I was ignoring the television, playing on the computer a moment ago... and heard something that made me blink. Because of the news coverage at noon, I have had a few small epiphanies in the past few minutes.
1. Today is the Observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Day. (DH doesn't have the day off, and since I don't work, I no longer keep up with such things.)
2. The famous "I Have A Dream" speech was made 45 years ago.
3. Tomorrow, we are inaugurating the first black President.
4. The "Dream" is realized, in part.
~~~~~~~~~~
Also on the news today at noon, Heinz is removing the pickle from its label, replacing it with a tomato. The anchor said she thought this change made sense. I think, Why? The idea of ketchup is a tomato, pickled in vinegar... right?
~~~~~~~~~~
I think too much about nothing worth dwelling on.
Have a good day!
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Monday, January 19, 2009
Thursday, December 4, 2008
The Results Are In
Months ago, I got a new car. Brand new off the lot with less than 30 miles on it. Amazing as this is to me, I really love it. This new car is the blessing I knew it would be, and has been even better than I thought.
The question was this: In a car, is it really better to get 100% Whole Gas, or is the Ethanol Mix Gas better? We decided to test this. What better way than to test a NEW car? I should know this, so I can use the better option.
I decided that one tank of each would not be fair. They could mix and affect the results of each other. One tank of 100% Gas could be used to go to see the in-laws, the next tank of Ethanol Mix could be used only to drive to DH's work, and that would falsely change the results, as well. According to DH, the idea was to get the tank as low as possible (safely, of course) and then fill the tank with 100% Gas. Has something to do with the fumes that Ethanol causes in the tank. We emptied the car (driving for no reason to distant parts of our fair city), and filled with 100% Gas, and did so for at least 4 tank fills.
I kept careful notes. I figured the mileage for each tank, and figured the cost difference and the distance from my home to get to the 100% Gas. I also averaged all four tanks. I calculated Value.
Then, I switched. We were gone on a trip, and could not find 100% Gas. We might have used it, but we can't know. In Oklahoma, it is law to post on each pump a sticker that says if there is any Ethanol in the mix. Texas has no such laws. I wonder if that is law anywhere else? We then purposely used the 10% Ethanol mix for four tanks.
Again, I kept careful notes. I kept a record of the cost that would have been for a tank of 100% Gas every time I filled the tank with 10% Ethanol mix. I again averaged, and calculated Value.
Today, you get to hear the results.
I found that, in our New Honda Fit, it was actually better to use the....
10% Ethanol Mix Gas.
Yep. The cheap stuff is better. In my calculations. For my new car.
This may surprise many of you. It certainly surprised me. I thought that it would be the other way around. And it wasn't just the mileage. It was the cost, the distance to get the 100% stuff, and it was the fact that newer engines are built to handle the mixture better these days. I even found that one of the 100% stores did not have pay at the pump capabilities... so it was not convenient. How can that be more efficient?
I would say that an older car was built before the Ethanol was actively being added in would run more efficiently on 100% gas. This is my opinion, based on my own observation and testing of my own vehicles, not a fact studied by a group of influential people. Just saying.
So, there you have it. If you have an older car, I would say test it for yourself. Make sure to take into account the distance, cost, efficiency and even your own driving habits. Pay attention to your inflation of tires (it won't cure "global warming", but it will effect your individual mileage) and notice the time you spend sitting in traffic. It all works together.
Have a great week, and I will see you later!
The question was this: In a car, is it really better to get 100% Whole Gas, or is the Ethanol Mix Gas better? We decided to test this. What better way than to test a NEW car? I should know this, so I can use the better option.
I decided that one tank of each would not be fair. They could mix and affect the results of each other. One tank of 100% Gas could be used to go to see the in-laws, the next tank of Ethanol Mix could be used only to drive to DH's work, and that would falsely change the results, as well. According to DH, the idea was to get the tank as low as possible (safely, of course) and then fill the tank with 100% Gas. Has something to do with the fumes that Ethanol causes in the tank. We emptied the car (driving for no reason to distant parts of our fair city), and filled with 100% Gas, and did so for at least 4 tank fills.
I kept careful notes. I figured the mileage for each tank, and figured the cost difference and the distance from my home to get to the 100% Gas. I also averaged all four tanks. I calculated Value.
Then, I switched. We were gone on a trip, and could not find 100% Gas. We might have used it, but we can't know. In Oklahoma, it is law to post on each pump a sticker that says if there is any Ethanol in the mix. Texas has no such laws. I wonder if that is law anywhere else? We then purposely used the 10% Ethanol mix for four tanks.
Again, I kept careful notes. I kept a record of the cost that would have been for a tank of 100% Gas every time I filled the tank with 10% Ethanol mix. I again averaged, and calculated Value.
Today, you get to hear the results.
I found that, in our New Honda Fit, it was actually better to use the....
10% Ethanol Mix Gas.
Yep. The cheap stuff is better. In my calculations. For my new car.
This may surprise many of you. It certainly surprised me. I thought that it would be the other way around. And it wasn't just the mileage. It was the cost, the distance to get the 100% stuff, and it was the fact that newer engines are built to handle the mixture better these days. I even found that one of the 100% stores did not have pay at the pump capabilities... so it was not convenient. How can that be more efficient?
I would say that an older car was built before the Ethanol was actively being added in would run more efficiently on 100% gas. This is my opinion, based on my own observation and testing of my own vehicles, not a fact studied by a group of influential people. Just saying.
So, there you have it. If you have an older car, I would say test it for yourself. Make sure to take into account the distance, cost, efficiency and even your own driving habits. Pay attention to your inflation of tires (it won't cure "global warming", but it will effect your individual mileage) and notice the time you spend sitting in traffic. It all works together.
Have a great week, and I will see you later!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Complaining To Your English Teacher For Failing Math
I have been very political lately, and it has been quite by accident. Originally, I never intended to show my true feelings on some of these subjects. I have done a lot to keep things happy, pretty, and nice. I am quite opinionated, but I didn't really mean to show that to the whole world. I can have the opinions without expressing them. But lately... I can barely help myself. The issues have been so close to home, and so heated, I could not resist telling others to sit down, shut up and look at things from another perspective. Mine, of course!
I actually have wonderful close friends. We all have the freedom to speak, we are all willing to hear and express differing ideas, and still be friends even if we don't agree. My Wednesday night Bible Study class is doing the same thing, with people who aren't so much "friends" but my "church family"... which is more distant and yet closer. Yeah, I am confused, too. It all boils down to me being so blessed by the people I choose to have around me. If you are reading this, that blessing includes you.
Now for the dazzling intellectual, and still political, discussion of the moment.
~~~~~~~~~~
I am confused. When one protests, shouldn't it be near the people who did something that you didn't like, and who can do something different about it now? If one wants to oppose the passing of Prop 8 in California, shouldn't one BE IN California? I saw on the news on November 14 that a man and his friends were going to spend a cold and windy Saturday (Don't tell me God doesn't have a sense of humor!) protesting California's Prop 8 at our own State Capitol Building. In case you missed it, I live in Oklahoma.
I guess I am not an activist. I am certainly not a lobbyist, or a protester. I have handed out pamphlets, but that was to promote education about entertainment. The movie "The Day After Tomorrow" was pure fiction, and not very good fiction at that. We just wanted people to understand that they had just seen a propaganda film. The Theater Management was concerned that we were telling people not to come to their shows. Quite the contrary, we WANTED people to see the move, but to understand it. We were handing out fliers as people were exiting the show. I have decided not to do that again. What good did it really do? I would have just been annoyed with the person on the flip side of that situation.
I am all for self-expression. I am all for Civil Rights. I am even all for gay Americans to have a legal union if they want one. That probably surprises some of you. I cannot justify legislating my moral values on a world that denies God. I can influence gays one at a time, or not at all if I choose. If they want to stay in their lifestyle, God lets them, so I cannot stop them, by making their actions illegal or by telling them they are lost. I should not try to force the happy heathens of the world to abide by my values. Christ told us to abide by the laws of the land, so long as those laws do not prevent us from doing the work of God. So... if people in Connecticut want to allow gay couples to wed, I don't get to do much about it. (Doesn't stop me from SAYING whatever I wish...)
I think the issue in California, and all over the country, isn't that the "bigots" are out in force trying to clean up everyone's bedroom behavior. I think the grass-roots conservative voters are offended that gays want to call it "marriage". Call it a civil union. Call it whatever, except for marriage. I believe that "marriage" was designed by God. God calls a gay relationship a sin, but it still happens every day all over the world. The Gay/Lesbian/Transgender crowd already twisted the meaning of a simple rainbow (Christians will tell you that is also a gift from God), and now they want to twist marriage, too. Not fair!
Come up with a new word, all your own; be creative! Call it "egairram". (marriage, spelled backwards) Call it "Gommorage". Call it "Sodomage". It is a perversion of the union of one man and one woman that was created by God as a gift to mankind. Don't use the name God gave it, as you are denying the Will of God.
That is all, for now. I will make the next post something happier. Something with pictures. Something light. Something soon.
