Why I agree with Richard Dawkins and feel thankful that he finally said it.

When I saw Richard Dawkins' tweet that outraged the masses, this one:

I admit, my initial response was mostly emotional. What a disgusting thing to say! I have friends that have children that are beautiful and happy and also have Down syndrome. I was furious for the pain that they endure, not because of their child, but because of idiotic comments like the one from the best and brightest the atheist world has to offer.

And while I am a woman and definitely an emotional being, I also love math and logic which is the real reason why I had a definite problem with Richard Dawkins comment. Now, don't get me wrong. I am under no delusions that for one moment I could win a logic dance-off with RD, but his claim....it's a mess!!

Let's look at it:

“It would be immoral to bring it (a child with Down syndrome) into the world if you had a choice.”

He then goes on to explain that it is simply for the welfare of the child that he came to this conclusion. How generous.

So let me see if I can figure this out.

Children with Down Syndrome suffer.

Bringing a child into the world that will suffer is..... immoral.

Well Mr. Dawkins, I actually agree with half of it. Children with Down Syndrome suffer. It's true. You know how I know that? Because every human on the planet suffers. But do you know what other types of children suffer? And arguably more then a kid with DS? Children of divorce. You know what other type of children suffer? Again, arguably more? Spoiled children of rich parents. You know what other type of children suffer? Child actors. They are a mess!! I wonder if there is a prenatal test for the genetic predisposition to go into acting? Then Richard D. could campaign their abortions too. I mean, all this poor misunderstood lover of humanity wants to do is end the suffering of children by killing them. Don't be so hard on the guy.

Yes, children with Down Syndrome suffer, but hey Mr. Science and Reason guy, can you measure suffering? Because, if you can, wow, that's impressive. What is the formula for that? Oh wait, you can't actually measure suffering. But yet you are sure this one group of people are better off not existing because of their degree of suffering, right? All of them? They suffer so intensely that they would be better off non existent? None of them are ever happy, and sweet and actually the most unconditionally loving people you could ever meet? Yeah, just admit it. That comment was not only absurd, but also very un-sciency. Suffering. You can't measure it. And yet even if you could, what algorithm, exactly, would you use to determine if ones suffering renders their existence a total mistake? Here's an idea. Why not ask a grieving parent who lost their child, if they are suffering? Now ask them if they wish their child would never have been born...ya know...because then they could have avoided all that suffering. Here's the thing.

Suffering does not equal lack of joy or purpose.

 But now I am using all kinds of crazy words. Joy. Purpose. Sorry about that.

Ok, I know, it sounds like I don't agree with Mr. Dawkins, and now you are frustrated with my misleading “bait and switch” title. But wait! I really do agree with him! Here is the quote with which I completely agree.

"What I was saying simply follows logically from the ordinary pro-choice stance that most of us, I presume, espouse."

In other words, he is merely taking a pro-choice philosophy out to it's logical conclusion.

Case and point:
 If that unborn baby, that fetus, has no value, has no rights, is not a life,  then who cares what the reason is! Just abort it. Wrong gender? Abort it. Wrong timing? Abort it. Going to interfere with your modeling aspirations? Abort it. Going to have a chromosomal abnormality? Of course! No brainer.

As foolish and revolting as his initial comment was, this fact remains.

That comment flows perfectly and naturally from his evolutionary pro-choice stance.

So why, pray tell, is everyone so shocked? Why is there such outrage?

The reason is simple. Hardly anyone takes their pro-choice philosophy out to its logical conclusion.
They say things like, “It's a baby if you want it to be.” (So scientific) Or  "yes, decapitating babies is gross, but who am I to tell a woman what to do with her body." Huh?
 No matter how obviously illogical these statements are, people  continue with these ridiculous arguments for abortion. because they must cling to their "freedom" whatever the cost. The cost in this case is logical inconsistency.

I have to admit, when I took to the twitterverse and saw all the magnificently dissenting opinions, I felt relief. Ahhhh!! People do have souls! Yay! The internet can still distinguish evil! Hooray! All is not lost! But then it happened. The only way I can describe the feeling I had next would be to liken it to the day after our most recent presidential election As I stood in my neighborhood, covered in Romney signs, all I could do was shake my head and wonder what went wrong. I thought we all agreed? It hit me. My comfort was fleeting because I knew the truth. I sat there at my computer confused.  Yes, the majority of tweeters are using their twitter handles to blast Dawkins and his morally depraved views, but does that really match popular opinion? Does it accurately reflect what happens statistically? Or is everyone just mad that he said it out loud? Are they just in disbelief that he pulled the curtain back only to reveal a little atheist of a man whose pro-choice view of life is cold and black and empty.

This one statistic is what brought me back to reality. I read it recently, and it is horrific.

Ninety percent.......(you know what I am going to say right?) Ninety percent of unborn babies diagnosed with DS are aborted. So you know what that means?

The internet is a liar. 

Because if people were honest, there would have been no backlash. There would have been no blogs on Huffington Post making a joke out of the whole debacle. If people were honest, 90% of them would have “favorited” his comment. Because statistics say that most people agree with him. And that is that sad truth.

Yes Dawkins, you are right when you say that your comment flows perfectly from your world view. And I can imagine how shocked you were when you were attacked by the very people that are normally on your side. You will have to forgive them because they are just not smart enough to take your espoused views to their logical conclusions. And to you, I am truly thankful. I am thankful that you said it out loud. I am thankful that you exposed the pro-choice philosophy for all that it really is. Because of you, I know right now someone out there finally gets it.

So before I conclude, that person is the one with whom I need to talk. With all this media attention, all this talk of aborting babies because they had down syndrome, all the apparent outrage over taking the life of an innocent, there is someone else out there that may understand now what they didn't realize then. You see, like many others,  we too were told that our first baby girl had all the markers for down syndrome. But we refused an amnio because we didn't think knowing was worth the risk. Any baby from God deserved a chance at life. That was an easy decision for us. But I know that it is not an easy decision for all. I know that there are women and men, mothers and fathers that agonized over that same decision. I know that some decided to get the amnio, and in turn, due to complications, lost their baby, a baby that actually did not even have DS. I also know that others chose a drastically different route. They chose to end the life of their child. They believed the lie. They really thought they were doing the charitable thing. They were deceived by men “smarter” then them. Doctors. Midwives. Family members. All lied. And just like that a life was gone. This was a baby, with eyelashes and fingernails and smiles and toes. A baby that was brutally murdered. If that was you, if you made that choice, but now, thanks to Dawkins, you have seen the lies exposed for what they really are, you may feel so much pain that you think you will die. But I need you to know one thing. There is forgiveness at the cross. There is healing from the hand of God. You can find freedom and peace. I promise you. Yes, I am glad Dawkins said what he did. I agree that pro-choice philosophy logically leads one to his exact pitiful and nauseating comments. And I am thankful that he drew back the curtain for all to see the ugliness that comes with the pro-choice world view.But more than that I pray that those that were deceived, would find healing. And I pray that those that are in that valley of decision, would choose life.  

