Category Archives: General Observations

Just things I see that make me think.

by | January 12, 2011 · 1:39 am

A Lesson in the Snow

Maybe, just maybe, if you were living it up somewhere in Al Gore’s Tropicana, you did not notice the snow in Tennessee. Just this week we had more snow than any time since 1993. As a matter of fact, I slid down a hill on an inflatable sled for the first time ever. Not only did we get snow for Christmas, but no sooner than schools go back after Christmas break this snow comes and cancels classes for another week. Terribly unusual, I must say; but fun, I DO declare!

Time to get out in the snow!

After a day in the house watching all the four-wheel-drive trucks go by, however, I decided it was time to be a man. There was no reason for me to stay indoors while so many others were risking their lives and asking for an insurance claim, so to “The Ride” I went. I figured that there was no reason to fear the snow when I had an automobile with front-wheel-drive and an American V8 sitting under the hood. It was time for my family and I to go to Wal-Mart – even if we didn’t need anything – just to prove we could.

 

"Global Warming - Cadillac Style"

When I got to my car (The Ride), it was covered in snow 7 inches deep. It was beautiful! I hated to clean it off; but in order to go somewhere, the snow had to be removed from the windshield, at least. I walked around my black Cadillac, and as I did, I pulled out my iPhone 4 and took this picture. I call it, “Global Warming – Cadillac Style.” It was when I started knocking off the heavy, beautiful snow that a verse of Scripture came to mind…

 

Isa 1:18 KJV – Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Now, sin is not described as black in this verse, but as “scarlet.” There is a really good reason for that, but in this case I just thought of how white my black car had become. If my car had been scarlet, crimson, or whatever, it was now as white as it could be…white as snow….at least on top.

Isn’t it wonderful how God can use such a simple little thing like cleaning the snow off your car to remind you of a profound truth? The great thing about God’s forgiveness, the forgiveness made possible by Jesus’ death and resurrection, is that it doesn’t just cover our sin with a layer of goodness – it cleanses us “from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). That snow was beautiful, but underneath there was still a black car. Covering my car with snow made it white, just like doing good deeds can make us look pure and holy. Problem is, good works don’t change the color of the paint.

Real change takes place below the surface.

The difference between the forgiveness of God and snow is that salvation changes the color underneath. “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall BE WHITE AS SNOW.” That’s a statement describing fundamental change, not a layer of frozen condensation. If you have never been forgiven of your sin, then at best you are just covered in a 7-inches of white that will one day melt. Why not let Jesus take your crimson-stained heart and make it new; make it “white as snow?”  That’s real change – Jesus Style.

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by | January 6, 2011 · 10:13 am

The Raelians are Coming!!

About the time that I thought the only thing I had to worry about was Islam and LGBT marriages, along comes a new threat –

UFO cults. It’s not science fiction, folks.

As times change, pastors are having to battle change. It’s not that we oppose changing styles, or stuff like that. We oppose those who are attempting to change the truth of Scripture in order to accomplish their own goals.

People have always tried to twist the words of the Bible to meet their own needs. That is nothing new. The problem that we face today is the ever growing desire to make those changes legal; to force pastors, under threat of lawsuits, to accept sin and place a stamp of approval on it. An example of this would be a gay or lesbian couple trying to force a pastor to marry them, rather than face discrimination and/or human rights charges. If you don’t think they are serious, just check out this article from NPR written just a couple of years ago (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91486340). Things haven’t gotten better.

"I come to sue."

Now, get this, a Catholic school in Canada had been forced to pay damages to a group of UFO cultists! Even though you can go to their site, let me print it below (http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/ontario-tribunal-finds-catholic-school-board-guilty-of-religious-discrimina).

TORONTO, Ontario, December 20, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The Ontario Human Rights Tribunal has ordered a Catholic school board to compensate three members of a prominent UFO cult after finding the board guilty of religious discrimination.

Daniel, Michel, and Sylvie Chabot, members of the Raelian cult, were hired in November 2006 by the Conseil Scolaire Catholique Franco-Nord to offer ‘emotional pedagogy’ training sessions for teachers.  They delivered such sessions through what they call the Academy of Pleasurology and Emotional Intelligence (APEI).

