Happy New Year!

It's been about six weeks since I last posted a blog entry.  And really I was just posting seven-word statuses on most Saturday's and a reading from the weekend mass line-up on Sunday's.  I wasn't putting a whole lot of thought into it and I wasn't sharing much of anything.

So welcome to my blog in 2014... that is, if I still have any readers.

I've decided to be a little more real.  I'm not going to worry so much about who I might offend.  I'm not going to try to be someone I'm not.  I'll probably share things that the average person didn't know about me.  And I'll share my opinions too.  My REAL opinions, not some watered down, expected point of view.  I want to know who I am as a writer, where I stand.  And I think I'm finally okay with my reader knowing that too.

So this is what I wrote at this time last year.  I'm not sure when I lost site of that plan.  But I'm recommitting.  I have things in my world that I want to fix.. my health and fitness, my budget/savings/retirement, my home/environment.  And I have things I want to let go of.  I want to be truer to myself... and happy with who I am.  If I don't like it, I'm going to change it.  Period!

Bring on 2014!

Seven Word Status

I'm very patriotic, but Northwestern's uniforms?  Uuugly!

Dream Analysis

I had a dream this morning that a plane crashed. I don't really remember much of the dream, but it went something like this.

I was at work in a meeting room with two other people... people I couldn't name for you now.  I happened to notice a plane out one window that flew close to our building.  It was Army green and was shaped like a cargo plane yet seemed small enough to fit through the large office building window.  I looked at my co-workers and said that I thought that plane looked like it was going to hit the building or even the ground, that it was flying awfully low.

The next thing I know, we could see a HUGE red, white, and blue plane out the windows on the adjacent side of the building.  This one was a passenger plane with a wide wingspan.  It was flying perpendicular to the ground.  I said that I thought that one looked like it could hit the ground too.  Then it did!  With a huge crashing sound and a plume of smoke and debris.

I don't remember anything else about the dream.  But this morning I decided to look up a dream analysis of crashing planes.  This is what I got from DreamMoods.com...

To dream that a plane crashes suggests that you have set overly high and unrealistic goals for yourself.  Your goals may be too high and are impossible to realize. You are in danger of having it come crashing down. Alternatively, your lack of confidence, self-defeating attitude and self-doubt toward the goals you have set for yourself is represented by the crashing airplane; you do not believe in your ability to attain those goals. Loss of power and uncertainty in achieving your goals are also signified.

I underlined the part that speaks to me today.  My only lofty goals are to be debt-free and lose 100 lbs.  But since I've done little to bring either of those goals to fruition... due to my lack of confidence in my ability to attain them and my self-defeating attitude lately... well, you see where I'm going there.

I have an alternate explanation for the dream that has nothing to do with what the professional dream analysts suggest.  But I'll keep that to myself.  What do I know anyway?!

2 Thessalonians 2:16 - 3:5

Brothers and sisters:
May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father,
Who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement
and good hope through His grace,
encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word.

Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us,
so that the word of the Lord may speed forward and be glorified,
as it did among you,
and that we may be delivered from perverse and wicked people,
for not all have faith.
But the Lord is faithful;
He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.
We are confident of you in the Lord that what we instruct you,
you are doing and will continue to do.
May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God
and to the endurance of Christ.

Seven Word Status

Wonderful day for a Veterans' Day Parade!

Seven Word Status

Waited with neighbors on the interstate today.

All I want for my birthday...

...is an extra hour of sleep!

Lucky me, it's time to 'fall back'.

Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday at 2am.
Change your clocks before going to bed Saturday night... so you're not late for church!

The Evolution of Jack

Does anyone else remember back in the day when we made jack-o-lanterns by pretty much just cutting out triangles?  The standard pumpkin looked something like this...

A couple of weeks prior to Halloween, these happy jacks started showing up on most porches.  Some were bigger, some were smaller, some weren't so round.  But really, this was what most of them aspired to.

But NOW, I rarely see the standard.  Instead, they have much more unique faces.

Some have amazingly detailed faces.

Some don't have faces at all!

