PHARMACISTS MAKE MISTAKES, TOO! CHECK YOUR MEDICATIONS BEFORE TAKING!

By TONEY ATKINS 

    First, I want to thank loyal visitors to my web site and those who have asked about my lack of submissions to it (even though most of the news and weather links on the web site are updated constantly).

    I appreciate the concern that has been shown, and I can assure you that more stories and commentaries are coming soon to the site.

    Besides being excited about being involved with the Florida Courier, a new statewide newspaper in Florida, and the often time-consuming -- and educational -- task of gathering information about all Florida candidates in Congressional and Senate races, along with the race for a governor to replace the departing Gov. Jeb Bush, I have been dealing with numerous health issues that all seemed to come one after another, or even at the same time, over the past few months. The situation appears to be improving, so I hope to have new and possibly controversial stories and commentaries for both the Florida Courier and my site in the coming days and weeks.

    I used what I hope was an attention-grabbing headline for this piece, because the subject not only impacted me, but it could impact you or any of your loved ones, particularly the elderly.

    Usually when I get a new prescription, I head first to WebMD.com to learn about what kind of medication I'm putting into my body. However, a pain prescription that I've had to take for some time because of back problems needed no research when I had it refilled recently. After taking a couple of doses at the prescribed times, I found myself nauseated with blurred vision and a general out-of-sorts feeling, which could have been the villain in a nighttime fall which added new aches and pain and bruises to the back, wrists, knees and ankles (which were in the process of healing from a previous fall). Add that to the progressing glaucoma and cataract treatments, I have naturally felt that I was literally falling apart.

    Closely examining the pain pill, however, revealed a slightly different coloration and the word and numbers didn't match what was on the label. Since I had no idea what the name of the medication was if it wasn't a substitute from another manufacturer, I went to the Internet and discovered that the pharmacist had filled the bottle with pills which contained double the amount of codeine and more of another ingredient. The instructions indicated in the Internet description was to take the medication twice a day. My bottle read "three times daily," as it always had, and had the usual warnings to which I had been accustomed.

    I called the pharmacist and was emphatic in my questioning as to why I was given this medication that did not match the prescription. Equally emphatic, he told me not to take the pills and to bring them back for replacement. He was apologetic as he handed me the correct medicine, and I only half-jokingly asked him if he was trying to kill me. He didn't smile.

    A similar incident occurred while I was living in Daytona Beach. I had been given a cough syrup with codeine to fight a case of bronchitis. The bottle's instructions directed me to take it every four hours. After a couple of days of feeling like I was coming out of my skin, I called my pharmacist there to ask if I should be feeling such effects. He told me I should be using the medication only twice a day. Needless to say, I was angry and not in a mood for humor, but he laughed and said, "Well, at least, I bet you're not coughing." Conveniently for him, the original prescription was missing, he said.

    I share these experiences to warn any reader who has to take medication or has a parent or other relative who does to closely monitor the pills or liquid. Be sure that the description of the pill or liquid and the instructions for taking it match what is described in the literature. If it doesn't, the pharmacist should be called immediately for confirmation that the medication and instructions for use on the bottle are correct.

    A pharmacist's error in cases such as these could potentially have deadly effects or, in the best-case scenario, send the patient to the hospital. Those folks are human, and mistakes can be made, so it doesn't hurt to check behind them when refills are taken home. Any change in size or form or wording on a pill should immediately arouse suspicion.

    While taking care of my dad before his death last Aug. 22, I thought I would go nuts just being sure the outrageous number of pills he had to take were the right ones and were given at the right time. The home health nurses praised me for a good job, but I wondered then if he had ever taken too much of a certain medication or had unintentionally skipped some meds altogether before I came home. Since the majority of the pills were unfamiliar to me as to their purpose, I had to be extremely careful.

    So, risking redundancy, I urge you to read the literature on any medication prescribed for you to be sure you got what the doctor ordered. I especially urge you to help elderly parents and friends with such if they seem to be befuddled by the drugs they have to take. Never hesitate to telephone the pharmacist if you have doubts or questions.

    You could save your life or that of a loved one, just because a druggist made a mistake and you caught it in time.

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MY HERO, CHER, AND OPERATION HELMET

    Entertainer Cher is known for putting her money where her mouth is.

    Although she opposes the war in Iraq, she has consistently given a great deal of financial support to organizations that help wounded soldiers in every branch of the U.S. armed forces.

    Like many patriots, the singer believes that America was misled by the administration in the reasoning for invading Iraq -- an invasion which begat terrorism in the streets that hadn't been there before and increasing security threats to the troops on the ground and even elsewhere. More than 2,500 of our fine young men and women have been killed in Iraq, and the count of the wounded is near or more than 20,000 since the war began.

   Her newest involvement is with Operation Helmet ( http://www.operation-helmet.org/ ), which for only little more than $70, a soldier's helmet can be made to provide greater protection from potentially deadly head injuries. You can read more about the project at the web site. Click on  www.operation-helmet.org for more information about how you can help.

    I believe in love, dear Cher, and I believe in you.

-- Toney Atkins, www.toneyatkins.com/

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THE SEED OF THE FATHERS by Toney Atkins

     THE SCENE was like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting.

     As the sun was setting behind the mountain to the west, the young husband was all smiles, as were the kids in tow -- a young boy and girl, whose little legs were moving at almost a gallop to keep pace with their dad. Accompanying them were their panting overweight dog, followed by the family cat, as they crossed the street to visit me on my front porch.

     The children demanded a hug, and the pets nudged my legs and even leaped into my lap, forcing me to give them a hefty share of my attention.

     It was the perfect portrait of a happy Southern family being neighborly.

     Since meeting the young man (in his 20s), his wife and the kids when they came to the house, trick-or-treating and all decked out in Halloween garb, we became fast friends.

     After that meeting, I often saw the adults on their porch as the kids played in the yard. I was impressed that the fellow didn't hesitate to show the youngsters his love, even as he provided appropriate instruction and discipline. He was concerned about them, and even though two of the three children were his wife's from a previous marriage, their love for him was blatantly apparent.

     Although he has never complained, the tension lines of stress occasionally show on his young face. He is a "Mr. Mom" house-husband who takes care of the kids and the house while his wife, at her choice, works.

     I look at him and pray that his down-to-earth compassion and love last, so that the youngsters will feel a strong bond with him when they are grown.

     Since moving back to the small town about a year ago, I've seen a lot of families such as this in public, with good dads hugging their kids and talking to them in a manner that one can tell that they are intent on "raisin' 'em right."

     The young man of whom I've been speaking perhaps is trying to be a good father to his children, because he recently acknowledged to me that he and his dad, who seems like a decent man,  "don't get along too well," indicating that as a parent, he doesn't want to make whatever mistakes, real or imagined, were made when he was growing up.

****

     I'M NOT MENTIONING any names here, because I respect the people about whom I write and value their desire for privacy.

     Another male neighbor, who is divorced from his wife, also came with the wife and kids for trick-or-treat. He's a good neighbor and has a smile whenever he greets you, but often has a sad appearance when he probably thinks no one's looking. An adult son occasionally stays with him, and the relationship appears to be good.

     Over my many years of traveling around the sun on this planet, I've known a number of men, some of whom are fathers themselves, who are still married, but many who are divorced  don't always have Ozzie and Harriet-type relationships with wives, ex-wives and -- sadly -- their children, especially sons. Many have spoken about hard feelings or disrespect between them and their fathers for just as many reasons. The daughters, on the other hand, seem to have much better relationships with the man who fathered them.

****

     I CAME CLOSE to marriage several times, but I have to admit that I am happily single. I have no regrets that I have no children to carry on my name, and that's probably because I've always been afraid I'd become my own father or like the fathers of some of my friends -- the ones with the "do as I say, not as I did" approach to fatherhood, the ones who can't seem to show their love or pride in you but can rapidly be critical of everything you do, with no compliments to be heard.

****

     A YOUNG MAN, who was 19 when I did part of an interview for a story yet to come, impressed me with his maturity, youthful spirit and interaction with people, especially those older than he.

     I had observed him on his job was impressed by him and some of his young co-workers in their display of friendliness, respect and just plain old Southern hospitality. When I chatted with him, I knew he had a story to tell, and I wanted to write it.