The Catholic board chose to end the contract in January 2007 after discovering their membership in the cult, which claims that humans were planted on Earth by benevolent extraterrestrials.

On December 15th, Tribunal vice president Michelle Flaherty ruled that the board had discriminated against the three siblings on the basis of their beliefs.  The parties had agreed to mediation, but asked the Tribunal to determine if the human rights code was violated.  The decision does not reveal how much the board must pay in penalty.

The Raelian sect was founded by former French sports journalist Claude Vorilhon, now known as ‘Rael’, in 1973 after he claimed that he had an encounter with aliens.  The cult is known for its strong support of human cloning, which is based on their belief that cloning will usher in a paradise where people live forever.

Daniel Chabot, who calls himself a bishop, said they have filed dozens of human rights complaints, but this is the first to side with them.  “It took us 17 years of relentless battles and one case before a Human Rights Tribunal in Ontario to finally have our voices heard,” he stated in a press release.  “This sentence was ironically delivered on Human Rights Day, December 10, 2010 and was, needless to say, a sweet victory.”

Ronald Demers, the school board’s chairman, told the Catholic Register that they will not appeal.  LifeSiteNews.com did not hear back from the board by press time.

The aliens, I mean the Raelians are coming! The Raelians are coming!

P.S.   I don’t want to bash the poor Catholic folks in Canada, but why didn’t anyone see a HUGE RED FLAG when the board hired people from the “Academy of Pleasurology and Emotional Intelligence (APEI)” to conduct “emotional pedagogy” training? Just asking. What ever happened to Theology?

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by | December 28, 2010 · 2:57 pm

What’s Down the Road?

I was just thinking about the new year, not to mention all of the things that I have committed to do. First, there were simple things like pounds to lose, things to fix, books to read, tests to take, messages to preach, and people to see.  Now, on top of all of that, there are more threats of war, higher fuel prices, decreasing morals, and a new season of American Idol. What are we going to do?

A wallpaper picture really caught my attention, today. The scene was a peaceful road leading towards some distant mountains obscuring the horizon. Above the mountains were what seemed to be fireworks and the phrase, “Happy New Year!” It caught my attention because it made me think, “Are we driving into a celebration, or a battle?”

We may not like to think of it this way, but we have lived in a pretty peaceful world for a number of years. Well, just to qualify that statement, Americans have lived peacefully. Even with the last 20 years’ worth of gulf wars, nothing we have experienced in the last 30+ years compares to the Vietnam conflict, the Korean War, or especially World Wars 1 and 2. The world has had its share of trouble, but nothing on the scale of the world wars and genocides of the early to mid 1900’s. Is it possible that the road leading into 2011 may find something besides celebration?

Just a quick glance of the the world news today gave me a shudder……

When you think about it, our country is no longer the leader she once was. We have lost our moral authority and our will to act unilaterally. Our leadership is seeking a plurality of world powers in the name of peace, while giving away our blood-bought sovereignty wrapped in treaties. The peace that was maintained by our threat of force is now up for grabs by any snot-nosed maniac willing to threaten with a car bomb. Who will now lead us down the road? Even more frightening, who are we willing to let lead us?

But even with all the doom and gloom on the horizon, there is hope.

Things could really get bad in the days ahead, and that should disturb us. What is just beyond the mountains ahead could spell the end to everything we have grown to accept as normal and peaceful. Even so, our hope is not in man, nor governments, nor political parties, or fragile treaties. Our hope is in God. Our God is in control.

Just think, the Bible is a good example of how nations can come and go like the seasons of the year. Israel was hardly ever at peace, yet the believers in God were comforted with such words as, “Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” – Isa 41:10 KJV

If world markets crumble and governments collapse; if Social Security checks cease; if jobs become harder to find than Lindsay Lohan‘s common sense; God is still God. Followers of Jesus need not fear what is down the road. He can take care of His own.

And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. – Luk 12:22-30 ESV

The future could be full of conflict, or it could be as peaceful as ever. We don’t know what the fireworks mean. But one thing is for sure, “I know Who holds tomorrow, and I know Who holds my hand.” As I walk down the road of life, I am not alone.

Bring on the future!

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by | December 20, 2010 · 11:36 pm

Give Me a Break! I’m a Man!

