Baby Sitting Journal_Day 3

Baby Sitting Journal Day 3_

by Lydia Cirilo Carroll on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 8:34pm

4/1/11' Friday Day 3_

A mostly uneventful day, except for the cleaning, cooking and washing as usual. Whew, I'm tired! Nearly forgot what it's like to have a family with little children. I do appreciate the schedule the kids are on though. I could totally use this kind of structure in my life.  My sense of Psyche  needed this my whole life. No surprises. I remember always running behind your Dad, trying to keep up with his constant pace, so we could be a family. And that was long before he started evangelizing. LOL!

 

Didn't see too much of Payton today_ (because he was at school part of the day then Brad took both kids with him to Jonesboro, for church part of the day, then skating afterward.) except for what time he spent playing sword fight in the living room with Drake. Argh!

 

Drake has the loudest tone to his voice of any kid I've ever heard. His natural sound is at the least 5 octaves higher than your Aunt Helen's.., and God knows that's loud! And he talks nonstop at the constant high speed of a rolling freight train!  My God please help me!  I wanted to scream, "Please go outside to play!" But I didn't. If the Bible doesn't say, endurance is good for the soul, then why did I endure?

 

Payton says, he thinks he past his spelling. His math paper had 76 correct math problems. I've never seen a paper that didn't give a grade, only had how many problems you got right. I could have calculated but I feel like Payton  does_ that I've had enough homework this week. I think he missed 4 problems and he is up to a 2 minute timer which means more math. He's gonna love that I know_not! (Even though he is good with his math.) It's Friday so no homework or reviews. I truly praise God for that!

 

He didn't `mind today as well as he normally does. Neither did Paris. This wasn't her special day.    

I told her not to put her magnetic letters in the door crack of the refrig, but she kept doing it anyhow. Of course once she did, guess who, had to go open the door every few minutes to let her get them out so she could do it all over again. I took some short clips of her with my phone doing her humming sound, as she placed her letters on the door. I thought that was the way she put herself to sleep but apparently she concentrates like that. She's such a funny little princess.   

I was cleaning her room and trying to sort a few things when she found her big doll in the toy box. The doll dress was dingy so I took it off the doll to wash it. Paris thought that was funny for some reason, but then she decided it needed it's clothes back on and she tried and tried to redress it. I got several snaps of her doing her dead level best to dress that naked doll.  :)  

 

She felt a little sour all day. Her normally sweet self usually comes to get me by the fingers and take me to whatever it is she wants me to do, chattering happily all the way.  But today she would come and get my finger, quickly let go and walk off, expecting me to follow.  If I lagged behind she'd throw herself around and make agitated noises and verbally fuss at me in her own language. For some reason she felt like being boss today.  

 

Her Daddy got ready for church and she was to go with him but when he went out the door to look in the car for her purple shoes, she went in a tailspin. She cried till he came back in_ and oh God, I didn't think he ever would! Just part of her not so special day. She was happy as a lark when they got back from church though, like around 12:30. She was chattering away at full speed! I said, "Maaaan, your Mama is gonna love your new schedule when she gets back."  Brad had expected her to fall asleep on the way home but she didn't. She went to sleep in his lap soon after getting home though. Then she looked just like the sweetest little angel she had not been all day. :)

 

She ate really well today. We had ground-beef stew and corn muffin mix for dinner. Easy and delish!  Well, at least me and Paris thought so. She ate till she wasn't hungry anymore and then wanted all the corn out of mine. Apparently she loves corn.  Brad didn't eat (does he like stew?) and neither did Payton. He ate a pack of crackers when he got home and wasn't hungry by the time dinner was done. He got hungry about the time they were leaving for church, so of course he took another pack of crackers.  I don't know what they had served after church.

 

Don't worry about the kids not minding too well today. It wasn't that bad; especially since Payton was hardly around.  We all have those days. I felt like not minding and being irresponsible myself, but The clothes were not through being washed.  

 

After Payton got in from skating after church he was just fine. He came in showing off his singing skills. He was singing out and doing the motions to a really cool song they had done at church. I loved it!!! Gotta learn that song, and gotta love that kid!

And no, Payton didn't say he missed you today and Paris hasn't cried for you that we know of.  

