Hi all. Hope you all had a blessed Christmas.
I love New Years....it's not just the start of a new year, but it's a new beginning !
Some people make resolutions. As for me, I don't make resolutions - knowing I've broken just about every one I've ever made - instead it's a time to examine the past year. The good. The bad. Then decide what I want the coming year to be.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
And surely ye'll be your pint stowp!
And surely I'll be mine!
And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
We twa hae run about the braes,
An pou'd the gowans fine
But we've wander'd mony a weary fitt,
Sin' auld lang syne
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
We twa hae paidl'd in the burn,
Frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar'd,
Sin auld lang syne
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
And there's a hand, my trusty fiere!
And gie's a hand o' thine!
And we'll take a right gude-willie waught,
For auld lang syne
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
I'm Back !
My blog was suspended due to recent suspicious activity - aka I was hacked.,,,,but I'm now back and the suspect has been blocked.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Disposable People
I've been noticing a very sad occurance happening in the polygamy world.
Lately there has been too many "dissolving families" on facebook....maybe it's just something I've been blind to until now.......or maybe it's just not an occurance in my regular circles....but either way it's distressing.
PEOPLE ARE NOT DISPOSABLE !
WIVES ARE NOT DISPOSABLE !
FAMILIES ARE NOT DISPOSABLE !
It saddens me greatly to see people disolve marriages so quickly and without a care! Some even get upset at others being upset about the callousness ...... something needs to change. More people need to get legal contracts in place. More people need to date longer before jumping into the marriage bed. Marriage isn't a disposable diaper - you cannot throw it away when it gets poopy !
What gets me is the lackadaisical attitude of it all. How cold ! Really doesn't help people's trust issues to know that even though they are told how much they are valued and loved - tomorrow they could be booted without notice.....like an old shoe.
A common factor are the first wives. In most of the instances I've seen, it's the first wives "deciding" that they don't want their husbands having another wife....so even though they may have been the one PUSHING for the husband to get a second wife, and may have found the second wife for the husband...when rubber met road and reality hit - rather than talk through feelings/emotions/issues - they insist the husband put out the other woman or else. We are not talking about stopping dating...we are talking about ending a marriage ! It's so wrong on so many ways it's disgusting and it's NOT what polygamous marriage REALLY IS !! These people who are described here also will be repeat offenders..which is even worse !!!
I have no answers as to how to stop the carnage. And I also know it isn't the case in all polygamous marriages.
But frankly..........
The sooner polygamous marriages get decriminalized the better.
Lately there has been too many "dissolving families" on facebook....maybe it's just something I've been blind to until now.......or maybe it's just not an occurance in my regular circles....but either way it's distressing.
PEOPLE ARE NOT DISPOSABLE !
WIVES ARE NOT DISPOSABLE !
FAMILIES ARE NOT DISPOSABLE !
It saddens me greatly to see people disolve marriages so quickly and without a care! Some even get upset at others being upset about the callousness ...... something needs to change. More people need to get legal contracts in place. More people need to date longer before jumping into the marriage bed. Marriage isn't a disposable diaper - you cannot throw it away when it gets poopy !
What gets me is the lackadaisical attitude of it all. How cold ! Really doesn't help people's trust issues to know that even though they are told how much they are valued and loved - tomorrow they could be booted without notice.....like an old shoe.
A common factor are the first wives. In most of the instances I've seen, it's the first wives "deciding" that they don't want their husbands having another wife....so even though they may have been the one PUSHING for the husband to get a second wife, and may have found the second wife for the husband...when rubber met road and reality hit - rather than talk through feelings/emotions/issues - they insist the husband put out the other woman or else. We are not talking about stopping dating...we are talking about ending a marriage ! It's so wrong on so many ways it's disgusting and it's NOT what polygamous marriage REALLY IS !! These people who are described here also will be repeat offenders..which is even worse !!!
I have no answers as to how to stop the carnage. And I also know it isn't the case in all polygamous marriages.
But frankly..........
The sooner polygamous marriages get decriminalized the better.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
"The Emperor is Wearing No Clothes!"
http://youtu.be/Ot9bfg7dwDQ
"The Emperor is Wearing No Clothes!" is the original title of this important speech by National Polygamy Advocate, Mark Henkel. This presentation is a tool for Christians and non-Christians alike to use when showing other Christians the 100% proof that the Bible NEVER created the invented "one man, one woman" doctrine. Mark Henkel genuinely provides an effective balance of making an educational speech that, on one hand, Bible-based Christian audiences will know is 100% Biblical and that, on the other hand, non-Christian audiences will feel unpreachingly informed of how to show other Bible-based Christians what the Bible really says about the issue.
Mark Henkel answers and explains the 4 most key arguments:
* The Grace / Law Hypocrisy
* Polygamists in the Bible
* Adultery and "One Flesh"
* Limitations of Only Kings, Bishops, Elders, and Deacons
Online, specific details about Polygamy in the Bible may be found at
http://www.BiblicalPolygamy.com
Using the analogy from the famous story from Hans Christian Andersen, Mark Henkel rightly calls out the truth about what the Bible says about the "one man, one woman" doctrine:
"The Emperor is Wearing No Clothes!"
Whether you are a Christian or not, this speech is a powerful and essential tool to show all Christians the actual fact that the
Bible NEVER Created the One Man One Woman Doctrine.
