tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64896919397757199032024-03-18T22:58:39.665-04:00The Inscrutablein·scru·ta·ble/inˈskro͞otəbəl/
Adjective: Impossible to understand or interpret; impenetrable; mysterious.
Synonyms: impenetrable - mysterious - enigmatic - incomprehensible.Elaine Bittencourthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918056018284532138noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489691939775719903.post-87411904024452733282021-03-17T21:33:00.007-04:002021-03-17T23:01:49.797-04:00Your Song<p><span title="Edited">If I could<br />Would I take the road<br />Into my own self<br />Meet me again<br />In the face-to-face mirror<br />The person I am today?<br />Would I be strong enough<br />To face this boring life<br />Write new stories<br />In this old book?<br />Would I be brave<br />Embrace<br />Not change<br />This old self<br />When I see him coming?<br />No guilt<br />No regrets<br />No fear<br />At last finding hope<br />In this collective mentality <br />Normality <br />Simplicity <br />Life of mine?<br />If I could<br />Would I?</span></p><p><span title="Edited"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVrruhPGcgCdnZaqJzmPAauk7kPUeb5Rt56EXajRk6OqgWlKipP6HKSKf0GJKza21-bF50NYyF5aM1v5IaHAPg-t3ISCwWFpK0tzPLNR71vHuWfyM2AyC4UUpRdEKYVddWaoxJCKpbU22/s2048/HipstamaticPhoto-637717274.752180.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVrruhPGcgCdnZaqJzmPAauk7kPUeb5Rt56EXajRk6OqgWlKipP6HKSKf0GJKza21-bF50NYyF5aM1v5IaHAPg-t3ISCwWFpK0tzPLNR71vHuWfyM2AyC4UUpRdEKYVddWaoxJCKpbU22/s320/HipstamaticPhoto-637717274.752180.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Elaine Bittencourthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918056018284532138noreply@blogger.com0Toronto, ON, Canada43.653226 -79.383184315.342992163821151 -114.5394343 71.963459836178842 -44.226934299999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489691939775719903.post-62266569558679472082021-02-27T21:24:00.002-05:002021-03-17T21:27:17.673-04:00Heliacal Rising<p>H<span title="Edited">ave you noticed<br />The most beautiful views<br />Can only be seen<br />After walking through<br />Longest<br />Darkest<br />Roughest paths?<br />Tell me your pain,<br />Why do you bleed?<br />Is it in vain?<br />Can you listen past the words<br />Clinging your soul to the music?<br />Come along with me<br />On the road less taken<br />A place where<br />No one is forsaken<br />There you spread your wings<br />And fly in an endless dream,<br />Senseless us, one.</span></p><p><span title="Edited"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwSgmajbJTbbhWmIC63kVaTe1y54ZAPZ90hOlQxi9wg18oIMmghmizvxxT3UyyRJ6k3YUa9kQHO9WCu9R1ke85Pl0iE9lgvEJSNHDuvRuuzT6v6_TW_QhYbOEB_yRSiieOCbGqB2Udaje/s2048/HipstamaticPhoto-636179327.646772.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwSgmajbJTbbhWmIC63kVaTe1y54ZAPZ90hOlQxi9wg18oIMmghmizvxxT3UyyRJ6k3YUa9kQHO9WCu9R1ke85Pl0iE9lgvEJSNHDuvRuuzT6v6_TW_QhYbOEB_yRSiieOCbGqB2Udaje/s320/HipstamaticPhoto-636179327.646772.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <br /><p></p>Elaine Bittencourthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918056018284532138noreply@blogger.com0Toronto, ON, Canada43.653226 -79.383184315.342992163821151 -114.5394343 71.963459836178842 -44.226934299999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489691939775719903.post-32957348092323691212021-02-25T21:14:00.013-05:002021-03-17T21:23:51.138-04:00Corpses<p style="text-align: left;"><span title="Edited">When the music stopped<br />Her old body dropped<br />“I ain’t missing the days”,<br />She said, “no, no more”<br /><br />Look up, look forward<br />The world dragged her down<br />“I ain’t looking back”,<br />She said, “no, no more”<br /><br />Snow-covered mountains <br />Corpses hiding underneath<br />“I ain’t running from the sun”,<br />She said, “no, no more”<br /><br />Bring her the Book<br />Hold her hand and read it out loud<br />“I ain’t closing my eyes”,<br />She said, “no, no more”.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span title="Edited"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh040SlEflCefVnNOMo01kzLgeC-HHJg52hPlc9P9_uTm6_GIReSRZhi0mR-HMDV3HvIrFVS-F3PIKt-EBtinl0hHAH6DcL91W6FHM6VrHILIIXvLDJjGzd2T00_LAMuxKw9T99OTiFbGV4/s1824/44073B72-20EF-4A6B-876C-8756615F4E75.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1824" data-original-width="1824" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh040SlEflCefVnNOMo01kzLgeC-HHJg52hPlc9P9_uTm6_GIReSRZhi0mR-HMDV3HvIrFVS-F3PIKt-EBtinl0hHAH6DcL91W6FHM6VrHILIIXvLDJjGzd2T00_LAMuxKw9T99OTiFbGV4/s320/44073B72-20EF-4A6B-876C-8756615F4E75.JPG" /></a></div><br /><span title="Edited"><br /></span><p></p><p style="margin-left: 160px; text-align: left;"></p><p></p><p style="margin-left: 240px; text-align: left;"></p><span title="Edited"></span><p></p>Elaine Bittencourthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918056018284532138noreply@blogger.com0Toronto, ON, Canada43.653226 -79.383184315.342992163821151 -114.5394343 71.963459836178842 -44.226934299999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489691939775719903.post-18755473493638977712021-01-11T21:02:00.003-05:002021-03-17T21:39:33.170-04:00Wild River<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span title="Edited">“The moment night becomes day<br />Time stops<br />I see you smiling back at me<br />In an instant<br />The years apart are as a wild river<br />Taking away memories of me<br />Without you<br />The present tells me stories<br />I don’t wanna hear<br />The past sings<br />Your name in my ears.”</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjrenzP7pwaUSw0BVmxFSWqkd3ULIiVI0OLuFDqbeV3pAg4x8KwkqPg8Q3TGPlEfMX-JX5LECax4OqSPjjgix0kwEaYiFAW3AAbkbWgk6TT7JSg97qu8gGvBo17TDlYGMllPLhWU58D4N/s1718/HipstamaticPhoto-635725952.991662.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1718" data-original-width="1018" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjrenzP7pwaUSw0BVmxFSWqkd3ULIiVI0OLuFDqbeV3pAg4x8KwkqPg8Q3TGPlEfMX-JX5LECax4OqSPjjgix0kwEaYiFAW3AAbkbWgk6TT7JSg97qu8gGvBo17TDlYGMllPLhWU58D4N/w274-h363/HipstamaticPhoto-635725952.991662.JPG" width="274" /></a></div>
Elaine Bittencourthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918056018284532138noreply@blogger.com0Toronto, ON, Canada43.653226 -79.383184315.342992163821151 -114.5394343 71.963459836178842 -44.226934299999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489691939775719903.post-115284629025018802019-04-10T19:51:00.002-04:002021-03-17T20:21:59.976-04:00Monsoon of the heartOut of the blue this intense sadness overcomes you. It fills your heart with emptiness. It's a paradox, really, something that fills something else with nothing.<br />
<br />
You miss her.<br />
<br />
You are not sure how to describe so many different new feelings. You miss what you didn't have, miss what you dreamed of having. It's like knowing you saw the sun rise for the very last time, but you weren't aware of it and didn't pay too much attention. You took it for granted. Now that's gone, and gone for good, you just stand there everyday still waiting for something that won't happen, wishing, praying to God that He would give you another chance.<br />
<br />
You cry but you don't even know exactly why. Are those tears of regret? Do you feel guilty? Are you crying for yourself? You are a pitiful thing. Still, your lungs are filled of too much air that it makes it impossible to breath properly. How can you understand that? The tears that you try to hide now come down followed by a sound of pain from your lips. It's the monsoon of your heart. Will anything flourish from that?<br />
<br />
I miss her.Elaine Bittencourthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918056018284532138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489691939775719903.post-57216553854453097412019-04-04T20:25:00.001-04:002019-04-04T20:25:13.268-04:00The Goodbye That I Will Never SayThe last time I heard her voice was January 10th, 2019. She had sent me an audio message, which was not unusual at all: that was the way we had been communicating for the past 3-4 years, since she got her first smartphone and installed an app that allowed us to keep in touch for free.<br />
<br />
She apologized for not getting in touch at all that day. She had been looking after her great-grandson for the past week in the afternoons, and those were busy and delightful days. She enjoyed the company of the little boy, he made her feel younger and carefree. Those were good days.<br />
<br />
