From some time now I’ve wanted to start writing a weekly devotional based on one of the Bible studies from my dear former Pastor Chuck Obremski.

One question…is where do I begin? There a plethora of wonderful material that this dear man of God left behind. Thanks to the faithful servants of the audio ministry at Kindred Community Church I was able to obtain these rich studies in the word of God.

Some of the studies took place prior to when I started with Kindred. So it’s a real treat to hear something new…at least new to me. It’s also made richer and deeper because we at Kindred got to see first hand how the word of God and the spirit of God helped strengthen his humble servant…enabling him to finish strong. Chuck walked the talk…and brought praise, honor and glory to God.

So it is my privilege to launch a new website devoted to a weekly study and devotional in the book of Daniel. Please click on the link below as we get started in the Book of Daniel.

Dare I be a Daniel

May this venture be pleasing to God…as his servants grow deeper and stronger in their faith…and become men and women of great courage.

Since I live in an upstairs apartment…and have a patio far up off the ground…I find it rather amazing when I encounter snails during my weekly gardening efforts.

They seem particularly abundant as of late…but the truth be told I may have just turned a blind eye to these bothersome pests. Now I know that just saying that will offend some people who believe that all living creatures are wonderful. I have no doubt that God created these little fellers for a purpose and reason…and good comes from them…but at the moment that good purpose evades me.

Their rather irksome presence I could no longer ignore when a couple of weeks ago…the water flowing from my watering can was slowed down to a pathetic dribble. Being that I wanted to get my plants watered quickly…I thought I best to investigate the problem.

As I peeked into the watering can…I discovered not just a family of snails…but a whole congregation. Thus began my task to remove these icky creatures from my watering can. Sometimes I can be a rather tough cookie…but at heart…I’m a girly girl. Touching a snail will elicit a grimace on my face. Tentatively and with trepidation…I reached in to the blessed watering can time after time in my efforts to remove these yucky, slimy snails. Now I didn’t have gloves on. But for those of you who don’t know girly girls…we can be creative when it comes to dealing with the yucky disgusting things of life…including snails.

I’d use a paper towel…good for a couple of swipes to scoop them out of the can. Not seeing any further evidence of snails…I continued to water my plants…only to discover that the water flow was still blocked. Focusing my eagle eyes down the spout of the watering can…I found several more snails. Snails determined to remain in their new chosen home. Since I had bought the watering can…and they hadn’t paid a dime of rent…I decided to execute a quick eviction. No notice…just get out.

But they weren’t going to go easily. So I had to get creative and find small object to stick down that spout and poke them down to the main part of the container. Finally I got them where I wanted them…and was able to scoop them out and place them in the trash with their friends who earlier suffered the same fate.

Feeling quite accomplished that me…this girly girl…could touch these yucky snails…albeit via a paper towel…I felt I had triumphed.

As I started watering my plants I found that not only are the snails icky…but so was the waste they left behind. Rather stinky and slimy…just like the snails. Okay, okay…I dealt with that too. Then I was able to finish my watering duties for that week.

Believing that I had addressed this issue…I was dismayed when last week and again this week…the snails had returned. But at least now I was getting to be an expert at removing them and this time a little less squeamish and more determined to remove these pesky little pests.

But I came away from this experience wanting to know what good purpose snails serve. Logging on to my trusty internet…I didn’t find much good said about them. Oh yes there were some sites that like to introduce to children the wonders of the world…including snails. They even noted that snails make good pets. I guess if I had no other pet options than a snail…I might give that a try…but by golly why have a snail when you could have dog or cat or bird…or even a fish.

Doesn’t make a lot of sense to this girl. I’d much rather have puppy dog or kitty cat napping besides me…than a disgusting creature that makes me want to washed my hands several times.

My web search did reveal that snails in fact cause a lot of damage to plants and fruit:

” Snails and slugs are among the most bothersome pests in many garden and landscape situations.”

“Several species of slugs are frequently damaging. Snails and slugs move by gliding along on a muscular “foot.” This muscle constantly secretes mucus, which later dries to form the silvery “slime trail” that signals the presence of either pest.”

“Snails and slugs are most active at night and on cloudy or foggy days. On sunny days they seek hiding places out of the heat and bright light; often the only clues to their presence are their silvery trails and plant damage.”

“Snails and slugs feed on a variety of living plants. On plants they chew irregular holes. They can also chew fruit and young plant bark. Because they prefer succulent foliage or flowers, they are primarily pests of seedlings and herbaceous plants, but they are also serious pests of ripening fruits. They will also feed on foliage and fruit of some trees; citrus are especially susceptible to damage. Look for the silvery mucous trails to confirm damage was caused by snails.”

So right about now…you are saying, “Okay Susan, thanks for the lesson on snails…do you actually have a point here?” And indeed I do. While I didn’t find much in the literature to suggest that snails were beneficial to plants and fruit…I saw a definite illustration as to the damage of metaphorical snails in the life of a Christian.

Are you finding your flow is plugged up and what’s coming out of you is down to a dribble and you aren’t able to get the job done? When you take a closer look at your Christian walk…and your lack of fruit do see some rather icky things that are destroying your growth or fruit? Do you get an occasion whiff of some pretty stinky waste left behind by these pests? Is your spiritual garden one that invites pests and destructive creatures or do you have a good defense against them? When you identify them…do you dispose of these spiritual snails quickly?

Just like taking care of your garden…means identifying and getting rid of pests that destroy fruit and kill the plants…you must also do so with spiritual pests.

What are some of those pests that you need to rid yourself of? When you look at your life…or more to the point…when others look at you what do they see?

Are you walking in love? Can it be said that you are patient? Would others describe you as kind and caring? Do you see signs of envy or jealousy? Does pride tend to get a hold of you as evidenced by boastfulness? Are you rude…and first and foremost thinking of yourself? Do you tend to keep a checklist of wrongs done to you…only to whip it out at just the right moment to remind the offending party of an incident that occurred 6 years, 2 months, 3 days and 4 hours ago…not that anyone is keeping track? How do you feel when something bad happens to someone whom you don’t like?

Does the above list describe you? If so…it’s kind of like the slimy trail that a snail leaves behind. While you may not readily see the snail…you can see evidence of him. Be it leaves that have been munched on or fruit that is damaged and is only worthy of the trash…or seeing a slimly silvery trail…you can follow the evidence of the snail’s destruction.

So what are you going to do to guard your heart and mind? What steps do you need to take to rid yourself of these destructive pests? What regular maintenance are you going to put in place in your life to ensure that your spiritual garden is free of snails? And what will be evidence of your success?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Lest you think I’m being holier than thou…please know that God graciously deals with me when I stumble…and fail to live up to that which brings him honor and glory. But thank you God…for your grace and mercy…and your Spirit that dwells within each believer. Enabling us to continue to grow and be conformed into the image and likeness of your Son Jesus Christ. Praise God!

Today was not a good day…it was a hard day. One that involved taking my mom to the doctor for a follow up visit on her broken arm. There is no other time that I feel more alone then when I’m with my mom. Not every time. But when I’m tempted to given in to despair it’s when I’m with her. Driving her home from the doctor today…I just felt numb. Physically, mentally and emotionally numb…with nothing left to give. It’s been a rough few weeks…for both of us. I found the only thing I prayed was for God to show me a sign that he loved me, that he cared. Just show me something.

Below is my take on what a day or two in my mom’s life must be like from her perspective with Alzheimer’s. It’s not pretty…but it’s kind of what it’s like. So keep reading if you dare.

The other day someone told me, “It’s Mother’s Day”.

Hummm…just seemed like an ordinary day. A girl name Susan came to see me and we watched a movie together. I’m not sure…but I think she may have been my daughter once. Or perhaps even my sister. No I distinctly remember…I went to school with her a long time ago.

A couple more girls came to see me…with bright smiling faces. I think they said their names were Denise and Alyssa. They even brought me a very pretty flower…that now brightens my room.

You see I’m 84…and I don’t remember so good anymore. Actually…I’m not even sure I could tell you what it is I don’t remember.

If you asked me how old I am…I’ll tell you I’m 65 or 28 or 70.

That Susan girl tells me that I have this thing called Alzheimer’s and that’s why I don’t think so clearly anymore. I don’t know what she’s talking about. But between you and me…sometimes I’m puzzled. Yes puzzled…but I don’t even know about what.

