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For a short list of reasons, Rudy Giuliani might be uniquely qualified to pick up the Republican party mantle as George W. Bush’s successor.
If elected, Giuliani would inherit the duties Bush is best qualified for. This includes making grim facial expressions, seeing the world’s conflicts in terms of good vs. evil, and carrying a bullhorn at all state functions.
Peace be to my Brothers and Sisters.
Brian Patrick Cork
Trust me to get into a debate over Eternal Sin with an overheated Evangelical Christian Apologist /1 at Starbucks.
Currently, my understanding of Eternal Sin is recently exampled as denying Christ rose from the dead. It’s apparently not enough to believe God is HUGE and Christ forever changed the world. But, you have to know, in your heart, he is risen – otherwise you are doomed.
To wit… I am being advised that most sin is forgivable except not knowing Christ rose from the dead.
So… For me, sin represents a paradox.
Here are some questions…
What if you believe in, and follow, the teachings (certainly the spirit) of Christ. But, you don’t have the conviction (don’t know) he is risen?
Is sin a state-of-mind?
Where does situational ethics come into play relative to sin?
Is sin real?
The Big 3 religions – Christianity, Judaism and Islam require fear of eternal damnation to drive conversion and/ or acceptance. So, sin has great marketing driving it.
More later. This is only the beginning for me (or, maybe it’s the end).
Peace be to my Brothers and Sisters.
Brian Patrick Cork
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1/ In this particular instance my protagonist was not my great friend John Stein.
So… My recent Blog entry around Sammy generated a tremendous amount of activity. Interestingly, many of the Christians in my wide assortment of friends, brothers and sisters some how got focused on my reference to another Blog entry Dogs In Heaven.
Apparently I am not “getting it”.
Most of you know (evidently about two thousand of you read this blog) that I believe it takes more courage to conduct your life “like Christ” not knowing if you ascend, as opposed to knowing you are heaven bound simply by stating Christ is your savior. Obviously it would be easy, if not simple, if we could all be issued a burning bush (I understand it’s a tad more complicated than this – just work with me here).
There is something much bigger that drives us all. To me God is greatly evident. There has never been any doubt. However, there is a difference in terms of integrity when it comes to taking a leap of faith, and not being a hypocrite.
Isn’t the process of seeking that brings us closer to the truth? Can’t this be one reason why God gave us discernment and free will?
I have a lot of faith. But, I ask each day for a beacon (this can be a bush, friend, event, etc) and, to be a beacon.
Peace be to my Brothers and Sisters.
I had Sammy put to sleep this morning.
She had been in our lives for sixteen terrific years.
FACT: Joanne and I “rescued” Sammy from a young stockbroker that worked for me in Los Angeles.
As I stroked Sammy’s head saying goodbye, I kept repeating, “go night night”, like I would almost every night most of her life. I knew this was soothing for her. And, I added, “Go find Maxx“. Just so you know, Maxx was our other Labrador that was with us for thirteen years /1.
Perhaps my favorite memory of Sammy (and, this happens to include Maxx as well) is a particular run the three of us took on a late winter morning on top of a bluff near our home in Louisville, CO.
NOTE: We ran a lot together. But, this effort was after a big snowstorm that people around Boulder still talk about.
The day broke crisp and clear with cobalt blue skies completely devoid of clouds. It was still and quiet and magical. There was barely a breeze. In Colorado, days like this feel warm even though it’s probably only 25 degrees.
I lifted Sammy and Maxx into the back of Joanne’s Pathfinder, and blazed a trail through the pleasant upscale streets of Louisville and fender high snow all the way up to the bluff where I had most of my favorite daily four-to-five mile runs. As soon as we were in the parking lot adjacent to the plateau that has a spectacular view of the Flatirons, the Labs were barking furiously and roughing one another up in excitement – ready to go. I threw open the rear hatch with a hearty “Hup ‘n out Tigers!” – and laughed as they hurled themselves into the deep virgin snow, bounding around the settling SUV with delirious enthusiasm.
I think the dogs always loved running with me almost as much as I savored those times with them.
The entire bluff was covered in an unblemished blanket of blindingly white/blue snow just begging for us to pile through it. In that parking lot the snow was easily up to my knees. But, just beyond in the fields, it climbed up around my thighs.
I scanned the horizon and noted with grim satisfaction that no mortal being was in sight. So, With Maxx leading the way we took off; me high stepping and loping with Sammy right at my side, hopping and bounding, all the while reproachfully barking at Maxx. The air was crisp and sweet; the sun was bright; and, nothing but high adventure lay ahead. At that moment, the three of us were in workout mode and running heaven.
We ran non-stop around the bluff for over three hours. I am guessing we covered more than twelve exhausting miles in endless circles and double-backs. The steady huff of my breathing was drowned out in my ears by the pounding of my heart, my own laughter, and the barking of Sammy when Maxx or me strayed too far (she had to investigate a great many things). We chased one another. I tackled them and threw snowballs for them to catch in their mouths. They would, in turn, charge me, and barrel around my legs.
I remember one hilarious moment when Sammy was hopping like a bunny through the drifts, and then, without warning, completely disappeared in a puff of powder. I dove in after her and pushed her through. She rounded on me to lick my face. We sat there for a moment face-to-face almost chest deep in snow considering one another. The fur around her eyes, nose and jaw-line were covered with ice. Sammy dropped down in her “stalking” stance and began “boofing” as Maxx caught up to us. They both sort of lounged into the snow panting to catch their breath and watching me. We all knew that who ever made the next move was going to get chased! I looked to the east towards the parking lot… The Pathfinder was a long snow covered mile and a half away. I quickly bent down and heaved a pile of snow at Sammy, rolled to my feet, and then took off as hard as I could in the general direction of the parking lot with my buddies in hot pursuit.
We ended that adventure sitting in the back of the Pathfinder gazing out at the Boulder Flatirons. I was satisfied and achy from a good workout. I had my arm around Maxx as he leaned into on my right side. I remember Sammy sitting to my left, occasionally licking my ear as she scanned the field for prairies dogs. A breeze picked up and ruffled her fur. She lifted her nose to check for interesting scents… I knew Joanne was at home, waiting for us, and making her famous beef stew. Life was just so perfect.
That evening Sammy and Maxx slept at Joanne’s feet, occasionally twitching through dreams of chasing rabbits (and me) by a fire in our great room, as I told Joanne about the day with my head in her lap.
As she stroked my brow, I told her it was one of the funnest days I ever had.
So long, Sammy. You are a “good girl”. Now, go find Maxx.
I sure hope it snows in Heaven some times.
Peace be to my Brothers and Sisters.
Brian Patrick Cork
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1/ This is, of course, a testament to Joanne. She is a fountain of love – and, everyone thrives being around her. I also reference Maxx, and discuss Heaven in an earlier Blog entry “Dogs and Heaven”.
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