Truth, not Trickery

Summary and Source Page for Truth, Not Trickery 3.0

noreply@blogger.com (Truth NotTrickery) — Sat, 03 Jun 2023 15:58:00 +0000

Truth Not Trickery 3.0 Summary and Sources

It has been over a decade since this blog began, and now it's time for Truth Not Trickery 3.0. Today, we explore Leviticus 18:22 to understand the meaning of "abomination" and its connection to idol worship.

The English word "abomination" comes from the Ancient Hebrew word tô`ēbâ (or toebah/toevah - aka 8441). It appears 76 times in the King James Bible, denoting something hateful in relation to idols.

According to Jacob Milgrom's "Leviticus 17-22: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary" and David F. Greenberg's "The Construction of Homosexuality," scholars argue that the verse refers to male temple prostitution and idolatrous practices rather than homosexuality.

In Leviticus 18:21, Moses forbids sacrificing children to the idol Molech. Then, in verse 18:22, he condemns lying with a man as with a woman, using the same language associated with hating idol worship.

Historically, male-male sex rituals were practiced in ancient Rome to gain power and forge connections with idols. This context sheds light on the interpretation of Leviticus 18:22.

While the link between male temple prostitution and Moloch is subject to debate and interpretation, it is crucial to consider the specific idolatrous context of the verse.

Sources and further reading suggestions for the original post (click here to read the full version of Truth,Not Trickery 3.0)

Jacob Milgrom's "Leviticus 17-22: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary" provides insights into the interpretation of Leviticus 18:22 and its connection to male temple prostitution and idolatrous practices.

David F. Greenberg's "The Construction of Homosexuality" explores the understanding of Leviticus 18:22 in relation to homosexuality, idolatry, and the cultural context of ancient societies.

These sources offer scholarly perspectives on the interpretation of Leviticus 18:22, emphasizing the potential reference to idolatry and male temple prostitution rather than homosexuality. They contribute to a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural contexts in which the verse was written.

To explore these topics further, I recommend referring to the works of biblical scholars and historians who have studied the religious practices and cultural context of the ancient Near East, such as:Mark S. Smith, "The Early History of God: Yahweh and the Other Deities in Ancient Israel."
William G. Dever, "Did God Have a Wife? Archaeology and Folk Religion in Ancient Israel."
Karel van der Toorn, Bob Becking, and Pieter W. van der Horst (editors), "Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible."

These sources can provide more detailed insights and help you explore the subject with scholarly perspectives.

Truth-Not-Trickery 3.0: Abomination Understanding That Big (Bad?) Word - Leviticus 18:22 (+ 20:13)

noreply@blogger.com (Truth NotTrickery) — Sat, 03 Jun 2023 15:49:00 +0000

Reading time: 20 Minutes

Click here for a QUICK READ version and sources

Leviticus 18:22 (+ 20:13) Understanding Abomination

What does abomination mean anyway?

The English language word “Abomination” is derived from two latin words.

The word then we use is “Abomination” which is an English translation of the Ancient Hebrew word tô`ēbâ (or toebah or toevah - aka 8441),

We see this term seventy-six (76) times in the King James Bible.

Toebah is the active feminine Hebrew language participle of the word ta’ab.

The word toebah (8441) is defined by Strong's Exhaustive Hebrew Concordance (8441) as: (a noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol -- abominable (custom, thing), abomination.

Forgiving Strong's use of the word abomination in the definition of the word abomination we cam clearly ascertain that the word refers to a negative thing, a hateful thing, specifically in conjunction with an idol.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon define it further as a feminine Hebrew noun used to describe: 1. In a ritual sense, Israel's sacrifices [to idols], unclean food, worship of idols, various objectionable acts, the offering of children [to idols], idolatrous practices, intermarriage with idolaters, etc.

Christians are often told that Leviticus 18:22 proves that God hates gay sex and people who participate in same-sex sexual activity are loved by God but ultimately in they are sinners.

But how does this verse prove that point? Do gay people worship idols? What is the deal with the idols? Why is male-male sex an abomination - a hateful idolatrous thing?
Where is the idol in the verse?

Could it be that gay sex is just so disgusting to “God” that “He” condemns them as the same as idol worshippers?

