UNDERMINING CERTAINTY

There are terms that have sprung into use in recent years that reinforce the realization that authoritative sources are becoming more and more difficult to find! Terms like: ‘misinformation’ or ‘fake news’ cloud our perspective and leave us to our own devices to discern truth.

What exactly is misinformation?

The implication: information that is not truly information!  

‘Fake news’ – a ‘Trumpism’ implies news that has been manufactured with a bias most likely toward a specific political view or party.

We’ve been living with these terms for at least ten years! They seem to have arisen as a result of the ideological split resulting from the presidential election of 2016.

But within the past year, a whole new dynamic has quickly become dominant.

I’m a Facebooker. Is that a term? I’m on Facebook every day. I don’t refer to myself as a ‘digital creator’ as do SO MANY OTHERS!!!!!  Rather, I view myself as an entertaining seed-sower! How’s THAT for a new term?

I use Facebook!  It’s a platform that allows me to attract followers. My bait is humor. I post mostly humorous memes, sayings, quotes and facts throughout the day.  However, I also sprinkle in spiritual information, Biblical stories and quotes, and other thought-provoking articles.

My hope is to be a godly influence through a media-form that is available and popular. I’m not alone in this endeavor! I see many others using the platform in similar ways! 😊

However, I’ve been noticing many posts on Facebook that I find myself wondering about. Is this true?

I frequently flip over to my browser to try to verify the data that I’ve just been exposed to. Like others, I notice certain stories that frequently mention a popular person; but then these stories resurface including a different highly recognizable person. Which is true? Is either the original?

I’ve made it this far in this article before using the cataclysmic term ‘Artificial Information’ – obviously known as ‘AI’.

This new source of information terrifies me!

Now don’t color me as an alarmist! I’ve seen the benefits of this incredible information-gathering system – and have even used AI with remarkable results! But I also experience fear on several levels.

EDUCATION

I’ve occasionally joked about the fact that we had to learn math because we couldn’t carry a calculator around in our pocket.  Well – guess what?  Almost ALL of us now carry a calculator around on our person!

Some years ago, my wife and her siblings oversaw the care for their mother. Deb was sometimes gone from our home for two twenty-four-hour periods every week so that she could stay in the room with her mom. Her other siblings shared in this loving, caring responsibility. In their frequent discussions, Dolores learned that Deb [and, of course, her siblings] carried a phone that enabled them to search for information. She would repeatedly say to Deb: “Get your phone thingy out and look it up.”

Most of us carry a ‘phone-thingy’ that is capable of giving us information that is limited only by the strength of its battery!!!!

Will the need for education be eclipsed by the fact that we now all carry ‘phone-thingies’ with us everywhere we go?

With information so readily available, do we really need to know anything more than HOW TO READ?

The long-range implication of this is terrifying! In the event of an accidental, weather-related or war-related power failure, we could be left in a dark place in more ways than one! Maybe we should all look for old copies of Encyclopedia Brittanica – just in case?

WHAT IS TRUTH?

But of even greater concern to me is the query of Pilate in John 18:37-38,

…Jesus tells Pilate, “I was born and I have come into the world to testify to the truth… Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice”. Pilate then replies, “What is truth?” and immediately goes out to the Jews, saying, “I find no basis for a charge against him” 

[By the way, I used AI to research this response of Pilate to Jesus! 😉]

I fear that TRUTH may be undermined – or redefined - by Artificial Information!

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Those who are tuned in to this debate are aware of direct influences that we may have to experience as a result of the egregious growth of the Artificial Information developments.

Already, large farms have been purchased and are being transformed into massive ‘data centers’ across our country. Some of these communities have been afflicted with rolling brown-outs and water shortages as a result of the operation of these data centers. It’s apparent that in order to operate effectively these centers need acreage, a power source and water for cooling their systems. Many communities are now organizing to resist these data centers from invading their space!

HOWEVER, other knowledgeable pundits are telling us that it is essential that the United States lead the development of AI because it will build into the structure moral and appropriate limits that would NOT be present if it was generated by a godless country with no moral foundation!!

So, we are caught in the crosshairs!

We may not like the fallout and the inconveniences that accompany data centers, but we do value the benefits of control and safety for the future!

