Proactive Quotes

For every difficulty that supposedly stops a person from succeeding there are thousands who have had it a lot worse and have succeeded anyway. So can you. ~ Brian Tracy

You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself.~ Jim Rohn

Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it. ~ George Bernard Shaw

Are you a “victim,” or are you taking responsibility for your life?~ Susan Jeffers

We are to be more "proactive", as opposed to "reactive". The word “reactive” implies that you don’t have the initiative. You let the events set the agenda. To be proactive, what you have to do is ask yourself what is likely to happen, and react to it before it happens.

Deaf411 Launches "Deaf-Friendly Cities in the U.S."

Project What Does a City Need to Accommodate Deaf Residents? Deaf411 will research and compile information on which cities are deaf-friendly.

Is your city friendly to Deaf residents? Go to Deaf411 Online

News from Massachusetts: Relay office for deaf closing

Communication Services for the Deaf plans to "permanently close its entire relay office" at 489 Whitney Ave. on June 30, according to a letter sent to Sullivan dated Monday from the Sioux Falls, S.D.-based company.

Why would I join a biased organization?

Deep thoughts about joining an unbaised advocacy organization. Bias is a term used to describe a tendency or preference towards a particular perspective and ideology. A bias could lead one to accept or deny the truth that is often very "one-sided" while ignoring the other. By nature, all of us are bias therefore it is very easy for us to be bias. Running an "unbiased" organization is not easy at all.

One example is organization for people with hearing loss (deafness), there are many organizations that are very biased to certain group of people with hearing loss. Very few are qualified as "unbiased" and I can list a few in my mind.

Ever since I started blogging, I have learned more about organizations and their agendas. Who knew this much before blogging? We had limited resources in the past. Now, with the age of internet technology, we can learn more about each organization and their activities through other people. The more I read about organizations and their backgrounds, the more I am seeing the powerful and influential orgnanization with hidden agendas that are not easily recognized.

I starting to looking into my motives in joining organizations and that I need to have a better understanding before joining. I need an organization that is very sound, clear, accurate, and unbiased information for everyone. Public diplomacy is the very definition of advocacy that is creating awareness of an organization's agendas.

An organization must meet the highest standards of credibility for the purpose of advocacy. The information being shared about a specific topic must be fair, unbiased, accurate, complete and honest.

Can we (in private) see if we are members of organizations that are either biased or unbiased? Can you list them in your mind and if you are a member of a biased organization, would you want to remain a member? Its easy for me to be biased therefore I rather join an unbiased organization that provoke my biased thoughts into helping others live better.

Unbiased Organization for Parents of Deaf and Hearing Loss Children

I have been reading more about the organization I have learned in the past few months. This organzation will REPLACE AG Bell for parents who are seeking sound advices of what to do with their children who suffered hearing loss. This is a parent-driven organization. The members are very diverse who are very open minded and willing to learn everything unconditionally whether they "communicate orally, with signs, cue, and/or combined methods".

I believe this organization was formed in 1997 and it is a very young organization. Yet, it is growing at the same time which is not bad for 11 year old organization. I am contacting this organization about joining and maybe help out.

This oranization is called: Hands & Voices . The Ohio Chapter is in the "start up in process" now which means it is Provisional that it is established with contacts and in progress which have the authorization to use Hands & Voices name. The formal application is still in process and waiting for the final approval.

Fellow Blogger on Magazine Cover

Abbie of “Chronicles of a Bionic Woman is on the cover of the Hearing Loss Magazine's May/June 2008 issue. You can see the issue and download article in pdf format in Cindy Dyer's blog.

I am impressed with the cover and the article. I think you might enjoy this as well.

WHAT?! 'DEAF' GI BEING SENT BACK TO WAR

A New York soldier thought he had done his duty battling America's enemies overseas after losing the hearing in his left ear and injuring a knee.

Deaf artist tells stories to the hearing

“My name is Stefrose,” the artist lettered along two white walls in the entryway to the exhibit. “I can’t hear you even if you shout. That is where we are going to have a communication problem. So deal with it! If you don’t speak to my face, then I haven’t heard you. Have I mentioned I’m deaf?”

Deaf woman faced criticism but overcame....

The 22-year-old of West Melbourne competes in barrel racing events at arenas around the state said: "A lot of trainers rejected me, criticized me, saying 'You can't do that, you can't do this,'" she said. "So one day I thought, 'You know what, I'm going to do this myself.'"

Some of her quotes:

"Some people just have no respect, and attitude, and that's OK, you know, I can't change that. I can't change myself."

"When people come here to board, they sometimes go 'Oh, you're deaf?' . . . They sometimes think, 'Oh my gosh, the world stopped,' and I'm like 'I don't have a gun, don't worry about it.' "

"That's fine,I have to learn to face that, too, because many times I've been rejected, and now I'm getting to the point where I don't care."

"A lot of people ask me, 'If you're on the horse walking and something behind you spooks the horse, how do you know, because you can't hear it behind you?" she said. "And I say, 'You have to trust your feeling."

Provoking Blogs Creating awareness within the Deaf community

Some bloggers have been provoking many readers' thoughts lately. It is indeed appropriate to point out several issues of “awareness". People love as self-recognition what they hate as an accusation as one of the quotes I have learned earlier on:

Nothing is easier than self-deceit. For what each man wishes, that he also believes to be true.

As James Thurber said

"Let us not look back in anger or forward in fear, but around in awareness."

More Quotes:

We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done. ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.~ Carl Jung

Every human has four endowments- self awareness, conscience, independent will and creative imagination. These give us the ultimate human freedom... The power to choose, to respond, to change. Stephen R. Covey

I have been asked about doing

VLOG in my blog by several of my bloggers in the past few months and I am still debating. VLOG is basically video blogging that Deaf people blog using ASL. I am debating and still debating about doing videoblogging. I am really camera shy. I think I have everything I need. I have Windows XP which has Windows Movie Maker which is a simple tool for creating and editing videos/movies. I have an old camcorder and not sure if its compatible with the computer. I need to learn how to download the uncut, unedited videos into my computer.

I am camera shy so I will have to go slow on video blogging until I get comfortable with my equipment and my ASL. As you noticed, there aren't many pictures of me around the blog. Some are old and some are new. Who knows, I might. One day I will have a nerve to do this. LOL

My daughter is going to a prom tonight

This day will be a wonderful day for her and happy to see her looking excited and looking forward to tonight's date with her boyfriend.

I will get my camera ready.

Jim

I would love to see AG Bell members

come in our blogs and make their own thoughts known to us so that we can start communicating with them. NOT arguing or threatening them because those will make matter worst. I believe that they might be afraid to share their side because of some extremists will them. I have seen that happened in blogging world in the past and there is no way we can control the extremists. That's really sad.

Members of Cultures such as Deaf clubs.....

Hi,

After posting yesterday about American Sign Language(ASL)Only, I have had many thoughts and more thoughts after reading the comments from ASL Only post.

One comment from Shel90 who said:

I agree...my question is why do AGBAD and other oral-only organizations insist on English-only. It seems like these organizations and people who support them have that "only-me" attitudes.

I understand the value of mastering English. However, ASL should be valued just as well since it fully accessible to deaf people unlike spoken English.

Another comment from DBC, who said:

There is no such thing as "ASL Only Deaf"

All Deaf people know English and those that also know ASL are bilingual.

John Egbert

Both of their statements are true but there are those who don't think about them because they are so busy promoting their "cause".

Let's look at AG Bell and their supporters, I have a big issue with them because they have a cause that is very anti-ASL Deaf culture. Of course, there are those Deaf who are very anti-AG Bell. Between the two groups, there is no common ground unless someone comes up with a plan that we all can agree on.

I have been members of cultural clubs in the past and would still be members of them. I was a member of several Deaf clubs, in fact, I was an officer of one Deaf Club for number of years. Also, I was a trustee and accountant for a Deaf church for number of years as well. I have been involved in several cultural-related organizations and groups such as Scottish which I am about 99.99% Scottish. Cultural related organzations are wonderful and we should have them because they give us a sense of belonging.

While at the same time, we live in a multi-cultural society and in reality, we are to live with others in this country which therefore we are to have various forms of communication techniques in order to be part of the multi-cultural society. When I was watching Sweet Nothing in My Ear, I saw "Old Deaf culture and New Deaf culture" and noticing that the Deaf Culture is changing that older-timers and traditional cultural followers were having a hard time with the change.

With AG Bell's situation, it appears many of their wordings that are anti-ASL which mean anti-cultural language. I am having issues with experts like AG Bell telling parents what to do because it is very tough for parents to find the "right" path for our deaf and hearing-impaired children when their parents are not getting ALL of the information about deafness. AG Bell should be SHARING ALL aspects of what can HELP our children regardless how we think should be the right way.

The Deaf and hearing-impaired children are the ones who are living their lives and that they will grow old with their own bodies. We adults are NOT living in their lives or grow old in their bodies.

What adults should be doing is helping deaf and hearing-impaired children living their lives at their own free-will and have them enjoy life without us placing our own agendas what would be "best for them". We cannot place restrictions on them because we "think" or the "experts think" what is best for the children.

