Have a blessed Easter Sunday!

~
May God bless you, the Holy Spirit fill you &
His peace encompass both you & your families
on this blessed Resurrection Sunday!

~

- "He is Risen!"

Luke 24:5-7 (NKJV)
5 Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7 saying, "The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again."
~

Resurrection Sunday - Day "10" for Terri??

As the legal storms continue to battle, Terri loses more and more of her grip on this life. Today is the sixth day of dehydration and starvation, at this point most patients begin a swift decline into a physical oblivion that results in the cessation of a life, as they knew it. Part of me thinks (along with many other's at this time) that God has decided enough is enough, & this time Terri will not be saved through the intervention of man and the courts. It's not that "we" have given up, it's just that now we have given this over fully to God and have seen how man continues to reject His will in this area. Extreme spiritual corruption of our courts, judges with blinded hearts who are rejecting all moral and ethical past "truths" and inventing new insidious ones to replace them. This thinking reminds me of Nazism and it's inhumane view of life and treatment of it, more and more. This is torture, there is suffering here...

Terri Schiavo has become more than a woman, more than a standard to fight for.. she is an enigma. Through her suffering and affliction the world has seen in an ever clearer light the true spiritual polarization in this nation, which lags not too far behind the rest of the world in it's beliefs and practices. We are at the end of an era, I feel that. If Terri Schiavo's tragic saga began today, and not years ago... I doubt we would ever have known her.

What a joyous day, Easter Sunday.. or Resurrection Sunday as many of us evangelicals refer to it. Yet my desire to rejoice and praise is overshadowed by this terrible spiritual darkness that is growing thicker over Terri and her family. Can you feel it too? It is much more than irony that this is occurring during the most holy of weeks we followers of Christ partake in. If Terri is somehow still alive, and has been redeemed for a time longer.. this coming Sunday when receiving communion, remember Terri, along with the sacrifice that Christ made for her on the cross at Calvary. Think back on what occurred later... the empty tomb, and the words the angels spoke... Remember Mary "thinking" she was speaking to the gardener and finding it was her risen Saviour instead!

Chocolate bunnies, baskets and ham dinners are no substition for those scriptural memories etched forever upon our. Terri Schiavo won't be partaking in the, she won't be receiving communion in memory... where will Terri be this coming Resurrection Sunday? Right now... only God knows for sure. Kept Terri and her family in your prayers, and hide them deep within your hearts on that glorious day. Because, this will be a Resurrection Sunday we will not likely be able to ever forget. May your tears be mixed with praise.

Take care & God bless!

Why I believe in "Jesus Miracles"

The world is aware that they removed Terri's feeding tube today. Yesterday I spent sometime at the Terrisfight.org site watching the video clips and reading a little background. How can this not break people's hearts? I just think a lot of people want to sweep it under the carpet and out of sight now.

Seem's that I am one of the few who is willing to speak out and ask for a real "Jesus miracle" here. Everyone else is "mainly" asking for comfort for her parents [now] as they undergo this ordeal, but there is nothing much more said about actual healing for Terri. We are supposed to Ask, Seek, Knock... not limit what we ask for any reasons.

I don't have any kind of healing ministry, I am not letting down anyone's expectations if my prayers and petitions don't produce the exact results I asked for. So I am not afraid to ask for Jesus miracles and "risk" my spiritual reputation. Jesus Miracles... the biggies. He raised the dead, cleansed lepers, made people cripped from birth whole.

Why is it easier to ask God to completely heal and cure a person from cancer, but not so easy to publicly ask Him to heal a severely brain damaged woman already disabled for many years? Is it OK to do it privately in your prayer closet - but not (out in public) where you may be ridiculed for asking for what seems to be the impossible?

And there is more to this issue than many are willing to face. Not only is it about a fight of good vs. evil for one woman's right to live, and protection for disabled peoples rights, but it is an issue that forces us to take a hard look and think about all those who will still may be lost in darkness at the time of their deaths... the lost and unsaved of this present world.

