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Oldtimer

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Posts posted by Oldtimer


  1. Hmm - I read a lot. And I do mean a lot. Both non-fiction and fiction. There's a lot to be said in many fiction books, and many authors put in a lot of work to make them realistic. I'd rather read a good fiction book than watch a movie.

    Oldtimer, thanks for your input. I may just read the book now.


    If you do read it, how about adding your review, pro or con. TIA
  2. Upon the recomendation of a friend, I've just finished reading this book and do recommend it. I've also listened to a 5 part interview about the book, and have done some look up of reviews of the book, both pro and con.

    First and foremost, it is written as fiction. That is evident from the beginning, so no one should be deceived from that standpoint. Someone complained about a lack of "character development" in the story line. They missed the point. The focus of this book isn't about the charcters in the book, themselves. Enough info is given to carry the story line. That was all that was needed.

    The book revolves around Isaiah 9:10 (KJB)
    10 The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycomores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars.

    There's been much discussion about the species of tree that was toppled when the Twin Towers fell. This is a relatively minor point, IMHO. I haven't researched it in depth and will tell why in a moment. From what I understand, since the NY tree doesn't grow in the middle East, there is a species there of the same family, which is comparable in qualities (strength/durability). Thus, it serves the purpose given in the verse quoted above. If we question that in depth, we also open the can of worms regarding the name of the tree chosen by the KJB translators. The author's point was that the replacement cedar was "better" than the one toppled. Just as hewn stone is "better" than bricks.

    One thing I like about the book are the extensive footnotes that allow many points made in the book to be checked. Dates of events following 9-11 for example. Some may write those off as just coincidences. A word that I rarely ever use anymore. With God at the helm, it's growing increasingly difficult to shrug off happenings as "just coincidences", whether in our own daily lives or elsewhere.

    As we read and study the Bible, we can often see parallels between what happened in blibical history and what we see happening today. This author has chosen to draw a parallel between Isaiah 9:10, 9-11 and afterwards. Oh, and at the founding of this country, too, that ties some seemingly unrelated events together.

    Whether you agree or disagree with the parallel, IMHO, the book is well worth reading. Simply because it will make you think, if you allow that to happen. Accept it as history is repeating itself or challenge the premise. Use the scriptures, use the references given, and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Form your own opinion, as you are led to do so.

    In closing, I read a borrowed copy that I had to return as soon as I finished reading it. I hope to have another copy soon to read a second time. This time with a pen, paper, and keyboard at hand. It's one of the few books that I've encountered in recent years that I want to read again. (Other than the Bible, as I'll never "finish" reading God's word.)

    Just my 2-cents for whatever pennies may be worth to you these days.

  3. John, you said it far better than I can.

    About 18 months ago I thought I wanted/needed a study Bible. Picked one out and better half gave it to me at Christmas. It's starting to fall apart and will soon be replaced with one only containing scripture and maybe a concordance.

    1. Only after receiving it and reading the "fine print" discovered the following.

    "The Zondervan KJV Study Bible is an adaptation of the Zondervan NASB Study Bible. Both of these titles are adaptations of the NIV Study Bible: 10th Anniversary Edition. The following acknowledgements recognize the contributions of those individuals involved in the development of The NIV Study Bible."

    "The Zondervan KJV Study Bible is the work of a transdenominational team of conservative Biblical scholars."

    "Doctrinally, the Zondervan KJV Study Bible reflects traditonal evangelical theology. Where editors were aware of significate differences of opinion on key passages or doctrines, they tried to follow an evenhanded approach by indicating differences." "In finding solutions to problems mentioned in the book introductions, they went only as far as the evidence (Biblical and non-Biblical) could carry them.

    So what do I have in terms of the "study" portion at the bottom of every page of KJ scriptures?

    2. A "study" Bible isn't the one to use in a Bible study class. Far too often the note on a verse references another verse, and sometimes that one references another. While trying to eventually get back to an explaination (note) on a verse, the class instructor has moved on, leaving me behind. In the meantime, what I've missed may be far more important than what's in a study note.

