakers to a man! They seem to have forgotten that laws are meant to be followed, and instead they are busy issuing obsequious statements of support.

Pamibe reports that "California’s state senators on Thursday endorsed Monday’s boycott of schools, jobs and stores by illegal immigrants and their allies as supporters equated the protest with great social movements in American history:

By a 24-13 vote that split along party lines, the California Senate approved a resolution that calls the one-day protest the Great American Boycott 2006 and describes it as an attempt to educate Americans “about the tremendous contribution immigrants make on a daily basis to our society and economy.”

So I have to ask the obvious: with civic leaders, law enforcement officers, and lawmakers like that, who needs laws??? Apparently, not America.

Make no mistake, the immigration reform being debated endlessly in the Senate is NOT what the illegals really want. It's too complicated, too much work, and will cost a fine – so forget that! Besides, if they cared so much about citizenship, they'd have at least started paperwork somewhere. Remember the illegals I interviewed during the last pro-illegal rally? None of them in 5, 10, or 15 years had ever bothered to apply for citizenship. Too hard, too much work. And why bother - when they get what they want without it?! American citizenship is NOT what really matters to illegal aliens. What is sacred and meaningful to true Americans is nothing more, to them, than convenient access to the world's largest labor market. That's it.

But nevermind, because "earned citizenship", as President Bush cozily calls it, will not cut it anyways. Illegal aliens and their advocates don't have any intention of settling for having to earn their way, no matter how easy the Senate reform may make it for them. They want ever-so-much MORE than that!

"We want full amnesty, full legalization for anybody who is here (illegally)," Rodriguez said. "That is the message that is going to be played out across the country on May 1."

Ace In The Hole acknowledges the blatant slap in the face:

"And so it goes... Want in one hand and SPIT in the other...

If our politicians and lawmakers want to keep their jobs, they'd better remember THIS: there's a hell of a lot more than 12 million AMERICANS that ARE here legally, and we VOTE...

Short of taking to the street and engaging in ARMED confrontation, the voting booth is our ONLY option, but something else the politicians had better consider, there are MANY Americans, right now, that are armed and ready, this nation is on the verge of open hostilities, armed conflict committed by our CITIZENS against ILLEGAL INVADERS, and I can't say that this is at all an unimaginable option to be honest about it...

IF the PRESIDENT of the USA would do his job, instead of kissing every Mexican ass he can find, this could ALL be avoided...

Close the border, deport the ILLEGAL INVADERS and restore order to this nation... Wake up President Bush, YOU are personally destroying the southwestern United States with YOUR inaction and incompetent administration of this nation...

Mr. Bush had better decide which side of this fight he's on, because at the moment, it appears he's damn sure on the side of the Mexicans and IF the voters of the USA have ANY sense at all, we will vote OUT any politician that supports Mr. Bush on this amnesty debacle, no matter WHICH party they belong to..."

Frustration with our do-nothing government abounds. Publius Rendezvous states: "The debates within our Senate pertaining to illegal immigration do nothing but illustrate what many have ascertained for quite some time - our Senators know how we feel on this issue, but have blatantly ignored our concerns. What has been glossed over by our 'thorough' MSM is that Congress' approval ratings are worse than President Bush's. And, I assert that their utter disregard for our sentiments directly correlates with such."

AmboyTimes asks: "So what can a poor gringo do? How about 'Nothing Mexican Day'? ...Our leaders in government may be spineless, but we still have control over our own spending, and we can send a message to illegals and the Mexican government that we're not going to take this lying down. There is no reason why this won't work, and we can do it (si ,se puede) without protesting, breaking laws, race-baiting or even calling names."

BobGriggs.com has taken that concept even further and suggests 'Nothing Mexican on Cinco de Mayo'. As seen on Fox and Friends: "This year, Cinco de Mayo will be a celebration of my hope that America will repulse the current invasion of illegal aliens. I will not patronize my favorite Mexican restaurant nor any other Hispanic-owned or “Mexican-themed” business on May 5 or the week thereafter. Neither will I employ the services of any company that I know to employ illegal aliens. If you feel as frustrated and as voiceless as I do, please join me in my mini-protest and support America’s sovereignty with your dollars on Friday, May 5."