     You see, living in a coastal Florida vacation town for many years had hardened me somewhat. There, most of the young people with whom I came into contact on jobs that had me working in the public eye as well as in my off-time, were arrogant, even hateful, and disrespectful of anyone but themselves. Many of the young folks couldn't utter a sentence without loading it with curse words, probably trying to impress their peers. Many teenage girls and boys bragged about prostituting their bodies, with the proceeds of their sexual conduct going toward booze and drugs. They boasted about dropping out of school, and serving time in jail seemed to be a trophy of which to be proud. Their fathers and mothers might disagree, but then again, there was a lot of disrespect for parents, too, and to hear them talk, the kids ruled the roost.

     Of course, I would be negligent if I came across as putting all young people into this category. In the same city, I came into contact with and even interviewed many youngsters of all races and creeds who had ambitions, goals and values and were working to achieve them and make something of themselves while enjoying the excitement of youth.

     The young man, who initiated this brief diversion, was impressive in a number of ways. One would expect a good-looking, athletic man of his age to be full of himself.

     He admits that he was a "wild one" when he was younger (and likely still has a bit of a youthful wild side) and that any arrogance he may have had was "knocked out of me by the Army," he said.

     In high school, his dream was to earn a college scholarship to play football, his sport of choice. A sports injury derailed those plans, however, but when he graduated from high school, he was determined to get more education and possibly become a teacher, with a coaching position preferably accompanying that job. Obviously thoughtful as well as decisive, he joined the Army after graduation and currently serves in the National Guard, as well as working two jobs and going to college. He is determined to be a positive role model for young people. "I don't want my name mentioned in this interview, because people who knew me a few years ago wouldn't believe what I'm saying," he said.

     His face clouded over when talking about announcing to his family that he was going into the Army. He said his father simply said, "Well, maybe they'll send you Iraq and you'll get killed and not come back."

     Without going into many details about his relationship with his father, he said that he moved out several days later. "He never praised me for anything. I never could please him, and I don't know why," he said.

     His coach was his mentor and role model and was supportive in encouraging him to be a better man.

     Personally speaking, now matter what the past was, this is now. This young man is doing something with his life while enjoying every minute of life, and I would be bursting with pride -- and he would know it and not have to ask for it -- if he were my son.

****

     THIS WHOLE THING is about fathers and the boys and men who are the products of their seed.

     I don't feel so alone, knowing that others have had to struggle to get their father's attention, encouragement and even love. Perhaps there would be a lot better men in the world today if the dads had been better role models and their kids hadn't had to look elsewhere to find mentors and someone who really cared about their futures.

     I always felt something like love for my father, but in reality, I grew up being afraid of him, and that fear still remained inside until not too long before he died last year. While everyone outside the household adored him and saw him as one of the finest men they knew, that wasn't the same person who lived in the house. But he was a good man to others, and that's the important thing. I love that memory of him, and when he died, he knew I loved him and I felt like maybe he loved me, too. The bridge over the gap that had been between us for years was completed, and that makes me happy through the sadness. I simply wish the feelings expressed between us in those last few months had existed all my life -- but nobody, especially me, is perfect, nor is life always perfect.

     I am proud that he was my father. He suffered many years of agonizing pain from injuries suffered during World War II. He stayed with my mother, whether they were really happy or not. That much and more he did for me. I just still sometimes wish that he had told me to my face that he was proud of me. Money can't buy the feeling that comes with knowing that. Despite it all, I love and miss him.

****

     After my mother passed away more than ten years ago, I sat down and wrote a remembrance that was published around Mother's Day and probably got more positive reaction from readers in its unedited form than anything I've ever written.

     A few people have asked me over the years why I didn't write a tribute to fathers for their special day. I honestly don't know why that's such a challenge.

     I just hope I live to see the day when there are many more young dads who love and cherish their sons and daughters -- their seed made alive. I pray that more of these dads will take on the responsibility of their parenthood and properly bring up their kids to be good and decent adults, chastising them when they do wrong but doing it with love and adding praise for any if not all accomplishments.

     I raise my glass to a better future for all of us and all the precious crops that will be harvested. Spread peace and love!

    

(c) 2006, Toney Atkins

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FAITH AND "THE DA VINCI CODE"

By Toney Atkins

    Hollywood executives are somewhat shrewd in their efforts to pack movie houses for controversial movies -- particularly if the subject matter is the central character in Christianity, Jesus Christ.

    "The Da Vinci Code," a novel that has been on the shelves for more than a decade, is getting new life and a lot of television, radio and church pulpit exposure because it has become a motion picture that presents theories that some churches do not want to discuss or to outright repudiate.

    I've neither read the book and don't expect to see the film until it becomes available on DVD, but from what I do know about it, the Hollywood PR machine is working overtime and that machine's operators are likely giddy about all the controversy and free advertising they are getting for what appears to be simply another speculative drama that delves beneath the Biblical interpretations we've been taught in the New Testament about Jesus.

    The same type of hoopla raged when "Jesus Christ Superstar" was staged as a rock musical. I recall that friends and I had to wind our way through a sea of protesters holding signs warning that we'd all go to hell if we saw the production at Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga, TN. The musical told the story of Christ in a radically different way than it had been shown in the late 1960s and early '70s, but the underlying message and the questions people had in Jesus' time as well as in the present were presented in a manner that some might find disturbing, particularly the implications of Mary Magdalene singing "I Don't Know How To Love Him." Was that implying a close relationship between the two?

    The next hell storm that I recall came when a decades-old novel, "The Last Temptation of Christ," was made into a movie. What outraged the Christian community was the extended dream sequence as Jesus was hanging on the cross in which he saw Himself being led away to a land in which He and Mary married and had children and then, seeing the chaos in the land, having to make a decision as to whether to fulfill his destiny and go back to the cross to die for the sins of humanity. When Jesus opened his eyes on the cross, He knew the dream had been another Satanic temptation to stop Him from saving the world of sinners.

    I was in Florida at the time of that film's release, and the protests came well before anyone had actually seen the film. Ministers packed city and county council meetings, insisting that "The Last Temptation of Christ" be banned from movie houses, not allowing open-minded Christians to see the film for themselves and judge it for what it was. I heard of no one whose faith was damaged by seeing it much later when it finally became available in video stores.

    We all remember the Jewish uproar over Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ," because they believed there would be a backlash against the Jewish folks because of the fact shown in the film that a number of Jews indeed wanted Jesus to be crucified. That movie proved to be a big success with the evangelical crowd because it concentrated on the bloody violence of the crucifixion and sex wasn't an issue.

    Now comes "The Di Vinci Code," which I understand implies that there is a discovery that Jesus and Mary indeed married and had children, and ministers are scared to death that their congregations' faith is going to be shattered by a work of fiction.

    My feeling about the whole uproar follows, and I have read The New Testament several times. So what if Jesus and Mary had a relationship -- even a sexual relationship -- that either purposely wasn't written in the Gospels or was omitted by editors who believed that suggesting that Jesus had natural human feelings were blasphemous. I have been taught throughout life that Jesus was God on earth in human form Who experienced every emotion known to man, who had to battle many temptations to do evil and to turn against the Father. He laughed, He wept, His body bled when lashed and He felt pain until the moment He conquered the cross and death itself. If He didn't have sex, does that mean sex is evil? At least, all of these speculative movies avoid going so far as to emphasize that he mostly hung out with 12 male disciples, and we all know what people today would say about that if Jesus had chosen this time to come.

    The outrage needs to be at oneself when a fictional book or movie has the power to hurt your faith in Jesus. We don't know everything He did on earth. We don't know everything He said. We DO know that He was the Son of God who loved His Father and all the people of the world to die for them and give them the promise of an eventual resurrection and eternal life.

    If you object to a movie or book, don't see or read it, but then, please don't turn around and pay to see a horror flick about exorcists and demons, because then what do you believe in?

    Pray, trust God, keep the faith, nurse it, share with those who believe as you do. Believe in Jesus in the manner that gives you comfort and makes you feel saved. Hold on to it, and I assure you, you will grow strong, using common sense and the knowledge that comes from above.

    Love and peace to all!

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WHAT??? THE INVASION'S OVER?