We want the BEST for them by allowing them to be part of the decision process so they can reveal who they are and how they can actually enjoy life independently however they can cope with their own bodies. Therefore, with that thinking, we have to be careful because deaf/hearing-impaired children may particularly be vulnerable to suffering at the hands of their parents who are willful in their own ignorance by listening to so called "experts" relating to agendas.

We are to place AG Bell on notice and have them change their agendas. The structures of the organization itself should be modified, including strategic plans, agendas, policies and procedures. AG Bell work with all cultures in order to have all the information for parents of deaf/hearing-impaired children.

Of course, lobbying is one of the biggest issues with AG Bell because they need money and they get their donated money from professionals such as Cochlear surgeons and similar professions. If AG Bell lose money from those individuals, Cochlear surgeons and supporters will move to another organization or create their own. We will STILL have problems with those people regardless.

What we need to do is to EDUCATE AG Bell members about deafness and that we accept Cochlear implants with conditions. Then we explain those conditions as an awareness for parents to know why we have those conditions.

The more the parents know, the BETTER decisions will be made for their children. That's what is important.

ASL-only issue

American Sign Language(ASL)is a language used by the Deaf culture and there are so many people using ASL today that ASL is probably the fourth most commonly used language in the United States. Within the Deaf community, there have been talk about having "ASL-only" community (online or in person). "ASL-only" cannot be done in the United States because the United State's primary language is English.

We can't have this "ASL only" because we can't say "whites only" in the United States. America is a multi-culture society and we have the honor to live in a multi-culture society. There is no "me-only" society. Today the United States of America is a diverse and multi-cultural country as result of mass scale immigration from so many countries throughout America's over 200 years history.

The first immigrations were the Pilgrims who brought the British culture, due to colonial ties with the British that spread the English language, legal system and other cultural inheritances. Which is why we have English as our primary language. Later, worthy influences came from other parts of Europe, especially countries from which large numbers immigrated such as Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Poland, and Italy. Again, later over the years, other immigrants moved in.

We have to remember the first pre-America culture was the Indians, the Native Americans. They had their own language.

Cultures are important but no cultures are more important than any other cultures. All cultures are equal. There is NO 'me' only society therefore there is no "ASL-Only" Deaf society. There are many hearing-impaired and deaf individuals do not always use ASL because in order to live in the United States and make money, we are to speak other languages like English.

There were once a group called "English-only movement" but it was not successful. We cannot control other people's language and they have the freedom to speak their own language in this country. In 1803, as a result of the Louisiana Purchase, the United States acquired French-speaking populations in Louisiana. Also, after the Mexican-American War, the United States acquired about 75,000 Spanish speakers in addition to several indigenous language-speaking populations. During World War I, there was a widespread campaign against the use of the German language in the U.S.

Linguist Geoffrey Pullum, in an essay entitled "Here come the linguistic fascists" charges English First with "hatred and suspicion of aliens and immigrants" and points out that English is far from under threat in the United States, saying "making English the official language of the United States of America is about as urgently called for as making hotdogs the official food at baseball games." Since the very first immigrants were from England, all the official documents in the U.S. are written in English, the United States federal government does not explicitly specify an official language. However, English is an official language in many States around America

Why people blog? For me, my memory and history

Blogging is a new way of social network. Many of us are linking to other blogs to express a sense of relateness to others and understanding how they feel. With my blog, I am in control because this is mine since all postings are mine that I can discuss anything I feel like discussing and people can choose to read along or not. That's what great about blogging.

Now that I have read many blogs, I am learning that everyone get different benefits from blogging. We blog for various reasons and those reasons are good enough for us regardless. Most of us are sharing our wealth of experience in our blogs. Like I have three different blogs so I can discuss whatever I am in the mood for.

In real life, I am more open when writing or blogging. I do not explain myself very well through speaking because I get lost and stumble. When writing, I can think and write without anyone waiting for me to say something. Blogging can be described as an online journal in which I can share my thoughts about specific topics for others to read online. I can write posts as often as I want and any time of the day.

Often I blog so I can have a record so I can come back to and read again. I do my searching of any blogs I have wrote in the past and read them again. They are like my journals. Any topic that is worth writing to me, I blog so I can come back to them again. Blogging is my history.

Blogging is a useful way for people to interact with each other to sort out each others' differences in which we are all searching for answers to the same questions while at the same time, we all will share different experiences and philosophical perspectives. Which is really good because this helps me understand the world better. I am always curious what other people are really thinking. Reading blogs is a wonderful way to learning what other people are thinking. In general, bloggers are accepting and open to new voices in the discussion. There is a blog for almost any topic you can imagine and believe me, I have read all kinds of blogs over the years.

Some may think that some blogs have no relevance to their original post but who cares. Everyone will view different in many ways regardless. Through blogging, I have learned many "small" ideas that I never realized that other people were doing that I could have done that would benefit my own life.

I am happy to know many of my fellow bloggers around here. They all come from different parts of the world, background and many other areas. Its nice to accept the differences and learn from each other.

I have been thinking alot lately.

Oh yeah, I have been busy reorganizing to save money. I moved our storage thing from one facility to another facility to save money. This did that today and will continue until we are finished organizing our new facility.

Student wins state deaf fingerspelling bee

Its nice to see a news report that is positive and good to read. Jesse Cobb, a sixth-grader at Jefferson Elementary School, won the Illinois Deaf Fingerspelling Bee Friday.

Lately I have not been really blogging

But I will be back as soon as I am ready. I have been busy lately.

Jim

Nation's only Deaf Finger-spelling Bee

Deaf Students Participate in Spelling Bee yesterday

Trustees at deaf school fired

Three trustees of the state-run Rhode Island School for the Deaf have resigned and an administrator has been abruptly fired

Update: St. Mary’s School for the Deaf

McCarthy will lead St. Mary’s trustees

Update on an Assaulted Cyclist

Remember the post I made saturday about a local ballet dancer who got hurt in an assault? Well, this morning, when I opened up the Columbus Dispatch Newspaper, looking at the bottom of the front page, there's an article about cyclists problems on the road. David was in this article as well explaining his situation last saturday when he got assaulted.

You can read it here: Columbus Dispatch: Injury accents bike-car tensions

Six Year anniversary Today

I was diagnosed by my doctor on April 22, 2002 that I have Multiple Sclerosis. The day I won't forget.

Jim

Accepting the changing of the Deaf Culture like any other Cultures

After watching the movie last weekend, there were many conversations about it and the Deaf culture itself. I am thinking: How do we deal with opinionated individuals who are not willing to be open-minded about their Deaf culture's traditions, belief systems, and behaviors that will change no matter what?

I love cultures and I admire people who support their cultures. However, sometimes people will take their culture into a powerful disruption of unity, ego and self-image. Today, we all have to face the realistic expectations of what we can cherish actually cherish Deaf culture. We all must pursue cross-cultural knowledge and there will be obstacles in which we can overcome. We all are a social species that we grew into and like to remains connected to those we know (culture), those who have taught us what we are familiar with. In reality, change can affect a person’s sense of identity. Most cultures are basically conservative in that they tend to resist change that all cultures have been inherently predisposed to change, resisting change and that culture loss is an inevitable result of old cultural patterns being replaced by new ones. Older generations are often reticent to replace their comfortable, long familiar cultural patterns that their habitual behavior provides emotional security in a threatening world of change.

The Deaf culture is not immune to change. Change will happen regardless they acknowledge or not.

Selecting Supreme Judges

My wife and I have been watching John Adams on HBO and I am impressed. Thomas Jefferson is probably the most admired man of all Founding Fathers because he wrote the Delcaration of Independence. When Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence in 1776, one of the reasons he gave for the need to declare independence from Great Britain was that King George III "had made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the Tenure of their Offices, and the Amount and Payment of their Salaries."

The U.S. Constitution styles itself the "supreme law of the land". Courts have interpreted this phrase to mean that when laws (including state constitutions) that have been passed by state legislatures, or by the (national) Congress, are found to conflict with the federal Constitution, these laws are null and have no effect.

"My construction of the Constitution is . . . that each department is truly independent of the others and has an equal right to decide for itself what is the meaning of the Constitution in the cases submitted to its action; and especially where it is to act ultimately and without appeal." —Thomas Jefferson to Spencer Roane, 1819. ME 15:214

Should we select judges base on preference or law? We have to keep in mind that justices do not represent official endorsements from any political parties because they must be indepedent and by the Constitution.

Justices deciding on issues based on preferences are those who will most shamelessly violate their own oath of office. Judicial activism basically means that judges are going beyond their powers and are making the law instead of interpreting the law based on the Constitution.

