Mindfulness: Making Friends With Myself (A Meditation)

So, then, what is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is more than just being aware of what we are doing; it’s also an awareness of what we are thinking and feeling.

Mindfulness allows me to be aware when my mind keeps turning onto some well-worn karmic rut of worry or fear, inadequacy or pride.

I can still spend untold hours, days, or even weeks criticizing myself or justifying myself, blaming myself or blaming others. Yet I never would think of making a conscious decision to spend all that time enveloped in self-criticism or blame.

It seems like my thoughts and feelings are out of my control. Sometimes I notice that my whole day has an undercurrent of worry flowing through it. Worry may be telling me that some aspect of my life needs attention, yet the activity of spending the whole day endlessly replaying my fears is a useless waste of my energy and causes me considerable pain.

Through attention, being willingly and deliberately mindful, I can become aware of how much pain I am causing myself with my worrying. I then can also see that I have been choosing to worry and that I have a choice to let go of my worries and return my awareness to my present activity.

Mindfulness allows me to see that I can choose to turn toward something positive like trust rather than worry, choose to forgive rather than blame, choose faith rather than doubt.

If I feel despair, it is my choice if I allow myself to turn away from my faith and project a future without hope. And in each situation, if I am willing to really look, to see, the gift will appear. It has to. Nothing exists in a vacuum.

"By choice I become the conscious observer...of my life, my surroundings, my relationships. I watch to see when I step out of awareness and shift into automatic, allowing old habits to take over and control the situation. In that moment I say, 'Halt.' And I regain the command position. In doing so, my life is simpler, more satisfying, and I am in better relationship with my family, my friends, my colleagues, and the community in which I live. And most important, I am in grand relationship with myself."

Living In Pairs: How to Keep Your Relationship Humming Right Along!

Sometimes we wonder why our partner might wander or even consider wandering. It’s hard to read another person’s mind, but if you’re serious about keeping your current relationship on track and not becoming another ‘separation statistic,’ here are some powerful tips to help you keep it all humming…

•  Pay attention and be aware of your partner’s needs. Do your best to meet them without sacrificing your own integrity.
•  How did you behave when you were wooing your partner? Do those same things now.
•  Find ways to make sex more fun. Use your imagination. The brain is the largest and most powerful sex organ.
•  Look for and make opportunities to listen…and to talk when necessary.
•  Romance should never die. Send cards, gifts, flowers. Date again!
•  Avoid high-risk situations. Discuss this with your partner and ask him/her to do the same. You know what this means. Like not allowing yourself to be tempted…
•  Be polite. Say nice things both to and about your partner, in public, and privately.
•  Spend regular alone time together.
•  Greet your partner when he/she comes through the door. Don’t just take them for    granted.
•  Show how glad you are to see him/her. Do it with gusto, energy, sincerity.
•  Recommit to your shared values.  
•  Accept that you are responsible for your own well-being while at the same time allowing your partner to treat you well. And do the same in return.
•  Be proactive in nurturing your relationship. It’s the most important investment you’ll make. Give it the time and attention it truly deserves.
•  Look for a thousand ways to express appreciation and respect.
•  And let your partner know he/she is safe with you, including secrets, esteem issues, physical conditions, and spiritual challenges.

Relationships are never easy. But the more we commit to making them work, the better they’ll be and the more satisfied we’ll be.

Only you can decide if it’s worth it.

It is, right?

I Just Don’t Know, Or, When Ignorance Is A Blessing

The Mystery...

“The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.” -Stephen Hawking

Each morning, I wake up ignorant. And each morning, I say a word of gratitude for that amazing reality.

There was time, not too long ago, that I would have said it’s possible to actually know something about life, about the world, about the universe. Now I realize it’s a continual awakening, that every moment of existence presents new and powerful challenges to the status quo, to my personal view of things.

That’s how it should be. Anything less would be stagnation.

I sit in this room, in front of this computer, a very different person than I was even just a few short years ago. I think differently, I look differently, even my tastes in furniture and books and people have changed. If I were under a microscope, I could see myself changing. But I’m not, so I make an assumption. Hope I’m right.

As long as I draw breath, I will marvel at all that comes my way, mysterious though it is. Then, one day, I’ll simply close down, disappear. The journey will end and I will make room for all kinds of new.

And that will be much OK, too. The idea of eternal existence as the same person has never really appealed to me. I think, though, that the energy that made me what I am all these years will still be around. It was here to make me when I arrived, so why would I think it would just go poof? In some way, I will remain and maybe even rise again in some new form.

