geisha779

It may not just be "Innies" posting such reviews. I have seen posts here that reflect such reasoning by people who have claimed not to have read the book. It could be people out of TWI but who are still into VP and TWI doctrine.

I am special! Am to!! I live in Massachusetts and am a Red Sox fan. . . what else is there to it? Now Hiway. . . . you facetious? Nope. . . I won't believe it. I bet there are more Yankees fans here. . . . maybe hanging back for some reason?? :) Two of us here does not a Red Sox majority make! Besides, when I talk baseball the only other team I really know much about is the Twins. I don't want to put you all to sleep now do I? Every once in awhile I pop in to add something or something really catches my interest, but you guys are WAY more knowledgeable than me. I love the insight here---even when it isn't about Boston. I can't understand WHY it isn't about Boston though! :) Hope you had fun on your trip. . . you didn't come say Hi? Maybe next time. . . meet you at the border! I don't think they let you in if you are a Yankees fan??

I think both Mstar and I are registered Independents--which is pretty common here. Dare I say it. . . .Red Sox Nation is not just Massachusetts. . . it is New England. Maine, VT, NH, RI, and parts of CT--much like NJ is Yankee Territory. So, it could be that the part of CT you were in had Republican fans of the Sox. We are legion! :)

That is weird to think of. . . an empty Fenway!! I used to go with my Dad when I could barley see over the seat. . . to my minds eye it was always crowded. Now of course, you better get your tickets early! Packed and proud! I read that entire article Schilling wrote that you posted. Thanks! The Sox were not even on his radar---the fans won him over. I wish I had been in that chat room. How fun! He was grilled but not worshipped :) Well. . . . Welcome to Boston!!

Hi, I think in part it comes from a real misconception in TWI about happiness vs Joy. Hapiness is fleeting--it is WONDERFUL to be happy, but it is fleeting. Joy is what a true faith in God gives us. Nobody in their right mind stands up and says whoo hoo -- I am sick, now I will really grow!! However, joy in the Lord will sustain us through the tough times. It is often in the darkest times we do learn. . . . Jesus himself taught us this with the cross.. . . . Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Does that mean he was HAPPY about it? No --He was on His kness sweating blood asking that the cup be passed from Him. Yet, it was God's will and He did it for the joy set before Him. I don't think it was a HAPPY time, but there was an understanding of Joy. When we are sick and broken--it is the joy we have in Him that often grows. . . we learn in wonder and amazment the true love of God. In part sickness CAN be a lack of faith. . . in this regard. . .(oddly TWI is more guilty of this than mainstream Christians) God has given us our bodies to steward for His Glory. When our faith is weak and we don't submit our will completely--we justify certain sin against our bodies. That is life. . . . we are never perfect and that is WHY we grow!! That is NOT--I repeat NOT--how all people get sick!! Things happen. God never promised us a perfect time here. . . but He did promise to be with us. As for God using things. . . He is God. . . when they mean it for evil--he uses it for good. I think there is a real disconnect with God in TWI--making Him someone He is not. . . Another thing to remember is that the power is in the cross. . . they eschew the cross. The power they claim in believing--it is all their own. It seems they are confused by the things of God. . . that this world is fleeting. . . BTW My son is a Christian Musician. He has a bunch of "Gigs" in the spring in Nashville, Chicago, Virginia. It is the first time he is going off by himself to do this. I am a nervous mom!! He knows alot of the big Christian bands. . . I have to say. . . many of these guys are amazing saints. . . truly know God and their lives reflect His glory. . . the temptations are there but, they are often such humble servants. They blow me away with their hearts. I understand the temptation to walk away from your family in TWI. I really do. . . it hurts to be so judged. It is wrong and I know what people trapped in that world can be like. However, you have a chance to really expose them to what Christianity is and how those of us weak and broken CAN reflect the glory of God. Sounds like you have a fun job and get to be around some GREAT Christians. . . I wish you well.

