But first ...
Have you ever surfed E-bay and found these sellers who have various items for auction for ... say .... 99 cents, but the shipping and handling on the item is $10, $15, even $20?? Doesn't that make you mad? It makes me not want to do business with these people. I'd rather they have a decent mark up on what they're offering and charge what the shipping and handling truly is. Yes, people might be drawn to the low price, but that shipping and handling (in very small print, I might add) is (or should be) a turn off.
Anyway, the secret is that I found the website that sells these items wholesale for those who make these purchases and sell them on Ebay. I'm going straight to the source from now on. I do not want to patronize anyone who feels the need to greatly inflate shipping and handling charges to make a profit. If you've been ripped off by one of those sellers, e-mail me and I'll give you the URL to the company.
In other news, the memory chip for my CPU has to be ordered from Hewlett Packard, and the technician told me it would take two to three days normally for the chip to arrive. Since I strained a muscle in my back yesterday evening carrying the CPU from my truck to the mall, I think it can sit there a few more days. I'll just hold off playing The Sims or making major changes to the websites until I get the CPU back. At least I'll have 384 MB of RAM when I get it back. I can hardly wait!
The sun came out for a little while today ... just enough to make everything muggy! Everyone keeps talking about how they're ready for spring, but I actually dread it: pollen, bugs, humid weather ,,, did I mention bugs?
Found out last night that some of the human shields are making a hasty retreat for home. Read about it here. I'm still stunned by the remark to the effect of, "We realized that we might be in danger ..." Can you say, "Duh?" What the hell were they expecting????? Don't get me wrong ... I'd like to avoid war if at all possible, but I just don't think it's possible. If we don't take out Saddam now, it will cost us and the rest of the world a lot more later on. He is a cruel, selfish, dangerous, evil man.
Wednesday, March 05, 2003
Tuesday, March 04, 2003
Computer Withdrawals
You know you're getting too attached to your computer when it's been at the computer shop for only two hours and you feel apprehensive because it's gone.
Seriously, the memory on my HP was seriously taxed. Among using programs like Paint Shop Pro 7, Animation Shop 3, Video Wave 4, Microsoft Movie Maker 2.0, and The Sims was just too much for a computer system using Windows XP and having 128 megs of RAM. I took it to the local computer shop this evening to have more memory added to it. I probably could have done it myself, but the labor is only $20.00 and the installation is guaranteed. It's funny: I've installed two ethernet cards and a CD burner, but I was too unsure of my abilities to install memory. Go figure!
Seriously, the memory on my HP was seriously taxed. Among using programs like Paint Shop Pro 7, Animation Shop 3, Video Wave 4, Microsoft Movie Maker 2.0, and The Sims was just too much for a computer system using Windows XP and having 128 megs of RAM. I took it to the local computer shop this evening to have more memory added to it. I probably could have done it myself, but the labor is only $20.00 and the installation is guaranteed. It's funny: I've installed two ethernet cards and a CD burner, but I was too unsure of my abilities to install memory. Go figure!
Saturday, March 01, 2003
Bathing Munchkin/Abandoned Animals
Rain! I love rain! Now, if the ground would just absorb it faster ...
Munchkin got a bath today. Dad tried to do it, but she'd get under tables so he couldn't reach her. By then, I had gotten out of bed and had come down the hall; she meekly crawled toward me so I could pet her and give her some attention. I looked at Dad and said, "I'll give her a bath." He asked, "How are you going to do that?" My response was, "Because I'm about to pick her 60-pound fuzzy butt up and carry her into the bathroom." He laughed and said, "If you can do that, go for it!" Munchkin wanted to growl at first when I picked her up, but she got wise and realized she'd better cooperate. She did fine once I got her in the tub. She doesn't like baths. I think it's because of the trauma she experienced as a puppy when she was found in a water-filled ditch between Valdosta and Waycross. Poor thing nearly drowned.