For more on healing those past hurts: http://www.rachelsvineyard.org/aboutus/ourstory.htmcheck out Rachel's Vineyard.

Confessions of a Creationist: When the Bible doesn't match science.

Confession time.
 The Bible's account of creation does not always line up with Science.
 There. I said it. Now what?

Well because of this, some really smart men out there that consider themselves to be Christians, embrace evolution. Regularly, those Christian evolutionists repeat the same words heard in the garden, all those years ago....

"Did God really say....?

However, the reality that science does not always line up with scripture doesn't bother me.
Wait, what??
That's right.  And it shouldn't bother you either. 

Here's why.

1. Expecting our understanding of science and the Bible to line up in perfect harmony is ridiculous.

Read this carefully. If you are dismayed when science seems to contradict the Bible's account of creation, how do you feel when "science" does not line up with the rest of the Bible?

Virgin birth?

Yup. Bible says it. But science? A baby born with no male donor? Not possible.

Healing with mud?

The Bible says Jesus did it. But I dare you to find a scientist with the research to back up this unprecedented claim.

Walking on Water?

Seriously, what man has ever replicated that? Not very sciency.

And rising from the dead?

3 days after dying?  And I mean dead.  Not, “Oh, we thought he was dead, but look, he's alive and kicking in a body bag in the morgue.” I mean heart pierced-water- flowing out dead, but now alive.

Yes, there are some real problems in the Bible conforming to some apparent scientific data. But creation is definitely not the most egregious.

We need to remember this one crucial fact:

  The One that created the laws, has a way of making those laws fit what He declares to be true. It's called a miracle.

2. God uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.

That's it. Bottom line.
 So saying things like, “Well, they are really smart, and they believe this” does not an argument make. For instance, a lot of these really smart thinkers will claim that they believe the Bible and evolution.  But once you dig deeper into their theology, it's clear that they really don't believe the greater part of the Bible. This brings us back to number one. They are producing theories to try to make the Bible line up with science, when God never asked them to do any such thing. Because, logically, if you are going to do that, wouldn't you start with the resurrection? I mean, I hope that we can all agree that the resurrection is the most important event detailed in the Bible. So why then, don't the Christian evolutionists try to tell us what actually happened at the tomb? Surely God didn't mean that Jesus rose from the dead. We all know that doesn't line up with science.

Listen, I am not saying to check your brain at the church door. In fact, please don't! But when choosing what to believe, the Bible has to win. It is written by the one that is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. The problem with any apparent discrepancies is that science just hasn't caught up with God yet. For instance, Revelations says that the whole world will see two prophets die. Ten years ago, one would have said, “Preposterous!” “Impossible!” How could the whole world see a single event at one time.  But now we know that 90% of the world can see any given event in minutes, seconds even. Time after time, predictions that we couldn't possibly understand at the time have come true.

3. They know the truth but refuse to repent.

The reality is that some of these brilliant scientists actually know that some of what they are saying is a complete lie. The soldiers that knew that Jesus rose from the dead told the authorities that Jesus rose from the dead. And what did these authorities do when confronted with truth? Nothing. They covered it up. Or at least they tried. Sharing from the pulpit this past Easter, Franklin Graham highlighted this very fact. Those in authority knew the truth, but refused to repent, and determined to lead others astray. Sadly, this is true not only in science, but in everyday life. We grieve the heart of God and destroy the lives around us because even though we know the truth and know what we ought to do, we do not repent. We choose self. I pray that we, the body of Christ, would continue to battle against the powers of darkness on our knees, and in our hearts that we might see fruit in due season.

Yes, I will admit that the Bible doesn't always line up with science.  Because frankly, it is above science. Like here:

And truth be told, evolution has the same problem.  However the major difference is that Creationists can rest on  "God said" which easily trumps "Darwin said" any day.

We walk by faith, not by sight, and without faith, it is impossible to please God. Study to show thyself approved, but remember that God's Word is the ultimate authority and His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. AMEN!! (2 Cor. 5:7, 2 Tim. 2:15, 2 Peter 1:3)

One thing I learned from Bob Coy.

 

With so many new visitors on my site, I wanted to say hi :) and share with you why this blog is here.

I started this blog, like most,  as an outlet for my opinions, a place for my point of view. I started blogging in August of last year tackling different topics. That in and of itself was terrifying. Then in November, I felt the Lord nudging me to start logging my personal Bible study for accountability on the blog as I work through the Bible chronologically.

You see, one thing that has been imparted to me throughout my decades at Calvary, has been the need and love for reading through and studying scripture. I loved listening to Bob Coy teach. But contrary to popular (and condescending) opinion, it was not for his jokes.  Let's be honest. After 20+ years, I have just about heard all of his jokes. And when he tells that one liner again for the millionth time, I would normally just smile and roll my eyes like I do with some of my dad's jokes. The real reason I loved listening to BC teach is that he dedicated so much time behind the pulpit to actually reading the scriptures. So many preachers start with a verse, and then talk about that verse for 45 minutes. But the real life changing power of preaching is in presenting the scripture- and lots of it. (I also developed a love for alliterations under this guy! Can you tell??) But how, you may ask, could God use a man that was living in sin for whatever length of time? The answer is simple. God can use anybody or anything, like a donkey, the stars, a rock. Anything! That truth goes for you too, by the way. So the next time you feel particularly proud of yourself for being “used” just consider the company with which you keep.

Since having started this online devo blogging, I have learned so much. The process of really searching out the scriptures to discover more about God's character and then expressing it in words has been incredibly edifying and educational for me. It has also deepened my appetite and awareness for how desperately I need that time in God's word! Feeling anxious? Get in the word. Feeling sad? Get in the word. Feeling blessed? Get in the word. And really, get in it! Meditating on it all day, remembering the lessons extracted from the living breathing Word of God that morning, that is powerful.

Our Father longs to comfort us through His promises, teach us through His commandments, encourage us through His exhortations. But friends, we have to read it. And not only read it. Search it. Hold on to it. Meditate on it. Share it. Here's why. ;)

 the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

But know this.  I am not a professional blogger, writer, theologian, or grammar specialist. So adjust your expectations accordingly. :) Nevertheless, I do consider myself an apologist because this:

a·pol·o·gist

əˈpäləjist/

noun

noun: apologist; plural noun: apologists

1. 1.
   a person who offers an argument in defense of something controversial.

Synonyms

Defender, supporter, upholder, advocate, proponent, exponent, champion, campaigner:

Oh, and for fun look at the antonym given : critic …...Ouch.

