Seems like a good time to simply say ‘thanks.’ Maybe you have received your year-end stats from WP, (first time for me ) and that is one slick summary. Short and sweet. WP with all its bumps, is still better than most.
(www.freerepublic.com)
To those of you who take the time to read anything I have posted, ‘thank you.’ It is a huge compliment for as you know, there are tens of thousands of places we can visit. When you actually read a piece, and thoughtfully consider what is said, then take the time to post a comment, hit ‘send,’ I am impressed, and do not take you lightly.
Far too often your comment is better than the post, may be the spark for a good thread, and that is cool, just like an old flannel shirt. Follows are also not taken for granted, and re-blogs are just off the charts awesome, and to be a part of your blogroll, well, that’s a horse of a different color. To each and every one, thanks.
It is difficult to say thanks to they who find fault with everything I say, but hey, that’s not an insult directed at me, and I see that. I say without embarrassment and in full confidence that every man KNOWS there is a God, and this little seed provides dialogue with those ‘across the aisle.’
Thank you for the ‘likes’ too. Many times we simply want to send back a ‘nice,’ ‘oh yea,’ ‘well done,’ ‘here’s a wink,’ but don’t have time, or feel no need to comment. If you are shy in the least because of the comments of others, don’t be! Your two-word post is just as valuable and appreciated, and two words turn into four, then a paragraph, etc. Have something to say, say it.
As to the liberties enjoyed here, I have said that I do not care to be a moderator. But my place is not a dump site for everything under the sun. Pornographic comments mocking God and vids trashing Him? Don’t bother. The ropes of liberty have been very l o n g, but there is this thing called ‘taking unnecessary advantage of grace.’
So here’s to the readership: a glass is raised TO YOU, hoping the very best of 2015 for you and yours:
If you are a believer, I wish God’s richest blessing and inspiration upon your own site, that you continually are the blessing that you are right now,
and if you are not a believer, I wish you also the very best of new years, and that your prospering will give you eyes to see the Creator of all, as well as the Lord of Redemption.
Thank you, and happy new year
ColorStorm
The Lions Den 
You have quite a nice blog, Colorstorm. Keep up the good work, some of us need a bit of fresh air now and then 😉
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Thank you kindly-
blessings to you
(Fresh air? Terri Gross- NPR, see what I mean, some comments are better than the post )
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I host my own site so I don’t their stats report 😦
Hope you are enjoying the holidays brother. 🙂
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There was supposed to be a “get” in that first sentence 😀
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Thank you Tirubulus!!
May the true Lord above continue to be your portion and re-reward.
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Thank you, Colorstorm! Lord bless you!
Maria
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Maria!
Long time. Tkx for popping by, and I added a thought about the ‘blogroll,’ because you reminded me….back atcha,
all the best,
and hoping the finest of 2015
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thank you!
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Yay! Hats off to you for being awesome. To the next year!
Blessings.
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L’chaim!
sve najbolje!
Cheers!
or just simply, back atcha!
All the best to you Louis, and I’m sending (hoping) you double the blessings. 😉
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Thanks!
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You get extra points for your post’s picture. Excellent choice.
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Extra points? Good I need them, ’cause my tally is always lessened by visits from the A-team. 😉
Some would dare try to steal from us what they cannot have.
But to you and yours:
Happy new year and the very best in the Lord
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Thank you and Happy New to you and yours! Yes, he’s one of my heroes.
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OOPS! I replied AS my husband (below) …we share a computer and I didn’t notice he was signed in….sorry. Ronald Reagan is one of MY heroes!
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It’s all good madblog-
have the very best of new years!!
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Any chance I could get some bacon and eggs to go with that toast – maybe a little coffee? Oh, and far too many people only half-butter a piece of toast, make sure you bring the butter all the way over to the edge – thanks —
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And here I thought I was serving u all along arcH, far far better than eggs that perish.
So then would you prefer honey on that toast? If so, there is a post about bees…;)
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No honey for me, thanks – I’m sweet enough as it is. And I would much rather have eggs than whatever it is you’re dishing out. I don’t find fantasy very nourishing.
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CS – you are kind and gracious. I hope 2015 brings you time to sit at the feet of the King, drinking deep of His Word so you can continue to grow in knowledge of truth and share what He is teaching you with all of us!! Happy New Year!!
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Your comment is well, just fantastic Betty 😉
God’s word is good, and His grace perfect. All the best to you as well in 2015
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ColorStorm…and all the others hanging around here. Happy New year to you all…and thanks for the great welcome you have all given me as a newbie in the blogging world. I can’t even tell you all what a great blessing and privilege this has been.