Sometimes Susan asks me questions…like how many children I have or what their names are. Such a silly girl she is. Of course I know…I have two children…doesn’t she know that? Two girls. And then she has the temerity to laugh and ask me what happened to the others. Sometimes I feel like there’s a joke that I’m not in on. Puzzled…just puzzled.

What do you mean it was Mother’s Day the other day? I don’t have two boys, much less four. Come on…what kind of a boy would not even send his mom a card on Mother’s Day? You must be confused!

Today that Susan girl picked me up and we went for ride. Something happened recently and now I sit in a wheel chair…and have this thing on my arm. And that girl…just doesn’t understand when I tell her “wait a minute” when I don’t want to get into the car. I’ll do it when I want to, when I feel like it. But she’s quit insistent that I get in the car without delay. We kind of do this funny dance thing to get me from the chair into the car.

I don’t think she appreciates me pointing out that she can turn left here, or here, or here. She kind of gives me a funny look…and says that we are going straight for a while and not turning left. I just don’t understand…I’m perplexed.

And here we are at the building. Susan tells me I’m here to see the doctor. I don’t know why. I’m perfectly fine…and no, I don’t want to get out of the car. She doesn’t really seem to care that I just want to stay in the car. I’m fine…perfectly fine. Dog gone it…she’s making me do that stupid dance thing again. This time from the car to the chair. I’m puzzled about this whole thing. I don’t understand.

We’re in this room with a lot of other folks now and Susan’s filling out some papers. Every once in a while she’ll reach out and touch my arm or my leg and put her finger to her lips…and tell me to be quite and not bother the others in the room. I’m confused…I don’t know what she’s talking about.

Finally we go in to the back…and to this room that’s kind of dark. Susan and this girl tell me that I need to sit real still so they can get some good pictures. How many more will they have to take? Ouch…that hurts. That man hurt my arm…I don’t like him. But the girl that took my pictures…she was real sweet and made me feel like she cares.

So where are we now…and why does Susan keep telling me that I need to be quiet and not bother the others? I’m not talking, am I? I’m confused.

That bad man came back…and now he’s hurting arm again. He tells me it’s so my arm will get better. But it doesn’t feel like that…right now it just hurts.

I don’t understand why we’re waiting again. The door is over there. Doesn’t she see it…I keep pointing it out. But she’s not listening.

Oh no…not again! I don’t want to do this car thing again. That Susan girl seems like she doesn’t care that I don’t want get in the car. She makes me do it anyway…even when I tell her no. I don’t like her very much right now.

I keep telling Susan that she can turn right there…but she doesn’t seem to be listening. She’s keeps going straight. You know…when I look at her I think she may be crying. She has a funny look on her face and is wiping her eyes. I don’t know what’s going on…I’m perplexed.

Yeah…this place looks familiar. What do you mean I have to cooperate and get out of the car. Susan’s struggling as she gets something out of the trunk. And now she’s trying to put something on the sides of it. What is she doing? Why am I waiting? I don’t understand.

We’re going inside…and I think I recognize this place. The people are smiling and asking me how I’m doing. I think it’s dinnertime now and I get to eat. That Susan girl is leaving now. She said something about going back to work.

Well tomorrow, May 15th, marks the one year anniversary since I started blogging. And what an amazing year it’s been.

It all started when conservative radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt put the bug in my ear about blogging. He’s regularly talked about blogging and even features blogs on his website. I would try to encourage my friend Joe Conway to give blogging a try since he is a talent writer in his own right. I don’t know if my words ever registered with Joe…but the idea started to take hold with me.

You see…I’ve always loved to write. When I’d be going though difficult times…I’d write my “letters to God” to help me work through those difficult feelings and emotions that I didn’t fully understand. In college, I even remember a professor reading one of my pieces to the class and commenting that it was well written. It was a very personal paper in which I shared my emotions in a very open and transparent manner. Not something I was use to doing back then. Especially considering how shy I was at that time.

Indeed I was very shy. Self conscience about my looks…afraid that I was not very bright or smart. I would dread the thought of anyone paying attention to me. So much so…back then I would rather cross the street than to say “hi” to someone passing by. In high school…I’m afraid I may have had a reputation of being stuck-up. When in fact nothing could be further from the truth. I was just extraordinarily shy.

Well life happened…and I changed over the years. People in my life influenced me. As I grew less shy…I became more passionate about my convictions…and developed a passion for the truth. Be it the truth about God, Jesus and religion, or culture, feminism, and politics my urge to speak out grew and grew. And thus…this blog was born.

A few people that come to mind that influenced that evolution of my personality and character are Peter Bartholomew, Terry Sullivan and Chuck Obremski. Peter was one of the first people to believe in me and gave me a chance. Terry…was a breath of fresh air. A no nonsense…speak the truth kind of guy. And Chuck…my dear beloved former Pastor…he spoke the truth of God and Jesus. He uncompromisingly taught God’s word.

In world in which churches are “seeker sensitive” and try to make you feel better so you’ll come back…Chuck’s concern and passion was that he preach God’s word. And if something he said stung…well perhaps you’d better examine yourself against the word of God. If necessary…make some changes. But Chuck also spoke the truth in love. No one would ever call that man a hypocrite. When in the fire of cancer, pain and suffering…he lived out what he had preached. The refiner’s fire…proved his faith as pure gold.

Lastly…conservative radio talk show host Dennis Prager helped me to grow as well. He helped me to think and reason clearly and present an argument to make my case.

So with my shy nature falling by the wayside…I found myself bubbling over with feelings and ideas that needed to be expressed.

What was the catalyst that launched this blog? Well several things really. First and foremost September 11th, a defining and clarifying moment for our nation and me personally. My mother’s diagnosis and life of Alzheimer’s filled me with issues that I needed to work through. But the event that pushed me over the top and into blogging was my dear Pastor’s battle with cancer. We as a church had been standing with Chuck and Linda as he rode the “cancer coaster”. The emotional and ups and downs, and my faith waxing and waning called for a place, an avenue, to work things through. Thus…Susan’s Blog was born.

Actually I started out dealing with more personal issues…with regards to my mom and Alzheimer’s and posting my notes from Chuck’s sermons. It was becoming apparent that his precious time was limited…and I wanted to mark each step. I ended up linking a story in the Orange County Register about Chuck on my site.

A web search…lead me to the site of David Fisher at Pilgrim’s Scribblings. David knew Chuck through baseball chapel and he followed Chuck’s battle with cancer from a distance.

David is godly man…and his website would always inspire and challenge me…and at times delight me. From David…I learned about more blogs. David has a gift for finding great websites…and takes delight in highlighting some of his finds. He’s a regular visitor…and when you start to get lazy…or life overwhelms you and you stop writing…David invites you to jump back in to your writing adventure.

From David’s website I found some wonderful sites…including Debra at As I See It Now. And from there I found more and more websites and blogs. Blog to inspire my faith, encourage me in my walk…people just being open, transparent and vulnerable. People like Janna at Janna’s Bread Crumbs, or Carol at She Lives, and Bonnie in Florida who has since gotten out of the blogging business. But she still pays a visit now and again and keeps in touch via e-mail.

Some of my writing ventures included submissions to Hugh Hewitt’s Blog of the Week Contest. Never won…but I was a finalist a couple of times. I posted lots and lots of pieces about Chuck and faith and God’s will. Some of my favorites were poems that I can say were truly God inspired.

Some of my favorite articles include a fun article about a co-worker and his surprising dance on a table in his effort to win a contest. Also of note were a couple of articles I wrote in my effort to speak the truth about the devastating and harmful effects of feminism. My Tookie Williams article drew much fire. So much so that I had to turn off the comments section for a while. The pro Tookie folks were not too eloquent in presenting their argument in favor if his sentence being commuted to life in prison. Instead…if they were a picture of Tookie’s influence on people, then his execution should have taken place sooner. While one who normally favors freedom of expression…I ended up deleting some of the more profanity laced responses.

Of recent note were a couple of articles I wrote in response to a group of people who allege that they are Christians…yet behave in a very ungodly, un-Christian manner by protesting at the funeral of soldiers. They even go to the lengths of saying “thank God for dead soldiers”. After writing these pieces I found that many, many people in the Christian community felt as repulsed as I did and also wanted to speak out against them.

