These seem to be a repeating post factor on my blog.
(I just went back and re-read my previous "new years" posts)
New Years rolls around again. I suddenly get gripped by a terrible panic in my chest. I NEED the sea, I NEED to be out in the gazebo with everyone, I NEED to see some light-brown faces and I NEED to sing my heart out. I NEED to walk down to the dagat and watch the sunrise while the boys do flips and "karate". I NEED to walk back to the house all light-hearted and looking forward to a new year. Laughing at everyone being sleepy-silly, talking with special people about new year resolutions. I NEED to wave goodbye to everyone in the grey light, go inside, clean up and grab a couple hours of sleep. I NEED to wake up and hear some of the boys compare how little they slept and how great they still feel.....
It is interesting how tradition affects one.
It is hard how tradition pulls.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Languagash 2
Even in enlightened people, vulgarities and inferior dialect may invade.
This sad occurrence came upon me while out shopping with my mother. We were coming upon something with repetitive frequency (I forget what and the exact details now), and I commented "Yeah, we <3 getting .....(whatever that was)"
My mother gave me a strange look.
I lol. (actually, I did burst out laughing, but only thought "lol" later)
I thought: "This would make a great blog post!"
This sad occurrence came upon me while out shopping with my mother. We were coming upon something with repetitive frequency (I forget what and the exact details now), and I commented "Yeah, we <3 getting .....(whatever that was)"
My mother gave me a strange look.
I lol. (actually, I did burst out laughing, but only thought "lol" later)
I thought: "This would make a great blog post!"
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Dies Natalis Solis Invicti
May you have a merry season of "the birth of the unconquered Sun".
That was an ancient Persian/pagan/Roman feast held on December 25th.
Wikipedia is almost shockingly frank in it's coordination of "Christmas" with it's pagan roots.
An interesting note for those who still believe in the "christian Constantine" myth:
So, in case you felt like celebrating.....think twice about what it means.
Some links for Saturnalia:
An almost satanic description of how to celebrate Saturnalia.
Specifications on ancient decorations, gift giving, etc, (very similar to Solis Invicti)
Wikipedia
That was an ancient Persian/pagan/Roman feast held on December 25th.
Wikipedia is almost shockingly frank in it's coordination of "Christmas" with it's pagan roots.
An interesting note for those who still believe in the "christian Constantine" myth:
Constantine decreed (March 7, 321) dies Solis—day of the sun, "Sunday"—as the Roman day of rest [CJ3.12.2]: "On the venerable day of the Sun let the magistrates and people residing in cities rest, and let all workshops be closed..."
Christmas was promoted in the Christian East as part of the revival of Catholicism following the death of the pro-Arian Emperor Valens at the Battle of Adrianople in 378. The feast was introduced to Constantinople in 379, and to Antioch in about 380. The feast disappeared after Gregory of Nazianzus resigned as bishop in 381, although it was reintroduced by John Chrysostom in about 400.[5]
The Twelve Days of Christmas end on January 5. December 26 is St. Stephen's Day and January 6 is Feast of Epiphany This period encompasses the major feasts surrounding the birth of Christ. In the Latin Rite, one week after Christmas Day, January 1, has traditionally been the celebration the Feast of the Naming and Circumcision of Christ, but since Vatican II, this feast has been celebrated as the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
In Colonial America, the Puritans of New England disapproved of Christmas. Celebration was outlawed in Boston from 1659 to 1681.
So, in case you felt like celebrating.....think twice about what it means.
Some links for Saturnalia:
An almost satanic description of how to celebrate Saturnalia.
Specifications on ancient decorations, gift giving, etc, (very similar to Solis Invicti)
Wikipedia
Friday, December 12, 2008
My choice, my consequence,
My destiny
Moulded by the hands which created
And love me
My life, my heart to You
Alone belong
Every tremoring, numbered heartbeat
Of my life's song.
At night to You I cry
My heart's desire
Must be You, and You alone, O Lord
Your consuming fire.
Purify me, burn away
All my dross
Let my heart seek and look only for
The foot of Your cross.
My destiny
Moulded by the hands which created
And love me
My life, my heart to You
Alone belong
Every tremoring, numbered heartbeat
Of my life's song.
At night to You I cry
My heart's desire
Must be You, and You alone, O Lord
Your consuming fire.
Purify me, burn away
All my dross
Let my heart seek and look only for
The foot of Your cross.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Twice....er....make that thrice....
The not so smooth nor rhythmic order of our day was suddenly broken when the addition of an hour long Patrol Leader meeting at Boy Scouts deducted the same amount of time from our day and the planned events therein.
We made the changes necessary, and I suddenly found myself the only person in the house with Isaiah and the Tasha-nator. Bethany had a meeting to go to, Mother took the boys to Boy Scouts, and the girls went to visit the Library, and Caleb tagged along.
Things were fine.....for the first hour and a half. I played random Gaelic songs (Anuna & Celtic Woman), along with smatterings of Italian and Spanish (Il Divo) and cooked up the tomato sauce for dinner.
Isaiah ran after the cat and puppy.
Tashanator ran from the baby and at the cat.
The Cat ran for it's life on both fronts.
Eventually, the animal began yelping in it's little manipulative puppy-whine. This usually signaled a heavy bladder, so I unceremoniously dropped her outside, at which point she decided not to do her business but meander about the front lawn, and I with no shoes, coat, etc was obliged to chase her down and just as unceremoniously plop her back inside. She was wise enough to become scarce.
Then, Isaiah got fussy, so I read to him and changed his clothes into sleep clothes, powderd, and diaper changed him. He relaxed on my shoulder, and then promptly vomited out most of his dinner all over my new Daytona Beach sweatshirt. (thanks, Grandmom!)
I got him in the tub and let him soak while I washed out my shirt and his clothing. I then soaped him and got him, once again, changed, powdered, and diapered. He was rather unhappy at this point, and fussed for a time. I got a check-up "how-are-you-doing" call and he calmed down after hearing his mother's voice.
Cat resumed running about and entertained the baby for a time, as the dog had not appeared.
He eventually climbed up on my lap with his blanket, and relaxed, and fell mostly asleep. Holding a sleeping baby is one of the most relaxing things in the world, and I to was drowsing off WHEN.....
*choke*, *cough*, *gurgle*
(me a drowsy....huh?)
As throwup ran down his face into his hair and all over my skirt, the baby was trying to cry but couldn't. Suddenly in full command of my reflexes, I grabbed him, held him sideways so he could breathe and ran to the kitchen sink. I was about 5 inches short when the rest of it came up, but the water was near enough for me to wash his hair and face before grabbing the phone and making a GET-HOME-THIS-INSTANT call.
Ring, ring, (Isaiah: *choke, cough...CRY*) ring, ring, ring, (Isaiah: CCCCCRRRRYYYYYYY) ring..........click (that annoying computer tone "Please leave a message for.....")
Me: *HANG UP*
At this point in time Isaiah is clinging to me screaming because he got woken up with somewhat digested pieces of food and acid coming up his throat, at which point he was run across the house and dumped into a sink and had his face got wiped with soaking wet cloth.
About two seconds later the door slams, and the boys announce their return in Daddy's car. I take a breath, count to three-hundred, and ask Micah not to step in the stuff around the sink. Nathan immediately begins serving himself food, and Micah walks away.
Daddy took initiative and cleaned up the mess in the family room and the trail to the kitchen, as I took the baby to his room and re-changed, powered and soothed him. Walking back into the kitchen, Micah has been commandeered to vacuum up the bigger pieces, and he and daddy ask me to go change my skirt, as it is dripping *fluid*, and pieces of food are falling off onto the floor. I fold it up, and with the baby on my hip, take a trip to get changed, wash out the skirt, put it and my sweater in the washer, and keep the baby away from the clean-up party.
The moment all this is done, who should show up but the mother of the child. The haphazard rhythm resumes as everyone gets food and works on nighttime jobs and finishing school. As dinner is beign cleaned up, the baby begins coughing, (nother gave him a drink), and gets up most of the water along with probbably everything left in his stomach. His mother catches a good bit of it in a used dinner bowl, but much of it was not caught.
Micah immediately adds a qualification to his list-of-things-necessary-in-a-wife (now you know, honey!). "She needs to not get sick when she cleans up throwup.....oh MAN.....I'm getting sick standing here!" The baby is once again changed, and this time put to sleep by his mother. I get clean-up duty, but the stench keeps Micah from cleaning up the dinner table for another 40-ish minutes.
I am currently musing on the "not-so-obvious" qualities that one's brothers appreciate in one, although no one really thinks of them as qualities....and on the probability of reccurance of that item on any man's "future wife" list.
Enjoy
We made the changes necessary, and I suddenly found myself the only person in the house with Isaiah and the Tasha-nator. Bethany had a meeting to go to, Mother took the boys to Boy Scouts, and the girls went to visit the Library, and Caleb tagged along.
Things were fine.....for the first hour and a half. I played random Gaelic songs (Anuna & Celtic Woman), along with smatterings of Italian and Spanish (Il Divo) and cooked up the tomato sauce for dinner.
Isaiah ran after the cat and puppy.
