mstar1

What church are you involved with now? What has your Pastor, Rector, Priest, Parson, or Minister advised? What other training besides Corps and way "leadership" do you have? Seminary?, Classes? different churches since The Way? I suppose technically you'd then be an offshoot of whoever your current church may be. If you are starting something 'out of the blue' based on your 'leadership' in TWI without any affiliated background, subsequent training to way theology, or current spiritual oversight I know that I for one would think of you as an offshoot --mostly because thats where your training came from. Without any subsequent training or perceivable directional shift there is bound to be some overbleed from the past Nothing against you personally (really! you asked for my opinion and Im giving it.) its a free country and you are free to do whatever you want. I just happen to think TWI was a abherrent nonchristian monstrosity and by my way of thinking to base a ministry on what was learned there or the type of 'research' done there is folly. What you want to do may be fine, but in a lot of minds until you show otherwise you will have a strike against you. (evil associations and all that..) just my 2cents

I have a tendency to agree along these lines. I have a fair amount what I would consider 'friends'. Some are acquaintances, some are people that I know and speak to regularly, others are a little closer, a very few are really close. None of them is the perfect friend but collectively they cover the bases for just about everything that I want or need out of other people on multiple levels I know that I can count on this person for this, or that person for that. I know who are the ones who will give me the straight talk , who will help me move the piano, who will talk something through with me, who will give me good business advice or personal help, who would crawl under my car in midwinter to fix something, who will just make me smile after along day or who will make me laugh endlessly at nothing in particular. None are perfect but are all good folks--with their own strengths and weaknesses who do what they can. Collectively they are a good bunch for me and cover pretty much everything. I am probably somewhere in that same category for many of them. The closer ones are a little harder to come by. It has taken me a lot of time and trust to cultivate those.. Im really not all that good at it as I have a tendency to keep a 'safe distance' before I really let anyone 'in' (once bitten, twice shy) but thankfully have a few. They I would trust with anything

:) Im a GreyFox regular -- that made my mornin thanks

I do I do

To illustrate my point I just found THIS ARTICLE Keith Olbermann's photo of Sean Hannity In baseball its a whole new world

I have never been among anyone, or any group anywhere that is so full of irrational fear. It got ridiculous toward the end of my time, every sniffle, every 2 minutes late to twig, (never mind normal everyday stuff like thunderstorms, cars that have trouble starting in the winter etc.) was attributed to devil spirits. I sneezed (snozed??)one time at a twig and got told that I had a sneezing spirit. Everyone in any field that was successful who hadnt taken 'the class' was seed. It definitely was time for me to leave. Interestingly during my advanced class in 1984 at Emporia, it hadnt apparently rained in quite awhile and they needed it. When there was thunder, lightening and rain during my class -- that was all attributed to our manifestation of believing. I wonder how they tell which lightening is from God and which from the devil? :wacko: Nutcases all--they should fill a psychiatric ward with them

From these stories it is amazing to me that anyone at all ever works there. It sounds like anyone would be better off being a convenience store clerk, a pizza tosser, slinging beers at the local pub or doing anything at all rather than putting up with all that nonsense.

Great story I have said on here a lot over the years that winning is good for a city--It is-it helps bring out the best in people. People smile more ,laugh more, are a little happier,a little kinder , more helpful, more neighborly, just a step more upbeat. If I were a social researcher i'd do a study on it because I know that it exists. I'd like to see every place get the opportunity to experience the feel of it at least once Good for Joe---Im sure there are all sorts of wonderful things happening in the big city and throughout Yankeedom right now that we wont hear of--long lost families reconnecting, strangers helping strangers, and alot of spontaneous high fiving and fistbumping in the subways and offices of NY

