Two monkey:
Three monkey:
Four:
He was adorable watching the motorcycle drive out...
And he was on a mission....to take those tsinelas somewhere!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Quote:
"God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing."
— C. S. Lewis
Monday, August 11, 2008
Vignettes of life:
Micah is told to watch the baby in the other room while dinner is being readied. In lieu of playing toys, we hear him discussing "capes to honor the king". Laughing among ourselves, we assume HE is the king.....but oh, were we wrong!
Rolling the baby around on the stroller, whatever the "king" said went. When baby uttered his only word "mama", he was rolled to the kitchen to see "royal mama". Later, as ideas began to run out, the king’s character changed some, along with the perception of royalty....
"The king is going to execute me!" one screams.
"Ok," says Micah, "we will line up, and he will execute one of us...the first one he looks at is the one to be executed."
The fated peasant happens to be Caleb. He runs away screaming. Micah begins talking in a low gravelly voice..."Oh, king, I will now execute this miserable human being..." Caleb runs away again, and Micah runs after. From down the hallway we hear (in the low gravelly voice) "Oh, king, I have executed him....he will never be seen again!" (and whispered orders not to come out of the hallway).
When the rebellious peasant re-appears (he stayed in hiding longer than expected) the traitorous duke begins chasing him with the royal stroller and a plastic fishing pole yelling: "Hook him! Hook him!" (the king is amused on the high-energy chase, although nearly dumped from the stroller on a dangerous curve)
Micah continues his antics whenever Caleb appears out of the hallway, and Caleb begins to act the part attempting to rush at his-royal-babyhood with a murderous glint in his eye.
"Royal Mama" breaks it up, telling Micah to stop yelling and Caleb to stop endangering the royal life....oh well....the vignette had to end some time!
Rolling the baby around on the stroller, whatever the "king" said went. When baby uttered his only word "mama", he was rolled to the kitchen to see "royal mama". Later, as ideas began to run out, the king’s character changed some, along with the perception of royalty....
"The king is going to execute me!" one screams.
"Ok," says Micah, "we will line up, and he will execute one of us...the first one he looks at is the one to be executed."
The fated peasant happens to be Caleb. He runs away screaming. Micah begins talking in a low gravelly voice..."Oh, king, I will now execute this miserable human being..." Caleb runs away again, and Micah runs after. From down the hallway we hear (in the low gravelly voice) "Oh, king, I have executed him....he will never be seen again!" (and whispered orders not to come out of the hallway).
When the rebellious peasant re-appears (he stayed in hiding longer than expected) the traitorous duke begins chasing him with the royal stroller and a plastic fishing pole yelling: "Hook him! Hook him!" (the king is amused on the high-energy chase, although nearly dumped from the stroller on a dangerous curve)
Micah continues his antics whenever Caleb appears out of the hallway, and Caleb begins to act the part attempting to rush at his-royal-babyhood with a murderous glint in his eye.
"Royal Mama" breaks it up, telling Micah to stop yelling and Caleb to stop endangering the royal life....oh well....the vignette had to end some time!
Monday, August 04, 2008
Days of our Lives
My mother was browsing E-cards today looking for a certain card to send some special people...when she stumbled on this site, and it's list of dates, holidays, and card ideas.
If you'll notice...each one has a link.....and a special significance....
Have you ever celebrated Romance Awareness Month? How about Wiggle Your Toes Day?
Other August highlights include: coffee month, golf month, napping month, spoonerism month, brownies for brunch month, family meal month, national parks month, and toddler month.
I especially love refrigerator day.....it is JUST around the corner!!!! Better yet...TOILET PAPER DAY!!!
If you'll notice...each one has a link.....and a special significance....
Have you ever celebrated Romance Awareness Month? How about Wiggle Your Toes Day?
Other August highlights include: coffee month, golf month, napping month, spoonerism month, brownies for brunch month, family meal month, national parks month, and toddler month.
I especially love refrigerator day.....it is JUST around the corner!!!! Better yet...TOILET PAPER DAY!!!
Friday, August 01, 2008
Hope--
I am daily reminded of and grateful for a verse a friend repeated to me about a dozen times (though trying to prove an entirely different subject).
Mark 13:20 "...but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days..."
Which is why I am extremely glad that a postmillennial friend I know is wrong in his eschatology....Come quickly, Lord Jesus! Come QUICKLY
But...the Great I AM--still IS!
Mark 13:20 "...but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days..."
Which is why I am extremely glad that a postmillennial friend I know is wrong in his eschatology....Come quickly, Lord Jesus! Come QUICKLY
But...the Great I AM--still IS!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
A Heartbeat From Heaven
We are living on the border
Of eternity each day;
We are just as close to heaven
As the stars so far away.
And the only thing between us,
Whether we are big or small,
Is a tender little heartbeat,
Just a heartbeat, that is all.
Just a heartbeat from the glory,
Just a heartbeat, nothing more,
Just a tender little heartbeat,
Till we walk the golden shore.
Keep your lamp all trimmed and burning,
Let it shine, you’ll never fall;
Just a heartbeat from glory,
Just a heartbeat, that is all.
In this land of sin and sorrow,
Whether old or in our prime,
We are only just a heartbeat
From the grave at any time;
No one has a lease on living,
Any moment death may call,
It is only by God’s mercy
That we live and breathe at all.
There’s a place beyond the river
Where we’ll lay our burdens down,
Where we’ll meet our friends and loved ones,
And we’ll wear a starry crown.
And our troubles will be over
And no tears shall ever fall;
Just a heartbeat from the glory,
Just a heartbeat, that is all.
--anonymous
Of eternity each day;
We are just as close to heaven
As the stars so far away.
And the only thing between us,
Whether we are big or small,
Is a tender little heartbeat,
Just a heartbeat, that is all.
Just a heartbeat from the glory,
Just a heartbeat, nothing more,
Just a tender little heartbeat,
Till we walk the golden shore.
Keep your lamp all trimmed and burning,
Let it shine, you’ll never fall;
Just a heartbeat from glory,
Just a heartbeat, that is all.
In this land of sin and sorrow,
Whether old or in our prime,
We are only just a heartbeat
From the grave at any time;
No one has a lease on living,
Any moment death may call,
It is only by God’s mercy
That we live and breathe at all.
There’s a place beyond the river
Where we’ll lay our burdens down,
Where we’ll meet our friends and loved ones,
And we’ll wear a starry crown.
And our troubles will be over
And no tears shall ever fall;
Just a heartbeat from the glory,
Just a heartbeat, that is all.
--anonymous
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Bigoted?
"I have considered the fact that elections always involve imperfect candidates. There are no perfect human beings, and you always have to choose between two flawed individuals. … While I am not endorsing Senator John McCain, the possibility is there that I might."
— Dr. James Dobson,speaking as a private citizen, on today's radio broadcast
bigot [ˈbigət] nouna person who constantly and stubbornly holds a particular point of view etc
1. A hypocrite; esp., a superstitious hypocrite. [Obs.]
2....one obstinately and blindly devoted to his own church, party, belief, or opinion.
n. One who is strongly partial to one's own group, religion, race, or politics and is intolerant of those who differ.
"an excessively devoted or hypocritical person." Bigot is first recorded in English in 1598 with the sense "a superstitious hypocrite."
Real bigots can be distinguished from mere partisans or zealots by the fact that they refuse to learn alternatives even when the march of time and/or technology is threatening to obsolete the favoured tool. It is truly said "You can tell a bigot, but you can't tell him much."
Is it not bigoted in the dictionary sense of the word to confine one's veiw to the two-party system of tyranny?
Quote: From the author of "Common Sense"
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men,undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
— Thomas Paine, author
Monday, July 21, 2008
Why I am not voting for McCain:
I have debated and discussed this question with "real" people and online people. I have yet to write out my manifesto, so here it is.
I have certain qualifications for a person that I would choose to place into office. I have heard the "lesser of two evils" argument, but I find it greatly lacking.
A: No matter whether you choose the "greater" or "lesser" you are voting for EVIL, which I find unacceptable.
B: You are sacrificing your civic responsibility for the short end of the stick. I also apply these factors to the "a vote for ‘insert name’ is a vote for ‘insert villain’". If I was voting in a popularity contest, I would vote for a "winner". If I was voting in a "most likely to succeed" contest, same thing. In the choice for the future leader of our entire nation...it is NOT only about "most likely to win" or "most likely to need my vote". It is about "most likely to rule best".
While on that note: I have participated for a month now in the ballot-access, and I have gotten to know many different political worldviews. I have heard democrats refuse to sign my petition because Obama would lose. I have heard frank democrats (pro-Hillary) say that they will never vote for him in a trillion years. I have heard other say that Obama has absolutely NO chance of winning.
On the other hand—I have heard strong, conservative believers refuse to vote their consciences because they are afraid of an Obama victory. I have heard republicans wring their hands because my insurrectionist political ideologies will bring about a Democrat victory. Frankly, in a survey of my little section of PA, NO ONE knows who will win, and almost every finger is pointed a different way.
The most interesting thing, however, is that NO fingers are pointed in our direction. EVERYONE wishes me luck, and then (in the same breath) insures me that a third party hasn’t any chance in a billion of winning.
I would like to know WHY, if everything is SO up-in-the-air...why is a split in both major parties so blocked out as an impossibility? If each party is so convinced the other will win...why couldn’t the third largest political party fill in the gaps?
The qualifications of any person running are shown in their religious, historical, and economic views. For a previously elected individual, their qualifications show most glaring in their past voting records. My list, is rather taxing, but (I am certain) essential.
1: Morality which is based on something other than man’s judgement and public opinion. The "image of God in man" (which is the Biblical reason for the death penalty) is the reason the we decry murder. It is the basis for the pro-life movement, because all "life" is to be protected, but "the image of God" is to be defended with severe restrictions (ie, the death penalty for any murderer –Gen. 9:6 http://abirdhouse.blogspot.com/2007/10/death-penalty-and-genesis.html )
2: Respect for OT Law, which was the basis for our entire legal system.