"The Emperor is Wearing No Clothes!" is the original title of this important speech by National Polygamy Advocate, Mark Henkel. This presentation is a tool for Christians and non-Christians alike to use when showing other Christians the 100% proof that the Bible NEVER created the invented "one man, one woman" doctrine. Mark Henkel genuinely provides an effective balance of making an educational speech that, on one hand, Bible-based Christian audiences will know is 100% Biblical and that, on the other hand, non-Christian audiences will feel unpreachingly informed of how to show other Bible-based Christians what the Bible really says about the issue.
Mark Henkel answers and explains the 4 most key arguments:
* The Grace / Law Hypocrisy
* Polygamists in the Bible
* Adultery and "One Flesh"
* Limitations of Only Kings, Bishops, Elders, and Deacons
Online, specific details about Polygamy in the Bible may be found at
http://www.BiblicalPolygamy.com
Using the analogy from the famous story from Hans Christian Andersen, Mark Henkel rightly calls out the truth about what the Bible says about the "one man, one woman" doctrine:
"The Emperor is Wearing No Clothes!"
Whether you are a Christian or not, this speech is a powerful and essential tool to show all Christians the actual fact that the
Bible NEVER Created the One Man One Woman Doctrine.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Five Cogent Sentences - Political
These are possibly the 5 best sentences you'll ever read:
1. You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity.
2.. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving.
3. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.
4. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it!
5. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that is the beginning of the end of any nation.
Can you think of a reason for not sharing this? Neither could I.......
1. You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity.
2.. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving.
3. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.
4. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it!
5. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that is the beginning of the end of any nation.
Can you think of a reason for not sharing this? Neither could I.......
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
THIS IS THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT
When I was a child my mother taught me to read by reading a very old Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes book with me, of which my favorite was "This Is The House That Jack Built". It reads as follows :
This is the house that Jack built.
This is the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the rat,
That ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the cat,
That killed the rat,
That ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the dog,
That worried the cat,
That killed the rat,
That ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the cow with the crumpled horn,
That tossed the dog,
That worried the cat,
That killed the rat,
That ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the maiden all forlorn,
That milked the cow with the crumpled horn,
That tossed the dog,
That worried the cat,
That killed the rat,
That ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the man all tattered and torn,
That kissed the maiden all forlorn,
That milked the cow with the crumpled horn,
That tossed the dog,
That worried the cat,
That killed the rat,
That ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the priest all shaven and shorn,
That married the man all tattered and torn,
That kissed the maiden all forlorn,
That milked the cow with the crumpled horn,
That tossed the dog,
That worried the cat,
That killed the rat,
That ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the cock that crowed in the morn,
That waked the priest all shaven and shorn,
That married the man all tattered and torn,
That kissed the maiden all forlorn,
That milked the cow with the crumpled horn,
That tossed the dog,
That worried the cat,
That killed the rat,
That ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the farmer sowing his corn,
That kept the cock that crowed in the morn,
That waked the priest all shaven and shorn,
That married the man all tattered and torn,
That kissed the maiden all forlorn,
That milked the cow with the crumpled horn,
That tossed the dog,
That worried the cat,
That killed the rat,
That ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
The other day I came across this rhyme again. Maybe it had something to do with my mood at the time, but it struck me in a whole new way. This rhyme is like life.....things compound until we are full and cannot handle anything else. Jack really needs to organize his house. So do we. However, if you notice it seems to have all started with malt. Malt was the very first thing Jack layed in his house. The MALT started the whole cascade. Right ??
Wrong !
JACK is what started the whole thing....it was JACK that built the HOUSE !
I guess my point is that when things in life seem to be cascading and crowding, instead of blaming all the things and people in and around your house, blame yourself - YOU BUILT IT !
And it might not all be as bad as it seems - yes the rat died, the cat was worried by the dog and the dog was tossed by the cow....but also....
The farmer,who owned to the cock that crowed in the morn, got his corn sowed , The crowing woke the priest all shaven and shorn, so he could marry the man all tattered and torn to the maiden so she could stop being so forlorn, who milked the cow with the crumpled horn.
Ok, I guess in the end it all works out for the best.
This is the house that Jack built.
This is the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the rat,
That ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the cat,
That killed the rat,
That ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the dog,
That worried the cat,
That killed the rat,
That ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the cow with the crumpled horn,
That tossed the dog,
That worried the cat,
That killed the rat,
That ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the maiden all forlorn,
That milked the cow with the crumpled horn,
That tossed the dog,
That worried the cat,
That killed the rat,
That ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the man all tattered and torn,
That kissed the maiden all forlorn,
That milked the cow with the crumpled horn,
That tossed the dog,
That worried the cat,
That killed the rat,
That ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the priest all shaven and shorn,
That married the man all tattered and torn,
That kissed the maiden all forlorn,
That milked the cow with the crumpled horn,
That tossed the dog,
That worried the cat,
That killed the rat,
That ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the cock that crowed in the morn,
That waked the priest all shaven and shorn,
That married the man all tattered and torn,
That kissed the maiden all forlorn,
That milked the cow with the crumpled horn,
That tossed the dog,
That worried the cat,
That killed the rat,
That ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
This is the farmer sowing his corn,
That kept the cock that crowed in the morn,
That waked the priest all shaven and shorn,
That married the man all tattered and torn,
That kissed the maiden all forlorn,
That milked the cow with the crumpled horn,
That tossed the dog,
That worried the cat,
That killed the rat,
That ate the malt
That lay in the house that Jack built.
