yeah it's called a stigma: Stigma (ligature) - Wikipedia

And then just a fancy lunate sigma at the end

Lord, hear our prayer!

camille70 said:

Also they changed how they count encounters. It's a combination of two stats that were separate before. See the more info section here:

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Figures don't lie. But liars often figure.

NxNW said:

View attachment 376459She says that like it's a bad thing.

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Reeks of “don’t make us shoot the hostages!”

I don't think I can carry on at my church with integrity​

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Your OP caught my attention, as it cries out for justice.

hopeforhappiness said:

It seems that the work of Christ in atonement and salvation has almost completely given way to calls for social justice activism.

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hopeforhappiness said:

Oh yeah? When there is no call to repentance,

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hopeforhappiness said:

The wonder and glory and sacrifice of Christ is nowhere.

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hopeforhappiness said:

I don't know whether any of the congregation or even many of the preachers accept or understand or have even heard that Christ died for our sins.

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hopeforhappiness said:

But again avoided the open goal of Jesus's atonement. I pointed out that we had just sung "Blessed Assurance....washed in the Blood". He said he believed in all that, but could not give an explanation why neither he nor any other preacher could touch it.

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The Caesarian-credentialed preacher has a business to run and literally cannot afford to accommodate anything that might reduce his flow of income (i.e. a call to repentance is unprofitable).

Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him [because Jesus is the Real Deal, the King of kings, and he won't share his glory with another]. But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. [Just like here and in the world at large, the nail that sticks out would be pounded back in.] Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? [IOW, "Jesus is interfering with our enterprise."] for this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him ["Imagine that! They would become born again! But we can't afford to lose our authority!"] : and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation ["And we would lose all our stuff."]. ...Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put [Jesus] to death. (John 11)

Thus, Jesus, his blood atonement, and the requirement for confession and repentance HAVE BEEN OMITTED from mainstream evangelical "Christianity" today.

To lying hirelings, the atonement is the enemy.

The church is not a building.

Caveat emptor.

essentialsaltes said:

Virginia Democrats release long-awaited 10–1 congressional map​

The case is now before the Virginia Supreme Court, which is expected to hear arguments later this month.

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In victory for Democrats, Virginia Supreme Court says redistricting vote can go forward​

In a big win for Virginia Democrats’ efforts to counter President Donald Trump’s GOP gerrymanders in other states, the Virginia Supreme Court said the state can hold its special election on Democrats’ own redistricting plan. The referendum vote is scheduled to take place on April 21.

Democrats will still have to defend* that plan in court, but the order means that the ongoing legal case will not prevent a redistricting referendum from going forward.

Because a decision in the redistricting case will come after the referendum takes place, the Supreme Court could theoretically void the results of that vote if it rules against Democrats. In practice, a decision overruling voters would be unlikely. [Not in red states!]

essentialsaltes said:

[This is an obvious ethical monstrosity.]

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AKA normal.

essentialsaltes said:

Woman shot by Border Patrol in Chicago asks judge to let her release evidence​

Marimar Martinez is blocked from releasing evidence in her case by what’s known as a “protective order.” Though standard, her attorney says it’s “become an albatross” around her neck and “keeps the entire country in the dark.”​

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Some evidence has been released. Feds have potty mouths, so no link.

Newly released body camera footage shows ... federal immigration agents cruising through Chicago’s South Side with guns already drawn. ... one of them saying, “Do something, [ladydog].” And then it shows the Border Patrol vehicle swerving directly into Marimar Martinez’s car — before an agent jumps out and fires five shots at her.

ViaCrucis said:

I wonder what Jeff Leach feels about Americans who wave around treasonous flags.

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I hope that he would be as strongly against it as I am.

What a mess!

essentialsaltes said:

Utah Supreme Court Upholds Block on Gerrymandered Congressional Map​

A district court ruled last month the 2021 map unconstitutionally violated the redistricting reforms voters approved through Proposition 4,

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Naturally, Utah Republicans are trying to undo Prop 4.