No doubt about Jeter and Mariano I was just considering---in the same way that I might consider Varitek number to be retired at Fenway--Captain of 2 World Champions after an 86 year drought---I'd do it--but I have had these conversations and i doubt that it will ever happen. Any way ---enjoy thjis moment the come to briefly in this short life This is a an article by Leigh Montville that near perfectly captured the '04 moment for me--I hope you take the time to feel similarly in wahtever way that it may express itself for you: Oct. 27, 2004 Boston ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I learned how to fly a few minutes before midnight on Oct. 27, 2004. I always thought I could fly, watching those seagulls gracefully drop out of the sky to spear yet another French fry from the MDC trash cans across from Kelly's Roast Beef in Revere, but I never had given it a shot. The Boston Red Sox gave me strength. "If the Red Sox can win the World Series," I said, stepping from the house just moments after reliever Keith Foulke fielded a ground ball and flipped it to first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz for the final out and the 4-0 sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals, "then I surely can fly." I flapped my arms as fast I could, jumped into the air and was off. Simple as that. I soon was soaring across Boston Harbor and then downtown and then directly over the celebrating crowds in Kenmore Square. I buzzed a couple of Northeastern University kids climbing a lamppost, startled a TPF trooper into dropping his truncheon, took a hard left at the Prudential Building, and glided back home. "I can fly!" I exclaimed to my cocker spaniel, Slugger, the only one still awake in the house. "Sacre bleu!" he replied. I always thought Slugger could talk. He would stare at me with those brown eyes and that little panting sound and I knew conversation was possible. Now he could. In French. And I could understand him. I always thought I could understand French, three years in high school, just wishing the people would slow down when they talked, and now I had no problem. "Tres bien, beau chien," I said. I slept my best sleep in ages -- a delightful dream in the middle involving New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, chained to a post in the lowest circle of hell -- and made breakfast for the family in the morning. I always knew I could make perfect Eggs Benedict. I sang while I served, exactly like Frank Sinatra. I moved exactly like Fred Astaire. I always knew I could tap dance. I felt an energy I hadn't felt in years. I felt as strong as David Ortiz. I felt as fast as Dave Roberts, as happy as Manny Ramirez, as focused as Curt Schilling, as solid as Jason Varitek, as smart as Theo Epstein. I whistled "Sweet Caroline" (uh-uh-ohh), typed out a 500-page novel that I always knew I had inside me, took care of some plumbing and electrical work around the house that I always knew I could do if I just tried, yodeled goodbye (I always knew I could yodel) and hit the streets. What next? I ran from Hopkinton to Boston, just for the heck of it. I walked on my hands. I juggled a Ted Williams baseball card, a copy of the Baseball Encyclopedia and an apple. Didn't drop a one. I swam with the L Street Brownies. I dunked a basketball. Backward. After jumping over a Toyota. I drove the length of Massachusetts Avenue and all the lights were green. Every one of them. I found a parking space. I found an honest politician. I tried broccoli and liked it. Every now and then a picture would pop into my head. Ortiz, clapping his hands, grabbing the bat, swinging as hard as he could, the baseball flying into the night. Schilling, the dollop of blood on his white sock. Derek Jeter looking befuddled. Every office I called, a real person answered the phone. I signed to appear in a feature film. (Leading man.) I was computer literate. I baked a cake. I changed my own oil. Fast as a cat, I multiplied large numbers in my head. All items were on sale everywhere. All stocks were up. The pictures just kept coming. All those people that the Fox network showed biting their nails, crossing their fingers and their toes during the first three games against the Yankees. Where were they now? What were they doing? Derek Lowe on the mound. Talking to himself. Mark Bellhorn. Saying nothing. I played the piano, discovered I had a strong left hand. Went to the post office and found no lines. Roller bladed. Rode a motorcycle. Never fell down. I always knew I could that. I booked a trip to the Dominican Republic. I joined a gym, started a diet, bought a new suit of clothes. Something funky. The Charles River -- it appeared to me, at least -- had been turned into buttermilk. The John Hancock building now was made out of chocolate. The strings on the Zakim Bridge played a melody when the wind hit them just right. The hospitals all were empty. The churches all were full. A heart seemed to beat in the middle of Fenway Park, right under the mound. I always had wondered what it would be like when the Red Sox won the Series. I suppose everyone under the age of 86 in New England had wondered. The Red Sox story had gone along for so many years with its annual disappointments that the pain had become an almost masochistic delight. Sort of like record snowstorms in winter. Sort of like the daily bad cup of coffee from the company cafeteria. Sort of like a mole on the tip of your nose. Endurance and acceptance had become virtues. Life had to be lived within limitations. What would it be like without those limitations? I suppose I'm not much different from anyone else around here. I thought about departed friends and long-ago moments. I heard from people I hadn't heard from in years. I told my wife I loved her. I told my kids I loved them. I drank a little champagne. I flew through the air. I talked to my dog in French and he talked back. I smiled a lot. I say so far so good.