The other day I came across this rhyme again. Maybe it had something to do with my mood at the time, but it struck me in a whole new way. This rhyme is like life.....things compound until we are full and cannot handle anything else. Jack really needs to organize his house. So do we. However, if you notice it seems to have all started with malt. Malt was the very first thing Jack layed in his house. The MALT started the whole cascade. Right ??
Wrong !
JACK is what started the whole thing....it was JACK that built the HOUSE !
I guess my point is that when things in life seem to be cascading and crowding, instead of blaming all the things and people in and around your house, blame yourself - YOU BUILT IT !
And it might not all be as bad as it seems - yes the rat died, the cat was worried by the dog and the dog was tossed by the cow....but also....
The farmer,who owned to the cock that crowed in the morn, got his corn sowed , The crowing woke the priest all shaven and shorn, so he could marry the man all tattered and torn to the maiden so she could stop being so forlorn, who milked the cow with the crumpled horn.
Ok, I guess in the end it all works out for the best.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Oh What a Beautiful Day !
Oh, What a beautiful mornin’,
Oh, What a beautiful day.
I got a beautiful feelin’
Ev’erything’s goin’ my way.
Well ok.....maybe not everything....but life is good and I am feeling blessed.
Tomorrow is August 19th.
August 19th is Polygamy Day !
It might seem to some that it's strange to celebrate polygamy, and maybe it is, but when you've had to defend your life and/or hide your life, it feels good to step into the sunshine and celebrate the accomplishments and forward progress that has been made over the years.
So, I chose to celebrate August 19th, Polygamy Day, with MY family, MY way because.........
I got a beautiful feelin'
Ev’erything’s goin’ my way.
Oh, What a beautiful day.
I got a beautiful feelin’
Ev’erything’s goin’ my way.
Well ok.....maybe not everything....but life is good and I am feeling blessed.
Tomorrow is August 19th.
August 19th is Polygamy Day !
It might seem to some that it's strange to celebrate polygamy, and maybe it is, but when you've had to defend your life and/or hide your life, it feels good to step into the sunshine and celebrate the accomplishments and forward progress that has been made over the years.
So, I chose to celebrate August 19th, Polygamy Day, with MY family, MY way because.........
I got a beautiful feelin'
Ev’erything’s goin’ my way.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Everythings Fine
"If I tell you what you want to hear,
Will it help you to sleep well at night?
Are you sure that I'm your perfect dear?
Now just cuddle up and sleep tight"
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Are YOU a P.A.V.E.R or a Cobblestone ?
(I made up the blog title but the article title was not my own - reprinted with permission)
To P.A.V.E. the way - Building Leadership & Activism; and the money issue
by Mark Henkel on Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 9:20am
There are many good Facebook Fans here who are not Members of the TruthBearer.org organization. Some might not even be Christian Polygamists but could very well be supporters of the polygamy rights movement elsewhere, such as being members of 2Wives.com which also supports polygamy rights. There also may be many people who have not yet made such support, but who might otherwise be so willing.
Sometimes, people wonder why the "money issue" is so important to real activism. A year and a half ago on August 20 (the day after Polygamy Day 8), I made a post in the TruthBearer.org organization for all the fellow paying Members. While its content was specifically addressed to the Members who are Christian Polygamists (so everyone here should read this while understanding that context), the message of its content can apply across all forms of polygamy rights supporters. That is, even for non-Christian Facebook Fans here, the concept of this P.A.V.E. system still applies for all real activists, even if not from the specifically Christian perspective. (So even if you are not a Christian, please do read the overall message of this piece within the context of all support and activism overall, even beyond Christian Polygamy. In addition to the community's 2Wives.com way and the Pro-Polygamy.NET way to support without being a Christian, I am also working on developing other ways for non-Christians to support and be activists too. So, please read this in THAT context in mind.)
With that explained, here is the P.A.V.E. post from Aug. 20, 2008.
==================================================
Hello fellow Members,
I just wanted to take this moment to commend everyone here for doing the real action of supporting this very difficult fight for our freedom. Your financial support is so critical, and very much appreciated.
I also want to use this opportunity to make a quick off-the-cuff explanation for anyone who may need it when encountering anyone else who is not yet a TruthBearer.org Member. Namely, the money issue. Members here know what we are about, but sometimes it might be difficult to articulate why money is involved. This is information to help anyone who might need it when speaking with non-Members who wonder about the money issue. Because it is quickly written off-the-cuff, please forgive me for any typos, grammar, or mistakes I make in this. I am trying to communicate a lot of information in one quick post. I pray it be a blessing.
Yes, years ago, we used to have a freebie list called "FAF" - Friends and Fellowhelpers. What we found, though, is that not only can nothing get done that way, but we end up not having the resources to take action when critical moments occur. While we were indeed raising money then too, the people who join freebie lists at any time simply do not provide commitment that they will be there when the time is needed. So, to prevent our time from being wasted by those who are not willing to demonstrate commitment, we were forced to move the freebie FAF to this Members-only list.
Consequently, it provided a safe place for real polygamists to communicate without being exposed to those who have not demonstrated at least the commitment of membership.
As for raising money, we have two key reasons for that.