Some have faces, but no candles.  This jack-o-lantern wasn't even gutted.  I guess that's one way to keep the top from falling in.

Some have faces that are painted on.  I guess this is a safer option... unless you choose to use lead paint.

Some jack-o-lanterns aren't even pumpkins!  What the heck?!

Some jacks were created using multiple methods.  At first this one started off as a standard jack, but then someone chose to carve the brain.  I didn't know jacks had brains!

Some don't even seem to have anything to do with the theme of Halloween.  I could have put any number of pictures here.  I found pics of jacks with Hello Kitty, Tigger, ESPN, hearts, and all kinds of other things that had little resemblance to the original jack.

And of course, I found a jack-o-lantern that took advantage of the contours of the top of the pumpkin.  This one also has a hat and hair.  It's like a Halloween costume for your jack-o-lantern!

The jack-o-lantern has come so far.  But since I'm not a huge fan of Halloween, my favorite jack-o-lantern looks more like this...

Seven Word Status

[pictures from The Fashion Code]

There's nothing like wearing clothes that fit.

Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18

[from the first reading at mass this weekend]

The LORD is a God of justice,
who knows no favorites.
Though not unduly partial toward the weak,
yet he hears the cry of the oppressed.
The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan,
nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint.
The one who serves God willingly is heard;
his petition reaches the heavens.
The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds;
it does not rest till it reaches its goal,
nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds,
judges justly and affirms the right,
and the Lord will not delay.

Seven Word Status

I've never been a fan of Halloween.

Luke 18: 1-8

[the gospel at mass this weekend]

Jesus told his disciples a parable
about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.
He said, "There was a judge in a certain town
who neither feared God nor respected any human being.
And a widow in that town used to come to him and say,
'Render a just decision for me against my adversary.'
For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought,
'While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being,
because this widow keeps bothering me
I shall deliver a just decision for her
lest she finally come and strike me.'"
The Lord said, "Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says.
Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones
who call out to him day and night?
Will he be slow to answer them?
I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.
But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

Seven Word Status

Those Oregon helmets are oh-so-hideous.

Focus T25

I know it sounds crazy, but I'm going to give it a shot.  I'm going to do T25.  And I'm starting today.  I haven't consistently worked out in over a year.  I come up with EVERY excuse in the book not to get a workout in.  I know this Focus T25 is an advanced workout.  But they have a 'modifier', someone who does an easier version of every move.  I think I can hang with her.  And if I hang with it long enough, perhaps eventually I'll be able to hang with the big guns.  At any rate, it's only 25 minutes per workout (one workout M-Th, two workouts F, stretch on Sunday).  I can do 25 minutes.  Heck, ANYONE can do 25 minutes!

2 Timothy 2:8-13

Beloved:
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David:
such is my gospel, for which I am suffering,
even to the point of chains, like a criminal.
But the word of God is not chained.
Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen,
so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus,
together with eternal glory.
This saying is trustworthy:
If we have died with him
we shall also live with him;
if we persevere
we shall also reign with him.
But if we deny him
he will deny us.
If we are unfaithful
he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny himself.

Seven Word Status

Thankful today for the gift of music.

"There Will Be a Day" - Jeremy Camp

I have to admit, I'm really getting swept up in all the stress and uncertainty concerning all-things-government.  I work for a Defense contractor.  It took us six months to get our contract signed during the sequestration and government furloughs.  Then less than a month later, there's a partial government shutdown.  Luckily I've been able to work throughout this ordeal.  But it's been a constant stressor as to how long that will last.  Now with conversations concerning the debt ceiling on the horizon, I just don't know how to handle it all.

I needed a reminder from a couple of my friends that I can't fix it all.  I don't even have to understand it all.  I need to keep in mind that God has my back.  He's in control.  Even if we screw things up over and over again down here... which we seem to be mastering lately... He still has us in the palm of His hand.  And one day, we'll be right there with Him.

Lord, please keep my head on straight.  Don't let me get all wrapped up in things I cannot control.  Remind me daily, hourly, in every minute, that I have YOU looking after me and mine.  Keep me positive and focused on the things I can control.  I know that through You, I can do anything.  In Your Holy Name, amen.