*Thinking* (Should I say that? Is that good or bad? )

Baby Sitting Journal_Day 3

Baby Sitting Journal Day 3_

by Lydia Cirilo Carroll on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 8:34pm

4/1/11' Friday Day 3_

A mostly uneventful day, except for the cleaning, cooking and washing as usual. Whew, I'm tired! Nearly forgot what it's like to have a family with little children. I do appreciate the schedule the kids are on though. I could totally use this kind of structure in my life. My sense of Psyche needed this my whole life. No surprises. I remember always running behind your Dad, trying to keep up with his constant pace, so we could be a family. And that was long before he started evangelizing. LOL!

Didn't see too much of Payton today_ (because he was at school part of the day then Brad took both kids with him to Jonesboro, for church part of the day, then skating afterward.) except for what time he spent playing sword fight in the living room with Drake. Argh!

Drake has the loudest tone to his voice of any kid I've ever heard. His natural sound is at the least 5 octaves higher than your Aunt Helen's.., and God knows that's loud! And he talks nonstop at the constant high speed of a rolling freight train! My God please help me! I wanted to scream, "Please go outside to play!" But I didn't. If the Bible doesn't say, endurance is good for the soul, then why did I endure?

Payton says, he thinks he past his spelling. His math paper had 76 correct math problems. I've never seen a paper that didn't give a grade, only had how many problems you got right. I could have calculated but I feel like Payton does_ that I've had enough homework this week. I think he missed 4 problems and he is up to a 2 minute timer which means more math. He's gonna love that I know_not! (Even though he is good with his math.) It's Friday so no homework or reviews. I truly praise God for that!

He didn't `mind today as well as he normally does. Neither did Paris. This wasn't her special day.

I told her not to put her magnetic letters in the door crack of the refrig, but she kept doing it anyhow. Of course once she did, guess who, had to go open the door every few minutes to let her get them out so she could do it all over again. I took some short clips of her with my phone doing her humming sound, as she placed her letters on the door. I thought that was the way she put herself to sleep but apparently she concentrates like that. She's such a funny little princess.

I was cleaning her room and trying to sort a few things when she found her big doll in the toy box. The doll dress was dingy so I took it off the doll to wash it. Paris thought that was funny for some reason, but then she decided it needed it's clothes back on and she tried and tried to redress it. I got several snaps of her doing her dead level best to dress that naked doll. :)

She felt a little sour all day. Her normally sweet self usually comes to get me by the fingers and take me to whatever it is she wants me to do, chattering happily all the way. But today she would come and get my finger, quickly let go and walk off, expecting me to follow. If I lagged behind she'd throw herself around and make agitated noises and verbally fuss at me in her own language. For some reason she felt like being boss today.

Her Daddy got ready for church and she was to go with him but when he went out the door to look in the car for her purple shoes, she went in a tailspin. She cried till he came back in_ and oh God, I didn't think he ever would! Just part of her not so special day. She was happy as a lark when they got back from church though, like around 12:30. She was chattering away at full speed! I said, "Maaaan, your Mama is gonna love your new schedule when she gets back." Brad had expected her to fall asleep on the way home but she didn't. She went to sleep in his lap soon after getting home though. Then she looked just like the sweetest little angel she had not been all day. :)

She ate really well today. We had ground-beef stew and corn muffin mix for dinner. Easy and delish! Well, at least me and Paris thought so. She ate till she wasn't hungry anymore and then wanted all the corn out of mine. Apparently she loves corn. Brad didn't eat (does he like stew?) and neither did Payton. He ate a pack of crackers when he got home and wasn't hungry by the time dinner was done. He got hungry about the time they were leaving for church, so of course he took another pack of crackers. I don't know what they had served after church.

Don't worry about the kids not minding too well today. It wasn't that bad; especially since Payton was hardly around. We all have those days. I felt like not minding and being irresponsible myself, but The clothes were not through being washed.

After Payton got in from skating after church he was just fine. He came in showing off his singing skills. He was singing out and doing the motions to a really cool song they had done at church. I loved it!!! Gotta learn that song, and gotta love that kid!

And no, Payton didn't say he missed you today and Paris hasn't cried for you that we know of.

*Thinking* (Should I say that? Is that good or bad? )

Photo Album 2011-03-17

DIY, again.

At least a couple hours are necessary here to brace and cut it out of the way.

Hoarders

In following a long standing family tradition,


I brought home this worthless pile of rubble.

Is that horsehair plaster?
What to do....what to do...

Does anyone really have more trash than I do?

Kitchen revamp

We are nearly through with phase 1 of our kitchen overhaul. Kay did almost all of the painting and is quite proud of her work. A second coat of paint on some of the trim, recessed can lights, and some under cabinet lighting will complete this round.

