socks

Is this relevant because it was a "big" thing learned?

Too weird. An old guy gets a hard on in a class and - wait. Why did he get it? I missed that part. I guess one could argue that if the healing had actually taken place - and I for one am happy to say I don't believe the guy was actually "healed" of anything - the proof wouldn't be getting a woody in a class. Beautiful or not, it's a little too much information for me. If it was working, get a room, y'know? Or a quiet place of your choosing. I would have preferred he use it in a more productive circumstance. If there wasn't any, what would be the "profit" of him having a stiffy in a class? Please, people. Let's do one thing if we're going to do anything in this class on biblical research - remember - what's the profit? If the equipment's working, keep it to yourself. That's my motto. Given that such a healing would be a wonderful thing for any man of any age, if there's no use of it....you get my drift. But hey - give the guy a hand. Just not mine. But I doubt he got healed of anything, other than the need to be around some younger babes for a change, maybe. Was there coffee and doughnuts at this class? Maybe he could have displayed his new found prowess by...hmmm. Never mind. Bad mind picture. Have to take shower now. Sorry.

Thanks for the breekdown walking. Good news! :) It will be good to see how it works over time around the soundhole but you got most of the warping corrected pretty quickly sounds like. Very cool. I like Dangelico strings too. Usually buy those, they have a nice full sound. Usually what I buy for my acoustic. Do the screws for the bridge come with it or did you use others...?

Very nice, b-winkle! Love her voice. I'd love to hear her live, if I'm ever out your way or you here. Thanks! :)

Coupons!!!!?????? Thanks Tom.

Absolutely true. I joke about it but it's absolutely true that the best place to be in, in regards to the Way, is when you're checkin' it out. You're Fresh Fish, a New Person. A valued addition to any meeting. "We got a new peop!" Everyone's nice to you, you can do wrong, really, as long as you're reasonably civil and friendly. Anything you do wrong is an "error of ignorance". You don't know any better! Course you will reach a point where something's going to be expected of you, and not just once. Again and again and again. Take THIS class and it will answer all your questions. Now, take THIS class and it will build on that. Now take THIS class and it will really get you going. Now take THIS class and you won't know yourself when you're done. Which is good because there's going to be another class soon, and it will help if you forget that you had all your questions answered in the first one. Now, I have to be honest, this was not my experience for many of the years I was in the Way. Many many fine people didn't have that cold calculation going, where the clock is ticking and once you're 5 minutes over your Freshness Date, you're no good to anyone anymore. That wasn't always the way it was. The idea of helping people and enjoying it all was prominent. But I would agree that's the way it was for a lot of people the year I left and it sounds like it just continued down that road. Picture Paul Newman and George C Scott at the end of "The Hustler"..... "Eddie... you owe me MONEY!!!!" Just keep smiling. Everything's fine. Nothing to be concerned about. Sign here.

WOW! They're being seen up north too. It's way too coincidental. Something's up. I never cease to be amazed! ASM's see. Sea? ASM Love makes all transparent! Consider this amazing quote: I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. That Confucius cat was hip to the ASM's. He knew. You know he knew.

Nice looking 12 string! Is that Mr. Hammeroni in there!? I bet she sounds great on it. Very nice headstock. 12 strings have such a good sound. Thanks for the pics!

Never let it be said that I, socks, would withhold any of the "good stuff" from anyone. I am currently weening myself through GPC Ultra Lights, a smooth blend of Premium Tobacco provided by our friends at the R. J. Reynolds company. They're slightly less noxious than oh, say a Merit Ultra Light, and much less than a Tareyton (tastes good, like a ciggie should!) I am moderately serious though in the presentation of the idea, if not in expecting any results from it. It's something to do, while hooking up my 'Boro Country Hookah, received when I sent in 500 empty boxes of Marlboro Lights. I got kinda winded opening the box it came in but you can imagine my excitement when I attached my first 'Moke to it and watched the fumes circulate through the water for the first time. Incredible intake on this baby, one pull does a Regular size cig *like that*. The only problem with the system is the water turns dark brown every 3 'Mokes and has to be changed out a lot. Makes a great paint stripper though, so I'm really getting two systems in one. Other than that this Temple accepts nothing less than materials approved by the FDA and in compliance with all applicable laws governing food, food product, animal parts and products and whatever hazardous waste levels that may apply to same.