I actually have wonderful close friends. We all have the freedom to speak, we are all willing to hear and express differing ideas, and still be friends even if we don't agree. My Wednesday night Bible Study class is doing the same thing, with people who aren't so much "friends" but my "church family"... which is more distant and yet closer. Yeah, I am confused, too. It all boils down to me being so blessed by the people I choose to have around me. If you are reading this, that blessing includes you.
Now for the dazzling intellectual, and still political, discussion of the moment.
~~~~~~~~~~
I am confused. When one protests, shouldn't it be near the people who did something that you didn't like, and who can do something different about it now? If one wants to oppose the passing of Prop 8 in California, shouldn't one BE IN California? I saw on the news on November 14 that a man and his friends were going to spend a cold and windy Saturday (Don't tell me God doesn't have a sense of humor!) protesting California's Prop 8 at our own State Capitol Building. In case you missed it, I live in Oklahoma.
I guess I am not an activist. I am certainly not a lobbyist, or a protester. I have handed out pamphlets, but that was to promote education about entertainment. The movie "The Day After Tomorrow" was pure fiction, and not very good fiction at that. We just wanted people to understand that they had just seen a propaganda film. The Theater Management was concerned that we were telling people not to come to their shows. Quite the contrary, we WANTED people to see the move, but to understand it. We were handing out fliers as people were exiting the show. I have decided not to do that again. What good did it really do? I would have just been annoyed with the person on the flip side of that situation.
I am all for self-expression. I am all for Civil Rights. I am even all for gay Americans to have a legal union if they want one. That probably surprises some of you. I cannot justify legislating my moral values on a world that denies God. I can influence gays one at a time, or not at all if I choose. If they want to stay in their lifestyle, God lets them, so I cannot stop them, by making their actions illegal or by telling them they are lost. I should not try to force the happy heathens of the world to abide by my values. Christ told us to abide by the laws of the land, so long as those laws do not prevent us from doing the work of God. So... if people in Connecticut want to allow gay couples to wed, I don't get to do much about it. (Doesn't stop me from SAYING whatever I wish...)
I think the issue in California, and all over the country, isn't that the "bigots" are out in force trying to clean up everyone's bedroom behavior. I think the grass-roots conservative voters are offended that gays want to call it "marriage". Call it a civil union. Call it whatever, except for marriage. I believe that "marriage" was designed by God. God calls a gay relationship a sin, but it still happens every day all over the world. The Gay/Lesbian/Transgender crowd already twisted the meaning of a simple rainbow (Christians will tell you that is also a gift from God), and now they want to twist marriage, too. Not fair!
Come up with a new word, all your own; be creative! Call it "egairram". (marriage, spelled backwards) Call it "Gommorage". Call it "Sodomage". It is a perversion of the union of one man and one woman that was created by God as a gift to mankind. Don't use the name God gave it, as you are denying the Will of God.
That is all, for now. I will make the next post something happier. Something with pictures. Something light. Something soon.
Friday, October 3, 2008
So Much For Staying Quiet
So much for keeping politics off the blog.
I watched the VP Debate. I don't want to tell you whom to vote for. I don't want to question YOUR intelligence. The politicians, however, I seriously want to question.
I wanted Sarah Palin to be a lot more forceful against Joe Biden's lies. And they were outright lies, make no mistake. He is wrong on so many issues, and he flipped and flopped all over himself to accept the nomination. It is seriously disgusting. He said he thought that John McCain would make a better President than Barak Obama. Out loud and on tape.
Joe Biden was misquoting someone, and added his own thoughts... and in the process contradicted himself. I wonder how many people caught it? Glenn Beck didn't even write it in his own notes on the debate. First he said the surge didn't work, and then said we needed more troops in the very next sentence. I don't think there was a breath in there. Jerk. The surge DID work, even some Democrats will say so.
Joe Biden acted for a while like he was talking down to everyone. But I noticed that Sarah Palin gained confidence as the debate wore on. She asked him right up front "can I call you Joe?" and then used that against him, "say it ain't so, Joe!". She appeals to the realness of middle America. She is a working mom with all the same issues every other mom in America has... double over some. She kept her composure, didn't mispronounce words (except repeatedly saying "nucyoular" instead of "nuclear", but that is an area dialect issue and made me want to hit mute...), and didn't mince words. I just wish she had used some force.
I don't like that Sarah didn't answer some of the questions in the direct manner that was desired by the moderator (and Joe Biden), but I believe that she proved that she would be careful and would be totally prepared to take over should the worst possible end happen to John McCain. I don't think he is in danger of death in the next four years, any more than I think Dick Cheney is going to keel over tomorrow. The "good old boys" are not in that bad a state of health.
I wrote down a thought, but I can't remember who said what sparked the thought. One of them said we were not perfect... and I thought, no, we can't be perfect. But the Founding Fathers knew that, and made a point of saying that we were trying to form a "more perfect union". We (They) were trying to create the best option on Earth. I thnk they succeeded, and following generations have improved upon the basic start. I don't want to say that we are perfect, because that is too high a standard. We are, however, and will continue to be THE single greatest Nation on planet Earth.
I believe that Obama wants to manipulate that Nation to his own benefit. I don't want him leading my Country. I will, however, stand with him if he wins the election. I will, in the words of Hillary Clinton, express my Patriotic feelings by dissenting every stinking step of the long abusive four years. I hope that my vote, your vote and every vote that comes in prevents Obama/Biden from living in the White House. You can, and should, vote your opinion, heart, and issues. These are just mine.
Cindy McCain may want to redecorate, as many women before her.
But what if Michelle Obama paints the house black?
I watched the VP Debate. I don't want to tell you whom to vote for. I don't want to question YOUR intelligence. The politicians, however, I seriously want to question.
I wanted Sarah Palin to be a lot more forceful against Joe Biden's lies. And they were outright lies, make no mistake. He is wrong on so many issues, and he flipped and flopped all over himself to accept the nomination. It is seriously disgusting. He said he thought that John McCain would make a better President than Barak Obama. Out loud and on tape.
Joe Biden was misquoting someone, and added his own thoughts... and in the process contradicted himself. I wonder how many people caught it? Glenn Beck didn't even write it in his own notes on the debate. First he said the surge didn't work, and then said we needed more troops in the very next sentence. I don't think there was a breath in there. Jerk. The surge DID work, even some Democrats will say so.
Joe Biden acted for a while like he was talking down to everyone. But I noticed that Sarah Palin gained confidence as the debate wore on. She asked him right up front "can I call you Joe?" and then used that against him, "say it ain't so, Joe!". She appeals to the realness of middle America. She is a working mom with all the same issues every other mom in America has... double over some. She kept her composure, didn't mispronounce words (except repeatedly saying "nucyoular" instead of "nuclear", but that is an area dialect issue and made me want to hit mute...), and didn't mince words. I just wish she had used some force.
I don't like that Sarah didn't answer some of the questions in the direct manner that was desired by the moderator (and Joe Biden), but I believe that she proved that she would be careful and would be totally prepared to take over should the worst possible end happen to John McCain. I don't think he is in danger of death in the next four years, any more than I think Dick Cheney is going to keel over tomorrow. The "good old boys" are not in that bad a state of health.
I wrote down a thought, but I can't remember who said what sparked the thought. One of them said we were not perfect... and I thought, no, we can't be perfect. But the Founding Fathers knew that, and made a point of saying that we were trying to form a "more perfect union". We (They) were trying to create the best option on Earth. I thnk they succeeded, and following generations have improved upon the basic start. I don't want to say that we are perfect, because that is too high a standard. We are, however, and will continue to be THE single greatest Nation on planet Earth.
I believe that Obama wants to manipulate that Nation to his own benefit. I don't want him leading my Country. I will, however, stand with him if he wins the election. I will, in the words of Hillary Clinton, express my Patriotic feelings by dissenting every stinking step of the long abusive four years. I hope that my vote, your vote and every vote that comes in prevents Obama/Biden from living in the White House. You can, and should, vote your opinion, heart, and issues. These are just mine.
Cindy McCain may want to redecorate, as many women before her.
But what if Michelle Obama paints the house black?
Friday, September 26, 2008
Change Is A-Coming.... There Are Term Limits, After All
I am watching the Presidential Debate, and I am about to cry. This is a contest of the poo-flinging monkeys. Nobody wins, and they both get dirty. I want to quote Glenn Beck. I once heard him say that he had "de ja moo. The feeling that we have heard this bull before." I am seriously sick of it. I get tired of the name dropping and the mud slinging.
Either way, "change" is on our horizon. Bush is out, and someone else is in. I think this contest is going to be more a popularity contest, and I have to say I am afraid that the greatest country in the world is in trouble, no matter who wins. If McCain wins, he will be blocked at every turn by a Democrat controlled Congress, and then blamed for the failures that happen. If Obama wins, Socialism takes over, and "the working man" he says he will help will be carrying the national debt on his shoulders. (Worst of all, I will have to find a job again. The scream will be heard round the blogs...) (Note the sarcasm. You won't be able to hear the screams, silly.) This election has gotten off track and out of context. There is more hearsay than actual ideas, and nobody really knows anything about the actual intent of the administration.