In Continuum

something like this- now to pick some colors

who wins?

kay wants the holes sealed. we have 5 boy votes that likes them open better.
we need an unbiased vote.

Christmas 2010

Christmas 2010, that is.
I suppose we've passed the reins to our youngest this year as my enthusiasm and pocketbook were both running low. We purchased a few inexpensive gifts, but the registers never seem to recognize that when it adds up the tally. Curtis did the lions share, from purchasing a new tree to over filling its repository.

Heaven and Hell

A man spoke with the Lord about Heaven and Hell. "I will show you Hell," said the Lord. And they went into a room which had a large pot of stew in the middle. The smell was delicious and around the pot sat people who were famished and desperate. All were holding spoons with very long handles which reached to the pot, but because the handles of the spoons were longer than their arms, it was impossible to get the stew into their mouths. Their suffering was terrible.

"Now I will show you Heaven," said the Lord, and they went into an identical room. There was a similar pot of stew and the people had the same identical spoons, but they were well nourished, talking and happy.

At first the man did not understand.

"It is simple," said the Lord. "You see, they have learned to feed each other."

by: Author Unknown, Source Unknown

Link

Heaven and Hell

A man spoke with the Lord about Heaven and Hell. "I will show you Hell," said the Lord. And they went into a room which had a large pot of stew in the middle. The smell was delicious and around the pot sat people who were famished and desperate. All were holding spoons with very long handles which reached to the pot, but because the handles of the spoons were longer than their arms, it was impossible to get the stew into their mouths. Their suffering was terrible.

"Now I will show you Heaven," said the Lord, and they went into an identical room. There was a similar pot of stew and the people had the same identical spoons, but they were well nourished, talking and happy.

At first the man did not understand.

"It is simple," said the Lord. "You see, they have learned to feed each other."

by: Author Unknown, Source Unknown

Link

Purgatory

Death is a delicate matter, even Jesus tried to broach the subject with propriety when speaking to his disciples concerning Lazarus of Bethany. In John's account, Jesus first tells them Lazarus is asleep: "Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep". Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. That not getting the point across Jesus had to abandon decorum and said unto them plainly, "Lazarus is dead". John 11:14

From Ecclesiastes: For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.  Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.. Solomon had wisdom granted to him by God, because he asked unselfishly. He attained this wish through repeated sacrifice and prayer (a thousand offerings) 1Kings 3. None more than he would know the common beliefs of the day.
Psalms gives us this - Psa 89:48 What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Can this possibly mean that the soul will die? Job's skeptical question, "If a man die, shall he live again?" probes that thought. In the next verse he asks, "Who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down to the earth?" That's kind of like the answer Charles gave here when he said "Whether or not anyone sees or knows anything here on earth after they die, whether or not they are conscious, asleep, or tip-toeing through the tulips is not of any consequence to the purpose of the Ecclesiastes". The scripture says our hope is in Jesus. 1 Corinthians 15:51-58. Acts 24:14-15 tells us both just and unjust will arise. John 5:28 says this; Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,John 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
 
In first century Judaism, there was belief that there was some sort of waiting period or holding place for the soul immediately following death. We find this waiting period alluded to in the story of Lazarus, a beloved friend of Jesus. By the time Jesus returned to Judaea, Lazarus had been dead for four days, the point the rabbis claimed no trace of the soul remained in the body. Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already, John 11:17. Did Jesus know grief? Yes, "Jesus wept." John 11:35. As we can clearly gather from the following verses Jesus was teaching a different hope for the deceased. In verse 23-26, Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith to him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Maybe we should go back and read verse 4: When Jesus heard that [Lazarus was sick], he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.  huh?... Not unto death?

So what about the beggar Lazarus, the rich man, and the Great Gulf? Parable or insight?
We have had previous discussions where we debated the use of the word hell, hades, and sheol, and their intended meanings. As previously stated, it was common belief that there was no life beyond the grave(Sheol, grave, Hades, and hell being synonymous), with only the righteous being raised from the dead in the resurrection. Jews who accepted the Oral Torah had come to believe that those in Sheol awaited the resurrection either in comfort (in the bosom of Abraham) or in torment.
And he cried out and said, "Father Abraham have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue; for I am in agony in this flame." Luke 16:24" And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed," Luke 16:26

First century Jews taught that only a "handbreadth" separated the wicked from the righteous in the afterlife. 13  Contrary to this belief, Jesus taught that a "great chasm" or "gulf" separated the Rich Man and Lazarus. Moreover, this gulf was "fixed" which means that it was permanent and immovable. The Gulf represents a permanent separation between the saved and the lost. Neither the righteous nor the unrighteous can bridge the gap to cross over to the other side. Death irreversibly seals a person's eternal destiny, which is just as we've been thinking all along, or have we?

