tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53912796813879785282024-03-09T18:46:47.301-08:00HumanLifeMattersThis blog has articles pertinent to Christian living, ethics, and faith in Jesus Christ. It also is about a movie screenplay I've written titled "TRANSCEND: A Journey Toward Love." It's based on true events of the harrowing journey of my wife and I through decades of aggressive MS, catastrophic disability ... and a wonderful miracle!
Mark Davis Pickuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804926376103695762noreply@blogger.comBlogger1147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391279681387978528.post-57327545767760959562024-03-09T12:09:00.000-08:002024-03-09T14:33:22.482-08:00A CHRISTIAN MOVIE ABOUT TRANSCENDING DISABILITY<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><b style="font-family: Cambria, serif; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">TRANSCEND</span>[1]</span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US">A Journey Toward Love<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US">(Based on a true story)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">Screenplay by<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;"> Mark Davis Pickup<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">Email: <a href="mailto:markdpickup@icloud.com" style="color: purple;">markdpickup@icloud.com</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCbXj7Scek7HiLPRp_yRbLrL7E8S3pNJd3gQV0lr-8lrGIskZgWgWoRZK1kCohDgAg-rRnPgk6y8kRYmzryXF3Ot6d9ehmqWJgd7Slsz_nu2tyFTz04ho3VDkvnsM5ViwawNXmR0qfgnHfiSa4HX-uR_pXHAHr5zD9kN0ufd0c7Ir9hOCty767AigEUci/s505/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-30%20at%2010.08.15%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="505" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCbXj7Scek7HiLPRp_yRbLrL7E8S3pNJd3gQV0lr-8lrGIskZgWgWoRZK1kCohDgAg-rRnPgk6y8kRYmzryXF3Ot6d9ehmqWJgd7Slsz_nu2tyFTz04ho3VDkvnsM5ViwawNXmR0qfgnHfiSa4HX-uR_pXHAHr5zD9kN0ufd0c7Ir9hOCty767AigEUci/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-30%20at%2010.08.15%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US"><b>Logline: TRANSCEND</b></span> is the love story of Mark and LaRee Fraser</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">[2]</span><span style="font-size: large;"> that transcends the heartbreak of death, abortion, degenerative disease (multiple sclerosis) and serious disability to reach a profound commitment to God and each other. It’s the story of their difficult journey toward a deeper and fuller understanding of love (both human and divine).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">.</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDqIkZ80HtcERd8QQvxCPEHGW9FTd16kJ-M3B2ju_xYDm57pixa_FuLABJ7ENw1x_3QWMFoWA1kXc2Xxn1prUKEQMMUxKiq6qxJ_W1VKUma4WpyMJmX9TjZVcXGMz0TDi8pEKTbzOPVlpc49_8YPfO8Dfh1MmT_wyFR-OeqYT1tRqlP6Al-4ZY-Uk0z8G/s798/Joni-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="667" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDqIkZ80HtcERd8QQvxCPEHGW9FTd16kJ-M3B2ju_xYDm57pixa_FuLABJ7ENw1x_3QWMFoWA1kXc2Xxn1prUKEQMMUxKiq6qxJ_W1VKUma4WpyMJmX9TjZVcXGMz0TDi8pEKTbzOPVlpc49_8YPfO8Dfh1MmT_wyFR-OeqYT1tRqlP6Al-4ZY-Uk0z8G/s320/Joni-2.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: left;">After reading the TRANSCEND screenplay, international disability advocate, author, radio show host, and actress, <b>Joni Eareckson Tada</b> commented: </div><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>“My friend Mark Davis Pickup has written a remarkable <br />screenplay which echoes his own story in a warm and personal way. Mark and his wife have overcome insurmountable odds to discover a rich and abiding love which inspires all who spend time with them. In the broken world where many marriages are crumbling under pressure and disappointment, there is ample room for stories like theirs.”</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">Commenting on Mark’s miracle, author, lawyer, and Senior Fellow at the Discovery Institute Center for Human Exceptionalism in Washington, DC<b>, Wesley J. Smith</b> said:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Cambria, serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDRCK_ZodinABQAmw0hvp23vg2kfuYT8YOFUgAeKiEUugtuDjYei8VdnfyMvqbcYTkQg-Z8SXXBzJm7HSytLeB_8lHbYkN3PPt5C6OcAe9wZlBWDRLVhNU9Q7ISAePvBrvRU2M2YqSDZeE6nhwFGQCmI_48JhSpw7IFzPZUUEsxoCOegYpeMMOxHAh1bD/s225/download-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDRCK_ZodinABQAmw0hvp23vg2kfuYT8YOFUgAeKiEUugtuDjYei8VdnfyMvqbcYTkQg-Z8SXXBzJm7HSytLeB_8lHbYkN3PPt5C6OcAe9wZlBWDRLVhNU9Q7ISAePvBrvRU2M2YqSDZeE6nhwFGQCmI_48JhSpw7IFzPZUUEsxoCOegYpeMMOxHAh1bD/s1600/download-3.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">“I met Mark Davis Pickup in the early 1990s and we became good friends. When I met him, he could barely walk using two canes because of his progressive MS. Over time, I noticed his condition worsen, to the point he became triplegic, that is, only able to use his left arm. He had no use of his legs whatsoever. I am convinced Mark’s dramatic improvement is a miracle. What else could explain a man in the later stages of MS being able to walk again and ride a bicycle? Mark is a very prayerful Christian, and I believe his faith was answered as a sign to the world.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br clear="all" /></span><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0cm;"><a href="applewebdata://1E0737B2-BC54-4BFF-A03A-89027888BA44#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="color: purple;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span lang="EN-US">[1]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> </span><i>TRANSCEND: A Journey Toward Love</i> has a Canadian copyright and is registered with the Writers Guild of America (West).<span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0cm;">[2] The surname of LaRee and Mark Pickup has been changed to Fraser in the script.</p></div></div>Mark Davis Pickuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804926376103695762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391279681387978528.post-41126261169718644742024-02-27T13:45:00.000-08:002024-03-01T09:12:06.563-08:00Goodbye Pooh Bear Revisited <p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>One of my more popular blog posts was in 2015 under the title Goodbye Pooh Bear. It was so popular I have decided to update it and repost below.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">_____________________</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgkn4Q6FZfTozuT1WqqpB4afHsSiD2l0LfNAxIeoTcO7zei18N70bMAYuvRH5PmlpMrNRy66OUN3XP1qGcUMDBCCPJsvYytDoQmt577BaUXTXCI0z5kTbmJBh4F4DUYp67gWVQ-L2cu3zJ5WlSHmX9GypYwnX4gTCDXoccNZnm4ZhOyqNZ97W76E9vvnC/s856/Screenshot%202024-02-27%20at%201.38.43%E2%80%AFPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="856" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgkn4Q6FZfTozuT1WqqpB4afHsSiD2l0LfNAxIeoTcO7zei18N70bMAYuvRH5PmlpMrNRy66OUN3XP1qGcUMDBCCPJsvYytDoQmt577BaUXTXCI0z5kTbmJBh4F4DUYp67gWVQ-L2cu3zJ5WlSHmX9GypYwnX4gTCDXoccNZnm4ZhOyqNZ97W76E9vvnC/s320/Screenshot%202024-02-27%20at%201.38.43%E2%80%AFPM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif;">Winnie the Pooh has been loved by millions of children. Pooh and his assorted friends had a tender place in the early years of my grandchildren, as, I'm sure, Winnie was/is for the wee children in your life. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif;">2006 was a time of mixed emotions for me: A granddaughter had just been born at the same hospital as my aged mother was receiving treatment for terminal cancer. I remember traveling up and down the elevator, maternity ward to palliative care, thinking how peculiar it was to have s sorrow and joy in my heart at the same time. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif;" /></span><br /></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">I also had a small grandson. He lived in the same town as his grandmother and me. He and I rode miles around town in my electric wheelchair to visit various playgrounds dotted throughout the community; in winter I pulled him on a sleigh behind my chair or snuggled on my lap under a warm blanket. I saw my little guy nearly every day. His world was our small town and our family (it was my world too). </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span><span lang="EN-US">Something else happened in the Spring of 2006. My daughter and son-in-law told me they were going to move away from our community come summer. Between my mother dying and knowing about the move, it was a sad time. <i>We</i> would soon be <i>me</i>. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US">One rainy day in the spring of that year, my little grandson and I were watching Disney’s children’s movie <i>Pooh’s Grand Adventure </i>(1997). It starts on the last day of summer with Christopher Robin trying to break the sad news to Winnie the Pooh that he must go away to boarding school:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">CR: Pooh Bear, what if, someday, there came a tomorrow when we were apart?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">PB: As long as we’re apart together, we shall certainly be fine.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">CR: Yes, yes, of course, but if we weren’t together. If I were … somewhere else?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">PB: Well, you really couldn’t be, because I would be lost without you. Who would I call on those days when I’m just not strong enough, or, or brave enough.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">CR: Well, actually …<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">PB: And, who would I ask for advice when I didn’t know which way to turn?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">CR: Pooh, we …<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">PB: We! <i>We </i>simply wouldn’t be.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The scene stabbed me in the heart as my little guy sat eating<br />popcorn, oblivious to changes in store for him. In the touching exchange above, Winnie the Pooh is asked by Christopher Robin to consider the possibility of them being separated. It’s unthinkable to Pooh and Christopher Robin can not muster the courage to say he is leaving for boarding school. The unthinkable happens. The next morning Pooh discovers that Christopher Robin really is “somewhere else.” And so a brokenhearted Pooh Bear embarks upon a misguided but grand adventure to find his best friend.</span></div></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Like Christopher Robin, I couldn't bring myself to tell my grandson that soon we would be separated from the daily intimacy we had known. His family was moving away. A tomorrow was about to come when we would be apart. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">My mother died the same day my grandson moved away. I felt empty inside.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Separation by distance or time</b><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">It is terrible to think about being separated from those we love. Yet, it is a heartbreaking prospect we all shall face at some time or another. The sadness of separation will surely visit you and me. It may be the result of events, or time, or distance, or death. But eventually, we will all feel an inconsolable ache of being separated from the human relationships that matter most to us. </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">Painful separation by death<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDv0ns6YJGCJqNpxZG4e-svxf6aCARXixAwrdV4W64ZLeMyUCkm5EcLqASiqybIuSVLb6BktkkV5bHarorTHL_5jVryxHmiE2JUkriVqw-hiZYiFEIiuSD0hFn7n-gkb2aQ_dJQW5jek2/s1600/images-2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDv0ns6YJGCJqNpxZG4e-svxf6aCARXixAwrdV4W64ZLeMyUCkm5EcLqASiqybIuSVLb6BktkkV5bHarorTHL_5jVryxHmiE2JUkriVqw-hiZYiFEIiuSD0hFn7n-gkb2aQ_dJQW5jek2/s200/images-2.jpg" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">To be widowed or orphaned is a terrible thing. To be suddenly left alone in the midst of life’s journey can cause such sorrow that the griever may be convinced their heart is irreparably damaged and about to break in two. They wake each morning to the dreadful reality that <i>he</i> or <i>she</i> really is gone. The gaping hole left by the loss of a loved one seems too great to bear and the griever weeps at the thought that ‘we’ has become ‘me’. The griever’s heart cries out: “I am lost without you! I am not strong enough or brave enough to endure this pain!” Pooh Bear was right: <i>We</i> ceases to be!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span lang="EN-US">Pooh’s Grand Adventure</span></i><span lang="EN-US"> spoke to me of things I should have said to my grandson (and mother). But like Christopher Robin, I couldn't bring myself to prepare us both for the day we would be apart. Distance and death would separate us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">For those of us who live by faith, our consolation in the agony of </span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAq5nYRsHOK-bQfLuy1oyDf6lzQAE5HQJf6bNUCFs_XqUCYm6XGMxpwxglchKeGKXJEYn80JkqoOa5CHJ2gcAf82twH7GdUNS4QOad4-1kfa26FdLGZsmkt7jT8KfPJhB-OJrUh7gdVRIp/s1600/download-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="204" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAq5nYRsHOK-bQfLuy1oyDf6lzQAE5HQJf6bNUCFs_XqUCYm6XGMxpwxglchKeGKXJEYn80JkqoOa5CHJ2gcAf82twH7GdUNS4QOad4-1kfa26FdLGZsmkt7jT8KfPJhB-OJrUh7gdVRIp/s200/download-1.jpg" width="165" /></a></span></span></div><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">separation is Jesus Christ. The separation of loved ones through death is not final. Jesus said, “Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5.3.) And so we shall be comforted. Saint Luke’s parallel account of the Beatitudes (Luke 6:20-22) puts Jesus the words this way: “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.” Present pain carries a future promise and blessing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">These words come, of course, from the Beatitudes found in Matthew chapter 5: and a parallel account found in Luke. Our Lord's words respond to the human desire for happiness, not for things of the world, but a divine desire God placed in the heart of every man, woman and child, in order to draw people to Him. He alone is capable fulfilling that desire. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">To seek God is to seek real happiness and enter heaven's joy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">Glorious hope awaits us<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxxNByROBIwqsFteSZc91FIavSWZiHeWOUHkGokGHAa7DT2ClCvi5BlEu8M9o5GrBx-5FyPxObKfiPuo1mKk3SmslbydCdYsZHYtM6ys9ZA3-hIFRGSmPUr2AHzQJ8r1tTgokfYednoQo/s1600/download-2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="251" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxxNByROBIwqsFteSZc91FIavSWZiHeWOUHkGokGHAa7DT2ClCvi5BlEu8M9o5GrBx-5FyPxObKfiPuo1mKk3SmslbydCdYsZHYtM6ys9ZA3-hIFRGSmPUr2AHzQJ8r1tTgokfYednoQo/s200/download-2.jpg" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">Present human understanding of love and relationships will seem like poor reflections of the genuine articles when we stand face to face with the Creator of both. We will realize that we were always fully known, even in the loneliest of earthly sorrows. (See 1Corinthians 13.12-13.) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US">Standing face to face before God, He will personally wipe away every tear we cried here. </span>God’s children will be with Him (John 1.12). The Bible says:</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; line-height: 30.8px; margin-left: 36pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">"I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them (as their God).<sup> </sup>He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, (for) the old order has passed away.” The one who sat on the throne <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5391279681387978528#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="color: purple;" title=""><sup></sup></a>said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then he said, “Write these words down, for they are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21.3-5)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif; line-height: 30.8px; margin-left: 36pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">We must teach our children and grandchildren of this glorious hope that awaits those who trust in Christ. We will be together again with Jesus in Paradise. If the promise is “trustworthy and true” (and it is) t</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">hen, the only response possible will be joyous laughter. </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">We</i><span style="font-size: large;"> simply will be, Pooh bear. </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">We </i><span style="font-size: large;">simply will be, together with Christ. — Mark</span></div><p style="text-align: center;">###</p><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, FreeSerif, serif;"><div id="ftn1"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">My four-year-old grandson is now a man. He's on his own making his way in the world. I may not be with him but he will always be in my heart. Time and distance may have put us 'somewhere else'. but love has proven strong enough and brave enough to keep us <i>we</i>. I trust h</span><span style="font-size: large;">e will succeed in life. His destiny calls. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Goodbye, Pooh Bear.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /></div></div></div>Mark Davis Pickuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804926376103695762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391279681387978528.post-79764177151439051402024-01-22T11:59:00.000-08:002024-01-24T13:17:51.996-08:00PITCHING THE FAITH-BASED, MARRIAGE AFFIRMING MOVIE SCRIPT "TRANSCEND" TO POTENTIAL INVESTORS<p><span style="font-size: large;">The local newspaper of my home city (Beaumont, Alberta) just published a story about my faith-based movie screenplay TRANSCEND. See the end of this post. It has a local tenor because, well, it is a community newspaper. It's apropos because I'm at heart a community man with my heart thoroughly ensconced in my community. My article was sandwiched between minor hockey news and a photo of a kindergarten class in their jammies on pajama day. Community newspapers: They seem to be fading away; victims of the internet. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">As mentioned in the article, a few phases must occur before the TRANSCEND movie ever makes it to the big screen, little screen, or streaming service. The first phase is to develop a 'pitch' package to present to possible major investors. It involves such things as:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">-<span> </span>Research related to the story, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">-<span> H</span>aving a <b>Story Editor </b>polish the existing script to meet industry standards.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">- Identifying the <b>Production Team</b> and key Creatives (Producers, Production Manager, Director of Photography, and composer. The Creative Team will envision style and create a Treatment and Cinematic Approach.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> - Make a complete <b>Budget</b> for the film.