Sex Toys

Sex Toys

 

Dildoes made of various hard materials and often shaped like a penis have evolved to vibrators that simply vibrate or have extra functions such as rotating tips or beads, movements to stimulate the G-spot, and trusting capabilities. Many are meant for vaginal or anal penetration, though they should be dedicated to one or the other to prevent infection. Cleaning cannot guarantee no cross contamination. Fingertip vibrators are meant for clitoral stimulation.

Nipple clamps for men or women apply varying degrees of pressure for the pain/pleasure response or simply to sensitize them by pulling engorging blood to the area. Suction devices also exist for the latter purpose.

Anal Toys

The anus has multiple nerve endings that can enhance sexual pleasure. Anal beads attached on a string or other device and of varying circumferences are inserted into the anus and pulled out during orgasm to heighten the sensation. A safety ring on the outside ensures they won’t get lost in the rectum. As the anus and rectum are delicate tissues, anal lubricants are a safety necessity for any anal play.

Anal plugs have flared ends for the same purpose as the anal beads’ ring and to prevent inserting it too far. Once inserted, it can be gently twisted or pulled in and out to enhance pleasure.

Toys for Men

There is a vast array of toys worn on the penis to combat erectile dysfunction or to provide extra stimulation to the man, his partner, or both, and for masturbation. Many come with vibrating options. Some are meant to lengthen the penis or add massaging nubs for the man’s partner.

Men sometimes use a vacuum pump to promote erections. There are anal plugs specifically designed for men to stimulate the prostate, which can produce stronger orgasms. The toy is meant to be used in a gentle circular motion over the prostate, not for thrusting.

Laws on Sexuality

The sale of sex toys is illegal in some countries and even in some states here in the US, Alabama in particular. Texas still has some bans on the books. Many are fighting these legal bans as a violation of the 14^th Amendment’s right to privacy.

Rebuking a Demon

Rebuking a Demon {Matthew, Mark, and Luke}

{Matthew} Before a large crowd, a man knelt to Jesus and said, “Lord, have compassion for my son. He suffers from seizures to the point of falling into the fire or the water.”

{Mark} Teachers of the law argued with some of Jesus’ disciples and he asked what they argued about. {Mark and Luke} A man said, “Teacher, my son is possessed by a spirit that makes him mute and throws him to the ground foaming at the mouth. He grinds his teeth and goes rigid.” {Luke} “The spirit seldom leaves my son alone and is destroying him.”

{Matthew, Mark, and Luke} “I brought him to your disciples but they couldn’t heal him.”

Jesus said, “How long must I deal with a people obstinately determined to persist in their faulty judgment? Let me see the boy.”

{Mark and Luke} When the spirit saw Jesus, it caused the boy to go into a seizure.  

{Matthew and Luke} Jesus reprimanded the demon. It left the boy and he was healed.

{Mark} The child fell to the ground, rolling and foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy’s father how long his son had suffered with this. “From childhood. It has tried to kill him by throwing him into fire or water. If you can do anything, take pity and help us.”

Jesus said, “If? Everything is possible for the believer.”

“I do believe. Help me overcome my unbelief.”

The spirit shrieked, violently seized the boy, and left. The crowd thought the boy had died but Jesus lifted him to his feet and he stood up.

{Matthew and Mark} When alone, the disciples asked Jesus why they’d been unable to drive out the demon. Jesus said,

{Matthew} “Because of your lack of faith. You need faith only as small as a mustard seed to make a mountain move from one place to another. Nothing would be impossible for you.”

{Mark} “This kind of spirit requires prayer to be cast out.”

{Matthew, Mark, and Luke} Later in Galilee, Jesus told the disciples, “The Son of Man will be betrayed and given to those who will kill him. But on the third day he will rise again.”

{Matthew} Grief filled the disciples. {Mark} The disciples didn’t understand but were afraid to pursue the subject. {Luke} Jesus’ meaning was hidden from the disciples’ comprehension.

In Support of Local Bookstores

Local Bookstores

Late last week I read that our one and only local bookstore will be closing soon. The small town landscape will be very different, somehow diminished, without it. I bought many books there but, like most of us, often bought more online or at other discounters.

The non-chain bookstores can’t compete price-wise, but Amazon and other online sites don’t offer the experience of hands-on browsing, salespeople who will discuss what’s popular, or mention the newest selections from your favorite authors. I wonder how many books per reader who buys elsewhere it would take, if purchased locally, to support a local bookstore.