On a more personal note…I’ve been able to put in writing when I’m struggling with my faith…or God is challenging me and I’m am not living in a manner worthy of his calling.

Indeed what a year it has been…so much has happened. Friends have died…my faith has grown and at times been very low. I’ve gone from one who struggled with being single…and hopeful of romance with a certain special someone…to being able to let go and have peace.

God has used this blog in my life to help me work through issues, problems and difficulties. It’s also been an avenue in which I can give thanks, praise and thanksgiving to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

And for this wonderful…and at times miraculous gift of the internet and blogging I say thank you to God. It is my prayer that I will be unwavering in my faith walk and that God may use me as an instrument for his kingdom.

Lord bless you all and thanks for paying a visit to Susan’s Blog. I look forward to another year of blogging.

This old blog of mine is better than a diary. It’s a place where I can work through issues that are weighing heavy on my mind. Sometimes that means railing against the latest political happenings…or exploring my faith…or confessing my lack thereof. Writing is my best therapy. And on this blog…you can even read my writing…but my handwriting oft gives the imitation of Sanskrit…or some mysterious ancient language.

Currently…the thing weighing heavy on my mind is my job and all that’s going on with it and the company. Currently our company is in the middle of a sale. Its being split into three companies…with the sale expected to close in about three weeks.

I’ve worked in my current job for over 10 years now…maybe longer…and with the company for almost 22 years. Actually I’m couple of years past burn out and have been looking forward to a change. I’ve love the people that I work with…and even the work because it’s interesting and changes daily. But still…10 years is long time in the same job.

So with the prospect of a new company buying us…the excitement of a new job on the horizon I was looking forward to the change. Yet…of course I was scared and nervous and excited all at once.

As it turns out the company buying us doesn’t have people that do my job in field offices. Their structure is different…so no matter what…my job is going away. My gracious boss was able to arrange for me to be interviewed for a job.

Well…Wednesday was the big day. Knowing that I had the prayer support of Kindred Community Church’s Prayer Team, Bible Study Fellowship and my sister…I was amazingly at peace. Yes…I was wee bit nervous…and anxious about the interview. But still…I had a peace.

I also had an adrenaline rush…which carried me through the interview. Now these gentlemen either thought I was enthusiastic, had too much caffeine, or was a little wacky. I don’t think I looked at my watch once during the long interview…and the time seemed to pass quickly.

Afterwards I was excited and thought that I had a good rapport with the folks that interviewed me…and was hopeful that I will be extended a job offer.

At the end of the day…the adrenaline rush was over…and I felt down in the dumps and uncertain. Uncertain how the interview went. Whether I represented myself, our department and company well. Uncertain as to how I came across. One thing that’s for sure…I was the real me. I didn’t put on an act…or try to pretend to be anything I’m not.

Feeling uncertain…I was a little scared and sad at the prospect that I might loose my job. I was focused on me and my feelings…when I got a call from person who had also recently interviewed for a job. They expressed their anxiety over what the outcome might be. I tried to be a comfort and a listening ear…and help give them a positive focus.

Later that day…when I accepted the possibility that I might loose my job…I felt “Well okay, what’s next”.

As soon as I was able to accept that the worst might happen…I realized I don’t have time to spend focusing on my fears, sadness and anxiety of this uncertain outcome.

Did you ever see the movie Runaway Train? I feel like I’m on a runaway train. And it’s barreling faster and faster to a hard and fast end. In the mean time…I have a lot of work that needs to get done…no matter if I’m given a job and remain with the company or not. And I’d better get cracking.

Secondly and more importantly…if I focused on my fears and anxiety…I won’t be able to help others who are feeling likewise or even worse. If I focus on others…perhaps I can be there to listen to them when they feel overwhelmed. Or help them to have a different perspective. While things are uncertain and little scary…that’s not necessarily a bad thing. And even if things are not so peachy keen…having a negative, bitter, angry and resentful attitude about it, certainly will not help me to bring good out of it or make things better for myself or others.

Now in some respects I feel as though I have an unfair advantage on some people…because I know God and have a relationship with Jesus Christ. While I don’t know what my future holds…I know God…and know that He knows what my future holds. Jesus promised to never leave me, nor forsake me. That is true of my past…my present and a promise that He will be with me in the future as well. I don’t know what my future holds…but I know who holds my future. And that is enough for today.

Yesterday…when I bowed out of a meeting that was set up to help everyone deal with “transition” someone made the comment, “she’s in the denial stage”. I found it both irritating and ironic. Irritating…because they assumed I was in denial without even talking to me. Ironic because I had actually worked through that stage and now had a peace. Peace because I had accepted the worst and now was focused on what I needed to do.

One of the things that makes this change a little painful…it reminds me of people that had long worked for our company and have since died. When this sale is final…our stores will take on the new company’s name. In some respects it feels like we are burying and letting go of these people all over again.

But when I thought further…I realized that the people I’ve known and loved over the years…they are still with me. They are in my heart…and I was most fortunate to learn great work ethics from some of the best people in the retail and loss prevention industry. They helped to meld me and mold me and make me the person I am. So whether they’ve died…moved on to a new job or are retired…I will continue to carry them with me. That part won’t change. And now I will have the opportunity to meet new people, learn more…and continue to grow.

So what’s in a name? A history…but it’s a living history that continues on in the people that lived it and remember those who walked with them before. So I will carry with me Len Thielen, Neil Parker, Hugo Constantino, Peter Bartholomew and Terry Sullivan. Through this transition…I will add more people to that list of people whom I will always carry with me in my heart.

In some respects I feel as though God has prepared me for this change. This year in Bible Study Fellowship we’ve studied the book of Genesis. In it…we learned about Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph…among others. Some of them were given a new name by God and some were called to leave their home and go to a far country.

If this job change had occurred a year ago…there is no way I would have even considered moving. My beloved Pastor, Chuck Obremski was still in the midst of riding the cancer coaster. And there was no way…I was getting off before we found out what God’s plan was. But God has since revealed part of his plan. I feel like God may be calling me to a new place. Where exactly…I don’t know. Some scripture verses that come to mind are “Go ye into all the world and make disciples” and that we are to be like salt and light. Salt that remains in the salt shaker does little good…and light covered up doesn’t do what it was created for.

Now if I get this job…it will likely require a move at some point. The hardest part of that prospect is leaving my church, Kindred Community Church. We have been through so much and are knit together. But even if I leave…the people of this church will remain with me…in my heart and in my mind. And I’ll be able to keep up with everyone via the prayer newsletter, e-mail, phone and hopefully the occasional visit. A visit that would feel like I was coming home.

But I would also leave well prepared…with CD’s albums in hand. I’d be able to take Chuck and his no nonsense, kick-butt teaching with me. I’d still have my feet held to the fire…by a man who walked the talk…and finished well.

So…do I have the job? I don’t know yet. It’ll be perhaps another week or so before I know for sure. I’m sure I’ll feel anxious during this time. But by golly…I’ll be able to go to God with my anxiety and concerns. What will I say?

Thank you, God. Thank you, that you have a plan in place. There is no panic in heaven, only plans. I know that you hold both me and my future in the palm of your hand. Thank you that you are able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than all I ask or imagine. Thank you that you care about me…so much so that you carry my tears in a bottle…and will one day wipe them from my eyes.

Thank you that you know me and my needs and care for me. Thank you for going before me and help to prepare the way. Please give me great wisdom on decisions I need to make and plans. Go before me and smooth out my path. Please let your favor rest upon me.

Please use me and let me be a comfort and blessing to others. Give me a sensitive ear to hear the pain, anxiety and concerns of others. Help me to be watchful for the person that needs help. And when I’m feeling overwhelmed…help me to go to you for the strength, wisdom and peace that is needed.

Thank you for the difficult times of the last few years that have helped me to grow deeper and stronger in my faith. Thank you for showing me I am not able to handle this on my own. Thank you for the people whom you have placed in my life that have touched me…whom I will greatly miss. Painful yes…but a good pain that I am most fortunate to have.

Sometimes the hardest part of being single is facing times like this alone. I don’t have a husband to rely upon or care for me. When I wake up in the middle of the night…anxious and scared and unable to sleep…I don’t have a loving arm around me, or a listening ear at my side or someone to wipe those tears that fall.