The eternal state of the person we pray for must always be taken into consideration. For that reason, we must not fear to ask God for the Jesus kind of miracles, for the extraordinary, the seemingly impossible things that only God can make possible... no matter how bleak the outlook may seem in the world's eyes. After all, true faith is believing in the unseen things, isn't it?

Prayer for Mercy and Healing for Terri

Merciful Father,

We stand before Your holy throne of grace and petition You in behalf of Terri Schiavo, In the name of Jesus Christ. Lord, our hearts cry out for this woman and we must be a voice for her, although we know that You can and do hear the voice of her spirit.

~

Lord, show Terri Your unending mercies and bring healing into her life in abundant measure. Father, we are asking for great and mighty miracles, we believe, we know that You can make miracles abound in all our lives.. You still do, and that You will... all according to Your perfect plan.

~

Oh Lord, break the cords that satan has tried to place around Terri's life, set her free from all this terrible evil that seeks to destroy her and end her life. Give her another chance at an abundant life, Father... to call You Lord, to call Jesus Saviour, to tell the world of Your mercy and grace and love!

~

Lord, we lay Terri and her life at Your feet right now and entrust them to You. Let Your wings of mercy and love cover her and her family. We believe You will bestow Your mercy and blessings upon her. Let the Holy Spirit fill her and bring healing to every part of her body, soul and spirit.

~

Let the peace that surpasses all human understanding cover and strengthen her parents, friends, and other loved ones who seek after good for Terri, not destruction.

~

You are a just God, a righteous God, a merciful and loving Father. We give thanks and praise to You, and glorify Your holy name. We continue to stand in the gap for Terri, as You fufill our petitions and answer prayers, according to Your perfect will. We give You praise and thanksgivings, alway in the name of Jesus Christ our loving Saviour.

~

Amen

White House Press Release - Terri Schiavo 3/17

* I found this posted on http://www.terrisfight.org/

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary - For Immediate Release
March 17, 2005

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
The case of Terri Schiavo raises complex issues. Yet in instances like this one, where there are serious questions and substantial doubts, our society, our laws, and our courts should have a presumption in favor of life. Those who live at the mercy of others deserve our special care and concern. It should be our goal as a nation to build a culture of life, where all Americans are valued, welcomed, and protected and that culture of life must extend to individuals with disabilities.

Dedicated Psalm for Terri

Today I dedicate Psalm 103 to Terri Schiavo and ask God for the victory! God has recently put this Psalm upon my heart and it was confirmed just a short time ago... I feel it would be a good one to meditate on in her behalf.

NKJV Psalm 103

* Praise for the LORD's Mercies

A Psalm of David.

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6 The LORD executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. 9 He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father pities his children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him. 14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. 16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, And its place remembers it no more. 17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children's children, 18 To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them. 19 The LORD has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all. 20 Bless the LORD, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word. 21 Bless the LORD, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure. 22 Bless the LORD, all His works, In all places of His dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!

Too late for Terri Schiavo?

I feel such a spirit of injustice over this issue and great disappointment. Only 600 people in total showed up for the two rallies held for Terri this past Saturday and Sunday, and frankly I found those numbers pretty pathetic. Did everyone's local churches mention and perhaps set aside special prayer for her that Sunday, and support them spiritually? Did they even think to do it?

Satan has such a grip on the people surrounding this case, the entire legal system and most of those in our government. Divine intervention from God is the only thing that is going to sway these circumstances and save this woman. Our courts have failed us, our judges continue to fail us and are destroying our country. God must intervene because the men who make the life and death decisions that could save this woman and others like here have lost their sense of humanity and have failed and will continue to fail all of us.

Jesus is the only answer. If we don't travail in prayer to God to open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a miracle and intervene in a mighty way, then as Christians we too will have failed Terri Schiavo. God is looking on and waiting for us to act in obedience and faith... I wonder how many are going to respond? I know many have such a burden over this, and believe that our God is a God who performs miracles in this day and age, but the sad thing is I think many more do not "really" believe it and have just given themselves over to a spirit of apathy.