3: A firm conviction in limited Government, according to the dictates of the Constitution, which proclaims itself to be the Supreme Law of our land. Any wavering is questionable, and should be decried.
4: Gun Control according to the second amendment. A "well regulated militia" is REQUIRED for every State in the Constitution. A militia is a group of well trained citizens equipped with personal defense tools (guns, knives, etc....weapons in general) ready to deploy whenever their State is in need, and wherever they are needed. Any restriction on this is un-Constitutional!
John McCain has shown himself wishy-washy, contrary to, and downright dangerous when placed against these standards.
Let me back myself up:
1: Pro-life/Morality: McCain has never been pro-life. He does not support a repeal of Roe v. Wade (which was essentially a court-made law...which is un-Constitutional) http://www.euthanasia.com/keyes2.html , and he will definitely continue the legacy of our current President, who supports abortion continually with taxpayer money. http://www.covenantnews.com/lefemine041031.htm , and
http://www.cwalac.org/article_551.shtml
He will probably continue the expansion of sodomites in the Federal Government, that was drastically expanded by President Bush.
2: OT Law: He is in no way going to support our basis on the Old Testament. In fact, I doubt he will even honor the current justice system, skewed as it is! Here is some AWEFUL news about our current submission of our National Sovereignty for the arbitration of the World Court. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/07/16/news/World-Court-Mexico-US.php
For instance, at BEST, he can only be a repeat of our current ruler. See above about the homosexuals in government positions. He cannot even remain faithful to his wife....well, either of his wives! http://www.nolanchart.com/article2957.html
3: Limited Government: This is SUCH a joke! I wonder why I’m even bothering to elaborate. However- how about his immigration policy? Illegal immigrants are given free everything (courtesy of our willing taxpayer) and taxes are raised to help pay for the extra drain on our budget. I highly doubt McCain will repeal the un-constitutional entities of Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, the IRS, the CIA, or, the Patriot Act (which he voted for). How about the infamous "McCain-Feingold Act"? It not only limits free speech during an election year, but it regulates what signs one can place on one’s own private property. THAT is clearly unConstitutional!
4: Gun Control: He has proposed legislation that would make SELF-DEFENSE with a gun result in 5 years in prison. Gun possession is a crime, in his book. If we are not "permitted" to defend ourselves from criminals (who do not obey the law...which is why they are criminals in the first place) who IS going to defend us? The fact is, the Bill of Rights is an enemy to Mr. McCain, and as a freedom loving, concerned citizen, I refuse to even consider voting for him.
http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/c2008/cbarchive_20080222.html
Because I see the two "major" parties as SO similar in their consensus of candidates, I refuse to sacrifice my right, privilege, and duty as a citizen, my vote on the altar of "might or might not"; to the drama of "conservative or not conservative", or the "green dust" of "what-you-want-is-only-a-dream, THIS-is-the-REAL-world". Aslan is REAL, and our freedom is steadily slipping away. I am going against the flow!
I could go on for a lot longer, but I will give you a rest for now. And questions or comments are welcome. I’d be glad to discuss anything and everything.
I have certain qualifications for a person that I would choose to place into office. I have heard the "lesser of two evils" argument, but I find it greatly lacking.
A: No matter whether you choose the "greater" or "lesser" you are voting for EVIL, which I find unacceptable.
B: You are sacrificing your civic responsibility for the short end of the stick. I also apply these factors to the "a vote for ‘insert name’ is a vote for ‘insert villain’". If I was voting in a popularity contest, I would vote for a "winner". If I was voting in a "most likely to succeed" contest, same thing. In the choice for the future leader of our entire nation...it is NOT only about "most likely to win" or "most likely to need my vote". It is about "most likely to rule best".
While on that note: I have participated for a month now in the ballot-access, and I have gotten to know many different political worldviews. I have heard democrats refuse to sign my petition because Obama would lose. I have heard frank democrats (pro-Hillary) say that they will never vote for him in a trillion years. I have heard other say that Obama has absolutely NO chance of winning.
On the other hand—I have heard strong, conservative believers refuse to vote their consciences because they are afraid of an Obama victory. I have heard republicans wring their hands because my insurrectionist political ideologies will bring about a Democrat victory. Frankly, in a survey of my little section of PA, NO ONE knows who will win, and almost every finger is pointed a different way.
The most interesting thing, however, is that NO fingers are pointed in our direction. EVERYONE wishes me luck, and then (in the same breath) insures me that a third party hasn’t any chance in a billion of winning.
I would like to know WHY, if everything is SO up-in-the-air...why is a split in both major parties so blocked out as an impossibility? If each party is so convinced the other will win...why couldn’t the third largest political party fill in the gaps?
The qualifications of any person running are shown in their religious, historical, and economic views. For a previously elected individual, their qualifications show most glaring in their past voting records. My list, is rather taxing, but (I am certain) essential.
1: Morality which is based on something other than man’s judgement and public opinion. The "image of God in man" (which is the Biblical reason for the death penalty) is the reason the we decry murder. It is the basis for the pro-life movement, because all "life" is to be protected, but "the image of God" is to be defended with severe restrictions (ie, the death penalty for any murderer –Gen. 9:6 http://abirdhouse.blogspot.com/2007/10/death-penalty-and-genesis.html )
2: Respect for OT Law, which was the basis for our entire legal system.
3: A firm conviction in limited Government, according to the dictates of the Constitution, which proclaims itself to be the Supreme Law of our land. Any wavering is questionable, and should be decried.
4: Gun Control according to the second amendment. A "well regulated militia" is REQUIRED for every State in the Constitution. A militia is a group of well trained citizens equipped with personal defense tools (guns, knives, etc....weapons in general) ready to deploy whenever their State is in need, and wherever they are needed. Any restriction on this is un-Constitutional!
John McCain has shown himself wishy-washy, contrary to, and downright dangerous when placed against these standards.
Let me back myself up:
1: Pro-life/Morality: McCain has never been pro-life. He does not support a repeal of Roe v. Wade (which was essentially a court-made law...which is un-Constitutional) http://www.euthanasia.com/keyes2.html , and he will definitely continue the legacy of our current President, who supports abortion continually with taxpayer money. http://www.covenantnews.com/lefemine041031.htm , and
http://www.cwalac.org/article_551.shtml
He will probably continue the expansion of sodomites in the Federal Government, that was drastically expanded by President Bush.
2: OT Law: He is in no way going to support our basis on the Old Testament. In fact, I doubt he will even honor the current justice system, skewed as it is! Here is some AWEFUL news about our current submission of our National Sovereignty for the arbitration of the World Court. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/07/16/news/World-Court-Mexico-US.php
For instance, at BEST, he can only be a repeat of our current ruler. See above about the homosexuals in government positions. He cannot even remain faithful to his wife....well, either of his wives! http://www.nolanchart.com/article2957.html
3: Limited Government: This is SUCH a joke! I wonder why I’m even bothering to elaborate. However- how about his immigration policy? Illegal immigrants are given free everything (courtesy of our willing taxpayer) and taxes are raised to help pay for the extra drain on our budget. I highly doubt McCain will repeal the un-constitutional entities of Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, the IRS, the CIA, or, the Patriot Act (which he voted for). How about the infamous "McCain-Feingold Act"? It not only limits free speech during an election year, but it regulates what signs one can place on one’s own private property. THAT is clearly unConstitutional!
4: Gun Control: He has proposed legislation that would make SELF-DEFENSE with a gun result in 5 years in prison. Gun possession is a crime, in his book. If we are not "permitted" to defend ourselves from criminals (who do not obey the law...which is why they are criminals in the first place) who IS going to defend us? The fact is, the Bill of Rights is an enemy to Mr. McCain, and as a freedom loving, concerned citizen, I refuse to even consider voting for him.
http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/c2008/cbarchive_20080222.html
Because I see the two "major" parties as SO similar in their consensus of candidates, I refuse to sacrifice my right, privilege, and duty as a citizen, my vote on the altar of "might or might not"; to the drama of "conservative or not conservative", or the "green dust" of "what-you-want-is-only-a-dream, THIS-is-the-REAL-world". Aslan is REAL, and our freedom is steadily slipping away. I am going against the flow!
I could go on for a lot longer, but I will give you a rest for now. And questions or comments are welcome. I’d be glad to discuss anything and everything.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Consuming Kids
This is just freaky!!! It is SO true though. I can see it with our little 6 year old neighbor who is going around sining Hannah Montana songs. Why? Her parents are giving her CD's, clothes, etc. I highly doubt she would ask for them if she didn't SEE them all the time!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Less of Me
This song is so interesting.!!
Less of Me
Let me be a little kinder
Let me be a little blinder
To the faults of those about me
Let me praise a little more
Let me be when I am weary
Just a little bit more cheery
Think a little more of others
And a little less of me
Let me be a little braver
When temptation bids me waver
Let me strive a little harder
To be all that I should be
Let me be a little meeker
With the brother that is weaker
Let me think more of my neighbor
And a little less of me
Let me be when I am weary
Just a little bit more cheery
Let me serve a little better
Those that I am striving for
Let me be a little meeker
With the brother that is weaker
Think a little more of others
And a little less of me
Less of Me
Let me be a little kinder
Let me be a little blinder
To the faults of those about me
Let me praise a little more
Let me be when I am weary
Just a little bit more cheery
Think a little more of others
And a little less of me
Let me be a little braver
When temptation bids me waver
Let me strive a little harder
To be all that I should be
Let me be a little meeker
With the brother that is weaker
Let me think more of my neighbor
And a little less of me
Let me be when I am weary
Just a little bit more cheery
Let me serve a little better
Those that I am striving for
Let me be a little meeker
With the brother that is weaker
Think a little more of others
And a little less of me
Monday, July 14, 2008
PAACP Picnic
Sunday, June 11 was the Philippino-American Association of Central Pennsylvania's annual picnic and get-together.
