May 2024 Edition

Faith Over Religion
By: Bruce Ewing / Having Faith
get a little bit squeamish when anyone leads
I into a conversation saying, “Bruce you’re
religious…” Yes, I attend church, and have
worked for a church for many years.
So, why does my skin crawl when someone calls me religious? Truth
is, I’m not religious! I don’t really like religion.
Does that mean I was living hypocritically for the years I worked for
and attended churches? No, I don’t think so. Let me explain.
I believe that religion is a very different thing than faith. Faith is a
personal thing and my motivating force.
Religion, on the other hand, has more to do with organizational
power over people on behalf of God - without God asking anyone to
take power over others for Him. “Establishments of religion” judge and
sometimes throw away people on behalf of God.
THE SAINT & THE SINNER
Hot Times in Steamy Springs
By: Lauren Tallman / Erotic Las Vegas
One of the hottest things a senior couple can
do is enjoy a sultry soak in thermal waters.
At Tecopa Hot Springs Resort, located just 80
miles west of Las Vegas, you can step into a rejuvenating, silky smooth,
mineral-rich, 104-degree hot bath and feel your worries and stress melt
away.
“Las Vegas seniors make it a day trip to take a warming dip,” Tecopa
Hot Springs Resort office manager Genevieve Church said. “Visitors
from all over the world stop on their way to Las Vegas, or upon leaving
“Faith” is about living by the LOVE of God.
I call myself a Jesus-follower (instead of a Christian) because Jesus
lived and taught LOVE in ways that encourage me to live knowing that
LOVE and GRACE cover everything.
I have a deep respect for Judaism because it is a faith based on LOVE;
on hospitality toward all and is practiced with questions/discussion to
understand scripture and live it out in a way that is fair and best for all.
The Islamic Faith, in its most basic way, sets a goal to follow the will
of God in loving ways - praying, helping those in need, and growing
their faith through fasting and prayer.
All three of these basic religions have at times participated in life in
unkind, unloving ways. But if we get back to the basics of faith as Jews,
Christians and Muslims, we will get back to the importance of LOVE.
I enjoy going to church, not for the religion, but for the encouragement
I receive studying the motivation of LOVE. I encourage all to look at
things and consider this: If it’s not LOVE, it’s not God.
Until someone can convince me otherwise, religion will never be
important to me. I simply want to live a life of faith. LOVE TO ALL!
Bruce Ewing - a singer/actor since the age of 12, has appeared in
“Forever Plaid, Phantom, and The Phat Pack. He still sings where/
when asked as well as teaching at OLLI/UNLV
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May 2024
to clean away the sins of the city.”
According to the Resort, their therapeutic waters originate deep
in the earth’s crust, hundreds of miles underground, where aquifers
are geothermally heated by magma chambers. When that water is
propelled through rock with incredible force and energy, it is pushed
through mineral deposits that dissolve into the water and makes its
way to the surface.
Intermountain Health finds soaking in hot springs can detox
your skin, relax your body and mind, improve your circulation, and
help with joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, eczema and
psoriasis, gout, high blood pressure, and digestive issues.
At Tecopa, the private bathing rooms allow you and your partner(s)
to enjoy the warm penetration in 350-gallon tubs. You can dip into the
ripples and waves or lie on the sunken lounge for a soak.
The heat and sound of slapping swells enfold you while you enjoy
each other’s company. While bathing suits are left to the discretion of
the participants, Tecopa’s Church said they prohibit passion in the pool,
for health reasons.
The churning waters can be enjoyed throughout the day in indoor
bathing rooms that feature skylights, so you can feel like you’re outside
while being protected from the harsh desert elements. You can even
take a healing dip in the evening, especially after enjoying dinner at the
rustic Steak And Beer where 5-Star Chef Eric turns up the heat.
Tecopa is a sizzling spot for seniors to enjoy the warmth of the hot
springs and steamy overnights at the Resort’s motel rooms and cabins.
Lauren Tallman is founder of the Erotic Writers Group of Las Vegas
and author of “Harem of the Dragon,” “Come Again?,” and “How
to Have an Affair and Not Get Caught.” Visit her website: laurentallman.com.