But I do have my Father in heaven that cares for me. Just like he uses people in my life to touch me, reach out and care for me when I’m hurting…now I pray that I might also do that for others.

So if you are stopping my blog on a regular visit…or if you just stumbled across it…I’d greatly appreciate your prayers over my job. What would I like to be prayed for? That I will get this new job. That God will help me to continue to learn and grow…in all areas. That He would use me in a new place. That He would help me to get rooted and grounded in a good church and BSF Bible Study. And if God has another plan…that I would trust him as he reveals that plan.

Thanks much…and I’m sure I’ll have more work transition postings to come in the near future. Your patience is appreciated.

When the DaVinci Code by Dan Brown first came out I bristled at the thought of a fiction book gaining popularity that denied the deity of Christ. I was concerned and yes even fearful that this book…would lead people astray. Keep unbelievers from come to a saving faith in Christ…and draw Christians young or weak in their faith away from Jesus Christ.

I swore to myself…that I would not read that heretical book…much less hearken the doors of a theater that would blaspheme my Savior. The scripture that came to mind was, “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie.” – Romans 1:25.

But I’ve since had a change of mind and heart. Now instead of being fearful about this movie…I welcome it.

Why, you ask? Has my choo, choo finally gone around the bend? Has my faith failed me following a couple of difficult years?

No! Rest assured…I am energized and excited at the prospects that God will take this work of fiction, chock of full lies and half truths…and turn it into an opportunity for his people, the church, to spread the gospel message. Reaching the world…with the Word.

Folks…think about it. People who are not Christians…who’ve never cracked a Bible in their life will be talking about Jesus. People whose faith is weak or wobbly will doubt and ask questions. And you, my friends…and me…can be God’s ambassadors to take his Word, the truth to a hungry, needy and dying world.

So what will be required of us so we can present an effective response to the questions and claims that people will have after seeing the DaVinci Code…or reading the book?

We are to be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within us. Having good, firm, well grounded Biblical knowledge is paramount. However in this case it will not be sufficient. Instead…you are going to need to get educated on church history.

My friends…there is a wealth of information out there by apologetics teachers and Biblical scholars to help you get educated and knowledgeable. Knowledgeable about church history and the cannon of scripture, when the Bible gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke and John were written. You will be able to learn…just who the Gnostics were and what they believed. You will be able to see for yourself the difference between God’s Word…and some gospels that were written a couple hundred years after Christ. You’ll be able to better understand why these alleged gospels were not included in the Bible.

So in others words…you’ll be getting a boat load of knowledge…that you can share with unbelieving friends of family members. When you have that friend…who is young in their faith and not well rooted and grounded in Bible knowledge…come to you with questions…and you will be prepared to answer.

But it is going to require some additional effort on your part. You’ll need to partake of the resources that are available to help you get to know church history. You’ll also need to read through the gospels and pay particular attention to passages that clearly show Jesus did claim to be the Son of God…yet fully human. Get out a pen…write it in the margins of your Bible…or have note pad handy.

Don’t forget that we…have the truth of God on our side. God tells us that his Word will not return void.

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. – Isaiah 55:11

So here are some of the resources you can start with…to help bring you up to speed.

Stand to Reason…both their radio and the monthly newsletter, and other online resources.

Focus on the Family recently broadcast two programs about the Da Vinci Code on May 1st and 2nd. They also have other resources and links online.

The Da Vinci Deception by Edwin Lutzer

Lee Stroble and Garry Poole’s book Exploring the Da Vinci Code

There many, many other resources to help you get educated…so that you can put up an effective defense of the faith. Just do a quick search on Goggle…or your favorite search engine.

You can be a part of God’s plan…to take what Satan intended for evil…and bring good from it. Satan wants to see people following a false Jesus. Satan wants to deny the divinity of Christ. Satan wants people to believe that the Bible is strictly man’s invention…and not divine revelation from God. Satan wants people to remain in their sin…to not receive forgiveness of their sins from Jesus Christ.

Tell me…how you feel when someone tells you that the Bible is full of lies and contradictions? That is was written by man and not God? And then you inquire if they’ve read the Bible…and they respond, “No”. How do you feel? Do you respect their argument? I’d be willing to bet that you don’t respect that position.

Don’t you owe to others to answer with honesty that indeed you did read the book the DaVinci Code or see the movie. And while perhaps interesting…you found it nothing more than an interesting book…and totally devoid of truth and fact. Then you can present a well reasoned argument, based on fact, history and the truth of God’s Word.

Satan would like to see this make movie make in-roads into people’s faith…and he can only succeed if we back down and give him the territory. Remember…it’s all about the YAC yards. You need to make the YAC yards…not Satan.

Remember God’s admonition?

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” – 1 Peter 3:15

Are you prepared? What’s stopping you?

This last week and a half was a wee bit on the stressful side.

A little over a week ago…my 84 year old mother Gayle fell while walking down the hallway at her assisted living facility. It started some days of pain, stress and uncertainty for both Gayle and me.

Even in the midst of this winding road called Alzheimer’s it had its odd and funny moments.

Starting out with Gayle in the Emergency Room at Placentia Linda Hospital…while the nurses were caring for her…my sister Denise and I mentioned that she had at one time been a nurse. Their reaction was very sweet and they asked where she worked and what she did. She had been a Utilization Review nurse at Brea Community Hospital…which has since closed.

Gayle inquired as to where she was at and we told her she was at Placentia Linda Hospital. To which she responded, “Oh that explains things.” Thankfully the nurses got a chuckle out of that.

Gayle was released from the hospital on Monday…and I was able to take her back to her assisted living facility. It was nice…because shortly after being back there…you could see the difference. Yes…she was in a lot of pain…and felt wretched…but she was Gayle again…and not “the broken arm in 224”.

Now don’t get me wrong…some of the nurses were very nice….but nonetheless…I hate hospitals. I was so glad to get Gayle sprung from that joint. I think I was surprised at how unfamiliar the hospital personnel seemed to be in working with Alzheimer’s patients. Especially when compared to the nurses at the assisted living place.

On Thursday…I got a call from my mom’s assisted living place…telling me that she needed to be taken to the emergency room again. There seemed to be a problem with the cast and her arm was swelling. Which is a whole other story altogether.

While waiting with Gayle in ER…for testing, doctors to examine her and get test results back…I was chatting with her. Since I was trying to multi-task and complete my BSF lesson…I was talking with her about God. I asked her, “What was the greatest blessing that God had given her in her life?” She looked me right in the eye and said, “I suppose it’s you.”

Today I had another one of those Alzheimer’s speaks moments…when my Gayle was laying on her bed and said to me, “You are a very lucky girl because you have me to spend your time with.”

So with Alzheimer’s….you just never know what’s going to come out.

One of the joys in blogging and when writing my earlier article “Confronting an Ugly Face of Christianity – Shirley Phelps-Ropers” is the feedback I’ve received from fellow Christians. Christians who felt as outraged and disgusted by the hatred and venom spread by this whacky and scary group purporting themselves to be Christians.

So this response is for Stephanie and Jacquelynn and all the others who took the time to comment and share that in no way does Ms. Phelps-Roper represent Christ and fellow Christians. That she is twisted at best…and evil at worst.

So I’d like to share a few more thoughts. Many people commented that when the heard Shirley talking or saw pictures of the Westborough Baptist Church members holding ugly, hate filled signs at funerals…they wanted to smack this girl. And some of the language they used or wanted to use…was not what you would expect to hear coming from a Christian’s mouth.

And what do I say to that? I fully understand. In fact…if I had been able to lay my hands upon that video or audio clip or a transcript sooner…I would have written a very different article. Instead of something in which I tried to incorporate scripture to combat lies and hatred…I would have used my own words. And they would have been pretty darn ugly words.

But God…in his wisdom and timing worked on my heart. Instead it was a few days afterwards that I transcribed the audio…so that could form an effective response to hatred. During that time…the Holy Spirit was at work on my heart and mind. He reminded me that Jesus used scripture combat the lies of the devil. Remember when Jesus was in the desert and fasting for 40 days and nights? Satan came to him…and twisted scripture and tempted Jesus. How did he respond? With the Word of God.