This particular day, I did not feel much like going out. I didn't want to smile, act sociable, or watch kids, but I was somewhat 'forced' to go because I had expressed interest in eating lechon.
So, I grinned, took Caleb, so mommy wouldn't have to work as hard, and went along. We ran a couple errands before we got there, and arrived just as everyone was lining up to get food. The chicken we placed on the table was gone by the time we got to the front of the line (we started in the back) but I didn't really care. I grabbed up the last piece of Leche Flan, and three tiny pieces of bud-bud that someone had brought, elated at my-self. Caleb was whiny and clingy, which not only was embarrassing, but frustrating. At the food table, the little girls and Caleb refused ALL lechon and ate only what remained of a pasta ziti-type dish, which embarrassed me further. There were not as many entirely Pinoy dishes as there had been two years ago.
There was no skin in the dish which held lechon, and I looked around for some. A white guy down the line (must have been married a filipina) asked inquisitively "Why is everyone asking about the skin?" I felt a mixture of pity and annoyance. What was he doing here if he hadn't ever heard of lechon and didn't KNOW about the SKIN!!!!
Interestingly enough.....I felt completely at ease, and I noticed later (during a line dance with disco-music playing--i.e. NOT something I am entirely in favor of! ) how relaxed and at-home I felt. About that time, Andrea whispers to me "Everyone has BLACK HAIR!" And then I realized. I WAS at home. Everything I was eating was familiar, and the complexions, the lovely putut noses, the dark black hair.....I was GLADI had come.
As an added bonus, the pool near the Community Center was free for children under 12. I was pretty bummed out, but I went to watch the three little ones. Micah, who is now 12, decided not to swim, so the money Daddy had given me for him I put underneath all the kids swim clothes. I saw the girls could swim well in deep water, and then turned to watching Caleb. The poor thing obviously couldn't take water over two feet deep, and begged me to be with him, so I payed an exorbitant $5 to swim for approx. 1 hour.
The water was lovely, and despite all the stares I got for swimming in the kiddie pool with my little brother (not to mention having an extreme excess of clothing that is usually not seen) I enjoyed it. Water is almost as native to me as air. We went swimming almost three times a week (all afternoon) during the summer, and at least once a week the rest of the year. In June, when the lawis disappeared, the waves would tower to about 15 feet and crash on the shore with ferocious power. Ahhh.....I didn't care what anyone thought. It had been WAY to long, and it was SWIMMING!
Saralyn eventually got tired of treading water, and came over to the little pool to relax. She said she would watch Caleb, so I swam as fast as I could for the 'deep end'. It is an amazing thing to sink into water well over your head and feel the pressure of it smother you. It was lovely and sad at the same time. I opened my eyes hoping for the dull brown of the sand and the bright green of the sea-grass, and the bite of salt on my eyes, but it was all white, bright blue, and chlorine. I sighed, and tried to enjoy without further nostalgia. I got about four dives off the diving board, the water slapping hard at my face and back. I did one depth dive, to see how far down I could get, one front flip, and two cannon-balls...when I heard Daddy whistle to say "it's time to go".
I was (as B___y terms it) "flying" as I helped the kids get changed, but it was SO worth it....and I was in a much better mood the entire rest of the day!!!
This particular day, I did not feel much like going out. I didn't want to smile, act sociable, or watch kids, but I was somewhat 'forced' to go because I had expressed interest in eating lechon.
So, I grinned, took Caleb, so mommy wouldn't have to work as hard, and went along. We ran a couple errands before we got there, and arrived just as everyone was lining up to get food. The chicken we placed on the table was gone by the time we got to the front of the line (we started in the back) but I didn't really care. I grabbed up the last piece of Leche Flan, and three tiny pieces of bud-bud that someone had brought, elated at my-self. Caleb was whiny and clingy, which not only was embarrassing, but frustrating. At the food table, the little girls and Caleb refused ALL lechon and ate only what remained of a pasta ziti-type dish, which embarrassed me further. There were not as many entirely Pinoy dishes as there had been two years ago.
There was no skin in the dish which held lechon, and I looked around for some. A white guy down the line (must have been married a filipina) asked inquisitively "Why is everyone asking about the skin?" I felt a mixture of pity and annoyance. What was he doing here if he hadn't ever heard of lechon and didn't KNOW about the SKIN!!!!
Interestingly enough.....I felt completely at ease, and I noticed later (during a line dance with disco-music playing--i.e. NOT something I am entirely in favor of! ) how relaxed and at-home I felt. About that time, Andrea whispers to me "Everyone has BLACK HAIR!" And then I realized. I WAS at home. Everything I was eating was familiar, and the complexions, the lovely putut noses, the dark black hair.....I was GLADI had come.
As an added bonus, the pool near the Community Center was free for children under 12. I was pretty bummed out, but I went to watch the three little ones. Micah, who is now 12, decided not to swim, so the money Daddy had given me for him I put underneath all the kids swim clothes. I saw the girls could swim well in deep water, and then turned to watching Caleb. The poor thing obviously couldn't take water over two feet deep, and begged me to be with him, so I payed an exorbitant $5 to swim for approx. 1 hour.
The water was lovely, and despite all the stares I got for swimming in the kiddie pool with my little brother (not to mention having an extreme excess of clothing that is usually not seen) I enjoyed it. Water is almost as native to me as air. We went swimming almost three times a week (all afternoon) during the summer, and at least once a week the rest of the year. In June, when the lawis disappeared, the waves would tower to about 15 feet and crash on the shore with ferocious power. Ahhh.....I didn't care what anyone thought. It had been WAY to long, and it was SWIMMING!
Saralyn eventually got tired of treading water, and came over to the little pool to relax. She said she would watch Caleb, so I swam as fast as I could for the 'deep end'. It is an amazing thing to sink into water well over your head and feel the pressure of it smother you. It was lovely and sad at the same time. I opened my eyes hoping for the dull brown of the sand and the bright green of the sea-grass, and the bite of salt on my eyes, but it was all white, bright blue, and chlorine. I sighed, and tried to enjoy without further nostalgia. I got about four dives off the diving board, the water slapping hard at my face and back. I did one depth dive, to see how far down I could get, one front flip, and two cannon-balls...when I heard Daddy whistle to say "it's time to go".
I was (as B___y terms it) "flying" as I helped the kids get changed, but it was SO worth it....and I was in a much better mood the entire rest of the day!!!
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
More Than Ever....
I have been falling in love with this song again....so I will re-post it!
It is interesting how the focus of the last two days of National Convention were about not 'losing the fire' and the closeness to God that was felt and expressed by most there. Yet, I feel much closer to Him during the stress of every-day life than when there with only the worries and stresses I created for myself. It is interesting how I block God out from myself more than everyone else yelling, rough-and-tumbling through the living-room, leaving toys everywhere, not cleaning up, and my kitten giving me greif!
It is interesting how the focus of the last two days of National Convention were about not 'losing the fire' and the closeness to God that was felt and expressed by most there. Yet, I feel much closer to Him during the stress of every-day life than when there with only the worries and stresses I created for myself. It is interesting how I block God out from myself more than everyone else yelling, rough-and-tumbling through the living-room, leaving toys everywhere, not cleaning up, and my kitten giving me greif!
Monday, July 07, 2008
Lesser of two trains!
"Neither a wise man nor a brave man lies down on the tracks of history to wait for the train of the future to run over him."
— President Dwight D. Eisenhower
Debut?
Being from a culture steeped in pseudo-spanish methods and practices and traditions, I didn't give "Sweet 16" any second thoughts. However, for the same reason, I always thought I would care so much more about this day! Today is my debut! I am 18!!! I should be inviting all my friends, family and neighbors to a party!! The girls with rich dads would do their debut in a Jose Ortega gown of such-and-such material and sequins and in so-and-so's reception hall.
Yet, somehow.....I don't care. I've felt like I should be 18 already for about two years!
Yet, those of you who have read my previous rants know how enthused I am about finally being a person!!!! I now count in American society. My signature now holds weight, my political opinions now matter! I can finally have some sway in the world, because somehow, one day made all the difference. My qualifications will now stand on their own merit, my rights as a citizen now come into play, and my status as an adult is secured. Except for drinking.....I have unfettered licence in this world to do anything...... and everything!
Why? Simply for the reason that I have breathed air for 18 summers.
Yet, somehow.....I don't care. I've felt like I should be 18 already for about two years!
Yet, those of you who have read my previous rants know how enthused I am about finally being a person!!!! I now count in American society. My signature now holds weight, my political opinions now matter! I can finally have some sway in the world, because somehow, one day made all the difference. My qualifications will now stand on their own merit, my rights as a citizen now come into play, and my status as an adult is secured. Except for drinking.....I have unfettered licence in this world to do anything...... and everything!
Why? Simply for the reason that I have breathed air for 18 summers.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Yeah, yeah.....
Ok.....so I've been busy. I have not posted for an entire month. However, I cannot really feel sorry. It's not that I have nothing to say (those of you who know me can laugh up your sleeve), but that I have not had the time/been able to sit down on the computer and type it out.
NC '08 was simply "a most wonderful thing". I cannot quite call it the "best week of my life", but it beat the TP State Class, and blew a couple other things right out of the water....and that is saying a lot.
While I was there, I not only met a couple hundred people, but I found something more fulfilling than a lot of things I've been into. I applied to staff the PA class in the 2009 season, and I will tell you when I hear anything further about that. I ran for office, on the spur of the moment, had 30 second to talk to everyone in the room and convince them how wonderful I was (to tell the truth, I couldn't see a thing, I was rather shaky in my knees, and (how awful is this!) I have no idea what I said! I asked someone later, and their synopsis (they weren't quite sure either what exactly I had said) was nothing at all that I had intended, and a lot that simply shocked me), I cried my eyes out in a prayer time with about 20 people....which turned into an in-depth sharing time between 6 of us girls, and I actually woke up around 7 am for 6 consecutive days.....*about dies*.