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ANOTHER IMPLICATION

It might be wise for us to safely secure a Bible somewhere for the reference and use of future generations.

We know the history of book burning!

In 213 B.C., Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huang (more widely remembered for his terracotta army in Xian) ordered a bonfire of books as a way of consolidating power in his new empire. [Imagine the value of these books which would have ALL been handwritten and made!]

 

Perhaps the most infamous book burnings were those staged by Adolf Hitler and the Nazis.

 

Similarly, when Mao Zedong took power in China and implemented the Cultural Revolution, any book that didn’t conform to party propaganda, like those promoting capitalism or other dangerous ideas, were destroyed.

 

More recently, the Jaffna Public Library of Sri Lanka—home to nearly 100,000 rare books of Tamil history and literature—was burned by Sinhalese Buddhists.

 

When al-Qaida Islamists invaded Mali, and then Timbuktu in 2012, among their targets were priceless manuscripts—books that needed to be burned. 

With the growing dominance of AI, will bookburning inevitably be an image in our future?

If AI takes on god-like proportions, will there be a global attempt to undermine other sources of truth?

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Don’t be an alarmist, Hal!

I’m not trying to be negative here – only practical.

I’ve already confessed that I’ve used AI and will continue to do so.

However, somebody somewhere has to place some limits on the growth and use of this contrivance!

As a lifelong pastor, my concern is for the continued spread of the Gospel and the health of the Church!

At this point, I am a cautious proponent of Artificial Information. But when it begins to infringe on our freedom or limit our access to spiritual information-gathering, I will be forced to become an activist!

READING THE BIBLE

From my experience, I have found that it can be discouraging to start reading the Bible starting at the beginning.  Genesis is OK – a lot of neat stories (including love stories).  But pretty quickly you will run into some pretty boring and complex stuff.  I find that most people get bogged down and quit.  I ALWAYS suggest that people start with the New Testament.  That way you run into Jesus right off!  It is MUCH MORE ENCOURAGING, and much easier to understand.  Some Old Testament books that you might actually enjoy reading would be: 

• Psalms  -  poems/songs, mostly short, many different topics – some quite surprising
• Proverbs  -  mostly short, wise verses aimed at youth
• Song of Solomon  -  a shocking collection of romantic writings!
• Ruth  -  a wonderful love story (short too).
• Esther  -  a story of a beautiful Jewish princess who saves her whole nation.  (If you like this story, see me to borrow the movie [One Night With the King]:  Debbie and I LOVE it!)
• Job  -  a pretty long story about an ancient man of God who encountered amazing problems but stayed true to God.  (Best to read this from The Living Bible or The Message).
• Do return to Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, I&II Samuel, Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther eventually to gain an understanding of the history of Israel.  The stories you’ll encounter are fascinating!

If you do read the New Testament, here’s a short explanation of what you’ll run into:

1.     Mathew, Mark, Luke, John – the Gospels:  the stories of Jesus’ life told by four different men.  The first three are very much alike; the last one is quite unique!

2.     Acts  -  the history book of the beginnings of the Christian church!

3.     Romans  -  the theology book of the NT, pretty deep stuff.  If you read it, try to do so from either The Living Bible or The Message!  Romans and Galatians have some pretty strong similarities, only Galatians is a lot shorter.

4.     I & II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon  -  these are all letters written by the great Apostle Paul.  He founded a bunch of churches and then wrote them letters to correct or encourage them.  The first eight are written to churches.  The last four were written to individuals.

5.     Hebrews  -  also a letter (we’re not quite certain who wrote it).  Very interesting but hard to understand because it draws heavily on a knowledge of the Old Testament!

6.     James  -  A letter written by Jesus’ half-brother who became a leader in the early Christian church after Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension into Heaven!

7.     I & II Peter  -  written by the great Apostle Peter to all the Christians scattered across the Roman Empire, encouraging them to stay faithful even through tough times!

8.     I & II & III John  -  written by the Apostle John.  Filled with instructions to love.  The last two are really short.

9.     Jude  -  A very short letter written by another half-brother of Jesus!

10.  Revelation  -  This is the prophecy book of the New Testament.  It is very extreme with graphic, mysterious images of the End Times.  Challenging.  I would again encourage the use of The Living Bible or The Message! 

