Wisdom w/Age -- Really?

Does wisdom truly come with age?

This is a question that’s been rolling around in my head for a few weeks.

Wisdom is generally thought to be acquired as you get older. You know, each year brings new experiences and ideas that are either proved true or false and we all learn from this and move forward…thereby increasing in wisdom.

I’m a people watcher. Have you been any place where middle aged or older adults gather? At the mall, the Walmart, the airport, a park…pretty much anywhere?

I’ve watched a lot of adults who should have gotten a lot of wisdom, but I’ve noticed that they don’t often use it if they have it. How is that?

So maybe wisdom comes with age, but it has to be applied to be of any use.
I have more thoughts on this, but as always not enough time to get enough out, so I will get back to you… more later.

 

CHANGE YOUR HEALTH - CHANGE YOUR LIFE!

Hey Everyone...I'm leaving. That's right- I've had it. I am sick and tired and I cannot and will not take it any more!

That's right, I'm going on a journey. I am not sure exactly how long it will take me to get to my destination. It's a journey of discovery, BUT I do know this- when I arrive there (OH- I will make it there!) I will not return the same. I will leave behind old habits and a ridiculous lifestyle. I will not spend the second half of my life as I did the first.

What's even weirder is that some of you-- yes, you my sweet friendsn feel EXACTLY the same way. You also long to stop a vicious cycle and want to change the direction of your life. So-- what is keeping you from going with me? We can go on the journey with each other and help each other reach our goal-- to be healthier, feel better, and look better when we see ourselves in the mirror.

Those who know me know how I burn my candle at both ends and in the middle. I have been drinking the AdvoCare Spark energy drink and taking the Max-e vitamins for a few weeks and can really feel the difference. This weekend I am going to kick it into high gear and begin the 24 Day Challenge.

Take a look. A look is free (see my link below and go ready my 'story'.) It doesn't hurt, and you may find exactly what you've looked for all these years. =]

I will be chronicling my weight loss- healthier life change there on my website so free to visit back as often as you'd like. If you have any questions, please feel free to message me and I'll be happy help you any away I possibly can.

Now, on with the journey...

Here's my personal weblink: www.advocare.com/111114164/

Occupy-- please go home!

So let me get this right…the Occupy people—

They want freedom to speak and act as they wish—but they dishonor then men and women fighting to defend their right to enjoy it.

They want equal access as long as they do not have to give it-- just ask them to leave the areas they are illegally squatting on.

They want everyone to have an equal share—but they can’t even share their food with homeless people—“How dare they take what we worked so long to get together and prepare.” How IRONIC is that!?

They want a share of the corporate pie but do not want to contribute a financial stake in the company just reap the profitable reward for their paid labor.

They want to take out loans for an education, get the education, and then cry when they have to pay back the money they borrowed for an education they received.

They profess peaceful protest—yet a dead man was found within their camp and they didn’t even notify anyone, another shot himself and the emergency personnel were blocked to get to his aid by other Occupy demonstrators, a rare strain of TB has broken out within the ranks in one of their camps and is getting so bad the health officials are calling it an outbreak, another camp poses a public threat because of the rampant STD’s being transmitted, and theft, robbery, and rape crimes have gone up in all of the areas they occupy.

They cry out against the injustices happening to the “little man”—yet their determination to holdout and occupy means they are putting local mom and pop shops out of business because their customers are too afraid to do business where the Occupy demonstrations are— and can we blame them!?

They want to lay around, living off the backs of the working class and then cry that they aren't getting enough.

They have an agenda and are not leaving until they get what they want—seems like they have no real agenda at all and they claim the Tea Party was worse. ? That the Tea Party is actually the bad guy.

Really? You gotta be kidding me!

The Tea Party came, rallied, set an agenda, reached a consensus and went about establishing a respectable organization that is striving to change what they do not like. There were no out of control mobs, no rare outbreaks of TB, no rampant STD’s running amuck, no dead people lying in their mists, no shootings, no thefts, no robberies, no rapes, no businesses had to close down, and no veterans had to be dishonored.

I cannot spend another iota of my time on your foolish games— I am a busy working, single mother who is putting myself through college, paying my fair share of taxes, struggling to make ends meet, raising my son and putting him through college, I live without insurance, and do not live off the backs of anyone else. I may not have all I desire right now, but at least I can take pride in what I do have and the accomplishments I continue to make.

