Debut “We Are Interviewing The Experts” ~ SCUBA ~

Announcing The Debut of
“We Are Interviewing The Experts”
Tele-Conferencing Calls!

Right out the gate we will start with a good friend of mine and a SCUBA and Free Diving Expert Tom Zimmerman. We want to invite everyone who has an interest in Sport Diving and/or who know Tom and want to hear what he has to say.

Tom is not the Ordinary Garden Variety of Orthodox Diver and we would not recommend anyone to take up diving the way he was introduced to the sport.

Another thing we will touch on is a terminal disease called “Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis” and how it affected Tom’s Diving.

Here is the Telephone Number:

1. Dial-In to the Conference Number 1-712-432-3000
2. Enter this Conference Bridge Number: 889832

Join us five minutes early, so we can say hi to you!

Looking forward to hearing you on the call.

Be Blessed, DP

PS Be sure to leave a comment here! Thanks!!!

The Power Of Story By Dr. Jim Loehr ~ (Book Review)

Co-Author of the NEW YORK TIMES Bestseller
THE POWER OF FULL ENGAGEMENT

REWRITE YOUR DESTINY IN BUSINESS AND IN LIFE

I have been aware for some time that the way we think about ourselves and the decisions that we make is based on a programming of our sub-conscience mind. This programming has been established from the time we were born thru today by a filtering system that we have through our relationships with customs, culture, family, friends, peers, colleagues and education whether thru Academia or Hard Knocks.

Dr. Loehr, in Part One, not only identifies these filters that make up what he and others have called ‘My Story’, showing that if our story is not changed, we are destine to continue on with our life as it is. This “Slow Death”, as he calls it, is made up of questions we ask ourselves:

How did it come to this?
What am I doing?
Where am I going?
What do I want?
Is my life working on any meaningful level? Why doesn’t it work better?
Am I right now dieing, slowly for something, I’m not willing to die for?
WHY AM I WORKING SO HARD, MOVING SO FAST, FEELING SO LOUSY?

This is not just for the individuals themselves, it includes the business we own or work for, showing ‘Your Story’ around; work, family, health, happiness and friends.

After showing the process of identifying ‘Your Story’ now, through writing it down, Dr. Loehr, in Part Two, presents ‘The Resources, Procedures and Practices’ that enable one to write, indoctrinate and live ‘Your Best Life’ possible.

Jim Loehr’s writing style is not only involving for the reader; the examples (Including his own.) are those that most everyone can relate to. It is an informative, magnetic, yet easy to read volume for self evaluation and improvement.

This process is not without work and accountability, yet gives a person a whole new outlook on who they are and what they are here for, should they follow through.

This book is not only for those who are oblivious to this phenomenon of how story controls our lives. I also recommend this information and instruction for others who are aware of it (Like Me.), to have a better understanding and procedure on ‘How To Make My Story Better’!

Dr. D. P. Gatten www.dpgatten.com ©2008

Serving Our Country! ~ Gratitude! ~ Voting!

This Is BookWealth And It Is About Books, Writing and now Videos.

I came across a Video that tugged at me and it gives me a chance not to write a book per se, yet still to write.

(The Video is at the end of this Post! Be sure to watch it!)

Let me back up to 1956 and being kicked out of the 9th grade for fighting. I can only remember about 3 or 4 fights and this was the one that started me in the Construction Business. My father told me if I was not going to school that I “WOULD have a job!” I lied about my age and joined the Labor’s Union and thru nepotism found myself working for Kaiser Engineers at Kaiser Steel in Fontana CA at the ripe old age of sixteen.

A side note: I was working on building Number Four Blast Furnace in 1956 and while working on the California Speedway track in 1996 I watched them Demo old #4.

By 1959 working pretty steady and trying to stay out of jail, I turned eighteen, could buy cigarettes legally and tho we had the draft, I could not vote to have a say so on what was going on. Not being able to do anything about it (Thru Voting.), the only thought about the Draft was to make sure I registered and then only thinking about it in passing, as the War in Vietnam was in full bloom.