I try to hold on to this world with everything I have 
But I feel the weight of what it brings, and the hurt that tries to grab 
The many trials that seem to never end, His word declares this truth, 
that we will enter in this rest with wonders anew 

But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings 
That there will be a place with no more suffering 

There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears 
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face 
But until that day, we'll hold on to You always 

I know the journey seems so long 
You feel you're walking on your own 
But there has never been a step 
Where you've walked out all alone 

Troubled soul don't lose your heart 
Cause joy and peace he brings 
And the beauty that's in store 
Outweighs the hurt of life's sting 

But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings 
That there will be a place with no more suffering 

There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears 
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face 
But until that day, we'll hold on to You always 

I can't wait until that day 
where the very one I've lived for always 
will wipe away the sorrow that I've faced 
To touch the scars that rescued me 
from a life of shame and misery 
oh, this is why, this is why I sing

There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears 
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face 

2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14

[from the second reading at mass this weekend]

Beloved:
I remind you, to stir into flame
the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands.
For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice
but rather of power and love and self-control.
So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord,
nor of me, a prisoner for his sake;
but bear your share of hardship for the gospel
with the strength that comes from God.

Take as your norm the sound words that you heard from me,
in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Guard this rich trust with the help of the Holy Spirit
that dwells within us.

Seven Word Status

Spending quality time with several household cleaners.

1 Timothy 6:11-16

[from the second reading at mass this weekend]

But you, man of God, pursue righteousness,
devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
Compete well for the faith.
Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called
when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.
I charge you before God, who gives life to all things,
and before Christ Jesus,
who gave testimony under Pontius Pilate for the noble confession,
to keep the commandment without stain or reproach
until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ
that the blessed and only ruler
will make manifest at the proper time,
the King of kings and Lord of lords,
who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light,
and whom no human being has seen or can see.
To him be honor and eternal power. Amen.

Seven Word Status

The motorcycles kill the peace and quiet.

1 Timothy 2:1-8

[from the second reading at mass this weekend]

Beloved:
First of all, I ask that supplications, prayers,
petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone,
for kings and for all in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life
in all devotion and dignity.
This is good and pleasing to God our savior,
who wills everyone to be saved
and to come to knowledge of the truth.
For there is one God.
There is also one mediator between God and men,
the man Christ Jesus,
who gave himself as ransom for all.This was the testimony at the proper time.
For this I was appointed preacher and apostle
— I am speaking the truth, I am not lying —,
teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

It is my wish, then, that in every place the men should pray,
lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument.

Seven Word Status

I have green stuff on my face.

Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 17, 19

[the psalm from mass this weekend]

R. (Lk 15:18) I will rise and go to my father.
Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.
R. I will rise and go to my father.
A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
R. I will rise and go to my father.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
R. I will rise and go to my father.

Wisdom 9:13-18b

 

[the first reading at mass this weekend]

 

Who can know God’s counsel,

or who can conceive what the LORD intends?

For the deliberations of mortals are timid,

and unsure are our plans.

For the corruptible body burdens the soul

and the earthen shelter weighs down the mind that has many concerns.

And scarce do we guess the things on earth,

and what is within our grasp we find with difficulty;

but when things are in heaven, who can search them out?

Or who ever knew your counsel, except you had given wisdom

and sent your holy spirit from on high?

And thus were the paths of those on earth made straight.

Seven Word Status

I am already ready for bed already.

Seek Ye First

I know I say this regularly, but this is one of my favorite hymns.  When we sing this at mass, we sing six different verses.  This one only has three.  The melody and the words are wonderful... especially since the words are scripture.  But the pictures are perfect.  I love this rendition.  Enjoy!

Seven Word Status

Decided to let my hair go gray.