By Toney Atkins

I realize that the U.S. and the rest of the world are falling apart at the seams: Many illegal immigrants carrying illegal drugs are crossing the border into this country at this very moment, more brave troops have been killed or wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, people are up in arms about a movie based on a decade-old book that they are suddenly afraid will shake their faith in Jesus, and worry beads are being kept busy because of Paul McCartney's impending divorce, Tom Cruise's fatherhood, another Britney Spears baby, Paris Hilton's fear of poverty, the departure of "Will and Grace" and whoever was thrown off "American Idol."

But let's pause for a moment, friends in the Peanut Gallery (who, by the way, are justifiably sad about the loss of Clarabelle the Clown to Clown Heaven). Only the issues of our troops and the illegalities at the border are genuinely worth our concerns and prayers. Even a mustardseed of faith should survive "The DaVinci Code."

But just for a diversion, let me slip into the idiotic sublimity of unreality that monopolizes our lives to ask a question of real urgency in my segment of this Twilight Zone land of ours: WHY IS ABC TAKING "INVASION" OFF THE AIR?

You bet I am angry. We had to endure the initially promising but ultimately silly NBC series, "Surface," being mercifully flushed down tubeland's commode. CBS teased us with "Threshold" and then shoved it into a never-neverland void without notifying us that the last episode we watched was the last episode they would ever show -- no conclusions, no resolutions. Just, "Bye, y'all."

But "Invasion," despite its imperfections, had some substance and a semblance of reality (did FEMA ever show up after the first hurricane?). The characters were suitably likeable and heroic or villainous and venomously hateful. You could even care about some of them, whether or not they were aliens (or "hybrids"). There was a fairly coherent storyline, some good dramatic and suspenseful moments, decent action sequences and a bit of romance and underlying sexual tension.

So what does ABC do on the day of the really good "season finale"? The network announces that the show has not been renewed. Yes, we know why the good guy-bad guy sheriff did what he did at the end; we know the supposedly really bad guy got his comeuppance; we know that the lovely alien (hybrid?) mom and her hunky forest ranger former hubby still have feelings for each other even though his new wife is -- well, if you didn't see the show, I won't give that away; and we gather that FEMA -- or some people acting like they are from FEMA, with our doubts being fueled by their swiftness -- finally showing up after the second hurricane.

But we're left hanging about the non-poddy creatures that assume human form. Are they part of a government evolutionary project? Why have some of them implied a malicious takeover of the human race and others still have humanlike compassion? Why did what happened in the Florida Keys seem to be unknown to the outside world? Like "Lost," what has the time-frame been here? Am I eventually going to have to go back to college at my elder age for a class theorizing the meaning of this series?

So ABC, I chastise you! With all of the world's real troubles on our minds, why do you leave us with one more thing to worry about? Bring back "Invasion," or at least give us a more satisfactory ending, whether it's a happy one or not.

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THE MEDICATION-ALCOHOL DILEMMA

By Toney Atkins

    In an earlier posting, headlined "Addictions," I opined about medication issues as related to the much-reported "confession" and "apology" by Rhode Island Congressman Patrick Kennedy in announcing that he was checking into a facility to get help for his addiction to painkillers. Not wanting to harp on the issue, I simply want to be a bit redundant in elaborating and opining on the previous writing.

    The medications he said that he took before driving, allegedly not even remembering getting out of bed and operating the vehicle, were Ambien and something for his stomach, neither of which have anything to do with killing pain, according to doctors and medical reference information. Whatever the case, he obviously needs help if he has been mixing medications without researching potential side effects from the combinations. He says he was not drinking alcohol at the time of his car crash, and even if he wasn't, that definitely draws attention to the public about examining the issue of prescribed drugs combined with alcohol.

    My experience has been that if medications are taken as directed -- and the majority advise NOT to combine them with alcoholic beverages -- they work as they are intended to do. For example, I've chided acquaintances about drinking a lot while taking antibiotics for whatever condition requires them. For one thing, experience and research has shown me that the antibiotics do no good if combined with alcohol, and some people wonder why they don't get well.

    A number of medications can be addictive if taken for long periods of time. However, many people need certain medications in order to do their jobs and to maintain a quality of life. An example here is something such as Alprazolam for panic attacks. If taken as prescribed, I don't see a major addiction problem, especially if a physician will take time to wean the person off the medication (and that includes something like Zoloft, a good medication for depression) -- and IF the health problem is resolved. Ambien, a sleep aid, did not present a withdrawal problem when I was without it for a while, although I suffer from a sometimes serious sleep disorder possibly caused by post-traumatic stress after being mugged and kicked in the face and head many, many times about a decade ago (but that's a separate and unrelated story in itself).

    Information about these and other medications (including those for pain and muscle relaxation) are usually provided by the doctor or pharmacist and should be read carefully, particularly by drinkers who don't (or can't) stop with just one alcoholic beverage. The individual can avoid potentially dangerous side effects simply by knowing about the medication and following the instructions.

    Most don't see it as such, but that beer, wine or stronger beverages are drugs themselves, therein the danger of combining them with any other kind of drug. Taking aspirin while drinking booze and burn the stomach. Taking Tylenol-type drugs in combination with alcohol can impact the liver and even cause coma or death.

    On the issue of alcohol by itself, we all know that addiction as the disease of alcoholism. Symptoms can be frequently  having to have a beer or other drink when arising from bed, many more drinks during the day and evening and before going to sleep. Alone, such an addiction can result in mental and general health problems. (I'm not speaking of an average drinker who does not rely on alcohol for confidence to get through the day, to relieve a hangover from the night before or as an aid to try to sleep.) Controlled drinking is fine, as long as the person is not getting behind the wheel of a vehicle, operating potentially dangerous equipment or drinking too much too drown sorrows or to attempt an escape from personal problems. When the alcohol controls the person, that's when there can be all kinds of problems. That person can get treatment at facilities and get support from such fine groups as Alcoholics Anonymous.

    This is not written to appear that I'm "holier than thou." In some of the instances mentioned above, I've been there or I've dealt with many people who have -- and I've done a lot of research. This is not meant to be preaching. It's intended to be informational. I had to learn about a lot of things the hard way -- and then I learned to educate myself as much as possible, with the prayer that something I write can help even just one person.

    People have real and painful issues that require medication and even regular treatment by a physician. It's nothing to be ashamed of. We all just need to be in control of what we need and not allow it to control us.

    Don't just trust what I write here, though. Do some research from reliable sources on your own. It's your health.

   IMPORTANT POSTSCRIPT: Do NOT abruptly stop taking any prescribed medication before consulting your physician. Doing such could have very serious health repercussions.

    "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." -- The Serenity Prayer.

.

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I AGREE WITH PRESIDENT BUSH

By Toney Atkins

Stop the presses! I have found agreement with President Bush on some issues.

First, I firmly support his statement that if an immigrant wants to be an American citizen, he or she should sing the National Anthem in English and learn to speak the English language as Americans do.

I also agree that there are far too many "pork" issues for lawmakers' desires that should be in a separate money bill but are currently attached to a bill providing funding for our fighting men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan and for the recovery from Hurricane Katrina. Let Congress try to destroy the environment and rip our pocketbooks at the same time on another occasion -- and I'm sure they will.

On the issue of illegal aliens, I still believe that ILLEGAL means just that -- unlawful. If our lawmakers should give blanket amnesty to all illegal immigrants from Mexico and elsewhere, they might as well give amnesty to anyone else who has broken the law in any form or fashion.

I am not against legal immigration. I know a number of fine people of Hispanic and other foreign heritage who are wonderful additions to the United States. I have even found some of those living in the South to be the nicest, most courteous people I've ever met, going so far as to be helpful when so-called friends who call themselves American citizens ignored or blatantly refused me. For them, I say, "God bless America, and welcome!"

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SHOULD CHRISTIANS PROTEST AT MILITARY FUNERALS?

--- The following is from the May 2 edition of "The Situation Room" with Wolf Blitzer on CNN. I urge you to read it and my commentary that follows:

WOLF BLITZER: For many families and others, it's an appalling act, going to the funerals of service members killed in Iraq to cheer their deaths. Can you believe this? But the group staging them is finding some support.

Let's get some details. This is an amazing story. Brian Todd is standing by -- Brian.

BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, that support comes on the ever precarious grounds of free speech. Now, if any group could ever test the bounds of the First Amendment, it's the Westborough Baptist Church.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

TODD (voice-over): They show up and shock.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Every dead soldier coming home is a punishment from the lord, your god.