The most important part about it to me is that the only day that matters is Tuesday, November 4th. These talks will not change my mind significantly. I doubt that anyone who has made up their mind can truly be swayed now. The debates will only solidify the opinions already in the minds of the staunch. The goal is for the candidates to sway the undecided voters. Unfortunately, smooth talking will get a lot of votes for the liar who won't really say what kind of "change" he intends to inflict on us. I will leave it up to you to decide which candidate I speak of. (because I am not sure either...)
I have tried to stay neutral here on the blog, but it is no secret that I support Conservative talk radio in my area, and I am a Conservative in my personal views. I won't try to lobby for your vote to my side... just that you vote. If you don't vote, you cannot complain. I can complain all I want, and I should complain to the people who can do something about it. After all, they are there to represent me. I think of The Princess Bride: "Have I made it clear that your JOB is on the line?!?!?"
I have heard somewhere in my educational years that the average life-span of a world power is 200 years. We do all realize that the U.S. is at 232, right? Alright, enough of that. You have your opinons and I can't change them. You are probably as tired of this as I am, anyway. Right?
I am a Football Widow again for the High School season. I have not yet seen the score for DH's High School. I don't know if there is a final yet. Some games are Thursday, most on Friday. He usually keeps tabs on it. I have been looking on Facebook for friends from other places. I have been watching the debates (not going back to that). I have been reading. I have not been paying attention to football. {Edit: DH came home and said that his school lost. Lost big. *sniff*}
DH also has a friend who is taking him to a college game tomorrow. Unfortunately, the game is for the other team. DH likes OU, the University of Oklahoma. Crimson and Cream. The game he is going to see (free ticket, so we don't complain) is OSU, Oklahoma State University. Ugly orange. The rivals. I lose him for another night this week. Which is fine. I can go shopping, watch the newest "chick flick", and listen to Country music all night. I should probably have a "Hubby-proofed" dinner of rice with Broccoli in it, too.
I have been reading the newest book in the Inheritance Cycle, Brisingr. This is the third book by Christoper Paolini, and has cover art by John Jude Palencar. I have had a good time with these books, because Paolini made up his own languages, and started all of this when he was still in High School. He was self published before being discovered and nationalized. I wanted to go to the Midnight Release at my local Books A Million, but I was in TX for DH's great uncle's funeral. Roadrunner went, but I haven't had a chance to talk to her about the "event". The cashier that helped me when I picked up my copy was... less than enthusiastic. It was apparently not really popular, nothing like the Harry Potter Midnight Releases. Roadrunner was done with the book in two days. This does not surprise me. She reads faster than I do. Which, is pretty amazing. I just wish I could recall more of what I read. She helps me actually retain what I read, because we discuss.
I have been killing house flies all day long. No less than 20, and I know there are still two or three floating around here, because I just saw one on the television. I have no idea where they are all coming from. I can't blame them, really. I did make some awesome banana bread muffins yesterday evening. I have been cooking more often, to save money and to eat healthier.
I have been thinking about coloring my hair again. I like going a little lighter than my naturally dark brown, and lot more auburn. I have one prominent WHITE strand in my bangs, and it has started to bother me. I don't really know why. In the past, I thought of it as a personal rite of passage. I don't know why that little hair should cause such a stir, or why the stir comes now. It is so selfish and childish and vain. The hair glares at me. Brightened, magnified, by the flourescent bulbs over the bathroom mirror. Maybe it is my addiction to Alias, and Jennifer Garner's beautiful brunette tresses. Maybe it is my own desire to keep the public image of youth. Maybe it is just me being a girl.
Either way, "change" is on our horizon. Bush is out, and someone else is in. I think this contest is going to be more a popularity contest, and I have to say I am afraid that the greatest country in the world is in trouble, no matter who wins. If McCain wins, he will be blocked at every turn by a Democrat controlled Congress, and then blamed for the failures that happen. If Obama wins, Socialism takes over, and "the working man" he says he will help will be carrying the national debt on his shoulders. (Worst of all, I will have to find a job again. The scream will be heard round the blogs...) (Note the sarcasm. You won't be able to hear the screams, silly.) This election has gotten off track and out of context. There is more hearsay than actual ideas, and nobody really knows anything about the actual intent of the administration.
The most important part about it to me is that the only day that matters is Tuesday, November 4th. These talks will not change my mind significantly. I doubt that anyone who has made up their mind can truly be swayed now. The debates will only solidify the opinions already in the minds of the staunch. The goal is for the candidates to sway the undecided voters. Unfortunately, smooth talking will get a lot of votes for the liar who won't really say what kind of "change" he intends to inflict on us. I will leave it up to you to decide which candidate I speak of. (because I am not sure either...)
I have tried to stay neutral here on the blog, but it is no secret that I support Conservative talk radio in my area, and I am a Conservative in my personal views. I won't try to lobby for your vote to my side... just that you vote. If you don't vote, you cannot complain. I can complain all I want, and I should complain to the people who can do something about it. After all, they are there to represent me. I think of The Princess Bride: "Have I made it clear that your JOB is on the line?!?!?"
I have heard somewhere in my educational years that the average life-span of a world power is 200 years. We do all realize that the U.S. is at 232, right? Alright, enough of that. You have your opinons and I can't change them. You are probably as tired of this as I am, anyway. Right?
I am a Football Widow again for the High School season. I have not yet seen the score for DH's High School. I don't know if there is a final yet. Some games are Thursday, most on Friday. He usually keeps tabs on it. I have been looking on Facebook for friends from other places. I have been watching the debates (not going back to that). I have been reading. I have not been paying attention to football. {Edit: DH came home and said that his school lost. Lost big. *sniff*}
DH also has a friend who is taking him to a college game tomorrow. Unfortunately, the game is for the other team. DH likes OU, the University of Oklahoma. Crimson and Cream. The game he is going to see (free ticket, so we don't complain) is OSU, Oklahoma State University. Ugly orange. The rivals. I lose him for another night this week. Which is fine. I can go shopping, watch the newest "chick flick", and listen to Country music all night. I should probably have a "Hubby-proofed" dinner of rice with Broccoli in it, too.
I have been reading the newest book in the Inheritance Cycle, Brisingr. This is the third book by Christoper Paolini, and has cover art by John Jude Palencar. I have had a good time with these books, because Paolini made up his own languages, and started all of this when he was still in High School. He was self published before being discovered and nationalized. I wanted to go to the Midnight Release at my local Books A Million, but I was in TX for DH's great uncle's funeral. Roadrunner went, but I haven't had a chance to talk to her about the "event". The cashier that helped me when I picked up my copy was... less than enthusiastic. It was apparently not really popular, nothing like the Harry Potter Midnight Releases. Roadrunner was done with the book in two days. This does not surprise me. She reads faster than I do. Which, is pretty amazing. I just wish I could recall more of what I read. She helps me actually retain what I read, because we discuss.
I have been killing house flies all day long. No less than 20, and I know there are still two or three floating around here, because I just saw one on the television. I have no idea where they are all coming from. I can't blame them, really. I did make some awesome banana bread muffins yesterday evening. I have been cooking more often, to save money and to eat healthier.
I have been thinking about coloring my hair again. I like going a little lighter than my naturally dark brown, and lot more auburn. I have one prominent WHITE strand in my bangs, and it has started to bother me. I don't really know why. In the past, I thought of it as a personal rite of passage. I don't know why that little hair should cause such a stir, or why the stir comes now. It is so selfish and childish and vain. The hair glares at me. Brightened, magnified, by the flourescent bulbs over the bathroom mirror. Maybe it is my addiction to Alias, and Jennifer Garner's beautiful brunette tresses. Maybe it is my own desire to keep the public image of youth. Maybe it is just me being a girl.
Monday, August 11, 2008
What's Your Motivation?
Apparently, I am motivated by hate.
I know this may shock most of you. My brother might agree, but the rest of you don't know me as the mean teenager I once was.
From the American Family Association, we now hear that those who are opposed to Same Sex Marriages are motivated by hate.
McDonald's has joined forces with gay rights groups, and while I never was a fan of McDonald's, this is the basis for the AFA to call for a boycott. Now, I don't want you thinking that buying one less cheeseburger will really stop the madness. Boycotts are not the best answer, but they are not completely useless, either. However, that is not the issue I wish to discuss. I wish to discuss the real issue at hand.
Homosexuality is a sin. God condemns it in the Bible. It is against His plan for nature, it is against His law, it is against everything I believe in. But...
While I believe in God and do my best to follow his laws (obedience in my freedom in Christ), not everyone on this planet, or even in this country, believes the same way I do. Not even my own father, it seems, has the exact same views. Shocking, isn't it? There are people in this country who worship other ideas, created images, or creation itself. Many other kinds of religion have flooded society with lies, shades of truth, and information out of context. And, unfortunately, they have the right as Americans... no, as Humans... to do so.
I believe that everyone would benefit from a relationship with Christ. The church is His Bride; we are a people that He adores, and wishes to bring home with Him. Even Christ understands that Humans are proud. We are not fond of being in a relationship at all, much less the best one with Him. We like our love to be shallow; we settle for physical pleasure and call it love. We are so ignorant of what real, honest, true Love actually is.