Isaiah 66:18-21

Thus says the LORD:
I know their works and their thoughts,
and I come to gather nations of every language;
they shall come and see my glory.
I will set a sign among them;
from them I will send fugitives to the nations:
to Tarshish, Put and Lud, Mosoch, Tubal and Javan,
to the distant coastlands
that have never heard of my fame, or seen my glory;
and they shall proclaim my glory among the nations.
They shall bring all your brothers and sisters from all the nations
as an offering to the LORD,
on horses and in chariots, in carts, upon mules and dromedaries,
to Jerusalem, my holy mountain, says the LORD,
just as the Israelites bring their offering
to the house of the LORD in clean vessels.
Some of these I will take as priests and Levites, says the LORD.

Seven Word Status

Spending the day running errands and reading.

Hebrews 12:1-4

[from the second reading at mass this weekend]

Brothers and sisters:
Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us
and persevere in running the race that lies before us
while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus,
the leader and perfecter of faith.
For the sake of the joy that lay before him
he endured the cross, despising its shame,
and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God.
Consider how he endured such opposition from sinners,
in order that you may not grow weary and lose heart.
In your struggle against sin
you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood.

Seven Word Status

 

My sweet grandson truly encourages my soul.

Guess what day it is!?

I didn't realize this had my name in it.  I'll have to pay better attention the next time I see the commercial.

Been There, Done That

A few months ago, I wrote a blog entry about 100 things I've never done.  I figure it's time to cover the other side of that wall.  Here is a list of 25 things I've done or can do.  Enjoy!

1. I can solve a Rubik's Cube.  I'm no speed demon, but when I'm done, I assure you there are six solid-colored sides.
2. I can sing.  I prefer to sing alto and can usually find a harmony pretty easily.
3. I can change my own tire.  Any of them.  Pick one.
4. I joined the Air Force and served for 6 1/2 years... every one of them at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.  I was active duty during Desert Storm, but was on maternity leave for the duration of it.
5. I've been to an Air Force Academy Falcons football game.  I've been to several, actually.  Fly-by's and all.
6. I've had brunch with Barry Goldwater.  He visited the Academy when the Visitor's Center (which bears his name) was opened and honored.
7. I served as a Security Police Augmentee for the Air Force Academy graduation the year Vice President Dan Quayle gave the commencement address ('92).  It snowed!  And it was foggy.  I'm pretty sure it's the only year that the Thunderbirds couldn't fly over the ceremonies due to weather.
8. I won the John L. Levitow award (top graduate) for my Airman Leadership School class.
9. I've worked a telethon where I answered the phone.  We were even on a local television station.
10. I graduated from high school in '89, earned my A.A.S. in '94, and finished my B.S. in '99.  Probably should have finished my Masters by '04, but I hated the online degree process.  I've never really considered going back.
11. I was married and divorced inside of 2 1/2 years.  I've been single the second time longer than I was single the first time.
12. I have had 12 different addresses since graduating from high school...though some of those were very short-lived (basic training and tech school).
13. I finished my first 5k in June '12.  I finished my second one in September '12.
14. I have been to 31 states and Washington DC.
15. I have escaped from hand-cuffs.  Twice in the same night.  I was in uniform at the time.
16. As a Girl Scout, I camped at Spring Mill during a tornado.  Made a friend in the next campsite that I still keep in touch with.
17. I've survived blizzards in both Colorado and Indiana.
18. I have been to a handful of Indianapolis Colts games, a Colorado Rockies game, and a Colorado Avalanche game.  The team I was rooting for only lost in one of those games.
19. I have voted in all but one election that I was eligible to vote in.  The people I voted for did NOT always win.
20. I have been giving blood since Basic Training.
21. I've been a Mary Kay consultant (though sometimes barely active) since the 1994.
22. I've driven I-70 between Colorado and Indiana probably two dozen times...each direction.
23. I have been on a cruise...to the Bahamas.  LOVED IT!!!
24. I have had 35 stitches, one broken bone, and one minor surgery in my life.  Oh yes, and childbirth.  I did that too.
25. I've been working at Crane for 11 years and have had five different employers.  Most of the time, I held the same position on the same contract, but the contract kept getting awarded to yet another contracting firm.

Coming up with things I've accomplished was much more difficult than coming up with things I've never done.  Maybe I need to take my 'never done' list, knock some of those items out, and add them to the 'done' list.