Her last text message came later that same day, asking if I was already home from work. I didn't answer it at the time, I was busy in the kitchen. I replied a couple of hours later, but I will never know if she read it.<br />
<br />
I arrived at my country of birth a few days before the last time I saw her. Catch a flight, stay up all night, catch another flight. Straight to the hospital. And there she was - or was she? I thought with myself, I should be fainting or screaming now, but no, I was surprisingly calm, not shocked by all the machines and tubes and wires. Perhaps I was numb? I leaned over her, kissed her face, said I was there because I wasn't getting any replies to my many messages. I am sure she didn't find it funny, neither did I, it was just something a friend told me to say.<br />
<br />
I wanted to hug her, but it was impossible. So I kissed and kissed her face and her forehead over and over again, held her hand, touched her feet, straightened up the linen covering her imoveable body. I had hoped so much, I had prayed so much, had dreamed with the moment I'd see her and we'd hug and laugh, and tell stories, and cry a little, or a lot. She would take me to all the new places and stores in the city, the place where she used to have lunch, the coffee shop where everyday she'd have a "decaf espresso with a little milk". I would want to enjoy her company and perhaps talk about the many things that we had been talking over audios for the past few years, things that were difficult to talk about but made us feel real to each other.<br />
<br />
Those were bittersweet days, being with family that I had missed so much, and at the same time saying goodbye a little everyday. The paradox of it all, I kept thinking, were nights where I slept through, not endlessly staring at the darkness echoing in my brain. No. Some strange and beautiful calmess filled my being, some strange peace.<i> "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus"</i>. I prayed for that peace. But I prayed for so much more. And I waited.<br />
<br />
The dawn came, and I heard my name. Stared at my sister, and I knew: it was time. "Please let it hurt, please let it hurt", I said. And my little sister hugged me tight, because I was the weaker of the two of us.<br />
<br />
Something didn't die inside of me that day. No. Instead, something dried up, such a strange feeling. Like the grass after several hot summer days, waiting for the rain that refuses to come. The conversations that never happened, the laughs that we never shared, the hug that I never got from the woman that carried me for a lifetime, her lifetime. I was - I AM! - her child.<br />
<br />
And I will never say goodbye. <span class="text Ps-121-2"></span><br />
<br />
<span class="verse-7"></span>Elaine Bittencourthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918056018284532138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489691939775719903.post-53829900592304524782019-03-22T19:50:00.000-04:002019-04-04T20:28:21.075-04:00Do not loose it, me."Here, my son, take my hand. No, no, it's not for you to find your way
or to feel safe. It's for me. I find my way in holding your hand. Did
you know that? My heart beats three different, yet the same, beats. One
of them is for you. You, not only who you were in my arms 36 years ago,
but who you are today. Do you see it? Do you see the time that passed
and took us on its wings and now it is been so long ago and we sometimes
feel like strangers? But how can that be possible, s<span class="text_exposed_show">ince
you hold my heart in your hands - or part of it? You did not know that,
did you. Yea, you didn't. But now listen to your aging mother. One day
you will know that we were more alike than different. You will
understand that differences do not matter as much as you, today, think
they do. There will be a place that you will want to go back to and you
won't find it, one day. And it's going to hurt and your body will feel
the real pain. Listen to your mother. You think you know what pain is?
Maybe. But this pain you are yet to know, this pain of losing that heart
that you did not know you held for so long, this one is yet to come.
That is why I am telling you, today, about what you hold in your hands
without knowing. Do not loose it, me. Do not let it, me, go. Hold it,
me, in your heart and mind. Because time is flying with fast and long
wings." </span>Elaine Bittencourthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918056018284532138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489691939775719903.post-24533899653522676592015-09-16T19:04:00.000-04:002015-09-16T19:04:52.215-04:00Overcoming the World, 2014 Ligonier ConferenceQuotes from <a href="http://www.albertmohler.com/" target="_blank">Albert Mohler</a>'s session "Sexual Devolution":<br /><br />"True love and true compassion always come in the form of Truth".<br /><br />"We have to recognize that these demands to change sexual morality are actually a demand for us to abandon the Gospel. And it's because of the basic biblical presupposition that we don't know why we need a saviour until we understand that we are sinners, and the bible's logic is this: we understand that we are sinners not just because we are told we are sinners, but because our sin is made visible to us in the clear teachings of Scripture, so we cannot not know that we are sinners. Which is to say, if we follow the logic of Scripture and the logic of the bible, if we redefine something that the bible says is sin as something that is not sin, then we mislead people concerning their need for Jesus. That is of devastating eternal consequences."<br /><br />"Parents and grandparents, [...] you need to recognize that young people growing up in this society will be able to stand the larger cultural anarchy when it comes to sexuality only if they believe that their allegiance to Christ requires that they do so. And if they are not grounded in Christian truth, if they are not taught the principles of the Christian worldview, if they are not intelligent Christians who understand the discipleship of the mind, if they don't understand the comprehensive beauty of God's creation and what He's given us, if they don't understand that God's Law is that which brings Him glory but it also points to the structure that allows for human flourishing. If they are not deeply committed Christian, deeply grounded in biblical truth and in the power of the Gospel and in the totality of the faith once for all delivered to the saints, then they are not going to have the intellectual and the moral resources to say 'I am committed to a higher wisdom because I've heard from the Creator and He has a better plan for us than we have for ourselves."<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ligonier.org/learn/conferences/overcoming-the-world-2014-west-coast-conference/sexual-devolution/?" target="_blank">click here to watch or listen for free</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
..:: iThink ::..</div>
Elaine Bittencourthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918056018284532138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489691939775719903.post-5110527065773038312015-07-21T12:42:00.001-04:002015-07-21T12:45:30.148-04:00How God Restrains Evil in Societyby John MacArthur<br />
<a href="http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/80-419/how-god-restrains-evil-in-society" target="_blank">source</a><br />
<br />
"The Bible is unmistakably clear about human nature. There is no question; all people are sinners. They’re not all as bad as they could be; they’re not as bad as each other; they’re all sinners."<br /><br />"Everybody dies. Not only does everybody die; everybody gets sick, everybody has trouble. But everyone dies. The Old Testament says this, “The soul that sins, it shall die.” The New Testament says, “The wages of sin is death.” Scripture is crystal clear on that.<br /><br />Babies in the womb die. Millions of them are aborted. Infants just born die; die in a crib, die in the safety of a family home. Little children die; die from accidents, die from illnesses. These little ones die before they have committed any willful transgression against God, before they have consciously violated the law of God, committed iniquities or sins. <br /><br />Why do they die? The reality of death is in the fabric of humanity. They die because the principle of death resides in every human being because we’re all sinful. We die, all of us, because we have inherited the universal sin nature from sinful parents, and it can produce death even before conscious sin. The reality of universal sin is attested by universal death. We all die."<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wLuGx2BBNdnNGueXk8wTNxHGH43afNFujGdkOhIYfoGKAEB1Nl1oAaXgOBFmYKzMO9jdJr0zl6H4GSxOYdQQFIO6qfoZYVsfZnYorSbqsqooASZKYDid9Gfbd6JHZQiX2vRoBWOeXw8H/s1600/old-graveyard-smaller50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wLuGx2BBNdnNGueXk8wTNxHGH43afNFujGdkOhIYfoGKAEB1Nl1oAaXgOBFmYKzMO9jdJr0zl6H4GSxOYdQQFIO6qfoZYVsfZnYorSbqsqooASZKYDid9Gfbd6JHZQiX2vRoBWOeXw8H/s1600/old-graveyard-smaller50.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Elaine Bittencourthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918056018284532138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489691939775719903.post-56643547342714691172013-10-26T14:59:00.000-04:002013-10-26T18:55:58.817-04:00Mitos sobre a Conferência “Fogo Estranho”<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 129;">
