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From Doug’s Blog: The World Needs Him

From Doug’s Blog today:

Critic to Mrs. Howard Phillips: “You’re having another baby. Don’t you know that the world has too many children already?”

Mrs. Howard Phillips: “The world is in need of my children.”

That sums it up. Thank God for mothers who see the potential for changing the world which lies in the lives of the children God gives them.

Christian mothers and fathers, listen to Peggy Phillips—the world needs your children!

Read the article and then notice why Doug thinks women are important, and who he is really complimenting. What humility.

178 Responses to “From Doug’s Blog: The World Needs Him”

  1. CD-Host Says:

    Nikki –

    I don’t have a clue about little bear’s church. On the other hand do I know about Faith and what you wrote is at the very least highly misleading. First off faith itself hasn’t published anything. BCA has made claims about FPC. And according to BCA’s materials FPC most certainly did not stand by Doug’s statement. What they said was that they lacked authority to act in an appellate capacity. They themselves have never said one way or another anything about Jen.

    Moreover their analysis violated the doctrines of the PCA as I documented on my blog. I think you have been throwing around accusations a little lightly since you’ve gotten here. Slow down. Think through what you are saying and be prepared to present evidence.

    Let me present another example which was an even worse case (that I let pass):

    “These un-college bound girls often are also well studied in doctorate level work.”

    Really. What research papers have they published? What conferences have they presented at? What journals are their materials in? Doctorate level is a pretty high level. Its about new research which substantially advances the understanding in the field.

    In mathematics I know of one person in the last century who did doctorate level work without a formal educational environment and to get there he required being quite possibly the greatest genius in India at the time and some private tutoring by one of the world’s top 10 mathematicians.

  2. Spunky Says:

    Nikki this is where critical reading is essential.

    You said, “There is a notice from BCA the PCA church elders ”

    Do the elders of Faith PCA say that Doug Phillips is right and Jen’s allegations are wrong? No they don’t. They merely state that they will not usurp the disciplinary action of BCA by rendering their own opinion on the matter. Thus, we don’t know what they believe about the excommunication just that they have no jurisdiction in this matter.

    Further, the letter is not documented in its entirety. Why not? Certain paragraphs are truncated as indicated by the use of [ brackets ] that tells me there were portions of the lettter deleted which could alter the original intent of the authors. And portions which may have been unfavorable to BCA could possibly have been omitted. Without disclosing the original document we cannot know if this was done. To be above reproach, BCA should disclose the complete documents in their entirety without commentary by an anonymous author of this website. Until that is done, the word of this elders as we know it is only that they have no jurisidiction in this matter and nothing more.

    As far as Little Bear Wheelers statement discusses the Epsteins use of an email campaign to discredit Doug Phillips, but does not speak to the excommunication itself, “We were grieved that such an e-mail would be sent, and deeply saddened to find that the e-mail contained inaccuracies and misleading information. We believe the letter discredits its authors.”

    This letter also does nothing to support or refute the original excommunication of the Epsteins, only that their actions after excommunciation are not acceptable. They tell us that that the Epsteins have spread “misleading information” but don’t document how that is true. They expect us to believe them based on what? Just as I don’t believe Jen simply on the basis of what she writes, the same is true of those who support Doug Phillips. Does Living Waters support the excommication, we don’t know and this document does not tell us. We cannot make inferences based on the information put forth on that website.

    Further, we have not even spoken about the unsubstantiated rumor by “Supreme Court justice” that is hosted on the Vision Forum webpage alleging illegalities on the part of a former friend of Doug Phillips, Dave Linton. Are we to just excuse those allegations because they came from an unnamed supreme court justice and former personal friend of Vision Forum. It is highly inappropriate for Vision Forum to use its website to make an allegation against a Christian brother, without documenting the facts. This is not done and is not above reproach. So there are webpages that are not being discussed by those that support Doug Phillips that we all should concern anyone who has thought Doug Phillips as their friend. If he would turn on David Linton and malign him in public, who else would he do the same thing to as well?

    Nikki, it is not my desire to know the sordid details of this issue, or get a personal correspondence from Doug Phillips. To take the discussion to that extreme is not helpful to anyone who is seeking the truth about a man we admire and support. If Doug Phillips, the BCA website or Vision Forum had said nothing about the Epsteins that would be better than the undocumented assertions and allegations against a brother in Christ. The men of Vision Forum have participated in the same “internet assassinations” they have accused the Epsteins of participating in. If you don’t give Jen Epstein a pass, then why should the patriarchs of Vision Forum who are the teachers on the subject get a pass? They have devoted just as much space and time as the Epsteins, but have done so anonymously. Atleast Jen Esptein has the courage to put her name to her website, something that cannot be said about the “anonymous supreme court justice,” “Still Fed Up,” or the elders of BCA.

  3. CynthiaGee Says:

    Nikki said,
    “So that’s a good reason to go to college? We want to test their faith… not sure about your strategy, if it doesn’t make us lose our fatih it makes us stronger? If we only fall into temptation a little bit, we’ll be forgiven anyway…… I don’t think theres any clause about making sure you move far away from your relatives and living with people who have opposing worldviews ( you can meet them next door and at the grocery store) to get “educated”.

    Nikki, I don’t know what YOU did in college, but I went there to get an education, not to “move far away from my relatives and live with people who have opposing worldviews.”
    I went to a college in my own hometown. One needn’t move far away from their parents and relatives to go to school — you keep sounding as if college has to mean moving halfway across the country, but unless you live in the back-40 of nowhere, it’s just not an either/or situation. Maybe the thing that bothers you most is the idea of your children growing up and going out on their own, rather than their attending college.
    As for being around ungodly people with opposing worlviews, yes, my school had some wild kids, and it also had its fair share of nice, decent students. I hung out with the decent kids — philosophy, theatre arts, and english majors mostly — when I hung out with anyone at all. Most of the time, I spent my evenings reading in my (private) room in an all-girls dorm, or rehearsing some play or another in the school theatre, or doing research in the library. I wasn’t in the least tempted to hang out with the wrong crowd — why should I have been, since I had nothing in common with them? The wild kids weren’t a temptation, they were a NUISANCE!

    When a young person is old enough to go to college, they are an adult — your work is done. If you have raised your kids right, they will want to hang out with a decent crowd, not with school hooligans with opposing worldviews.

    To attempt to continue to shelter and control your offspring after they have reached adulthood, and thereby deprive them of an education, is to admit that you trust neither them nor the Faith which you have taught them.

  4. CynthiaGee Says:

    Nikki wrote,
    “Also, there is a difference between sending a girl and a boy away. No, not everyone will be exposed to harmful situations, but I ought not put my DAUGHTER in a position where she could be overpowered by shady characters…. Check the facts… there aren’t alot of guys (although is possible) who are victims of date rape… and we can’t blame it all on a girl’s revealing blouse.”

    I can’t believe I’m reading this…. why would your daughter be alone with a shady character in the first place, at college OR at home? Moreover, boys are not immune typically they are not the victims of date rape, but they are the victims of seduction, by shady ladies.

    And if she IS going to be alone with a shady character, the thing you fear can can happen anywhere. When I was in my 20’s I had to practically beat off an attacker in a Christian bookstore – he was my employer and he was a Pentecostal preacher! But I never had an experience like that in college.

    My advice — teach your daughters sound Christianity, teach them good sense and discernment — they should be as wise as serpents,and as harmless as doves — and then let them grow up and let them go. And, if you are STILL worried, teach them karate.

  5. CynthiaGee Says:

    “About your other comments concerning abused and tortured brothers and sisters of the past, they already know God’s glory, what is it you want me to explain? ”

    Well, for starters, why you continue to support a man who glorifies the abusers and torturers!

    Let me repeat this again, in boldface:
    Phillips has garnered money and support by cozying up to the NeoConfederate movement, and he supports his father, whose party has thrown in with anti-Semites, holocaust deniers, the apartheid movement, and the militia movement. VisionForum’s homeschooling materials rewrite the facts of history to support the political positions of those hate groups which are being courted by the Constitution Party.

    I know this as a result of my own research, from reading Doug’s Blog, from reading his writings, and from observing who his and his father’s associates , fans, and supporters are, NOT from listening to rumors and allegations made by “people who hate Family Integration and Biblical Patriarchy”.

    If you want, I can provide you with the links, and you can read it for yourself.

  6. Nikki Bratton Says:

    My daughter wouldn’t be alone with a shady character, that’s the whole point. I wouldn’t send her away… kudos for you never being taken advantage of at college. I wasn’t either.

    However, I freely got deeply involved with a young christian man… most people wouldn’t call what we did sin… but are times together certainly weren’t about holiness. It was heartwrenching and I of course am a ludricrous parent who doesn’t think my children are required to learn everything from there own mistakes even though that is the instructions that ring out all around us.

    And as has been posted you can commute or use distance education and there are obviously creeps at the Christian bookstore so why would you want to sendyour daughter to live in a dorm or apartment away from her family… what specifically about that is valuable.