No matter how discouraging this looks and whatever the ultimate outcome we must still press on and stand in the gap as never before. because that is what spiritual accountability is all about.
-------------------------------------------------
* Article Posted LATE on Thu, Mar. 17, 2005
SAMANTHA GROSS
Associated Press

Efforts to keep Terri alive hit Road Block

Excerpt from Article...
As lawmakers in Tallahassee and Washington wrestled unsuccessfully with legislation intended to keep her alive, legal avenues were shut down by the state and U.S. Supreme courts, diminishing hopes for a solution to block her husband before the deadline.

Comment by Terri's Parents Attorney...
"Everything is a longshot," said David Gibbs, attorney for Schiavo's parents, Bob and Mary Schindler.

** And the voices that stand in behalf of inhumanity, injustice and death speak out as well
- Design Sister -

Comment by her husband's attorney...
"It would be such a horrible tragedy for Terri to have this delayed again," said George Felos, the attorney for her husband, Michael Schiavo. "Either Terri's rights and wishes are going to be carried out tomorrow at 1 p.m. or there is going to be another unconstitutional intervention."

Law Has Little Effect on Religous Freedom in China

** An article from Amnesty International written in December 2004 talks about the reality of this government "policy" -
- Design Sister -

A March 2005 article from persecution.org comfirms this has now been formally adopted by the Chinese goverment, but many are in doubt if it means much positive change for the house church movement and those who continue to undergo tremendous persecution in China...

China: Religious freedom rhetoric fails to translate into reality

Quote.... "Unfortunately, closer examination of the new "Regulations on Religious Affairs", due to be promulgated on 1 March 2005, shows that there is little change in Chinese policy, where religion is strictly controlled by the government. The rules do not define "religious belief" nor do they give any elaboration of the "normal" and "legitimate" religious activities it is claimed the regulations protect. "

The Heartless Rationalizations of a Secular Humanist

** The "blind guides" of Secular Humanism are intent on luring & anethesizing society into embracing warped & Godless ideologies about what should be considered "humane and ethical."

- Design Sister -

--------------------

A Quote from the article...

On Advocating Infant Euthanasia, by Barbara Smoker

"And what of the duty to society? In most cases the parents of a neonate who dies could produce a perfectly healthy baby in a year's time, and, since we now have a social duty to limit our families, it is only sensible to limit them to those with a reasonable prospect of a normal human life.

Infanticide on the Rise in the Netherlands

** Isn't the Euthanasia of babies shocking enough on it's own?
- Design Sister -
--------------------
Some Quotes...
"A shocking report out of the Netherlands finds that for every newborn reported to be euthanized there, another five are killed off the record. Dutch doctors, in a New England Journal of Medicine report, acknowledge giving lethal injections to newborns - babies they say would have spent years in medical care." ...

"Once you legalize physician-assisted suicide, ultimately you legalize taking the lives of patients with chronic disease, psychiatric disease, those that are incompetent, and finally children at the earliest days of life."

Not Your Typical Activist

** Written by Design Sister, March 2005

There are many types of activists and activism, and I am either my own breed (or part of a special one?) that would probably not quite fit the stero-type you might have... Oh, you know, those sign carrying, extremely vocal, fearless protestors you are used to "seeing". That's just not my style.

My individual type of protest is more creative and intellectually oriented. I want to "speak" to minds, hearts and spirits. Hopefully the Holy Spirit will do the rest of the work (for those who are willing to receive it) and will "move" people. The only common ground I have with the average activist is that I am a big supportor of petitions, in all medias... Sign on - Christian soldiers! Sign on!

God has given me a mission... I am to be a Watchman (actually woman) for the body of Christ, and a champion for those who are persecuted and who have no voice. Also to be an encourager of the brethren and a witness of His truths to all people.

The spiritual "watchmen" of the Bible (Ezekial, Nehemiah, etc...) were to speak out God's Words and His warnings... whether or not the people had ears to hear and actually received them.. That is the hard part, and it is where our faith comes in to play in a big way. Everyone has an innate desire to be accepted and popular, but... that is not what Jesus said would happen when you become His follower. We take up our own cross, and with His help we carry it.