</div>
por Mike Riccardi<br />
<a href="http://thecripplegate.com/myths-about-the-strange-fire-conference/" target="_blank">original </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thecripplegate.com/as-the-smoke-clears-a-few-afterthoughts-on-the-strange-fire-conference/" target="_blank">Enquanto a fumaça da Conferência Fogo Estranho continua a dissipar</a>, a
internet continua a queimar com várias reações do evangelicalismo
digital. Existem muitas reações que são aproveitáveis, incluindo
as de <a href="http://thecripplegate.com/where-theres-smoke-theres-strange-fire/" target="_blank">Clint</a>
e <a href="http://thecripplegate.com/as-the-smoke-clears-a-few-afterthoughts-on-the-strange-fire-conference/" target="_blank">Eric</a>
aqui mesmo no nosso blog The Cripplegate, bem como reflexões
exceptionais de <a href="http://www.challies.com/articles/lessons-learned-at-strange-fire">Tim
Challies</a>, <a href="http://www.credomag.com/2013/10/23/three-reflections-on-the-strange-fire-conference-timothy-raymond/">Tim
Raymond</a>, e <a href="http://hipandthigh.wordpress.com/2013/10/24/my-concerns-with-bloggers-concerned-about-strange-fire/">Fred
Butler</a>, vindas do lado de fora do nosso blog. Você não deve
perder o blog de Grace to You “<a href="http://www.gty.org/blog/B131023" target="_blank">Para onde vamos agora?</a>”. Não quero também esquecer de mencionar
aos nossos leitores <a href="http://thecripplegate.com/the-cripplegate-on-cessation-and-continuation/" target="_blank">o trabalho que foi feito aqui no nosso blog sobre esse assunto</a>, bem
antes da Conferência. Continuo vendo objeções sendo feitas que
foram respondidas muito tempo atrás. Nosso artigo “<a href="http://thecripplegate.com/what_cessationism_is_not/" target="_blank">O que cessacionismo não é</a>” provavelmente é o que mais
beneficiaria muitos dos críticos nesse momento.<br />
<br />
<br />
Têm havido inúmeras reações dos carismáticos do outro lado do
corredor. Infelizmente a grande maioria dessas reações têm
produzido muito mais calor do que luz (apesar de existirem <a href="http://questiontradition.wordpress.com/2013/10/24/a-pentecostal-in-general-support-of-the-strange-fire-conference/" target="_blank">algumas excessões notáveis</a>, as quais têm sido encorajadoras; é bom
saber que <a href="http://www.christianpost.com/news/in-defense-of-john-macarthur-strange-fire-conference-and-the-challenge-to-charismatic-movt-107056/" target="_blank">existem alguns que entenderam o propósito da Conferência</a>). Ao invés de
se ocuparem com a substância e o mérito dos argumentos bíblicos
oferecidos na Conferência, eles buscaram isolar o argumentos mais
fortes da Conferência, literalmente retirando-os fora dos seus
contextos, e sensacionalizá-los interpretando-os da pior forma
possível. À todos os criticismos de como a Conferência pintou com
um pincel muito grande, eles mesmos usaram alguns pincéis grandes
enquando a substância dos argumentos bíblicos estão sendo
ignorados e toda a Conferência é taxada de não ter amor e ser
divisiva.<br />
<br />
É assim que eles escolheram avançar a narrativa da
Conferência. É uma estratégia criativa pois proteje as pessoas de
terem que lidar honestamente com a substância dos argumentos
teológicos que foram apresentados. Infelizmente o resultado dessa
narrativa não tão acurada tem levado à muitos mitos que estão
crescendo e se espalhando pela internet. Pensei em escrever esse
artigo para endereçar apenas alguns desse mitos.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Mito
1 – John MacArthur acredita que carismáticos cometeram o pecado
imperdoável</b></span><br />
<br />
O primeiro mito que eu gostaria de
eliminar é que John MacArthur acredita que todos os carismáticos
cometeram o pecado imperdoável. Antes da Conferência eu poderia ter
simpatizado com aqueles que estivessem na dúvida quanto ao assunto.
Mas se aqueles que estão reclamando sobre o assunto simplesmente
tomassem tempo para ouvir as apresentações da Conferência, eles
veriam que tal acusação amonta a nada, é simplesmente um
mito.<br />
<br />
Por algum tempo MacArthur tem explicado que ele vê os
acontecimentos do que caracteriza a tal “adoração” carismática
como nada menos do que blasfêmia ao Espírito Santo. A frase do
livro “Fogo Estranho” diz que “atribuir obras carnais ou obras
do diabo ao Espírito Santo na verdade diminui (insulta) o Espírito
de Deus e não o exalta, e isso é obviamente um tipo de blasfêmia.”
Sugerir que é o Espírito Santo de Deus quem causa as pessoas a cair
no chão, rolar como loucas, falando coisas incompreensíveis, e até
mesmo grunhir e gemer e gritar e entoar sons em maneiras que refletem
cerimônias religiosas pagâs, tudo isso fracassa em tratar o
Espírito Santo com a reverência que Ele merece, faz pouco dEle e do
Seu ministério, e é portanto uma blasfêmia.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 129;">
É claro, Jesus fala sobre a
blasfêmia do Espírito Santo como sendo o único pecado que nunca
seria perdoado (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mateus%2012:31&version=AA" target="_blank">Mateus 12:31</a>). Então quando as pessoas ouvem MacArthur sugerir que
carismáticos estão blasfemando o Espírito, a reação dessas
pessoas é dizer que MacArthur está dizendo que não apenas os
carismáticos não são salvos, mas que eles nunca poderão serem
salvos. Michael Brown <a href="http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/in-the-line-of-fire/41371-a-final-appeal-to-pastor-john-macarthur-on-the-eve-of-his-strange-fire-conference" target="_blank">escreveu</a>:
“Portando, Pastor MacArthur, em palavras escritas e obviamente
muito bem pensadas de antemão, está acusando centenas de milhões
de crentes de <b>blasfemarem o Espírito</b>, e portanto
pronunciando-os como pecadores destinados ao inferno, sendo que
blasfêmia do Espírito é um pecado imperdoável.”<br />
<br />
No
entanto, na sua <a href="http://thecripplegate.com/strange-fire-is-there-a-baby-in-the-bathwater-phil-johnson/" target="_blank">primeira sessão</a> na Conferência, Phil Johnson endereçou esse assunto
diretamente. Ele diz:</div>
<blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<i>“Isso, é claro, não é o que John
MacArthur diz, e não é o que acreditamos. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mateus%2012:31&version=AA" target="_blank">Mateus 12:31</a> diz '</i><i><span style="background: #ffffff;">Portanto, eu
vos digo: Todo o pecado e blasfêmia se perdoará aos homens; mas a
blasfêmia contra o Espírito não será perdoada aos homens.' O
artigo definido “a” é significante. Nós não acreditamos que
todo pecado ignorante ou acidental contra a terceira pessoa da
Trindade é automaticamente imperdoável. Jesus estava respondendo a
um específico tipo de blasfêmia tão deliberado e vindo de corações
tão duros que ninguém jamais se arrependeria dele de qualquer
forma. Note que nosso Senhor diz: “todo o pecado e blasfêmia se
perdoará aos homens” - exceto um pecado bem específico. Essa é
um promessa extravagante de completo perdão e limpeza de qualquer um
e todos que se arrependerem. A exceção singular é uma categoria
daqueles que com coração duros odeiam a Cristo.”</span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<br />
<br /></blockquote>
<span style="background: #ffffff;">Portanto, MacArthur distingue
entre (a) a blasfêmia do Espírito Santo, a qual vemos nos fariseus
em Mateus 12, a qual é imperdoável; e (b) blasfêmia </span><i><span style="background: #ffffff;">genérica</span></i><span style="background: #ffffff;">
contra o Espírito Santo, a qual, apesar de ser um pecado terrível e
sério, nao é obstante perdoável.<br /><br />Concluindo, aqueles na
blogosfera que estão acusando MacArthur de ter dito que carismáticos
cometeram o pecado imperdoável e não podem mais arrependerem-se,