Tashanator ran from the baby and at the cat.
The Cat ran for it's life on both fronts.
Eventually, the animal began yelping in it's little manipulative puppy-whine. This usually signaled a heavy bladder, so I unceremoniously dropped her outside, at which point she decided not to do her business but meander about the front lawn, and I with no shoes, coat, etc was obliged to chase her down and just as unceremoniously plop her back inside. She was wise enough to become scarce.
Then, Isaiah got fussy, so I read to him and changed his clothes into sleep clothes, powderd, and diaper changed him. He relaxed on my shoulder, and then promptly vomited out most of his dinner all over my new Daytona Beach sweatshirt. (thanks, Grandmom!)
I got him in the tub and let him soak while I washed out my shirt and his clothing. I then soaped him and got him, once again, changed, powdered, and diapered. He was rather unhappy at this point, and fussed for a time. I got a check-up "how-are-you-doing" call and he calmed down after hearing his mother's voice.
Cat resumed running about and entertained the baby for a time, as the dog had not appeared.
He eventually climbed up on my lap with his blanket, and relaxed, and fell mostly asleep. Holding a sleeping baby is one of the most relaxing things in the world, and I to was drowsing off WHEN.....
*choke*, *cough*, *gurgle*
(me a drowsy....huh?)
As throwup ran down his face into his hair and all over my skirt, the baby was trying to cry but couldn't. Suddenly in full command of my reflexes, I grabbed him, held him sideways so he could breathe and ran to the kitchen sink. I was about 5 inches short when the rest of it came up, but the water was near enough for me to wash his hair and face before grabbing the phone and making a GET-HOME-THIS-INSTANT call.
Ring, ring, (Isaiah: *choke, cough...CRY*) ring, ring, ring, (Isaiah: CCCCCRRRRYYYYYYY) ring..........click (that annoying computer tone "Please leave a message for.....")
Me: *HANG UP*
At this point in time Isaiah is clinging to me screaming because he got woken up with somewhat digested pieces of food and acid coming up his throat, at which point he was run across the house and dumped into a sink and had his face got wiped with soaking wet cloth.
About two seconds later the door slams, and the boys announce their return in Daddy's car. I take a breath, count to three-hundred, and ask Micah not to step in the stuff around the sink. Nathan immediately begins serving himself food, and Micah walks away.
Daddy took initiative and cleaned up the mess in the family room and the trail to the kitchen, as I took the baby to his room and re-changed, powered and soothed him. Walking back into the kitchen, Micah has been commandeered to vacuum up the bigger pieces, and he and daddy ask me to go change my skirt, as it is dripping *fluid*, and pieces of food are falling off onto the floor. I fold it up, and with the baby on my hip, take a trip to get changed, wash out the skirt, put it and my sweater in the washer, and keep the baby away from the clean-up party.
The moment all this is done, who should show up but the mother of the child. The haphazard rhythm resumes as everyone gets food and works on nighttime jobs and finishing school. As dinner is beign cleaned up, the baby begins coughing, (nother gave him a drink), and gets up most of the water along with probbably everything left in his stomach. His mother catches a good bit of it in a used dinner bowl, but much of it was not caught.
Micah immediately adds a qualification to his list-of-things-necessary-in-a-wife (now you know, honey!). "She needs to not get sick when she cleans up throwup.....oh MAN.....I'm getting sick standing here!" The baby is once again changed, and this time put to sleep by his mother. I get clean-up duty, but the stench keeps Micah from cleaning up the dinner table for another 40-ish minutes.
I am currently musing on the "not-so-obvious" qualities that one's brothers appreciate in one, although no one really thinks of them as qualities....and on the probability of reccurance of that item on any man's "future wife" list.
Enjoy
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
America made Germany look like pacifists
An interesting overview of America's "imperialist agenda" from the book:
The Pity of War --- Niall Ferguson (concerning World War I and it's causes)
This is from the view of an English professor. For those among us who stand by a strict, constitutional, isolationist policy....this list is not only shocking, but enlightening. Upon this foundation came about our entrance into World War I, and WW II, and Korea, and Vietnam, and the "cold war", and the first Iraq war, and the current "war on terror".
I'll bet 99% of Americans have no idea that all this happened, or that any of it is a problem.
I'll bet--no, I KNOW that a lot of them also think that the "war on terror" is a decisive battle between freedom and dictatorships. They want us to get "victory" and "liberty" before we pull out. They think that all the death and expense and destruction is justified by the social ends that we are "achieving".
I'll bet most of them don't know or won't believe the quote:
"When war comes, the first casualty is truth..." US Senator Hiram Johnson
The Pity of War --- Niall Ferguson (concerning World War I and it's causes)
Another example may be given of an aggressive power which posed a direct threat to Britain in the Atlantic and Pacific; a power which shared a border over three thousand miles long with one of the Empire’s most prosperous territories. This was the United States.(the bold emphasis is mine)
Though the two powers had not come to blows since 1812, it is easily forgotten how many reasons they had to quarrel in the 1890’s. The US took issue with Britain over the border of Venezuela and British Guiana, a dispute not settled until 1899; went to war with Spain over Cuba and in the process acquired the Philippines, Puerto Rico and Guam in 1898; annexed Hawaii in the same year; fought a bloody colonial war in the Philippines between 1899 and 1902; acquired some of the Samoan Islands in 1899; and eagerly took a hand in the economic carve-up of China. The next stage of American imperial expansion was to construct a canal across the Central American isthmus. Compared with the US, Germany was a pacific power. Once again Britain appeased the strong. The 1901 Hay-Paunceforte Treaty waived Britain’s objection to American control and fortification of the projected Panama Canal; and London allowed President Theodore Roosevelt to ride roughshod over Colombian objections by assisting a Panamanian revolt in the chosen Canal Zone. In 1901-2 Selborne took the decision to wind down Britain’s naval capacity for war with the United States in the Caribbean and the Atlantic. (R. Williams, Defending the Empire, pp. 70f.) This appeasement had predictable results. In 1904 the Americans established financial control over the Dominican Republic; the same thing happened in Nicaragua in 1909 (with military backing in 1912). Woordrow Wilson claimed to deplore “dollar diplomacy” and the “big stick”; but it was he who sent the marines to take over Haiti in 1915 and to the Dominican Republic in 1916; and it was he who authorized military intervention in Mexico, first in 1914 to change the Mexican government and then in March 1916 to punish ‘Pancho’ Villa for a raid on New Mexico. (M. Jones, Limits of Liberty, pp. 396-411.) But no one in Britain said a word. America was powerful; so there could be no Anglo-American antagonism.
British foreign policy between 1900 and 1906, then, was to appease those powers which appeared to pose the greatest threat to her position, even at the expense of good relations with the less important powers. The key point is that Germany fell into the latter category; France, Russia and the United States into the former.
This is from the view of an English professor. For those among us who stand by a strict, constitutional, isolationist policy....this list is not only shocking, but enlightening. Upon this foundation came about our entrance into World War I, and WW II, and Korea, and Vietnam, and the "cold war", and the first Iraq war, and the current "war on terror".
I'll bet 99% of Americans have no idea that all this happened, or that any of it is a problem.
I'll bet--no, I KNOW that a lot of them also think that the "war on terror" is a decisive battle between freedom and dictatorships. They want us to get "victory" and "liberty" before we pull out. They think that all the death and expense and destruction is justified by the social ends that we are "achieving".
I'll bet most of them don't know or won't believe the quote:
"When war comes, the first casualty is truth..." US Senator Hiram Johnson
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Ought to be
Is "modern motherhood" harder than it ought to be?
Some interesting thoughts from a lady on how society has made motherhood harder.
Some interesting thoughts from a lady on how society has made motherhood harder.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
A Vote for a Third Party is a Vote for---
Uhhhhhmmmmmmm.........................
Liberty?
People say that a vote for a third party is a vote for whomever they don't desire on the other side of the Republican vs. Democrat race, depending on whose side they are on.
Of course, the Republicans say it is a vote for the Democrats, and the Democrats say it gives the Republicans the edge.
People have accused me of trying to get McCain to lose and of underground sedition against Obama. An Obama supporter told me that any vote for anyone besides a democrat was just about a crime in her book, and giving me her signature for Ballot access was too close to risk.
One young man angrily informed me that a vote for a 3rd Party was a vote for Obama.
Then, unwilling to know anything else, he stormed away from me.
But, on November 4th....what was the real story?
The only states where the margin was close enough between the fat cats, AND the underdogs had enough votes to have swung one way or another were
Montana: There were around 14,000 major-third-party votes. (please note that Paul and Peroutka is some government mix-up, as Peroutka was not running for anything, and Paul had no VP, and was not running under the Constitution Party. Also note: McCain won the state, therefore all these 14,00 souls were not voting for Obama by default)
Indiana: It seems that the only 3rd Party there was Barr, who got upwards of 29,000 votes. Obama won Indiana. IF...and I say IF...every single one of those freedom-loving individuals voted for McCain, he would have been able to win. Even so, he would not have had enough electoral votes to win the election....so it would have been a waste...pun intended)
North Carolina: Also won by Obama. However, there were approx. 14, 000 write-ins, and Barr got a significant number.
and Missouri: (which is still being debated, it is listed as "not yet settled") McCain is winning by a margin of 10,000. If all the Nader people (who BTW see Obama as a right-wing radical) voted for Obama, it would go down to "every single vote counts" mentality. Even so, Obama would still get the Presidency. It is the Electoral College, not the mass of sheep that decides.