So, as our hate-monger selves, Christians go around trying to legislate the lives of the unchurched. And vice-versa. Which causes a lot of strife. The Bible tells Christians this: 1 Corinthians 5:12-13a "For what have I (Paul wrote this letter) to do with judging outsiders? (those not in the church) Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges." (Notations in parentheses are mine.)
Same Sex Marriages are nothing more than an attempt by a sinful people to give previously denied "rights" to people who are already sinning. If you are the one person in the waiting room while your partner dies in an emergency room, that is not right. To say that only a spouse or blood family member can be in the room is just... inhumane. There are many people who are single or orphans who have none but their closest friends with them. It has nothing to do with one's choice of sexuality. Those basic human rights, to be close to a loved one in a time of crisis, have been denied for many humans. Homosexual couples should not have to demand that courtesy, it should be handed to them with the same care as any human would get. I believe that hospitals have not adapted on this subject to truly serve the public at large. On the hospital side of things, they have the obligation to limit how many people come into strategic areas, but they should not limit whom.
If you choose to live with a person of the same sex and you want to insure your partner, I believe the government has no right to deny that. The insurance companies can argue, but on the basis of health only. They must operate within the laws of the land and the rules in their own policies. It is bad business to deny taking money from customers who need and want your services.
All this is to say that while I have beliefs that homosexuality is wrong, and the people living in that lifestyle choice are going to hell, I do not want the American Government to make laws for or against such behavior. Not the Government's job. (Back to Paul here... we have no jurisdiction over "outsiders", and they have no jurisdiction over the church, either.)
Atheists (which I believe is a religion, but that discussion is also for another time) want Christians to stop demanding God in everything, which is against our relationship. Christians want Atheists to stop ignoring the God of everything, which is against their guesses about the universe. God makes no sense to those who deny that God exists. The tolerance demanded of Christ's followers is not applied to them in equal measure.
Stating the sentence that has already been set for an offense is NOT judging. Those who don't want to hear what I have to say will tell me (yes, I hear this in person a LOT) what the Bible says, but out of context. "Judge not, lest ye be judged." They don't know where to find it, but they know it is in there. This is in Matthew 7:1. Notice how they like to quote good old King James? The education of youth really does stick with you.
I am not making a judgment. I am reciting the sentence that God Himself handed down.
If I told you the penalty for speeding was a ticket, and I could tell you the amount of money you must pay for each of the miles per hour you were above the limit, that is not a judgment. That is a reminder of the sentence. It doesn't change that I want for you to never speed again.
If I told you that the penalty for killing in cold blood is your own death in an electric chair, that is not a judgment. That is a reminder of the sentence. I have not witnessed the murder, bypassed the trial, or condemned you to that death. I have merely stated what law is on the books.
If I told you that the penalty for homosexuality is a life cut short by an unthinkable virus (I think Romans 1:27 shows that God allows AIDS as a result of sin. Not a popular opinion, I know.) followed by a short trip to hell, that is not a judgment. That is a reminder of the sentence. I have not lived the lifestyle choice for you, nor have I argued with you about whether you were born with those tendencies. I have simply shown you where God will judge in the end.
Not believing in God does not stop the fact that He exists, or the fact that you will face Him.
God is the Judge, Jesus is your Defense Attorney. If you don't have THE Attorney, your Defense is lost. God will have no choice, if you are not repentant, but to hand down the verdict that you earned, that last thing you cannot deny... the Judgment that I can predict. No human will escape the Judgment. Read that again, in case you missed it. NO HUMAN will escape the Judgment. We all will have to stand before God, and those with Jesus as their Attorney will receive grace and mercy from the laws they have broken. Those without Jesus will receive the punishments they earned by breaking God's laws. I don't have the right, or the desire, to judge. I didn't write the laws, I can't even interpret them. I break them all the time. We all do, and little white lies are just as sinful as murder, pride and hate. There is prescribed punishment for sin.
There is no defense without Jesus.
The problem I see here is that the world doesn't see the rest of the story. In Romans 1:32, God tells us that those who practice such things (outlined in the verses above) are worthy of death. But then it says that those who heartily approve of such sins and the people who practice them are also worthy of death. If I ever say that it is OK for anyone to be gay, I am worthy of the same death they are subject to. God hates the sin of sexual immorality so much, that if I agree with one who is in that lifestyle, I am going to hell too. Pretty sobering stuff. Notice I did not say that God hates people. He absolutely does not. But, He cannot be in the presence of a willful sinner.
I cannot agree that homosexuality is OK. I cannot sit by and let people in my family and friend circle go to hell, without at least a conversation. I have to say something. I have to try.
I don't want anyone to go to hell, but God says some will. He doesn't want them to go there, either, but He will allow them to make their own mistakes, and give them chances to repent. That is the amazing thing about God's true Love. I think He would have sent Christ, even if it only meant that one of us would be saved. Out of the Billions of humans who have ever lived, I truly believe that Jesus would have come to save only ONE. This salvation isn't limited to ONE, though. You could have it, just as I have accepted it.
If those I love don't listen, I am compelled to try again, even if they don't like hearing what I have to say. I don't think of this as hate. Do you? If your family member is dealing with addiction to alcohol or drugs, do you try once and give up on them? NO. Of course not. You keep trying, hoping they will listen to you someday. They need help, not condemnation. The accusations of hateful motivation come from people who have felt the condemnation, but not felt the help offered in love.
There is also reasoning to shut up. (I know that the "religious right" has a hard time with this) There is Biblical reasoning to take the message elsewhere. When people will not listen, will not repent, and will be hateful to the messengers, that is the time to move the message to another target audience. I cannot change the people who will not see that God's law is superior. I cannot change the fact that homosexuals are still human, and they desire like I do to have basic human respect. I cannot force my beliefs on anyone else. I can love others, and still disapprove of their actions. My goal is to show the love, without ignoring the sin.
So why am I being accused of hate? Satan has taken hold of the Politically Correct trends, and used them to beat up on Christ's followers. Twisted the truth to his own advantage. Made it bad to be good. Sneaky. He has also taken hold of people's fears, and made it offensive to be corrected. In America today, we can no longer discipline our children, arrest our criminals or state ancient rules. When I state God's disapproval of anything, I am hateful. When I show a better way that is contrary to another's pride, I am hateful.
I remember that Jesus said that I would be hated, because I took His Name, and the world hated Him first. The shouting matches will do nothing to calm the hate coming from the outside. I can deal with being hated. I can deal with being accused of hating, even though it is a lie.
Is it hateful to be firm in your beliefs? I don't think so.
I know this may shock most of you. My brother might agree, but the rest of you don't know me as the mean teenager I once was.
From the American Family Association, we now hear that those who are opposed to Same Sex Marriages are motivated by hate.
McDonald's has joined forces with gay rights groups, and while I never was a fan of McDonald's, this is the basis for the AFA to call for a boycott. Now, I don't want you thinking that buying one less cheeseburger will really stop the madness. Boycotts are not the best answer, but they are not completely useless, either. However, that is not the issue I wish to discuss. I wish to discuss the real issue at hand.
Homosexuality is a sin. God condemns it in the Bible. It is against His plan for nature, it is against His law, it is against everything I believe in. But...
While I believe in God and do my best to follow his laws (obedience in my freedom in Christ), not everyone on this planet, or even in this country, believes the same way I do. Not even my own father, it seems, has the exact same views. Shocking, isn't it? There are people in this country who worship other ideas, created images, or creation itself. Many other kinds of religion have flooded society with lies, shades of truth, and information out of context. And, unfortunately, they have the right as Americans... no, as Humans... to do so.
I believe that everyone would benefit from a relationship with Christ. The church is His Bride; we are a people that He adores, and wishes to bring home with Him. Even Christ understands that Humans are proud. We are not fond of being in a relationship at all, much less the best one with Him. We like our love to be shallow; we settle for physical pleasure and call it love. We are so ignorant of what real, honest, true Love actually is.
So, as our hate-monger selves, Christians go around trying to legislate the lives of the unchurched. And vice-versa. Which causes a lot of strife. The Bible tells Christians this: 1 Corinthians 5:12-13a "For what have I (Paul wrote this letter) to do with judging outsiders? (those not in the church) Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges." (Notations in parentheses are mine.)
Same Sex Marriages are nothing more than an attempt by a sinful people to give previously denied "rights" to people who are already sinning. If you are the one person in the waiting room while your partner dies in an emergency room, that is not right. To say that only a spouse or blood family member can be in the room is just... inhumane. There are many people who are single or orphans who have none but their closest friends with them. It has nothing to do with one's choice of sexuality. Those basic human rights, to be close to a loved one in a time of crisis, have been denied for many humans. Homosexual couples should not have to demand that courtesy, it should be handed to them with the same care as any human would get. I believe that hospitals have not adapted on this subject to truly serve the public at large. On the hospital side of things, they have the obligation to limit how many people come into strategic areas, but they should not limit whom.