But, most importantly, I do believe that I experienced something I never had before. I believe that God "spoke to me". I put it in quotes, because I do not agree with the mindset or method. I cannot be exactly sure what made me understand, and I do not remember what was being prayed. Anyhow, Sunday night, Mr. Dean Nelson (who guest directed our State class) was giving a talk, and he invited some of us to come up and pray. About 6 guys stood up, and prayed about America and reaching this Generation, and impacting it for the future. A weight settled on my heart and I (dare I say) felt God speaking. There were no words...I just "knew" that it was Him, and I heard with perfect clarity what I could not hear through auditory means. I burst into tears, shocking my girl-friend beside me, and I cried for some time.
I am not sure what kind of weird comments I'll get...but I can understand your reactions. I tested myself, and found it hard to accept. I have as yet not shared this elsewhere, or to anyone. I have almost spoken of it to some special few, but it won't come out. Maybe that is why I am writing it...why I want to tell of it, but cannot vocalize. Maybe this is why I have not posted. Because I wanted to share this but couldn't find the words....
*********see also my follow up post a year and 5 months later
NC '08 was simply "a most wonderful thing". I cannot quite call it the "best week of my life", but it beat the TP State Class, and blew a couple other things right out of the water....and that is saying a lot.
While I was there, I not only met a couple hundred people, but I found something more fulfilling than a lot of things I've been into. I applied to staff the PA class in the 2009 season, and I will tell you when I hear anything further about that. I ran for office, on the spur of the moment, had 30 second to talk to everyone in the room and convince them how wonderful I was (to tell the truth, I couldn't see a thing, I was rather shaky in my knees, and (how awful is this!) I have no idea what I said! I asked someone later, and their synopsis (they weren't quite sure either what exactly I had said) was nothing at all that I had intended, and a lot that simply shocked me), I cried my eyes out in a prayer time with about 20 people....which turned into an in-depth sharing time between 6 of us girls, and I actually woke up around 7 am for 6 consecutive days.....*about dies*.
But, most importantly, I do believe that I experienced something I never had before. I believe that God "spoke to me". I put it in quotes, because I do not agree with the mindset or method. I cannot be exactly sure what made me understand, and I do not remember what was being prayed. Anyhow, Sunday night, Mr. Dean Nelson (who guest directed our State class) was giving a talk, and he invited some of us to come up and pray. About 6 guys stood up, and prayed about America and reaching this Generation, and impacting it for the future. A weight settled on my heart and I (dare I say) felt God speaking. There were no words...I just "knew" that it was Him, and I heard with perfect clarity what I could not hear through auditory means. I burst into tears, shocking my girl-friend beside me, and I cried for some time.
I am not sure what kind of weird comments I'll get...but I can understand your reactions. I tested myself, and found it hard to accept. I have as yet not shared this elsewhere, or to anyone. I have almost spoken of it to some special few, but it won't come out. Maybe that is why I am writing it...why I want to tell of it, but cannot vocalize. Maybe this is why I have not posted. Because I wanted to share this but couldn't find the words....
*********see also my follow up post a year and 5 months later
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Quote:
"No enactment of man can be considered law unless it conforms to the law of God."
— William Blackstone
Sunday, May 25, 2008
May 27th to June 2
On those dates, mangamagbabasa, I will be in Winder, GA, at TeenPact National Convention.
Through the exorbitant grace of God, I was offered an opportunity to get the full cost of the week, registration, etc. covered; namely an essay contest. After much procrastination, I used the wisdom of my grandparents liberally, and sent my essay in on the second to last day.
It took some time, but when I found out that I won, I literally burst into tears. I had not expected to win, because they took longer than expected to get back to me. I was able to work for a neighbor and get some traveling money, and then our other neighbors gave me money in congratulations.
God is so good! The cost to the family (besides me being gone for a week or so) is almost nothing, and even though it was definitely not a 'need', it was one of the 'desires of my heart' that God has given to me. I have really been learning this week as I find out continually how selfish and self-centered I am and how I SO need to stop worrying and fretting within myself. I believe that God did not inform me immediately because I needed to wait and be content with NOT going before I was allowed to go. In fact, I registered to vote absentee for the TeenPact national candidates before I found out that I was going. I have been particularly touched by the words of this old Don Moen song that I 'found' again after some time:
Through the exorbitant grace of God, I was offered an opportunity to get the full cost of the week, registration, etc. covered; namely an essay contest. After much procrastination, I used the wisdom of my grandparents liberally, and sent my essay in on the second to last day.
It took some time, but when I found out that I won, I literally burst into tears. I had not expected to win, because they took longer than expected to get back to me. I was able to work for a neighbor and get some traveling money, and then our other neighbors gave me money in congratulations.
God is so good! The cost to the family (besides me being gone for a week or so) is almost nothing, and even though it was definitely not a 'need', it was one of the 'desires of my heart' that God has given to me. I have really been learning this week as I find out continually how selfish and self-centered I am and how I SO need to stop worrying and fretting within myself. I believe that God did not inform me immediately because I needed to wait and be content with NOT going before I was allowed to go. In fact, I registered to vote absentee for the TeenPact national candidates before I found out that I was going. I have been particularly touched by the words of this old Don Moen song that I 'found' again after some time:
For all You're going to do
We give You thanks
And lift our praise to You
Chorus: We give thanks, we give praise
For we know that all things work together for our good
We give thanks, we give praise
For by faith we know Your grace will see us through
For all those things that we don't understand
We come by faith and place them in Your hands
Even if we stumble, even if we fall
You will not forsake us
You are King and Lord of all
Lord of all
Politically Correct!
I recently went on a Narnia binge, and I have decided to catalogue various exemplary thoughts and observations that Lewis has inserted in the text. Secondarily, I want to temp someone to read them who has expressed distaste for the series as a whole.
Anyhow, this talking horse refused to follow the politically correct mode of addressing the current ruler of the land, the Tisroc (may he live forever). When scolded he replies:
--The Horse and His Boy
Anyhow, this talking horse refused to follow the politically correct mode of addressing the current ruler of the land, the Tisroc (may he live forever). When scolded he replies:
"Why? I'm a free Narnian. And why should I talk slaves' and fool's talk? I don't want him to live forever, and I know that he's not going to live forever whether I want him to or not....No more of this southern jargon between you and me!"
--The Horse and His Boy
Saturday, May 24, 2008
FF Quotes:
From our (founding federal) patriarchs
"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves."— President Abraham Lincoln
"As we must account for every idle word, so must we account for every idle silence."— Benjamin Franklin
"Government is not reason; it is not eloquence. It is force. And force, like fire, is a dangerous servant and a fearful master."— President George Washington
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Quote:
“I would like to take you seriously, but to do so would affront your intelligence.”
~William F. Buckley, Jr
~William F. Buckley, Jr
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Pies and dyes
Our dearly beloved grandparents were coming over for the nationally-so-called "mother's day weekend" and I decided to make a Key Lime Pie for my grandmother. Being a good learner (it has taken me 17 years to get some left-brain, but give me a break) I decided to make a trial first and then a final.
The hardships began with the crust, which had to be pre-baked. I stuck it in the oven (nicely rolled out, perfectly fluted, etc) and checked on it 5 min. later only to find that butter crusts don't enjoy holding their shape in high temperatures. I re-made the crust with a fork, and tried to stick it to the edge of the pie-pan, but when it finally cooked hard....it was still not above the edge. *sigh*
I used bottled "calamansi" juice, and followed the recipe otherwise, but the juice already had sweetness in it...and I used a *bit* too much coloring.....which made my creation a little too reflective of alien slime and not so much of limes.
However, my first-time meringue turned out *perfect* (which is no small accomplishment for ME at least).
In a right-brain flair, I scrawled a big letter on my meringue to represent whom it was for....which I had to then TELL my mother and sister (who did not seem to be able to recognize it...grrr).
Because it was a test, I allowed the mortals who inhabit my house to try a piece....and when it was cut...it was not only alien slime.....but alien juice as well. We quickly placed it in the fridge to see if cooling it would induce it to congeal. Using already-sweet juice also ruined it, because it was WAY to sweet and rather sickening.
Having now ruined my first batch, I made an effort to get REAL key limes to make it not-so-sickly-sweet and more like the real thing. After many dire predictions of failure....I found the rather expensive green balls with great promise.
After another unsuccessful crust episode, I spent 5 minutes slowly dropping mili-teaspoons of coloring into the filling in hopes that it would not be too green again....and the effort payed off.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
No Greater Promise-
Once on a hillside, people were gathered
Hoping to see Him, as thousands were fed
He touched the blind eyes, healed broken spirits
He moved with compassion, while He raised up the dead
Once on a hillside, people were gathered
Watching as Jesus was crucified
No one showed mercy, to the one who had healed them
Yet, Jesus loved them, as He suffered and died.
Once on a hillside, people were gathered
For Jesus had risen and soon would ascend
Then, as He blessed them, He rose to the heavens
And gave them His promise to come back again
Chorus:
We shall see Jesus, just as they saw Him
There is no greater promise than this
When He returns in power and glory
We shall see Jesus, we shall see Jesus, just as He is!
Hoping to see Him, as thousands were fed
He touched the blind eyes, healed broken spirits
He moved with compassion, while He raised up the dead
Once on a hillside, people were gathered
Watching as Jesus was crucified
No one showed mercy, to the one who had healed them
Yet, Jesus loved them, as He suffered and died.
Once on a hillside, people were gathered
For Jesus had risen and soon would ascend
Then, as He blessed them, He rose to the heavens
And gave them His promise to come back again
Chorus:
We shall see Jesus, just as they saw Him
There is no greater promise than this
When He returns in power and glory
We shall see Jesus, we shall see Jesus, just as He is!
Friday, May 02, 2008
Quote
"Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of a readiness to die."