The Electoral College.....our last remaining scrap of Republicanism. (and I'm not referring to the party which defames that title)
Liberty?
People say that a vote for a third party is a vote for whomever they don't desire on the other side of the Republican vs. Democrat race, depending on whose side they are on.
Of course, the Republicans say it is a vote for the Democrats, and the Democrats say it gives the Republicans the edge.
People have accused me of trying to get McCain to lose and of underground sedition against Obama. An Obama supporter told me that any vote for anyone besides a democrat was just about a crime in her book, and giving me her signature for Ballot access was too close to risk.
One young man angrily informed me that a vote for a 3rd Party was a vote for Obama.
Then, unwilling to know anything else, he stormed away from me.
But, on November 4th....what was the real story?
The only states where the margin was close enough between the fat cats, AND the underdogs had enough votes to have swung one way or another were
Montana: There were around 14,000 major-third-party votes. (please note that Paul and Peroutka is some government mix-up, as Peroutka was not running for anything, and Paul had no VP, and was not running under the Constitution Party. Also note: McCain won the state, therefore all these 14,00 souls were not voting for Obama by default)
Indiana: It seems that the only 3rd Party there was Barr, who got upwards of 29,000 votes. Obama won Indiana. IF...and I say IF...every single one of those freedom-loving individuals voted for McCain, he would have been able to win. Even so, he would not have had enough electoral votes to win the election....so it would have been a waste...pun intended)
North Carolina: Also won by Obama. However, there were approx. 14, 000 write-ins, and Barr got a significant number.
and Missouri: (which is still being debated, it is listed as "not yet settled") McCain is winning by a margin of 10,000. If all the Nader people (who BTW see Obama as a right-wing radical) voted for Obama, it would go down to "every single vote counts" mentality. Even so, Obama would still get the Presidency. It is the Electoral College, not the mass of sheep that decides.
The Electoral College.....our last remaining scrap of Republicanism. (and I'm not referring to the party which defames that title)
Monday, November 10, 2008
One of those
Random homeschool moment:
My little siblings are pounding their hands on the table, chanting in unison:
"Rob a BANK, rob a BANK!"
(the baby, at a year and 4 months, seeing the general enthusiasm, is chanting da-da-da in the same intonation)
Don't ask!!!!
EDIT: (later in the day)
Mama: "Wait, are you God?"
Sara: "Oh, no, that was Rea"
(this one is a bit easier to explain as we were reading Exodus , each person had a role/character)
My little siblings are pounding their hands on the table, chanting in unison:
"Rob a BANK, rob a BANK!"
(the baby, at a year and 4 months, seeing the general enthusiasm, is chanting da-da-da in the same intonation)
Don't ask!!!!
EDIT: (later in the day)
Mama: "Wait, are you God?"
Sara: "Oh, no, that was Rea"
(this one is a bit easier to explain as we were reading Exodus , each person had a role/character)
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Undaunted
Last night after watching speeches and hearing empty, pretty words, I told my sister"Now we get to read every one's blogs don't we?"
In the general, ignorant sorrow over McCain's loss and the general, ignorant glee over Obama's victory, people are saying very insightful things.
One McCain supporter said that we should not sit idly by and let out founding values be trashed. Many are posting Bible verses and praying.
I am glad that Obama got into office, if for no other reason than this. Christians realized not only that their apathy and ignorance has given them what they seem to most despise, but that instead of sitting back comfortable in the delusion that a conservative Republican was watching their backs, they will be armed, vigilant and diligent for the Constitution, individual liberty, personal responsibility and freedom.
I wrote in a name, because the current one-not-two party system has blocked out any competition. I am not ashamed. In fact, despite the republican well-spread lie, there was effect on the election by the best intentioned people who voted for other than the two evils offered us.
More on that in the next post.
I am undaunted by the newest challenge to American ideals. At least the rest of America is suddenly realizing the danger of an unfettered, gigantic, and monster-sized executive office.
In the general, ignorant sorrow over McCain's loss and the general, ignorant glee over Obama's victory, people are saying very insightful things.
One McCain supporter said that we should not sit idly by and let out founding values be trashed. Many are posting Bible verses and praying.
I am glad that Obama got into office, if for no other reason than this. Christians realized not only that their apathy and ignorance has given them what they seem to most despise, but that instead of sitting back comfortable in the delusion that a conservative Republican was watching their backs, they will be armed, vigilant and diligent for the Constitution, individual liberty, personal responsibility and freedom.
I wrote in a name, because the current one-not-two party system has blocked out any competition. I am not ashamed. In fact, despite the republican well-spread lie, there was effect on the election by the best intentioned people who voted for other than the two evils offered us.
More on that in the next post.
I am undaunted by the newest challenge to American ideals. At least the rest of America is suddenly realizing the danger of an unfettered, gigantic, and monster-sized executive office.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Meditate on these things
All that I am, all that I have
I lay them down before You, oh Lord
All my regrets, all my acclaims
The joy and the pain, I'm making them Yours.
Lord, I offer my life to You,
Everything I've been through
Use it for Your glory-
Lord, I offer my days to You,
Lifting my praise to You
As a pleasing sacrifice:
Lord I offer You my life.
Things in the past, things yet unseen
Wishes and dreams that are yet to come true
All of my hopes, all of my plans,
My heart and my hands
Are lifted to You.
And Lord, I offer my life to You,
Everything I've been through
Use it for Your glory-
Lord, I offer my days to You,
Lifting my praise to You
As a pleasing sacrifice:
Lord I offer You my life.
What can we give
That You have not given?
And what do we have
That is not already Yours?
All we possess
Are these lives we're living
That's what we give to You, Lord
So Lord, I offer my life to You,
Everything I've been through
Use it for Your glory-
Lord, I offer my days to You,
Lifting my praise to You
As a pleasing sacrifice:
Lord I offer You my life.
Lord, I offer You my life.
I lay them down before You, oh Lord
All my regrets, all my acclaims
The joy and the pain, I'm making them Yours.
Lord, I offer my life to You,
Everything I've been through
Use it for Your glory-
Lord, I offer my days to You,
Lifting my praise to You
As a pleasing sacrifice:
Lord I offer You my life.
Things in the past, things yet unseen
Wishes and dreams that are yet to come true
All of my hopes, all of my plans,
My heart and my hands
Are lifted to You.
And Lord, I offer my life to You,
Everything I've been through
Use it for Your glory-
Lord, I offer my days to You,
Lifting my praise to You
As a pleasing sacrifice:
Lord I offer You my life.
What can we give
That You have not given?
And what do we have
That is not already Yours?
All we possess
Are these lives we're living
That's what we give to You, Lord
So Lord, I offer my life to You,
Everything I've been through
Use it for Your glory-
Lord, I offer my days to You,
Lifting my praise to You
As a pleasing sacrifice:
Lord I offer You my life.
Lord, I offer You my life.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Best:
This is one of the single best articles I have found on the voting issue so far.
The Republican party is an old wineskin, and the idea that by voting for it we can get new wine into that old wineskin is preposterous beyond imagination.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Hmmm?
Psalm 149:5-9
5 Let the saints be joyful in glory;
Let them sing aloud on their beds.
6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth,
And a two-edged sword in their hand,
7 To execute vengeance on the nations,
And punishments on the peoples;
8 To bind their kings with chains,
And their nobles with fetters of iron;
9 To execute on them the written judgment—
This honor have all His saints.
5 Let the saints be joyful in glory;
Let them sing aloud on their beds.
6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth,
And a two-edged sword in their hand,
7 To execute vengeance on the nations,
And punishments on the peoples;
8 To bind their kings with chains,
And their nobles with fetters of iron;
9 To execute on them the written judgment—
This honor have all His saints.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Camera Continuing
I said that I would upload some pictures for you guys as I work up my skills.
I would like to add more, but my web-album space on google is taken up.
How about a link?
Friday, October 17, 2008
Books
I am a very proud reader. I enjoy boasting of my knowledge, and I love knowing more than other people do about things I read about in books.
Books tempt me like nothing else in the world.
I wanted to confess that, once again, books have kept me from accomplishing things in my life that held more importance. About this time last year, I stumbled across a seep blue book that I decided looked interesting. It was a fiction fantasy, but the kind that don't really interest me....like LOTR. I enjoy C.S. Lewis fantasy, because he fills them with scriptural principles, often direct verse references, and they are increasingly more applicable and convicting in the sphere of my life.
This book (I later found out) was written by a teenaged homeschooler. It began with a "middle earth" type land, and of course mythical creatures, familiar and made-up/created. I was immediately immersed in the complex patterns and plot behind the book. It intrigued me with new concepts (like reading other peoples minds, and allowing others to speak to you through their minds without speaking) and strange worldviews.
I found out that the second book was also published, and devoured that in less time.
