tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53484802011-10-06T10:15:16.357-05:00Montana ThunderWritings from SRPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.comBlogger2921100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1168158847557048702007-01-07T03:32:00.000-05:002007-01-07T03:35:37.990-05:00THE FAMILY THAT PRAYS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHERHAPPY NEW YEAR FROM MONTANA!Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1167625313679943452006-12-31T23:06:00.000-05:002006-12-31T23:26:58.570-05:00II SAMUEL CHAPTER 1David Hears of Saul's Death 1 After the death of Saul, David returned from defeating the Amalekites and stayed in Ziklag two days. 2 On the third day a man arrived from Saul's camp, with his clothes torn and with dust on his head. When he came to David, he fell to the ground to pay him honor. 3 "Where have you come from?" David asked him. He answered, "I have escaped from thePascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1167506841859424952006-12-30T14:24:00.000-05:002006-12-30T14:27:40.580-05:001 SAMUEL CHAPTER 261 Men from Ziph came to Saul in Gibeah, reporting that David was hiding on the hill of Hachilah at the edge of the wasteland. 2 So Saul went off down to the desert of Ziph with three thousand picked men of Israel, to search for David in the desert of Ziph. 3 Saul camped beside the road on the hill of Hachilah, at the edge of the wasteland. David, who was living in the desert, Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1163128285863807532006-11-09T21:59:00.000-05:002006-11-09T22:11:25.876-05:00CHANGEAmerica spoke clearly and we as a people want change and ethics in our leaders. Quite frankly the last 4 years since 9/11 have been traumatic and quite clearly a wilderness experience for our country and I think we are regaining a balance in our country from decades of wounds and battles internally. However I will still maintain that the problem in America is GENERATIONAL and very little Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1162828437904564572006-11-06T10:53:00.000-05:002006-11-06T10:53:57.916-05:00THE IMPORTANCE OF ONE VOTEGood article from my hometown newspaper the MissoulianSRPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1161931347004208602006-10-27T01:14:00.000-05:002006-10-27T01:55:46.483-05:00AMERICA HAS FORGOTTEN THE SABBATH PRINCIPLERemember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work; but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your manservant, or your maidservant, or your cattle, or the sojourner who is within your gates; for in six days the Lord made heaven and Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1161789062906757832006-10-25T10:09:00.000-05:002006-10-25T10:13:32.503-05:00EYES OF A WOMANA little boy asked his mother, "Why are you crying?" "Because I'm a woman," she told him. "I don't understand," he said. His Mom just hugged him and said, "And you never will." Later the little boy asked his father, "Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?" "All women cry for no reason," was all his dad could say. The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1160764120059262212006-10-13T13:27:00.000-05:002006-10-13T13:28:40.073-05:00QUOTE OF THE WEEKFor attractive lips, speak words of kindness.For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.For beautiful hair, let a child run his fingers through it once a day.For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone...People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed ... Never throw Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1159926203376086162006-10-03T20:27:00.000-05:002006-10-03T20:45:30.226-05:00LORD PROTECT OUR CHILDRENI am heartbroke with the school shootings in our country and the scandal of those in leadership in our nation's Congress in America, and the continued oppression of orphans and the young in our nation and the world. It is a grief for my young brothers and sisters that reminds me that I move forward on my knees.Additionally I get more and more upset that with all that is Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1154587962898002442006-08-02T23:47:00.000-05:002006-08-10T14:07:14.366-05:00WORLD WAR, QUESTIONS & MUSLIM THEOLOGYI have a lot on my mind with the wars as we all do. It is better to study history to understand the present. Much of the present seems as madness in the world today. Reference this article about world war.Several American leaders and elder statesman including Newt Gingrich have come out recently and stated very clearly the world is currently embroiled in a Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1153370114981651722006-07-19T23:31:00.000-05:002006-07-19T23:35:14.990-05:00GALLANT WARRIORYoung gallant stranger, who are you?I have not noticed you before in battle,never before, in that test that brings men honorbut here you come now, far in front of everyone,with heart enough to risk my beam of spear.A sorrowing old age they have whose childrenface me in war! If you are a god from heavenI would not fight with any out of heavenPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1153121483596709242006-07-17T02:13:00.000-05:002006-07-17T02:32:38.440-05:00MIDDLE EAST & LEBANON Read about the Lebanese situation from the Lebanese bloggers themselves:http://lebanesebloggers.blogspot.com/http://www.lebanonheartblogs.blogspot.com/http://blog.itoot.net/archives/lebanese-crisishttp://www.beirutbeltway.com/http://lebop.blogspot.com/Read about the Israel situation from the Israeli bloggers themselves:http://mattlebovic.blogs.friendster.com/http://Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1152957279957992122006-07-15T04:51:00.000-05:002006-07-15T04:55:57.240-05:00SERENITY"We live, we die, and like the grass and trees, renew ourselves from the soft clods of the grave. Stones crumble and decay, faiths grow old and they are forgotten but new beliefs are born. The faith of the villages is dust now...but it will grow again....like the trees. May serenity circle on silent wings and catch the whisper of the winds."Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1152295276295632202006-07-07T12:50:00.000-05:002006-07-15T04:59:50.960-05:00SUPPORT THE TROOPSHere are some great website links if you want to support our military deployed around the world to tough combat zones:Links to 200 sites to support troopsConnects you directly to a soldier. Beautiful peopleSolicits online donations for prepaid phone cardsFree videoconferences between soldiers and familiesCollects donations and mails care packages.Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1151551571642731812006-06-28T21:56:00.000-05:002006-06-28T22:26:11.696-05:00ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLEYou say: "It's impossible"God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)You say: "I'm too tired"God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)You say: "Nobody really loves me"God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 13:34)You say: "I can't go on"God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)You say: "I can't figure things out"God says: I will direct Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1151396881453850742006-06-27T03:19:00.000-05:002006-06-27T03:30:54.626-05:00THE VEILOne of my father's recent sermons..."But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are bing transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit". 2 Corinthians 3: 16 - 18.Now Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1151040394315775682006-06-23T00:25:00.000-05:002006-06-23T00:26:34.326-05:00OUTSIDE THE BOXSome of you I am sure have seen it but I enjoyed this:You are driving along in your car on a wild, stormy night. You pass by a bus stop, and you see three people waiting for the bus:1. An old lady who looks as if she is about to die.2. An old friend who once saved your life.3. The perfect man (or) woman you have been dreaming about.Which one would you choose to offer a ride to, Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1150084101529258382006-06-11T22:40:00.000-05:002006-06-11T22:51:09.423-05:00WORD OF THE WEEKSamuel's Farewell AddressSamuel said to all Israel, "I have listened to you in all that you have said to me, and have set a king over you. See, it is the king who leads you now; I am old and gray, but my sons are with you. I have led you from my youth until this day. Here I am; testify against me before the LORD and before his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Or whose donkey have Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1148447046122240192006-05-23T23:53:00.000-05:002006-05-24T00:05:59.966-05:00MONTANA ROCKSPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1147674301704933882006-05-15T01:22:00.000-05:002006-05-15T01:25:01.713-05:00HAPPY MOTHERS DAYPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1147216407025004072006-05-09T17:58:00.000-05:002006-05-09T18:28:51.853-05:00ELECTIONS THIS FALLMany people write to me regarding political issues and political party issues. I left politics 3 years ago to serve in different ministries in my life such as military service, missions and business. My writings are not focused on political issues or elections and frankly because of my military status, unless it is a church or freedom of religion issue in public life, there is Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1146626865148815612006-05-02T21:59:00.000-05:002006-05-02T22:27:45.216-05:00BUDHIA INSPIRES MEBudhia Singh inspired me today, halfway around the world. Budhia Singh, 4, ran along with soldiers in Bhubaneswar, in the eastern Indian state of Orissa, Tuesday, May 2, 2006. Cheered by thousands, Singh ran 65 kilometers (40 miles) Tuesday to enter India's record book. He then stopped for prayers.Budhia's father has died and his mother, unable to support him, was about to sell Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1146415049071869112006-04-30T11:18:00.000-05:002006-04-30T11:42:45.126-05:00THE LORD SPEAKS AGAINST OPPRESSIONOn this Lord's Day I pray for the oppressed. Who are the oppressed in the world today? Who are the poor? Today my prayers are with muslims in chains, and immigrants