And all you..um…other guys hanging around(you know who you are)..Happy one to yall too..just for the record…I certainly don’t wish you any ill will..only the best…and that’s Jesus Christ.
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Yes, a lot of new aquaintances shall not be forgotten…..and bless God as our faith is increased.
back atcha Wally-
hoping the very best of new years.,
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I did enjoyed reading your blog this year!
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tkx u very much Jim.
all the best in ’15
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And I enjoyed laughing at it!
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Says the guy who’s betting his life on a concept he can’t even define 😀
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In your opinion. How does that differ from betting your life on a religious fairy tale?
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Great new blog! Thank you for posting your thoughts.
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Would that be Thomas Paine? THE Thomas Paine, who wrote:
You’re looking good for your age, Tom!
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Thanks, Tom – I’ll check it out, most likely the day after New Years.
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Paine was a deist. Understandable in his day and age.
But your claim that he was ”wrong” is an unsubstantiated piece of nonsense.
Unless, of course, you are able to provide verifiable evidence that your god, the biblical character, Jesus of Nazareth is the creator god you genuflect to?
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Without proof, you believe there is no God. So I find your request for proof, difficult to understand. In any event, if you want verifiable evidence, you already have it. You just have to set aside your pride and accept it.
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“Without proof, you believe there is no God.” – I suspect that’s an incorrect assumption. It has been my observation that Ark believes nothing until he sees a preponderance of evidence that something is so. I’m sure that if anyone were to offer that, he would certainly take it into consideration – so far, no one has.
“…if you want verifiable evidence, you already have it. You just have to set aside your pride and accept it.” – I didn’t see that – so far this blogsite has been one of supposition and wishful thinking. Who actually posted verifiable evidence on THIS blogsite? I certainly haven’t seen it! Point it out to me, so I can verify it.
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Archx1-
Sorry Tom, just wanted to ask a question, and Archx1 feel free to address CT w/answer.
What PROOF would you accept as justification for bowing your entire allegiance at the feet of the Creator and true God.
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“What PROOF would you accept as justification for bowing your entire allegiance at the feet of the Creator and true God.” – Why, what do you got? More scripture to fling? It would be nice if he’d pop in some Friday evening after work, to have a cold one with me – think if you prayed real hard, you could pull that off? You should probably get started, this could take a while —
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Proofs are generally the preserve of mathematicians.
I asked for verifiable evidence that the biblical character, Jesus of Nazareth is the creator god you genuflect to, that’s all.
What has pride got to do with anything?
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Sorry, my comment was chopped short.
Where is this verifiable evidence you say I have?
Please can you identify it.
Thanks.
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That statement is a good indication of how badly we have educated our young for decades. Mathematics is just a modelling tool that uses simple abstractions to model what we see in the “real world.” Mathematical proofs just prove that a mathematical model is consistent with the abstract assumptions upon which it is based. What such proofs prove is that an abstract concept is “true.” Only in the abstract doe 2 + 2 = 4 (http://citizentom.com/2008/06/22/what-is-mathematical-proof-does-2-2-4/)
Scientists use mathematics to model the “real world.” What scientists do is create models they call theories. These models exist to portray cause and effect relationships. The better the models predict what happens in the “real world” the better the theory works. Nevertheless, it is foolhardy to say we “understand” much of anything. For example, without understanding them at all, we model the effect of gravitational forces on masses. Thus, we can predict the course of a spaceship, but we have no real explanation as to why objects are attracted to each other. We just have more and more questions.
What is the limitation? Mathematical abstractions are imaginary. Consider. If I say a line is defined by two points, what does that mean. Do perfectly straight, infinite lines exist in nature? Do indivisible points? Then what makes any proof in mathematics superior to this observation?
We live in an age when like no others before us we can see and hear the glory of God’s creation. With telescopes we can see into the heavens. With microscopes we can delve into the substance of things, and still we are not filled with the wonder of the One who made it all. Instead, we puff ourselves up with our puny accomplishments and the degree of our understanding. When we should be awed by what is self-evident, set in splendor right in front of us, we demand proof of the existence a Being far beyond any conception of our finite imaginations. When we obviously could not understand the explanation, we still posses the lunatic temerity to demand that God explain Himself. Why? The answer is pride.
Anyway, on my blog, I provide my own reasons for believing in the salvation offered by Jesus Christ. Here are some of my favorites.
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Well, this is merely a tract of presuppositional waffle. that plainly indicates to the impartial reader that you may be an indoctrinated fundamentalist ignoramus.