— G.K. Chesterton, essayist and poet
— G.K. Chesterton, essayist and poet
Monday, April 21, 2008
Quote:
She was heartily ashamed of her ignorance. A misplaced shame. Where people wish to attach, they should always be ignorant. To come with a well-informed mind, is to come with an inability of administering to the vanity of others, which a sensible person would always wish to avoid. A woman especially, if she have the misfortune of knowing any thing, should conceal it as well as she can....
Northanger Abbey Volume I
Saturday, April 19, 2008
TeenPact
This past week, I have been attending the charter class of TeenPact Pennsylvania. I had more than a "blast", and definitely plan on repeating the class next year, and possibly attending some alumni events, should God provide.
I did not go expecting much, but not being attuned to this culture (which fact this week has only more securely fixed in my mind...what IS the "hokey-pokey"?) I was not sure what TO expect.
At 12:45, Monday afternoon we walked up the steps to the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building, where (after passing through security) we were greeted by a man in a suit, and directed to our destination.
The rest of the day was spent surveying the ropes, and learning the basics of what would be covered the next two days.
Tuesday morning, we began with singing, a bible study, and a "prayer walk". Then, the leader began a lecture on why he believed in Theistic Evolution. Debate followed, some questions, and a couple students moved into the forefront of the debate. I was confused, because his position contradicted what I had understood of the program, and the position of the founder. The student at the end of my table wrote a note and passed it down, "He doesn't really believe it, he just wants us to debate", which turned out to be the correct analysis. A speech by the Chief of Staff for Judge Marjorie Rendell followed.
We then went out on a field experience, and learned about lobbyists, and walked around the capitol trying to find said specimen of creature, and asking them questions. Lunch next, divided by committees, where we discussed the bills assigned to our committee. (Each student was required to write a bill to present to the legislature)
After lunch was a speech by Representative Sam Rhorer, and then a field experience of examining forms of media, identifying their bias, and analyzing the facts, opinions, and emotions presented in a newspaper article.
Upon re-assembling, we were divided into two political parties, the Party Party, and the Surprise Party, and we formulated party platforms on the issues of Education, the Economy, and whether or not to change the state dog to the Chihuahua, or keep the Great Dane. We then elected two representative candidates, and one gubernatorial candidate.
Following this, was the TeenPact Legislature, where Parlimentary Procedure was strictly followed, and the bills passed by committees were presented to the entire class. Two bills failed, and one passed unanimously. The daily quiz came next, and then we were dismissed.
Wednesday, everyone lobbied the class with cookies, candy, and pamphlets supporting their party, and their candidates, and the daily devil's advocate subject was the "separation of church and state" which evil Johnathan stoutly defended. Field experience consisted of analyzing bills. After lunch, a speech by Mr. Paul Clymer, last field experience (the house and senate) and a slideshow about political campaign disclosures, and gerrymandering, and (of course) the awesome legislature... although the other two committees decided to gang up on our committee, and they passed a resolution making our committee sing and dance the hokey-pokey before the entire class.
I did not go expecting much, but not being attuned to this culture (which fact this week has only more securely fixed in my mind...what IS the "hokey-pokey"?) I was not sure what TO expect.
At 12:45, Monday afternoon we walked up the steps to the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building, where (after passing through security) we were greeted by a man in a suit, and directed to our destination.
The rest of the day was spent surveying the ropes, and learning the basics of what would be covered the next two days.
Tuesday morning, we began with singing, a bible study, and a "prayer walk". Then, the leader began a lecture on why he believed in Theistic Evolution. Debate followed, some questions, and a couple students moved into the forefront of the debate. I was confused, because his position contradicted what I had understood of the program, and the position of the founder. The student at the end of my table wrote a note and passed it down, "He doesn't really believe it, he just wants us to debate", which turned out to be the correct analysis. A speech by the Chief of Staff for Judge Marjorie Rendell followed.We then went out on a field experience, and learned about lobbyists, and walked around the capitol trying to find said specimen of creature, and asking them questions. Lunch next, divided by committees, where we discussed the bills assigned to our committee. (Each student was required to write a bill to present to the legislature)
After lunch was a speech by Representative Sam Rhorer, and then a field experience of examining forms of media, identifying their bias, and analyzing the facts, opinions, and emotions presented in a newspaper article.
Upon re-assembling, we were divided into two political parties, the Party Party, and the Surprise Party, and we formulated party platforms on the issues of Education, the Economy, and whether or not to change the state dog to the Chihuahua, or keep the Great Dane. We then elected two representative candidates, and one gubernatorial candidate.
Following this, was the TeenPact Legislature, where Parlimentary Procedure was strictly followed, and the bills passed by committees were presented to the entire class. Two bills failed, and one passed unanimously. The daily quiz came next, and then we were dismissed.
Wednesday, everyone lobbied the class with cookies, candy, and pamphlets supporting their party, and their candidates, and the daily devil's advocate subject was the "separation of church and state" which evil Johnathan stoutly defended. Field experience consisted of analyzing bills. After lunch, a speech by Mr. Paul Clymer, last field experience (the house and senate) and a slideshow about political campaign disclosures, and gerrymandering, and (of course) the awesome legislature... although the other two committees decided to gang up on our committee, and they passed a resolution making our committee sing and dance the hokey-pokey before the entire class. Thursday, we had our final quiz immediately after prayer, and the our "Daily DA" (welfare). We then had a game time "Contitutional Power Grab", and then we broke for lunch, finished up all our committie's bills. Legislature was even better than before, in the Majority Caucus rooms (with it's official desk, and gavel), and bills seemed more hilarious than before....but then we had to adjourn singe die. I am sure all the emotional females felt very badly about it, and one girl even put a crying-face on her notes page. Graduation followed, and everyone got a pretty piece of paper stating their achievement and a handshake from all the staff (I got hugs.....from the girls). Then, we all got sharpies, and everyone signed almost everyone else's blue TeenPact logoed shirt. Then, we were all encouraged to come to Alumni events...which I think would be at least as exciting, if not as profitable.
I got to sleep in Friday, and today, we have Grandparent's over!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Rant ala Politico
I am SO glad I can vote!! Are you aware, cher reader, that you are of no use in the world until you turn 18? Your signature cannot be honored, you have no social status, and nothing you do will be paid attention to without someone in charge giving you allowance. (unless you commit a crime, and then you are given a slap on the wrist and told very solemnly to "not do that again" and set free) However, even when you turn 18, you are only worthwhile so much as you vote and smoke.
Life only COUNTS when it turns the grand old age of 21, and then you are allowed to be a responsible citizen, voice your opinions to your elders, and work for any extended period of time.
It highly annoys me that, until July, I have no importance in the world. Even my signature is worthless. It is all the result of a government that wants teens and children to be completely dependent. If you don't have the power of citizenship...they do (or someone does). It will be eventual, that even 20-somethings don't have their citizenship power, and the 60+, and then down from there, and up from 30, until the government (or rather, those who are running it) has all the power and the generations used to meekly submitting to their "minor" fate will continue to submit, and Marx will be looking up at us with joy.
Edit: In response to the comment alleging that this post calls for the government to allow children to vote--
No, I'm calling for a reduction of government restrictions on "teens" aka young adults. I do not think that children should vote.
I think that life should be valued whenever it benefits society, and when it can be responsible and improve its surroundings.
I also think that the "minor" status (although necessary for younger children) should be downplayed, because it encourages immaturity and the phenomenon seen in "teens" and "tweens" know as "wild oats". Responsible citizenship is not exactly possible when one cannot even sign their name, and have it respected.
"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches" (Proverbs 22:1) does not start at 18, or 21!
Life only COUNTS when it turns the grand old age of 21, and then you are allowed to be a responsible citizen, voice your opinions to your elders, and work for any extended period of time.
It highly annoys me that, until July, I have no importance in the world. Even my signature is worthless. It is all the result of a government that wants teens and children to be completely dependent. If you don't have the power of citizenship...they do (or someone does). It will be eventual, that even 20-somethings don't have their citizenship power, and the 60+, and then down from there, and up from 30, until the government (or rather, those who are running it) has all the power and the generations used to meekly submitting to their "minor" fate will continue to submit, and Marx will be looking up at us with joy.
Edit: In response to the comment alleging that this post calls for the government to allow children to vote--
No, I'm calling for a reduction of government restrictions on "teens" aka young adults. I do not think that children should vote.
I think that life should be valued whenever it benefits society, and when it can be responsible and improve its surroundings.
I also think that the "minor" status (although necessary for younger children) should be downplayed, because it encourages immaturity and the phenomenon seen in "teens" and "tweens" know as "wild oats". Responsible citizenship is not exactly possible when one cannot even sign their name, and have it respected.
"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches" (Proverbs 22:1) does not start at 18, or 21!
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
I found this
I found this under the title: Very Interesting and Unusual Scientific Facts
A comment:More specifically, men in America speak about 1500 moderately important/necessary words during the day, whereas women in the U.S. utter approximately 15.
A comment:More specifically, men in America speak about 1500 moderately important/necessary words during the day, whereas women in the U.S. utter approximately 15.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Re-what?
Has anyone ever consciously thought recently that the Union of the States of America is a republic? Or was? Or was meant to be? Or what it matters?
Past the typical definitions, and the biased definitions, let us look at the original Constitution (with the first 10 Amendments) and think.
A democracy is a system of government where the people choose who governs them. In a democracy, the majority rules, and what the majority wants is what the government must do.
A republic is a system of government where the people choose who upholds the laws that they have decided to live under. In a republic, the representative of the people (whether he be a president, senator or governor) is elected to follow and keep the laws of the state/commonwealth/country.
In the original Constitution, State/Commonwealth Senators to the government of the United States were appointed by the legislatures of the State/Commonwealth. The problems of majority/minority were non-existent because they didn't matter.
One example is in 1868, when Andrew Johnson was a hair away from being impeached. The House of Representatives impeached him by a landslide, but the Senate was trying to balance on a teeter-totter of the law vs. the people. In the end, only one vote decided it. The senators who dared voted against impeaching the president. Johnson's conduct may have been scandalous and he may have been a bad president, but there was no legal backing for impeaching him.