'Never seen anything like it': Thousands of Utahns want their names removed from Prop 4 repeal​

With just days left to collect signatures in the effort to repeal Proposition 4, county clerks have received more than 2,300 requests from people asking for their signatures to be removed.

More than 85,000 signatures have been verified statewide, according to state data.

During last year's effort to repeal HB267, a bill banning public unions from collective bargaining, more than 320,000 signatures were turned in statewide.

Chapman's office received only 12 requests for signature removal during that referendum — a "huge contrast compared to this."

Better Boundaries, the group behind Proposition 4, launched a campaign earlier this month to encourage voters to remove their names from the petition after KSL reported misleading claims by some petition gatherers.

"When Utahns passed Proposition 4 in 2018, they were clear about what they wanted. Utahns should know exactly what they're signing, and if a repeal effort can't win on the facts, it shouldn't try to win through misleading petition practices."

Utah County also flagged several signature packets as potentially fraudulent, after several gatherers were reported by Utahns for Representative Government.

The repeal effort has received support from President Donald Trump, and his son, Donald Trump Jr., released a video last week with Hunter Nation, urging Utahns to sign.

Bro Steve said:

I was a pre-tribber for the first ten years of my walk With Christ, but then it started to change after reading and re-reading 2 Thessalonians 2
1. Falling away first
2. Man of Sin appears.

Paul told them not to listen to those that trouble you with words or by letter ...saying the Day of Christ is at hand...

( these words *at hand* ✋️ mean imminentcy, as in near, or close )

He says dont you remember? I told beforehand what would precede the Day of Christ? And then he reminds them again of the 2 major events that foreshadow Christ's appearing in the clouds ⛅️ with his angels

These few passages settled it for me, however with one clause in mind. Both Paul and Peter refer to this event as the "Day of Christ" Rather than focusing on rapture or the caught-up experience. Because it is the revelation of Jesus Christ in all his Glory. Might, and power ( on this Day )

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Early Bibles are worded properly for 2 Th 2, using the word "departure" in 2 Th 2:3. Departure was meant as a physical disappearance, as in a rapture.

It wasn't until the year 1611 that the first King James Bible was published. That's when "falling away" first appeared in 2 Th 2:3.

The wording in 2 Th 2:1 is quite helpful in determining who's right about the use of "departure" or "falling away." Here is 2 Th 2:1 (KJV) from the 1599 Geneva Bible: Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our assembling unto him.

In other words, we are taken to Jesus to assemble before Him. That can only fit the role of 1 Th 4:17 (NIV): Then shall we which live and remain, be caught up with them also in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Therefore, Apostle Paul meant "departure" as a physical disappearance because only in 1 Th 4:17 are we taken up to assemble before Jesus.

This also disqualifies Matt 24:31 from potential consideration instead of 1 Th 4:17 because Matt 24:31is (1) a gathering of Jews only, and (2) it doesn't say where the gathering goes. The best guess is that gathering becomes part of who's gathered in Matt 25:31-40.

Good.

Fr. Z

My mother is actively dying now. It has been a long hard path. Probably tomorrow she will go to the hospice. As she approaches her 91st birthday, she is finally succumbing to pulmonary fibrosis. I have reason to believe her other “dies natalis” is much nearer.

With this in mind, something happened today that I’ve prayed for for years.

Today, the local parish priest, a good friend by now, heard my mother’s confession, received her into Holy Catholic Church and confirmed her.

He was exactly the right priest for the questions and explanations. To him I will be always grateful.

As it turns out, her mother converted. Her only sibling, her brother converted. Her only child, her son converted and is a priest. She looked at me when I came into the hospital room after Father had left and, with a smile said, “I’m Catholic!”

The room was full of the scent of Holy Chrism and it was quite strong on her forehead as I went to her.

Her confirmation name is “John”.

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the devil, in order to disturb your soul that it may not enjoy such great blessings, will suggest a thousand false fears, and will also cause others to raise them in you (St. Teresa of Avila).