in poverty and minority Christians persecuted in Sudan. These groups are in my prayers.As a Christian it grieves me when I think of my experiences with the Muslim people in my overseas travels. I do Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1145943046797016462006-04-25T00:16:00.000-05:002006-04-25T00:32:01.826-05:00WORD OF WAR1 Timothy 1:18-19 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.Teach me the good warfare Lord.2 Samuel 22:35 He teacheth my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by mine Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1145740156560348592006-04-22T16:08:00.000-05:002006-04-22T16:09:16.570-05:00Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1144675772417552412006-04-10T08:24:00.000-05:002006-04-10T08:29:32.506-05:00WORD OF THE WEEKThe proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother. Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death. The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry but he thwarts the craving of the wicked. Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he whoPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1144387316927903122006-04-07T00:19:00.000-05:002006-04-07T00:21:56.940-05:00PSALM 10Why, O LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises. He boasts of the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. His ways are always prosperous; he is Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1143746877219484682006-03-30T14:19:00.000-05:002006-06-27T03:29:47.726-05:00CELEBRATING THE GIFT OF LIFEI am a very pro life and very pro art so I can appreciate the beauty and intent of this work of art.Here is the press release the gallery sent me:DEDICATION HONORS NUDE BRITNEY SPEARS GIVING BIRTHPop-Star’s Pregnancy Idealized In Brooklyn ‘Monument to Pro-Life’ BROOKLYN (March 22, 2006) --- A nude Britney Spears on a bearskin rug while giving birth to her firstborn Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1143353909715392322006-03-26T01:10:00.000-05:002006-03-26T01:21:19.590-05:00TOP PRAYERS FROM THE SCRIPTUREI pray that this list will be a blessing and resource to those who read this site. Know that God loves you and wants us to be in prayer with Him. These men are the great men of the faith and learn from these scriptures and these examples of prayer to God.The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:5-15). Moses' Prayer for Israel in the Wilderness (Exodus 32:9-14). Abraham's PrayerPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1142938858266626302006-03-21T05:53:00.000-05:002006-03-21T06:00:58.283-05:00CRAVING SALT DYING OF THIRSTThere is a time for everythinga season for every activity under heavenA time to be born and a time to dieA time to plant and a time to harvestA time to kill and a time to healA time to tear down and a time to rebuildA time to cry and a time to laughA time to grieve and a time to danceA time to scatter stones and a time to gather stonesA time to embrace and a time to Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1142705978600315392006-03-18T13:08:00.000-05:002006-03-18T13:19:38.613-05:00ST PATRICKS DAY"May the Irish hills caress you.May her lakes and rivers bless you.May the luck of the Irish enfold you.May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you." "Every tide has an ebb save the tide of graces." "Fad saol agat." (Long life to you!) "May friendship, like wine, improve as time advances.And may we always have old wine, old friends, and young cares. Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1142578979330317652006-03-17T02:02:00.000-05:002006-03-17T02:02:59.343-05:00CHURCH & STATE[T]here are three possible ways in which the church can act toward the state: the first place, as has been said, it can ask the state whether its actions are legitimate and accordance with its character as state; i.e., it can throw the state back on its responsibility. Second, it can aid the victims of any ordering of society, even if they do not belong to Christian community — "Do Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1141757143338462482006-03-07T13:35:00.000-05:002006-03-07T13:46:45.006-05:00RELIGIOUS FREEDOMBizarre religious freedom quote of the week from WP."I will say that I don't think that there is anything that passes for religious freedom in Cuba," (Secretary of State Condoleeza) Rice added during a mid-February appearance before the House International Relations Committee. "And so the notion that somehow our churches going there are contributing to religious freedom in a Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1141655439774805172006-03-06T09:25:00.000-05:002006-03-07T01:03:35.926-05:00BABIES, BABIESThe Scripture says that children are a blessing from the Lord.SRPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1141525588896540682006-03-04T21:23:00.000-05:002006-03-04T21:27:05.713-05:00SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK(Isaiah 30:15 KJV)(15) For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1141365000008581032006-03-03T00:40:00.000-05:002006-03-03T19:29:58.903-05:00THE WILL TO WRITESome