Archives for May 2020

God Speaks to us in Different Ways – Not Just Through the Bible

May 1, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

God Speaks to us in Different Ways – Not Just Through the Bible

My friend acknowledges that the Bible is the “inspired Word of God”. However, The Bible is not the “Only Way” God speaks to us. “Sola Scriptura” is wrong. God speaks to us in many ways: through the sciences of Anthropology, Astrology, Biology, Geology, Paleontology, etc. As Christ said, “If the disciples become quiet, the stones will cry out.”. God also speaks to us through Art, Music, Poetry, Sculpture, etc.

The following are detailed examples of God speaking to us in different ways:

Astronomers & Astrophysicists conclude: “If the Universe had not been made with the most exacting precision, we could never have come into existence. Earth’s location, size, composition, structure, atmosphere, temperature, internal dynamics, and many intricate cycles essential to life (i. e. the Carbon Cycle) testify the our planet is exquisitely balanced . These highly choreographed geological processes are precisely tuned for life, and point to a Designer with a purpose for mankind. Or, As Einstein astutely observed,”God doesn’t roll dice.”

Carl Sagan was ABSURDLY WRONG by pontificating that the earth was an “Unremarkable Rock” in the universe. (His Bias. Not Fact.) Overwhelming concrete data points to: A highly choreographed delicate system of multiple, complex, interrelated dependencies unlike anything else in the Universe. An Extremely “Remarkable World”.

Biologists discovered “Intelligence” in the DNA molecule:

The Intelligence in the DNA molecule pays homage to the power and wisdom of an awesome, magnificent Creator. Or, as the title of Stephen Meyer’s book proclaims, “(God’s) Signature in the Cell:

“In a process known as Transcription, a molecular machine first unwinds a section of the DNA Helix, to expose the genetic instructions needed to assemble a specific protein molecule.

Another machine then copies those instructions to form a molecule known as messenger RNA. When that transcription is complete, the slender RNA strand carries that genetic information…out of the cell’s nucleus. The messenger RNA strand is directed to a 2-part molecular factory called a Ribosome…

Inside the Ribosome, a molecular assembly line builds a specifically sequenced chain of amino acids. These amino acids are transported from other parts of the cell, and then linked into chains often hundreds of units long. Their sequential arrangement determines the type of protein manufactured.

When the chain is finished, it is moved from the Ribosome to a barrel shaped machine that helps fold it into the precise shape critical to its function. After the chain is folded into a protein, it is then released and shepherded by another molecular machine to the exact location where it is needed.”

None of the 7 Billion DNA molecules are alike It is mathematically impossible for this process to have occurred by “Random Chance”.

Paleontologists & Anthropologists and The Fossil Record & The Cambrian Explosion:

Darwin’s 1859 “Origin of the Species” postulated that there would be millions of “Transitional Fossils” of many mutations from one “Kind” to another, in the fossil record. The fossil record would be the ultimate irrefutable proof of Evolution. Without numerous transitional fossils, Darwin admitted that his theory would be false.

Paleontologists & anthropologists confirm that the dazzling display of thousands of fully formed fossils found in the “Cambrian Explosion” was created in a geological blink of an eye. This stunning variety of complex creatures has NO Transitional fossils, as required by Darwin.

The Cambrian Explosion gave rise to the sudden appearance of most of the major animal Phyla that are still alive today. These findings are absolutely contrary to “Darwin’s Tree of Life”. These animals, which are fundamentally different in their body plans, appear fully developed, all of a sudden, in what paleontologists have called, “The single most spectacular phenomenon of the fossil record.” It turns Darwin’s “Tree of Life” upside-down, because the major groups of animals come first, instead of last, on top of the tree.

“Biologist, Michel Behe’s book, “Darwin’s Black Box“refutes the evolutionary process of many small random steps, by the “Principle of Irreducible Complexity”: Irrefutable scientific confirmation of complex biological entities that can only function if ALL OF THEIR PARTS EXIST AT THE SAME TIME, i. e. the human eye, the human ear, etc.

Einstein said that “You cannot look at the human eye and not believe in God.” The eye requires an intricate combination of complex parts to perform its function. Furthermore, even a complete eye is useless unless it belongs to a creature with the mental and neural capacity to process the information provided. Evolution allows only for small mutations and not this complex capacity all at once.