TODD: At the funerals of service members killed in Iraq, these folks condemn the dead and their families.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You are a hell-bound minister of Satan.

TODD: Followers of the Kansas-based Westborough Baptist Church have been crisscrossing the U.S., protesting at more than 150 funerals of service members. They believe god is killing U.S. soldiers in Iraq to punish America for tolerating homosexuality.

They've caused such a disruption that more than two dozen states are either trying to pass laws restricting the movement of the protesters or have already passed them. There's a proposal in Congress for a federal law restricting their movement in national cemeteries.

But the Westborough Baptist Church now has a powerful ally. The American Civil Liberties Union is filing suit to challenge Kentucky's new law.

LILI LUTGENS, ACLU: What is important here is that the First Amendment protects the free speech rights of everyone, and that includes those whose message we dislike, that we find offensive.

TODD: The father of one U.S. soldier killed in Iraq whose funeral was picketed by the church, as well as veterans group leaders, say their friends and loved ones died to protect freedom of speech. But this lawsuit...

JOE DAVIS, VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS: It infuriates us. When you have some people that are out there just spreading this hate and prejudice and hiding behind the First Amendment to do so, it's something that's just not right. It doesn't sit well with, I would pretty much bet, most of Americans.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TODD: Like it or not, Westborough won't stop. One church leader told me they are heading to Michigan this weekend to protest at two soldiers' funerals. Michigan lawmakers are trying to pass one of those restriction laws, but it hasn't passed yet -- Wolf.

BLITZER: What a story. Brian, thanks for that. Brian Todd reporting.

(C) CNN. Read the entire transcript at CNN.com.

***

THE FOLLOWING IS SOLELY THE OPINION OF TONEY ATKINS AND IS NOT TO IMPLY THAT CNN OR ANY NEWS ORGANIZATION AGREES:

"God does not reject people. Neither do we." -- TV ad for the United Church of Christ.
The advertisement for the United Church of Christ has to be seen to be appreciated, and I have to admit that I see the truth, tragedy and humor in it that actually makes me feel like going to church.
All of us should know the words of Jesus in John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that WHOSOEVER believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." That expressly means ALL, not just some, human beings. Unfortunately, many of us committed it to memory by rote because we had to and we do not always truly understand the simplicity of Jesus' message to us while He was in human form on earth. The commercial promotes that truth.
Then, I see on the news scenes of members the Baptist church named in the relatively brief CNN news piece who use an outrageous philosophy in preaching against the Iraq War by violating the mourning process of families and friends at funeral services for loved ones who have died in that war.
The video clips in the "Situation Room" report were tame compared to those that were televised several months ago, but there were still glimpses of the signs these people carry that bear the word "faggot" and other terms of bigotry that have nothing to do with the soldiers and their families, the troops who are valiantly doing their jobs in the conflict and the reasons for the war itself.
If you see one of the news tapes, look into the crazed eyes of these "religious" hate-mongers and listen to the venom of their speech. If one believed in demon possession, one would almost have to believe that this small group of alleged "Christians" is indeed possessed.
Their terrible tirades are causing even greater heartache for the dead soldiers' survivors and casting a bad reflection on religious institutions, most of whom have publicly disassociated themselves from these blatant hypocrites.
The "church" claims that the troops are dying because of their allegation that the United States condones homosexuality and that God is punishing the nation. With this apparently being their central reason for the protests, they have been recorded as hatefully calling all troops "faggots" and "queers" and saying that the soldiers deserve to die. Bull.... er, hogwash! What on earth is this group's agenda, and what insane asylum does it represent?
First, there apparently have been homosexuals on earth ever since Adam and Eve got thrown out of the Garden of Eden for eating that apple and they started to begat and begat and begat.
In all the wars men have fought since the beginning of time, it's only logical to believe that there were homosexuals fighting beside heterosexuals and bisexuals on both sides, so who was God punishing then?
This group calls itself a Christian church, but are these folks still living in the Old Testament? Many Americans do NOT openly condone homosexuality and that a known practicing homosexual would probably not be allowed to be a member of most churches or even be sincerely welcomed to worship in their sanctuaries -- even though the doors are always open to secret adulterers, cheats, wife-or-husband beaters and child abusers.
The difference is that however most Christian churches may believe, their members do not stage obscene, name-calling protests at military funerals.
To label our troops as this single Baptist church is doing is abysmal and totally un-Christian, according to all of the Bibles I've read. To imply that the soldiers of our nation are being punished for a single lifestyle is beyond being outrageous. Now, if they wanted to focus on the alleged untruths and corruption that got us into this war, I might be a little more understanding -- but I seriously doubt it.
The funeral of anyone who has died in battle so that this group might have its freedom of speech deserves respect, not only for the person who gave his or her life, but for the survivors as well.
Instead, this one church stages its protests with vile signs and language directed toward the families at the scenes of such funerals. I'm in no position to judge, but when this group reaches the Pearly Gates, I'm afraid its members could find the gates locked and a detour sign pointing downhill to a hotter climate.
I am a firm believer in freedom of speech, but it has its place and time. I was astounded to learn that the American Civil Liberties Union is supporting this group that is beyond being simply annoying. I shudder to think this is the depth to which our nation has dropped and the direction in which it seems to be going.
I admire and appreciate true Christians who practice their faith, especially in the real world before and after the church services they attend. I rejoice with them in their joy of trying to live the words that Jesus Himself preached.
I particularly admire the religious institutions that have denounced this hateful group that mars the lives of innocents and attempts in un-Godly ways to disgrace the dead. Do these fanatics deliver God's message? I think not.
As the United Church of Christ promotion says: "God does not reject people. Neither do we."
(P.S. And Lord, I'm working really hard to forgive these maniacs about whom I've written. Help me, please, because I'm really ticked off at them!)
(c) 2006, Toney Atkins

THE ACCIDENTAL DIET

By Toney Atkins

    It's amazing how a little ingenuity (or, in my case, some unexplored common sense) can help one deal with life's crises when we happen to get hit by a financial curve ball that somehow empties our pockets.

    Now, I'm far from being the smartest person in the world and it took some help from my late Dad who, before his passing on his birthday last August, had stocked his cabinets with canned pears, corn, green peas, green beans and even turnip greens. In his refrigerator was some frozen butter (supposedly with zero cholesterol) and a few spices. In recent months, I had already devoured all the soups and chili and pretty much ate out for burgers, fish, meat loaf and vegetables.

    That was all well and good until April came along and I was slammed with a temporary (I hope and pray) financial crisis which forced an immediate change in lifestyle. While my brain and stomach demanded the delights of Golden Corral or the Country Cafe, I dined on bologna sandwiches during the afternoon and evening and oatmeal for breakfast and a midnight snack.

    After the bologna and oatmeal were gone, I found myself one evening, sitting in an easy chair and morbidly and figuratively bathing myself in a sea of self-pity, listening to my stomach whine for a big meal at the Golden Corral buffet. Suddenly, it was a though Dad's spirit entered the room, slapped me across the head and yelled, "Open your eyes and think, stupid!"

    I remembered the massive number of cans of pears in the cabinets, but I wasn't sure what else was there. First was a can of potatoes and then some tomato sauce. A few cans back were a couple filled with gravy. Then there were canned vegetables and the other previously mentioned individual canned items. The last job anyone would ever give me would be in a kitchen, but my mind went to work. I could combine some of these things and make a soup, but knowing me, I'd have that eaten in one day.

    My dining habits have baffled people for years. I have a tendency of eating all of one item on my plate before I go to the next. I decided to try something. I opened a can of corn -- the average can, not the family size, put a little butter, light salt and pepper in the bowl. Three minutes in the microwave and viola! I had my supper. After relishing it along with a cup of coffee, I found that my hunger was satisfied. Later, I indulged in a can of green beans and a can of sliced pears before bed.

    It became a routine of pears upon waking, a can of the vegetable of my choice for lunch and a different choice for dinner. Naturally, to support decent health, I took a multivitamin (with cholesterol-fighting ingredients) during the day.  I was certainly eating better than the poor homeless folks who walk the streets who have to depend on churches and shelters, and I hadn't had to spend a penny for the food, thanks to Dad, who always worried about whether I was eating right.

    For exercise, I've boogied down nightly to at least half an hour to my stash of disco music, shaking my groove thang and ample rump to hopefully improve my sexy, masculine image.