    Oh, I forgot because the world is a generally good and happy place so go out in it….remember your own home isn’t so great because there are creeps in your own neighborhood… well guess what, I can see those creeps. They are right where I can keep an eye on them.

    By the way, Christianity is a hate group, haven’t you heard? It is hateful to say homosexuality is sin and it is hateful to support the principals of the founders of the constitution. And oh, I forgot one more thing… apparently if we don’t support statism and believe that states rights are constitutional, then we suddenly support slavery because the confederacy didn’t want the federal government to dictate state laws (despite their constitutional right)… oh, so now I just said slavery was good right? NO, actually I said the founders of the constitution were wise in giving states rights and it was the states job, not the federal government’s to abolish slavery. Some people say that the apostle Paul supported slavery because he told slaves to obey their masters instead of organizing a rebellion. But that isn’t so either, he was actually giving all people godly advice on how to live in a society that was far less than reformed. As ours still is.

    That knowledge was gained by reading things other than government approved textbooks and college classes, that’s why it sounds so debase, it’s not socially and politically correct.

    Well, you read my writings and make false assumptions and assert that I should be ashamed of speaking highly of my own daughter… you have not proven trustworthy as far as I understand.

  7. Jen Says:

    Nikki, you are welcome to comment on my blog, but you have a very sharp tongue. One of the “rules” of this blog is that you conduct yourself as a Christian would. I have to say that there are non-Christians here who treat the rest of us with a great deal more kindness than we have received from you. Please examine your writings a little more carefully before you post what sounds to me to be very bitter words. One thing I have greatly enjoyed about most of the commenters here is that even when we disagree, we are polite and kind to one another. There have been a few heated moments here and there, but your overall tone is of great concern to me. Please reconsider how you approach us.

    Nikki: “Let’s be practical, an internet blog although it may be thought provoking and even encouraging is not true fellowship.

    “The comfort offered here is of little use compared to real faces, arms and voices. We have no right to remove Doug Phillips, the people who do, did not. We have no ability to hug the Epstein family, they need that more than an internet blog.”

    So what would you suggest I do, Nikki? Right now, I am extremely grateful that God has provided internet friends. Do I “fellowship” with my internet friends? I think so. I think that God can use many different venues for fellowship and the internet happens to be one of them. It sounds to me like you only live about three hours away from me. If you ever want to come give me a hug in real life, I would really like that!

    Nikki: “it appears that the local church excommunicated the Epsteins so apparently the pastor’s error wasn’t apparent to a reasonable portion of the church if several people went against him with that accusation.”

    Nikki, MANY people left BCA before we were excommunicated. The ones who were left were the ones who were loyal no matter what. All those who were fed up with Doug had already left by this point. I was not at all surprised to find that they all sided with Doug. And whether they were loyal or not, where else could they go to church? If they sided with the Epsteins, they would have to leave BCA. I admit that we were spoiled in a way. There were many great things about BCA, which is why we stayed. There were also some very bad things, which only began to appear near the end as Doug became more and more extreme. Nikki, since you go to a family-integrated church now, if you had to leave, where would you go? Would it be easy for you to just pick yourself up and find a new church?

  8. Jen Says:

    Cindy: “Regarding “Vision Casting”:
    “Jen, this is paganism. This is absolutely indiscernible from “The Secret” (”metaphysical” film and book) and the cognitive distortion of magical thinking.
    “Doug teaches this? I understand you to say that this is a phrase that he uses?”

    Cindy, here are just two examples from his website: “Uniting Church and Family: Conferences designed to cast vision…”

    “The vision of this national celebration is more fully explained here, but can be summarized as an exercise in vision-casting, hope-communication, apologetic training, and genuine celebration of the works of our great God.”

    Cindy: “I’m not sure how he justifies suing Joe Taylor”

    Lynn: “but just to clarify it was binding arbitration, and Doug was not one of the parties the first time around.”

    Cindy: “It was a legal matter requiring arbitration wherein Doug actually avoided service of legal documents (per Jen’s documentation.) The services of an attorney were employed to deal with matters among Christians.”

    Actually, Doug repeatedly threatened to sue Joe Taylor, but he did not. He did set up a mediation, which was really a sham, and was a gross conflict of interest for all those involved except Joe Taylor. Joe was coerced into agreeing to something that he never should have agreed to. Doug’s name was on that mediation agreement, but Doug REFUSED to sign it. Later on, there was an arbitration ruling as well.

    The episode that Cindy is talking about involved Joe’s request to Doug Phillips to take this to Peacemakers, since Doug refused to sign the mediation. However, Doug also refused to go to Peacemakers with Joe, just as he refused to go to Peacemakers with us.

    Kevin: “Does anyone think the same thing could be done with patriarchy and Vision Forum? Why concede such an old word to a guy like Phillips’ when his definition of it seems very new.”

    Great idea, Kevin! What word would you suggest we use instead? We tried using hyper-patriarchy to differentiate it from patriarchy. Others have used patriocentric, which is an appropriate word as well, but most people don’t know what that means.

  9. CynthiaGee Says:

    “NO, actually I said the founders of the constitution were wise in giving states rights and It was the states job, not the federal government’s, to abolish slavery’

    True, but do finish the statement:
    “It was the states job, not the federal government’s, to abolish slavery’ , AND when the states failed to do their job, and indeed seceded from the Union rather than do the right thing, the federal government had to step in and protect thousands of helpless human beings from being enslaved by the rich men who controlled the politics of the states in which they lived.

    That dog won’t hunt, Nikkki.

    And, in supporting Phillips, you support a man who idolizes
    Robert Lewis Dabney, who is distinguished for his racist leanings as much as he is for his theological beliefs. Dabney was considered a racist in his own time by his own peers. Now, please understand that Phillips not only praises Dabney the theologian, he praises Dabney the MAN. This is significant: when someone has that type of notoriety, one may praise his good deeds and ideas without praising him personally; to praise such a man personally is to praise those deeds and viewpoints for which he is best known. In Dabney’s case, those viewpoints would be the virulent expressions of racism which led him to deny that black men were fit for the ministry, and which elsewhere referred to them as “vile stream from the fens of Africa”. Dabney was the worst sort of racist, even in his own racist times.

    Phillips also supports his father’s political agenda, and Howard Phillip’s Constitution Party has close ties with the League of the South , another racist organization; in fact, the party’s most recent Presidential cantidate was a LoS member.
    In addition, Reconstructionist “Pastor” Steve Wilkins is a founding member of the LoS.
    (Wilkins believes that lying is perfectly acceptable, if it advances the Reconstructionist cause. Deacon Kevin Branson posted an article on the web site of Wilkins’ church in which he praises Rahab as “a spiritual hero” because “she deceived the wicked who sought to kill God’s own people.”
    Branson said that “some of us don’t have a clue about honorable and necessary deception of the wicked” and that “sometimes God requires that we offer by way of our right hand a sweeping sword, and from our lips deception, that the wicked might fail, and Christ and His Bride might flourish.”)

    There’s more…

    As stated on the blog site, Racist Churches:
    “for many years, Doug Phillips and Vision Forum have sold books by G.A. Henty and hosted an essay contest in his honor. You can see how often Henty is praised there.

    One of the books included in the 40-volume set for sale at Vision Forum is “By Sheer Pluck”. Here is Henty’s opinion of black people, which any young child may find in its pages:

    They are just like children. They are always either laughing or quarrelling. They are good-natured and passionate, indolent, but will work hard for a time; clever up to a certain point, densely stupid beyond. The intelligence of an average negro is about equal to that of a European child of ten years old. A few, a very few, go beyond this, but these are exceptions, just as Shakespeare was an exception to the ordinary intellect of an Englishman. They are fluent talkers, but their ideas are borrowed. They are absolutely without originality, absolutely without inventive power. Living among white men, their imitative facilities enable them to attain a considerable amount of civilisation. Left alone to their own devices they retrograde into a state little above their native savagery.

    White superiority is the theme that runs through all of Henty’s books. He once wrote of “the utter incapacity of the Negro race to evolve, or even maintain, civilisation without the example and the curb of a white population.”

    Note: Doug Phillips is selling the original, unexpurgated (racist) versions of these books, not the versions edited by Mantle Ministries and Preston Speed.

    It’s astounding that racist books are being sold to impressionable youths under the guise of Christianity, but Henty is just the beginning. For example, Vision Forum also sells Elsie Dinsmore, which contains the “n-word” (and other things). Elsie even tells her slaves that “they wouldn’t be Negroes in heaven.”

    …from Racist Churches

    And there’s more. Doug courts the neoConfederate movement, in his lecture circuit, sharing the stage with Steve Wilkins and even custom-tailoring his lectures in an attempt to woo these secessionist groups. Apparently Doug has met with some success , too — maybe more than he bargained for, since some of these neoNazi bad boys admire his and his father’s views to the point of wanting to infiltrate the Constitution Party.

    Shall I go on?

  10. CD-Host Says:

    Jen —

    If you don’t mind me disagreeing here… I’m not sure trying to save “patriarchy” as a word is a good idea. For roughly 80% of the population “patriarchal” means deliberate systematic oppression of woman. Its an offensive word to most.