Thanks Groucho. To quote an old friend, Tim B-----p - "this isn't anything, and I'm nobody". :) True, skyrider. The Way has painted itself into a very tight corner. I don't know but it doesn't seem so. They need more than a new "leader". Leaders are their problem, so far. I never knew that JustSayNo. So they did something like that at one time? Interesting. Communication is what I'm thinking. Feedback, two-way communnication. Feedback comes in - discussion is generated, clarification. Goes back out again. A survey is just one piece that would start back and forth communication and not just go away never to be heard about again. This could actually be part of one of their themes, for an entire year. Instead of some lame theme like "Prevail Or Get Hosed", or whatever it could be something meaningful. I get the impression they toss a theme out, plan a year's teachings around it, do some writing about it and that's it. Everybody gets an Attaboy. Good job! But who really gives a crap? But to your comments Dooj, no, to be honest I don't expect much.

True, I wouldn't expect to have a voice in their affairs, since I'm no longer a member. It's rhetorical, for the sake of discussion. I'm offering "advice" with no expectation to be heard by anyone in the Way, unless they're reading here and that's doubtful, but if they were they'd get some free advice they could take the credit for as I have no real interest in getting involved. They could use it and say it's theirs, something the Way's good at doing anyway. So, it would be a good fit. Unlikely but a good one all the same. Would Waylings do such a thing as I've suggested? If they're on the same track as the last 20 years, no. Course not. Wayons say "we want to do what the Word says. What's the Word say?" For instance, they might say "well, where did Jesus Christ ever ask anyone what they thought?" WayHeads figure if they know a few verses in Ephesians they have "the mind of Christ" and are a sneeze away from knowing God's Mind on any subject you care to bring up. So they don't need to ask, why bother when they can tell. But if they stopped for a little bit and gave it some thought, they'd realize that if - IF - what they've been doing the last 30 years or so has been so right, why has everything they've done gone so wrong? If that little seed of light has started to wiggle it's hiney into the brains of anyone still in the Way and they give it some room to grow they might decide to see what they're members think, and find out what they're really doing and if it's really as successful as they think. This is just me talking to myself. We've tabled a couple items for later, and have break-out sessions scheduled, and the coffee's here. It's going well, we think.

Dooj, my advice comes cheap! :) Course, the first one's free! Naw, I seek no future remuneration for my scintillating insight and measurably awesome advice. People make their choices. If they're there, they're there and they're probably there because they like it. But - what's "it". It may not be what the Way thinks. If there were any kind of change at the Way, be it a young 2-buck Chuck stepping in and up or anyone of mind and determination to be at the helm, and the intent is to produce "change", that really doesn't amount to anything if it's simply that person's agenda, vision or interests being promoted. It could be an oldie-moldie who wants to bring back the "original vision" of the Way, it could be some young blood with new ideas, or it could be anyone with any number of bright ideas. The people that have chose to have involvement with the Way on some level need to be considered, IMO. Those who are already there, with some experience and some interest in the Way's future. I would suggest - give them a voice. Let them be heard. Instead of The Way being one or a few people's personal vision that are "at the top", broaden the scope to include everyone. Why suggest such a thing? Why not? :) There are those Wayfers who are Wayfer who feel they're getting something from it, some who simply aren't going to do anything but go along to get along, but those people might have something to offer if encouraged.

Free advice for the Way - Do a "needs" assessment amongst your congregation. Possibly in survey form, and make it anonymous. Do it to determine what your peop's feel they need from the Way. Include in it the questions- "What do you consider the Way to be? How would you define it, in your own words?" "What do you consider the primary value that the Way brings to you and your life? Be specific." "What do you think you need more of?" "What questions do you have of the Way that you'd like answered?" "What questions do you have of the bible that you'd like answered?" "What's the best thing we do, in your opinion?" "What do we do the worst and could improve at, in your opinion?" Doing a survey like this will give you a feel for the state of your peop's. What are they thinking? Not what are they saying, but what are they thinking? What do they need? Yes, yes, bible teaching, that's what the Way does. But does the Way do it well? Is it actually doing what you think it is? What is it actually doing? How can that be articulated in clear terms? Only those who are the recipients of what you offer can tell you if it's doing what you intend. Making a survey and setting it up so that the results can be looked at is work, but it's worthwhile. Promoting "change" based on one person's view of what everyone else needs isn't going to be effective.

