Oh bumpy, thumpy camera! Crash! How we mourn thee! Thou art trash now, which once wert fine.
By such offenses down-ed cast and muchly bummed are we, since smashed is thy lens divine.
Cindy
· 4 years ago
Oh, Randy, that's horrible! I'm very, very sorry. Is it fixable, or is it going to have to be replaced eventually? I know that was one of your many gifted creative outlets and will miss the abundance and variety of your picture postings.
Randy
· 4 years ago
Dash Welcome! That's hilarious! and so true ::: sniffle ::: Cindy I think it is beyond repairs that would be cheaper than a new camera... it would appear to be totalled. ::: second sniffle :::
Dash
· 4 years ago
Oh bumpy, thumpy camera! Crash! How we mourn thee! Thou art trash now, which once wert fine. By such offenses down-ed cast and muchly bummed are we, since smashed is thy lens divine.
Cindy
· 4 years ago
Oh, Randy, that's horrible! I'm very, very sorry. Is it fixable, or is it going to have to be replaced eventually? I know that was one of your many gifted creative outlets and will miss the abundance and variety of your picture postings.
Ralph
· 4 years ago
Randy, When did you change the look/layout of your blog? I like it! Sorry about the camera.
Randy
· 4 years ago
Dash Welcome! That's hilarious! and so true ::: sniffle :::
Cindy I think it is beyond repairs that would be cheaper than a new camera... it would appear to be totalled. ::: second sniffle :::
Ralph
· 4 years ago
Randy, When did you change the look/layout of your blog? I like it!
Sorry about the camera.
Grumpy Teacher
· 4 years ago
The new Nikon D70s is really, really, really nice.
I'm really sorry too.
kurt_t
· 4 years ago
I sympathize as only a compulsive digital camera picture taker can.
I feel like we should all just observe a moment of silence.
Randy
· 4 years ago
Hi Ralph, I changed the blog default template last week while on vacation. Grumpy Teacher, if you would like to send me a Nikon D70 for Christmas... :) Thanks for the sympathy.
::: joining Kurt T in a moment of silence ::: sigh :::
Ted Wegener
· 4 years ago
Randy I read your testimony on The Exodus International website and it is powerful. I noticed you had involvement with 12 step programs, probably AA although you dont say. Maybe you will like this:
HAS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS LOST ITS WAY?
I have been a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 28 years. AA has become a worldwide and an American Institution. Treatment centers throughout the United States tout the 12 steps and Christian Churches in the USA provide meeting places for Alcoholics Anonymous. It is not polite to criticize AA. But countless American depend on AA and its teachings, so it is legitimate to ask “Has AA lost its Way ? ” I say it has.
Its not that there is anything wrong with the 12 steps. AA’s founder, Bill Wilson, rightly said that the principles of the 12 steps came from the Bible. Consider what one early AA member had to say years ago: One morning, after a sleepless night worrying over what I could do to straighten myself out, I went to my room alone-took my Bible in hand and asked Him, the One Power, that I might open to a good place to read-and I read. "For I delight in the law of God after the inward man. But I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and bringing me into captivity under the law of sin which is in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me out of the body of this death?" That was enough for me-I started to understand. Here were the words of Paul a great teacher. What then if I had slipped? Now, I could understand. From that day years ago, I gave, still give and always will give time everyday to read the word of God and let Him do all the caring. Who am I to try to run myself or anyone else?*
Times have changed since then. All references to the Holy Bible have been taken out of the later editions of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous ( the teaching text of Alcoholics Anonymous) , and not by accident. But that’s not all.AA has a tradition which states:“No AA group or member should ever, in such a way as to implicate AA, express any opinion on outside controversial issues”Despite this fact, AA has taken a position of subtly and not so subtly endorsing homosexuality. There are many examples : Contrast that previous statement by an early AA with this statement by a modern AA
“In A.A. today, I know sober leather fans, transvestites, and members of every other sexual group there is. But the only important thing here is that we are all human beings, all alcoholics, and all in A.A. together.”**
The sad fact is that the Gay Rights movement has infiltrated Alcoholics Anonymous and its literature. Being Gay is equated with being Jewish, Black, or Native American on the Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Website:
Roundups are large AA functions similar to conventions which usually last 2 to 3 days. Below is a link to over 40 major Gay/Lesbian Alcoholics Anoymous roundups around the country.