If you choose to live with a person of the same sex and you want to insure your partner, I believe the government has no right to deny that. The insurance companies can argue, but on the basis of health only. They must operate within the laws of the land and the rules in their own policies. It is bad business to deny taking money from customers who need and want your services.
All this is to say that while I have beliefs that homosexuality is wrong, and the people living in that lifestyle choice are going to hell, I do not want the American Government to make laws for or against such behavior. Not the Government's job. (Back to Paul here... we have no jurisdiction over "outsiders", and they have no jurisdiction over the church, either.)
Atheists (which I believe is a religion, but that discussion is also for another time) want Christians to stop demanding God in everything, which is against our relationship. Christians want Atheists to stop ignoring the God of everything, which is against their guesses about the universe. God makes no sense to those who deny that God exists. The tolerance demanded of Christ's followers is not applied to them in equal measure.
Stating the sentence that has already been set for an offense is NOT judging. Those who don't want to hear what I have to say will tell me (yes, I hear this in person a LOT) what the Bible says, but out of context. "Judge not, lest ye be judged." They don't know where to find it, but they know it is in there. This is in Matthew 7:1. Notice how they like to quote good old King James? The education of youth really does stick with you.
I am not making a judgment. I am reciting the sentence that God Himself handed down.
If I told you the penalty for speeding was a ticket, and I could tell you the amount of money you must pay for each of the miles per hour you were above the limit, that is not a judgment. That is a reminder of the sentence. It doesn't change that I want for you to never speed again.
If I told you that the penalty for killing in cold blood is your own death in an electric chair, that is not a judgment. That is a reminder of the sentence. I have not witnessed the murder, bypassed the trial, or condemned you to that death. I have merely stated what law is on the books.
If I told you that the penalty for homosexuality is a life cut short by an unthinkable virus (I think Romans 1:27 shows that God allows AIDS as a result of sin. Not a popular opinion, I know.) followed by a short trip to hell, that is not a judgment. That is a reminder of the sentence. I have not lived the lifestyle choice for you, nor have I argued with you about whether you were born with those tendencies. I have simply shown you where God will judge in the end.
Not believing in God does not stop the fact that He exists, or the fact that you will face Him.
God is the Judge, Jesus is your Defense Attorney. If you don't have THE Attorney, your Defense is lost. God will have no choice, if you are not repentant, but to hand down the verdict that you earned, that last thing you cannot deny... the Judgment that I can predict. No human will escape the Judgment. Read that again, in case you missed it. NO HUMAN will escape the Judgment. We all will have to stand before God, and those with Jesus as their Attorney will receive grace and mercy from the laws they have broken. Those without Jesus will receive the punishments they earned by breaking God's laws. I don't have the right, or the desire, to judge. I didn't write the laws, I can't even interpret them. I break them all the time. We all do, and little white lies are just as sinful as murder, pride and hate. There is prescribed punishment for sin.
There is no defense without Jesus.
The problem I see here is that the world doesn't see the rest of the story. In Romans 1:32, God tells us that those who practice such things (outlined in the verses above) are worthy of death. But then it says that those who heartily approve of such sins and the people who practice them are also worthy of death. If I ever say that it is OK for anyone to be gay, I am worthy of the same death they are subject to. God hates the sin of sexual immorality so much, that if I agree with one who is in that lifestyle, I am going to hell too. Pretty sobering stuff. Notice I did not say that God hates people. He absolutely does not. But, He cannot be in the presence of a willful sinner.
I cannot agree that homosexuality is OK. I cannot sit by and let people in my family and friend circle go to hell, without at least a conversation. I have to say something. I have to try.
I don't want anyone to go to hell, but God says some will. He doesn't want them to go there, either, but He will allow them to make their own mistakes, and give them chances to repent. That is the amazing thing about God's true Love. I think He would have sent Christ, even if it only meant that one of us would be saved. Out of the Billions of humans who have ever lived, I truly believe that Jesus would have come to save only ONE. This salvation isn't limited to ONE, though. You could have it, just as I have accepted it.
If those I love don't listen, I am compelled to try again, even if they don't like hearing what I have to say. I don't think of this as hate. Do you? If your family member is dealing with addiction to alcohol or drugs, do you try once and give up on them? NO. Of course not. You keep trying, hoping they will listen to you someday. They need help, not condemnation. The accusations of hateful motivation come from people who have felt the condemnation, but not felt the help offered in love.
There is also reasoning to shut up. (I know that the "religious right" has a hard time with this) There is Biblical reasoning to take the message elsewhere. When people will not listen, will not repent, and will be hateful to the messengers, that is the time to move the message to another target audience. I cannot change the people who will not see that God's law is superior. I cannot change the fact that homosexuals are still human, and they desire like I do to have basic human respect. I cannot force my beliefs on anyone else. I can love others, and still disapprove of their actions. My goal is to show the love, without ignoring the sin.
So why am I being accused of hate? Satan has taken hold of the Politically Correct trends, and used them to beat up on Christ's followers. Twisted the truth to his own advantage. Made it bad to be good. Sneaky. He has also taken hold of people's fears, and made it offensive to be corrected. In America today, we can no longer discipline our children, arrest our criminals or state ancient rules. When I state God's disapproval of anything, I am hateful. When I show a better way that is contrary to another's pride, I am hateful.
I remember that Jesus said that I would be hated, because I took His Name, and the world hated Him first. The shouting matches will do nothing to calm the hate coming from the outside. I can deal with being hated. I can deal with being accused of hating, even though it is a lie.
Is it hateful to be firm in your beliefs? I don't think so.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Cast A Vote To The Winds Of Change
Word of the Post
Today's word is: commensurate
/com*men"su*rate/ adjective
To be equal in size, degree or extent; to adjust, to proportionate; to reduce to a common measure.
Often in job searches, salary is supposed to be commensurate with experience. To get more pay, show more education and spend more time gaining experience. Or stay in your job until you have nothing else to live for. Then the exit is commensurate.
~~~~~~~~~~
I have had a cold, and the cough just won't go away. Don't you hate that? I would love to know that I can breathe normally again someday. I am a night owl by nature, so I feel great in the evening. Morning, however, is my enemy. Sleeping has been full of motion. I toss and turn constantly. I try each side for a moment, front and back too. I wake up often. I feel better, I do something normal. Then, I lay down at night and have a coughing fit. I have gotten to the point that I am stir crazy. I had to get out of the house and breathe different air. Being cooped up in the house is tough. Depression and restlessness (mental, not the physical kind caused by my sleeplessness) do funny things to me. I don't have a lot of patience with myself. I push to get well as soon as I can. Sometimes, I overdo it. I have been pushing my luck all week.
Being allergic to milk, I had to stay away from hot cocoa while scrounging for something hot to calm my throat. Ferret told me to "step away from the cocoa!" I did drink a lot of hot spiced tea, hot pink lemonade (I know it sounds weird, but it is better than some alternatives) and some of Grams Rose's special tea. I don't like tea, as a rule. Grams' tea is hot water, apple cider vinegar and honey. It is bitter and sweet, and it works. It tastes awful. Roadrunner put it best: "It scares the germs away, so they don't have to have more of it."
Last Friday, I went out with several women from church for a Girls' Night Out. It was an eye-opening experience. We did a lot of laughing. I realize now that I was shocked by one thing. One of the ladies didn't know me very well, and asked, "Are you even 30 yet?" I laughed out loud. It has been a long time since someone assumed I was in my 20's, and wow, it felt good. I was considered 18 from the day I turned 14 until the year I turned 24. Since then, I haven't really settled into an age. People usually assume somewhere between 24 and 28. I like hanging out with younger people, it keeps me young. I ignore my age and my weight. I figure they are just numbers, and they don't have any bearing on what I am as a person. We can only get older. Best to laugh. Ha ha ha!
DH was happy to have the evening to himself. He went to Goldie's. This particular restaurant is going to close soon, according to local rumor. He likes the burgers, and they have a pickle bar. I have never enjoyed eating there. Out of the maybe six times I have eaten there, I have NOT gotten sick only once. Puts a little damper on getting excited about going there together.
Tomorrow is Super Tuesday. Many states are deciding what candidate to push toward the final battle for President. I am having a little trepidation about voting. I will vote in the primary for my party. The problem is that the guy I really wanted to support has dropped out of the race. UGH! I am left with few choices. Who really matches what I believe? Who is the least likely to be against my major issues? I don't like voting negatively, to find a name to stop the one I like the least. But can I call my vote a positive one?
There is also the matter of voting for a new Superintendent of Schools for our fair City. I have only seen the name of one contender for the job, and I know nothing about him or what the job entails. I have tried to find out if I can vote for the Party nomination, and not vote for the Superintendent, and still have my vote included as complete. I suppose I shall find out tomorrow if I do not find any more information tonight online. {Edit: The school issue was not on my ballot, just the President. In Oklahoma, McCain won for the Republicans and Hitlery (I mean Hillary) won for the Democrats.}
God Bless America! (no matter the outcome of the voting)
Today's word is: commensurate
/com*men"su*rate/ adjective
To be equal in size, degree or extent; to adjust, to proportionate; to reduce to a common measure.