To really understand the reason for the use of this word in condemnation of male-male sexual relations we must review the verse in c o n t e x t.

Leviticus 18:22 : Berean Standard Bible

You must not lie with a man as with a woman; that is an abomination.

Ok, it’s an abomination then. But why?

Leviticus 18:21 : Berean Standard Bible

You must not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.

Ok, ok there’s why - we can understand that this has something to do with an idol. That makes sense since we learned from the definition of the word abomination that it has something to do with an idol. This idol’s name is Molech.

But who or what is Molech and what does that have to do with gay people?

And what does Molech have to do with homosexuality?

First, Molech has nothing to do with homosexuality. Homosexuality is a natural and diverse human sexual orientation. Scientific evidence shows parallels between same-sex behaviors observed in humans and various animal species, highlighting its biological basis.

Image for a moment that you were a heterosexual man, raised in a culture that believed sacrificing your first child and then performing a sexual ritual where you penetrated another man would bring you strength, more healthy children, wealth, good fortune etc. Would you be a gay man? Does performing that ritual once or twice so that you can get good luck change your sexuality? Does sexuality change due to outside factors?

It is important to understand that the “book” you find in your Bible called “Leviticus” is not a “book” but a many times over translated and re-translated copy of a an ancient manuscript.

People in ancient Israel where no different than you and I. They liked to be liked, they liked to do what was “cool”,
they wanted to be successful.

When they left slavery and started their own nation as we read about in the book of Exodus, we learned that the Israelites end up in the land of Canaan. Which was already occupied by an ESTABLISHED GROUP of people.

The Israelites were no different than you and I, they want nice things, comfort, acceptance, they were on their own out there with God and needed direction. Moses was their leader but clearly He had to lay down the law.

The established group of people in Canaan were called Canaanites, and they believed that Moloch was a god of fire and fertility. According to accounts found in the Hebrew Bible, Moloch was believed to require the sacrifice of children, usually through burning, as an offering. The motivation behind such sacrifices is not fully documented and scholars suggest may have been driven by beliefs in the exchange of life for blessings or the appeasement of deities.

We know from history that this was sometimes accompanied by male-male sex for deity worship. For example, in ancient Rome, male-male sex rituals held significance in religious ceremonies, serving as a means to gain power and forge connections with idols. This aspect of Roman society is supported by historical sources so we know it’s true.

In Leviticus 18:21, Moses commands the Israelites not to sacrifice their children to Moloch, an idol. Then in 18:22 He says not to lie with a male as with a woman and condemns this with the word used to express hate for idol worship, or an action with the connection to an idol or deity other than the Hebrew God - Yahweh.

Scholars interpret the verse as a prohibition against male temple prostitution, suggesting it pertains to idolatrous practices rather than homosexuality.

The Roman writer Tertullian wrote that the Carthaginians practiced male temple prostitution in order to gain wealth and power.

There are other possible interpretations of the biblical and historical evidence.

Ultimately, the question of whether or not there is a link between male temple prostitution and Moloch is a matter of theological debate filed with nuances and biases. There is some evidence to suggest that this link may be accurate, but there is also evidence to suggest that it may not be.

The choice is yours to accept or reject.

The question is, dear reader, do you think that this “Bible Verse” is a condemnation against loving, committed same-sex male couples as we understand them today…

or

is it in context of the word toebah (8441) which we know is defined as a noun, meaning abhorrence; especially dealing with idolatry or (concretely) an idol can we not ascertain that this was a condemnation of idol worship and child sacrifice to Moloch - meaning this was a condemnation to the group of people that Moses was leading. Saying to them in today's language "Don't kill your children for Molech, also don't do the male-male sex ritual like the Canaanites do it's horrible."

The choice is yours.

If you are not gay, or don't have a gay kid you might not care, but many children are rejected and shunned due to not understanding these bible verses. I hope you are not one of them. If you are, let this give you hope. You are Who You are, You are Beautiful.
<3 Kindness Calloway

The King James Bible, a brief history.

noreply@blogger.com (Truth NotTrickery) — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 17:33:00 +0000

The King James Bible

First published: 1611

What is the King James Bible?

Why is it so important?

King James Bible First English Translation?