If I went to a Church and I found out that the were over 40 major gay/lesbian events sponsored by the Church or using the Church name I could rightly concluded that the Church endorsed the gay/lesbian lifestyle. AA says it doesnt endorse any causes, but the reality is quite different.Individual AA meetings, especialy in conservative rural locations, may have members that dont approve of the gay lifestyle. But as an Organization, AA is welcoming and embracing of the homosexual lifestyle. AA members who say it isnt arent being honest. Not only have the overtly Christian Testimonies been deleted from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous but one of the stories in the “New improved” Fourth edition is the inclusion of the testimony of an openly gay unrepentant homosexual (“Tightrope”) .
This had never happened before in the over 60 year history of AA. It is certain that Alcoholics Anonymous would never have gained the acceptance and co-operation of many religious people in its early years had they included that kind of story.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think Gays and Lesbians out to be excluded from AA, but only told that sin is sin. Anything less is a disservice to everyone, and contrary to the will of the Creator whose blessing we all seek.AA has lost its way, and should promptly admit its wrong.*The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, First edition**My name is Padric, and I'm and Alcoholic (gay)
I don't mention the 12 step program because according to their traditions they ask that if you are no longer a part that you not claim affiliation. I want to honor that tradition.
At the same time, the group I did go to I went ONLY because it was "gay" friendly and it saved my life. If you had told me that sin is sin, I would have probably been very rude as I walked out the door. Who knows what would have happened? I would not have tolerated you to my own detriment.
The group I went to was a progay humanist-centric organization that the Lord sovereignly used to save my life. After the drugs were out of my system, I couldn't escape the still small voice Who told me He loved me. I eventually came to faith.
I am not a part of the group any longer because my faith is not tolerated and I don't feel led of the Lord to directly stay within those spheres of influence. I understand the frustration of a Christian within those realms. At the same time I trust the Lord to work within their parameters to do what's the life-saving "next right thing" in a person's journey to find and be found by Him.
While I empathize with your frustration, I am content to trust the Lord to use this 12 Step Program, in spite of them. I have that faith because that's what happened to me. Plus, it's not like I am perfect either. If there is any of His good in my life it is only His Grace in spite of my clumsiness.
And let me make it clear, I am not disagreeing with you. AA may have lost it's way. I do think it's terrible that people of faith are not tolerated. At the same time back when I joined that 12 step program, I personally just needed a program that helped me detox and learn basic life skills without having to face the "sinner" issue right off the bat. It was Christians within that program, that honored the rules and traditions, who eventually led me to the Lord. They met me where I was at and without pressure but relationship.
oh and before I forget, welcome to my blog Ted.
Ralph
· 4 years ago
Randy, Where is the "Donation" button for a camera replacement?
I sympathize as only a compulsive digital camera picture taker can. I feel like we should all just observe a moment of silence.
Ralph
· 4 years ago
Randy, Where is the "Donation" button for a camera replacement?
Randy
· 4 years ago
Ralph! I am blessed you would even bring that consideration up. It also made me realize that somewhere playing around in my blog re-designing I lost the donations link. I put it back in the sidebar (near the top right) and I guess I can post it here too.
I am humbled by your willingness to help with that.
Ted Wegener
· 4 years ago
I understand what your saying Randy about not being able to face the "sinner" issue as you put it, right off the bat.However, at one time AA really was neutral on issues like homosexuality. It isnt anymore. In fact,homosexuals are going to find a lot of support for their lifesyle in AA today. Much to their detriment.Im not particulary "frustrated' as you put it, but I feel AA's postion on homosexuality needs to be exposed.
Im glad AA helped save your life. But Im afraid for many it is going to help save their lives but help them lose their souls. Wouldnt it be nice if AA put the story of a repentant sober homosexual in their Big Book instead of one that endorses the homosexual lifestyle?
Keep up the good work, and God Bless.
Ted W.
Ralph
· 4 years ago
Randy, I received the following message after selecting the "Donate" button, "We are sorry, we are experiencing temporary difficulties. Please try again later."
I will try again tomorrow.
Randy
· 4 years ago
Ralph, you are so kind. The link is encrypted (security) so it is very picky. If you get that message, close your browser completely down and open up again. That's what works on my machine. I also think that the link works best with Internet Explorer.