Which brings me to my rant: Yes, she was an abandoned puppy who was found and taken home. She was one of the lucky few. Of the other puppies that were rescued with her, she and one other are the only ones who survived. People who abandon defenseless animals should realize that they're subjecting them to a long torturous death by starvation and dehydration. Even if they do survive, their lives are harsh. They also create a population problem ... more strays, more babies ... you get the idea. Just because they're animals doesn't give us the right to mistreat and/or abandon them. And I really loathe people who abuse and/or torture animals! If they'll do that to animals, they'll to that to people as well. I view people like that as a threat to society.
Munchkin got a bath today. Dad tried to do it, but she'd get under tables so he couldn't reach her. By then, I had gotten out of bed and had come down the hall; she meekly crawled toward me so I could pet her and give her some attention. I looked at Dad and said, "I'll give her a bath." He asked, "How are you going to do that?" My response was, "Because I'm about to pick her 60-pound fuzzy butt up and carry her into the bathroom." He laughed and said, "If you can do that, go for it!" Munchkin wanted to growl at first when I picked her up, but she got wise and realized she'd better cooperate. She did fine once I got her in the tub. She doesn't like baths. I think it's because of the trauma she experienced as a puppy when she was found in a water-filled ditch between Valdosta and Waycross. Poor thing nearly drowned.
Which brings me to my rant: Yes, she was an abandoned puppy who was found and taken home. She was one of the lucky few. Of the other puppies that were rescued with her, she and one other are the only ones who survived. People who abandon defenseless animals should realize that they're subjecting them to a long torturous death by starvation and dehydration. Even if they do survive, their lives are harsh. They also create a population problem ... more strays, more babies ... you get the idea. Just because they're animals doesn't give us the right to mistreat and/or abandon them. And I really loathe people who abuse and/or torture animals! If they'll do that to animals, they'll to that to people as well. I view people like that as a threat to society.
Friday, February 28, 2003
Thoughtful Friend Ann/Fred Rogers/War Protesters
I got a major surprise yesterday! My friend Ann sent me half a dozen PINK roses as a belated birthday gift. They were so pretty! I must get my camera and take pictures of them so I can make stationery and cards from them. She really made my day!
Was saddened to read about the passing of Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood). I enjoyed watching his show when I was a child. He will be missed.
The more I see these Hollywood stars speak out against the impending war, the more anti-Hollywood I get. I rarely watch television these days (lost interest when Xena: Warrior Princess went off the air); I could live without it ... honestly. I'm still waiting for the likes of Barbra Streisand and Alec Baldwin to leave the country (I'll gladly help them pack and drive them to the airport). As far as I'm concerned, anyone who goes overseas to speak anti-American rhetoric should have their citizenship revoked ... celebrities included. As for the "human shields" that are going to Iraq, if they are so stupid as to go over to that country to prevent our troops from attacking, then they deserve to be removed from the gene pool.
Was saddened to read about the passing of Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood). I enjoyed watching his show when I was a child. He will be missed.
The more I see these Hollywood stars speak out against the impending war, the more anti-Hollywood I get. I rarely watch television these days (lost interest when Xena: Warrior Princess went off the air); I could live without it ... honestly. I'm still waiting for the likes of Barbra Streisand and Alec Baldwin to leave the country (I'll gladly help them pack and drive them to the airport). As far as I'm concerned, anyone who goes overseas to speak anti-American rhetoric should have their citizenship revoked ... celebrities included. As for the "human shields" that are going to Iraq, if they are so stupid as to go over to that country to prevent our troops from attacking, then they deserve to be removed from the gene pool.
Tuesday, February 25, 2003
Good Friends Make a Great Time
Had a fantastic dinner with my friend Kathy this evening. We went to Applebees, where she had the mushroom steak and I had the riblet special. We talked, joked, laughed, ate ... had a great time. I learned a long time ago: it's not where you go, it's who you're with that makes for good times and lasting memories. Kathy is one of those friends that are there when times are bad as well. Others are Lisa, Teresa, Wanda, Woody, Ann, Pam, Linda, Michele, Lori, Dan, Barry ... a few others. I have great friends!