No, the King James Bible was not the first English translation.

However, it was the King James Version that surpassed its predecessors, commissioned by King James I and meticulously crafted by scholars referencing original Hebrew and Greek texts.

The translators used the best available Hebrew and Greek texts, and they tried to create a translation that was both accurate and readable.

The King James Bible quickly became the standard English translation of the Bible. It was used in churches and schools, and it was also popular among ordinary people.

The King James Bible has had a profound impact on English literature and culture.

Gay Marriage Legalized Statewide (ps. I'm back)

noreply@blogger.com (Truth NotTrickery) — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 02:14:00 +0000

It's been a long time I know, but yes I'm back (like I never left).

Since the US Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage yesterday there has been a fire storm of comments from the "Christian" community expressing judgmental and hateful sentiments towards the LGBT community. God has been pressing on my heart to finish my writings on Homosexuality and the Bible, but there is never a good time to start writing.

Well... there is no time like the present and after this monumental victory I feel it is my duty.

Stand by....

The Truth-Not-Trickery Segment continues.

Until then....

we celebrate.

Poetry Vault: Open Doors

noreply@blogger.com (Truth NotTrickery) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 05:42:00 +0000

I open my mind

Thinking this time…

I've closed the door behind me

-yet, I’m only finding

my mind closing

around me.

I'm soon...

finding

"not minding"

is just a new way of refining

how I truly feel.

Opening doors

ascending floors

finding that

closing drawers (closing doors)

is more

challenging

than I’d once thought before.

the.poet.

Arguments against gay marriage: Hate - it's just the same old story again and again and again...

noreply@blogger.com (Truth NotTrickery) — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:30:00 +0000

Gay = God Accepts You : Christian + Gay = OKAY

noreply@blogger.com (Truth NotTrickery) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:29:00 +0000

For all those who are seeking
This WILL change your life.
God's Love is chasing after you... He loves you deeply... HE ACCEPTS YOU TRULY Just as YOU are -JUST as He created You!
So don't be afraid to accept Him too.
Warning: This is video from a revival- it's lengthy and 1st from a series I will share - but it is a life changing message, from a powerful man of God. So take some time out and listen to what the man of God has to say... if your mind is alert and your heart is receptive - then after listening your life will NEVER be the same.

Poetry Vault: Lord God You are my Rock and my Strong Tower

noreply@blogger.com (Truth NotTrickery) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:53:00 +0000

Lord God,

You are my Rock and my Strong Tower...

Who can kill me without Your permission?

What can any man withhold from me?

No one, there is no one that can match You.

There is nothing Your eye can't see.

No man can stand against You,

No power in heaven or earth is above You my God my Rock my Love my Abba Father and Friend

You God are my God until the very end

You God are my Rock so I will not break or bend

Lord I have not always been faithful

but You oh Lord have never left me.

I can never be perfect,

but You oh Lord still love me.

I had fallen, cursed and forgotten You

but You oh Lord still carried me,

Your mercy still enveloped me,

Your glory is never ending.

Lord God You are my bright and shining star,

my Hero in the 12th hour

my Cooling rain shower.

Lord You are my portion

...so I need no witchcraft or special potion

Just You alone do I need.

You alone do I seek.

You alone are my everything.

You and You alone are the reason why my heartbeats,

My heartbeats,

that heavenly beat

for You.

My God.

My King.

My Everything.

:MetaMorphosis:{Poetry)4-Jesus.

Poetry Vault: Set Me Free.

noreply@blogger.com (Truth NotTrickery) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:46:00 +0000

Set me Free.

and Let me

me.

Allow me

To finally

See

everything.

Free me,

Unleash me

Teach me

Help me

...fulfill my destiny.

Unlock me...

Take me...

Shape me...

Remake me:

- Fill me

Reveal me

...so that all might see

You shining through
me.

Undo me aN- show me

the true me.

Help me....

because, I ~~cover~~ the real me-

I need You to show me-

where this place of peace is hiding...

I’ll follow You...

We’ll take the road You choose

as long as it’s me You use.

Take what was mine and make it Devine

Help me to find

that Peace of mind.

And I’ll take what You pick -n- choose-

I’ll move just how You say to-

And each day I’ll get on my knees and pray to...

