Thunderophecles Bunnyopolus University

[john_r_jones]

An institution of indistinction where magic mushroom theology and Pot Belly Budah alerts are the subject of scorn and ridicule.

In English...just keep doin' whatcha been doin'

The bunny

[matt_hatter]

This thread must be for the intelligent posters. What am I doin' here?

[john_r_jones]

Be an Appostle, or just like one! Take advantage of our offer (and anyone else you can sucker into this deal!) right now of a diploma from our university we'll certify you a Doctor of our Reform School theology. Operators are standing by and if you act now we'll include free shipping!

I'm sorry that's free schlepping.

Dr. Bunny

[matt_hatter]

Do you take the Pell Grant?

[john_r_jones]

Wasn't Pell Grant in a soap opera?

[lablady2]

Gee, I already have my papers in Reform theology, but probably not the kind you're talking about.

I dated Pell Grant.

[lablady2]

John (aka Bunnylicious): Are you still in Paducah? Are you the John that was always the audio/visual kind of guy of the Paducah fellowship? Are you...gulp...the guy who rode my schoolbus to the school of the flashing purple?

John, are we fated to keep meeting on buses?

[john_r_jones]

I'm in Baton Rouge, though we still have purple and gold here. Yeah I guess we rode the bus together then and now. If you want you can E-mail me. (johnrjo@bellsouth.net)
John

[john_r_jones]

In the hutch I posted an article by Lewis Smedes about forgiveness. I found it to be helpful to me in my church life from the past and today. I recently had an experience that was dejavu in the "Commitment" realm.

It was a manipulation ploy to maintain control of their turf. Like we all do I wondered about how this would play out when I began to engage in this part of the church thangy, but I trusted the Holy Spirit within to guide me-which in the end was the case. As time progressed the enjoyment of doing decreased and the onerous-ness of it ramped up. Finally I had a meeting and with the volume turned up I voiced my feelings. The debate society tactics were in high gear and the outcome was for this fellow to get his way. So I let him, finished what I was doing and bid them and the kitchen a fond farewell. I can forgive them, it may take several times in the doing, but I also know I won't engage with them on anything of consequence in the future.

I find this the salvation I'm writing about of the Body of Christ. I am a part of the Body of Christ whether some church government system or some individual that I might have a conflict with flow or not.

I found myself free to be as gracious as I possibly could in this circumstance, even going the second mile in this case and serve them. And then it was time to go and I was free to do that as well.
John


(Message edited by john r. jones on July 25, 2006)

[john_r_jones]

Lets try this for an e-mail solution if you like the other doesn't seem to work-though it looks impressive. johnrjo@bellsouth.net

[miltietoast]

onerous-ness? jrj is that Onesimus's brother?

[miltietoast]

sounds like they lost a good cook also

[john_r_jones]

Sounded better than the word I had in my mind.
Yeah, well whatcha gonna do?

Thebunny

[miltietoast]

can you come to the oct mlts bring all the food,cook all the food ,serve allthe food ,pay for all the food?you will be blessed at the greatest mlts ever!We can even get you a couple of handmaidens to help you

[coppertree]

<font face="arial,helvetica"></font>
Hi All catching Up- Does getting ready for a math project, allow me to post here? lolol
John R --I am sorry hear that you won't be cooking magic there, but there is a time to go. Maybe this is that start for your move west again. God knows. I just know that missed a good brother, to say the least.
I went though a few things as you describe ; it is especially hard considering what happened us at the hands of men. You are a blessing and comfort to us !}

[john_r_jones]

Thanks y'all,
I'd say friends but that rings hollow to me after its overuse here. Anyway, it was a life lesson to let things play out and see God's faithfulness. I enjoy doing a number of things so not doing this isn't a great loss. I'm making sawdust at present trying to get some projects finished.

Thebunny

[matt_hatter]

can you come to the oct mlts bring all the food,cook all the food ,serve allthe food ,pay for all the food?you will be blessed at the greatest mlts ever

Miltie--is this what we called the MCM hook?

Speaking of food: My metaphor for factnet:

Factnet is the food court at the Mall; some folks like Taco Bell, others Chik-fil-a, while others taste the wild victuals of some crazy lettuce and sprout bar...and then there is Sbarro Pizza. We meet in the common area, some eat together, others wave ocassionally and still others have an ocassional dust up over the only empty table after too much shopping. Bottom line, we all gather in the common area, for different reasons, eating different cuisines, but we are all together.

OK OK, I know, corny.... Get over it, that's all I got today.

Matt "still got the cravin' for the Pepperoni pizza" Hatter

[miltietoast]

where are the corn dogs?
I know some think you are full of cast but that was beautiful analogy.
miltie "those ain't pepperoni's brother" toast

[j2theperson]

Yes, I must echo Miltie. Where's the corn dogs? Hotdog On A Stick was the best (but we don't have them in Wisconsin http://www.factnet.org/discus/clipart/sad.gif ). I knew a lot of guys who went there just because of the cute girls in those ridiculous Hotdog On A Stick uniforms. http://www.factnet.org/discus/clipart/lol.gif

[matt_hatter]

Are you telling me there is really a restuarant called "HotDog on a Stick"? WOW...corporate America's think tankers. Think I'll ask these guys if they'll consider a chain of Brussel Sprouts and Cabbage Samiches joints.http://www.factnet.org/discus/clipart/wink.gif

[lablady2]

I'm trying to imagine a cute hot dog on a stick outfit. It's not working for me.

[j2theperson]

***I'm trying to imagine a cute hot dog on a stick outfit.***

No, no, no, Lablady. I said cute *girls* in *ridiculous* uniforms (which, for those who don't know were red, blue, and yellow mini-dresses and silly hats).

And yes, Matt, there really is a restaurant called "Hot Dog On A Stick" which, I suspect, is the culinary equivalent of "Snakes On A Plane" (most likely on more than one level).

[john_r_jones]

I've been musing over this for a few days and have conceived the overarching theosophical theme of our crowd: Triumphal-isn'tism. We're failures and proud of it.

Thebunny

[matt_hatter]

Triumphal-isn'tism.

I am dying down here. (sorry Krems)
You got your basic NOLR, WoF, Calvanism, Armenianism, and now, from the far reaches of the sprained brain of the bunny: Triumphal-isn'tism. Where's the Red Book?

[speakword2004]

Wait, wait . . .quick John let's make that TRIUMPHAL-ISN'TISM with a TM. We need to trademark this one quickly so we can offer certification at $5000 dollars with a free Cloaking Doctrine device. Special 10% discount for early subscibers and super-apostles.

I also want to TM Trium-Phallic-ism for the less than secure super-apostles who need a little added extra to prove their worth in the Kingdom.

Quick, everyone look in the mirror and practise your "I rebuke you's" with a straight face.

[j2theperson]

***I also want to TM Trium-Phallic-ism for the less than secure super-apostles who need a little added extra to prove their worth in the Kingdom.***

Ur killing mehttp://www.factnet.org/discus/clipart/lol.gif

It's funny because it's true.

[john_r_jones]

Ahh,and as a lovely parting gift you win a set of steak knives for your witty answer. Thank's for playing.

WAB

[mcmstaff78]

You guys are a hott!!

JRJ: I've been musing over this for a few days and have conceived the overarching theosophical theme of our crowd: Triumphal-isn'tism. We're failures and proud of it.

Me: Well, from the world's perspective you can't get much more of a failure than Jesus and His apostles. I mean, the guy was crucified, his main followers all martyred save one, who got exiled to a little ****ant island. I mean, why wasn't he martching around that island singing "I rebuke you Satan in the name of the Lord to take up your weapons and flee..."? Or if he was, why wasn't it working.

Anyway, good class of people. I couldn't untie their sandals and wish I could *be* that much of a failure!!

[matt_hatter]

78 said: "Anyway, good class of people. I couldn't untie their sandals and wish I could *be* that much of a failure!!"

Aaaah--meeen.

78 said: "why wasn't he marching around that island singing"

Apparently, Phil forgot to show up with the flag barrel.

Matt

[john_r_jones]

Femtoseconds anyone? If a laser beam were fired for one second it would circle the earth eight times. If it were fired for a femtosecond it would travel the width of a human hair. Lasers capable of firing for approx 2 femtoseconds are now available for industrial use. They emit one or two photons of light energy in that time space and whatever they strike vaporizes instantly. They create a perfect plasma field without heating the surrounding objects, in the case of medicine without heating the tissue at all.

Why would this be of interest in a board which discusses other matters? It seems science has noted the existence of femtosecond emissions of energy from Quasars that equal the entire energy output of every star in the universe. Cosmogony, a pet topic of obscure theologians and philosophers is about to be the next above the fold news item that gets our attention. I say this because there is intense interest in the science community in equating the origins of the universe with the mechanics of our present cosmology, how creation works. If it is a creation at all is something skeptics are chewing on in unified string theory.

We're about to be presented with the next Copernican dilemma, how our theology shoehorns reality into our neat little ideologies. The fabric of reality is up for grabs these days and our excursions into our church history prove we're not in a vacuum ideologically. The human capacity to question and explore is alive and well, even in religious quarters.

John

[mdillon]

jrj- are you saying that God Almighty sometimes just toys with us from the other side of science? just to break the boxes that we have constructed for Him? just when we get Him all wrapped up tidy in our ideologies?

Awesome. I'm having a Winkie Pratney moment.

md

[matt_hatter]

You guys are too smart for me. I am going to go back to my childhood and get lost in the woods at Ft Rucker. All my life I wish I could figure out guys like you. I am 'borderline intellectual functioning' as we say in the biz.

[john_r_jones]

Well I don't think He's toying with us I think he desires to reveal himself but in a way that won't blow us away. I read about Moses meeting with God on top of the mountain and eventually in a tent-the tent of meeting. I find it interesting that at first the mountain quaked and even animals that ventured onto the mountain would die. As time progressed Moses made a habit of his communion with God. I think the trend continues on a broader scale, as the thirst for God is relegated to a few as usual others are onlookers. In Moses' day they stood at the entrances to their tents while he was spending time with God. I wonder sometimes if he was taking dictation? Did the Genesis accounts for example come from the handed down rememberances of the Hebrews? Oh well I'm stiring the pot again. Uh I think the tidy ideologies are in for a rough ride. Young earth creationism, the inner workings of our planet with an atomic core for example as the source of heat. If that proves to be the case the half life of the elements will be measurable. The magnetosphere is changing polarity which according to studies happens every few hundred thousand years. It's late, I'm tired and Dave Letterman is telling the same jokes over again, nitey night. Thanks for letting me ramble about mother earth etc. That'l get someone goin

Thebunny

[mdillon]

mattie, i grew up in the woods. summertime came and I would leave the house in the morning and not come back until dark--would the folks worry, hellno. played in the crick, early engineer discovering how dams worked. He was always there. had to cut 6 acres of grass every week--still takin' care of the folk. My view of the Kingdom doesn't get much farther than the smell of wood smoke, crawfish in the creek, the smell of cut grass, fresh rain, and freshly dug earth. And cigars. And neatsfoot oil in a baseball glove.
And now, you know, its sawdust. I have teachers that just come by the shop just to smell it, because it reminds them of their dad's shop.