Amazon Controversy

Some bookstore sales have been helped by the feud between Amazon and Hatchette Publishing over Amazon’s methods of discount pricing. They refused to let people preorder the coming works of Hatchette’s authors during the dispute and alienated many, especially authors such as James Patterson, who joined in a letter denouncing the giant Amazon’s practices, and talk show host Steve Colbert, who campaigned for preordering titles unavailable at Amazon from other vendors.

Even without this, many people have been making a concerted effort to buy locally and support their own communities. Of course we all know that the economy hurt many businesses and books, considered entertainment, are low on the list of necessary expenses when people have to cut back. Small towns like ours also tend to bounce back more slowly than more urban locations.  

Other Services

Our bookstore also offered community services you won’t find at chain bookstores. Local authors often came to give readings and discuss their work, which ranged from fiction to social awareness issues. It hosted a monthly writers’ group—I’m a member—that now has to find a new home. The members come from various towns in the region and finding a central meeting place may not be easy.

Part of the Community

Our store boasted a cozy counter for customers to sit, buy snacks, and socialize. Several computer stations were available for customer use. And where else would the salespeople be familiar with your personal reading tastes? I’m afraid the bookstore will be missed more than the general public yet realizes. I am sad to see it go.

Healings of Jesus con't

The Point of the Gospel

 

Raising a Widow’s Son {Luke}

Entering the town of Nain with his disciples and a large crowd, Jesus saw another crowd accompanying a widow who buried her only son. Her plight touched his heart. He told her not to cry and approached the coffin.

“Young man, rise.” The man sat up and talked, and Jesus returned him to his mother.

Praising God, the crowd said, “A great prophet is here. God is helping his people.”

Ten Healed of Leprosy {Luke}

Traveling between Samaria and Galilee on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus came across ten men with leprosy outside a village. They pleaded with him to have pity on them. Jesus told them to report to the priests, and they were healed as they walked. One returned, threw himself at Jesus’ feet, and thanked him. He was a Samaritan.

Jesus said, “All ten of you were cleansed and yet none praised God except this foreigner. Your faith has made you well.” (The Old Testament laws considered diseases and conditions such as menstruation a state of uncleanness and people so afflicted couldn’t enter the temple. Jesus is often said to cleanse an illness or other condition.)

A Blind Beggar Healed {Luke}

A blind man sat begging by the road to Jericho. He heard a crowd passing and was told they traveled with Jesus of Nazareth. He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” Those at the front of the group tried to quiet the man but he yelled even more.

Jesus stopped and asked the beggar, “What do you seek from me?”

“I want to see, Lord.”

“Your faith has healed you.” The man was healed and followed Jesus. He and the rest of the crowd praised God.

From Book to Movie to Human Trafficking?

Fifty Shades of Gray and Pretty Woman

I saw a post on Facebook urging people to boycott the book trilogy to movie—Fifty Shades of Gray—for promoting human trafficking and brutalizing young girls with sadistic practices. Obviously critics of the books and movie would consider it wrong to read the books.

The main story line is about an abused boy who grows up into a damaged man—not much older than the young girl who is the main character—and can only tolerate relationships where he is in complete control. Because he loves the girl, he changes and finds healthier ways to deal with his past after he hurts her and she leaves. She can’t tolerate this side of him and he realizes he loves her too much to hurt her.

Realistic? As much as Pretty Woman—Fifty Shades of Gray is an edgier take on the same theme except only the unhappy rich guy needs saving in the current movie. Anyone believe that young women decided after the very popular Pretty Woman to become prostitutes in the hope of catching a rich man? Is Fifty Shades a path to sex slavery?

Maybe the poor actor playing the character in the story, who says he fears violent fans’ reactions, ought to fear critics instead. Let’s keep a rational perspective. Don’t take impressionable youngsters to the movie. Adults who disapprove of it can stay away. Giving the things you don’t like even negative press tends to backfire and makes them more likely to gain notice.

Chicken and the Egg

We’ve all heard that violent video games and movies encourage kids to be violent. It’s a theory. No one has proved it to be so, and that is a fact. Kind of like the NRA’s mantra—guns don’t kill people, people do. Both are simplistic thinking and leave a whole host of problems that should be addressed in a civilized, cooperative manner swinging in the empty breeze of self-righteousness.

Chicken and the egg—which came first? Does it really matter? What matters is having a discussion about boundaries, self-respect, and compassion for others with our kids and providing them with safe, stable homes and healthy role models (their parents or caregivers) so they don’t seek harmful activities or people to fulfill something missing.

How to keep kids from predators is a global concern far outside my expertise, though the Facebook post does make a point that everyone should be concerned about it. I have no argument with that.