So what can we say of Saul conjuring up the spirit of Samuel after his death?
1 Sam 28:8 And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him,and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit,and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee.1 Sam 28:15 And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? Then this spirit proceeded to say that Saul would be joining him shortly - 1 Sam 28:19 Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me...Did Saul arise from the grave or a resting place, as it may? Probably not, as what he sought was an answer from a medium, or a familiar spirit. 1 Chr 10:13 So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire of it;

Inconclusive, as I have decided to stop here and get some feedback. 
  

Ashes to Ashes

We went to a different kind of funeral today. Not odd in any way except this was our first to attend where there was no casket, no body for viewing. There were pictures of the deceased and of his family, although I don't think he was ever an enthusiastic collector of self portraits. There was a digital slideshow created by someone, though I'm not sure who. There was an urn sitting with no particular prominence amongst the flowers. Kay's uncle, Howard Gene Denny Sr., 62, her mom's youngest brother, passed away Sunday morning while trying to escape a house fire here in Clayton.

This was the house purchased many years ago by Wesley and Louise for her Mother, Geneva Denny. It was an older home, purchased for $500 and moved at their expense before Kay's Grandpa Velch Denny passed away. Velch and Geneva lived in a small trailer, similar to an airstream travel trailer, on this same spot when Kay was carrying our youngest son Darrell. We visited Grandpa Velch in his new home several times. He was a fisherman, a skill which he handed down to his boys and theirs, with one of the grandsons JD Denny now owning and operating a successful business on the outskirts of Ferriday.

Howard Gene served two tours of duty in Vietnam, and worked as an oilfield toolpusher before retiring to live as a true sportsman does. Hunting and fishing were his forte. Howard was a decidedly unpolished man, but his generosity was notable. Curtis has one of his trophy mounts dated December 3rd, 1976, mounted on the wall in his room. I also worked for him over 30 years ago before Kay and I were married.

It was his wish to be cremated and his ashes scattered on Fools River, a river where they grew up and he first learned to fish. I've always thought this way of dealing with your remains was a little macabre, but I have learned something today. The preacher, who was his next door neighbor, had a stroke this past October and, with a cane for assistance and a slight slur of speech, he spoke with eloquence about ashes to ashes and dust to dust. The text of that service is adapted from the Biblical text Genesis 3:19 (King James Version):
   
 "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."

He spoke of Howard's generosity and his willingness to give to those in more need than himself; he spoke of his strong nature, as he was known to be boisterous at times, a nature he passed to his son Howard Jr.. The pastor says he forgave him for that a long time ago.

His brother Bill who is a veteran as well, got up and said the final words. He spoke about his brother's service to his country, his sacrifice and willingness to give all for the love of his country and, on the President's/Commander-in-Chief and on the US Military's behalf, he presented a folded flag to the son and daughter and gave them a military salute. It could bring a tear to the eye.

All of these things said about him was touching, but not significantly different than others we've heard. It was not until after the service that there was anything especially poignant, after all the condolences had been said, all the kind words and hugging of necks were done. In orthodox funerals it would be time to time to walk away with only the memories and images we have in our minds of yesterdays.  Not this time. Howard Gene Jr. walked up and with a determined look on his face picked up his father's ashes and placed the urn in his arms. A few minutes later I saw his daughter holding the urn, and I began to understand that they still hold a physical part of him, and they will not leave empty on this day. Later as we stopped to look at the burned out home, Howard Jr. and his family drove up. There is nothing left.

The preacher said that he believes he would have given you the shirt off his back if you would have asked. Today, with forethought, he gave himself. Who would have thought. They will follow his living wish to be scattered on Fools River later this summer from a barge.

http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/news/2010/nov/23/man-dies-clayton-house-fire/

Ashes to Ashes

We went to a different kind of funeral today. Not odd in any way except this was our first to attend where there was no casket, no body for viewing. There were pictures of the deceased and of his family, although I don't think he was ever an enthusiastic collector of self images. There was a digital slideshow created by someone, though I'm not sure who. There was an urn sitting with no particular prominence amongst the flowers. Kay's uncle, Howard Gene Denny Sr., 62, her mom's youngest brother, passed away Sunday morning while trying to escape a house fire here in Clayton.

