IS GOD A DEMOCRAT OR A REPUBLICAN? AND OTHER CULTURAL ANOMALIES
The amazing thing about contemporary American culture is its predisposition to organize itself into neat little categories. This "pigeonhole syndrome," referred to by some as PHS, (not to be confused with PMS), is responsible for much of the stress in our society today.We even categorize this stress, enabling us to compare our stress with people we meet. Some fear they will one day meet someone with the same kind of stress as they have and will not know how to label him or her. Imagine the stress this would create. Or, visualize a situation where someone meets someone who has no stress at all.PHS finds its way into every area of our culture, even the religious.
Nobody in these days of labeling madness can just be a Christian. Are you Protestant or Catholic?If you are Protestant what kind? Baptist? Methodist? Presbyterian? My question is simply, why can't we just be Christians?I was behind an elderly lady at the post office recently and could not help overhearing the conversation. The lady wanted stamps.The Postmaster asked her, "What denomination of stamps would you like?"The lady paused for a moment and then replied, "Presbyterian."I guess a Presbyterian doesn't need as much water as, say, a Baptist.Cataloging people into convenient groupings is not bad. In fact, it can be helpful in many ways. I attended a conference last year where 97 percent of the people were of the non-male persuasion and believe me when I say classification is important.Following one session I followed the crowd; not paying too much attention to where we were going - and ended up in the ladies restroom.
To say they labeled me is putting it mildly.Women, regardless of what you may have heard to the contrary, are quite cruel to any man (meaning of course, Yours Truly) found in the ladies restroom.During the last days of this election, politicians and pundits alike are making much of the undecided voter. I like to refer to these elusive people as the UDVs of our country.Who are these people and where do they live? Moreover, how long did it take them to decide where they were going to live?If UDVs exist at this point in the game, I would not want them voting for me. Personally, I do not believe in UDVs. In my mind, it is something the news media invented so they would have something to talk about, especially these 24-hour cable news programs.Having something fresh and interesting to say 24 hours a day, seven days a week is a lot of airtime to fill. Not to mention that most (if not all) on-air personnel are full of hot air.UDVs are only a figment of their tired and stressed imagination, searching for something new to say about something everyone already knows.
In fact, I think UDVs, the WMDs and Elvis are all hiding out in Syria.Putting labels on other people to see where people fit is not bad, except some people want to include God in this PHS equation and He does not fit.Perhaps because we are in an election year, many people ask the question, "Is God a Democrat or a Republican?" I have never heard anyone ask if God was an Independent or member of the Green Party. Maybe they know something about these parties I don't.During an election year, politicians will use anything or anyone to help their cause. Most politicians need more help in their cause than even God could give them.However, some think it important to try to draw God into their party platform. The further behind they are in the polls the more they invoke the Almighty on their behalf.Knowing God as I do, and understanding as much of politics as I do, no politician in his right mind (and try to find one in his right or left mind) would even want God on their side. God deals in absolutes.
A thing is absolutely right or it is absolutely wrong.Politicians shy away from absolutes.A politician deals with all things relative and self-serving. If it does not advance his or her cause, the politician has no interest in it.Every political party has its "spin-room." That's a place where they take what was said and spin it around for self-serving purposes. It all depends, so they all say, on what your definition of is, is.I remember the day my mother got her first spin dryer. Up to that time, she hung all the washing outside to dry in God's good sunshine. Then came the spin dryer and it did not matter what the weather was like outside, my mother could always dry the wash.It was great.
If some of the clothes were not folded right away and were wrinkled, she just tossed them into the dryer and, presto, the wrinkles were gone.The political "spin-zone" does the very same thing. If a political candidate says something, immediately it goes into the spin to get rid of those wrinkles.God, however, does not work that way. In the Old Testament we read, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9 KJV.)It is never a question of whether God is on my side, but whether I am on His side. The only way to get on "God's side" is through the Lord Jesus Christ..
I Gave A Party and Nobody Showed Up
I GAVE A PARTY AND NOBODY SHOWED UP!Did you ever do that? Give a party and nobody showed up? Ihope not. I must admit I never have either.But, I'll tell you what I have done and it's just about asbad, maybe worse. I've placed ads and nobody answered them.Now, that really hurts - not only your ego, but your bankaccount.Maybe that's why so many people are afraid to place ads. Ihear them say - "yeah, but what if I put in ads and they donot get a response? Then what?" Well, my answer to that is -you lost money.So, why do ads not pull a decent response? How can you avoidlosing money when placing ads? The answer - there is noguarantee. But, you can almost assure a decent response toan ad by doing several things right.When I first started in business I was going gung-ho.
Ispent money left and right placing ads, thinking that's allthere was to it - just place the ad and watch the money rollin. Well, the money rolled alright, but it went the wrongway - *out*, not in.However, I did profit...
I Gave A Party and Nobody Showed Up
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Hottest New Trend in Wedding and Party Favors
(ContentDesk) August 16, 2005 -- We have found the most fun and high quality wedding and party favors that make party and wedding planning a breeze. These adorable eye pillows have a pocket filled with themed products for every occasion.