of my friends have asked me why I do not post very often since my return from Iraq.Well honestly there is a sense that there is not much free speech in the United States of America these days and almost all of my thoughts are to the political situation in my country and I feel very restrained as a soldier in my expression of speech and writing, so that leaves me with little Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1139943730572924342006-02-14T13:57:00.000-05:002006-02-14T14:05:16.786-05:00HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO FAMILIES & FRIENDSToday is the day the world celebrates love. Today can be a real unhappy day for many for a host of reasons. I keep my love advice limited usually. Today I say, if you can't love the one you want love the one your with and try to love somebody who seems to be un-lovable on this day. Happy Valentine's Day and here is some good reading from the Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1138342925899075972006-01-27T01:21:00.000-05:002006-01-27T08:23:51.100-05:00FIRE WITHINI love a fire in the mountains as the wind blows from the North Face and you dig in and face the darkness and cry of the wolf or swoosh of the elk in the snow or just simple silence and the flames flickering in the wind. It is just you and the fire. Fire burn withinHeart is loved andAlive AgainMy heart is on fire now with such a love such a passion, and it is so hard for me to keep it Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1138199377912476382006-01-25T09:23:00.000-05:002006-01-25T09:29:37.926-05:00SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEKThe Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn (Is. 61:1,2). I prayedPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1137977458837200472006-01-22T19:48:00.000-05:002006-01-22T20:30:11.650-05:00DECOMPRESSShout, shout, let it all out, these are the things I can do withoutCome on, I'm talking to you, come onShout, shout, let it all out, these are the things I can do withoutCome on, I'm talking to you, come onIn violent times, you shouldn't have to sell your soulIn black and white, they really really ought to knowThose one track minds that took you for a working boyKiss them goodbye, you Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1137465330644266192006-01-16T21:34:00.000-05:002006-01-16T21:35:30.656-05:00SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK1 John 4:20-21 "If a man says he loves God, and hates his brother he is a liar. How can he love God who he has never seen, and hate his brother who he has seen? This commandment we have from Him, whoever loves God, must also love his brother!"Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1137294222332559682006-01-14T21:59:00.000-05:002006-01-14T22:03:42.343-05:00BEST LITTLE SNOWBOARDER IN MONTANAPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1136710041455208822006-01-08T03:46:00.000-05:002006-01-08T03:47:21.456-05:00NIGHTFALL ON LOLO PEAKPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1136709720565145022006-01-08T03:36:00.000-05:002006-01-08T03:43:58.436-05:00LOLO PEAK ADVENTURE TEAM & EXPEDITIONcirca New Year Summit by SRPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1136105149119860182006-01-01T03:44:00.000-05:002006-01-01T03:45:49.130-05:00HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM MONTANAPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1135486561318083712005-12-24T23:50:00.000-05:002005-12-25T00:07:35.666-05:00CHRISTMAS HOMECOMINGI am sitting here at the Spokane WA Airport one step closer to home. Though my rental car is not ready (Enterprise) because the company booked a reservation for me here last week and neglected to tell me that they close early today and my Christmas boxes and luggage are lost and Northwest Airlines cannot find them, and a former SGM in the Army working for TSA called the Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1134789111250019812005-12-16T22:10:00.000-05:002005-12-21T22:28:59.466-05:00THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWNPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1133815821020189532005-12-05T15:49:00.000-05:002005-12-05T15:50:21.036-05:00QUOTE OF THE WEEKIt is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; butPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1133655446495164572005-12-03T19:03:00.000-05:002005-12-03T22:23:30.936-05:00LONG ROAD HOMEI cannot wait to go home for the Christmas and New Year Holiday. I am so close to that point I have dreamed of for 2 years, our whole family being together once again. Last year I was in Mosul Iraq dealing with the suicide bombing that took so many lives and brought any joy that was left to our Christmas in the field. By far the most stressful and depressing Christmas I ever had.OurPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1132892529314338882005-11-24T23:20:00.000-05:002005-11-24T23:22:09.326-05:00THANK YOU LORD Philippians 1:3-5 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.Psalm 95:2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1132595790822403362005-11-21T12:55:00.000-05:002005-11-21T12:56:30.843-05:00DISTANT MEMORYPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1132507662512176192005-11-20T12:14:00.000-05:002005-11-20T12:41:33.500-05:00OUR LEADERS MILITARY SERVICE Received this from a close friend today. Very interesting read. I am not a partisan writer on this site and I don't like to focus on politics, perhaps this list was created with politics in mind, I don't know. My writing on this site focuses on spiritual issues, but being a member of the US Army it is good for me to know the background of my leaders and authorities. Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1132238189847788602005-11-17T09:24:00.000-05:002006-02-08T22:35:35.636-05:00CHRISTIANSWhen I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'." I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven." When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak And need His strength to carry on. When I Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1131119333555161222005-11-04T10:46:00.000-05:002005-11-04T10:48:53.566-05:00NEW CONTACT INFORMATIONSGT REDFERNInstallation Chaplains OfficeFort Campbell, KY 42223Office (270) 798-6125Fax (270) 798-6600samuel.redfern@us.army.milsamuel@dreamvestors.comIf you need personal contact information you can email me to request that.SRPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1130298182733088602005-10-25T22:34:00.000-05:002005-10-25T22:48:34.476-05:00IRAQ MILESTONEMixed feelings now that I am home and ready for my next assignment but the mission in Iraq continues to cost US lives, as our leaders have predicted casualties will increase. Today the big focus is on the 2000 number of US soldiers lost in Operation Iraqi Freedom but numbers as we all learned in Vietnam are not an indicator of failure or success.I feel desire to be back in Iraq and Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1130216731297499452005-10-24T22:41:00.000-05:002005-10-25T00:13:34.233-05:00A FALSE BALANCEProverbs 11:1 "A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight."I have come back to the United States of America with a tremendous love for my country. I see all the ills and the problems more clearly and my eyes have been opened to the social decay in our country and some of the things I just did not understand when I was younger but I also see so Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1129661396758786542005-10-18T13:42:00.000-05:002005-10-18T14:07:47.463-05:00HOW WAS IT OVER THERE?Get this question at least 10x a day here in the USA. Usually I just smile and say "challenging." (What should I say???)What is really going through my mind is it was an ideal location for any soldier that wanted to spend his combat deployment in living hell dealing with as Colby Buzzell (a fellow soldier deployed to Mosul) described to Esquire magazine "If Baghdad is to Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1129660646464111762005-10-18T13:24:00.000-05:002005-10-18T13:37:49.330-05:00QUOTE OF THE WEEK"I went back and looked at World War II. We had a population of about 140 million people in this country and we put almost 9 percent of that population into uniform. Today we have twice the population and we're trying to put about four-tenths of one percent of it into uniform. And we're facing a national security situation that is at least as dangerous, if not more dangerous, Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1129520116319739362005-10-16T21:52:00.000-05:002005-10-22T16:33:23.463-05:00PHILADELPHIA - CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVEGood times here in Philly beautiful and kind city. Hung out with Actor Stephen Baldwin tonight for a few minutes swapping ministry stories.Learning Time Management is my most important new year goal. Some good quotes as appropo for the concept:"Time is the greatest innovator" - Francis Bacon"We are always acting on what has just finished happening. It happenedPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1129392079256832102005-10-15T10:59:00.000-05:002005-10-15T11:01:19.263-05:00TOMB OF NOAHPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1129350020099717772005-10-14T20:51:00.000-05:002005-10-15T14:34:53.183-05:00GOOD NORTH IRAQ TIMESPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1129225125263466592005-10-13T12:37:00.000-05:002005-10-13T12:38:45.266-05:00BACK IN THE FAST LANEHere in the USA ... getting ready to head to FT Campbell Kentucky, home of the 101st Airborne.SRPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1128460604727866012005-10-04T16:03:00.000-05:002005-10-04T16:16:44.766-05:00LOVE & PRAY FOR THE CHILDREN IN IRAQPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1128284878673057602005-10-02T15:04:00.000-05:002005-10-02T15:28:01.786-05:00BACK IN KUWAITI am finally out of Iraq. Went to Mass tonight and did confession and feel quite good about the next step of my life. Iraq is OVER.Tired and spent . . .couldn't have asked for a better finish.On our last day of services my Chaplain preached 2x before our morning service congregation and the gospel service crowd. It was very