Family Watchdog

Hello everyone,

Evelyn here, and I have a serious subject to tell you about.

A few years back, I attempted to start a neighborhood crime watch or Crime Prevention as it is called today.  However, I was neither well received nor supported.  Instead, I and my family were made victims by the very people I sought to help me get a crime watch in our area.  I saw a need for a crime watch, but there was very, very few who took me seriously and many made an open joke of me. 

At that time, one of the major issues I believed that we should have addressed and made aware of was the number of sexual predators in our immediate living area.  At that time, there were thirteen (13) registered sex offenders in walking distant to were we lived.  To me that was a very disturbing number of predators living and/or working among us and our children.

As to how many sexual predators there are today in our area is unknown by me because when I and my family where repeatedly subjected to one form of harassment, destruction of property, abuse after another, I lost interest.  Attempting to help and improve our neighborhood nearly destroyed our family, and I believe that it is the cause of many other families moving away. More to the point, those families and.or individuals who act as "the neighborhood bullies" ran off many families who did not agree with them or they ( the bullies) simply did like.  We needed a crime watch and not just for the safety our children but the family unit as a whole. 

Recently, I was told that there is a crime watch in our neighborhood now; however, I have no faith in it because things seen worse, and the bullies are still here.  Anyone who knows my area knows that I speak the truth. 

However, this is just a little back history to explain why I have posted "Family Watchdog" in my links section.  It is a long awaited project approved our governor, Jeb Bush, the Attorney General of the State of Florida Charlie Crist and the State of Florida.  Family Watchdog is an user friendly web site to help families protect themselves and their children.  Check it out.

There is no appropriate mood for this entry listed above.  However, this subject is very,very serious and should be viewed as such by all who read this blog.

Evelyn out.

Happy, happy holidays!

Happy Holidays To Everyone!

Evelyn here,

What a fantastic Christmas day I had yesterday.  It was the first Christmas that I spent at my son's place.  I, my husband, yes I have one of those, spent the evening with our son and his girlfriend.  It was the first time the four of us spent a holiday together and it was better than I could have hoped for.  We are becoming a tight little family slowly but surely. 

With the except of a few troublesome people, our holiday was great.  It ended as it started, with a beautiful feeling of wellbeing and feeling blest. I did something new. I purchased a turkey meal for the first time.  I do not buy it because I can not cook.  I cook very well, and when I am in the mood I can cook some pretty tasty meals Baking has always been a pleasant adventure for me because I like baking from scratch.  It is always a joy to watch something I put together rise and fill the house with delicious smells.

As it is now, my life is a busy one but I am not complaining. I do not miss the cooking. This past week I only has one evening day home, and that was because someone made a mistake. "God, I got to get a car?"  Anyway, I was out the rest of the week.  

I worked during the day and I attended both choirs rehearsals. Saturday night which was Christmas Eve, I attended Midnight Mass where I sang.  I was in bed about 2:30 A.M. Christmas morning, and then was up and out again by 8:15 A. M.  Once I reach the church,  I sang at the 9:30 A.M. mass and 11:30 A.M. mass. 

When the last mass was finished I went directly to my son place and you know the rest.

As for my upcoming web site, I will probably build it and without the logo and add it later.  There has been a delay because the artist, my son. was not sure quite what I wanted.  My vision is clear to me, so what's the problem.  Just joking, but having a clear vision of what I want is important.  When the holidays are over I will start working of the site after work.  I think once I have something up, my ideas will flow even more and more clearly. 

I brought myself a digital camera for Christmas.  What a miraculous piece of technology.  I am learning to work with the software that came with it.  I have also learned to integrated the other and large graphic programs that I own into it and I can do some pretty amazing thing with photos I took during this holiday.  the use of this camera will greatly improve my the photo section of the site as well as my blog.

I am still running into some pretty mean spirited people.  I use to joke around and say that people were are guilty of something proves It.  Well, as many people who have tried to either block my progress and/or attempt to interfere in my life and the lives my family has  made a believer out of me.  No people are this destructive and malice without being hateful and quite crazy. but, I seem to attract them.  And major NO!  That last was not an invitation the you crazies the act crazier or crawl out hiding places.  Stay hidden and continue to be crazy away from me and mine. The praise is  "Get thee behind me Satan!

I started to erase this but what the heck, It helps to get this out and have the outlet and courage to so it. I should never write when I am tired.