I am a simple man. Smart? no. Smartass? definitely

Now consider the rejoinder from jrj above and take note that he's half asleep watching David Letterman AND HE WRITES LIKE THAT WHILE NODDING OFF.

I am a piker. a wannabe

md

[lablady2]

According to traditional rabbinic thought, God gave the entire Torah, written and oral, to Moses while he was on the mountain. So, in a sense, maybe he was taking dictation.

[john_r_jones]

Well in my studies it seems Moses is the first literate Hebrew who learned to write from the Egyptians. If so isn't that an interesting thought on providence. I understand about the Torah being given by God, what Im curious about is the explicit dialogue of Adam or Adham and his relationship to God. Also the use of days as the periods of creation, there were plants created on one day on the earth before there was light to support photosynthesis.
John

[lablady2]

md: Maybe it's just getting older, or older and wiser, but isn't it just the simplest things that bring you near to God? Smelling a newborn's head, smelling a sweaty grandkid's head, being with some one you love and actually liking their crowsfeet and balding head because you've grown old and stuck it out together (18 years here). For me, the love of God isn't so very hard to figure out. You'd throw yourself in front of a bus for one of those smelly, little kids. How much more would God do for us? I'll let other people worry about judgment, the last days, conspiracy theories, God's wrath, God's anger, and any brand of theology you can name. For me, I only see the love of God. And if I'm wrong, I can live with it.

[john_r_jones]

Dilley,
I done seen yo website, Piker you ain't bro!

John

[lablady2]

Adams relationship to God in Jewish thought is quite different than in Christianity.

Jews don't believe that people are born sinful. There was no "fall." Basically, there was a screw-up, a sin, and Adam suffered a consequence - he couldn't live in the Garden anymore. However, this didn't separate him from God, or the love of God. There seems to be a thought in Christianity that if a Jew doesn't keep the whole law, he has broken all the laws and cannot be redeemed. This is not true in Judaism. If a Jew commits a sin, he repents. If he is sincere in his repentence (as in, he doesn't do it again), he is forgiven. Long story short, God doesn't view Adam from a "sin" view point, but from a human one.

Judaism does not hold forth the belief that it is the only way to God. For a Jew, the right way is to practice Judaism. This is the reason that Judaism doesn't actively seek converts. From a Jewish perspective, a non-Jew simply needs to observe the Noahide laws in order to be in right standing with God. (Note: I think there are seven Noahide laws. One of them states that it is wrong to rip the leg from a live animal in order to eat it. Piece of cake).

The day thing requires some thought. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that the day, for Jews, begins at nightfall...."the evening and the morning, the first day." Plants at night, sun in the morning. Who knows? Just a thought.

Not sure any of this pertains to your original questions.

[matt_hatter]

Yea, John....with all of those sights, sounds and smells, coming into my house, that ain't no piker.

We had a creek on Ft Rucker called Claybank Creek. There was a place of refuge I always went to; it had a little sandy area, a shady cypress and a few eddies that ocassionally made some gutteral tones.

Everytime I read the first chapter of "The Yearling" where Jody builds the little flutter mill on the creekbank, I go there.

Good night all!

Matt

[john_r_jones]

Well I guess all those long nights when I was on the radio station some times there'd be St. Elmo's fire dancing and arcing on the guy wire insulators from the static electricity in the air from a thunderstorm somtimes many miles away. I'd stand there on those nights and look up and wonder. Because the station was in the middle of nowhere there was no light polution so the night sky was alive. Or on cold blustery nights when the wind howled and the building seemed like an outpost in Siberia or something. I used to ask these obnoxious questions and get glowered at. We'd run off the intellegent folks like my roomie Dennis in Paducah or the brothers from Owensboro who were in our church. I'm enjoying the freedom to think about God and talk about Him to y'all. It really is g'nite now gang, thanks.

John

[mdillon]

lablady, see, you smelled it too, didn't you. The Kingdom smells. If it's black and white letters on a page-count me out.

Throw yourself in front of the bus? sure,no prob. How 'bout taking that young boys hand and showing him how to hold a skill saw so he won't cut his hand off, and teaching him how to use a chisel to mortise out a hingepocket, and taking sawdust and throwing it down his buttcrack 'cause he's saggin too much. Giving these boys hope because the guidance office doesn't give two****s for the ones that aren't going to college.

Having your teenage boy saying,"dad, no one understands me except you"

I do not deserve to live simply because I suck.

This life is His gift.

md

[lablady2]

jrj: an amendment. From a traditional (Ultra Orthodox/some Orthodox) perspective, a non-Jew simple needs to observe the Noahide laws.

There are five major branches of Judaism: Ultra-Orthodox (this is not the name they go by, and their are several subfactions), Orthodox, Modern Orthodox, Conservative and Reform. This is probably a weak analogy, but the Ultra Orthodox would correspond to the extreme religious right and the Reform would correspond more to, say, the Episcopalians. In other words, you have very conservative and fairly liberal factions within Judaism and, as you would expect, they have very different views. You can just imagine the possibilities. Therefore, it's almost impossible to say "Jews believe" without a qualification.

[lablady2]

md: Loving the unlovely, the kid nobody else sees. To me, that speaks of a man who walks with God. It's all the small things.

[john_r_jones]

This is a bad habit for me I gotta stop.
I just wondered when the Father began to speak with Moses if He intended to have His relationship metamorphose into the long talks in the tent of meeting. With Adam, God spent a lot of time with Adam before Eve was created, did Adam grow in his awareness of loneliness while communing with God? Did he get the idea of loneliness from God? I see as you say the enjoyment of somple things as a gift from God, something of Eden in everyday life-God breathed.

John

[lablady2]

md: Okay, I'm obviously wired from a long, hard day. But. One more thought. I don't think it's so odd to believe that you can smell the kingdom. The sense of smell has the strongest memory recall. We're just smelling home.

Too much profound thought for one night. I'm off to play party poker until I fall outta my chair.

[lablady2]

John...we gotta stop meeting this way.

I think, from a traditional Jewish perspective, one would say that if it exists (it being lonliness), where else could it have come from? Some people won't be able to tolerate where that line of thinking will eventually take you. I, personally, don't have a problem with it.

[miltietoast]

"If we try to esteem Him, we lower our estimation of Him"
Pre-Nicene writings(possibly Justin Martyr or Tertullian not fo sure)

[miltietoast]

So,Tues morning I ask child 3of5(middle child)if she would like to ride around with me today(that is how I work)Just like her dad only looks better on her.Bettianne is her name and she is a party going somewhere to happen.You hear her before you see her.She lives life at 120%.Not enough femtoseconds for her.19 years old and sophomore at Tenn Tech.
Where am I going with this? I wanted to post my adventure yesterday but did not know where or how to start.Thanks bunnies for creating a place.I was going to ephizie but I don't have to now.
Couple of points.
1. my chidren have been a joy(net sum gain)as babies and toddlers but nothing prepared me for the joy of watching these little units become little adults.(wipe away tears of joy and thankfulness)There interaction with friends each other us,fiancees ,boyfrinds girlfriends(I try to uphold a modified dating revelation,which is you strive to start as friends and stay friends that is the goal)There is a wedding coming on the son of man..... I am estatic!To watch their faith and questions about faith

[miltietoast]

contin... 2. The joy comes from adult talk a conversation of give and take. Is that what God is after?With Moses? With you and me. The joy of fellowshipping not as parent to baby goo goo and gah gah.What joy unspeakable He must have with His children who actually try to grow up. He can be their friend.I saw a glimpse of that with Bettianne Tues.We discussed window packages with the pres of a building supply company,we met with the county executive and asked if he could support my plans of resubdividing a plat of land into smaller parcels,the county executive put us on the docket for the next commission meeting,we went to lunch and Betti never stopped talking long enough to eat (highly unusual for her),we looked at the subdivision platt and disscussed the best way to divide it(she gave me ideas that I will implement)talked about her beau that just left for Princeton on full scholarship acdemic/football--when should she go up there?

[miltietoast]

late Oct after Bekahs wedding was "our"conclusion.Stopped by water dept to check on water line sizes it was closed,visited with surveyor and asked him to redraw plans according to Betti's and my idea. Told her that I did not know how I was going to pay for a wedding,major restorative dental work for Betti (she was born with 6 missing teeth)and Rae Ann wants a new pool now!(ours exploded).Betts says ,You know dad He knows what we need before we ask,but for some reason He wants us to tell Him want we want."(Istarted to rebuke the spirit of Krems but held my tongue)She said ."I do not feel like I pray to God I just sort of talk to Him and invite Him into my thoughts."I said well somebody called yesyerday and wants to buy one of our lots and I do not want to sell it,but if I sold it for a little more than the offer it would pay for everything I just mentioned." "have you talk to the Lord about it?""A little but I think I will tell Him I "want" to sell it.I had already told the gentleman I was not interested in selling so I called himwhile Betti was sitting in the car and left a message that I would sell at a slightly higher price. This afternoonhe called back and said I will bring you a check Aug9. I saw Betti getting out of her friends car and I shouted "hey i just sold the lot" she said,"for thehigher amount?" "within 500.00 of it",I replied. She gave me the thumbs up and walked into the house.

[miltietoast]

In 27 years of marriage , a new pool is the first thing Rae Anns has ever come out and asked me for.She is one special Proverbs 31 woman!

[john_r_jones]

Well,
here I sit at 4am, been working on cutting together tunes the creative knucklehead I am. I think ol Adam saw something in the Trinity, not that he knew what a "Trinity" is of the hopeless romantic God is. Moses saw the same thing. I think about this stuff and I can't sleep. When I worked in broadcasting or production sometimes I'd get hooked in the recording studio-editing suite and stay up for days. I piddle around at night and then work during the day. When I lived in OKC the station General Manager once asked me if I actually had a place to live. In L.A. I'd drag home around 4AM from doing creative stuff sleep for a bit and do it all over agian sometimes for six weeks straight. Funny how God wires us differently but still soemhow into Him. My pal in L.A Robert my fellow southerner and I would go to China Town at 2AM and get dinner.