The books engaged me as no other books have for a long time. In the second book there is a concerted effort to bring themes together, but I am still wondering as to what the point is on religion, and morality. As far as "middle earth" fantasy goes, there is magic and powers and dragons and spells and evil spirits. There are numerous "gods" and an inordinate focus on the practices and beliefs of the devotees thereof. So, I suppose that the writer will be trying to persuade one religion over the other because the protagonist is as yet godless and struggling between the religious/non-religious/pantheistic/atheistic view of all those surrounding him.
It interests me how two distinct beings/souls are portrayed as being inextricably intertwined and melded. The constant banter and communion that forms their relationship encourages me to try harder with the relationships I have, because they can be rewarding, and are even more rewarding for being fought for. (yes, I ended that with a conjunction....pay attention!)
I revel in the mass of cultures, costumes, histories, customs, and pleasantries that fill the book. I ADORE (I found out through online research) the writer's intermingling of known languages, terms, etc. The amount of different languages that are melded into names, places, sentences and pronunciation makes me know that I hold a classic in my hands. I have not, as yet, decided to study, grammar-i-tize and piece apart the sentence structures, etc, because (like I said) I really don't have time for such things...
Which brings me back to where I was: reading this, instead of doing school. But, as I did weep buckets of tears (which I haven't done over a book in a while...well, a new book that is, I always cry when Walter Blythe dies, but that's an old book) and as I was careful not to let the book overwhelm my sense of morality (yes, I heard about his father-not-really-being-his-father, but I didn't want it to be true) and of course the knowledge that it is all fantasy, although expertly created fantasy.
So, for the best way of making all this understandable, I would recommend spending a couple days perusing the Inheritance Cycle.
(Ps....last bit-- most importantly-- I own an unending debt of gratitude for being allowed to read the third book before I had thought possible by some very dear people, which also freed me from being distracted by the anticipation of the secrets contained in it)
(Oh, and the 3rd book....is perfectly named. My siblings can attest that when we chanced upon a bookstore, and I recognized the art/cover and knew what it was, I could not stop talking about how wonderful it was.)
Books tempt me like nothing else in the world.
I wanted to confess that, once again, books have kept me from accomplishing things in my life that held more importance. About this time last year, I stumbled across a seep blue book that I decided looked interesting. It was a fiction fantasy, but the kind that don't really interest me....like LOTR. I enjoy C.S. Lewis fantasy, because he fills them with scriptural principles, often direct verse references, and they are increasingly more applicable and convicting in the sphere of my life.
This book (I later found out) was written by a teenaged homeschooler. It began with a "middle earth" type land, and of course mythical creatures, familiar and made-up/created. I was immediately immersed in the complex patterns and plot behind the book. It intrigued me with new concepts (like reading other peoples minds, and allowing others to speak to you through their minds without speaking) and strange worldviews.
I found out that the second book was also published, and devoured that in less time.
The books engaged me as no other books have for a long time. In the second book there is a concerted effort to bring themes together, but I am still wondering as to what the point is on religion, and morality. As far as "middle earth" fantasy goes, there is magic and powers and dragons and spells and evil spirits. There are numerous "gods" and an inordinate focus on the practices and beliefs of the devotees thereof. So, I suppose that the writer will be trying to persuade one religion over the other because the protagonist is as yet godless and struggling between the religious/non-religious/pantheistic/atheistic view of all those surrounding him.
It interests me how two distinct beings/souls are portrayed as being inextricably intertwined and melded. The constant banter and communion that forms their relationship encourages me to try harder with the relationships I have, because they can be rewarding, and are even more rewarding for being fought for. (yes, I ended that with a conjunction....pay attention!)
I revel in the mass of cultures, costumes, histories, customs, and pleasantries that fill the book. I ADORE (I found out through online research) the writer's intermingling of known languages, terms, etc. The amount of different languages that are melded into names, places, sentences and pronunciation makes me know that I hold a classic in my hands. I have not, as yet, decided to study, grammar-i-tize and piece apart the sentence structures, etc, because (like I said) I really don't have time for such things...
Which brings me back to where I was: reading this, instead of doing school. But, as I did weep buckets of tears (which I haven't done over a book in a while...well, a new book that is, I always cry when Walter Blythe dies, but that's an old book) and as I was careful not to let the book overwhelm my sense of morality (yes, I heard about his father-not-really-being-his-father, but I didn't want it to be true) and of course the knowledge that it is all fantasy, although expertly created fantasy.
So, for the best way of making all this understandable, I would recommend spending a couple days perusing the Inheritance Cycle.
(Ps....last bit-- most importantly-- I own an unending debt of gratitude for being allowed to read the third book before I had thought possible by some very dear people, which also freed me from being distracted by the anticipation of the secrets contained in it)
(Oh, and the 3rd book....is perfectly named. My siblings can attest that when we chanced upon a bookstore, and I recognized the art/cover and knew what it was, I could not stop talking about how wonderful it was.)
Monday, October 13, 2008
As I was saying......
Draft: Obama thinks yes. McCain thinks yes.
Obama says yes. McCain says maybe.
At least Obama says it outright!
Obama says yes. McCain says maybe.
At least Obama says it outright!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Yes, another one:
SOOOOO many blogs/bloggers have articles about Deborah in relation to Sarah Palin concerning everything from praise to mudslinging.
I noticed that no one usually does any farther than:
I was talking about it to my sister, and for some reason pronounced a name that stopped both of us and made us laugh our heads off. There MUST be a funny pun about it. See, the person that Deborah gives counsel to is named....yeah....Barak.
I usually pronounce it (bear-uk), but for some reason I said (bar-uk).....which....is rather a household name at this point.....
Anyhow, I realized some years ago that Deborah really didn't give Barak any NEW information:
See, she had to REMIND him.....because God had ALREADY told him, and he apparently had not obeyed. (and only three not-so-used translations have it different. Every major version agrees with the "past perfect" verb tense)
Also, due to his cowardice/fear/whatever, he also refused Deborah's reminding. Therefore, God had to use her as a whip to get the guy moving. And, God took away from Barak any praise or glory relating to the victory.
So....Deborah could have been a very common-sense person, who God used to remind a very cowardly man that he needed to get done his bellyaching and get moving.
Also a thought for today: If Palin is Deborah...is McCain Barack.....er...Barak?
I noticed that no one usually does any farther than:
4 Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.
5 She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites came to her to have their disputes decided.
I was talking about it to my sister, and for some reason pronounced a name that stopped both of us and made us laugh our heads off. There MUST be a funny pun about it. See, the person that Deborah gives counsel to is named....yeah....Barak.
I usually pronounce it (bear-uk), but for some reason I said (bar-uk).....which....is rather a household name at this point.....
Anyhow, I realized some years ago that Deborah really didn't give Barak any NEW information:
6 Then she sent and called for Barak the son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali, and said to him, “Has not the LORD God of Israel commanded, ‘Go and deploy troops at Mount Tabor; take with you ten thousand men of the sons of Naphtali and of the sons of Zebulun;
7 and against you I will deploy Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his multitude at the River Kishon; and I will deliver him into your hand’?”
See, she had to REMIND him.....because God had ALREADY told him, and he apparently had not obeyed. (and only three not-so-used translations have it different. Every major version agrees with the "past perfect" verb tense)
Also, due to his cowardice/fear/whatever, he also refused Deborah's reminding. Therefore, God had to use her as a whip to get the guy moving. And, God took away from Barak any praise or glory relating to the victory.
So....Deborah could have been a very common-sense person, who God used to remind a very cowardly man that he needed to get done his bellyaching and get moving.
Also a thought for today: If Palin is Deborah...is McCain Barack.....er...Barak?
Thursday, October 09, 2008
The naked truth:
I have been in contact with a major "moral/conservative" force about politics, and I noticed that their web page describing the stances of Presidential candidates based on a moral/traditional/family minded worldview/focus. I had been on that page early this year, and I requested that Ron Paul be included in their survey of all the Democrat and all the other Republican candidate hopefuls. They complied, although they put a very negative slant on his "laissez faire" attitude..even going so far as to say (in the video) "...government has a major place in our nation..." (implying that reducing it was NOT something positive).
I re-checked their site two weeks ago, and asked them to also place Chuck Baldwin on the list, as he fit 100% with their pro-life, pro-marriage outlook....and I received this letter in response:
Needless to say, I was shocked, enraged, and highly put-off by this answer, and although with a feeling of christian love towards them, I believe it to be the most bigoted statement of all for a "conservative" group/organization who purports to be moral and God-serving.
I sent them this response: (yes, I prayed about it, and it was at least 24 hours before I responded, allowing my thoughts to be refined, and not so angry/hateful)
Anyhow, you can be sure that I will never again listen to them/their material/their speaking with an unbiased mind. All I will hear is "most likely to win", and know that when (as one of their people said) they talk about values and family and abortion and America.....they gave up their convictions on the altar of "most likely to win" and that's all that mattered.
I re-checked their site two weeks ago, and asked them to also place Chuck Baldwin on the list, as he fit 100% with their pro-life, pro-marriage outlook....and I received this letter in response:
Dear Jennifer:
Greetings from ( ______) and thank you for your e-mail. I consider it a privilege to reply on behalf of our staff.