"The question whether the judges are invested with exclusive authority to decide on the constitutionality of a law has been heretofore a subject of consideration with me in the exercise of official duties. Certainly there is not a word in the Constitution which has given that power to them more than to the Executive or Legislative branches." —Thomas Jefferson to W. H. Torrance, 1815. ME 14:303

"The Constitution . . . meant that its coordinate branches should be checks on each other. But the opinion which gives to the judges the right to decide what laws are constitutional and what not, not only for themselves in their own sphere of action but for the Legislature and Executive also in their spheres, would make the Judiciary a despotic branch." —Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 1804. ME 11:51

"Where a constitution, like ours, wears a mixed aspect of monarchy and republicanism, its citizens will naturally divide into two classes of sentiment, according as their tone of body or mind, their habits, connections and callings, induce them to wish to strengthen either the monarchical or the republican features of the constitution. Some will consider it as an elective monarchy, which had better be made hereditary, and therefore endeavor to lead towards that all the forms and principles of its administration. Others will view it as an energetic republic, turning in all its points on the pivot of free and frequent elections." --Thomas Jefferson to James Sullivan, 1797. ME 9:377

"The Constitution to which we are all attached was meant to be republican, and we believe to be republican according to every candid interpretation. Yet we have seen it so interpreted and administered, as to be truly what the French have called, a monarchie masque." --Thomas Jefferson to Robert R. Livingston, 1800. ME 10:177

"Whenever the words of a law will bear two meanings, one of which will give effect to the law, and the other will defeat it, the former must be supposed to have been intended by the Legislature, because they could not intend that meaning, which would defeat their intention, in passing that law; and in a statute, as in a will, the intention of the party is to be sought after." --Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 1808. ME 12:110

"It was understood to be a rule of law that where the words of a statute admit of two constructions, the one just and the other unjust, the former is to be given them." --Thomas Jefferson to Isaac McPherson, 1813. ME 13:326

"When an instrument admits two constructions, the one safe, the other dangerous, the one precise, the other indefinite, I prefer that which is safe and precise. I had rather ask an enlargement of power from the nation, where it is found necessary, than to assume it by a construction which would make our powers boundless." --Thomas Jefferson to Wilson Nicholas, 1803. ME 10:418

"Where a phrase is susceptible of two meanings, we ought certainly to adopt that which will bring upon us the fewest inconveniences." --Thomas Jefferson: Opinion on Apportionment Bill, 1792. ME 3:208

Doctor shares her experience living with multiple sclerosis

This is an interesting article "When you're told you have MS and you're 34, that's a big deal," said Dr. Kym Orsetti Furney, of Charlotte.

Dear Abby: Card and Deafness

In today's paper, Dear Abby received a letter relating to Deafness. You can read it here Card would be handy to explain deafness

Tomorrow, Six (6) years later...............

Tomorrow will be my 6th year anniversary of learning that I have MS and it is important that my attitude towards life is important. One of my many main issues is sex. Lower sex hormones, such as testosterone, is proabably partly responsible for lack of sex drive for men. According to studies I have been reading, the men's average blood testosterone level was on the low side of normal. Anyway, I am not looking forward for this summer because my MS experience can result a temporary worsening of my MS symptoms when the weather is very hot or humid or both. An elevated temperature can impairs the ability of a demyelinated nerve to conduct electrical impulses because myelin is the protective sheath that surrounds and protects nerve fibers. The destruction of myelin causes the formation of plaques of the abnormal areas (around the body) on the nerves that slow nerve impulses and produce the symptoms of MS. MS is a disease that immune system attacks and destroys nerve cells, nerve fibers, and myelin, which is the fatty covering that surrounds nerve fibers and cells in the brain and spinal cord. Myelin is like a electric wire cover which electrical signals to and from your brain along wire-like extensions of the cells called axons, or nerve fibers. Myelin is the fatty substance that coats and protects these fibers, similar to the way insulation shields electrical wires. Like electric that the myelin separates nerve pathways from each other, allowing nerve impulses to travel from one location to another throughout the nervous system. One of the basic explanation for MS that I can clearly understand was this: “Multiple” refers to the multiple sites where nerve loss, or demyelination, occurs. “Sclerosis” refers to scar tissue, or “sclera” which can block or obstruct the flow of messages between nerves and muscles

I have to stay cool in an air-conditioned environment during periods of extreme heat and humidity. Therefore, my electric bill be higher and I am not looking forward to seeing the bills this summer.

When being outdoors or in a warm place, I need to invest (which I do not have the funds at the moment) get cooling products for me to wear such as vests, neck wraps, bandanas, etc. At this point, I will have to make sure I wear lightweight, loose and “breathe-able” clothing that is loose, well ventilated, lightweight, light-colored loose fitting clothing constructed of breathable fabrics. Roomier garments allow air to pass over my body, which aids sweat evaporation and cooling. Items made of polypropylene wick moisture away from my skin.

Anyway, I am learning to be content as much as I can even though there's a "human flesh" in me that wants more in order to be comfortable. I am going to repeat what I wrote in my journal:

“Okay, I have hearing loss (deaf) and multiple sclerosis, and those are the ways of life for me. I take silence and pain as come and I have learned master them in my life. My disabilities do not have me. I have the disabilities and I accept them because I know who I am from the inside. Everything has its wonders, even silence and pain, and I learn whatever disabilities and difficulties I may be in, I am happily content.”

Old Deaf culture and New Deaf culture

Last night, my wife and I were watching the movie called Hallmark’s Sweet Nothing in My Ear, I realized something and told my wife that I am seeing the "Old Deaf culture and New Deaf culture" in this movie. I believe this movie is accurate in many ways. I was watching carefully of one character who played the deaf grandfather in the movie and he has portrayed many of the "old" Deaf culture individuals' attitude while today's Deaf culture is little different. The deaf grandma who was probably the most wise character in the movie did every well explaining pros and cons of Deaf culture. The "old" Deaf culture didn't have to deal with today's technology while today's Deaf culture is dealing with it. Oh yes, there was one character in the movie who played the hard-of-hearing psychologist who both signs and speaks which is very much how I am in real life except that I am a professional accountant.

The key phrase in the whole movie comes down to is this: "to help him (Adam) have a better life". Of course, everyone was doing this for Adam from each of the characters' own perspectives. Yesterday, I posted about Nebraska's billboard promoting an Omaha school for the hearing impaired is drawing fire from the Deaf culture who lives in the area. Some deaf people saying they’re insulted by the sign’s message which means the Deaf culture is still struggling for self-recognition. The billboard was aiming at kids who are hearing-impaired (or deaf) more than parents.

I have no problem with the billboard that was sending a message to hearing-impaired/deaf kids because they all have that 'right' to do whatever they want with their own body. No one else should tell them what to do. That's the MAIN issue about parents placing kids to have cochlear plant by giving them a choice.

This movie have portrayed very well because at the end, we noticed the 'father' have confessed that like many others are 'selfish' to do what they want for the child. Both deaf and hearing. Not just hearing. I am having the same issues with deaf as well for not allowing one person who has the right to do whatever he/she want with their body. They were making decisions based on what is best for themselves but not for Adam. Its not about hearing culture or Deaf culture but rather a freedom to choose. We are free, but our freedom does not mean we can know for SURE what is right and what is wrong. Until we know we can maintain our integrity only by admitting our own ignorance, we can be truly humbled by the fact that ONE individual has the right more than anyone else whether to obtain a cochlear implant or not.

Today, I am having issues with experts like AG Bell telling parents what to do. Its very tough for parents to find the "right" path for our disabled children when they are not getting ALL of the information about deafness.

We have to remember that the "parents" have the greater burden of making decisions for the family. Not the grandparents, friends or even Deaf or hearing cultures. We also have to remember that being "parents of children with disabilities" are NOT easy and we work much harder than parents of "normal" kids. They are facing a much greater trial more than anything other than facing a child who is dying or have died.

With technologies available today, many people with disabilities will NOT reject the "cure" of medical intervention if they will help make their lives easier and live in a society so that they can have a decent life. The Deaf culture will reject the cochlear implants but accept any other technologies that will help them. We should be looking at ALL aspects of what can HELP our children regardless how we think should be the right way. They are the ones who are living their lives and we are NOT living their lives. We are helping them living their lives and we want to enjoy life without us placing our own agendas what would be "best for them". We want the BEST for them to bring them out as who they are and how they can actually enjoy life independently however they can cope with. We cannot place restrictions on them because we "think" or the "experts think" what is best for the children. Parents are likely to have a very good gage of their child's functional limitations and what the child is like as a person however, without proper education in understanding "fully" of the disability, parents of disabled children will not necessarily have the best interests of the child at heart any more than the average parent. Therefore, with that thinking, disabled children are particularly vulnerable to suffering at the hands of their parents who are willful in their own ignorance on agendas.

My deafness which I was born with, is not an illness nor a disability but rather I can't hear. Looking back. I was very healthy and was able to do anything that a "normal able" people could do but hear. I am hard of hearing (completely deaf when not wearing hearing-aids) so I was able to hear almost "normal" and I am thankful for today's technologies.

I was able to do many things ever better than "able" people until later in life that is, when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis on April 22, 2002 (which is 6 years ago tomorrow). Living with Multiple Sclerosis, I am prone to live with chronic pain. The main thing I need to remember is that "my will" has the power to control my thoughts. I am more into in thoughts than I am into feelings but I have both which helps me make decisions based on logical analysis and reasoning rather than feelings. I am doing what is BEST for me because this is my life.

Its not about us or them. This is about "what's best for ME" so we need to put ourselves in a child's shoes to figure out what is BEST for the child regardless how I think or feel.