estão simplesmente deturpando o que ele falou, não prestando devida
atenção ao que tem sido dito sobre o assunto. Eles estão
perpetuando um mito.</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="background: #ffffff;">Mito
2: John MacArthur acredita que todos carismáticos não são salvos</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background: #ffffff;">Outro mito que está sendo
perpetuado é que MacArthur declarou que todo aquele que se associa
com a teologia carismática é, pela necessidade dessa associação,
não salvo. Num artigo supreendentemente cheio de numerosas
deturpações, J. Lee Grady <a href="http://www.charismamag.com/blogs/fire-in-my-bones/18919-to-my-fundamentalist-brother-john-macarthur-grace-to-you-too" target="_blank">acusa</a>
MacArthur de “declarar em termos não incertos que qualquer um que
abraçar qualquer forma da teologia carismática ou pentecostal não
adora o verdadeiro Deus.”</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background: #ffffff;">No entanto isto é simplesmente
falso. Nenhum palestrante através de toda Conferência insistiu que
todos os que se associam com a teologia carismática sejam
necessariamente não salvos. Agora, certamente a alegação foi feita
que muitos – e talvez a maioria – daqueles que mundialmente se
identificam como carismáticos ou pentecostais não são
verdadeiramente crentes. Tal fato parece ser inescapável diante de
todos os dados citados ambos no livro e durante a Conferência. Por
exemplo:</span><br />
<blockquote>
<span style="background: #ffffff;"><br /></span><i><span style="background: #ffffff;">“Em
dois terços da Ásia, África e América Latina – aonde o
movimento carismático está crescendo com taxas sem precedentes –
especialistas estimam que bem mais do que a metade de todos os
aderentes ao movimento pentecostal e carismático acreditam no
evangelho da prosperidade” (MacArthur, Strange Fire, 14).</span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<br />
<br /></blockquote>
<blockquote>
“<i>Alguns analistas distinguem entre 'neo-pentecostal'
o qual eles vêem como focado no evangelho da prosperidade, e
pentecostalismo clássico, orientado na direção dos dons do
Espírito tais como curas e línguas estranhas. No entanto, os dados
do Pew Forum sugerem que o evangelho da prosperidade é na verdade um
aspecto de todo o pentecostalismo; a maioria de pentecostais
excedendo a 90 por cento na maioria dos países tem esse tipo de
crença.” (John T. Allen, The Future Church, 382-83; citing <a href="http://www.pewforum.org/files/2006/10/pentecostals-08.pdf" target="_blank">this</a>).</i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<br />
<br /></blockquote>
<blockquote>
“<i>Mais de 90 por cento dos pentecostais e
carismáticos na Nigéria, África do Sul, Índia e Filipinas
acreditam que 'Deus irá dar prosperidade material à todos os
crentes que tiverem fé suficiente'” (Paul Alexander, Signs and
Wonders, 63-64).</i></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<span style="background: #ffffff;">Além disso, a Conferência
também se esforçou para mostrar que existem mais de 100 milhões de
carismáticos que se identificam como Católicos Romanos, aqueles que
não apenas negam mas abominam justificação pela fé somente
(conforme The Council of Trent, Canon XXIV). E mais ainda, outros
24-25 milhões de pentecostais includem aqueles que se identificam
como Pentecostais </span><i><span style="background: #ffffff;">Oneness</span></i><span style="background: #ffffff;">,
modalistas que negam a <a href="http://thecripplegate.com/modalism_oneness_and_td_jakes/" target="_blank">histórica e ortodoxa doutrina da Trindade</a> – por exemplo, que Deus existe
eternamente como um Ser em três pessoas iguais, consubstanciais, e
eternas: o Pai, o Filho, e o Espírito Santo.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
Diante de tudo isso não é totalmente inexato falar de grandes
números daqueles no movimento carismático como não terem o
conhecimento salvador de Cristo. Se for verdade que o movimento
carismático alcança supreendentes números de 500 milhões de
aderentes mundialmente, e se 25 a 30 por cento deles negam sola fide
ou a doutrina ortodoxa da Trindade, e se muito mais que a metade de
dois terços mundiais acreditam na teologia da prosperidade/palavra
de fé, <u>não deveria ser uma declaração controversial falar que
o movimento é largamente feito de pessoas que não são cristãs</u>.<br />
<br />
<br />
Claro, isso ofende nossas sensibilidades norte americanas, pois
pentecostais clássicos e continuistas conservadores que conhecemos
não se ajustam nessas categorias. <u>Mas o que o evangelicalismo do
oeste precisa reconhecer é que os John Pipers, Wayne Grudems, Sam
Storms, D.A. Carsons, e Gordon Fees do evangelicalismo </u><i><u>não</u></i><u>
são o convencional do movimento carismático.</u> Não importa quão
limitada nossa experiência de carismáticos mundias seja, não
podemos ignorar os <i>fatos</i> de que esses irmãos são a <i>minoria</i>
nesse movimento.<br />
<br />
<br />
De qualquer forma, existiram várias ocasiões na Conferência nas
quais MacArthur e outros palestrantes afirmaram explicitamente esses
mesmos homens como irmãos. MacArthur se refere a tais homens como
seus “<a href="http://thecripplegate.com/strange-fire-a-call-to-respond-john-macarthur/" target="_blank">amigos continuistas</a>”, dizendo “[são essas] pessoas que são meus
amigos – meus amigos reais que eu respeito, os quais fizeram grande
contribuições à igreja, os quais me ensinaram, ministraram ao meu
lado, com os quais eu orei às vezes por horas e horas, com os quais
eu conversei, produzi convicções.”. Mais a frente na mesma
mensagem, ele chama esses homens de seus “amigos bons e reverentes
[que] podem fazer uma diferença enorme na crença que essa geração
nova e a próxima acreditam sobre esse movimento”.<br />
<br />
<br />
Numa outra sessão, depois de ter se referido a Wayne Grudem e
John Piper como irmãos no Senhor, MacArthur <a href="http://thecripplegate.com/strange-fire-panel-qa-2-macarthur-mbewe-johnson-busenitz/" target="_blank">falou isso sobre Piper</a>:<br />
<blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<i>“Eu conheço o grande acervo de trabalho de
John Piper e ele corresponde a verdade da fé. John é um amigo o
qual eu não apenas admiro mas o qual amo. Eu não sei porque nesse
assunto ele tem essa idéia aberta, mas não é um posição que é
defendida pelo movimento, e ele se juntaria a nós em condenar os
excessos desse movimento e mesmo a teologia desse movimento. [...] Eu
não tenho medo que John jamais fosse mexer com nada que é essencial
à fé cristã, começando pela teologia própria indo até o retorno
de Cristo. Ele será fiel à palavra como ele a compreende.”</i></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
Portanto, enquanto que ninguém voltaria atrás nas suas
declarações que mesmo a maioria do movimento carismático mundial
consiste de não-crentes que necessitam serem evangelizados, tais
declarações de forma alguma significam que MacArthur ou algum dos
outros palestrantes da Conferência acreditam que bons homens como
Grudem ou Piper estão fora da ortodoxia, ou que ninguém que
acredita em qualquer forma da teologia carismática são crentes
verdadeiros. Insistir no contrário é perpetuar um mito e
grandemente deturpar o que foi dito durante a Conferência.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Mito 3: John MacArthur acredita que absolutamente
nada de bom tenha saído de dentro do movimento carismático</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
Esse mito final (quero dizer, o mito final sobre o qual eu
escreverei, infelizmente não o mito final que está pela internet)
traz referências específicas aos comentários de MacArthur na
<a href="http://thecripplegate.com/strange-fire-session-one-john-macarthur/" target="_blank">sessão de abertura</a> da Conferência Fogo Estranho. Respondendo a essa
sessão, Adrian Warnock <a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/adrianwarnock/2013/10/strange-fire-john-macarthur-claims-no-good-has-come-out-of-the-charismatic-movement/" target="_blank">acusa</a>
MacArthur de “<i>totalmente rejeitar</i>” (a) grandes músicas de
adoração como por exemplo “In Christ Alone”, (b) trabalhos
extupendos de teologia como representado na <i>Teologia Sistemática</i>
de Wayne Grudem, (c) e da pregação abençoada de John Piper.<br />
<br />
<br />
Tal acusação é inteiramente sem fundamento, e parece
propositadamente ignorar o que MacArthur verdadeiramente falou na
referida sessão. Aqui está o ponto relevante:<br />
<blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<i>“Estou eu desacreditando todos no movimento?