In my Internet search to verify the names of the dissenters, I came across this comment:
Well people, I hate to break it to you...but a democracy stinks. Majority rule is only one step away from the tyranny of the majority. Then comes the tyranny of the few...and that is only another name for socialism.
It would probably be folly to try to assign a date to the day we became a democracy, but I think that the day the 17th amendment was ratified is close enough!
Past the typical definitions, and the biased definitions, let us look at the original Constitution (with the first 10 Amendments) and think.
A democracy is a system of government where the people choose who governs them. In a democracy, the majority rules, and what the majority wants is what the government must do.
A republic is a system of government where the people choose who upholds the laws that they have decided to live under. In a republic, the representative of the people (whether he be a president, senator or governor) is elected to follow and keep the laws of the state/commonwealth/country.
In the original Constitution, State/Commonwealth Senators to the government of the United States were appointed by the legislatures of the State/Commonwealth. The problems of majority/minority were non-existent because they didn't matter.
One example is in 1868, when Andrew Johnson was a hair away from being impeached. The House of Representatives impeached him by a landslide, but the Senate was trying to balance on a teeter-totter of the law vs. the people. In the end, only one vote decided it. The senators who dared voted against impeaching the president. Johnson's conduct may have been scandalous and he may have been a bad president, but there was no legal backing for impeaching him.
In my Internet search to verify the names of the dissenters, I came across this comment:
But the duty of the Senators, with whom we indeed differ, will be only the plainer. They must follow their sincere convictions, conscious that in so doing they maintain the only permanent principle of a free government; and their task will be the more difficult because they will maintain it against the cry of the party which is its natural protector.
It would probably be folly to try to assign a date to the day we became a democracy, but I think that the day the 17th amendment was ratified is close enough!
Friday, April 04, 2008
Representation:
Do you females out there know that NOW is representing you to Congress and the Federal Government? NOW is an organization bent on bringing you full representation but even so, they have a membership of 0.00166 of the U.S. population. Apparently this irks them!
In 2007, the US of A (and Puerto Rico) had about 302,000,000 people. NOW has a membership of "more than" 500,000. Yet, they are the largest feminist organization.....poor them!
In 2007, the US of A (and Puerto Rico) had about 302,000,000 people. NOW has a membership of "more than" 500,000. Yet, they are the largest feminist organization.....poor them!
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Women on the line
This lady (if she really wants to be called that) is finding out why fighting wars isn't exactly the best thing for a female to be doing.
Why might this be? What inhibits women from being exactly like men? I really don't think anyone wants my answer!
This mother is finding out how far is too far....in methods such as brainwashing and you-are-no-different-from-them-there-is-no-reason-why-you-should-be-treated-differently.
I really enjoy the links I get from LAF!!!
Why might this be? What inhibits women from being exactly like men? I really don't think anyone wants my answer!
This mother is finding out how far is too far....in methods such as brainwashing and you-are-no-different-from-them-there-is-no-reason-why-you-should-be-treated-differently.
I really enjoy the links I get from LAF!!!
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Misc of the Day:
It has been scientifically proven that stroking a cat can lower one's blood pressure.
Wake up call for cat people!
Wake up call for cat people!
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Quote:
People are still willing to do an honest day's work. The trouble is that they want a week's pay for it
--Adams
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Mercy?
Belgium is considering making it legal to kill your children. Euthanasia is not just for old people.....but for those who "likely" won't survive.
Is this startling? It shouldn't be. I life has no value when it begins...only when it breathes outside air...and if life has no value wehn crippled with arthritis and a weak heart.....why should life have ANY value when sick, hurt, or not "likely" to survive. Is the so-called 'mercy-killing' really mercy?
But then, why is living so improtant anyhow? Life is a blog of random chemicals and proteins. What IS the use? Where is the hope? Where is the reason for the hope that lies in YOU?
Is this startling? It shouldn't be. I life has no value when it begins...only when it breathes outside air...and if life has no value wehn crippled with arthritis and a weak heart.....why should life have ANY value when sick, hurt, or not "likely" to survive. Is the so-called 'mercy-killing' really mercy?
But then, why is living so improtant anyhow? Life is a blog of random chemicals and proteins. What IS the use? Where is the hope? Where is the reason for the hope that lies in YOU?
Redundant?
In keeping with a theme I thought this verse was pretty funny:
Genesis 26:13
The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous;
Genesis 26:13
The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous;
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Profitable in all things....
I Tim. 4:8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
I was teaching my littlest sister spelling and reading from dear old Alpha-Phonics, when we came across a word she could not spell because she could not understand it's meaning.
As I tried to explain, her picture-perfect face wrinkled in confusion, and I knew I was not explaining well enough. I was about to try again, when she interrupted me. Her face light up, and she quoted a memory verse with that word in it-
I suppose "kept is the past tense of keep" was a bit over her head, but I sure didn't think of a Bible verse immediately....out of the mouths of babes, eh?
I was teaching my littlest sister spelling and reading from dear old Alpha-Phonics, when we came across a word she could not spell because she could not understand it's meaning.
As I tried to explain, her picture-perfect face wrinkled in confusion, and I knew I was not explaining well enough. I was about to try again, when she interrupted me. Her face light up, and she quoted a memory verse with that word in it-
"Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.”
I suppose "kept is the past tense of keep" was a bit over her head, but I sure didn't think of a Bible verse immediately....out of the mouths of babes, eh?
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
7 Random things
I suppose, since I got tagged, that I should find seven things about myself. I doubt I know 7 MORE people who would enjoy this, so it is stopping at me.
1. My favorite childhood activity (besides singing opera and making alligator soup) was poking out fish eyes.
2. I have a handle on 4 languages.
3. I have a very pregnant, very selfish cat. When I do school on my bed, she climbs in my lap, and sits right smack dab in the middle of my books/papers/etc.
4. For the day the Catholics declare that Jesus proved himself to be God (which is interesting, because they don't belive that Jesus is fully God, anyhow) by raising himself from the dead, I sang Then Came The Morning, and When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again. (Don't ask me why, I wouldn't know)
5. I slept on a wooden floor for almost 10 years of my life.
6. I have no friends my age. They are all 4+ years older, or 2+ years younger.
7. I had a baby when I was 10, and again when I was 12.
1. My favorite childhood activity (besides singing opera and making alligator soup) was poking out fish eyes.
2. I have a handle on 4 languages.
3. I have a very pregnant, very selfish cat. When I do school on my bed, she climbs in my lap, and sits right smack dab in the middle of my books/papers/etc.
4. For the day the Catholics declare that Jesus proved himself to be God (which is interesting, because they don't belive that Jesus is fully God, anyhow) by raising himself from the dead, I sang Then Came The Morning, and When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again. (Don't ask me why, I wouldn't know)
5. I slept on a wooden floor for almost 10 years of my life.
6. I have no friends my age. They are all 4+ years older, or 2+ years younger.
7. I had a baby when I was 10, and again when I was 12.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Quote:
The only instance of praying to saints mentioned in the Bible is that of the rich man in torment calling upon Abraham; and let it be remembered that it was practiced only by a lost soul and without success.
--Cecil
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Languagash
The title of this post stands for "Language Mishmash"
Knowing many languages can have it's positives, it's downsides, and it's hilarity.
FYI, the 'little kids' are being drilled in Greek verbs and nouns (until such time as they are able to take in the letters, language structure, and grammar). Howerver, most of them have completely lost/forgotten thier Cebuano.
-Nathan told Micah to "leave an agianan" so that people could walk through
-Instead of going throught the paces of an entire sentance such as "Is the baby sleepy?", I use one word "gitulog?"
-I hate having to remember the English equivalent of tsinela/tsinelas, and am forever explaining. ("flip-flops" must have gotten thier name when thier inventor threw a pair at his cat, and adopted the 'spit-hiss' the cat gave as it ran away as the name for his new creation)
-"Katabaino", and "blepo" are becoming used by the 4 year old. (it is rather interesting!)
Knowing many languages can have it's positives, it's downsides, and it's hilarity.
FYI, the 'little kids' are being drilled in Greek verbs and nouns (until such time as they are able to take in the letters, language structure, and grammar). Howerver, most of them have completely lost/forgotten thier Cebuano.
So...how is language mishmash funny? Some words become so common that everyone knows them and it confuses guests.
-Instead of going throught the paces of an entire sentance such as "Is the baby sleepy?", I use one word "gitulog?"
-I hate having to remember the English equivalent of tsinela/tsinelas, and am forever explaining. ("flip-flops" must have gotten thier name when thier inventor threw a pair at his cat, and adopted the 'spit-hiss' the cat gave as it ran away as the name for his new creation)
-"Katabaino", and "blepo" are becoming used by the 4 year old. (it is rather interesting!)
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Solution for America
This afternoon, the phone rang, and I actually beat everyone to asnwer it. Miracles aside, the call was interesting for more than a couple reasons. A very excited (recorded) girl's voice invited me to a come join Hillary in Harrisburg for her "Solution For America" rally!!!
After I hung up, I got the GREATEST idea. It took a while to convince me NOt to call the number back and cordially invite them ALL to a "Solution For Hillary" rally here at 6**
After I hung up, I got the GREATEST idea. It took a while to convince me NOt to call the number back and cordially invite them ALL to a "Solution For Hillary" rally here at 6**
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Image of a God:
Shiva?
Man?
"No image [of God] is adequate. To select one image and bow down to it is idolatrous. If we draw on a variety of God images, and let them balance, enrich, and clash with one another, we shall be following the instincts of biblical faith and the methods of many biblical voices. Allowing God images to clash is important, because it reminds us that we are approaching that which is beyond all images"
"Every person needs to learn to trust his or her own images. It is precisely out of this trust that the artist in us is born. Without this trust all newness, all adventures, all hope, all divinity is aborted or stillborn"
"Dieu a cree l'homme a son image, et l'homme le lui a joliement rendu."