This was the house purchased many years ago by Wesley and Louise for her Mother, Geneva Denny. It was an older home, purchased for $500 and moved at their expense before Kay's Grandpa, Velch Denny passed away. Velch and Geneva lived in a small trailer, similar to an airstream travel trailer, on this same spot when Kay was carrying our youngest son, Darrell. We visited him in his new home several times. He was a fisherman, a skill handed down to his boys and theirs, with one of the grandsons, JD Denny, owning and operating a successful business on the outskirts of Ferriday.

Howard Gene served two tours of duty in Vietnam, and worked as an oilfield toolpusher before retiring to live as a true sportsman does. Hunting and fishing were his forte. Howard was an extraordinary coarse man, but his generosity was notable. Curtis has one of his trophy mounts dated December 3rd, 1976 mounted on the wall in his room. I also worked for him over 30 years ago before Kay and I were married.

It was his wish to be cremated and his ashes scattered in Fools River, a river where they grew up and first learned to fish. I've always thought this way of dealing with your remains was a little macabre, but I have learned something today. The preacher, who was is neighbor, had a stroke last year, and with a cane for assistance and a slight slur of a few difficult words, he spoke with eloquence about ashes to ashes, and dust to dust. The text of that service is adapted from the Biblical text, Genesis 3:19 (King James Version):

"In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."

He spoke of his generosity, and his willingness to give to those in more need than himself, he spoke of his strong nature, as he was known to be boisterous at times, a nature he passed to his son, Howard Jr. which the pastor says he forgave him for long ago.
His brother Bill got up and said the final words. He spoke about his service to his country, his sacrifice and willingness to give all for the love of his country, and he presented a folded flag to the son and daughter, and gave them the military salute. It could bring a tear to the eye.

All of these things said about him was touching, but not significantly different than others we've heard. It was not until after the service that there was anything especially poignant, after all the condolences had been said, all the kind words and hugging of necks were done. In orthodox funerals it would be time to time to walk away with only the memories and images we have in our minds of yesterdays, this time, Howard Gene Jr. walked up and with a determined look on his face, picked up his father's ashes, and placed the urn in his arms. I saw a few minutes later his daughter holding the urn, and I began to understand that they still have a physical part of him, and they will not leave empty on this day. Later we stopped to look at the burned out home when Howard Jr. and his family drove up. There is nothing left.

The preacher said that he believes he would have given you the shirt off his back if you would have asked. Today, with forethought, he gave himself. Who would have thought. They will follow his living wish to be scattered on Fools River later this summer from a barge.
http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/news/2010/nov/23/man-dies-clayton-house-fire/

Video

Halloween 2010

The Little Mermaid and Cinderella paid us a visit on Halloween.
We are always happy to see them. Always a hug and a smile for "Mr. Byron"
Madison & Rebecca are precious gifts that stay with Anthony and their Dad, and bless us with their company on occasion.

Added additional pictures that I swiped from one of the co-workers that were snapped at the Eola.

Chicken Dinner

Not what you're thinking, she comes over for dinner. In fact, shes moved in. Just another pet which has taken up residence, like the black kitten that appeared one morning. As you can see, the dogs are used to new boarders.

Codys book

Here is a preview of Cody's coffee table book he has been waiting on.
Older photos from earlier albums.

Inclusive or Exclusive

A little reading, a little verse, and a little rambling.
On first glance, 1Cor 12 looks to be concerning gifts, and specifically, gifts parceled out amongst the members of the church. We've all heard it preached this way, but the more I look at it, the more it appears to be speaking of something more. First, I'd like to put in perspective that the church is not a building, the Church is God's people. We are the Church. 1Peter 2.5; 1Corinthians 3.9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. Disjointed though it may be, I am leading up to something here. 

Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost :1Cor 12.3. 
That is an extremely broad statement, possibly encompassing many more than we like to give credit to. There are many that profess to be Christians, and thus profess Jesus as Lord. I am not singling anyone out, my intention is quite the opposite. I am simply pointing out that we might need to take a broader view of humanity if we are to spread the will of Christ. We proclaim oneness, but our words and actions are divisive. 1Peter 2:16,17; As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. Sorry Aaron if I took that out of context :).