Some in deaf community upset over school's billboard

I bet ya that AG Bell is behind this by influencing school officials who now believes the sign is positive. A billboard promoting an Omaha school for the hearing impaired is drawing fire from some in the community it’s trying to serve, with some deaf people saying they’re insulted by the sign’s message. I said earlier in my blog:

Audism, like racism and sexism, is discrimination against deaf and hearing-imparied individuals however, I do acknowledge that there is a significant difference between ignorance and audism. Nowadays, its hard to tell the difference but I believe that with today's technology and disability discrimination laws that are out there, there should not be any ignorance. My only conclcusion is that people are doing audism rather than being ignorant.

On the other hand, we have to remember that being Parents of children with disabilities are NOT easy and we work much harder than parents of "normal" kids. One example of stereotyping is the Deaf Culture viewing the non-deaf or hard of hearing. Especially parents of deaf children. Most people with major disabilities will NOT reject the "cure" of medical intervention (the cochlear implants)while some deaf individuals will reject medical advances.

Red Sox Players' wives and girlfriends..........

The wives of Red Sox RHP Curt Schilling (Shonda) and RHP Mike Timlin (Dawn), along with OF Jacoby Ellsbury's girlfriend (Kelsey Hawkins), will run the Boston Marathon on Monday.

Deaf, hearing roles posed challenges

From the Columbus Dispatch, today's edition

Local Ballet Dancer hurt in assault and unable to dance tonight and tomorrow

One of my daughters is a dancer at the Columbus Dance Theatre and I have heard news that a local member of the Columbus Arts Community, a long standing Columbus dance and theatre artist, was assaulted last night while riding his bike near the OSU Campus area. He was attacked by four men in a car who threw bottles at him eventually knocking him off of his bike and was then assaulted. He was knocked temporarily unconscious and his jaw was broken. This dancer danced last night in Columbus Dance Theatre's production of Dancing Alone and performed an expanded version of his ongoing work, Autobiography. He will not be able to perform for the remainder of the run of our performances this weekend. For more information about the this weekend's performance, go to Columbus Dance Theatre's website listed below.

We will be seeing him back on stage very soon after he gets well. Like most dancers, they have several jobs to make a living. This dancer makes his living as a performer, electrician, and carpenter. Columbus Dance Theatre will be collecting donations to aid this dancer with his medical expenses and lost wages. If you would like to make a donation to assist him you may do so at this website: The Columbus Dance Theatre . Please note that the contribution is for David Krohn. You may also send contributions made out to Columbus Dance Theatre - David Krohn to 592 E. Main St. Columbus, OH 43215.

Working part time out of economic necessity........

I have a great job and great pay. My wife has a nice job but do not pay that well since it is a small non-profit organization. She loves working there and she wishes the non-profit organization gets more revenue so she can be paid more. She donates more of her time there than she gets paid.

Last night, my wife and I were talking about getting part time jobs temporarily until things are better financially for both of us. My wife will talking to the people of the organization and letting them know that she will have to get another part time job in order to get more money.

The key problem is that my wife and I work in different schedules. I work during the day, Mondays through Fridays while my wife works in the evenings Mondays through Thursdays and all day saturday. We have an adult child who lives with us who is disabled and even though she can be left alone at times but we cannot leave her alone all the time. One of us have to be home and it will be harder for us to find a part-time job when we have schedule conflicts.

Nowadays, we have to make ends meet because of the expenses are going up and our pay checks remains the same. We are still paying our old medical bills that the insurance did not cover.

Do you know what? I noticed that there are more "part time" jobs available than "full time". Why? Part-time employees are cheaper because there are very little over-head costs like benefits.

With MS, I perfer NOT to work another job but sometimes, I don't really have a choice.

This weekend will be deep thinking for me and my family. I will probably be online searching around for what are out there for me.

Responding to a comment from one of my post...

Jamerica,

I tried to go to see if you have a blog but you didn't so I thought I will repeat my comment here as I posted in responding to your comment in my recent blog post about "Understanding Disabilities including Deafness"

Thank you for your comment. I will have to disagree with you though, because if you look at my other blog where I explain about this kind of prayer faith. What you believe in is what Word of Faith teaches in terms of “faith” towards health, wealth and prosperity. WOF teaches that a God who actually hears our prayers and wants to answer them by telling us of the desire of God to heal people of their physical infirmities when often goes unanswered for many Christians. This is a kind of doctrine that pride can lead a person to think, “Look what I’ve accomplished.” I don’t view these as the essentials of Christian life and practice. Our motives in our Christian lives should be both holy and genuine.

Disabilities teach us dependence on His grace (John 15:1-5, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10) that trials come to make us think of our own reflections, trying to look at it from the biblical and the personal viewpoint. Trials come to test the strength of our faith because they assist us in the knowledge of our own faith. (Genesis 22:1-18, Malachi 3:3-4, 1 Peter 1:6-9)

Trials including disabilities teaches us that the greatest good of the Christian life is not absence of pain, but Christ-likeness and to do His will. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Romans 8:28-29). Trials including disabilities teaches us that God is more concerned with the character He is building in us, He comforts us in His arms through His power of Grace on the journey to His destiny for us as Paul explains: “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4). Jesus reminded us in John 9:2-3 where Jesus and His disciples encountered a blind man. “His disciples asked Him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.”

God has given us the grace to sanctify us. The sources of "thorns" can be weaknesses, insults, distresses, persecutions and difficulties (which also includes sickness). James says count it all joy when you fall into various trials cause trials have a perfecting work. Peter says after you've suffered a while the Lord will make you perfect. God uses suffering to reveal our spiritual condition. In the midst of the sufferings, what kind of Christian do you see yourself?

In this life it is inevitable and it is useful because it produces the evidence of your true spiritual condition, humility and intimacy with God and allows God to put Himself on display in His grace.

News Update on St. Mary’s School for the Deaf in Buffalo

The teachers union at St. Mary’s School for the Deaf in Buffalo has voted “no confidence” in the school’s superintendent, high school principal and Board of Trustees’ executive committee.

When an organization votes no confidence, the organizations must either:
resign, or seek a dissolution and request a selection of new board members.

School for Deaf bond issue

Financing for the new R.I. School for the Deaf will be managed by Lehman Brothers Inc., which will serve as lead manager for the issuance of $31.3 million in Certificates of Participation The school, to be constructed on a site off Branch Avenue.

Hobbies?

Some of my hobbies are blogging, reading, playing fantasy sports and many other similar activities.

Do I have a therapeutic hobby? Therapeutic can be either a hobby or a recreation like arts and crafts, creative hobbies, games, musical endeavors and sports programs. Hobbies help us to relax and forget our everyday problems and troubles.

I think one of my therapeutic recreation will be swimming.

What hobby can I do that will be very therapeutic for me? I am thinking of picking a hobby that makes money.

Understanding disabilities including deafness

Many obstacles such as discrimination, attitudes, ignorance, stereotyping, or alienation are still around by all of us whether we realized them or not. Stereotypes, biases, and misconceptions leap into one’s mind. Stereotyping have created by showing incorrect judgements of a possibility by making people into stereotypes that leads to myths. I have discovered that stereotyping is a common problem when debating about beliefs. Stereotyping created by those showing an incorrect judgement of a possibility by making people into stereotypes. Many people often treats disabilities as 2nd or 3rd class citizens and not willing to be understanding with their stuggles that "normal able" people hardly ever face (until they get OLD).

Today, many of us are sharing our insights from our first-hand experiences with disabilities. The internet has been an enlightening "door" to the differences between the outlooks and perceptions of the disability cultures. Today, most of us are getting a better understanding of the diverse needs and challenges of various disabilities. We KNOW there are no "one size fits all" disabilities. We all are educating others in our blog with solid and sound concept to understand disabilities and how those with disabilities can enjoy quality of life. To really understand "quality of life" is to effectively use knowledge and technology to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities requires understanding the many meanings of disability and of quality of life. What can we do to make a difference in the quality of life for those with disabilities?

We have to remember that being Parents of children with disabilities are NOT easy and we work much harder than parents of "normal" kids. One example of stereotyping is the Deaf Culture viewing the non-deaf or hard of hearing. Especially parents of deaf children. Most people with major disabilities will NOT reject the "cure" of medical intervention (the cochlear implants)while some deaf individuals will reject medical advances.

People with disabilities are God's best visual aids to demonstrate how they treat those with disabilities.

The Blog Cuss-O-Meter

I ran into a fellow blogger's Norma interesting post about "The Blog Cuss-O-Meter". She got .3% which is better than my own's .6%.

Curious about yours? Try it by clicking on the meter to get your own. :)

Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act

Site with information: Explanation

The Bill

Provide a tax credit of up to $500 per hearing aid, available once every 5 years, towards the purchase of such hearing aid, available to:
1) individuals age 55 and over, or
2) those purchasing a hearing aid for a dependent.

Blogger's commentary regarding upcoming movie

Michael Russnow, a blogger where you will find his blog in the "The Hufftington Post" website. Recently, he posted his blog about Political Correctness on TV Sometimes Goes Too Far: Is it Really Better to Be Deaf?

At the end of his blog, you will find some interesting comments.