I would love to have you join me on this study through God's word and life in general. Each section of scripture is so full, and I am not doing a verse by verse exposition. So there will be other elements of God's character or lesson to be learned from each passage that I don't cover. In the comment section tell me what you saw, or if you can relate with what I saw, tell me how.

 I am so grateful to those of you that have “held me accountable” thus far even by simply reading through the devo posts. Just knowing you are there reminds me to keep going. And if we have learned nothing from these past 2 weeks, I hope we have learned the importance of accountability.

God predicted my future.....Does that count Bill Nye?

Wow! What a morning. And all this drama on “Clean Sheet Wednesday”? How would I get it all done? Rest assured, the sheets (and you all know there are a lot of them) are cleaned and back on the beds. Phew. But really, how was I ever going to reply to Peter So and So on facebook?? He was getting impatient! He waited 30 whole seconds on  before giving me the ol' “A-HA! I knew you couldn't answer!” Simmer down now Peter! I have beds to change!

After teaching, and cleaning, and lunching, and witnessing unprecedented activity on my blog good and bad, I had to go for a run. Clear my head. Pray for direction. This is what I wanted right? A platform to tell others about Jesus? But man, people are angry and mean. Look, I am a big girl, and have a knack for disregarding crazy and bitter. Nevertheless, angry people can wear on anyone. I don't know if this is the road I want to go down. In fact from my very first post, (click here to read) you can see my struggle with God.

It started when I was a teenager and would enjoy explaining math problems to any that were confused around me. It went like this. They couldn't understand it. I explained it. They were happy. It was then that I decided to become a math teacher, although I didn't particularly like math. It was a bit much work for my taste. And that was in just in high school! Ha! I had no idea what I was in for pursuing a pure math degree along with teacher certification. Over and over I prayed for permission from God to drop out of my math major. Biblical counseling sounds like fun! This is too hard! But God refused. “I am not calling you into ministry because you don't want to work hard,” he whispered into my soul. Fine. I trudged through. And I finished.

Then I taught in a public school where over and over I heard from students that I taught who used to hate math, but now loved it! Yes! This is what any good teacher strives for and lots can achieve. However it was not all sunshine and roses. It was also at this school where I learned another important lesson I can use today. Consider the source. After a particularly difficult lesson, a student known for being a regular consumer of marijuana, raised his hand and proclaimed, “I understood this last year when Mr. Hanley taught it, but I don't understand the way you are teaching it.” Wow. The ultimate blow. The opposite of what every good teacher strives for. But this was Tony. So I was unfazed. “Tony,” I began, “do you think that maybe this was easier last year because you had more brain cells then?” And his response confirmed my theory. He looked around, laughed, and admitted “You might be right.” So there's that. Consider the source.

And then there was last night. I was too tired to watch the debate, until I had to, but I definitely wasn't going to write about it. I couldn't. My brain was mush. It was three o'clock in the morning after my hardest day of the week. Fine. I would start writing, but there was no way I would finish. But I did. So for those that were so wholeheartedly offended by my less than perfect grammar, I had been up 24 hours. Give a girl a break. Although, truth be told, even on a good night of sleep, I would never ever claim to be a perfect writer. Ever. So if that is your thing, we should amicably part ways. I don't see our relationship going anywhere.

So back to my run. I called a friend and downloaded, and she advised, and I hung up to pray some more. But for a faith having, God loving Christian, I have to admit I really wasn't expecting an answer. I didn't see anything God could show me that would give me peace one way or the other. Until he did. He reminded me of what we have been studying in Psalms that I did not relate to at all when I read it. In fact, in the blog, I either didn't even mention said verses, or didn't comment on them because I just couldn't relate. Until today. But because I was storing them in my heart. They were there, today, when I needed them. You see, over the last 6 hours or so, because of a blog post I wrote here, I have been “yelled” at, mocked, called names, “laughed” at. And on and on.

Here are the previous studies:

Psalm 27: Wait!

Psalm 7: Don't be surprised by struggle.

Here are the verse I didn't relate to before today:

Psalm 7:  O Lord my God, in You I put my trust;
Save me from all those who persecute me;
And deliver me,
2 Lest they tear me like a lion,
Rending me in pieces, while there is none to deliver.

3 O Lord my God, if I have done this:
If there is iniquity in my hands,
4 If I have repaid evil to him who was at peace with me,
Or have plundered my enemy without cause,
5 Let the enemy pursue me and overtake me;
Yes, let him trample my life to the earth,
And lay my honor in the dust. Selah



9 Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end,
But establish the just;
For the righteous God tests the hearts and minds.
10 My defense is of God,Who saves the upright in heart.



14 Behold, the wicked brings forth iniquity;
Yes, he conceives trouble and brings forth falsehood.
15 He made a pit and dug it out,
And has fallen into the ditch which he made.
trouble shall return upon his own head,
And his violent dealing shall come down on his own crown.
Psalm 27:

3 Though an army may encamp against me,
My heart shall not fear;
Though war may rise against me,
In this I will be confident.

4 One thing I have desired of the Lord,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the Lord,
And to inquire in His temple.
5 For in the time of trouble
He shall hide me in His pavilion;
In the secret place of His tabernacle
He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock.

6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me;
Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.

Teach me Your way, O Lord,
And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.
12 Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries;
For false witnesses have risen against me,
And such as breathe out violence.

Today I am thankful for a God who sees the future. And longs to prepare us for it! And that, Dear Impatient Peter from facebook, is something of which I could never be convinced otherwise. And above all, I pray that you would find that too.

Why Bill Nye lost the debate last night.

 

 

I LOVE debates!! Ask my poor husband!
 I vow one day to go to law school, because in my humble opinion, there is no one that would make a better lawyer then someone with a math degree. Logic, problem solving, proofs, yes, yes and yes! So when I heard about this debate my head was spinning. These types of debates are typically "below" all the evolution big wigs, so this was our chance! I wondered what Ken Ham would say, which smoking gun he would bring up. Would he use Darwin's own words to damn Bill Nye's ideas? Which proofs would he bring out? The anticipation was almost too much. I was praying for Ken Ham, telling others to pray for Ken Ham.
I could not wait to watch this debate.
And then, two days before the debate I realized I wouldn't even be able to watch the it live. Weeks ago I had received free tickets to a NHL Panthers hockey game for our whole family. And it was the same night!!
 I gladly went to the game, and enjoyed the family time. But I couldn't help but wonder how the debate was going. That's when I started checking twitter. And my heart began sinking!
NO!! What? Why? Even my Christian friends were disappointed.
 I literally felt sick. I was desperate to know what had happened. I really wanted to watch it online. Like now.
When we got home from the game exhaustion was setting in. The debate was over. The vote was in. It felt like November 2012 all over again. Should I even watch it? What was the point?
Yeah right! Of course I had to watch it.
So with the kids and husband asleep, I clicked on the archived event with incredible anxiety and began watching. The truth is that I was riveted from start to finish. But I had one question. Was I watching the same debate?