You... Lord and only You.

<----MeteMorPhosis-

The Poetry Vault: Love's Not Something

noreply@blogger.com (Truth NotTrickery) — Mon, 30 May 2011 01:46:00 +0000

Love is not something to do

But a place you commit to
A space where you
   have to
  s u r p a s s "you"
and transcend through-
...all the words
...all the drama
   ....all that noise
forgetting all those who make advances
and betting only on your chances
with THAT one
   who dances
to the beat of the same DRuM...
   you do.

--metamorphosis--

"The freedom to love urges us to love freedom" -Rebekah Calloway - worth a thousand words

noreply@blogger.com (Truth NotTrickery) — Sat, 07 May 2011 02:47:00 +0000

Poetry Vault: Fresh Apples / Remembering to Love

noreply@blogger.com (Truth NotTrickery) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 03:22:00 +0000

March 24, 2006 • Friday // Revised March 29, 2011. (Republished 11/30/23)

"Hey kid there's only one life to live,
take the risk and love..."

These words f l o w e d through my being for years and years without meaning...

The old man who stood on the corner of Elm street sold apples, and always smelled like old spice.

He spoke those words directly into my life one day... his wisdom simple, yet memorable.

I remember the smell of apples and cologne seeping from his skin... That day, the air was sticky and the old man was hard at work, like he always was. There was an ever-present sense of goodness about him, I used to tell him that he reminded me of Mr.Roger from Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, a television show I often watched as a child.

During the summers I'd sit for hours with with the old man, working for him picking and selling the apples. He was always hard at work, but never seemed like he needed the money.

The old man always carried a weathered brown leather wallet packed up full of cash. He lived in a great big cream-colored mansion in the center of town. The gentle old soul would always take me out to dinner or ice-cream after a long day of selling apples on the street corner. We never made much money selling them though, because the old man nearly gave them away- selling them for much less than their worth. He was known to often give them away to the neighborhood children and the working men that passed by. And during our chats he would tell tails of the adventures his youth afforded him- he would speak the stories of his life, with a deeply nostalgic look in his eyes.

Imparting unto me the wisdom of his years- lessons that lingered...

as the years passed.

But all too soon I grew too old and wise for the old man. I was far too big for my britches and my 'wisdom' led me to believe there were things better and bigger than, "That old man, this town and crusty old Elm street."

A very many days have passed since those of apple picking and story telling.

I moved on to university but always kept in contact with the old man, I'd often receive boxes full of apples and apple sauce - tangible reminders of his Love, where I'd been, where I came from and the Elm Street I’d left behind.

One day I received an especially heavy package containing a crate of apples, three bottles of apple sauce, an envelope with a letter, a newspaper clipping and one other envelope filled to capacity with crisp $100 bills.

As I unfolded the newspaper clipping the joy of the surprise suddenly slipped away....a tear began forming in my right eye as I read the headline - "Sweet Ol'Joe has passed away."

The article spoke of his life, how he'd grown up in town, born into a wealthy family and how he always tried to give back to our community.

I couldn't control the tears as they began uncontrollably pouring out of my eyes. I tried to pull myself together, put the newspaper down and picked up the second envelope.

Unfolded the letter and read:

"Hey kid, I suppose if you're reading this then the cancer got the best of me, but hey don't worry we'll sit at heavens' gate and we’ll give apples to the saints together again one day! But seriously kid -I gave you the best of me, I taught you everything I know, about how things grow... the seasons that come and go-- the good and the bad… the world isn't all good you know?

Sometimes it’s harder than you think you can deal with but kid there's only one life to live, so just remember to take the risk and love.

Ps. I’m leaving you some money, it’s not too much so don't spend it all in one place.

Love Old Joe-"

I read and re-read the last line of the letter aloud over and over and over again. These words were very familiar to me, he said them nearly everyday I was with him even if his story had nothing to with love he would always say,

"Kid there's only one life to live, take the risk and love."

My father later told me that old Joe once had a wife and son but they died the winter Joe was away fighting in the war. I asked the old man a few times about them, but he'd always change the subject saying something like, "Apple season is almost over kid, soon we'll have to plant seeds." Later he would say something like, "There's are a lot of unfortunate things that happen in life, but still you only get one life to live so take the risk and love"

take the risk and love...

take the risk and love...

t a k e t h e r i s k . . .

so I did.

