That is true, DJ, there are Christians who don't believe it. But I guess my point was that I think it's neat that Muslims honor Mary.

I like to know the beginnings of things because it helps me to understand why things are happening NOW.

Here is what I have been taught all my life: God promised Abraham a son and said he would be the father of many nations.(OT) The promise was delayed in being fulfilled until Sara his wife was way past childbearing years. Both Abraham and Sara laughed at the promise of a son at their ages. Sara gave Tamar, her handmaiden to Abraham to sleep with and conceive so that God's promise could be fulfilled.
Tamar got pregnant and gave birth to Ishmael with Abraham as sire. THEN Sara got pregnant with Isaac, which means laughter. Isaac was the intended heir and father of many nations.
Jealousy erupted between Tamar and Sara, each wanting their son to be the favorite.
Eventually Abraham ordered Tamar and her son into the wilderness with just enough supplies to get them by and God sent angels to attend to them.
The nation of Islam are the direct heirs of Tamar and Abraham. The nation of Israel are the direct heirs of Abraham and Sara his wife and Isaac is the rightful heir and son promised by God to be heir to all that God promised to Abraham.
There will always be enmity between Israel and the Arab nation. Its like oil and water trying to mix.

I'm afraid you may be right, Number5. I've never really understood why. In reality, if you trace both races back to the beginning, they should be very much alike. But as long as they can't agree that they can peacefully co-exist, they will never be at peace.

I've been praying for a miracle in that part of the world for many years. Maybe if enough of us did that, it would make an impression. I've always been a dreamer, I guess.

Ladybug, our news and the bbc news have also said the same thing .... the published 12 'cartoons' are easily accessible to anyone with the net, and most certainly they do not show anyone having sex with an animal, nor made to look as a pig etc... .... nor were any koran burnings planned in Denmark..... another rumor that started and inflamed people, the question could be asked was that also an accidental rumor or a planted story .....

[ February 09, 2006, 06:33 PM: Message edited by: norma ]

Does anyone else believe we may be at the beginning of WWIII?

It's entirely possible

But Norma, God came to earth as a baby born in a stable. He came to heal those wounds and ease that pain. He was crucified and hung on a cross, but love remained and lives still today in the hearts of those who believe.

God's love is powerful and miraculous. I can do nothing but pray and believe that His love will end the killing and the hatred and heal our world.

smile

AMEN to that.....we can only hope and pray that insanity does not reign supreme.

Ladies, I'm normally an optimistic person, but I think the worst thing we can do is keep our heads in the sand. We really need to be strong and prepared for whatever my happen in our future.

Pray for the best, prepare for the worst.