Não. Eu penso que existem pessoas que desejam adorar a Deus de forma
verdadeira. ... Mas </i><i><u>o movimento </u></i><i><u><b>em si</b></u></i><i><u>
não oferece nada que enriqueça verdadeira adoração</u></i><i>. O
movimento carismático como tal não tem feito nenhuma contribuição
à claridade bíblica, interpretação, ou doutrina sólida. ...
Alguns no movimento acreditam em verdades? Sim. </i><i><u>Mas nenhuma
dessas verdades chegaram à eles através desse movimento.</u></i><i>
Os verdadeiros entendimentos têm sempre estado na longa lista de
pregadores e professores que Deus tem usado para guardar a igreja e a
verdade no caminho certo. O movimento adiciona nada a isso. Ele
desvia a atenção e confunde. não é fonte para nenhum avanço do
nosso entendimento das Escrituras ou doutrina sólida.</i></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: normal;">Está claro que MacArthur não
declarou que absolutamente nada de bom existe através de todo o
movimento carismático. Pelo contrário, ele está falando que o bom
existe – o qual inclui o fato dele acreditar que pessoas têm sido
realmente salvas através dos esforços evangelísticos desse
movimento, e outras coisas como a </span><i>Teologia Sistemática </i><span style="font-style: normal;">de
Grudem e a pregação de Piper – todos esse bens que têm vindo do
movimento </span><i>apesar do movimento em si</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
e não </span><i>por causa dele</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Ele continua dizendo exatamente isso um pouco para a frente:</span><br />
<blockquote>
<span style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span><i>“Existem
pessoas que têm sido verdadeiramente salvas em igrejas carismáticas?
Sim. Mas nada vindo desse movimento tem sido a razão pela qual eles
foram salvos. ... Sim, existem pessoas nesse movimento que conhecem e
amam a verdade, têm um Evangelho ortodoxo mas são heterodoxos
quanto ao Espírito Santo. Nem todos eles são heréticos. </i><i><u>Mas
eu digo novamente, a contribuição sobre a Verdade vindo de pessoas
nesse movimento não </u></i><i><u><b>vem</b></u></i><i><u> do
movimento em si, mas </u></i><i><u><b>apesar</b></u></i><i><u> dele.</u></i></blockquote>
<div style="font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
Portanto, o ponto não é que nada de bom pode ser encontrado
dentro do círculo que í remotamente associado com a teologia
carismática. Ao contrário, o ponto é que a teologia carismática
como tal não é a responsável pelo bom dentro do movimento. O bom
tem vindo apesar da teologia carismática, e não por causa dela.
Isso está muito longe do que afirmar que nada de bom existe nesse
movimento. Insistir o contrário disso é perpetuar um mito.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Um apelo aos meus amigos continuistas</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
Portanto, com tudo isso em mente, eu gostaria de fazer um apelo
aos meus amigos carismáticos e continuistas. Senhores, se querem ser
levados a sério por cessacionistas em suas reações à Conferência
Fogo Estranho – e mais do que isso: se querem fazer a <i>sua</i>
devida aplicação em <i>“preservar a unidade do Espírito em
acordo com a paz</i>, poderiam por favor desistir de perpetuar esses
e outros mitos sobre John MacArthur e a Conferência Fogo
Estranho?<br />
<br />
Eu sei que que certas coisas que foram ditas foram
bem fortes. Eu consigo mesmo entender porque alguns pensariam ser a
nossa crítica forte demais – especialmente nossos irmãos
reformados e evangélicos carismáticos conservadores. Eles são
nossos aliados em muitas batalhas, e talvez estivessem esperando que
os tivéssemos visto como isentos na nossa avaliação da doutrina
carismática. Eu sei que ao declinar tratar o assunto dessa forma
magoamos alguns, mas não temos nenhum prazer em fazê-lo.
Verdadeiramente, eu consigo empatizar com muitas decepções de meus
amigos carismáticos. Mas somos obrigados pela consciência e pelas
Escrituras à não minimizar erros que acreditamos serem muito sérios
e construídos dentro da perspectiva continuista. Gostaríamos de
focalizar nesse ponto, e não em pontos de estilo ou personalidades.
Você faria sua parte no progresso de uma narrativa honesta abordando
a substância da argumentação bíblica que foi trazida pela
Conferência Fogo Estranho, ao invés de sensacionalizar excertos
tirados de seus contextos que procuram apenas colocar veneno no
poço?<br />
<br />
Vamos colocar os mitos de lado.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
..:: ::.. </div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Original pode ser
encontrado <a href="http://thecripplegate.com/myths-about-the-strange-fire-conference/">aqui</a>.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Traduzido por Elaine
Bittencourt C.<br />Qualquer mudança no texto deve ser comunicada diretamente com o autor. Compartilhamento do texto é encorajado desde que sejam mencionados o site original e o da tradução. Obrigada.</i></span>Elaine Bittencourthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918056018284532138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489691939775719903.post-74968442472695399342012-06-16T20:24:00.003-04:002012-06-16T20:29:42.225-04:00The "Gospel" according to Prometheus? Really?<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">I read the blog post below when it was posted. I hadn't seen the movie, only trailers, and I thought "huh? the "gospel" of prometheus"?</span><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/thabitianyabwile/2012/06/14/the-gospel-according-to-prometheus/" target="_blank">The Gospel According to Prometheus, by Thabiti Anyabwile.</a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> <br />
If this blog post hadn't been written by Thabiti, I would conclude that
the author was one more of those [cuckoos] who see major bible themes in every
single Hollywood movie and just ignore it. But then again, it was
Thabiti.<br /> <br /> So I went to see the movie today. To be perfectly honest, I w<span class="text_exposed_show">ouldn't
have gone if it weren't for Thabiti's thought on it. Not my cup of tea,
all the alien disgusting stuff, I don't like that - and I am a sci-fi
fan. I close my eyes on those 'ewwww' scenes, so what's even the point?!<br /> <br />
Anyway... don't waste your money. There's no gospel in it, but that was
expected. Men's search for a higher being, the creator, the architect,
is not a new theme and has been explored by hollywood for a long long
time, and even before that in books. But that's NOT the Gospel.<br /> <br /> Good. The Gospel is still THE Gospel, and Hollywood is still Hollywood. I like clear distinctions.<br /> <br /> One can only alegorize so much.</span></span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show"> ..:: iWant$Back ::.. </span></span></span></h6>Elaine Bittencourthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918056018284532138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489691939775719903.post-71549591710885631342011-10-14T11:51:00.000-04:002011-10-14T12:49:45.979-04:00How to raise delinquent children<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
<blockquote>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">I was listening to a sermon by John MacArthur titled "<a href="http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/80-69/Shade-for-Our-Children#.TphPaZuImU8">Shade for Our Children</a>" part of the <a href="http://www.gty.org/products/Audio-Series/315/Foundations-Volume-Two#.TphYEJuImU8">Foundations Series</a> (I have been listened to it before), and thought I'd share the following, which he mentions in his sermon:</span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;"><b>How to raise delinquent children</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">1.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Begin with infancy to give the child everything he wants. In this way he will grow up to believe the world owes him a living.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">2.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">When he picks up bad words, laugh at him. This will make him think he's cute. It will also encourage him to pick up "cuter phrases" that will blow off the top of your head later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">3.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Never give him any spiritual training. Wait until he is 21, and then let him "decide for himself."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">4.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Avoid the use of the word "wrong." It may develop a guilt complex. This will condition him to believe later, when he is arrested for stealing a car, that society is against him and he is being persecuted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">5.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Pick up everything he leaves lying around—books, shoes, <span class="GramE">clothes</span>. Do everything for him so that he will be experienced in throwing all responsibility on others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">6.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Let him read any printed matter he can get his hands on. Be careful that the silverware and drinking glasses are sterilized, but don't worry about his mind feasting on garbage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">7.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Quarrel frequently in the presence of your children. In this way they will not be too shocked when the home is broken up later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">8.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Give the child all the spending money he wants. Never let him earn his. Why should he have things as tough as you did?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">9.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Satisfy his every craving for food, drink, and comfort. See that every sensual desire is gratified. Denial may lead to harmful frustration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">10.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Take his part against neighbors, teachers, <span class="GramE">policemen</span>. They are all prejudiced against your child.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">11.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">When he gets into real trouble, apologize to yourself by saying, "I never could do anything with him!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">12.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Prepare yourself for a life of grief. You'll surely have it.</span></span></div>