Jim

Spacity, tremors and cramps

Today, I have been getting some tremors in my hands, my legs are having spacity, and having muscle cramps in my feet. I am really sore and this is one of those days I am getting mild MS symptoms. These are mild to me compare to my relapses which I hardly enjoy. I hope those symptoms go away by tomorrow (doubtful).

:)

Joining AG Bell to change their Agendas

To change Alexander Graham Bell Association of the Deaf's agendas, we must get involved as stakeholders. In reality, change should not be done for the sake of change but rather a strategy to accomplish some overall goal. To begin with, there are strong resistances to change and we will need to educate those who are resisting change to understand why we need to change. Because organization-wide change often goes against the very values held strongly by members that go against how they believe things should be done.

Alexander Graham Bell Association of the Deaf should have a NEW President and Board of Directors who will instigates some changes by being visionary, persuasive and consistent. In order for new officials to sustain change, the structures of the organization itself should be modified, including strategic plans, agendas, policies and procedures. Often Board of Directors are members of the organization. Each member get have single membership vote.

We can change AG Bell by joining and making some waves.

Current AG Bell Board of Directors
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OFFICERS
President - Karen Youdelman, Ed.D. (OH)
President-Elect & Treasurer - John R. "Jay" Wyant (OH)
Vice President - Steven R. Rech, J.D. (TX)
Vice President - Robert Palter, M.B.A. (Canada)
Secretary - Marcy Kelly (MD)
Executive Director/CEO - Alexander T. Graham (VA)
Immediate Past President - Inez K. Janger (NY)

MEMBERS
Christine Anthony, M.B.A. (IL)
Stephen Epstein, M.D. (MD)
Carol Flexer, Ph.D., CCC-A, Cert. AVT®
Lilian Flores-Beltran, Ph.D. Cert., AVT® (MEXICO)
Janet S. Kahn, M.S., CCC-A, Cert. AVT® (FL)
Irene W. Leigh, Ph.D. (MD)
Ken H. Levinson (CA)
Michael A. Novak, M.D. (IL)
Dan Salvucci, M.Ed., Ed.M., CCC-A (PA)
J. Paul Sommer, M.B.A. (MA)
John F. Stanton, J.D. (DC)
Peter Steyger, Ph.D. (OR)
Joanne Travers (MA)
Kathleen S. Treni (NJ)
Source

McCain is winning back unhappy GOP voters

John McCain has attracted disgruntled GOP voters, independents and even some moderate Democrats who shunned his party last fall.

I wonder what the conservatives are going to do with GOP? I truly believe that GOP needs to be reformed by the non-conservatives.

Reminder, This Sunday, April 20th, 9pm et/pt

Hallmark Hall of Fame: Sweet Nothing In My Ear

Insurance again.........

My fellow blogger wrote a good blog about the latest news about insurance This is about co-payments for expensive drugs to go up higher. My avonex for MS is very expensive and I hope my insurance will do change their prescription plans.

It is time for United States to have universal health plan.

I have been tagged

Abbie has tagged me

Here are the rules:
1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
3. At the end of the post, the player tags 5 people and posts their name, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

What was I doing 10 years ago:
Ten years ago was 1998. Busy coaching my kids' soccer teams. I was on the Masters Swim Team and competed in Buffalo, New York. I also did some road cycling especially was in Tour of the Scioto River Valley ( TOSRV) This is a 200+ mile tour makes the annual pilgrimage from Columbus, Ohio to Portsmouth, Ohio (near Kentucky) and back each May on Mother's Day weekend. After diagnosed with MS on April 22, 2002, I stopped road cycling since my legs could not do them anymore.

Five Snacks I enjoy: In a perfect, non weight-gaining world
1. Popcorn
2. Prezels
3. Flavored Water
4. Sherberts
5. Yogurt

In the real world:
1. Popcorn
2. Coffee
3. Coffee Ice cream
4. Pizza
5. Pizza with extra cheese

Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1. I will not quit my job until I am really ready to retire and still take a bus to work.
2. Pay off my debts.
3. Invest for retirement.
4. Buy a decent house.
5. Set up grants and funding to help others

Five jobs that I have had:
1. Harvest cranberries at my grandfather's cranberry bog in 1960's.
2. Cutting grass and painting at my father's real estate properties.
3. Stock boy and Customer service for various retail stores.
4. 24 Hour Desk Customer Service for a NTID Domitory in Rochester, NY.
5. Banker at a bank during my NTID intern during the summer in 1980.

Three of my habits:
1. Wake up, shower and catch the bus within 15 minutes.
2. Bugging and annoying my co-workers and family.
3. Make sure my wife is happy (that is important)

Five place I have lived:
1. Duxbury, MA (my hometown)
2. Rochester, New York (NTID/RIT)
3. Columbus, Ohio.
4. Worthington, Ohio
5. Upper Arlington, Ohio

Add one new part, What do you want others to get from your blog:
I would like to feel the sense of blogging community of getting to know one another other than blogging about issues. Its nice to get to know my fellow blogger alittle more.

Five People I Want to Get to Know Better: (a nice way of saying TAG!) But don't feel obligated! Just do it if you want to.
1. astellarlife
2. brain-cheese
3. brassandivory
4. Merely Me's Multiple Synchronicities (and sclerosis)
5. whimsicalnbrainpan

Election Question: Vote from Home

Hot issue in Ohio: Would you prefer to vote by mail in elections or continue to go to a polling place? Ohio's Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner wants every Ohio county to have the option of asking voters whether they want to conduct elections entirely by mail. However, Ohio legislature first would have to give counties the authority to put a vote-by-mail issue on the ballot

Do you think there will be an overwhelming support from Ohioians?

I think, overall, this might be more cost effective to vote by mail as long as the mail delivery and counting can be verified.

I understand some states like State of Oregon has been voting by mail and that they have no problems.

I offer a compromise: Able bodied citizens should go to a voting place to vote while others who are disabled can vote by mail.

Police find side order of marijuana in man's fried chicken

Police say officers smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the car and found it after Stewart consented to a search.

Today In History: April 15

In 1817, the first American school for the deaf opened in Hartford, Conn.

In 1865, President Lincoln died, several hours after being shot at Ford's Theater in Washington by John Wilkes Booth. Andrew Johnson became the nation's 17th president.

In 1912, the Titanic sank after hitting an iceberg.

Deaf man: Outdated phones kept me in jail

claims he couldn’t call his family because the jail has older text phones As usual, the government is behind on technology, especially when it comes to deaf and other disabilities.

DeafNation Expo Columbus is coming soon

FREE ADMISSION
The event includes:
- Exhibitions (FREE)
- Entertainment (FREE)
- Seminars & Workshops (FREE)
- Children's Activities (FREE)

Health Management May Alter Multiple Sclerosis

The unpredictable nature of multiple sclerosis leaves many people vulnerable to this disease that in many cases develop gradually. Living with multiple sclerosis often put me on a roller coaster of emotions and I am learning to cope with my depressions. Patients like me, the disease has an on-again, off-again pattern called relapsing-remitting MS, in which symptoms flare up and then disappear. Fatigue is a common symptom of MS for me, and it is very important to get my rest, eating a healthy diet and taking the recommended daily dose of vitamins. I am doing my best to maintain normal daily activities such as working full-time which means I am not going to retire unless I am ready to retire or forced to retire, which ever comes first.

Through Shaklee's website, they recommend the following:
Nutritional Supplementation
Vitamin D
Vitamin B12
Calcium
Magnesium
Zinc
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Sterols (Sitosterol) and Sterolins (Sitosterolin)

Herbal Supplementation
Reishi Mushroom
Evening Primrose
Schisandra

Why The Republican Party is Dying...............

John McCain has a very very slim chance to win the presidency and this is all the Republican Party's fault.

While I agree with the concept that the Republican Party are founded on the idea that societal health is rooted in personal responsibility and actions. We have to remember the Republican Party tends to hold both conservative and libertarian stances on social and economic issues respectively. However, in the last 20 years, conservative individuals have took over NRP's agenda and many libertarians either moved on or kept in a low profile. Lately, within the Republican party have became conservatives versus Libertarians. Today, the conservatives have unrealistic expectations and an ignorance of the way things really work in politics which is why they are losing.

Why the conservatives are losing?

I am a strong Christian and I am also a Patriot but I am very nuetural when it comes to politics. I do NOT like telling other people what to do with their lives. In the United States, we are in a "democratic country" which means the Government will follow what the people want. United States are NOT a "Theocracy Government" (i.e. Christian Moral Laws). The idea that Jesus Christ has absolute and final authority over all of us in every detail of our lives is simply regardless of legalistic control by some evangelical Christians in the political world. Martin Lloyd-Jones, one of my favorite theologians said: "It is perilously close to being sinful for any person to learn doctrine for doctrine's sake." I understand but I can from my own conviction to agree or to disagree. Its not a huge issue, its a minor issue which is not worth debating. Christians can work together even when they differ on doctrinal issues. God governs (controls) the world (Isa. 40:22-24), the nations (Isa. 40:15-17), and us (Proverbs 16:9). I cannot and will NOT dispute God's word how He manages this world. Governments are God's ordained. Jesus taught that the government should work in harmony with the church and should recognize its sovereignty in spiritual matters (Matt. 22:21).I do believe very much in being a responsible Christian citizen. But that responsibility is defined for the Christian by the Bible but no humanism reasoning. I am the type of person who steers away from Christians' views are so far right (extremists) that they are blinded and not seeing the bigger picture as I am with Christians who are in the far left (liberalism) who are also blinded and not seeing the bigger picture. In conclusion, we must careful not to identify Christianity with any political parties because Jesus Christ have HIS OWN Party which is HIS KINGDOM. Christ stands alone, above and outside of every ideology of any political parties. Jesus does not and will not join any of our parties. I am having a major problem with people today using God for their own interests into man-made political issues. Jesus said "My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence" (John 18:36).