Ken Ham started off strong with the grammar stage. Undoubtedly, we have to define our terms if we are going to employ them throughout the discussion. However, despite Ham's rigorous and through explanations of the vocabulary they would be using, Bill Nye refused to adhere to said logical constraints and  instead used demeaning innuendos and labeled  belief in a created universe as “Ken Ham's view” as if Ken Ham invented the theory of creation. The reality is, however, that Bill Nye could have just as easily and accurately said “Francis Bacon's view” or “Galileo's view” or “Isaac Newton's view,” but that would have ended the whole debate right then and there as I will explain later.

There were little things stylistically that I thought Ham could have done differently, or points on which Ham could have challenged Nye, throughout, but for the sake of time and my sanity, I am just going to go over the fundamental fallacies that in essence caused a big loss for Nye.

First of all, Bill Nye made the claim that he, and all scientists since the beginning of time, welcome new theories! (Wait why are we here again?) Yes, he spoke for all scientists everywhere throughout all of history, declaring the joy they feel when someone offers an opposing view with any proof. But I, for one, know this to be false. Why? Because of my FAVORITE math class ever. The History of Calculus. It was fascinating! Seriously, great teacher. Jaw dropping stories. And how did it portray some of those great scientists that produced new ideas to the scientific community? They were attacked and vilified or worse, murdered!! Surely not, you say. Oh yes, I argue. So much so that Isaac Newton eventually gave up sharing his ideas with anyone. And what happened? The whole country of England suffered. They were left about a hundred years behind their competitors mathematically because one of the greatest minds of our time (a creationist, ironically enough) was done with fighting the "all accepting" scientists. Wait, so because someone who believed in a creator God, stopped contributing to science, his whole country's mathematical progress was halted? Interesting.Very Interesting.

Next, he makes the assertion that creationists have the ultimate potential, nay destiny, of ruining progress and eliminating all further advances in science.  Yes, America will cease to be a leader and all will be lost if we teach creation! This claim is easily disputed too, but mostly because his premise is more than a little shaky. His big concern is the education of our children right? We creationists can believe all this fairytale, Ken Ham, stuff, concedes Nye, but please, leave the kids out of it! After all, America's science and math education is currently leading the charts! Right at the top! Right? We can't lose that!

Oh, wait,what? A 2009 study found that U.S. students ranked 25th among 34 countries in math and science, behind nations like China, Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong and Finland.

Oh, well, that must be because there is so much Bible and creation and stuff in schools nowadays, right? Nope.
So faulty premise to start because we are not at the top for science and math education. But the end is wrong too. And that, frankly is where Mr. Nye loses this debate.

This whole controversy started months ago when he claimed that parents should not be allowed to teach their children creation because it is dumb, and their kids will be dumb (paraphrase.)

And that is what Mr. Nye kept driving home tonight.

Bill Nye: (Paraphrase) Anyone who believes in creation can never invent or predict anything. Evolutionists always predict amazing things, 

Ken Ham: like because of evolution we knew that people didn't really need their appendix, or tonsils, ya know, we were evolving past those silly things, so we can just take them out, whenever we want, no harm no.......

...wait what?

 Oh, right, ignore that prediction, that was a little off. But seriously, where was I, oh yeah, if you believe in creation, you can never contribute to science and predict awesome things like evolutionists can.

Then Ken Ham brings out some people from this list of people that support the "Ken Ham Way":

Francis Bacon (1561–1626) Scientific method.

• Galileo Galilei (1564–1642) (WOH) Physics, Astronomy (see also The Galileo affair: history or heroic hagiography?)
• Johann Kepler (1571–1630) (WOH) Scientific astronomy
• Blaise Pascal (biography page) and article from Creation magazine (1623–1662) Hydrostatics;

• Isaac Newton (1642–1727) (WOH) Dynamics; Calculus; Gravitation law; Reflecting telescope; Spectrum of light (wrote more about the Bible than science, and emphatically affirmed a Creator. Some have accused him of Arianism, but it’s likely he held to a heterodox form of the Trinity—See Pfizenmaier, T.C., Was Isaac Newton an Arian? Journal of the History of Ideas 68(1):57–80, 1997)
• Gottfried Wilhelm Leibnitz (1646–1716) Mathematician
• Carolus Linneaus (1707–1778) Taxonomy; Biological classification system

• Michael Faraday (1791–1867) (WOH) Electro magnetics; Field theory, Generator
• Samuel F.B. Morse (1791–1872) Telegraph

• James Joule (1818–1889) Thermodynamics
• Louis Pasteur (1822–1895) (WOH) Bacteriology, Biochemistry; Sterilization; Immunization
• William Thompson, Lord Kelvin (1824–1907) Energetics; Absolute temperatures; Atlantic cable (believed in an older earth than the Bible indicates, but far younger than the evolutionists wanted*)
• William Huggins (1824–1910) Astral spectrometry
• Bernhard Riemann (1826–1866) Non-Euclidean geometries
• Joseph Lister (1827–1912) Antiseptic surgery
• Balfour Stewart (1828–1887) Ionospheric electricity
• James Clerk Maxwell (1831–1879) (WOH) Electrodynamics; Statistical thermodynamics
• P.G. Tait (1831–1901) Vector analysis
• John Bell Pettigrew (1834–1908) Anatomist; Physiologist
• John Strutt, Lord Rayleigh (1842–1919) Similitude; Model Analysis; Inert Gases
• Sir William Abney (1843–1920) Astronomy
• John Ambrose Fleming (1849–1945) Electronics; Electron tube; Thermionic valve
  

• George Washington Carver (1864–1943) Inventor

And that is when it was over.
 If Bill Nye's whole point was that creationists can never predict or invent, he lost. That's it.
And believe you me, that was and is his point.  (see videos below)
Listen to his closing statements in which he praises the scientific process (The one promoted by creationist Francis Bacon ) and reiterates that if we start teaching creation, we will be “outcompeted” (not a word) by other countries. That was his final thought.

Now I want to talk to the Christians. Ken Ham had an incredible amount of ground to cover, and arguments to answer. He disputed the carbon dating and got all sciency, yet that was completely ignored. He had a short amount of time to accomplish an enormous task. So he proved what mattered. Yes, he could have went back and forth with him about specifics, but when he did, it was completely dismissed. Ken Ham stuck to the main point with focus. He listed some of these brilliant scientists from the past and some from the present all that contributed to science in immeasurable ways, furthering science, not crippling it. End of debate. It should have been over.

Not only that, but when, dear Christian, is sharing scripture with millions something for us to be disappointed about? There was nothing that Ken Ham was going to say that those staunch evolutionists hadn't heard before and vice versa. The point Ken made time and again was that it all came down to how they were interpreting the data, and that they each, according to their own studies and faith (oh yes, faith), will continue to believe those things regardless of any laundry list of science facts stated. But here is where I differ with the news articles that say “No one will change their opinion from this debate.” I know that God's word is living, and active and sharper than a two edged sword. I know that God's Word does not return void. So I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that through this debate, lives were changed. And that, is amazing.