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</span>( information about the origin of the above can be found at <a href="http://www.snopes.com/glurge/12rules.asp">http://www.snopes.com/glurge/12rules.asp</a>)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><div style="margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0.25in;">
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Related links:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.gty.org/products/Audio-Series/273/Foundations-Volume-One#.TphYEpuImU8">Foundation Series Volume 1</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.gty.org/products/Audio-Series/315/Foundations-Volume-Two#.TphYEJuImU8">Foundation Series Volume 2</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Child-Rearing-Personality-Development-Paul-Meier/dp/0801063051">Child-Rearind and Personality Development</a>, book by Paul D. Meier</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">..:: iBelieve ::..</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>Elaine Bittencourthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918056018284532138noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489691939775719903.post-31660521898197206822011-08-06T20:54:00.002-04:002011-10-14T12:36:48.356-04:00Luther and the shoe maker<div style="text-align: center;">
1 Corinthias 7:20-24</div>
"Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. <span class="verse-num" id="v46007021-1"></span>Were you a bondservant<span class="footnote"> </span>when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) <span class="verse-num" id="v46007022-1"></span>For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ. <span class="verse-num" id="v46007023-1"></span>You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants<span class="footnote"></span> of men. <span class="verse-num" id="v46007024-1"></span>So, brothers, <a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/1%20Corinthians%207:20/" title="ver. 20"></a>in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God." (ESV)<br />
Martin Luther was once approached by a man who enthusiastically announced that he’d recently become a Christian. Wanting desperately to serve the Lord, he asked Luther, “What should I <em>do</em> now?” As if to say, should he become a minister or perhaps a traveling evangelist. A monk, perhaps.<br />
Luther asked him, “What is your work now?”<br />
“I’m a shoe maker.”<br />
Much to the cobbler’s surprise, Luther replied, “Then make a good shoe, and sell it at a fair price.”<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
..:: Grace and peace to you ::..</div>Elaine Bittencourthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918056018284532138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489691939775719903.post-86861745049097129562009-07-27T17:35:00.003-04:002009-07-27T17:39:57.554-04:00He has made everything beautiful in its timeThere is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven--<br />A time to give birth, and a time to die;<br />A time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted.<br />A time to kill, and a time to heal;<br />A time to tear down, and a time to build up.<br />A time to weep, and a time to laugh;<br />A time to mourn, and a time to dance.<br />A time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones;<br />A time to embrace, and a time to shun embracing.<br />A time to search, and a time to give up as lost;<br />A time to keep, and a time to throw away.<br />A time to tear apart, and a time to sew together;<br />A time to be silent, and a time to speak.<br />A time to love, and a time to hate;<br />A time for war, and a time for peace.<br /><br />He has made everything beautiful in its time."<br />Ecclesiastes 3:1-8"<br /><br /><br />"Tudo tem a sua ocasião própria, e há tempo para todo propósito debaixo do céu. Há tempo de nascer, e tempo de morrer; tempo de plantar, e tempo de arrancar o que se plantou; tempo de matar, e tempo de curar; tempo de derrubar, e tempo de edificar; tempo de chorar, e tempo de rir; tempo de prantear, e tempo de dançar; tempo de espalhar pedras, e tempo de ajuntar pedras; tempo de abraçar, e tempo de abster-se de abraçar; tempo de buscar, e tempo de perder; tempo de guardar, e tempo de deitar fora; tempo de rasgar, e tempo de coser; tempo de estar calado, e tempo de falar, tempo de amar, e tempo de odiar; tempo de guerra, e tempo de paz.<br />E tudo Deus fez belo no seu tempo determinado"<br />Eclesiastes 3:1-8Elaine Bittencourthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918056018284532138noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489691939775719903.post-31431788344646639402009-03-08T14:49:00.000-04:002009-03-08T14:49:47.761-04:00I want to go back...... and never leave... never want to grow up... never forget... always feel safe and loved...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwG1jRpaQpaEQ0HH1Zg-40KtrpsJKBd2SNfkjfReSVfCy-3rd66da0EAQNWZZgno209PcjfuIGxMyKyA6BcdXrO0mNHT2hJMOmc0NRa9pGIhAJnZ5p8gFV5Jf0bxfSMhqocEPMHl_G3HD3/s1600-h/Bitt%C2%B4s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwG1jRpaQpaEQ0HH1Zg-40KtrpsJKBd2SNfkjfReSVfCy-3rd66da0EAQNWZZgno209PcjfuIGxMyKyA6BcdXrO0mNHT2hJMOmc0NRa9pGIhAJnZ5p8gFV5Jf0bxfSMhqocEPMHl_G3HD3/s320/Bitt%C2%B4s.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">..::iReMemBeR ::..</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Elaine Bittencourthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918056018284532138noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489691939775719903.post-22278602276414676002009-02-18T16:57:00.000-05:002009-02-18T16:57:39.605-05:00Gotta watch these! =)yes yes, unbeliveable, I am back, twice in one day! ** jaw drops **<br />
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I just had to come back and share these! They are funny, smart, and so cute! Look at the eyes of those penguins! ROTFLOL<br />
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<object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gBnvGS4u3F0&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gBnvGS4u3F0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br />
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<object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9OX8_7l4rf8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9OX8_7l4rf8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br />
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..:: cya ::..Elaine Bittencourthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918056018284532138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489691939775719903.post-43381422914334909862009-01-10T20:08:00.002-05:002009-01-10T20:57:46.254-05:00Slave labour in BrazilRead it off CNN's site (please copy and paste in your browser, for some reason linking didn't work):<br />
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http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/01/09/brazil.slavery/index.html <br />
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I am so skeptical.<br />
"But what may set <a class="cnnInlineTopic" href="http://topics.cnn.com/topics/Brazil">Brazil</a> apart are the government's attempts to wipe out the practice. One of Brazil's chief tools is a "Special Mobile Inspection Group" that consists of labor inspectors, federal police and attorneys from the federal labor prosecution branch. The group often raids workplaces, looking for abuses and laborers held against their will."<br />
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I am sure some people are making good $$$ out of this!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">..:: $makes.the.world.go.around ::..</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Elaine Bittencourthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918056018284532138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489691939775719903.post-58447386177168297782009-01-02T13:05:00.000-05:002009-01-02T13:09:26.754-05:00There are no "fresh starts" in life.<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="readMoreText">"We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="readMoreText"> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randy_Pausch">Randy Pausch</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="readMoreText"><a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/The-Last-Lecture-Randy-Pausch-Jeff-Zaslow/9781401323257-item.html?ref=Search+Books%3a+%2527Randy+Pausch%2527"> The Last Lecture</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="readMoreText"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="readMoreText">..:: iC ::..<br />
