Who was the man who used to walk up and down the Rehoboth Boardwalk and shout “REPENT” !?  Callers remember him from the 70’s, do you?

I just received this e-mail about this interesting town character:

Dan, my husband and I listen to your program everyday — starting at 5:30 a.m., and enjoy hearing what has happened in our area during the night and for the latest news and topics that you and your listeners offer.  Yesterday one of the topics was the boardwalk ministries in Rehoboth.  One of your listeners called and mentioned an old fellow who, years ago, used to walk the streets and boardwalk in Rehoboth proclaiming the coming of our Lord and calling for everyone to “Repent”.  At the time I thought how wonderful that he had the Holy boldness to proclaim our Lord!  And he did this for several years.

 

Then, one day during the summer, my first husband [who passed away in '78 with leukemia], our son and I were at the old Blue Hen Mall in Dover.  It was early evening and we were returning to our car when we saw this older, raggedy black man, who was carrying his usual walking stick.  We recognized him at once as the man we had seen many times before on the boardwalk in Rehoboth.  Then something happened that I will never forget — it is etched permanently in my mind.  There were two young men in their early twenties who had a large boxer dog on a leash.  The dog was barking at the old man and straining at his leash.  The men unleashed the dog and told him to “sic” the old man.  The dog started running across the parking lot, bent, to all appearances, upon tearing the old man up.  This is the wonderful and unforgettable part:  The old man turned around when he heard the dog, who at this point was racing toward him.  He stopped, stood still, pointed his finger at the dog, and shouted at him, “Jesus,” “Jesus,” “Jesus.”  The dog stopped, stood still for a moment, and retreated to his owners as quickly as he had come.  There is power in the name of Jesus!  Glory to God!

 

Don’t be played by Attorney Fred Phelps and his “family.”

Something strange hit me the first time, about two or three years ago, when I first saw videos online of Fred Phelps and his Westboro Attorney Church. The thought: “America, Media, Conservatives, Patriots, Liberals; you’re being played.” I tell you beyond a shadow of a doubt that, yes, the members of WBC are insane… but, not in the way you think. I make the statement now, one which many of you will find crazy. FRED PHELPS AND THE WESTBORO BAPTIST CHURCH ARE A GROUP OF FAR LEFTISTS ATTEMPTING TO MOCK THE CONSERVATIVE RIGHT IN AMERICA. And everybody is eating out of their hands.

The group are very good at what they do. Rattling cages. They have you all worked up so much that you can’t see throught their very obvious agenda. They paint a cartoon of American conservatives: “God lovin’, fag hatin’, hate lovin’ intolerants.” They present the picture that religious conservatives are so full of hate and prejudice that they’d even go so far as to blame America for military deaths, mine collapses and everything else because of the “scourge” of homosexuality the nation is embracing. I beg you to look closer at them. Look at them through indifferent eyes. Watch their videos. Guys, it’s all an act. A bad act. Please don’t take their bate.

Sure they are crazy. Crazy to push their extreme leftist agenda so far… but, they are not what they seem. They weave a tangled web, for sure. They are protesting troops funerals (typical anti-war leftist agenda) on the grounds of free speech (similar to trials Phelps took part in as a civil rights attorney) and now they are smearing Fred Thompson, saying he once held their beliefs. They are doing what they can to make the religious right look bad.

Uncovering the truth and leftist origins of the Westboro Baptist Church.

 

Who are they: One Big Happy Family:

Sky News claims that WBC consists of “about 150 members”. BBC Two claims there are 71 members. A compilation of the names of Phelps’ grandchildren and great-grand-children, combined with his nine “loyal” children and their spouses, though, numbers 90 Individuals who followed Phelps Sr. after he was voted out of his old congregation, Eastside

Baptist Church (a traditional Baptist church), consisted of the Hockenbargers (whose offspring later married into the Phelps clan), George Stutzman, Chris Davis (who also married into the Phelps clan) and Theresa Davis (whose relationship, if any, to Chris Davis is unknown).
Leader/Founder Fred Phelps. Who is he? A Former Civil Rights Attorney. From wikipedia

As promised during our discussion today of local Mormons and Professional Wrestlers, I shall now provide you with a visual comparison of Mormon prophet Moroni and NWA wrestling legend “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair in one of my now famous “separated at birth” blogs..