    A physician would lash me 20 times at least for suggesting such a diet, but here is a definitely positive result: In less than two weeks, I lost at least 10 pounds. If that rate continues until payday in two more weeks. I will at least double that and start getting closer to the weight at which I'll be satisfied.

    What my physician would not be happy about was that I was even able to have a smoke after my midnight snack -- after I rummaged through a bag that I had brought to Georgia last June. Admittedly, I don't know how long the three broken Parliaments had been in the bag before that, and they did give that rush of aged tobacco, but what can I say? Life is good.

    Needless to say, when the check finally comes in the mail, the cabinets will be restocked for the next literal or figurative storm that comes along -- and for the interim as well.

    Stay healthy, and spread love and peace!

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DOING WHAT I DO

    Some people have understandably asked why I include links on www.toneyatkins.com/ to fund-raising organizations and if I get compensation for doing so.

    The answer to the second question is no, I receive no compensation for the links to organizations that benefit wounded troops, the families of our troops, victims of natural disasters, the homeless and needy, animals and the latest, a memorial for the heroes of the flight that crashed in Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, 2001, potentially saving lives in Washington, DC.

    I seek no personal compensation or even praise for including these worthwhile organizations in links that are separate from the Google ads that I do permit on my site. The way I see it, these organizations are helping people (and yes, even pets) that need assistance in one form or another. It's up to the individual who goes to any site on my web page to decide if they want to or can afford to give $5 or more to help fellow human beings in these troubled times. Those of us who have not been directly impacted by any of these issues can thank the God to whom we pray and realize that the unpredictable can happen and someday we may be affected and may need some kind of help, no matter how rich or poor we may be.

    If you're like me and sometimes have to use every penny you have to support yourself and your family, the least we can do is pray for the success of all genuine humanitarian groups in the efforts to help others.

    Our prayers WILL be answered, and who knows? Our other prayers may be answered as well, simply because of an act of unselfishness.

    SPREAD LOVE AND PEACE! Tell someone you love them. They'll feel good, and you will, too! -- Toney Atkins

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TONEY ATKINS' RANDOM THOUGHTS

    One way American citizens can show that they can show that they have more economic power than illegal aliens would be to postpone their weekend shopping -- even filling their tanks with overpriced gas -- until Monday, May 1, the day of the protest by illegal Mexican immigrants, and buy their groceries, clothing, fuel and other needs only at stores operated or even owned by Americans or immigrants who are legitimately earning their citizenship.

***

    Isn't it a shame that more people probably vote for singers on "American Idol" or "Nashville Star" than go to the polls to vote for lawmakers who definitely have a greater impact on their futures?

***

    A new ad promoting a possible million dollar prize for someone who sends money via Western Union has inspired me to urge distant friends and acquaintances to wire some money to a needy writer -- ahem, guess who? -- and potentially become a millionaire for their generosity.

***

    Attention, gossip mongers: Say what you want about those loonies Paris Hilton, Michael Jackson and Tom Cruise, but leave my favorite beauty, the "pillow-lipped" actress-humanitarian Angelina Joli, alone! So there!

***

    What better author for a book dealing with the new "sex for votes" scandal in Washington than someone named A.M. Cox?

***

P.S. See, Cousin Linda, I haven't totally lost my sense of humor!

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YOU KNOW IT'S AN ELECTION YEAR

By Toney Atkins

    You know it's election year when all the issues facing Americans suddenly start to get the attention of election officials -- whoop-de-damn-do -- whether or not anything will actually be done to benefit the citizens. But I have to admit that there's some almost award-winning pretense of concern on the part of some perspiring politicos who are very aware that voters will be going to the polls in November 2006.

    Nearly five years after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, politicians finally have noticed that the security of our borders -- particularly with Mexico -- is lousy. Illegal is illegal -- unlawful, yet some of our lawmakers would go along with giving amnesty and citizenship to those Hispanics, illegally here or not, while immigrants from other countries who want legitimate citizenship work for years to achieve it. Except for CNN's "Lou Dobbs Tonight," nothing much was being said about this problem until political incumbents woke up one morning, gasped and said, "Something needs to be done about this!" But what to do? They want Latino votes, but they also need the votes of angry American citizens who are tired of job outsourcing and illegals who are taking jobs that can't even support a decent standard of living. (When's the last time you actually heard an American, English-speaking voice on the other end of the line when you called for Internet support or to inquire about a cable TV outage or cell phone problems? But I digress.)

    Also suddenly, the public reaction to the rapid rise of gasoline prices at the pump has tapped our lawmakers on the shoulder. Where were they more than a year ago when we knew there were problems between the pumps and our pocketbooks and discovered that as fuel costs rose, the price of nearly everything else did, too. Our nation's leadership has two oil men at the top, so at least a few people have to worry about their financial situation.

    Everybody is talking about the rising costs of health care, but nobody seems to do anything about it. We keep hearing all kinds of rhetoric, but no one does anything. Why? Fingers are pointed at the drug companies, just as many point at the profit-making oil companies for what some see as price gouging at the pumps.

    And look at the billions of dollars that are still going into the Iraq War three years after "mission accomplished" was declared. If the mission was accomplished, why are our brave troops still there, with the death count still rising? Is one soldier's death worth the cost of a war that was based on information that was not credible?

    These issues and others are causing incumbent lawmakers to scurry around, acting as though they're truly concerned about and working for their constituents.

    When I was working at a Daytona Beach newspaper, blacks seemed to be more vocal about their distaste of politicians. One quote I recently dug from some notes from a year or so ago echoed the feelings of many blacks: "Politicians don't come into the black community and visit our churches or attend our social events unless it's an election year and they want our votes. After the voting is done, they're like snakes. They look at us with a grin and beady eyes and end up biting us in the (rump). I vote, but I don't trust any of them because they don't care about anybody but themselves."

    A friend in Daytona used to disturb me with his tirades against politicians and about how the media never seems to ask the essential, heavy-duty questions about the issues that need answers. However, even as a member of the news media, I reluctantly (at first) had to agree with him. Truth has become so twisted in city, state and federal governments that it has become unclear as to what is reality and what is not.

    I do know that changes need to be made somewhere. When I can't afford to go to neighborhood stores or restaurants to shop or eat, when I find myself restricted to bologna sandwiches and a bowl of oatmeal because I've had to pay a chunk of change for medications to treat high blood pressure and other ailments, I get mad -- and even madder when I think of the poor folks who in worse shape than I am.

    Personally, I will not vote for any incumbent politician. Instead, I'll pick the best of the worst who has some grasp on the problems and preferably that rare politician who be willing to show his or her devotion to the job and to the common man by being willing to work for minimum wage. I'll vote for the person who seems to be telling the fewest lies to his or her constituents.

    We're at a time in our history that our future literally depends on it, so I urge everyone to register and vote and see if we can't change the course of that future and make it better.

(c) 2006

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WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH OUR YOUTH?

By Toney Atkins

Just when many folks seem to be feeling the whole world has gone nuts, kids at three different schools in the U.S. have threatened terrorist acts against fellow students.

Fortunately, the incidents were halted before the actual crimes could be committed, but one can't help but wonder: What's happening here? Why are some of our young people striving to be domestic terrorists of sorts, with heroes such as Germany's evil dictator Hitler, who was brought down in World War II.

It's easy to blame the ease of communicating and exchanging ideas and plans on the Internet. It's easy to blame the violence and sexuality in the movies and on television. It's easy to blame parents who don't know -- and often don't care -- what their kids are really doing and who, in many cases, turn over control of the household to the children rather than taking personal responsibility.

I certainly don't have an answer to these chilling developments in our society. Many youngsters have always felt like outcasts and alone, either ignored or made fun of by their peers, but in older days, it rarely crossed their minds to resort to taking weapons to school and plowing down teachers, administrators and classmates. There used to be an innate sense of morality in most kids, but that seems to be another vanishing thing of the past.

There are many fine young people who will grow up to be great adults despite problems with parents, friends, romance and all the issues that are encountered in the growing-up process. No one is perfect, but these young people don't sink into mindless evil, choosing instead to fight to overcome all obstacles. They, too, have had frustrations, unhappy homes and friends who often didn't turn out to be true, but they rise above that and move forward, knowing that at some point in their struggles they will experience the good things of life, love and success. They don't give up because others seem to have low expectations because they set their own. They overcome the past.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, a fear has been in the back of the minds of many that foreign terrorists will invade our land again. We need to awaken to the fact that domestic terrorists are already among us, and it appears that many of them are children.