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Satan is the father of lies. One of the biggest lies is that we are not forgiven. If Satan wants to remind us of our past, then we should remind him of his future! Do not fear but embrace the truth! You are loved unconditionally and forgiven of your sins, which are wiped clean and forgotten! Should we not do the same with others and ourselves?

The enemy wants to control our minds. Ever notice that when we find ourselves wanting to forgive others or ourselves that we have a whisper in our ear as to why we shouldn’t forgive? The enemy often tells us that we need to be treated differently. It could be that we aren’t “respected.” How about, “I shouldn’t be talked to that way?” Ever hear that one whispered to you or have that thought come into your mind? When that occurs we know that the enemy is at work, trying to control our thoughts and minds.

In order to counter these tactics, we must use the weapons that God has given us to win this battle with the enemy. There are seven steps that lead us to victory on the battlefield of the mind.

The first, and most important, is to surrender our lives, our hearts and our souls to Jesus. When I pray over people, the Lord has given me insights through the “word of knowledge,” as to whether or not their hearts are open to the Lord’s love and healing. Many times there is lack of forgiveness, sin that is serious and unconfessed and weak faith. The first thing I do in these circumstances is ask them to pray the “sinner’s prayer” with their hearts and give their life to Jesus. The Lord can’t fill what is already filled with people’s own desires. We must surrender our hopes, fears, dreams, will, sins, family, finances and anything else we are putting ahead of the Lord. When we are an empty vessel, everything changes. Lack of forgiveness melts away and miracles flow into our lives. If we are not empty of our own flesh, we will not achieve victory on the battlefield of the mind.

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This Mardi Gras, have your cake and eat it for breakfast

Last month, while most cities were boxing up their holiday decorations, New Orleans slipped seamlessly into its festive attire. During Carnival season, there’s hardly a terrace or street corner without a fleur-de-lis, strands of shining beads, or garlands in purple, green, and gold. At Birdy’s Behind the Bower, even the cinnamon rolls receive a carnival coating—a sweet nod to a beloved Mardi Gras tradition.

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Birdy’s King Cake Cinnamon Rolls​

YIELD: 24 ROLLS

FOR THE DOUGH BASE​

• • 2 cups milk
  • ⅔ cup high-gluten flour

FOR THE DOUGH​

• • 4 cups milk
  • 4 cups high-gluten flour
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 8 tsp. yeast
  • 4 tsp. salt
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup soft butter

FOR THE FILLING​

• • ⅓ cup high-gluten flour
  • 1 tbsp. cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp. salt
  • 1½ cups brown sugar
  • 4 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp. vanilla extract

FOR THE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING​

• • ¼ lb. cream cheese
  • 14 tbsp. softened butter
  • 4 tbsp. milk
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • ½ tsp. salt

FOR THE MARDI GRAS SUGAR​

• • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • Purple, green, and gold (or yellow) food coloring

PREPARATION​

1. Create the dough base: Whisk milk and flour in a medium pot over heat until thick like a roux. Use a rubber spatula to scrape roux into a large mixer.
2. Make the dough: Add each ingredient individually into the mixing bowl on top of the roux. Mix with the dough hook attachment on speed 1 until incorporated. Increase to speed 2 and mix until you have a smooth dough, about 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Prepare a medium or large mixing bowl with pan spray. Use a bowl scraper to scoop dough into a ball. Wrap in plastic and leave to proof for 30 minutes.
4. Prepare the filling: Combine all dry ingredients in a small bowl. Melt butter and add to the bowl along with the vanilla. Use a gloved hand to combine; set aside.
5. Prepare the frosting: Gather all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and combine with a hand mixer.
6. Shape and bake rolls: Generously flour your work surface. Turn out the dough and flour the top.
7. Using a rolling pin, roll dough into a large rectangle, approximately 3 feet x 1 foot. Spread the filling on it by hand, leaving a couple of bare inches at the top of the rectangle.
8. Begin rolling the bottom of the rectangle onto itself longways. Pull tight between each roll as if you’re rolling a sleeping bag.
9. Cut into 24 even-sized rolls, and arrange them on two large parchment-lined sheet pans. Spray tops of rolls with pan spray and wrap loosely in plastic wrap to proof for up to one hour.
10. Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes. Let cool for about 10 minutes before frosting.
11. While rolls are baking, prepare sugar: Divide sugar evenly between three lidded containers, one for each color. Add two drops of food coloring into each container, and shake well to combine.
12. Decorate and serve: Plate the cinnamon rolls on a platter and sprinkle with Mardi Gras sugar in your desired pattern. Enjoy!