All in all, I do have to admit, I am an activist (of sorts) just not the ones you normally see on TV or read about in the papers. And this is more than OK with me. God made me a little different, for a reason and a puprose. I will embrace that and walk on.. and speak out!

Take care and God bless!

The Center for a Just Society

** I just discovered this today.
It looks like a great site!
- Design Sister -
------------------
Mission statement...
"Our mission is to advance and defend Judeo-Christian principles of human dignity and social justice in law, policy and the public square."

Broken down into three main areas...
Social Justice, Human Dignity, The Courts

Critical Need - Contact Legislators by E-mail... Terri Schiavo

Contact Your U.S. Representative and Senators Today in Support of the Incapacitated Person's Legal Protection Act!

You can do it this by e-mail... So I encourage you to do it, not just for Terri Schiavo but for all the others who have no voice to speak out in their behalf! God expects us to be their voice. Whatever you do for them, You also do for Him... and the reverse also applies.

P.S Three of my four representatives required an additional category be selected, I selected judiciary for lack of a better option.

Brothers & Sisters in Chains

B.A.S.I.C.

This is a Voice of the Martyr's ministry effort to help imprisoned Christians through spiritual support in prayer and encouragement, as well as being and advocate by writing to embassy's and government officials asking for their release.

* B.A.S.I.C. stands for Brothers And Sisters In Chains.

Will you stand with them too?

Special prayer for Prisoner Aiqing Zui currently being held in Hu Nan Province. Charged and convicted of - Illegal Evangelistic Activities. Sentenced for 20 years, beginning 1996.

Father, in the name of Jesus I stand before you in behalf of Aiqing, asking for You to pour out Your holy spirit upon her and cover her with Your grace and Your mercy. May the peace that surpasses all human understanding fill her heart and strengthen her. Lord, speak to those officials who may be able to help her gain her freedom, melt their cold hearts and encourage them to release her in the name of Jesus. We give thanks to our Sister Aiqing, and pray for continued courage as she stands and gives witness of You even in the darkest circumstances. We praise Your holy name and honor You!

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour we pray.

Amen.

U.N. Resolution to Ban Human Cloning Passed

Apparently this is not a ban and has no binding affect, so exactly what the point of it all was, I don't really know?

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Science/2005/03/08/954488-ap.html

Some Quotes..
"The document, which has no legal force, passed by a vote of 84-34, with 37 abstentions. The United States was joined by many African, Arab and Latin American states in voting for it; mostly European and Asian countries opposed"

"The declaration voted on today is a weak, non-binding political statement that does not reflect anything approaching consensus within the General Assembly nor will it affect the United Kingdom's strong support of stem cell research," Britain's UN Ambassador Emyr Jones Parry said.

Incapacitated Persons Legal Protection Act

We must pray diligently that this passes, not only because of the immediate critical needs of Terri Schiavo but for the many others like her who have no voice. Contact your state representatives & push hard for the swift passage of this bill!

WELDON INTRODUCES THE “INCAPACITATED PERSONS LEGAL PROTECTION ACT

http://weldon.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=7156

Quote...

"Washington, Mar 8 - On Tuesday, March 8, U.S. Representative Dave Weldon, M.D. (FL-15) introduced H.R. 1151, the “Incapacitated Person’s Legal Protection Act.” This bill would explicitly clarify fundamental due process rights for those who are incapacitated, are under court ordered removal of nutrition and hydration and have no written advanced medical directive in effect. "

Eldery, But Still Necessary

God honors those who have entered into old age and maturity and has new expectations for them and new roles for them to fill. There is so much that needs to be done for His Kingdom and so few people really willing to step forward, and one can do that at any age. There is a hope and calling for every single life. This could become one of the greatest opportunities of someones life to move out and find a new level in their mission and calling.

We can look at life two ways, a life of burdens and hopelessness or a life that offers amazing opportunities in the most unlikely places. For those feeling depressed and without inspiration, music can be great spiritual therapy to lift them out of the pits of despair and hopelessness. Reading the Psalms can renew hope and provide inspiration.