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">- Make a <b>Production Plan and Schedule</b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">- Do <b>Market </b><b>Research</b> with respect to viewing trends and markets.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">- Make a <b>Financing</b><b> Plan</b> for the project.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">- <b>Create</b> a compelling summary of the elements of the film in the form of an industry-standard graphically designed One Sheet. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">- <b>Identify</b> and <b>approach</b> possible leading actors, and their bios, along with other actors.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">-<span> </span>Pitch the Script to appropriate TV, Video On Demand, Subscribed Video, and Pay Per View buyers as well as Digital Media for Pre-Licensing the Project along with Distributors for Theatrical Distribution. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">- Pitch the film, its Script, and Production Package to possible Equity Share Investors in the project. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Once financing is secured, production of TRANSCEND begins. But first, a complete and thorough investor proposal must be put together and that has an estimated cost of $55,000 ($40,650 USD)</u>. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you are interested in partnering with <b>Mighty Motion Pictures </b>to underwrite part or all of the development phase, <b>contact Drew Martin, President and Executive of Mighty Motion Pictures by email at</b> <b>mightymotionpictures@gmail.com, Telephone: (780) 710-5017</b>, or contribute to my crowdfunding site for the movie here: <b><a href="https://www.givesendgo.com/G9F2R" target="_blank">TRANSCEND MOVIE</a>. </b>Thank you.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Mark</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpnhDyzlw_VY7_9cgWhOzVNfdu1ZmWzpOV0nTV5cyhnBo_ldPdHp77dmvvPGouV0dIwDKriyhyphenhypheneuvvBZ36NFmpVCFdT1fj70vP_xQi4iD6SfbV5hK5bKgbS8LModotAg_k3TK7cp-2Wy8zRlSMPv5GIXyjIjhnzsxEvBt1QstDxZFMZMM5VQBkQ8sell-/s9904/La%20Nouvelle.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8004" data-original-width="9904" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpnhDyzlw_VY7_9cgWhOzVNfdu1ZmWzpOV0nTV5cyhnBo_ldPdHp77dmvvPGouV0dIwDKriyhyphenhypheneuvvBZ36NFmpVCFdT1fj70vP_xQi4iD6SfbV5hK5bKgbS8LModotAg_k3TK7cp-2Wy8zRlSMPv5GIXyjIjhnzsxEvBt1QstDxZFMZMM5VQBkQ8sell-/w400-h324/La%20Nouvelle.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Mark Davis Pickuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804926376103695762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391279681387978528.post-81060358762555478912023-11-10T10:57:00.008-08:002023-11-10T18:13:48.971-08:00EVIL ADVANCES IN INCREMENTS<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdB078bMgAVsSPen4EbD_-M6VIqTi2sRqRr2slSAJ9DgcsNWDu_TZ-eYh1DAujGIgk_NVz4InTyBhdItc_CGYmsFkz4oAhQ9brOgdjZmlbcfB217lI_kTB11Ncpzpz_z6FIP99AVrQrw4GSN-RS0wSutUYHaJiKOluWv6PBvNQEDK_exZ_zTnP0QsTEYI6/s794/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-10%20at%2010.28.31%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="794" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdB078bMgAVsSPen4EbD_-M6VIqTi2sRqRr2slSAJ9DgcsNWDu_TZ-eYh1DAujGIgk_NVz4InTyBhdItc_CGYmsFkz4oAhQ9brOgdjZmlbcfB217lI_kTB11Ncpzpz_z6FIP99AVrQrw4GSN-RS0wSutUYHaJiKOluWv6PBvNQEDK_exZ_zTnP0QsTEYI6/w400-h379/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-10%20at%2010.28.31%20AM.png" width="400" /></a></div></blockquote>Taken from: <a href="https://humanlifereview.com/evil-advances-in-increments/" target="_blank"><b>Evil Advances in Increments</b></a> , The Human Life Review, Summer 2023.<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Subscribe to The Human Life Review Inc., 271 Madison Avenue, Room 1005, New York, New York, 10016, <b>editors@humanlifereview.com</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>Evil Advances in Increments</i> addresses Canada's 2015 barbaric legislation legalizing assisted suicide, in a misguided attempt to address the suffering of physically and mentally ill Canadians. Human Life Review, editor Anne Conlon commented on my article: </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"Woven throughout his heartfelt—and surprising—article is Pickup’s own story as a long-time sufferer of a disabling disease who has “come to understand that assisted suicide and euthanasia have no place in a genuinely human family.”</span></i><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Contact for Mark is: HumanLifeMatters@shaw.ca</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Mark Davis Pickuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804926376103695762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391279681387978528.post-63533511335588960532023-11-03T14:34:00.002-07:002023-11-03T14:34:28.590-07:00ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR AND BIBLE PROPHECY<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOXhZEcBiN8IxA75g7iKw8PfyNdYR70GRrMAdOI8WJD2FWvjpJ7mmNUVET1tygaFlJSiS6zdSj5j0b2uIPga1gQQgwsnEH26qplrkVPQhmEv9QI4MuQQrfhNkXDBgazMD8OHsHEv8qnYYEh29S_WFoA5tmOOkZrPQB1CL7367aM54KfXY-htSSfWLrGBK/s300/download-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOXhZEcBiN8IxA75g7iKw8PfyNdYR70GRrMAdOI8WJD2FWvjpJ7mmNUVET1tygaFlJSiS6zdSj5j0b2uIPga1gQQgwsnEH26qplrkVPQhmEv9QI4MuQQrfhNkXDBgazMD8OHsHEv8qnYYEh29S_WFoA5tmOOkZrPQB1CL7367aM54KfXY-htSSfWLrGBK/s1600/download-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AllIsraelNews*</b> was started by Jewish Christian New York Times best-selling author Joe Rosenberg.** Read a guest blog column </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">below b</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">y Dr. Hormoz Shariat that appeared on the site recently titled, <i><b>"Finding Hope AmidstTensions: How the Israel-Hamas Conflict is Fulfilling Prophecy"</b></i> at </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href=""Finding Hope Amidst Tensions: How the Israel - Hamas Conflict is Fulfilling Biblical Prophesy" at https://allisrael.com/finding-hope-amidst-tensions-how-the-israel-hamas-conflict-is-fulfilling-biblical-prophecy?cx_testId=2&cx_testVariant=cx_1&cx_artPos=1&cx_experienceId=EXHEQXGY5QWM#cxrecs_s" target="_blank">"Finding Hope Amidst Tensions: How the Israel - Hamas Conflict is Fulfilling Biblical Prophesy" at https://allisrael.com/finding-hope-amidst-tensions-how-the-israel-hamas-conflict-is-fulfilling-biblical-prophecy?cx_testId=2&cx_testVariant=cx_1&cx_artPos=1&cx_experienceId=EXHEQXGY5QWM#cxrecs_s</a></span></p><p>______________________________________________________________________</p><p>*Subscribe to Allisrael News at <b>https://allisrael.com/ </b>for news and events impacting Israel and he Middle East for the evangelical world.</p><p>**<a href="https://joelrosenberg.com/" target="_blank">https://joelrosenberg.com/</a></p><p><br /></p>Mark Davis Pickuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804926376103695762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391279681387978528.post-67212083488929271742023-10-30T13:24:00.032-07:002023-10-30T13:58:14.016-07:00WALMART GETS IT RIGHT ABOUT CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES<p><span style="font-size: large;">Below is a message I have sent to Horacio Barbeito, CEO of Walmart Canada regarding an excellent Christmas toy catalogue that had children with disabilities interspersed throughout it. I mentioned only two.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDNdpn7Qw-nQdvzOaVD9-uXU7-nw7NaSvI6LnubXQi31hRR5ficxoGX1tb9T9irRZKTFKId-ZuwoAMutbYnqaTbW54t2XDlEaBJPcAP6mNIGbPwsnn0ARCOSevWJGzuQYKkTQtxOP4kTDNIDlvtm2qvzAOffw9NwiI3DYyPAeohDipnEIuHniOA5bKoB7/s584/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-30%20at%202.44.52%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="584" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDNdpn7Qw-nQdvzOaVD9-uXU7-nw7NaSvI6LnubXQi31hRR5ficxoGX1tb9T9irRZKTFKId-ZuwoAMutbYnqaTbW54t2XDlEaBJPcAP6mNIGbPwsnn0ARCOSevWJGzuQYKkTQtxOP4kTDNIDlvtm2qvzAOffw9NwiI3DYyPAeohDipnEIuHniOA5bKoB7/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-30%20at%202.44.52%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">________________________________</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dear Mr. Barbeito</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Re:<b> CANADA’S #1 TOY STORE, Christmas catalogue</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">(WSC39-23-D, WK39_23_TOY_CAT_01_E_D_NAT)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">___________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">I want to commend Walmart for its Christmas catalogue noted above. Your inclusion of various children with various disabilities throughout the catalogue was a breath of fresh air. The children were not “featured” rather simply included within settings of normal play. No fanfare, no singling out for special recognition, just children playing. Having said this, I know it's contradictory for me to point out a child with Down’s syndrome on the cover and a child with a wheelchair (Page 19), and it is. Still, what you did for the 2023 Christmas toy catalogue is important: I’ve long advocated for disability inclusion and have wanted to see all our children included as indispensable members of our community and within the public mindset. That is real inclusion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">What you have done is promote proper, legitimate inclusion and integration of children with disabilities. Bravo! It’s wonderful to see. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mark Davis Pickup<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">North American Life and disability<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Inclusion advocate<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Beaumont, AB<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Canada</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Email: HumanLifeMatters@shaw.ca<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><br /></p>Mark Davis Pickuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804926376103695762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391279681387978528.post-23853439791371666272023-10-12T12:56:00.004-07:002023-10-12T13:41:37.586-07:00SIMPLICITY INVITES DIVINE JOY<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOfGaBJ0f5n8IwTDJhIJrUHKCI5RwrgKOWBNoYrLva-aZTBnSh43jj68Wx9xRBTMqJ2yJHF7QIbf6bhtYWbqpUeim0GB-vB1WQ_zYUyOBrcJWQTr-K1UapvMU4eVfdCyFXk7Bx63ygTexNMpH3HyEdA-ZqdcKSmvRwRqDc1YAOGZ7UBGSH1zO8SlQfMxu/s400/child-saying-shh-finger-over-mouth.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOfGaBJ0f5n8IwTDJhIJrUHKCI5RwrgKOWBNoYrLva-aZTBnSh43jj68Wx9xRBTMqJ2yJHF7QIbf6bhtYWbqpUeim0GB-vB1WQ_zYUyOBrcJWQTr-K1UapvMU4eVfdCyFXk7Bx63ygTexNMpH3HyEdA-ZqdcKSmvRwRqDc1YAOGZ7UBGSH1zO8SlQfMxu/s320/child-saying-shh-finger-over-mouth.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;">Simplicity helps bring Truth if you are searching for truth. Jesus said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14.6) Our interior lives must remain as simple and quiet as possible if we are to be sensitive to the presence of the Holy Spirit. </span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;">The psalmist wrote under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, "Be still and know, that I am God." (Psalm 46.10) Our interior life must not be cluttered by the cares and worries that incessantly clamour for our attention. We must learn to be still even in the storms of life and trust and trust God. </span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is the wisdom and truth of simplicity that can be found in solitude. It is a similar truth to what I found in my sickroom during months that stretched into years of vicious multiple sclerosis attacks. It was the truth I encountered throughout many Canadian winters of mountainous snowbanks. They stopped my wheelchair from venturing out into the cold and enforced annual cloisters in my little house on the prairie, when days are short and nights are long. I waited in stillness for Christ.</span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our technological world can distract us with the allure and promise of pleasures. It is in simple joy that comes from nowhere in particular when we encounter the presence of God who is the source and meaning to our lives and humanity.</span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;">This joy can be traced back to the simpleness of our earliest life. We did not know, of course, how to express our encounters with ecstasy. It simply came for a fleeting moment, from beyond us, then vanished without warning and life became ordinary again. </span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;">We were left an after-glow of that sensation, a visitation had came from beyond us, but linked something before Joy's visitation and a vague yearning or desire for what or where we did not know. C.S. Lewis wrote about being surprised by this divine joy in his wonderful little book, Surprised by Joy and again in his essay entitled "The Weight of Glory." I think it has something to do with what the Scriptures say about God:</span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." (Ecclesiastes 3.11)</span></span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;">In matters of simplicity and joy, babies and small children have much to teach their elders. It embarrasses me be to mention this primordial joy, but I think that if your reach back to your earliest memory you will discover what I am writing about. C.S. Lewis said this about the spiritual experiences of small children:</span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span face="-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span face="-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">“From our own childhoods we remember that before our elders thought us capable of “understanding” anything, we already had spiritual experiences as pure and momentous as any we have undergone since, ... From Christianity itself we learn there is a level ― in the long run the only level of importance ― on which the learned and the adult have no advantage at all over the simple and the child.” (C.S. Lewis, "The Weight of Glory" in <u>They Asked For a Paper,</u> (London:Geofrey Bles, 1962) p. 197)</span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18.2-5) He was speaking of becoming childlike not childish. Like a small children's complete trust in their parents, we are called to be obedient and completely trust Christ, come what may. </span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have spent much of my adult life trying to recapture what came naturally as a child. In a strange and unexpected way, chronic and serious neurological disease of aggressive multiple sclerosis blessed me in that regard. By losing my health, my career, my foolish and delicate sense of self-sufficiency, extraneous things in my life were stripped away, leaving only that which is essential. Thomas a Kempis wrote:</span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Sometimes it is to our advantage to endure misfortunes and adversities, for they make us enter our inner selves and acknowledge that we are in a place of exile and that we ought not to rely on anything in this world." (Imitation of Christ)</span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;">The meaning of my life has not been a discovery rather a re-discovery. After more than three decades of aggressive MS, all I have left that means anything to me is the simplicity of Divine love and the love of my life for 50 years, my wife, that washes over me. It provides fertile ground for joy to take root and blossom as my constant possession in eternity. </span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;">Five years ago, after a lifetime fighting the paralysis of aggressive MS, God gave me back the use of my legs and arm, as an old man, to walk again. He comes to me in my old age with gentle peace and the warmth of quiet joy of His. </span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkO9eIlK_zlgHfR_Au2SlN-aU3glZntx-Gi8mql69gRkRcGNQqYY6EbjMRDX5kDaVzp8KfqUilUl_Tgtubgw3xjfLJ9guyhnyzWlCL1Zfko2k63nipua5bv1cbtDOKmsLvU-KdTvUT9HY7X9NeHGl4NFpbFrlR-95Wu4mUZ3XwSy0tdicnJoh_xughdIm/s451/Screen%20Shot%202021-03-27%20at%202.14.42%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="451" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkO9eIlK_zlgHfR_Au2SlN-aU3glZntx-Gi8mql69gRkRcGNQqYY6EbjMRDX5kDaVzp8KfqUilUl_Tgtubgw3xjfLJ9guyhnyzWlCL1Zfko2k63nipua5bv1cbtDOKmsLvU-KdTvUT9HY7X9NeHGl4NFpbFrlR-95Wu4mUZ3XwSy0tdicnJoh_xughdIm/s320/Screen%20Shot%202021-03-27%20at%202.14.42%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></p>Mark Davis Pickuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804926376103695762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391279681387978528.post-17404326080881126302023-09-24T11:47:00.008-07:002023-09-25T15:48:39.878-07:00MY HEART WAS FILLED WITH JEALOUSY, NOT ENVY<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KXcH0BnnILflWKwBk0SYNRjiHWooSNdwC2EdJnioIvI_x0FaQXbq0opfQNj5Sv-ejhlts7VbFIuUbgAj0aU2eTooXX9gXubNWJEPr0wzJPrSeIUdmzkkVWgcd4yv-xPt0yxQe_yl71trb7lhyMKSer3xj-OzF2sTbmkA6Ar6xetzZ5uIigOXlr0TUn4F/s259/images-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KXcH0BnnILflWKwBk0SYNRjiHWooSNdwC2EdJnioIvI_x0FaQXbq0opfQNj5Sv-ejhlts7VbFIuUbgAj0aU2eTooXX9gXubNWJEPr0wzJPrSeIUdmzkkVWgcd4yv-xPt0yxQe_yl71trb7lhyMKSer3xj-OzF2sTbmkA6Ar6xetzZ5uIigOXlr0TUn4F/s1600/images-7.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="chapter-2" style="background: repeat white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Father Mike Schmitz with the Newman Catholic Ministries (University of Duluth, Minnesota) gave a homily for the 25</span><sup style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">th</sup><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Sunday in ordinary time. He spoke about the difference between envy and jealousy, in reference to the Gospel reading of Matthew 20.1-16a, the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard:</span></span></p><p class="chapter-2" style="background: repeat white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="woj"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif">“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard.<b><sup> </sup></b>He agreed to pay them a denarius</span></span><span class="woj"><sup data-fn="#fen-NIV-23795a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-23795a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2020%3A1-16&version=NIV#fen-NIV-23795a" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #954f72; min-width: 0px;" title="See footnote a"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">a</span></a>]</span></sup></span><span class="woj"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"> for the day and sent them into his vineyard.</span></span><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="background: repeat white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span id="en-NIV-23796"><span class="woj"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif">“About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing.</span></span></span><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"> <span class="woj"><span id="en-NIV-23797">He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’</span></span> <span class="woj"><span id="en-NIV-23798">So they went.</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="background: repeat white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="woj"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif">“He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing.</span></span><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"> <span class="woj"><span id="en-NIV-23799">About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="background: repeat white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span id="en-NIV-23800"><span class="woj"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif">“‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.</span></span></span><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="background: repeat white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="woj"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif">“He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’</span></span><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="background: repeat white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span id="en-NIV-23801"><span class="woj"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif">“When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’</span></span></span><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="background: repeat white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span id="en-NIV-23802"><span class="woj"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif">“The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius.</span></span></span><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"> <span class="woj"><span id="en-NIV-23803">So when those who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius.</span></span> <span class="woj"><span id="en-NIV-23804">When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner.</span></span> <span class="woj"><span id="en-NIV-23805">Those who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="background: repeat white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span id="en-NIV-23806"><span class="woj"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif">“But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius?</span></span></span><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"> <span class="woj"><span id="en-NIV-23807">Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you.</span></span> <span class="woj"><span id="en-NIV-23808">Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="background: repeat white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span id="en-NIV-23809"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="background: repeat white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 24px; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;"><span class="woj"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">Using this parable, Fr. Mike explained the difference between envy and jealousy. Jealousy is looking at what someone else has and wishing you had it too. Envy is not about what you have or don’t have, instead, it is wishing someone else did not have it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p style="background: repeat white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 24px; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;"><span class="woj"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">That provided some clarification about something that happened to me about 20 years ago when I was seriously disabled and in an electric wheelchair because of multiple sclerosis. It happened during the Christmas Season.</span></span></span></p><p style="background: repeat white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 24px; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span class="woj"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumWQpm6yRFZzNaEz_jLFKjUsBm30O0WI8RoN1v4UVVhHWgBFPQn5C2LlMk1-usgtkt1SzD--lEM1Ef2CtiOG45nnRDn1lJvINegSprRinkpjjrvd6JM8fooU3r4p8WDzk79OirmKVP81UrThIvNlPirsAdVh6xiAWQQVvJxlV4DEPh232B7_SKSWE6u97/s266/download-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="266" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumWQpm6yRFZzNaEz_jLFKjUsBm30O0WI8RoN1v4UVVhHWgBFPQn5C2LlMk1-usgtkt1SzD--lEM1Ef2CtiOG45nnRDn1lJvINegSprRinkpjjrvd6JM8fooU3r4p8WDzk79OirmKVP81UrThIvNlPirsAdVh6xiAWQQVvJxlV4DEPh232B7_SKSWE6u97/s1600/download-5.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="background: repeat white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 24px; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;"><span class="woj"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">My toddler grandson sat on my lap as we ventured up the hill on the sidewalk from my house past the historic old church at the crest of a hill, in my hometown. We sang happy Christmas songs out of tune, as usual. As my chair whirred up the hill, we stopped to watch another grandfather with his grandchild going down the hill on a toboggan. They laughed with delight as they passed us, a cloud of snow kicking up behind them. My little fellow watched them pass and it broke my heart knowing we would never do that. My small grandson and I continued up the hill in silence except for the sound of the motor on my wheelchair. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif">I was jealous of that grandfather.</span><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"> </span></span></p><p style="background: repeat white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 24px; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;"><span class="woj"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">For years I felt a vague sense of shame at the thought of that day and my envy of a joyous grandfather and his grandchild. I did not even know the man. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p style="background: repeat white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 24px; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;"><span class="woj"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">This morning, Father Mike insightfully made a subtle but important distinction between envy and jealousy. Jealous is to wish you had what someone else has. Envy is to wish the other did not have it. I was jealous, not envious! I simply wanted what the other grandfather had; I did not want his joy to be taken from him. An important distinction! My life has been filled with many regrets and shame, but this morning, I discovered that envy that day, so long ago, was not one of them!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p style="background: repeat white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 24px; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;"><span class="woj"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">A wonderful miracle happened in recent years. God reversed my widespread paralysis of advanced end-stage MS and raised me from my electric wheelchair, as an old man, to walk again. The small boy who sat on my lap 20 years ago has grown into a man. But there is now a small granddaughter I can toboggan with down the same hill with the same delight. 2023 could be my best Christmas yet!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p style="background: repeat white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 24px; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">See the link below for Father Mike’s sermon <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxgE3HLBqw8" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="font-size: large;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxgE3HLBqw8</span></a></span><span face="-webkit-standard"></span></p>Mark Davis Pickuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804926376103695762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391279681387978528.post-34516905714777390772023-09-18T18:58:00.004-07:002024-03-03T09:40:41.375-08:00DISABILITY, A MIRACLE AND A MOVIE SCRIPT<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDaFPYyOUr7taWveGWjF8sy46Z9-L1NrOFfyxRHzujwpuI3vtmZv4agc5FRJoS5MNYRidNfYlRsiNEtJfxWCgsltysDoryrwgVahEjjVvTFprp0N6zrZ_G-7EWdizz4HQEp13WAPGsWXN9IchHOzOdpsaYzjfU_aKntmtqG-qA5PTVuZ-V74AzHAjrhE0/s797/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-18%20at%207.20.31%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="797" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDaFPYyOUr7taWveGWjF8sy46Z9-L1NrOFfyxRHzujwpuI3vtmZv4agc5FRJoS5MNYRidNfYlRsiNEtJfxWCgsltysDoryrwgVahEjjVvTFprp0N6zrZ_G-7EWdizz4HQEp13WAPGsWXN9IchHOzOdpsaYzjfU_aKntmtqG-qA5PTVuZ-V74AzHAjrhE0/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-18%20at%207.20.31%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;">I recently gave an interview to podcaster Jerry Cirino about my disability journey, my miracle, and a screenplay I've written TRANSCEND: A Journey Toward Love. It was released today. You can watch it on any of the following.</p></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-large;">Apple Podcast app: </span><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mark-davis-pickup-transcend-a-journey-toward-love/id1521572764?i=1000628295753" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><b>https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mark-davis-pickup-transcend-a-journey-toward-love/id1521572764?i=1000628295753</b></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-large;">Spotify: </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/6meORQv4gTZm5h9VyElTRl?si=4dXs2PCLTA-HTPwhNVQA_w" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><b>https://open.spotify.com/episode/6meORQv4gTZm5h9VyElTRl?si=4dXs2PCLTA-HTPwhNVQA_w</b></a></p><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Rumble: </span><a href="https://rumble.com/v3cxyu4-mark-davis-pickup-transcend-a-journey-toward-love.html?mref=16s5v&mc=ecbop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>https://rumble.com/v3cxyu4-mark-davis-pickup-transcend-a-journey-toward-love.html?mref=16s5v&mc=ecbop</b></a></div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr"><br /></div><div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: x-large;">YouTube: </span><b><a href="https://youtu.be/PxGuQv6kJXg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/PxGuQv6kJXg</a></b></div></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">MDP</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Donate to the making of <b>TRANSCEND: A Journey Toward Love at <i>https://www.givesendgo.com/G9F2R </i></b></span></p>Mark Davis Pickuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804926376103695762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391279681387978528.post-29453167210940979842023-09-14T20:55:00.002-07:002024-01-09T15:22:06.156-08:00ONE THING I KNOW IS THAT I WAS PARALYSED AND NOW I WALK (cf. John 9:24-25)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ohz5W4y_UcMii0XA2RUQ90FrsrHX9n1LHVtz86EnoBF0TtkpvugsjVO11CB4AhjK60AuD6DlP7xGah1Z9s21li8zR_i3lAdiWJwu6_KewiIk77xq3FKEpUnoY-9UCR1dw5J3HXTSlJaoy4vxCTxE-psyB0V_lzty5_lX1gLDiOdubCRti419rVjZBZCz/s390/Screen%20Shot%202022-07-31%20at%208.42.32%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="390" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ohz5W4y_UcMii0XA2RUQ90FrsrHX9n1LHVtz86EnoBF0TtkpvugsjVO11CB4AhjK60AuD6DlP7xGah1Z9s21li8zR_i3lAdiWJwu6_KewiIk77xq3FKEpUnoY-9UCR1dw5J3HXTSlJaoy4vxCTxE-psyB0V_lzty5_lX1gLDiOdubCRti419rVjZBZCz/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-07-31%20at%208.42.32%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-size: x-large;">For most of my adult life, I have advocated for disability inclusion, starting before contracting MS in 1984. Creeping paralysis put me in a wheelchair (among other things). In 2018, I received a miracle. God raised me from my wheelchair to walk again after many years, even though I was an old man with end-stage, advanced disease. I was told not to forget where I spent half of my life and to use His gift revealed in me to tell others about His love. I'm taking my queue from the blind man who was healed by Christ in John 9. Jesus said that the blind man was disabled so that "... the works of God should be revealed in him." Then Christ gave the man sight. So I will also use my miracle to show that God still works in the lives of humanity 2,000 years later. </span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: inherit;" /><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" face="-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9);">I am 70 years old and I've been walking for 5 years. My brain is still riddled with plaque. Legs that were weak and atrophied gained strength. I walk unassisted in my house and only use a cane when I'm outside and going somewhere. This should not be happening! Granted I have a slight limp, but I'm walking again. Make of it what you will. Doctors could not stop my degeneration. My next address was expected to be either a nursing home or a cemetery. Only God could have released the paralysis that marred my life for so many years. That is exactly what happened. </span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: inherit;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: inherit;" /><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" face="-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9);">If it is the Lord's will that I return to my electric wheelchair sitting in the back bedroom gathering dust, I will still praise Him for giving me 5 years with no paralysis. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9);">MDP</span></span></p>Mark Davis Pickuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804926376103695762noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391279681387978528.post-58770014650295984302023-07-26T11:02:00.003-07:002024-03-03T09:42:48.093-08:00A CHRISTIAN MOVIE ABOUT TRANSCENDING DISABILITY <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>TRANSCEND</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Based on my true story</b></span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmVEJxz_iyAdNMX0caFtpj7x0425wL1wUC7X9wjs-JVmtgfd41AGOlaWg8xArRqxc7BJO3udAYdcZXp5oERtE-Ls6QVSep_vuQfnG1hYryn8hjv4Y36RMc-Led_RvZayh4emGKNFsLweHwl12_MflzppVv3dWSneZGH4dxUm_T1_bFa94lTMtYN4uZtOF/s4200/dad%20movie%20promo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2782" data-original-width="4200" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmVEJxz_iyAdNMX0caFtpj7x0425wL1wUC7X9wjs-JVmtgfd41AGOlaWg8xArRqxc7BJO3udAYdcZXp5oERtE-Ls6QVSep_vuQfnG1hYryn8hjv4Y36RMc-Led_RvZayh4emGKNFsLweHwl12_MflzppVv3dWSneZGH4dxUm_T1_bFa94lTMtYN4uZtOF/s320/dad%20movie%20promo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(93, 93, 93); font-family: larsseit; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px 0px 1rem;"><span style="font-size: large;">TRANSCEND is the love story of Mark and LaRee Pickup (LaRee & Mark Fraser in the script) that transcends the heartbreak of abortion, degenerative disease, and catastrophic disability to reach a profound commitment to each other and God. It’s the story of their difficult journey toward a deeper and fuller understanding of love (both human and divine). In the end, a wonderful, miracle happens.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(93, 93, 93); font-family: larsseit; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px 0px 1rem;"><span style="font-size: large;">If God wants this movie made, He will make a way.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(93, 93, 93); font-family: larsseit; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px 0px 1rem;"><span style="font-size: large;">After reading the TRANSCEND screenplay, international disability advocate, author, radio show host, and actress, <span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b>JONI EARECKSON TADA</b></span> commented:</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(93, 93, 93); font-family: larsseit; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px 0px 1rem;"><span face="Larsseit !important" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-size: large;">“My friend Mark Davis Pickup has written a remarkable screenplay which echoes his own story in a warm and personal way. Mark and his wife have overcome insurmountable odds to discover a rich and abiding love which inspires all who spend time with them. In the broken world where many marriages are crumbling under pressure and disappointment, there is ample room for stories like theirs.”</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(93, 93, 93); font-family: larsseit; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px 0px 1rem;"><span face="Larsseit !important" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-size: large;">Your financial and prayerful support to help make this important life-affirming, pro-marriage Christian movie is needed for a desperate time such as this. Lick the link below to partner with me on this evangelistic project. Thank you and God bless.</span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(93, 93, 93); font-family: larsseit; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px 0px 1rem;"><span face="Larsseit !important" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mark Davis Pickup</span></span></p></div><p><a href="https://www.givesendgo.com/G9F2R" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">https://www.givesendgo.com/G9F2R</span></b></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Mark Davis Pickuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804926376103695762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391279681387978528.post-87591867556401791732023-07-05T14:07:00.005-07:002023-11-11T11:24:16.162-08:00SUCH IS OUR CHRISTIAN LIFE<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20rc_NjBLHRcjX55tJIQ4-nWs1T1R20LQWqbP3kk5pEJf8KRDj5dfECSGM1pActsIYNc3UfmlUzCl5KnccWQgEgACBN8VOR5jABZKuUWPXQgdbXDDDJIt6xUefnf6y6joRnMiFhuIGDV__Cpf9LZdCT73qP8mj8X1ToLbkOBs0PVuoYpJpqIaPa63B24n/s1540/man_prayer_hands_bible_4.jpg.optimal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1540" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20rc_NjBLHRcjX55tJIQ4-nWs1T1R20LQWqbP3kk5pEJf8KRDj5dfECSGM1pActsIYNc3UfmlUzCl5KnccWQgEgACBN8VOR5jABZKuUWPXQgdbXDDDJIt6xUefnf6y6joRnMiFhuIGDV__Cpf9LZdCT73qP8mj8X1ToLbkOBs0PVuoYpJpqIaPa63B24n/s320/man_prayer_hands_bible_4.jpg.optimal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> <span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">“Such is our Christian life. By desiring heaven we exercise the powers of our soul. Now this exercise will be effective only to the extent that we free ourselves from desires leading to infatuation with this world. … God means to fill each of you with what is good; so cast out what is bad! If he wishes to fill you with honey and you are full of sour wine, where is the honey to go? The vessel must be emptied of its contents and then be cleansed. Yes, it must be cleaned even if we have to work hard and scour it. It must be made fit for the new thing, whatever it may be.” — Saint Augustine from a sermon on 1John.</span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you long for heaven? If you are a Christian, you should because heaven is your home. Jesus said, “In my Father’s house there are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” — Jesus</span><a href="applewebdata://594C4ECE-3119-4D6B-980D-07BCEF712677#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;">[1]</span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">As sordid as the world around us is becoming (the evil will get worse). We must hold to the reality of the Holy Spirit in our lives, our love and loyalty to Jesus Christ and his teachings, and the absolute Divinely inspired inerrant of the Holy Bible. We must increase our desire for heaven and to be with God. That is our perfect reward. Do not love the world or the things of the world.