One, costs have to be covered. We cannot expect those who provide us with the services we need to just give it to us. That is reality. Waiting for the possibility of uncommitted donations does not cut it when the bills are demanding to be paid no matter what. So we have to raise the money to cover those costs. Cashflow has to be reliable. It's reality.
And when money has to be spent, we have to be ready to spend it. We can't say, "Oh wait! We'll pay this later after we ask people to maybe donate to us, ok?"
When polygamists among us were legally persecuted and were blind-sided with enormous legal fees, we could not say, "Sorry attorneys, other Christians say we would be evil to raise money for the family, so you'll have to work for nothing." When the $2,000 in expenses were needed to make the John Stossel 20/20 project possible (in addition to the costs ABC picked up), we could not say to the suppliers, "Sorry, other Christians say that our raising the funds to pay you makes us money-grubbers." When the FLDS news cycle hit [i.e., the Texas raid], we could not tell the vendors of the various expenses totaling $5,000 that we had to pay, "Sorry vendors, other Christians say Mark Henkel is only trying to make money for himself, so you'll have to let us get our message out for free."
Obviously, other people require us to pay them when we need their services, so we have to have that cashflow as needed.
Two, it is also necessary for developing real activists. I am developing this as a new concept, called my P.A.V.E. system of leadership development. Right now, it is in a quick rough draft stage right here, but this should be able to still communicate the point I am trying to make.
P is for Priority.
If polygamy rights is a Priority for someone, it is reflected in their economic choices. For only $79.95 per six months at TruthBearer.org, that comes down to less than $14 a month. [For only $89.99 per six months at the multi/non-religious 2Wives.com personals site supporting the fight too, that comes down to less than $15 a month.] If it's a priority to have freedom, then a person's economic choice will reflect that by doing whatever it takes to come up with that. No excuses. No "excusitis" either. Not because of money for money sake, but because it is a reflection of Priority. After all, $14 a month is not all that out of reach. If it is, then the person should not even being paying even for internet access, because they must truly be that poor.
A is for Accountability.
When a person has put money "on the line," they are more likely to "behave themselves." Who wants to pay money for membership only to be removed from the list for "bad behavior?" It also provides the organization with a way of proving that the identity of a member is not playing multiple personalities.
V is for Value.
This is a verb, that you actionably VALUE what you want, have, and do. You get what you pay for. If you pay nothing, you do not value it. Excluding salvation, relationship, and state of mind, little else is truly both financially free and also having value. (If I have forgotten something in my list of exceptions, I am open to any valid addition! :-) In this organization, we value what we do here, and we expect activists to see it as a value too, to VALUE (as a verb) what we do.
E is for Example.
Leadership by example. If an activist would ever consider to one day be leading others, then they must lead by example. If they are not willing to commit to the first three parts of this (i.e., Priority, Accountability, Value), then how can they ever expect anyone else to follow their leadership? A few years back, [a fellow Member on the list] humbled me profoundly when he made quite the comment, saying that any Member would have to be a Member for something like 100s and 100s of YEARS before they could come close to what my family has paid and sacrificed for Christian Polygamy. I have no expectation that anyone pay anywhere near that price, of course. The point is not about issues of greatness, but rather of setting an example for authority. I am not asking anyone else to pay or sacrifice anything more than what I myself have done - that is the point. If I have paid 6-figures in sacrifice, am I really asking too much to ask others to commit to as little as under $14 a month? (That's the point [the Member] was making when [they] said it.) Authority in our cause can only come when one has paid a committed price too. So, in seeking to give opportunity to promote leadership growth in others, I believe it is important for anyone aspiring to leadership to grow in setting their own example of sacrifice to their own capability.
Priority.
Accountability.
Value.
Example.
This is to P.A.V.E. the way for others growing in leadership.
In closing, I also have two little comments that need to be added too,
First, our organization's main site offers volumes of freely available information, including an entire book. So, it can not be said that we only charge to teach. Rather, we raise money, create a safe environment, weed out the hostile people, and develop activists and leadership.
Second, it also cannot be said that we are cold-hearted to those who hit temporary "hard times." When a proven Member has made themselves known over a long time, and they have truly done VALUABLE things to help the organization even beyond Membership fees, if they hit such a "hard time," and we know it, we have been very open to finding ways to help them stay involved. So, any accusation that we supposedly reject people simply because of money is also fallacious. If someone is really committed and actively helping us for quite some time, we have been very accommodating. If someone is just a lurker, though, who hits a "hard time," then we have no way of knowing who they are, and we obviously can not "finance" what could be an anti-polygamist trying to get free membership.
So, you see, with all this off-the-cuff explanation, that's why I so VALUE (as a verb) each Member here indeed! Each of you have self-selected yourselves as committed fellowhelpers in this very difficult fight indeed! You have separated yourself from those who simply "flap their gums" (as those who know me know I always put it, LOL). By your financial support as TruthBearer.org members, YOU have taken action so that WE can take action in this fight for our lives.
So, I commend, praise, and thank each and every one. You are a true blessing indeed.