And now a thought resulting from too much Christmas shopping…

Men have to go rest, sometime. We even have a special room in which to rest.  They call it a Men’s Restroom. It is a place men can go and conduct business with very little, if any, conversation. As a matter of fact, it is a place where men usually choose to go alone, without a friend. It is a place where we talk to the “Fonz.”

This year I have decided to speak out against an injustice, a travesty, an attack on masculinity.  If you go to the J.C. Penney store in Hixson, Tennessee, you will see a sight that should not be. I don’t know who thought of this scenario, but whoever planned it is either anti-John Wayne, or Pro-Justin Bieber and Lady GaGa. What is wrong with this picture?

 

I'm sorry, but this is just wrong!

 

 

You see, it is bad enough that we men have to stand in the women’s clothing section for hours at a time while our women try on clothes. Could you at least give us a break when you plan where we are supposed to,…..well,……………go rest?

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by | December 16, 2010 · 11:05 pm

What’s Your Life Worth?

So, I get a phone call from a reader who asks, “Is everything on your site serious?” Well, obviously, no. Even my chili recipe contained humor. But this post may be more serious than others.

This one is serious.

What would you die for? What is so valuable that you would risk or even sacrifice your own life? Have you ever stopped to think about that? You should.

The typical things in life that are considered so valuable, when put in perspective, aren’t really worth that much. Even the most “priceless” treasures are not worth your life – or are they? Would you fight a thief for your purse or car? Then you are saying those things are more valuable than your life, for you are willing to risk your life to keep them. It is how people die every day in the pursuit of, and the keeping of earthly possessions. Foolish, frankly.

Even more than concrete items, some value their pride more than life. They are willing to fight to the death, or kill others when insulted or “dissed.” Perception is NOT reality, just as integrity is not determined by opinion; yet, some would rather risk death than be thought of wrongly. So many have yet to learn that what people think of them does not determine the reality of who they are.

From the perspective of family, I would say that most believe life is worth risking life. If my loved ones were in danger, then it would be natural to put my life on the line. Really, there is no argument against this one. But on the other hand, society is very fickled when it comes to how it determines the value of one life. One life is not as valuable as another, after all. Life is not as valuable to some if convenience or personal pleasure is at stake.  I would die for my children, but many kill their own children before birth.  It seems to me that values gold more consistently than life itself.

What about beliefs? Are you willing to die for what you believe? Now this, I know, could open up a whole can of worms; but that’s ok. Just stop and think about it for a moment. Do you believe in anything so much that it is worth more than your own life? When your life is on the line, knowing the difference between what you believe and what is only opinion is of key importance. A martyr is one who will die for what they believe, rather than deny it.  Is your faith worth dying for?  If not, then how much do you really believe?

But here’s one more thought…how much is YOUR life worth?

Value is determined by what someone is willing to give for it, right? That’s typically the way it goes. So, if nothing on earth is more valuable than your life, does that make your life valuable? Well, maybe to you. Think about it, to someone else your life might not be as valuable as their own. Would you value the life of a total stranger so much that you would offer your own in exchange? I mean, really? Someone may even be willing to give all of the world’s riches in order to obtain your life, but are you worth it? Who would even have that kind of wealth? That leaves you with nothing more than your sense of value compared to another’s. Your worth against theirs.

Value is relative to the thing for which the buyer will exchange.  That’s a disturbing thought, isn’t it?

On the other hand, what if the Creator of the universe offered to die for you?

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Rom 5:8 NIV

That would make you of incalculable worth! The King of Heaven, the Son of God, gave His own life in exchange for yours, even accepting your guilts and failures as His own, and paying the death penalty for sin on your behalf.

For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. – 2Corinthians 5:21 KJV

That makes you valuable. That makes Jesus pretty unique. How many others have done what He has for you? Most of us would die for our children or spouse.  Some of us would die for a friend or maybe a good person.  But how many of us would give our own life to purchase the life of a stranger, much less a convict, drug dealer, murderer, etc?  Jesus did.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Rom 5:6-8 NIV

That’s the whole reason for Christmas, you know.  Jesus had to come to earth as a baby to grow into the Man that would willingly go to a cruel cross.  The gift of Christmas is the gift of life, purchased with the life of the Giver of Life. How ironic is that; and how wonderful?