So, I will ask again, if you have verifiable evidence that your man god, the biblical character, Jesus of Nazareth, is the universe creator you genuflect to, then please produce it.
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“With telescopes we can see into the heavens. With microscopes we can delve into the substance of things, and still we are not filled with the wonder of the One who made it all.” – That could well be because when viewed as a magical creation by prestidigitator Yahweh, it’s really rather “Ho-Hum” – I mean, if his billing on the marquee is that he could do ANYthing, why should we be surprised? But to know that it all arose naturally, now THAT’s amazing!
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CT-
A well thought out and written mosaic of facts and truth here .Tkx. Its helpful to me also.
Some time ago you posted the account of the college professor questioning students about God, and one student made a defense re. heat, cold (absence not opposite) light, darkness, etc. was wondering if u would like to link that.
Not in the context of ‘boasting’ of course, but it may help the perplexities of others.
Or I could suggest it be read at your place, I just don’t know what its called.
All the best
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Ark
The rapidity and brevity of your response speaks for itself. Other than worthless criticism, what have you offered?
As a critic you may for a time be the center of attention. Then what?
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If your are making a positive claim then provide positive verifiable evidence.
Don’t ask me what I would accept, you back your claim.
Stop waffling, strap on a pair and step up to the plate.
Just for once, it would be nice for a believer to have the balls and the integrity to meet the challenge rather than resorting to piss willy scriptural tomes and book length tracts of philosophy.
Do you have the integrity I wonder?
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Arkenaten-
A neutral person or an entire uninterested panel of people, who after reading YOUR comments, and the comments of CT, would come to the unbiased conclusion, without ambiguity or ‘wondering,’ as to your ‘integrity’ concern.
(honor, virtue, decency, etc.) just sayin
.
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“…just sayin…” – and sayin, and sayin, and sayin, without anyone actually “sayin” anything! Where’s the verifiable evidence I was promised?
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You, CS have no integrity whatsoever, and are the last person I would even consider to provide evidence.
Okay, maybe that’s a bit harsh. Ken Ham ranks below you and probably William Lane Craig.
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But not by much —
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I find it strange, Tommy, that you still haven’t answered his question —
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Ark
Here is where you stand at your greatest disadvantage. I know the extent of my integrity, and I consider myself fortunate I do not have to justify myself before God based upon my own integrity. I accept the fact Jesus died for my sins, that His integrity has become my shield.
You ask me to back my claims, but where do you stand? On Truth? What Truth? You demand proof, but what proof would you accept? We both know the answer, don’t we? Therefore, your question is disingenuous, and it speaks poorly of your standard for integrity.
Because perfect proof is not attainable, we must accept some things on faith. Until we are willing to let go of our pride, we cannot do that.
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Translation, Ark:
“Because perfect proof is not attainable, we must accept some things on gullibility. Until we are willing to let go of our intellect, we cannot do that.“
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In other words you are simply yet another indoctrinated fundamentalist ignoramus who thinks that trying to bamboozle the poor atheist makes you look smart.
Oh, dear.
I used to refer to people of your ilk as Dickheads, but I have eschewed this these days as a waste of a very good epithet. And you, sir, aren;t even worth that.
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“yet another indoctrinated fundamentalist ignoramus who thinks that trying to bamboozle the poor atheist makes you look smart.” – Speaking of bamboozle, not a word often heard these days:
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archaeopteryx1
Thomas Paine died many years ago. God is his judge, not me.
In many respects Paine live a honorable and courageous life. Rather than copy what he did that was wrong, I would prefer to imitate what he did that was right. Therefore, if I think poorly of what Paine had to say about Moses, why would I want to pointlessly rail against Paine. And why do you insist upon tempting me to do such a thing?
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“And why do you insist upon tempting me to do such a thing?” – I love cherry cordials, can, and HAVE, eaten them by the boxful – where does the temptation lie, with the candy-maker, or with me?
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archaeopteryx1
It occurs to me that you don’t realize the significance of what you said.
If it is more amazing (or difficult) to believe that creation just happened “naturally” than it is to be believe God created the universe, then why would you believe that creation just happened naturally? Do you now do you get the point of Romans 1:18-23?
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“If it is more amazing (or difficult) to believe that creation just happened ‘naturally’ than it is to be believe God created the universe, then why would you believe that creation just happened naturally?” – What a bizarre question! M. C. Escher etchings constantly amaze me, which, by your logic, means I should stop viewing them and instead concentrate on the works of someone more predictable, say Grandma Moses. With a thinking process like that, it becomes easier to see why you’re unable to come up with the verifiable evidence you promised.