    3. I've noticed the same things with regards to people who accept, without question, anything that's put between the covers of a Bible. And the same thing with folks who want to be spoon fed mashed carrots from a baby food jar. It's a sad fact that many professing Christians claim it's too hard to understand the scriptures. Yet, at the same time they know how to use every bell and whistle on their cell phone type gadget. (After owning a cell phone for almost a year, I finally learned how to add contacts this past week.)

    In a few hours, Sunday school will be in session. If today is like most Sunday's it will soon become apparent that the same issues associated with study Bibles will be in the classroom, too.

    Those who haven't bothered to read the quarterly lesson.
    Those who accept without question the lesson commentary, while I want to shout THE BIBLE DOESN'T SAY THAT!
    Those who quote TV preachers, and other TV "experts" as if they were gospel themselves.
    And, those who keep looking at their watch.

    Sorry, I think I got on a rant this morning. I'm just a layman struggling with what I see, read, and hear around me. Can't begin to imagine the struggle of those who will be in the pulpit this morning.


  4. Thanks for everyone's help! After thinking about it more, I guess I just need one that better explains out-dated words. I don't necessarily need a commentary on the verses, as much as I would like a built in dictionary!! I don't know if one even exists...


    I have a King James Study Bible, and rarely ever use the "study" part of it. That is once I read the following after buying the Bible.
    "The Zonderman KJV Study Bible is an adaptation of the Zonderman NASB Study Bible. Both titles use the same basic note structure that appears in the NIV Study Bible, 10th Anniversary Edition."

    Most of the time I use the following Study Aids:

    Noah Websters 1828 American Dictionary http://www.1828-dictionary.com/ (Also includes 1913 definitions)
    Bible Gateway with default set to King James Bible - use as a concordance and to compare scripture in other versions

    Those are the primary ones that I use. Additionally, here are a few others bookmarked.
    Archaic King James Words: http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/KJVwords.html
    King James Bible Concordance: http://www.thywordistrue.com/bible_concordance.php
    King James Dictionary: http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/king-james-dictionary/
    Blue Letter Bible: http://www.blueletterbible.org/
    King James Bible on Line Dictionary: http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Free-Bible-Dictionary.php

    Hope you find something useful for your needs from these.
  5. The law requires states to set up exchanges by January 2014 that will help people buy health insurance from a range of companies. Jindal says he won't "set up an exchange." Louisiana, instead, is going to leave that task to the federal government.


    Isn't that exactly what the fed wants? Give everything to them to setup and manage?

    Why not just hand over any shreds of states rights that MAY remain to the feds and be done with it?
  6. Powers given regulatory agencies and czars is producing an effective end run around Congress. Its ability to goven is becoming null and void. The same method is being used with the Supreme Court. The "balance of power" between the three branches of government is rapidly disappearing. How long before 2 of the 3 will exist in name only?


  7. Absolutely!

    Also if we look to our past, even our not too distant past, we see that by the time youth entered the teen years they were expected to be young men, not little boys. Back then there were many who joined the army or navy at 14 or 15 years old, many left home to work and begin their own lives, while those who remained at home were a busy part of working the family farm or business, or they got work elsewhere to help support their family.

    A couple generations ago we taught children to become adults. By the time they were in their early teens most youth were ready to take on many adult responsibilities and were expected to conduct themselves as young men and women, not as children.

    Today we teach children to remain children, to hold onto immaturity, to do all they can to avoid responsibility, to act like little children throughout their teens, to carry immaturity and lack of responsibility over into their 20s. Among an ever growing number this carries over into their 30s and byond.

    This situation with the 14 year old was a bad one but he handled it well. A 14 year old boy should be expected to protect his family, to be the man of the house when dad isn't present. He did the right thing. Unless "social workers" put a bunch of garbage into these childrens minds, the siblings of that 14 year old will remember when possible tragedy was averted by their brothers brave action.


    That bears repeating with emphasis!

    As far back as I can remember, our parents gave us as much responsiblity as our age would permit. As the elder of 5, not only did I experience this, I watched it happen as my siblings grew.

    An often heard phrase: Act your age! You're too old for that.
  8. And the rest of the story......