Moroni is: (from wikipedia.org)

according to the Book of Mormon, was the last Nephite prophet and military commander who lived in North America in the late fourth and early fifth centuries. Latter-day Saint theology can be interpreted to mean that after his death Moroni was resurrected and became an angel. In addition to the Book of Mormon account, Joseph Smith and the Three Witnesses also testified they saw Moroni in the form of an angel of light.

Ric Flair is: (from wwe.com)

While at times he has been the dirtiest player in the game, Flair has never strayed from being “The Man” who most young sports-entertainers—WWE Superstars included—idolize. Even those unfamiliar with his storied career, the “styling and profiling” in custom-tailored sequined ring robes, or his “Nature Boy” strut know one thing when they hear “Woooooo!” shouted at a WWE live event, a craps table in a Las Vegas casino, or on the scoreboard at the RBC Center, home of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes: they’re in “Ric Flair Country.” “A kiss-stealing, wheeling, dealing, jet-flying, limousine-riding son-of-a-gun”

Now.. without further adieu.. Prophet Moroni vs. Ric Flair (separated at birth)

Jud Bennett writes about redemption:

Listening to a CD this morning there was a cut which, not for the first time, got me to wondering.

It’s Easter morning. Knock at the door and there stands Jesus. My great room is a disaster because we are in the throes of painting, replacing carpet, we have dogs and cats running around, there’s nowhere to sit comfortably. We just put a ham and a lamb roast in the oven which will be accompanied by baked sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, crusty bread and salad. We have a bottle of Pinot Grigio somewhere. When dinner is ready we can sit cross-legged at the coffee table…as we often do, anyway. So…I’d gladly shake his hand, welcome him in to please feel at home and invite him to stay for dinner.

First I’d ask how he found us and if he had a place to stay, offer him one if he didn’t. Depending upon how he was clothed, I’d ask if he would like a jacket, sweater or something warmer to wear. I’d have to bring him into the office to be assured of somewhere to be comfortable as we chatted. I would ask him what he thinks of what we have accomplished, done, wrought in this world during the 20+ centuries since he made history with his birth and death. Since opinions vary generationally, I’d also ask what his father’s opinion is. I’d tell him about our family…introducing each of them through a pictorial history. Perhaps turn on the television, visiting Fox News, MSNBC, CNN and ask him what he really feels about war, poverty, the death penalty, honestly sharing my own opinions about each. What did he think of Hitler, Gandhi, Mother Theresa, the Pope, Muhammad and Jerry Falwell.

I would ask if we are made in his father’s image, his father’s creation, yet we are all of varying hues, cultures, beliefs and, yes…sexual preference…who and which is “wrong”…and why. What does he think of the immigration policies. Does he see any of us treating our neighbors as he wanted us to…and what about religious differences creating so much hate and discontent. He was born a Jew yet he did not strictly adhere to Jewish laws and customs of the day. Not only that, after his death he has since been revered as a Christian. How did he feel that through history his legacy has been to revile anything and anyone not Christian whether or not they follow a spiritual path yet using his…and his father’s…name as a righteous banner for their words and deeds.

Of course this conversation would be interspersed with throwing a ball for the dogs, laughing at the bird’s attempt to join the discussion and enjoying the meal. If he chose not to stay we’d ask where we might take him next…too cold and too far to walk, would he like to have some food with him for his journey, how about a coat and some money. If he chose to stay and try his hand at painting, we’d give him a brush. He would leave, knowing his visit had been our pleasure and, hopefully, his and that he would be more than welcome any time.

If Jesus came to your door this afternoon…what would you do?

Today is the 34^th. Anniversary of Roe v. Wade which, no doubt, will renew all the old arguments and adversarial issues…. Life and death divides us as little else might. Proponents of anti-abortion have no difficulty with their conscience…or definition and hypocrisy of “sanctity of life”…when sending those same babies, 18+ years later, into wars and pre-emptive debacles to assuage their own fears for personal or national “freedom” or to the gallows, gurney or electric chair when pacifists object to war and adherents of the abolishment of the judicial death penalty are pressured to reconcile this “no kill” argument with the pro-choice stance of retaining legalized abortions.