So here’s my FREE $0.03 worth

Stop your senseless belly aching, pull up your big girl panties, wipe your nose, apologize to our veterans and those you ran out of business as well as those who have been injured, stop the stupidity train, go get a job because at this point even a job at McD’s is gonna help (considering you haven’t been working in months), become a productive member of the United States economy, carry your share of the load, and pay your taxes… maybe THEN we’ll have something worth discussing.
Until then, stop saying you are representing all Americans because it is obvious you only represent those who wish to have a free ride. Nuff said!

NEW PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION

All I can add is.."Well said!"
The following has been attributed to State Representative Mitchell Kaye from GA; this guy should run for President one day...

NEW PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION

"We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, delusional. We hold these truths to be self-evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights."

ARTICLE I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth.
More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything.

ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended.
This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.

ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm.
If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.

ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing.
Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes.

ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care.
That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care.

ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people.
If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair.

ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others.
If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.

ARTICLE VIII: You do not have the right to a job.
All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful. (AMEN!)
(Added by MChannon: If you get financing for your education, you will repay the loans yourself- you’re the one that got the loans and the education.)

ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to happiness.
Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an overabundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.

ARTICLE X: This is an English speaking country.
We don't care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from! (Lastly.....)

ARTICLE XI: You do not have the right to change our country's history or heritage.
This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution. The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH!”

If you agree, share this with a friend. No, you don't have to, and nothing tragic will befall you if you don't. I just think it's about time common sense is allowed to flourish. Sensible people of the United States speak out because if you do not, who will?

To Torture or Not ...Part 2 (cont'd)

I again was shocked after several of my fellow classmates also stated that they would willfully, with or without regret, torture an innocent seven year old girl to possibly save millions. I might stop now to explain that I received the maximum amount of points for both my original post and my replies to fellow students.
The follow are two of my replies in regard to their decision to torture (I have changed their names):

Dear Margaret,

While I do respect your opinion, I continue to assert that the preservation of greater good (the lives of many for the sake of one) is a product of humanistic thinking that is rooted in "the ends justifies the means." This type of thinking is not built upon Biblical principles rather it is the result of our human nature. This is an age old philosophy debate between utilitarian (what is best for the greater number) or deontological (moral principles prevail) philosophers. However, as an individual with a Christian worldview, there is no way that I can make a moral decision based on the thoughts of men, I must take into account what God's Word has to say about it.

In addition, what is the greater good to one man may not be the greater good to other men. Who defines what is the greater good? Who in society sets this moral code of conduct? What price do we place on the value of human life? If the value of one human life is important, then is it only important when the number of people is large enough? What then is the value of a human when the number is reduced, is a person worth less?

There are precedents that have proven this way of thinking is wrong. History is full of examples of people who believed they were serving the greater good, and some of these believed it with strong moral conviction. A primary example is Adolph Hitler. He truly convinced himself that he had a moral obligation for the greater good to rid the world of the Jewish Nation. The early Roman Catholic Church felt it had a moral obligation to persecute and kill the small number of Christians present at that time in order to save mankind (the greater good) from what it believed as blaspheme.

For me, the final outcome of my moral decision boiled down to this… This moral dilemma is not so much based upon whether I could actually kill someone as much as would such an action be socially acceptable if I did. I would rather do what I believe is acceptable before God rather than to do what men perceive as acceptable.

Again, this has been a great discussion and I appreciate your thoughtful insight. May God bless your home, your health, and your studies.

Dear Frank,

I noticed that you concluded that the young girl would not die from being tortured because the scenario did not state this. However, it did not state that she would live either. How much torture is too much for a seven year little girl? How long would you have to torture her to see if her father would break. I contend that she would die? After all, her father is the leader of the terrorist cell and with such a sinister nature it seems evident that he places little value on human life.

Your decision included how you believed all fathers would react if it were their daughter. However, I do not believe it can be argued here that this father is like all other fathers who would feel compassion for the suffering of his little girl. In addition, he should not be compared to all other men for the most obvious reason; most other men are not intent on the mass destruction of human lives. I conclude that perhaps he would feel bad for his daughter, but he would not relent. In many terrorist religions and/or radical beliefs, it is honorable to die or have one of your family members die for what is believed to be the greater good- for the cause.