But I won’t know for certain that I’ve done it before. In fact, I won’t have done it before. It, I, the universe will all be brand new.

Such is life. Such is the Mystery.

“Today, I open my mind and my heart to whatever presents itself to me. And I will use it, even abuse it, but definitely release it as the day draws to a close. Whatever remains tomorrow, I will use again. And release again. And I will share myself with the world. I remain ‘eternally’ grateful.”

The Pope: God's Chosen, or Devil Incarnate?

Heresy of heresies...

The Protestant world has been calling the Papacy a grand and blasphemous heresy for centuries. This site will expose to you why such a call has been long and loud. Read it with a certain amount of detachment, if you can. It's detailed, extensive, and utterly amazing how determined the 'true' (read evangelical Protestant) church is to convince the world that the Roman Catholic Church is the spawn of Satan, The Book of Revelation's Whore of Babylon. Here's just a taste from the publisher of the site: 

"You will be genuinely shocked at what the author unveils! The first study gives ample Biblical as well as historic proof that the Apostle Peter could not possibly have been the first pope. I do allude to this reality in many areas on my site already using similar facts. However, I do appreciate the way this study puts all that data in one place. If you have not the time to read it all, suffice it to say there are two verses in the Word of God that expose this Vatican lie with childlike ease....."

So, get a glass of wine, a bit of cracker (or whatever), click on the link just below this line, and have a very good, and hopefully, enlightening read...

The REAL First Pope

Rattling Chains: The Art--and Joy--of Being the Best Heretic Ever!

Burning the certainty....

Sheepwalk: The practice of following blindly

Heresy: Unorthodoxy; any opinions or doctrines at variance with the official or orthodox position. A belief that rejects the orthodox tenets of a religion.

Heresy is my very favorite word and I do everything I can to make sure I practice it well…and with regularity. Am I the only one? I think not.

All of the religions of the world have groups within them that could be accurately called heretics. Many Catholics roundly criticize the heresy known as the Assumption of Mary. And, since the Vatican supports this dogma, those who call it heresy are themselves called heretics.

(In case you didn't know, the Assumption of Mary dogma is not Biblical, as most Catholics and all Protestants know. And for those of you who aren't aware of what it even is, it's simple: Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken bodily into heaven and never experienced earthly death. She remained a virgin her entire life and is considered sinless.)

The Holy Rollers (I can use that term; I used to be one of them!) are called heretics by the conservative Protestant churches. The Jehovah’s Witnesses are called heretics by almost all of the rest of Christendom; so are the Mormons. Methodists are verging on heresy if you’re a Southern Baptist. And Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, and all the other Orthodoxes have their lists of heresies as well. 

And, of course, ultra-conservative fundamentalist Far Right Christians, both in the U.S. and around the world, consider ALL other forms of Christianity as either heresy or bordering on it.

A Course In Miracles: Truth, Cult, or Something Else?

Some say The Course is blasphemy; others say it saved their life...

Are you a student of ACIM, or have been curious about it? About three and a half years ago, I wrote a short article on the Course for HubPages, an article submission site, and the comments continue to show up even to this day. It has received many views and is likely the most read of the articles I have submitted to the site. Here's the link to the article if you want to check it out and see what people have to say about it...

http://richardspeaks.hubpages.com/hub/A-Course-In-Miracles-Truth-or-Cult-A-Student-Responds

What Bill Cosby Thinks of the World and Why He's Glad He's Almost Done

(I found this posted to my Facebook page and thought it would be fun to share it here. Give it a read, see what you think--agree or disagree--and share your comments. Thanks.)

Bill Cosby says,  "I'm 83 and Tired."

Except for brief period in the 50's when I was doing my National Service, I've worked hard since I was 17. Except for some serious health challenges, I put in 50-hour weeks, and didn't call in sick in nearly 40 years. I made a reasonable salary, but I didn't inherit my job or my income, and I worked to get where I am. Given the economy, it looks as though retirement was a bad idea, and I'm tired. Very tired.

I'm tired of being told that I have to "spread the wealth" to people who don't have my work ethic. I'm tired of being told the government will take the money I earned, by force if necessary, and give it to people too lazy to earn it.