Still a kid!

[john_r_jones]

Miltie,
my kids are grown and we've been enjoying that bond you're speaking of. They are involved in productions at school and we talk about character development-not in the self improvement sense, but how to portray a certain role with more depth. Or some PHD candidate has a play they're involved with and we'll talk about the writing and plot development. My youngest is the resident genius, bought a Hegel book to read for something to do. To see the Father's hand in their lives and watch His handiwork is astonishing.

John

[mcmstaff78]

Now I know why I go to bed early. You guys are way too deep for me late at night (and in the wee hours of the morning).

You know, I once heard that the Russians call 3:00 AM or so the "time of the wolf" because that is when the "wolf" comes to stalk your thoughts. Apparently vodka is a good rememdy for that.

[lablady2]

Miltie: I enjoyed your posts about your daughter and the wonder of watching the kids grow and participate in give and take. Those moments are divine in every sense of the word. The only thing as good (and maybe even better) is being able to share stories like that with a granddaughter about her mother. Sweet.

Short night, jrj.

My 86 year old dad is 4.5 years into a diagnosis of chronic myologenous leukemia, a disease with a prognosis of 5-7 years. He's having gall bladder surgery this a.m. Prayers and good thoughts are requested. I've been off work for almost two years, largely to take care of him since he stopped driving. He and I have been sharing some pretty divine moments and memories as well.

Wishing all of you a terrific day.

[matt_hatter]

As one who has driven the streets of your fair town with you and have seen you in action, I was in the back seat with you and Betti. Give her some jaw sugar for me....great story, my dear freind.

Matt

[mcmstaff78]

Heavenly Father, physician of our souls and bodies, Who have sent Your only-begotten Son and our Lord Jesus Christ to heal every sickness and infirmity, visit and heal also Your servant, LL2's dad, from all physical and spiritual ailments through the grace of Your Christ. Grant him patience in this sickness, strength of body and spirit, and recovery of health. Lord, You have taught us through Your word to pray for each other that we may be healed. I pray, heal Your servant, LL2's dad, and grant to him the gift of complete health. For You are the source of healing and to You I give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

[coppertree]

<font face="arial,helvetica"></font>
Hi All--Catching up, if that is possible. I saw , on PBS, Brian Greene special on the string theory. It has some of the same elements that John R was talking about in his post. These scientists , on the special are close to discovering the creation. Some of the math is now ready, they are proposing parallel universes. These universes , one could walk on water, go through walls , and exit time, and renter time again, travel from one physical area to another in a flash. Of course, all of us that know the Word; we already think that all this could and did happen.
Brian Greene, a gifted teacher at Columbia, has two recent books, 'The Elegant universe" and I think,' Fabric of Universe" (although ,it could be time". These two books talk about these points and more, and I also like "How the Universe Got Its' Spots" , by Jana Lewis}

[john_r_jones]

Ctree,
The femtosecond technology is enabling scientists to see chemical reactions as they occur which happen on that kind of scale. We've only been able to observe the before and after of chemical reactions. This has great application in the study of photosynthesis. And in other forms of synthesis, chemosynthesis at great depths either by marine life or bacteria found in the earth's depths.

There are femtosecond chemical reactions on a molecular level going on in your eye as you read this screen. The next generation of computers may be chemical in fact because they could operate in this realm quite easily outpacing the nano-technology of today.

In the study of cockroaches and their cognitive skills they have two kinds of sentience, a brain and another type of activity in the thorax. Scientists are seeking to replicate this technology and their only explanation is millions of years of evolution.

The breakthroughs coming will I think debunk the myth of self-design which hampers critical thought obviously? Can the intelligence of design incorporate the capacity to adapt, to evolve? Yes.

Where does this leave us in our world? Well the church is trying to Christianize the world which history has shown, particularly in recent times that that is a useless course of action. Our experience and subsequent faithfulness to our callings to be His children, not "Their Children" makes us free to be a part of the Body of Christ. Critical thought, dialogue and exploration of all kinds, including theological and theosophical are answers to questions faced by our society.

Our culture deadens us to the realities of God and His creation, our spirituality is the avenue to that life we are called to bring to the world. You are called to investigate the sphere of influence you have as a part of the Body, not exclusive of a governmental system or sect. I refer to the church universal(Catholicity) as a Body because when I think of it that way I consider it living and growing and functioning in a reasonable capacity to care for itself. I've found Wesley's quadrilateral quite helpful for me in appropriating how I am to function as a believer in the church.

Thanks,
John

[mdillon]

jrj-"In the study of cockroaches and their cognitive skills..."

otherwise know as "FactNet exposes EN"

i'm sorry,could not resist, thanks for letting jethro butt in.

md

[john_r_jones]

I didn't realize you lived in a gated community? How are the Drysdales?

Thebunny

[mdillon]

never see 'em anymore ever since that broocks fella moved next door. sez he's busy countin' his money, never has time for uncle jed no more.

but, hey, ya know, i'm gonna be a brain surgeon so i'd kinda like to test out them cockroaches bein' incognito and all.

[john_r_jones]

"Jed, Jed thars a big hog next door!" Remember that one? O T-1 linedness one.

Thebunny

[mdillon]

see, john, i am no good for you. here you are in the middle of some sort of quantum physics with coppertree and before you can say hologram i've got you quotin' beverly hillbillies. I AM the big hog next door. sorry, coppertree. shoulda kept my big teeone shut.

Ok, this is going to double-dip 'cause I am on the teeone and I'm outta here, ain't staying to clean up the double. If JIA is lucky it'll be a triple.

catch you back at the hacienda. got a hankerin' for a mixin' bowl full of cornflakes

md

[mdillon]

see, john, i am no good for you. here you are in the middle of some sort of quantum physics with coppertree and before you can say hologram i've got you quotin' beverly hillbillies. I AM the big hog next door. sorry, coppertree. shoulda kept my big teeone shut.

Ok, this is going to double-dip 'cause I am on the teeone and I'm outta here, ain't staying to clean up the double. If JIA is lucky it'll be a triple.

catch you back at the hacienda. got a hankerin' for a mixin' bowl full of cornflakes

md

[john_r_jones]

In all seriousness Ellie May kissed me once, I blushed so badly they had to turn on the air conditioning to cool the room down.
John

[john_r_jones]

Local Story in
The Advocate (http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/3434261.html?showAll=y&amp;c=y) tells the story of ussins down heah. The stories of our nere-do-well citizens just doesn't wash BTW.

John

[lablady2]

mcm: I thought I posted a thanks for your prayers this a.m. but it's not showing up. Anyway, thank you. I appreciate your thoughtfulness. The surgery was not without it's complications, but he is okay for now.

Merciful heavens, looks like I get to be either Granny or Jethrine. Granted, they are both hot, but I guess I'm going with granny. It's a role I know all too well (although the spawn of my spawn call me Grammy).

[lablady2]

jrj: Oh, THAT "The Advocate." I am rofl.

[john_r_jones]

Lablady2,
I readed yoar blog-'scuse me, that thang you wroted an' I wuz impressesed.

Tha's what I said...
Thebunny-Bread

[john_r_jones]

Just a Quick note. In discussions with the fellow who pastors the congregation where I attend, we've broached the subject of the inspiration of scripture. Was it inspired in the sense that God wrote it through someone or that the someone's wrote as they were moved by God. In the end I don't know if it really matters that much.

The Hebrew bible speaks of the oneness of God as opposed to the polytheism of Pagans. Of course in the New Testament we learn of the Christ and the parakletos other aspects of a triune God. In so doing Christians observe the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our worship and prayer. Now I don't pretend to fathom the depths of adham the male and female of man as God created us and the later Adam and Eve who God made as a couple who in my mind represent the trinity in creation. The man the woman and the earth in which they have their being. This relational thing is what we crave it drives us its passion overwhelms us at times. So when God the Father and the Holy Spirit watched over the Son as he on the sixth day said "it is finished" and returned to the earth on the seventh day to rest; and on the first day the Son to rise and begin anew the ministry of the triune God in his creation what conclusion do we draw.

Robert Capon surmises that the story as with any other story didn’t have its Genesis in Genesis, but possibly elsewhere as is the case with most writings. The first paragraph or maybe the first chapter comes later. Somewhere a stanza, a line a thought gets written and then fleshed out in several directions. Could that be the case in this narrative we call scripture? The statement “That God so loved the world…” seems a likely candidate. We wonder how God could have loved something from the beginning or from before the beginning since “In the beginning” isn’t. If it is love then certainly Jesus’ arrival as not mere object of iconography, but as a lover in truth and deed is something that inspires us as we write our stories on the pages of history.

John

[john_r_jones]

I've just opened a package with yet anither book and in glancing thriugh the first pages of it I spied something that if nothing else makes sense in the deal the book was worth the price.

He-Michael Yaconelli, met a man who'd been ruined by Jesus. He was a sizeable fellow and intimidating with a scraggly beard and pony tail, and most unnerving quiet. They sat and talked for a time and afterwrds he urged Michael to write a book-<u>Dangerous Wonder</u>. He'd been ruined by the love of Jesus, where ambition, loud talk and egotism might have been there was gentleness.

I chuckle as I read this because it seems I have the same "dilemma" of being ruined thanks to the love of Jesus and that of my family I'm quite the mess these days-thankfully.

John

[john_r_jones]

Mars Attacks!

Scientists persuaded the powers that be to construct an observatory and telescope in the early twentieth century and began investigations into the solar system among other things.

The appearance of "canals" on mars initiated an erroneous presumption of little green men and UFOs. As time has progressed we've grown in our knowledge, the exploration of mars has netted much while opening a window on the vastness of our ignorance. Similarly I think we have theological "Little Green Men" in the telescoping of scripture and prophecy. Sociologists seek to find illumination into our behavior by selectively superimposing the customs and rules of centuries old instances of culture on our post-modern society. In so doing we have nice little black and white solutions for a variety of problems; of course some of these "problems" aren’t real problems. I find it interesting that Jesus refused to be drawn into the arcania of the religionists of His day. He would ask them real-world questions such as "Was John's baptism from men or from God?" They argued amongst themselves over the political implications of their answer, Jesus knew their hearts. Instead of concern for the welfare of their culture they wanted to maintain power.