</span><a href="applewebdata://594C4ECE-3119-4D6B-980D-07BCEF712677#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;">[2]</span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> We are <i>in</i> the world not <i>of</i> the world—nor we should not be.</span><a href="applewebdata://594C4ECE-3119-4D6B-980D-07BCEF712677#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;">[3]</span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> Infatuation with the world and the things of the world only serves to distract Christians from what matters to God. What matters to God? The salvation of every man, woman and child in the world through faith in Jesus Christ. We have a Great Commission. Jesus said: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Go therefore, and making disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you and behold I am with you always even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">The great “I Am” is with us always even to the end of the age! Taking the gospel message to the world around us is our Lord’s assignment to His followers. Do not think it will be easy, but it <i>is</i> our imperative. We are to take the hope and presence of Christ that abides in us to others. We are to be concerned about matters of the soul—our own and the souls of others. The world will not love you for your witness. No, it will despise you, just like it despised Christ who is the Word that was from the beginning with God and is God.</span><a href="applewebdata://594C4ECE-3119-4D6B-980D-07BCEF712677#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: medium;">[4</span><span style="font-size: large;">]</span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Christ said He was preparing a place for us, His followers. What a joy to anticipate! Thomas asked the Lord, “master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Then Jesus told Thomas an eternal truth that every human being needs to hear: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”</span><a href="applewebdata://594C4ECE-3119-4D6B-980D-07BCEF712677#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;">[5]</span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">These words are incongruent to 21<sup>st</sup> century progressive liberal minds. They pretend to be inclusive, in an exclusionary way. Their welcome is exclusionary in an inclusion of their own making, as are LGBTQ+—and the woke crowd (their gutter Stasi). Conservative evangelical Christians, and Catholic Christians loyal to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, are not included, nor are unwanted children in utero. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">New-age television talk show host Oprah Winfrey once said Jesus Christ is not the only way to God, she said there are many ways. </span><a href="applewebdata://594C4ECE-3119-4D6B-980D-07BCEF712677#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: medium;">[6]</span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> Who should we believe? The created or the Creator? If there are a multitude of ways to God, why did Jesus pay the terrible price at Calvary? No, what Oprah espouses is the way of the world. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Western civilization is collapsing before our eyes. Perhaps you’ve noticed. It is happening because Western Civilization has rejected the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, for self and self-gratification. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our marching orders from Jesus Christ could be clearer. The stakes could not be higher: the soul and salvation of every man, woman, and child. We must point the way back to Christ just as He said: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Go therefore, and making disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you and behold I am with you always even to the end of the age.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">If followers of Christ do what Christ asked us to do, perhaps there can still be another great awakening. Who knows? It happened before.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">MDP</span></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="applewebdata://594C4ECE-3119-4D6B-980D-07BCEF712677#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> John 14.2<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn2"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="applewebdata://594C4ECE-3119-4D6B-980D-07BCEF712677#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> 1John 2:15-17.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn3"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="applewebdata://594C4ECE-3119-4D6B-980D-07BCEF712677#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a> 2Corinthians 6:1-18.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn4"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="applewebdata://594C4ECE-3119-4D6B-980D-07BCEF712677#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[4]</span></span></span></a> John 1:1-3.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn5"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="applewebdata://594C4ECE-3119-4D6B-980D-07BCEF712677#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[5]</span></span></span></a> Revelation 22:13.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn6"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="applewebdata://594C4ECE-3119-4D6B-980D-07BCEF712677#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[6]</span></span></span></a> Oprah Denies Jesus is the only way to salvation and heaven: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noO_dCWtB1E" style="color: #954f72;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noO_dCWtB1E</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div></div>Mark Davis Pickuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804926376103695762noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391279681387978528.post-16389546849148545212023-06-08T11:49:00.002-07:002023-06-08T12:01:18.075-07:00WOKE: THE NEW OBJECTIVE TRUTH OF MADNESS<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxJSaaAgfuIloVpuSj_vyoAEIiyGhQBfGhvvGWktNnPOD1pxhLWshFjWCErJlfwozVUwnA3-OTOKrb-T8VjjZIW16_LzLcWLxBY6hxwBRegXIiKDiVoAoxoDJdveadVbl0Wi4o8wBwnzCkKvo0RbpmKayk6bNjQgv0bmomvg2MgwyzyLnqm0w4ZncQQ/s254/images-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="198" data-original-width="254" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxJSaaAgfuIloVpuSj_vyoAEIiyGhQBfGhvvGWktNnPOD1pxhLWshFjWCErJlfwozVUwnA3-OTOKrb-T8VjjZIW16_LzLcWLxBY6hxwBRegXIiKDiVoAoxoDJdveadVbl0Wi4o8wBwnzCkKvo0RbpmKayk6bNjQgv0bmomvg2MgwyzyLnqm0w4ZncQQ/s1600/images-1.jpg" width="254" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our new woke culture tries to censor all opposition to the dogma of the new establishment orthodoxy. There is no revelation only subjective truth of each individual—unless the individual's truth runs contrary to liberal, woke, or fashionable thinking at any given point in time. </span></span><p></p><p><span color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;">In this new madness, men can be women and women men. All one needs to do is "identify" which gender they feel like or want to be. Viola! A magical transformation happens. The new liberal left orthodoxy tells us—with a straight face—there are a multitude of genders, not just two, regardless of biology and anatomy that prove otherwise. Science gives way to ideology and psychoses. </span></p><p><span color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you dare to not buy into this new orthodoxy, you must be silent. If you are not silent and express your opposition, well, you may be attacked and vilified, your character slandered, even fired from your job by the intimidation of woke thought police and obsequiously supported by media toadies. </span></p><p><span color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;">If the intimidation is successful, you may be thrown off platforms like Facebook, or platforms like this one: Google. You may be "canceled" by woke goons, those self-appointed arbiters of the new objective truth. You become persona non grata. But wait! I thought objective truth was dispensed by the very mentality that declares there is none? The hypocrisy!</span><span color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="x1iorvi4 x1pi30zi x1l90r2v x1swvt13" data-ad-comet-preview="message" data-ad-preview="message" id=":r3s:" style="font-family: inherit; padding: 4px 16px 16px;"><div class="x78zum5 xdt5ytf xz62fqu x16ldp7u" style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: -5px; margin-top: -5px;"><div class="xu06os2 x1ok221b" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x x4zkp8e x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" color="var(--primary-text)" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; display: block; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I want to share an address about free speech given by Rowan Atkinson.<b> </b></span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUezfuy8Qpc" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUezfuy8Qpc</span></b></a></div></div></span></div></div></div></div><div class="x1n2onr6" id=":r3t:" style="font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><div class="x1n2onr6" style="font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><div class="xmjcpbm x1n2onr6" style="font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><div class="x78zum5 x14ju556 x6ikm8r x10wlt62 x1n2onr6" style="display: flex; font-family: inherit; line-height: 0; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz x1heor9g xt0b8zv x5yr21d xh8yej3" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUezfuy8Qpc&fbclid=IwAR1Y5sN-PBlwaB0s4U0wFKNJW0yFPsw5fOuN96rJ_3qsTONB_CMlx2LMBAU" rel="nofollow noreferrer" role="link" style="border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; height: 354.938px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: currentcolor; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration: none; touch-action: manipulation; width: 679.992px;" tabindex="0" target="_blank"><div class="x6s0dn4 x1jx94hy x78zum5 xdt5ytf x6ikm8r x10wlt62 x1n2onr6 xh8yej3" style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-family: inherit; overflow: hidden; position: relative; width: 679.992px;"><div style="font-family: inherit; max-width: 100%; min-width: 500px; width: calc(-622.60575px + 191.571vh);"><div class="xqtp20y x6ikm8r x10wlt62 x1n2onr6" style="font-family: inherit; height: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding-top: 354.938px; position: relative;"><div class="x10l6tqk x13vifvy" style="font-family: inherit; height: 354.938px; left: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px; width: 679.992px;"><img alt="Rowan Atkinson on free speech" class="x1ey2m1c xds687c x5yr21d x10l6tqk x17qophe x13vifvy xh8yej3 xl1xv1r" height="261" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://external.fyxd4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/emg1/v/t13/8114379463145610264?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FxUezfuy8Qpc%2Fmaxresdefault.jpg&fb_obo=1&utld=ytimg.com&stp=c0.5000x0.5000f_dst-jpg_flffffff_p500x261_q75&ccb=13-1&oh=06_AbGGPeOJa8owpdJh6obZY367wS5Gjredo6IYezB4yoyZ9g&oe=64840BE9&_nc_sid=4e60e3" style="border: 0px; height: 354.938px; inset: 0px; object-fit: cover; position: absolute; width: 679.992px;" width="500" /></div></div></div></div><div class="xua58t2 xzg4506 x1ey2m1c x9f619 xds687c x47corl x10l6tqk x17qophe x13vifvy" style="border-bottom: 1px solid var(--media-inner-border); border-top: 1px solid var(--media-inner-border); box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; inset: 0px; pointer-events: none; position: absolute;"></div></a></div></div><div class="x10l6tqk xzkaem6 xxt37ne x70y0r9" style="bottom: -14px; font-family: inherit; position: absolute; right: 14px; z-index: 3;"><div aria-label="More" class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz x1heor9g xt0b8zv" role="button" style="border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: currentcolor; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0"><div class="x6s0dn4 x1jx94hy xzg4506 xycxndf xua58t2 x4xrfw5 xhw592a xwihvcr x7wuybg xb9tvrk xzsf02u x78zum5 x1fgtraw xl56j7k xgd8bvy" style="align-items: center; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--media-inner-border); border-left: 1px solid var(--media-inner-border); border-radius: 14px; border-right: 1px solid var(--media-inner-border); border-top: 1px solid var(--media-inner-border); color: var(--primary-text); display: flex; font-family: inherit; height: 28px; justify-content: center; width: 28px;"><span class="x4k7w5x x1h91t0o x1h9r5lt x1jfb8zj xv2umb2 x1beo9mf xaigb6o x12ejxvf x3igimt xarpa2k xedcshv x1lytzrv x1t2pt76 x7ja8zs x1qrby5j" style="align-content: inherit; align-items: inherit; align-self: inherit; display: inherit; flex-direction: inherit; flex: inherit; font-family: inherit; height: inherit; justify-content: inherit; max-height: inherit; max-width: inherit; min-height: inherit; min-width: inherit; width: inherit;"><i class="x1b0d499 xep6ejk" data-visualcompletion="css-img" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v3/yx/r/L4Rua-Au1Fj.png"); background-position: 0px -217px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; filter: var(--filter-primary-icon); height: 20px; vertical-align: -0.25em; width: 20px;"></i></span></div></div></div></div><div class="x6ikm8r x10wlt62" style="font-family: inherit; overflow: hidden;"><div class="x1n2onr6" style="font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz x1heor9g x1lliihq x1lku1pv" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUezfuy8Qpc&fbclid=IwAR0rPUyqhfqifTZ1GhncPdJKeU_iakmFcqvRGM5UXF0ljp_ro8L8QUroPr8" rel="nofollow noreferrer" role="link" style="border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: block; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: currentcolor; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank"><div class="xmjcpbm xdppsyt x1n2onr6 x1lku1pv" style="border-bottom: 1px solid var(--divider); font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><div class="x9f619 x1n2onr6 x1ja2u2z x78zum5 x2lah0s x1qughib x6s0dn4 xozqiw3 x1q0g3np xykv574 xbmpl8g xsag5q8 x1pi30zi x1swvt13 xz9dl7a" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; flex-flow: row; flex-shrink: 0; font-family: inherit; justify-content: space-between; margin-left: -6px; margin-right: -6px; padding: 12px 16px; position: relative; z-index: 0;"><div class="x9f619 x1n2onr6 x1ja2u2z x193iq5w xeuugli x1r8uery x1iyjqo2 xs83m0k xsyo7zv x16hj40l" style="box-sizing: border-box; flex: 1 1 0px; font-family: inherit; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; position: relative; z-index: 0;"><div class="x1e56ztr xtvhhri" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x x4zkp8e x676frb x1nxh6w3 x1sibtaa xo1l8bm xi81zsa" color="var(--secondary-text)" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8125rem; line-height: 1.2308; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1lliihq x6ikm8r x10wlt62 x1n2onr6 xlyipyv xuxw1ft" style="display: block; font-family: inherit; overflow: hidden; position: relative; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">YOUTUBE.COM</span></span></div><div class="x6ikm8r x10wlt62 x9f619 x1lkfr7t x4vbgl9 x1rdy4ex xjkvuk6 x1iorvi4 xly2ba0" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.0625rem; margin-bottom: -4px; margin-top: -4px; max-height: calc(2.35294em); overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-top: 4px;"><div class="x78zum5 xdt5ytf xz62fqu x16ldp7u" style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: -5px; margin-top: -5px;"><div class="xu06os2 x1ok221b" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x x4zkp8e x3x7a5m x1lkfr7t x1lbecb7 x1s688f xzsf02u x1yc453h" color="var(--primary-text)" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.0625rem; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.1765; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1lliihq x6ikm8r x10wlt62 x1n2onr6" style="-webkit-box-orient: vertical; -webkit-line-clamp: 2; display: -webkit-box; font-family: inherit; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><span dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Rowan Atkinson on free speech </span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></a></div></div></div></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="x168nmei x13lgxp2 x30kzoy x9jhf4c x6ikm8r x10wlt62" data-visualcompletion="ignore-dynamic" style="border-radius: 0px 0px 8px 8px; font-family: inherit; overflow: hidden;"><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="x1n2onr6" style="font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><div class="x6s0dn4 xi81zsa x78zum5 x6prxxf x13a6bvl xvq8zen xdj266r xktsk01 xat24cr x1d52u69 x889kno x4uap5 x1a8lsjc xkhd6sd xdppsyt" style="align-items: center; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--divider); color: var(--secondary-text); display: flex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; justify-content: flex-end; line-height: 1.3333; margin: 0px 16px; padding: 10px 0px;"><div class="x6s0dn4 x78zum5 x1iyjqo2 x6ikm8r x10wlt62" style="align-items: center; background-color: white; color: #65676b; display: flex; flex-grow: 1; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 22.5px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; overflow: hidden; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="x4k7w5x x1h91t0o x1h9r5lt x1jfb8zj xv2umb2 x1beo9mf xaigb6o x12ejxvf x3igimt xarpa2k xedcshv x1lytzrv x1t2pt76 x7ja8zs x1qrby5j" style="align-content: inherit; align-items: inherit; align-self: inherit; display: inherit; flex-direction: inherit; flex: inherit; font-family: inherit; height: inherit; justify-content: inherit; max-height: inherit; max-width: inherit; min-height: inherit; min-width: inherit; width: inherit;"><div class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1o1ewxj x3x9cwd x1e5q0jg x13rtm0m x1n2onr6 x87ps6o x1lku1pv x1a2a7pz x1heor9g xnl1qt8 x6ikm8r x10wlt62 x1vjfegm x1lliihq" role="button" style="border-color: initial; border-radius: inherit; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-height: 1.3333em; outline: currentcolor; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: inherit; touch-action: manipulation; z-index: 1;" tabindex="0"><span class="xt0b8zv x1jx94hy xrbpyxo xl423tq" style="background-color: var(--card-background); float: left; font-family: inherit; margin-left: -100px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="x1e558r4" style="font-family: inherit; padding-left: 4px;">thers</span></span></span></div></span></div></div><div class="x9f619 x1n2onr6 x1ja2u2z x78zum5 x2lah0s x1qughib x1qjc9v5 xozqiw3 x1q0g3np xykv574 xbmpl8g x4cne27 xifccgj" style="align-items: stretch; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #65676b; display: flex; flex-flow: row; flex-shrink: 0; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 22.5px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; justify-content: space-between; margin: -6px; orphans: 2; position: relative; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; z-index: 0;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Mark Davis Pickuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804926376103695762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391279681387978528.post-85989374108146952172023-05-23T20:16:00.003-07:002024-03-09T12:12:15.646-08:00A DARKNESS OF FEAR THAT FELL INTO A DAWN OF LOVE'S NEW LIGHT<div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlIer409j3SZi0mK-62T6Xx-8naSL6lmAHQ5Z2c4NCkzuPfqoH_Yyyyimkz-UKc0poe4PIm_eipYSeGKATEUDLVw3l7O6DvKM1lAFe3c5qmZVm8tBo4_T4Ck_G_m6uBm9wRk9G6NnVCiy-CaAmUMLNfzhDT0FpOjtyn_AAV5efG-CFnXFKBtWfXy47A/s247/download-3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="204" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlIer409j3SZi0mK-62T6Xx-8naSL6lmAHQ5Z2c4NCkzuPfqoH_Yyyyimkz-UKc0poe4PIm_eipYSeGKATEUDLVw3l7O6DvKM1lAFe3c5qmZVm8tBo4_T4Ck_G_m6uBm9wRk9G6NnVCiy-CaAmUMLNfzhDT0FpOjtyn_AAV5efG-CFnXFKBtWfXy47A/s1600/download-3.