You should have seen the belated-birthday present she got me! It's an electronic duck puppet that quacks! It's a riot! I've named him Quackers. Mom and Dad thinks he's cool, but Munchkin will have nothing to do with him.
You should have seen the belated-birthday present she got me! It's an electronic duck puppet that quacks! It's a riot! I've named him Quackers. Mom and Dad thinks he's cool, but Munchkin will have nothing to do with him.
Monday, February 24, 2003
I Have a Bone to Pick With KFC
Why is it when you go to KFC and your order needs more cooking time, the cashier always says, "Your (insert order here) will be ready in about 4 minutes?" It is NEVER ready in 4 minutes. Try 8 to 10 minutes. I would rather they be truthful and tell me how long my order will REALLY be ready than for them to lie to me. It's not the wait that I'm complaining about; it's being mislead and/or deceived.
Sunday, February 23, 2003
Birthday Weekend
Got my driver's license and ID card renewed Saturday morning. I am glad I got there early; it was getting crowded when I left. I'm also glad to see that examiners are telling family and/or friends of examinees to wait outside instead of letting them crowd up the room. In the past, I've seen some examinees show up with an entourage. That wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for the fact that the room can only accomodate a few examinees at a time. Now, the last time I went to get my license renewed, I had fixed my hair, put on makeup ... and then they regenerated the photo already stored in their computer. This time, I didn't put on make up ... and they decide to take my picture. One of life's little ironies :-P
Went to Ol' Times Country Buffet to meet the family for our monthly outing in which we celebrate those whose birthday is that month. That included my dad as well as me. The regular attendees usually are: Mom, Dad, Aunt Mavis, Uncle Billy, Aunt Martha, Uncle Stan, Aunt Vertie Lee, Uncle Edmond, Lou, Wayne, and me. Family friend Jann was able to join us today; it was good to see her. Ol' Times is okay, but I wanted to eat at the Hong Kong restaurant (chinese buffet) for my birthday. Mom and Dad decided that the three of us could go there one week, and then we'd meet the family at Ol' Times the next week. My parents were even generous enough to allow me to invite a couple of friends. Linda couldn't make it, but I was sure glad Pam did.
What did I get for my birthday? A popcorn popper, a digital blood-pressure wrist cuff, and a book. A co-worker gave me a trinket box with a rose on it (good choice), and another co-worker bought and brought lunch for me.
Been surfing The Green Screen most of the day. Many of the posters wished me a happy birthday. That really made me feel good. It's nice to be remembered. Heck of a debate going on tonight about religion: Christianity, Wicca, and paganism. At least it's not about the flag tonight. I'll be glad when we get to vote on it so that it will be settled once and for all. There should not be this much turmoil about our state flag. I can see both sides of the issue, but I'm too tired to try to explain it tonight. I will in a future entry.
Speaking of The Green Screen, it's about time for another bingo get-together with some of the greenies. This time, we may try the Elk's Club since they are smoke-free. I like the VFW bingo, but I was really concerned about the smoke level in the room, not for myself, but the other three ladies who went with me on my recommendation.
Went to Ol' Times Country Buffet to meet the family for our monthly outing in which we celebrate those whose birthday is that month. That included my dad as well as me. The regular attendees usually are: Mom, Dad, Aunt Mavis, Uncle Billy, Aunt Martha, Uncle Stan, Aunt Vertie Lee, Uncle Edmond, Lou, Wayne, and me. Family friend Jann was able to join us today; it was good to see her. Ol' Times is okay, but I wanted to eat at the Hong Kong restaurant (chinese buffet) for my birthday. Mom and Dad decided that the three of us could go there one week, and then we'd meet the family at Ol' Times the next week. My parents were even generous enough to allow me to invite a couple of friends. Linda couldn't make it, but I was sure glad Pam did.
What did I get for my birthday? A popcorn popper, a digital blood-pressure wrist cuff, and a book. A co-worker gave me a trinket box with a rose on it (good choice), and another co-worker bought and brought lunch for me.