We appreciate your taking a moment to share your perspective on (our views), of Senator McCain's candidacy. While your feedback is valued, I'm afraid we're not in a position to comment on his political views past what he's communicated. As for the possibility of addressing Chuck Baldwin's candidacy, while we realize it may be disappointing to hear, we've chosen to focus our efforts on providing information about the stances held by the candidates remaining in the race who are most likely to gain the presidency.
Again, thanks for contacting us, Jennifer. We trust you will join us in praying for our great nation at this critical juncture in our history. God bless you!
Greetings from ( ______) and thank you for your e-mail. I consider it a privilege to reply on behalf of our staff.
We appreciate your taking a moment to share your perspective on (our views), of Senator McCain's candidacy. While your feedback is valued, I'm afraid we're not in a position to comment on his political views past what he's communicated. As for the possibility of addressing Chuck Baldwin's candidacy, while we realize it may be disappointing to hear, we've chosen to focus our efforts on providing information about the stances held by the candidates remaining in the race who are most likely to gain the presidency.
Again, thanks for contacting us, Jennifer. We trust you will join us in praying for our great nation at this critical juncture in our history. God bless you!
Needless to say, I was shocked, enraged, and highly put-off by this answer, and although with a feeling of christian love towards them, I believe it to be the most bigoted statement of all for a "conservative" group/organization who purports to be moral and God-serving.
I sent them this response: (yes, I prayed about it, and it was at least 24 hours before I responded, allowing my thoughts to be refined, and not so angry/hateful)
I suppose, since I am rather young, that life has many things in store for me, disillusionment being a part of that.
I did learn something from you, though, when I read your response. Here dumb little me thought that this election was about the future course of our nation. I thought it was about "values voters", and "traditional family values", and Biblical morality. I THOUGHT it was about saving the lives of yet-unborn babies.
How stupid of me. All that REALLY matters is getting the less-worse end of a popularity contest. As you put it--SO well-- "focus our efforts on...the candidates..most likely to gain the presidency".
Thank you for allowing me to see behind/through your rhetoric and teachings to the REAL goal.
Sincerely, (me)
I did learn something from you, though, when I read your response. Here dumb little me thought that this election was about the future course of our nation. I thought it was about "values voters", and "traditional family values", and Biblical morality. I THOUGHT it was about saving the lives of yet-unborn babies.
How stupid of me. All that REALLY matters is getting the less-worse end of a popularity contest. As you put it--SO well-- "focus our efforts on...the candidates..most likely to gain the presidency".
Thank you for allowing me to see behind/through your rhetoric and teachings to the REAL goal.
Sincerely, (me)
Anyhow, you can be sure that I will never again listen to them/their material/their speaking with an unbiased mind. All I will hear is "most likely to win", and know that when (as one of their people said) they talk about values and family and abortion and America.....they gave up their convictions on the altar of "most likely to win" and that's all that mattered.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
the Draft
As OS has been saying, the draft is my "big issue". I see it as a real danger, and one that is most definitely inevitable. With most Americans caught in the web of the hopeless one-but-two party system, our future President is destined to be a socialist with aims of carrying on the NAU and a globalist agenda.
With this globalist agenda, there will be a definite "american" tang, as the globalism will be with the goal of providing democracy and "freedom" to other downtrodden nations and peoples. Included in this scheme, will most definitely be the need for military force to put down what factions in these countries might want to resist a super-power telling them how to run their countries.
Because not enough American youth will want to volunteer to die for this globalist/terrorist agenda, there will be a need to force them. This, friends is called the draft. It entails tearing young potential from its place in the world and forcing it to sweat, bleed, and die for "The Cause". Although not explicitly stated, this violates the 5th ammendment.
"nor shall any person...be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law..."
Through the draft, one is deprived of their liberty, their property (themselves), and possibly their life. Also, wars are to be defensive. Therefore, Americans should only have to fight when they are attacked unprovoked. Even then I don't believe that we will be lacking volunteers, because their fighting and dying will be in order to protect AMERICA from harm and their families from the dominance of a foreign nation.
John McCain will most definitely institute the draft. He plans (outspokenly) to continue American oppression of foreign peoples and forcing them to be free and democratic. He has openly proposed war on Iran, and undoubtedly will continue our occupation of over 120 countries around the world. This will require MASSIVE manpower. It can only be obtained through conscription.
Some links: (although a simple google search will give you more than you can handle)
Vietnam thinking
"I don't disagree with anything you said..."
In the case where so-called "conservative America" fails to drum up enough half-hearted support for McCain, and Obama wins the office (which most people say will happen no-matter-what), he will probably be better, in this case. Obama is a regular, peace/disarmament democrat, and he will probably pursue globalism with more gusto, but less militarily. I highly doubt that he will cease occupation of foreign countries, or that he will "end the war in Iraq", but he will be slow to begin a new military effort elsewhere, or to put the draft in place. Should he decide to use force, he will HAVE to use conscription, just like McCain
Links:
As a woman, the 1900's would have blushed to see me going out to fight. But I am completely sure that if any draft is instated, women will be required to go as well, lest the feminists raise such a hue and cry that all capitol hill be overwhelmed. Note wh "all persons" on the bill linked above.
I shall end with a quote from a dissenting Senator in 1917, when Wilson decided to send American young men to die for a territorial European war that was only "new" in regards to it's massive death rates. (trenches had given Japan the edge over the giant Russia only 15 years before, and machine guns and airplanes were being readily used more and more in little border battles which no one bothers to report because they were so common. Also, european wars had been going on for centuries...some actually having stretched that long--ie.the Hundred yers war)
America at War: WWI"In the emotional fervor that followed the declaration of war on April 6, many young men rushed to volunteer for the armed forces. Yet, it was only a faction of the number needed. After hearing three years of stories about the horrors of trench warfare, it is hardly surprising that more men did not join up.
President Wilson proposed national conscription, otherwise known as a ‘draft’. Many members of Congress objected to the bill. The speaker of the House asserted that there was ‘little difference between the conscript and the convict.’"
Friday, October 03, 2008
In their OWN words:
(From the book: America at War Series: World War I)
"World War I gave birth to a centralized bureaucracy of unprecedented size. New federal agencies assumed unheard-of power. The War Industries Board, for example, took over raw materials and production and created new industries to meet war demands. The War Trade Board controlled imports and exports. The Federal Fuel Administration supervised efficient use of resources like coal and oil by industry and the public. Even the railroads were taken over and run by the government.
The Federal Food Administration was created to insure adequate food supplies for military needs and to send agricultural aid to the Allies. It monitored farm production and regulated prices. It asked Americans to plant "victory gardens" and observe "wheatless" and "meatless" days.
All this was the United States first experiment with a government-directed economy. Some of the experts who staffed these emergency boards would later use the valuable experience they gained to fight the economic Depression of the 1930’s.
Public opinion, an intangible but important resource, also had to be mobilized. This was the mission of the most controversial of the new government agencies.
The Committee on Public Information hired hundreds of writers and artists who turned their talents to wartime propaganda. Pro-war leaflets were widely circulated. The committee also sent skilled orators around the country to make speeches intended to rally the nationalistic emotions of the American people."
And "In spite of these efforts [buying war bonds, banning German from schools, etc] many German-American citizens were harassed. Thousands of German Americans, who were not yet naturalized U.S. citizens were arrested and placed in internment camps.
But what happened to all these agencies?
War Industries Board: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_Industries_Board
WIB was disbanded
War Trade Board:
http://www.answers.com/topic/war-trade-board
WTB gave all its powers to the Department of State
Federal Fuel Administration: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Fuel_Administration
It looks like FFA is still around, just not necessary as much anymore
Federal Food Administration: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_and_Drug_Administration
FFA has no information that I can find on google, only the Food and Drug Administration. Maybe they are/were the same thing.
Committee on Public Information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Committee_on_Public_Information
CPI also seems to have been disbanded.
"World War I gave birth to a centralized bureaucracy of unprecedented size. New federal agencies assumed unheard-of power. The War Industries Board, for example, took over raw materials and production and created new industries to meet war demands. The War Trade Board controlled imports and exports. The Federal Fuel Administration supervised efficient use of resources like coal and oil by industry and the public. Even the railroads were taken over and run by the government.
The Federal Food Administration was created to insure adequate food supplies for military needs and to send agricultural aid to the Allies. It monitored farm production and regulated prices. It asked Americans to plant "victory gardens" and observe "wheatless" and "meatless" days.
All this was the United States first experiment with a government-directed economy. Some of the experts who staffed these emergency boards would later use the valuable experience they gained to fight the economic Depression of the 1930’s.
Public opinion, an intangible but important resource, also had to be mobilized. This was the mission of the most controversial of the new government agencies.
The Committee on Public Information hired hundreds of writers and artists who turned their talents to wartime propaganda. Pro-war leaflets were widely circulated. The committee also sent skilled orators around the country to make speeches intended to rally the nationalistic emotions of the American people."
And "In spite of these efforts [buying war bonds, banning German from schools, etc] many German-American citizens were harassed. Thousands of German Americans, who were not yet naturalized U.S. citizens were arrested and placed in internment camps.