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>There is a short passage about Jesus in the book of Hebrews that I love: “In the days when He was in the flesh, he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the One who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence. Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered; and when He was made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him.” (Hebrews 5:7-9) </span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Loud cries and tears of our Lord were heard in the Garden of Gethsemane to the One who could save Him from the agony of crucifixion and death. “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Take this cup away from Me, but not what I will but what you will.” (Mark 14:35-36) </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Christ’s sweat was as blood as He earnestly prayed and contemplated his pending passion, unspeakably cruel death by crucifixion, and being forsaken by God for our sakes as He would hang dying on the cross. The One who could save Jesus from death did not save him from death but overcame death in Christ’s resurrection! Christ’s perfect offering at Calvary gave the only path to reconciliation of sinful humanity back to God. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was, and remains, a perfect offering; it fulfilled the law. It put aside the requirement of the old Mosaic covenant by which the blood of lambs, goats and bulls were offered to God by a Levitical priest. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I was diagnosed with aggressive multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1984. Terrifying neurological degeneration and progressive paralysis put me in an electric wheelchair for many years. My legs withered from disuse. A completely wheelchair accessible home was built for me. (This was a miracle in itself because I have always lived with limited financial resources.) </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I found great hope in the obedience Christ learned from suffering—as Hebrews says. I believed that my suffering could teach me obedience to Christ to overcome my stubborn and stiff-necked nature. I had to learn to accept suffering and relinquish my self-will and place my pain into Christ’s scarred hands. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">This was the beginning of spiritual contentment regardless of my human circumstances. For me to accept suffering meant an understanding that nothing in my life escapes God’s will and desire for my ultimate good. I had to accept the mystery that my pain was/is achieving perfection in Christ that can only be fully realized in eternity. It is part of the weight of glory that comes with being endowed with the image of God. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Saint Paul put it this way: “Therefore, we are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” (2Corinthians 4:16-17) </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The grief of my slow and torturous creeping paralysis seemed insurmountable at times. But I knew it was insignificant compared to the eternal results. I believed then, as I do now, that my suffering was transforming me, in some small, to be more like Christ. This belief gives meaning and context to the suffering that occupied more than half of my life. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">In 2018, after praying that if it be God’s will that I would be allowed to get out of my electric wheelchair to stand and walk again—even with crutches, a walker, or canes. It was a similar prayer to many I had prayed throughout the decades of physical degeneration. Something was different. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgobhrvIS3UT35gzM-O9To-yO0V83fPt4eWlNW9Jc3ayX5TvJOF9-An_z9-GnYgE5a9jq_Q79_rKBu1ORZ2FRBuAxYvIjsgYPPJKK5YJgAdEOqz4rq5kuuw_1ZnxfAxT0PQfCYkTBG5v419Euo9yAXx0eiVajLvDiwN64va1JnN9HOJ6eeDaMg5Fcfg/s221/Screen%20Shot%202023-05-23%20at%209.13.09%20PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="181" data-original-width="221" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgobhrvIS3UT35gzM-O9To-yO0V83fPt4eWlNW9Jc3ayX5TvJOF9-An_z9-GnYgE5a9jq_Q79_rKBu1ORZ2FRBuAxYvIjsgYPPJKK5YJgAdEOqz4rq5kuuw_1ZnxfAxT0PQfCYkTBG5v419Euo9yAXx0eiVajLvDiwN64va1JnN9HOJ6eeDaMg5Fcfg/w200-h164/Screen%20Shot%202023-05-23%20at%209.13.09%20PM.png" width="200" /></a></div>God raised me from my electric wheelchair to stand and walk again. Was it a miracle, a sign, or both? I was raised to walk as an old man. Was it a miracle for others who have only known me in an electric wheelchair—a testimony of God’s hand in actual people’s lives? It was an affirming sign to me of what I believed and knew for close to 40 years. God has been with me. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Five years later, I’m still walking, sometimes with a cane, sometimes without it. Granted I have a limp. Why wasn’t I completely delivered? Does it matter? The legs that were once paralyzed now walk. The arm and hand that were virtually useless for a quarter of a century now write hand-written daily love letters to my wife of 50 years, LaRee. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">What if I must return to my wheelchair? Why should I complain? I have walked just as I asked. I will still praise God. He gave me five good years. I even danced with LaRee in our living room one cold winter night—the first time in decades. We cried as we held each other; our darkness of fear fell into a dawn of love’s new light. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I turn 70 years old. All is well, all is well. Our future is in God’s sovereign care. All my whys have been answered in the love of Jesus Christ.
</span></div>Mark Davis Pickuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804926376103695762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391279681387978528.post-73784313755157581182023-04-22T11:09:00.003-07:002023-04-22T11:12:21.993-07:00OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbARYV2Md8IwTCRkdmUNzh2G6-xve_Q0pB-zOpbIOuj1G7cuiPxyQSqNkESDXNuRo6xrjZmSj_e5pUU2lFpm_CvBcTBTvhjRAQ1APENZgFqzrBTLD0d52TFcD-KFyP9_3k49Oyc7Q-0pB5GRrGlGYjKxzp-vhVXoGOOGHJ1cXt02xU2ynCmqAm2uYcA/s221/Screen%20Shot%202023-04-22%20at%2011.56.28%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvRd0TV_IRHYjQxZPoWPI3m6QPut3yQyuzPwvkND-CbRMBiHbwBbB1t6sxaw_bxVjug8w7asCcvJFGSjNP4NEtT1MpAiXftZJ_-Stj-wTUZP5V3oZHG8UBC_L_RE6SAxH5s84LTA6LCoXHMBUiINVE1aoaxoOPnDnsKVus9iolMg6EL948TT0MtvT2A/s221/Screen%20Shot%202023-04-22%20at%2011.56.28%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="173" data-original-width="221" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvRd0TV_IRHYjQxZPoWPI3m6QPut3yQyuzPwvkND-CbRMBiHbwBbB1t6sxaw_bxVjug8w7asCcvJFGSjNP4NEtT1MpAiXftZJ_-Stj-wTUZP5V3oZHG8UBC_L_RE6SAxH5s84LTA6LCoXHMBUiINVE1aoaxoOPnDnsKVus9iolMg6EL948TT0MtvT2A/s1600/Screen%20Shot%202023-04-22%20at%2011.56.28%20AM.png" width="221" /></a></div><br /><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 22.5px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2;">This morning I was thinking of my awesome God. He raised a </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 22.5px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2;">paralyzed man from his electric wheelchair to walk again. </span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 22.5px; orphans: 2; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3uIDQTPEl63MxRA7pnjP43fsWtNoHAJQrnN3aJZm4UPzj6J2D77jRLq28-5PuW9MEnHTJSiYLZKDXEFJfEwZrWbHKqhGf-oJIABGTyMdKj9P4a0K89Kgh64vs3kB5AilCq39tbtU8sFGVUQe1wOVfewv3kY09EmzUSbk4Wv-LX1DyWUq5tMPRG_h8DQ/s960/20245980_10155292686660380_3487720054344156925_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="704" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3uIDQTPEl63MxRA7pnjP43fsWtNoHAJQrnN3aJZm4UPzj6J2D77jRLq28-5PuW9MEnHTJSiYLZKDXEFJfEwZrWbHKqhGf-oJIABGTyMdKj9P4a0K89Kgh64vs3kB5AilCq39tbtU8sFGVUQe1wOVfewv3kY09EmzUSbk4Wv-LX1DyWUq5tMPRG_h8DQ/s320/20245980_10155292686660380_3487720054344156925_n.jpg" width="235" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 22.5px; orphans: 2; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 22.5px; orphans: 2; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2;">One afternoon after kindergarten, when my youngest grandson was 5, he sat on the front step of his home and sang a new song the children learned at school: Our God Is An Awesome God (complete with hand actions). My daughter took a video of him and sent it to me. His little voice nearly drew me to tears. That little boy doesn’t exist anymore; he’s virtually grown now. But I still have that precious memory. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 22.5px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 22.5px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2;">Below is Michael W. Smith’s beautiful new rendition of that song, (complete with a </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 22.5px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2;"><a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;" tabindex="-1"></a></span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 22.5px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2;">military-style drumline and full orchestra). The only thing that was missing was a little boy (with his shoes on the wrong feet) to lead them. Click on video</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sEZDuMGp3WY" width="320" youtube-src-id="sEZDuMGp3WY"></iframe></div><br /><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 22.5px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2;"><br /></span><p></p>Mark Davis Pickuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804926376103695762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391279681387978528.post-24918902841175584012023-04-18T11:00:00.014-07:002023-04-18T14:57:55.708-07:00DID CONSERVATIVE MEDIA JUST TAKE IT TOO FAR!<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksQM8oK1VBn3bukqP_DoG0c2pVqVGl8449P7JXTk5oU5AmPPYlB9V3htIjTYRPw9gMNnwI2KQJELuj05wy4UmVYyI93HkFoeUTiHOknlzoj8HpO1xYz9URGDFAufa5R8ljWfFuD-SSp_dL-ZVoxM1tlDlzRhtWPP4aUjPUca6yfAO1A9mQg-L_taHVQ/s812/Screen%20Shot%202023-04-17%20at%201.05.12%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="812" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksQM8oK1VBn3bukqP_DoG0c2pVqVGl8449P7JXTk5oU5AmPPYlB9V3htIjTYRPw9gMNnwI2KQJELuj05wy4UmVYyI93HkFoeUTiHOknlzoj8HpO1xYz9URGDFAufa5R8ljWfFuD-SSp_dL-ZVoxM1tlDlzRhtWPP4aUjPUca6yfAO1A9mQg-L_taHVQ/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-04-17%20at%201.05.12%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kristi Leigh, conservative host and commentator of the new current affairs program COUNTER NARRATIVE interviewed me. She wanted my perspective about Candice Owen's outrageous rant against models in wheelchairs advertising underwear. You can see that interview at this link. <a href="https://americanmediaperiscope.com/counter-narrative-ep-5/"><b>https://americanmediaperiscope.com/counter-narrative-ep-5/</b></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mark</span></div><p></p>Mark Davis Pickuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804926376103695762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391279681387978528.post-29610021148842032942023-04-08T22:05:00.009-07:002023-04-10T15:26:37.057-07:00HOW DO I KNOW JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD?<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-wKPFpAKTB2Lu2byaCgGGefGaxoT-NwAQICzEADohA6qRQtkFxUgxFvGbNCUCil3nIkHGLVZacU7S6_TYZ37yiSqYQoKkUexTSHX_zAbi3xKJ6hoSmqS1m9dzpd977Se_dIfFaD7AiSzhPRRKfESlqsCsoee8wJX7E8sWRwiC70oMBVw0Via8xhMxQ/s290/download.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="174" data-original-width="290" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-wKPFpAKTB2Lu2byaCgGGefGaxoT-NwAQICzEADohA6qRQtkFxUgxFvGbNCUCil3nIkHGLVZacU7S6_TYZ37yiSqYQoKkUexTSHX_zAbi3xKJ6hoSmqS1m9dzpd977Se_dIfFaD7AiSzhPRRKfESlqsCsoee8wJX7E8sWRwiC70oMBVw0Via8xhMxQ/s1600/download.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’m writing this on Easter morning 2023. It is the holiest day on the Christian calendar. Easter observes the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as an historical event.</span><a href="applewebdata://9EA4A383-C18B-485D-B47B-A805CB3700F7#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> <span style="font-size: large;">It is upon this event that Christianity stands or falls. Either it happened or it did not. If it is a myth then my faith spanning more than 40 years has been in vain, my suffering from aggressive multiple sclerosis since 1984, and cancer and clinical depression served no transcendence purpose. If the resurrection of Jesus Christ did not happen then the Bible is a hollow lie. If Christ did not rise from the dead, then the faith and hope of 2.2 billion Christians worldwide are also in vain.</span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="color: #954f72; vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="applewebdata://9EA4A383-C18B-485D-B47B-A805CB3700F7#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="color: #954f72;" title="">[2]</a></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">On this point, Saint Paul said, "But if there is no resurrection then Christ is not risen. ... And if Christ is not risen then your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. ... If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable." (1Corinthians 15: 13-14, 17, 19). <br /><br />If Jesus did not rise from the dead, then the Biblical account of Him raising Lazarus from the dead is also false. The Bible says the body of Lazarus was already rotting and had that telltale putrid stench of decomposition. If Jesus was going to bring Lazarus back from the dead, He</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span> had to reverse Lazarus' decaying flesh. He had to make rancid coagulated blood fresh and flow again through Lazarus’ veins. A rotting heart, brain, and other internal organs had to be renewed and brought back to life. </span><span>Can you believe something so fantastic? </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">I can and I do. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">I believe that Jesus did raise Lazarus and Christ did rise from the dead on Easter morning. I believe it with all my heart, and I would stake my life on it. I know it happened; I know that the Bible IS the inspired and inerrant word of God, my final authority on all matters of faith, morals, conduct, and the cosmos. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">How do I know Christ </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span>rose from the dead and </span><span>raised Lazarus from the dead? Because I have had personal encounters with the risen Christ, and I experience the presence of the holy spirit. They are real and above my temporal understanding. They come to me from beyond me. Jesus Christ is and will be my ultimate reality when I step across the threshold from this life to the next. It is the Holy Spirit (the 3</span><sup>rd</sup><span> member of the Trinity) that assures me that the Bible IS the word of God. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">The same Holy Spirit has been present, like a foretaste of heaven, throughout 39 years of degenerative and aggressive multiple sclerosis, and cancer. I told this to an agnostic. He responded, “Perhaps you have experienced nothing more than cognitive changes caused by your disease?" My response was: </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">“That’s your speculation because you can’t accept what you don’t understand. Even if that were the case, how do you explain the billions of Christians throughout the last 2,000 years who have experienced the same as I have? Many chose death rather than renouncing their faith in Christ. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8l3hyAh2xIkjR7W5Uqi5hy5NFrxZl7RP1rj7FilAW0NBLgAr51Kh9v7fL4TRJrxYbPknRWokp_VY79Lnu_J_pQV9kPYT9Vz7zd1CfGOSZqRSlLicKSlNI8dFXuDsr5uO5NnJS46Gre03f740UASTUqBHTMjeQfN_CAsJzxVQtjnuY5HvkZ-iTxPLGPA/s1159/Screen%20Shot%202023-04-08%20at%204.34.34%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="1159" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8l3hyAh2xIkjR7W5Uqi5hy5NFrxZl7RP1rj7FilAW0NBLgAr51Kh9v7fL4TRJrxYbPknRWokp_VY79Lnu_J_pQV9kPYT9Vz7zd1CfGOSZqRSlLicKSlNI8dFXuDsr5uO5NnJS46Gre03f740UASTUqBHTMjeQfN_CAsJzxVQtjnuY5HvkZ-iTxPLGPA/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-04-08%20at%204.34.34%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">How do you explain the murder of 30 Ethiopian Christians,</span><a href="applewebdata://9EA4A383-C18B-485D-B47B-A805CB3700F7#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a> <span style="font-size: large;">or 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians who were beheaded on a Libyan beach, rather than renounce their faith in Christ?</span><a href="applewebdata://9EA4A383-C18B-485D-B47B-A805CB3700F7#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[4]</span></span></span></a> <span style="font-size: large;">The last word on their lips was the name of Jesus.</span><a href="applewebdata://9EA4A383-C18B-485D-B47B-A805CB3700F7#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[5]</span></span></span></a> <span style="font-size: large;">How do you explain that? Were they all deluded?" </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwT6Zrq00GMpY61rXt9X2gwv6e_naEZwEW9OUqOgRvihGMfCvSIzV6zUVWvgPfoBTgHUJ-a98n1Osp2mpDPyilS3g45zgDfsuG20QkTPNI1B4Se2QnnZ_FGHyBQCKDUC49_hJWFaSkA1f6epIXp6D39qwUeN_PsqtSoTpO9Xw6cRBjji9LhUjxNtGFg/s281/Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="281" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwT6Zrq00GMpY61rXt9X2gwv6e_naEZwEW9OUqOgRvihGMfCvSIzV6zUVWvgPfoBTgHUJ-a98n1Osp2mpDPyilS3g45zgDfsuG20QkTPNI1B4Se2QnnZ_FGHyBQCKDUC49_hJWFaSkA1f6epIXp6D39qwUeN_PsqtSoTpO9Xw6cRBjji9LhUjxNtGFg/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" width="281" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">No! They knew Christ. They had a personal relationship with Him, and He was with them. They knew that within 30 seconds (or how long it took to sever their heads) they would stand face to face before Jesus."</span><a href="applewebdata://9EA4A383-C18B-485D-B47B-A805CB3700F7#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[6]</span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nothing can separate us from the love of God. We have the blessed assurance that we will be raised as Jesus Christ was raised.</span><a href="applewebdata://9EA4A383-C18B-485D-B47B-A805CB3700F7#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[7]</span></span></span></a> <span style="font-size: large;">Happy Easter. He IS risen! The King of kings.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p> __________________________________</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="line" style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">“</span><span class="text" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif">I know that my redeemer</span></span><span class="text" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"> lives,</span> and that in the end He will stand on the earth.