"They Shine in Darkness"

They Shine in Darkness: The Final Post

I have had some recent circumstances in my life that are helping me to stop blogging here at my personal site. I cannot go into all the details, but the bottom line is that I am beginning to see that I am different person than the one portray. That is never good. In short, I have a lot of things I need to sort through in life, and blogging isn’t on that list.

Needless to say, there is some distance between the Lord and I. I moved, of course. That distance has carried over into my marriage, work, fathering my kids and relationships of all types. Regardless, please pray for me, I have a lot of changing I need to do.

I’ve learned some good things become sour if you don’t stop them. That is pretty much how I feel about this blog. Blogging itself is undisciplined and it encourages short-termed memory of too many unworthy things. If I am being honest, this blog has devolved into the typical shameless self and ideological promotions of others I vowed not to become like. Even when I blogged something genuine and beneficial, I always felt like a clean bodybuilder, succeeding at a trade that needs a major overhaul or abandonment. The focus always boomeranged back to me and it is hard enough to deal with that type of thing in real life.

Additionally, I never really liked having a conversation where the other parties aren’t paying attention or typing “Somebody’s got a case of the Mondays” comments or are missing “it” because of moving on to the next big thing. (I say this as a Christians in the blogsphere specifically, primarily because of all the theological consumers I ran into, which I sadly became one of them during my tenure.) Furthermore, I always felt like I was generally communicating to everyone everywhere, while I was actually specifically communicating to no one anywhere. For the time being, someone else can deal with these constrictions.

Don’t get me wrong. I have enjoyed blogging. It has been fun at times and I have learned a lot. I did have a lot to say. I still have a lot more to say and a lot more that I could have said. It just won’t be stated here.

Truth be told, I am relieved this thing is over. I pray the Lord overrides some of the stupidity I have engaged in and encouraged over these near 3 years. I also pray that our Lord Jesus Christ uses some of the good stuff on this blog. And it is ultimately because of him that I will now move on. If you want to write me, my email is re_moran@yahoo.com . Lucent en Tenebris and fare thee well.

posted by REM @ 12:31 AM 0 Comments Links to this post

Matthew J. Darnell is a Yahoo sports blogger who runs a column called Shutdown Corner. Unfortunately for his readers, Matt only tends to blog on NFL items he loves and hates the most. Matthew routinely neglects to teach others about the love and technique of the actual game (an anti- Jaworski, if you will). But you have to expect this when you are busy pointing out the off field shortcomings of today’s NFL.

If you are an actual fan like me, Shutdown Corner is frustrating. Darnell’s spotlight on what is wrong with the game of pro football is better suited for someone who eyes the NFL’s destruction over its actual continuance. Darnell shows no pause when encouraging public drunkenness of good players, oggling at player’s girlfriends, or making cracks about guys who are busted for drugs or fathering illegitimate kids. I guess Yahoo saw best to put us at the mercy of Matthew’s hankerings for the time.

But pointing out Darnell’s contradictions is about as challenging as tipping cows. MJD snipes at others downfalls so much that I don’t care to continually find his own weak spots. But I advise anyone who ever does lob one back at Matty to be careful and not disrupt his sensitive stomach. Despite the plethora of vices I just mentioned, you must be aware of which type of pollution is okay to introduce to Darnell. Case in point: Just you cast one unpositive glance upon the sin of homosexuality & how it relates to the NFL and an agitated MJD will let you hear about it.

Here it is from Matt’s own mouth regarding whether Kordell Stewart was gay, along with MJD's dream of civil union ceremonies at the 50-yard line:

It would be sad enough if a guy's career was ruined because he actually was gay, but it's somehow more sickening to know that a rumor alone could do the job just as well.

I wouldn't expect a group of NFL teammates to hear that a player's gay, and react by jumping around in glee, and then arranging for that player and his life partner to be married at halftime of the next road game they play in California (although that would be awesome). But from what Plax says here, no one was even willing to talk about it. That makes me feel sad.