I find most of the issues raised in such a vein today more about power than about living life. We’re more concerned about living in a manner that’s comfortable for Christians than the quality of life led by our society and baptize it as altruism. This conceit masquerading as Christian virtue rings hollow to me as disingenuous as the crusades and inquisitions of centuries past. When we begin to seek and search out those who are "lost" and serve them we'll begin to resemble the gospel spoken of by Jesus.


John

[john_r_jones]

Eugenics is the outgrowth of this line of reasoning I might add, we select the best of our culture whatever that may be and seek to amplify its influence. God looked creation in its entirety and said it is good. That said we aren't called to antipathy or apathy, we are called to Mercy and grace.

John

[john_r_jones]

There is a small pocket sized book that I got a few months ago and when I can work up the nerve I read a few pages, grimace and pray like the Dickens. It's a book that could easily slip into your shirt pocket and carry with you or like me it sits on the bedside table for meditative reading.

It's Anthony DeMello's last meditations in a book called <u>The Way To Love</u>. I leave it to you to explore his writings but I've found them profound and a help in my journeys. He has several books in print and they basically address our awareness in life and how many of us sleep as Paul possibly wrote of. I found I had a teddy bear or two clutched to my chest, in some cases I still do, waking up isn't an exercise in spiritual egotism, that's just another illusion.

It is however a place of freedom and vulnerability to God and ultimately to life, and a place of childlikeness to hear our inner voice. A voice put there by God which gets drowned out by our "adult-ness" and in so doing miss the God of creation's voice whispering in the breeze in the cool of the day in the Eden of our hearts.

John

P.S. I've been rambling again over on the proboards (http://everynation.proboards102.com/index.cgi) site if you wish to see.

[john_r_jones]

In my elderliness I've had a couple of sessions where someone I was talking with would have all the answers. This is post Maranatha and I just chuckled to myself. I've learned a thing or two about folks:

Liars always tell the "truth", and have an answer for everything.

Honest people lie, they don't always get their facts straight and can be trusted because they don't have an answer to everything.

People who need to be right can't be engaged constructively, they need to foster their addiction, particularly religious people.

When we go the second mile, give our shirt and our coat, and serve under duress we are ultimately in control. The first mile might be under compulsion, the second is by choice, likewise with the garments. Then, as a friend who is wise said to me, "You're the adult, you get to make the choice."

Jesus told His disciples to shake the dust off their feet when they weren't received, don't burden yourselves with folks who don't want to hear Good News.

Have a nice time!

John

[coppertree]

<font face="arial,helvetica"></font>
Hi John- Well said, a timely word, like a cup of cool water on a day like this ! Thanks !}}

[john_r_jones]

Thanks C-tree.

The disciples of Jesus remarked about the beauty of the temple one day and the Master's reply shocked them. He said not one stone would be left on top of another, they didn't understand but it came to be a historic fact.

I found this paradox of the temple interesting; Jesus and Satan have a session on its pinnacle about the whole of humanity, Jesus gives him the heave ho. Later Jesus in an uncharacteristic spate of anger drives out the money changers and the commercial interests in the temple courts, though He's passed by them all of His life since childhood. It is possible that his folks bought a dove as an offering for Him there as an infant. He reveres this as His Fathers house as a house of prayer, yet he prophesies that it will be destroyed. The curtain in the holy of holies ripped from top to bottom when He died and the reality of Emanuel-God with us seemed to have its inauguration on this day.

I went for my walk this morning not in the best of moods, we all have different days I suppose, and I needed to hear from the Father today. As adults we hone the practiced art of tuning out; something as simple as sitting in traffic, the tedium and boredom of life, our unmet expectations, and unrealized dreams all given to the maturity of rationalization. The spiritual professionalism of our religiosity isn't the route to intimacy and communion with not only God, but our interiority.

Though God indwells us in our human spirits he isn't satisfied with a walled-off existence in some religious quarter of our rational beings. In effect He says see that construct of barriers and concepts and compensations for life's disappointments or successes for that matter? They're commin' down! Not one defense mechanism, idolatrous religiosity, bigotry, or self recrimination or condemnation will stand between you and Him.

He desires to free us from our alabaster prisons of idealized existences that aren't real, not call for prison reform, better food, more magazines, and comfier cells, but freedom. "He whom the Son sets free is free indeed" we've heard a thousand times. Oh and by the way freedom makes others nervous because prison breaks are scary things, the warden gets uppity and the sirens go off in our heads and the dogs of propriety sniff about on our trail. But Jesus who earthquaked his way into the New Testament has a funny way of opening those prison doors.

John

[matt_hatter]

JRJ: "Though God indwells us in our human spirits he isn't satisfied with a walled-off existence in some religious quarter of our rational beings.

They're commin' down!"

What is it about us? We think we must act religious around our Creator much like we smooze at a dinner party among our peers....let's see, what face do I need to put on today....when will I realize that He chuckles at my religious masks? They are fruitless and hideous to look at, "You can run, boy, but you cannot hide!"

I am going to blog a story called "Comfortable in Your Skin" sometime down the road...I want to get there someday...that journey has started, thankfully, and this old wrinkled skin feels much better everyday!

Matt

[miltietoast]

The Holy Spirit is the Pepe Le Pew of the cartoon world. Where can I hide from your prescence Lord?

[matt_hatter]

Miltie, aren't we just like the cat with the fresh paint down her back?? We do everything we can to get away from the sweet aroma of the Holy Spirit...and old Pepe never seems to tire of our shenanigans...

[coppertree]

<font face="arial,helvetica"></font>
Hi , I thought that the Holy Spirit, smells good; oh,it is to the world that is dying, it smells bad. Ok I see.
I need help with a young teenaged skunk that my cat has fallen in love with. When she gets a late night visit from this improbable suitor; I have to just let them be on the deck ,and I quietly close all my slider and windows. This cat is older and some what blind; maybe her sense of smell is going now , too.}

[miltietoast]

copper-- they smell is the first thing to go -that is why they make sharp smelling cheese-smells mellow to older folks.
Pepe is my hero!

[lablady2]

Pepe may have been my first crush. That accent AND so smooth.

[miltietoast]

My favorite cartoon characters(may reveal too much about me--Pepe,Foghorn Leghorn incl chicken hawk,Heckel and Jeckel,Taz

[lablady2]

Heckel and Jeckel used to scare me. Foghorn was a role model.

[matt_hatter]

"Why do ya do me like you do, do, do, dawg?"
Foghorn Leghorn

BTW, we had a Senator from Alabama for years who we called Foghorn Leghorn:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howell_Heflin

matt

[miltietoast]

"fortunately I keep my feathers numbered for just such an occaision"foghorn leghorn

[john_r_jones]

I was thinking this morning about how we associate certain things with a word. If you were to write "John" on a chalk board anything from a person to a plumbing fixture and some things in between would emerge as the discussion ensued.

For many the word "God" has a certain meaning and our concepts of Him surround how we associate ourselves with Him. One of the primary issues Brennan Manning raises in his seminars is the idea of healing our concept of God and ourselves. I've found as I realize that the point of the exercise as a Christian isn't perfection of practice as such, but relationship for relationship's sake. I see church websites and they have mission statements and schemes they employ to reach their communities.

For some the senior pastor is seldom there he serves as a figurehead while someone else does the yeoman's work of teaching and caring for the flock. This notion of arm's length Christianity has always troubled me in the sense that we belong to a name branded ministry. Somehow intimacy with the Father is unsubstantiated or held in low regard in comparison to achieving an ideology or goal. The issue for me is the folks who then lead others to a God of the ministry of which they belong are in reality leading others to a concept or ideology.

How odd it must seem after a time when the dynamics of a living being, much less a divine uncreated living being outgrows the concept. The teaspoon we seek to catch Niagara Falls in wavers in our hand under the immense weight of a roaring torrent. We assume as a consequence of the wavering that something is wrong with us when in reality it may be the concept is wavering and we're fine because of the nearness of God which is what he desires in the first place.

John

[john_r_jones]

I was reading over on one of the other threads about Policy Governance and wondered what the heck will these guys do with this? I say this because I read the church website paragraphs from the EN/Morningstar church in Studio City-linked there from an entetainment ministry site. I read the pastor's thoughts on grace and the use of verbage like scandalous etc. I then browsed around and found the, I guess you'd call it the mission statement nothing scandalously graceful there. The use of stuff like great numbers of people sweeping into their ministry as a statement of purpose sounds like an episode of "Pinky and the Brain" again. I'll be curious to see the outcome of the policy wonks fused with the theology wonks and their conflicting rhetoric. Ah don't tell me that's a ploy right?

John

[john_r_jones]

I have been driving the Volvo we bought eleven years ago and had bequeathed such to our kids to drive-after they bashed the newer car we'd bought for them. It's a good ol' car and I enjoy driving it quirks and all. My newer car is sitting in a service bay at the shop where two mechanics have it torn apart tracing an electrical anomaly.

I want to digress for a second and go back to the world of Femtoseconds and science because I think it is germane for us here. The issue for our society is one of learning and growth or we die-literally. To sustain our lives at present we burn things-oil, gasoline, natural gas, coal, etc. What femtosecond technology will bring is the understanding of chemical reactions in order to sustain ourselves by transforming things.

Plants and animals use the sunlight or other things in the environment for fuel by converting them into useful chemical compounds. For example everything you eat is eventually converted to sugar. A doughnut takes about twenty minutes to become a part of the metabolic system and begin to be used as glucose. A steak takes about eight hours before its protein mass becomes sugar, we scale this in a glycemic index in nutrition. Plants either photosynthesize or chemo synthesize the sunlight and other compounds such as nitrate and carbon dioxide into energy and respire oxygen into the atmosphere as a byproduct. Femtosecond laser technology is the key to seeing these reactions occur in the time they occur. If you'll remember a femtosecond is the time it takes light to travel the width of a human hair.

As I look at the gospels I see something interesting going on with Jesus in a similar vein. He doesn't use people he doesn't "burn" them he converts them into useful members of His kingdom. He doesn't care about social status either way; He loved the rich young ruler and He spoke with the woman at the well an outcast and of low estate. In His brand of discipleship Jesus makes converts in that He allows them the grace and reality of His love to enable them to lead useful and productive lives. He in effect unleashes a chain reaction that ripples through the fabric of society and time still in effect today. That of making disciples which I think is as, if not more descriptive than prescriptive. It's a depiction of what Christians are-disciples, than of what they are doing. In our superheated spiritual unreality of today we're chopping down entire forests and throwing them into the fire and then congratulating ourselves with the notion of progress.