Gibbs' Rules

[From gibbsrules.com and wikipedia]

1.  Never let suspects stay alone.

1.  Never screw over your partner.
2.  Always wear gloves at a crime scene.
3.  Don't believe what you're told.  Double check.
3.  Never be unreachable.
4.  The best way to keep a secret? Keep it to yourself.  Second best?  Tell one other person -- if you must.  There is no third best.

5.  You don't waste good.

6.  Never apologize.  It's a sign of weakness.

7.  Always be specific whn you lie.

8.  Never take anything for granted.

9.  Never go anywhere without a knife.

10.  Never get personally involved on a case.

11.  When the job is done, walk away.
12.  Never date a co-worker.
13.  Never ever involve a lawyer.
15.  Always work as a team.
16.  If someone thinks they have the upper hand, break it.
18.  It's better to seek forgiveness than ask permission.
22.  Never ever bother Gibbs in interrogation.
23.  Never mess with a Marine's coffee, if you want to live.

27.  Two ways to follow:  First way, they never notice you.  Second way, they only notice you.

35.  Always watch the watchers.

38.  Your case, your lead.
39.  There is no such thing as coincidence.

40.  If it seems someone is out to get you, they are.

42.  Never accept an apology from someone who just sucker-punched you.
44.  First things first -- hide the women and children.
45.  Clean up your own mess.
51.  Sometimes you're wrong.
69.  Never trust a woman who doesn't trust her man.

Hebrews 11:1

[from the second reading at mass this weekend]

Seven Word Status

I WON'T be around negative people anymore.

Seven Word Status

Biorhythms from Facade

 

See that green line?  It's totally accurate!

Got Fish?

I eat fish nearly every day for lunch...at least when I'm at work...which I guess is only four days a week right now.  But still, that's more than 50% of my week.  But I digress...

I usually eat tilapia.  It's my fave.  I can season it any number of ways and it always tastes good to me.  Not to mention, I just cook it in the microwave, which is not the idea way to prepare fish.  But it's definitely edible.

Nevertheless, I recently decided that I wanted to expand my fish choices.  I mean, I eat salmon regularly.  But I can't eat it nearly as often as it's a little too rich for my taste.  So I went to the SeaBest website to check out their other fish varieties.  I chose SeaBest as that's the brand that is sold at my local grocer.  I also like that they individually freeze and wrap their 4 oz servings.

SeaBest categorizes their fish by texture and flavor.



MILD Flavor, DELICATE Texture
Flounder - Flounder is mild, lean and very impressionable. Its oil content allows accompanying flavors to infuse the flaky meat, and the fillets adapt to the seasoning and sauces your family loves. Its versatility also lends itself to a variety of preparation methods and any number of recipes.  With flounder, flavor pairings ranging from mild, smooth butter to tart lemon are all fair game. (90 calories)

Arrowtooth Flounder - A mild, sweet flavor gives this fish depth, while its delicate, flaky texture makes for a main course that’s light, lean and naturally low in fat. (120 calories)

MILD Flavor, MODERATE Texture
Cod - A rich, buttery flavor and a firm, flaky texture make cod fillets one of our most popular and versatile fish. With the high omega-3 oil content giving these fillets their delicious flavor, it may come as a surprise that they’re naturally low in fat. (85 calories)

Haddock - If Atlantic fish-lovers played favorites, Haddock just may win. Called the Cadillac of Cod, it’s a softer, slightly more delicate and flavorful fish than other like-textured fish. (95 calories)

Orange Roughy - The mild flavor of the smooth pearly white meat adapts to a range of recipes and seasonings, taking on the taste of the cuisines you love. (75 calories)

Swai - There may be no other fish quite as versatile as swai. Swai’s mild flavor and moist, flaky texture lend it to a broad audience of seafood lovers and seafood newbies alike. And when it comes to cooking the fillets, swai adjusts to your cooking savvy in the kitchen; whether you’re more comfortable pan frying, baking or broiling, swai can help turn even the novice into a seafood chef. (98 calories)