==================================================
Sometimes, people wonder why the "money issue" is so important to real activism. A year and a half ago on August 20 (the day after Polygamy Day 8), I made a post in the TruthBearer.org organization for all the fellow paying Members. While its content was specifically addressed to the Members who are Christian Polygamists (so everyone here should read this while understanding that context), the message of its content can apply across all forms of polygamy rights supporters. That is, even for non-Christian Facebook Fans here, the concept of this P.A.V.E. system still applies for all real activists, even if not from the specifically Christian perspective. (So even if you are not a Christian, please do read the overall message of this piece within the context of all support and activism overall, even beyond Christian Polygamy. In addition to the community's 2Wives.com way and the Pro-Polygamy.NET way to support without being a Christian, I am also working on developing other ways for non-Christians to support and be activists too. So, please read this in THAT context in mind.)
With that explained, here is the P.A.V.E. post from Aug. 20, 2008.
==================================================
The money issue - to P.A.V.E. the way
Hello fellow Members,
I just wanted to take this moment to commend everyone here for doing the real action of supporting this very difficult fight for our freedom. Your financial support is so critical, and very much appreciated.
I also want to use this opportunity to make a quick off-the-cuff explanation for anyone who may need it when encountering anyone else who is not yet a TruthBearer.org Member. Namely, the money issue. Members here know what we are about, but sometimes it might be difficult to articulate why money is involved. This is information to help anyone who might need it when speaking with non-Members who wonder about the money issue. Because it is quickly written off-the-cuff, please forgive me for any typos, grammar, or mistakes I make in this. I am trying to communicate a lot of information in one quick post. I pray it be a blessing.
Yes, years ago, we used to have a freebie list called "FAF" - Friends and Fellowhelpers. What we found, though, is that not only can nothing get done that way, but we end up not having the resources to take action when critical moments occur. While we were indeed raising money then too, the people who join freebie lists at any time simply do not provide commitment that they will be there when the time is needed. So, to prevent our time from being wasted by those who are not willing to demonstrate commitment, we were forced to move the freebie FAF to this Members-only list.
Consequently, it provided a safe place for real polygamists to communicate without being exposed to those who have not demonstrated at least the commitment of membership.
As for raising money, we have two key reasons for that.
One, costs have to be covered. We cannot expect those who provide us with the services we need to just give it to us. That is reality. Waiting for the possibility of uncommitted donations does not cut it when the bills are demanding to be paid no matter what. So we have to raise the money to cover those costs. Cashflow has to be reliable. It's reality.
And when money has to be spent, we have to be ready to spend it. We can't say, "Oh wait! We'll pay this later after we ask people to maybe donate to us, ok?"
When polygamists among us were legally persecuted and were blind-sided with enormous legal fees, we could not say, "Sorry attorneys, other Christians say we would be evil to raise money for the family, so you'll have to work for nothing." When the $2,000 in expenses were needed to make the John Stossel 20/20 project possible (in addition to the costs ABC picked up), we could not say to the suppliers, "Sorry, other Christians say that our raising the funds to pay you makes us money-grubbers." When the FLDS news cycle hit [i.e., the Texas raid], we could not tell the vendors of the various expenses totaling $5,000 that we had to pay, "Sorry vendors, other Christians say Mark Henkel is only trying to make money for himself, so you'll have to let us get our message out for free."
Obviously, other people require us to pay them when we need their services, so we have to have that cashflow as needed.
Two, it is also necessary for developing real activists. I am developing this as a new concept, called my P.A.V.E. system of leadership development. Right now, it is in a quick rough draft stage right here, but this should be able to still communicate the point I am trying to make.
P is for Priority.
If polygamy rights is a Priority for someone, it is reflected in their economic choices. For only $79.95 per six months at TruthBearer.org, that comes down to less than $14 a month. [For only $89.99 per six months at the multi/non-religious 2Wives.com personals site supporting the fight too, that comes down to less than $15 a month.] If it's a priority to have freedom, then a person's economic choice will reflect that by doing whatever it takes to come up with that. No excuses. No "excusitis" either. Not because of money for money sake, but because it is a reflection of Priority. After all, $14 a month is not all that out of reach. If it is, then the person should not even being paying even for internet access, because they must truly be that poor.
A is for Accountability.
When a person has put money "on the line," they are more likely to "behave themselves." Who wants to pay money for membership only to be removed from the list for "bad behavior?" It also provides the organization with a way of proving that the identity of a member is not playing multiple personalities.
V is for Value.
This is a verb, that you actionably VALUE what you want, have, and do. You get what you pay for. If you pay nothing, you do not value it. Excluding salvation, relationship, and state of mind, little else is truly both financially free and also having value. (If I have forgotten something in my list of exceptions, I am open to any valid addition! :-) In this organization, we value what we do here, and we expect activists to see it as a value too, to VALUE (as a verb) what we do.
E is for Example.
Leadership by example. If an activist would ever consider to one day be leading others, then they must lead by example. If they are not willing to commit to the first three parts of this (i.e., Priority, Accountability, Value), then how can they ever expect anyone else to follow their leadership? A few years back, [a fellow Member on the list] humbled me profoundly when he made quite the comment, saying that any Member would have to be a Member for something like 100s and 100s of YEARS before they could come close to what my family has paid and sacrificed for Christian Polygamy. I have no expectation that anyone pay anywhere near that price, of course. The point is not about issues of greatness, but rather of setting an example for authority. I am not asking anyone else to pay or sacrifice anything more than what I myself have done - that is the point. If I have paid 6-figures in sacrifice, am I really asking too much to ask others to commit to as little as under $14 a month? (That's the point [the Member] was making when [they] said it.) Authority in our cause can only come when one has paid a committed price too. So, in seeking to give opportunity to promote leadership growth in others, I believe it is important for anyone aspiring to leadership to grow in setting their own example of sacrifice to their own capability.