Happy Birthday Comrade Rocky! Ooooops! Did I say that outloud? Have a wonderful day! :) Geisha

Hi Socks, Happy Thanksgiving. . . I often appreciate your perspective and now is no exception. For me, to speak of PFAL as anything closely related to Christianity is difficult as I believe it is apostasy, but in our Christian life, money is a reality. That means. . . it is a reality with God. . . which is why Jesus spoke more about money than almost ANY other subject. BTW, He spoke nearly as much about hell as heaven. He spoke more about the tribulation we face here than ease. . . seems he screened more people out than He did let in :) The problem is not with the charge for the class IMHO--it is the shake down after. . . it is the content of PFAL--it is what VP did with the money and his motivation in gaining so much wealth. Is it immoral for Zondervan to charge for bibles? Is it immoral for ministers to earn a wage from the gospel? Was it immoral for the Apostles to be worth their wage and live off the people they were sent to minister to when Jesus Himself, sent them out. . . ? Does my friend who owns a Christian bookstore give away his cash register? Do those who run honest God serving ministries not draw a salary and care for their families? "Money is an exact index to a man's true character. All through Scripture there is an intimate correlation between the development of a man's character and how he handles his money." How VP handled money---what he did with it--how he treated people is telling. The man himself was immoral. We KNOW where VP laid up his treasure. We understand what kind of person he was. . . some of us more than others, but . . . . The charge for the class. . . I don't think that itself was. . . . He was in ministry(If you can call it that) and earned his living, in part, from that class. It is not the reasonable charge for something. . . .it's not. . . . it is what we DO with our money. One could argue that money is actually part of our worship of God. Yep, I do believe that. What we put FIRST and FOREMOST in our lives will be evidenced in our giving. It is required of us to give. . . What we DO with money is also a good barometer of our faith and trust in God. John Wesley is a great example of this. He gained riches during his life. . . but never enjoyed the trappings of wealth. He lived on 30 pounds a year, but eventually earned 1400. He spoke a great deal on Christians and money and like Mueller is interesting to read about. He understood a Christian's relationship with money. Money itself is not evil. The charge for the class. . . not out of bounds. If VP had taken a small salary and lived a modest life. . . and used the rest to serve God's people or any poor or down trodden people. . . I don't think it would even be an issue. It is what he did with it. . . how he served himself. . . how he continued to take and take. . . from those unable to give. He took from those he should have been giving to. He made merchandise of us.

Theo should be having Turkey with Varitek as all these young pitchers are coming up. Granted he had a sub- par year, but are there any catchers with his skills out there? I wonder if they will let their Captain go for an unproven?? Do we really want a new catcher with the pitching it looks like we will have? Although . . . he doesn't catch Wakey-- since Mirabelli --who can? I love Wakefield--most knucklers stick around. . . :) Do they have someone for Wakey this year? Is Cash signed beyond last year? I gotta catch up!! What about Lugo and Cora? Is there any place for them? Will they move Dustin to #4 and Papi down? Hmmmm questions questions??

I don't see a problem charging for bible courses or Christian books. I love to go to the Christian bookstore. I order things from ministries. Seminary is not free--except Moody of course. Some things are free---cd's podcasts and such. . . .some there are a charge for. There is nothing wrong with earning an honest living from a Ministry God calls you to serve. TWI was deceptive with the donation implication, but even then--we know what a recommended donation means. It is a polite way of saying ---FEE. AND. . . VP was in ministry. . . .He stole that material put it together and filmed it. . . it was his to sell. . . sort of. I don't think the charge was immoral. . . I think the class and the Way itself is. . . I think VP was. . . but the fee for the class? Not at all. In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should earn their living by the gospel.

Yes, that was what I was wondering--too much money not to use him----but, I had the exact same thought as you! If he doesn't adapt that strike zone --- bases loaded--bases loaded---bases loaded!! I too love Dicek, but it is often STRESSFUL to watch!! What does Eckersley say "I want to throw up when I watch Dicek pitch." Tazawa looks great, but remember, with Dicek it seems he has this uncanny ability to settle down at 3-2. Where would they put him in the rotation? We need another Fidyrch--The Bird. . . . now THAT would be fun!!

Bramble, This is great! I have a confession to make. . . I am a TERRIBLE cook. I am a GREAT baker. . . but, I won't even eat my own cooking! So, this recipe is wonderful because my kid can do this for himself. I will print it out and get the stuff. . . he and his buddies can have at it!! BTW--I can make a few things well, but hubby does the bulk of the cooking now. . .

Okay question here. . . I don't know anything about this kid other than what I just read tonight. With that kind of money. . . . "Similar to fellow countryman Daisuke Matsuzaka, Tazawa is a nibbler. In the majors, this could will be a problem. Japanese baseball has notoriously large strike zones, and it has taken time for Matsuzaka to adjust; he’s arguably still in the infancy of his adjustment process." would they possibly put him in the minors for awhile to get his footing?