One had to be 21 in CA in order to vote and I was somewhat indifferent to whether Nixon or JFK won. The Draft being in effect, I only remember thinking as a fatalist and not a Christian, that should I be called that I would go and did not think much more about it. When 19 year olds were being drafted I was Married and that was about it, until they were calling Married 20 year olds and talk about my life being dialed in, our first son was born on my birthday and I was exempt again.

It was in the headlines all the time how men were running to Canada to evade the Draft and tho I had concerns about them doing it, that I never considered doing that myself.

JFK was assassinated, LBJ took over and claimed he was going to ‘Out Roosevelt Roosevelt’! Even tho there was a lot of construction work going on because of his programs, I was already concerned with our taxes going up! I mean ‘Common Sense’ who was going to pay for all of this?

Looking back, I do not remember much about the Elections and Issues except for the President of our country.

Now keep this in mind. I am a Union Member with all my Family being Union and of course constantly hearing the ring, “We will keep LBJ (Lyndon Johnson) in the White House!” This would be my first time to vote and it was very important to me.

Family and colleagues would give me books that were supposed to be pro Johnson and/or Goldwater in the negative. Even as they were written for the working man to understand what was at stake, I was shown something else. e.g. Barry Goldwater wanted workers to be able to invest their retirement in other ways (With Safeguards of course.) and it was SCREAMED to high heaven that he would bankrupt the Social Security program and leave retired workers penniless. This would be TEOTWAWKI! i.e. The End Of The World As We Know It!

Let me give another one, as I am a roll. Goldwater wanted to stop playing games in Vietnam and Go in there and bomb the Communists out once & for all. (Our Team, you might say, ‘Was never allowed to cross the 50 yard line’, for some reason.) Johnson kept saying that that was not the way! An escalation would be bad for everything. He did not say, (That I know of.)“Watch my lips”, as George 41 said years later that lost his Re-Election. By The Way! After being elected, LBJ initiated a full on offensive doing the very thing that he said he would not do! However, I need to move on before this does turn into a book.

I started reading every thing I could get my hands on about these two men and their policies and stands and every time I tried to discuss them with … my family in particular, I would get remarks of un-belief on how I could even think this way. I would tell them that they would vote for Mickey Mouse tail and all if he was a Democrat. I have only been ‘Ex-communicated’ one time and you can see even tho my family did not then, is why many years later I was! Another Story for another time!

Back to the draft! Well it ended before they were taking grandfathers and years later, I did my Military vicariously thru my baby brother when he was deployed to ‘Desert Storm’.

Since that time, the only tax I ever voted for is when it has something to do for our GIs.

I said all of that to say this. My heart goes out to our Armed Services who put their lives on the line. Even in a conversation with somebody new, when I find out that ‘They Served’ I shake their hand and thank them for serving our country. On the street, in the airport, restaurant, whereever I see a uniform I shake their hand and thank them.

After seeing this video I know I can thank them even if they are on the other side of the street or where I cannot readily access them. Watch this video and learn how you can too!

Be Blessed, DP ©2008

Tell Scott Truitt Thanks for putting it together:
scott@gratitudecampaign.org

Scott writes below:

The Gratitude Campaign

The Story of How it all got started

For the past several years as I’ve been traveling around the country, I’ve been approaching soldiers in the airports and thanking them for serving for us. On several occasions I have noticed that it felt a little awkward for both of us. There are several reasons, some of which I am even just now learning as I produce this film and talk to more soldiers. But they have always appreciated being thanked, and I have always felt better having expressed my gratitude.

I started to think that it would be nice if civilians had a gesture or sign that they could use to say “thank you” quickly and easily without even having to approach. I did some research and found the sign that we are now using.

Is this limited to the military? Not at all. If you look around you I’m sure that you’ll find lots of people who are serving their communities, from local to global. If you appreciate their service, give them a sign. Say “thank you.”

http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/story.php

Posted on Amazon. Review on Pagan Christianity!

Review on Pagan Christianity?

A lot of things going on and it becomes a chore to write 6 Blogs consistently. Nevertheless, for those that are interested, www.ptmin.org E-Mailed me, “If you feel so inclined, please considering posting a short blurb on the book for Amazon.com” so I did and as soon as it is posted I will let you know! Thats all for now. KEEP READING!, DP

KKK’s 1st Targets Were Republicans

What Can I say? “It just keeps on getting confirmed over and over again!”