The first thing would be to turn the focus from self to something else, ie. others. Even if a person doesnt have direct access to a lot of people doesn't mean they can't connect through other means. Where they plant their spiritual seed in missions, etc. they plant a part of themselves. Prayer can be a spiritual investment just like money, and though it seems to be a simple thing in some eyes it can have enormous value and impact on a ministry or the body of Christ...

A prayer warrior has great value in God's kingdom although from outward appearance they may not seem to be doing "all that much" from the perspective of administrative activity connected to a church. We are to use whatever resources we have at our disposal to do that.

We should hold on to the life which God has blessed us with, press on towared the eternal goal and find our place in this world that God has preordained for each of us. He has given us life, and life abundantly... once we seek out find out whatever that place is we can it.

The Value of A Life

Every human life was designed with a unique purpose and plan which he (or she) alone can fulfill. A plan that God Himself mapped out. There is an enormous value to each and every life. God, and God alone knows the intended impact of that specific life on the world and the effects it would have on the whole of creation and humanity. God's hand designed us, God's hand directs us.

Can we truly comprehend the value of a human life, a creation of God designed in His awesome and perfect image? … We are so wonderfully made! Could we ever draw such a beautiful picture, or find the words to describe such an awesome thing? … It's loveliness transcends our human vision and sight. Can we define a single individuals importance in the scheme of all things? Do we have access to the road-map of God's universal plan for mankind and all creation? … God, the Master architect of all beauty and perfection.

Can we determine the beginning the middle or the end of all things? … God is the one who directs the winds & the waters, has authority over the heavens and the earth. He the one who created time, He who is the alpha, & the omega. He has written for each of us an amazing life story and planned for us a journey which we alone have the privilege to travel. He has written us each a road map which leads to His eternal Kingdom, and given us His Holy Spirit as our guide.

Are we to determine how much pain or tribulation a single life can or must endure? … God is the one who counts and gathers every tear, then wipes them from our eyes. Can we ever imagine the degree to which He cares for us, or feel the depths of His unfathomable compassion? … What a priceless thing a human soul must be for such a God to have given man so many wonderful and precious promises! More precious than all the gold and silver of the world & every precious gem!

How lovely we must be in His eyes, for Him to want to have His hand on our lives, for Him to walk with us through good and bad times, & form Him to hold us near to His heart. The heart of a holy perfect God! How sweet the music of our voices must sound, as we call out to Him in praise and prayer, how beautiful our spirits must appear to Him in times of joy and of despair. How dear we must be to Him, the God who sent His only Son to bear our sins, to give us hope and an eternal future. To give us life, we who were dead in our trespasses.

I can barely begin to imagine the actual value of a human life, a life seen through the eyes of a holy, perfect, merciful, compassionate, wise and loving God as something which is unique, wonderful, precious and a treasure meant to be valued above all other created things!

Clinics of Caring in Indonesia

Counseling for Post-Tsunami Depression
(Originally posted by me on a Delphi Christian Forum)
Feb-1 2:19 am

In the latest update I have from the World Harvest/Somebody cares effort for relief in Acef Indonesia the topic is about depression amongst the Tsunami surviviors in the refugee camps, especially amongst the children. Many tears are being shed by these children, as well as nightmares though they are doing their best to hold up under these terribly difficult circumstances. FOKUS PADA KELUARGA a family ministry of World Harvest has committed to send counselors and will be setting up counseling centers. One team has begun in the refugee camp in Lampeunerut. They talk with family members, play and sing with the children to build up their spirits and are working to build trust and relationship with them. More teams will be sent to other camps as this outreach gets underway.

Please keep these counselors and this effort, as well as the people in your prayers. May the Holy Spirit blanket each one and give them comfort and hope for the future. Take care and God bless!

World Harvest site... http://www.worldharvest.cc/

(Originally posted by me on a Delphi Christian Forum)
Australian team works to bring healing
Feb-4 7:51 pm

In the most recent update on relief work in Indonesia Aceh region from World Harvest/Somebody Cares Indonesia it was communicated that a team of Australian doctors and nurses that had recently arrived to help in aid, and also were running a mobile health clinic as well as working in established relief and care centers.