Well, I am not sure if we were all leaving in a handbasket---BUT---we had a meeting where we sat and listened to a Region Coordinator analyze the song "We are the World" as being a "seed boy" song. We went through it lyric by lyric. . . .and it was supposedly a representation of pure evil. An indication of how bad things were outside Zions walls. Now, here we sat, a group who wouldn't lift a finger to feed a starving African unless they took the class. . . . and even then it was iffy. . .or spit on someone on fire. . .unless they signed a greencard. . . calling those raising millions for a good cause "Evil". I would say we were going to hell in a handbasket. . . just clueless we were the ones headed that way. Only TWI could take a song used to raise money for the poor and make it somehow "evil". A group of people actually DOING something to help others and we sat and critiqued the lyrics??? Granted it WAS Michael Jackson--the song?? Well. . . It was the 80's!! Love the hair though. . .

Well, if it is that warm where you are--I CAN probably wear shorts here today!! As BEAUTIFUL as it is in the Berkshires--I don't like to go in the winter. Of course I always end up there in the winter. . . . Got caught in a BLIZZARD up there a few years ago. 2 days I was stuck in a hotel room. We are lucky--no snow yet and surely none in CT. It is a bit warmer there I think?? Hiway--bring a scarf just in case. :) I will loan you one if you like. . . .blue okay?

Yeah, it was a JOKE--I read a batting trivia question somewhere and Sabbathia was the answer. . . . which is why I used that irksome LOL!! When I use the irksome smiley face I hear from other posters how they dislike THAT--no pleasing everyone I guess! M. Owings used to pinch hit once in a while--I think? Right Rocky? You are a DBacks guy? Hope you have a great Holiday Hiway--but bring warm clothes--18 for the HIGH today in Boston. Windy too. . . I was in Wellesley last night and the car was tossed around the road. Bring a scarf-hat-and gloves!!

For me--it was . . . before I can remember :) but, it is so telling that you all can pinpoint that moment in time. Amazing decade--what an historic time--which must have helped form your understanding. . . I do believe although turbulent. . . it's significance helped produce some wonderful people. . .which is evident when I read many of your posts.

Boy, that analogy fits like a hand in a glove!

Well, if Willis could gain a tenth of what he was. . . . maybe and if he could hit the plate instead of their heads!LOL Isn't he still young? Kinda a young Randy Johnson?? Maybe. . . it would be an interesting gamble. . . might actually settle down --focus and perform--oh and stay OFF the DL. Don't many players who switch leagues settle in? OR Tank! Doesn't seem like a middle of the road thing. Maybe the place for him is Boston? I think that is an interesting rumor. I heard the real reason the Yankees are after Sabbathia is to replace Giambi's bat!! LOL Pitch one day--DH the other three. (They always want EVERYBODY, but it is a save face thing for Hank) A.J. Burnett will still get the big $$$ cause he is a SP--but there are enough closers to go around--K-Rod better make up his mind before his stock goes down. LOL I hope and hope Schilling DOESN"T pull a Clemens. I love him--he has to go gracefully. Boston will always owe him a HUGE debt!! It is going to be sooooo fun to watch Dustin. . . . sooooo fun!!

Groucho struck a nerve with the gas pump thing. I was trying to remember how I could actually think this was true!?! Not having too much experience with true Christianity--being young and kinda gullible--I guess I wanted to believe it. After that, it was easy to believe all the other "Great" things about VP--it was a process. When I think about it now--I cringe. I never really challenged anything. I am not 19 anymore. Looking back, I can ALMOST understand how I fell for it, but NOW?? It is really hard to put into words. . . . but JAL has spent a whole lifetime building thought patterns and a paticular way of processing information. He never has broken free from it I guess. Maybe being high up the food chain and so immersed--he was unable. . . maybe it just becomes part of your DNA. Really taking time to examine things and let God do the leading with patience--is not everyone's cup of tea. Leading God is more the inclination of the arrogant I think. Faith leads to rest, but with ex-twi it first seems to lead in the opposite direction from what is comfortable. Perhaps pride can get in the way . . . How(with a straight face)can one say that TWI was “one of the most significant movements in the history of the Christian Church . . . or ". . . stands out on the spectrum of Church history as an amazingly significant Christian movement."? ---Doesn't this reveal an arrogance bordering on inane?--I wanted to add an s to that word inane. Reality and facts point to a destructive and abusive CULT!! In so many ways it is tragic. . . . for those who's lives have been altered. . . for those confident in a salvation that is just not there. Think of the truly bizarre repercussions of "Personal Prophecy". The pain and confusion. Maybe JAL was deceived as we all were, but it appears over time he has become a carrier. . . . a man with a mission--actually opposed to the things of God---and totally clueless because he is too busy still patting himself and VP on the back. BTW As is evident in the varying faiths--opinions--incomes--ages--priorities--politics--and recovery---I would say this forum is somewhat representative of the "Real World". Well said Ham. It can't be an easy thing to look back on all that wasted time, but it is never too late to change.