(God made man in his own image, and man has returned the compliment.)
(This statement is attributed to Voltaire)
Why try seeing God in any form?
Why not just love his fingerprints?
"We shall behold Him, we shall behold Him...face to face, in all of His glory..."
(God made man in his own image, and man has returned the compliment.)
(This statement is attributed to Voltaire)
Why try seeing God in any form?
Why not just love his fingerprints?
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
"We shall behold Him, we shall behold Him...face to face, in all of His glory..." Monday, February 25, 2008
You know:
You wear skirts a lot when:
....a relative stranger tells you that the skirt you are wearing is one of the shortest they have ever seen you wear (it is a little bit longer than knee length)
....a girl you have 'seen around' asks you if you like to wear "antique clothing"
....you wear pants and your sibling think you look different
....you answer those "get to know you" questions that ask what color pants you are wearing as "n/a"
....people explain the weird answer for you by saying "... ____ wears skirts all the time..."
....even when you DO wear kapris or pants, no one seems to be able to remember....
.....you feel inclined to wear pants to an activity because you have worn skirts all the time, and people are looking at you weird...
....you have so many skirt hangers in your closet that they continually fall off/mess up eachother/etc.
....you 'find' an old skirt you loved underneath/behind a skirt you haven't worn in forever...
...your friends comment on your skirts when you walk in the door. Something like "I haven't seen you wear that one before..." or "Is that a new skirt?" or "yeah....she wore that before...."
...you head outside in the snow in a skirt, and get weird looks
....a relative stranger tells you that the skirt you are wearing is one of the shortest they have ever seen you wear (it is a little bit longer than knee length)
....a girl you have 'seen around' asks you if you like to wear "antique clothing"
....you wear pants and your sibling think you look different
....you answer those "get to know you" questions that ask what color pants you are wearing as "n/a"
....people explain the weird answer for you by saying "... ____ wears skirts all the time..."
....even when you DO wear kapris or pants, no one seems to be able to remember....
.....you feel inclined to wear pants to an activity because you have worn skirts all the time, and people are looking at you weird...
....you have so many skirt hangers in your closet that they continually fall off/mess up eachother/etc.
....you 'find' an old skirt you loved underneath/behind a skirt you haven't worn in forever...
...your friends comment on your skirts when you walk in the door. Something like "I haven't seen you wear that one before..." or "Is that a new skirt?" or "yeah....she wore that before...."
...you head outside in the snow in a skirt, and get weird looks
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Guess who!?
We had an interesting visitor yesterday.
I am sure that many of you know her
Can anyone identify her?
I am sure that many of you know her
Can anyone identify her?
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Quote:
"In the vast plain to the north I have sometimes seen, in the morning sun, the smoke of a thousand villages where no missionary has ever been." - Robert Moffat
Saturday, February 09, 2008
1-30-08 - For RM
Caleb started Math 1
Isaiah sleeping.... 
With Daniel 
Who decided to put an adult-size ski mask over him... 
And then to give him a "mental note" 
(so he hadn't combed his hair that day) 
With Daniel Who decided to put an adult-size ski mask over him... And then to give him a "mental note" (so he hadn't combed his hair that day) Sunday, February 03, 2008
Tolerance....according to the U.N.
U.N. 'Declaration of Principals on Tolerance'
So...no evangelism, but you have the right to hold whatever views you wish. Just a sec....I thought our religious views were intolerant. Can't we be tolerant to in-tolerant religions?
I.e.....you instructing us as to what we need to and don't need to teach our kids! So....dogmatic religions are out. We need to teach our kids what the U.N. authorizes, and we cannot be violent towards other religions. You know....like 'radical Islam'. Funny, they are outspokenly violent towards Israel and the U.S.....but Israel should give it's land to these people.
"You must give up your land. If you give it up, these people who are bombing you (and telling the whole world over and over that they want you anhilated) will stop and be content. Now, it is true that you have already made HUGE concessions to them and they aren't happy, but see, you must be tolerant towards thier longing to see you all dead!"
Interesting thing....my computer is not 'authorized' to view the 'Tolerance Homepage' found at the bottom of the article.
1.3 Tolerance is the responsibility that upholds human rights, pluralism (including cultural pluralism), democracy and the rule of law. It involves the rejection of dogmatism and absolutism and affirms the standards set out in international human rights instruments.Yeah....like "I am THE way, THE truth, and THE life. No man comes to the Father but by Me"
1.4 Consistent with respect for human rights, the practice of tolerance does not mean toleration of social injustice or the abandonment or weakening of one's convictions. It means that one is free to adhere to one's own convictions and accepts that others adhere to theirs. It means accepting the fact that human beings, naturally diverse in their appearance, situation, speech, behaviour and values, have the right to live in peace and to be as they are. It also means that one's views are not to be imposed on others.
So...no evangelism, but you have the right to hold whatever views you wish. Just a sec....I thought our religious views were intolerant. Can't we be tolerant to in-tolerant religions?
4.3 Education for tolerance should aim at countering influences that lead toIf I can/should be able to think for myself.....why are they telling me what to think, and defining this for me?
fear and exclusion of others, and should help young people to develop capacities
for independent judgement, critical thinking and ethical reasoning.
4.4......This means devoting special attention to improving teacher training,
curricula, the content of textbooks and lessons, and other educational materials
including new educational technologies, with a view to educating caring and
responsible citizens open to other cultures, able to appreciate the value of
freedom, respectful of human dignity and differences, and able to prevent
conflicts or resolve them by non-violent means.
I.e.....you instructing us as to what we need to and don't need to teach our kids! So....dogmatic religions are out. We need to teach our kids what the U.N. authorizes, and we cannot be violent towards other religions. You know....like 'radical Islam'. Funny, they are outspokenly violent towards Israel and the U.S.....but Israel should give it's land to these people.
"You must give up your land. If you give it up, these people who are bombing you (and telling the whole world over and over that they want you anhilated) will stop and be content. Now, it is true that you have already made HUGE concessions to them and they aren't happy, but see, you must be tolerant towards thier longing to see you all dead!"
Interesting thing....my computer is not 'authorized' to view the 'Tolerance Homepage' found at the bottom of the article.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Quote:
"No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time, who never loses any."
— Thomas Jefferson, 1787
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Sinulog
".....armed with candles in hand and hearts filled with pure love our beloved Santo Niño, will surely not only please one’s self – but the dear Child Jesus as well." 
January 12 - 20, all of the Island of Cebu will celebrate "Sinulog". With blind, catholic devotion everyone will celebrate and pray to a small stone/wood figure that is supposedly representing the Christ child, the "Holy Child", or in Spanish "Santo Niño". 
"....a Festival Queen has the privilege to bear in her hands the image of the Christ child. She has become the resemblance of Queen Juana receiving the image of Santo Niño. The latter can be traced back to the year 1521 wherein together with Rajah Humabon, Hara Amihan or Queen Juana received the image of the Santo Niño from Magellan as a baptismal gift among the first Filipinos to be Christianized."
The girl who holds the Santo dances her own dance as the 'queen'. With arms outstretched, she takes the idol in a large circle, and up and down, bending her elbows, and circling from her waist. Sometimes, a contingent of the troupe lift her up, as she holds the little child out for the adoration and praise of all...
In hopes of absolving their sins, the people all go to a mass mass (pun intended) ...
..and burn candles, and sing praises to the "Santo Niño". The little girls all hope to grow up to be the most popular girl, the girl who gets to hold the saint, and dance.
The lost-ness is overwhelming... the eyes searching for hope in the eyes and ears of the little child in red... who cannot see or hear them. This is where my heart is.....
Every barrio and barangay trains its school children for months, has endless band practice, and prepares the most elaborate costumes it can think of. Depicting the Spanish possession, or a battle with the moors, the dances then turn to a depiction of flora, fish, or fauna that show how the little child has benefited their lives. (the background dancers in the picture are fish)
If you care for a more "surround sound" experience, please listen to this Youtube video. It is the song that is the "theme" of all of Sinulog. Everyone walks along singing and chanting.
If you care for a more "surround sound" experience, please listen to this Youtube video. It is the song that is the "theme" of all of Sinulog. Everyone walks along singing and chanting.After looking in vain for a lyrics sheet, I will just write out a few words for you.
"Pit Señor" is the theme, which means "praise the Saint"
At the end of the first 'verse" is the line that always makes me want to cry. "...Praying and worshipping the Santo Niño, offer (up) your life so that god will (still) be happy... Sinulog, shout it out loud, everyone celebrates" (repeat 2 times)
Thanks to http://www.flickr.com/photos/sinulog/ for the photos.
The Cebu Sun Star's website also displays some moving pictures.
Try Wikipedia for an overveiw.
(Bethany wrote out what lyrics she could hear)
Sinulog, isyagit ug kusog; (Pit Señor, Pit Señor) tanan magsaulog
Sinulog, isyagit ug kusog; (Pit Señor, Pit Señor) tanan magsaulog
Sisisinulog, sisisinulog
Sa balanghay maoy atong dungog
Pagsayaw nga giparis patihog sa sulog
Panadje ug manampit alang sa santo Niño
Ihalad ang kinabuhi aron malipay pa ang Ginoo
.... mga langyaw sa tibouk kalibutan
apil ang mga langyaw sa atong pagsaulog
malingaw sa pagsaulog sa mga pasundayag
magkiay ta sa pagtambong kay naabut nang panahon
Someone needs to make new words:
Sinulog, syagit ug kusog, JESUS LAMANG, JESUS LAMANG, tanan mag...something... Hmmm..
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Farm Show 2
I am sorry for not being more complete. I had a specific amount of time in which to post which ran away rather quickly.
Here is the video OS (Oldest Sis) took of the second competition dance. She got most of it...except for about 3 seconds in the beginning.
