Saturday, January 24, 2009

Bittersweet Refinements

Bittersweet Refinements is another book that I have been given to publish. If it gets to sounding an awfully lot like a broken player stuck on repeating the same old wrong song over and over again that is because it is to a fairly great extent. For most of it contains rewritten parts of the Bitter/Sweets that were published here before. Hopefully, it will get to sounding a lot better to you very soon, and for the benefit of those who do not have access to multiple versions of our Heavenly Father's Holy Bible, numbered Scripture references in the text (for example, [1]) provide links to such through Bible Gateway this time around. The same also applies to verses included in the text.



A Warning Of Sorts

And the voice which I heard from heaven, I heard again speaking with me, and saying, “Go, take the book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the land.” And I went to the angel, telling him to give me the little book. And he said to me, “Take it, and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.” And I took the book out of the angel’s hand and ate it, and it was in my mouth sweet as honey; and when I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter. And they said to me, “You must prophesy again concerning many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.” [Revelation 10:8-11 NAS]


Be forewarned that there is much about what I have been given to say that the more devoutly religious will undoubtedly find quite bitter. For it is meant to help refine what was started with the Reformation, and it calls into question many of the things that far too many want to have great faith in.

Nonetheless, be assured that there is also much about what I have been given to say that those who hunger for something more will find oh so very sweet. For it is also meant to help clear up much of the confusion that now exists concerning our Heavenly Father and the righteousness of all of His most awesome ways, and it provides answers to many questions, especially in regards to what this world and our existence is really all about.

In other words, this is meant to help clear away much of the “stuff” that makes it impossible to truly have a very close and personal relationship with our Heavenly Father. For what He actually says is absolutely true about Himself and the righteousness of all of His most awesome ways is quite contrary to what far too many have been led to believe.

No, this is not meant for everyone at this time. For it all depends upon what our Heavenly Father wants to accomplish in and through someone that determines when, and to what extent, He will allow and enable them to enter into His absolute Truth.

It is meant for a great many more than will be willing to accept it, however. For there is a big difference between knowing about someone and actually knowing them, and the absolute truth of the matter truly is that most who openly profess to know our Heavenly Father merely have a semblence of knowledge about Him.

Yes, it may all be just some more incoherent ranting and raving from another self-anointed apostle of Christ Jesus. For similar things have been said by others who will ultimately come to nothing.

On the other hand, does this not present you with a unique opportunity to serve even if that is true? For how can anyone honestly believe that they are being guided by the love of God if they could not care less about the spiritual welfare of someone so obviously deceived?




“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I would that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich, and white garments, that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me. He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” [Revelation 3:14-22 NAS]

Friday, January 23, 2009

Sites To See

This is the new version of FIVE FOR FRIDAY. As with the former, it is the SOLE purpose of this weekly series to call attention to sites that I think many would find most interesting—in one way or another. Please, go see for yourself.







Wednesday, January 21, 2009

WhiteHeart Wednesday

Link: [Highlands]



MP3 Audio Player From: [BlogDumps Video]

Change The Way
WhiteHeart
Change the way
Change the way
Change the way you feel about
Change the way
Change the way
Change the way you’re feelin’

Change the way
Change the way
Change the way you feel about
Change the way
Change the way
Change the way you’re feelin’
There’s a way
There’s a way
To change the way you feel about
Love

You can hardly stand
The thing called love
You just can’t believe this is everything
You’ve been dreaming of
You say
Sell my brain
Break my heart
Finally had enough
Goodbye love
I’m getting out

It’s girlfriend
Boyfriend
Up and down
Around the bend
Knockdown
Get up
And do it all again

Change the way
Change the way
Change the way you feel about
Change the way
Change the way
Change the way you’re feelin’
There’s a way
There’s a way
To change the way you feel about
Love

Will you picture this
A love that lasts
You got a premonition
You’re in a condition
That’s second best
So here’s the truth
There’s something more
If you wanna end this pain
Love’s got a name
You can call Him Lord

Tender
Deeper
Love like an open door
A new world’s waiting
But you’ve gotta call Him Lord

Change the way
Change the way
Change the way you feel about
Change the way
Change the way
Change the way you’re feelin’
There’s a way
There’s a way
To change the way you’re feelin’
‘Cause love is kind
Never blind
Nothing ordinary ‘bout His
Love

Girlfriend
Boyfriend
He’ll make everything new again

There’s a way
There’s a way
To change the way you’re feelin’
‘Cause love is kind
Never blind
Nothing ordinary ‘bout
His love

About love

Change the way
Oh change the way
Change the way

Change the way

Change the way
Change the way

Link: [WhiteHeart]

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

TWO FOR TUESDAY

Not every song that will be featured here will be what is generally considered as being “Christian” in the eyes of this world. For some will be anguished cries from the pit of despair, and others will be quite obviously ferverent rants of rebellion. Nonetheless, be assured that they will all be of our Heavenly Father (in one way or another) and I hope that you have been given ears to hear the message.