As I wrote earlier, I have no answers, just a lot of questions. What if parents went back to parenting, loving and truly caring for their young but not letting the kids rule the roost? They have to learn the hard facts of life, but not before they've known what it's like to experience the wonderful innocence of youth. They need good role models, not role models who don't give a damn.

Let us pray for this generation, because the shocking things we're seeing today may only be terrible signals of things to come.

WHAT THE MAN AND WOMAN ON AND OFF THE STREET ARE SAYING

WHAT THE AVERAGE MAN THINKS AND SAYS
Mood: a-ok
Topic: MANY THOUGHTS
A FEW FAVORITE QUOTES FROM THE SO-CALLED AVERAGE MAN

Some folks among us can remind us of some of life's important things in their conversations with us -- if we just listen. And other folks just say funny things I like to share. Some of the outstanding things said to me (or that I overheard while unintentionally eavesdropping) include:

--- "Life's too short. Enjoy it. ... I don't understand how people get depressed. You can find the good in any situation. (When there's a problem) get off your butt and do something about it. ... Life's too easy. People just try to screw it up." -- Name withheld by request. (Smart thinking from a sharp Southern 19-year-old working man who also attends college and serves his country.)

--- "The Garden of Eden had no condos." -- A Navy veteran, who is concerned about man's destruction of the environment and the selling of national park land to developers. He added something about how the "beautiful world of the creation of whatever God you believe in is being paved over with concrete."

--- "Politicians only come to the black community and our churches when they're looking for our votes to be elected or re-elected. They smile and shake our hands and make all kinds of promises, but then we never see them again until the next election, and they usually don't keep their promises." -- A black resident of Daytona Beach, FL.

--- "Foreigners are taking over the United States because they're willing to do the jobs that Americans think they're too good to do." -- Overheard at the Country Cafe, Rossville, GA.

--- "Americans will do any job, even some that don't pay a living wage." -- A neighbor who wishes to remain anonymous because of fears that his phone, and I quote, "might be tapped" because he disagrees with the president and his administration.

--- A woman had to have emergency surgery at the hospital. To her horror, she found herself moving through the darkness toward a bright light. Suddenly, she heard God say, "Go back. You have 40 more years." Recovering from the operation and excited and happy that she had so many years left, she went to a plastic surgeon and spent thousands on having a complete makeover. Pleased with her new look, she left the surgeon's facility, walked in front of a speeding tractor-trailer rig and was splattered all over the highway. Once she got inside the Pearly Gates, she confronted God and said angrily, "You told me I had 40 years left! -- to which God answered, "Sorry, I didn't recognize you." -- An obvious bit of humor overheard at the Country Cafe.

--- "If a politician comes up to me, says he's honest and wants me to vote for him, I'll tell him no, because I don't want to make a dishonest lawmaker out of him." -- J.S., Chattanooga, TN

--- "Don't fergit to stop and git summa that I Cain't Believe It Ain't Butter." -- An elderly man to the lady with him. (This one made soup spew from my nose at a favorite restaurant.)

--- "In 2000 and 2004, I voted for the other guy. This year, I'd just like to see every congressman and senator up for election replaced by somebody else, and in 2008, we'd better concentrate on the person addressing the real issues affecting us instead of paying attention to political ads." -- An acquaintance who says he doesn't trust any politician.

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THE UNITED STATES OF ... WHAT?

By Toney Atkins

I knew from all the years I spent in Daytona Beach who read newspapers and watched TV news. You could sit in a barroom and argue the issues of the day, and at least a few of those present knew what you were talking about. You could ride the Votran bus service and see those who were glued to cell phones or iPods and those who were reading the newspaper or talking about current events, and you had a good idea who knew at least a little of what was going on in our ever more turbulent world.

I'm not opposed to all of these amazing electronic devices that envelop us in our own private world of music or the small DVD players that put a recent smash box office hit into our laptops. Our cell phones keep us from communicating with our neighbor on the bus or train because we can chatter away with some invisible person that we'll see in person within minutes anyway.

All of these marvels are wonderful, but they've managed to consume the lives of many who have no idea what's going on in the world beyond their sphere of existence. They'll say they don't watch the news because it's "boring" or "depressing." They have their own problems -- romantic, financial, etc. Why be concerned about politics and what's going on in the world?

They laugh when you say that China is close -- if not already there -- to being more powerful than the United States. That communist nation sells far more goods to the U.S. than we do to them. We're in debt to China, as a matter of fact -- not just a few dollars, but billions. While we haven't been paying attention, China, India and even Iran, a member of the so-called "Axis of Evil," have representatives in this country, buying properties and making business investments. While we fear a nuclear threat from Iran, what can we really do about it, because China has business dealings there -- particularly with its increasing demand for oil? China's military is strengthening, so the U.S. now must very carefully consider whether or not to go after one of its friends, lest we start World War III.

All of a sudden, illegal immigration across the U.S.-Mexico border is getting attention. Why didn't someone in Homeland Security think of that after Sept. 11, 2001? If refugees, drug smugglers and such have gotten across in large numbers without being caught, who's to say that a potential terrorist or two hasn't gained entry into the U.S. in the same way? Border security presently is a joke that's not funny, but we Americans are "suddenly" shocked into the realization that Mexicans believe they have the right to come into the U.S. illegally, get health and educational benefits that some citizens can't get, fly their flags and tell us what we should do.

U.S. senators and representatives are getting a bit nervous because this is an election year and many people are putting down their iPods, cell phones and DVD players and asking hard questions about what they're doing for the good of the legitimate citizens of the U.S. of A. There will be a lot of double-talk and evasive answers between now and the congressional elections, but we need to wake up and demand positive change in our government. After all, those eyes from around the world who would like to see us knocked from our perch are watching.

Postscript: One of my best sources of legitimate news impacting the middle class of America is "Lou Dobbs Tonight," which can be seen on CNN at 6 p.m. and repeated at 4 a.m. for night owls or early birds. Be informed, if only for an hour.

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LOVE AND PEACE

SPREAD LOVE AND PEACE! TELL SOMEONE YOU LOVE THEM! THEY'LL FEEL GOOD AND YOU WILL, TOO! Please visit my web site at http://www.toneyatkins.com/ .

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HELP SAVE OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT!

Our natural environment is disappearing rapidly and even moreso with the U.S. Forestry Service announcing the potential sale of national forest lands to developers and others. I urge you to read the Forestry Service press release and my accompanying commentary and give your opinions on the subject at the specified email or "snail mail" addresses (or the fax number) by April 24. Click on http://www.toneyatkins.com/id62.html . -- Toney Atkins

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THE DARK EASTER SUNRISE By Toney Atkins

The air was cold and damp, with threatening black clouds above seemingly trying to decide between dumping a chilly drizzle or a pouring rain. The dismal setting at the standpipe above a mountain spring's opening, which constantly and silently pumped crystal clear ground water into a wider lake east of the old water tower, did not stop several hundred residents from gathering for the annual Easter sunrise service.

Most were not wearing the special finery that would adorn them when they later went to traditional Easter morning services at the several churches in the small North Georgia town. Fathers and mothers alike held young children close for warmth as an interdenominational choir began to sing. Some of the attendees didn't know whether to be happy or sad at the celebration of Jesus Christ's resurrection more than 2,000 years ago. Each denominational minister who spoke was inspiring, and all glanced eastward at least once, possibly hoping that the power of their words would break the clouds and let some rays of sun shine through on that early Sunday morning.

My eyes couldn't help but follow the clear waters that had traveled a dark course from somewhere in the mountains as it flowed beneath the nearby wooden railroad trestle and into the colorfully putrid lake, made so in those days of the 1960s by regurgitations from the textile plant which was the town's major industry. There, the pure waters relentlessly fought a losing battle with dyes and other chemicals.

The inclement conditions didn't seem to bother the worshippers as they ignored the almost contradictory view and tried to respond to the spirit of love, peace and joy within them, particularly tuning in to the constant flowing spirit of the Almighty that was available to those who could be moved enough to feel the love waves connecting with welcoming hearts.