Before watching the debate I felt sick reading all the reactions. Afterward, I am elated and proud. There are some really great discussion points that I am going to explore in future blogs, like, how Bill Nye actually proved the ark could exist, and also confirmed the need to seek after God! But as my mom says, my blogs tend to be a bit wordy, so I better quit for now! In fact, if you made it this far, thank you! You too mom!

****Edited to add these videos which were the inspiration for the post, along with his previous interviews

And here he tells us how the debate came about and why it is so important.

6 Ridiculous Arguments Used For Legalized Abortion

****Edited to add one more. Because the crazy just keeps on coming.

I can't believe its here again. I remember where I was last year on this date. I was typing on my ipad at the kitchen table, trying to come to grips with the severity of the day, trying to figure out what to do with the pit in my stomach knowing that with every passing minute, another two babies were gone. I saw one or two posts today, and thought, no, it can't be today. Surely there would be more online about it. Yet as I looked into it I discovered it was true. Today was the anniversary for Roe V. Wade. I guess the reason I didn't see much about it is because with 5 kids at home, I don't see any news during the day. I imagine it's being covered on a news station or two. Probably mostly on the conservative one.

Days like today (or yesterday by the time you read this) send my mind spinning. My over analyzing brain goes into overdrive. I see all the bickering online. The ignorance. Rehashing old tired arguments that follow zero laws of logic. And I want to help them. The teacher in me believes they just need to be educated.

So in remembrance of all the lives lost, because of the decision of Roe V. Wade, and because of my love for logic, I need to address a few arguments that need to be put to bed.

1. “Yes, I believe it is murder, but who am I to judge. I know I would never choose it, but I support a woman's right to do it.”

For starters, how does that even come out of someones mouth? Wait, you did just agree that it is murder? Hands down I have more respect for someone who says “It's not a life, and it's my right” then this crazy, “yes it's murder, but what can ya do?” nonsense. How on earth an alarm doesn't go off every time somebody says this, followed by a knock at their door and all voting rights removed, I will never never know.
 

2. “How can you say you are pro life, and also be for the death penalty! Hypocrite!!”

Great comparison. A man brutalizes and murders countless children, and yes, of course, let's compare his life with the lives of the "least of these," helpless babies. Also, here is an article about killers that were given life sentences that were freed to kill again. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2421724/Revealed-The-murderers-given-life-jail-freed-kill-again.html Yes, so please, no more with this argument.

3. “We can't afford more babies, over populated planet! No room!! Less is more!”
Here is the thing. You just aborted the guy that was going to find a way to live on mars! Way to go! Also, that whole cancer cure? Yeah, the girl that was going to discover that never saw the light of day. Oh, and the person that had a plan to end world poverty? That guy will be aborted tomorrow. You see, there are two forms of energy. Kinetic and potential. Is kinetic more powerful than potential? Roe v. Wade says yes. Science says no.

4. “All those unwanted babies become murderers and drug dealers! We are safer this way!”

I would like to introduce the people that say this to google. (google: famous adopted )And I would also like to put money on the fact that these people also voted for Bill Clinton, who was clearly unwanted, and that they are using their iphone, by another unwanted baby, Steve Jobs, to say these illogical words. Not to mention how disgusting it is to suggest that a baby that goes up for adoption is unwanted. Seriously. So disgusting. I would also like to point these people to the lines of people wanting and waiting to adopt a baby.

5. "Women are going to do it anyway, would you rather them lose their life in a back alley with a dirty hanger?"

Ok, so let me get this straight, we need to make murder less dangerous? Seriously? Again, if you don't think it's murder, of course this logic makes sense to you, I grant you that. But Christians, that believe that the fetus is a living breathing real life baby, are you really saying that we need to make murder less dangerous? Please, say that out loud, using those words. "We need to make murder less dangerous." And then let's apply it to other arenas as well. I mean, think of all the mothers that have lost their lives driving their children off a bridge. Shouldn't we make it more accessible for mothers to kill their older children too? I mean, otherwise they are just going to drive their car off a bridge and die themselves instead of only killing their children. God help me.

6.  “Who are you to judge?” 

I just can't hear this one anymore. Not one more time. We all judge, all day long! Thank God! Should I cross the street? I don't know, let me judge. Should I wear a warm coat? I don't know, let me judge. Should I stop that man from beating that dog? Yes, I have judged the situation, and must intervene. Judging is such an important activity, that we actually have people with the job title of “Judge.” And the people that quote that verse? Again, I must direct them to google. Maybe try “What does “Judge not lest you be judged” actually mean? Does it mean that we allow criminal activity to go unchecked? That we don't defend the defenseless? Nope. Not for one second. No. The Bible tells us to Judge (discern) with right judgment.

There are more, so many more. This list is incomplete.  But it's a start. And maybe if just these six nonsensical arguments were eliminated, maybe a real conversation could take place. Also, it is safe to say I would even be satisfied if these arguments were just never used again by people that identify themselves as Christians. Just that in and of itself would be a huge step in the right direction.

The High Cost of "Free" Birth Control vs. The Invaluable Worth of Obedience

There is lots of talk these days regarding “free birth control.” However, even that phrase “Free Birth Control” is the biggest oxymoron.  There is absolutely nothing free about sex, which is the primary reason for this "free" birth control. 

First we have to establish the value of sex as God intended. What is it worth? The act of making love between a husband and wife is invaluable. Priceless. It was intended by God to be the glue that holds them together. In addition to the spiritual bond, something chemical happens in your brain when that physical action takes place that bonds you to that person for life. For better or for worse. It is intimate. It is supposed to be. There is something amazing about knowing someone in a way that nobody on the planet has ever known or will ever know them, not to mention the possibility of partaking in the creation of a human being. What is that worth? In Mark 10: Jesus said  ⁶ But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ ⁷ ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, ⁸ and the two shall become one flesh’;  so then they are no longer two, but one flesh.  ⁹ Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

If sex defined by God is priceless, then what is the true cost of so called "free sex"?