Priority.
Accountability.
Value.
Example.
This is to P.A.V.E. the way for others growing in leadership.
In closing, I also have two little comments that need to be added too,
First, our organization's main site offers volumes of freely available information, including an entire book. So, it can not be said that we only charge to teach. Rather, we raise money, create a safe environment, weed out the hostile people, and develop activists and leadership.
Second, it also cannot be said that we are cold-hearted to those who hit temporary "hard times." When a proven Member has made themselves known over a long time, and they have truly done VALUABLE things to help the organization even beyond Membership fees, if they hit such a "hard time," and we know it, we have been very open to finding ways to help them stay involved. So, any accusation that we supposedly reject people simply because of money is also fallacious. If someone is really committed and actively helping us for quite some time, we have been very accommodating. If someone is just a lurker, though, who hits a "hard time," then we have no way of knowing who they are, and we obviously can not "finance" what could be an anti-polygamist trying to get free membership.
So, you see, with all this off-the-cuff explanation, that's why I so VALUE (as a verb) each Member here indeed! Each of you have self-selected yourselves as committed fellowhelpers in this very difficult fight indeed! You have separated yourself from those who simply "flap their gums" (as those who know me know I always put it, LOL). By your financial support as TruthBearer.org members, YOU have taken action so that WE can take action in this fight for our lives.
So, I commend, praise, and thank each and every one. You are a true blessing indeed.
==================================================
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Childlike or aDULLt-hood
We've all heard the phrase,"I may grow older but - refuse to grow up", yet most of us haven't really thought much about it.
SO....let's do just that !
Ok, here goes.......... First is obvious - we ALL grow older. We hve no real say in stopping that reality, short of death. Case closed there lol.
Second part is the best (in my mind) as it shows that we DO have control. We can CHOOSE to NOT let the weight of adulthood make us stuffy and lifeless. No need to become a fuddy-duddy. We need not lose our childlike faith and heart.
How often do you hear people saying things like,"I used to love skipping rope (hula hooping, blowing bubbles,etc) but I'm too old for that now". How sad is that !! I mean seriously...why should a person have to stop doing these fun things just because they have gotten older ?? Speaking for myself, Those activities have never left me. The hula hoop hangs in my shed, the bubblestuff is typically nearby and in good supply, and yes I still love coloring books ;-).
Some would say I need to act my age.
I say I already am.
I'd rather be Childlike than be drowning in aDULLthood.
SO....let's do just that !
Ok, here goes.......... First is obvious - we ALL grow older. We hve no real say in stopping that reality, short of death. Case closed there lol.
Second part is the best (in my mind) as it shows that we DO have control. We can CHOOSE to NOT let the weight of adulthood make us stuffy and lifeless. No need to become a fuddy-duddy. We need not lose our childlike faith and heart.
How often do you hear people saying things like,"I used to love skipping rope (hula hooping, blowing bubbles,etc) but I'm too old for that now". How sad is that !! I mean seriously...why should a person have to stop doing these fun things just because they have gotten older ?? Speaking for myself, Those activities have never left me. The hula hoop hangs in my shed, the bubblestuff is typically nearby and in good supply, and yes I still love coloring books ;-).
Some would say I need to act my age.
I say I already am.
I'd rather be Childlike than be drowning in aDULLthood.
Friday, May 20, 2011
I think I've grown gills
YUP ! I really do think I have grown gills. If they ever remake the movie Waterworld I am ready .. lol.
For those who aren't in the New England area let me explain......
We've had rain.
Not a day of rain here or there.
Rain.
It's like living in England ! You can count on rain, mist, scattered showers daily lately.......oh yeah and mosquitoes ! You'd think they'd not be able to fly when it's sprinkling out - WRONG!
The couple semi-sunny days (between showers) we've had in the last 2 months let my fruit trees bloom - oh so pretty - However, without clear warm weather the bees don't fly. No bees flying means no pollinating. No pollinating means no fruit ! Oh well, the blossoms were pretty until the next downpour hit.
So....not only have I grown gills...but I also think I am beginning to get moldy. At least in the cranium. LOL.
I've not been one whose moods are affected by the seasons - but this is getting to me - seriously getting to me - really seriously getting to me.
UGH ! I need warm sunny days....even warm overcast days !
Well that's all for now.
Going to toss myself in the dryer and set it on fluff.
For those who aren't in the New England area let me explain......
We've had rain.
Not a day of rain here or there.
Rain.
It's like living in England ! You can count on rain, mist, scattered showers daily lately.......oh yeah and mosquitoes ! You'd think they'd not be able to fly when it's sprinkling out - WRONG!
The couple semi-sunny days (between showers) we've had in the last 2 months let my fruit trees bloom - oh so pretty - However, without clear warm weather the bees don't fly. No bees flying means no pollinating. No pollinating means no fruit ! Oh well, the blossoms were pretty until the next downpour hit.
So....not only have I grown gills...but I also think I am beginning to get moldy. At least in the cranium. LOL.
I've not been one whose moods are affected by the seasons - but this is getting to me - seriously getting to me - really seriously getting to me.
UGH ! I need warm sunny days....even warm overcast days !
Well that's all for now.