Often in job searches, salary is supposed to be commensurate with experience. To get more pay, show more education and spend more time gaining experience. Or stay in your job until you have nothing else to live for. Then the exit is commensurate.
~~~~~~~~~~
I have had a cold, and the cough just won't go away. Don't you hate that? I would love to know that I can breathe normally again someday. I am a night owl by nature, so I feel great in the evening. Morning, however, is my enemy. Sleeping has been full of motion. I toss and turn constantly. I try each side for a moment, front and back too. I wake up often. I feel better, I do something normal. Then, I lay down at night and have a coughing fit. I have gotten to the point that I am stir crazy. I had to get out of the house and breathe different air. Being cooped up in the house is tough. Depression and restlessness (mental, not the physical kind caused by my sleeplessness) do funny things to me. I don't have a lot of patience with myself. I push to get well as soon as I can. Sometimes, I overdo it. I have been pushing my luck all week.
Being allergic to milk, I had to stay away from hot cocoa while scrounging for something hot to calm my throat. Ferret told me to "step away from the cocoa!" I did drink a lot of hot spiced tea, hot pink lemonade (I know it sounds weird, but it is better than some alternatives) and some of Grams Rose's special tea. I don't like tea, as a rule. Grams' tea is hot water, apple cider vinegar and honey. It is bitter and sweet, and it works. It tastes awful. Roadrunner put it best: "It scares the germs away, so they don't have to have more of it."
Last Friday, I went out with several women from church for a Girls' Night Out. It was an eye-opening experience. We did a lot of laughing. I realize now that I was shocked by one thing. One of the ladies didn't know me very well, and asked, "Are you even 30 yet?" I laughed out loud. It has been a long time since someone assumed I was in my 20's, and wow, it felt good. I was considered 18 from the day I turned 14 until the year I turned 24. Since then, I haven't really settled into an age. People usually assume somewhere between 24 and 28. I like hanging out with younger people, it keeps me young. I ignore my age and my weight. I figure they are just numbers, and they don't have any bearing on what I am as a person. We can only get older. Best to laugh. Ha ha ha!
DH was happy to have the evening to himself. He went to Goldie's. This particular restaurant is going to close soon, according to local rumor. He likes the burgers, and they have a pickle bar. I have never enjoyed eating there. Out of the maybe six times I have eaten there, I have NOT gotten sick only once. Puts a little damper on getting excited about going there together.
Tomorrow is Super Tuesday. Many states are deciding what candidate to push toward the final battle for President. I am having a little trepidation about voting. I will vote in the primary for my party. The problem is that the guy I really wanted to support has dropped out of the race. UGH! I am left with few choices. Who really matches what I believe? Who is the least likely to be against my major issues? I don't like voting negatively, to find a name to stop the one I like the least. But can I call my vote a positive one?
There is also the matter of voting for a new Superintendent of Schools for our fair City. I have only seen the name of one contender for the job, and I know nothing about him or what the job entails. I have tried to find out if I can vote for the Party nomination, and not vote for the Superintendent, and still have my vote included as complete. I suppose I shall find out tomorrow if I do not find any more information tonight online. {Edit: The school issue was not on my ballot, just the President. In Oklahoma, McCain won for the Republicans and Hitlery (I mean Hillary) won for the Democrats.}
God Bless America! (no matter the outcome of the voting)
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Boil That Trouble, Cauldron Bubble
Word of the Post
Today's word is: forgive
/for*give"/ verb
To cease to feel resentment toward; to give up claim to retribution upon. The person or the action can be the object of this verb; commonly one is the direct object, while the second is the indirect object, i.e. "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." - words of Jesus, Matthew 5:12.
To stop blaming; to absolve from payment. This does not imply that the action was not wrong, but that the feelings of the wronged can be put aside for the betterment of the wrongdoer.
~~~~~~~~~~
Forgive me, I have not posted in a long while. This life gets crazy at times. I have been dealing with travel, helping my friends, and depression. I don't know what causes my depression, but I know that I have it. I have never been diagnosed, because I have no insurance, and do not feel comfortable talking to a doctor that may not be a Christian. I know to some of you, that makes no sense. To me, it is everything. I want to talk out my problems, but I don't want a heathen to listen to the issues that effect my Christianity, because I don't think they can understand the background music. I don't want to talk to a Christian counselor (there are some fine options at my congregation), because I am afraid that I may end up as an example in a public lesson. Either way, I sit here without help, and don't know exactly where to turn.
So, in an effort to get myself out of the funk I have allowed myself to fall into.... I pour myself into work. Around the house, I have done dishes and laundry enough to make my hands raw. For my friends, I have traveled to St. Louis, picked up kids from school and laughed. I have not tried writing, which is usually my first course of action. I have gone through the motions of having a normal life, and hated most of it. Today, I felt I must write. If not for you, then simply for me. In an effort to stir up conversation, and maybe to get myself to think more critically, I want to start a new topic.
I have many strong opinions on this subject, and you may not agree with me at all, but I have to state them, as it is my right to do. I have been prayerfully considering my statements, and I ask that you prayerfully consider your answers. I do not mean to cause division, and I am trying to maintain my own humility toward the subject. My first resource is the Bible. I want to make sure to keep the integrity of the Word, and allowing my opinions to form from there and not from my own pride or humanity.
Many times over the past few months, I have thought on the subject of sexuality. Primarily the sinfulness and public acceptance of the homosexual community. Their public push for equality mirrors that of many minority groups in America. They all want so much equality that they become the standard, not the aberration.
What if the tendency is a born trait? I have a hard time believing that God would create a trait, and then tell us it is a sin. Leviticus 18:22 calls this act "detestable" or "an abomination" depending on the translation you look at. Leviticus 20:13 says that both parties in such an act should be put to death, and the guilt of their blood is on their own heads. Death is the God-decreed punishment for such sin. Why would any god, especially a Creator God, make something that He calls sinful and plans to destroy?
Romans 1:27 - "and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error." (*NOTE: Politically Incorrect thought warning: I don't care that my opinion is not PC. I don't try to be PC. Politics can kiss my left toe. I would rather be a Jesus Freak.) Seems that AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a punishment, a disease brought on by the sin of sexual misconduct. Probably not a new way to die, simply the new term for an age-old illness. I am not saying that everyone with AIDS is a sinner in this manner. There are many ways to Acquire this Deficiency. Children of drug users can get it, having done absolutely nothing wrong. Maybe it got its start in the depravity of sin?
I won't argue if the tendency to be attracted to the same sex is a born trait. I will say that, like any other sexual choice, it is the action and the lifestyle that are sin. I do believe that a person can change. I believe that sexual conduct is a choice. A person who has lived a gay lifestyle can repent, and abstain, as any heterosexual person can abstain. If the tendency is born, then it is a result of human error, not of creation.
I truly do not wish to know what goes on behind the door to anyone else's bedroom. It is none of my business. It is not my place to know, nor to judge. However, if it is brought to my attention (as in, "Hi, I'm gay!") I can feel the need to comment. God has already pronounced judgment on this sin. For me to call a sin by its name and to inform the sinner of the verdict is not a judging. I share only the judgment that is God's word. Sexual conduct in this manner is sin.
The spark on the kindling for this discussion for me this week was a movie ("What Makes a Family", made for TV, 2001) about a woman who had lost her partner (death), and was suing the maternal grandparents for custody of the child (the partner had a sperm-donated baby) she had helped to raise but she had no blood tie to. According to the movie, Florida was at that time the only state with laws still on the books preventing same-sex couples to adopt. Rosie O'Donnell (not my favorite political spokesperson) tried to adopt, in New York, a child from Florida, and was denied because of their laws.
I am not heartless. I want kids to have stable, safe, loving homes to live in. There are way more kids in this world who are unwanted by their birth parents, than there are foster and adoptive homes to care for them. There have been many studies to show (and used in these Florida court cases) that same-sex couples are not any more likely to raise gay children. In fact, the opposite seems to be true. The problem I see is that they are promoting "tolerance" for something that God does not tolerate. The children raised in these homes may not feel that they are personally supposed to be gay, but they are raised with the idea that being gay is OK. That it is "normal". That it is simply a persecuted minority, or a misunderstood cult.
I am not happy about it, but I have family members who have differing opinions and lifestyles than I do. We have had long discussions about this. We all still get along fine. We have a mutual respect. We all understand that Public Displays of Affection are gross, no matter who is doing it. We do not spend the night in each other's homes. We still invite them over for Thanksgiving and Christmas. And I pray all the time that their souls will be saved by a change of heart that may never come. It is hard to change a person who 1. does not want to change, and 2. has been with his partner longer than my own parents have been married (more than 38 years).
God calls homosexuality reprehensible. To raise a child in the opinion that it is OK is wrong. To have a strong opinion based on God's laws does not make me "intolerant".
To ignore God is an exercise in futility.
Let the games begin!
Today's word is: forgive
/for*give"/ verb
To cease to feel resentment toward; to give up claim to retribution upon. The person or the action can be the object of this verb; commonly one is the direct object, while the second is the indirect object, i.e. "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." - words of Jesus, Matthew 5:12.