A NOTE ABOUT TRANSLATIONS

You may have noticed that I recommended The Living Bible and The Message several times above.  They are highly readable versions of the Bible.  The Living Bible was written by a Bible scholar so that his children could understand the Bible.  The Message was written by a Bible scholar in the language of the 90’s – it is very contemporary! 

There are other very readable translations.  The New International Version is considered an evangelical version and is commonly used in many churches – very reliable and very readable.  I would avoid buying the TNIV even though you might find some good bargains on it. 

The New Century Version is delightful.  It is written at a fourth grade reading level and attempts to eliminate all big words!  Refreshing!

Other acceptable versions are:  The New King James Version and the New Revised Standard Version.  The New American Standard Version is considered by many to be the most faithful to the original languages [and consequently the best for studying the Bible]  Totally confused now?  J

Psalm 119:105

^{New King James Version}   Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

^{The Living Bible}        Your words are a flashlight to light the path ahead of me and keep me from stumbling.

^{The Message}   By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path.

^{New Century Version}    Your word is like a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.

^{New International Version}    Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

Be blessed as you read God’s Word!  You WILL meet His Holy Spirit in doing so!

I’m new at Bible reading, where should I start and how should I proceed?

Great question!  As a new reader, I would suggest that you begin with Mark’s Gospel.  It is fast moving and begins with Jesus as an adult! 

If you really enjoy reading about Jesus, try the other gospels:

• Matthew was one of Jesus’ disciples and wrote for the Jews to understand. 
• Luke was a Gentile and also a physician which makes his perspective interesting.
• John was also an apostle of Jesus’.  His gospel is VERY different from the other three.  He tells stories that the others omit and gives a personal glimpse into Jesus’ life by one who was in Jesus’ inner circle! 

You might enjoy reading the letters that the Apostle Paul wrote to the young minister, Timothy [I & II Timothy].  They are full of encouragement for a younger person.

Eventually, you might like to dip into the Old Testament by reading a psalm-a-day.  There are 150 of them and some are really long.

For instance, Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, but it is written as an acrostic using the letters of the Hebrew alphabet.  Don’t avoid it!  Simply read one section a day! 

You might also enjoy reading portions of Proverbs.  This book was largely written by King Solomon [David’s son] who God described as the wisest man who ever lived.  Much of the book is made up of wise sayings. 

Don’t be in a hurry to read the whole Bible.  Many sections of the Bible are very boring and difficult to understand!  Examples to avoid until you’re more mature in your faith:  Leviticus, I&II Kings, I&II Chronicles, and all of the prophets from Isaiah through Malachi. 

A WORD ABOUT STUDY BIBLES

Study Bibles can be a great help to a new believer or a new reader of the Bible! 

TWO IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. A Study Bible will obviously slow you down!  You’ll be curious and tempted to read all of the notes in the margins and boxes;  you’ll get lots of information and learn a great deal – however, it will slow your progress in reading the Word.  You simply get to choose what interests you.
2. A study Bible is only as good as the person [or people] who put it together.  Ask for advice from a pastor or someone who teaches at your church.  See if they can guide you.  My ‘go-to’ has been TALK THROUGH THE BIBLE [from Walk Through the Bible Ministries] by Bruce Wilkinson and Kenneth Boa, 1983.

PRACTICAL ADVICE

a)     Don’t fall into a legalistic trap!  If you miss reading for a few days – or a month or year J - just jump back into it!  Our God is a God of grace!  Aim for every day, but don’t be defeated by missing occasionally!

b)     If you get bored, read elsewhere!  Don’t give up!  Just move on…

c)    Don't try to read a chapter-a-day!  Some chapters are REALLY long!  Many Bibles now have subdivisions in each chapter; read by subdivisions or paragraphs.  Smaller bites will keep your appetite in balance!  ;-)

d)     I like to read in more than one place at a time!  The Bible has subdivisions:

OLD TESTAMENT

1.     The Books of the Law: Genesis – Deuteronomy

2.     The Books of History: Joshua – Esther

3.     The Books of Wisdom: Job – Song of Solomon

4.     The Major Prophets [Major=long]: Isaiah – Daniel

5.     The Minor Prophets [Minor = shorter]: Hosea – Malachi

NEW TESTAMENT

6.     The Gospels: Matthew – John

7.     History: Acts

8.     Theology: Romans

9.     Letters Written by the Apostle Paul: I Corinthians – Philemon

10.  Letters by other Authors: Hebrews – Jude

11.  Prophecy: Revelation

I often keep a bookmark in four or five different sections and read in all of them as time allows [or from day-to-day].  I get bored easily, so this maintains variety for me! 

e)     Mark your Bible up!  Develop symbols that identify things you liked.  Underline powerful passages!  Write helps or prayers in the margins!  Personalize your Bible!  Make it into a resource that will bless you for the rest of your life [and maybe your heirs after you've moved on to Heaven]! 