    At a May 28 hearing, Lopan entered admissions in the assault case, as well as another case stemming from eight months of phone calls she made to another teen in Colorado that included threats of rape and mutilation, according to an audio recording of the hearing provided to the Deseret News by Bruno.

    Johansen called the girl's behavior "egregious." He ordered her to serve 30 days in detention, pay restitution to her victims and serve 276 hours of community service. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865557954/Judge-orders-Price-woman-to-cut-off-daughters-ponytail-in-court.html


    There were multiple victims involved in this teen's activities.
  9. Ryan lifted in prayer.

    God does work miracles. I'm living proof of one. According to my parents, I was born premature, after she tripped and fell, weighing in at just a little over 3 lbs. Born in a farm house, with a country doctor in attendance. Neither my parents nor the doctor thought I would survive.

    God does work in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform.

  10. CORRECTION: As originally published, this story referred to Tifton 85 grass as a genetically-modified product, which is incorrect; it is actually a hybrid of Bermuda grass. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57459357/gm-grass-linked-to-texas-cattle-deaths/

    That's a small sigh of relief, as hybrids generally don't reproduce themselves in the same way as non-hybrids. Thus, less danger of this grass being spread throughout the environment. If I understand correctly, that's not the case with GM reproduction.

    Is mankind "engineering" some of the elements that will be part of tribulation? We're bringing forth our own distruction. ??

  11. Where was the 3 yr old's mother while the hair cutting was done? According to the report, the teens took turns whacking off her hair.

    On another note: We need a lot more "eye for an eye" judges on the bench.

    Opinion coming up................

    When a child (under 18) is old enough to be charged with a crime, they should be tried in regular court just like anyone else. The preciding judge should have the discretion to sentence the quilty according to the age of the person. Naturally, there'd be some standards in place on this. As a general rule an 8 yr old shouldn't face the same punishment as a 17 1/2 yr old thug.

    What's the incentive for teens to behave themselves if they know their criminal records will be sealed? What's the incentive when they'll get a slap on the wrist in "juvie" in many cases?

    Do away with the dual court system. Yes, retain the dual retention system. It's time to stop coddling "children". It's time to stop in the home, in school, in church, and in the court system.

    Proverbs 22:6 KJB
    Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

    There are a number of people in the education system attending our church. It's been an eye opening experience to learn how their hands have been tied with regards to maintaining discipline in their classrooms. In a nutshell, they have to take the abuse hurled at them by out of control "children" if they want to continue to try to teach just what's in the textbooks.

    Question: Do we have any (many) trainers in the generations following ours? If the Lord is willing, I'll soon see 3 following mine, as I have great nieces and nephews fast approaching marriage age.


  12. A woman Episcopal priest was on TV news explaining that the anti-homosexual passages in the Bible are just the reflection of bigoted, unenlightened men from a barbaric time in history. She went on to say that such passages are not applicable today because we are so much more enlightened today than were those bigotted men back then.

    If one is willing to reject whatever portions of Scripture they don't like there is no point in talking with them. If they reject Scripture as we have it then they have rejected the only solid standard of truth.


    So, according to her, Jesus and the Apostles were a "bigoted, unenlightened man from a barbaric time in history".

    Matthew 7:14-16 KJB
    14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
    15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
    16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

    Jeremiah 23:1-2 KJB
    Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord.
    2 Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord.

    2 Timothy 4:2-4 KJB
    2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
    3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
    4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

    John, would this woman be the Episcopal priest you saw? This link goes to the Huffington Post Gay Voices, where Rev. Susan Russell has a blog. "Episcopal priest and activist from Pasadena, Calif." http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-susan-russell/in-defense-of-bigotry_b_1301574.html?ref=gay-voices I didn't dig any deeper, as I was getting into areas that I prefer not to visit.
  13. Heartstrings, thank you for sharing your vacation story. There's one important point that shines brightly in what you did and just said.

    You went on a trip with your family and didn't leave the Lord at home to wait for your return to your usual "routine".