Going to toss myself in the dryer and set it on fluff.
Friday, March 25, 2011
SPRINGTIME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love Spring.
Spring is a time of renewal. Flowers growing, trees budding, birds singing. Everything smells so new, so fresh, so alive. Everyone's attitudes change, they smile more, they have a bounce to their step.
Yup, I love Spring ! !
Even the banks of snow I see differently in Spring. They are no longer evidence of all the shovelling done....instead they are the initial slow watering system for the Spring gardens!
It's all a matter of perspective.
Relationships are also affected by Spring. New love blooms in the Spring. Old love is renewed in the Spring. Rough spots in relationships seem to get smoothed this time of year.......probably because love is in the air and it lets patience work. Things that seemed major in the cold months seem minor and fixable now.
Gotta Love Spring !
Even my dog loves Springtime. She knows that Spring means her humans go outside and play fetch with her, rather than sending her outside alone. She likes to lay in the warm Spring sun. Chases the squirrels and rodents that before she couldn't get at because of the snow. Dig in the soft warming flowerbeds hunting the moles. LOL. Somehow she knows she won't get scolded for digging up my gardens in the Spring - she's too smart ;-)
Workdays seems to go faster and easier too.....customers are nicer and more patient.....or maybe I cope with them better.
Have I mentioned I love Spring ?!
YUP ! It's Springtime ! Time for the Spring Song !!!
Morning has broken, like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for the springing fresh from the word
Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlit from heaven
Like the first dewfall, on the first grass
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden
Sprung in completeness where his feet pass
Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning
Born of the one light, Eden saw play
Praise with elation, praise every morning
God's recreation of the new day!
HAPPY SPRING EVERYONE !!!
Spring is a time of renewal. Flowers growing, trees budding, birds singing. Everything smells so new, so fresh, so alive. Everyone's attitudes change, they smile more, they have a bounce to their step.
Yup, I love Spring ! !
Even the banks of snow I see differently in Spring. They are no longer evidence of all the shovelling done....instead they are the initial slow watering system for the Spring gardens!
It's all a matter of perspective.
Relationships are also affected by Spring. New love blooms in the Spring. Old love is renewed in the Spring. Rough spots in relationships seem to get smoothed this time of year.......probably because love is in the air and it lets patience work. Things that seemed major in the cold months seem minor and fixable now.
Gotta Love Spring !
Even my dog loves Springtime. She knows that Spring means her humans go outside and play fetch with her, rather than sending her outside alone. She likes to lay in the warm Spring sun. Chases the squirrels and rodents that before she couldn't get at because of the snow. Dig in the soft warming flowerbeds hunting the moles. LOL. Somehow she knows she won't get scolded for digging up my gardens in the Spring - she's too smart ;-)
Workdays seems to go faster and easier too.....customers are nicer and more patient.....or maybe I cope with them better.
Have I mentioned I love Spring ?!
YUP ! It's Springtime ! Time for the Spring Song !!!
Morning has broken, like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for the springing fresh from the word
Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlit from heaven
Like the first dewfall, on the first grass
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden
Sprung in completeness where his feet pass
Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning
Born of the one light, Eden saw play
Praise with elation, praise every morning
God's recreation of the new day!
HAPPY SPRING EVERYONE !!!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Powerful !
(FOR ME THIS IS A SONG ABOUT ABSOLUTE TRUE LOVE. GOD'S PURE LOVE. THE WAY HUSBANDS AND WIVES SHOULD LOVE)
"I'll Stand By You" (by ThePretenders)
Oh, why you look so sad?
Tears are in your eyes
Come on and come to me now
Don't be ashamed to cry
Let me see you through
'cause I've seen the dark side too
When the night falls on you
You don't know what to do
Nothing you confess
Could make me love you less
I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
So if you're mad, get mad
Don't hold it all inside
Come on and talk to me now
Hey, what you got to hide?
I get angry too
Well I'm a lot like you
When you're standing at the crossroads
And don't know which path to choose
Let me come along
'cause even if you're wrong
I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
Take me in, into your darkest hour
And I'll never desert you
I'll stand by you
And when...
When the night falls on you, baby
You're feeling all alone
You won't be on your own
I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
Take me in, into your darkest hour
And I'll never desert you
I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
"I'll Stand By You" (by ThePretenders)
Oh, why you look so sad?
Tears are in your eyes
Come on and come to me now
Don't be ashamed to cry
Let me see you through
'cause I've seen the dark side too
When the night falls on you
You don't know what to do
Nothing you confess
Could make me love you less
I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
So if you're mad, get mad
Don't hold it all inside
Come on and talk to me now
Hey, what you got to hide?
I get angry too
Well I'm a lot like you
When you're standing at the crossroads
And don't know which path to choose
Let me come along
'cause even if you're wrong
I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
Take me in, into your darkest hour
And I'll never desert you
I'll stand by you
And when...
When the night falls on you, baby
You're feeling all alone
You won't be on your own
I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
Take me in, into your darkest hour
And I'll never desert you
I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
Sunday, February 20, 2011
REPOST! Had a V8 moment !