To stop blaming; to absolve from payment. This does not imply that the action was not wrong, but that the feelings of the wronged can be put aside for the betterment of the wrongdoer.
~~~~~~~~~~
Forgive me, I have not posted in a long while. This life gets crazy at times. I have been dealing with travel, helping my friends, and depression. I don't know what causes my depression, but I know that I have it. I have never been diagnosed, because I have no insurance, and do not feel comfortable talking to a doctor that may not be a Christian. I know to some of you, that makes no sense. To me, it is everything. I want to talk out my problems, but I don't want a heathen to listen to the issues that effect my Christianity, because I don't think they can understand the background music. I don't want to talk to a Christian counselor (there are some fine options at my congregation), because I am afraid that I may end up as an example in a public lesson. Either way, I sit here without help, and don't know exactly where to turn.
So, in an effort to get myself out of the funk I have allowed myself to fall into.... I pour myself into work. Around the house, I have done dishes and laundry enough to make my hands raw. For my friends, I have traveled to St. Louis, picked up kids from school and laughed. I have not tried writing, which is usually my first course of action. I have gone through the motions of having a normal life, and hated most of it. Today, I felt I must write. If not for you, then simply for me. In an effort to stir up conversation, and maybe to get myself to think more critically, I want to start a new topic.
I have many strong opinions on this subject, and you may not agree with me at all, but I have to state them, as it is my right to do. I have been prayerfully considering my statements, and I ask that you prayerfully consider your answers. I do not mean to cause division, and I am trying to maintain my own humility toward the subject. My first resource is the Bible. I want to make sure to keep the integrity of the Word, and allowing my opinions to form from there and not from my own pride or humanity.
Many times over the past few months, I have thought on the subject of sexuality. Primarily the sinfulness and public acceptance of the homosexual community. Their public push for equality mirrors that of many minority groups in America. They all want so much equality that they become the standard, not the aberration.
What if the tendency is a born trait? I have a hard time believing that God would create a trait, and then tell us it is a sin. Leviticus 18:22 calls this act "detestable" or "an abomination" depending on the translation you look at. Leviticus 20:13 says that both parties in such an act should be put to death, and the guilt of their blood is on their own heads. Death is the God-decreed punishment for such sin. Why would any god, especially a Creator God, make something that He calls sinful and plans to destroy?
Romans 1:27 - "and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error." (*NOTE: Politically Incorrect thought warning: I don't care that my opinion is not PC. I don't try to be PC. Politics can kiss my left toe. I would rather be a Jesus Freak.) Seems that AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a punishment, a disease brought on by the sin of sexual misconduct. Probably not a new way to die, simply the new term for an age-old illness. I am not saying that everyone with AIDS is a sinner in this manner. There are many ways to Acquire this Deficiency. Children of drug users can get it, having done absolutely nothing wrong. Maybe it got its start in the depravity of sin?
I won't argue if the tendency to be attracted to the same sex is a born trait. I will say that, like any other sexual choice, it is the action and the lifestyle that are sin. I do believe that a person can change. I believe that sexual conduct is a choice. A person who has lived a gay lifestyle can repent, and abstain, as any heterosexual person can abstain. If the tendency is born, then it is a result of human error, not of creation.
I truly do not wish to know what goes on behind the door to anyone else's bedroom. It is none of my business. It is not my place to know, nor to judge. However, if it is brought to my attention (as in, "Hi, I'm gay!") I can feel the need to comment. God has already pronounced judgment on this sin. For me to call a sin by its name and to inform the sinner of the verdict is not a judging. I share only the judgment that is God's word. Sexual conduct in this manner is sin.
The spark on the kindling for this discussion for me this week was a movie ("What Makes a Family", made for TV, 2001) about a woman who had lost her partner (death), and was suing the maternal grandparents for custody of the child (the partner had a sperm-donated baby) she had helped to raise but she had no blood tie to. According to the movie, Florida was at that time the only state with laws still on the books preventing same-sex couples to adopt. Rosie O'Donnell (not my favorite political spokesperson) tried to adopt, in New York, a child from Florida, and was denied because of their laws.
I am not heartless. I want kids to have stable, safe, loving homes to live in. There are way more kids in this world who are unwanted by their birth parents, than there are foster and adoptive homes to care for them. There have been many studies to show (and used in these Florida court cases) that same-sex couples are not any more likely to raise gay children. In fact, the opposite seems to be true. The problem I see is that they are promoting "tolerance" for something that God does not tolerate. The children raised in these homes may not feel that they are personally supposed to be gay, but they are raised with the idea that being gay is OK. That it is "normal". That it is simply a persecuted minority, or a misunderstood cult.
I am not happy about it, but I have family members who have differing opinions and lifestyles than I do. We have had long discussions about this. We all still get along fine. We have a mutual respect. We all understand that Public Displays of Affection are gross, no matter who is doing it. We do not spend the night in each other's homes. We still invite them over for Thanksgiving and Christmas. And I pray all the time that their souls will be saved by a change of heart that may never come. It is hard to change a person who 1. does not want to change, and 2. has been with his partner longer than my own parents have been married (more than 38 years).
God calls homosexuality reprehensible. To raise a child in the opinion that it is OK is wrong. To have a strong opinion based on God's laws does not make me "intolerant".
To ignore God is an exercise in futility.
Let the games begin!
Friday, July 20, 2007
Wakefulness And Reading
Word of the Post
Today's word is: umbrage
/um"brage/ noun
Shade, shadow, obscurity; Shadowy resemblance; Feeling of being overshadowed, jealousy; Feeling of anger caused by being offended.
The common usage is the phrase "taking umbrage", which fits best with the anger at offense. So, when I read Harry Potter, and we met Professor Umbridge, I thought first this question: Where are they going to take her?
~~~~~~~~~~
Tonight is the night. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be in my hands overnight. I will be reading for a couple of days, and then, I will most likely be disappointed. Not because Jo Rowling will write all my favorite characters dead, but because this will represent the end of an era. It was obvious from the first book that the 7 years of Hogwarts were going to be the 7 installments of the story. The fans will be quieted either by being allowed to write their own stories, or by JKR being stuck in a rut for a long time to come. I would rather that the fans get to take over the writing, and JKR can do editing before it gets printed.
For those of you who could care less about that, I went to a baseball game last week. DH and I are both in an internet chat room related to a local radio station. We have made many friends there, and we get together for fun things every once in a while. Sunday, we went to an Oklahoma Redhawks game. They were in their old Oklahoma City 89ers uniforms, and were listed as 89ers on the scoreboard. I have to wonder if it was because we were playing the Round Rocks team, and from the distant scoreboard it would have been easy to mix up? Anyway, we had 8 chatters, one visiting babysitter, and two children at the game. It was a fun time, and a few of us went to dinner afterward.
It is good to have connections. One of the regular chatters is a personality on the local radio station. He has a show in the morning. From 5 am to 8 am. Yeah, I usually hear the sign-off of his show, before the next one. He said even his Mom doesn't listen as much as she wants to. But, he does have a faithful audience. He is funny to talk with, and friendly, and generous. DH may even get to go to an arena football game tomorrow, thanks to this friend. I would have to go get the ticket, but if it is free... I see no problem with that.
I have been getting very frustrated with politics lately. The next presidential election isn't for more than a year, and my favorite person isn't even in the race yet. I get tired of the same old "I am going to....(insert lies here)". I would love it if the candidates would say... "I am for this or that, but none of that matters. I represent YOU. What do you want me to do?" I wish I knew who said it first, but I have heard it physically from Robin Williams: Diapers and Politicians should be changed, often, and for the same reason. I agree. They stink. I propose Term Limits for all offices. Federal judges should not sit until they are senile and we wish them to die to vacate the post. They should sit for a maximum of 10 years. The whole white house should have the limit of two terms. If you have been President, you may not be Vice President. 8 years is quite enough, Mr. Clinton. No more.
My niece, Jelly Bean, is continually doing funny things. Recently, her trick is to be sweet. Anytime she hugs a person or a bear, people around her coo and say, "Aww, how sweet." So her new trick is to give you a hug and say, "I sweet!" I agree, dear, I agree. She also is learning family names. She knows DH and me, and she is careful to say Uncle and Aunt when she thinks about it. She knows that those are titles, not just part of our names. The baby is growing up!
Have a great week!
Today's word is: umbrage
/um"brage/ noun
Shade, shadow, obscurity; Shadowy resemblance; Feeling of being overshadowed, jealousy; Feeling of anger caused by being offended.
The common usage is the phrase "taking umbrage", which fits best with the anger at offense. So, when I read Harry Potter, and we met Professor Umbridge, I thought first this question: Where are they going to take her?
~~~~~~~~~~
Tonight is the night. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be in my hands overnight. I will be reading for a couple of days, and then, I will most likely be disappointed. Not because Jo Rowling will write all my favorite characters dead, but because this will represent the end of an era. It was obvious from the first book that the 7 years of Hogwarts were going to be the 7 installments of the story. The fans will be quieted either by being allowed to write their own stories, or by JKR being stuck in a rut for a long time to come. I would rather that the fans get to take over the writing, and JKR can do editing before it gets printed.