Hal Haire-Revised 9/24

THE CONTINUITY OF GOD'S WORD

I love the continuity of God's Word!  

Let me cite two examples from where I'm reading today in Matthew 16-17.

In verses 13-20, Jesus asked His disciples Who do people say the Son of Man is?  [v.13]

They give Him several answers:  John the Baptist (raised from the dead), Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.

Then He asks:  Who do you say that I am?  [v.15]

No gap, no hesitation.  Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."  [v.16]

Jesus is very pleased with Peter's answer and gives him a huge Atta-boy!  

In the scripture, the very next thing to happen is for Jesus to announce for the very first time:  that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.  [v.21]

No gap, no hesitation.  Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.  "Never, Lord!"  he said.  "This shall never happen to you!"  [v.22]

Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan!  You are a stumbling block to me;  [v.23]  In the New English Bible He continues by saying, "You think as men think, not as God thinks."  

So much for the atta-boy!

Can you believe the progression of these events as recorded by Matthew?  

This passage illustrates why so many people identify with Peter so strongly.  He's brash, impulsive, outspoken, bold, courageous, and frequently in trouble.  All of this makes him one of our favorite New Testament characters.

______________________________

Jesus follows his correction of Peter with a brief monologue that is filled with powerful images and teaching!  Few have genuinely explored the depth of meaning and impact of His words here:  [vs.24-27]

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done. Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

Let's focus on that last (underlined) verse.  It ends chapter 16.  Do you remember what opens chapter 17?  The story of Jesus taking Peter, James and John up a high mountain by themselves.  [v.1]

There he was transfigured before them.  His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.  Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.   [vs.2-3]

Remember, He had just previously (in scripture) said that some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.

Six days later (but immediately in the scripture) three of those who were standing there that day got to see Jesus in all His glory on the Mount of Transfiguration!  You gotta love it!

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These are just two examples of the continuity of God's Word.  There are MANY more!  The Word is God's love gift to His people!  We are to treasure it in our hearts the same way that Mary treasured things in her heart [Luke 2:19].  There are daily delights tucked away in this book for us!  The same Holy Spirit who inspired the original writers is in you (if you love and serve Jesus).  This Holy Spirit will open the Word of God to you personally and inspire and instruct you!  Do you believe it?  Give Him a chance by opening the Word today!

MAGNUM OPUS

Back in early March of 1987, I made a purchase from Cambridge University Press for about $26.  It was a loose-leaf, three-ring, wide margin, New International Version Bible!  We were living in East Liverpool, Ohio, at the time and I was five years into a thirteen year appointment.  Travis would have been 11, Troy - 7 and Tracie - 6.  :-)

It's difficult to express how excited I was about this very expensive purchase.  I immediately began reading in it daily and adding notes in those generous wide margins.  I had already established a pattern of reading a book-a-week, so I also transferred notes from books I read into appropriate places in the new Bible.  Pretty quickly, I cut copy paper to the same size as the pages in my Bible and punched appropriate holes so that I could add pages (when needed) for additional notes and observations.  Many of these blank pages were in the front of the Bible where I collated data from each year's read-through of the Bible.  These notes and observations often turned into preaching series.  This Bible became a goldmine and treasure to me and I often thought that if we had a fire, I would grab it after I knew the family was safe!  ;-)

Eventually, I had added so many pages to the binder that it would hardly close!  That was when I found a second binder and split the Old Testament from the New Testament.  Woo Hoo!  Now I had tons of freedom for adding more pages and more notes.  Needless to say, this Bible became an invaluable resource to me in preparing Bible studies and sermons.  I even lugged it along on vacations so I could sustain my daily reading disciplines and not fall behind in my note-taking.  