Awesome? Two men who reject the standard order of creation and all history (yet their existence is dependant on both) stand in the middle of a sporting event publicly declare their love for each other. And Darnell doesn’t just agree with behavior like this, he celebrates it. It is not just “good”. To call a halftime gay marriage “great” would be short changing it. To him, it is purely “awesome”. (On a side: I was just thinking the other day that the NFL has not had enough of the weird or inappropriate during halftime events.)

But did you catch the “no one was willing to talk about it” bit? Never mind these NFL gladiators aren’t discussing bowhunting, eminent domain, and intellectual property rights in the locker room enough. Nope, those would be kiddy swings at Darnell’s carnival.

Want proof? Read how Matt tees off on Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy (here and here and here) for simply agreeing with what the Bible has to say about homosexuality being wrong. Darnell really, really, really, really doesn’t like the fact that Coach Dungy thinks this, so he initiates some jabs. Did MJD really think an evangelical Christian like Dungy was gonna be gung ho about promoting homosexuality? Had you known MJD’s thoughts ahead of time, anyone could have predicted a targeted swipe at Tony. This is classic uncreative liberal tripe Matty is pushing here.

Need another example? Watch how MJD investigates a man tattling on Cleveland Brown’s QB Brady Quinn for yelling at a group of gay folks on New Year’s Eve (listen to the 9-1-1 call in the first link). The “victim” was mysteriously able to put up with this heckling all night and somehow, someway gets over his life-is-about-to-end fears long enough to specifically mention BQ as one of the meanies. The sufferer also exits stage left before the Cleveland coppers showed, which no doubt had better things to do than play den mother.

Nothing ever escalated with the Quinn story, but that doesn’t matter. All you need is an “I’m telling” scenario and MJD will bite like a Bass in June. No retractions, no defusing, no further explanations and no follow-ups ever happened on Shutdown Corner regarding the story. It's funny how those same actions resemble a hissyfit. Matt is now more concerned with imaginary scenarios that propel his cause, rather than disciplined waiting and responsible reporting.

Since he laid down his cards on several occasions, I’m willing to bet you could not present to Darnell any logical basis for actually rejecting the promotion of homosexuality in the NFL. His own blog is proving that it is at the forefront of what concerns him regarding the game. He defers to different topics, yet still comes back to it. He is not the typical “I have no problem with it” and turn your head type. Matt’s words suggest he is for continual support and active promotion of homosexuality in the NFL. Yet how much endorsement of gay rights must be done in the NFL, you ask? According to Matt’s own words, until he stops feeling the “sad” and starts experiencing the “awesome”. If you caught on, you already know too much will never be enough for folks like him.

Here is why I think MJD is on thin ice: His journalism has yet to acknowledge the gossamer thin difference between the men who love on men and the men who love on younger versions of those men or anything else they deem fair game. There really isn’t an ocean of difference between fighting for the rights of an Esera Tuaolo and a Lantz Rentzal or a Tony Zendejas. Minus less advocacy, similar misconducts are gone on in the lives of these former players who did what they wanted sexually. But all you will hear about is the safe and secure umbrella of such a positive form of responsible love known as homosexuality rather than it being a welcome mat to comparable transgressions. To guys like MJD, linking these comparable immoral behaviors together is an illogical thought. For those of us who know better, we should demand the MJD’s of the world recognize the logical outworking of sin as opposed to their preferred stepping out of bounds. But not too far out of bounds (in case you forgot).

Could anyone believe MJD would pursue a story about a homosexual connected to the NFL accused of improper sexual contact with a boy? I didn’t think so either. I am guessing there would be some caution exercised, coupled with the obligatory let's-not-rush-to-judgements and we’re-just-guessing-till-we-get-all-the-facts. Now, I could see him doing that story if the accused man previously opposed homosexuality publicly, like Dungy, which Matt would be all over. In fact, if you followed Matt’s reasoning, an action like molesting is really only an arrow width shy of him labeling it “awesome”. Even though that is as clear as crystal to most of us, good luck getting Darnell to see or admit this.