Good Night.

Happy, happy holidays!

Happy Holidays To Everyone!

Evelyn here,

What a fantastic Christmas day I had yesterday.  It was the first Christmas that I spent at my son's place.  I, my husband, yes I have one of those, spent the evening with our son and his girlfriend.  Itwas the first time the four of us spent a holiday together and it was better than I could have hoped for.  We are becoming a tight little family slowly but surely. 

With the except of a few troublesome people, our holiday was great.  It ended as it started, with a beautiful feeling of wellbeing and feeling blest. I did something new. I purchased a turkey meal for the first time.  I do not buy it because I can not cook.  I cook very well, and when I am in the mood I can cook some pretty tasty meals Baking has always been a pleasant adventure for me because I like baking from scratch.  It is always a joy to watch something I put together rise and fill the house with delicious smells.

As it is now, my life is a busy one but I am not complaining. I do not miss the cooking. This past week I only has one evening day home, and that was because someone made a mistake. "God, I got to get a car?"  Anyway, I was out the rest of the week.  

I worked during the day and I attended both choirs rehearsals. Satuurday night which was Christmas Eve, I attended Midnight Mass where I sang.  I was in bed about 2:30 A.M. Christmas morning, and then was up and out again by 8:15 A. M.  Once I reach the church,  I sang at the 9:30 A.M. mass and 11:30 A.M. mass. 

When the last mass was finished I went directly to my son place and you know the rest.

As for my upcoming web site, I will probably build it and without the logo and add it later.  There has been a delay because the artist, my son. was not sure quite what I wanted.  My vision is clear to me, so what's the problem.  Just joking, but having a clear vision of what I want is important.  When the holidays are over I will start working of the site after work.  I think once I have something up, my ideas will flow even more and more clearly. 

I brought myself a digital camera for Christmas.  What a miraculous piece of technology.  I am learningto work with the software that came with it.  I have also learned to integrated the other and large graphic programs that I own into it and I can do some pretty amazing thing with photos I took during this holiday.  the use of this camera will greatly improve my the photo section of the site as well as my blog.

Christ

This is a picture of a crucified Christ that is hanging in the hall of our Parish Library.  I have created a mural wallpaper for my desktop of it and added the following caption:

"His death redeemed us from our sins. If positions were reversed would any in our number do the same for Him?" 

The origins  and artist of the crucifix is unknown.  However, I trust  that my Parish will not have any objection to My borrowing it for that honest display of worship. I did this in 2000 after become a member of the church.

 

 

Webpage Coming Soon!

The official "The Woman Within" web page is coming soon.  I have checked out some sketches for the introductory page and they look great, so soon I will have an original and an official logo. 

I decided on a web page because I need more space to add and display things as they arrive or as they are created.  The blog is nice, but some good stuff is going into the archives too quickly.  

Some of you have probably noticed from my links that I am a Xena's fan.  In truth, I am a diehard Xena's fan, and I frequent the best Xena's sites on the internet and sometimes communicate with other fans who are still dedicated to the series and to the stars.  This has been a pleasure of mine since the show began in 1995, and I was crushed at the way the series ended.  Xena lost her head and was unable to return from the dead.

Like me, there are millions of fans, male and female, who are ready and eager for a Xena Warrior Princess' movie.  However, there is still a battle going on with Universal Studios on just who owns the right to the show.  Robert Tapert, Lucy Lawless' husband, was the creator and executive producer of the series.  Hopefully, we diehard fans will not have to wait much longer because as Renee O' Connor (Gabrielle) once stated "We will be too old". Heaven forbid that we will have that long of a wait.

As a diehard fan, I gleefully possess the entire series on DVD, I mean all six seasons, plus the three Hercules/Xena crossovers which first introduce us to the Warrior Princess.  For more on the series and what is happening with the actors today, check out the links section of this blog.

Of the wallpaper above, the first and the last are montages that I created.  Included are photos of Lucy Lawless (Xena), Renee O'Connor (Gabrielle ), and Hudson Lieck (Callisto).

All three of these women are wonderful actresses, and we, their fans, would like to see more work from them  Each brought their characters to life for us. Then they carried us along with them on their journey of self discovery and redemption. The show was great fun and did a lot for female actresses in starring roles. It also brought women together across the globe.