Been surfing The Green Screen most of the day. Many of the posters wished me a happy birthday. That really made me feel good. It's nice to be remembered. Heck of a debate going on tonight about religion: Christianity, Wicca, and paganism. At least it's not about the flag tonight. I'll be glad when we get to vote on it so that it will be settled once and for all. There should not be this much turmoil about our state flag. I can see both sides of the issue, but I'm too tired to try to explain it tonight. I will in a future entry.
Speaking of The Green Screen, it's about time for another bingo get-together with some of the greenies. This time, we may try the Elk's Club since they are smoke-free. I like the VFW bingo, but I was really concerned about the smoke level in the room, not for myself, but the other three ladies who went with me on my recommendation.
Friday, January 24, 2003
Copyright Warning for Sites with MIDIs
Do these banners make you stop and think about the MIDI files you have on your website? If not, they should, because YOU CAN BE SUED for having them on your website, especially if you don't have permission to use them.
This is NOT a joke. I'm talking lawsuit. It has happened and is still happening right now (and without a "cease and desist" warning) to people who have had MIDI files on their free, personal websites.
Do I have your attention?
Many of the MIDIs floating around the internet have copyrights on them that we may not be aware of. Various MIDI sites have been shut down because the webmasters had copyrighted MIDIs on their sites and had no idea they were violating any laws.
What's worse ...
Ignorance of the law will not protect you!
Putting a "disclaimer" on your site will not protect you!
Before you become the next victim, click on the banners above or the links below and visit these sites. The information contained in them could save you from a financial nightmare.
http://free-the-midi.com
http://apollo.spaceports.com/~midi/
There are numerous legitimate MIDI composers out there who will let you use their MIDIs free of charge in exchange for giving them due credit for their work and/or a link back to their website (if they have one). It does not hurt to write and request permission. This is the only way to put music on your website, honor copyright laws, and avoid civil litigation.
Otherwise, if you have MIDI files posted on your website or in any newsgroups and you don't believe you could be targeted, you'd better think again! How am I so sure? Because a friend of mine is one of the victims of a litigious copyright holder of thousands of MIDIs currently in circulation on the internet.
Monday, December 30, 2002
Christmas Present/Site Changes
VIDEO!!! I get to work with video!!! I got a videobus for Christmas, so now I'm able to take my home movies and record them onto my hard drive. I've been wanting to do this for so long!
Yes, the web themes are gone. I'm really just interested in making stationery/background tiles. Web themes are not easy to design. I'm finding that the more I learn, the harder it becomes. I can always make one as a special request because at least then I'll have an idea of what the recipient wants and can go from there. I do not plan to charge money for my designs, but I do want name credit for my work.
After two months, I have finally updated the recipes page. I am also planning to reorganize and reformat the page to make finding the websites easier.
Yes, the web themes are gone. I'm really just interested in making stationery/background tiles. Web themes are not easy to design. I'm finding that the more I learn, the harder it becomes. I can always make one as a special request because at least then I'll have an idea of what the recipient wants and can go from there. I do not plan to charge money for my designs, but I do want name credit for my work.
After two months, I have finally updated the recipes page. I am also planning to reorganize and reformat the page to make finding the websites easier.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
Misc: FP2000, Moving Graphics, Former Web Site
I'm finally getting used to Front Page. I've learned how to do frames, hover buttons, and page transition special effects. I especially like the hover buttons because I can customize them without having to create a graphic for them.
I've revamped my free graphics page and split the web themes and stationery into two separate pages, both accessible from the index page. I'm feeling a little cross-eyed, but I think y'all will like the menu layout of the stationery page. Remember what they say about never knowing just how much stuff you have until you move? Well, it applies to web graphics as well when you're moving them around to new locations and/or pages. Whew!!
I've found out that my old "planet_xanadu" account with Tripod was finally deleted. I was wondering how long it was going to take them.