It gets old listening to heterosexuals who passionately loves gay rights more than homosexuals love those gay rights. These boosters will defend the behavior of friends, sons, etc. Their charade of compassion aught to make us sick, too. But before you brand me a homophobe for questioning this lobby, consider the people you are defending. They watch, with front row seats, loved ones kill themselves to get their patch on quilt rather than loving them enough to tell them what they are doing is wrong. Say what you will, but I at least want gay people to live longer than the Darnells of the world do. And yet, I will get labeled the bad guy. So be it. The sad thing about it is that I think these homosexual enthusiasts act like this so that they don't get grief over whose bed they chose to sleep in.

Listen up, NFL (and Yahoo for that matter). You haven’t always made good decisions, but people mostly enjoy your product. You have survived a long time without shenanigans like this, but you may not survive with it. In a culture that is afraid to stand up to self appointed nannies, you do not need to succumb to the likes of Darnell and other goons.

However, some of you may actually prefer Matthew’s bizarre cocktail of pro football and gay rights. Want a tip on how to get Matt to write more about those rights? Bring up something about football! Then you will get an earful about homosexuality until MJD achieves his unsaddened state. And along the way, we will all get to see what a sewer looks like. Fare thee well.

Labels: Matthew J. Darnell, Yahoo

posted by REM @ 12:57 PM 9 Comments Links to this post

In March 2006, I had the opportunity to email interview Christian music singer and watchblogger Steve Camp. He agreed and sadly, I never got around to posting it until now. Here it is (Camp’s words are in bold):

1. When you were recording music with Warner Alliance and other record companies, did you consider yourself an employee of a publicly traded organization that gave you the freedom to express your artistic talents, preach the gospel, etc.

No I did not. There was no employee contract; only an artist agreement. Sparrow was not a publicly traded company, it was private when I was with them—I left over them being sold to EMI. When I was with Warner Alliance, I thought they had autonomy from Warner proper with more of a distribution situation through the parent company.

Or were you an independent artist or minister whose services record companies utilized to generate profit for themselves until you both parted ways?

No artist signed to a label is considered independent. An “indy artist” is one who is out on his or her own without the support of a record label. The generating of profits is not the motive or the function; but it is a reality if you are asking a record company to release other projects for you. That isn’t unbiblical; just good business. Where the biblical line is crossed, is that when profits is what governs your motives and methods in making Christian music (2 Cor. 2:17. I.e., water-down the message to generate more sales; don’t mention the name of Jesus in your music, it will limit your marketability (2 Cor. 4:1-5).

And while I am on it, was Warner Alliance and other record companies you worked for NFPs (Not for Profits), a surer sign that they were a ministry of some type and not a business?

Are you serious in asking this question? No record company is non-profit.

And while I am on it still, is Audience One a NFP?

Yes.

In short, were you a business man who ministered, or a minister who dabbled in businesses while involved in the CMI?

Neither. I was a minister of the gospel in song who did the work of an evangelist who functioned in itinerate ministry, accountable to my local church who was given public support in the releasing of my music to further carry on that music ministry.

--As I understand it, you and your former employer, Warner Alliance, no longer saw fit to contract together (I am not sure who left who).

Not true. We parted amicably and I deeply respect and admire the former leadership of that company.

From what I observed, being in CMI allowed you to minister the Word of God more freely than most people get to (Not many businesses will allow an employee to sing, make music, preach, speak, etc.).

No one allowed me anything. They knew my work and calling and supported me in that through their labels. I was and am very grateful to them all for that privilege.

I am just not sure where and what is a separating line between the business and ministry exist in the instance of CMI (Yes, I think it appears to be both at times, but I do believe a line exists, even if it is blurry).

The labels are for profit Christianly missioned driven businesses, that sign individual Christian artists who use music for ministry. Where the line was crossed, was in allowing secular companies to own Christian music entities. It is being called unequally yoked (2 Cor. 6:14-7:1). Worldly conglomerates cannot own ministry in any form whatsoever. Pragmaticism rules the day in evangelicalism; but, nonetheless, it is not supported Scripturally. That is what led to my departure from CCMI, not that labels functioned as businesses.