La Nativite

Evelyn here,   I was so touched by Wayne's story "Remmeber My Birthday" that when I saw this portrait entitled " La Nativite",  I had to post it here.  The original painting is part of a ten panel grouping, entitled "Thematic Trails: The Christmas Story"  and is displayed in Paris at the Louvre. It appears to be a beauitfully spetic colored woodcut. The link to the webpage is listed int he links area.  Enjoy!

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Remember My Birthday!

Hello everyone,

Evelyn here. I have had a very busy week and a bout of the flu, but with medication and rest, I should be well soon.  I was checking my email this evening and found the following story.  It is a little story about the real reason we celebrate Christmas and how easy it is for so many of us the forget.  The story is entitled "Remember My Birthday!" and was originally emailed by Wayne. Enjoy and reflect.

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"Remember My Birthday????!!!!!!

"As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year
there is
a celebration in my honor
and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated.  During
this
time there are many people
shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials,
and
in every part of
the world everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and
closer.

It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people
think
of me. As you know,
the celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At first people
seemed
to understand and be
thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems
to
know the reason for the
celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but
they
don't know the
meaning of the celebration.

I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The
dinner
table was full of delicious
foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. 

The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully
wrapped
gifts. But, do you
want to know something? I wasn't invited.  I was the guest of honor and
they
didn't remember to
send me an invitation.

The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside,
they
closed the door in my
face......... and I wanted to be with them and share their table.

In truth, that didn't surprise me because for many of the past years
now,
all close their doors to me.
Since I was not invited, I decided to enter the party without making
any
noise.  I went in and stood
in a corner. They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and
telling jokes and laughing
at everything. They were having a great time. To top it all, this big
fat
man all dressed in red wearing
a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! 

He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying : "Santa
Claus,
Santa Claus"...   as if the
party were in his honor!

At 12 midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended my
arms
waiting for someone
to hug me and  ....  do you know .... no one hugged me.

Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one
with
great expectation. When
all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me.
What
would you feel if on
your birthday, everybody shared gifts and you did not get one?  I then
understood that I was
unwanted at that party and quietly left.

Every year it gets worse. People only remember to eat and drink, the
gifts,
the parties and nobody
remembers me.  I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter
into
your life. I would like
that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came
to
this world to give my life
for you, on the cross, to save you.

Today, I only want that you believe this with all your heart. I want to
share something with you.  As
many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a
grandiose party that no one
has ever imagined, a spectacular party.

I'm still making the final arrangements. Today I am sending out many
invitations and there is an invitation
for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a
reservation
for you and write your
name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on the
guest
list will be invited to the
party.  Those who don't answer the invitation, will be left outside.

Do you know how you can answer this invitation?  It is by extending it
to
others whom you care for...

I'll be waiting for all of you to attend my party this year...

....  I love you!

-Jesus- "

Busy, Busy, Busy Bee!

Evelyn here,

I have been very busy in this second week of Advent. Because I am in both choirs, I am rehearsing a great deal. I have spent the last four evenings at church rehearsing and helping out in one of the music offices. Tonight included attending and singing at mass. It is a gruelling pace since I am coming straight from work, but I am loving every minute of it. This is a very exciting time of the year for me because it brings people closer together, and all that has goes on earlier in the year becomes insignificance in the light that this season is about the birth of our Lord, Jesus.

I am exhausted now, so until my next entry. Peace be with you.

"Monk Rock" Ticket Sales

The wait it nearly over, and we lovers of the Christian Rock genre are tapping our feet and counting the days for the arrival of the “MONK ROCK” concert featuring John Michael Talbot, and, Tom Booth, and Mason Profit as special guests. 

 

The official posters are up and tickets are on sell throughout the Diocese, and I am happy to present you with the following poster provided by and with the permission of my parish.

                                                                                     

                                                                                          Thank you,

                                                                                                    Blessed Trinity.

An Evening with John Michael Talbot

Important Announcement For Christian Music Fans:

 

John Michael Talbot will be one of the Christian rock singers who will hold a concert on February 12, 2006 at our church which is Blessed Trinity Roman Catholic Church. I am a great fan of JMT and his “Monk Rock”.  Our choirs will be acting as his backup singers while he sings here. I feel like a groupie from the 60's when the Beatles tour my home town in Chicago. I was here at the concert screaming my head out with the best of them.  Being a member of both the Contemporary choir and the Traditional choir, I am looking forward to singing with JMT.  We start rehearsals in January.