I remember the story of a man who invented a big furnace everyone in his village was impressed that he was a man of means. He started out small, kindling, twigs, then firewood. As the blaze in the furnace grew and some of the townsfolk came by to watch he was inspired so more logs on the fire and more heat and the furnace began to roar. Soon a crowd had gathered and he began chopping up tables and chairs to stoke the blaze eventually the house was dismantled and thrown in for a crescendo of such proportions that the light of the blazing furnace attracted folks from the next town over they came rushing in to see what was going on.

The proud fellow stood there and basked in the success he'd gained. Everyone stood around and admired the furnace, discussed the prospects of its use and enjoyed the warmth in the chill of the evening. After a while dawn began to break and the blaze began to become glowing embers. Soon the furnace began to cool and the embers were quenched and the smoldering fire was extinguished. There the fellow stood in the yard where the foundation of his house was all that remained his life's work beside the furnace. Are you converting or burning; others, the life around you, yourself, your family?

Continued...

[john_r_jones]

Old Betsy as we call her the old Volvo is a good friend with two hundred and fifty thousand miles on the odometer. My other "new" car has one hundred twenty thousand or so miles on it. As I began to be converted in my heart I realized that I'd been sold a bill-o-goods in the lifestyle adopted by the church from the insane world we live in. I take care of Betsy and she’s taken care of us several trips to Denver and back; the last one crammed with five dogs, three kids, a chinchilla and a goldfish in the back, a luggage carrier on top.

I frankly see the modern church devouring the human landscape for some quest to have a dominion, a mandate to rule. Over what I'm not sure because it seems increasingly like the burning world and the church are more and more alike. The Nero's of our day fiddle in distracted self importance while their empires are filled with the charred remains of people they've used and discarded. In the Hebrew bible the word Gehenna the word for hell translates as a burning stench. That Gehenna was the burning smell outside the city walls that arose from the dung heaps and where the sewerage and refuse of the city was piled; it stung the nostrils. Frankly I wonder if the Hell some endure is the spent remains of a wasted life for them and the ruined lives of others.

Scripture promises us we'll be transformed in the twinkling of an eye when we meet Jesus, a femtosecond's worth of conversion.

John

(Message edited by john r. jones on August 11, 2006)

[miltietoast]

jrj
betsy will lay down with the lexus and vaporize in a femtosecond or sooner

[miltietoast]

my 89 240 volvo wagon's odometer broke at 263,000.Poor girl doesn't know how old she is and likes it that way

[lablady2]

miltie: I had an old Volvo wagon, and it was one of my favorite cars ever. The color was a putrid aqua blue but I loved her anyway.

My 1985 Izuzu troop hit 243,000 miles and is being reworked. Couldn't kill that truck.

My present car is a Mercury Mountainer. Wouldn't trade her if I won the lottery. She may not be able to take out a school bus but I think she could hold her own. Unlike a Ford Contour.

[annelewis]

Labby - I am currently driving an 1989 Isuzu Trooper. At one time it was in an accident so the front hood is crinkled and is held down by a chain. The driver side back door has duct tape on it to remind everyone not to use that door. There are rust spots galore. The radio only gets AM and has two volume settings, really loud and off. When it accelerates, it sounds like an airplane revving up for take off. This was my son's car. He is Marine bootcamp right now so has no need of it. I call it the God car because it was a gift to my son who at that time was wondering does God provide. I suppose some would say that if it really were a God's provision that my son should have ended up with something nicer but my son doesn't see it that way.

Since we will be getting yet another car next week (Outback w 200K miles) I don't know what we will do w/ the trooper. Part of me wants to hang on it to for awhile, so my second son (currently driving a '92 Tempo) can learn to drive a stick. Part of me thinks we should pass it along to someone else. When my son graduates from boot in Oct. we'll let him help make the decision.

[formermaranathapastor]

I lived with credit card debt for many years until I learned how to be debt free, and one of the keys is not having a car payment each month. I drive a 97 Olds and I will drive it until it will no longer drive. Then I will pay cash for another used car. No credit payments for me anymore.

Being debt free allows one to have more disposable income for things you need, for investments, and to help others who need financial help. It is a blessing, and in turn, you can bless others.

[j2theperson]

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1>quote:</font>

John wrote: Plants and animals use the sunlight or other things in the environment for fuel by converting them into useful chemical compounds. For example everything you eat is eventually converted to sugar. A doughnut takes about twenty minutes to become a part of the metabolic system and begin to be used as glucose. A steak takes about eight hours before its protein mass becomes sugar, we scale this in a glycemic index in nutrition.<!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote>
The moral I am taking away from your post is that I should ditch the veggies and eat more cake and ice cream.

I drive a 13 year old Ford Taurus named The Jessicar. The air conditioning doesn't work, but since I prefer the wind from an open window anyways that's not a problem. It has travelled the distance from Los Angeles to WI on two occassions and back and forth from LA to Tucson several different times. She's my baby and I love her.http://www.factnet.org/discus/clipart/happy.gif

[annelewis]

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1>quote:</font>

FMP wrote: I lived with credit card debt for many years until I learned how to be debt free, and one of the keys is not having a car payment each month. I drive a 97 Olds and I will drive it until it will no longer drive. Then I will pay cash for another used car. No credit payments for me anymore.

Being debt free allows one to have more disposable income for things you need, for investments, and to help others who need financial help. It is a blessing, and in turn, you can bless others.<!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote>

I was raised in a very frugal home. The first time I saw a high consumption lifestyle was in MCM. The ironic thing was that I, a college student, was able to give a lot because of my parents' frugality (shaking head). I eventually went on to rack up a shocking amount of credit card debt. Oig.

I won't blame MCM for my years of spendthriftiness, but I don't think it helped much as I was forming my sense of independence to see a materialistic lifestyle modeled as being what a Godly adult strives for.

The other thing that should have clued me in that something was wrong was that I often heard people boast (yes, boast!) about the deals they'd received as if this justified the rather upscale lifestyle that they lived. This was seen as God's blessing and a sign of His favor.

[jesusisawesome]

John, I love your postings above. I appreciate your heart so much. You are a rich blessing. So many wonderful people I have met here on FactNet. My life has been greatly enriched.

[john_r_jones]

Thanks JIA ditto for your enjoy your weekend.
John

[miltietoast]

I don't have a debt that death can't clear up

[john_r_jones]

So I was reading over yonder about hearing from God and thought I'd throw my two centavos in the spare change jar.

For years I bugged God about a word from Him for direction or vision or something such. One of the things that I've found to be true in the later years of my life is a thought by Thomas Merton, "If it is God you find so easily is it God you've found?" Does that mean the ascetic life for me to find Him? I suppose as I've learned to be quiet I've learned to hear the silence of God. I can remember sitting in a home group and hearing others jabber on in prayer while we hootahed and I just sat there silent focused on the Father. I felt an immense presence; I still remember it like it was today, His being made tangible in a noisy religious place.

I'd say first of you must come to know that God likes to spend time with His children, in fact He likes to play as much or more than pray. Play, you nuts or something God doesn't play! He lurks in the spaces of life and waits for us, in the moment when I get in the car and shut off the radio left on by someone and instead I muse on Him. In the instant of the early morning when I sense a voice calling me from the depths of sleep, some days He says, "Hi just checking in, you can sleep today, I'll see you later."

As the time of fellowship grows the where, what, and who of life don't matter as much. What does matter is the still inner voice of a child that I do tune into. What does your heart tell you, your desires, and your emotions. Unlike some who seek to truncate our emotional selves in favor of our intellectual selves which I don't find scriptural-Jesus experienced a range of emotions, they're there for a reason. As we've seen here the depth and range of emotion, anger, joy, angst, and uncertainty, regret and remorse, anticipation and delight are all a part of the human experience, and a part of hearing God.

John

[coppertree]

<font face="arial,helvetica"></font>
Hi John -Thank you that was wonderful and timely !!! You have a needed gift to us! Thanks again.}

[john_r_jones]

A storm is raging outside while Bam-Bam our dachs-wawa is nervously scurrying around under my chair. He shakes and looks to me while there is a lull in the thunder he wags his tail, when a close by strike results in a clap of thunder he quivers uncontrollably and looks at me with the expression, "Make if stop daddy, make it stop." Our other braver dogs lay piled on one another on their cushions, with the exception of Sebastian, a blind Chihuahua, who holds court as the "grouchy old fart" of the crowd from under a green blanket beside the couch.

Several years ago I remember sitting under the porch of a camp on Lake Maurepas in a similar storm as a Tropical Depression blew ashore. I was with a number of men in mid June who'd gone out to rescue a ski boat some kids from a youth group had swamped the day before. We found the bow bobbing on the waves while the stern wallowed in the muddy bottom of a five foot deep part of the lake. As the rain squalls came across the horizon we timed ourselves to be able to beat the lightening of the rain bands back to the camp porch. The boat was a mile or so away from the camp and after a couple of hours of all of us getting in the water and trying to lift the boat over out heads in a storm swept lake we decided to hook a rope onto the bow and begin to just tow the boat to the docks a good ten miles distant. As we progressed a member of the youth group that had swamped the boat sat in the bow and bailed water. Soon the boat was floating and by the time we got back the hapless craft was afloat with a soggy outboard engine and a mud filled transom.

Spiritual significance? Aside from not wanting to drown my daughter's grandfather who'd come along for the ride not seeing much swamp in the mountains of Colorado, we hooked onto a problem and brought it along with us and over time the problem as it were got taken care of. Now admittedly the motor was going to make vacation possible for some mechanic and mud needed scooping out of the stern but it was a boat in all respects otherwise it floated.

How do we parse the issue of holiness and morality? I'm not an expert I do se that Jesus was holy but He wasn't a moralizer he granted absolution at times even before He was asked for it. The woman brought to Him fresh from a still warm bed of adultery received His mercy before an audience ready for a little reality TV stoning. He risked his reputation by asking which of them would cast the first stone on condition of their sinless ness. He turned after they'd drifted away fully qualified to do the deed of stoning her and yet said "I don't condemn you either." Not, “well if you get your act straightened up I'll take a meeting with you on follow-up and see how you're doing with this adultery problem”. Her life was I'm sure a story of moral lapses, abusive behavior, and inconsideration by the religious illuminati. She'd probably escaped their notice except they needed someone to make their point. So I ask myself am I making a point to love or do I just love to make a point.