SECRET HISTORY REVEALED KKK’s 1st targets were Republicans Dems credited with starting group that attacked both blacks, whites Posted: October 25, 2007 1:00 a.m. Eastern By Bob Unruh © 2007 WorldNetDaily.com The original targets of the Ku Klux Klan were Republicans, both black and white, according to a new television program and book, which describe how the Democrats started the KKK and for decades harassed the GOP with lynchings and threats. An estimated 3,446 blacks and 1,297 whites died at the end of KKK ropes from 1882 to 1964. The documentation has been assembled by David Barton of Wallbuilders and published in his book “Setting the Record Straight: American History in Black & White,” which reveals that not only did the Democrats work hand-in-glove with the Ku Klux Klan for generations, they started the KKK and endorsed its mayhem. “Of all forms of violent intimidation, lynchings were by far the most effective,” Barton said in his book. “Republicans often led the efforts to pass federal anti-lynching laws and their platforms consistently called for a ban on lynching. Democrats successfully blocked those bills and their platforms never did condemn lynchings.” Further, the first grand wizard of the KKK was honored at the 1868 Democratic National Convention, no Democrats voted for the 14th Amendment to grant citizenship to former slaves and, to this day, the party website ignores those decades of racism, he said. “Although it is relatively unreported today, historical documents are unequivocal that the Klan was established by Democrats and that the Klan played a prominent role in the Democratic Party,” Barton writes in his book. “In fact, a 13-volume set of congressional investigations from 1872 conclusively and irrefutably documents that fact. (Story continues below) adsonar_placementId=1270202;adsonar_pid=663759;adsonar_ps=1451068;adsonar_zw=300;adsonar_zh=250;adsonar_jv=”ads.adsonar.com”; “Contributing to the evidences was the 1871 appearance before Congress of leading South Carolina Democrat E.W. Seibels who testified that ‘they [the Ku Klux Klan] belong to the reform part – [that is, to] our party, the Democratic Party,’” Barton writes. “The Klan terrorized black Americans through murders and public floggings; relief was granted only if individuals promised not to vote for Republican tickets, and violation of this oath was punishable by death,” he said. “Since the Klan targeted Republicans in general, it did not limit its violence simply to black Republicans; white Republicans were also included.” Barton also has covered the subject in one episode of his American Heritage Series of television programs, which is being broadcast now on Trinity Broadcasting Network and Cornerstone Television. Barton told WND his comments are not a condemnation or endorsement of any party or candidate, but rather a warning that voters even today should be aware of what their parties and candidates stand for. His book outlines the aggressive pro-slavery agenda held by the Democratic Party for generations leading up to the Civil War, and how that did not die with the Union victory in that war of rebellion. Even as the South was being rebuilt, the votes in Congress consistently revealed a continuing pro-slavery philosophy on the part of the Democrats, the book reveals. Three years after Appomattox, the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting blacks citizenship in the United States, came before Congress: 94 percent of Republicans endorsed it. “The records of Congress reveal that not one Democrat – either in the House or the Senate – voted for the 14th Amendment,” Barton wrote. “Three years after the Civil War, and the Democrats from the North as well as the South were still refusing to recognize any rights of citizenship for black Americans.” He also noted that South Carolina Gov. Wade Hampton at the 1868 Democratic National Convention inserted a clause in the party platform declaring the Congress’ civil rights laws were “unconstitutional, revolutionary, and void.” It was the same convention when Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest, the first grand wizard of the KKK, was honored for his leadership. Barton’s book notes that in 1868, Congress heard testimony from election worker Robert Flournoy, who confessed while he was canvassing the state of Mississippi in support of the 13th and 14th Amendments, he could find only one black, in a population of 444,000 in the state, who admitted being a Democrat. Nor is Barton the only person to raise such questions. In 2005, National Review published an article raising similar points. The publication said in 1957 President Dwight Eisenhower, a Republican, deployed the 82nd Airborne Division to desegregate the Little Rock, Ark., schools over the resistance of Democrat Gov. Orval Faubus. Further, three years later, Eisenhower signed the GOP’s 1960 Civil Rights Act after it survived a five-day, five-hour filibuster by 18 Senate Democrats, and in 1964, Democrat President Lyndon Johnson signed the 1964 Civil Rights Act after former Klansman Robert Byrd’s 14-hour filibuster, and the votes of 22 other Senate Democrats, including Tennessee’s Al Gore Sr., failed to scuttle the plan. Dems’ website showing jump in history The current version of the “History” page on the party website lists a number of accomplishments – from 1792, 1798, 1800, 1808, 1812, 1816, 1824 and 1828, including its 1832 nomination of Andrew Jackson for president. It follows up with a name change, and the establishment of the Democratic National Committee, but then leaps over the Civil War and all of its issues to talk about the end of the 19th Century, William Jennings Bryan and women’s suffrage. A spokesman with the Democrats refused to comment for WND on any of the issues. “You’re not going to get a comment,” said the spokesman who identified himself as Luis. “Why would Democrats skip over their own history from 1848 to 1900?” Barton asked. “Perhaps because it’s not