I think the old man would be proud.

-MetaMorphosis- the poet. —> Kindness is the Butterfly now (revised by Kindness Calloway on 11/30/23)

Psalms 136, Pharaoh's Army and Chariot wheels at the bottom of the Red Sea in the 20th century

noreply@blogger.com (Truth NotTrickery) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 21:35:00 +0000

Growing up in Christian school I’d heard the story of God leading the Israelites out of Egypt more than your average kid to say the least. I’d always known about Pharaoh's Army drowning in the Red Sea and even reenacted the story several times in skits and plays. I’d heard my Pastors preach many sermons, my teachers explain in great detail and even sang songs in church glorifying the event. But it was never as real to me then as it is now...

The other day while reading Psalms 136 I was listening to a song in which the lyrics sang, “...cause Pharaoh’s army don’t yah know God drown them in the Red Sea!”

I am a naturally inquisitive person - I wonder not due to lack of faith but just because I am a curious person. I wonder what other people must think about this story, people who say things like “There is no such thing as God...” or “ I don’t believe in the Bible” I wonder if they think it’s just a made up story...

These thoughts bring me to google images- I type in two words: ‘Red Sea’

and I soon see pictures of a long narrow sea dividing a strip of land. Internally a battle begins- I wonder if its really that deep or if the Israelites just waded across seeking safety on the other side. But just as instantly as the thought crosses my mind- I see images of people deep sea diving in the Red Sea. I see pictures of sunken boats... assuming the mindset of a Biblical critic I think again, ‘If all this really happened and its not just a story then there would still be pieces left...evidence of an entire Army doesn’t just disappear’

But just as quickly as this thought crosses my mind I see an image of what looks like a golden wheel- I click it and see a story from the 1970’s about how a diver found the remains of chariot's and chariot wheels. And how the Egyptian government took a wheel he brought up from undersea - authenticated it- stating it dated from the 1400B.C. era and then made it illegal to recover any more items from the underwater area. (read more about this discovery here)

Mineralized bone, one of many found at the under water
crossing site

Psalm 136

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good.

His love is eternal.

Give thanks to the God of gods.

For to the age is His kindness.

Give thanks to the Lord of lords.

His lovingkindness endures forever.

He alone does great wonders.

His mercy endures forever.

He made the heavens skillfully.

His love continues forever.

He spread the land on the waters.

His steadfast love endures forever.

He made the great lights:

His faithful love endures forever.

He made the sun to rule by day,

His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.

...the moon and stars to rule by night.

His love never quits.

He struck the firstborn of the Egyptians

His mercy endures forever.

and brought Israel out from among them

His mercy endures forever.

with a strong hand and outstretched arm.

His mercy endures forever.

He divided the Red Sea

His mercy endures forever.

and led Israel through,

His mercy endures forever.

but hurled Pharaoh and his army
into the Red Sea.

His mercy endures forever.

The realness of God is undeniable - when He chooses to move in our lives it is unfathomably beautiful.

Be blessed and a blessing brothers and sisters in Christ. I am praying for you!

R.Calloway

A Rainbow Coalition Public Service announcement: Don't hide your true-self

noreply@blogger.com (Truth NotTrickery) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 03:02:00 +0000

GOD created you uniquely and perfectly- don't be afraid to BE REAL and REVEAL the true you... for those people who you can be genuine and authentic with are the only ones whom you truly love. They are also the only ones given the opportunity to legitimately know and love you in return.

After all...closets are for clothes not people.
be blessed and a blessing-

Poetry VauLT: Another Wanna Be

noreply@blogger.com (Truth NotTrickery) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 05:47:00 +0000

Poetry Vault Cracked open from: Summer.2010.Enjoy.

Baby I don't wanna be-

another wanna be

just another reason

for you not to believe in -

eternity

no not me

not another notch on your belt

not another reason you felt

love could never be

for you and me
- really

I don’t wanna be an e v e n t u a l l y

- enemy

because i've changed

all of me.

no longer searching for just a hole-

to hide in.

Amp'd up with my wonders

then go hidin'.

no.