    Its like using the swastica. Sure its been a religious and cultural symbol for thousands of years but now anyone using it is hoping to offend.

    What at least most of the woman here seem to objecting to in patriocentric religion is:

    A religious and social system deliberate designed attempt to create an overwhelming feeling of guilt and failure in woman so as to lead them to ever greater levels of self degradation.

    Which is pretty close to what feminists mean by the word.

    I think that meets the secular definition of patriarchy. Let Doug Phillips have the word. Make it beyond the pale even in the conservative community.

  11. Jen Says:

    CD-Host, I agree with you. My answer to Kevin was a little tongue-in-cheek. It is very difficult to change terms when they are so widely used. That is why I chose to add the hyper to the patriarchy here. I think that is having an impact. I shall continue to use hyper-patriarchy, which seems to me to be an accurate term for Doug’s version of patriarchy.

  12. Jean Says:

    Cynthia Gee,

    Three years ago I purchased Hentys from Vision Forum…they are the sanitized Preston Speed hardback editions. Are you absolutely certain about the volumes that VF sells today? I wouldn’t want you to misspeak about this.

    Have a pleasant day,

  13. Jen Says:

    Jean, you and Cynthia are both right about the GA Henty books. Doug used to sell the Hentys that Preston Speed publishes. While the original Hentys do contain language that we would consider to be racist today, it was not really considered to be so when these books were written. Preston Speed has done a marvelous job of cleaning up the language and deleting unnecessary portions that might be offensive today. And Doug used to sell those books.

    But the Hentys Doug sells now are from the Robinson curriculum, printed on demand. These Hentys are the original version with all the racist language included. They are also printed with inferior ink which rubs off rather easily.

  14. CD-Host Says:

    Jen —

    If you are actually trying to coin a term and want to have a clear difference it might make sense to have a post / link where you define patriarchy vs. hyper-patriarchy vs. complimantarianism. There are certainly places where people have give their own definitions but… I guess given you run the “anti-patriarchy” board yours is fairly official 🙂

  15. CynthiaGee Says:

    Jen.. if you put up such a link, may I link to it? I don’t have anywhere near the readership that you do, but it would help to have everyone on the same page (no pun intended) when it comes to definitions.

  16. CynthiaGee Says:

    “Well, you read my writings and make false assumptions and assert that I should be ashamed of speaking highly of my own daughter… you have not proven trustworthy as far as I understand.”

    No, Nikki… you missed my point. I think you should be ashamed to think so little of your daughter and her Faith that you don’t trust her to become an adult and live away form your sphere of influence. it is a shame that you had a negative experience with a young man, but does that mean that you should shield your daughter from all such experiences, positive and negative?

    Personally, I would rather never have been born, than to be born and never live at all, spending my days as a perpetual child, abiding in a bubble as someone’s cosseted pet.

  17. Jen Says:

    CD-Host: “If you are actually trying to coin a term and want to have a clear difference it might make sense to have a post / link where you define patriarchy vs. hyper-patriarchy vs. complimantarianism.”

    That’s a good idea for a new article, CD. I’ll put that on my list of things to write.

    CD-Host: “… I guess given you run the “anti-patriarchy” board yours is fairly of”icial”

    I don’t really mean for this to be anti-patriarchy. I know you weren’t around a few months ago, but I was still advocating patriarchy pretty strongly for quite a while – until I wrote that series on the “Tenets of Biblical Patriarchy” and I was forced to really examine how it lined up with Scripture. That is when I first realized there was something wrong with it. That was a very hard week for me.

  18. Nikki Says:

    Please forgive my sarcasm. I get a little cranky when I’m indirectly called “mindless” as women in Family Integrated churches have been labeled here.

    I believe that what Ephesians says about husband and wives and children are vital and true instructions from God…. I don’t believe I need to be fifty years old to experience what the Bible states simply is true. Following God is about having standards and depending on God’s grace, not a groups expectations. Raising children is not a cookie cut process, but that doesn’t mean we throw out sound principles.

    A biblical father guides and directs his children in the discipline and instruction of their Lord according to their God given talents. Guidance, instructions & protection do not limit a child. It gives the child the tools for their greatest potential.

    I don’t discredit that God can use this internet avenue… but we do need real people we can see and touch and hear and cry with and laugh with… It’s part of being human. I would hope that that is what you have from all the people who already left. That they would be there to welcome you.

  19. Marsena Says:

    CynthiaGee, I couldn’t agree with you more! I’m so thankful for my mother raising me to be a responsible Christian adult woman rather than an overgrown child!

    I’m gasping in horror at the information you shared about the racist content of the books sold through Vision Forum. And they consider this bigoted drivel acceptable reading for children? God have mercy!

    Basically, they are the ones who want to revise history. If I were to desire to fit in with these people, I would have to deny my African-American heritage. I would basically have to say that the people who fought, bled, died, was bitten by dogs and hosed down in the streets simply for wanting to drink from the same water fountain as whites didn’t know what they were talking about. After all, my ancestors were supposedly better off remaining as slaves because they were supposedly too stupid to be anything else.

    Thank God for abolition and the civil rights movement! Thank God for people refusing to accept racism and hatred. I will be forever grateful to them for their sacrifices. Because of God using them, I am now able to walk through downtown Birmingham, AL (where we currently live) — the same streets where black protesters were hosed down and bitten in the 60s — without being abused and mistreated because I am black. I have the blessing of being able to fellowship with Christians of all races without fear of being lynched the next day. Hallelujah!

    Doug Phillips and his crew can keep their hankering for “the good old days” to themselves. For my race, there was nothing good about them!

  20. Corrie Says:

    “Thank God for abolition and the civil rights movement! Thank God for people refusing to accept racism and hatred. ”

    I have been doing some reading on the history of abolitionism in Europe and the United States and a very minute part of that was what Doug uses to tar and feather all of the abolitionist movement as “evil”. There were many godly men and women who worked to end slavery and the slave trade. Just because there were a couple of whack-jobs who were out of control doesn’t mean anything.

    I decided, after doing some research, that I am going to read a biography on Wilberforce (read this a while ago when my oldest was in school) and Uncle Tom’s Cabin. I also found another great book about a slave girl’s story at the gift shop under the St. Louis Arch the other day and I plan on reading that one, too.

    I have a LOT of the Henty books bought right from Vision Forum. I will have to look to see just what version I have. But, I could hardly stomach the Elsie books and one of the main reasons was because of the racist elements in that book with absolutely no caveats in the forward concerning the wrongness of such thinking.

  21. Jen Says:

    Nikki, no one here is advocating throwing out sound biblical principles. You will find that most of us are in agreement with the plain teachings of the Bible on what our roles are as men and women. It is what is added to those plain teachings that we object to, especially when new “sins” are invented.

    I am also not here to say that all family-integrated churches are alike or all patriarchy families do everything the same. Personally, I abhor such broad generalizations and prefer to look at individuals instead. I think there is much good in the concept of family-integrated churches, which is one reason why I have such a difficult time finding a church right now. I am loath to go back to a traditional church. I also see clearly that your view of patriarchy is not Doug’s view of patriarchy. I don’t necessarily agree with all that you espouse, but you do not hold Doug’s position either.

    I guess that’s one of the reasons I go into the details so much here. What Doug says and writes seems innocuous enough on the surface, but what happens in real life is where it counts.

  22. Cindy Kunsman Says:

    Nikki wrote: “Please forgive my sarcasm. I get a little cranky when I’m indirectly called “mindless” as women in Family Integrated churches have been labeled here.”

    I dont think that one person here thinks you’re “mindless.” You’ve clearly got a very good mind and a heart of valor because you’re defending your cause as well as those you hold in high esteem.

    As I would say that the majority of us who participate have been in a similar place at one time in our lives, also defending our former pastors and elders and churches. I was not called into a “star chamber” for interrogation as some here have been, but I did go to my elders to address a list of things serious problems. In that meeting, the pastor who I loved like a second father sat there and lied and denied the truth. When we decided to leave (about a month later), we were given the “don’t leave our umbrella of covering because we don’t want to terrible harm come to you.” In counseling, even then, I continued to defend that pastor for which my counselor would have to remind me. I would slip back into my role of defending a very abusive man. A man I loved dearly. It took me years to comprehend how deceptive it all was and to esteem him in a manner (both good and bad) that was true and fair to both of us. For 3/4 of my time at that church, I fit in very well and served God. I was not mindless: I was ignorant of the abuses and unwilling to entertain any thought of leadership doing moral and ethical wrong as any good Christian would. I was naive and I was deceived.

    But then I started to see what had been going on all along. I started to notice or question those little things and comments and all those things that come to your attention to which you say “I must have missed something….I missunderstood….They could not have meant that….I don’t believe this because no reasonable person would let that happen….” One day, I hit a limit and I started asking, “What is really going on here?” And over the course of a year, without seeking out anything, despite my resistance, situations and problems just started presenting. Everywhere. And when I realized what was occuring, I followed my duty to the truth and responded. And I was cursed and sent out into outer darkness, told that God had abandoned me. Like Jen. Like “m….” who ocassionally responds here. Like so many others here who were manipulated with fear and threat upon leaving.