Imagine with me for a minute that you had the strongest glue in the world on the palm of your hand. And the next person with whom you held hands, you would be stuck to for life. But some people ran around saying this wasn't true. They said that you could hold any old hand, and it was no big deal. So you believed them. And gave it a try. And now you were stuck, bonded together with someone you hardly knew. Except this person didn't want to be with you anymore so they ripped away, leaving a raw, bloody mess.....until it eventually scabbed over. You found out the hard way that although those voices were partly right, they were mostly and painfully wrong. However, even though there was a scab, there was still some glue left on your hand. You were in pain, but the voices yelled all the louder. It's not true!! You can hold anyone's hand that you want! So you grabbed another hand. And found out yet again a bond had taken place. But this time you got scared and pulled away, leaving another awfully painful wound. The scab appeared once more, and while your hand felt increased pain, there were now some parts left completely numb. At this point there was very little stickiness left, and you were left to wander, wondering who to believe. The loudest voices....were they the truest voices? Noticeably, every time you tore away from someone there were pieces of them, stuck on your hand, and that, combined with the scabs and scars made it harder each time to stick with someone else. Until finally, you met that person, the one with whom you saw your future. You each looked down at your hands, and the mangled mess they had become, and despaired. There on your hands was the evidence that nothing is permanent. There on your hands were memories of bad choices. There on your hands was very little glue left. Now what?

Adolescents today have been lied to. Deceived. Confused. And my heart breaks for them.

I wonder if anyone remembers being a teenager. I do. I once had a conversation with an important adult in my life. It went like this:

Adult: Don't have sex until you are married, but if you do, please use protection

Me: blank stare

What did I hear? “Use protection.” That's it. What did I conclude? I concluded that this person was ok with me having sex as long as I used protection. The end.

Let's take a minute and see how this “be safe” logic sounds with other high risk activities.

“Don't get in the car with strangers, but if you really want to, take my cellphone, so you can call me. It's safer”

“Don't jump in the shark infested waters, but if you do!! Please take a spear gun with you! It's safer”

“Don't ever commit suicide, but if you want to, here is a gun, it's safer.”

“Don't eat 5000 calories a day, but if you are going to, just throw up! Then you won't gain weight! It's safer. After all, I don't expect anyone to be able to control their appetite.”

"Husband, please don't cheat on me, but here is some money for a hotel room in case you choose to, It's safer than a back alley"

All of these examples sound just as crazy as the mixed messages we are being fed my the world regarding sex. In my case, despite my confusing conversation as a teen, I waited. Why? Because that confused voice was only the minority voice in my life. Because I had a Sicilian/Polish mother who asked me embarrassing questions every time I came home from a date, and prayed for me the entire time I was on the date!  Because there was no “either or.” Because I grew up in an intact home, with regular church attendance, involvement in youth group, and friends that had the same goals. 

Let's be clear. There is nothing safe or free about sex outside of marriage as intended by God. Nothing.

However, the story of broken hearts and defiled bodies doesn't end there. There is good news. And it is this. The same God that healed the lepers, can heal a leprous heart. He makes all things new. And restores the years that the locusts have taken. He can do miracles. This is true.

This does not mean, however, that we are to test Him, or sin more because grace abounds. Because although the wounds heal, every act of disobedience has consequences. And contrary to what the world is preaching...The highest cost and consequence of “free sex” is not the possibility of a child, or even an STD. Believing that lie trivializes the act of disobedience to the very God of the universe. There should never be a time where we, as Christians, make disobeying God more user friendly. So what then is the highest consequence of sexual immorality? It is broken fellowship with God. It is forever uniting your soul with another soul with whom you do not have a God ordained covenant. Sex outside of marriage has emotional, spiritual, and physical consequences. Lowering the likelihood of a one or two of the myriad of consequences and hailing it a success is clearly a deception that we must dispute with the truth of God's word and the word of our testimony.

Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2.Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3.Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? .Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

12.Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13.And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14.For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

Festivus, Florida, and Fighting for Faith

I just can't believe this is happening and no one is doing anything. First, can we talk about this supposed war on Christmas. Oh c'mon, of course there is no war on Christmas. Those silly Christians, always crying about something. I mean, yes, we have removed the actual word "Christmas" from every public event known to man. And yes, children singing Christmas carols in schools, well that is not ok.  School's now have holiday trees ( I am sorry, but what other holiday uses a tree this time of year??) Choirs sing "Winter Concerts." And on and on it goes. But War on Christmas!! Ha! What a joke! There is no war because they say there isn't, and laugh, and condescend, and mock things that they haven't studied, and don't understand. And they think they can legislate away the power of God. But I am sorry. It's not going to happen.

Oh, and speaking of mocking, remind me again what happens when people mock Muhammad? Oh yes, our president denounces   publicly, any video that would make fun of Islam or Muhammad.

But what is he going to say about what is happening at the state capitol in Florida? Because I am really steaming. You see, this holiday, this Christmas time, is not just about a baby. It is about the day love came down, in the form of a man who would voluntarily give his life a way in such a way that his bloodied body could not be recognized as human. This was done for us, in our sinful state. So, yes, when someone makes such an open mockery of the savior that bled and died on a cross for all the world to see, and it's not headline news in a country where the large majority check the "Christian" box, I am so confused. How is it that our savior and his sacrifice are  being so maligned officially! OFFICIALLY! On the State Capital, MY state capital. Oh yeah, I am yelling. I don't know what else to do? I am Sicilian. My blood is pumping.

How do I make my point. Ok, so imagine your brother, son, daughter, sister, mother, someone you love with every fiber of your being, every molecule, your entire DNA calls their name. Imagine this person dove head first onto a grenade that would have destroyed the entire world. Now imagine it is a few years later, and there is a statue of your loved one, erected in the marketplace. What would your response be if on the anniversary of their birthday, nay, the whole month that you remembered their birthday, someone peed on the statue. Every day. And no one stopped them? Really, how would you keep from pulling your hair out? No, really, I am looking for suggestions, because my hands are on my hair...well, when I am not typing they are on my hair, ready to pull.

Maybe you haven't seen this, but God help us, this is what happens when Christians sit back and do nothing! Last year, in Deerfield Beach, miles away, an atheist man erected a beer can pole to celebrate a fake holiday created on a T.V. show, right next to the nativity scene, commemorating the birth of a savior. But apparently it wasn't a big deal. He didn't face much opposition, yeah, we, locally, did nothing except shake our heads. So this year he upped the ante. This year he went to the Florida State Capitol and erected this same beer can pole there. But that's not all. Another group has a spaghetti statue also for their fake religion. Make no mistake about it. Theirs are not real religions. (The fact that I even have to say that.....it's too much) They are merely attempting to mock and ridicule, the One I love. On the other hand, Jesus Christ, he is real.. There is no debate. He walked this earth. And real live atheists who have actually studied historical documents have been convinced that yes, He not only lived and died, but he rose, and lives today.

 I am not hear to argue with atheists who have no faith in God. I am not hear to convince agnostics who just aren't sure. I am hear to beg with those who claim the name of Christ, that believe that He died and rose again to wake up and realize what is happening around us.
 Let's review. An atheist in Deerfield is mad about the nativity. So he applies to put up a beer can pole. And since we have effectively removed the Bible as our country's moral compass, we are left with no leg to stand on. You have to say yes to everything when you don't stand for the one true thing. That happened last year. So what happens this year? The atheist moves on to higher territory, conquering the capital.

