Vertizontal - Latest Comments

Re: Wearing Shorts: Rules for Men Over 35

Jean Dubois — Sun, 26 Sep 2021 21:02:24 -0000

Wear what you want to wear. Burka? Simply shorts? Just be confident in yourself. Rule is : No rules.

Re: A letter to the Childish Men I Don't Know but Observe Every Day (A Cathartic Diary Entry)

dominique — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 11:50:32 -0000

dominique@mail.postmanllc.net

Re: No Cross at Church?

D'Ann — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 15:42:39 -0000

For me, the cross is a comfort and a reminder. I can understand all that you mention in this article. However, for me, when the minister is talking, I sometimes look at the cross behind him and feel the words coming from Jesus. It may have lost it's meaning to others, but not to me. And if Jesus had been crucified in an electric chair, maybe we would be wearing a chair on a necklace and it would be normal and then people would say it lost it's meaning. I don't know. I only know what I feel. And if the church wants to appeal to all ages, why not add a cross somewhere. anywhere, please.

Re: No Cross at Church?

shameonyoko — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 10:20:10 -0000

To be fair, no symbol in and of itself can be "Christian." I should have chosen those words more carefully. But, as far as symbols being associated with or reinterpreted and celebrated by Christians, all of the symbols I mentioned have been used and are sometimes still used in Christian circles. You are correct however that the symbols you mentioned are sometimes also associated with groups outside of Christianity.

Re: No Cross at Church?

tl — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 04:14:49 -0000

The phoenix is not Christian, the scarab is not Christian, no matter how hard some well meaning people may have tried to rehabilitate the symbol. And you might want to check out what "three nails" means to some people who are, let's say, outside of the Christian tradition. Just saying.

Re: Wearing Shorts: Rules for Men Over 35

Mr. black 011024076 — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 15:49:42 -0000

Obviously this person does not work out, and is most likely ashamed of their own body. Don't drag others down in your depression spiral.

Re: No Cross at Church?

Ty — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 12:45:58 -0000

Charlie, you are an idiot.

Re: No Cross at Church?

Jack — Sun, 03 Nov 2013 23:38:00 -0000

I have no quarrels with there being an absence of a cross at any church. In fact, we are told by Jesus Himself not to make and/or worship idols of Him, or any other deity. So really, a lack of a cross at every church may be better. I suppose it is just up to the management though

Re: A letter to the Childish Men I Don't Know but Observe Every Day (A Cathartic Diary Entry)

TimMaynard — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:24:54 -0000

I want to be a townsman. Pip pip cheerio good sir. Video games though, too close to home John!

Re: No Cross at Church?

shameonyoko — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 09:25:40 -0000

Another Google search will give you a ton of info on the palm branch and its rich history in Christian tradition.

Re: No Cross at Church?

shameonyoko — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 09:23:05 -0000

Again, harsh words and accusations. No one has dismantled Jesus.

Re: No Cross at Church?

shameonyoko — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 09:18:25 -0000

I don't think you understand what I am saying here. But, I will stand by my words. The cross is not what saves us. Nor does any instrument of torture that killed our Lord. Jesus alone saves. Symbols do not save us. The gap I am concerned about is the gap between us and the Father and it is Jesus that bridges that gap. Not the cross. Furthermore, the expression of the cross we are used to seeing is indeed Latin/Catholic/American. The Crux Commissa resembled more of a capital letter T. But what really matters in all of this is Jesus.

Re: No Cross at Church?

shameonyoko — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 09:13:24 -0000

Charlie, we don't have a permanent display of the cross. "Permanent" being the operative word. A simple Google search will tell you you are wrong about the Phoenix.

Re: No Cross at Church?

charlie — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 08:07:10 -0000

It´s not so much "the hanging of a cross at church" as is has been the DISMANTLING thereof.

You are a child of the deceiver.

God is NOT mocked.

Re: No Cross at Church?

Charlie — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 08:04:54 -0000

"Sadly, in some ways, the Latin/Catholic/American cross has become void of its power as a symbol because it's so commonplace."

This statement takes my breath away. The cross is neither American nor Catholic. The cross symbolizes God bridging the gap between himself and his creation in the person of Jesus Christ.