If Jesus, the very Son of God, didn’t respond to Satan on his own…but instead combated Satan’s lies with scriptures…ought I do anything less? We need to be ever mindful that the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

So when turning to scripture to fight this battle…it made it easier to not respond in the flesh. Because quite honestly…my fleshly response would not have been so gracious.

After writing that article…other scriptures came to mind that I should have included in an already too long article.

One phrase that kept coming to my mind, “And such were some of you.”

“Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Cor 6:9-11

Ms. Phelps-Roper and her group focus on, single out and target homosexuals for condemnation. They are focusing on one sin. Perhaps a sin that is not their own…not something that they are not tempted by. But in doing so…they are conveniently overlooking their own sin. They are forgetting that “There is no one righteous, no not one.” They forget that they too are sinners saved by grace. Not by works, lest anyone boast.

Today on the National Day of Prayer…I was reminded how true it is that as you drawer closer to God…and his righteousness and holiness…that you are ever mindful of your own sin and unworthiness. When I hear Shirley talking…I hear nothing from her lips that indicates she is mindful that she too is a sinner.

One of the things that really bugs they heck out of me about these hate mongers is the fact that their distorted, ugly, hate filled view of God makes other Christians back peddle in response. They don’t want to be perceived as being bigoted and hateful too. So instead they may remain silent about sin and what God says about sin.

Make no mistake…our God is Holy and Righteous. In Him there is no sin. God does hate sin…how much so? So much that he deemed sinners worthy of physical death and eternal separation from God. But God is also love…and he knowing we were sinners, unable to save ourselves, he provided a way out. He did that through the death of his precious Son Jesus Christ. How much does God hate sin? So much so…that the death penalty was extracted and imposed upon Jesus Christ. How much does God love us…He paid the penalty for our sins so that we might be forgiven.

God is indeed a God of forgiveness. Remember Jesus talking with the woman at the well. He took time to talk to this woman, whom others shunned. But he also confronted her sin. He didn’t just let it lie. Instead he confronted her in a gentle and loving manner. How about you? How do you deal with persons involved in sin? Do you shun them and not talk to them? Or do you shy away from the topic of sin in an effort to not offend them? Or do you try to walk that delicate balance like Jesus did?

Jesus takes us as we are…but he doesn’t just leave us that way. He doesn’t leave us in our sins. The Holy Spirit within us starts to work…and cleanses our heart, mind and soul. Jesus tells us to “Go and sin no more.”

But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:13

Tell me…when you hear someone shouting and pouring forth nothing but hatred and condemnation…does that in any way bid you to come? No, it repeals you. Not only do those people look bad…but the God that they represent looks bad too.

Shirley Phelps-Roper and her fellow Westborough Baptist Church members are effective instruments in the hands of Satan. Their ugliness, hatred and condemnation will be used to drive a wedge between sinners and God. The sinners whom God loves and wants to save…so much so that he gave his own Son so that they might be saved.

They are also effective instruments in the hands Satan to get Christians to shut up and distance themselves from these people who are ugly, hate filled whackos. I mean really…who wants to be identified with someone who is intentionally hurtful and hateful? So instead…you keep quiet. You are a Christian…you have your faith…but you don’t share your faith with others. You are fearful that someone at work will say “Gee wiz, did you see that group of Christians of Fox News?” And as the water cooler topic heats up…you quietly slip away.

So are Shirley and her fellow church members really Christians and really saved? I don’t know…that is something that only God knows the answer to. I know I don’t see fruits in their lives being demonstrated that bears witness that they are saved.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34

“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35

A couple of closing thoughts. Jacquelynn, who is a Christian, made a comment that everyday she sees hypocritical Christians. Can I say the same? Absolutely. But I’d like to make the observation that only when you have an objective set standard by which you judge yourself and others…and you fail to live up to that standard are you a hypocrite. If you don’t have that objective standard…you aren’t going to have something to live up to. There is no chance you will fail.

I think God would rather that we try and aim to live godly, righteous lives as he gave us in the Word of God. Try and sometimes fail…than to not try at all. Of course we know that trying…and even succeeding in living rightly will not save us. But instead may it be reflective of a heart towards God.

Someone who lives as their own heart dictates…really won’t be called a hypocrite. After all I’m sure what’s in their heart changes day by day.

I don’t want to live according to my own conscious. I want to live according to an objective set standard. The standard given in the Word of God.

Lastly…of all the comments and e-mails I received I was most saddened by the ones I got from non-Christians. Brandon thought that I was belittling Ms. Phelps-Roper and her church…and that it was well deserved. Both non-Christians who responded knew that what they were seeing in the actions of Shirley and Westborough Baptist Church members was un-Christian.

Vanessa said: “I too saw the news clip, and although I am not a Christian, I have read the Bible and from what I gather you aren’t supposed to hate or discriminate anyone. Aside from religious views, it’s simply evil to protest a funeral. Especially if these people that died, died for the ones saying thank god they are dead.”

Thank you to each one of you who left a comment or e-mailed me. It was a pleasure to hear from you. I encourage you to speak out when you hear outrageous, distorted examples of Christianity. Be a voice of reason…and love to a sinful, hurting world in need.

Not sure when I began my tradition to commemorate the National Day of Prayer. But for a few years now…on that first Thursday in May…I do a prayer walk.

Each morning I walk…and I always say it’s my favorite time of day…the best part of my day. And indeed it is. It helps me to focus, awaken, relax, de-stress, and think through things that are weighing heavy on my mind. Usually I’ll listen to Dennis Prager or a Podcast of Focus on the Family or In Touch Ministries.

But this day is special…the National Day of Prayer. Instead of distractions…I will focus. Focus on God, our nation and the need for God’s people to come humbly before Him to intercede on behalf of this great nation that He has raised up.

I am most grateful to be a Christian…and most thankful to be an American. Double blessed by God.

In Bible Study Fellowship…I learned a wonderful way to pray. I start by saying the different names of God and move into thanking God for the different blessings, grace and mercy He has poured out upon me, my family, my friends and our nation. I confess my sins before a Holy, Righteous God and then come humbly before my Lord…and present my requests.

The needs of our nation are great and at all levels. We are a nation in need of God and as Christians and people of faith…it imperative we pray for our country and our fellow citizens. So let’s take a day…and lay aside our differences and come before God in prayer for the greatest nation on God’s green earth…that we are most blessed to abide in.

How will you be praying for our nation…on this National Day of Prayer?

Sometimes I consider Dennis Prager to be my muse…because his programs inspire, inform and even amuse me.

But when listening to a program last week…I found myself wanting to shout at the radio…to get Dennis’ attention. The subject was how today’s leftists are the modern day equivalent of Totalitarians. Indeed I agree with him.

Dennis said, “Nothing scares me more than the airbrushing of history. The Nazi’s did it, the communists did it. The ACLU wants it done in the United States. And so do the anti-smoking people. The ACLU does it when they airbrush out, legally airbrush out, crosses from the seals of the counties and cities of this country.”

Dennis cited several examples on how leftists seek to erase or hide history. He shared the example of Stalin’s attempt to rewrite history by airbrushing Trotsky out of a picture. Or when Hitler had Stalin’s cigarette airbrushed out from a photo with Stalin and Von Ribbentrop. A caller cited a recent example with the release of the Beatles Abby Road album that had a cigarette airbrushed out of Ringo’s hand.

Dennis further shared, “The Totalitarian temptation in the human being is very deep. I don’t want people to see what I don’t like, even if it happened.”

All the while I was listening to Dennis talk…I was waiting for him or one of his callers to raise the most obvious, egregious example of the rewriting history right before our very eyes. Or to be more precise…the denial of history by minimizing it…or not focusing on it.

What is that example? September 11th. None other than the transforming event of our generation if not our nation’s history.

How is that being done? Tell me…where is the video from that horrific day? It’s not like we saw it for several years afterward and got burned out on it. Instead…a short time after September 11th, the media…didn’t show those images or play the videos any longer.

Contrast that with the Rodney King beating. We were bombarded for months seeing those images. So much so…it served as a tool or license to incite rioting and violence. Or what about the Abu Grab pictures that plastered the New York Times for hundreds of days in a row?

But September 11th…you don’t really see those pictures unless you seek them out.

What’s the effect of so quickly and easily dismissing the images of our fellow citizens dying or escaping with only their lives? We become weak willed…and are unable to follow thorough with determination to defeat the terrorists or even recognize them as terrorists.