I am so thankful that I was raised in a home where the Bible was honored and used.  My Mom kept a plastic loaf of bread on our table filled with small cards that held a Bible verse on each side.  At our mealtime, we would each pull a card and read it before our prayer of thanksgiving.  My Mom's Bible was well-used;  she had re-covered it repeatedly and added pockets in the front and back to contain her many prayer lists.  I often caught my Dad reading and studying his Bible in his bedroom.  He regularly taught a Sunday School class and needed to be prepared for that role.  He made notes in his Bible of the texts used by the various preachers he heard.  I'm blessed to have those Bibles in my possession to this day!  

I was raised in a culture that was immersed in God's Word.  I remember memorizing lengthy passages in Sunday School and Christian Youth Crusaders (CYC).  Many of those passages linger in my memory even now!  I was taught by people who loved and lived according to this book:

• Betty Paugh - she made the Bible live for me as a pre-schooler!
• Neil Castilucci
• Paul Funkhouser
• Udele Gallagher
• Jim Rudolph
• Joe Douglas
• Chuck Eckles
• Carl Geissinger  [Notice:  in seventeen years I only had one woman teacher!!!]

Then, I went to Roberts Wesleyan College where I immediately fell under the influence of professors like Stanley Magill, Wes Vanderhoof, and Harry Anderson!  They loomed large to me and fostered a deeper understanding and love in me for God's Word (even in the Greek language)!

Then, after getting married, I began my Masters in Divinity studies at Asbury Theological Seminary.  Living in this Christian and educational community was a great privilege.  Again, professors led me into whole new areas of study and research!  I was mesmerized by the instruction offered by Don Joy, Donald Demaray, Gilbert James, Kenneth Kinghorn, John Oswalt and Harold Kuhn.  

After three years (without having attained my degree) we moved to Jeannette, PA, where I assumed my first, full-time role as pastor.  Within a few years, I realized that I should have completed my studies.  Returning to Kentucky was out-of-the-question, so I enrolled at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary to complete my Divinity degree (part-time) over the next eleven years.  Dr. Donald Gowan and Dr. Charles Partee became major influencers in my life during that period (and Hebrew and Aramaic were added to my growing understanding of the Bible).  

Because our family was growing and I needed help with my role as a husband and father, I turned to radio resources almost daily to grow my knowledge and understanding in those areas.  My teachers were:  James Dobson, Dennis Rainey, John Huffman, John MacArthur, Chuck Smith and Charles Swindoll!  

In addition, I quickly realized that I needed ongoing education to be able to effectively lead the churches I was serving.  I began to consume resources and attend events that featured Ted Engstrom, John Maxwell, Rick Warren, Bill Hybels, Larry Burkett, Dave Ramsay, and Andy Stanley.  I also had laymen who taught and influenced me, including Ron Kelly and Jim Stetler (as well as others).  

Thank You, Lord!

Your faithfulness through the years has been utterly amazing!  There have been SO MANY moments of revelation and so many times of deep inspiration!  So many people have left their fingerprints on my life!  I am not worthy of such grace and attention!  I live with gratitude for the constant persistence of Your Spirit in growing me and developing the capacities that You placed within me!  

You've given me so many amazing opportunities over the years!  You allowed me to lead, teach and shepherd the people at Tunnel Hill (Indiana), Jeannette (PA), McClellandtown (PA), Oakland (East Liverpool, OH), Spencerville (Maryland), Cornerstone (Akron, OH), New Middletown (OH), and Kittanning (PA).  

In addition, You also gave us three years to serve Your purposes in Changchun (Northeast PRC).  We will NEVER forget the many friends we made from many countries during that period of service!  

And, my love for Your Word continues today!  I'm still making notes and observations!  I still delight at the things You teach me and show me on a daily basis!  You have been faithful through Your Holy Spirit to show me incredible connections and to reveal secrets to my heart!  Your Word truly is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path!  

Keep it going, Lord, and may my children and grandchildren benefit directly from the generations of faithful that have laid the foundation for them!  AMEN!

THIS IS THE WORD OF THE LORD!

I usually do my Bible reading in the morning, but today it was interrupted by a trip to the airport.  I got all my Old Testament readings finished along with my Gospel reading.  So, tonight, before watching any television, I read from Acts and James.