John

[miltietoast]

How do we parse the issue of holiness and morality?The solution to that question would be easy ifin Jesus had not messed everything up with the last verse I don't condemn you either---go and sin no more.

[john_r_jones]

Miltie I've found in that verse something of freedom, that the one most justified in the possibility to condemn doesn't. He enobles people, He gives them hope in the approbation go and sin no more. She was a lost cause to the religious crowd an object of scorn, here Jesus gave his most precious gift a commendation not a condemnation. He said to her in that brief sentence a lifetime's worth of value and affirmation. That's why I spoke of His not giving her a gloomy outlook on life; a "we'll see about this adultery business you seem to enjoy flaunting in everyone's face including mine!" She wasn't trapped in the lifestyle of sin and unworthiness, she mattered to Jesus.

I've written about the fellow at the pool of Bethsaida there for thirty eight years. Jesus is stepping over and around people who are ill and dying to get to this fellow and asks him what he wants-simply asks. It's obvious what he wants to walk, he also needs to be heard and listened to and loved. Jesus, scripture tells us, finds him elsewhere in town and tells him not to sin in a like manner or something worse will befall him. This is twice Jesus has sought this man out and ministered to him, a man left to rot for almost forty years, sought by the Master and given grace and an admonition which frees him to be a follower of Jesus and not a forgotten old man.

In the parable of the "Good Samaratin" I believe Jesus has cast Himself ultimately as the Samaratin an outcast not hindered by religious duty to touch a possibly dead body, He risks his reputation, to be considered unclean an in a sense immoral to reach out to the wounded fellow on the roadside. I say immoral becasue if the fellow was dead then in touching him the priest would have been ceremonially unclean and would have been unable to fulfill his priestly duties. He would have caused quite a stir in the temple of synagogue for being unclean as a priest. Jesus lauded a heretic for his deeds in His story.

John

[miltietoast]

calm down hollywood
I was trying to parse like you.The balance of neither do I condemn you with go and sin no more.He was the only one who could throw a stone.Was his instruction a suggestion ,command ,good hollywood ending to a parable,an expected or hoped for response? I guess we will parse a long time on that,so please parse the potato chips

[wisedove]

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1>quote:</font>

that the one most justified in the possibility to condemn doesn't. <!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote>

i like that. GRACE.

[john_r_jones]

Milt I wasn't jumping on you if I did I'm sorry. What I intend to say and not be beligerent maybe just enthusiaistic about grace is that Jesus transformed this woman's existence by giving her a future. I can relate. I enjoy the talks we have here and the exploration of our beliefs and our friendships Uncle Miltie.
John

[john_r_jones]

To further wander down this tangential path of grace here and hopefully not be piling on is something I've heard of for most of my spiritual life. Self government, or to be self governed is a term I heard in Maranatha and sought to be faithful in for many years.

I saw that term today in George Barna's book <u>Revolution</u> which addresses spiritual transformation and formation outside the traditional modes of church experiences. One of the transformational experiences I've had which pushed me past the realm of self anything was inspiration. I began to realize I had little or no inspiration in life, mostly because I'd been given to the notion that I didn't matter much in the grand scheme of things. I'm stubborn-who knew, so in Maranatha despite their valiant efforts to run me off, marginalize me, or dismiss me I hung around. I used a lot of "me" in that last sentence didn't I?

Well I took one or two or three for the team for the cause, I subordinated my being to the vision of the ministry to the one size fits all aspect of Maranatha. The end result was an uninspired life shoehorned into a world view that was un-biblical at best and just downright deadly in reality. Imagine a mass of uninspired folks who are adrift on the raft of an overbearing ministry or leader whose insecurity and driven ness are the source of the movement. Couple that with the misnomer that our self’s had any chance of governing anything, because the self was so misshapen, crushed, abused, malnourished, or nonexistent even.

Paul's admonition in his writings of the things against which there is no law include such things as self control, along with a laundry list of other virtues or fruits of the spirit. I don't know about you but I could almost be heard to be audibly grunting and groaning seeking to push that fruit out on the boughs of my existence so I could be spiritual. I want to testify that God in His mercy allowed me the opportunity to fail miserably here. I over-ate to give myself comfort from the condemnation of being a loser, lusted because I had no hope of fulfillment as a married person in the dating revelation thangy, and envied the folks who were doing well(though years later we find they had their own little personal hell to endure). The only thing I had any success in was my career, my calling, my gift, there I excelled, and I threw myself into that and did alright. I was driven, compulsive and overbearing as a Producer/Director and prided myself on conquering Hollywood (Spit takes and uproarious laughter track here).

I was also blind, bat blind to how un-self controlled I was now I knew I had issues and weaknesses but I though well so does everyone else. I rationalized my sin, my selfishness; it was a comfortable teddy bear to be a part of a movement that had a dominion mandate. What I see in retrospect was a domino effect, one area crumbled and the tiles fell over for days looping around my existence. I had unknowingly been constructing this exhibition of human failure for years painstakingly crafting each artful turn, ramp, and hoopla generating spectacle.

So for me the “Woman caught in adultery moment” was where I was initially met by Jesus. When I was shown the door at the church I was in I thought, “Oh no this is the end!” What I didn’t realize was that Jesus was saying, “Oh no this is the beginning.”

More later…The accountability and that famous phrase used so well “Look brother!”

John

[john_r_jones]

In an oddly familiar tone for ussins here, the Planet Pluto was told today by a scientific symposium that it didn't live-up to the high calling of being a planet. I expect to hear a testimony soon here on how Pluto coped with rejection and having to settle for being a planetoid. I can certainly relate to being ostracized by those whom I deem asteroids.

Johnatoid

[wisedove]

I heard this today at the library, Johnatoidamous...I thought, 'What next?'

curiousasadove

[miltietoast]

jrj no problems here I first thought you were jumping on me then realized you were jumping on Jesus. He can handle it

[john_r_jones]

Ok.
John

[j2theperson]

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1>quote:</font>

JohnRJones: In an oddly familiar tone for ussins here, the Planet Pluto was told today by a scientific symposium that it didn't live-up to the high calling of being a planet.<!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote>
That's weird. I was just reading about how the International Astronomical Union is considering adding three new objects to the list of planets orbiting our sun. It's true, read about it here (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=5&amp;ObjectID=10396493).

[john_r_jones]

Yes I know J2 but the astrophysical Union in a meeting today voted to accept the more stringent guidelines for determining what are a planet. There are several other know bodies in orbit outside of Pluto which as they lady presiding today illustrated by holding a stuffed Disney Pluto under an umbrella said; there a number of objects we've defined today under the umbrella of a Pluto-like object.

John

[lablady2]

I'm just thinking about all the kids who made all those models of the solar system using dowel rods and styrofoam balls for the middle school science fair. Sigh......sometimes I hate getting older.

I've lived to see a planet be demoted.

[40days40years]

So Pluto has been demoted and is not a planet does that mean Bonasso is not an apostle? News Flash from EN: Phil B is demoted from planet creator by Murrell. Bonasso informed that he lives on a planet but does not create them.......yet.


Those astro geeks have gone to far. Pluto is a planet in my book. We have cultural reasons to say this these guys are acting like the supreme court or certain modern apostles.

[john_r_jones]

I just can't wait to have my photo plastered all over the world smiling and holding an asteroid I've named.

John

[john_r_jones]

In the words of Astro "rutro rorge" (http://home.bellsouth.net/s/editorial.dll?pnum=1&amp;bfromind=634&amp;eeid=5020901&amp;_si tecat=214&amp;dcatid=0&amp;eetype=article&amp;render=y&amp;ac=0&amp;ck =&amp;ch=ne&amp;s=sc&amp;rg=blsadstrgt&amp;_lid=332&amp;_lnm=todays+gu ide+news+science&amp;ck=).

JohnJaynestopthiscrazything!jones

[40days40years]

Yeah Rice Broocks loses president status. Tom Cruise is demoted from golden boy status (at least by Paramount), Mel Gibson is demoted from semi catholic sainthood and now Pluto is no longer a planet? It's a rough year next thing you know dogs and cats and squirrels will all be living together. I must go now I am off to pick up the self starting charcoal briquettes at Wall Mart. I will light one of those on fire and declare it a mini sun it looks like I got you beat on that one John.

[john_r_jones]

I defer to your chacoal briquettedness oh 40/40.

John

[lablady2]

Hindsight is 40/40.

[40days40years]

Technically hindsight would be 20/20. foresight is 40/40, sometimes 400/400.

[lablady2]

It's an enigma, 40/40.

[john_r_jones]

Does that require double gloving?

John

[j2theperson]

Alas poor Pluto, I knew you if not well then at least vaguely. I was looking forward to adding Charon, Ceres, and "Xena" into our list of planets, but instead I lost the "P" of "MVEMJSUNP". This is very sad.http://www.factnet.org/discus/clipart/sad.gif

[lablady2]

Nah, John...I like living on the edge.

[john_r_jones]

I didn't realize there was an edge there.

John

[lablady2]

Seems like anatomy should be straightforward, huh?
In reality, not so much. In the words of John Mayer - your body is a wonderland.

[miltietoast]

great source to quote from labby. I am impressed

[matt_hatter]

Seeings how this is the only thread that remotely resembles the bunny trail, and is not 2 miles long, I am going to hide out here for awhile and crank the bus up for all ready to kick back and take a journey. I have installed a jigawatt flux capacitor and we will be leaving for Pluto soon. All aboard! It's the weekend, prop your feet up (not you Miltie) and enjoy the sweet fellowship!
Matt

[miltietoast]

Mattie just renewed my xm radio contract.Just finished Doors Riders on the stormnow listening to mr roach clip zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzcheech snd chong/sorry man may finger got stuck on the z oh z is not in chong,miss kitty another round of rolling rocks I am feeling mighty fine "Good Vibrations " now. Hey mattie today was a state holiday so I worked today(still got to work in about 4 more weeks this year). poured footers for new log cabin with baby 6'3" robert(lonnie Mack memphis zephyr etc

[matt_hatter]

Miltie, only a hippie of the 70's like me could understand all of that. Great Doors song. Loved the ocean in the background..can Robert spare a few inches? SteveO is stuck on 5'9" but looks like a cinder block. He is the only soph. starting on varsity this year, and is calling the defensive schemes at middle linebacker. I am so fired up about football. YOU ARE GONNA LOVE IT DOVEY!!! Tell her Miltie!
matt

[mdillon]

miltie and mattie- i understood every word you said miltie evern the zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

dilly

[miltietoast]

gonna get sum them zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[flo1151]

Miltie and Mattie,
Back in 2002 My next to the youngest son was starting offensive guard on the state 5A runnerup team. That was some of the most fun we ever had as a family. Going to the games, playing in the Georgiadome. It was a lot of fun. We just couln't beat our neighbors from about five miles away. We had 2 losses all year both to them(evil parkview panthers). Finished 13-2. My little boy was 6-1 265. He is now down to a svelt 230. Enjoy those high school football days they are not forever. Until the grandkids.