When I bought your records, I believe you were ministering and they (record companies) were collecting (all my teenage mind could handle). This may not have been the best partnership, but my ears cared not at the time. In case you were wondering, I came up with this question recalling various scriptures (Acts 6:2-4, I Cor 9:3-14, Phil 4:17) and remembering a chapter from Business by the Book from Larry Burkett. These scriptures have helped form my thinking on what it means to fund the gospel (please forgive me for a lack of a better phrase) and the differences between Christian business and Christian ministry (hopefully both operate as different avenues to the same location, Glorifying God). Burkett's book gave me some practical ideas based on those scriptures for business owners & ministers who have had that line between business and ministry blurred by themselves or others at times (yes this happens on a messy planet).

The question is not business or ministry; both should be done biblically for the believer in Christ and both are legitimate under God’s sovereignty and Word. The question is ownership/partnership and that is where the current CCMI finds itself. It has partnered with and is owned by nonbelievers. I do not fault nonbelievers for buying up what they considered good, sound money making entities. I do fault the believers for selling their birthright, as it were, for the porridge of more money and point of purchase shelf space to compete “in the real world” with the mainstream artists. It hasn’t worked and will continue to not work. Why? There is something inherent of Christ-centered music that will offend. The cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, the Apostle Paul says. Can a Christian just make great music and be a journeyman in the arts as a matter of vocation without it being a ministry primarily? Yes—not a problem. But can a Christian use the arts as a ministry unashamedly proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ and for the express purpose or biblical worship and find favor and success in mainstream markets and venues? No. The world won’t accept it and neither should they. There has always been the sacred/secular dichotomy.I prefer my vaporous life to be used for the sacred—the world does the secular far better than any Christian can. I want my music, blogs, website, articles, books, etc. to be used for His glory, to honor His Word, to proclaim His gospel, to encourage His church, and worship His name. I can’t do that with nonbelievers owning my music. It’s that simple.

2. Based upon how you answer the last question, do you believe an industry or a Para church ministry should be the sparkplug for a revival rather than a local church?

Yes. If you review church history, most of the great revivals or even the Reformation didn’t begin through a specific local church, but individuals that the Lord sovereignly burdened to call the church to repentance and recover the gospel of sola fide—the doctrine of justification by faith.

Do you desire to reform a ministry or industry in hopes that you might have impact ultimately on the church?

To reform, is to right the wrong. Christian Music Industry and the publishing industry in evangelicalism impacts the church in many profound ways and unfortunately not always in accordance with the standard of God’s and His gospel. It needs reformation. If by God’s grace, genuine reformation happens in our nation again, it will not only impact these Christian music and publishing companies, but it will impact the church in a powerful way.

Think of the heresies being thrust upon the church today that need to be confronted and corrected: Open Theism, Sabellianism, Postmodernism in The Emergent Church, The New Perspective of Paul, Pragmaticism, etc. What a great time for revival/reformation!

From my perspective (and I see so little) your actions give the appearance of an indirect reformation. In short, why would you present these theses to CMI and not a denomination you are involved in (an actual church) to affect CMI, rather than the other way around?

You instruct in sound doctrine and refute those who contradict (Titus 1:9) wherever the error raises its ugly head. I’m a churchman. But, what you are asking is not a matter of church polity or ecclesiology, it is a matter of reformation. Think of the O.T. The Lord just didn’t use men from the Levitical priesthood to only call the priesthood to righteousness; he raised up shepherd prophets like Amos to call an entire nation and priesthood to repentance.

-I asked this because I am confused. I know you wanted to mirror Martin Luther, something every Christian should desire. But if Luther were to mirror you he may have had to nail his theses somewhere other than a front door of a church (Granted, they didn't have well defined industries we do now, but I hope you see my point.

I really don’t see your point. The 107 THESES is a call to Reformation not only for the CCMI, but also for the church as well. Have you read my blog this past year? Many of the articles deal specifically within the local church. I minister primarily within the context of the local church when doing concerts and preaching/teaching. I partner with pastors in communities—not promoters. This call to reformation has never been just to an industry, but to the church as well. Don’t confuse Luther’s time with today. He was confronting a recalcitrant Roman church with the gospel of sola fide. Romanism is a false church, led by a false pastor, occupying a false office, preaching a false gospel. Luther would have confronted error anywhere it raised itself above the authority of God’s Word.