We forget that the people who cut off Nick Burg’s head are evil…true evil and that they must be defeated…no killed. Instead…we start thinking global warming is the greatest concern today. Let’s think this through for a minute. Is real evil someone cutting off the head of a living human being all the while chanting, “Allah Achbar”…or is it an unproven scientific theory?

Or we start thinking that putting panties on a man’s head and taking degrading photographs of him is equivalent or worse than what Sadam did. Tell me…would you rather have some abusive degrading photos taken…or be put in a human shredder, feet first? Gee wiz…if I get vote…I’ll take the photos instead. Make no mistake…I don’t excuse the wrong actions of the few military personnel involved. But I also know and recognize true evil…and that ain’t it.

That’s why it wasn’t even question of if I would see the new film United 93. We owe it to the men and women on that flight…who were the first ones to fight back the terrorists…to not forget. To not forget what the terrorist did that day and not forget the incredible evil they are capable of.

We must defeat them. The only other choice is to let them win…and that’s not an option.

You owe it to the people on United 93 to see this film. To forever engrave in your mind the images and sounds of what happened to them. To be ever mindful of what happened to 2,752 fellow Americans almost five years ago.

I want you to think…imagine if only for a moment…what that day would have been like if the passengers on United 93 had not fought back? Where would that plane have struck? The Capitol or the White House? How many more American’s would have perished? Would the American people and their psyche have been utterly defeated?

As it is…these people’s actions inspired and encouraged American’s to fight back. Take our fight to the terrorists and defeat them. These people gave their lives for our country…and we as American’s owe them a few hours of our time. Time to see, hear and remember what happened to them. To remember how they mustered the courage to begin that first step in the battle to defeat the terrorists.

We are to continue that battle…step by step. When will the last step be taken? Not for a very, very long time…if ever. But taking that next step is our only choice.

The terrorist didn’t strike Democrats or Republicans, male or female, gay or straight, smoker or non-smoker, Jew, Christian or Muslim that day. Instead they struck Americans.

So I invite you, along with Dennis Prager, Hugh Hewitt, Michael Medved and family members of United 93 passengers…to see United 93. It’s not too soon and yes…it’s entirely too painful. And it should be. After all…those rat bastards killed 2,752 of our fellow Americans, for no other reason than the fact they where Americans. Go get your ticket today.

And while you are at it…click on the link to Flight 93 National Memorial Project. Make a donation and help keep their memory alive.

Thank you United Flight 93 Passengers…I pray that I will be as courageous in facing evil as you were on September 11, 2001.

Do you need a treat? Something to fill your soul? A place where you can reflect on the ordinary goodness and blessings from God?

When visiting Debra at As I Now See It…I stumbled across another link to a wonderful website. Owl Haven…and it’s truly a must see website. What a lovely spirit we see here. In Mary’s latest feature…she has writings from her children…describing where they are from. It’s a wonderful word picture or snapshot of what their home and lives are like. This is a must visit site.

I Am From Last One
I Am From #4
I Am From #3

Now be forewarned…it will get your juices stirring and you will want to reflect on your own home and where you come from. So get out your pen and paper and get writing.

Below are some of the responses that I received from people who also saw the interview on Fox News with Shirley Phelps-Roper and read my piece…Confronting an Ugly Face of Christianity.

Thank you Christy, James, Danielle, Randy and Anonymous…appreciate your responses.

More than that…I’m glad to know that there are other Christians out there who were also outraged at Ms. Phelps-Ropers remarks. It is imperative that we as Christians respond to ugliness and hate veiled as Christianity…directly, boldly and sometimes loudly.

Christy
Hi..my name is Christy and I was looking around for information on this Shirley lady and I came across your blog. I agree with everything you had to say in your blog! This lady is crazy. Why is it that 90% of “Christians” shown on the television are crazy people like her that give us a bad name…good to know that there are still some good Christians out there.

Anonymous
This woman is psychotic and does not truly preach the word of God, simply what her and her ‘church’ aka her family think to be what God desires. If God did not mean for us to have military, there wouldn’t be one. Even the Bible speaks of battles and war. Her issue clearly is not with the military, it is with Gays… so why is she going out of her way to cause trauma and added grief at the side of these funerals? FOR ATTENTION!!!

James
I just read your blog regarding Shirley whats her name…and I just would like to say thank you for your response to that…it made me feel so much better after hearin that lunatic on fox news…I myself have more harsh words for her but your words were the right ones and most powerful and I once again thank you for that…God Bless

Danielle
oh its cool i saw it on myspace… someone posted it as a bulletin… yea… she is crazy… i reposted it… my dad asked what day it was thou… cuz he was like woah sean and that other guy agreed…. he said the whole point of the show is that they have different viewpoints… so he thought it was funny… and yes he thinks shes crazy 2.

Randy
TALK ABOUT WHACKED OUT! Where did this woman come from, and why did brother Hannity give her the time of day? WHEW, I got wore out just reading this exchange. The Bible warns about the spirit of anti-Christ, and this is evidence of its continued arrival on the scene to add insult to injury. Thanks for exposing this and your courage for writing this, and may God bless our soldiers, and protect the true defenders of good and righteousness…Randy (Psallo Praise Ministries)

Christy is right…most of the Christians portrayed on television and in films are shown stupid, crazy, whacky or just down right mean. Thanks to the likes Ms. Phelps-Roper…that trend will continue.

Anonymous…you too are correct. Her argument and fight is not against the soldiers…but against that which she believes is worthy of damnation. The funerals of our fallen soldiers are merely a platform for her to spew forth her hatred.

James…I too had some rather harsh and ugly words for this woman. But God was able to help me write something a little less incendiary than I would have if written immediately after hearing her ugly, whacky, hate-filled defense of indefensible actions. It took me a while to find the video clip so I could transcribe the exchange. I felt that it was important…so that people could see for themselves what she was saying and why it was wrong…not just hear me rant and rave.

Danielle…your dad was right. Sean and Alan never agree. I think it was the first time I’ve watched Hannity and Colmes and actually agreed with Alan.

Randy…it is our duty as Christians today to fight those who misrepresent our Savior Jesus Christ and the Bible. We need to expose the lies for what they are.

I’d like all Christians to remember back to September 11, 2001. Do you remember the pictures of Palatines dancing in the street and shooting the guns in the air to celebrate their fellow Muslim’s success in striking the United States of America? Where were the voices speaking out against them? Were they there? Yeah I’m sure there was some and probably many were as stunned, hurt and outraged at the terrorist actions…but they were relatively silent.

We can’t afford to do that as Christians. We must, absolutely commit to being the first to call persons who speak hate and do hateful actions in the name of Christ to account. Silence will only reinforce the distorted pictures that people are seeing in the media.

Lastly…Ms. Phelps-Roper reminds me of the following saying, “They don’t mind giving your all…for their cause.” Ms. Phelps-Roper doesn’t mind inflicting pain to the wives, parents, brothers, sisters, family and friends of our fallen soldiers. She doesn’t mind inflicting pain…when she can take advantage to promote her cause of hatred.

If we fail to speak out…people will turn away and not hear the message of salvation. Yes our God is holy, righteous and just. And we…sinful man are deserving of eternal separation from God. But our God is also full of grace, mercy and love…and has provided a way for our forgiveness.

Ms. Phelps-Roper…while claiming to speak for God is an instrument of Satan to keep people from coming to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. She does so by making God and his word hateful and repugnant. Don’t let her be a lone voice!

I don’t normally take the time to transcribe news stories that I see on TV. But when listening to a recent interview on Hannity and Colmes…I could not contain myself.

Shortly after Sean started interviewing Shirley Phelps Roper…my blood pressure started to rise. There was only hatred, venom and ugliness that spewed forth from this woman who proclaimed herself to be a Christian. She and her family are very sick and distorted…they are the worse kind of evil. There is nothing worse than to hate and do evil in the name of God.

Upon hearing this distorted view of God and Christianity…I wanted to go toe to toe with this woman…and hit her upside the head with a spiritual two by four.

Now I don’t like to make fun of people’s looks. But this woman…looked down right evil. She had what can only be described as an evil grin on her face as she listened to Sean and Alan speak. If for no other reason than the subject matter was serious…her grin was inappropriate. What made her grin appear evil was that all the while she was she was smiling she proclaimed God’s hatred and judgment against our nation and its soldiers. She seemed to take delight in the pain she was inflicting…no in fact she rejoiced in it.