[miltietoast]

Little Robert came home from high school game.Heis homeschooled.Dad he said i could play quarterback,safety and kick for high school team. I only play catch with him in spurts because he throws the footballsohardat this old man wants a catchers mitt(got any old ones mattie?)Kicks fifty five yard fieldgoals.Our highschool was 4th in state last year

[miltietoast]

Little Robert came home from high school game.Heis homeschooled.Dad he said i could play quarterback,safety and kick for high school team. I only play catch with him in spurts because he throws the footballsohardat this old man wants a catchers mitt(got any old ones mattie?)Kicks fifty five yard fieldgoals.Our highschool was 4th in state last year

[matt_hatter]

flo, that is so cool. The memories that our coach is creating for our boys is incredible. Trinity won the state championship in 2003 in Legion Field in B'ham, Coach Ragsdale put together 4 undefeated regular seasons until last year, when we went 7-4, a major disappointment to him, but not to us.

Beyond the wins, He is a man of great faith. After practice a few weeks ago, he washed every players's and coach's feet in the dressing room. 60 players and 6 coaches. Told the boys that he may be their head coach, but his main job is to be a servant to point them to Christ. SteveO and I had a long talk about this in the "cab of my truck" and I explained why he did this. One of those Magic Kingdom Moments, and I am not talking Disney World here! Getting choked up thinking about it...Thank God for strong men of faith...I know my son's life will be permanantly changed by this man.
Matt

[john_r_jones]

To stray trough the science building again on our campus take a gander at this. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ptdbNUtpx4)

Johnatoid

[miltietoast]

John Deere and I did battle with big rock this morning. More like terrorist sneak attack from out of two feet of grass.1 and 1/2 foot rock won. Got to see if shaft is ok ,blades destroyed

[wisedove]

How did I get soooo sidetracked in here lately? I forgot....want fun and laughs, STAY in the general chat threads....

I'LL BE BACK! (read it like ARNOLD said it....)

[miltietoast]

well John deere may have survived, yanked blades (Moline IL steel) hit em with grinder and finished yard.Maybe a slightly bent left shat little vibration. Nothing runs like a deere,ceptin a kubota. If I had hit that rock with the popular milty(murray) mower we would have been headed to the landfill

[40days40years]

You know miltie your story reminds me of a story I read on dejanews/google on one of those news groups I was reading when investigating lawn mowers before I bought the Honda/Sears one. Man the thing is so sweet a mouse could start it with one pull of his paw.

Anyway this guy had a neighbor and he was thinking of going in halves and buying a mower with his neighbor and sharing it. He changed his mind though after he told the neighbor that before he mows his lawn he walks over it and does a rock check and his neighbor broke out in hysterical laughter. He thought that this showed that his neighbor had a poor sense of ownership with his tools and would not take care of the mower. He decided to buy his own mower. I and the rest of the board sided with his neighbor that laughed hysterically at this guy for walking over the lawn before mowing it. http://www.factnet.org/discus/clipart/rofl.gif

[matt_hatter]

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1>quote:</font>

How did I get soooo sidetracked in here lately?<!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote>
Hey, dovey, same here...always good to have an intelligent discussion every once in a while, but nice to get back on the bus for a little R&amp;R. Notice I had a window AC unit installed in the back for Miltie? And that Miss Kitty stackable slim line liquor cabinet is a winner, eh, SameO? One more love offering, and I'll get the whole bus air conditioned.
Matt

[coppertree]

<font face="arial,helvetica">}
Hi Matt- on your bus, are the wer-rabbitts still driving. They want to visit their kin in on stage in New York City !! ( the monty Plython show ) Maybe they could say hi to Tikie. They know the city; maybe thy could help him find Lindy's for cheesecake and bagels!</font>

[sameo]

Hello everyone!

Um...uh..YEH, Matty hatter...the SLIM stackable is very cool. See, your large bottomed one wouldn't have fit as nice. Hey-did you ever apologize for that comment...hehe? NO,I'm not holding a grudge.

Loving that AC unit in Milties window. Makes his perfume much more endurable. Hey Dilly-O get busy w/ another love offering...and then we get full AC!!! :-) (What Miss Kitty design you gonna make next?)heehee

[matt_hatter]

Copper, NYC beats the heck out of Pluto. Onward Wer-rabbits. Look out Tikie, here we come!

[lablady2]

The two year old granddaughter has left the building. What a joy, but, geez, am I exhausted.
I'll take any seat on the bus as long as all riders are over the age of 18.

[mdillon]

mattie no problem on the $. orders for the Slimline Stackable are coming in from all over. Miss Kitty i'm working on a whole line of furniture in your honor---kinda uber barroom, or the Long Branch Headshop, or something, dunno.

my shop was destroyed by wildy, dovey, and lablady this week. can't find a thing after the cleanup. found a student left in the building this weekend walking around mumbling about "crazy ladies in shop..." or something like that.

man, i've been missing the bus, glad to be back. so happy I think I'll double dip

dillyeaux

[mdillon]

mattie no problem on the $. orders for the Slimline Stackable are coming in from all over. Miss Kitty i'm working on a whole line of furniture in your honor---kinda uber barroom, or the Long Branch Headshop, or something, dunno.

my shop was destroyed by wildy, dovey, and lablady this week. can't find a thing after the cleanup. found a student left in the building this weekend walking around mumbling about "crazy ladies in shop..." or something like that.

man, i've been missing the bus, glad to be back. so happy I think I'll double dip

dillyeaux

[miltietoast]

40/40 I have a honda push mower about 22 years old. i walk by vewy carefully fraid the ground vibrations will start it! Also have a honda powered generator that I used up at my log cabin this week. has not been started in over three years. Drained old gas gave it a quarter tug to turn motor over and it started ! Amazing engines. Been kubotaing,worked up a sweat,jumped in pool,reached for a slushy RR and sat down at the factnet. A little doors on xm,Life is good!

[matt_hatter]

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1>quote:</font>

dilly: so happy I think I'll double dip<!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote>
You will try any cheap trick to catch the Hatter but to no avail. After senior status, I am looking to CZAR status, although I will have to wrestle that one from the Bigazzbunny JRJ.

Yes, glad to be back on the bus. We all need a litle R&amp;R, I like the Longbranch Headroom idea, a couple of blacklights and a water bed for Miltie, no forget that, his frapping will break the sound barrier against that surface. Miss Kitty...double shot of Crown...move it.
Matt

[matt_hatter]

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1>quote:</font>

SameO: See, your large bottomed one wouldn't have fit as nice. Hey-did you ever apologize for that comment.<!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote>
Why would I need to apolgize? 28 years of marriage has made me partial to large bottomed antiques. Dang, I thought it was a compliment. Go ahead, "No he d'int!" Yep. I did.

[lablady2]

I'm just glad somebody else's husband said it. I think I've trained mine better. http://www.factnet.org/discus/clipart/smile.gif

[mdillon]

labby your hubby called. wanted to know when the xtra large doghouse for him would be ready. told him the ac was backordered and they sent the wrong color carpet.

dillyeaux

[lablady2]

md: my husband has a very nice doghouse. We have a large, open room over our garage. Since our marriage 13 years ago, I have been steadily moving him out there. A couch here, a microwave there, a bookshelf, an a/c unit. Last year we ran heat from the woodstove up to his crib. My diabolical plan is almost complete and the house will be mine, I tell you, mine.

[mdillon]

labby your hubby called. wanted to know when the xtra large doghouse for him would be ready. told him the ac was backordered and they sent the wrong color carpet.

dillyeaux

[wisedove]

One more love offering, and I'll get the whole bus air conditioned.
Matt

Should I send that to you or Miltie's Pay pal this time?

[matt_hatter]

"My diabolical plan is almost complete and the house will be mine, I tell you, mine."

Got news for you LL, the diabolical plan is on HIS end. He's will give up the house to have a doghouse in peace.

And dove, I owe Miltie about $400 in beer so send it to him..

[lablady2]

Yeah, Matt, I have to say, during the last three or four years of estrogen/progesterone surges and dips, the husband has taken to confiscating household items and schlepping them off to his hideaway.

Absence (even if it's just a few hours) really can make the heart grow fonder.

[matt_hatter]

I was told to leave the bedroom years ago due to my snoring. I faked the snoring, and now have my own room.

[lablady2]

I am rofl. You, miltie and Mr. Dillon really are some kind of unholy trio.

Does said room have Farrah Fawcett posters, circa '77, on the wall or does the wife lay down some ground rules?

[lablady2]

Oh..Oh..I bet you have the Bo Derek poster, cornrows and all, from the movie "10"!

[matt_hatter]

You got some kinda closed circuit camera in my room???? Scan the camera, you'll see Katherine Bach in her Daisey Dukes.

[mdillon]

schlepping

god I love that word, thanks labby.

reminds me of bilking (schlepping) milties RR.

ahhhh...fond memories

oh, and mattie, calling me a cheaptrick coming from a postwhore is awesome, man.

seriously, though, your testimony about SteveO's coach took me strong, bro. you are blessed.

dillyeaux

[lablady2]

I think I have a James Taylor poster somewhere. No, not the old, bald guy. The guy with the long brown hair. Sweet baby James.

(Message edited by lablady2 on August 26, 2006)

[matt_hatter]

your testimony about SteveO's coach took me strong

The guy came up to me one year EXACTLY to the day after my surgery and told me "I know this is a big day, Mark, and I have been praying for you..." I cried ilke a baby in my truck after he left. (Nobody reminded him of this...he had been to see me in CCU several times during my vacation to Jackson Hospital). Unbeliveable.

[matt_hatter]

"calling me a cheaptrick coming from a postwhore is awesome"

Fastest dude to 1000 in the history of factnet. Heidi Fleiss, where are you???