I'm tired of being told that Islam is a "Religion of Peace," when every day I can read dozens of stories of Muslim men killing their sisters, wives and daughters for their family "honor"; of Muslims rioting over some slight offense; of Muslims murdering Christian and Jews because they aren't "believers"; of Muslims burning schools for girls; of Muslims stoning teenage rape victims to death for "adultery"; of Muslims mutilating the genitals of little girls; all in the name of Allah, because the Qur'an and Shari'a law tells them to.

I'm tired of being told that out of "tolerance for other cultures" we must let Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries use our oil money to fund mosques and Madrasa Islamic schools to preach hate in Australia, New Zealand, [the] UK, America, and Canada while no one from these countries [is] allowed to fund a church, synagogue or religious school in Saudi Arabia or any other Arab country to teach love and tolerance.

I'm tired of being told I must lower my living standard to fight global warming, which no one is allowed to debate.

I'm tired of being told that drug addicts have a disease, and I must help support and treat them, and pay for the damage they do. Did a giant germ rush out of a dark alley, grab them, and stuff white powder up their noses or stick a needle in their arm while they tried to fight it off?

I'm tired of hearing wealthy athletes, entertainers and politicians of all parties talking about innocent mistakes, stupid mistakes or youthful mistakes, when we all know they think their only mistake was getting caught. I'm tired of people with a sense of entitlement, rich or poor.

I'm really tired of people who don't take responsibility for their lives and actions. I'm tired of hearing them blame the government, or discrimination or big-whatever for their problems.

I'm also tired and fed up with seeing young men and women in their teens and early 20's bedeck themselves in tattoos and face studs, thereby making themselves unemployable and claiming money from the government.

Yes, I'm damn tired. But I'm also glad to be 83. Because, mostly, I'm not going to have to see the world these people are making. I'm just sorry for my granddaughter and their children.

Thank God I'm on the way out and not on the way in.

(Ed. Note: I agree with Mr. Cosby in principle on just about every issue he mentions here, except the one about being glad he's on his way out. I think there's still hope. I'd like to be around long enough to see what may happen. You?)

Holy Double Deity, Batman! The Many Gods Of The Bible

Psalms 82:1: “God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods…” and Psalms 86:8: “Among the gods [there is] none like unto thee, O Lord; neither [are there any works] like unto thy works.” KJV

Is there more than one god mentioned in the Bible? Seems the answer is a very loud YES! Here's a list. Now, don't call me a heretic or blasphemer or such. I'm just showing you what the Bible has to say on the subject. Ready? 

Thanks to The Atheist Foundation, Australia www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=878 

Adrammelech II Kings 17:31 Sepharvite God. Anammelech II Kings 17:31 Sepharvite God. Ashima II Kings 17:30 Samaritan Moon Goddess. Ashtoreth I Kings 11:05 Canaanite Goddess. Baal I Kings 18:19 Canaanite God ("Lord") of fertility, vegitation, and storms. Baal-berith Judges 8:33 A regional variation/aspect of Baal. Baal-peor Numbers 25:03 Moabite regional variation/aspect of Baal. Baal-zebub Luke 11:19 Philistine/Ekronian regional variation/aspect of Baal. Baalim I Kings 18:18 Canaanite Gods ("Lords"), a collective of the different aspects of Baa. Bel Isiah 46:01 Assyrian/Babylonian/Sumerian God ("Lord"). Chemosh I Kings 11:07 Moabite war God. Dagon I Samuel 05:02 Philistine/Ekronian/Babylonian God of agriculture. Diana of the Ephesians Acts 19:35 Ephesian moon and nature Goddess ("Divine/Brilliant"). Jehovah Exodus 6:03 Hebrew God Jupiter Acts 14:12 Roman God (possibly derived from 'Zeus-pater', Father Zeus). Lucifer Isiah 14:12 ("Light-Bearer") Mercurius Acts 14:12 Otherwise known as the Roman God Mercury, God of communication and travel, and messenger of the Gods...which is probably why Paul was called this at Lystra. Milcom I Kings 11:05 Ammonite God Molech I Kings 11:07 Ammonite God, also called Moloch, most probably Baal-Hammon of Carthage. Nebo Isiah 46:01 Assyrian/Babylonian/Chaldean God of wisdom and writing, also called Nabu. Nergal II Kings 17:30 Cuth/Assyrian/Babylonian war and underworld God, also called Meshlamthea. Nibhaz II Kings 17:31 Avites God Nisroch II Kings 19:37 Assyrian God Rimmon II Kings 05:18 Babylonian/Syrian storm God involved (as Ramman) with the Deluge, according to Hebrew texts; also known as Ramman/Rammon. Succoth-benoth II Kings 17:30 Babylonian fertility Goddess ("She Who Produces Seed"), also known as Zarpanitu/Zerpanitum. Tammuz Ezekial 8:14 Assyrian/Babylonian God Tartak II Kings 17:31 Avites God

Deep Hate and How to End It (Part II)

YOU hold the key...