The ear is capable of sensory response to sound whose pressure at the eardrum is no greater than two ten thousandths of a millionth of barometric pressure. This pressure moves the ear drum about one hundred millionth of an inch. That dimension is approximately one hundredth the width of a hydrogen molecule. Random chance cannot accommodate that precision.

Art expresses the Portrayal of God’s Creation, Forgiveness, & Reconciliation with Man

My friend reminded me that the Bible’s “Word of God” is one way to experience Cod’s Creation, Forgiveness, & Reconciliation with Man For centuries, “Art” served that purpose

Michelangelo’s magnificent Sistine Chapel portrayal of the “Creation of Man” – A powerful fatherly figure pointing His finger toward a perfectly formed man, who is pointing his finger upward toward the Father – captures the essence of man being made in the image & likeness of God.

Rembrandt’s poignant painting of the “Prodigal Son” – A forgiving Father’s unconditional love portrayed by placing both of his hands (The masculine left hand & the feminine right hand) on the shoulders of a penitent, worthless son, under the harsh, self-righteous glare of an indignant son & brother – captures the essence of God’s unilateral, unconditional love for His progeny.

Music as an Expression of God Singing to our Souls

Puccini’s Aria, “Nessun Dorma” is beyond brilliant. The genius to arrange the thousands of different notes for violins, cellos, French horns, kettle drums, and the multitude of myriad instruments of a symphony orchestra, in concert with the inspiring sounds from an Opera tenor, to create a harmonious crescendo that stirs the heart of God, is beyond mortal men’s imagination.

On a clear, cool night in Rome, under a thousand stars, with a 100-piece orchestra, the Three Tenors: Pavarotti, Carerras, and Domingo, sang Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma” with the precision of one voice, and the power of a hundred. The end result was a thunderous finale, unlike anything heard before or since. If you listened closely, you could hear God’s applause among the hundreds’ standing in ovation.

Above YouTube Music Video Captures the Essence of the Blog Post Message

That performance was the secular musical version of God’s creative gift, blessing a rare few. Handel’s “Messiah” is obviously the spiritual musical equivalent.

A Sunrise and Sunset Reveals God to All

The Lyrics of the Above YouTube Music Video Beautifully Confirm This Blog Post Message: God Speaks To Us In Many Ways

The majestic, magenta hues of a sunrise & sunset can be enjoyed by all – inspiring different people, in different ways to recognize God’s Power & Wisdom, Mercy & Love, Peace & Joy. From the complexity of all the different ways God reveals Himself to us, as listed above, to the simple enjoyment of a sunset, God reveals Himself to us in many different ways. They allow all of us to Know & love God. And in turn, love each other.

The Bible is the best, direct guidance to salvation. It’s just Not “Sola” Scriptura – “The Only Way”. God opens minds, softens hearts, and touches souls in many ways for All of God’s Children to seek His Companionship: “As the deer pants for the flowing stream, so our souls thirst for the Living God.”

For millenniums, The Catholic Church falsely claimed that it was the Only Way to salvation. Catholics used their “Catechism” the way that Protestants use Biblical verses. God is much bigger than both. God created many ways to know Him, and to love Him and love others.

That’s the great Cosmic Mystery of the “Body of Christ” Billions of members, all different from each other, all with different talents supporting each other, through the gift of Grace, all valued the same, by God.

Clearly, God speaks to all of His creation in different ways. It’s a Wonderful (Diverse) World.

Two 13-Year OId Girls Singing on AGT & an 88-Year Old Grandpa Winning BGT

May 1, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

Two 13-Year OId Girls Singing on AGT & an 88-Year Old Grandpa Winning BGT

My friend excitedly told his family about 3 performers. They were all entertaining and inspirational.

One was a 13-year old girl who came on stage nervous, and barely able to talk. But when Laura Bretan began to sing “Nessun Dorma”, Pavarotti would have been proud. Rather than try to describe the beauty and soul-stirring singing of this unique gift from God, see & listen for yourself. Laura Bretan all AGT auditions & Performances.