Would that legalized abortion wasn’t necessary…that people would not take those steps which could result in unplanned, unwanted pregnancy and, heaven knows, every piece of knowledge necessary to avoid such is out there, open and available to all. But they ignore it and offer every excuse in the book for what ensues then seek to rectify things by ridding themselves of the evidence…and, for thirty-four years it has been legal to do so. However, abortions haven’t only been undertaken since legalization but has been a practice since time immemorial. The difference is instead of back-alleys, coat-hangers, questionable drug treatments which, too often, took not only lives of the fetus but those of many of the “hosts”, legalization made it possible to choose/decide if and where this procedure should be done and done hygienically and safely, thereby far reducing the risks to more lives. A woman’s life is no more important than the baby’s she is carrying…but nor is it less so. Not so different from those women with some clout who could afford to go overseas to combine their abortion with a vacation or be admitted to a hospital where it would be carried out and covered under a different procedure…albeit fake. Women who, for whatever reason, decide they do not want or cannot raise a child conceived through irresponsibility have always found a way to rid themselves of their mistake and, further, always will…legal or not. Speaking personally I would defy anyone to provide proof that pro-choice proponents are so because of a desire to “kill babies”. The operative word is “choice”; a life choice which belongs to the woman directly involved…not me, not you, not the government. We all have unquestionable rights to whatever medical procedures deemed necessary…whether to preserve/enhance our lives or health and well-being and would adamantly revolt if government stepped in to disallow those rights. How is this different…except in a matter of personal conscience?

We choose conscience then, some years later find our sons and daughters are sent off to risk their lives somewhere across the globe, cheered on by many who may have caused us to question our consciences in having these children. Rage against women ending the life of a fetus changes to admiration for sending those kids out to be physically/emotionally damaged or to come home in a body bag. We can be proud of this, this gives us a sense of comfort and a choice to continue living our lives as we enjoy, as we have been accustomed and with somewhat less fear. And when they do come home they and the women who bore them, are left to deal with the pieces left of the whole…with about as much support as the woman intimidated in her first few weeks of pregnancy, doesn’t have the abortion she initially “chose” but struggles every day by herself while the anti-abortionists have moved on.

We choose conscience and, twenty years later the son or daughter we bore is accused of murder, found guilty and sentenced to die by hanging, electrocution, lethal injection or even firing squad. Raise hell about the death penalty and immediately the question arises “yeah, you want the death penalty abolished but you kill babies in the womb!” Yes?? And yet they rant and proselytize about the sanctity of life?

I’m all for the sanctity of life across the board. I don’t believe in abortion but the right of anyone to choose a medical procedure in a safe environment; I don’t believe in war…but the right to choose whether or not my child has to be your cannon fodder if he/she has no belief in your cause; I don’t believe in murder…but the right to demand my government not be complicit in a like retaliatory response. What I consistently heard is “Stop the killing of babies in the womb!”…but if a woman dies, too bad; “Send our troops so we have less to fear.”…but when our troops are killed…or kill…so sad; “Murder is against the law!”…kill the SOB.

From abcnews.com: At churches, schools, community centers and homes, people are gathering to see a film that promises revelations that will change their lives. It’s called “The Secret,” and it can’t be seen in theaters. Thanks to an ingenious viral video marketing campaign, using grassroots, word of mouth and the Internet, its producers say that millions of people have already learned a secret that has existed, but has been suppressed, for centuries.

So… What, my friends, is the secret? Is this a humanist revolution that only the likes of John Milton would be proud of? An attempt to quash God and raise the human to his level? Or is it something more? A True new way to live your lives? Let’s take an in depth look inside: “The Secret”

In the book, author Rhonda Byrne uses a slew of authors and contributors to illustrate her point, from Jack Canfield (author of Chicken Soup for the Soul) to Einstein to Robert Collier to Physicist Fred Alan Wolf to Neale Donald Walsh (author of Conversations with God) to even Matthew and Mark from the New Testament.

What is the Secret? Simply Put “The Law of Attraction”: As Author Bob Proctor told ABC News it’s “Everything that’s coming into your life you are attracting into your life. And it’s attracted to you by virtue of the images you’re holding in your mind.”