 

Here is a link to more concert dates and information about JMT.

http://www.johnmichaeltalbot.com/

A Special Friend

The following is from Lisa who is also a part of our growing circle of friends.  Thank you Lisa. Thank you Marcia.

Sometimes in life, you find a special friend;
Someone who changes your life
just by being part of it.
Someone who makes you laugh
until you can't stop;
Someone who makes you believe
that there really is good in the world.
Someone who convinces you
that there really is an unlocked door
just waiting for you to open it.

This is Forever Friendship.
This is the sacred RED ROSE.
You MUST pass this rose on to at least 5 people within the hour of receiving this rose.
After you do, make a wish.
If you have passed it on, your wish will come true and love will come your way shortly.
If not your life will stay the same as it has always been.
Just be nice &pass it on....May we all be loved so much.

Friend if I don't get this back I can take a hint!
How many people actually have 8 true friends? Hardly anyone I know! But some of us have all right friends and good friends!!!

Send this to 8 people or more and if this is sent back to you then you know that you are a true friend...!

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Our circle is growing and if you want to contribute something post a comment or email me at evelyn_altheimer_fain@yahoo.com.

The Spirit of Christmas

Hello readers,

Evelyn here, and I am in great spirits.  I do not get to write on this blog as much as I would like, and I do not like some of the things I have written. However, part of this blog is a venting area for where the truth of what is happening with me is not hidden. Today, I am acknowledging God,  my known friends, as well as my unknown friends for keeping me from harm when I needed them. My life should be less troubled at this period in my life but it is not. I can not complain of my life as being boring, however, it could be less troublesome.

Anyway, I am in the Christmas mood and I am planning to take a cruise to some place exciting. Where? I do not know but I will begin my search tonight.  There are so many places in the world that I want to see,  and now that I have decide to see a few of those places, I do not know where to start.  I greatest interest is in England but that would be a extended trip of a week or more and would take much planning.  I am thinking more of a  3-4 days trips.  More on where I will travel later.

I just wanted everyone to know that I still here and still writing. 

 

Update:  The Christmas cruise is off. I have looked at some cruise ships offerings for this season, but there is not enough time for me to gather all the information needed to meet a ship's departure date.  But I am not discouraged, and I now planning a trip to England. I have always wanted to go, so now is the time.  I should be fully prepare for a spring trip to England and back home.  Hopefully, I will be able get a around trip package. If not I might take the cruise over there and then fly back home.

The best part of this is the planning. It is all new to me and I find is as exciting as the trip itself will be.

 

Vipers

This is a very dark poem about wicked hearts submersed in the guilt of past sins and willing to repeat and/or to commit more crimes to hide the truth of their past. This is not one of my best spur of the moment poem, but it does strongly express my distaste for certain human behaviors.

 

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Vipers

                                

Vipers at the door, on the floor,

in the room, and underneath the bed.

 

Vipers, vipers everywhere,

vipers, vipers too blind and mad to care.

 

Vipers crawling out of long forgotten caverns

to strike a mortal blow to all who oppose or enjoy the glow,

striking with fear of evil past discovery foremost in mind.

 

Unwise, the vipers tries to repeat the original sin.

Never ever guessing how unforgiven and deeply despised

they are to the eyes.

 

Slithering everywhere without a care of the multitudes they

have harmed throughout the years.

 

Be gone damnation's pawns. Crawl back into your dark and soulless past.

Leave innocence to live in the light and the holy air.

 

Vipers at the door of clean souls no more.

 

                             Evelyn F. Altheimer-Fain© November 28, 2005

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The Circle

Evelyn here again,

This email is about love and friendship. It was originally sent by Sherry. Thank you Marica for sending it to me.

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A girl asked a guy if he thought she was pretty,


 

He said...no.


 

She asked him if he would want to be with her forever...and he said no.

 

She then asked him if she were to leave would he cry, and once again he replied with a no.


 

She had heard enough. As she walked away, tears streaming down her face the boy grabbed her arm and said...


 

You're not pretty you're beautiful.


 

I don't want to be with you forever, I NEED to be with you forever.!


 

And I wouldn't cry if you walked away...I'd die...


 

SO NOW I WILL SAY:


 

I like you because of who you are to me...A true friend. 


 

And if I don't get this back I'll take the hint.