I do though agree that there is no easy answer to this or most situational ethics questions. Howbeit, at the same time, I believe there resides a deeper moral issue here. That is, should an innocent person be tortured so that other innocent people are allowed to live. This is not a simple matter of numbers but it addresses the of value of all human life. How valuable is one life in the eyes of God?

In closing, you stated that though the act of torturing her would haunt you for the rest of your life, you would torture her nevertheless. I believe the reason you know you would be haunted by such an act is the same reason I believe it is morally wrong- because a seven year old girl is an innocent victim. Myself, I would not want her life whether by torture or death to be required at my hands.

To all who read this blog...
One last thought on this subject of greater good (the ends justifies the means.) When faced with any moral dilemma, before you act, ask yourself..."Just what would Jesus do?"
-

To the Lady Screaming Over the Radio...

To the Lady screaming over the radio in an attempt to persuade Houstonians to join the out-of-touch folks at Occupy Houston:

I don't care how many people agree with your opinion- numbers don't make you right. I don't care how loud you can scream- screaming loudly doesn't mean I should believe you. I don't care how much you think you know- it doesn't mean you know what you're talking about. In fact, the more ill opinionated you are as you scream at the top of your lungs regarding things you are obviously wrong about-- the more likely I am to ignore what you are saying as I group you in with the mentally hapless wondering the streets. And stop saying you are speaking for all Americans--- you are NOT speaking for me!

I do not want to financially support anyone other than my own family-unless you are old or helpless- and that includes all those abusing the bloated system we have now- I have no desire to live in a socialist republic. I am not asking for a free educational ride, just a reasonably priced one- again, I have no desire to live in a socialist republic. I do not believe because you become successful that you should be punished, taxed ruthlessly, or pay more than your share. I do believe we should do away with most tax loopholes but still offer corporate incentives or we can kiss many major U.S. corporations goodbye. And while I'm on taxes, I believe all the lazy slobs, from the lower class to upper class, who are cheating and lying their way out of paying any taxes ought to pay up or shut up. I work hard for what I earn and I pay my taxes. What I am tired of are those parasites who feast on the hard working classes, expecting more and more while being determined to continue doing nothing at all. I am not asking for free health care coverage and I am tired of paying for the free coverage of others when my own son, a minor, gets zilch. I like social security retirement, disability for the truly disabled, and veterans assistance programs. So stop saying you are speaking for me, because you are not.

If our U.S. economy crashed what would happen among the socioeconomic classes? The wealthy would make a way through it, the middle class and the even harder working lower middle class would make it through it, the lower class who work hard and long hours doing work no one else wants to do--they would make it too. But those that live off the backs of others...do you know what they would do? They would rob, maim, steal, destroy and do whatever they had to to get what they "believe" was theirs. Why? Because that is all they have ever done and this generation now believes it is owed to them. Work is a strange word to them. Its sound is foreign to their ears and even more foreign to their minds.

So please stop saying you speak for ALL Americans when it is clear you do not. You are speaking for those who believe America is a place to cash-in, lay around, collect all you can, and contribute nothing. Go to Greece and find out exactly how that type of society ends up!

I still advocate that we return to the rule "If you are able bodied and you don't work, you don't eat."

Nuff said.

To Torture or Not to Torture

This past weekend I posted a situational ethics question to my friends and family here on FB. The question had been assigned by my Philosophy professor (see my wall for the details- it involved torturing a seven year old girl to save millions.) I want to thank all of you who responded on FB, those that called me (lol) as well as those that I called or hunted down for additional insight. I just submitted my short response paper and felt since you so graciously gave- so should I. Here is my paper:

I believe the appropriate moral response to this situation would not include torturing the seven year old girl. I do not believe the shedding of innocent blood serves any greater good; not by God's standard anyway. Moses, in Deuteronomy 27:25, charged the people saying that the shedding of innocent blood (of people) was a curse.

I actually read this discussion board requirement last week and this situational ethics question really got me thinking. I asked my self one question, “What is the greater good- not by man’s understanding or reasoning, but by God’s?”