One of ignorances I am seeing within the conservatives is that conservatives' hatred of McCain makes no sense at all. I don't think the conservative Christian activists are willing to repair the Republican Party. It is a silly mistake for Republicans to want to choose between libertarians (moderates) and conservatives. I believe the Republican party has moved too far to the right that made conservatives too powerful which that already alienated libertarians (moderates) and political independents.

I basically said that I hold conservative positions on most issues but have an underlying worldview of what is happening and make decisions based on them. I rather be a person who desires to be well-balanced, calm, careful, steady, and sane. As a registered Republican for 30 plus years but I can say that I have been inactive member of the Republican party for number of years now.

The Presidency and Electoral Politics

Great study sources located at this site: Scholastic Library Publishing, Inc.

Report called for on arrests at deaf school

Officials not aware of five of the six recent arrests involving allegations of indecent behavior with juveniles who attend the school. This is not good news.

Yankees foil 'curse' attempt at stadium

A construction worker’s bid to curse the New York Yankees by planting a Boston Red Sox jersey in their new stadium was foiled Sunday when the home team removed the offending shirt from its burial spot.

Dang it !!

I am a Red Sox fan. LOL

Seeker-friendly Ministries

My issue with "seeker-friendly" churches is that their overriding goal is acceptability rather than a transformed life. This is called "Emerging Church" which uses the social gospel, not the true spiritual gospel. Emergent is a MOVEMENT like any other movements like Word of Faith. Emergent thinkers have came up with their own solution of the gospel from their own perspective rather than God's perspective. Some denominations (which I am not going to name them) "relaxed" God's holiness without God's permission by being pemissive according to the society's standards more than God's. The main problem I had was how they came up with the motto to fit "friendly seeking environment". The way the Emergent Church is set up, some leaders are more than likely to depart from biblical standards and creating their own agendas. It's the very thing Paul is warning in 1 Corinthians 1. That kind of strategy diverts the focus of Christian people who listen to and trusts that ministry, they become concerned about and consumed with things other than the gospel. This is what Paul said about anyone preaching another gospel: "Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed [Gk., anathema, "devoted to destruction"]" (Gal. 1:8).

Today, with different denominations, it seems to be just as difficult for us today to understand what is meant by the title or designation of “Christian". The answer for this context will vary from denomination to denomination. This is the difficult and almost unanswerable question of who is a "True Christian".

Christians are to discern and share the dangers of false teachings and wolves. We can't totally protect other Christians, only God can. We are to do our part of sharing the gospel and the dangers while God takes care of the rest. Discernment may be simply defined as the ability to biblically decide between right and wrong, between truth and error, between good and evil. Christians are responsible to exercise caution and discernment, especially in temporal and spiritual matters. Discernment is the means God uses to literally divide light from darkness, truth from falsehood, right motive from wrong motive, selflessness from selfishness. In Hebrews 5:14 we are told that discernment comes with spiritual maturity that the Spirit works in us (diakrisis - Strong's #1253).

We are to worship God from our hearts because we are the temple of the living God (2 Corinthians 6:16), that God will search us and try us, and know our thoughts.(Psalm 139:23). God knows who we are by looking in our hearts, minds and souls. Like Paul said in Romans 12:1 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy, and pleasing to God, this is your spiritual act of worship." God hates SIN and local churches are relaxing God's holiness in order for people to come in and worship "in their sins" rather than "repented of their sins". The true gospel is not about making people feel better about themselves, but about making people realise they are eternally lost and only the true gospel gives them eternal hope. We are so temporal in our lives that we will forget God's eternal promises. We all are torned between our temporal lives and that we should be thinking about our eternal lives.

We should desire to depart our temporal bodies and be with Christ in eternal life which is better by far however it is God's glory that we remain in our bodies (tents) (See: Philippians 1:23-24). Faith in Jesus replaced our temporal doubts with eternal hope. Even though my human body is subject to death (and is dying) because of sin, however my spirit is alive and renewing in Christ. My temorary body is decaying at the same time, my inner being is being renewed day by day (2 Cor 4:16). "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Galatians 5:25. If my eternal hope rested on how I felt physically, which is temporal, I might as well forget eternal spiritual wealth. I have learned that I am no longer "in the flesh": "You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him" (Rom 8:9). I have learned that "If Christ is in us, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness" (Romans 8:10). In other words, our human body is subject to death (and is already dying) because of sin, however our spirit is alive in Christ. We have eternal life in our possession, even though our body is dying because of sin. However, as Christians, our spirits are fully alive and thriving "because of righteousness"--because HE is justified and therefore already has "passed out of death into life" (John 5:24). "My temorary body is decaying at the same time, my inner being is being renewed day by day" (2 Cor 4:16).

David

David messed up big time but God told us through the Bible that David was truly after God's heart. Its not about how we "practice" our devotion to draw near to God, but rather how our "hearts" are when are drawing him near to us. Learning from David's experiences, God meets us in our heart rather than our minds therefore we need to focus on the "heart of the matter". "David son of Jesse is a man after my own heart, for he will do everything I want him to do." Acts 13:22 & 1 Samuel 13:14 (NLT). We can fake other people but we can't fake to God. It is important to understand that our hearts are the state of our "flesh". Our flesh search for pleasure, pride, passions and selfish motives. Our hearts are like a garden with beautiful flowers and plants. As with all gardens, the hearts must be kept free from weeds and insects. God is not impressed by our works or how we worship. In 1. Samuel 16:7, The Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord don't make decisions the way you do. People judge by outward appearance (i.e. works), but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions (heart)."

Great quotes below:

To be like Christ is to be a Christian. -- Daniel Webster

God sends no one away empty except those who are full of themselves. Dwight L. Moody

Galatians 6:3 "If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself."

James 1:26 says, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless."

"Moses spent 40 years thinking he was somebody; 40 years learning he was nobody; and 40 years discovering what God can do with a nobody." DL Moody

"A man may be theologically knowing and spiritually ignorant" Charnock, Stephen

There is head knowledge, head and heart and just heart knowledge. In knowing God (not just about Him) the heart must be involved. A.W. Tozer

"Faith, as Paul saw it, was a living, flaming thing leading to surrender and obedience to the commandments of Christ." Tozer, A.W.

If we take our doctrines into our hearts where they belong, they can cause upheavals of emotion and sleepless nights. This is far better than toying with academic ideas that never touch life. John Piper

Doctrinal preaching certainly bores the hypocrites; but it is only doctrinal preaching that will save Christ's sheep. J.I. Packer

Why some countries are still using this term: "a deaf and dumb person"?

Like in Africa and similar countries as this one article for an example, Sprayer robs deaf and dumps' mobile phone

Whenever someone is using "Deaf and dumb", I am amazed that people are still doing it. Anyone using the word "dumb" in such context is .... well ... very ignorant.

When using the "dumb", when applied to deaf people who do not speak of an archaic term (the use of a form of speech or writing that is no longer current) that is considered very offensive. Of course, the word "dumb" also has another more common meaning now that implies stupidity, which is certainly not applicable to most Deaf people.

Just my morning's venting after reading an article.

Have a good weekend.

Education regarding Audism should be promoted more often to educate the ignorants

Audism, like racism and sexism, is discrimination against deaf and hearing-imparied individuals however, I do acknowledge that there is a significant difference between ignorance and audism. Nowadays, its hard to tell the difference but I believe that with today's technology and disability discrimination laws that are out there, there should not be any ignorance. My only conclcusion is that people are doing audism rather than being ignorant.

From Australia's news regarding discrimination of Deaf passengers

The disability watchdog says that an airline's over-zealous interpretation of safety regulations regardin Deaf passengers has led to greater discrimination against people with disabilities. "There have been endemic problems in airlines over the past few years where people with disabilities have been refused carriage because of their disability," Federal disability discrimination commissioner has revealed that the problem isn't limited to on company but rather, many companies are doing the same thing.

Airline slammed on deaf policy

Yesterday, I posted about an airline wanted deaf people to have a carer when flying. Deaf people are not disabled, they just can't hear but they are able to do everything as much as hearing people can do. In fact, we use our eyes more than hearing people so we are able to see things more than hearing people. We are able to pick up little things that hearing people often misses. Read the article written by Associated Press reported that "Beethoven would not be allowed to fly alone if he were alive today." After four deaf passengers were alloweed on board, a flight attendant gave them a note written by the cabin manager saying: "In future, so you know, you'll need to travel with a carer for safety reasons."