I've revamped my free graphics page and split the web themes and stationery into two separate pages, both accessible from the index page. I'm feeling a little cross-eyed, but I think y'all will like the menu layout of the stationery page. Remember what they say about never knowing just how much stuff you have until you move? Well, it applies to web graphics as well when you're moving them around to new locations and/or pages. Whew!!
I've found out that my old "planet_xanadu" account with Tripod was finally deleted. I was wondering how long it was going to take them.
Thursday, August 15, 2002
Family Reunion
I attended my first family reunion in ten years. I really enjoyed myself, but I think the location of this year's reunion made all the difference in the world. Convenience can make or break a get-together. We had it at the Okefenokee Swamp Park this year. During the previous 20 years, we had it at the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind.
Saturday, July 27, 2002
Recipe Messageboards/Independence Day Page
Hmmm ... where to start? Among job stress, family health (including my own), and obligations to another website, I just haven't had the time or inclination to update this one. I have updated the recipe referral page with a lot of new Caribbean recipe links. I actually found a message board in which people post recipes. I'm now considering starting one here. What do y'all think? E-mail me and let me know.
For the 4th of July, I did create a celebration page using the fireworks java from The Anfy Team. I never got around to posting a link to it from the home page. However, if you'd like to look at it, click here. You will need to use your back button to come back to this page.
For the 4th of July, I did create a celebration page using the fireworks java from The Anfy Team. I never got around to posting a link to it from the home page. However, if you'd like to look at it, click here. You will need to use your back button to come back to this page.
Tuesday, May 28, 2002
The Return of Soapbox
Soapbox is back! It's been gone for a year, but I'm finally bringing it back. My old topics are posted (less the ones that no longer apply), and I'm writing some more to be posted soon. Oh, and let me go ahead and answer these questions now: No, I'm not posting my old soapbox about the Comet Zone cursors. No, I was not threatened by the company; they were actually quite friendly and helpful. I don't use them on my website because they just don't fit in with my web site decor. No, I do not have their software downloaded on my computer so I can view them on other websites. If you want them, get them. If you don't want them, don't get them. People are making too much of a big deal about them. Can we drop this subject now?
Friday, May 03, 2002
The Move Is Complete
Well, the move has been done. It was a lot of work, having to go into each web page and change the links and e-mail address codes. It was worth it! Visitors to the pages formerly on Tripod will be redirected to the corresponding new pages. I've been trying to e-mail webringmasters and other organizations that I am a member of to let them know of my new URL and e-mail address.
I have retired my old guestbook from HTML Gear. Bravenet has a couple of guestbook features that HTML Gear does not have.
I won't be adding any more web themes for quite a while, unless I get some inspiration or if someone asks me to do a special design for him/her. I am going to be adding more stationery for downloading. I've already added four new sections: scenery, rosebuds, animals, and sailboats. As for the original three: angels, crosses, and Jesus, I will be redoing most of them since I learned how to use masks (the fuzzy edged special effect).
I'm thinking of adding an Aquazone page (I love Aquazone!). Fish are about all I can handle right now. I've managed to breed 2 Leopard Catfish and 12 Angelfish. My Rummy-nosed Tetras laid 20 eggs, but 12 of them died within 3 hours, so they're saved in a file until I can figure out what to do with them.
I may be putting together a list of programs that will NOT work on Windows XP. I think the public should know these so that they can decide whether or not to get Windows XP, or do as my friend Bill suggested (reformat and partition the hard drive, then install Windows 98). If anyone out there has Windows XP and know of programs that will not work on it, e-mail me at mundlingzone@spamcop.net. By the way, Hasbro Interactive's game Sorry! will not work on my computer, as well as almost all my cooking CDs from Multicomm. I've read that Myst is not XP compatible, also. Quiz Quest (Mind Grind) will play, but it will not be recognized by XP's Task Manager should you try the old "ALT - CTRL - DEL" maneuver. I have to resort to taking out the CD to close the game by encountering an error..