The Independent Conservative respectfully disgarees:

"I must say that while I feel his anger, given we live in the same county that is loaded with illegals. I think his response should be a little more measured than an all out boycott of all that has Mexican heritage. The protesters that favor illegal immigration are not representative of all Mexicans. While far too many are on their side, we should be careful not to respond to their anti-American/anti-White actions by treating all Mexicans as if they are in agreement with the activity of the Mexican protesters.

So how does one separate those who are in league with condoning illegal activity, from those who do not? Simple, you ask. Just as I’ve shown via my own actions, I think all Americans should strive to do the same every day. I know it may not be doable for all purchases, but try as best you can to always only support businesses that do not employ illegals and do not take part in these protests.

I think instead of boycotting a Mexican restaurant on Cinco de Mayo, that it would have a far greater impact if Americans walked into a Mexican restaurant, asked to speak to the owner and asked 'were you open on May 1?' If they say no, then leave. Also ask 'do you employ illegals?' If they say yes, then leave. That will show them you are serious about taking your money elsewhere. And alternatively, you might find a business owned by people who have Mexican heritage, but wish to be 100% American and respect our laws."

Kender's Musings has yet another perspective, one I call the "Stay Home and Stay Stupid" strategy:

"I agree with this boycott...because [it] is going to backfire on these people, and the disruption they cause to millions of LEGAL CITIZENS who, in the course of living their legal lives of doing their duty to make this country great are going to have to endure millions of whiny criminals and their supporters blocking the streets and taking up airtime on our TV's, making their day that much harder.

Anyone that takes the day off to protest should be fired. But that may only happen in a handful of cases. On the other hand, this protest is going to hurt the educations of the kids that are out in the middle of this, and that is fine by me.

Outlined below is my support for this boycott. As far as I am concerned these people can boycott for the rest of their lives. They are much cheaper to hire when they are legal citizens without a decent education.

I Agree with the Boycott

That's right, I agree with the boycott.

Especially for the kids.

Everybody listen up, on May 1st stay home from school.

Do NOT go to school. Stay home and sleep, go protest and work on that car in your driveway while hanging clothes on the line tied between the apartment building and the dead tree, and I will tell you why:

Because when you stay home from school your school loses valuable money that is used to educate your stupid asses, and maybe if your education drops to a low enough level you will be forever stuck cleaning the toilets, washing the cars and mowing the lawns of the people that know what it means to be an American, and your lower economic status will be assured, hence your power in society will be limited to threatening to leave the rest of us with long grass and dirty dishes at the restaurant.

Jarhead's Firing Range agrees with the boycott too, but for different reasons:

"Illegal immigrants plan feeble attempt to strike back at the hand that feeds them. Border jumping criminals are rallying behind a plan to boycott all things American on May 1st. This will include not going to work, and not spending money at any American owned business establishments. It will also be carried out inside the cesspool known as Mexico.

These idiots fail to realize that American owned companies are the largest source of employment in Mexico. They whine that the wages paid there are not enough. -Then don't take the job?

As far as their boycott here in the states, I'm all for it. I hope that those that employ these criminals will actually be hurt by this. Perhaps they'll not hire criminals in the future. Hopefully, every illegal that doesn't go to work on May 1st will be fired. I won't hold my breath waiting for that to happen though."

Speaking of protests south of the border, Independent Conservative points out that if the American Chamber of Commerce of Mexico keeps this up, they might end up causing the pro-illegal crowd to realize that their massive protests have been the best recruiting tool for all of us who wish to send illegals back over the border:

US Lobbyists Denounce Mexico’s ‘Nothing Gringo’ Boycott (WSJ.com registration required to view the entire article)

…
“This is like shooting oneself in the foot,” Rubin said. “U.S. companies have been the first to lobby, launching a huge lobbying effort for immigration reform. … Why hurt something that is helping you?”

…
South of the border, Mexicans are targeting American stores and chain restaurants - “That means no Dunkin’ Donuts, no McDonald’s (MCD), Burger King (BKG.XX), Starbucks (SBUX), Sears (SHLD), Krispy Kreme (KKD) or Wal-Mart (WMT),” reads one email making the rounds.