the kind of civil rights history they want to talk about – perhaps because it is not the kind of civil rights history they want to have on their website.” The National Review article by Deroy Murdock cited the 1866 comment from Indiana Republican Gov. Oliver Morton condemning Democrats for their racism. “Every one who shoots down Negroes in the streets, burns Negro schoolhouses and meeting-houses, and murders women and children by the light of their own flaming dwellings, calls himself a Democrat,” Morton said. It also cited the 1856 criticism by U.S. Sen. Charles Sumner, R-Mass., of pro-slavery Democrats. “Congressman Preston Brooks (D-S.C.) responded by grabbing a stick and beating Sumner unconscious in the Senate chamber. Disabled, Sumner could not resume his duties for three years.” By the admission of the Democrats themselves, on their website, it wasn’t until Harry Truman was elected that “Democrats began the fight to bring down the final barriers of race and gender.” “That is an accurate description,” wrote Barton. “Starting with Harry Truman, Democrats began – that is, they made their first serious efforts – to fight against the barriers of race; yet … Truman’s efforts were largely unsuccessful because of his own Democratic Party.” Even then, the opposition to rights for blacks was far from over. As recently as 1960, Mississippi Democratic Gov. Hugh White had requested Christian evangelist Billy Graham segregate his crusades, something Graham refused to do. “And when South Carolina Democratic Gov. George Timmerman learned Billy Graham had invited African Americans to a Reformation Rally at the state Capitol, he promptly denied use of the facilities to the evangelist,” Barton wrote. The National Review noted that the Democrats’ “Klan-coddling” today is embodied in Byrd, who once wrote that, “The Klan is needed today as never before and I am anxious to see its rebirth here in West Virginia.” The article suggested a contrast with the GOP, which, when former Klansman David Duke ran for Louisiana governor in 1991 as a Republican, was “scorned” by national GOP officials. Until 1935, every black federal legislator was Republican, and it was Republicans who appointed the first black Air Force and Army four-star generals, established Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday as a national holiday, and named the first black national-security adviser, secretary of state, the research reveals. Current Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice has said: “The first Republican I knew was my father, and he is still the Republican I most admire. He joined our party because the Democrats in Jim Crow Alabama of 1952 would not register him to vote. The Republicans did. My father has never forgotten that day, and neither have I.” Barton’s documentation said the first opponents of slavery “and the chief advocates for racial equal rights were the churches (the Quakers, Presbyterians, Methodists, etc.). Furthermore, religious leaders such as Quaker Anthony Benezet were the leading spokesmen against slavery, and evangelical leaders such as Presbyterian signer of the Declaration Benjamin Rush were the founders of the nation’s first abolition societies.” During the years surrounding the Civil War, “the most obvious difference between the Republican and Democrat parties was their stands on slavery,” Barton said. Republicans called for its abolition, while Democrats declared: “All efforts of the abolitionists, or others, made to induce Congress to interfere with questions of slavery, or to take incipient [to initiate] steps in relation thereto, are calculated to lead to the most alarming and dangerous consequences, and all such efforts have the inevitable tendency to diminish the happiness of the people.” Wallbuilders also cited John Alden’s 1885 book, “A Brief History of the Republican Party” in noting that the KKK’s early attacks were on Republicans as much as blacks, in that blacks were adopting the Republican identity en masse. “In some places the Ku Klux Klan assaulted Republican officials in their houses or offices or upon the public roads; in others they attacked the meetings of negroes and displaced them,” Alden wrote. “Its ostensible purpose at first was to keep the blacks in order and prevent them from committing small depredations upon the property of whites, but its real motives were essentially political … The negroes were invariable required to promise not to vote the Republican ticket, and threatened with death if they broke their promises.” Barton told WND the most cohesive group of political supporters in America now is African-Americans. He said most consider their affiliation with the Democratic party long term. But he said he interviewed a black pastor in Mississippi who recalled his grandmother never “would let a Democrat in the house, and he never knew what she was talking about.” After a review of history, he knew, Barton said. Citing President George Washington’s farewell address, Barton told WND, “Washington had a great section on the love of party, if you love party more than anything else, what it will do to a great nation.” “We shouldn’t love a party [over] a candidate’s principles or values,” he told WND. Washington’s farewell address noted the “danger” from parties is serious. “Let me now … warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party, generally. … The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism,” Washington said. If you would like to sound off on this issue, participate in today’s WND Poll. Related special offers: “Setting the Record Straight: American History in Black & White” “Ten Things You Can’t Say In America” “Shakedown: Exposing the Real Jesse Jackson” Ken Blackwell’s “Rebuilding America” Get Star Parker’s “Uncle Sam’s Plantation” at WND’s online store. Who speaks for black America? Previous commentaries: The Democrats’ own brand of racism Race-baiting Democrats Bob Unruh is a news editor for WorldNetDaily.com.