emotional services before the flock to finish out. I sang aPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1127648940422102612005-09-25T06:27:00.000-05:002005-09-25T06:49:03.470-05:00SWEET TASTE OF VICTORYThough pressed and stressed God granted me some of my sweetest victories to finish strong the race I have been running on this day. I tasted victory and for that I am grateful for strength and perserverance.Humble thyself in the sight of the LordHumble thyself in the sight of the LordAnd He will raise you upSRPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1127274635828528212005-09-20T22:42:00.000-05:002005-09-20T22:50:35.833-05:00THE BITTER TASTE OF FAILUREToday I fought the hardest professional battle of my time in Iraq with myself and tasted my greatest professional failure.If I fail in life I at least want to own that failure... completely have dominion over it so that it will not master me. The only real failure in life is not to be true to yourself. Today I tested myself and was found wanting. These lessons are from Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1127192834906732612005-09-19T23:59:00.000-05:002005-09-20T00:07:14.913-05:00FULL MOON IN MOSULI have come to a fork in the road and I choose the road less traveled. I will be home soon enough.Quietly while you were asleep, the moon and I were talkingI asked that she always keep you protected.She promised you her light that you so gracefully carryYou bring her light and shine like morning.And then the wind pullsthe clouds across the moonbut your light still fills the Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1126630757944862692005-09-13T11:53:00.000-05:002005-09-13T14:22:37.786-05:00STARE DECISIS IN THE NEXTThis is my last night as a 27 year old man, by far the most challenging year of my life. I have made many decisions this year that will guide my life and future.I thank my mother and father for bringing me into this world and for the Lord and Creator for the gift of life and yet another year of life.You got it from your fatherIt was all he had to giveSo it's yours to use Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1126123644774947532005-09-07T14:49:00.000-05:002005-09-07T15:17:59.900-05:00PRAY FOR OUR NATION"The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him." Nah. 1:7My friend Mike Smith sent out a nationwide email from Home School Legal Defense Association (the organization I worked for 7 years, aka HSLDA). They are trying to match HSLDA member families with displaced home schooling families in the South for housing and jobs. I am really Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1125551381810552142005-08-31T23:53:00.000-05:002005-09-01T00:19:04.830-05:00EVENTS IN USAMany of our soldiers are praying for our families and friends in the gulf region facing devastation and loss from the tremendous hurricane that hit our nation's shores. I am saddened for the present and hopeful in the future with this loss. It is going to be a season of rebirth for New Orleans. May our nation and those in the gulf turn to the Lord who sends rain on the just and Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1125067302422013132005-08-26T09:24:00.000-05:002005-08-26T12:40:58.816-05:00THE LAST BEST PLACEI love Montana like no other place in the world. I have been to 48 states and 11 countries and no place on earth that I have seen is as beautiful, wild and peaceful as Montana. This is why Montana is known across the world as the Last Best Place. People there live by an honor code that is common grace. The common man understands simple things: for example, your word is your Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1124982390791613352005-08-25T10:02:00.000-05:002005-08-25T10:06:30.813-05:00SWEET HOME MISSOULA MONTANASometimes I get an opportunity to hear or read about my hometown Missoula Montana. This is a great story and you really have to live in western montana to appreciate and fully understand the actors and scenes in this story.BUSTED - AND BROKEN DOWNPolice, county and city clash with the organizer of one of the wildest parties in recent historyBy JOE NICKELL of the Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1124820413385867332005-08-23T13:00:00.000-05:002005-08-23T13:06:53.390-05:00SCRIPTURES OF THE WEEKPsalm 46:1-2 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea. Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord. Psalm 31:24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the LordPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1124704785120887472005-08-22T04:50:00.000-05:002005-08-22T05:06:33.693-05:00UPDATE TO MONTANA THUNDERRecently, the Multi-National Corps Command in Baghdad issued a policy memo on the rules governing blogging from the front lines of Iraq and I feel it is important to notify friends and family reading my blog.The most important aspect of the policy is notifying your command of your blog, which I have done.Unit commanders are required to review the sites on a quarterly Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1124560543145804022005-08-20T12:48:00.000-05:002005-08-21T07:51:57.980-05:00ADDICTION & LANGUAGESLearned today from a psychotherapy session with my chaplain, (ie his training program) that most psych folks believe that any addiction stems from childhood guilt or shame. I will have to chew on that concept a while.Worked with the Priest and we are both amazed at how many languages are spoken here in Iraq. We shared idea's on his homily. We both agreed that the Christian Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1124544642124640812005-08-20T07:56:00.000-05:002005-08-20T08:30:42.156-05:00IRAQ SCENERYPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1124468396734003672005-08-19T11:10:00.000-05:002005-08-19T11:19:56.743-05:00KEEPING FAITHThank the Lord for keeping me faithful to Him during great spiritual testing this month. Thank the Lord for a good Priest who came along at just the right time to encourage me to give my best and to not lose heart.Psalm 23A psalm of David. 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1124109709174310632005-08-15T07:39:00.000-05:002005-08-15T07:41:49.186-05:00IRAQ VETERANS RUNNING FOR OFFICEThis is outstanding and encouraging from the WP.Former Marine Paul Hackett came up short in a House race in Ohio this month. But the Hill could still get its first veteran of the war in Iraq. At least four other veterans of the conflict are running for Congress in next year's elections, according to the political parties, while several others are mulling over bids.Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1124034665027095462005-08-14T10:11:00.000-05:002005-08-14T10:51:05.070-05:00ALMOST HOME SOLDIERPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1123618961413091562005-08-09T15:18:00.000-05:002005-08-09T15:37:23.783-05:00KNIGHTS OF THE NEW WORLDI once met a girl who said there were no more knights and no more princes. She was wrong. There will always be a faithful remnant of warrior knights, men of virtue, of strength, of service, of charity, warriors in practice and in heart princes of peace. Sometimes we just look in the wrong places.They are serving all around me and for that I thank God for their example and Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1122927813272867502005-08-01T15:21:00.000-05:002005-08-01T15:23:33.273-05:00STAT & ADDRESSRegarding my last post, according to Newsweek . . . 6% of Americans served in the military in WWII. Today that figure is 4/10 of 1%.Also my address here though traveling remains the same:Samuel RedfernDeputy Chaplain AssistantTask Force FreedomFOB COURAGEAPO AE 09334SRPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1122927447397352702005-08-01T15:05:00.000-05:002005-08-01T15:30:57.346-05:00MY RESPONSE TO THOSE WHO WANT TO HELP, THOUGHT PROVOKING ARTICLE & TRAVELIn the fourth quarter here and I want to finish strong here in Iraq. I am traveling and I can feel the tempo increasing and my sharpness is becoming more laserlike. I refuse to allow any complacency to set in as I know you can get killed or injured out here very quickly if you let your guard down.Many people continue to ask Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1122390893929519112005-07-30T10:12:00.000-05:002005-07-29T10:57:02.300-05:00PSALM OF THE WEEKPsalm 144 of David...Praise be to the Lord my Rock,who trains my hands of war,my finders for battle.He is my loving God and my fortress,my stronghold and my deliverer,my shield, in whom I take refuge,who subdues peoples under me.O Lord, what is man that you care for him,the son of man that you think of him?Man is like a breath;his days are like a fleeting shadow.Part your heavensPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1122390659997923032005-07-26T10:05:00.000-05:002005-07-26T10:10:59.996-05:00IRAQ, A NICE SUNNY SPOT OF EARTH- OR AS I NOW CALL IT: THE LIVING HELL DUSTBOWL FURNACE OF DEATHPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1122390330167887112005-07-26T09:59:00.000-05:002005-07-26T10:05:30.166-05:00SAM'S WILD SIDE IN IRAQ-ROCKING THE HOUSE AT CHURCHPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1122389906457278002005-07-26T09:49:00.000-05:002005-07-26T09:58:26.456-05:00SAM'S WILD SIDE IN IRAQ-CLUBBING WITH THE IRAQI SOLDIERSPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1122388578001561782005-07-26T09:29:00.000-05:002005-07-26T09:45:46.230-05:00SAM'S WILD SIDE IN IRAQ- NEAR BEERPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1122213446517924162005-07-24T08:30:00.000-05:002005-07-24T08:57:27.896-05:00WHY I STILL CARE ABOUT IRAQ-THE NEXT GENERATIONPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1121705647655984882005-07-18T11:46:00.000-05:002005-07-18T11:54:07.663-05:00NEW BEGINNINGToday is a new beginning and I thank the Lord for this day. I feel freedom and hope to recover the lost time in my life and I look forward to returning home in 2 months.I am proud that I fought the good fight for many close friends out here in the desert. Hopefully they learned something from my example and life. Now I am finishing some of my races soon. The fruit will be seen years Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1121591046069565782005-07-17T03:14:00.000-05:002005-07-17T04:10:45.793-05:00A JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES BEGINS WITH ONE STEPAnother tough day of counseling. I am sharing some ideas from these experiences. I am studying Solution-Oriented Brief Therapy and find it to be an interesting approach to healing broken relationships. The basic point is all the necessary clues to solving the immediate problem, and changing behavior is available in the present situation.It is Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1121523790312349772005-07-16T09:19:00.000-05:002005-07-16T11:30:12.713-05:00SAD TO SEEThere are many things that are sad to see in life and I have seen many of them in Iraq. You grieve, learn and move forward. It is hard to see greatness destroyed.It is sad to see a strong bearkilled by a foxIt is sad to see an Arabian horsebeaten by an assIt is sad to see a great eaglecut down by a bulletIt is sad to see a beautiful queenbecome a prostituteIt is sad to see a knight Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1121364724542508642005-07-14T12:58:00.000-05:002005-07-16T09:18:54.630-05:00EVANGELICAL & CATHOLIC CHRISTIANITYOften I get a few emails about my posts especially referring to my thoughts as a Christian. People ask my denominational background.I believe in one holy and catholic Christian church. I am a follower and believer in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God and my personal savior.I am simply a Christian committed to living an evangelical life and doing Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1121091884455665152005-07-11T09:14:00.000-05:002005-07-11T09:35:01.706-05:00TRAVELING WITH THE PRIESTMeeting new people all over Iraq. The country is changing, the climate is changing, change is in the air in the North you can feel it. Not sure towards what direction, but there is a new season here.My brother Sol sent me some amazing pictures from Alaska. I must get there soon. Beautiful land and the fishing, hunting and outdoor adventures he has experienced are Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1120764825053205342005-07-07T14:13:00.000-05:002005-07-07T14:39:46.456-05:00TERRORIST ATTACKS IN LONDONMy heart is with the UK today. Dear God protect and console those who lost their loved ones in London today. To my British friends my condolences and sympathies for the tremendous loss in your country, may you find comfort in the truth of Christ and in the hope of the gospel and may the terrorists of this world face an accounting of justice on earth and in eternity.SRPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1120582250426562292005-07-05T11:35:00.000-05:002005-07-05T11:50:50.433-05:00ANNIKIN & OBI WANPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1120401053126394832005-07-03T09:27:00.000-05:002005-07-03T09:30:53.133-05:00PREAMBLE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCEWe hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form ofPascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1120385171163478862005-07-03T05:02:00.000-05:002005-07-03T05:06:11.170-05:00BATTLING THE ENEMY OUTSIDE & WITHINI cannot wait to celebrate Independence Day on the 4th of July tomorrow!Today I celebrated my freedom in Christ and prayed for the church that we would continue to free those in bondage here on earth through the power of the gospel.Today I celebrate soldiers that stand for freedom. Today I prayed against soldiers and powers that seek to enslave and bring bondagePascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1120245181598305462005-07-01T13:45:00.000-05:002005-07-02T01:01:14.470-05:00UPDATE FROM IRAQNot a positive post today. My flesh and spirit are at war today. Also, I am upset by the behavior of people today that acted like children.The politics out here amazes me.No bad juju for the last few days. That is good.The heat is searing, but everybody has to give a bs story about "well when I was in Baghdad," or "this is nothing, back in Texas" . . . etc. Folks, it is hot out Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1120020068850793672005-06-28T23:36:00.000-05:002005-06-28T23:41:08.856-05:00THOUGHTS ON LOVEShe looked at him, as one who awakes: The past was a sleep, and her life began.--Robert Browning (1812 - 1889), British poet. From Men and Women, "The Statue and the Bust."When a man is in love how can he use old words? Should a woman desiring her lover lie down with grammarians and linguists?--Nizar Qabbani (1923 - 1998), Syrian poet. From Modern Arabic Poetry, "Language" (Salma Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348480.post-1119972827371997872005-06-28T10:22:00.000-05:002005-06-28T10:48:43.710-05:00CHRISTIAN BAPTISMChristians have through history interpreted the Bible literally when it declares, "Baptism . . . now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Pet. 3:21; cf. Acts 2:38, 22:16, Rom. 6:3–4, Col. 2:11–12).The early Church Fathers wrote in the Nicene Creed (A.D. 381), "We believe in Pascal Redfernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950502804887077375noreply@blogger.com0