    So you are not any more or less mindless than I was when my church and participation seemed glorious. I do think that you are deceived. So I pray that God has used this issue/website/challenge/discussion to plant this tiny seed in your mind and heart. I am confident in God’s promise that He leads and guides us by His Spirit into all truth, and I am confident that you love Him with all you are and all you have. If all these things are true, at the appointed time, God will cause that seed to grow and a part of you will remember this little blog and my prayer for you to know the truth and be free indeed. I pray that at that moment, God floods you with peace and rest, remembering that you are on the course to freedom through God’s revealed truth, through His working in your own very excellent heart and MIND.

  23. CynthiaGee Says:

    “I believe that what Ephesians says about husband and wives and children are vital and true instructions from God…….. Following God is about having standards and depending on God’s grace, not a groups expectations. Raising children is not a cookie cut process, but that doesn’t mean we throw out sound principles.
    A biblical father guides and directs his children in the discipline and instruction of their Lord according to their God given talents.”

    Nikki, I also agree with Ephesians, AND I agree with Cindy K. when she says that you are far from mindless, and a woman of valor. You have defended your ideas valiantly, and it’s not you I have a problem with, it’s the ideas themselves.

    Certainly a father directs and instructs his children, and there are Bible verses to this effect that the VF folks use to convince people that parents are the ONLY people who should teach their children, and that sending them to be taught by someone else is sinful. The verses, however, do not teach that.

    “Deu 11:18 ¶ Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. Deu 11:19 And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. Deu 11:20 And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates…”

    This verse tells us that God’s Word should be always before us, and it tells us that parents should teach their children the Scriptures. By the time of Jesus, the very literally minded Pharisees had also interpreted this to mean that they should strap little boxes containing writings from the Law to their wrists, their foreheads, and their front doors, but even they didn’t take this as a ban against village schools — most towns had a small school, where boys (and occasionally girls) gathered to be taught reading and writing in the Hebrew language by the local rabbi. Jesus likely attended such a school, and almost certainly Paul did as well, before going on to more advanced studies. The equivalent of this today is the church-run school, which Phillips and his idological ilk have twisted the Scriptures to say is a violation of Deuteronomy 11.

    The scripture twisting here is subtle — Deuteronomy 11 certainly says that parents are to instruct their children in the Word. But it DOES NOT SAY that parents must instruct their children in academic subjects as well, NOR does it say that parents are to be the ONLY people who instruct their children!

    Phillips is a sly fox– you have to hand it to him. He’s done a bang-up job of using this scripture and others to convince parents that homeschooling is the only truly Biblical way to go, and just to make it easier, HE has the homeschooling materials those parents will need to remain in compliance with “God’s mandate”, smartly packaged and conveniently revised to reflect his and his father’s worldview and political agenda. What a deal!
    ……. for Phillips and other dominionist curriculum hucksters, that is — they get to be spiritual leaders, promote their political “vision”, and make money hand over fist, all at the same time!

  24. CynthiaGee Says:

    “Doug Phillips and his crew can keep their hankering for “the good old days” to themselves. For my race, there was nothing good about them!”

    Amen and amen.
    This is how I KNOW that the dominionist/patriarchal movement is evil: No religion or denomination can be called Godly if it elevates one race or national culture above another — in Christ there is no Jew or Greek. Christ’s church is universal, transcending race, nation, culture, sex, era, and economic station. This is the meaning of “catholic” (with a small “c”, LOL)

    I would also be less than honest if I didn’t admit that I have a dog in this hunt.
    My family includes members from three races and a dozen countries: my husband’s family is descended from free black Englishmen, American slaves, and Seneca, Blackfoot and Cherokee Indians. My family is Irish, German, Welsh and Cherokee on one side and Mexican and Indian on the other. Our grandchildren are beautiful — I wish I knew how to post their pictures on Blogger.

    These racists operating under the guise of Christianity have caused a lot of non-white youngsters to lose their faith, and by the time my grandbabies grow up, I want Phillips’ brand of racism cloaked in religion to be HISTORY, dead and buried.

  25. Marsena Says:

    “These racists operating under the guise of Christianity have caused a lot of non-white youngsters to lose their faith, and by the time my grandbabies grow up, I want Phillips’ brand of racism cloaked in religion to be HISTORY, dead and buried.”

    Yes! And I plan to show up with the biggest shovel ever to help with the burial!

  26. CynthiaGee Says:

    Got a backhoe? 🙂

  27. Spunky Says:

    Nikki said, “Please forgive my sarcasm. I get a little cranky when I’m indirectly called “mindless” as women in Family Integrated churches have been labeled here.”

    It may surprise you to know that I have been in family integrated churches for most of my life, I’m 44. Way before it was a popular “movement’ capitalized on by some authors and speakers. Further, my husband and I “kissed dating goodbye” in 1984. At that time there were no books written on the subject we just did what we believed the scripture taught us. My husband and I never dated. We were engaged the week after my parents met him and gave us their blessing. We now have six children (oldest is 18) who have grown up in family integrated churches.

    I have been reading this blog since nearly the beginning and have not felt that anyone here thought me or any women “mindless” for my convictions nor have I felt attacked for what I believe. Even though on some points I have very different beliefs than others who participate here.

    As Christian women, we should not feel threatened, attacked, or ridiculed when others examine what we believe. If we’re bold enough to put it out there and say you’re right, you have to be ready for others to just as bold and say you’re wrong. Even if their motives are harsh and their tone unkind. Truth can withstand the toughest scrutiny and that includes those in blogosphere. I’m not threatened by derogatory names or close examination of my beliefs nor should anyone who claims to believe the Truth.

    I want to the believe the Truth. If someone can show me scripturally where my beliefs don’t line up with the word of God, then I need to change my beliefs. The best ones to help me discern what I believe are often those that disagree with me most vehemently. If I can refute their assertions, then my convictions are strengthened, if I can’t then I go back to the Bible and study the issue until the disagreement is resolved.

    That doesn’t necessarily happen overnight, often this may take months or years to study. But that’s what we’re called to do. “Study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed rightly dividing the word of Truth.” Without the challenges of other believers, I would go on believing that I’m right about everything. That’s not a good place for any believer as pride and arrogance come before a great fall.

    I want to believe the Truth and thus I don’t fear exposure of my beliefs to challenges of others, nor do I take their challenge as a personal attack against me. If I have not rightly divided the word of Truth, I am thankful for those that show me my error no matter who is that person is. ‘Faithful are the wounds of a f riend.” It’s humbling to admit I could be wrong, but in my opinion believing a lie and teaching that to others is far worse.

  28. CynthiaGee Says:

    Exactly so, Morgan. There’s no substitute for sharpening iron against iron.

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Portraits in Giving

Rochelle Waxman

The world according to Rochelle Waxman: Feeling needed and having a purpose are the key to a happy life

Jo-Ann Pomerantz

Jo-Ann Pomerantz is as committed to volunteering as she is to Israel. And that’s saying a lot.

Darren Kudlats

First impressions are often lasting ones. With Darren Kudlats, it was this:  He is an unassuming, exceedingly modest man of few words with a smile that is so bright, it feels that it could light up the world. They say that the eyes are a window into one’s soul. Kudlats’s eyes,  which t…

Lawrence Yanover and Frances Cohen

Th3 2014  Community Campaign got a boost with a $40,000 challenge gift by Lawrence Yanover and Frances Cohen in honour of his parents, Paul Hanover and Helen Yanover, and their long-term commitment to the Hamilton Jewish community. The gesture was meant to inspire others to step up to…

Stan Tick

There was nowhere in our community  for developmentally-challenged adults to live, until Stan Tick did something about it.

Early Influences

I had two siblings who had special needs. I came along later and I saw the love that my folks gave to them and to me,  how important community w…

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The Jacob Burns Film Center & Media Arts Lab

If you ever find your self in Westchester County, the suburbs to the north of New York City, I recommend you plan a visit to the Jacob Burns Film Center and Media Arts Lab in Pleasantville, NY. Here you can take in a foreign film, an animated short or two, or visit with international filmmakers and learn a thing or two about cinema from around the world.

Though I have lived in Westchester County for 14 years, it wasn’t until recently that I finally made the (15 minute) trip to Jacob Burns to take in a film. Being an Oscar watcher, and making the ever so intelligent decision to throw a large Oscar party this year, I decided that I had better see some of the nominated films before the event, and of course what better (and cheaper) way to do it that at a local cinema?  I have to admit I wasn’t expecting much of the venue when my friend called and asked me to accompany her to the Film Center. We were heading over to see one of this year’s nominated films The Last Station starring Helen Mirren and Christopher Plummer, a great film, with incredible acting, luscious scenery and a beautiful story, but I digress. It was a cold February evening, there was snow and ice on the sidewalk and as I walked up to the front of what appeared on the exterior to be a small white building I expected that inside would contain an old, drafty, dated theatre with limited staff, moth-eaten seats and a grey –haired crowd whose hearing aid-buzz would rival the tinny sound emanating from ancient speakers. I was only correct on the old part, upon further research I learned the original theatre was built in 1925, however I was wrong bout everything else.