An ancient road built in the days of Jesus that led from the Pool of Siloam up to the Jerusalem Temple Mount has been opened to the public for the first time.

The so-called “Pilgrim’s Path” is believed to have been built on the orders of King Herod or Pontius Pilate. Archaeologists have spent two decades excavating the road, which runs underneath a predominantly Palestinian neighborhood.

Among the finds discovered were a Jewish ritual bath and a podium, possibly used for public announcements or Scripture reading. Many of the finds have been in relatively good condition, as counterintuitively, the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD by the Romans ensured that the road wasn't worn down by use.

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Hans Blaster said:

OK, there Mr. Partisan-attack-guy.

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There ya go again - default position making things personal.... sad really =

MarkSB said:

Riiight. Just like all those 2020 election cheating claims.

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I was referring to the quoted post -

Legislation aims to combat child marriage

LAHORE, Pakistan — In a landmark move welcomed by Christian rights advocates, the governor of Pakistan’s Punjab Province on Wednesday signed into law an ordinance raising the minimum legal age of marriage to 18, and making child marriage a non-bailable offense punishable by up to seven years in prison.

Gov. Saleem Haider Khan signed the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026 into effect under Article 128(1) of the Constitution, as the provincial assembly is not currently in session. The ordinance takes immediate effect across the country’s most populous province, home to more than 120 million people, including a significant Christian minority.

The ordinance replaces provisions of the nearly century-old Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929, under which the legal marriage age was 18 for men and 16 for women. The new measure eliminates that gender-based distinction by setting 18 as the minimum age for both sexes.

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Dave... said:

Why did Paul contrast the Law with Abrahams faith when speaking of justification in Romans 4, since the Law didn't exists when Abraham had his faith?

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Was not P simply stating that faith in God and the Law were the same thing, trusting in the Will of God over our own?

A day after former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson declared war against processed foods in a Super Bowl commercial, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said that his agency's war with ultra-processed foods, which he says are poisoning the population, is “spiritual.”

“Most cases of juvenile diabetes, you can actually lose the diagnosis by simply changing your diet. And … many doctors don't know how to give that kind of advice. Eighty percent of physicians say they don't feel competent to give nutritional advice because they're learning pharmacology in medical school and there's a pill for every ill,” Kennedy said during a discussion at the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation on Monday.

“We're not focusing on what the causes are and how to prevent them. And if we're going to beat this, that's what we have to do. You know the primary culprit is ultra-processed foods, refined carbohydrates, 70% of the food that our kids eat is ultra-processed foods, and it's killing them,” he added. “It's a spiritual warfare.”

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Danthemailman said:

Speaking of Gene Simmons.

Gene Simmons Responds to ‘I’m Not from the Ghetto’ Rock Hall Rant Backlash (Exclusive) https://share.google/L5XwkIHK2UkibRys8

Ultimately, Simmons jests, "One, I admire and respect hip-hop. Two, it is not rock 'n' roll. And three, when are Led Zeppelin and AC/DC going to be inducted into the Hip Hop Hall of Fame?"

Gene should have simply said, "these are two different genres of music that should have two different award ceremonies," and left it at that. He could have left out the, "I'm not from the ghetto" wisecrack.

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He could have pointed out how goofy the rock hall of fame is sometimes. They induct performers like Dolly Parton and Belafonte ( both perfectly talented but not rock & roll). Yet it wasn’t until 2025 that Chubby Checker & Bad Company were finally inducted.

“Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgment, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves,” he writes. “Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media and in Christian communities.”