According to the book by keeping a positive attitude and “acting as if you already have your desire” you can obtain or attain anything in life. from The Secret: It is the Law that determines the complete order in the Universe, every moment of your life, and every single thing you experience in your life. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are, the law of attraction is forming your entire life experience, and this all-powerful law is doing that through your thoughts. You are the one who calls the law of attraction into action, and you do it through your thoughts.

Sound like hippie mumbo-jumbo to you? Very simply The Secret tells you “If you see it in your mind, you’re going to hold it in your hand - Bob Proctor. The book tells you to repeat the phrase “My thoughts create My Universe” - and they use a quote from Winston Churchill to illustrate the point: “You create your own universe as you go along.”

Sounds pretty simple right? Man is given the power to create anything he wants using simply the power of his own positive thinking. Because what you focus on the most, the universe will draw it to you like a magnet… They liken it to a genie in a bottle. “Your wish is my command” the universe tells you. However, in so doing, the genie grants all your wishes… even your negative one. “I’m broke,” you tell the genie… “your wish is my command… than ye shall stay broke” — “I’m going to fail,” you tell the genie… “uh-huh, wish granted cry-baby.”

The book stresses that you need to remain positive at all times. And convince yourself that what you wish has already come true. To paraphrase the gospel “When you pray, trust that God has already answered you” - Same story… You want that new job… Trust that you already have it… Act like you have it and the universe will grant you your wish. They urge you to try it yourself… Make a game out of it….

The books states, this book has come to you for a reason… this secret has come to you for a reason.. use it now… you are living during the greatest time… a time when the secret has been revealed.

However, How can you pretend you have something… when that nagging reality is begging you to keep your feet on the ground? Ah… by me saying that, I’ve already betrayed The Secret.

The book basically explains away prayer and magic and everything else. It suggests that it all comes from the same source… the mind… it likens people to a mass TV transmission tower (or in my case radio!) - where you broadcast your inner-most thoughts for the entire universe to hear and deliver. The same as if you are saying to God, “Dear God, I wish to be healed.” — but, it takes away God (unless you see that God has created the Universe) — you are basically replacing God with yourself.. instead of praying, you say to yourself “I am healed. I am Healthy.” - if you believe it and feel it… the genie will deliver.

However, then comes The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. from The Secret: The only reason why people do not have what they want is because they are thinking more about what they don’t want than what they do want. The book says that if you get sick… it’s your fault… because you focused on getting sick. If she doesn’t love you anymore… you brought it upon yourself by doubting her love.

How do you do it? Well, buy the book or DVD of course www.thesecret.tv is the place to go. They say in the book that if all that comes out of you reading the book or watching the DVD is a shift in thoughts, than good… at least you’ll be a more positive person… which can’t be all a bad thing… let me know what you think, my friends.

Currently reading : The Secret By Rhonda Byrne Release date: By 28 November

What’s all the fuss? Keith Ellison is preparing to take his “oath of office” and chooses to do so with the Qu’ran. For one thing, there isn’t a requirement for representatives to use any religious book…Bible or otherwise. What they are required to do is swear to uphold the Constitution. The Constitution does not require anyone to use a religious book…Bible or otherwise. There is nothing to prevent one from using such a book if they so choose, it’s not a public ceremony (though there is a photographic “record”) and Mr. Ellison is choosing to exercise his choice for that instance, which he has every right to do. Others have preceded him by using different texts, others have chosen nothing but the required raising of their right hand while swearing or affirming to uphold the Constitution. This is what we require of our representatives…nothing sacred or holy but simply that they will follow and work for their constituents according to the laws of the land. And there is a mini-uproar! Before getting knickers in a twist what about biding time, waiting to see how this man carries out his office? He has been a State Rep in Minnesota since 2002 and looks to me like he upheld that office well enough since he was recently elected to represent his State in Congress. Let’s see how his record stands in a few years…or at least until the next election before deciding how his choice of swearing in will affect our fate.

To the ‘nay-sayers‘, I would also ask…what then about those who have gone before, using their religious book, or even nothing at all…were seen to be sworn in and, ultimately, thumbed their noses, filled their own pockets or created national scandals thus bringing dishonour to their office? Let the man do his job, illustrate his effectiveness for the good of his country and his own constituents, before assuming he’ll be bringing Islam to us all.