What is your life worth?  Well, it was worth the Messiah suffering the most excruciating death Rome could conceive.  It was worth the Prince of Peace being shredded by a “cat of nine tails.” It was worth God becoming flesh so that we could know Him.  If you are worth that much, and if that kind of price was paid, don’t you think giving your life to Jesus is a fair exchange?

If you would like to know more about Jesus, and how he loves you and died for you, then call this number, 1-800-NEED-HIM. Or, if you would like to talk with me, just send me an email.  Your life is worth it.

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by | December 15, 2010 · 2:55 pm

Being Judgmental of Angels

People, who act like heathen, when they have their actions questioned, seem to always respond with the creme de la creme of rebuttals, “Christians aren’t supposed to judge.”  It really does not matter that they have no earthly idea what they are talking about, or where they get that phrase.  Yet, with a sense of pride, they just sneer, and boldly attempt to showcase their Biblical expertise – riiiight.

Sadly, many Christians do not understand what Jesus meant when He said, “Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1). It had nothing to do with reproving the “unfruitful works of darkness” (Ephesians 5:11).  It had everything to do with not expecting to be judged with any less of a judgement than one meets out.  It is a shame when unbelievers, who know enough about Jesus to use Him as an excuse, intimidate Christians into silence; but, it happens every day.

It is also sad when we Christians REALLY do what we’re accused of (make assumptions from which we cast judgment).  It happens all the time when we see someone on the side of the road with a sign that says, “Will work for food.” It happens when, as you are sitting in your car, a woman walks up and taps on the window, only to ask if you have some spare change.  Who are we to say that what they tell us is a lie?  Is it possible that they really do need money for a fan belt, a gallon of milk, or a bus ticket home?  Is it possible that the scruffy-looking, unkempt fellow or madam you’re looking at is, in actuality, a heavenly messenger?  An angel? 

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. – Hbr 13:2 KJV

During this time of world chaos and financial uncertainty, it is far more likely that the bum on the side of the road is actually a bum on the side of the road.  Who knows for what reason he/she is there?  Are we to pass judgment upon them?  Maybe we should just love them and do what we can to help when we are confronted – or before.  In one of the same chapters that talk about not judging another unjustly are found the following verses:

Give what you have to anyone who asks you for it; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do for others as you would like them to do for you. – Luk 6:30-31 NLT

By not giving that dollar or two to the one who asks, are we not, in actuality, disobeying a direct command of Jesus?  Really, by not giving, are we not committing two sins? One would be that we did not give when asked; the other that we judged them unworthy.  It would seem to me that it would be the better part of wisdom, not to mention a display of our faith in action, to entertain the “stranger.” Who knows, he may just be taking notes for his Boss in heaven?  God will be the Judge.

 

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by | December 13, 2010 · 6:20 pm

Making Winter Warm with Chili

I swear, I start a blog about living a life free (as much as possible) from paralyzing legalism, and now I might as well start a food critic/cooking show!  What is happening to me?  Before long, I will preaching about pepperoni, sermonizing about sirloin, or pontificating over pot roast.  I need to go hunting for furry animals, or something….anything to get my masculinity back.

Oh, but wait! There is one thing I can do – MAKE CHILI!

With winter officially around the corner, but in all practicality now freezing our tails off, I felt the need to make a pot of chili. There are some things that a man should be able to make on a stove top that aren’t stuffing, cream of wheat, or pudding.  A real man needs to know how to craft a pot of chili that can keep you alive in an ice storm. Real chili, mind you; not the watery beef-and-tomato chili-flavored soup that some try to pass off to unsuspecting desperadoes. So, if you want to make a respectable version of my chili, feel honored to have, for the first time ever, my recipe. Please try to send all thanks in the form of monetary contributions.

Brown two pounds of ground beef in an iron skillet, or preferably an iron kettle (good stuff, not the lean, cardboard type). While it is browning, add a little Worshtishire sauce and a little chopped onion, if you desire.

Brown one pound of boneless pork chops in extra virgin olive oil.  When done, slice and dice into little cubes of pork chop joy.