(this was originally posted in 2009...and typically I will not repost something....but this is the exception. You see I was thinking of people in the polygamy community - married and singles - and perplexed over why things seem to go wrong on both sides......Now before you say it's normal I will say YES IT IS ! However the emotions in polygamous seperations are AMPLIFIED greater than those of monogamous breakups and problems.....AnyWay.....I felt this song explains ALOT. Both sides are expecting the RoseGarden !! I hope and pray that these lyrics speak to you as they have to me. God Bless all ! )
I Never Promised You A Rose Garden
I beg your pardon
I never promised you a rose garden
Along with the sunshine
There's gotta be a little rain some time
When you take you gotta give so live and let live
Or let go oh-whoa-whoa-whoa
I beg your pardon
I never promised you a rose garden
I could promise you things like big diamond rings
But you don't find roses growin' on stalks of clover
So you better think it over
Well if sweet-talkin' you could make it come true
I would give you the world right now on a silver platter
But what would it matter
So smile for a while and let's be jolly
Love shouldn't be so melancholy
Come along and share the good times while we can
I beg your pardon
I never promised you a rose garden
Along with the sunshine
There's gotta be a little rain some time
I could sing you a tune and promise you the moon
But if that's what it takes to hold you
I'd just as soon let you go
But there's one thing I want you to know
You better look before you leap, still waters run deep
And there won't always be someone there to pull you out
And you know what I'm talkin' about
So smile for a while and let's be jolly
Love shouldn't be so melancholy
Come along and share the good times while we can
I beg your pardon
I never promised you a rose garden
Along with the sunshine
There's gotta be a little rain some time
Rose Garden
Lynn Anderson
peak Billboard position # 3 in 1971
Words and Music by Joe South
I Never Promised You A Rose Garden
I beg your pardon
I never promised you a rose garden
Along with the sunshine
There's gotta be a little rain some time
When you take you gotta give so live and let live
Or let go oh-whoa-whoa-whoa
I beg your pardon
I never promised you a rose garden
I could promise you things like big diamond rings
But you don't find roses growin' on stalks of clover
So you better think it over
Well if sweet-talkin' you could make it come true
I would give you the world right now on a silver platter
But what would it matter
So smile for a while and let's be jolly
Love shouldn't be so melancholy
Come along and share the good times while we can
I beg your pardon
I never promised you a rose garden
Along with the sunshine
There's gotta be a little rain some time
I could sing you a tune and promise you the moon
But if that's what it takes to hold you
I'd just as soon let you go
But there's one thing I want you to know
You better look before you leap, still waters run deep
And there won't always be someone there to pull you out
And you know what I'm talkin' about
So smile for a while and let's be jolly
Love shouldn't be so melancholy
Come along and share the good times while we can
I beg your pardon
I never promised you a rose garden
Along with the sunshine
There's gotta be a little rain some time
Rose Garden
Lynn Anderson
peak Billboard position # 3 in 1971
Words and Music by Joe South
Friday, February 18, 2011
How I see dating sites
This subject has come up on a few different groups so I thought I'd address it here.
I've heard people comment about how they have not found a wife at a dating site so therefore the site is no good. Or that some of the women have been there awhile so therefore the site is no good.
Obviously those people who think that way are looking at it all wrong.
In both cases they have not stopped and thought that maybe the reason they
didn't find a wife is because the right person wasn't there yet or had been
there but left before they joined....and as far as the women being there awhile - maybe those women haven't found the right family yet !
A good analogy would be "clothes shopping"
If one goes shopping for a new outfit they tend to already know what they want. Style. Color. And of course it has to fit :-)
They find an outfit but it's wrong color - why would they get it ?
They wouldn't.
They find an outfit but it's the wrong style - why would they get it ?
They wouldn't.
They find an outfit but it just doesn't fit 0 why would they get it?
They wouldn't.
Not all women are going to be what a family is seeking.......and not all
families are going to be what a woman is seeking.....and neither should "settle" for less. Hence why one might not find a wife at a site necessarily and/or why the profiles of women seeking a family might seem to have been there awhile - not because the site is at fault or useless or a scam - just that the right fits have not yet been found ;-)
Understand ???
I've heard people comment about how they have not found a wife at a dating site so therefore the site is no good. Or that some of the women have been there awhile so therefore the site is no good.
Obviously those people who think that way are looking at it all wrong.
In both cases they have not stopped and thought that maybe the reason they
didn't find a wife is because the right person wasn't there yet or had been
there but left before they joined....and as far as the women being there awhile - maybe those women haven't found the right family yet !
A good analogy would be "clothes shopping"
If one goes shopping for a new outfit they tend to already know what they want. Style. Color. And of course it has to fit :-)
They find an outfit but it's wrong color - why would they get it ?
They wouldn't.
They find an outfit but it's the wrong style - why would they get it ?
They wouldn't.
They find an outfit but it just doesn't fit 0 why would they get it?
They wouldn't.
Not all women are going to be what a family is seeking.......and not all
families are going to be what a woman is seeking.....and neither should "settle" for less. Hence why one might not find a wife at a site necessarily and/or why the profiles of women seeking a family might seem to have been there awhile - not because the site is at fault or useless or a scam - just that the right fits have not yet been found ;-)
Understand ???
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
I'm So BLESSED !
Ever have one of those days where you feel all bubbly and giggly inside ? Well for the past few days THAT is how I've felt..........SO BLESSED !
I wish it were contagious - I'd pass it around for sure !
Life is Good :-)
Happy New Year everyone
I wish it were contagious - I'd pass it around for sure !
Life is Good :-)
Happy New Year everyone
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