Though the interior of the theatre has a classic look with red plush velvet seats, a red velvet curtain screen with stage and plush carpeting, the feel, smell and technological advancements were decidedly new. In fact even the seating had been updated to a more stadium-like feel with high backed reclining seats, wooden drinks holders and the seats were arranged so that you could see clearly over the person in front of you. The theatre was warm and cozy, with thick soundproofing on the walls designed to reflect the sound from numerous speakers around the room, yet keep the audience noise to a minimum. In all I was impressed by the recent updates of the interior theatre, however it was the modern amenities of the rest of the building, which are the crowning achievements of the film center.

Purchased in 1998 by a group of individuals who wished to develop a cultural arts center within Westchester County, The old Rome Theatre in Pleasantville, which had closed its doors in 1987 was re-constructed and, along with the purchase of the adjoining lot was eventually developed into the current 47,500 sq. foot, three-building campus. Three years and $5 million went into constructing the Jacob Burns Film Center which opened its doors in 2001 and since then the Film Center alone has see over a million people pass through its doors. In 2008, after a two-year campaign and an additional $20 million the 27,000 sq. foot Media Arts Lab was completed, the state-of-the-art facility contains a 60-seat screening room, animation studio, 16 editing suites, a soundstage and several studios. It is there, at the Lab, where the Film Center stands alone in its achievements from education to International Fellowships, the Lab celebrates education and cultural diversity through cinema. Summer courses at the Lab for students cover the basics of understanding storytelling, writing for the screen, acting on camera, video editing and directing. During the school year the Film Center works directly with local school districts to provide educational programs, which include field-trips, mini-courses and intensive workshops. These programs are also available to Community Youth Organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs and local Social Service Agencies including homeless shelters and foster care facilities and are open to both children and Adults.

International Filmmakers-in-Residence are another addition to the Lab which add to the rich-culture the Film Center. These artist from around the world are offered fellowships through a grant provided by Kathryn W. Davis to come share their experience and knowledge of their craft with students, faculty and community. Past fellow’s include: Bahman Farmanara a founding figure of Iranian New Wave Cinema of the 1970’s; Namik Kabil a scriptwriter, director and Bosnian refugee whose Kriterion Conema theatre in Sarajevo fosters “cross-cultural dialogue and understanding” amongst people of different religious and ethnic backgrounds; and Fanta Regina Nacro from Burkina Faso in West Africa and whose films depict Africa’s traditions and realities concerning sexuality, gender and modernity.

Of course we cannot forget about the most important asset to the Film center, the films themselves. Each month Jacob Burns celebrates another genre, style or country of filmmaking from Classic Italian Cinema, to the films of Akira Kurosawa. Ongoing series include Jonathan Demme’s rarely seen films such as The Flowers of St. Francis or Alain Resnais’ Muriel, and a continuing exploration of animated films which include viewings of Oscar nominated Animated Shorts and long form animated films both kid-friendly and adult oriented. Other unique films series include an exploration of Jazz films with live performances by local musicians, New Music Documentaries, The Westchester Jewish Film Festival and of course the New Releases series, which include films you won’t likely see at your local multiplex. The Film Center also hosts numerous special events which include first run independent documentaries, satellite broadcasts of live theatre performances from around the world, and performances by musical guests alongside the showing of silent era film classics such as Fritz Lang’s Metropolis, which has been digitally restored and is to be accompanied live by the Alloy Orchestra.

So if you’re ever in Westchester County, New York and you feel like signing on for  acting class, listening to an industry professional describe filmmaking in their home-country, want to see a live performance from across the globe or want to take in the latest independent film I recommend you head on over to Pleasantville where you can enjoy a hot cup of gourmet coffee, comfortable seats, knowledgeable staff and take in some cinematic culture for yourself. And at the tenth of the price or a Broadway show, why haven’t you visited yet?

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How to Make Digital Look Like Film

Film is beautiful, isn’t it?! It has so many advantages over digital, but it comes with a cost. Yes, if you have ever shot film, you know that it’s quite pricey. In fact, each medium format photo costs around $3. I don’t recommend thinking about that while you’re shooting because it could be distracting, but it’s one of the reasons that many photographers incorporate digital into their workflow. And another reason? Well, digital just sometimes looks better.
So what’s the solution to blending the two for a beautiful gallery? I’m sharing all of that in today’s post. These are the 7 things that I do to make sure that my digital work is going to look like my film work!
How to Make Digital Look Like Film Photography - The Jordan Brittley Blog

Pay attention to the highlights

One of the biggest advantages that film has over digital is it’s ability to photograph detail in the shadows and highlights. If you want your digital work to look like film, then you are going to have to pay attention to every element of your photograph. Be aware of certain lighting situations that will make for a difficult edit and avoid them if you can.

Pull down the highlights in post

This trick is my secret sauce. It enables me to shoot backlit photos on digital and helps me get as close as possible to the film look. When you do this, you want to be extra cautious of skin tones because they can start to look muddied if you’re not careful. I typically add an equal amount of contrast.
How to Make Digital Look Like Film Photography - The Jordan Brittley Blog

Avoid bad light

Bad light is everywhere. But the good news is that good light is everywhere too. When shooting, make sure you pay attention to any pink or green hues that might be affecting the coloring of your subject’s skin. While you might be able to make adjustments later in Lightroom, it’s going to take a lot of work and the end result will not be as beautiful.

Try using a reflector or changing the position of the subject.

Look for the coloring that you want

I love it when the greens take on a deep blue and when yellows are crisp and not overwhelming. Because I know this about myself, I am not going to shoot in a situation where the grass looks yellow and the image looks yellow as a whole (and I’m not talking white balance here). You know the situation: the grass looks like it hasn’t been watered and the trees in the background have that unhealthy yellow covering their leaves.

I avoid those situations at all costs. It’s possible to find the lighting and the coloring that you want in your photographs. Try approaching the scene from a different angle. Bring your subject into the open and leave the tree in the background. Watch those greens change and watch the lighting change for the better in your photographs.

How to Make Digital Look Like Film Photography - The Jordan Brittley Blog

Don’t try to match it to film

After all of this work, don’t spend your time trying to match your digital work to your film work. I know that this goes against popular opinion, but I have found that my digital work looks better when edited on its own. This will help you especially when trying to get the right white balance and tint/shift in Lightroom.

Add grain

I started adding grain to my digital work this year (like in this preset) and am loving the results. I find that the look is much closer to film. It almost makes the photos look more authentic.

*note about color and grain: I make sure that the grain is as smooth as Lightroom will allow so that the grain isn’t distracting in my color photographs.

How to Make Digital Look Like Film Photography - The Jordan Brittley Blog

Create presets

Creating presets for Jenna to use while she is editing has saved so much time and kept our digital work consistent. We are still making tweaks to the presets here and there, but for the most part they are just perfect.

We accomplished this by creating presets as she started editing photos in different lighting situations (i.e. sunny, partly cloudy, etc.). The best part is that ANYONE can create their own presets!! Click the post below to see how you can start making yours!

Related: How to Make Presets That Work for You

Adjust the reds, greens, and yellows

I always tweak the reds, greens, and yellows in post just a little so that the coloring looks more like film. This looks like increasing the saturation for the reds, and decreasing the saturation for the greens and yellows. There is a full tutorial coming soon!!

How to Make Digital Look Like Film Photography - The Jordan Brittley Blog

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Biographies of Catholic Saints

Saints are men and women who live their life as followers of Christ in their ordinary life and a source of wisdom for those who would like to be faithful to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. May their examples inspired us to live the way of life Jesus has taught us

Archive for rome

St. Martin I, Pope and Martyr

St. Martin I was born at Todi on the Tiber, son of Fabricius; elected Pope at Rome, 21 July, 649, to succeed Pope Theodore I.

Martin, one of the noblest figures in a long line of Roman pontiffs. He was the last Pope to be martyred. His pontificate was besieged by the popular then Monothelite heresy supported by the Emperor Constans II and Patriarch of Constantinople. Monothelite heresy is a belief that Jesus has only Divine will and on the process denying the human will.

After three months from his election as Pope, he convened the Council on lateran attended by one hundred and five bishops. Five sessions were held on 5, 8, 17, 119 and 31 Oct., 649. The “Ecthesis” of Heraclius and the “Typus” of Constans II were rejected; nominal excommunication was passed against Sergius, Pyrrus, and Paul of Constantinople, Cyrus of Alexandria and Theodore of Phran in Arabia; twenty canons were enacted defining the Catholic doctrine on the two wills of Christ. The decrees signed by the pope and the assembled bishops were sent to the other bishops and the faithful of the world together with an encyclical of Martin. The Acts with a Greek translation were also sent to the Emperor Constans II.