Wal-Mart/Walmex is the biggest private employer in Mexico. Huge shocker there, huh? Wal-Mart is like the slum lord of the planet.

Amber and Chaos offers sound advice for furious Americans watching the legislative branch of our government get hi-jacked: "If you are angry as I am about the demonstrations going on [today], then [today] is the time to express your outrage. Write your Senators and Congressperson...do something that could, potentially, put some backbone into our congresspeople on the issue of Immigration Reform. Tell them that if they do NOT vote for a strong secure-border plan, nothing else they do has any meaning for you, and you are going to vote against them, when you get a chance."

While you’re at it, remind them of our laws. Woman Honor Thyself has a quick synopsis of the laws our lawmakers are so willing to overlook [Title 8:Section 1325. Improper entry by alien]: "Know THE LAW, my dear friends. Knowledge is power. What part of LAW do the folks up in Washington and the lefty do-gooders fail to comprehend?"

Meanwhile, A Cool Change has his own plans for boosting the economy that will supposedly be staggering without the contributions of illegal aliens: "Illegal aliens and their supporters have been urged not to buy anything on May 1 to demonstrate just how important they are economically to the United States. (So they buy extra on April 30 or wait until May 2. Big deal.) I’m participating in my own way. I’ve been postponing a much needed trip to Sam’s Warehouse for about two weeks now, and boy do I have one heck of a shopping list."

Third World County scoffs at how seriously the illegal alien lobby takes itself: "... the boycott scheduled for tomorrow in support of Reconquista is B.S.... BTW, I’ve scheduled a shopping trip for tomorrow (May 1). I figure it’s time I bought some Mexican flags to burn on May 5."

On a related subject, Freedom Folks reacts with epithet-laced fury to a Hispanic Marine who has defiantly chosen to side with lawbreakers:

"If any American serviceperson finds their loyalties divided they are in the wrong goddamn job!

I reiterate, should you find your loyalties divided, here's a thought...Get the fuck out! Go back to the country you seem to feel an allegiance for. When you don that uniform you become an exemplar, what that means, and I'm gonna type this slow because clearly you're an idiot, is you cannot then wave your fucking uniform as a banner for LAW-BREAKING, you ignorant sack of shit!!

If you think I'm being too hard on this individual, I would retort -- I don't think I'm being hard enough. When you swear an oath it either means something or it doesn't, if it doesn't mean anything to you that tells me you are a faithless motherfucker not worth pissing on if you were on fire.

I truly cannot tell you how upset I am with this "Marine." This alleged "hero." Because to me when you start advocating for law-breaking you lose hero status pretty goddamn fast.

Is this the price of granting the children of illegals entrance into the proud tradition of the most fearsome fighting machine in the history of mankind? That we must grant them special --above the law -- privileges?

That price is too high for any nation to pay and remain a strong nation.

Quietly, but presciently, Bear Creek Ledger reminds us of some serious national security concerns and cautions us that amid all the hullaballoo, we are still perilously vulnerable: “As Senators and the Administration diddle over amnesty for illegal aliens (which will include members of Hezbollah and MS-13) they are leaving our US borders unprotected. There is no intent by these Senators to stop the flow of illegal aliens over the border thereby ignoring the National Security of our country. All the Republican Senators consider is supposedly "cheap" labor and the Democrats are trolling for votes. Guess with the first suicide bomber (if that truly is the first) all the same Senators will come out pointing the finger at anyone but themselves. I think as we will see in the coming weeks Rep. Hastert will also abandon any veneer of protecting the borders by the House of Representatives."

That is, unfortunately, a very probable prediction.

So...now you know what the Guard the Borders Bloggers think about this, and what some plan to do about it. What about you?

_________________________________

This has been a production of the Guard the Borders Blogburst. It was started by Euphoric Reality, and serves to keep immigration issues in the forefront of our minds as we’re going about our daily lives and continuing to fight the war on terror. If you are concerned with the trend of illegal immigration facing our country, join our Blogburst! Just send an email with your blog name and url to euphoricrealitynet at gmail dot com.

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