[lablady2]

Heidi's here? Just what factnet needs..two jews.

[matt_hatter]

Two jewish women and one semi sober gentile serving drinks! Maseltoff or however you spell it.

[lablady2]

Mazel tov!

Heidi practices a lot of things but I'm not sure that Judaism is one of them.

[matt_hatter]

Not Judaism, Hedonism.

LL, you are right, me Dilly and Miltie need help. Is there an EN Preacher or Prophet in the house???

[miltietoast]

Jewish girl goes to gynocologist. Gyn says you have gonerria(sp).Her girl friend says whats that? Jewish girl says I do not know lets lookit up in dict. Jewish girl says phew I am ok,it says here that gonerria is a disease of the gentiles.Milty's christian dirty joke #32

[wildwood_]

Naturally, I arrive late to the bus; trying to activate Paypal...something about A/C...and can we bring our dogs? Mine's giving me that "Oh, Please, let me stick my face out a window at 60mph" look. Can the bus do 60mph?

And Professor Dillon, I saw your comment <blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1>quote:</font>

my shop was destroyed by wildy, dovey, and lablady this week. can't find a thing after the cleanup. found a student left in the building this weekend walking around mumbling about "crazy ladies in shop..." or something like that.<!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote>

Well, if you’d left the a/c compressor and “How to Install a Bathroom on a Bus” Kit in plain sight we wouldn’t have had to rummage around looking. As it was we couldn’t find them. So we decided to have a wall climbing contest using power tools; for overall mobility the cordless drill worked best but was subject to more weight restrictions than the variable speed power drills. I thought the kids did a fairly nice job of patching the holes. Not to worry, they said, they had all their shots. Sorry about the straggler--guess we got the head count messed up after we pulled them out from under the furniture &amp; closet.

Strange we weren’t able to locate a hammer drill or jig saw. We did ask, but your students, who are apparently a nervous splinter-prone lot, kept mutterin’ something about safety…or maybe it was “self preservation”…doubtless you keep such things locked away from them. Perhaps on our next visit….http://www.factnet.org/discus/clipart/crazy.gif

[matt_hatter]

LL, I told you the tres hombres needed help. I guess Miltie will take the steering wheel as we leave NYC, and head to the Catskills to join Jackie Mason for a little Hebrew fun.

WW, what is it with women and bathrooms, man, we dudes just don't sweat the details. There's the Blue Port-A-Potty bungee corded to the bike rack on the back of the Bluebird, what more do you want?
Take the skylite,work your way past Krems on the roof, down the escape ladder, and bingo! What seems to be the problem? Leave Dilbert's tools alone.

[miltietoast]

mattie- got a little skinnerd on -tuesday's gone ---good worship song speeds right. You remember the formula for working us little maranathites up into a frenzy during meeting? We had to get our souls receptive to message coming.

[lablady2]

matt: Jackie is a 4th generation rabbi. Yeah, it's true. My idea of a preacher - Jewish and funny. Maybe he'll have a word for all of us if the bus can actually make it to the Catskills.

Milt; regarding the joke. Don't quit your day job. Do not let dillyeaux and matt talk you into trying open mic night at the Improv, either. I have a 'mater with your name on it.

Regarding the bus: I might be able to live without the bathroom if no one minds stopping every 45 minutes. However, I must have a mirror. The primp factor.

[lablady2]

matt: Jackie is a 4th generation rabbi. Yeah, it's true. My idea of a preacher - Jewish and funny. Maybe he'll have a word for all of us if the bus can actually make it to the Catskills.

Milt; regarding the joke. Don't quit your day job. Do not let dillyeaux and matt talk you into trying open mic night at the Improv, either. I have a 'mater with your name on it.

Regarding the bus: I might be able to live without the bathroom if no one minds stopping every 45 minutes. However, I must have a mirror. The primp factor.

[matt_hatter]

Yea Miltie, I could whip a crowd into a frenzy with that Tikie booming that bass line on his Rickenbacher. Start with the militant stuff, and end up with Tuesday's Gone. Hey, great Sunday morning song, BTW.

The boy has me listening to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, a great diversion from Music Row. Got a double CD set that has taken the decibel level to a new high in my truck. He wants to install a bass speaker behind the seat, a year ago, I said hellno, now...I have already been to the custom stereo joint and checked it out.

The world needs more 50 year old wannabehipsters.

[lablady2]

I love the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and the video for Dani California is too funny.

matt: we are the original hipsters. I never turned in my resignation. I'm not giving up without a fight, even if it does embarrass my kids. ESPECIALLY if it embarrasses my kids.

[lablady2]

Uh-oh. Regarding Posts #432-433. I dillyeauxed. My apologies.

[miltietoast]

lab I am better live than trying to give you reader digest condensed version-Is aids a disease of the gentiles?

try nickel creek ,jack johnson, dashboard confessional--I keep asking my kids who is that/ I never remember so I am officially older generation go back to creedence suzy Q

[miltietoast]

WHERE IS EVERYBODY? Church ? I am listening to Doobie Brothers Jesus is my friend does that count? I am going kubotaing for some quiet time ,after breakfast

[mdillon]

i'm right here milton. late for porchchurch. too much communion last night after 12 in the shop. Van the Man is my worship leader today.

nice double LL. no apologies needed.

Is Crown ok for communion mattie?

dillyeauxmyheadhurts

[mdillon]

labby-You, miltie and Mr. Dillon really are some kind of unholy trio.

now that you mention it, I think we must be a Bizarro World godhead. if the three of us are in the same room at MLTS look for the stargate

dillyeaux

[lablady2]

Where is everybody?

I am detailing my car. Takes hours, but it's less exhausting than chasing a two year old who is chasing cats.

[lablady2]

Forget heaven...I wanna go to Bizarro World when I die.

[wisedove]

wildwood,
I am CRACKLING (oooop, crack-ing) up laughing at your last post above! You are hysterical...I can't even stand it! HEHE!
I think Dillyeawx missed that one! Or, he'd be rollin on the floor fo'sure.

Good thing, if he did miss hit. He won't see us comin the next time we invade his shop, house, OR classroom! (oh, well...I may have just ruined that.)
dovey

[mdillon]

hey dovey, i did see it. when i stop laughing i'll try to respond. just when i think i'm ready to say something I go and read it again and just start all over. might be awhile.

dillyeaux

[wisedove]

Oh, good-you saw it...
Oh, btw, Don't think all the rest are safe-we are completely capable of wreaking havoc at anyones homes....Dilly just happened to be our first stop...We have our OWN van that we hop on when the bus stops for a bathroom break...(revealing our secret, sorry wildwood.) and we can find our way to JRJ's, Milties, Mattie's, Or ANY other's...So be forewarned, and be vewy afwaid.

havoc

hav·oc [hávv&amp;#601;k]
noun
1. devastation: widespread damage, destruction, or devastation
the havoc wreaked by the storm

2. chaos: a condition or situation of disruptive chaos


adjective
Malaysia Singapore difficult to control: difficult to control, manage, discipline, or govern (informal)
Her kids look really havoc!



[15th century. < Anglo-Norman (crier) havok "(to cry) havoc," signal to an army to seize plunder, alteration of Old French havo(t) "pillage"]


Microsoft® Encarta® 2007. © 1993-2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

[wildwood_]

Matthatt...it's not the journey to the "Blue Port-A-Potty bungee corded to the bike rack on the back of the Bluebird"...not even climbing "up the skylite, past Krems, down the ladder" while worrying whose driving and will this be one of those "speed up", "aim for a bump in the road" moments and see if she bounces off...I won't...ah, seems I've suddenly acquired some vice grips ..oh,dear, Prof MD missing anything else from your shop?...

…It's all the conversation going on on the FRONT Porch that I'm missing while making trip; Install an intercom.http://www.factnet.org/discus/clipart/biggrin.gif

Seriously, am I the only poor little country girl here that actually remembers as a very very young girl attending a Church with an Outhouse as the only funtional ah, "Facility"? AS in, yes, yes...I used one. Snakes were not something we handled at our Church...we looked down for them first...before sitting! On more than one occasion, services were interrupted by the spirit touching someone outside, the sounds of shouts and hollers through the windows, and a rapid return to the safety of the Church pew...and the Angry Whispered Fussing of the Mother at the poor victim for not responding more calmly. After all...we had a two-seater. There are you all happy! A Confession! How does a Bunny Thread make me TALK? !!

MORE CONFESSION: I cannot leave Dilbert's tools alone; it's the smell of the sawdust, mingled with that special cologne greasing oil used by my Dad-- then you all start talking riding lawn mowers and I know that somehow...the Silver glinting of those flashing blades was calling me; despite Dad's voice saying up until the day Jesus took him to mow the lawn in Heaven..."Oh, set too powerful for you to handle; I'll just go on and do it". Was his way of saying "I'm having a great TIME.". Or it could have been the actual truth...ah, he made us a go-cart...before they were the "thing"...my sister got the first test run. Dad thinks it was doing about 25-30mph when she took out Mom's favorite "Big Floppy White Flower Bush". Mom had unpleasant words…while the go-cart streaked across the yard…as the bush was crushed… as my sister staggered out…possibly her discussion with Dad regarding the matter still continues. A governor was installed, but once we got the hang of it..we figured out how to release it.

So, there's my Church Porch contribution...about this time we'd be cleaning up from a Sunday dinner...Roast...consdering a nap...and waking up in an hour or so to the sound of a mower...

THANK YOU ALL for allowing me to have a Sunday Visit with a familar FAMILY..as in you all! I did prefer the "new" Church built around 1969...with the INDOOR plumbing...

But there's SOMETHING about the challenge of "Journeys" ON this Bus I really like..hehe!

A/C becoming more essential to prevent me from mauling fellow travelers...cranky little Wildcat...especially during very HOT Football season dressed in a Tiger Outfit. Nap time. http://www.factnet.org/discus/clipart/wink.gif

[sameo]

"I cannot leave Dilbert's tools alone."

Um, do you mean Dillyeaux's tools? lol(is he Dilbert now?)hehe

btw-we had a neighborhood go cart too! man, it was fun! Zoom, zoom....

Thanks for your stories, Wildwood-a walk down memory lane...good times.

[matt_hatter]

Miltie's pay pal came through, thanks for the love offering. The bluebird now has central air. We will have to reduce ths speed to 50 instead of 60 as the system is a strain on the old gal. That's ok, more time to smell the roses. And Miltie.

Discussion will be continued on new bunny trail.