(Optional – fry some bacon and chop it up into fine bits and add that, along with a tad of the grease)

When all the meat is done, start adding two (2) 15oz cans of tomato sauce, along with three (3) cans of Luck’s pinto beans. If you like kidney beans, and you are weird, then replace the pinto beans according to your lousy taste.

Add one cup of strong, black coffee.  Yep, I said coffee.

Now, start adding all of the spices.

  • 2 tablespoons Chili Powder (or maybe three)
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Sage
  • 1 teaspoon Crushed Rosemary
  • 2 teaspoons Paparika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 4 teaspoons Ground Roasted Cumin (powder)
  • 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper (more or less to taste, depending on whether or not you like your tongue)
  • 1-1 1/2 teaspoons of salt (don’t use sea salt, because that is just, well, not manly)
  • 1/4 teaspoon (maybe a tad more) of Liquid Smoke.
  • 1 tablespoon Oregeno

Being that I had to use what I had, and not everything I actually wanted (pastors cant always afford a fully-stocked fridge or spice cabinet), I didn’t have any onions, so I used a little onion salt.  Keep in mind when you do that, you have to adjust the actual salt in the recipe.  Also, I did not have any fresh garlic, which is why I used garlic powder, instead of 3-4 cloves (put through a garlic press). Ideally, I like to saute the onions and garlic together in an iron skillet, then add them to the beef and pork.

A final ingredient that really makes chili stand out, if you want something different, is about a half ounce of Lime Juice.

Well, there you have it.  Just bring this collection of real chili ingredients to a boil, then let it simmer for a couple of hours on low heat. Have some to eat at that point, but the best will be after you let it sit overnight in the refrigerator.

 

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by | December 9, 2010 · 11:51 am

Any More Predictions, Mr. Gore?

Correct me if I am wrong, but weren’t we supposed to be covered in water by now?  Weren’t we supposed to be sweating it out in sauna-like conditions because of “global warming?”  Unless I missed something, isn’t snow and record cold temperatures sorta like, ummm, NOT a sign Santa is going to be wearing a tank-top and speedos?

Just listen to some of what is going on right now:

Al Gore said in a speech to the National Sierra Club, Sept. 9, 2005, “The warnings about global warming have been extremely clear for a long time. We are facing a global climate crisis. It is deepening. We are entering a period of consequences.”  Really? Well, Al, don’t blame me if I am confused, ok? I would have thought that if the world was warming, then we shouldn’t be breaking 351 year old cold temperature records, or thinking of bringing back Rudolph to help Santa navigate through the snow storms.

There is no question that, if we looked, we could see evidence of change in global weather patterns over the years.  The thing that has to be remembered is that weather has changed and will continue to change, but man has nothing to do with it.  As a matter of fact, it is the One who created the weather that has it in His control.

Are there any among the false gods of the nations that can bring rain? Or can the heavens give showers? Are you not he, O LORD our God? We set our hope on you, for you do all these things. – Jer 14:22 ESV

I say that we don’t put our trust in the Al Gores of the world, but in the Saviour of the world, Jesus.  After all, we can blow all the hot air we want, but it was Jesus who spoke to the wind, and there was a great calm (Psalm 107:29; Mark 4:39).

He can calm the storms in your life, too.


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by | December 7, 2010 · 11:09 pm

Anthony’s Appetite #4

I HEAR BANJO MUSIC!!

Yours truly jammin' on the flat 5!

Where do you go to see a grown man in a suit playing a toy (but playable) banjo?  The Cracker Barrel, of course.

By now you know how I feel about this place.  I love the atmosphere.  I love the coffee.  I love playing checkers by a real, wood-burning fireplace.  I also love a particular, Southern dish: beans and greens.

What are beans and greens?  Well, let’s start with the bean part.  If there is one bean that you just have to include in Southern cooking, it’s the pinto bean.  I am not an expert in how to make them, though.  What I do know is that there is an art to it.  Cracker Barrel knows how to do ’em right.  I have been to some restaurants than may have well just opened a can off the shelf.  These have been slow-cooked with pork (not an Adventist dish) and can stand alone as a dish unto themselves.