But what happened to all these agencies?
War Industries Board: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_Industries_Board
WIB was disbanded
War Trade Board:
http://www.answers.com/topic/war-trade-board
WTB gave all its powers to the Department of State
Federal Fuel Administration: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Fuel_Administration
It looks like FFA is still around, just not necessary as much anymore
Federal Food Administration: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_and_Drug_Administration
FFA has no information that I can find on google, only the Food and Drug Administration. Maybe they are/were the same thing.
Committee on Public Information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Committee_on_Public_Information
CPI also seems to have been disbanded.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Camera Concludings
A certain well meaning friend recently sent me a few photography blogs and commented on how nice they were.
Truly, they WERE amazing...which...being in the semi-melancholy mood I'm in right now....made me altogether depressed as to the mundane-ness of my current photography level.
The photog-lady's oodling over her marvelous camera model reminded me of something. I left the former camera in bad hands, and since it's demise, we were given a brand spanking new-and-improved amazing camera. I looked it up, and it is the best point-and-shoot camera of its kind. High megapixels, great zoom...but its a point-and-shoot....meant for families...and dogs....and babies... (ie. not professional picture taking). I also realized that I have not really formed much of an attachment to this camera...which is partly because of newness and partly because of my inhibitions....
So, I looked around and found the camera I think I'd like to have. I would like to try it out and get a feel for it in the store, though to see if it would actually suit me....
http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/digital-cameras/pentax-k200d_reviews.html
However, I would like to warn you that I plan on aggressively pursuing our relationship, and seeing how it will develop.....(hehe...pun intended)
Truly, they WERE amazing...which...being in the semi-melancholy mood I'm in right now....made me altogether depressed as to the mundane-ness of my current photography level.
The photog-lady's oodling over her marvelous camera model reminded me of something. I left the former camera in bad hands, and since it's demise, we were given a brand spanking new-and-improved amazing camera. I looked it up, and it is the best point-and-shoot camera of its kind. High megapixels, great zoom...but its a point-and-shoot....meant for families...and dogs....and babies... (ie. not professional picture taking). I also realized that I have not really formed much of an attachment to this camera...which is partly because of newness and partly because of my inhibitions....
So, I looked around and found the camera I think I'd like to have. I would like to try it out and get a feel for it in the store, though to see if it would actually suit me....
http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/digital-cameras/pentax-k200d_reviews.html
However, I would like to warn you that I plan on aggressively pursuing our relationship, and seeing how it will develop.....(hehe...pun intended)
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Between the words
Since it was assigned for school, I am reading the acclaimed book "Reading Between the Lines" by Gene Veith. Although it is monotonous/repetitious and has miniscule print, I am mining a couple gems from it.
For instance: What is the meaning of words like obscene, and vulgar, and profane?
Literally, obscene means "off stage" or "out of scene". Though I hadn't thought about it before, he points out that in Greek Drama, certain actions and things would not take place on stage "for fear of violating decorum"...specifically "presenting violence".
He says:
"Why this reticence? The Greeks were hardly prudish or moralistic. The reason was a sound aesthetic one. When the audience is enthralled by a dramatic action, involved in the characters and their dilemmas, the spectacle of overt violence literally breaks the aesthetic mood... The delicate evocation of vicarious experience is disrupted by grisly special effects..."
"The Greeks did not shy away from dealing with sexuality or violence. Oedipus Rex deals with incest, patricide, self-mutilation, and suicide. It somehow manages to deal with such scarifying topics while maintaining taste, dignity, and a serious moral tone... By maintaining decorum, by presenting the character's actions and anguish in language of exalted poetry, but never explicitly presenting the horrors onstage. Obscenity is not only a moral fault; as the Greeks understood, it is also an artistic fault. Insensitivity to aesthetic decorum is perhaps one of the worst weaknesses of contemporary literature."
"As writers [fail] to appeal to [their audience's] aesthetic pleasure, the intrinsic limitations of the imagination cheapens their work. Characters become coarsened and stereotyped... The result will be superficial characters such as are found everywhere in today's literature... Such one-dimensional and predictable characters inhibit realism, complexity, and sophisticated aesthetic effects. As the reader's threshold of stimulation keeps getting higher, writers...must always be going beyond earlier boundaries."
Vulgar literally means "the common people". He says:
"...the implication is that the lower classes exhibit behavior and conversation that cultivated people would avoid... Notice that in the original sense of the word, vulgarity is embarrassing not so much to the hearers but to the speaker. Someone who is vulgar reveals poor education and a subservient social position.
Profane comes from Latin meaning "outside the temple".
"If something were profane--that is, ceremonially unclean--it would not be allowed inside the Temple...it is the opposite of sacred. In the present context, profanity violates what is holy... Profanity is not a matter of language alone. Blashphemy...is an extreme case of profanity."
For instance: What is the meaning of words like obscene, and vulgar, and profane?
Literally, obscene means "off stage" or "out of scene". Though I hadn't thought about it before, he points out that in Greek Drama, certain actions and things would not take place on stage "for fear of violating decorum"...specifically "presenting violence".
He says:
"Why this reticence? The Greeks were hardly prudish or moralistic. The reason was a sound aesthetic one. When the audience is enthralled by a dramatic action, involved in the characters and their dilemmas, the spectacle of overt violence literally breaks the aesthetic mood... The delicate evocation of vicarious experience is disrupted by grisly special effects..."
"The Greeks did not shy away from dealing with sexuality or violence. Oedipus Rex deals with incest, patricide, self-mutilation, and suicide. It somehow manages to deal with such scarifying topics while maintaining taste, dignity, and a serious moral tone... By maintaining decorum, by presenting the character's actions and anguish in language of exalted poetry, but never explicitly presenting the horrors onstage. Obscenity is not only a moral fault; as the Greeks understood, it is also an artistic fault. Insensitivity to aesthetic decorum is perhaps one of the worst weaknesses of contemporary literature."
"As writers [fail] to appeal to [their audience's] aesthetic pleasure, the intrinsic limitations of the imagination cheapens their work. Characters become coarsened and stereotyped... The result will be superficial characters such as are found everywhere in today's literature... Such one-dimensional and predictable characters inhibit realism, complexity, and sophisticated aesthetic effects. As the reader's threshold of stimulation keeps getting higher, writers...must always be going beyond earlier boundaries."
Vulgar literally means "the common people". He says:
"...the implication is that the lower classes exhibit behavior and conversation that cultivated people would avoid... Notice that in the original sense of the word, vulgarity is embarrassing not so much to the hearers but to the speaker. Someone who is vulgar reveals poor education and a subservient social position.
Profane comes from Latin meaning "outside the temple".
"If something were profane--that is, ceremonially unclean--it would not be allowed inside the Temple...it is the opposite of sacred. In the present context, profanity violates what is holy... Profanity is not a matter of language alone. Blashphemy...is an extreme case of profanity."
"...Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Federal Immunity
Federal immunity was given to a Mexican drug smuggler.
Why?
He agreed to testify against two American border patrol agents, and they are now in jail for 12 and 15 years resectively.
Mr. Bush has done nothing, though he has been repeatedly pressed and lobbied.
Neither McCain nor Obama care one iota about our borders....they don't even TALK about it on thier campaign! They will definitely not do anything.
Watch this Lou Dobbs interview, comment, and tell everyone you know.
Why?
He agreed to testify against two American border patrol agents, and they are now in jail for 12 and 15 years resectively.
Mr. Bush has done nothing, though he has been repeatedly pressed and lobbied.
Neither McCain nor Obama care one iota about our borders....they don't even TALK about it on thier campaign! They will definitely not do anything.
Watch this Lou Dobbs interview, comment, and tell everyone you know.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Go Ask
"...I don't pretend to be be so wise, I only know, He touched my eyes and I will never be the same..."
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Timely....
"The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just."
— President Abraham Lincoln
Monday, September 08, 2008
Winter
Think post is not about winter in the literal sense. It is about a new, godless documentary which not only trumpets the Biblical roles for men and women as the best and most economically viable...but the ONLY way for humankind to survive on the planet.
Do you know that children are present in only 32% of American homes?
The Demographic Winter is made from an entirely scientific and statistical vewipoint. It does not take in the effects of socialist and communist government controls on economy, and it assumes that the elderly must be supported by the state, and therefore by the people who pay taxes to the state.
A reveiw from the New American states:
Demographic Winter tackles five main reasons for the drop in fertility: the sexual revolution, prosperity, the divorce revolution, inaccurate assumptions, and women working. Its social science data bears out tradition, embodying what G.K. Chesterton called “that forgotten branch of psychology” — common sense.
Demographic Winter mentions the pill, which has reduced unwanted pregnancies among married women by 70 percent; promiscuity, which affords men sexual gratification without commitment; reluctance to have children when there is the possibility one’s spouse won’t be around in a few years; and career-driven women having few children; along with other factors. Demographic Winter also touches on materialism and immaturity, which make people reluctant to assume the responsibilities of parenthood.
Do you know that children are present in only 32% of American homes?