</span></div>Elaine Bittencourthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918056018284532138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489691939775719903.post-64412517321675955992008-12-30T14:01:00.003-05:002008-12-30T17:51:13.126-05:00Movies, books, and more non-sense rambling...A while ago I decided to keep track of all the movies that I watch and book that I read. I thought I'd create a couple of lists here, it's more for myself than anyone else though. However, for the past 4 - 6 weeks I haven't updated anything. I've been meaning to ask the librarian whether they can get me a list of all the books I signed out, but I always forget.<br />
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Today we went to the library and lo and behold, there were 6 (!!!) books on hold for me! Gosh, how can I read them all in about 10 days? Here they are:<br />
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<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/When-You-Engulfed-Flames-David-Sedaris/9780316154680-item.html?ref=Search+Books%3a+%2527when+you+are+engulfed+in+flames%2527">When You Are Engulfed In Flames</a>, by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Sedaris">David Sedaris</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Dress-Your-Family-Corduroy-Denim-David-Sedaris/9781586215019-item.html?ref=Books%3a+May+We+Recommend">Dress Your Family In Corduroy And Denim</a>, by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Sedaris">David Sedaris</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Sheltering-Sky-Paul-Bowles/9780060834821-item.html?ref=Search+Books%3a+%2527the+sheltering+sky%2527">The Sheltering Sky</a>, by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Bowles">Paul Bowles</a><br />
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And these 3 books by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennifer_Weiner">Jennifer Weiner</a>:<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/In-Her-Shoes-A-Novel-Jennifer-Weiner/9780743418201-item.html?ref=Search+Books%3a+%2527in+her+shoes%2527">In Her Shoes</a><br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Certain-Girls-Weiner-Pawk-Kazan/9780743569866-item.html?ref=Search+Books%3a+%2527Jennifer+Weiner%2527">Certain Girls</a><br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Little-Earthquakes-Jennifer-Weiner/9781416528630-item.html?ref=Search+Books%3a+%2527Jennifer+Weiner%2527">Little Earthquakes</a><br />
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I think I am going to start with one of Jennifer Weiner's, maybe In Her Shoes (I've seen the movie). I just realized Certain Girls is kinda "the second" book about Cannie Shapiro 13 years later, so I am not going to read it just now, going to wait until I can read <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Good-In-Bed-Jennifer-Weiner/9780743418171-item.html?ref=Search+Books%3a+%2527good+in+bed%2527">Good In Bed</a> first (which I have placed a request with my local library, I am second in line).<br />
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Movies... I've watched a lot of movies since the last one I added (Indiana Jones). I am updating the list today, although I can't remember them all. Last 2 movies that I saw in the theaters: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0918927/">Doubt</a>, and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0814314/">Seven Pounds</a>.<br />
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On "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0918927/">Doubt</a>" - Although <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0205626/">Viola Davis</a> appears briefly in the movie, she does a wonderful job and it's actually a great moment in the movie. Another moment worth to pay attention to is a conversation between the nun and the priest (played respectively by Meryl Streep and Phillip Seymour Hoffman) in the nun's office. But I think what surprised me the most in the entire movie was the very end, the last words of Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep). The question in everyone's mind: was he guilty or not? What do you think?<br />
Here's the <a href="http://movies.ign.com/dor/objects/14272142/doubt/videos/doubt_trlr1_091608.html">movie trailer</a>, note that on the video listing on the right side you can watch interviews with the actors. <br />
One interesting quote, Sister Aloysius talking to Sister James: "When you take a step to address wrongdoing, you are taking a step away from God, but in his service."<br />
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0814314/">Seven Pounds</a> - (<a href="http://movies.ign.com/dor/objects/962390/seven-pounds/videos/7_pounds_trlr1_111708.html">trailer</a>) I loved this movie, the story, the actors' performance, the photography! Go see it (if you haven't already). =)<br />
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Now, I so want to go see <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0421715/">The Curious Case of Benjamin Button</a>! (<a href="http://movies.ign.com/dor/objects/729417/the-curious-case-of-benjamin-button/videos/benjamin_trl.html">trailer and more</a>). <br />
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Hair - I love my short haircut so much! Had no idea it had such a cute style name though: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pixie_cut">Pixie Cut</a>!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92pdGGxBoxfgQS1JcZtRRiK4YiIZR4gGDRv67cHJcoyxiSG7zOg3e5RmPQW0eQoyQdRegXoaUksGf34v0Yv6IL4ombkHR7nxNT4vLDBb1eUTAIhQVnAPnDiIW-oOUiISaXrBlP6y_LwGP/s1600-h/Audrey_Hepburn_screentest_in_Roman_Holiday_trailer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92pdGGxBoxfgQS1JcZtRRiK4YiIZR4gGDRv67cHJcoyxiSG7zOg3e5RmPQW0eQoyQdRegXoaUksGf34v0Yv6IL4ombkHR7nxNT4vLDBb1eUTAIhQVnAPnDiIW-oOUiISaXrBlP6y_LwGP/s320/Audrey_Hepburn_screentest_in_Roman_Holiday_trailer.jpg" /></a></div><br />
So 2009 is approaching... couple more days and we'll have a brand new year. =) I wish you all the best of the years!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">..:: iWishYouHappiness ::..</div>Elaine Bittencourthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918056018284532138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489691939775719903.post-77849336548763144662008-12-24T14:40:00.000-05:002008-12-24T15:10:42.401-05:00It's the day before...Christmas!<br />
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Are you excited? My kids sure are! =)<br />
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I was planning to take some new exciting shots and post for Christmas. Too much planning, too little action. I am sorry! I would like to commit myself to a "365 shots" for 2009, just to give me a little extra push for shooting anything other than school assignments... hmmm... I will try! Not sure if I want to start with a theme, or anything goes, any ideas?<br />
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We did go to check out the lights at Toronto's City Hall. Boy, it was cold! We took some pictures there, nothing fancy, P&S kinda thing. Still in my camera. I am helpless, I know.<br />
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I had a rough year. You know, one of those that you look forward to see the end of it, so you can "start fresh" in the New Year? Yup, those. Times 5. It was that bad. I am not one of those people who always find the bright side of every bad thing, the "silver linning", the "life gave you lemons, make lemonade" kinda person. I don't think I am negative either. I am just... hmmm... errr.... numb most of the time this year.<br />
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However... I'd like to express my gratitute today. For I look back and I can see how many wonderful things have happened to me, how many wonderful people I've met, regardless of every "lemon" that I got in 2008. I thank God for all my lemons this year, it was because of them that I met people that I wouldn't have met otherwise. It was because of my lemons that I learned important life lessons this year. And even though I think of myself as someone weak, I can see how these lemons made me strong and pushed me one step ahead. I am today stronger than I was in 2007. I just wonder... am I being forged like metal in fire? for the war ahead?<br />
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I only have one wish for 2009. One. Simple as that.<br />
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<b>God, please, can I have some strawberries in 2009? And not so many lemons? Thanks!</b><br />
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I wish you all a wonderful Christmas! I miss having a family Christmas, grandparents, siblings, the whole thing, the huge meal on Christmas Day, "pudim de leite", wearing new clothes for the special day, the day when we celebrate being "together". I wish you all a day of being "together"!<br />
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And for 2009, I wish you all lots of strawberries! But don't forget to share them in case you meet someone who gets more lemons than strawberries! ("in case" is really just a matter of taking a closer look around).<br />