And please understand it is a point, not an accusation of wrongdoing). I am not saying Luther would have, should have or could have done that. Nor am I saying you would have, could have or should have done differently. Its not like you picked a horrible starting place for revival (who cares exactly where & precisely how a reformation starts as long as it starts, Amen), but I am just misunderstanding your rationale, strategy and aim in all this.

I think that’s part of the problem here. This was not a strategy or aim in all this. This was a biblically based burden for the church at large beginning with CCMI and other aspects of Christian industry that now has spread to doctrinal issues facing the church worldwide.It is simple: it’s a call to biblical ministry and the gospel of sola fide; and by God’s grace, may we see reformation again in our day.

3. Why weren't your 107 thesis released earlier than they were?

--I realize the simple answer could be that you had not written them yet or thought them up until you did. But the timing of the 107 theses does remain confusing to me. It wasn't that you should have waited longer, because I fear you may have waited too long. As I understand it (and please clear this up if I am wrong), you were no longer employed by Warner Alliance. When Martin Luther wrote his 95 theses, he was in his own words "a faithful son of the pope" and very much a part of the Roman Church he wanted to reform. Luther reformed from within as much as possible, till he was forced out (forced is an understatement-I am summarizing). Now I am not suggesting that Luther couldn't have taken another route (direct confrontation of the pope, etc.), nor am I suggesting that the Reformation wouldn't have happened at all if he didn't have tack his 95 theses on Wittenburg door. Of course there are differences between our world today and Luther's world. But I didn't see you as involved in the industry when the theses came out as much as earlier in the 1990s. The theses are good and should not be ignored, but I now fear you come acrossed as eating crow because you did not write these while actually "inside" the industry. This doesn't limit what you wrote at all, but the impact would have been a little more Lutherlike if written in say, 1994. What I don't understand is that if you were as bothered as you were, why didn't you write the theses earlier while still in the industry? Why wait till you are an "outsider" where you can do little good within the industry and all your critics can dismiss you (Your opposition seems to easily throw this ever inescapable position upon you because of when your theses entered the fray.) There could easily be something I am missing here, and if so, please help me clear up my misunderstanding. And I also admit, I have been living under a rock.

(Steve did not answer this question, but some of that may have had to do with my confusing format:)

Although Steve never answered my parting query about posting this on my blog, I am taking the opportunity to share. He’s a pretty in your face dude with a desire to embrace conflict, so I don’t think he will mind a lick. I hesitated to post this, because at the end of the day, I don’t think I phrased the questions as succinctly as I could. Every time I try to good, well, you know the rest. I may comment more on Camp’s comments later, in what will be some of the last posts of this blog-That is right, TSID will to come to an end before too long here. Lucent en Tenebris.

Labels: Interview

posted by REM @ 2:17 PM 2 Comments Links to this post

-And the first Moran in our household to catch a bass this season was none other than—Blake Moran! Junior beat Papa in dramatic fashion as the Blakester pulled in a young Largemouth from the pond. He beat me fair in square and I was proud to shake his hand in John Kerry losing fashion.

-Since I last blogged, we have had some good times as a family. In April, I took a week of vacation and spent one night at Carribbean Cove here in Indy. It was a blast. Later that week, Sherri and I attended the Indiana Homeschool convention. It was an encouraging time for Sherri and I and I couldn’t help but get excited about what Blake and Grace will learn next year. Lots of decisions got made that week. I am also looking forward to taking another week off this fall and am debating where to go, without kids. And with gas prices being what they are, methinks we'll fly.

-At this convention, I met the Miller family, who will be traveling across Europe, North Africa and Asia as part of a geography curriculum. We are excited to see how things go for them and will be interested when they visit the original set of Star War’s Tatooine in Tunisia, the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and (Blake hopes) the Great Wall in China. Godspeed to them. Plus, if you need some encouragement for implementing adventure into your daily life, sign up for Tony and Jenn’s updates.

-Speaking of adventure, Sherri’s mom and stepdad, Sam and Diana Bruner, have just headed out west for 3 weeks. They are going to see the Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Vegas, the Hoover Dam and various other spots, not excluding their one-week mission project.