Why am I telling you this?

Well, to be honest, I sat and giggled with joy as I read Acts 12.  It's a tragic, miraculous, hilarious chapter.  It begins with the martyrdom of the Apostle James.  Peter gets locked up by a power-crazed ruler - Herod.  The church prays;  on the eve of his execution, they pray through the night!

Meanwhile, Peter sleeps like a baby while chained to soldiers - with even more posted outside his cell, to make absolutely certain that he does't escape!

Sometime during the night, an angel pokes Peter awake and tells him to get up.  As Peter gets up, his chains fall off.  Together, they walk past guards and to the prison gate - which swings open all by itself!  Peter, dazed, thinks it's all a dream;  until he's left standing alone outside of the prison!

He goes to the home where he assumes he might find friends.  A girl named Rhoda answers his knock.  When she sees him, she leaves him standing outside and runs to tell everyone that "Peter is at the door!"

Peter knocks again and they let him in to tremendous rejoicing.

At daybreak, there is mass confusion in the prison!  No one can explain how Peter got away.  Herod orders the execution of the guards who were responsible!  Meanwhile, Peter goes into hiding.

As a kind of post-script, Herod gives a great speech at an event designed to restore peace between Jerusalem and the cities of Tyre and Sidon.  The people cry out:  "The voice of god!  The voice of god!"

Herod accepts their adulation instead of deferring glory to the God of Heaven and Earth.  As a result, God sent an angel to afflict Herod with a humiliating and debilitating disease that eventually took his life!

What an amazing story!!!!!

I know that I'm a pastor and a lifelong student of the scriptures, but I just don't get it when people say that the Bible is boring.  Maybe they need to get a more recent version, like The Message or The Voice!  Granted, there are boring sections!  But so much of it is scintillating and captivating.

Just this week, I read some scriptures to a small group.  These scriptures divulge some of the most AMAZING things about Heaven!  I was so excited to share this information!  I slowly unpacked it all expecting to get an awestruck response.  It didn't happen.  I can't help but be perplexed and somewhat disappointed at times like that.

There are times when I read the scripture in public and wait for a response from the people - it never comes.  I guess we've heard it too many times.  It doesn't 'Wow!' us anymore!  I think this is SO SAD!

"Lord, give us fresh eyes and ears for Your Word!  Help us to read and hear it as though we were doing so for the first time again!"

Liturgical churches have an exchange that always thrills me when I hear it used:  
LEADER:  "This is the Word of the Lord!"
PEOPLE:  "Thanks be to God!"

This really is the Word of the Lord - AND IT'S AWESOME!  It deserves a response!

Well, preachers preach;  I guess that's what I've done here.  Enough for now - I've got to get back to my giggling!   :-)

SUPPLEMENTS

I may not be the king of supplements, but I'm at least a prince.

It all started years ago when I read of the benefits of taking Vitamin C. 

After that, I added Vitamin D.  Then Vitamin E. 

Then I discovered the benefits of St. John's Wort. 

A little later I discovered how effective Metamucel is at fighting high cholesteral!  I even drank 4 oz. of red wine every day to help build up my HDL's [I measured it out in a plastic cup at bedtime, held my nose, and gulped it down!] 

Then my dentist suggested CoQ10 and Selenium.

And, of course, you must take a good multi-vitamin!

Then I read how Bilberry could fight eye disease;  since my dad had macular degeneration, I decided it would be a good idea.

Several years ago, I started taking fish oil and grinding flaxseed to add to my oatmeal cereal every morning.

Then I researched how I could combat prostate issues.  As a result, I added liquid licorice, zinc, saw palmetto, pumpkin seeds, salmon oil, and a supplement designed to shrink the prostate.

I've always been interested in the power of antioxidents!   I've taken Red Grape Extract for years.  Recently I began drinking white tea in the morning and Acai tea in the evening.  I drink three glasses of OJ every day!

By now you're laughing, aren't you?  I told you - I'm a bit fanatical when it comes to supplements!  At least now you know how I came to be the picture of health that I am today!  :-)

But the most important supplement I take every day is a double dose of God's Word!  I mix it early every morning with a half-hour of prayer!   This last supplement is the one I recommend most highly!