The Judges were stunned, euphoric, and unanimous in gushing praise.

Simon: “You came on stage like a jelly. But then, that just happened. I didn’t hear anything like that in all the years I’ve been doing this show. Seriously.”

Heidi Klum: “You were born with such a gift. It’s unbelievable. I couldn’t stop smiling.”

Mel B.: “You made all the hairs (on my arms) stand on end. You changed our lives.”

Howie Mandel: “OMG.” And at the Finals he said, “Everyone can see & hear your talent. But I don’t know if the people at home can feel your immense heart, like we feel it here, in person.”

Please listen to the equivalent of the US “Voice”: Vocea Romanei Junior – Finals (Laura Bretan – “I Dreamed a Dream”). You will see, hear, and feel the Peace & Joy of her companionship with God.

Darci Lynne Farmer, the other 13-year old girl won AGT, but as a ventriloquist singing through a puppet. The 4 Judges’ reactions were equally enthusiastic, and marveled at her skill to sing through a rabbit.

Please listen: Darci Lynne Farmer all AGT auditions and performances. Some of the Judges’ comments of her performance at the “Finals” were:

Simon: “Wow. Wow. Wow. Darci. Singing opera is very difficult. And you just did it singing though a rabbit. You have a chance to win this thing.”

Mel B.: “You absolutely have a chance to win. You deserve it, and much, much more.”

Howie: “You continue to surprise. You sang difficult songs, with different puppets thru the audition process: A duet, and now opera. You can win.”

Please listen: “Grandpa wins BGT 2019. An 88-year old grandpa & retired British soldier (Colin Thackery) sang a tribute to his deceased wife. After his 1^st audition, a chorus of other old, retired soldiers accompanied the rest of his tribute performances. Colin won BGT. More important than the audiences’ standing ovations, the Judges’ genuine accolades, and the honoring salutes of current British soldiers, were the heart-felt “Congratulations of the Runner-Up”: “To someone like Colin, who gave his life to us: I bow to him. He deserves to win. I love the man.”

The common denominators of All 3 inspiring performers were: An Incredible God-given talent, a life-changing connection with the audience, while being a sweet person with genuine humility. Certainly, God was smiling at the 3 wonderful expressions of the extraordinary talent that He bestowed on them.

If someone doesn’t have a tear in their eye after watching those 3 perform, they need a heart transplant.

Sometimes a Father Needs to be a “Bad Cop”

May 1, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

Sometimes a Father Needs to be a “Bad Cop” to be a “Friend”

*Above YouTube Video Enhances Blog Post Below

My friend’s college daughter bought 2 tickets for a popular rock band concert in Chicago. She planned to give one of the tickets to her 12-year old brother for his birthday gift. He was very excited. Her roommate volunteered to pick-up the tickets at the arena 2 days before the concert. But her roommate decided to keep the tickets and go to the concert with her boyfriend. The roommate even refused to reimburse my friend’s daughter for the tickets.

My friend’s daughter called him, crying. There was nothing that she could do.

So, my friend called his daughter’s roommate. He explained to her, in a calm, but very resolute voice, that he would come to their apartment with the County Sherriff, with a warrant for her arrest: Felonious theft by conversion. If she tried to avoid him. He would relentlessly hunt her down.

He would go to the Dean’s Office and explain that she committed a crime, and was avoiding arrest. He would ask for a list of all her classes, and notify all of her professors of her theft. He would obtain her parents phone number, and call them about her felony theft, and that he would pursue a conviction, to the fullest extent of the Law.

He would notify the concert arena and tell them about her theft. They should alert ushers in the section of the stolen tickets, to notify the Sheriff if she attends the concert. He would search for the name of her boyfriend, and have a warrant issued for his arrest, as an accomplice to a felony. (they were expensive tickets) He would notify her boyfriend’s professors or employer about his arrest warrant.

She should not think for a moment that my friend would not do all those things. He urged her to ask the other 2 roommates what he did to the apartment manager, who tried to cheat his daughter out of the apartment lease (Refer to May Blog Post – Relationship Category) The other 2 roommates would confirm that the father is relentless in the pursuit of the punishment of the offender of his daughter.