Ralph
· 4 years ago
Randy, I received the following message after selecting the "Donate" button, "We are sorry, we are experiencing temporary difficulties. Please try again later." I will try again tomorrow.
Ted Wegener
· 4 years ago
I understand what your saying Randy about not being able to face the "sinner" issue as you put it, right off the bat.However, at one time AA really was neutral on issues like homosexuality. It isnt anymore. In fact,homosexuals are going to find a lot of support for their lifesyle in AA today. Much to their detriment.Im not particulary "frustrated' as you put it, but I feel AA's postion on homosexuality needs to be exposed. Im glad AA helped save your life. But Im afraid for many it is going to help save their lives but help them lose their souls. Wouldnt it be nice if AA put the story of a repentant sober homosexual in their Big Book instead of one that endorses the homosexual lifestyle? Keep up the good work, and God Bless. Ted W.
Randy
· 4 years ago
Ralph, you are so kind. The link is encrypted (security) so it is very picky. If you get that message, close your browser completely down and open up again. That's what works on my machine. I also think that the link works best with Internet Explorer.
Randy
· 4 years ago
I understand Ted. I must restate though...I did not go to AA. I would love for AA, or any 12 step program, to feature the story of an "ex-gay." At the same time their goal is to get people sober, if that goal is co-opted by gay activism or taking a position on broader social issues, there is a problem. That is breaking their own traditions. At the same time they don't have the goal of bringing people to Christ. I personally can't be upset (even if I disagree) with them for not sharing my values.
I can be upset with them in one sense. They are openly hostile to Christians, I was in the 12 step program and was defended at the expense of Christians. Christians, unless called and given the grace, don't last long in most of those programs and that is a travesty.
Ted Wegener
· 4 years ago
I dont disagree with you much Randy. I would say the stated goal of AA is larger than just getting sober. The point of the steps is to bring a person to a "Spiritual Awakening".
And can a real spiritual awakening occur without admitting to our sins? I dont think so.
Modern AA just isnt what it was 65 years ago when the Christian testimonies were in the Big Book and the people gathered at Dr. Bobs house to read the book of James.
RandyThomas.info » Blog Archi
· 4 years ago
[...] publicly thank the very generous person who donated $100 toward the unofficial unannounced replace the broken camera fund. Thank you kind sir! Related Posts (by keywords): No [...]
RandyThomas.info » Blog Archi
· 4 years ago
[...] publicly thank the very generous person who donated $100 toward the unofficial unannounced replace the broken camera fund. Thank you kind sir! Related Posts (by keywords): No [...]
Everyday Thoughts Collected »
· 4 years ago
[...] er from Stronghold Castle. I miss my digital camera so much it keeps me up at night. The nightmare of watching it bounce, slide and crash is a slow motion nightmare on non-stop [...]
Everyday Thoughts Collected »
· 4 years ago
[...] er from Stronghold Castle. I miss my digital camera so much it keeps me up at night. The nightmare of watching it bounce, slide and crash is a slow motion nightmare on non-stop [...]
All Comments
How we mourn thee! Thou art trash
now, which once wert fine.
By such offenses down-ed cast
and muchly bummed are we, since smashed
is thy lens divine.
Cindy I think it is beyond repairs that would be cheaper than a new camera... it would appear to be totalled. ::: second sniffle :::
How we mourn thee! Thou art trash
now, which once wert fine.
By such offenses down-ed cast
and muchly bummed are we, since smashed
is thy lens divine.
Sorry about the camera.
Cindy I think it is beyond repairs that would be cheaper than a new camera... it would appear to be totalled. ::: second sniffle :::
Sorry about the camera.
I'm really sorry too.
I feel like we should all just observe a moment of silence.
::: joining Kurt T in a moment of silence ::: sigh :::
Maybe you will like this:
HAS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS LOST ITS WAY?
I have been a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 28 years. AA has become a worldwide and an American Institution. Treatment centers throughout the United States tout the 12 steps and Christian Churches in the USA provide meeting places for Alcoholics Anonymous. It is not polite to criticize AA. But countless American depend on AA and its teachings, so it is legitimate to ask “Has AA lost its Way ? ” I say it has.