Ignorance of some people hearing people is still a problem around the world.

The future of airlines.............

Fliers not always entitled to refunds

Everyone should be aware that airlines are not required to compensate passengers for canceled flights. I wonder how many will by plane tickets in the future when the economy is getting bad. I won't be buying a ticket unless there is an emergency trip.

I find driving more relaxing and much cheaper.

Carnival of MS Bloggers #8

Lisa (Brass and Ivory) has posted the latest Carnival of MS Bloggers Many great blog reads from fellow bloggers. Enjoy.

Thanks Lisa who put this together for us.

A gift from The Babblings of a Whimsical-Brainpan

I am honored in recieving an award of Attitude from a fellow blogger.

I will in turn pass this on later (probably this weekend).

Why Beautiful Women Marry Less Attractive Men

Read Article

The reason, researchers suspect, is that men place great value on beauty, whereas women are more interested in having a supportive husband.

This is the same for opposite for me like me. I place value who my wife is inside rather than who she is outside. I could not ask for a better woman and best friend.

You wonder why marriage lasts? Beauty on the outside or beauty from the inside?

Marriages that last get their strength and beauty from inside simply because love is from within, not from superficial.

Jim

Deaf people need a carer? Huh?

carer (plural carers)
someone who looks after another, either as a job or often through family responsibilities. In England and Australia, "carers" are defined in law as being unpaid family members, partners or friends who help a disabled, ill or frail person with the activities of daily living.

Deaf man 'humiliated' when Tiger says 'bring a carer', This happened in Australia

Tiger Airways deaf to discrimination claims?

Public servant Adrian Doyle, 38, said he was left humiliated in Tasmania last month when he, his wife Julie, and two friends, Robyn and Steve May, who are all in their 30s, were told they could board the plane only if they organised - and bought a seat - for a sign language translator.

My This Morning Devotion

God is not impressed by my appearance (1. Samuel 16:7). The Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t make decisions the way you do. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions (heart)." (NLT). Jesus even said that appearances can be deceiving (Matt. 23:27), therefore we are not to judge others by their appearances (James 2:2-4)because Paul wrote "The trouble with you is that you make your decisions on the basis of appearance." 2 Corinthians 10:7 (NLT). Inner beauty is more important than physical beauty (1 Peter 3:1-6). Christians are warned to be careful about their welfare because they should care more about spiritual than physical welfare (1 Tim.2:9-10). In Proverbs 21:2, "People may think they are doing what is right, but the Lord examines the heart." (NLT). God is looking for Christians who will worship Him from their hearts, minds and bodies. The heart is where God meets us because that is where we make our decisions. Our hearts are where our desires and motives are located. It is important to understand that our hearts is the state of our "flesh". Our flesh search for pleasure, pride, passions and selfish motives. The heart is the source of our emotions, thoughts and motives.

God's purpose in redeeming me is not to make my life happy, healthy, and free of trouble. It is not an escape from my physical pains because God's purpose is to make me more like Christ. He chose to allow me to have deafness, multiple sclerosis and other trials. My daily life always face some obstacles in the way because Jesus doesn’t want to destroy my will, but to sanctify it. I have learned to understand the true nature of the Christian life which is unpredictable and expanding everyday. Bad things happen to everybody because we are living in a sinful world. Things will go wrong, they will go wrong all the time and that God has given us the grace to survive. God has given us the grace to sanctify us. God uses suffering to perfect His power which the Bible referred this as "Power is perfected in weakness". God is saying "You should not have self-confidence and trust in yourself in the sense you believe you're capable of anything eternal that only I can provide grace and power."

Paul reminds me that spiritual training is this: "Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But God said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me". (2 Corinthians 12:8-9). Paul wanted the thorn removed but God wanted to teach Paul that "the sufficiency of His grace" in the worst of human circumstances is that when a person is weak in a temporal sense while the person is strong spiritually by God's Grace in eternal sense. If I keep forgetting the basic meanings of God's grace, I would become a bitter, angry, and cantankerous person just because things are not going "my way". Grace teaches me that I am to continue to rejoice and praise God even in the midst of my trials and suffering in this earthly life! This is related to the Beatitudes of a "happy paradox" to focus on God's power to control my thoughts.

So, how I do I endure through my trials? This is all up to me and my attitude. I need this reminder.

Accepting Cultural Changes

In the old days, most cultures were strong on ethocentrism but today, many cultures still are strong but have learned to be humbled in order to live in a society that have many cultures. Ethnocentrism is the belief that one's own culture is superior to that of other cultures. Various cultures will always be running against the prevailing movement of society with individualistic values. We just can't have that and we have to remember that cultural experiences evolve over decades that over the years, the number of culturally Deaf people will get smaller worldwide while at the same time, the usage of ASL may become more acceptable and growing. Rather than have the culture be in isolation, Deaf culture will expand to everyone who accept the culture. There will be fewer repressions because the society are not ignorant of the Deaf culture and there will be more successes for Deaf individuals who are emerging into their careers. Every human generation potentially can discover new things and invent better technologies. The new cultural skills and knowledge are added onto what was learned in previous generations.

In this world, I have seen many cultures change over the years and the Deaf culture will not be immune to change. We have had and will still have hard-of-hearing people wearing hearing aids. Recently, over the years, we have hard-of-hearing people wearing cochlear implants who are still legally deaf. There will be more and more of us who will use speech and sign.

Culture is a shared set of beliefs, practices, attitudes and behaviors that are passed down from one generation to the next. Culture changes over time. It is constantly responding and adapting to society and the world around it. We will no longer consider certain groups be "outcasts" because we will be modifying our cultures in order to live together. Different cultural groups think, feel, and act differently. Culture is learned wherever we live, we learn culture and accept it as his or her own. The way that we interact and do things in our everyday lives seems "natural" to us. We are unaware of our culture because we are so close to it and know it so well.

It is very clear that we are to make an effort to understand one another and respect our differences. Culture basically means "a way of life" to me, in another word, "different". Due to life's circumstances, we are living certain ways of life according to our way of living.

Change is part of life and cultural changes will change whether you like it or not. I am accepting the changes and moving on.

My Personal Devotion (Mostly for me)

I am one of many Christians who have a bad habit to get into the habit of trying everything before taking our problems to God. God should come first because God first will head off many a bad situation. However, I am trying. As A.W. Tozer once said "our Lord will not save those whom He cannot command!", in this case, I am rephrasing Tozer's quote, "our Lord will not help those whom He cannot command". Often, I am one of those Christians who take everything for granted. Decisions are in view of consequences that that we suffer from the consequences of our own blindness and selfishness. There is a close cause-and-effect relationship between deeds and consequences. No right-thinking person would try to deny this. I am seeing many Christians who are behaving like arrogance, lack of charity, contempt, self-righteousness, Christian snobbery and fault-finding. People often judge other people based on their doctrine rather than spiritual. (I myself catch myself doing at times). All things else being equal, a Christian will make spiritual progress exactly in proportion to his or her ability to criticize himself or herself.

Most Christians forget what Paul said, "But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment" (1 Corinthians 11:31). We escape the critical judgment of God by exercising our own critical self-judgment.

A.W. Tozer said it beautifully with this quote.

The only proper attitude for the learner is one of humble self-distrust. "I am ignorant," he says, "and am willing to be taught. I am wrong and am willing to be corrected." In this childlike spirit, the mind is made capable of improvement.

The writer of Hebrews wrote in Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

When you judge others, you define yourself. Unknown

According to the New Survey

Bible is America's favorite book, Harris Poll

While the Bible is number one among each of the different demographic groups, there is a large difference in the number two favorite book," Harris said in a statement announcing the results.

Spiritual Education

I have been thinking, like most Christians,I often question myself:

Is the whole of my thinking governed by Scripture, or do I come with my reason and pick and choose out of Scripture? Do I accept Scripture as the revelation from God, or do I trust to speculation, human knowledge, human learning, human understanding, and human reasons? Self-interest is something we all understand because since physical birth, as infants, we learned how to get what we want. Can some understand when someone who asks, “Why should I be a Christian? What is in it for me?”

Thinking Theologically is a tough thing to do. It works against our human and horizontal perspective on life. The main purpose for reading the Bible is to change ourselves as we read, believe and obey.

"Moses spent 40 years thinking he was somebody; 40 years learning he was nobody; and 40 years discovering what God can do with a nobody." DL Moody

For 3 years, Jesus taught His Disciples who became Apostles after His death. What kind of education did Jesus gave them?

Reading all of the New Testament, I have come to conclusion that Jesus taught them Spiritual matters. Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ. Personal discipleship takes months while Church discipleship take about 3 faithful years.

The only Apostle that didn't follow Jesus was Paul however, Paul did have extensive education background regarding Jewish Laws that were very useful for God to use Paul when He wrote the letters of the New Testament. Through Paul's letters, we have learned GREAT doctrines who was very educated and at the same time very spiritual.

In Matthew 28, the great commission that we are to be “making disciples”. I always believed that the Holy Spirit converts and Christians disciple which means giving up has to do "self" while cost of discipleship has to do with discipling "others".

