thank god i studied psychology and not psychiatry...or i'd have no one to thank for what i studied

pensive angel 3
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

This article from MSNBC absolutely cracked me up:
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Psychiatrists least religious of all physicians

Psychiatrists are the least religious of all physicians, a nationwide survey reveals. The study, published in the September issue of the journal Psychiatric Services, also found that religious physicians are more likely to refer patients to a clergy person than a psychiatrist or psychologist.

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Hey Melissa! What's so hysterical about that??!!
Well, It's not the article per se.
So what is it then?
Hmmm, intensely study all about how messed up humanity and their behaviors are and you start to think that there couldn't possibly be a God? Ha ha ha!

Okay, maybe it's just me, but that is hysterical! And I am just cracking up writing this post. Sorry if you don't get my humor. But I must say, if you didn't "get" the title at the beginning, read it again.

take it to the grave

I am Providence
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

I have been fascinated with the history and artwork of cemeteries for a long time. Years ago, on many of our walks, my mother and I would take the time to check out small cemeteries in and around my hometown. We would seek out the oldest section and look for headstones that reflect who the "first residents" were. We would feel sadness and anger when viewing stones that were desecrated by vandals. Sadness would fill us as we gazed on the headstones that only had the word "baby" etched on them. No name, no identity, just baby. We would take the time to ponder about who these people were, our imaginations recreating the families in each plot. Never morbid or scary, cemeteries often get a bad rap but I enjoy them.

This fascination grew to the hobby of photographing cemetery art. This started years ago, pre-digital cameras so I have a fair collection of prints in storage at my parents' house. Those include Sleep Hollow and other cemeteries in New York.

In line with the interest in cemeteries, after moving to Rhode Island we discovered that H.P. Lovecraft lived and died in Providence. This morning, Greg and I finally took some time to check out his resting place in the Swan Point Cemetery. What a beautiful place! The many old trees add to the serenity and quiet of this East Side landmark. And talk about a rich history! Not only are H.P. Lovecraft and his parents laid to rest here, but many names that are now familiar to us from area street names and local landmarks were visible throughout. It is also interesting to see the time and artistic craftsmanship that went into headstones and tombs of the 1800's and early 1900's. This seems to be a lost art in the more modern grave markers. I am sure there are exceptions to this but that is generally what I have observed. Please enjoy the photos I put up on flickr. Hopefully you will see the beauty that I see.

i found jesus! he was behind the couch the whole time!

Like most good news rags, the NY Daily News is keeping up on the Michael Vick story. According to today's online paper, Mr. Vick has admittedly "found Jesus" and is apparently looking for redemption. (ahem, or sympathy from the courts???)

In regard to "what he is going through" (poor, poor Vick) he is quoted as saying, "Through this situation, I found Jesus and asked him for forgiveness and turned my life over to God," said Vick, 27. "I think that's the right thing." (And, as evidenced by his past actions, he's a good judge of the "right thing", isn't he?)

That's great! Now here's a question (and mind you, I'm no theological scholar) but wouldn't it have made more sense and saved a lot of canine suffering if this knucklehead would have found religion BEFORE abusing animals and getting sucked into the gambling of it all? You mean to tell me that throughout his twenty-seven years of life he miraculously found Jesus only after getting busted? And only now knows that animal cruelty is wrong?

I believe that spirituality, religion and faith are wonderful things for good, honest people to possess. It also grates my ass when people use the "god card" for sympathy and leniency when facing legal charges or jail time. If someone is expressing what is true in their heart, then that is wonderful, but when it is for self preservation....just remember, the God you are pledging allegiance to is watching.

So, is it wrong to discuss Jesus and things that "grate my ass" in the same blog? Ah well, forgive me Father, for I have linguistically sinned.