</span><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"> <span class="text">And after my skin has been destroyed,</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span class="text" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">yet </span><span class="text" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif">in</span></span><span class="text" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"> </span></span><span class="text" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif">my flesh I will see God;</span></span><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"> <span class="text">I myself will see him</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="text">with my own eyes—I, and not another.</span> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">How my heart yearns within me!</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">”</span></span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="color: #954f72; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif" style="color: black;"><a href="applewebdata://9EA4A383-C18B-485D-B47B-A805CB3700F7#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" style="color: #954f72;" title="">[8]</a></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text"></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="line" style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="color: #954f72; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="line" style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><b>Click below for Candler Moore singing "King of Kings"</b></span></span></p><p class="line" style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="color: #954f72; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; vertical-align: super;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="color: #954f72; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; vertical-align: super;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/09azEfx71rc" width="320" youtube-src-id="09azEfx71rc"></iframe></span></div><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="color: #954f72; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; vertical-align: super;"><br /><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p class="line" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="color: #954f72; vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="line" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: large;">MDP</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><div><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="applewebdata://9EA4A383-C18B-485D-B47B-A805CB3700F7#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> “Parallel accounts of the resurrection”, <a href="https://www.jesuswalk.com/resurrection/resurrection-parallels.htm" style="color: #954f72;">https://www.jesuswalk.com/resurrection/resurrection-parallels.htm</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><div id="ftn2"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="applewebdata://9EA4A383-C18B-485D-B47B-A805CB3700F7#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a>“Spread of Christianity” WorldData.info <a href="https://www.worlddata.info/religions/christianity.php#:~:text=Spread%20of%20Christianity&text=Christianity%20has%20the%20most%20followers%20worldwide%20with%20over%202.2%20billion%20believers" style="color: #954f72;">https://www.worlddata.info/religions/christianity.php#:~:text=Spread%20of%20Christianity&text=Christianity%20has%20the%20most%20followers%20worldwide%20with%20over%202.2%20billion%20believers</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><div id="ftn3"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="applewebdata://9EA4A383-C18B-485D-B47B-A805CB3700F7#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a> Sylvia Westalf, “Islamic State shoots and beheads 30 Ethiopians Christians in Libya: video” 19 April, 2015, <i>Reuters</i>. <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-islamicstate-killings-idUSKBN0NA0IE20150419" style="color: #954f72;">https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-islamicstate-killings-idUSKBN0NA0IE20150419</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"> .<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn4"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="applewebdata://9EA4A383-C18B-485D-B47B-A805CB3700F7#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[4]</span></span></span></a> FEBRUARY 15, 2015: 21 Coptic Orthodox martyrs are beheaded by ISIS” <i>Greek City Times. </i><a href="https://greekcitytimes.com/2022/02/16/february-15-2015-21-coptic-libya/" style="color: #954f72;">https://greekcitytimes.com/2022/02/16/february-15-2015-21-coptic-libya/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><div id="ftn5"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="applewebdata://9EA4A383-C18B-485D-B47B-A805CB3700F7#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[5]</span></span></span></a> Laura Ieraci, “Martyrs in Libya ‘Whispered’ name of Jesus before death, bishop says”, 15 February 2015, The Catholic Register. <a href="https://www.catholicregister.org/home/international/item/19721-martyrs-in-libya-whispered-name-of-jesus-before-death-bishop-says" style="color: #954f72;">https://www.catholicregister.org/home/international/item/19721-martyrs-in-libya-whispered-name-of-jesus-before-death-bishop-says</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><div id="ftn6"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="applewebdata://9EA4A383-C18B-485D-B47B-A805CB3700F7#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[6]</span></span></span></a> 1Corinthians 13:13-14.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn7"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="applewebdata://9EA4A383-C18B-485D-B47B-A805CB3700F7#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[7]</span></span></span></a> 1Corinthians 15:20-22.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn8"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="applewebdata://9EA4A383-C18B-485D-B47B-A805CB3700F7#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[8]</span></span></span></a> <span class="text"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif">Job 19:25-27</span></span><span class="text"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif">.</span></span><o:p></o:p></p></div></div>Mark Davis Pickuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804926376103695762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391279681387978528.post-41387516906593972462023-03-29T12:05:00.013-07:002023-03-30T10:44:02.298-07:00I'M APT TO BE A HYPOCRITE OF THE LOWEST ORDER<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjfPfNh1yjrAoj1gDvTmFuviKKvANA6b3ZHrPy7F47Fg64WQSJ_jU9tuUwmEpc5txA5PDS4raS8FNWannGjFaM9pgIQW0ojL6YRp-AYhEEIEBkV1oMZgdGZ3bRXlUKASk06hfgvfn-hk_NlBMNgPn588GkZDg8ovBo_zsC_1uDXSvhnKw5ieGou7HBA/s450/Screen%20Shot%202023-03-29%20at%2012.51.17%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="450" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjfPfNh1yjrAoj1gDvTmFuviKKvANA6b3ZHrPy7F47Fg64WQSJ_jU9tuUwmEpc5txA5PDS4raS8FNWannGjFaM9pgIQW0ojL6YRp-AYhEEIEBkV1oMZgdGZ3bRXlUKASk06hfgvfn-hk_NlBMNgPn588GkZDg8ovBo_zsC_1uDXSvhnKw5ieGou7HBA/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-03-29%20at%2012.51.17%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-large;">As of today, it has been five years I have been walking after years of paralysis from multiple sclerosis (MS). Many years were spent in an electric wheelchair. In 2018, I went before the Blessed Sacrament with a prayer request. It was a request made many times since 1984 when I was diagnosed with MS. By 2018, I had become triplegic, meaning three out of four of my limbs were affected by the cruel disease. Once again, I prayed that the Lord would allow me to walk again and release me from creeping paralysis. I was/am at end-stage multiple sclerosis. My brain is riddled with plaque (sclerotic lesions. </span><i style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Scler</i><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-large;">is Latin for ‘scars’). There are no remissions anymore. My next address should be a nursing home or a cemetery.</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9R2UOgTQsT5_AaLwBRKZEu5UbjwX8KZwo40-8KXKhxtd0lQwZqfaAa-FbSEzHNiINiLnB3l4FERZTs5SGZDYewYd-3pR80QbyeYqKLgk4juT_GT7c8q8IIlFTuwHLCrKzr-MyoJ9YbJRbSFbZi0ZTnKxC89YWBc64jLba0ZvpPv0P4X7DYIZ_YaMeQ/s554/Screen%20Shot%202021-01-15%20at%209.44.41%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="554" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9R2UOgTQsT5_AaLwBRKZEu5UbjwX8KZwo40-8KXKhxtd0lQwZqfaAa-FbSEzHNiINiLnB3l4FERZTs5SGZDYewYd-3pR80QbyeYqKLgk4juT_GT7c8q8IIlFTuwHLCrKzr-MyoJ9YbJRbSFbZi0ZTnKxC89YWBc64jLba0ZvpPv0P4X7DYIZ_YaMeQ/s320/Screen%20Shot%202021-01-15%20at%209.44.41%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">I prayed that God might allow me to get out of my wheelchair and walk again, even with a walker, or crutches, or canes — even for a short time. But I knew my withered legs were too weak to hold my weight and walk, even if I could stand. My prayer template was Christ’s example in the Garden of Gethsemane. He prayed three times that God would take away His cup of suffering but gave His situation to His heavenly Father by saying “not my will but yours be done.”</span><a href="applewebdata://055F6F1B-B1C7-4804-B82E-52AC87D08DB8#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;">[1]</span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> His cup of suffering was not removed. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwS7ZAX1lY8UtaGOxSB9wFJdRuzTZVkeaVzpa-RPREiyBkweQj_mELDHxkJ6A_PGJ9BxTsu2xN56ORsNDNgrQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">The difference between my 2018 prayer from all the others dating back to 1984 was that I finally and truly surrendered myself and my destiny in this life to God, knowing there is no disease, disability, no death or weeping in the next. God will personally wipe away every tear I ever shed.</span><a href="applewebdata://055F6F1B-B1C7-4804-B82E-52AC87D08DB8#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;">[2]</span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> I finally learned to accept and rest with whatever He willed for me, knowing it was for my ultimate good.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Those who have not yet met Christ may scoff and write me off as a religious kook. So be it. My doctors cannot explain what happened. They are baffled. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed MS lesions throughout my brain. My medical file shows a long history of devastating aggressive MS.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">And yet, here I am walking. Complete function has returned to my right arm. I walk with a cane outside my house, and no cane at all in my home. The Lord left me with a few residual effects. Why? Why didn’t He take all my disability away? I think I have been left with a limp and sometimes a cane to remind me from whence I have come (to use an archaic word). God knows my inner frailty dwarfs my outer frailty. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Without that reminder, I am apt to suppress memories of those awful years of wide-eyed terror and grief. I’m apt to shut out memories of paralysis that kept me in the ranks of the seriously disabled. My foul egotistical inner self would try to forget all that was and abandon those who are still there. I would be apt to imagine myself to be in the ranks of the able-bodied “us” rather than the disabled “them.” For decades I advocated from my wheelchair against any us/them mindset in favour of an inclusive community where such disdainful distinctions have been irradicated. Yes, I can see why God did not deliver me completely from the effects of my disease and disability. I’m apt to be a hypocrite of the lowest order.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Recently, a woman referred to me as a holy man. I am no such thing! If she only knew how many times I disappoint God, she would not have said that. My MS may have made me fall physically but my inner man makes me fall spiritually, and that’s much worse. And yet God continues to forgive me, through His Son Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">What if I must return to my wheelchair? What would I have to complain about? I asked God to let me walk again—even for a short time, whether or not it involved aides. He did that. I have been walking for five years. I will still praise God for giving me the time He gave me. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">It’s good to know God can use a spiritual nincompoop such as me. A number of American news or current affairs journalists have interviewed me about my miracle. Click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KristiLeighTV/videos/318200979795698" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a> for an interview that Texas podcaster Kristi Leigh had with me. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am available to address your church, organization or pro-life group about disability and inclusive Christian communities, the nature of suffering and grief from a Christian perspective, and other pro-life issues. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">CONTACT EMAIL for Mark Davis Pickup HumanLifeMatters@shaw.ca</span></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="applewebdata://055F6F1B-B1C7-4804-B82E-52AC87D08DB8#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> Matthew 26:39-44.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn2"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="applewebdata://055F6F1B-B1C7-4804-B82E-52AC87D08DB8#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> Revelation 21:4.<o:p></o:p></p></div></div>Mark Davis Pickuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804926376103695762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391279681387978528.post-9495997972295378422023-03-27T11:35:00.001-07:002023-03-27T11:35:44.124-07:00ADVERSE PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdtXajbyNNsMQ42pvR-41Ar2sMpPDSWCldiEYHPgH3q7hWQO_4s341Wlvz3ga_5pd0NUnXbKhs6bO0zy4GPKE1z1nnDUGg2fu0AzHsYebsTE-49gLK-Ul0ufr9wF4UvEAC8pHaMBdhVf6FOdu73jArJEZ_RGKq4sAjoCxvJpYOjTuRyXWOPiFahjrbg/s437/Screen%20Shot%202023-03-27%20at%2011.33.41%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="284" data-original-width="437" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdtXajbyNNsMQ42pvR-41Ar2sMpPDSWCldiEYHPgH3q7hWQO_4s341Wlvz3ga_5pd0NUnXbKhs6bO0zy4GPKE1z1nnDUGg2fu0AzHsYebsTE-49gLK-Ul0ufr9wF4UvEAC8pHaMBdhVf6FOdu73jArJEZ_RGKq4sAjoCxvJpYOjTuRyXWOPiFahjrbg/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-03-27%20at%2011.33.41%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; orphans: 2; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2;">I want to bring to your attention a beautiful loved-filled website: "</span><a href="https://prenatalpartnersforlife.org" style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; orphans: 2; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2;" target="_blank">Prenatal Partners for Life</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; orphans: 2; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2;">: Support for adverse prenatal diagnosis." A great resource for families facing a pregnancy involving a child with a disability. There are better options other than aborting the baby. These children are indispensable members of the human family. They bear the Image of God (just like you and me). They are loved by God and they must be loved by we who claim to be Christ's followers. A Christian's goal should be to become more like Christ and less like themselves. Send this link to anyone you know in this situation.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; orphans: 2; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2;">MDP</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 22.5px; orphans: 2; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2;"><br /></span></p>Mark Davis Pickuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804926376103695762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391279681387978528.post-38144566519140289022023-03-19T20:28:00.006-07:002023-03-20T10:44:15.918-07:00THE BIG LIE AND TRUTH DENIED<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEQD5_1kqblZtPSInXNDUSZI953Dg-aZrA-13UjYq6sGbcMEKOgZUWvJ4_eZjfrvDaw6pjiQ1uq3xGXmF80m6qqKeJJJeCXcS52bj3_SB2FeCWmKqg4s0n5u-o5IFc48Ly0VTSHIgf-P3dr1Y5AWUL1hur77MaIlCPCfIQdN9bkBVhsiySzW29vkTQw/s259/images-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEQD5_1kqblZtPSInXNDUSZI953Dg-aZrA-13UjYq6sGbcMEKOgZUWvJ4_eZjfrvDaw6pjiQ1uq3xGXmF80m6qqKeJJJeCXcS52bj3_SB2FeCWmKqg4s0n5u-o5IFc48Ly0VTSHIgf-P3dr1Y5AWUL1hur77MaIlCPCfIQdN9bkBVhsiySzW29vkTQw/s1600/images-1.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: #fff4db; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State.” — Attributed to Joseph Goebbels, Propaganda Chief of the Nazi Party.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: #fff4db; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: #fff4db; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">People tell small lies. They shouldn’t but they do. They know others are more likely to believe a small “white” lie more than a whopper. What happens when it is necessary to make people believe a wholescale big lie to advance a political, ideological, or sociological goal? As Goebbels said, keep repeating the lie until people accept it. The public mindset must be massaged into mental dullness and general intellectual malaise. The big lie must be introduced in increments, then reinforced by intimidation through name-calling, censure, isolation and even threats of violence against stubborn dissenters. In his autobiographical manifesto, Mein Kampf, Adolf Hitler addressed the big lie:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: #fff4db; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: #fff4db; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“… in the big lie there is always a certain force of credibility; because the broad masses of a nation are always more easily corrupted in the deeper strata of their emotional nature than consciously or voluntarily; and thus in the primitive simplicity of their minds they more readily fall victims to the big lie than the small lie, since they themselves often tell small lies in little matters but would be ashamed to resort to large-scale falsehoods. It would never come into their heads to fabricate colossal untruths, and they would not believe that others could have the impudence to distort the truth so infamously. Even though the facts which prove this to be so may be brought clearly to their minds, they will still doubt and waver and will continue to think that there may be some other explanation.” — Adolf Hitler in <i>Mein Kampf </i><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: #fff4db; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: #fff4db; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It is a colossal lie that people can change their gender or that there are many genders. There are not. We all know there are two genders. Gender is not assigned at birth. Gender is obvious at birth (and before). Ideology or wishful thinking does not determine sex, genetics does. Men cannot become women or vice versa. One can make themselves appear or seem like the opposite sex with their appearance and hormone manipulation and physical mutilation, but every cell in their bodies identifies them as the sex they have been since their beginning, in </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">utero. </i><span style="font-size: large;">Granted, there is a rare condition known as ambiguous genitalia where an infant is born with genitalia not clearly identifiable as male or female. It is a rare disorder that affects 1 in 1,000-4,500 births.