I don't know Mstar. . . when you gotta go--go in style! LOL That was funny. Last night I was near Boston and I noticed something. . . . everyone was wearing their Red Sox shirts, hats, and jackets. . . no Patriots gear around?? I thought it kinda odd. As for Theo. . . I have learned to trust him(In Theo we trust), but the loss of some players. . well it is sometimes hard. I am okay with Coco going. It started with Nomar. . . . . . . . . . . Anyway. . . they want to get rid of Julio Lugo somehow. . . . that is alot of money to pay out for him.

Well, I just wondered. Struck me as odd and actually reminded me of TWI --we spoke about God with mouths like drunken sailors. I still spit one out every now and then. . . usually when the Red Sox blow it. Frustration I do understand. Especially when dealing with TWI. Her life reflects the reality of intellectual assent. That is what TWI is in most respects--when it comes to the things of God. It takes some convoluted justification IMHO. Do you think she would read Oswald Chambers? My Utmost for His Highest? Pray for her as I am sure you do. . . . God is able and willing. . . .it may take years. . . you may never see it. . . but He is faithful. Make intercession for her, she is unable right now. . . but God is always able. He will have to be the one to really reach her.

Are you a Christian? Is that what bothers you about her actions or the hypocrisy? What kind of language(above) is that for any Christian to use? Just wondering? What about your sense of morality? Just seems an odd observation for you to be making while using such a foul word. If you don't claim Christianity as your faith fine. . . . direct her to AA or NA. Get her some help.

Twinky, If you use real pumpkins the seeds don't need to go to waste--you can roast them for a great snack. http://www.wikihow.com/Roast-Pumpkin-Seeds Pumpkin soup is a seasonal favorite here in New England--not at my house(LOL) but at this time of year it is everywhere. Maybe this recipe is a bit different than what you already make. http://www.theheartofnewengland.com/food-Pumpkin-Soup.html I still have two pumpkins sitting on our front porch--they somehow survived being smashed on Halloween! I would use them, but nobody will eat anything with pumpkin. . . . . unless I fake them out. . . which is getting harder to do. . . so they will sit on the porch I guess. . . As for spices--clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, and even a bit of ginger is nice with pumpkin. All purpose flour is http://www.bigoven.com/whatis.aspx?id=All-Purpose%20Flour Shortening is Crisco--or butter or marg. . . . I use applesauce sometimes instead of shortening. Some kind of binding that is less fat.

Yeah, but no more Coco Crisp. . . not that I will REALLY miss him that much. . . not like Manny. . .but a little. . . he was a scrappy leadoff. . . won't help KC THAT much either. "He played through injuries. He played hard," Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein said of Crisp. "With the emergence of Jacoby Ellsbury, we felt like we would be able to find a (backup) outfielder on the market easier than we would find a valuable member of the bullpen." The Royals got Ramirez, a 27-year-old righty, in a trade with Colorado before last season. They were so impressed with his stuff that they projected him to be their closer. With a fastball that reaches the mid-90s mph, Ramirez is a power pitcher who seems suited for the late innings. He was one of the primary setup men for closer Joakim Soria and flourished in that spot, going 3-2 with a 2.64 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 71 2-3 innings. "He's very quietly had a tremendous amount of success in the major leagues over the last 2 1/2 years," Epstein said. Ramirez figures to play a setup role for closer Jonathan Papelbon and could send Justin Masterson back to the rotation, where he feels more comfortable.

Hey Mstar :) What a great kid he is. . . I have to say I do like Justin Morneau too, being a Twins watcher and all. . . hubby was gracious about Dustin, so. . . I am pretending to be as well. I am so happy for Pedroia--and us! I don't know how many players have gotten Rookie one year and MVP the next, but it can't be many. 2 or 3 I bet. " Following a 2007 season in which Pedroia helped fuel the Red Sox to a World Series championship and won the AL Rookie of the Year Award, the right-handed hitting machine staged quite an encore. "It's unbelievable," said Pedroia. "When I first got called up to the Major Leagues in 2006, I really didn't know what to expect. I really didn't set any expectations or goals on myself. My biggest thing was, if I'm in the lineup that day, I'm going to play as hard as I can and try to help our team. That's been my mentality ever since I got called up to the big leagues. That's how I'm going to be successful. I have to keep that mind-set every season. This year, I was very successful. Hopefully, I can continue that." http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=456030