When the service ended, everyone, including myself, seemed happier than when we arrived, despite the still gloomy skies above.

While eating breakfast alone before Sunday school and the morning church service would start at the Pentecostal church that I had started attending on a regular basis earlier during the winter, I thought about the short trip I had already taken in my love for the Lord.

I first attended the church at the request of a girlfriend who was a member there. After overcoming an initial feeling of discomfort and my not-so-religious reasons for being there, I sat back and soaked in the beautiful and joyful music being sung by the choir, which basically was comprised of anyone in the congregation who wanted to go to the choir loft to sing. I listened to the pastor's fiery sermon, and his message struck some chords.

By the second Sunday of attending the medium-sized, country-style rock church, members of the congregation of about 100 were welcoming and genuinely seemed glad to see me. During the services, I would look around at the faces. The expressions ranged from a quiet celebration in communing with God in prayer, tears rolling down faces, to those whose faces were sad yet committed to praising the Lord and asking Him to answer their prayers. Some simply raised their hands skyward and offered quiet praises.

As the weeks progressed, I looked forward to those Sunday morning services. The people were so down to earth, unpretentious and apparently experienced in feeling and rejoicing in the Holy Spirit. I found myself wanting what they had.

Several, including the minister and his wife, had quoted the scriptures to me about the road to soul salvation. Something inside me kept fighting it. I was still young. I wasn't sure that I was ready to give up anything that might commit me to some restrictive rules of practicing Christianity. Unknown to me, the people of the church were praying for me as they shared their loving welcome.

The hole in my soul was growing intensely. I wanted and needed much more. I needed that positive fellowship within the church building, but foremost, I needed to be able to fellowship with myself.

The frustrating battle grew to the point that I skipped my afternoon college classes and just started driving around, thinking. The pain of emptiness was such that I almost wondered if I needed medical attention. I was a nervous wreck. I drove by the pastor's house, but he and his wife had company -- probably the evangelist who was to start a revival in the church the following night.

My next stop was the white-stoned Civil War tower in the nearby national park. I walked up the dark circular staircase to get to the top, where I looked around, taking in the beauty of the park, even under the dismal clouds which matched my mood as dusk approached. I drove back by the pastor's house. The company was still there. I felt I needed to talk with them, but I didn't want to disturb them.

I finally drove to my home, where I lived with my mother and father, neither of whom were committed to any kind of religion. After doing some studying, which did no good because I couldn't think straight, I picked up the book, "World Aflame," by Billy Graham. All of a sudden, I started to understand. All of a sudden, I believed.

I knelt beside the bed and prayed, crying, repenting and ended up rejoicing because that hole in my soul seemed to be filling up. It was a wonderful and joyous experience. I slept better that night than I had in years, despite lighting, thunder and wind outside, which ordinarily would have kept me awake.

The church members rejoiced and praised God when I shared the news. I felt the spirit of God in a powerful, wonderful way, and they joined me in my celebration. They wanted to believe that I had found salvation on the first night of revival. I didn't have the heart to tell them that it had come quietly, bringing peace and joy to my bedside, alone in my room.

I had sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Jesus had died on a cross, assuming the sins of those who hated and reviled Him then and even of those who were to follow over the centuries. I asked His forgiveness, I had to forgive myself and move forward. I was at the happiest point of my life and I wanted everyone to feel what I felt.

So that first Easter sunrise service at the spring was far from depressing as I heard again about Christ's disappearing from the tomb, speaking with those disciples and others who loved him and then ascending into heaven. The dark, threatening clouds could not convince me that they would permanently cover the light, and sure enough, before the end of the day, the sun was shining its light and warmth upon us.

God and Jesus are very much alive, waiting for hurting souls to find them. They're right there, with us and behind the clouds, waiting patiently for the sun to cast its light upon us with a new brilliance.

If only the entire world could accept and enjoy that Easter light and its dramatic and life-changing capabilities! It's something to hold on to during the storms and on the clearest of days -- now and forever.

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THROWING STONES

THROWING STONES

(c) 2006 By TONEY ATKINS

    It intrigues me when readers accuse me of trying to shatter faith and of being a lover of "niggers" and "queers."

    In reality, I am a lover of all people who value life, who treat each other with mutual respect, who do not hate, murder, rob, maliciously gossip about or intentionally physically or emotionally hurt another person.

    As far as my personal faith is concerned, I am a believer that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and that God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.

    If my thoughts that are  intended to make a reader think for himself or herself have the ability to "shatter faith," then there's not that much faith to shatter.

    Riding on the train of thought of some of these critics, I have to say that I have to laugh at the tired phrase, "If God had wanted homosexuals, He would have created Adam and Steve instead of Adam and Eve." What if He had created Adam and Steve? Since the biology wouldn't have allowed for procreation, there would not be overpopulation and hunger; there would still be a Garden of Eden; the earth of God's creation would likely still be beautifully green and the waters would be a sparkling blue, the air and drinking water would be clean, free of harmful chemicals and other contaminants; there would be not hatred and discrimination, and therefore, no wars -- it would be a great place in which to live in peace and freedom.

    And since we all know that God created everything, including the serpent or snake or whatever it was that tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden and got them thrown out, perhaps there would be no reason to fear the seen and unseen slithering and crawling things -- spiders and snakes, bacteria and viruses or anything else that is invisible to the naked eye.

    Forget Adam and Steve. Being human, they could have made a mess of things, too. Adam and Eve obviously weren't happy with what they had and were ripe for temptation, and look at what has happened since -- hate, discrimination, war, fear, disease, pestilence, hunger, too many "marriages" that end in divorce, leaving children to suffer the worst of the consequences, too many religious beliefs and denominations that cause far too much confusion, disrespect for others, too much self-indulgence -- I believe you get the message without painting a montage.

    Too many of us are eager to throw stones at the sins of others when we won't even acknowledge our own sins. We want laws, but then we abuse them or simply don't obey them. We don't think beyond what those of propagandize religions and politics want us to think, and that in itself is sinful. We hate and fear what we don't even try to understand.

    No one is perfect on God's still partly green earth, not me, not you. I wouldn't even try to tell you what to think or what to believe, because that's not my place. I would like to see people of all races, colors and creeds to think about what could make us, as individuals, better residents of this God-given planet and about what we all could do to make the world a better place instead of destroying it a little more each and every day.

    Meanwhile, I can only wish you love, peace and a body-and-soul-healing faith. Go with God. He's pretty great. (And maybe you'll even learn to like your neighbor instead of being afraid of him or her.)

(Please visit my web site at www.toneyatkins.com/ .)

    

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HOW THE ORDINARY CITIZEN IS GETTING THE SHAFT FROM GOVERNMENT

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE IMPACT OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, THE IRAQ WAR AND CORPORATION RULE IN THE U.S. ON THE COMMON MAN

If you missed "Lou Dobbs Tonight" at 6 p.m. EDT and 4 a.m. EDT, read the transcripts of the most honest TV news reports on issues affecting the common man and woman at http://www.cnn.com/loudobbs/ .

Click on http://www.cnn.com/loudobbs/

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KUDOS TO WALMART

MAJOR CHAIN STORE REFUSES TO TAKE MOVIE OFF THE SHELVES

By Toney Atkins

Hats off to Walmart for refusing to bow to pressure from a conservative Christian group to remove the DVD "Brokeback Mountain" from its shelves.

The group claimed something to the effect that the movie promotes homosexuality, so obviously none of the members actually saw the film.

How Christian is it to want this one particular DVD to be unavailable to the public when the Academy Award-winning "Crash" is full of violence, profanity, and explicit sexual situations? And that's not the only title that has more than a share of sexuality, bad language, criminal actions and violence -- and the good guys don't always win. Why aren't the Christian groups clamoring to get all of those -- and there are many -- out of the stores?

Perhaps they want only Disney titles available for the public -- but then again: Listen closely and adults and the modern generation of savvy kids will catch some suggestive dialogue in some of the newer animated as well as live-action films.

"Brokeback Mountain" has fewer sex scenes than the average PG-13 rated movie, and the most sizzling one has to do with one of the cowboys and a "lady" who comes on to him in a bar. The men aren't really gay in the story. They're two men who have a sexual encounter (not even graphically shown) and develop a deep, loving friendship. Yes, two men can love one another -- it's a fact of life -- and these men love their wives and children as well. I saw nothing in the movie that would promote homosexuality as a lifestyle of choice, but neither does it denounce it. It's an unusual and dramatic love story, and the only major violence in the entire movie is a brief glimpse of a hate crime, which anyone, especially Christians, should denounce.