    In and of itself there's nothing wrong with taking a break from work, school, and even housekeeping. Providing same doesn't put a person into debt to do so. Going on vacation is just a change in activities for a few days. IMHO, the problem arises when a family packs everything they need for the trip, except the Bible.

    While on vacation it's easy to find a prayer closet, if we look for one. If we care to do so, time can be set aside for daily devotions and study of His word. Worship of the Lord isn't confined to the physical structure down the road a piece from our house. People choose to travel with God or leave Him behind along side the Bible left wherever it's kept at home. Sadly many professing Christians choose to do the latter, it seems.

    Sadly, too, I'm speaking from experience. Looking back, we used to be avid campers. Gear stayed packed for spur of the moment weekend trips and planned vacation weeks. Today, I have deep regrets about the lost opportunities to serve and worship the Lord. We didn't go to the campground chapels on Sunday morning. Nor visit local churches before making the drive back home. If there's any such thing as an ideal time for devotions, it's while watching sunrise over God's creation. And, pausing to thank Him for the view from a mountain top or watching the sunset over the sea. Lost opportunities.

    Today, I'm thankful and blessed that our Lord called us back into His fellowship. So, I also know from experience we can choose to take God with us when we go on vacation or leave Him behind. That's why your story is so special to me. It's rare to hear one, like yours, when so many others tell what they did on "vacation".

    Thank you for sharing.


  14. Yes, but do business, the ones that actually benefit from it, put up the money, or is it the citizens that puts the money up?

    In this country its the citizens, its tax money, & its done for the benefit of the business.

    Of course in some cases it make some jobs available. But I have never had nothing like that benefit me the least bit.


    Ouch, Jerry. You just hit a big sore spot!

    Tax dollars being spent to benefit a select few, whether business or individuals. It seems, now-a-days, the spigot is wide open with tax dollars pouring out of every governmental level's coffers. Case in point.

    Massive amounts of money are being spent in this region for walking trails connecting greenways. Pedestrian bridges are being built over major highways so a select few can walk or bike along these trails from point A to point B. If memory serves, it was recently announced that a major road will be facing construction headaches and frequent closing for the next 13 months or so to install such a bridge. At the time I heard that, wondered how many millions per hiker/biker are being spent on that bridge.

    There's such a bridge over the route we use to visit family in another area. It's rare to see anyone on that bridge. The majority of the time it's empty when we pass underneath. Just as the walking path that partly connects two small towns in our area. That's an abandoned railroad spur that parrallels the highway connecting them. All of the county tax payers paid to pave that narrow ribbon that's almost always empty of foot/bike traffic.

    While I'm on the subject, let's not forget traffic sound walls for select neighborhoods, beach erosion repair for businesses who depend on tourist dollars, road construction projects for "entertainment/sports" complexes, a huge outlay for a nature park along side a local river, and tax dollars going to individual business interests for town beautification. (Yes, I'm on a rant this morning!) Why should my tax dollars go to paint and add awnings to Acme Five and Dime? Why should my tax dollars go to tear up the sidewalk and plant a tree in front of Joe's Beerjoint?

    Yes, these special interest projects generate jobs. Short term and gone when the project is completed. Plus, the tax dollars invested in these jobs could be spent on others that serve the public interest at large. School cafeteria personnel who will actually cook healthy foods instead of buying heat & eat chicken nuggets (subject of another rant, BTW). Or for badly needed repairs to the county courthouse. Or paving a dirt road that's become a haven for 4-wheelers who keep it unfit for auto travel.

    To try to get back on topic, if I can, it drives me nuts, to see my unwilling but mandated dollars go to provide more of the worldly lure of people away from church and the worship of God. Attendance at church last Sunday was down considerably due to the start of the "summer season" around here. With the end of the traditional school year, several families were on "vacation" at the constantly maintained (with tax dollars) beaches along the Outter Banks of NC.

    Do we need vacations, or are we content with the love of Jesus, and the life He has given us?

    What do YOU think?


    A few months ago, Wedesday morning/evening Bible study was cancelled and that time was devoted to preparation for upcoming church event. Choir practice was not cancelled. Heard an active deacon make this comment. "I thought they'd cancel choir practice, too, so I'd get a Wednesday vacation." My reaction to that comment is better left unsaid, especially when I'm in rant mode.