I’m Simply a reason to believe

I'm someone who’d never leave

I have not the energy

for anything...

but honesty

so I Simply intent to-

improve

not bent to

abuse

but instead to only choose

truth.

metamorphosis.

Poetry VauLT: Tomorrow

noreply@blogger.com (Truth NotTrickery) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:55:00 +0000

I survived the war without a fight

yet of this battle I dare not write...

I strive yet dare not call it's name.

I say, "Yes... tomorrow will be the day!"

But then another...

and another...

and yet another-

pass me by.

I wonder why

I did not try

a little harder-

yesterday.

I'm always forgetting that when tomorrow comes

today will be yesterday anyway...

It's far too easy to say, 'Tomorrow..."

But when the sorrow of today

makes all the promises I made to myself yesterday...

f a d e a w a y

What's there left to say today?

But...

"Tomorrow."

:metamorphosis:

.tomorrow.is.not.promised.to.us.

Poety Vault: Piano

noreply@blogger.com (Truth NotTrickery) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 20:16:00 +0000

I play what I feel...
because often when you speak
those words aren't real.

It tends to be surreal even.
You might catch yourself dreamin'
....of what you should've said.

Often words are dead.

Our dreams are alive.

Regardless of what's been said
...so when I play I give them life
breath...
a chance to catch...

up -

with the realities we've
conjured up.-
in our minds.

metamorphosis.
0h.plz.dnt.judge.me.4.this.

Poetry Vault: ||Time is a Paradox ||

noreply@blogger.com (Truth NotTrickery) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 15:16:00 +0000

TiMe is a paradox...

There really is only the present-
   the past and future only exist in our minds.
   and in the minds of others... Time is simply a social agreement.
So WhY bother?
Why waste time...on TiMe?

We have much more and
   far less time than we suppose...
so I propose-
we quit wondering and start living-

for-
   All we truly have is now.
Who's to say tomorrow will come anyhow?

So I ask:
What greatness can you achieve in a day?
What roads toward your goals can you pave - today?
right now-
IN this moment

After all you're trading a day of your life for it...
so make sure you can afford-
what you're loosing TiMe for.

metamorphosis.I.am.more.than.this.
even.eye.feel.dis

A CoMMunisT State of Mind - A prayer for North Korea :What exactly is Freedom again?:

noreply@blogger.com (Truth NotTrickery) — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 18:37:00 +0000

When you have the freedom to t h i n k f r e e l y...

you don’t often dream of o p p r e s s i o n.

You don’t imagine what it must be like to grow up in a country where you are deceived daily.

Where you have no freedom - lacking the freedom to gain the knowledge to even realize that you have no freedom. No...I don't suppose you dream of air-raids and food rations. You might not dream of a home where you sleep on the floor, have one TV and one TV station, a radio in your kitchen playing State propaganda constantly that you can turn up and down but not off... no I don't think you often dream of North Korea...

but last night I did.

Last night I watched a movie on Netflix Instant called, “ A State of Mind” - a documentary film crew was granted unprecedented access to the country of North Korea- and their experience provided a small glimpse into the lives of a few families. A select group of Koreans who live in presumably the best conditions in existence inside of the totalitarian state. People in this region are lucky enough to receive food rations of 5 eggs and 1 chicken per person- per month... these are the elite- the lucky ones.

because the food crisis is a real one....

And they feel lucky too- they know nothing else but submission, submission and worship of “The General” Kim Jung -Il and "The Leader" the late, Kim Il-Sung. This film showed the lives of a few gymnasts as they prepared for what they call Mass Games.

Mass Games is the largest coordinated human spectacle in the world. These people live and breathe for their country, they have deeply programmed/conditioned, yet authentic love their leader. They live to serve him for and respect him leading them to what they perceive as a victory in the Korean War... or as they call it, “Victorious Fatherland Liberation War” Victory or not the people of North Korea are conditioned to hate the American people. There are posters and flyers displayed everywhere that display hateful messages about the US.

"Don't forget the US imperialist wolves!"

The people are told their oppression is due to “the US imperialists.”

They and live in constant fear of an “A m e r i c a n I n v a s i o n ” and often must wake up on bitterly cold nights and run from their homes into bomb shelters and bunkers to practice for “Air -raids” - all the while they blame their misery on the American people.