This theft is far worse. This theft involves 2 members of my friend’s family. One is his youngest son, who is extremely excited to attend his first rock concert, with his college sister. How cool.

My friend told the roommate thief that she had exactly one hour to return those 2 concert tickets to his daughter. If his daughter did not call him saying that she had the 2 tickets in her possession, he would drive down to the District Attorney’s Office that night and begin the criminal process. He was not bluffing.

Within 17 minutes, my friend’s daughter called him to say that she has both tickets. She asked if her roommate could apologize for taking the tickets. The girl sobbed continuously throughout her apology. My friend reassured her that her apology was accepted. And that she would not suffer any consequences for her bad behavior. She seemed relieved when he hung up.

My friend’s son & daughter enjoyed the concert. The thief learned a life lesson. His daughter knew she had a friend in her dad.

Days after the concert, my friend told his daughter that he couldn’t possibly do all the stuff that he threatened to do. The father knew that he had to create credible, intense pressure, within a very short time to respond, to panic that girl to return the tickets. It didn’t matter what he could do. All that mattered is what the roommate thought he could do.

Sometimes a father has to be a “Bad Cop’ to be a “Friend” to his family.

Sometimes a Father Needs to be a Defense Lawyer

May 1, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

Sometimes a Father Needs to be a Defense Lawyer

Red hot old fashioned phone metaphor pop art retro vector illustration. Isolated image on white background. Comic book style imitation.

My friend’s wife & daughter spent a day looking for an apartment for their daughter’s senior year in college. They found a perfect place with 2 large bedrooms & bathrooms that would well serve 4 girl roommates, for 2 semesters. The rent was reasonable. So, they signed a 1-year lease and paid the required one month’s Security Deposit. The apartment manager also signed the lease and gave them a copy, along with a receipt of their payment. Done deal. Mother & daughter were excited. Until the manager called the next day, saying that their apartment was rented to someone else. Sorry.

My friend called the manger back. Now it was the manager’s turn to feel sorry.

My friend reminded the manager that he held a State Regulated Realtor License. That License has very clear & strict Ethical Requirements. Ethics violations are severely frowned upon, resulting in heavy fines, suspension or loss of License, even possible jail time. My friend then quoted the specific State Statutory Sanctions for his ethic violations. The irrefutable facts were that the signed lease by both parties and the payment & acceptance of the required earnest money constituted a valid contract: the mutual meeting of the minds and consideration.

The manager was mute when my friend stopped talking. The silence lingered like the stench of death over a slaughter house. Finally, the manager said that he would review the matter, and get back to my friend.

In the interim, my friend contacted 2 of his daughter’s, roommates’ fathers. One was a prominent local physician. The other, a wealthy New York Real Estate investor. Both were more furious than my friend, when they heard that the apartment manager reneged on the deal. Their daughters were very excited about the apartment that my friend’s daughter described to them. Now, some shyster manager was screwing them out of a “Done Deal”.

Both fathers said that they would call that apartment manager. This was far from over. Each father called my friend back, and told him what they said to that manager. First, they convinced the manager that were men of some stature, resources, and connections. Secondly, they would apply the full measure of their collect capacity to get that rightful apartment back for their daughters.

Each father relished telling my friend their delight in envisioning that manager squirm as he realized that he picked a fight with the wrong hombres. That manager was stammering and sputtering apologies with each breath. He assured each of those fathers that he would rectify the situation.

The Above Music Video Describes That Fathers Are Willing “To Fight the Unbeatable Foe”, For Their Daughters

The manager called my friend the next day. He said that there was a misunderstanding. My friend’s daughter and her roommates would definitely have the apartment described in their lease. Furthermore, the first month’s rent was free. And he was applying the Security Deposit to their last month’s rent. And if they found anything not to their satisfaction after they moved in, to please call his Direct Phone #, and that he would personally rectify the situation, immediately.

My friend said< “Thank you,” My friend’s wife & daughter were ecstatic when they heard the news. Both of the other fathers involved savored the restoration of joy & excitement for their daughters. They also enjoyed squashing that low-life twerp. Perhaps, he will think twice before trying to screw someone else. He certainly learned that fathers could be effective lawyers in defense of the daughters.