BLACK AMERICAN STATESMEN IN THE US CONGRESS IN THE 1800S

Civil Rights In The Land Of the Free

and Who Were The KKK?

 

This Is A Book

That Everyone Should READ!

 

Let me make this statement to preface what I will publish below:

NOTE!: I have deliberately used the Word “Black” not to be offensive, (As it will be to some.) However, to draw as much attention to this ISSUE, as I can.

 

Prior to thirty years ago, I was a result of custom, culture, family and peer indoctrination and of what I was not taught in ‘Public Schools’. Those results left me as prejudiced in the least, to at times (depending on issues and situations) being even a bigot. It will not be surprising that I was also indifferent to abortion and let people be satisfied with their own decisions.

 

It was not an overnight change in my deeply imbedded thought patterns, though the turn around slowly started after making Jesus not only my ‘Fire Insurance’ but also “The Lord of my life”!

 

In 1992 I was incredulous about hearing Born Again Christians saying that they were going to vote for Bill Clinton, (Though I have a different view today on Bush 41 and 43 then I had back then.) Nevertheless, it was in this era having accepted all colors as being my brethren with the only criteria being a personal relationship with the Living God and His Son Jesus being Savor!

 

To be honest with you right now, I am not comfortable writing (or talking) about who I was then. I still had not come face to face with my thoughts about a black and white being married. In the Church we were attending, I had befriended a Black brother and our friendship developed steadily, until I became aware of him becoming a friend and companion of one of my White sisters.

 

Let me tell you that God and I had many arguments and wrestling matches over this issue. Regardless over the next several months, I watched God put this relationship together and it changed not only my thinking, but also my heart. They both are still very good friends with us and we have watch each other’s Children grow up in “The Admonition of The Lord!

 

Wouldn’t you know it, that during this time we were invited to a Dinner sponsored by a “Right To Life” group and listened to testimonies and watch films on the Abortion Procedures and the fetus’s and mother’s reactions to the process. One of the brothers even passed out during one of the films and I wish I could have my self.

 

Those were major milestones in my life, yet need to say that as big as they were back then, were only small stepping-stones to where he continually brings me, as I come to know Him even more each day.

 

I need to move on as that could lead into a sermon itself!