    Thanks for listening.
  15. Sometimes it's overpowering (for lack of a better term) to think about all the wonders that await us, when He calls us home. To sit at His feet and learn the mysteries of the Bible that won't be revealed until then.

    I can't carry a tune in a bucket, yet one day, I'll be able to sing those hymns of joy, hope, trust with a voice eartlhy mortals can't match.

    To walk with Him, whether in silence, listening, and/or in song, in the cool of the day.

    Genesis 3:
    8 And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day:

  16. The administration’s action would bypass Congress, where the Dream Act, designed to give a path to legal status for younger undocumented immigrants, has been stalled. It also pushes the issue back into the spotlight in the election campaign between Obama and Republican Mitt Romney, who has opposed the Dream Act.


    Congress has been made almost null and void through the use of federal agencies, such as Homeland Security, and czars.

    Next, the checks and balances, originally established with the founding of our government, are being thrown out the window for votes. Promise anything, give anything, to get votes to stay in power. Who cares about that dusty old piece of paper with 56 signatures? Or, that collection of 66 books in one, for that matter. It's the vote and only the vote that's important. Do whatever it takes to get it, regardless.
  17. It's interesting how different people react when they read a post.

    When I read Trent's, my initial reaction was something along this line.

    It's great to see a father actually doing something with their kids and enjoying doing so. It seems that's becoming increasingly rare these days, as parents (both father and mother) appear to be looking for anyone/anything that will babysit for them. Tomorrow is "Father's Day", yet how many men are more than simply biological parents of their children?

    Then, I read Jerry's post. I believe that from the moment of conception, abortion is murder. No qualifiers, no exceptions, no excuses. Yet, I wouldn't have thought about the possibility of a "wholesome" concert for the young ones, in my extended family, would have been tied to the murder of babies. OTOH, abortion support is everywhere, today. If I were to dive into the background of the clothes I'm wearing, food I've purchased, news on TV I've watched, etc & etc. I've probably indirectly supported those who condone this murder.

    Even within my own church membership, there are supporters of abortion. Witnessed, first hand, a woman storm out of a Sunday school class when the teacher mentioned, in passing, that he was opposed to abortion. Afterwards, heard several people choose sides in support of the woman. Does that mean that I should quit going to church because there are some pro choice members also attending? (Pastor has preached on the sancity of life.)

    I'm not sure where I'm going with this post. On one hand, I have praises for a man who's actually being a father to his children. On the other hand, an issue about a particular activity has emerged (at least to me). One of my biological brothers is also a brother in Christ. I have no doubt about that. Yet, he's a member of a Methodist church.

    Perhaps, I should close with this.

    ????????


  18. Just noticed that it said this on the side of my Sweppes Ginger Ale bottle: Contents under pressure. Handle with care.

    How true of us too! When we're under pressure, we need more care and careful handling - though this may be a better slogan:

    Life is fragile, handle with prayer. ;)


    With your permission, that will be on our church sign soon.
  19. Luke 22 KJB
    44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

    45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,

    How many followers of Christ are sleeping today when they should be:

    40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

    To me there's so much saddness within those verses. Jesus knew in ways we can't begin to comprehend what was ahead of Him. Not only the pain His physical body would have to endure. Also the pain that I can't describe when He bore my sins along with everyone else who would believe in Him.

    Yet, the few who were with Him went to sleep instead of following a simple request for what appears to be a relatively short period of time. I can't begin to imagine the depth of the sadness He must have felt when He woke them up.

    Is He looking upon us today with sadness, too?


  20. Lawmaker Banned From Speaking After Referring to Her Vagina in Abortion Debate

    So sad, today many adults have no shame, they say anything, anywhere, in front of anyone. Lots of fathers & mothers have failed miserably raising children without teaching right & wrong & no discipline.


    Reading the comments that follow the article reinforces what you posted.

    Or, perhaps, not reading them, thus staying out of the gutter.

    Sad................
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