So you think you have no real power in this world?

Think again. It's because of people like you that the world hasn't totally imploded. And you are needed now more than ever. Don't let your sense of smallness stop you from changing the world. Step into the role you've always known was yours to fulfill. Read on and save the world!

You play a major part in the healing of the world. In fact, without you, we may well go down the tubes. But you won't let that happen. You will take it upon yourself to help the world open its collective eyes, minds, and hearts. You won't do it by trying to shove your religious beliefs down our throats; rather, you will reach out your hand to us in love (respect) and a sincere desire to help. And you will do it in four simple steps. Again, not necessarily easy steps, but simple nonetheless.

First, you will take charge. You will quit listening to the voices of fear, apathy, and selfishness that tend to clap around your inner and outer ears, telling you that you can do nothing to help this useless species called Human. You’ll quit giving into the habits of laziness and sloth. Oh, you have those habits, if you're totally honest. But they don't have to be your dictators.

Second, you will take responsibility. You are a member of the human family. What happens to one happens to all. Pain, suffering, cruelty, no matter where they happen in the world, are part of your personal legacy. If you want them to stop, you must be willing to place yourself squarely in the middle of the fray. You are related to all of us.

Third, you will take action. This may be the simplest of all. If you knew how many organizations and groups of all sizes need your help, you would quit the excuse making and be out there everyday, literally saving the world. Everything—from environmental causes to political action groups—is clamoring for your attention. Raise your intellectual and emotional radar, and the right group will show itself. If you're already involved, intensify!

And finally, you will take heart. Remember, the world only seems to be falling apart.

Hear this: Currently (2013), the average age in the U.S. is 75-80 years. At the turn of the 20th century, it was less than 50. Today we have medicines and surgeries and psychological services that save many more lives than at any time in history. We know how to feed ourselves better. We are actually doing something about the environment. (It may not seem or sound like it, but the collective mind is opening.) Even the poorer nations of the world are getting more attention.

There's a long way to go, but that's why you're here. Mind you, nothing is yet perfected. Nothing is completely whole nor the work finished. We have much ahead of us. And we are up for the challenge, terrorism not withstanding.

One day, Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and even atheist will recognize our common humanity and end the conflicts that have kept us at each other's throats for millennia. We have it within our power right now, this minute, to create the world that the Mahatma Gandhi spoke of. And he also said that we must be the change we would see in the world. It rests upon our shoulders. Nothing else will do it for us. And each individual is essential.

Take it upon yourself to save the world. And I will, too. Together, we will make a real difference. Don't let doubt keep you from the task. The world needs you. You are the key. You are the one. If you’ve been called for anything, it is this. After all…

Who are you not to be great?

Deep Hate and How to End It (Part I)

Hate is a strong emotion--stronger than most when it goes deep. It can move individuals, groups, nations to carry out unimaginable destruction and grief. It already has, down through the centuries. It continues today--in the forms of terrorism, racism, sexism, homophobia, child abuse, gun abuse, and more.

Those of us who consider ourselves civilized have good reason to be scared. It seems as though there is nothing we can do to halt the growing menace. Our police seem weak, our governments impotent, our borders unprotected, and more and more 'unbalanced' individuals are armed with high powered weapons fit for the military. 

What hope is there?

There's more than hope. And in this two-part series, you’ll discover how you can help bring hatred to its knees. You can and must play a major role in bringing sanity back to an insane world. You have it within you and around you to save this planet and her people, her creatures, her resources. But will you? Or will you succumb to the fear? No need. You will now have the tools to turn on the light.

You probably live in a city or town that has community access TV channels. In my city, there are several.

The other night, I was flipping through the channels and happened upon a weird little program put on by the so-called Aryan Nation. This white guy, around 30, was spouting about how the White race is superior, how he hated Hispanics and Jews in particular, and what we needed to do to get rid of "the pests." He didn't come right out and advocate murder and terrorism, but it was definitely implied.

The guy claimed that the White race had given all its best stuff—technology, literature, music, art—to the inferior races of Asia, Africa and South America. And they had used it all against us.

What?