One of the special efforts provided was to run a "fun clinic" for the children to attend while their parents were being examined & treated. Drawing, puppet shows, story-telling and English lessons were some of the things used to help uplift the children and help with continued healing from the post-traumatic effects of the Tsunami which many continue to live through in their dreams.

[A Quote from the team]...During a drawing therapy, one child only drew a flagpole with leaving the rest of the paper clean. Then he explained, “Only the flagpole stand after the tsunami…” Fun time is what they need now.

As I was reading through the latest news from the World Harvest/Somebody cares effort I was also listening to the radio andthe very moving song "Trust His Heart" began playing. I was incredibly moved, as this song truly speaks to this specific situation and to many of our own personal experiences and trials. There is an ongoing need for us to acknowledge that during the times when we just can't see God's hand or understand it, we must place our total faith in Him and trust His Heart.

Here are the lyrics to this powerful song...

***********************************************************
"Trust His Heart"
Eddie Carswell & Babbie Mason

All things work for our good Though sometimes we can't see how they could Troubles that break our hearts into two Sometimes blind us to the truth Our Father knows what's best for us His ways are not our own So when your pathway goes dim And you just can't see Him Remember you're not alone (He's still on the throne?)

[ Chorus ] God is too wise to be mistaken God is too good to be unkind So when you don't understand When you don't see His plan When you can't trace His hand Trust His heart

He sees the master plan He holds the future in His hand Don't live as those who have no hope All our hope is found in Him We see the present clearly He sees the first and the last And like a tapestry He's weaving you and me To someday be just like Him

He alone is faithful and true He alone knows what's best for you

He whose heart is kind beyond measureGives unto each day what he deems bestLovingly, it's part of pain and pleasure Mingling toil with peace and rest.When you can't trace His hand, Trust His Heart

Already Forgotten? Tsunami Surviviors Continue to Suffer

Have Christians gone on & forgotten those still left behind?

I continue to receive updates on relief efforts in Aceh Indonesia from World Harvest. This keeps the needs of the Tsunami surviviors fresh in my mind, but have other already forgotten and put aside their needs and moved on to other things? These are long-term ongoing efforts many which will take years. The surviviors are experiencing so much suffering, physicial, mental and spiritual. The children have been greatly impacted. Are you still praying, giving... keeping them in your heart? It's the duty and great honor of the body of Christ to continue and press on in the restoration of these peoples, no matter how long it takes.

(I originally posted this on a Delphi Christian Forum)
Efforts to Combat Malnutrition Tsun Kids
Mar-3 7:58 pm

I wanted to share one on the initiatives World Harvest has taken to help combat the growing problem of malnutrition for children who have survived the Tsunami disaster. These outreaches will be long ranging, it will probably be 5-10 years before the area has really recovered. For those who can afford to continue giving to these outreaches I would encourage you to do so. In the mean time much is being done to help heal the people as they rebuild their lives and their land.
Excerpt from a recent update I received...
World Harvest/Somebody Cares Indonesia update 3rd March 2005.For more news update, please visit www.worldharvest.cc

MILK FOR KIDS’ PROGRAM

”Children of the Tsunami”, that’s how the people address the children survivors who are experiencing various problems. In addition to psychological problems, they are experiencing serious malnutrition. A doctor volunteer in Aceh found two children with marasmus kwashiorkor (heavy malnutrition) and hongeroedem (lack of protein). Maybe these two children have suffered malnutrition before the tsunami. However, the tsunami has worsened the situation. Children only eat carbohydrate, such as biscuits, instant noodles, and rice without any additional protein and vitamin resources. Therefore, the distribution of free milk and fruit juices has been very helpful for the children. World Harvest distributed 36,000 boxes of milk and fruit juices to the children in some refugee camps and Zainoel Abidin hospital.

MORE HELP is still needed today. Financial support is most needed now, not only to continue to help save lives but also for infra structure rebuilding and help the people of Aceh to rebuild their life.

First Fetuses, now Parasites?!