The pope appointed John, Bishop of Philadelphia, as his vicar in the East with necessary instructions and full authority . Bishop Paul of Thessalonica refused to recall his heretical letters previously sent to Rome and added others,—he was, therefore, formally excommunicated and deposed. The Patriarch of Constantinople, Paul, had urged the emperor to use drastic means to force the pope and the Western Bishops at least to subscribe to the “Typus”. The emperor sent Olympius as governor to Italy, where he arrived while the council was still in session. Olympius tried to create a faction among the fathers to favor the views of the emperor, but without success. Then upon pretense of reconciliation he wished to receive Holy Communion from the hands of the pontiff with the intention of slaying him. But Divine Providence protected the pope, and Olympius left Rome to fight against the Saracens in Sicily and died there. Constans II thwarted in his plans, sent as governor Theodore Calliopas with orders to bring Martin to Constantinople. Calliopas arrived in Rome, 15 June, 653, and, entering the Lateran Basilica two days later, informed the clergy that Martin had been deposed as an unworthy intruder, that he must be brought to Constantinople and that another was to be chosen in his place. The pope, wishing to avoid the shedding of human blood, forbade resistance and declared himself willing to be brought before the emperor. The saintly prisoner, accompanied by only a few attendants, and suffering much from bodily ailments and privations, arrived at Constantinople on 17 Sept., 653 or 654, having landed nowhere except the island of Naxos. The letters of the pope seem to indicate he was kept at Naxos for a year.It was considered the annum fecimus an interpolation and would allow only a very short stop at Naxos, which granted the pope an opportunity to enjoy a bath.

From Abydos, messengers were sent to the imperial city to announce the arrival of the prisoner who was branded as a heretic and rebel, an enemy of God and of the State. Upon his arrival in Constantinople Martin I was left for several hours on deck exposed to the jests and insults of a curious crowd of spectators. Towards evening he was brought to a prison called Prandearia and kept in close and cruel confinement for ninety-three days, suffering from hunger, cold and thirst. All this did not break his energy and on 19 December he was brought before the assembled senate where the imperial treasurer acted as judge. Various political charges were made, but the true and only charge was the pope’s refusal to sign the “Typus”. He was then carried to an open space in full view of the emperor and of a large crowd of people. These were asked to pass excommunication upon the pope to which but few responded. Numberless indignities were heaped upon him, he was stripped of nearly all his clothing, loaded with chains, dragged through the streets of the city and then again thrown into the prison of Diomede, where he remained for eighty five days. Perhaps influenced by the death of Paul, Patriarch of Constantinople, Constans did not sentence the pope to death, but to exile. He was put on board a ship, 26 March, 654 (655) and arrived at his destination on 15 May. Cherson was at the time suffering from a great famine. The venerable pontiff here passed the remaining days 0f his life. He was buried in the church of Our Lady, called Blachernæ, near Cherson, and many miracles are related as wrought by St Martin in life and after death. The greater part of his relics are said to have been transferred to Rome, where they repose in the church of San Martino ai Monti. Of his letters seventeen are extant.

The Greeks honor him on 13 April and 15 September, the Muscovites on 14 April. In the hymns of the Office the Greeks style him infallibilis fidei magister because he was the successor of St. Peter in the See of Rome.


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Let’s Get Nasty……#GIRLBOSS

About a year ago I went through a new hobby on the verge of a semi-obsession. Like anyone else, when you find something new it starts to pre-occupy all of your spare time. It is fun, exhilarating, and helps to make the hours in a day fly by. For me this new hobby was all about business, literally. I became fascinated with the upper echelon in corporate America. How did the CEO’s of some of the biggest companies in the world get to where they are now. For those leaders who are women, how did they standout in a world dominated by men. I read book after book on the subject, attended conferences, and all the while it just pushed me even more within my own career. I had to get to the next level, I wanted to become one of these women I was reading about. It was not long after this I was promoted at work. Now having felt I had achieved a goal I had set out for myself I took a break from the all consuming world of business in my spare time to go back to reading a few lighter reads.

Now a year later and feeling that itch at work to get ahead becoming almost a rash I cant scratch, I decided to pick up a book that has been on my business to read list for quite sometime. I try to buy most books used if I can. As much as I want to become a kindle or tablet reader for the sake of the environment, there is just something I love so much about holding a newly purchased book in my hand. For this reason I try to buy most books used. Plus there is also the extra bonus of it feeding into my love of thrift and the hunt for what you want. I had looked for this book for quite sometime at my favorite used book store in the city with never any luck. Finally a couple of weeks ago I was in luck! I purchased it immediately and headed home on this particularity raining day to snuggle in my bed to start reading it. Upon opening the book I found what I can only imagine was the author Sophia Amoruso’s autograph, dedicated to “Hawks is a #Girlboss!” I knew this book was meant to be mine. Plus another perk of buying used, you never know what surprise you might find.

I have read a lot of memoir’s along with business books over the last couple of years and this was defiantly one of my favorites. More for the story of Sophia’s rise to stardom vs the business advice. Although I do think she gives some very solid points, especially for girls who are just starting out in their career. She writes in a way that you can tell is truly in her voice.  Sophia is not afraid to tell it like it is or just be herself, something I truly admire. As a leader, you are made to think you have to be a certain type of leader in order to get a head or be respected. Something I have never quite agreed with. I admire Sophia for being the type of leader she wants to be, not who she feels she needs to be in order to get ahead. She truly proves anyone who is passionate, dedicated, and has that fire inside to succeed can.

I finished the book quickly and have since become fascinated by the author and what she has to say. I have found myself listening to her pod-cast , #girlboss, on my drive’s home from work. Here she interviews various women who within their own fields are dominating. Her conversations are real, not staged, and truly authentic. Sophia may not be for everyone, but for myself she is providing a much needed refresh into what a women leader can be.

A 70lbs Weight Loss Through Pictures

As you all know I started my weight loss journey 5 years ago today with a New Years resolution to lose 20lbs. At the time I never would have imagined this resolution would end up resulting in losing a total  of 70lbs and changing my life in ways words could never explain.  When I look back now at each phase of my weight loss I can remember all of the numerous feelings I went through at every stage and milestone I passed. To this day I am in awe of the dedication, perseverance,  and commitment I had.  With today being my 5 year anniversary from starting the new me, I figured there is no better day to share the journey I went through then today.

Starting Weight

I have pretty much been un-happy with my body since I can remember. In elementary school I recall stepping on the scale with my friends and not understanding why the number I saw below me was so much higher then everyone else’s. Mine was 3 digits, while their’s was just 2. I remember asking myself why did this happen to me? Why was I different then all of my friends? Couldn’t I just be the same? I never quite understood how your body weight worked. I always just assumed being slightly bigger was my destiny, it was in my DNA, and there was nothing I could do about it. I dreamed about being thinner. I would watch movies and idealize the tall slender girls. I would lay in bed fantasizing what it would be like to be one of them. Maybe one day my body would change and I could be like them, I could be like my friends.

As I grew older I went through various stages with my weight. I would lose 10lbs over a few months followed by gaining 15lbs back. This cycle would continue year after year resulting in a net weight gain every year.  After college my body finally found a weight it decided to stay at. This was the weight I would be for the next 5 years. I was in my early to mid twenties and accepted this was where my body wanted to be at. I had a great job, fantastic family & friends, so maybe we just cant have it all. Then on a New Years Eve night 5 years ago I laid in bed crying because I felt too large to go out with friends. It was at that moment that I decided to make a change. Screw what I thought was my destiny. I would make a new body for myself.

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At 15 Lbs Lost

My original goal was to lose 20lbs. The first 15 lbs came off fast, in less then 6 weeks. I was eating 1,200 calories a day and working out 3 times a week. When I hit the first 15lb loss I remember feeling this sense of  amazement with myself. For the first time in my life I felt in control of my body and empowered. Waking up every morning was like Christmas Day. I was so excited to get on the scale to see the progress I was making. The lower the number got, the more it drove me to continue. I felt confident, motivated, and was dedicated to continuing to lose weight.

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At 30 Lbs Lost

When I hit 30lbs down my parents came to visit. I remember picking them up at the airport and my mom looked right at me and then continued to look around for her daughter. When she finally recognized it was me her mouth dropped and she ran to give me a big hug. I felt this pride in myself I had never had before. It made the feeling even better when I saw how proud my parents were of me. It had been 3 months since I had started. At this point I was eating the same amount of calories, which to be honest left a lot of days going to bed still feeling hungry. However that slight hunger was worth what I would get out of it, weight loss. I upped the amount of time I was working out to 4-5 days a week. If I worked out more then the weight would come off just that much faster.

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At 40 Lbs Lost

I went back home to Colorado for the first time. I was so excited to see all of my friends from growing up and college. I was proud of my body for the first time in my life and wanted everyone to see the hard work I was doing. I loved the positive feedback and support I received from everyone, but it was really what I felt for myself that was the most empowering. I had been working hard for 5 months. I was now addicted to fitness. Working out slowly increased to 6-7 days a week. I loved the feeling I had when I was moving. I would lay in bed at night with excitement to wake up and go running the next morning. I wanted to be in constant movement.

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At 50 Lbs Lost

I started to feel like a whole new person. I had never dreamed I would lose 50lbs! It felt so good! I was becoming the girl I had laid in bed at night dreaming of becoming one day. I was confident and secure in ways I had never been before. I was ready to take on the world.