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ColorStorm
Here is the post I think you are interested in. You are welcome to make whatever use of it you think appropriate.
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Ark
Archx1
David,
and to anybody interested in a good conversation concerning science and faith,
and to whosoever will………………..
Take a look at this link
This account should be considered before man and conscience. After all, What is man?
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I recall that old meme from years ago, when it was much shorter and far less tedious. In fact, theists who are trying to reach young people, who today, more than ever, are leaving the churches in droves, decided to use this weak anecdote to build an entire movie around it, which they did, starring that guy who played Hercules on TV – guess he hasn’t had much luck finding work lately, and will take any role he can get.
Interestingly, the author has his character say, “God did not create evil.” Sadly, his god would disagree: “I make peace and create evil: I the Lord do all these things.” (Isiah, 45:7)
I also found it interesting, as to how accurate he could be in saying that cold is the absence of heat, but when it came to evil, it wasn’t that evil was the absence of good, it was the absence of god – and this, without any premise-building evidence that a god exists, or in fact which god he’s referring to.
Your fascination for shiny things, CS, never ceases to amuse me.
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http://thenakedtruth2.wordpress.com/2014/12/30/heres-a-toast-to-you/comment-page-1/#comment-2692
archaeopteryx1 says:
January 1, 2015 at 4:11 am
In your opinion.
Until I see a definition that is not an opinion. We already have one discussion going at Violet’s place where you have consistently added nothing beyond juvenile vitriol. No need to start another one here huh Bub? My fault.
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I gave you a definition – if you don’t like it, sounds to me like a personal problem. What happened, did CS email you and whimper, “T, Arch and Ark are kicking my butt with FACTS – can you believe that, FACTS! Please come and help me!”?
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He didn’t email me at all. I get the auto notifications from this blog. You have no idea what a fact is Arch. Anymore than you do probability.
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“You have no idea what a fact is Arch. Anymore than you do probability.” – I know enough to know that that’s an opinion, not a fact. At least I don’t live, like you and CS, in the “Twilight Zone.”
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Archx1-
It is rather revealing of your hinting of me ‘phoning a friend’ for help. It shows you have unwarranted suspicions. No cause, no merit, absolutely no basis in reality, so one could logically conclude that you are equally suspect regarding your other assumptions: Let’s just say the primal one: ‘There is no God.’ ,
And oh, by the way, this coming from a person who has made a record 229 comments in a short time. Rather eventful eh; as one could draw conclusions as to such activity.
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“There is no God.” – I’ve never said that – I’ve said that there is no evidence that there is a god, and have begged you to show it to me – extraneous of the circular reasoning that comes from the Bible, of course.
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Sorry Archx1-
Other than the universe above, and the earth beneath, and all that is; and everything which points to design and intelligence,,
and of course the scriptures which confirm nature and creation,
I can’t offer you any proof,
unless of course you would want to listen to your own conscience….Now there’s a thought.
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“Other than the universe above, and the earth beneath, and all that is; and everything which points to design and intelligence” – That is purely subjective opinion, a case of assigning agency where there is none. So I guess you’re telling everyone that you have no objective evidence that a god exists. Good to know.
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Perfect example u gave there archx1 of willful misinterpretation.
Here I’ll translate:
‘Other than the obvious, yes there is no evidence.’
So you are back to square one: the fool says in his heart: ‘there is no God.’
You see, its not a matter of IS there a God, you know there IS, you simply deny it by the overwhelming evidence called LIFE.
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“So you are back to square one: the fool says in his heart: ‘there is no God.’” – Says what? The Bible? Circular reasoning.
“You see, its not a matter of IS there a God, you know there IS” – No, I don’t – now you’re trying to tell me what I think? What I know? You just can’t believe that there could be those who simply have no belief in this obscure little desert god, that men have built legends around until he almost seems real to the short-sighted.
“Perfect example u gave there archx1 of wlillful misinterpretation.” – So you’re saying you DO have objective evidence? Trot it out —
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@Citizen Tom: What a wonderfully concise and generous apologetic of our faith from several perspectives. Thanks! And I fear that we are witnessing the Scriptures’ absolute accuracy in the description of personality types and human relationships…;)
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Well, CS, I apologize for missing this post. My reader has swallowed up so many posts that I would have wanted to read. I just wanted to express my own gratitude for your kind words here, and I wish you a quite belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
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Yep, one and all were included in best wishes SB
Back atcha with New year regards
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