 

 
Remember:


 



 

I am Proud to be your Friend!


 

Make sure you read all the way down to the last sentence, and don't skip ahead.


 

I've learned...that life is like a roll of toilet paper.


 

The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.


 

I've learned...that we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.


 

I've learned...that money doesn't buy class.


 

I've learned...that it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.


 

I've learned...that under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.


 

I've learned...that the Lord didn't do it all in one day.


 

What makes me think I can?


 

I've learned...that to ignore the facts does not change the facts.


 



I've learned...that the less time I have to work, the more things I get done.


 

To all of you...make sure you read all the way down to the last sentence.


 

It's National Friendship Week.


 

Show your friends how much you care.


 

Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND, even if it means sending it back to the person who sent it to you.


 

If it comes back to you, then you'll know you have a circle of friends. <SPANSTYLE="FONT-SIZE: Arial? FONT-FAMILY: black; COLOR: 10pt;>


 

HAPPY FRIENDSHIP WEEK TO YOU!!!!!!


 

YOU ARE MY FRIEND AND I am honored

 

More from the Circle

This is from my friend Betty H. Her job takes her around the country, but she joins us whenever she comes to Florida.

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Jesus' Dad's Name

A Sunday school teacher asked her class, "What was Jesus' mother's name?"
One child answered, "Mary."
The teacher then asked, "Who knows what Jesus' father's name was?"
A little kid said, "Verge."
Confused, the teacher asked, "Where did you get that?"
The kid said, "Well, you know they are always talking about Verge n' Mary.''


***********

KIDS IN CHURCH
3-year-old, Reese:
"Our Father, Who does art in heaven, Harold is His name. Amen."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A little boy was overheard praying:
"Lord, if you can't make me a better boy, don't worry about it.
I'm having a real good time like I am."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After the christening of his baby brother in church, Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong.
Finally, the boy replied, "That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and I wanted to stay with you guys."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I had been teaching my  three-year old daughter, Caitlin, the Lord's
Prayer for several evenings at bedtime, she would repeat after me the
lines from the prayer. Finally, she decided to go solo. I listened with
pride as she carefully enunciated each word right up to the end of the
prayer: "Lead us not into temptation," she prayed, "but deliver us some E-mail.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One particular four-year-old prayed, "And forgive us our trash baskets
as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Sunday school teacher asked her children, as they were on the way to
church service, "And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?" One
bright little girl replied, "Because people are sleeping."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Six-year-old Angie and her four-year-old brother Joel were sitting
together in church. Joel giggled, sang, and talked out loud.
Finally, his big sister had had enough. "You're not supposed to talk
out loud in church." "Why? Who's going to stop me?" Joel asked.
Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, "See those two men
standing by the door? They're hushers."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin, 5 and Ryan 3. The
boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother
saw the opportunity for a moral lesson.
If Jesus were sitting here, He would say, 'Let my brother have the
first pancake, I can wait.'" Kevin turned to his younger brother and
said, "Ryan, you be Jesus!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A father was at the beach with his children when the four-year-old son
ran up to him, grabbed his hand, and led him to the shore
where a seagull lay dead in the sand. "Daddy, what happened to him?"
the son asked. "He died and went to Heaven," the Dad replied. The boy
thought a moment and then said, "Did God throw him back down?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


A wife invited some people to dinner. At the table, she turned to their
six-year-old daughter and said, "Would you like to say the blessing?" "I
wouldn't know what to say," the girl replied. "Just say what you hear
Mommy say," the wife answered. The daughter bowed her head and said,
"Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?"

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Circle of Friends

Evelyn here,

This is a portion of a email that I received from my friend Marcia. It was originally sent by Patty. We have a growing circle of friends who regualrly send email to each other.  So, I share this with you.

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Men Are Just Happier People-- What do you expect from such simple creatures? Your last name stays put. The garage is all yours. Wedding plans take care of themselves. Chocolate is just another snack.

You can be President. You can never be pregnant. You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park. You can wear NO shirt to a water park. Car mechanics tell you the truth.

The world is your urinal. You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky. You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt. Same work, more pay.

Wrinkles add character. Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100. People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.

The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.

New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet. One mood all the time. Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.


You know stuff about tanks. A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase. You can open all your own jars.You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness. If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.

Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack. Three pairs of shoes are more than enough. You almost never have strap problems in public. You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes. Everything on your face stays its original color. The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades. You only have to shave your face and neck.

You can play with toys all your life. Your belly usually hides your big hips. One wallet and one pair of shoes one color for all seasons. You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look. You can "do" your nails with a pocket knife. You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.

You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.

No wonder men are happier.

Send this to the women who can handle it and to the men who will enjoy reading it.

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Happy Holidays

Evelyn Here,

Yesterday turned out to be a wonderful Thanksgivings Day. It was the first holiday (after decades of cooking) that I did not spend time in the kitchen. After mass, I spent the rest of the day with my son and we went to a restaurant that served the most delicious Columbian meals.

Our time together went by pleasantly and once we finished eating, we went to see "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" which is the fourth movie in the J. K. Rowling series and fifth stories in her books.  

I must admit that I did not like this fourth movie as well as the previous three, but the ending saved it with the return of the evil wizard, Voldemort, who killed Harry’s parents. Voldemort wants to kill all Muggles and become the supreme wizard of dark magic. Moreover, Voldemort wants Harry dead for surviving his dark magic and diminishing his name in the wizard communities, good, and evil alike.

This installment also has the problem of making the stars look and act like fourteen year-olds. Puberty has left its mark strongly of these actors, and I found it hard to view them as young teenagers. Nevertheless, I am still a great fan of series, and without a doubt, I will be among the thousands of movie goers seeking to know what will happen next to Harry and his gang.

Below are a couple of Harry Potter's links.

 

http://www.scholastic.com/harrypotter/

 

http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/

Freedom of Expression

Evelyn here,

I went to mass today, and I will be spending this turkey day with my son,  and since it is only the two of us, we will be going out to eat and to otherwise celebrates this beautiful Thanksgiving. 

As much as I hate to mar this holiday, I must say something to a couple women who, frankly, did not care about the significant of today or of the expression they made on me. This ladies I write for you.

Here's to "Freedom of Expression". Thank God we know that we can enjoy it without feeling that we must seek the approval of or ask for permission from another to express ourselves.  Unfortunately, my attitude seems to be posing a problem for you. I state this because your actions today suggest that you either fear my openness, are jealous of my creativity, lack the sense of confidence and freedom it takes try it on your own, or (and God forbid) you have something to hide. Furthermore, and I know to whom I speak, cut the crap, and try liberating yourself.

Personally, I like me.

Happy Thanksgiving!

A Bit Of History From Merriam-Webster Collegiate Newsletter

Evelyn here again,

Here is a bit of interesting history from Merriam-Webster Collegiate Newsletter. Sometimes it is good to have a reminder of what has passed, so to continue to safe guard the future for all of mankind.

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November 2005 Word History of the Month: Jim Crow

The passing of Rosa Parks on October 24 brought the phrase Jim Crow back into many people’s conversation.  For those who wondered about the origins of this term, here's the story.

Jim Crow  Ethnic discrimination, especially against blacks by legal enforcement or traditional sanctions.  The body of laws enacted in the South after the end of Reconstruction in 1877 to enforce segregation of the races in virtually every aspect of public activity – in schools, restaurants, theaters, transport, parks, cemeteries, drinking fountains.  The purpose was to insure that blacks and whites would not meet as equals.  These laws were sanctioned by the Supreme Court in its decision Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896, with its “separate but equal” finding.  De jure segregation was not ended until the 1960’s, after long and difficult campaigns in the courts, in Congress and state legislatures, and in public facilities.

The term is derived from a song made popular by Thomas Dartmouth Rice.  Rice was a white man, an itinerant actor who caught on with a blackface song-and-dance act, “Jump Jim Crow,” first performed in 1828.  This act was the germination of the popular minstrel shows, in which white actors performed in black makeup.  Rice toured with great success in the United States and Britain, and the song was so popular that is was translated into French.

Jim Crow became a derogatory term for blacks and then served as the nickname for the segregation laws; it still serves as an epithet for both overt and subtle forms of discrimination and segregation.

From:  Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Allusions

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How could 50 States be Wrong?

Evelyn Here,

Below is a copy of an email letter sent by a friend. It is worth sharing.

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Dear Prayer Partners:

I don't know if the message below is 100% accurate, I have checked the State of Florida's preamble and what is written below is accurate. I have replied to my friend who sent it to me with an AMEN!