The Demographic Winter is made from an entirely scientific and statistical vewipoint. It does not take in the effects of socialist and communist government controls on economy, and it assumes that the elderly must be supported by the state, and therefore by the people who pay taxes to the state.
A reveiw from the New American states:
Demographic Winter tackles five main reasons for the drop in fertility: the sexual revolution, prosperity, the divorce revolution, inaccurate assumptions, and women working. Its social science data bears out tradition, embodying what G.K. Chesterton called “that forgotten branch of psychology” — common sense.
Demographic Winter mentions the pill, which has reduced unwanted pregnancies among married women by 70 percent; promiscuity, which affords men sexual gratification without commitment; reluctance to have children when there is the possibility one’s spouse won’t be around in a few years; and career-driven women having few children; along with other factors. Demographic Winter also touches on materialism and immaturity, which make people reluctant to assume the responsibilities of parenthood.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
McCain's 'hero' T. Roosevelt
So, McCain will attempt to emulate his 'heroes' should he become president. I have begun a file of research debunking this "Great Conservative--Regan", but a much quicker study can be done on the other infamous--Mr. Big Stick "Teddy" Roosevelt.
I shall begin with a most interesting historical overview:
The United States were begun on the foundation of Swiss Neutrality.... also called isolationism. This was the idea that any nation could keep politically to itself and not have to ally and treaty with any foreign nation. For instance: the Swiss have not fought in a foreign war (ie...out of it's borders) (or been attacked, for that matter) since 1815. (see hyperlink above)
This policy has been attacked by our people, our writers, and most shamefully, our Presidents. In an effort to control the entire Western Hemisphere (below Canada, that is) President James Monroe decided that American soldiers had the duty to fight to keep Latin America and the Caribbean free from any European influence. (ie....the USG would intervene by force if any European nation decided to colonize any new LA territories.)
This got us into the Spanish-American War, and we ended up taking ("colonizing") Guam, Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Cuba.
When dear old Teddy got into office, though, things began to change. Mr. Roosevelt was what is now called a "progressive". A "progressive Republican" of those days was basically a Democrat. T.R. decided that this doctrine needed enlarging. He invented what is now called the "Roosevelt Corollary". This new extension:
Yeah....what an amazing legacy! McCain will definitely follow in TR's footsteps!
Tr. himself used this to get into Cuba, and other LA nations. (in politically correct terms: "help them pay their debts and stabilize")
Herbert Hoover approved and released a Memorandum later which said that the "exercise of an international police power" was the "right of America as a state".
Now, it has been used many times in such unConstitutional means as any other President sees fit.
So you see....there is no doubt that as a President, McCain would expand the use of American soldiers to protect "American interests" (read: things/places that the USG doesn't think other nations should have/own) all around the world.
I shall begin with a most interesting historical overview:
The United States were begun on the foundation of Swiss Neutrality.... also called isolationism. This was the idea that any nation could keep politically to itself and not have to ally and treaty with any foreign nation. For instance: the Swiss have not fought in a foreign war (ie...out of it's borders) (or been attacked, for that matter) since 1815. (see hyperlink above)
This policy has been attacked by our people, our writers, and most shamefully, our Presidents. In an effort to control the entire Western Hemisphere (below Canada, that is) President James Monroe decided that American soldiers had the duty to fight to keep Latin America and the Caribbean free from any European influence. (ie....the USG would intervene by force if any European nation decided to colonize any new LA territories.)
This got us into the Spanish-American War, and we ended up taking ("colonizing") Guam, Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Cuba.
When dear old Teddy got into office, though, things began to change. Mr. Roosevelt was what is now called a "progressive". A "progressive Republican" of those days was basically a Democrat. T.R. decided that this doctrine needed enlarging. He invented what is now called the "Roosevelt Corollary". This new extension:
may force the United States, however reluctantly, in flagrant cases of such wrongdoing or impotence, to the exercise of an international police power.
Yeah....what an amazing legacy! McCain will definitely follow in TR's footsteps!
Tr. himself used this to get into Cuba, and other LA nations. (in politically correct terms: "help them pay their debts and stabilize")
Herbert Hoover approved and released a Memorandum later which said that the "exercise of an international police power" was the "right of America as a state".
Now, it has been used many times in such unConstitutional means as any other President sees fit.
The Memorandum argued that the United States had a self-evident right of self-defense, and that this was all that was needed to justify certain actions.........
So you see....there is no doubt that as a President, McCain would expand the use of American soldiers to protect "American interests" (read: things/places that the USG doesn't think other nations should have/own) all around the world.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
McCain deserves an Emmy!!!
I am awed by this man. I intend to emulate him. McCain is SOOOO talented and able!
Why, his performance at the Saddleback Forum was not only so perfectly carried out, but seemed so completely guileless, that even people who were previously opposed to him vow to stand by him.
Part 1:
He looked so contrite and humbled when he spoke about the "failure" of his first marriage. It is to him his greatest moral failure. America, he said, was much to selfish and self-centered. (3:10)
**Hilarious moment: Rick Warren with a straight face asks when McCain sent against his party's "interest" (4:32)
McCain makes it look like "reaching across the aisle" is something that must be done to "put the country first" (5:25) (10:50) He says deciding to stay in prison "took a lot of prayer".
Part 2:
McCain refrained from looking at the audience when he clenched his jaw and said that a baby was entitled to human rights "at the moment of conception"(3:15). However, he went on to boast of a "20 year pro-life record" and claimed that "as President I will be a pro-life President".
This is a "promise" he has made many times in his past running history. NRLC, a leading pro-life group has endorsed him over their previous reservations. (NOTE: this article is no longer on the NRLC database. It was removed some time since June when it was brought to my attention.)
Some other articles about this issue from a Catholic Perspective from 2007, and a long letter from the NRLC to McCain about McCain-Feingold and it's effect on their free-speech. He continues later to promise all Americans that more soldiers will be sent "throughout the world" (8:15) to protect foreigners and to force the world to not be "evil".
Beginning at 9:15, we get into some boldfaced lies. On the issue of judges, he said he would not have nominated Ginsburg, Breyer, Souter and Stevens. (the first three being people he himself voted to confirm)(he was not in the senate when Stevens was nominated) He says his "recent favorites" are Roberts and Alito. (hyperlinked are his media-transmitted comments about them THEN.)
But, let us not forget the "Gang of 14" which banded together to prevent the Constitutional safeguard of liberty: the filibuster, and who broke left of their respective party in order to force Congress to bow to their wishes!
Part 3:
Education: He will institute a "merit pay".....which entails only that every child will pass, no matter what their level of understanding. Skill has no place next to money! He knows exactly what words to put into his talk, like a well scripted play. "Homeschooling" and "stewardship", "conservative", "challenges" and "better life".
He talked about the taboo fact....that Congress is spending tax dollars.....although he did waltz around the issue of WHERE the money is going, telling us only about the preposterous one. How about illegal immigrants receiving $15,000 per anchor baby? No, he is in support of a North American Union, and after that of a global nation. Ever heard of the Phoenix? It will replace/combine the Euro and the Amero.....isn't it interesting that Phoenix is also a town in Arizona?
Anyhow, the article is from last year, broadcasting the views of Jerome Corsi, who endorses Chuck Baldwin on the Constitution Party in his new, bestselling book, Obama Nation. Once again, he extols the one-party *eh hem*....bi-partisan vision, of working together as the only way "for the good of the nation's security". Yes, turning into a one-party system would "keep America from attack" (10:30)
Part 4:
Begins by "talk about America's responsibility to the world"...oh boy!!!! Mr. Warren uses bible verses to ask "what is our stewardship to everyone else?" How about clearing up my headache by giving me some Biblical cross references to how the issue of policing the world and being blessed of God combine? Or how "much is required" of America as a nation because it's people have been blessed?
McCain is no less vague in his words. "...Wars have started in obscure places that have enveloped us..." ...ummmm.....ONLY because we disobeyed the Founding Fathers, got into "entangling alliances" and decided to fight. The only four wars in which USA has been "enveloped" were the "French & Indian war;" a continuation of the "100 years war" which Europe had been in for decades. The Revolutionary war; in which a little group of colonies decided to throw off the dictatorship of the mother-land. The Indian wars; in which the USGovernment treated the red men like cattle, and the red men, using guerrilla warfare, cost their aggressor thousands of casualties. And, finally, the Civil War/War of Northern Aggression/..... war which was a result of a variety of causes and fought for a great deal more reasons.
"Americans have gone into every corner of the world in defense of someone else's freedom. No other nation on earth has ever done that...(1:39)" that is because they weren't SUICIDAL!
McCain also said he would pledge American troops when America's National Security and Interests were at stake (2:15). America's National Security is non-existent at this point in time because our soldiers are in over 100 countries around the world being bodyguards for dictators and caring for the UN's interests!
He also says "our obligation is to stop genocide wherever we can...(2:26)" "we" meaning the American soldiers and the USG, I suppose.... and "obviously, we have got to do more! (3:06)"
Not only in Rwanda, but in the "formerly christian nation" of Georgia, in which AMERICA must preserve their "territorial integrity". See, "they are wonderful people, they are suffering terribly, terribly, now...(5:20)" So, we must "send the message to Russia that this behavior is not acceptable in the 21st century (6:15)". I have two words in response: Why us?