 

A week ago I received an E-Mail from another Black and long time friend and brother with some video clip URLs that he posted on YouTube.com. I am still beside myself at how long I have been in the dark about something as important as what I will endeavor to show you.

 

It has taken several days to come to this place of what I am going to do about it. As you watch these video clips, please keep in mind how thoughts passed through my head that somebody could have made all of this up. Nevertheless, I have some documentation following the clips to start your search to the truth. … Mind boggling!

Clip #1

Clip # 2

Clip #3

The following text is from Wikipedia

 

The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution officially abolished and continues to prohibit slavery, and with limited exceptions, such as those convicted of a crime, prohibits involuntary servitude. Prior to its ratification, slavery remained legal only in Delaware, Kentucky, Missouri, Maryland, and New Jersey; everywhere else in the USA slaves had been freed by state action and the federal government’s Emancipation Proclamation. Abraham Lincoln (who had issued the Emancipation Proclamation) and others were concerned that the Emancipation Proclamation would be seen as a temporary war measure, and so, besides freeing slaves in those states where slavery was still legal, they supported the Amendment as a means to guarantee the permanent abolition of slavery. The amendment was originally co-authored and sponsored by Representatives James Mitchell Ashley (Republican, Ohio) and James Falconer Wilson (Republican, Iowa) and Senator John B. Henderson (Democrat, Missouri).

 

The Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution (Amendment XIV) is one of the post-Civil War amendments (known as the Reconstruction Amendments), first intended to secure rights for former slaves. It includes the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses among others. It was proposed on June 13, 1866, and ratified on July 9, 1868.[1] It is perhaps the most significant structural change to the Constitution since the passage of the United States Bill of Rights. The amendment provides a broad definition of United States citizenship, overturning the Dred Scott case, which excluded African Americans. It requires the states to provide equal protection under the law to all persons (not only to citizens) within their jurisdictions and was used in the mid-20th century to dismantle legal segregation, as in Brown v. Board of Education. Its Due Process Clause has been the basis of much important and controversial case law regarding privacy rights, abortion (see Roe v. Wade), and other issues.

 

The Fifteenth Amendment (Amendment XV) of the United States Constitution provides that no government in the United States may prevent a citizen from voting based on that citizen’s race[1], color, or previous condition of servitude (i.e. slavery). It was ratified on February 3, 1870.

“ Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. Section 2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.”

 

 

Now I have placed this in your hands! What are you going to do with it?

Be A Blessing, DP ©2008

Book review: Pagan Christianity?

Since I am writing about Books, I would have you know that it is just not words that I enjoy writing down, yet also where the rubber meets the road. Tell me what you think

I read the first edition of ‘Pagan Christianity?’ several years ago on a recommendation of a long time colleague, friend and biz partner finding the information interesting and answering some long time Qs for myself.

Frank wrote then with what appeared to be a hatchet, tho I found it hard to disagree with him on many issues.

Reading this the 2008 edition now with a co-author, George Barna, it is less antagonistic, yet with no holds barred showing no Scriptural basis for they way we all hold Church today. It still maintains the Frank Viola flavor, though having never read Mr. Barna, I do not know if I would recognize his contributions.

My friend ‘Down Under’ who introduced me to Frank Viola, Gave me a ‘Heads Up’ that Frank and his current edition was drawing some fire, even to the point of rumors of ‘Book Burning’ in the air!

Frank begins with the premise that our church services today do not resemble what first century assembles looked like recorded in the New Testament. I have to say that with only three decades of partaking of Traditional Church and being extremely active in the service of the same most of that time, I had my questions about what went on. No doubt, a majority of my inquiry to what was going on was a reflection of my character. e.g I questioned why there was a need to turn down the lights for a time of waiting for The Spirit to move. I would respond with, “I thought we were ‘Children Of Light!”

Although I maintain that there is not preacher and/or theologian that I will agree with down the line, yet Frank comes closest to having a similar perspective. Nevertheless, I will endeavor to give an un-biased review.

The documentation is scholarly and no doubt abridged from a complete work, yet enough information submitted to slow me down from a fast read. Some pages made up with half in footnotes!