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At 55 Lbs Lost

Feeling like I was a sexy bad ass at 50 lbs down, only meant I felt even more so at 55lbs. The smaller I got the longer it took the weight to come off. However just 5lbs started to make a big difference on my frame. It was at this weight I met the love of my life. For the first time I felt in love with myself, which meant I was open to loving someone else. At this point I was still working out everyday, but had slowly starting to increase my calories. It was really hard for me to start eating more. When you get used to being very restrictive with your food, you start to feel a loss of control when you allow yourself to indulge and enjoy more.

me & DustinMe in CO

At 60 Lbs Lost

I was not intending to lose more weight, but the healthier I became the more I obsessed with having a healthy lifestyle. I cut out all splendia and diet soda, which had been a crutch for me in weight loss. I gave up a lot of processed food and really focused on making sure all of my meals were with whole and real foods. As I made these changes the weight continued to melt away. It was slow now, a 1lb-2lbs a month vs the 10lbs a month when I started. However at this point it was not as much about losing the weight as it was about giving my body the right fuel.

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At 70 Lbs Lost

I never would have dreamed I would have dropped 70lbs. With every pound I dropped the sexier and more confident I felt. For the first time in my life people called me skinny and tiny. The lower the number got on the scale, the more accomplished I felt. I was in love with my new body, something I never dreamed would be possible.

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The last few years I have relatively maintained my weight. There was a time where I got too skinny, yes below the 70lbs weight loss, and there are times like currently where I am a few lbs heavier then I would like to be. However at the end of the day I have been the same pant/dress size for the last 4 years, which to me equals success. Weight loss is not easy and maintenance is even harder, but for anyone who is looking to make a change I hope my story can help motivate, inspire, and prove that you can control your own destiny. You are stronger then you know you are and your body is capable of anything. So if today is the first day of a new healthier you, believe in yourself. You can do it!


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Management Trainee Program - Kongsberg Automotive

Kongsberg Automotive is the perfect place to start your career

  • Antall traineer
    6 (4-6 trainees are recruited in Sweden and Norway)
  • Tiltredelse

Om traineeprogrammet

Our vision "enhancing the driving experience", drives everything we do. It ensures we are an innovative and efficient company who goes beyond the expectations of our global customers.

You could be part of the Kongsberg Automotive team and help us achieve this and more. The trainee program will help you develop and take a larger, more responsible role within our company.

The two year management trainee program is designed to develop graduates, both professionally and personally, to work in the global automotive industry. Graduates will be offered a challenging job, with cross functional training and a well structured personal development plan.

Our management trainee program provides candidates with valuable knowledge and experience to increase their technical and professional skills, as well as business understanding. After completing the program, our trainees will have excellent international career opportunities within KA.

We believe in recognizing the talent of our graduates. In fact, many of our former trainees currently fill key positions in KA and we continue to encourage talented people to join our team.

Program structure

All our trainees are offered permanent employment in Kongsberg Automotive. At the start of the program we will select one of the following disciplines to be your ‘home-base’ during your training:

  • Sales/Marketing
  • Finance
  • Research & Development
  • Purchasing
  • Production
  • Quality Assurance or Aftermarket

The selection will be done based on your experience, interest and business requirements of Kongsberg Automotive.

The first year of the program is designed to provide you with in-depth expertise in your “home-base” discipline and your direct manager will be your coach. During this period you will also have sole responsibility for a project, in addition to many other practical challenges.

Together with fellow trainees, you will be given an introduction into other departments and business areas with training seminars and meetings. You will also have monthly meetings with your trainee coordinator, an experienced manager who will follow you throughout the program.

Towards the end of the first year, you will observe management meetings and participate in the strategy seminar for your business area.

In your second trainee year, you will receive cross-functional training through workshops and meetings with mangers from all business areas:

  • Production
  • Finance
  • Market
  • Purchasing
  • Quality
  • Research & Development

 This will provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of our business.

Also throughout the second year, knowledge-transfer from our experienced management and specialists will play an important role in the program. You will have the opportunity to meet with our CEO, CFO plus many other senior managers. These meetings will provide you with an important network for your future career in Kongsberg Automotive.

At the end of the trainee program you will do a work-experience placement at a plant abroad. This will be an opportunity for you to work, live and learn about another culture and country.

Antall traineer Tiltredelse
6 (4-6 trainees are recruited in Sweden and Norway) August
Arbeidserfaring Utdanningsnivå
Ikke oppgitt Mastergrad eller høyere
Arbeidssted Yrker
Trainee - ingeniør/teknisk Trainee - Økonomi / marked / administrasjon
Fagområde Bransje
Økonomi, marked og administrasjon Industri og produksjon

Søknadsinformasjon ?

When can I apply? Four to six trainees are recruited to the KA trainee programme in Sweden and Norway every year. The programme begins in August.

For further information on the recruiting process, see:


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Shipping Information

Unlike many other web sites that have special rules and lots of fine print, Kawachigroup has a transparent and clear shipping policy for all orders placed on our website, without any special exceptions.

Just because shipping is free doesn't mean it should take a long time. Kawachigroup understands that getting your items quickly is important to you, so we make every effort to process your order quickly.

We are committed to delivering your order accurately, in good condition, and always on time promised by us in our website.

  • We offer some article FREE Shipping (specified on the Product detail page) on selected products ordered through
  • Each order may be shipped only to a single destination address specified at the time of payment for that order. If you wish to ship products to different addresses, you shall need to place multiple orders.
  • We make our best efforts to ship each item in your order within 2-3 working days of the order. However in some cases, we may take longer, up to 5 working days, to ship the order as we may have to procure it from some other stores or our suppliers.
  • We ship on all week days (Monday to Saturday), excluding public holidays.
  • To ensure that your order reaches you in the fastest time and in good condition, we only ship through reputed courier agencies.
  • While we shall strive to ship all items in your order together, this may not always be possible due to product characteristics, or availability.
  • If you believe that the product is not in good condition, or if the packaging is tampered with or damaged, before accepting delivery of the goods, please refuse to take delivery of the package, and call our Customer Care 09326110110 or log on to, mentioning your order reference number. We shall make our best efforts to ensure that a replacement delivery is made to you at the earliest
  • You may track the shipping status of your order on our website, by clicking at Track your Order section.

Please note all items (including gifts) will be shipped with an invoice mentioning the price, as per Indian Tax Regulations.

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Launch 7

Model 7900GRYBLK

$ 159.99

Dealer Only

Find a dealer near you

Information Tech Specs

Due to the many and varied Federal and State laws that govern the purchase, owning, and transportation of automatic knives, Kershaw Automatics will be sold only through authorized Kershaw dealers. They are not available for purchase on this website; this webpage is for information only.

With its machined handle and integrated backspacer, the Launch 7, designed by Tim Galyean, has an industrial look that takes it out of the ordinary—way out of the ordinary.

With a long 3.75-inch clip-point blade of CPM 154, the Launch 7 offers a long, lean profile. The steel is the powdered metallurgy version of the popular 154 CM knife steel. This version offers improved toughness, grindability, and polishability as well as providing excellent corrosion resistance and edge retention. The handle is highly sculpted for an attention-grabbing look. Machined contours on both handle top and bottom give the Launch 7 its modern, industrial aesthetic as well as ensuring a solid grip. The backspacer is fully integrated into the handle, adding to the Launch 7’s solid feel and great look. The handle is built of aluminum for lighter weight and is anodized in grey, making it stand out from the rest of the Kershaw automatic line.

The Launch 7 opens with a push of a button and the blade locks into place, ready for use. To release the lock, push the button again and fold the blade back into the handle. The pocketclip is left/right reversible for convenient pocket carry.

Comply with all local, State, and Federal regulations regarding the purchase, owning, carrying, and transportation of automatic knives.

Technical Specifications

  • Push-button Lock
    Found on the Kershaw Folding Saw, it locks the saw blade open during use, then releases with the push of a button for storage.

  • Reversible
    Pre-drilled holes in the handle enable the user to change either the tip position or the side on which the knife carries.

  • Made In The USA
    When you see this on one of our knives, it means the knife was made in our Tualatin, Oregon manufacturing facility by skilled Kershaw knifemakers.

Additional Features

  • Made in the USA
  • Tim Galyean design
  • Integrated backspacer
  • Push button open
  • Push button lock release
  • Reversible pocketclip, (left/right)
  • Steel: CPM154, DLC coating
  • Handle: Anodized aluminum
  • Blade length: 3.75 in. (9.5 cm)
  • Closed length: 5 in. (12.5 cm)
  • Open length: 8.6 in. (22 cm)
  • Weight: 3.2 oz. (91 g)

Be the first to write a review

    Write a review


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Edwin Jagger Derby DE Blades. pack of 5 blades

Derby blades are a fantastic, platinum-coated blade produced in Turkey. They provide a great close shave but are not the most aggressive blades on the market. These are the very blades that accompany Edwin Jagger safety razors. Comes in a pack of 5.

City In stock?
Calgary Out of Stock
Calgary Farmers Market Call for availability
Edmonton Out of Stock
Ottawa Out of Stock
Vancouver In Stock

Questions & Answers

Have a Question?