So what? some might say. Christmas is not about a plastic rendering of a baby on the firehouse lawn, right? True, yes, but that is not the point. They are counting on us doing nothing. The loud squeaky minority wheels have removed the Bible from schools. They have made teachers afraid of talking about the only true hope to hopeless students. They are daily, planning ways to keep us from proclaiming the name of Christ. That is the point. Little by little, they are destroying the foundation of our society, and all the while claiming it is getting better!

So what now. What do we do? First, always, is prayer. If you do this regularly, you and I could swap stories about how amazing prayer is, so let's do it. There are souls that need Jesus, they need to hear his name sung in carols, they need to be reminded of the day He was born while walking in the mall, they need Him. And the enemy is fighting hard to keep Him from their thoughts. 

Secondly, I, for one, am emailing Rick Scott, and I would urge you to do the same. Click here.
This is what I said. Feel free to save time and use my words, and edit where you see fit. 

"I was incredibly surprised and saddened to know that you would allow an angry atheist to erect a display that openly mocks the faith and beliefs that our country was founded on.  A beer can pole for a fake holiday is a disgrace. He has openly claimed that his purpose is to get the Nativity Scene out of there. He already succeeded with this plot in Deerfield Beach. Please explain how the President publicly denounced a video that made fun of Islam and their prophet, yet this blatant mockery was approved by you, a Republican and professed Christian, and receives no such condemnation from our president.Had I known that you could not stand up against the secularization attempts of one lone atheist, I would not have voted for you, and plan not to do so in the future."

Thirdly, let people know. I googled and googled and googled, and mostly found short articles, either condoning and commending this total and admitted affront on our faith, or just mildly mentioning it. Please share this blog post and see how many people we can get to let the governor know that this is not ok.

Lastly, we need to understand what this is about. This is not about legislating salvation. That could never happen. This is about doing everything in our power to keep the environment in our country open to people hearing the gospel of Christ without whom nothing matters and all is lost. And without action, this will not always be the case, as we have daily proof.

Who are you to judge?

I knew a girl, she changed the lives of thousands. And her funeral, every eye filled with tears, every heart broken. What was her contribution? How did she leave such an indelible mark on so many? Was it her flawless face and perfect body? Or her high IQ? Maybe it was her way with words, or her athletic aptitude? No. It couldn't have been those things. She lived a short 18 months. Never a word was heard from her lips. So much medication and drugs to keep seizures at bay that she could barely hold her head up. But that sweet face, at her first birthday, her pig tales, her family that adored her every breath. Life changing. My life was changed.

A pastor, with a wife and two children, motivational speaker, world renown.  This man. So badly burned as a two year old, not a limb was left intact. Who would have thought? His  life, so purposeful. So impacting. Such quality.

A pastors wife. Three sons, a loving husband and a story to tell. Her life, it almost wasn't. Her grandmother was raped. Her grandmother chose life. She is here because of a choice so few would agree with.

 I could go on and on and on. I really could.  Should I? Ok. I have to. Baby Samuel. He lived only a few hours. I still remember the day I saw his picture slideshow through a friend on facebook. His parents knew, their time with him outside of the womb would be limited. They treasured every minute. Their lives? Forever changed. Would you like to ask them how many lives were changed by their first son? I would venture to guess the number might surpass the number of those affected by the average "normal" life.  With so much talk these days about life and death and who deserves one or the other based on what their *quality* of life will be.  It makes me wonder, what about you? What is your quality of life? Should we measure? Should we compare?  I would like to ask those making these life and death decisions, oh great knowers of the future, could you, would you, have predicted the impact of these lives? Could you have imagined? 

  "Do not judge!" is proclaimed constantly by those that are clearly critical of a Biblical worldview. Yet in an instant these same voices are ready to judge, to end a life, because they have found it wanting.

"Celebrate diversity!"  is our country's mantra. But what, I ask you, is more diverse than the group of individuals I just introduced to you? Is our world celebrating them? They have something to teach us. Their lives are worthy of celebrating. But that is not happening.

My heart has been heavy these past 40 days. 40 days of life. 40 days of praying. Fervently. To save the least of these. Desperately. My friend invited me to stand out front of an abortion clinic. I have never done this. I did not want to do this. But I did. Want to. I had to. Do. Something more.  So we went. Me and my traveling party. Some mommies are scared to keep their babies, I explained.  So they do something horrible. They don't know. They are blind. We need to go and pray. Pray that they will do what is right. The children understand. They agree. So we stood. And we prayed. And it was incredibly powerful. Like nothing I have ever ever done. And I need to write about it. I need to, but the words won't come. Because  I need them to be perfect. Because I need this to stop.

Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it.

― Edmund Burke

This is what is happening right now. People don't know. And we are repeating. This is what I know of history. I know that countless German Christians hid away their Jewish friends, and neighbors, to save them, including, but not limited to, the well known Corrie ten Boom.  I know that Christian men like  Dietrich Bonhoeffer fought Hitler from day one until he, Bonhoeffer,  was executed 23 days before the German surrender. I know that some Christians fought. Hard. But I also know that some didn't. Or I should say, some that called themselves Christians, didn't. And millions died. Because there lives were not considered to have value. So we can ignore history, or we can learn from it. 

But people, we not only have history, we have the future! You see, our friends across the pond. Ya know, the sinking ship we left hundreds of years ago, they kept sinking. And have reached new lows. 

Gender selection abortions? They are happening in England. Right now.  Oh darn, I wanted a boy. Abortion. Try again. It's not supposed to be legal, but

Ann Furedi, the cheif executive of their biggest abortion provider says it would be “wrong” to refuse to consider an abortion request from a woman who cited the sex of her child as a reason.

I'm sorry, What? 

Or  How about Mr Lister a deputy mayor, also of the UK,  who gave his solution to the high cost of caring for disabled CHILDREN : "I would guillotine them."

Did you read that?It's  sickening. and all were "outraged." He had to quit.  But I can't figure out why.  Isn't this what society teaches? Old people, tiny babies, and the disabled. What good are they? He just had the nerve to say out loud what countless people believe. 

But Christian, I am also talking to you. Why? Well, statistics say that almost 80 percent of Americans claim to be Christians, yet, 40 percent think abortion should be legal every.single.time. every.single.way. You don't have to be a math major to see those numbers don't add up. The bible tells me the world is blind, and I have to repeatedly remind myself of this, because man, the things they say, are crazy making. But you church. You should know better!!! 

We have in office a man who told planned parenthood, that the ban on partial birth abortion was "disturbing." Sit with that for a minute. Please. Let all of those words filter through your brain. The ban that said "no you can not crush the skull of a baby and rip it out piece by piece" the ban, yeah, the ban is the disturbing part to this man.