Children hearing their parents saying things like, "Ugh we could still be in bed if wasn't for those Americans!" One of the young girls shown in the film stated this when asked about the United States, “The US is making life bad in our country, they are maneuvering to suppress the sound of happy laughter here. ...we have to endlessly hate the US. We will fight them to the end. “ This girl was no more than 12 years old.

She's later shown in the film singing karaoke, these were the words to the popular song North Korea created to entertain their people,

" Lets get closely bonded together.

Our Party is the best.

Communism is the best!"

She sang it with soul- is if she were singing "I will survive." -

It's quite A State of Mind indeed...

(Back on the Farm....)

I jokingly asked my brother, "How much do you think that sweater would be worth without the Nike logo on it?"
   It was a rather plan looking sweater,
   nothing to it but a zipper and thin material,
   I would have guessed about $7.
   He answered, "Ehh about $20. I think it was about $40 so that's half."
I looked on in shock, "Twenty dollars! Some poor kid in Indonesia made that for 15 cents!"
- then I thought... "Wow, that poor kid. Thank you GOD I wasn't born that kid!"
Then I say out-loud, "Thank God I was born in America."
He says, "Yah me too."
   "I wake up every morning and thank God I was born here and now and not in some other time or country when things were worse... "
   He answers, "Yah me too."

"Do you really?"

"No. But I will now..."

...yah me too.

Dear Lord I pray for our human race, for our world, Lord I pray that you would free it. Help us Lord, help us as Americans to make good political decisions and return to having a good reputation of being the nation that helps others and not be seen as invaders of so many countries. Lord help others to see that we are people just like them and we are not individually in control. Lord just as we understand that fact, remind us of that when we are at war with others. Allow the heart of America to see the sad condition of North Korea- a people living and dying in oppression. Lord send them freedom. Heal our world Lord, heal the bleeding hearts and souls of man. Help us all to submit to Your will... Help us to love our neighbors- to love North Korea - help them to see the truth about us Lord. Help their starving nation. Help our broken country... Lord touch our WORLD- touch us all... we need You!

IN Jesus’ Might Name I pray.

Amen.

Be blessed... and a blessing to someone else.

R.Calloway

"2011: New Year New You" : God Believes In You - Geoff Moore

noreply@blogger.com (Truth NotTrickery) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:09:00 +0000

Be blessed... and a blessing to a stranger tomorrow. Kindness kills sorrow.

Welcome to the new year!!! I'm loving it so far, I hope you all are also!

I love you brothers and sisters in Christ!
I pray the Lord's hand shows up mightily in your life. Life flows from God and I pray that God flows into your lives and blesses each and every one of you beyond measure. I pray that for those who knowledge is treasure- May He guide you to understanding- and fill your hearts with joy. I thank the Lord for His peace, His peace has kept me through so many things...I pray His peace encompasses this new year...and the new you. I pray increase in the finances of our community, increase in our giving to one another, joy in our relationships, harmony in our marriages, and I pray the day soon comes where we can all freely-safely live, being our authentic selves... in Jesus the Messiah's name I pray. Amen

Good bye 2010.
Hello. A year from HeaveN
2011.

R.Calloway
-things take time
slow down and take it one day
at
a
time-

:OuR Random Bible Verse - for our God centered Universe: Proverbs 16:8

noreply@blogger.com (Truth NotTrickery) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 18:31:00 +0000

" Better is a little with righteousness
than great revenues with injustice."

Proverbs 16:8

Bex loves the KiDs - it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...so this Christmas, just for me- how about a bit of change?

noreply@blogger.com (Truth NotTrickery) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 07:26:00 +0000

As I discussed in an earlier blog- I am a newly inducted member of Phi Theta Kappa Int’l Honors Society, as a member I am open to and involved in various service projects around the city. By far my favorite is the time spent at one of Miami’s homeless shelters for families. The program involves tutoring and mentoring children from the ages of 5 to 15 .

And.... there are always so many kids!!!

The first time it was a bit overwhelming even for a laid-back child-loving person like myself. But only a few minutes had to pass before I found myself playing computer games with three kids while one was hugging/hanging onto me. I remember leaving that first day thinking, “Wow that was fun, I can’t wait till tomorrow!”