I have retired my old guestbook from HTML Gear. Bravenet has a couple of guestbook features that HTML Gear does not have.
I won't be adding any more web themes for quite a while, unless I get some inspiration or if someone asks me to do a special design for him/her. I am going to be adding more stationery for downloading. I've already added four new sections: scenery, rosebuds, animals, and sailboats. As for the original three: angels, crosses, and Jesus, I will be redoing most of them since I learned how to use masks (the fuzzy edged special effect).
I'm thinking of adding an Aquazone page (I love Aquazone!). Fish are about all I can handle right now. I've managed to breed 2 Leopard Catfish and 12 Angelfish. My Rummy-nosed Tetras laid 20 eggs, but 12 of them died within 3 hours, so they're saved in a file until I can figure out what to do with them.
I may be putting together a list of programs that will NOT work on Windows XP. I think the public should know these so that they can decide whether or not to get Windows XP, or do as my friend Bill suggested (reformat and partition the hard drive, then install Windows 98). If anyone out there has Windows XP and know of programs that will not work on it, e-mail me at mundlingzone@spamcop.net. By the way, Hasbro Interactive's game Sorry! will not work on my computer, as well as almost all my cooking CDs from Multicomm. I've read that Myst is not XP compatible, also. Quiz Quest (Mind Grind) will play, but it will not be recognized by XP's Task Manager should you try the old "ALT - CTRL - DEL" maneuver. I have to resort to taking out the CD to close the game by encountering an error..
Tuesday, April 16, 2002
I Took The Plunge! Announcing MUNDLINGZONE.ORG
Okay, so it has been a while since I updated this site. I've had a lot of things going on, and I felt the need to let some things go temporarily.
The biggest news so far is that Tripod is cutting their free accounts from 50MB to 20MB as of April 30. I had deleted some files to get my account under the limit. However, if I'm going to be able to add more web themes and stationeries to this site, I'm going to have to move. I could upgrade by account with Tripod, but if I'm going to pay for web space, I may as well go a step further and get my own domain name too. Therefore, my website is moving to MUNDLINGZONE.ORG as of May 1, 2002.
Now, don't get me wrong! I like Tripod. They have been very good to me. I still recommend them for their free services. You send the staff members e-mail, and they write you back. However, they are making changes to reflect the times, and I feel the need to do so, also.
Oh yes, one more thing! I am fed up with people who think they can collect my website e-mail address and use it to send me advertisements for their businesses. I have signed up with Spam Cop, so my new e-mail address is mundlingzone@spamcop.net. My other yahoo address will be irretrievably closed at the end of May.
The biggest news so far is that Tripod is cutting their free accounts from 50MB to 20MB as of April 30. I had deleted some files to get my account under the limit. However, if I'm going to be able to add more web themes and stationeries to this site, I'm going to have to move. I could upgrade by account with Tripod, but if I'm going to pay for web space, I may as well go a step further and get my own domain name too. Therefore, my website is moving to MUNDLINGZONE.ORG as of May 1, 2002.
Now, don't get me wrong! I like Tripod. They have been very good to me. I still recommend them for their free services. You send the staff members e-mail, and they write you back. However, they are making changes to reflect the times, and I feel the need to do so, also.
Oh yes, one more thing! I am fed up with people who think they can collect my website e-mail address and use it to send me advertisements for their businesses. I have signed up with Spam Cop, so my new e-mail address is mundlingzone@spamcop.net. My other yahoo address will be irretrievably closed at the end of May.
Saturday, February 09, 2002
Change of Priorities?
Y'all probably have noticed that this site has not been updated much this month. Although I won't go into detail, I will say that my life has had a couple of revelations this month, and I am finding my interests and priorities are changing. This website may be affected by that, but only time will tell.
Saturday, January 19, 2002
Bibles
When I was growing up (1970's), there were two versions of the Bible that I was aware of: The KIng James Version and the Americanized Version. Although I tried reading both versions, I had difficulty understanding them. A few years ago, I discovered the New International Version of the Bible. The scripture made more sense to me, and it made me want to read the Bible more. It has opened my eyes to God's Word. It has also aided in my return to my original faith after a period of time in my life when I had rejected Christianity to the point of being anti-Christian.