Then we have Gosnell. Whose real crime was having a dirty office. His crime was getting caught. You know he is not alone, right? But again, all were "outraged", its so hypocritical.  Yes, he was convicted of beheading babies born alive. But, who  would consider that a criminal offense? Our president? Not exactly. Oh and planned parenthood, What do they think should happen to a baby that escapes an abortion? They say  "we will leave that to the doctor and the mother. "

Elections come and go, and really hip Christians say things like "I don't vote on one issue. "  Well how diverse. But please forgive me for wanting "doctors" to stop ripping the limbs off of babies so badly that I placed that ONE issue above the rest.  Because when a baby is teething. TEETHING, we fill them with Tylenol just to ease the pain, but a few months earlier, tearing off their arm? Well, that is a choice and just one issue. and who would vote based on that. Tearing off an arm. Someone help. 

This can't keep happening. And there is so much more we can do *in addition* to voicing our conviction with our vote. But none of those things are going to happen, unless their is a fundamental shift in the way, we, who call ourselves Christians, view the sanctity of life, and reject Hollywood's definition of worth and beauty and replace it with what the Bible teaches.

Every life is filled with purpose. Those with special needs are especially filled with purpose. The stories that I shared, could be multiplied over and over. They are not unique. There was so much pain, but they were also given a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. Their purpose comes from their common denominator. In each story, their lives were surrendered to the power and will of Christ. 

 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

A Tsunami of Evidence- Voluntary Evacuation. Will you go?

I am currently documentary obsessed. Once the kids are in bed, I flip through the Netflix listings and think “No Way!? I can learn about that?” And some are actually not that interesting, but then there are those. Those that leave you sitting there, with your mouth dropped open, in total disbelief that this moment was captured on film, and you had never heard of it before! How is it that millions of people have seen that one video with the cat, or the other one with the laughing dog, but yet, I had never heard of this moment, this unbelievable moment. I have had a few of those lately. I used to be afraid to watch them. You know the ones. Like if I watched a movie with conjoined twins, then it could happen to me, well, not me exactly, but you know what I mean. However, since I am going through this unusually long period of being “not pregnant” I thought it was safe. I have also watched so many incredible docs on autism. One in particular where this man types out, since he is non verbal, that he is trapped, trapped in this body that will not obey him. I never knew that. I can't imagine. Me who cannot stop talking or thinking and occasionally doing both at the same time. To be stuck inside my own body.

Then, there are the twins. I have seen several of these and each one touched me in such a different way. The last one, two girls, joined at the head, separated, finally, after years of painstaking surgeries, infections and set backs. Two year old Trishna spoke almost immediately after waking up from the 36 hour surgery, WHAT?? I know. Talking!You have to watch this one. but Krishna, her sister, well it was going on 3 days now, and almost no movement. Still sleeping. Her caretaker, Moira, stood by her bed, stroking her head, kissing her face, begging Krishna through her own flowing tears to wake up, and then , the little girl's eyes started to flutter, and I couldn't take it. I couldn't believe it. Here I was, on the other side of the world, getting to see her wake up, and blow raspberries at her “mother” like she always did. I saw this. I couldn't believe it was real. Technology. It's amazing.

Then last night. You tube. I don't even know how I found it, but I thought it was a 10 minute video of how a Tsunami wave forms. However, I quickly realized that the 10 minute video was only the first part of a 90 minute film on the Tsunami of 2004 when 250,000 people were never seen alive again. If that number doesn't take your breath away I don't know what will. What started for me as an interest in the make up of the actual wave, turned into me sobbing on the couch with Paul, wondering how I was going to sleep tonight. Those images. Those families. The children. The unbearable pain. The fragility of life.

Then I remembered my eye doctor. Dr. Ian Field. Cutest little man ever. So quirky, kind of retired, but still working a few days a week because he wants to. We go back over 20 years! We are practically family. He is normally all business, but when I saw him earlier in the day, I had to know, it kind of came up, what does he believe about God? Well, said this brilliant eye doctor of a man, “I think that God wants us to just be nice to each other, respect each other, do good things.......” and on and on. And then, what does he think happens after death? “Well, I hope that......” And I have heard it so many times, but each time it shocks me to.my.core. These words. “I think” “I hope”

Here is this man, with walls covered in degrees. Hours, weeks, years of studying all things eyes, which is his job. His livelihood. His service. But when it comes to God he hasn't studied at all. He told me that. And when it comes to what happens after he dies, which he “hopes” is very far away, he hasn't really looked into it.

How can this be? People are combing the internet for recipes, studying scores for fantasy football, reading every article possible on vaccines. And the one thing, that is the main thing, well, that, we will just have to hope for, or go by what Great Aunt Trudy said. Or take the Scarlett O'hara approach and just think about it tomorrow.

One of the video clips from the Tsunami you hear Thai women talking, subtitles on the screen, the camera focused on the beach, the sand that just moments ago was covered in water. They know what is happening. They know the signs. The tide that rushed out is coming back soon with a vengeance. The tourists don't know this. They are all just wandering around. Shouldn't they go warn them, they ask each other. One German woman is overheard in another clip saying to her husband “Do you think this strange tide is related to the earthquake?” His answer? “No, definitely no”

I can't take it. It's too much. Please. I think. RUN!! Why don't they know? Paul knows. He told me years ago, if the water ever goes out like that to run for my life, find higher ground. Shouldn't everyone be told this? And then it's too late. I literally thought there should be mandatory lessons for beach goers. If you are going to be near something as powerful and potentially dangerous, shouldn't you study up on it first? But a Tsunami. Who ever had to think about that before? It's so far removed. There are many more important things to think or worry about. I understand that. It was so unthinkable.

But life. And more specifically death. It is not far removed. It happens every day. Maybe not your loved one, but maybe so. Maybe a friend. And it's rarely expected. And then my doctor. How could he just hope? Hope in what?

I am not a scholar. But I have studied. Hours and hours, and weeks and years and decades. And I have hope also, but my hope is founded in much of what I have come to know to be true.

As my pastor says oh so often, the statistics are clear. Ten out of ten people will die. And then what? Study to see the verifiable veracity of the Old Testament, the dead sea scrolls. Study how this Old Testament consistently points to who the Messiah would be and how Jesus fulfilled these prophecies like no one else could ever have done. Study how He, the Messiah, claimed to be the one way to the Father, ONE Way. He said it. It's all there. Waiting. Study to see how it's possible that one man's death and resurrection causes the whole world to stop and take notice once a year.

And when you see those that have studied acting a little too “fanatical” in trying to tell others what they have studied, remember those Thai woman on the balcony yelling “RUN!!!” They knew the signs, they knew what was coming, and they knew something had to be done. And church, don't just stand there asking each other “Should we tell them?” You know better. Tell someone. Today.

I Timothy 4: 4 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at^[a] His appearing and His kingdom: ² Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. ³ For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; ⁴ and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. ⁵ But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.