Hating in the Name of the Lord

This showed up on my Facebook page. I was a bit stunned that this "Dr. Linda Roberts," who claims to be a god-fearing Christian, would write such drivel. But, those sort of folks are still out there, it would appear. 

I share this for two reasons...

First, hatred is still alive and well in the United States. It can only be conquered, not by more hatred, but by compassion. Compassion means action, which is much more than just a feeling of sympathy or even empathy. True compassion is action, and in this case, it means sharing yourself in positive ways with the world. It's doing the least harm and the most good. 

To serve is to win. Period.

Second, I posted this because according to some of my conservative friends, the attitude displayed in the above poster runs rampant among Far Right and ultra conservative political players at all levels of government. Watch them closely. They once caused a civil war in the U.S. If this attitude really is as prevalent as I'm told, another civil war is not necessarily out of the question.

The world is not the same place it was in the 1950s. And neither is the U.S. Please, people. Come out of the darkness. Realize that we all rise, or fall, together. 

"Love one another, even as I have loved you." Jesus

P.S. Roberts' Twitter handle: @godslandgodslaw

Christmas--The Most Pagan of Holidays

It’s this simple… 

Christmas is a stolen holiday. That’s right. It was stolen centuries ago from the pagans by the Catholic Church. Why? Because the newly converted Christians were resistant to giving up their old ways. That’s why the tree, the elves, and the presents came along with the Mass.

So, when you’re sitting around, opening gifts, singing carols, and drinking nog, remember: You owe the whole thing to the world of paganism.

Happy holidays!

In Support of Marriage Equality

So, Christian, what does your Bible say about the way you treat gay people?

"Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law" (Romans 13:10). 

So, love neighbor as self, said Jesus. On this hangs the entire Law.

Let this be a wake-up call. Support marriage equality.

From Clutter to Clarity: Recognizing Your Inner Voice

The Still, Small Voice: Can you hear it?

The true temple is your mind, your heart...

“To say that God is angry with us instead of regarding us with love and compassion is the greatest of blasphemies.” Joseph Murphy “How to Use the Laws of Mind”

Do you know when that “still, small voice within” is speaking to you, or are you distracted by all the outer voices, sounds, and noises that surround you on a daily basis? Sometimes we think we hear that Voice, but are we certain? Here are three ways to know:

1. The Inner Voice does not condemn. Never listen to anyone that tells you you’re a worthless sinner, be it priest, minister, rabbi, mullah, or your mother!

2. The Inner Voice does not criticize. Never listen to people who speak badly of others. They’ll do the same about you when you’re not around!

3. The Inner Voice does not compare. Never listen to anyone (including yourself) who puts you down for any reason, even if “it’s for your own good.” It’s almost always for THEIR own good, anyway.

God On Shaky Ground: A Very Different View Of The Guy In The Sky

Oh, no! More heresy... 

Here’s something you may not know. The word “God” is not found in Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek or Latin Bibles. It’s uncertain but the word may derive from old Indo-European languages, particularly Persian and might possibly come from Pagan sources.

The name of God, biblically speaking, has been a source of disagreement for centuries. The word God is not really a proper noun; rather, it is a title. For the most part, that symbol has been applied to an enigma: a loving, caring Creator/Father, as well as a vengeful, jealous and seemingly power hungry dictator. To name, then, is to seek to define, and hence, to limit by the definition. Christ (anointed), Buddha (awakened), Prophet (news bearer)—all titles, not names. A capital letter does not a deity make!

Now, it’s not necessary to give up the word. But it is important to remember to see it as a symbol, not a name. In my life, I now use the word God to represent Mystery, the Source of All That Is, the Ultimate Unnameable, Undefined, Unlimited, and Everywhere Present. 

• God as Experience. As I walk through the world, I am constantly reminded of the Presence by what I see, feel, taste, smell, touch.  Everything is a miracle. My experience is the way God experiences this small portion of the universe. 
• God as Relationship. I recognize not only the Presence of God in the world, but the immanent presence of God in my life. God isn't a unique and separate entity. God is the very essence of my being. I not only stand in the Presence of God, I am the Presence of God, standing. I am a single point of consciousness in the Infinite Consciousness. I am connected to everything. Forever.
• The most reviled claim of all: I am the Mystery, I am the Experience, I am God in Expression. And so are you. There is no separation between the Creator and the Created.

Deny it, reject it, believe as you choose. Still, God as described by the religions is probably weak at best, delusional at worst. You now have a choice to see it differently.