Didn’t we all see a picture of rejoicing in evil on September 11th? When pictures showed Palestinians dancing in the streets and firing guns at the news and pictures of jets that slammed into the Twin Towers? As 110 story buildings crumbled to the ground…leaving dust clouds with thousands of people incinerated…these people were celebrating.

Well now we have a picture that same kind of evil…of the home grown variety. Instead of dancing at news of our soldier’s deaths…Miss Phelps-Roper and her ilk choose to inflict pain upon the family and friends of these heroic men who sacrificed their lives at their funerals. Our soldiers made that sacrifice…so that Miss Phelps-Roper has the right and freedom to behave in such a shameful manner.

Miss Phelps-Roper and members of the Westborough Baptist Church attend funerals of our fallen soldiers. They are war protesters of a unique variety in that they claim the deaths of these brave men to be the wrath of God poured out upon our nation. These people are so far off from the word of God…that it is only the word of God that can be used to combat them.

Quite honestly…based on the fruit exhibited by Miss Phelps-Roper and Westborough Baptist Church members…I question their assertion they are Christians. God’s word tells us that we shall know them by their fruit. When comparing their fruit to God’s word…and their actions and words to that of Jesus Christ…I’m not seeing evidence of a humble spirit or a repentant heart. I’d like to compare Miss Phelps-Roper’s words and actions to God’s word.

Here’s my challenge and response to Miss Shirley Phelps-Roper and the congregation at the Westborough Baptist Church:

Jesus was the most critical of the religious Pharisees. We see the example of Jesus confronting the money changers in the temple. Or when he tells the hypocrite to take the log out of his own eye. Or what does Jesus say about the hypocrite that seeks praise when he gives a gift at the temple or wants to be noticed when he prays or fasts?

How did Jesus respond to sinners? What about the woman caught in adultery? Didn’t he have compassion on her, forgive her sins? “Neither do I convict thee, go and sin no more.”

God tells us that we are to weep with those who weep and mourn with those who mourn. When Jesus went to Bethany after Lazarus dies…what did he do? He wept. If Jesus set that example…ought we not go and do likewise? Do you really think that Jesus would be protesting at the funeral of our soldier?

My friend…if you had any real concern about people living in sin and their eternal consequences…the more effective approach is to show them that you love them and care about them. Be a reflection of God’s love to a lost and dying world. Right now you are very, very far from that.

If we hold up the pattern of 1 Corinthians 13…Miss Phelps-Roper…how would you compare? If I have not love…I am nothing.

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Miss Phelps-Roper…are you but a clanging symbol? In what way are your actions kind? What is loving about your words?

What does God tell us he hates?

Proverbs 6:16-19
16 There are six things the LORD hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
17 haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19 a false witness who pours out lies
and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

Miss Phelps-Roper…when I compare your words and your actions to God’s word…they most closely resemble the Proverbs passage and not the 1 Corinthians passage. It’s much easier to look at and be condemning of another’s sins. It’s always easy to see their sin rather than your own. And then we get the added bonus of not having to confront our own sin.

What exactly is the good news here? The good news is revealed in God’s word…which tells us that he will not despise a broken and contrite heart.

Psalm 51:17
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.

Psalm 32:1
Blessed is he
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.

Jesus paid the price for our forgiveness…we just need to receive it. And then what does he ask us to do? Forgive others…not just once, but over and over…seventy times seven.

Miss Phelps-Roper…I think that both you can I can be grateful when we look at the lineage of Jesus and see there were plenty of sinful, flawed men and women. God is able to take us and cleanse us, forgive us and make us his own. But only if we have a broken repentant contrite heart. I invite you to examine yourself and your actions in light of God’s word and run to Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins.

Below is my transcript of this very heated exchange. It was a challenge to transcribe because there were a number of times Sean, Alan and Miss Phelps-Roper were talking over one another. Below is the exchange that took place on Fox News last week. To view the video clip yourself…please click on the link to Fox News, go to the Video link and select the video entitled “Illegal in Iowa”.

SEAN HANNITY– Today more than 1,000 family and friends attended the funeral of Iowa National Army Guard Sergeant Daniel Sesker. He was killed in Iraq earlier this month. But as they filed into the funeral they were confronted with protesters carrying signs. Signs with anti-gay slogans and words like “thank God for dead soldiers”. Members of the Westborough Baptist Church have been protesting military funerals since last June but today’s display came one day after Iowa’s Governor Vilsack signed legislation that specifically bands disorderly conduct within 500 feet of a funeral or a memorial service.

Joining us now from Westborough Baptist Church Shirley Phelps Roper is with us.

Ah you feel good about this? Do you feel good about going to the funerals of men that put that put their lives on the line for their country to give you the right to do this and to put pain…

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – Of course.

SEAN HANNITY- to inject pain into their families lives. This is something that you feel good about?

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – I feel good about warning this nation that the wrath of God is pouring out on their heads.

SEAN HANNITY– So you want to warn the nation?

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – Because they will not obey. And the Lord your God is punishing this nation and he’s doing it, one of his weapons of choice is sending your children home dead from the battle. So what were there to do is help you connect the dots and what I feel best about is that in spite of the fact that those legislative Taliban in Iowa passed an unconstitutional measure to try to stop us from putting the cup of furry and the wrath of God to your lips and making you drink it…

SEAN HANNITY– You’re obviously a nut.

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – We’re doing it anyway.

SEAN HANNITY– Okay, now look, you want to make your political and religious point and you want to do it…

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – It’s not political.

SEAN HANNITY– And you want to do it, you want to inject pain and heartache. I can’t think of, Madam, I’ve got to be honest with you. We’ve had a lot of nutty people on the show over the years. You are as mean and as sick and as cruel as anybody that I’ve ever had on this program. And the fact that you use religion to justify your hatred this way, it’s frankly, it’s mind numbing. Do you really believe that when you hold up your signs “thank God for IED’s that innocent people died”, “thank God for September 11th”, “thank God for AIDS”…

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – There are no innocent people. Thank God for 911. Thank God for dead soldiers. Thank God for IED’s. There are no innocent people.

SEAN HANNITY– And you believe all of that? You thank God for 911?

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – You think that all these mean things that you’re saying can bring back a single one of those soldier?

SEAN HANNITY– Hang on a second.

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – Or bring back a single 911 victim?

SEAN HANNITY– I’ve got a question for you. You thank God for 911? You thank God for AIDS? You thank God for dead soldiers that give you the right to be a fool?

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – I thank God for every God for every one of his single righteous judgments that he executes upon a rebellious nation…

ALAN COLMES – Hey Shirley, its Alan Colmes.

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – And people who will not obey.

ALAN COLMES – What’s the matter with you?

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – (laughs) What’s the matter with me?

ALAN COLMES – What’s the matter with you?

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – Why won’t you just obey? The scripture says if you obey…

ALAN COLMES – Who should I obey? Who would you like me to obey?

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – That the Lord your God will bless you, if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God then he’ll curse you.

ALAN COLMES – Shirley, I want to be very clear here. Your church…

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – We’re talking here about the curses of God. It’s a curse.

ALAN COLMES – Hold on a second. Your church. Hold on a second.

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – It’s a curse when your child comes home dead from the battle.

ALAN COLMES – Shirley can you hear me okay?

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – I can hear you.

ALAN COLMES – Shirley your church is called the Westborough Baptist Church and is not associated with any mainstream Baptist organization. It’s mostly your own family members in this church. You and your father Fred Phelps hate not just gays, you hate Catholics, you hate Jews. Your father referred to the Holocaust as minuscule. Lead a protest at the Holocaust museum in D.C., said Jews are the real Nazi’s. You are an abomination and you ought to be ashamed of yourself. You are an embarrassment to this nation.

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – Well I’m glad that you recognize that there is a concept as an abomination.

ALAN COLMES – The way you behave towards soldiers that risk their lives for this country, you ought to be ashamed of yourself.

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – What you need to do is line your notions of what an abomination is up with what the notion that Lord your God has put into the standard of what he put on what an abomination is.

ALAN COLMES – You know, I’m glad to have you on television. Because as Louis Brandais said, “Sunlight is the best disinfectant.” And you need to be disinfected.