Pollock - Pollock fillets boast a slightly fuller flavor compared to cod and haddock, and tout a medium texture perfect for fish taco night. With a number of options for preparation, from baking to pan frying, pollock adjusts to your skill set in the kitchen. (90 calories)

Perch - Ocean Perch is lean, moist and flaky with a mild flavor that hints at sweetness. Perch tastes fantastic fried; try dredging in a thick coat of breading or pecans. (105 calories)

Tilapia - Tilapia fillets are an excellent introduction to seafood with their mild, palate-friendly flavor and medium texture. Tilapia is ideal for sauces or seasonings, adopting the flavors of the seasonings with which it’s paired. (98 calories)

Snapper - Naturally low in fat, these sweet, versatile Caribbean delicacies are sure to be a hit. (110 calories)

MILD Flavor, FIRM Texture
Grouper - Grouper touts a stellar reputation for great taste, texture and versatility. Enjoy this coastal favorite in many delicious ways, from grilled or fried to barbecued, baked or sautéed. (100 calories)

MODERATE Flavor, DELICATE Texture
Whiting - Whiting fillets have a tender, flaky texture and a distinctive moderate flavor. Dredge them in breadcrumbs and fry them up crisp and golden for an irresistible family seafood night favorite. (97 calories)

MODERATE Flavor, MODERATE Texture
Salmon - Salmon fillets are ideal for any level of cooking skill; these large flakes of meat hold their juicy, tender texture through any preparation. Salmon is one of the richest sources of omega-3 compounds; so while the goodness of Sea Best Salmon delights your taste buds, the nutrients will be doing great things for your health. (125 calories)

MODERATE Flavor, FIRM Texture
Mahi Mahi - Mahi Mahi fillets tout a mild, sweet flavor and firmness that makes this fish especially satisfying and simple to cook. Fruit-based salsas are a perfect complement to this tropical favorite. (98 calories)

Tuna - These thick steaks are overachievers when it comes to satisfying your appetite. Place them on a sandwich, a salad or let them hold their own as the main course. Try grilling these Ahi Tuna steaks for an incredible, healthier alternative to fattier proteins. (130 calories)

Catfish - A slightly sweet flavor gives depth to the unique moist texture of this reliable, Southern-raised favorite. Catfish has a firm texture that’s mild, moist and flaky, lending itself to a variety of recipe pairings and almost any cooking technique. (120 calories)

Seven Word Status

 

Ending a productive day singing at mass.

Genesis 18:20-32

***Does anyone else wonder if this conversation could be said about the United States in this day and age?***

[the first reading from mass this weekend]

In those days, the LORD said: “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great, and their sin so grave, that I must go down and see whether or not their actions fully correspond to the cry against them that comes to me. I mean to find out.”

While Abraham’s visitors walked on farther toward Sodom, the LORD remained standing before Abraham. Then Abraham drew nearer and said: “Will you sweep away the innocent with the guilty? Suppose there were fifty innocent people in the city; would you wipe out the place, rather than spare it for the sake of the fifty innocent people within it? Far be it from you to do such a thing, to make the innocent die with the guilty so that the innocent and the guilty would be treated alike! Should not the judge of all the world act with justice?”

The LORD replied, “If I find fifty innocent people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.”

Abraham spoke up again: “See how I am presuming to speak to my Lord, though I am but dust and ashes! What if there are five less than fifty innocent people? Will you destroy the whole city because of those five?”

He answered, “I will not destroy it, if I find forty-five there.”

But Abraham persisted, saying “What if only forty are found there?”

He replied, “I will forbear doing it for the sake of the forty.”

Then Abraham said, “Let not my Lord grow impatient if I go on. What if only thirty are found there?”

He replied, “I will forbear doing it if I can find but thirty there.”

Still Abraham went on, “Since I have thus dared to speak to my Lord, what if there are no more than twenty?”

The LORD answered, “I will not destroy it, for the sake of the twenty.”

But he still persisted: “Please, let not my Lord grow angry if I speak up this last time. What if there are at least ten there?”

He replied, “For the sake of those ten, I will not destroy it.”