I borrowed the following paragraph. Overlooking that this guy is talking about the trinity, I liked the way he put this comment together so well, that I didn't think I could do it any better. The title to his commentary was... Many Voices, One God. His concept was good, but in the end,he failed to come to a proven ending. So, definitely taken out of it's intended context, I think I can fit this train of thought in here:   
There is much that we need to learn about the whole emphasis on unity, on oneness. How do you arrive at oneness by rejecting what does not belong? That's how we Christians have tried to achieve unity: arriving at truth by refutation. That's why we have so many heretics in our history. We want to say so many things are wrong in order to establish what we think is right. We cannot handle plurality. Plurality is a very big problem for the monotheistic religions..[insert Churches, Denominations here]

1Co 12:4-11  “But there are differences of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.  And there are differences of workings, but it is the same God working all things in all.  But to each one is given the showing forth of the Spirit to our profit. For through the Spirit is given to one a word of wisdom; and to another a word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit;  and to another faith by the same Spirit; and to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;  and to another workings of powers, to another prophecy; and to another discerning of spirits; and to another kinds of tongues; and to another the interpretation of tongues.  But the one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing separately to each one as He desires.”
The Douay-Rheims Bible substitutes the word gift for graces, which can put a little different interpretation on these verses....
4 Now there are diversities of graces, but the same Spirit;.....And God indeed hath set some in the church; first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly doctors; after that miracles; then the graces of healing, helps, governments, kinds of tongues, interpretations of speeches. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all doctors? 30 Are all workers of miracles? Have all the grace of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But be zealous for the better gifts. And I shew unto you yet a more excellent way.

A piece of fiction(also borrowed....
The story is told of Yuri Gagarin, the first Russian Cosmonaut and the first person to have gone into orbit and in outer space. When he came back to the earth, there was a reception for him in the Kremlin. During the course of the reception, Nikita Khrushchev, then the general secretary of the Communist Party and the head of state, slowly led him in the study and said, "Comrade Yuri, you are the first man to have gone into space. I want to ask you a question, and I want an honest answer from you. Out there in space, was there a heaven? Were there gates of pearl? Streets paved with gold? Angels? God? Did you see anything like that?" Yuri became very grave in his face and said, "Comrade, I cannot tell you the lie. Unfortunately, there is a heaven. I saw the gates of pearl and the angels there." Khrushchev said, "Well comrade, this is what I always feared. But you know that you cannot say this to anybody else, because the Communist Party depends on NOT having heaven up there." Then he was taken on a world tour to further propagate this great achievement of the Russian State. He also came to the Vatican, and he was given a reception in the Vatican and a private audience with the Pope. The Pope also took him aside and asked, "Brother Yuri, you are the first one to have gone into outer space. Now tell me, did you see a heaven and God and angels and Peter standing at the gates of pearl?" Yuri was reminded of the warning given by Khrushchev, so he said, "Holy Father, I am so sorry to tell you but there is no such thing up there." And the Pope said, "This is what I always feared. But you know you cannot talk about this outside."
 
 It is possible that we take a very narrow view when we adopt the sectarian blinders. I just hope that we haven't taken such a narrow minded view, and made ourselves so lofty, we are using our liberty for a cloak of maliciousness. I am particularly drawn to 1Cor 12, verse 31 here, where we are being told that if we seek better gifts, God will show us a better way.
  If you think I am trying to arrive at some misguided conclusion that gives me some particular wide birth to not living both a clean, and upright life, seeking God's will, I'm not.
 
Of late, everywhere I turn I see ladies that remind me of a lady of the church named Ramona(No, she can't possibly have that many sisters). There is something extraordinary in the appearance and modesty of this duplicated lady which sets her apart from the crowds. I have seen men which possess this appearance as well. Obviously Christian, no doubt. I have said before that the purity these people exude is a beautiful thing. The joy and liberty they have is enviable, and I believe that this setting apart is not due to some hobbling tutorship in doctrine, but as verse 31 says, they have sought better gifts, and have been shown a more excellent way, inclusively.  Your thoughts are always welcomed. 
 
 

Touch not; taste not; handle not;

Thought I'd lead off with this video I ran across while digging for something else (using God as an ATM machine). In light of some recent conversations, it was noteworthy enough that I wanted to post it here to get some input on this matter. It's been a while here since we put our brains and experiences together on an interesting subject. While some might disagree with Mr. McVey, I'd like a little more than "I disagree", please. Tell me why and what it is that doesn't sit well with you. I'd like to know.The subject matter is taken from Colossians 2. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,  http://bible.cc/colossians/2-20.htm
I know this is over 2000 years old. If it's not in context, or out of date and doesn't apply to us, tell me why you think so...