Nah not in the slightest for me----Ive been here for close to ten years. I just like the people here. I have some memories from my TWI days --once in awhile I post them-- so some of them suck They dont hold any sway over me now but I wont hide them like I did for years. To me its no different than if I were to find a reunion site with my elementary school friends. Those days are over --we reminisce (that teacher sure was a frikkin d-bag..),we sort stuff out, we call a spade a spade , we remain friends, we've moved on. Life is good now--but that doesnt mean that I wasnt taken in the past or want to hide it. In fact in a way its part of my 'wholeness' now to be honest about my life

A vintage Ian Anderson flute solo Jethro Tull 1976 <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRo5whIbau4&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRo5whIbau4&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRo5whIbau4&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Dont hold back if you gotta gush--go right ahead Ive certainly had my time at it-and I know what its like when stuff is bursting out of you, you feel like you can easily jump to the moon, and have 4 trillion things to say----I wont rain on your parade........... .........Everyone knows Jeter and Mariano are headed for the Hall of Fame. I was wondering this morning if Andy Petitte and Jorge Posada will go as well by virtue of being on 5 championships. I guess that will play out in time but it is quite a accomplishment. Its gotta be feeling good over there today. as far as minorities it looks like its pretty much you and me here now

Dont forget Elvis Unlike those guys above, we actually lived through these 'sightings' of "The King"

A banjo-rifle! <object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REPHCXPwHCM&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REPHCXPwHCM&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REPHCXPwHCM&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object> I love this country! I want one--- I'd never need anything else

good Congrats Im sure it does. There is nothing quite like your team winning the World Series to 'wash away your sins', reinvigorate you and give you a renewed sense of childlike joy. Take time to really enjoy--just dont get obnoxious as I was please or do if you want to....

damn Geo dont remind the teabaggers...their hangings might not be "in effigy" No plans for me--Im taking a long ride through the back roads and hills today--maybe I'll fire off a few symbolic rounds in the middle of nowhere

:) Z It's pretty dense if they don't. Ive known since I could grasp any employment concepts that if you want good work to be done you have to pay (and treat) your workers well. Its not exactly the greatest secret in the world :wacko:

I have been to hundreds of pro sports events and never seen a bat-It was especially weird that it was on Halloween night.. I wonder if someone snuck it in as a prank. Great reactions by Ginobili It reminded me off this Randy Johnson fastball that picked off a bird who was flying were he shouldn't: <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekTVL9R2-h0&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekTVL9R2-h0&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekTVL9R2-h0&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Im doing better, last week was a bear but Im feeling OK now. Almost normal! Its cycling around my town now, from what I hear many people get the symptoms then it appears to go away and dissipates then it comes back around for another wave of strong symptoms a week or so later... Hopefully I'll skip the second round

I was thinking the exact same thing Tzaia- The amount of fear (terrified????) in supposed "faith people" is beyond mindboggling, there is something very distorted, abnormal and maladjusted about it. OMyGod someone wants to talk to them?? O No what terror! I hate to break a big revelation to them but people talk to people that they have never met about every subject under the sun every single day in every single place. It is one of the most normal things in the entire world. Then they have the audacity to jump on Dave for daring to ask a question ( a question??) Who the hell are these bozo's? What planet are they from? The only thing it illustrates is that the cultic mindset is completely f*cked and totally scrambled. at least thanks for giving us that. ....... btw...I wouldnt buy any of the horse manure they are throwing at you Dave -You did absolutely nothing wrong

Im enjoying this Holiday Lots of people around town are all costumed up and in jovial light hearted moods...even the adults I just had a check cashed at the bank by a round of clowns, Yesterday even my doctor and her nurse were dressed up. Im out to get pictures of the kids in about an hour. Im glad I dont have to deal with TWI or anyone else who wants to overspiritualize everything to death anymore...and just some people that know how to enjoy themselves Happy Halloween

Bull What a pile of crap--The woman had a bumper sticker on her car. What on earth is that for other than to advertise and to invite questions? Thats what the thing is for I suppose that YOU wouldnt be quite so irrationally p*ssed off, if someone had followed to ask her, Where is your fellowship? How do I get involved? or where can I give my money? Just so happens that dmiller had some honest questions and didnt want that same old song and dance. The "decent thing to do" would have been to answer the questions and if she didnt know say " I dont know" What is so hard about that? To take an entirely innocuous situation and turn it around is nuts. Why is CES so full of fear and loathing? If anyone is owed an apology its dmiller for being raked over the coals by you for doing exactly nothing wrong--except for being completely honest which may just be way too much for anyone in CES to take as it is a completely foreign and seemingly forbidden concept

This is shaping up to be one crazy weekend in Philadelphia. A Halloween night game? In Philly? against the Yankees? Aye Carumba-- As if thats not enough they'll also have the Giants/Eagles game on Sunday to add some fuel to the fire This has all the earmarks for a little too much collective insanity.

Cool Billy D What is the average number of people that typically go to these retreats? About how many do they run a year? What is the approximate yearly income for the camp? its expenses?

I thought this paper from Philly today was pretty funny-