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
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
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.
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