If you think the cross has become void of power, you are speaking for the enemy himself.

SICK.

Re: No Cross at Church?

Charlie — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 08:01:48 -0000

"It's really not as much about an exclusion of this cross for us as much
as it's about including other symbols and stories from a grand tradition
and history". i.e.: It is about the exclusion of the cross: you could have left the cross and added those other symbols.

"In our last large scale aesthetic at Westwinds (we change the look and
feel of the gathering space frequently), the room was surrounded with
symbols that tell the story of God and His people. The phoenix, the
palm ..." The phoenix? This is a symbol of Lucifer rising from the ashes - the palm is not a christian symbol.

You are a deceiver.

Re: "I Don't Even Know You Anymore!": Perceived Intimacy in Social Networks

torybee — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 19:31:32 -0000

This is a tough post. Tough because I want to write a LENGTHY comment and we just don't have that close of a friendship.

Ha.

Seriously though, as an introvert I love Social Media. I also hate it. I used to think it was a great equalizer but now realize it probably isn't. We just have more access to more people, but the relationship dynamics remain much the same. Folks want to get their platform/message out there, but don't care to invest in people, yet want to make it seem they're invested in people. It is all rather confusing to a person. I've finally learned that most of it is a game, just learn to play it. Expect nothing from it. But the more personal side of social networking is different.

I'm still figuring this all out. I really wish that it resulted in "real" relationships.

Re: But We Have No Artists!

Rich Kirkpatrick — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 22:09:13 -0000

LOVE this my friend. You are an inspiration.

Re: But We Have No Artists!

torybee — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:50:07 -0000

Ha, I'm one that has asked this very question (to you!) and I do appreciate your answers here, especially the reason WHY this is so important. (your 'plumbline"). Have you considered writing a book on this? " "No White Walls: Taking Art Seriously..... in Church!" as the title. Actually, finding a title could be funny and a lot of fun!
But I do wonder how many small churches DO feel trapped because they don't have a lot of artists or a large budget to spend on these things. Or maybe even the reason why this is important. And I think it IS important. It reflects so much when things are done well;, when they are interesting and well thought out.

I went on a walk (for exercise) last night and was so disappointed I left my camera at home. The lighting was brilliant and EVERYTHING looked so different up on this mountain. I could go on and on but I am already too lengthy in my (silly) comment. But I kept pausing, taking in deeply the beauty that is always there but I miss. A change in perspective. A little lighting change as the sun made its descent. The act of slowing down to really SEE things. I couldn't help but turn my thoughts to God. I think beauty does that, and I think that's why we desire to create, to reflect it. So, going in a white walled, cluttered church is actually sad.

Anyways, sorry so long. At least I waited a day or 2 to comment. I love to reflect on this. And btw, my own church could really use some help in this area! I'll send in my HELP US! photos for a consultation. (I'm kidding). (?)

Re: But We Have No Artists!

Carolina — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 09:53:56 -0000

You're just like me. Love finding old items at yard sales and making them my own! Fun to recreate things!

Re: Oil For a Change

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Re: Coffee Love Song

Cuisinart Coffee Maker — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 20:41:06 -0000

This a lovely song. I never knew that there is a love song for coffee LOL. Cuisinart Coffee Machine

Re: Mother's Day Prayer

Dan Fiero — Sun, 13 May 2012 12:27:21 -0000

Great poem I was going to ask you for a copy. Thanks for all you do JVo

Re: My New Book

Tory — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 23:27:20 -0000

Ha, love it. I actually signed him up for it, but he never uses it (he has no ipod, ipad or iphone) and I'll probably remove it until he's 13 officially..... it's been something I've been wrestling with. It's so hard though because the youth group uses it as a primary way of communicating stuff..... there's no longer email; it's all about creating a FB "event" and inviting everyone to it.

Thanks for your input. Enjoy your daughter's birthday and I'm sure she can't wait to get on FB!

Re: My New Book

shameonyoko — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 23:02:29 -0000

Facebook says 13. I say 13. Delayed gratification. Good thing for the kids to learn. P.S. My daughter turns 13 in 5 days. Ask me how long we've been talking about this.