HOW COULD 50 STATES BE WRONG?

Somewhere along the way, the Federal Courts and the Supreme Court have misinterpreted the U.S. Constitution. How could fifty States be wrong?

THIS IS VERY INTERESTING! Be sure to read the last two paragraphs. America's founders did not intend for there to be a separation of God and state, as shown by the fact that all 50 states acknowledge God in their state constitutions:

Alabama 1901, Preamble. We the people of the State of Alabama, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution
Alaska 1956, Preamble. We, the people of Alaska, gratefulto God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land<SPANSTYLE="FONT-SIZE: Geneva? FONT-FAMILY: 10pt;>
Arizona 1911, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...
Arkansas 1874, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...
California 1879, Preamble. We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom .
Colorado 1876, Preamble. We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe.
Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.
Delaware 1897, Preamble. Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences.
Florida 1885, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty .. establish this Constitution...
Georgia 1777, Preamble. We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this
Constitution...
Hawaii 1959, Preamble. We, the people of Hawaii, Grateful for Divine Guidance. establish this Constitution.
Idaho 1889, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.
Illinois 1870, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
Indiana 1851, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to chose our form of government.
Iowa 1857, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings establish this Constitution
Kansas 1859, Preamble. We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges. establish this Constitution.
Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth of grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties...
Louisiana 1921, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.
Maine 1820, Preamble. We the People of Maine. acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity ... and imploring His aid and direction.
Maryland1776, Preamble. We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...
Massachusetts 1780, Preamble. We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe ... in the course of His Providence, an opportunity .and devoutly imploring His direction
Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom. establish this Constitution
Minnesota, 1857, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings
Mississippi 1890, Preamble. We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.
Missouri 1845, Preamble. We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness. establish this Constitution.
Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty. establish this Constitution
Nebraska 1875, Preamble. We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom. establish this Constitution.
Nevada 1864, Preamble. We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom establish this Constitution ...
New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V. Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.
New Jersey 1844, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
New Mexico 1911, Preamble. We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty.
New York 1846, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.
North Carolina 1868, Preamble. We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those
North Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...
Ohio 1852, Preamble. We the people of the state of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common
Oklahoma 1907, Preamble. Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty. establish this ..
Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right,to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences.
Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble. We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance.
Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing
South Carolina, 1778, Preamble We, the people of he State of South Carolina. grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.
South Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of South Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for our civil! and religious liberties ... establish this
Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...
Texas 1845, Preamble. We the People of theRepublic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.
Utah 1896, Preamble. Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution
Vermont 1777, Preamble. Whereas all government ought to. enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man
Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI. Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator. can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other
Washington 1889, Preamble. We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution.
West Virginia 1872, Preamble. Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God
Wisconsin 1848, Preamble. We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility.
Wyoming 1890, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties .. establish this Constitution ..

  HOW COULD 50 STATES BE WRONG?

After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe, just maybe, the ACLU and the out-of-control federal courts are wrong!

"Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants." --William Penn

If you found this to be "Food for thought," send to as many that you think will be touched by it also.

JOHN

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What Makes Art?

Good morning,

I am feeling great today, and I wanted to share with you some of artwork that I have done while teaching myself how to use graphic programs. I developed a new and unique sense of art that I view as beautiful. Much of my early art form is abstract and I make use of geometric figures. The other art I display with scriptures or an original poem is done with pngs or jpegs but are pleasing to my eyes and sense of what is art.

Since creating this art, I have advanced on to creating figures such of the faces of Jesus. However, I will always create something use the abstract and geometric because what I come up with amazes pleases me. Someday I will have some of these blown up as wall art for my home.

This last is a modified verse of a poem I wrote on December 20, 2000 named "Blest", but after editing today, I now call "Salvation's Light".

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Salvation's Light

 

Jesus, my Lord of earth and heaven,

hear my poor and humble song of praise.

Even though my heart is fragile and

my love seems so slow in coming,

Your love for me is overwhelming.

At times when I sense your present near,

I feel that I must withdraw

from your sacred stare,

or become consumed by you promised blest.

But, I fear to walk away, and tremble

with the sober thought of your graciousness

which stops me from losing your love so fine.

So hear me, my Lord and salvation's light,

let me always bathe in your passion divine

and hold my humble apprenticeship

along your holy vine.

                Evelyn F. Altheimer-Fain©November19, 2005

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