To be honest, even though the word pagan is part of the title, the over use becomes depreciative in itself to those church practices that are the issue of discussion. Some times where it is used is not applicable.

Chapter Two is the issue of the Church Building and today’s believers having a fixation even need for the structure itself. Emphasis is made on the word Church meaning the building itself. Referring to the meaning of the original word in the Greek being ekklesia meaning a group assembled. From there to building on those assemblies held in homes that through the centuries found them selves in Cathedrals.

Time and words describing the development of Holy Places and things that became important parts of these magnificent edifices. Then to Constantine Whether he was, a Christian has been the subject of many discourses over the centuries, giving legitimacy to the Christians along with promoting and funding these grand displays of architecture.

A lot of history is on review as the Eucharist, clothing, music, architecture, thrones, steeples, even the pulpit, pews and balcony, borrowed from the cultures and customs through those centuries to today.

Chapter Three brings us to the order of Worship with Sunday mornings set in concrete of Tradition. Frank points out that the standard order is held in the same way in all of the churches today with only minute differences. Viola writes,

You can scour your Bible from beginning to end, and you will never find anything that remotely resembles our order of worship.

 

He then goes on and describes the contributions to that order made by an impressive group of historical Church leaders. He includes well-known personalities, as Luther, Zwingli, Calvin and company, the Puritans, D. L. Moody, and the Pentecostals.

Chapter Four and we come to “The Sermon”, he dubs ‘Protestantism’s Most Sacred Cow!’ Granting that people preached all through the Bible, yet he contends, not like it is done today giving a thorough explanation of the differences. Naming the contributors to the development and how sermonizing harms the assembly of believers. Frank then wraps it up with the focus of the early church not being the sermon, but the gathering and functioning of Christ’s Body Jesus being its Head.

Chapter Five Frank hones in on The Pastor and being the obstacle to every member functioning. The fundamental figure of The Protestant Church, the Pastor …

is often better known, more highly praised, and more heavily relied on than Jesus Christ Himself!

Pointing out that the word ‘Pastor’ is used one time, in Ephesians 4:11;

a scanty piece of evidence on which to hang the Protestant Faith. In this regard there seems to be more biblical authority for snake handling, (See Mark 16:18 and Acts 28:3-6) than there is for the present-day pastor.

Continuing to the word ‘Priest’ used three times in the New Testament and the same error The Catholic Church makes, with every reference to all Christians.

The word Pastor is a function not a title and Frank goes on to explain where the title came from. He takes you through Constantine, the Reformation, From Presbyter to Priest and then from Priest to pastor, in a detailed history, with all the ramifications.

Chapter Six and we have Sunday Morning Costumes. It is a brief Chapter on Dressing Up for Church and the why or why not to. Then describes the ‘what and why’ of Clergy Dress.

Chapter Seven and how the Music Ministry originates and another hierarchy of Clergy.

Chapter Eight speaks to Tithing and how it is not spelled out for Christians in the New Testament, Clergy Compensation and how both hurt the pocketbook. Giving is from the heart and many times not limited to ‘Just A Tithe’.

Chapter Nine and looking to The Diluting of The Sacraments, specifically Baptism and The Lord’s Supper. An explanation how “The Sinner’s Prayer’ Replaced Baptism employed only recently by D. L. Moody. The Lord’s Supper originated as a festive banquet alive and joyful and lost was the concrete picture of The Body and Blood, which developed into study, and debate of abstract and metaphysical thought.

Chapter Ten brings us to the Education and being the Qualification to Minister the Gospel with the Scriptural examples showed each one learning the essentials of Christian Ministry by living a shared life in the Body and being tutored by seasoned believers. Viola takes the tour through the Four Stages of Theological Education and Aquinas’s contributions and influence.

Chapter Eleven ‘Re-approaches’ the New Testament systematically with order and understanding from Viola’s Perspective and in Chapter Twelve is a second Glance at The Savior, introducing Jesus, The Revolutionary.

Frank finishes with an Afterword: The next Step, Final Thoughts: Q & A with Frank Viola and George Barna, Summary of Origins, Key Figures in Church History and Bibliography.