-I attended a conference in DC and was able to meet a number of people who work in Medical Records/FileNet. It was a profitable conference and made me appreciate my line work.

-Sherri and I celebrated our 10th Anniversary recently. Wow, it was like yesterday when we were first married. We spent our night on the town eating, shopping and drinking Starbucks. I used to despise Starbucks, but the Green Tea Frappucino could grow on anyone with tastebuds.

-I bought a new camera and a new grill. Summertime is upon us. As opposed to last summer, this one looks like it will contain a few projects. No resting for me.

-Conner Prarie rocks. We have been there twice already this year. First time, we went to a Civil War reenactment. Zack from our church showed Blake how he loaded his muzzleloader and fired it for us all. The battle reenactment was absolutely incredible, with cannons, cavalry and Blue/Gray soldiers dying/retreating. I suspend harsh words about actors in this context, because it was very cool. The next time we went to the 'Prarie was last weekend for an international festival. The demonstrations were good, particularly the Indiana Caledonia Pipe Band that performed on their bagpipes. Woe to anyone who wars with Scotland!

-I now own digital convertor for my TV (I used the $40 off govt coupon). The new weather channels with live Doppler have come in handy recently. Additionally, I am now the owner of an Estey piano, built in Bluffton, Indiana. It is a nice model and hopefully someone in the family learns to play beyond chopsticks, Mary had a Little Lamb and my version of Sugarpie, Honey Bunch.

-Gas is high, other things need to drop, there is plenty of variations & other options. For some insight on the oil issue, see here. Not a bad take.

-Is it me complaining, or is changing the oil on your cars and getting the tires rotated now a fiasco? I remember this stuff being a teensy bit easier without children.

-My discovery phase of Lasik surgery begins. I am saddened to say that I cannot see now in glasses (too blurry) or contacts (cause burning). Here’s hoping I can convince insurance it is no longer cosmetic. Pray for good eyesight for me because this is a burden.

-The Illinois Tollway is $62.40 richer because of their vaguely advertised tollbooths in the month of January. Their digital pic of my license plate for missing three 80 cent tollbooths was ridiculous. Since they don’t work well with first time offending out of state residents, my discretionary income won’t make it their way for about a decade. You stay classy Illinois.

-I cut my own hair for the first time with clippers. Since I was so conscientious, I went over my noggin several times, until my scalp was as red as a strawberry. The results weren’t half bad and I passed Sherri’s final inspection.

-Baseball begins for Blake and softball begins for me. Betcha a nickel he is less apt to get injured than me..

-I’m in between so many books now that I cannot even list them. I will be even happier when I finish one of them! Praise God for good books.

-Barack Obama shouldn’t be our president. Ever. Try getting this one out of your mind (HT:Bayly Blog):



If a presidential candidate would be willing to kill his grandchild, I don't want to be punished with his leadership. Fare thee well.

Labels: Updates

posted by REM @ 11:37 AM 1 Comments Links to this post

-To start, who said the following to a group of Harvard Law Students in 1999?

Telling us what to think has evolved into telling us what to say, so telling us what to do can't be far behind.
Before you claim to be a champion of free thought, tell me: Why did political correctness originate on America's campuses? And why do you continue to tolerate it? Why do you, who're supposed to debate ideas, surrender to their suppression?
Let's be honest. Who here thinks your professors can say what they really believe?
It scares me to death and should scare you too, that the superstition of political correctness rules the halls of reason. You are the best and the brightest. You, here in the fertile cradle of American academia, here in the castle of learning on the Charles River, you are the cream. But I submit that you, and your counterparts across the land, are the most socially conformed and politically silenced generation since Concord Bridge. And as long as you validate that...and abide it...you are — by your grandfathers' standards — cowards.

I will give the answer later-No Googling.

-I disabled snapshots on my blog. I got sick of it and should have learned early on that it was annoying. I’m a slow learner, so apologies are in order to those of you who were exasperated by this “feature”.