Its not that there is anything wrong with the 12 steps. AA’s founder, Bill Wilson, rightly said that the principles of the 12 steps came from the Bible. Consider what one early AA member had to say years ago: One morning, after a sleepless night worrying over what I could do to straighten myself out, I went to my room alone-took my Bible in hand and asked Him, the One Power, that I might open to a good place to read-and I read. "For I delight in the law of God after the inward man. But I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and bringing me into captivity under the law of sin which is in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me out of the body of this death?" That was enough for me-I started to understand. Here were the words of Paul a great teacher. What then if I had slipped? Now, I could understand. From that day years ago, I gave, still give and always will give time everyday to read the word of God and let Him do all the caring. Who am I to try to run myself or anyone else?*
Times have changed since then. All references to the Holy Bible have been taken out of the later editions of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous ( the teaching text of Alcoholics Anonymous) , and not by accident. But that’s not all.AA has a tradition which states:“No AA group or member should ever, in such a way as to implicate AA, express any opinion on outside controversial issues”Despite this fact, AA has taken a position of subtly and not so subtly endorsing homosexuality. There are many examples : Contrast that previous statement by an early AA with this statement by a modern AA
“In A.A. today, I know sober leather fans, transvestites, and members of every other sexual group there is. But the only important thing here is that we are all human beings, all alcoholics, and all in A.A. together.”**
The sad fact is that the Gay Rights movement has infiltrated Alcoholics Anonymous and its literature. Being Gay is equated with being Jewish, Black, or Native American on the Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Website:
http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/default/en_...
Roundups are large AA functions similar to conventions which usually last 2 to 3 days. Below is a link to over 40 major Gay/Lesbian Alcoholics Anoymous roundups around the country.
http://www.gayalcoholics.com/aa-roundups-events...
If I went to a Church and I found out that the were over 40 major gay/lesbian events sponsored by the Church or using the Church name I could rightly concluded that the Church endorsed the gay/lesbian lifestyle. AA says it doesnt endorse any causes, but the reality is quite different.Individual AA meetings, especialy in conservative rural locations, may have members that dont approve of the gay lifestyle. But as an Organization, AA is welcoming and embracing of the homosexual lifestyle. AA members who say it isnt arent being honest. Not only have the overtly Christian Testimonies been deleted from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous but one of the stories in the “New improved” Fourth edition is the inclusion of the testimony of an openly gay unrepentant homosexual (“Tightrope”) .
http://www.aa.org/bigbookonline/en_theystoppedi...
This had never happened before in the over 60 year history of AA. It is certain that Alcoholics Anonymous would never have gained the acceptance and co-operation of many religious people in its early years had they included that kind of story.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think Gays and Lesbians out to be excluded from AA, but only told that sin is sin. Anything less is a disservice to everyone, and contrary to the will of the Creator whose blessing we all seek.AA has lost its way, and should promptly admit its wrong.*The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, First edition**My name is Padric, and I'm and Alcoholic (gay)
©2004 Christianrecovery.blogspot.com
At the same time, the group I did go to I went ONLY because it was "gay" friendly and it saved my life. If you had told me that sin is sin, I would have probably been very rude as I walked out the door. Who knows what would have happened? I would not have tolerated you to my own detriment.
The group I went to was a progay humanist-centric organization that the Lord sovereignly used to save my life. After the drugs were out of my system, I couldn't escape the still small voice Who told me He loved me. I eventually came to faith.
I am not a part of the group any longer because my faith is not tolerated and I don't feel led of the Lord to directly stay within those spheres of influence. I understand the frustration of a Christian within those realms. At the same time I trust the Lord to work within their parameters to do what's the life-saving "next right thing" in a person's journey to find and be found by Him.
While I empathize with your frustration, I am content to trust the Lord to use this 12 Step Program, in spite of them. I have that faith because that's what happened to me. Plus, it's not like I am perfect either. If there is any of His good in my life it is only His Grace in spite of my clumsiness.
And let me make it clear, I am not disagreeing with you. AA may have lost it's way. I do think it's terrible that people of faith are not tolerated. At the same time back when I joined that 12 step program, I personally just needed a program that helped me detox and learn basic life skills without having to face the "sinner" issue right off the bat. It was Christians within that program, that honored the rules and traditions, who eventually led me to the Lord. They met me where I was at and without pressure but relationship.
oh and before I forget, welcome to my blog Ted.
Maybe you will like this:
HAS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS LOST ITS WAY?