I would hope that groups proclaiming the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ and God the Father would at least see and tell their congregations the truth about both films and books before denouncing them. Either that or make us a "1984" society in which everything of which the church doesn't approve is banned or burned, no matter what the content. Anyone can find something offensive in anything, and I'm offended by those who are so quick to condemn without knowing what they're talking about.

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QUOTES FROM THE "AVERAGE" MAN

A FEW FAVORITE QUOTES FROM THE SO-CALLED "AVERAGE" MAN (Updated April 7, 2006)


Some folks among us can remind us of some important things in what they say -- if we just listen. Some of the memorable comments that have been made in interviews or simply overheard recently:


--- "Life's too short. Enjoy it. ... I don't understand how people get depressed. You can find the good in any situation. (When there's a problem) get off your butt and do something about it. ... Life's too easy. People just try to screw it up." -- Name withheld by request (smart thinking from a fine and sharp 19-year-old Southern working man who also attends college and serves his country).


--- "The Garden of Eden had no condos." -- A Navy veteran, who is concerned about man's destruction of the environment and the selling of national park land to developers. He added something about how the "beautiful world of the creation of whatever God you believe in is being paved over with concrete."


--- "Foreigners are taking over the United States because they're willing to do the jobs that Americans think they're too good to do." -- Overheard at the Country Cafe.

--- "I mistakenly used a tube of hemorrhoidal ointment instead of Poligrip to hold in my false teeth, and now my gums have shrunk." -- Overheard at a favorite restaurant.

--- "Religious organizations are exempt from paying taxes, so they should stay out of politics. If they preach politics, they should pay taxes." -- Name withheld by request.

--- "Where do these illegal aliens get off waving the Mexican flag in the United States? If they want to be American citizens, they should be waving the American flag!" -- Name withheld by request.

--- "We aren't serving that right now. It's bug night." -- A new waitress at a chain restaurant in Florida in response to my request for a menu item and a query as to why part of the establishment was roped off. The manager quickly rushed over to explain that the place was closing early for routine monthly insect spraying. He then suggested to the blushing girl that there might be a better way of explaining the situation to any other customers (including bugs) who might come in.

--- "The argument that Americans won't do the jobs that illegal aliens will do is based on the simple fact that employers don't want to pay living wages, and they know that Mexican immigrants will work for practically nothing. The government is just offering excuses for giving American jobs to other countries and to avoid having to deal with the hassles of trying to handle border security." -- Quote from an email, author wants to remain anonymous.

--- "If my nose was running money, I'd blow it all on you. ... I wish my nose was running money, but my friend, it's not." -- Say that fast. Lines from a song heard in a recorded comedy routine played on an AM radio station in Georgia, artist unknown.

--- --- A woman had to have emergency surgery at the hospital. To her horror, she found herself moving through the darkness toward a bright light. Suddenly, she heard God say, "Go back. You have 40 more years." Recovering from the operation and excited and happy that she had so many years left, she went to a plastic surgeon and spent thousands on having a complete makeover. Pleased with her new look, she left the surgeon's facility, walked in front of a speeding tractor-trailer rig and was splattered all over the highway. Once she got inside the Pearly Gates, she confronted God and said angrily, "You told me I had 40 years left!" -- to which God answered, "Sorry, I didn't recognize you." -- Overheard at the Country Cafe.


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MOTHER'S DAY

Don't forget your mother on Mother's Day in May!VISIONS Column

REMEMBERING MOTHER

By TONEY ATKINS

In past years, I have received a number of wonderful and inspiring phone calls and letters about what has become my annual tribute in the Daytona Times to my beautiful mother, who passed from this world on April 17, 1994.

There have been requests to repeat that tribute, at least in part, to share with those who know what it means to have lost a mother and with those who are fortunate enough to still be able to look their mothers in the eyes on Mother's Day and say, "I love you."

This year marks the 11th anniversary of my mother's death and the 11th year that I still get choked up when I pass a counter in a store stocked with Mother's Day cards - especially the giant ones, which would truly have impressed my mom.

I recently traveled back to the town in which I was born to be with my dad, who currently is going through several different health crises which threaten to take him from me, too.

During the last few months of her life, my mother pleaded with me to get closer to my earthly father and to take care of him. He and I, indeed, have bridged a terrible gap that always seemed to be between us for far too many years, so the prayers of a loving mother were answered - and I am grateful. My dad, who took tender care of Mother during her final months, and I both still miss the woman who had a tremendous impact on both our lives.

My mother is eternal now, but in a spiritual sphere where I can't pick up the telephone and call her and tell her how concerned I am about my father and to hear her words of comfort and advice. Oh, how I miss her! Oh, how I realize how much I took her for granted! Time has increased my appreciation and love for her, but she's not here for me to tell her so.

Somewhere in my belongings is the Mother's Day card I had bought ahead of time in 1994 - the first time I had gotten one in years to send early so she would get it on or before Mother's Day, not several days or a week afterwards. "Better late than never," I always said with a laugh as I excused myself and apologized when she inevitably received it late, and she always said she forgave and thanked me profusely.

I still vividly remember the night that I walked into a dimly lit room in a Georgia hospital and looked down at the shell of my mother on the bed. She appeared to be so at peace and looked so much younger than her 74 years.

An hour earlier, she had been struggling for breath as she lay in a coma on a bed in another room in the hospital, with tubes running into her nose and into her arms that seemed brutally bruised by too many intravenous needles. There were fewer of them than there had been before, because they were relatively useless now. The doctors and nurses had told my dad and me that her body was shutting down, its parts failing rapidly, and that soon the few breaths we heard rattling through the room would be silent.

They were right. Her battle with cancer, congestive heart failure and other ailments - especially the stroke that sent her to the hospital for the last time - would be over that Sunday night - three weeks to the day before Mother's Day that year.

The card she never got to see was still in Daytona Beach.

The blessing was that, at least by appearances, she died without apparent agony from the horrible pain she could have been feeling. She had suffered very much. After her last breath, even with the hospital paraphernalia still attached to her, her years of struggle melted away. As her spirit entered a realm free of suffering, her face expressed its relief.

My mother loved me - sometimes, I thought, too much. She never liked my living 550 miles away. I lived under the "curse" of being an only child and being "smothered with love."

She was an outspoken woman, even moreso with age. You could always depend on her speaking her mind to anyone and everyone. If you didn't like it - tough! But most people, young and old, including the minister who preached at her funeral, loved her for her simplistic, down-to-earth qualities. They saw her goodness as well as her human frailties, and the minister made special note that she indeed was one of a kind.

My mother was proud of me. It wasn't that I could do no wrong, because she would always be the first to let me know that I often did. But whether she approved or disapproved, she tried to act as though she respected my feelings and decisions.

I was required to send her copies of the Daytona Times (and the Daytona Beach News-Journal, when I was a writer and editor there) so she could proudly show off my writings to her friends and neighbors.

Oh, the many things I miss about Mother! She was always there when I needed someone to talk to. In our long distance telephone conversations, she worried about me, concerned about whether I was eating right, whether I was staying out of trouble and always wanting to know when I was going to get married and give her a grandchild to dote over. Even though I had crossed the threshold of 50 at the time of her passing, I was always her "little boy."

Eleven years later, I still sometimes find it hard to accept that my mother and my best friend is gone and I can't tell her how I feel about her and let her know that she did a wonderful job in trying to raise a good son. (None of my character defects can be blamed on her.)

How I wish I could hug her tightly and talk to her now!

The purpose of this writing is simple. It's not just therapeutic. I hope it prompts each and every reader whose mother is still alive to stop and think about that special woman, to remember her and treasure her while she's here, especially on the upcoming Mother's Day.

Pay her a visit. Send a card. Send flowers. Give her a telephone call. Buy a gift. Make her feel special, because after all, she brought someone special into the world - you.

Most important, tell her you love her while she can still hear your voice. She'll feel good, and you will, too.
-- This tribute by former Daytona Times Assistant Editor Toney Atkins is dedicated to all mothers everywhere and to the children who love them.
(c) 2005, Toney Atkins / Daytona Times