</span><a href="applewebdata://E90AC7AB-1F0B-4A4F-966D-5E42C7350D80#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a;">[1]</span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> It is an anomalous disorder and should not be used to bolster gender ideology. Any reasonable person can and should deduce this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: #fff4db; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: #fff4db; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A clear-thinking culture does not embrace or promote the false gender identity social construct. Gender identity is not malleable or fluid; it is a false narrative of social reconstructionists and wishful thinking of a tiny minority who want to rebuild society to their own liking and preferences, not what’s good for the majority. It is intended to confuse the large majority. A woman may say she is a male trapped in a female’s body. I could flippantly respond by saying that was I to, then I was born. But that downplays a psychiatric condition of tormented souls. Her confusion or imagined alternate reality does not need affirmation of her gender identity disorder that can—in its most extreme—result in surgical mutilation. She has a condition that may well have a psychiatric connection.</span><a href="applewebdata://E90AC7AB-1F0B-4A4F-966D-5E42C7350D80#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a;">[2]</span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> She needs treatment and therapy, not surgery<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: #fff4db; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: #fff4db; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And it is criminal to play into a pubescent or pre-pubescent gender confusion with hormone-blocking drugs that may have long-term risks or physical mutilation with mastectomies and so-called gender reassignment surgery. Doctors who play into this psychiatric disorder should be disciplined or lose their medical licences. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: #fff4db; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: #fff4db; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Society still has enough residual morality to be horrified if a doctor amputated a healthy limb on a person suffering from the extremely rare condition known as Body Integrity Identity Disorder, also known as Amputee Identity Disorder. or <i>apotemnophilia. </i>It is a disturbing mental illness characterized a person’s persistent desire to have a physical disability such a amputation of a healthy limb or paraplegia where a surgeon snips their spinal cord. The patient may believe a limb is not theirs. Any reasonable physician would not acquiesce to such a request from a patient. They would treat the patient for their obvious psychosis. Remember, it was not very long ago that mutilating of genitalia at the request of patient suffering from gender identity disorder was unthinkable. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: #fff4db; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: #fff4db; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Although the American Psychiatric Association dropped the word ‘disorder’ from gender identity disorder in the 2013 DSM-5, I don’t think it was because of any empirical evidence. The change to Gender Identity was deference to the hyper-sensitivity of the transexual community and woke pressure. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: #fff4db; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: #fff4db; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now, the transexual lobby demands that the English language be altered to accommodate them, despite the fact they only represent about 4.5% population.</span><a href="applewebdata://E90AC7AB-1F0B-4A4F-966D-5E42C7350D80#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a;">[3]</span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> Preferred pronouns to not clarify, they confuse! Ninety-four percent of the population must give in to the neurotic demands of a small minority? No! We must understand that LGBTQ have their concerns and be kind. That is different than acquiescence. The majority must now step to the plate and take control of society’s direction for this confused and muddled time, and for posterity. We must return our culture to the tried-and-true Judeo-Christian moral ethos that made Western civilization great. The majority must be kind and take care of minorities, whether they be refugees, people with disabilities, unwanted children, the mentally ill and sexually confused. But not at the expense of the majority of the population. Social policy and community behaviour must reflect this. We live in a democracy where the majority still rules. And transgender ideology must not be promoted because it encourages unnecessary confusion, particularly amongst children. Understand that much of the moral mess we are in can be related back to relativism that resulted from turning away from God. This was necessary for liberal progressives in order to dispel the idea of Objective Truth, in favour of relative truth. That way, anything can be justified, from abortion to euthanasia, to redefining marriage, family, and sex. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: #fff4db; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: #fff4db; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Upon reading this article, I will, no doubt, be called homophobic, a hater, a Christian fanatic. So be it. Because I disagree with someone, and their agenda or ideology, does not make me a hater or homophobic. It means we have a difference in opinion. At this present time, I still have the freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression.</span><a href="applewebdata://E90AC7AB-1F0B-4A4F-966D-5E42C7350D80#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a;">[4]</span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> It’s one of Canada’s four fundamental freedoms identified in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Similar the American Constitution).</span><a href="applewebdata://E90AC7AB-1F0B-4A4F-966D-5E42C7350D80#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: #3a3a3a;">[5]</span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: #fff4db; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: #fff4db; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I ask the majority to stand for what you know deep within your hearts: Marriage is between a man and a woman. There are two genders, just as there have always been throughout history. Every child matters, whether born or unborn. Killing terminally ill and disabled people with euthanasia must not be tolerated. Helping suicidal people kill themselves must not be tolerated and be criminalized again. Children deserve to be children without being exposed to transgender ideology in school curricula or overt exposure such as drag queen storytime. </span></span><span style="background-color: #fff4db; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: large;">Let us return to sanity and order. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: #fff4db; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: #fff4db; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: large;">Here is the Big Lie: <i>There is no God from whom Truth comes, so man can make himself in his own desired image</i>. It's a whopper!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: #fff4db; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: #fff4db; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;">MDP </span></o:p></span></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="applewebdata://E90AC7AB-1F0B-4A4F-966D-5E42C7350D80#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> Khawar T. Mehmood and Rebecca M. Rentea, <i>Ambiguous Genitalia and Disorder of Sexual Differentiation</i>, National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health, 29 August, 2022. Accessed from internet 11 March 2023. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557435/" style="color: #954f72;">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557435/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"> <b><o:p></o:p></b></p></div><div id="ftn2"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="applewebdata://E90AC7AB-1F0B-4A4F-966D-5E42C7350D80#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> Ravi Philip Rajkumar, “Gender Identity Disorder and Schizophrenia: Neurodevelopmental Disorders with Common Causal Mechanisms?” 04 December 2014, <i>PubMed, </i>accessed from the internet 11 March 2023. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4274821/" style="color: #954f72;">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4274821/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><div id="ftn3"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="applewebdata://E90AC7AB-1F0B-4A4F-966D-5E42C7350D80#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a> “Some 4.5 percent of U.S. adults identify as LGBT: study.” Reuters, 05 March 2019. Accessed from the internet 13 13 March 2023. <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-lgbt-idUSKCN1QM2L6" style="color: #954f72;">https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-lgbt-idUSKCN1QM2L6</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn4"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="applewebdata://E90AC7AB-1F0B-4A4F-966D-5E42C7350D80#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[4]</span></span></span></a> CANADIAN CHARTER OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS, s-2b. Fundamental Freedoms. Accessed from the internet 19 March 2023 <a href="https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/const/page-12.html" style="color: #954f72;">https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/const/page-12.html</a><o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn5"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="applewebdata://E90AC7AB-1F0B-4A4F-966D-5E42C7350D80#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[5]</span></span></span></a>Government of Canada, Department of Justice. Accessed from the internet 19 March 2023. <a href="https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/const/page-12.html#:~:text=Fundamental%20Freedoms&text=(a)%20freedom%20of%20conscience%20and,(d)%20freedom%20of%20association" style="color: #954f72;">https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/const/page-12.html#:~:text=Fundamental%20Freedoms&text=(a)%20freedom%20of%20conscience%20and,(d)%20freedom%20of%20association</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div></div>Mark Davis Pickuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804926376103695762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391279681387978528.post-24084947330352194522023-03-06T09:52:00.005-08:002023-03-06T11:59:24.004-08:00LOVE AT FIRST (AND LAST) SIGHT<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5ie9_6JYKT4jfOLVTzOyua25xZYrs2QmhRADQRvQQ8IhaiTO6-tdxJ8W-dvrjB5ored_zZJN8rNkZq-bSWhnw7cHIbXa9dEvlZxHswyvW0F_mhVkDLlBYyVc5VX-A_bjy9RT0LogZzc2-2d2STqi0_gokV4K8mbGk2t4HZXSgLBY-lXyjdCWvCuJLg/s580/Screen%20Shot%202023-03-05%20at%208.11.28%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="580" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5ie9_6JYKT4jfOLVTzOyua25xZYrs2QmhRADQRvQQ8IhaiTO6-tdxJ8W-dvrjB5ored_zZJN8rNkZq-bSWhnw7cHIbXa9dEvlZxHswyvW0F_mhVkDLlBYyVc5VX-A_bjy9RT0LogZzc2-2d2STqi0_gokV4K8mbGk2t4HZXSgLBY-lXyjdCWvCuJLg/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-03-05%20at%208.11.28%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Can romantic love burn bright even in the face of imminent death? Yes, it can, and it happens all the time. Is there such a thing as love at first sight? Absolutely! </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Nowadays there is a general shyness to use the phrase “love at first sight.” One blushes to say it. The world is far too cynical and jaded to embrace the idea that two people can fall in love simply by looking at each other. And yet, despite the risks of romantic love (disappointments, disillusion, and disenchantments), each new generation believes in the possibility of love at first sight. They believe it so much their hearts ache to dream about it. History and literature, art and music are all replete with proclamations of love at first sight. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My wife and I are seventy. More than fifty years ago, we were two young people who experienced love at first sight. That initial spark of love grew into an open flame that has warmed our hearts for over half a century. But we know we are in the last chapter of our love story, and foreboding reminders of living without the other are never far from our minds.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If there is love and first sight—a beautiful moment when time stands still—then surely there must be love at last glance before an aged lover looks into his or her spouse’s eyes for the last time—that heartbreaking moment when death descends.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The death of a mate does not change the truth that true love lives on in the memories and dreams of the one who is left behind. True romantic love has love for God at its foundations. God is the author of love. He makes romance deepen. He created marriage and raised it to a Sacrament. Love is what gives purpose and meaning to life … and death. We need not fear the future, the Creator of love is there. Christ is with us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“To love or to have loved, that is enough. Ask nothing further. There is no other pearl to be found in the dark folds of life. To love is a consummation.” — Victor Hugo</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKLWayiTofiyO7PSxD4jrxPSaNWWcS3Z6G8TUBvX_UVkLk5Jr9_9kDIlrS1wjXt3lseJlt3NqED4RR0sNFewj05OfH8f7X_WTjHqlBQVg0jqttquZxakELVSjUiLFiO1yuQQrkUq05w8JlfleBnTDCvNF3ayY8cQfUMuSl_6Q-XZSGo4FhDfP9sY9BQ/s351/Screen%20Shot%202023-03-06%20at%2011.25.18%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="153" data-original-width="351" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKLWayiTofiyO7PSxD4jrxPSaNWWcS3Z6G8TUBvX_UVkLk5Jr9_9kDIlrS1wjXt3lseJlt3NqED4RR0sNFewj05OfH8f7X_WTjHqlBQVg0jqttquZxakELVSjUiLFiO1yuQQrkUq05w8JlfleBnTDCvNF3ayY8cQfUMuSl_6Q-XZSGo4FhDfP9sY9BQ/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-03-06%20at%2011.25.18%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><p></p>Mark Davis Pickuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804926376103695762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391279681387978528.post-91803961319844954102023-02-01T11:51:00.008-08:002023-08-13T19:19:48.295-07:00DISABILITY INCLUSION IN TELEVISION AND FILMS<p style="text-align: center;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3VTnVlw3OGFmObWzDpuSLAYzsSYQ9B2hB0C5My5AzZhP36v_fG2M985ZsZZFpIW_QZW_QYMXtox3l16FqeqcyqULlu9rIqVulFED2T8jKtk-oyc16Uvqla6VSUpc0YIErJgBfHUFReaV88f5JZJddzRMsXS0Shk6rH2Eqg0IAVr8PiXQVTtmXT6sVQ/s310/images.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="310" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3VTnVlw3OGFmObWzDpuSLAYzsSYQ9B2hB0C5My5AzZhP36v_fG2M985ZsZZFpIW_QZW_QYMXtox3l16FqeqcyqULlu9rIqVulFED2T8jKtk-oyc16Uvqla6VSUpc0YIErJgBfHUFReaV88f5JZJddzRMsXS0Shk6rH2Eqg0IAVr8PiXQVTtmXT6sVQ/w400-h209/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">I have advocated for disability inclusion in the media since the 1980s, specifically for television in various capacities from behind the scenes to on-air staff, and within dramatic series, and movies too – in every facet of production, especially casts.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">It's still virtually non-existent to see visibly disabled news or current affairs broadcasters. In the 34 years since I was forced to retire, I have, however, been pleased to see more shows and streamed dramatic program series that include characters with disabilities such as HOUSE, and THE GOOD DOCTOR. But they have abled-bodied actors portraying disabled characters. Dr. Gregory House in the series HOUSE is disabled and uses a cane. The role is played by Hugh Laurie who is not disabled and does not use a cane. THE GOOD DOCTOR has its principal autistic character, Dr. Shaun Murphy, portrayed by Freddie Highmore who doesn’t have autism. Shows usually have able-bodied actors portraying disabled characters. </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">It's reminiscent of the days when black people were portrayed by white actors with painted faces. </span></span></p><p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">BREAKING BAD was an example where an actor with cerebral palsy (R.J. Mitte) played a character with cerebral palsy. It’s rare to have that. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">MOVIES: Secular movies have numerous films about disabilities portrayed by people without disabilities, dating back to RAIN MAN where Dustin Hoffman played a character with autism. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON <i>was</i> about a character with Down Syndrome and portrayed by an actor with Down syndrome (Zack Gottsagen). The movie was the highest-grossing independent film of 2019!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>[Nb: It’s divinely ironic to note that a highly successful Oscar award-winning disabled actor has spent his career portraying able-bodied people. Sir Anthony Hopkins has Asperger’s.]</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">Christian movies about disability using actors with disabilities are rare. Two that readily come to mind are TOUCHED BY GRACE (2014) and JONI (1979). </span></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div></div>Mark Davis Pickuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804926376103695762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391279681387978528.post-25908821167547399732023-01-23T20:28:00.145-08:002023-01-25T11:25:12.918-08:00OUR HOUSE IS A VERY, VERY, FINE HOUSE<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_nTWXS8cDzjUVbYSmIZ5ZStl0SkV9oc-6nQQOOlPoL43jHoMAu5e8qKZtSXhZR8KBWI5eVaO7hy8XpPe6cGWpBU9T98x6CCwviI9J0qxJ5CCfTxjk5VsZ2hrQpm66F5N945Q7tGFKms7WtDts6hVwjWuzMEeHPbrt33WKtB6qKAt47sYE1PW0DeZfg/s531/Screen%20Shot%202019-08-25%20at%207.50.36%20PM.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="531" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_nTWXS8cDzjUVbYSmIZ5ZStl0SkV9oc-6nQQOOlPoL43jHoMAu5e8qKZtSXhZR8KBWI5eVaO7hy8XpPe6cGWpBU9T98x6CCwviI9J0qxJ5CCfTxjk5VsZ2hrQpm66F5N945Q7tGFKms7WtDts6hVwjWuzMEeHPbrt33WKtB6qKAt47sYE1PW0DeZfg/s320/Screen%20Shot%202019-08-25%20at%207.50.36%20PM.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">Musician David Crosby has died. Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young were a favourite band of mine back in the 1970s. Their harmonies were so tight for the day. Crosby’s personal life was in shambles, but he gave the world some great music. My personal favourite was Our House.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">When I was diagnosed with aggressive multiple sclerosis in 1984, my wife, LaRee, and I were terrified. I previously worked for the multiple sclerosis association so I knew the terrible places MS could take people. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">LaRee had to watch me start to decline. It broke her heart, but she is a realist. We sold our house and built a wheelchair-accessible home. It was our house where we would live a life we knew was going to be hard, but there would be good times too. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">“I’ll light the fire,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">You place the flowers In the vase <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">that you bought today."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">Wide-eyed terror of neurological dysfunction took us on a wild rollercoaster ride. The MS attacked my ability to speak, then it would relent. My hearing was affected. My vision was affected. My legs would go spastic and my coordination was impaired. I’d lose the ability to walk or the use of my right arm. All these things would come without warning and no guarantee of remissions. Each remission would return most but not all previous functions—particularly in my legs and arm. A crippling fatigue would overtake me and all I could do was watch life happen just beyond my reach. But LaRee still loved me. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">"Staring at the fire for hours for hours and hours,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">While I listen to you play your love songs all night long<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">For me, only me."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">At times it seemed as though the two of us and our love was all we had.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">"Come to me now,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">And rest your head for just five minutes,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">Everything is done."</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Protracted periods of time were spent convalescing. Months turned into years. Years became decades. Then I developed cancer. Our house became a nest, its rooms filled with sunshine coming through windows. We knew Christ was with us illuminating our way. We transcended our lot in life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p>"Such a cozy room,</o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p>The windows are illuminated by the evening,</o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p>Sunshine through them, fiery gems,</o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p>For you, only you."</o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"><br /><span style="background-color: white;">For more than 35 years we have lived in our house. It is built on love. Its walls have seen tears and laughter, sad times, and good times. Terror and God’s comfort—often at the same time. Our children grew up in our house, and our grandchildren come to visit from time to time. Consolation turned to contentment. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">"Our house is a very, very, very fine house,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">With two cats in the yard,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">Life used to be so hard,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">Now everything is easy cause of you."</span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">And then in 2018, something wonderful happened. After so many years paralyzed and in an electric wheelchair with end-stage multiple sclerosis, God raised me out of it to walk again and He returned the use of my right arm. We had expected my next house would be a nursing home.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4VOXt6bmdr_7SZjoV7-_ndbWOKCiJDKLl_6kugY8pH1guyZaNeEbrKBCzi6Ds2BwSrFm0aV58A6hyp73onHZUdPFTDK4ahPMj9ViXjrGCKBt7qgxhRGcV39TKx80IaWbl_ZRt6Pg3sePGD5JaXxdPoawGUzrU-o8buDtI6ldboqVKvY_nFakZfJu7w/s836/Screen%20Shot%202020-12-01%20at%209.49.09%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="836" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4VOXt6bmdr_7SZjoV7-_ndbWOKCiJDKLl_6kugY8pH1guyZaNeEbrKBCzi6Ds2BwSrFm0aV58A6hyp73onHZUdPFTDK4ahPMj9ViXjrGCKBt7qgxhRGcV39TKx80IaWbl_ZRt6Pg3sePGD5JaXxdPoawGUzrU-o8buDtI6ldboqVKvY_nFakZfJu7w/s320/Screen%20Shot%202020-12-01%20at%209.49.09%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;"> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">Yes, life used to be hard. But it has also been good. Now everything is easier because of You, my Lord and my God. LaRee and I live in our house, a very, very fine house that You gave to us. We are content to know that Christ is in control. His love and our love fill the rooms.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">Now for your listening pleasure, here's Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young performing Our House.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vq2X60XP5cM" width="320" youtube-src-id="Vq2X60XP5cM"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"><br /> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>Mark Davis Pickuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804926376103695762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391279681387978528.post-82215807793201573542023-01-18T18:27:00.004-08:002023-01-19T14:21:06.470-08:00<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_wFWjL7qu13ohTnWD8NeMfGR9UKVt7o0YeCYm74mNdkKLZc5q850U3X0-yXWwIpUnQ2nSNqmdPvLpsYBzCHkTNbMHk7-xAOevEMwg1aLfRCE21bTU9oRpY7ZS8Bi4LRj33HOu28b4QvVMOJh_PQudr6aGlL7XL1MZsagnc0FZerjm2sLSGWFdUpebg/s392/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-18%20at%206.59.18%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="392" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_wFWjL7qu13ohTnWD8NeMfGR9UKVt7o0YeCYm74mNdkKLZc5q850U3X0-yXWwIpUnQ2nSNqmdPvLpsYBzCHkTNbMHk7-xAOevEMwg1aLfRCE21bTU9oRpY7ZS8Bi4LRj33HOu28b4QvVMOJh_PQudr6aGlL7XL1MZsagnc0FZerjm2sLSGWFdUpebg/w400-h103/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-18%20at%206.59.18%20PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" face="-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9);"><span style="font-size: large;">It is a day of reflection. Fifty-three years ago today my father died while he and I were downhill skiing in western Canada. He had a massive heart and died in my arms. He was 52 and I was sixteen. My world crumbled. But as God so often does, He used a tragedy to open new possibilities. </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" face="-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9);"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" face="-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9);"><span style="font-size: large;">My grief was so intense that the next few months were just a blur. Then in the early Spring of 1970, a girl I had been sweet on for as long as I could remember, telephoned from Ottawa, Canada, 3 thousand miles away. She expressed her condolences about the loss of my dad. That started a love affair that has lasted to this day. In October we will be 70 and married 50 years. </span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: inherit;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: inherit;" /><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" face="-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-size: large;">Beauty can come out of tragedy. Joy can replace sorrow. Trust God's plan for your life, even if you're not sure what it is. There is one. (The trinket I'm holding in the photo to the right was given to me by my wife the year my father died. It says "Me and you, you and me, that's the way it will always be.")</span></span></p>Mark Davis Pickuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804926376103695762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391279681387978528.post-72534634898607033572023-01-15T14:35:00.019-08:002023-01-19T14:12:39.790-08:00HERE I AM LORD<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDozOCDEoWI3_XHOajw5yVEBXMvs-kj40WUSqEPq44Bqdxfb4mGCkGi3Ato-fiRdxSvqzlw3EUbKKtQuIlCT9DscMfkkcJkcOyQ5wAM7CuNYm0Sm27SILQHV9KbRSoJv0v59kcVLeOKHi1YB550y7yEveHV7Uv1HLFWS-g5-wvyQ8PA56TLwBBR8WgPg/s231/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-19%20at%203.08.31%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="161" data-original-width="231" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDozOCDEoWI3_XHOajw5yVEBXMvs-kj40WUSqEPq44Bqdxfb4mGCkGi3Ato-fiRdxSvqzlw3EUbKKtQuIlCT9DscMfkkcJkcOyQ5wAM7CuNYm0Sm27SILQHV9KbRSoJv0v59kcVLeOKHi1YB550y7yEveHV7Uv1HLFWS-g5-wvyQ8PA56TLwBBR8WgPg/w400-h279/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-19%20at%203.08.31%20PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">In my darker moments, the thought crosses my mind: Are we witnessing the collapse of western civilization as we know it? The pandemic keeps dragging on and the COVID virus keeps mutating—isolating people from each other. Interconnectedness is the glue that bonds and unites communities. It seems like a lifetime ago since public gatherings were not a public threat.</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"> </span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Each week, I hear about another school shooting or some lunatic with an automatic weapon spraying bullets into a crowd or shopping mall. The ancient moral code not to kill the most vulnerable amongst us has been breached and trampled and discarded. Last year there were 44 million abortions in the world. What was an abomination to previous generations throughout the ages is now considered a “reproductive right.” Euthanasia of the sick and the disabled, the mentally ill and people living in poverty is being championed in my own country of Canada. I’ve watched mayhem and destruction in cities across America, while police stand aside or are defunded. Lawlessness abounds. We have heard rumblings of the “nuclear option” in the Russia-Ukraine war. Need I go on?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span><span style="font-size: large;">What does all this mean? Are we really facing the end of the western Christian civilization that gave rise to human rights and freedoms never before experienced throughout history? What will replace it? Marxism? Anarchy? A new world order of which the world’s people do not yet understand what its ramifications will be? We’ve been told by new élites at the World Economic Forum, like Danish parliamentarian, Ada Auken, that by 2030 we will own nothing, have nothing, every transaction will be monitored right down to the minutia of life, and yet we will be happy—or so she says.</span><a href="applewebdata://43BBCD6E-D633-4387-8EBC-1FEB68F302C0#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span>[1]</span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Will that include Ada? Will she own nothing? Only time will tell. Methinks not. The new 21 Century élites will lord over the unwashed masses (that’s you and me)</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">If Auken’s 2016 predictions of a Brave New World Order are what is in store for us, how should Christians respond? Apocalyptic survivalists advocate stocking up supplies, arming ourselves to the teeth, and hunkering down in bunkers. </span><span style="font-size: large;">But that is not what Jesus told us to do. He told us to</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”</span><a href="applewebdata://43BBCD6E-D633-4387-8EBC-1FEB68F302C0#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span>[2]</span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">That’s what we are supposed to do regardless of what is happening in the world. Even if our worst fears come to be, we praise the God who saves anyone who believes in His Son Jesus Christ.</span><a href="applewebdata://43BBCD6E-D633-4387-8EBC-1FEB68F302C0#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span>[3]</span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span><span style="font-size: large;">“It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks." "Lord Holy Father, almighty and eternal God, through Christ our Lord. For through His Pascal</span><a href="applewebdata://43BBCD6E-D633-4387-8EBC-1FEB68F302C0#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span>[4]</span></span></span></a></span><span><span style="font-size: large;"> mystery He accomplished the marvellous deed by which He freed us from the yoke of sin and death, summoning us to the glory of being now called a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for Your possession, to proclaim everywhere your mighty words, for You have called us out of darkness into Your own wonderful light. And so, with angels and archangels, with Thrones and dominions, and all the hosts and powers of heaven, we sing the hymn of Your glory as without end we proclaim: holy, holy, Lord of hosts heaven and earth are full of Your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed it is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Do not blush at such lofty proclamations about the redeemed people of God. We were made for glory. We all have a yearning, a longing for the transtemporal. If you look deep within yourself and think of your earliest recollections at the dawn of your memory, you will discover a joy was present that may have contradicted your circumstances. You did not understand it, it was simply there. Before </span><span>you experienced rejection or callous neglect, verbal or physical abuse, before life’s disappointments and failures, there was a sense of—for lack of a better term—cradle joy. Perhaps you still experience, on very rare occasions, what C.S. Lewis called 'raids of joy'. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Maybe they are triggered by early morning sunlight shining into a window in a certain way, or the distant sound of somebody's shoes on a linoleum floor, or the smell of freshly cut grass, or a certain piece of music. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span>For me, I may experience a sense of that primordial joy in crisp autumn air and long shadows of late afternoon, if a gust of wind blows through evergreen trees. </span><span>I believe those flashes of joy are evidence that you were created for the glory of heaven. C.S. Lewis wrote about this in his marvellous essay </span><u><span>The Weight of Glory</span></u><span>. If you haven’t read it, I urge you to do so. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes when I have tried to console an inconsolable infant, (one of my children or grandchildren), I've wondered if she/he was, in a primordial way, yearning to be bathed in the love of God that was present in utero. The baby was not tired, sick, or hungry, nor did he/she need a diaper changed. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">God has given us life and wants us to spend eternity with Him through Christ’s cross and resurrection, through faith. we can experience a foretaste of heaven when the Holy Spirit indwells us. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>I believe evangelical and faithful Catholic Christians can</span><span> find unity through the Holy Spirit, not arguing points of doctrinal difference. It will come in knowing Christ and </span><span>having a personal relationship with Him. Together, perhaps we can stem the tide of a monstrous "great reset" that is being planned. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>The "great reset" of the global economy may soon be thrust on the world. </span><span>Read the article in the link in footnote No. 1. I suspect if the world Ada Aukenn envisions comes by 2030, i</span><span>t will be anti-Christian to its core and hostile to all that is holy. We will be expected to replace Christ with a type of animism that worships nature. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>In 2020, Prince Charles—now King Charles—spoke at the annual Davos Summit in conjunction with the World Economic Forum. They put out a slick propaganda video promoting the new world </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">order. His Majesty said, in part:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">"We need to evolve our economic model, putting people and the planet at the heart of global value creation. If there is one thing we have to learn from the crisis is we need to put nature at the heart of how we operate."</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>We do not need to put nature at the heart of how we operate! We need to put the Creator of nature, Jesus Christ at the heart of how we operate. </span><span>This is central to Christian living. True followers of Christ understand this and will not replace Him at the heart of how we live with some new-age concoction of earth worship. </span><span>The architects of the new economy at the World Economic Forum may detect, by our behaviour and countenance, the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. I certainly hope they do. And </span><span>I suspect that it will ultimately alienate us in the world and separate us from the world. Another word for this is sanctify. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">“…to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord both theirs and our grace to you and peace from God our Father in the Lord Jesus Christ …” (1 Corinthians 1:2-3)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">We are united and sanctified in Christ by the Holy Spirit, to take the Good News to the world at all times and in all places: </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">“But as many as received Him to them He gave the right to become children of God even to those who believe in his name.” (John 1:12)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is how we respond to whatever future is in store. Followers of Christ respond: </span><span style="font-size: large;">“Here I am Lord; I come to do Your will.” </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Be ready and willing to do what Christ told us to do. It hasn't changed. Go into the world and make faithful disciples for Him everywhere. And when the darkness threatens to overwhelm, remember what He told us: “… I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CSODPhE-0ng" width="320" youtube-src-id="CSODPhE-0ng"></iframe></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><br /></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="applewebdata://43BBCD6E-D633-4387-8EBC-1FEB68F302C0#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> Ida Auken, “Welcome to 2030: I Own Nothing, Have No Privacy, And Life Has Never Been Better”, <i>Forbes Magazine</i>, 10 November 2016. <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/worldeconomicforum/2016/11/10/shopping-i-cant-really-remember-what-that-is-or-how-differently-well-live-in-2030/?sh=5fabc94f1735" style="color: #954f72;">https://www.forbes.com/sites/worldeconomicforum/2016/11/10/shopping-i-cant-really-remember-what-that-is-or-how-differently-well-live-in-2030/?sh=5fabc94f1735</a><o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn2"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="applewebdata://43BBCD6E-D633-4387-8EBC-1FEB68F302C0#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> Matthew 28:19-20.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn3"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="applewebdata://43BBCD6E-D633-4387-8EBC-1FEB68F302C0#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a> John 3:16. Cf. Romans 5:8.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn4"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="applewebdata://43BBCD6E-D633-4387-8EBC-1FEB68F302C0#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[4]</span></span></span></a> Pascal – Of or related to Passover or Easter.<o:p></o:p></p></div></div>Mark Davis Pickuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804926376103695762noreply@blogger.com0