That's it Abi! Reznor was dealin' on that one. To the tune of "Theme to Patty Duke Show"...... And they're Trustees! Identical Trustees and you'll find.... They walk alike, they talk alike At times they even spank alike You could lose your mind! When Trus-teeees Are two of a kind! (please - if you've never heard of that show, don't tell me, just Google for "when TV's had knobs"). Bliss - maybe BM will do well, by Way standards. Sounds possible. A great rise, like an organ.

Kev! "Jesus Keeeeee-rist! what's going on here???" Welcome Holly! If it was close to lunch, figure - you don't want to get between a Wayfer and their next meal. At first glance I thought you wrote "why is it so hard to touch someone at the Way" and I remembered Bart Simpon's reference to some kids as a "cootie platoon", but I reread it and got it now. But - it is an odd response you received. If you asked for someone at most companies, or anywhere really, they might ask you a question or two to help idenity them - during work hours where they work, what deparment, floor, etc. Or they might just say "hold Please" while they find that person in the directory. Or take a message, get your name and number and pass it on to the person. Normal stuff. People have phones, people get calls. Maybe there's an increase in emergencies at the Way and they've developed a protocol to respond to the many calls that come in like that. Maybe it's a good thing. If it's another emergency they respond faster. ?

If you're serious about that committment Mark you'll respond. If it ain't touched your wallet, it won't get to your heart, bro'! I'd like to pray for you.... Play Knock Knock with 'em h-go-l. Phone rings at the Way... "Brinnnnnng...." "Brinnnnnnnnnnng...." Wayfer: "Hello, this is the Way Nash, God Bless you!" You: "Knock Knock!" Wayfer: "Hold please, there's someone at the door...."

You're all weird. And you're all swell.

Welcome. Did they ask you for a donation? I think a good-faith committment of money is required to actually get any response. How important is it to you to speak to them? How much is it worth to you? If it's important you'll be willing to pony up some dough-ski, and they're not looking for clink in the can, they want swish, the sound of paper sliding in. What kind of penny-ante god do you worship? Don't insult him with pocket change, make him proud with some Jeffersons. An emergency? You should have replied "Yeah, it's an emergency alright. They just won the State Lotto and there's a check here for 50 million bucks with their name on it! Can I speak to them?" You'd have had them on the line before you could say "don't hide it divide it!" 20 per cent of 50 mill...do the math. Mo' money, mo' love!!!

Thanks for the input, GJ. Sounds about right, sooner or later there has to be some circulation. If there's a "coup" it will be a messy one. Don't expect Roxalee to vacate her seat quietly if she doesn't want to. What will they do - "make her an offer she can't refuse?"... "This isn't personal. It's just business..." If your buds had honest hearts they'd want to know the facts behind what's been going on the last 20 or so years, if not before that. By the sounds of it - they don't care. Maybe they have a point. The only way to clean out a badly backed up toilet is to drain it, unbolt it, clear out the obstructions, reseal it and bolt it back down. Flush and fill. But as with any toilet, it won't handle an overload of debris. Keep trying to pump the same stuff through it again and again and it just keeps getting backed up again and again. Since pretty much anyone with any sense of personal worth, dignity and at least average intelligence has left, there's not much to work with, I would think. No wonder it's backed up and stagnant, look at what's left and been circulating through there. That's kind of a problem. Where's the "new" generation of people going to come from? They'll have to prove themselves, that's for certain. No one who's been through that meat grinder will go back unless it's very very different and only then if they feel there's something worthwhile there. Maybe this will turn into a 20 year cycle Reflush there. Dunno. Maybe it will get "better". It's up to them, really. It's time to restate my personal Way Advice - If you're in, get out. If you're out, celebrate! If you're thinking of going back, prepare to bow down before the one you serve. You're going to get what you deserve.

Air biscuits? Hpefully they don't come with Air Gravy. That...that just doesn't sound right!