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Be safe. Be well. Smile. Make a silly face in front of the mirror. Make someone laugh. Be silly. Sing a song, loudly! Do not be afraid of trying something new!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">..:: God bless you all ::..</div>Elaine Bittencourthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918056018284532138noreply@blogger.com7Canada53.393812337664549 -100.195312526.632464337664548 -159.9609375 80.155160337664555 -40.4296875tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489691939775719903.post-51352999461690956062008-10-04T23:58:00.002-04:002008-10-05T00:02:38.311-04:00These are the signs... [4]This church is close to my school, I pass by it everyday. They change this sign regularly, I had to stop and take a quick pic of this one.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbIiqW9V68gT5DDWiXorGF30veG1j0GLwNh2ehLWZuZXFt85FWppKQLZxAFD8lDPFVcxMMG21ms-uCy4Bct40-k-0DgwwYPRj3cwpaN8Gv92Xfyvee0PD6nGZkx_oWtq6X4l5H0ZnPXrS/s1600-h/ebitt_sign4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbIiqW9V68gT5DDWiXorGF30veG1j0GLwNh2ehLWZuZXFt85FWppKQLZxAFD8lDPFVcxMMG21ms-uCy4Bct40-k-0DgwwYPRj3cwpaN8Gv92Xfyvee0PD6nGZkx_oWtq6X4l5H0ZnPXrS/s400/ebitt_sign4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253514942524854258" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">..:: iLUVu ::..<br /></div>Elaine Bittencourthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918056018284532138noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489691939775719903.post-81955105170828252082008-10-01T17:39:00.003-04:002008-10-01T17:50:30.042-04:00Photo shoot** note: I had this looooong post all typed up, firefox froze up on me at the very end of it while I was uploading an image. For some obscure reason blogger wasn't saving the session as a draft, so when I terminated firefox I lost every word I had typed. Might as well. I am not typing it all over again. You get to see the photo though.<br />
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I was waiting for the sun to go down a little bit so I could take this shot for a school assignment. What you see there is a 4x5 camera loaded with transparency film.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0x5FvN2xqZgVPzXSkbzzbtHpyHbRdSFFQpAFuT4yv3ehmJ45pSQxaCyS2Q0J2eW8x09Z_Q0OXYC5ayw1Y2N5X1y2DLkC2XYaAiru-CZn4X66uFz-nd6VyoD_kN-ybRevU5BLnMYxGyqDx/s1600-h/ebitt_carshot-4x5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OtORZOWcBVMzlku6DTKdJ5jukaKlNCK0j4gXWoCvf7ce-oy-kjN_AxD73xcNPJNX1nM8UNGLsyBWSnJzH63S0KX1U11S4led0BfI5nTq-PrDKVdVNJ7eSNd6vzLn9rcvEIbZCOew-fap/s400-r/ebitt_carshot-4x5.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">..:: i am great at screwing up things ::..</div>Elaine Bittencourthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918056018284532138noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489691939775719903.post-51091767068243538692008-09-21T09:16:00.000-04:002008-09-21T09:25:13.279-04:00Yummy stuff!A couple of weeks ago <a href="http://blondieinbrazil.blogspot.com/">Lori from the Blondie in Brazil blog</a> she answered the "<a href="http://blondieinbrazil.blogspot.com/2008/09/what-id-be-some-weekend-fun.html">what I'd be if I were a...</a>" and something got my attention. To the question "if I were anything liquid, I'd be..." she answered "Jamaican Rum Cream". That souded so good that I had to look for it around here. I found it and bought it yesterday. It IS good! I like Bailey's, but I think this Jamaican Rum Cream is even better! =)<br />
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So thank you Lori!<br />
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and here it is, by no means I want to make you jealous though. =) <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptXSiJE6RJfo5YV6UW_Ltezyofg2KQJImTxnnq2KO_8NjJZn9FiyVFgSY1A5optDrFf_KjV6IyhLvMWsZ-_XMRgKlffob0FRPC4h8qvGBkgBq8RmOkSRp0I5USzzXUDHfnM13poOCKJ4y/s1600-h/ebitt_sangsters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7pxNeEfzhKm1dTGBopV9htBurNJuaJtH-asgV5rmjKKmI-CkqzFQxcWeM6SYQ3v0tGzTVGTfI8_hq4W9SQs0lI8jl__CFwOqBCqGVCpFJ6yA-3D1q0erMfIgmm0ojxNdcyDckbMwctU4/s400-r/ebitt_sangsters.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Hope everyone is having a great Sunday!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">..:: iYum ::..</div>Elaine Bittencourthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918056018284532138noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489691939775719903.post-87542462058887253372008-09-19T21:37:00.003-04:002008-09-19T22:18:13.885-04:00A thief with a consciencenote: this post is only a figment of your imagination, I am not here typing this. I am actually reading text for a school assignment that needs to be posted online tonight! =)<br /><br />I could not ignore it. This is the first time that I hear such thing, and it happened in Brazil.<br />I tried to find websites in English with the story, but couldn't, only in <a href="http://noticias.terra.com.br/brasil/interna/0,,OI3189590-EI5030,00-Ladrao+acha+crianca+no+banco+traseiro+e+devolve+carro.html">Portuguese</a>. Bear with me. =)<br /><br />After taking the car, the thief realizes that there's a kid sleeping on the back seat - a 5-year-old boy. Immediately he calls the police, tells about the boy, tells them where he stole the vehicle from, that both parents (mother and stepfather) were in a bar at the time of the robbery - 1:45am. He tells them where he is going to leave the vehicle, and ask them to tell the father that if he finds the boy in the car again, he will kill him (the father, not the boy). The police goes to the address and finds the car and the kid, no sign of the thief. The department for child neglect has been notified and the parents will have to respond to proper charges.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxdZAn4J6Pc3gHEyulODilutfJP2_tpwYh10O9WPviQM9J47I7sLhN4mw-VGAd4-t56QowuDbGlOODY9clUJ7x8j-SwYXHkz0M7-5kCyI5dnnzAJXLXAU1QvQE3qkeaanoVd1oUNVbGou/s1600-h/200068615-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VTyqNlcd6ABFJ15MY6lBWUDB0D_SVubeUxWA_cObINR6Lzm314K_UdmEdfvFLM6yaFsTZd9j9LD769D5H701jJjTz-RpjORd_-RFVdYE_G7JWUcWEmLfc-1bEu1KiOHyDM1xZmjJyGry/s320-r/200068615-003.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br />I kinda had to smile a bit. Some criminals have a degree of what's right, what's wrong. This guy might even be a father himself. Nice to know that he would steal a vehicle but wouldn't leave his own child in the car; that is, if he has a kid.<br /><br />It's also interesting to note that he had no problems calling the police; he wasn't worried about being caught.<br /><br />This is how I see this. In a country where the biggest thieves wear suits and steal under everyone's noses, where impunity reigns, to be a thief with a conscience is a plus.<br /><br />And for those who think that this can only happen in Brazil, here's a <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2007/08/07/car-thief.html">link to a story that happened in Montreal back in 2007</a>.<br /><br />Back to what I was doing...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">..:: iKidUnot ::..</div>Elaine Bittencourthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918056018284532138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489691939775719903.post-81188499571490323072008-09-18T23:15:00.001-04:002008-09-18T23:09:19.643-04:00Things that kids say...Hey, I'm still here! Been really busy with school, a lot of assignments, still having fun though. Hmmm... let me refrase that. Or rather explain it better. There is this teacher that has his head up his own you-know-what. He is completely, utterly, full of himself. He looks down to all the students, and he is the subject of many conversations in the cafeteria. We have to endure this guy. I don't really know how long more I can take it without opening my mouth.<br /><br />Anyway... back to more pleasant things. Today something really funny happened. Last night I was in the middle of talking to my husband about family stuff (we don't see each other often, hectic life), when Ethan asked me to staple some papers. I did that and he asked me to staple it again, so I did.<br /><br />This morning we were all getting ready - you know how mornings can be - and I look and he is sitting on the sofa, with this very long face.<br /><br />"Ethan, what's up?"<br /><br />"It's going to take me a loooooooooong time to make another Ethan book", he says and starts sobbing.<br /><br />He stands up, turns to me, open his arms, walks in my direction, crying:<br /><br />"Mom, I feel really sad, can I have a hug?"<br /><br />"What's going on, why are you feeling so sad?"<br /><br />"Because you messed up my book, you stapled all over it, I had to throw it in the recycle bin."<br /><br />"Go get it, I will fix it for you."<br /><br />He brings it to me, tells me about those papers being an "Ethan book". I grab the little stapler, with the little thingy at the end I carefully remove both staples, and staple them again along the "book spine". By then he is already smiling.<br /><br />Mommy is his hero. =)<br /><br />He ends the issue with a consideration on the stapler, he thinks it's a very cool thing.<br /><br />I was late for school about 10 minutes. The teacher says he is going to lock the classroom door next week, no one late will be allowed in. I don't really care. I made my boy really sad and really happy this morning. =) I'm his hero for the day.<br /><br />And the teacher? Guess which teacher it is. Right, Mr. Full-of-Himself. Bleh!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">..:: iHero ::..<br /></div>Elaine Bittencourthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918056018284532138noreply@blogger.com5