I have been a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 28 years. AA has become a worldwide and an American Institution. Treatment centers throughout the United States tout the 12 steps and Christian Churches in the USA provide meeting places for Alcoholics Anonymous. It is not polite to criticize AA. But countless American depend on AA and its teachings, so it is legitimate to ask “Has AA lost its Way ? ” I say it has.
Its not that there is anything wrong with the 12 steps. AA’s founder, Bill Wilson, rightly said that the principles of the 12 steps came from the Bible. Consider what one early AA member had to say years ago: One morning, after a sleepless night worrying over what I could do to straighten myself out, I went to my room alone-took my Bible in hand and asked Him, the One Power, that I might open to a good place to read-and I read. "For I delight in the law of God after the inward man. But I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and bringing me into captivity under the law of sin which is in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me out of the body of this death?" That was enough for me-I started to understand. Here were the words of Paul a great teacher. What then if I had slipped? Now, I could understand. From that day years ago, I gave, still give and always will give time everyday to read the word of God and let Him do all the caring. Who am I to try to run myself or anyone else?*
Times have changed since then. All references to the Holy Bible have been taken out of the later editions of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous ( the teaching text of Alcoholics Anonymous) , and not by accident. But that’s not all.AA has a tradition which states:“No AA group or member should ever, in such a way as to implicate AA, express any opinion on outside controversial issues”Despite this fact, AA has taken a position of subtly and not so subtly endorsing homosexuality. There are many examples : Contrast that previous statement by an early AA with this statement by a modern AA
“In A.A. today, I know sober leather fans, transvestites, and members of every other sexual group there is. But the only important thing here is that we are all human beings, all alcoholics, and all in A.A. together.”**
The sad fact is that the Gay Rights movement has infiltrated Alcoholics Anonymous and its literature. Being Gay is equated with being Jewish, Black, or Native American on the Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Website:
http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/default/en_...
Roundups are large AA functions similar to conventions which usually last 2 to 3 days. Below is a link to over 40 major Gay/Lesbian Alcoholics Anoymous roundups around the country.
http://www.gayalcoholics.com/aa-roundups-events...
If I went to a Church and I found out that the were over 40 major gay/lesbian events sponsored by the Church or using the Church name I could rightly concluded that the Church endorsed the gay/lesbian lifestyle. AA says it doesnt endorse any causes, but the reality is quite different.Individual AA meetings, especialy in conservative rural locations, may have members that dont approve of the gay lifestyle. But as an Organization, AA is welcoming and embracing of the homosexual lifestyle. AA members who say it isnt arent being honest. Not only have the overtly Christian Testimonies been deleted from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous but one of the stories in the “New improved” Fourth edition is the inclusion of the testimony of an openly gay unrepentant homosexual (“Tightrope”) .
http://www.aa.org/bigbookonline/en_theystoppedi...
This had never happened before in the over 60 year history of AA. It is certain that Alcoholics Anonymous would never have gained the acceptance and co-operation of many religious people in its early years had they included that kind of story.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think Gays and Lesbians out to be excluded from AA, but only told that sin is sin. Anything less is a disservice to everyone, and contrary to the will of the Creator whose blessing we all seek.AA has lost its way, and should promptly admit its wrong.*The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, First edition**My name is Padric, and I'm and Alcoholic (gay)
©2004 Christianrecovery.blogspot.com
I feel like we should all just observe a moment of silence.
I am humbled by your willingness to help with that.
Im glad AA helped save your life. But Im afraid for many it is going to help save their lives but help them lose their souls. Wouldnt it be nice if AA put the story of a repentant sober homosexual in their Big Book instead of one that endorses the homosexual lifestyle?
Keep up the good work, and God Bless.
Ted W.
I will try again tomorrow.
I will try again tomorrow.
Im glad AA helped save your life. But Im afraid for many it is going to help save their lives but help them lose their souls. Wouldnt it be nice if AA put the story of a repentant sober homosexual in their Big Book instead of one that endorses the homosexual lifestyle?
Keep up the good work, and God Bless.
Ted W.
I can be upset with them in one sense. They are openly hostile to Christians, I was in the 12 step program and was defended at the expense of Christians. Christians, unless called and given the grace, don't last long in most of those programs and that is a travesty.
And can a real spiritual awakening occur without admitting to our sins? I dont think so.
Modern AA just isnt what it was 65 years ago when the Christian testimonies were in the Big Book and the people gathered at Dr. Bobs house to read the book of James.
No [...]
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