Shocking "pro-choice" rhetoric

On an abortion themed thread there were several "pro-choice" Christians that referred to the unborn developing child as little more than a parasite growing in it's "host" mothers body. I guess this must be some late great pro-choice rhetoric? I was never more shocked at this coming out of the mouths of people who "called" themselves followers of Christ.

Here are some of my responses to why we should not and can not call an unborn child in any stage of development a parasite. How this kind of warped thinking ever came to be, is beyond me?

Some of my comments found on...
"Who's in favor of abortion?" (Delphi Forum Thread) http://forums.delphiforums.com/kath/messages?msg=72692.1

You refer to a precous human life designed in the image of God who is in their earliest stages of development as a parasite? What a disgusting comparison. Babies do feel pain and even emotion in early term abortions... There just hasn't been much reporting on that research because the pro-choice movement does not want women to know the truth. Ultrasounds have shown the fetus showing extreme physical distress and desparately trying to move away from the equipment which is trying to suck the life out of them and tear them to pieces.
I suggest you do a little more research on abortion, and get it from some pro-life sources, not more pro-choice propaganda so you can really understand what you are dealing with. Yes there are two schools of thought about pain, no wonder... One group is in the business of making a huge amount of money from this barbaric procedure, the other believes in the sanctity of life at all stage.

You have to ask yourself a few things..
Given the "possibilty" you are incorrect would you really change your views on this? Secondly.. Since you call yourself a follower of Christ, how much of the truth contained within the Bible are you selectively rejecting in order to maintain your position?

http://www.religioustolerance.org/abo_pain.htm
Quote.."Pain in an adult, child, newborn or late-term fetus originates as an electrical signal in some of the body's pain receptors. This signal is sent via nerve pathways to the spinal column, then to the thalamus - an egg-shaped structure within the brain. Finally the signal is transferred to the cerebral cortex where it is sensed as pain. In a fetus, the pain receptors develop around 7 weeks after conception; the spino-thalamic system at about 13 weeks. Finally, the connections to the cortex are established about 26 weeks into pregnancy. Some pro-life advocates believe that pain can be felt by the fetus when these systems are only partly formed. Most pro-choice advocates believe that the complete system has to be "wired up" before the fetus can feel pain - i.e. at about 26 weeks into pregnancy."

Will you stand before God one day and say.. Forgive me for having been a stumbling block block to others (including the unborn) because of my rejection of the truths contained in Your Word?...

*************************************************************
Guess the difference is in our "perspective" Colleen.
Most people consider parasites as something repulsive, unwanted, something to be gotten rid of, they eat off the human body, damaging it and causing disease and dysfunction. Starving children become malnourished because intestinal parasites feed off the nourishment which was intended for them. Parasites are worms. The health and lives of millions of people in third world nations are plagued by these things.
Calling an unborn baby created in the image of a holy pure and perfect God a parasite has got to be one of the biggest insults to His greatest creation going. Most non-believers would also consider the comparison of a worm to a human being repulsive, whether or not they believed in the sanctity of human life or not....

*************************************************************
A parasite is not the same type of organism as it's host, so a baby could never be "classified" as a parasite.

There are two types of parasites...
* Internal parasites (endoparasites)- heartworms, hookworms and roundworms, live inside the body of a plant or animal and produce an infection within the host.

* Worms
- Almost all puppies are born with them or get infested soon after birth by their mother. Newborn or mature, all dogs are continuously exposed to potentially life-threatening parasites from mosquito bites or soil in the backyard and park.

** Note... neither type of parasite is the same type of organism as their host (plants or animals).

Humans at any stage of development can not be defined as such for that reason.

Rally for Terri Schiavo - Mar 13th 3pm

Will You Stand Up for Terri?

Once again the Florida judge (Greer) has ordered that in 10 days the feeding tube that provides Terri Schiavo nourished will be removed. Tonight on "Focus on the Family" you can hear updates on the Terri Schiavo case on the Web.

http://www.family.org/fmedia/broadcast/a0035704.cfm

There is also a huge rally scheduled in Tallahashee on the steps of the old capital at 3pm March 13th. Many pro-family groups have banded together to join the crusade to save the life of Terri Schiavo.
You can read the tuesday healdine from Reclaiming America to find out more!

http://www.reclaimamerica.org//

The White Robes of Honor

Who will wear the white Shalwar?
Personal gleanings on a topic discussed in this month's Voice of the Marytr's publication, & other net research....