I had no idea that this latest version of a timeless and sacred reference would be so controversial. There are those who adamantly refuse to acknowledge the New International Version as a legitimate version of the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. I have a very good friend who faithfully reads the King James Version and belongs to a church that refuses to have anything to do with the New International Version. We love each other like sisters, but we feel so passionately about the two different versions that we have had to agree to disagree on which version is more "legitimate."
I wrote an e-mail to my sister Pamela a while back, asking her why there were so many different versions of the Bible and which one did she believe to be the most accurate. This was her response:
Did y'all know that in the old days, when Jesus walked in the flesh, there were at least two versions of the scriptures?
(1) Hebrew ... for the scholars
(2) Aramaic ... for real folks
Even though Jewish men were supposed to be able to read Hebrew, there was a version written more poetically and in everyday terms so that everyone could enjoy and have a decent understanding of God's word.
Did y'all know that there were many different English language translations of the scriptures when King James was translated? The scholar's aim was to put scriptures into the language of the day so that everyone could enjoy and have a decent understanding of God's word.
Did y'all know that the Bible talks about the gifts of the Holy Spirit as available to all believers for all times, but most "Christians" don't believe in them and try to say that was only for the first century church. That's not what the Bible says, in any translation.
Those who seek truth will find answers (usually accompanied by more questions). Those who don't want to know the truth will refute all legal, logical, and liturgical evidence.
Keep seeking God's truth!
Thanks Pamela! I needed that!
I guess what it boils down to is that we are to read whatever version we feel most comfortable with, so long as in our hearts and minds we are seeking God's truth.
I had no idea that this latest version of a timeless and sacred reference would be so controversial. There are those who adamantly refuse to acknowledge the New International Version as a legitimate version of the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. I have a very good friend who faithfully reads the King James Version and belongs to a church that refuses to have anything to do with the New International Version. We love each other like sisters, but we feel so passionately about the two different versions that we have had to agree to disagree on which version is more "legitimate."
I wrote an e-mail to my sister Pamela a while back, asking her why there were so many different versions of the Bible and which one did she believe to be the most accurate. This was her response:
Did y'all know that in the old days, when Jesus walked in the flesh, there were at least two versions of the scriptures?
(1) Hebrew ... for the scholars
(2) Aramaic ... for real folks
Even though Jewish men were supposed to be able to read Hebrew, there was a version written more poetically and in everyday terms so that everyone could enjoy and have a decent understanding of God's word.
Did y'all know that there were many different English language translations of the scriptures when King James was translated? The scholar's aim was to put scriptures into the language of the day so that everyone could enjoy and have a decent understanding of God's word.
Did y'all know that the Bible talks about the gifts of the Holy Spirit as available to all believers for all times, but most "Christians" don't believe in them and try to say that was only for the first century church. That's not what the Bible says, in any translation.
Those who seek truth will find answers (usually accompanied by more questions). Those who don't want to know the truth will refute all legal, logical, and liturgical evidence.
Keep seeking God's truth!
Thanks Pamela! I needed that!
I guess what it boils down to is that we are to read whatever version we feel most comfortable with, so long as in our hearts and minds we are seeking God's truth.
Friday, December 21, 2001
Just Do It!
The key word for this subject is "sincerity." What is the sincerity quotient for anything you do for The Lord? When you pray in front of other people, sing loudly in church, pay your tithes, donate to charity, give people your testimony ... is it to show off what you are doing for God? There is a difference between living by example and showing off. Don't show off; just do it.
When you live by example, you do not "make a big deal" out of your actions. You just do it. People will see how you act. If you're being sincere, people will notice it and may even get curious enough to ask you about your faith. If you're "putting on a show," people will notice it and try to avoid you every way they can. How do you expect people to listen to your testimony if they perceive you as a phony?