- Here the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood republishes a prophetic article from 1974 by Joseph Bayly, father of Tim and David. If you have given little time to thinking about how important it is to be a man or a women, it is time to start. The difference between a man and a woman is not up for grabs. (Plus, never worry about offending a Harvard professor aught to be a proverb.:)

-I always thought long distance calls could be made for free. Of course this has been going on for awhile, so no real surprise here.

-Here is an article that deals with the supposed pagan involvement of Halloween. I am discovering most people’s test of pagan origination involves believing what the over congratulated and untrustworthy pagans of yesteryear and modern history revisionists teach them about it. Involving those two sources usually makes your method as airtight as a convertible, but judge for yourself.

-Want to save money on gas? Slow down.

-The famous Anne Frank was a sweet little Jewish girl who was killed by the Nazi’s. Recently, it was revealed that she had a crush on a boy who was tracked down by photo. In the midst of her fear and hiding with absolute doom lurking, I find it ironic that God given romantic desires surface, particularly in a mild mannered little girl being attracted to a far removed boy classmate. The article was a good reminder to train kids toward marriage and parenthood.

-I delinked Blue Gray Sky. I will say more about this in a later post, but I am getting out of the business of College Football blogging, altogether. I wish them well.

-New discoveries have been made regarding why Northern Lights is the way it is. The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it.

-A hawk attacked a 13 year old girl on a trip to Fenway Park in Boston. The bird drew blood from the incidental girl, yet the Yahoo article goes on to explain that the all important hawk and its egg were safely removed. The story reminds me of the cocky little geese outside our office that our people seem to feel accommodating toward, yet threatened by when they are hissed at. I have a cheap solution for both these instances that involves no public funds (Not to mention I have a hankering for fowl cooked in Popeye's spicy style breading-mmm good).

-If Barack Obama thinks some future American’s are “punishments” so much that he would support the potential killing of his own grand kids, then why would anyone think he is fit to be a president? If he won’t stand up to the unjust murder of innocent Americans, what leads you to believe he will have the spine to stand up to foreign dictators or bureaucrats? To those supporters of Obama who call yourself Christians, how can you say you care more about environment, economics and our street cred in Europe than stopping untrialed public executions inside our borders? Please end your love affair with this creep.

-If you are looking for a place to hunt or shoot, click here. Or you can visit Indiana’s DNR page.

-In California, they have no problem with killing your child before it is born, but God help you if you ever intend to home school. Wake up, Golden State.

-Aha, successful theological blogs are run by laymen! That means there may still be hope for mine. I knew it!

-Finally, the answer to the quote. Give up? It was the recently deceased Charlton Heston. My respect for him has elevated.

Lucent en Tenebris.

Labels: Updates

posted by REM @ 11:29 AM 17 Comments Links to this post

--Soapbox mount--

I absolutely hate Elmo.

He is a worthless pile of poo. For those of you that don't know, Elmo is an effeminate red troll whose falsetto voice hasn't changed in 15 years. Couple that with the fact that he (she?) hasn't gotten past how to talk in the third person and you have a combination that annoys and never teaches. All children deserve a better role model than a self absorbed freak who is the center of his own universe. But hey, Rosie adores him like a unicorn, so let’s keep fawning away at a laughing piece of carpet remnant.

Since he is only a dancing puppet (An invertebrate by definition), there is no real crime in me saying I hate the shaggy little fiend. An incredible Hulk desire to choke the ever living sparkle out of him is something I hope to pass on to my kids, who are taught to say the words "BEAT HIM SENSELESS" upon seeing his always open mug. I say death to the observation monkey by shiving him in the eye, having his legs run over by a bus, letting a firing squad shoot off both of his arms (so as they do not kill him in order to elongate pain) and torching the creep. Nice and slow like. Shield your kids from his melodramatic tantrums.

Certain things should die. Elmo is one of them.

--Soapbox dismount--

I feel better. Now everything is A-Okay. Fare thee well.

Labels: Soapbox dismount

posted by REM @ 1:55 PM 1 Comments Links to this post

Those dogs should be careful with a 200 pound kitty.

Labels: God's Creatures, health, Reformation, technology

posted by REM @ 10:37 AM 0 Comments Links to this post