Link: [On YouTube]

A Soldier’s Prayer
Collin Raye
I know you’re tired
I know you’re worn
I know you’re torn
You’re losing all your hope
‘Cause you’re a long way from home
Oh I know you’re worried
I know you’re scared
I’d like to put my arms around you
And tell you I care

Hope is in Heaven
Not far away
Just close your eyes
He hears what you say
Feel Him around you
He’s everywhere
Reachin’ to touch you
Know that He’s there
Deep in the heart of a war
He hears a soldier’s prayer

Ask and He’ll protect you
Guide where you go
Keep you from evil
That tears at your soul
Oh speak to the Father
Say what’s on your mind
It just takes a moment
If you’ll take the time

Hope is in Heaven
Not far away
Just close your eyes
He hears what you say
Feel Him around you
He’s everywhere
Reachin’ to touch you
Know that He’s there
Deep in the heart of war
He hears a soldier’s prayer

Let’s pray for hope
And let’s pray for peace
I pray for you and you pray for me
I’ll pray for Heaven to hear what you say
All of God’s children will find out one day
Deep in the heart of a war
God heard a soldier’s prayer


Link: [On YouTube]

The Eleventh Commandment
Collin Raye
She hears his heavy breathing in the dark
His footsteps coming closer down the hall
She’s so ashamed
She’s daddy’s secret love
She wants to cry
She wants to die
But he can’t get enough

The bruises on his face will go away
Mom keeps him home from school ‘til they fade
She’s sorry he was born
And tells him so
He takes it in
He hangs his chin
He ducks another blow

Did God overlook it
What ought have been written
The eleventh commandment
Honor thy children

He cries for hours
Cries and never stops
He shakes so hard
His little cradle rocks
He’ll never have the chance to be brand new
He’ll never walk
He’ll never talk
He’s addicted too

Did God overlook it
What ought have been written
The eleventh commandment
Honor thy children

Thou shalt not kill
Thou shalt not steal
Thou shalt not take the Lord’s name in vain
Thou shalt not cause thy children pain

God does not overlook it
What ought have been written
The eleventh commandment
Honor thy children

Honor thy children

Link: [Collin Raye]

Lyrics From: [Cowboy Lyrics]

Monday, January 19, 2009

Come Monday...North Pole Meltdown

“Come Monday…” is a weekly series that will involve a review of websites, movies, documentaries, television shows, sports, music, and whatever else may tickle my fancy at the time. Be assured that these reviews will be generally positive, as in accordance to the Jimmy Buffett song “Come Monday.” This is subject to change, however. In fact, I would be most derelict in my duties to neglect going on a rant every once in a while. For rants promote change, and change can be good—right? Therefore, since good is generally considered as being a positive force in 99.3% of the parallel universes that I am aware of, even a rant could be considered as being something positive, and a genuine hissy-fit would be even better (I am told).

It is indeed with a heavy heart that I must report that a great tragedy has supposedly occurred at the North Pole. Many questions remain unanswered, but it would seem that Santa Claus went crazy sometime after making his appointed rounds last Christmas.

Uninformed sources have confirmed that unknown elements of unnamed government agencies have engaged in a misinformation campaign for no apparent reason, which might explain why it has taken so long to hear relatively nothing about what may have happened. Despite the insidious efforts of a couple of nefarious trolls from New Jersey, U.S.A. and Scotland, U.K., we were able to obtain a copy of a videotaped deposition of an unofficial eyewitness, however. A transcript of the testimony is provided for those who can’t believe what they’re hearing.


***WARNING***
The following video contains images and testimony unsuitable for most children and many adults. Proceed with caution.


Link: [On YouTube]

The Night Santa Went Crazy
Weird Al Yankovic
Down in the workshop
All the elves were makin’ toys
For the good Gentile girls
And the good Gentile boys
When the boss busted in
Nearly scared ‘em half to death
Had a rifle in his hands
And cheap whiskey on his breath
From his beard to his boots
He was covered with ammo
Like a big fat drunk
Disgruntled Yuletide Rambo
And he smiled as he said
With a twinkle in his eye
Merry Christmas to all
Now you’re all gonna die

The night Santa went crazy
The night St. Nick went insane
Realized he’s been getting’ a raw deal
Something finally must have snapped in his brain

Well the workshop is gone now
He decided to bomb it
Everywhere you’ll find pieces
Of Cupid and Comet
And he tied up his helpers
And he held the elves hostage
And he ground up poor Rudolph
Into reindeer sausage
He got Dancer and Prancer
With an old German Luger
And he slashed up Dasher
Just like Freddy Krueger
And he picked up a flamethrower
And he barbequed Blitzen
And he took a big bite and said
It tastes just like chicken

The night Santa went crazy
The night Kris Kringle went nuts
Now you can’t hardly walk around the North Pole
Without steppin’ in reindeer guts

There’s the National Guard
And the F.B.I.
There’s a van from the Eyewitness News
And helicopters circlin’ ‘round in the sky
And the bullets are flyin’
The body count’s risin’
And everyone’s dyin’ to know
Oh Santa why
My my my my my my
You used to be such a jolly guy

Yes Virginia
Now Santa’s doin’ time
In a federal prison
For his infamous crime
Hey little friend
Now don’t you cry no more tears
He’ll be out with good behavior
In 700 more years
But now Vixen’s in therapy
And Donner’s still nervous
And the elves all got jobs
Working for the postal service
And they say Mrs. Claus
She’s on the phone every night
With her lawyer
Negotiating the movie rights

They’re talkin’ ‘bout
The night Santa went crazy
The night St. Nicholas flipped
Broke his back for some milk and cookies
Sounds to me like he was tired of getting’ gypped

Whoa
The night Santa went crazy
The night St. Nick went insane
Realized he was getting’ a raw deal
Something finally must have snapped in his brain
Whoa
Something finally must have snapped in his brain
Tell ya
Something finally must have snapped
In his brain

Link: [Weird Al Yankovic]

Transcript From: [A-Z Lyrics Universe]

Sunday, January 18, 2009

A Sunday Drive

Back during my childhood, my parents would often load up my brother and I after Sunday morning church services for a leasurely drive around where we lived. Even though we were seeing mostly familiar sights, it was still good to see them, and this is why “A Sunday Drive” sounded about right for the name of a weekly series revisiting familiar sites that are well worth seeing again and again.







Friday, January 16, 2009

Sites To See

This is the new version of FIVE FOR FRIDAY. As with the former, it is the SOLE purpose of this weekly series to call attention to sites that I think many would find most interesting—in one way or another.