Part 5:
What does the Federal government have to do about orphans? Answer: NOTHING.
He even made "reaching across the aisle" (4:35) seemed like a magnanimous thing (silly me, I thought Barak Obama's side was the enemy!) But, he stood firmly by the fact that "our nation was founded on Judeo-Christian values" (5:55)
Such an audition shall not go amiss, surely! I am sure he will receive the leading role in the show! Indeed, I shall endeavor to emulate him for years to come!
Why, his performance at the Saddleback Forum was not only so perfectly carried out, but seemed so completely guileless, that even people who were previously opposed to him vow to stand by him.
Part 1:
He looked so contrite and humbled when he spoke about the "failure" of his first marriage. It is to him his greatest moral failure. America, he said, was much to selfish and self-centered. (3:10)
**Hilarious moment: Rick Warren with a straight face asks when McCain sent against his party's "interest" (4:32)
McCain makes it look like "reaching across the aisle" is something that must be done to "put the country first" (5:25) (10:50) He says deciding to stay in prison "took a lot of prayer".
Part 2:
McCain refrained from looking at the audience when he clenched his jaw and said that a baby was entitled to human rights "at the moment of conception"(3:15). However, he went on to boast of a "20 year pro-life record" and claimed that "as President I will be a pro-life President".
This is a "promise" he has made many times in his past running history. NRLC, a leading pro-life group has endorsed him over their previous reservations. (NOTE: this article is no longer on the NRLC database. It was removed some time since June when it was brought to my attention.)
Some other articles about this issue from a Catholic Perspective from 2007, and a long letter from the NRLC to McCain about McCain-Feingold and it's effect on their free-speech. He continues later to promise all Americans that more soldiers will be sent "throughout the world" (8:15) to protect foreigners and to force the world to not be "evil".
Beginning at 9:15, we get into some boldfaced lies. On the issue of judges, he said he would not have nominated Ginsburg, Breyer, Souter and Stevens. (the first three being people he himself voted to confirm)(he was not in the senate when Stevens was nominated) He says his "recent favorites" are Roberts and Alito. (hyperlinked are his media-transmitted comments about them THEN.)
But, let us not forget the "Gang of 14" which banded together to prevent the Constitutional safeguard of liberty: the filibuster, and who broke left of their respective party in order to force Congress to bow to their wishes!
Part 3:
Education: He will institute a "merit pay".....which entails only that every child will pass, no matter what their level of understanding. Skill has no place next to money! He knows exactly what words to put into his talk, like a well scripted play. "Homeschooling" and "stewardship", "conservative", "challenges" and "better life".
He talked about the taboo fact....that Congress is spending tax dollars.....although he did waltz around the issue of WHERE the money is going, telling us only about the preposterous one. How about illegal immigrants receiving $15,000 per anchor baby? No, he is in support of a North American Union, and after that of a global nation. Ever heard of the Phoenix? It will replace/combine the Euro and the Amero.....isn't it interesting that Phoenix is also a town in Arizona?
Anyhow, the article is from last year, broadcasting the views of Jerome Corsi, who endorses Chuck Baldwin on the Constitution Party in his new, bestselling book, Obama Nation. Once again, he extols the one-party *eh hem*....bi-partisan vision, of working together as the only way "for the good of the nation's security". Yes, turning into a one-party system would "keep America from attack" (10:30)
Part 4:
Begins by "talk about America's responsibility to the world"...oh boy!!!! Mr. Warren uses bible verses to ask "what is our stewardship to everyone else?" How about clearing up my headache by giving me some Biblical cross references to how the issue of policing the world and being blessed of God combine? Or how "much is required" of America as a nation because it's people have been blessed?
McCain is no less vague in his words. "...Wars have started in obscure places that have enveloped us..." ...ummmm.....ONLY because we disobeyed the Founding Fathers, got into "entangling alliances" and decided to fight. The only four wars in which USA has been "enveloped" were the "French & Indian war;" a continuation of the "100 years war" which Europe had been in for decades. The Revolutionary war; in which a little group of colonies decided to throw off the dictatorship of the mother-land. The Indian wars; in which the USGovernment treated the red men like cattle, and the red men, using guerrilla warfare, cost their aggressor thousands of casualties. And, finally, the Civil War/War of Northern Aggression/..... war which was a result of a variety of causes and fought for a great deal more reasons.
"Americans have gone into every corner of the world in defense of someone else's freedom. No other nation on earth has ever done that...(1:39)" that is because they weren't SUICIDAL!
McCain also said he would pledge American troops when America's National Security and Interests were at stake (2:15). America's National Security is non-existent at this point in time because our soldiers are in over 100 countries around the world being bodyguards for dictators and caring for the UN's interests!
He also says "our obligation is to stop genocide wherever we can...(2:26)" "we" meaning the American soldiers and the USG, I suppose.... and "obviously, we have got to do more! (3:06)"
Not only in Rwanda, but in the "formerly christian nation" of Georgia, in which AMERICA must preserve their "territorial integrity". See, "they are wonderful people, they are suffering terribly, terribly, now...(5:20)" So, we must "send the message to Russia that this behavior is not acceptable in the 21st century (6:15)". I have two words in response: Why us?
Part 5:
What does the Federal government have to do about orphans? Answer: NOTHING.
He even made "reaching across the aisle" (4:35) seemed like a magnanimous thing (silly me, I thought Barak Obama's side was the enemy!) But, he stood firmly by the fact that "our nation was founded on Judeo-Christian values" (5:55)
Such an audition shall not go amiss, surely! I am sure he will receive the leading role in the show! Indeed, I shall endeavor to emulate him for years to come!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Hogwash and Mumbletygook
As some of you might know, Pastor Rick Warren, of "Purpose Driven Life" fame, held a forum for two Presidential Candidates at his church. He asked a variety of moral, and political questions, and the two answered in their own manner.
I had the misfortune of stumbling upon the Fox News Channel last night in a search for a "lesser of all the evils" way to spend (read: waste like a slob) my time. Mr. Sean Hannity was discussing the forum with Mr. Warren, and after about 5 minutes of Hannity "cooing like a bilious pigeon" I looked about in search of something less sickening, and found Jimmy Neutron on Nickelodeon channel...hoooora!
I say this to make you laugh... Mr Hannity was exclaiming on how wonderful Mr. McCain's answers were, how YOUNG Mr. McCain looked ("Why, he looked almost 50, didn't he?"--me--rotfl) and how bumbling Mr. Obama sounded, and how evasive his answers.
I have previously read Mr. Hannity's book "Deliver Us From Evil" and the same sick feeling engulfed me. It was basically a deification of President Bush's dealing with "the threat of Islamofascism" and how Democrats like Carter and Clinton had nearly ruined the country, but strong presidents, who knew what evil was (Regan, Bush, and Bush 2), were our only hope for the future. It was a last-ditch effort to get Bush elected again in '04, and to defeat Kerry.
Basically, they are "true patriots" (see last post). Their blind devotion to their party, no matter what it's face or reputation is all that matters. Anyone on the "other side" HAS to be wrong, and simply foolish.
I heard the most interesting thing the other day....there are not "two major parties". there is one party that pretends to fight so that everyone is so entertained that they don't know/care what else is going on. It is very profound...and sad...and sickening.....
I had the misfortune of stumbling upon the Fox News Channel last night in a search for a "lesser of all the evils" way to spend (read: waste like a slob) my time. Mr. Sean Hannity was discussing the forum with Mr. Warren, and after about 5 minutes of Hannity "cooing like a bilious pigeon" I looked about in search of something less sickening, and found Jimmy Neutron on Nickelodeon channel...hoooora!
I say this to make you laugh... Mr Hannity was exclaiming on how wonderful Mr. McCain's answers were, how YOUNG Mr. McCain looked ("Why, he looked almost 50, didn't he?"--me--rotfl) and how bumbling Mr. Obama sounded, and how evasive his answers.
I have previously read Mr. Hannity's book "Deliver Us From Evil" and the same sick feeling engulfed me. It was basically a deification of President Bush's dealing with "the threat of Islamofascism" and how Democrats like Carter and Clinton had nearly ruined the country, but strong presidents, who knew what evil was (Regan, Bush, and Bush 2), were our only hope for the future. It was a last-ditch effort to get Bush elected again in '04, and to defeat Kerry.
Basically, they are "true patriots" (see last post). Their blind devotion to their party, no matter what it's face or reputation is all that matters. Anyone on the "other side" HAS to be wrong, and simply foolish.
I heard the most interesting thing the other day....there are not "two major parties". there is one party that pretends to fight so that everyone is so entertained that they don't know/care what else is going on. It is very profound...and sad...and sickening.....
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Patriotism:
is a very confusing, rather un-definable and probbably the biggest culprit in the loss of liberty....
What is YOUR definition? I'd be interested to know....
What is YOUR definition? I'd be interested to know....
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Trees + kids + sunshine = fun pictures
One monkey: 
Two monkey:
Three monkey:
Four:
He was adorable watching the motorcycle drive out...
And he was on a mission....to take those tsinelas somewhere!
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
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