Be the first to ask a question about this.

Ask a Question


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da en
Motorcycle/Moped Insurance
Remember that if you change your motorcycle or moped, with or without license plates, with a new one, you must obtain a quote for the new motorcycle/moped, even though it is to be insured under the same conditions as the previous/current insurance policy. You should obtain a quote at www.idaforsikring.dk

If you want to move your motorcycle/moped insurance over to IDA insurance from another company, you should also obtain a quote at www.idaforsikring.dk.

What is the difference between liability and comprehensive cover?
Liability insurance is compulsory and covers your liability for damage to other people or other people's things (e.g. the other person's car). Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your motorcycle/moped from collision, fire, theft, etc.

Which motorcycles do we not insure?
We do not insure Harley Davidson.

Here you should contact car damage 44 20 46 59.

Driving experience
You have driving experience when you can document having ridden on your own motorcycle.

New drivers
If you are under 25, the premium will be calculated specifically for this. If you are over 25, the premium will be calculated accordingly. If you have at least 5 years accident-free riding and are 30 years old and a full customer, you can choose Superbike.
First name(s)
Last name
Phone number
Member No.
Meddelelse til IDA Forsikring
Message to IDA Forsikring (IDA Insurance Company)


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Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)

At first you’re thinking it’s just Moriarty’s book cipher but if you watch this one a couple times you understand what they did.  The best thing about Holmes stories is how a clever screenwriter can mold them into different genres while protecting the canon.  Take the first one, it’s classic buddy cop – detective – CSI stuff but then you get into the political motivations, chemical weapons, industrial revolution, secret societies, and turn of the century hysteria.  It’s a lot of fun but doesn’t quite take it as far as the 2nd.  A Game of Shadows watches more like a spy thriller with espionage, counterespionage, warmongering, conspiracy to start international conflicts, agents and double agents, honey pots, exploitation of underground rebel groups to promote state-to-state conflict, assassination, arms factories, body doubles, etc.

So yes, there’s a cipher, oohh a book cipher!  Ciphers are actually a welcome portion of several Holmes stories.  It’s the covert action, human intel side of this Sherlock movie that really makes it a welcome addition to any cryptographer/intelligence fan’s movie list.


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Painted On…What?

Painters are a resourceful lot, constantly experimenting with different materials and the effects they can accomplish. A quiet corner of our new gallery of Northern European paintings is a great example. Curator J. Patrice Marandel has installed a wall of smaller paintings, mostly religious scenes by Italian and Northern European artists. They include paintings on slate, marble, copper, and silvered copper.

I talked to conservator Joe Fronek about the science behind the way paint and support interact. Joe explained: “The harder the surface, the less porous it is. Paint really sinks into canvas. It does so to a lesser degree with slate or marble, and even less with copper. You get a wonderful glow. The paint brush doesn’t experience the drag created by a rougher surface.”

You can see this in the juxtaposition of works like Alessandro Turchi’s Saint Agnes Protected by an Angel (c. 1620), painted on marble, and the nearby St. Francis (c. 1600), by Paolo Piazza, where the lighter colors sing atop the marble. Nearby hangs a Simon Vouet painted on canvas. The juxtaposition of works on canvas and works on marble, slate, and copper perfectly illustrates the difference in the way the paint communicates, depending on the underlying surface.

A nearby gallery holds another fine example of painting on marble (in this case, onyx): Jacques Stella’s Jacob’s Ladder (c. 1650). The rich vein in the marble becomes an element of the composition; Stella uses it to represent the ladder, and certain elements of the background landscape. Patrice says the natural vein of the marble is part of the challenge to the painter, providing a jumping-off point (and a non-negotiable element) on which to base the composition. The smooth, light-reflective surface of the marble gives the painting a luminosity it would lack were it painted on canvas or wood.

Particularly in the flock of sheep in the foreground, you can really see the marble showing beneath the paint. Joe explained the natural aging process of a painting like this one: “Oil paint is oil mixed with pigment. It binds to the underlying material, and as it dries, it releases solvents. Then it oxidizes and hardens, and a process of deterioration begins. The paint gradually becomes less opaque as it ages. In the case of the Stella painting, the aging process is more apparent, because the underlying material is so colorful.”

Amy Heibel

6 Responses to Painted On…What?

  1. artlover says:

    Just one correction. Onyx is not marble; it’s a cryptocrystalline form of quartz, made up essentially of silica and oxygen. Onyx is much harder than marble, which is the metamorphic form of limestone and a calcium carbonate.

  2. Saber says:

    Great blog! Learn something new about some old tricks. I might have to paint on some copper or marble. Great techniques to compromise with color for planning on long term oxidation.

  3. brad says:

    Jacob’s Ladder is one of my favorites.

  4. cpad says:

    Jacques Stella’s Jacob’s Ladder on Frank Stella’s birthday. I enjoy the coincidence as much as this painting on marble.

  5. […] of LACMA, here’s a neat Unframed post about the different stuff on which painters paint. I’ve always had a soft spot for Dutch paintings on copper, such as […]

    awesome work

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From Opera Pacifica Glosser http://www.operapacifica.org

aficionado – A devoted fan or enthusiast.

apron – The front part of the stage between the curtain and the orchestra pit.

aria – Italian word for “air.” a song for solo voice with instrumental accompaniment.

baritone – The medium male voice. lies between the low bass voice and the higher tenor voice.

baroque – The period of music from the early to mid 1600’s to the mid 1700’s.  Baroque operas are characterized by emotional, highly stylized and flowery presentations.

bass – The lowest of the male voices.

bass-baritone – A male voice which combines the quality of the baritone with the depth of the bass, avoiding the extremes of either range.

basso profundo – The most serious bass voice.

bel canto – Italian for “beautiful singing.” In a bel canto style opera, the beauty of singing is more important than the plot or the words.

bravo! – Bravo is the Italian word for expressing appreciation to a male performer.

brava! Bravo is the Italian word for expressing appreciation to a female performer

bravi! Bravo is the Italian word for expressing appreciation to two or more performers.

cadenza – Near the end of an aria, a series of difficult, fast high notes that allow the singer to demonstrate vocal ability.

classical – The period in music from roughly the mid 1700’s to the early 1800’s.

coloratura soprano – A very high pitched soprano. also the description of singing which pertains to great feats of agility – fast singing, high singing, trills, and embellishments.

commedia dell’arte – A style of dramatic presentation popular in Italy from the 16th century on; the commedia characters were highly stylized and the plots frequently revolved around disguises, mistaken identities and misunderstandings.

crescendo – Getting progressively louder.

diminuendo – Getting progressively softer.

diva – Literally, “goddess,” a female opera star.  Often used to describe a demanding or fussy opera star.

duet – A musical composition for two performers.

encore – A request to play again

falsetto – The high part of a man’s voice, sounding like a woman’s voice.

finale – Last song of an act, usually involving a large number of singers.

finale ultimo – The final finale.

grand opera – Opera which is sung from start to finish, as opposed to opera which may have spoken dialogue.

heldentenor – German for “heroic tenor.”  a heldentenor has a brilliant top register (high notes) combined with a strong lower voice, almost like a baritone, and is capable of long passages which require great vocal stamina.

libretto – Italian for “little book.”  the libretto is the text of an opera.

maestro – Italian for “master.”  a title of courtesy, given, especially in Italy, to conductors, composers and directors.

mezza voce – Italian for “medium voice.” when singing mezza voce, the singer reduces the volume so as to intensify the emotion.

mezzo soprano – The female voice between the soprano (highest) and the contralto (lowest).

opera buffa – Italian for “comic opera.”

op�ra comique – Opera in which there is some spoken dialogue as opposed to grand opera in which there is none.

opera seria – A formal, serious opera, particularly prevalent in the 18th century.

operetta – Light hearted opera with spoken dialogue, such as a musical.

opus – A single work or composition.

orchestra – The group of musicians which accompany a staged presentation.

overture – The instrumental introduction to an opera. usually incorporates themes which will be heard later in the the opera.

prelude – The instrumental introduction to an individual act within an opera.

prima donna – Italian for “first lady.” the female star of an opera.

raked stage – A stage which slants upward away from the view of the audience.

range – The division of the human voice according to six basic types: soprano, mezzo soprano, contralto, tenor, baritone and bass.

romantic – The period of music between the early to mid 1800’s and the early 1900’s.

soprano – The highest  female voice..

staccato – Characterized by short, clipped, rapid articulation.

stage right/stage left – The division of the stage from the performer’s point of view; when a performer goes stage right, he moves to his own right and to the audience’s left.

supernumerary – A performer who appears in a non-singing role.

tempo – The speed of a musical passage or composition.

tenor – The highest male voice.

trill – Two rapidly and repeatedly alternated notes.

upstage/downstage – The position on stage farthest or nearest the audience. when a performer moves downstage, he goes toward the audience.

verismo – Italian for “truth.”  a documentay style of opera involving melodramatice situations.

vibrato – The slightly wavering quality that a singer has in his voice while sustaining a tone.