For those of you who could care less about that, I went to a baseball game last week. DH and I are both in an internet chat room related to a local radio station. We have made many friends there, and we get together for fun things every once in a while. Sunday, we went to an Oklahoma Redhawks game. They were in their old Oklahoma City 89ers uniforms, and were listed as 89ers on the scoreboard. I have to wonder if it was because we were playing the Round Rocks team, and from the distant scoreboard it would have been easy to mix up? Anyway, we had 8 chatters, one visiting babysitter, and two children at the game. It was a fun time, and a few of us went to dinner afterward.
It is good to have connections. One of the regular chatters is a personality on the local radio station. He has a show in the morning. From 5 am to 8 am. Yeah, I usually hear the sign-off of his show, before the next one. He said even his Mom doesn't listen as much as she wants to. But, he does have a faithful audience. He is funny to talk with, and friendly, and generous. DH may even get to go to an arena football game tomorrow, thanks to this friend. I would have to go get the ticket, but if it is free... I see no problem with that.
I have been getting very frustrated with politics lately. The next presidential election isn't for more than a year, and my favorite person isn't even in the race yet. I get tired of the same old "I am going to....(insert lies here)". I would love it if the candidates would say... "I am for this or that, but none of that matters. I represent YOU. What do you want me to do?" I wish I knew who said it first, but I have heard it physically from Robin Williams: Diapers and Politicians should be changed, often, and for the same reason. I agree. They stink. I propose Term Limits for all offices. Federal judges should not sit until they are senile and we wish them to die to vacate the post. They should sit for a maximum of 10 years. The whole white house should have the limit of two terms. If you have been President, you may not be Vice President. 8 years is quite enough, Mr. Clinton. No more.
My niece, Jelly Bean, is continually doing funny things. Recently, her trick is to be sweet. Anytime she hugs a person or a bear, people around her coo and say, "Aww, how sweet." So her new trick is to give you a hug and say, "I sweet!" I agree, dear, I agree. She also is learning family names. She knows DH and me, and she is careful to say Uncle and Aunt when she thinks about it. She knows that those are titles, not just part of our names. The baby is growing up!
Have a great week!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Who Said Presidents Have To Be Dull?
Word of the Post
Today's word is: jobbernowl
/job"ber*nowl'/ noun
Stupid fellow, blockhead.
~~~~~~~~~~
Take for example, Michael Moore. He is a classic jobbernowl. How do I know this? Well... he challenged a presidential hopeful to a debate. He got refused in the best way possible: Fred Thompson recorded a little spot that ended up on video the world over.
First, we have the letter. If you can keep up with this, understand it, and even read it all, I give you a gold star (like Jared does). I don't want to post the whole thing, it is BORING, and, as we have already discussed, the man is a dullard. Go to his site, where he actually posted a letter. (I have to link there, because I didn't want that blathering to appear in print on MY blog.)
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/message/index.php?id=208
Next, we have the video response. I admire Thompson for this. He, like Reagan, is an actor first, and a politician next. He has the training and practice to speak to the people, he is a good communicator. He can say more than two sentences without saying "Um.." every three seconds. The best part of this response is the underlying theme that M.M. is nothing more than a bother, a fly in the face, and not deserving a whole debate, but only the tiniest of responses. I like Fred's humor. {Edit: I had to change the video clip, because the copy I had went away...so I linked up to the original site. Go there and play the video clip. Hopefully this will work for a longer time. Sorry for any confusion.}
http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=611
Now, go to the library and check out "Michael Moore is a big fat stupid white man" by David T. Hardy and Jason Clarke. If you couldn't tell from the letter and the response, they were right.
Today's word is: jobbernowl
/job"ber*nowl'/ noun
Stupid fellow, blockhead.
~~~~~~~~~~
Take for example, Michael Moore. He is a classic jobbernowl. How do I know this? Well... he challenged a presidential hopeful to a debate. He got refused in the best way possible: Fred Thompson recorded a little spot that ended up on video the world over.
First, we have the letter. If you can keep up with this, understand it, and even read it all, I give you a gold star (like Jared does). I don't want to post the whole thing, it is BORING, and, as we have already discussed, the man is a dullard. Go to his site, where he actually posted a letter. (I have to link there, because I didn't want that blathering to appear in print on MY blog.)
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/message/index.php?id=208
Next, we have the video response. I admire Thompson for this. He, like Reagan, is an actor first, and a politician next. He has the training and practice to speak to the people, he is a good communicator. He can say more than two sentences without saying "Um.." every three seconds. The best part of this response is the underlying theme that M.M. is nothing more than a bother, a fly in the face, and not deserving a whole debate, but only the tiniest of responses. I like Fred's humor. {Edit: I had to change the video clip, because the copy I had went away...so I linked up to the original site. Go there and play the video clip. Hopefully this will work for a longer time. Sorry for any confusion.}
http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=611
Now, go to the library and check out "Michael Moore is a big fat stupid white man" by David T. Hardy and Jason Clarke. If you couldn't tell from the letter and the response, they were right.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Imus-shamed
Word of the Post
Today's word is: your
pronoun, possessive
The second personal pronoun, in the singular number, denoting the person addressed; thyself. Your person, you. The term denoting ownership of a thing by the second person, as in "This is your ball".
This term is often misused by people in print form, intending to say the contraction "you're", meaning you are.
~~~~~~~~~~
With the Freedom of Speech comes Responsibility. In these great United States of America, we are granted the right to say whatever we think. We can do this in voice, in print, in action. We are not warned oft enough that the implications of our speech may be far-reaching, and the consequences painful.
In recent weeks, a radio show host named Don Imus has been fired, for exercising his rights. I don't really care too much for sports, that is DH's thing. I don't even listen to sports or opinion shows unless they are on my local talk radio. This issue has been the newest issue in a long line of junk mail from the television to me. The man called a women's basketball team by a nasty turn of phrase. The words were not vulgar in nature, nor were they intended to be hateful. They were critical of the appearance of the players, and intended as a joke.
The part that most people are missing, I think, is that racism is usually spread through jokes and stereotypes. The sad part, to me, is that if Don King had been the one to say it instead, nobody would have noticed, beyond the players themselves. The reaction to the words, not the words themselves, was racially hateful. The fact that a white man said the words makes it bad, when the black "artists" of rap say the same thing, using worse terms, every day, and nobody seems to get mad at them.
The hatred that comes out of a person starts in the heart of their opinions. If a person is hateful, we expect hateful things from them. Imus was not hateful, but trying to be provocative. He was doing exactly what he has been doing for the past 30 years, much longer than the college players have been alive. Nobody called him out before, for far more offensive comments. Nobody calls out the rappers who invented the word "ho" as a shortened version of "whore". The women who were called by this name have every right to be angry, because it was a slur on their character. They have the right to demand an apology, which they did, and received. The matter should have been over at that meeting. Like Anna Nicole, it will just not die. The press is making a spectacle of Imus, and his staged persona.
I think that the network was wrong to fire him. They have been paying him millions of dollars to be provocative, and when he finally achieves it, they punish him. Not fair. Life is hard, and is rarely fair.
Today's word is: your
pronoun, possessive
The second personal pronoun, in the singular number, denoting the person addressed; thyself. Your person, you. The term denoting ownership of a thing by the second person, as in "This is your ball".
This term is often misused by people in print form, intending to say the contraction "you're", meaning you are.
~~~~~~~~~~
With the Freedom of Speech comes Responsibility. In these great United States of America, we are granted the right to say whatever we think. We can do this in voice, in print, in action. We are not warned oft enough that the implications of our speech may be far-reaching, and the consequences painful.
In recent weeks, a radio show host named Don Imus has been fired, for exercising his rights. I don't really care too much for sports, that is DH's thing. I don't even listen to sports or opinion shows unless they are on my local talk radio. This issue has been the newest issue in a long line of junk mail from the television to me. The man called a women's basketball team by a nasty turn of phrase. The words were not vulgar in nature, nor were they intended to be hateful. They were critical of the appearance of the players, and intended as a joke.
The part that most people are missing, I think, is that racism is usually spread through jokes and stereotypes. The sad part, to me, is that if Don King had been the one to say it instead, nobody would have noticed, beyond the players themselves. The reaction to the words, not the words themselves, was racially hateful. The fact that a white man said the words makes it bad, when the black "artists" of rap say the same thing, using worse terms, every day, and nobody seems to get mad at them.
The hatred that comes out of a person starts in the heart of their opinions. If a person is hateful, we expect hateful things from them. Imus was not hateful, but trying to be provocative. He was doing exactly what he has been doing for the past 30 years, much longer than the college players have been alive. Nobody called him out before, for far more offensive comments. Nobody calls out the rappers who invented the word "ho" as a shortened version of "whore". The women who were called by this name have every right to be angry, because it was a slur on their character. They have the right to demand an apology, which they did, and received. The matter should have been over at that meeting. Like Anna Nicole, it will just not die. The press is making a spectacle of Imus, and his staged persona.
I think that the network was wrong to fire him. They have been paying him millions of dollars to be provocative, and when he finally achieves it, they punish him. Not fair. Life is hard, and is rarely fair.
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