Again I have to say that it was not an easy and/or fast read for me. Many areas that I would not endorse one hundred percent, as I have found no one that I see eye to eye in all arenas, yet I recommend a thorough perusing, should you have any questions about the way Church is held today!

D. P. Gatten, D. Min. ©2008

The Book Within You!

INFORMATION PRODUCT ~ BookWealth

We have been writing about the Value in Books and how the Wealth Multiplies, as the information within any single title is adsorbed and/or utilized. Just look on your Book Shelf and your eyes will light on any number of Titles that have given you pleasure, as you remember reading them. Even novels have information that broadens ones understanding in many different arenas. This Wealth will not show up on a Profit and Loss Statement! Nevertheless, others become aware of your investment, as you converse with them on a regular basis.

There is a book within every one of us! Let me write that Again:
There is a book within every one of us! Let me write that Again: NO I will not do it here.
Nevertheless, do your self a favor and read it again, as I want to encourage you to know that ‘Information’, as a Fact in your life and whether you appreciate it or not, There is someone, somewhere who is looking for the Information that you are. (I did not write: ‘That You Have’) Each one of us has been created uniquely, even more differently than even fingerprints show. In fact, you would have to understand DNA to grasp the significance of this. “Yet that is another subject for another time.”

I wrote all of that in order to write this: That ‘Someone, Somewhere’ is looking for that ‘Information’ and until you make it available, they will have to do with out or with something lesser than their need.

At this point, you will be aware of all kinds of messages that will endeavor to convince you that what you have just read is not true for you. The sadness is that one of the loudest voices will be your subconscious, protecting you from being “Un-Comfortable”! “Yet that is another subject for another time.” (Hopefully, I will not run out of opportunities to say that over and over again!)

Now should this have peeked your interest and/or whet your appetite for more Information on “The Business Of Books” allow me to provide you with a way to acquire more. CLICK HERE: for more information.

Writing is a pleasure for me and I know all other Authors that I have talked to. Yet there is another reason to be involved with “The Book Business” and that is to be “Making A Difference And Helping Other People Reach Their Goals!” CLICK HERE: for more information.

Until next time be blessed, DP © 2008

What Is There In A Game? OR ~ ~ Using The Word “Game”.

What is a book worth? We have been writing about this for a Spell. I used this word for a reason. The book has little value should one not spell words correctly. Now if I have been writing for a spell to make you buy the Book, it will not go over well, especially should you be aware of my reason. I will eventually spell out why I am writing about this. To prolong this example may spell disaster for this article. I will spell this for you right now, though I wish you could spell me for the rest of this writing.

Last night, face to face with the awareness of the ramifications of using a wrong word, hence the title of this piece. What could be wrong with the word “GAME”? Here is what I spelled out last night!

Taken from DP Gatten Dot Com:

“DP is my name and writing is my game!” Is a Statement, that before tonight, I would have never given a second thought about using. Nevertheless, one needs to be careful when the word ‘GAME” is used. Let me cut to the chase. … … … This is one of the definitions of the word “game”:
From Dictionary Dot Com: #9. a trick or strategy: to see through someone’s game.

One internet marketer has had to step down, back away and have nothing to do with a ‘Joint Venture’ that was designed, developed and implemented in a large part by their contribution, because they used the word ‘game’ in an E-Mail to describe the enterprise. The Book Industry apparently takes this number nine definition as to what the word means!

Something to think about my friends, DP ©2008

Again For The First Time!

Again For The First Time

I need to look at things I say, I do and especially the things I write, “Again For The First Time!”

I have been using this commonly used, (What I Call) maxim for the last 30 years. The many times of using it, I never heard any one else use it, except those who had heard me use it several times and knew that I would recognize why they used it.

Today I Googled for that little ditty and was amazed at even book titles using it.

Nevertheless, the majority of the results were to Spirituals, which blessed me anyhow!

What can I say … But there goes my contribution to originality … which again proves that Solomon was right: There Is Nothing New Under The Sun. Eccles. 1:9c;

My contribution for today and back to the drawing (Writing) board!
Be Blessed, DP