In Islam the white shalwar (robe) is a symbol of separation or divorce from one's family. In India, the Sikhs consider the white shalwar to be a sign of mourning.

In Pakistan & Afghanistan there is enormous persecution of Christian converts going on. Their conversion from Islam to Christ is considered a great dishonor by their Islamic family. Usually they are beaten (sometimes even to death) cast out of the home and given a white robe to wear as a symbol of their ostracization and dishonor. They are now considered as if dead by their family.

But, to these new Christians the white robe becomes a garment of honor, a symbol of purification by the blood of Jesus that sets them apart as His followers. They are willing at great personal sacrifice to take the white shalwar and wear it proudly, all the well knowing that from that point on their lives will be in jeopardy and the chances of them becomimg martyr'd for their new found faith are all too real.

Those of us in the free world who never had to make great personal sacrifices or risk our own lives in order to become followers of Christ... should take some time to step back and give prayer, honor and praise to our fellow brothers & sisters in Christ (in countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, & other restricted nations) who are willing to wear these white robes, all for the sake of Jesus.

Revelations 7

9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" 11 All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying: "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen." 13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?" 14 And I said to him, "Sir,[b] you know."

So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. 16 They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; 17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters.[c] And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

A Different Perspective on Tribulations

Words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer
German Lutheran Pastor
Imprisoned and executed under Adolf Hitler

* From... Meditations of the Cross

"Those who hate tribulation, renunciation, distress, defamation, imprisonments in their own lives, no matter how grandiousely they may speak otherwise about the cross, these people in reality hate the cross of Jesus and have not found peace with God. But those who love the cross of Jesus Christ, those who have genuinely found peace in it, now begin to love even the tribulations in their lives, and ultimately will be able to say with scripture: "We also boast in our sufferings"

End the Terrible Suffering of the Unborn!

UNBORN CHILD PAIN AWARENESS ACT
http://brownback.senate.gov/liunbornchild.cfm

Please contact your representatives and support this act in which both pro-choice or pro-life should be able to agree on. Don't unborn babies deserve at least the same rights as animals or death row prisoners?

Right now aborted children have less rights than animals and are subjected to terrible suffering during the abortion procedure. At 20 weeks there is no disagreement among sources that the baby can feel pain, and some think that as early as 12 or even 7 weeks (even though the brain has not been fully developed at that point).

Yes it is true!... because the skin of the developing baby is especially thin and that child can feel pain to much more extreme degree than if fully developed.

The bottom line is that not only is every partial-birth abortion infanticide masquerading under another name, but those babies suffer even more than a full born child or adult would and their suffering and horror experienced during the abortion procedure is great.

Spirit filled & Pro-Choice? NOT!

My Response on...
"Christian or Pro-Choice"
(Delphi Forum Thread)
http://forums.delphiforums.com/kath/messages?msg=73020.1

I also question how it would be possible for a genuine spirit-filled Christian to consider abortion and/or the legislation of it as acceptable.

The answer is... it is not possible.

The two possible options would be

* They are not saved, or...
* They are letting the carnal side of them rule to such a degree that it greatly compromises or completely inhibits the working of the holy spirit and is blinding them in spiritual matters.

We must continue to stand for the unborn and all those who are unable to defend themselves.

Stop the Execution of Terri

Removing her feeding tube is nothing less than performing the torture and execution of an innocent and helpless individual, whose only crime is that she has suffered brain damage and that her husband is hell-bent on "moving on" with his life and collecting a huge insurance policy. What is wrong with this picture? I wonder where all the humanity of the human race has gone and departed to. There is a big rally planned in Tallahasee FL on March 13th, I wish I could be there. There are several pieces of legislation just introduced to protect the rights of the disabled and helpless from being persecuted in this inhumane manner. Dogs have more rights than people these days, it seems. I pray God move in the life of Terri Schiavo.