Wedding party, bachorelette party, teen and pre-teen slumber party and even a faux mink pillow with salon quality spa products and pearl necklace.These Pocket Spas were featured on a cable gardening program that followed a bride and groom through their wedding planning and wedding day,
and are used by mobile spas in California and also offered as guest favors at hotels and hair salons.We've recently filled an order for a large party favor website as part of their gift basket contents.They are perfect for the busy bride or party hostess as they are packaged and ready to hand out or display on your reception table.
No fuss!
All are personalized for your event, no charge, and are customized with your choice of fabrics...
Party > Hottest New Trend in Wedding and Party Favors
Why Didn?t I Think of That?
California surfer Michael Marrin is starting to see the green with his patented invention. Now partygoers don't have to worry about misplacing their cup and spreading germs? all they have to do is use Etch-IT Party Cups!
Etch-it party cups are instant, fun and pen-less. To use, simply peel the cover then etch your name or cool design. Viola! Every cup becomes an individual master piece & the user will never lose their drink again. The specially formulated "magic wax" coating on every etch-it party cup name tag is guaranteed not to smear or stain like when writing on cups with marking pens.
With Etch-it Party Cups Partiers will liven up an event by etching pictures or catchy slogans such as "Hi. I'm single." "Take Me Home" etc. Party Host report they save money and have less to clean up because of fewer abandoned drinks. Marrin's innovation hit the retail shelves of party, liquor and internet stores around 24 months ago. Over 3 million cups have been sold to date.
Why Didn?t I Think of That?
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Red Hat Society Tea Party at the San Francisco Zoo, July 24, 2004
The Strutting Peacocks, an Red Hat Society Chapter, will be throwing a Red Hat Society Tea Party on July 24th at the San Francisco Zoo. The Strutting Peacocks and guests will mingle with the resident live peacocks at the San Francisco Zoo. The catering services at the zoo have graciously agreed to create a tea service for the Red Hats, something that is not normally on their menu. Over 100 Red Hatters have registered to dress in their purple outfits and red hats to meet, eat, play games, win prizes, and celebrate the birthday of the Queen Peacock, Amber-Leigh. Saturday July 24, 200410 AM
Zoo opensNoon - 1 PM
High Tea in the Lorikeet Meadow Tent1 PM - 4 PM
Games, Prizes, Zoo Tour 5 PM
Zoo closesFor more information about this event, please visit www.thestruttingpeacocks.com/birthdayzoo.htmThe Red Hat Society provides fun social opportunities for mature women.
Inspired...
Red Hat Society Tea Party at the San Francisco Zoo, July 24, 2004
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Structured Settlements
A structured settlement is an arrangement with the insurance company that involves periodic payments obtained as a substitute for release of liability.
As indicated, structured settlements are often obtained as a result of lawsuits and are an excellent alternative for lump sum settlements. Structured settlements are usually to be paid from the gross income to the injured party or as workers compensation settlement by the company against which the case has been filed.
Structured settlements are often not very helpful when there is a need for immediate cash, but a part or whole of them can be sold in case of a monetary emergency. People often wish to exchange these for a lump sum that would be readily available during an emergency.
Even with such drawbacks, structured settlements are still popular because the procedure usually benefits both the parties involved in an accident or an injury.
Structured settlements are best suited for cases...
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Microsoft Great Plains Upgrade ? version 8.0 overview for IT Director/Controller
This is short article, written in question/answer/FAQ style to give IT Director/Controller balanced top level information on Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains upgrade. If you have Microsoft Great Plains as main accounting and ERP system you need to know some technical details on Great Plains version upgrade and what is going on behind the scenes, which options do you have in case of Dexterity, VBA, SQL customizations, ctree/Pervasive migration to MS SQL/MSDE. As of right now it is reasonable to upgrade to Microsoft Great Plains 8.0 Is upgrade required? Not actually, but you have to consider these factors ?Technical Support discontinuation - the old version may not be supported - currently if you are on version 6.0 - support is already discontinued. You can not have Microsoft Business Solutions help you, but obviously you have MBS partners who can still help you. If you are on Ctree or Pervasive SQL, then your support expires December, 31 2004.
?Tax Updates/Magnetic media...
Microsoft Great Plains Upgrade ? version 8.0 overview for IT Director/Controller
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Stephanie Anne: Designs Entire Interior of 7,500 Square Foot Highland Park Home in Less than One Month to Benefit Dallas CASA
DALLAS, TX (ContentDesk) March 29, 2006 - Stephanie Anne, celebrated designer and retailer, takes the challenge to design the entire interior of a 7,500 Square Foot Highland Park Home in less than one month to benefit Dallas CASA.
What most could not do in 6 months, Stephanie Anne has vowed to do in less than a month.
This really should be a reality show, explained Stephanie Anne, renowned designer and CEO of Stephanie Anne Home.
I cant even describe to you what it takes to put all this together, but it is worth it to raise awareness and funds for Dallas CASA.
Pulling together with her key vendors, Stephanie is making the impossible possible.
The compilation of all efforts will result in the Estate Show Home Weekend.
A home tour will be conducted from 10 am 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday, April 1-2.
Tickets are $10 in advance at the Stephanie Anne Home Store at 4346 Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX 75225.
Otherwise, they...
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