We are to believe and follow Christ in all things, including his words about Scripture. And this means that Scripture is to be for us what it was to him: the unique, authoritative, and inerrant Word of God, and not merely a human testimony to Christ, however carefully guided and preserved by God. If the Bible is less than this to us, we are not fully Christ's disciples. James Montgomery Boice, "The Preacher & God's Word"

When He wore a crown of thorns, do you wish to wear a crown of gold? Johann Arndt, *True Christianity*.

The real question is, will a Christian be a true disciple? Becoming a disciple, following Jesus Christ requires personal cost, giving up your selfish "me" and become like Christ. Love is NOT conditional however discipleship is conditional. Jesus might have grieved over His Cost of Discipleship requirements, but He never ran after them to try to win them with rosy promises. Luke 14:27 And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:33 In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.

Discipleship and Transformation
Jesus Christ’s redemptive work on the cross have provided the solution for my salvation and the foundation for me to pursue a life that reflects Christ. I believe that the truth of God’s Word have already set me FREE from the bondage of sin. (John 8:32) I believe that Jesus and the Word of God are SUFFICIENT for life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3-9) and the Holy Spirit provided me the principles and guidelines to live a life of godliness. It is the Holy Spirit's conviction that God’s design for me is to be radically TRANSFORMED by the renewing of my mind. (Romans 12:2) My hope for this radical transformation is by the POWER of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13).

The bottom line is this: God's Word (the Bible) sometimes wounds us deeply and it is imperative because through the Bible, God speaks loudly. The Word of God (Bible) rebukes US we we read so that we may see our OWN faults (not others). The Bible illumines the dark corners of our own hearts and minds by exposing our OWN sin but at the same time reveals the way of truth.

I will never forget C.S. Lewis' quote: "You never know how much you really believe anything until truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you."

I am thinking deep this week. Seems like there is alot of convicting coming from above. *smile*

Jim

Breaking News: Teacher of the Alexander Graham Bell school shot dead

The Coroner's Office has identified the victim of Monday's fatal shooting as 54-year-old Marilyn Habian.
Last night, Euclid police was investigating a murder where a woman found dead in a house.

Diversity and Accepting one another

Like many other cultures in this world, Deaf culture shares a common sense of pride in their Culture and language (i.e. ASL). There are different levels of self-pride of the Deaf culture and there is nothing wrong with pride unless it interferes diversity and unity of other cultures in this world. Unity of cultures results from a group of people coming together to form a community around shared experience, common interests and respecting each other. Like any other cultures in this world, Deaf culture is an identity just as much as Scottish culture which also an identity.

The problem with using pride in the wrong way leads to prejudices and discrimination. Militant "Deaf Pride" activism is one of them and I see these activists as an arrogant minority trying to impose its will on everyone else. Whether the culture will accept hard of hearing individuals or whether hard of hearing accept the Deaf culture. This is about feelings, attitudes, perspectives, and personal lives of each individual deaf/hard of hearing persons. In terms of advocacy, we need to look at various agendas that should be discerned carefully to make sure we don't sound like a militant. We can over-come our flaws by remembering that our own pride is at the bottom of all great mistakes because pride is a fundamental flaw of our nature.

What we all need is diversity and unity with proper pride with our cultures. We all are living in the same country and we are actually living in a society that we all have to live together.

Presidential Candidate Forum on Disability Issues

Presidential candidate forum will be held on the 18th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Date and time: July 26, 2008 (time to be announced)

Location: Veteran's Memorial, Columbus

Hosted by: Ohio Disability Vote Coalition, Ohio Olmstead Task Force, national sponsors

Cost: Free

For more information: Details will be posted as they become available on The Ohio Olmstead Task Force Web site

Economic Band-aid

I have a strong respect for billionaire investor Warren Buffett and I agree with one of his quotes when he told his shareholders a few years ago: "If they insist on trying to time their participation in equities, they should try to be fearful when others are greedy and greedy only when others are fearful." Investors, who at heart want to make money and make it as soon as they can, are the ones that can hurt the economy. The purpose of the corporation was and still is to generate profits for its investors (shareholders) which is not a problem for me because I am one of those "investors". Economic's chief purpose is to discover and refine just and means of creating, distributing, and consuming wealth to overcome poverty and to increase the material prosperity of people. In the United States, work ethic in form of stewardship and that economics are called for efficiency and productiveness of common sense and a strong sense of disiring to be a good steward of taking care of the country's citizens. America's attitudes towards money should be in their conviction that money is a social good, not a private possession and that the economic main purpose is the welfare of everyone in society, not the personal pleasure of the person who happens to have control over it.

At the same time, those who got greedy which lead them to trouble in the housing markets as well as subprime loans. I agree with John McCain's policy with his quote: "it is not the duty of government to bail out and reward those who act irresponsibly, whether they are big banks or small borrowers."

In my own opinion, why should we reward bad investers and borrowers by bailing them out when the wiser investors and borrowers who gets no rewards other than being non-greedy and wiser? I will not count those who lost their jobs or their health caused them to spend more on their health care because they are not at fault. I am talking about those who invest and borrow unwisely. Also, we need to punish "predatory" lenders who lure people into borrowing out of their reach.

We live in a country that is "you're-on-your-own" situation as today's commentary by George F. Will: McCain's bailout minimalism is a maximum advantage. I will always remember Benjamin Franklin's quote “The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.” Throughout the Old Testament, there were lists of people who were wealthy and in fact the Book of Proverbs wrote who we use our wealth. Economic system is stewardship. In this country, people have equal opportunity to be successful but not everyone would be successful.

Whenever we face financial problems in this world, we need to understand that there is not one "economic system" that will solve anything. Even as much as they try, not one "Government system" will be able solve anything. My final thoughts on the political economic system: I have said before and I will say again, economic system is NOT the problem, its PEOPLE and their attitudes.

Last week, I have made some changes in my investments as well as my spending. I am taking the responsibility for my part of helping the United States economic situation.

I just can't do this alone.

Life and problems with what we "think" we should believe in

Like Job in the Old Testament, often I find "life" has been the most discouraging thing in my Christian life and I can see that Christianity has an image problem because many people thought that Christianity should be a "system". There are Christians who is strong like Job that are mature in the faith, have experienced the blessings of spiritual growth through good and bad. There were others who were not as strong as Job and they turn their backs on the faith and walk into sin. Why do some Christians fail? Ignorance.

Ignorance is caused by Churches who tries to use sociology, psychology, and feelings that replaces true biblical studies. People often try to avoid biblical doctrines that we need to live in this world. When people come into Church, they expect to "feel" God. The danger effect on salvation, and even more grave is the elevation of a mystical feeling of God’s presence above an intellectual understanding of the Word of God that's being communicated. Often, some people find certain Scripture verses are offensive to their personal beliefs. We tend to believe only what we can see, what we can hear, what we can taste, and what we can feel. If we can’t process it through our senses and through our mind we tend not to believe it. The author of the book of Hebrews explain that "faith is the conviction of things not seen". A strong Chrisitian is prepared to live out our life on the basis of faith regardless of sight, taste, feel and experience. I have not seen God, nor I have seen Christ nor I have seen or feel the Holy Spirit. Faith is believing there is another dimension to life other than those which can be touched, tasted, seen or felt. There is more to life than that. There is also the realm of the spirit, the invisible spiritual kingdom of God. Biblical faith is this: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1-2). Christian faith is not optimism because it breeds false hope. I have learned that by doing of the will of God leaves me no time for disputing about His providence plans and why things are happening around me. God knows what He's doing that I have to learn to trust His will, His power, and His timing when the time is right, and not until then. That's the essence of real faith. God carries out His will in His perfect power and timing. My own growing pains were different than others. Some may be worst than others.

I try to remember that God is always ruling all things to work together for my own good and His purpose. Romans 8:28-29 "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Life does not discriminate between believers and unbelievers like plane crashes, accidents, illnesses and deaths.

Today, more so than ever, people are looking for "better" proofs of God. Throughout the history of Christianity, Christians and non-Christians alike have criticisms about Christianity. I am one of many Christians who are wise enough to wonder what non-Christians think of us. Christians have responded to many of these criticisms, partially through the field of Christian apologetics. Apologetics is about answering the criticisms, fair or not, of the secular world. Apologetics is mostly for Christians to strengthen their faith. There is a tremendous emphasis on faith and the apologetic while mincing approach to the doctrine of being Christ-like discipleship. Faith sees afar the triumph of Christ and is willing to endure any hardship to share in it. The tragic breakdown is Christians' failure to comprehend the Lordship of Christ in terms of discipleship.

I have a great respect for Christian apologist Josh McDowell who wrote "The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict" that will help readers search document historical evidences of the Christian faith. The entire book (over 750 pages) is laid out in outline form which is a tool for locating supporting "evidence" whenever the need arises. Its a great book for references whenever issues arises for research. I am reminded in Romans 1:20 which said, "The invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen. God's evidences are so clear that all (everyone who don't believe) are without excuse." Therefore, that's between each creatures and the Creator (God). I believe that each of us, as an individual, have a responsibility before God, to determine what is true about God and also what is false. What is true about God impacts every aspect of our lives. What is true about God -- not what each of us believe is true, but what is actually true -- determines what happens to us after we die.