One Power, One Presence, One Energy, One Reality, One Life, and that Life is your life, my life. Right Now.

"There are only two feelings--love and fear. There are only two languages--love and fear. There are only two activities--love and fear. There are only two motives, two procedures, two frameworks, two results--love and fear. Choose today which one you will serve." (Attributed to Australian cartoonist Michael Leunig)

What, Then, Is Truth?

“Hear those who say they seek truth; run from those who say they’ve found it.” An Old Philosopher’s Quote. . .

When you say you seek Truth, are you ready to accept it from wherever it comes and follow it wherever it leads you? If you only want to justify your own agendas, or dogmas, you are not seeking Truth, but false comfort. 

There are plenty of old books and bibles that others will tell you teach Truth. But do they, really? Maybe, maybe not. So, while you seek, also practice. And the best practice? Well, this should do for starters:

Do the least harm and the most good.

That may not be Ultimate Truth. But it will certainly do until the Ultimate comes along. And it is enough challenge for a lifetime. 

Agreed?

Service: The Heart of Christianity, The Heart of Faith Itself...

It's simple, it's clear, it's spot on...   

Matthew 22:36-40

 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Love is not simply a feeling; it's action. 

What Was The Greatest Commandment Again? Oh, Yeah, That One...

Lots of anger and argue around the whole gay marriage thing. Many Christians are up in arms. So, just to let them know that I understand, I simply remind them of this passage from the Gospel of Matthew. If you're living up to it, fine. If not, you might want to reconsider your relationship with Spirit and with the world...

Matthew 22:36-40

King James Version (KJV)

³⁶ Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
³⁷ Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
³⁸ This is the first and great commandment.
³⁹ And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
⁴⁰ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.


Read this passage again and again and again until it sinks in. This is what you claim is your truth. 


Let it be, then. 

Marriage According to the Bible: It's Not What You Think!

Before you rise up and take a stand in favor of the Biblical rules for marriage, read this and be afraid. Be very afraid...


"Let us be thankful for the fools; but for them the rest of us could not succeed." Mark Twain

You've heard it on TV and radio, you've read it in the papers. The former Republican administration made it clear that it wanted to set a Biblical standard for marriage, that is, the joining in holy and legal matrimony of one man and one woman. Even the current president, Barak Obama, is not ready to grant full marriage equality to all people in the U.S.

OK, fine. Then let's see what the Bible has to say about it.

The following is from a U-U (Unitarian-Universalist) minister in Massachusetts:

IN DEFENSE OF BIBLICAL MARRIAGE

The Presidential Prayer Team (under George W. Bush) is currently urging us to "Pray for the President as he seeks wisdom on how to legally codify the definition of marriage. Pray that it will be according to Biblical principles. With many forces insisting on variant definitions of marriage, pray that God's Word and His standards will be honored by our government."

Any good religious person believes prayer should be balanced by action. So here, in support of the Prayer Team's admirable goals, is a proposed Constitutional Amendment codifying marriage entirely on Biblical principles:

A. Marriage in the United States shall consist of a union between one man and one or more women (Genesis 29:17-28; II Samuel 3:2-5).

B. Marriage shall not impede a man's right to take concubines in addition to his wife or wives (II Samuel 5:13; I Kings 11:3; II Chronicles 11:21).

C. A marriage shall be considered valid only if the wife is a virgin. If the wife is not a virgin, she shall be executed (Deuteronomy 22:13-21).

D. Marriage of a believer and a non-believer shall be forbidden (Genesis 24:3; Numbers 25:1-9; Ezra 9:12; Nehemiah 10:30).

E. Since marriage is for life, neither this Constitution nor the constitution of any state, nor any state or federal law, shall be construed to permit divorce (Deuteronomy 22:19; Mark 10:9).

F. If a married man dies without children, his brother shall marry the widow. If he refuses to marry his brother's widow or deliberately does not give her children, he shall pay a fine of one shoe and be otherwise punished in a manner to be determined by law (Genesis 38:6-10; Deuteronomy 25:5-10).

G. In lieu of marriage, if there are no acceptable men in your town, it is required that you get your father drunk and have sex with him (even if he previously offered you up as a sex toy to men young and old), tag-teaming with any sisters you may have. Of course, this rule applies only if you are female (Genesis 19:31-36).

---------

There you have it, people. All the reasons you need to turn marriage into the nightmare you never knew it could be.

Keep religion out of all forms of government. It is not a good mix.