Matthew 6, verses 1-6:
1. "Be careful not to do your `acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2. "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
3. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
4. so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
5. "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
6. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Actions speak louder than words. It was true then, and it's still true now. Whatever you do for God in your heart and your soul, just do it.
When you live by example, you do not "make a big deal" out of your actions. You just do it. People will see how you act. If you're being sincere, people will notice it and may even get curious enough to ask you about your faith. If you're "putting on a show," people will notice it and try to avoid you every way they can. How do you expect people to listen to your testimony if they perceive you as a phony?
Matthew 6, verses 1-6:
1. "Be careful not to do your `acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2. "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
3. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
4. so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
5. "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
6. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Actions speak louder than words. It was true then, and it's still true now. Whatever you do for God in your heart and your soul, just do it.
Wednesday, December 19, 2001
Stop Being Pushy!
I must confess up front that this is more of a pet peeve of mine that I'm venting than it is an altruistic thought to ponder. I feel strongly about this topic because I was "pushed" away from the Christian faith several years ago. I would like for you to read this with an open mind and PLEASE take what is written into consideration. We're losing too many people because of our pushiness. One of the biggest problems we have as Christians testifying for Jesus is that we don't know when to back off from the verbal "witnessing." We are supposed to plant the seed of truth, but any farmer will tell you that you don't keep stomping the ground after the seed is planted. It must be watered. It must be fed. It must be given sunshine. Our sincere actions combined with our testimony will determine whether or not the seed flourishes or dies.
Another thing that we are bad about doing is saying, "Christians don't do this;" and "Christians don't do that ..." or "I'm a Christian! I don't talk like that!" Yes, we have moral standards that we should live by, but we make our faith sound so oppressive and restrictive by repeating those and other similar remarks. Being a Christian is supposed to be a good thing, and we need to show more of that to people if we are going to get them to listen to us and maybe even come to know Christ. If you are in the presence of people who are saying or doing things that are unChristianlike, you should either suggest another topic of conversation, suggest another activity, or remove yourself from the group.
Remember the line, "What would Jesus do?" He didn't push himself on people. He lived his life as he taught. People started going to Him ... and listened. Once you've made it known to them that you're a Christian, don't push your testimony unless you know for a fact that they want to listen. Let people know that you will be there for them if they have questions. Be a friend. Show love, compassion, and mercy to them. Be real, not phony. People will be more likely to listen to you.
Another thing that we are bad about doing is saying, "Christians don't do this;" and "Christians don't do that ..." or "I'm a Christian! I don't talk like that!" Yes, we have moral standards that we should live by, but we make our faith sound so oppressive and restrictive by repeating those and other similar remarks. Being a Christian is supposed to be a good thing, and we need to show more of that to people if we are going to get them to listen to us and maybe even come to know Christ. If you are in the presence of people who are saying or doing things that are unChristianlike, you should either suggest another topic of conversation, suggest another activity, or remove yourself from the group.
Remember the line, "What would Jesus do?" He didn't push himself on people. He lived his life as he taught. People started going to Him ... and listened. Once you've made it known to them that you're a Christian, don't push your testimony unless you know for a fact that they want to listen. Let people know that you will be there for them if they have questions. Be a friend. Show love, compassion, and mercy to them. Be real, not phony. People will be more likely to listen to you.
Saturday, December 08, 2001
New Computer, Defective CD Burner
Spent a lot of time on Ebay and chatting with friends on Yahoo! Messenger and ICQ.
Had to take my brand new Hewlett Packard xt928 in to a repair shop for a defective CD-burner and ended up getting a new CPU. That wouldn't have been so bad, except that I had to reload all of my programs and tweak the personalization settings again. Windows XP is a bear to learn and get used to!
Had to take my brand new Hewlett Packard xt928 in to a repair shop for a defective CD-burner and ended up getting a new CPU. That wouldn't have been so bad, except that I had to reload all of my programs and tweak the personalization settings again. Windows XP is a bear to learn and get used to!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)