She was unaware of the necessity of keeping the camera vertical, and felt sure of a better shot holding it lengthwise. So, I am putting a disclaimer. I will not be held responsible for any neck strains, aches, pains, nor will I compensate any monetary amount in fixing said injuries. Enjoy at own discretion.
Note: the camera focuses in on my younger brother's square for a couple seconds. They are the ones in red and black.
Note 2: yes, there is a mess up. Apparently the judges missed it. (providence, perhaps)
Oh....and this was the outcome of the night:
BLUE RIBBONS!!!!!!
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Farm Show!!!!
Yesterday was the 92nd Annual Farm Show Square Dance. 
Happy Farm Show Week Everyone!!!
We had practiced the day before and in a sweltering room above the pine tree exhibits...and I must say that we did marvelously!! (Pictures, etc. by oldest sister) We are promenading to our square.
This is a short clip of our first warm-up dance
This is my square waiting for the Division C dance.
Happy Farm Show Week Everyone!!!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Psalm 90 meditations
This is not just because of the "New Year", but more what I have been mulling over for a while now...
1 Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth,
Or ever You had formed the earth and the world,
Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.
10 The days of our lives are seventy years;
And if by reason of strength they are eighty years,
Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow;
For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
11 Who knows the power of Your anger?
For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath.
12 So teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Update:
I have been banned from computer for some time, therefore I have not updated, or responded to any recent comments.
My plays went ok. My performance was sometimes comical, and other times just sad. The first night I was much to quiet, and my aim was very bad!! (I throw candy to the audience in a part of my play)
Yes, Rache, they thought the accent most unique, and since I was the only person really doing it I stood out. One person who knew me in a different context was really, really shocked and impressed by how 'well I did it' which was probbably very bad according to any knowledgeable judge.
For those of you who were not initiated, I played the part of an old Russian grandmother, and when I decided of my own volition to add an accent, I called up a lovely friend who was from around there and who would naturally know all about what to do and how to roll the tongue properly. (though...I did forget the "ing-a" a couple times!!!)
Thursday, I said a line to early, and therefore messed up the dialogue and said the opposite of what was intended, but the church had SUCH amazing resonance that even the people who could not be heard were able to be understood.
Saturday, Bethy returned from her missions trip, and we finally had a camera, so all my pictures are from this one play. I missed coming in because we were all talking behind the curtain...but I guess it didn't show. I hit people with candy, and burst out laughing, which made me loose my train of thought. I then messed up a very serious dialogue, and had to run through it again...and apologised to the audience. Then, after forgetting my last sentence, I waited for my 'son' to say his line. He was awaiting my last sentence, so he said nothing. I assumed that he had forgotten his line, so I went on on the next sentence I could remember......which happened to be a whole page away. Thus, a whole chunk of the story went missing, and most of the little details were left hanging. We finished off in good style, and I only wanted to get away and have a good cry.
Because of the rectangular set-up, the cast had to sit behind a room-divider the entire play with the lights off so as not to distract....so I got to sit in a corner and no one knew what I was doing. I managed to fake a smile for the rest of the play, remembered the rest of my 5 lines, and bore out through Cast & Crew pictures, family hugs, congratulations from everyone on what a great performance it was, and the last piling of things into their respective owners cars.
I do not know if I was meant to be included or not, but as I was standing by the director's daughter, she could not help but invite me to an unofficial cast party at Friendly's, as she was inviting a couple other people. My dear oldest brother stayed behind to drive me home in his car, and volunteered to take me. I decided to go...thought not with much gusto, as I had a bad headache He scolded me for crying, and told me he had enjoyed the performance, and not noticed any problems but my 'sorry'. (which was unutterably sweet of him)
Because we got to the restaurant first, the manager kept on addressing me, who had no idea what was going on, and who was in no way able to organize for an American group of an unknown number at a very strange restaurant. My dear brother paid for some ice cream, and made the night much more enjoyable that it would have been by opening up conversation with some people, and getting things going. I left glad that I had gone, and in a much better frame of mind than I was before.
The next few weeks were filled with a whole lot of 'preparation-for-guests' cooking, and 'making-up-for-the-people-who-are-gone' work, and 'why-is-the-house-such-a-wreak' cleaning, and a bunch of other things which might possibly bore you.....
So I shall end with what we did last night......
Cut deer!
(Note: the WMD you see pictured here is a sundang (soon-daung)....and is very, very, very common in the RP)
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Quote:
"People who do not know the Lord ask why in the world we waste our lives as missionaries. They forget that they too are expending their lives … and when the bubble has burst they will have nothing of eternal significance to show for the years they have wasted."
-- Nate Saint
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Saturday, November 10, 2007
.JPG)
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Invitation:
Dear blog readers:
For those of you who are at all interested, or care, I am in a homeschool drama club, and practicing a play. I am issuing a public invitation for some who can come, and a 'let you know' for those who can't.
The shows will be Dec. 4, 6 and 8 at 7pm.
The show on the 4th we will be at Grace United Methodist in Carlisle.
On the 6th we willbe at Hope Grace Brethern Church, in Dillsburg.
On the 8th we will be at the Camp Hill Church of God in Camp Hill.
Be forwarned, two have 'X-mas themes' and may not be in harmony with your weak stomachs. The play I am in has little to do with ch- sorry X-mas, but with 'giving out gifts'. The theme of the other plays also color mine however.
I shall not give seasons greetings, but I DO give an invitation to all interested and semi-interested parties. Come, or not. But you HAVE been invited!
For those of you who are at all interested, or care, I am in a homeschool drama club, and practicing a play. I am issuing a public invitation for some who can come, and a 'let you know' for those who can't.
The shows will be Dec. 4, 6 and 8 at 7pm.
The show on the 4th we will be at Grace United Methodist in Carlisle.
On the 6th we willbe at Hope Grace Brethern Church, in Dillsburg.
On the 8th we will be at the Camp Hill Church of God in Camp Hill.
Be forwarned, two have 'X-mas themes' and may not be in harmony with your weak stomachs. The play I am in has little to do with ch- sorry X-mas, but with 'giving out gifts'. The theme of the other plays also color mine however.
I shall not give seasons greetings, but I DO give an invitation to all interested and semi-interested parties. Come, or not. But you HAVE been invited!
Saturday, October 20, 2007
The Death Penalty and Genesis
Genesis 9:6 "Whoever sheds man’s blood,
By man his blood shall be shed;
For in the image of God
He made man."
I was reading Genesis in Time and Space, by F. Schaeffer, and he made a very interesting point in ch. 2. He said that the image of God changes the way we look at the death penalty. The reason we have a Biblical command to kill murderers, is not primarily because they killed another human being. It is because they have silenced the image of God. The image of God in every man is the reason that man has personality. It is the reason that man craves love and communication, and they are the evidence of a personal creator.
When we minimise the necessity of the death penalty, we are actually straying from the Biblical method. Murder is punishable by death. Murder is a defacing of the image of God.
I thought it very profound.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
Luke 11:32
When I was about 13, I made a list of the 'earthly treasures' that I prized the most. I have since lost that list, and forgotten most of the dozen things on it. However, near the top of the list was my 'one great beauty' (to quote Amy March) my hair, which the Flipinos compared to cornsilk.
This past week, I have wanted to add one more thing to the top of that list...a little thing of earth that matters to me a lot more now. My eyes.
A couple people have asked me what made me 'get into' photogrophy. I don't know. I began to enjoy 'seeing' things through a camera. I made good shots, and attended a class. But now, as I begin to treasure my eyes, the camera has becaome dearer.
This month has been a roller-coaster eye-wise for me. I have gone in for check-ups three times now, and tried out contacts. My glasses are a really old perscription, and since I got them early summer 2006, my eyes have gone down two more steps. What a person with 'normal' eyes can see at 100 yards, I can see at 20. The doctor apparently told my mother that he didn't know how I made it around without my glasses.
Suddenly, sight means so much. Being an (oftentimes over) imaginative child, I have often imagined myself as a great saint, bed-ridden and weelchair-bound. Or a frail, pale creature, slipping slowly away. What? Blind? NO!
I always loved verses in proverbs about the eyes. But the one that echoes through my head a lot lately is this:
The lamp of the body is the eye....
Friday, October 05, 2007
Day in Philly:
This week, I had the opportunity to go back to NJ to see old friends and aquaintances.
And was even 'allowed' to tour the Liberty Bell building!!!
.JPG)
Thursday I was in Philly for a fun-filled time with newly-met friends.
.JPG)
I got to go to a concert,.JPG)
And was even 'allowed' to tour the Liberty Bell building!!!
It was very sad to be a citizen of this country, to live here in peace and (supposedly) in freedom, but to have to undergo humiliating and invasive 'security' checks before seeing my own national monuments.
I feel violated because people are authorised to paw through my bags and search me for 'dangerous devices' because I am not allowed to protest. This is why the second ammendment was enacted....does anyone CARE anymore?
Monday, October 01, 2007
Proposal!!!!
Saturday night I recieved a proposal of marraige. This dashing young man not only bent on one knee to ask for my hand, but he gave me a bright red rose, and quoted Romeo and Juliet lines about me.
I was so charmed, that a refusal would not come out....I accepted, and we marched to the front of a church, in front of an adoring audience, and (quote) "...on that day she became Mrs. J___ N_____"
My wedding boquet was a lovely white. I wished to invite a couple of you dear readers, but we needed to hurry. Of course, I had to explain to my family, and...of course...my father....but I have high hopes that this sudden, suprise engagement and wedding will turn out for good.
Yours-
Mrs. N_____
I was so charmed, that a refusal would not come out....I accepted, and we marched to the front of a church, in front of an adoring audience, and (quote) "...on that day she became Mrs. J___ N_____"
My wedding boquet was a lovely white. I wished to invite a couple of you dear readers, but we needed to hurry. Of course, I had to explain to my family, and...of course...my father....but I have high hopes that this sudden, suprise engagement and wedding will turn out for good.
Yours-
Mrs. N_____
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