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – Thou shall not lie … what mankind … is an abomination. (Shirley and Alan were talking over one another at this point…and it was difficult to hear Shirley’s exact words.)

ALAN COLMES – This is sick the things you are doing. How dare you this to the families of our soldiers and to other Americans? How dare you do this?

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – You can’t bring back anyone of those dead soldiers by throwing ____ at us. How dare you fail to obey the commandments of the Lord your God and bring his wrath down upon not just your own head, but the heads of these young men and women who have been cut off by a raging mad God, described in scriptures as being so angry as having smoke coming out of his nose and fire coming out of his mouth.

ALAN COLMES – (Both were talking over one another again.) Excuse me Miss Phelps. Yeah. I don’t respond to you. I don’t have to answer to you. I answer to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. You have said..

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – That’s your God. How dare you invoke the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and then flip him off refusing to obey and behave yourself.

ALAN COLMES – If you know…let me ask you a question.

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – You know that sodomy is an abomination and yet this nation rises up with one voice to say it’s okay to be gay. And you know that’s why the wrath of God us upon you.

ALAN COLMES – Okay if you can just stop your rant for one second, let me ask you a question. If you’re so popular and what you’re saying is truly the word of God, how is it that your church

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – Popular?

ALAN COLMES – Let me get my question out. If you’re so popular, how is it that your church has 100 members?

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – Well it’s really not quite a 100.

ALAN COLMES – And it’s your family.

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – Well it’s not quite 100. And about 80% are our family. But nevertheless, that doesn’t change the word of God. And by the way, you say we are popular…no, no, no.

ALAN COLMES – You ought to be ashamed of yourself.

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – We are hated by this nation.

SEAN HANNITY– I’ve got a question. I’ve got one last question. Miss Phelps.

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – And that’s what the scriptures say will happen. You hate God, you hate his judgments and you hate us for telling about it.

SEAN HANNITY- I’m a Christian, I don’t hate God. Let me ask you a last question.

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – No you’re not a Christian. But go ahead.

SEAN HANNITY– What are your sins?

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – Yeah, you tired this the other day. What don’t we talk about this issue at hand, Mr. Hannity.

SEAN HANNITY– What are your sins?

SHIRLEY PHELPS-ROPER – Why is it that you don’t warn your neighbor? Why is it that you don’t use that bully pulpit that you have to warn your neighbor that his sin is taking him to hell and to encourage your fellow man. Knowing the terror of the Lord, you should persuade men to obey and behave.

SEAN HANNITY– Alright…Halleluiah

So have you ever gotten a seemingly great idea only to find yourself seconding guessing that decision?

Anyone whose knows me…or has spent time with me…knows how much I hate being single…and struggle with it daily. Lately I’ve been thinking, “Susan…if you always do what you’ve always done…you always get what you’ve always got”. Actually not a bad philosophy…but maybe it’s not applicable to everything.

Case in point…my latest venture. After talking about it, thinking about it and praying about…I decided to join E-Harmony. It didn’t take long for me to say…“Gee wiz…what have I done?”.

Suddenly I was inundated with e-mails from E-Harmony announcing that a match had been found…lots of matches. So then…I’d click over their website…and read about someone that was supposedly a peachy keen match for me. Some seemed like pretty nice guys…and others…well…I’ll take a pass. But being that I don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings…I wasn’t sure the nice way to “close a match”. Yet…there were a few gentlemen that didn’t have a problem closing me out right quick. And actually that’s a pretty smart way to manage that process…because it’s overwhelming. Every time you turn around…you get another e-mail notifying you that you’ve got another match.

Frankly…I was overwhelmed…and scared. Suddenly I had questions being posed from perfect strangers. Anything from meaningless trivial matters to downright intimate questions that I would only feel comfortable answering with a close friend.

So…it didn’t take long for me to say…thanks, but no thanks to E-Harmony.

Now maybe it’s the whole process and how E-Harmony works. Or maybe because my life is so busy and in a state of flux at the moment. Or maybe…it’s because my heart still lies with another.

Sometimes it’s hard to understand God’s will and leading. I’ve prayed for a long time now about wanting to be married. Thus far…God has said “No”…or “Not just yet”. I don’t know…I guess I’ll have to live this one out to see what God’s will is. I know what my desire is…and if God says no…it won’t be because I have not made my request known.

I guess I’m an old fashion girl…and want to meet my sweetheart I person. Maybe at work or church…or through family, or a friend of a friend. To get to know him over time…to go through some good times and bad times…and see his character proven in daily life. To be able to look him in the eye and talk things over. And maybe there’ll be that spark…and suddenly I’ll know…that God said yes. Now is the time.

Until then…I feel as though I was behaving like Sarah by trying help God out in fulfilling his promise. Or like Rebecca…working God’s plan out by my own means…instead of trusting God.

So…I guess I’ll step back…and look to God and wait…expectantly.

Little did I know that summer day how God would touch my heart…through one man.

I remember the day I met Hugo. He had been a fixture with our company. When you hear the word Sav-on…there are certain folks that come to mind. They are part of the history and legacy of our company. Their presence and character have made an indelible stamp on those with whom they’ve worked.

At that time…Hugo had worked for our company…for almost 40 years…and I had been around for over 20. But in all that time…I’d never met him. But you can be sure…I had heard about Hugo…AKA Mr. C. So it was odd to finally meet this man of renown in his current state.

As I worked at my desk across from the conference room where he was at…many people stopped by to welcome him back to work. They would go in and sit for a while and reminisce about some good times…and hard times too.

Later in the afternoon…when there was a break in the action…I went in to introduce myself to Hugo. I found a man…short of stature…but one whose spirit filled the whole room. As I sat down…Hugo shared with me what he had been going through for past couple of years.

By this time…Hugo’s body was very weak. Even taking ten steps was an effort…and the oxygen tank was always close at hand. He had been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and had been fiercely battling for his life.

A man who once worked tirelessly…he always invested himself in people. Hugo made a difference in the lives of the people he worked with and the customers he served. He took the time to help young and inexperienced people…learn their job. Not by giving them the answers…but by helping guide and direct them as they came up with solutions for themselves. Not only allowing them to increase their knowledge…but their confidence too.

But more importantly he cared about the people who he worked with. He would always make time talk to you, find out how you were doing and hear you with a listening and caring ear. If you needed something and were at your whit’s end…there was still one call you could make. That’s why…there had been a steady stream of people to welcome this man back.

While Hugo’s body faded…his faith and his spirit grew. While desperately wanting to remain with his loving family…he prepared to meet his Lord and Savior. Some people in this situation would become bitter and angry…but not Hugo.

Instead Hugo fought, hoped and prayed for that miracle. He remained hopeful…and the news seemed promising when he got word that he had finally been approved for a lung transplant. As Hugo and his family learned about transplants they became keenly aware of the shortage of available organs. Not because there is a shortage of organs themselves…but because not enough people have signed up to be donors. That’s when the Constantino’s became involved with One Legacy/Donate Life.

Hugo’s miracle was not to be…this side of heaven. He passed away on June 26, 2005.

While deeply grieved at the death of her beloved husband…Maria Elaina and her children have continued with their commitment to spreading the word about the need for organ donors. As a result…over 1,500 people have now signed up on the One Legacy website to be donors…and doing so in the name of Hugo.

On April 29th, there will a Run/Walk to raise funds for One Legacy/Donate Life. Funds that will go to work to educate people about organ donation and the difference it make in the lives of so many who are in need. The Run/Walk will take place at California State University, Fullerton on Saturday April 29th, and race time starting at 9 AM.

I encourage you…take a few moments and go to the One Legacy/Donate Life website…and sign up to be an organ donor. Share the news with your family and friends…and encourage them to do likewise.

Hugo made a difference in the lives of people who he knew…he fully invested himself and he cared. He continues to make a difference…even in his death…by inspiring people to give others a chance to live by becoming an organ donor. You too have that opportunity to make a difference. Sign up today…and I hope to see you there on race day, April 29th, at Cal State Fullerton…9 AM sharp!

To check out more good new stories start by going to Joe Speranzella’s website at A Tic in the Mind’s Eye. KT Cat…over at The Scratching Post…has an article on ordinary people joining in the fight against Multiple Sclerosis.