God formed man, a "man". God's intent was to produce a "man". I don't see this verse describing two separate things - part one, form something out of the dust of the ground, don't know what it is, call it "blan". Then part two, breathe life into it, now it's a "man". If we're going to strike a literal interpretation to the record, view the context. What's God doing? Forming a "man". There's a finished product in mind from the start. Intent. If God's actions continue through to what He intends, the result will be a living "man". The finished product isn't said to be a "man" only after the "breath of life", man is a "man" in God's mind from the start. Applied to the process of birth, the "man" would be viewed the same way, from the start of the process to the end result. The result that's being produced is a "man", a person, that's the intention. We wouldn't say a person isn't a "man" while in the womb, prior to actual birth, if we take the verse and apply it to today, literally. The "man" is being produced in stages, by intent and by a process. The process of birth post-Adam is entirely different than what's recorded in Genesis, anyway. So what God did in Genesis, if taken literally, can't be directly applied step-by-step to procreation that comes later. If I apply the general description of the event though, I come to the conclusion that "man" was "man" right from the start, in God's mind. Literally, from the first scoop, what's God doing? Making "man". Intervening in that process at any point does what? Stops the making of the "man". Likewise with childbirth as we know it. In Jesus's day He challenged the teaching of the day on the Old Testament Law when it produced a result that missed the intent, the "heart" of the original instruction from God. A person could observe every little detail, and apply additional requirements and rituals on top of the original instruction in an effort to be "right" but completely miss what was important, and any chance at realizing the "big" picture. I see a contrast between His teachings and the interpretation of Genesis there being that man wasn't man until God breathed "life" into him. That seems to miss the bigger context of what God was doing and what His intentions were. "Man" became a "living soul", but man was man before that, when God breathed into his "nostrils". (snort :) )

Livin' the dream!

I think you get Red Eye Gravy when the gravy's so good you just start hitting yourself in the face with your spoon. I first ate B's and G on the road, somewhere after a long van ride with the man, the myth, the legend, Mr. Gravy Himself, Ted F. I'd had gravy and I'd had biscuits, but never in a combo like "Biskits 'n' Gravy". So there we were, ordering at a small truck stop restaurant and Ted took about 2 seconds to order after glancing at the menu - "I'll have the Biscuits 'n' Gravy!" I was still reading the greasy green "Specials" clipped to the front of the menu when it came my turn, or would have been I'm sure if there was one, and there's a better than average possiblity that if there was a menu there'd have been a Specials clipped on the front, so I'm pretty sure I was still reading it. Rather than come between the group and their orders any longer, I ordered the Skits and Gravy too. And I have been glad ever since that day I did. I never actually ordered them again, if memory serves, anywhere. Once was enough. I realized right then and there that I'd come mouth to fork with something special. Like a beautiful Trout seen swimming off in the water just feet from my lure, colors flashing in the sunlight, proud and strong, I had to let it go. I hauled my line back in. the better to let the fond remembrance of that Meal swim forever in my heart, where it still lives, hot, brown and beautiful. If you love someone, set 'em free, and I did. If I ever do meet that heavenly meal again I'm sure it will in a different land, under a different sky, as the song says. Any reasonable man would think the same, honestly, knowing what I know.

I suspect we did, waysider. I suspect we did.

Let's talk about your gravy. Never let it be said that I, socks, would deliberately stray from the clear cut path of a thread topic. First in, last out. It's Gravy Time! Gravy rocks, and I'm serious about that. Mashed potatoes - a pile of gray moosh without gravy. Nothing better than making a gravy volcano in a mountain of hot mashed potatoes, with smoldering butter floating around in the middle. Big swack of butter, doing a back stroke in a lake of gravy. Oh yeah. Turkey gravy has the best memories for me, childhood stuff. No matter what the economic climate there was always money at holiday time for a turkey, mashed potatoes and that Gravy. Big bowl of it. Throw in a big pile of Bisquick biscuits, some vegetables and Santa Claus is going to be late cus he's Gravying Up at our place. That's the STUFF. My Mom made killer gravy. Literally. Hearts would pound like sledge hammers after going a round with her gravy. No match, no distance, no legs after several doses of the stuff. Gravy is cool. A GRAVY THREAD!!!! I don't get out enough, that's clear.