I’ve had so many rewarding experiences... But to see their faces when the Christmas gifts were being given out...

priceless.

Christmas is a time where we can easily be caught up in material things... some people might be depressed because last Christmas they had a job or a car or more money... But I think it’s important to take a STEP BACK and remember others. Think about your neighbor- your fellow man- that person who’s ‘luck’ might have run out and is living in a shelter for the first time. For those kids who don’t have parents, or who’s parent is locked up - Think about those without family- And when you think about all these people don’t stop thinking until do you DO SOMETHING... call that relative you haven’t talked to since four Christmas’s ago and reconnect,

share the love,

Don’t talk about change - BE the change. Volunteer. Do something.

Visit nursing homes, help out those who are less fortunate than you are... Even if you don’t feel like you are that fortunate yourself - Even if you’re like many Americans who don’t know how they will afford their homes.

With a recession -

two wars -

unemployment on the rise - there are a lot of things to stress you out- but helping other’s relieves stress.

You will be surprised how good you feel after you do something for someone else.

But don’t take my word for it. Try it for yourself!

be blessed and be a blessing to others

R.Calloway

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12- The Value of a Friend -: Day 19 40 Days and 40 Nights... with just Bex <-(that's me!) n Christ <-(my King!)::

noreply@blogger.com (Truth NotTrickery) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 03:34:00 +0000

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12- The Value of a Friend

Two are better than one,

Because they have a good reward for their labor.

For if they fall, one will lift up the other.

But woe to him who is alone when he falls,

For he has no one to help him up.

Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;

But how can one be warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.

And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

The Value of a Friend - Solomon speaks here of the value of friendship. The importance of being a good friend so that you are not alienated and left alone. But what is a friend really? Who are those few that are worthy to be our true friends? Jesus spoke of friendship saying, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." But how many people are REALLY willing to die for their friends? Yah sure, rappers rap about it- and some people put on a front saying stuff like "Yah man I got your back no matter what" - yet they are the first ones to go missing when the heat is on... that's not what Solomon was talking about when he speaks on the value of a friend. He speaks of TRUE friendship... and honestly out of all the friends I've ever had ...only one has never let me down... even gone as far as laying down His life for me. That friend is MY very best friend...the Lord Jesus.

James 2:23

And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith." He was even called the friend of God.

I'm so thankful that the Lord calls me His friend!

I am also thankful for the people He has placed in my life, my earthly companions. Short of Christ's infinite love, my definition of true friend is one who encourages me, uplifts and inspires my Christian walk, someone who is there to pray with me and will pray for me, throughout all situations. This Thanksgiving weekend I'm so thankful for the friends that God has given me, and the hope we all share in His loving care. I'm thankful for salvation! I'm not thankful that Jesus died- but I am so THANKFUL that He rose again! And that He has a plan for me... and you...and all of us. Praise the Lord!

be blessed and a blessing to others...

R. Calloway

Poetry VauLT: - Find me Hiding in Honesty. Honestly. :

noreply@blogger.com (Truth NotTrickery) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 17:59:00 +0000

Find me Hiding

in Honesty. Honestly.

Hiding deep

Within all I speak

I'm unseen.

Covered in grace

It's all quite comforting.

Not confronting

But conforming

Into more than you think

Challenging you

to rethink

all of those things

that are haunting

you

and me.

But still unseen...

Is the depth of my iniquity

the measure of my sweet miss.understanding

...they lie in my past

inadequacies.

But still you're not

seeing me...

understanding.

Wondering...

if simply humanity-

fuels my constant debate

My consistent need to ameliorate...

all that need be

changin'.

"You promised you would never change"

But I never make promises to stay the same

this consistent metamorphosis

might be to blame

For all of this...

honesty.

because honestly,

my transparency

sometimes....

surprises

even me.

metamorphosis.

here.i.go.again.w.This.

40 Days and 40 Nights... with just Bex <-(that's me!) n Christ <-(my King!):: Day 06 :for the musically inclined:// Random Bible 4 2day 1 Corinthians 15:58

noreply@blogger.com (Truth NotTrickery) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 04:26:00 +0000

1 Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.