Next, you’ve got the greens.  What are the greens?  We’re talking turnip greens, slow-cooked with pork ( yet another vegetable ruined by the anti-Kosher, anti-Pharisaical folks) until they are tender, meaty, and savory.  For the unlearned, these are not collard greens, nor spinach.

Beans and Greens

Along with the beans and the greens come a side of chow-chow relish and a slice of onion.  I put both in my beans, along with the cornbread.  Of course, you get more than one piece of cornbread, so you can save one to eat with just butter.

Goooooooood stuff.

 

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by | December 7, 2010 · 1:38 pm

Guilt, Email, and Cartoons

You open an email from a [friend] that is meant to “make your day,” and you find something that starts something like this:

When it’s cold outside and your world is gray

Just know that love is coming your way.

Enjoy this cute picture of puppy cuteness,

And free yourself from laughing muteness.

Oh, you love the puppies…you’ve got to love the puppies.  But more than that, you have to love Jesus, right?  You know, Jesus, Saviour of the world?  So the email continues:

The world needs Love that’s ever true.

They need to hear you love them, too.

Puppies sweet will make your day;

But Christ, alone, can sinners save.

Now, who but the Neo-pagan, Muslim, Wiccan, or atheist could disagree with that logic? You are all for sharing the love of Jesus, right? Well, you may not be planning a mission trip to Africa next week, but you know the words to “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know.”  Yeah, the world needs unconditional love, and maybe even a puppy, or two.  So far, the email has made you smile, feel the love, and even caused you to re-evaluate you world-mission ethic.  Great email, [friend].

Then, out of the blue, or off the white of your computer monitor, comes the rest of the email:

If you love God, Mankind, and are against the wholesale slaughter of innocent, cute puppies for the purposes of developing cosmetics for fat, uncaring capitalists, then send this email in the next five minutes to every friend you have, however distant or unheard of.  If you don’t, your lack of caring will mean that the light of this email candle of love will forever be extinguished and the Armageddon-like darkness of hatred and bigotry will forever envelope the landscape of our children’s future.  If you love life, and your mother, for the children’s sake, please forward this.

What is it with this kind of stuff?  In need of a hug, myself, I open an email meant to encourage me and find myself feeling like the scum of the earth if I don’t hand over my contact list!  Some *@!# [friend]!  I feel worse, now, than when I started!  What is it with all this guilt?

Well, if that wasn’t enough, someone on Facebook has recently gotten into the act.  The whole world is being made to feel like promoters of pedophilia and child abuse if we don’t change our profile pictures to cartoon characters.  What?  I am trying to make it through life the best way I can, trusting God to carry me as I go, and doing my best to break free from the Pharisees that would judge my spirituality.  Now, out of the internetal (I made that word up) universe, comes a flood of guilt meant to shame me into yielding to some unknown entity’s idea of what my profile pic should be.  I don’t think so, [friend]!

The reason behind all this profile-pic-changing is to increase child abuse awareness. The idea is that if all human faces could be removed from Facebook,  child-chasing perverts worthy of the lowest parts of Hell would have one less tool to lure unsuspecting kids into chatting.  I can respect that.  But how many children are going to look at my picture and think I am a 10 year old, huh?

I question the logic of all of this, also.  As I understand it, pedophiles are using cartoon characters as profile pictures of themselves. The purpose for this is to make the innocent children think that the slime on the other end is actually another child just wanting to be share cheat codes for the newest video game.  So, why not just ask everyone on the internet to post a picture of an old, sleazy-looking convict? If everyone had profile pictures that looked like Spongebob, then how would the kiddies know how to distinguish between good guys and bad guys?

I think that the best approach to stemming the tide of child abuse on the internet would be to keep your darlings off the stinking web! At the very least, parents, know what your little boys or girls are doing when they are on the internet.  How much common sense does that take?  If you know that there are preditors out there who want your children, why let them take their Dell-sized ticket to “pervert land” with them to their bedroom?

I am keeping my profile picture just the way it is.  I have no desire to give in to the self-righteous who think I don’t care about the world’s children, or for that matter, cute puppies.  So, keep your threatening emails to yourselves.  The next time I get one of your “please forward now, or else” requests, I may just forward the message that you kicked your own, cute dog……..

………and that you don’t like Jesus, either.

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