I posed this scenario to many of my friends, both Christian and non-Christian. I was truly surprised at the number of people, including some of my Christian friends, who said they could torture the child. The sentiment seemed to be the sacrifice of one life for the lives of many would be similar to what Jesus had done.  However, that did not set well with me because it seemed they had their thinking backwards. Jesus died for the sins of the entire world not for one man’s sin. To me, this seemed to be a human nature idea of justification. Should this one innocent child be a sacrificial lamb? Was she not as innocent as those in the city?

Then, compelled to find deeper spiritual insight, I spoke with several ministerial friends. The consensus here was a bit mixed and each side presented scripture that supported their opinion. This caused me to languish as I wrestled with what my moral response would be.  I kept wondering what would Jesus do?

I tried to think about all the people living in the major metropolitan city who would never realize the danger they were in; people, family members, and/or friends I might know myself in potential danger of being disintegrated. Next, I put myself in the interrogator’s position. I couldn’t help it; I was continually reminded that this is a seven year old girl, not an adult, not a convicted criminal, and not her father. From all understood regards, she is innocent- as innocent as the millions who will perish if she is not tortured. If the father was willing to be tortured and see millions of innocent people die, would he really be moved that his daughter might suffer? I reasoned he probably would not. Should she pay for her father's sin? Should I, a student of the Word of God and partaker of its truths, become like the terrorist and willfully engage in shedding innocent blood?  I thought of every Bible story and parable and looked up scripture after scripture to find a moral compass to direct my heart toward the best moral answer. At last, I have humbly prayed and asked God; I found my answer.

You see, I could never do it. I could never torture the child even if it meant the deaths of millions of people because her innocent blood would be required on my hands on that final Day of Judgment and the innocent blood of the millions in the city would be required on the hands of the terrorist. I was reminded by a wonderful youth pastor that God is the defender of the defenseless. In this case, not only are the millions of people in the city defenseless, but also the little girl. Would I be willing to work against God? My final answer was “No I would not.”

I’ve Been Praying for You All of My Son’s Life

Written for Belinda

Since my son was young I have prayed for you. I’ve prayed, “Lord, choose a girl whose love is pure;

Dear Lord, let her love be first focused on You, and then, oh God, let her heart beat true.

Find for him one whose love is tender and rare.”

I’ve been praying for you all of my son’s life,

Praying, “Lord, help him to select his perfect wife.”

I wept, “Dear Jesus, help him pick just the right one.

A young woman who will love him knowing he is Your son;

One who will follow as he walks the path You have laid.

Make her humble and bold, timid but fearless, strong yet meek.

Place within her a heart of gold— bind them together while they travel their road.”

I’ve been praying for you all of my son’s life,

Praying, “Lord, help him to select his perfect wife.”

I cared not for what you looked like, neither shape nor color of skin;

I cared not for the things that you have or own, but what shines from within.

My one and only prayer was that you would love the Lord

With all that you are and all that you are yet to become.

I’ve been praying for you all of my son’s life

Praying, “Lord, help him to select his perfect wife.”

I’ve raised my son to honor and cherish the things that he loves,

To be a man who is honest and true, not only to God but also to you.

Each time I prayed, I pictured you there;

But I saw not your eyes, your smile, nor hair.

Instead I saw a soul radiating love and kindness, a bond so deep,

Virtue so true— I saw in your heart God’s love shining through.

You see sweet Belinda…

I’ve been praying for You all of my son’s life

Praying, “Lord, help Matthew to select his perfect wife.”

♥ Mom

 

Lop-sided and Upside Down--- It's Time to Right Oursleves!

This was passed on to me by Martha Lynn Weatheread Smith and Wade Hickman.

I've added a thought (my initials) and will add and update it as time permits.
While many of us struggle and worry about tomorrow, our politicians sit pretty playing with the future of our country and our people...

Salary of the US President: $400,000.
Salary of retired US Presidents: $180,000.
Salary of House/Senate: $174, 000.
Salary of Speaker of the House: $223,500.
Salary of Majority/Minority Leaders: $193,400
Average Salary of Soldier DEPLOYED IN IRAQ: $38,000

MLC: Action-we need action to follow solid, realistic and sustainable ideas; not empty promises nor sullen discord. When the senate has too much power, it is no longer an effective part of government. As responsible citizens, the times require us to cut, cap, and become responsible (balance)...a government of and for the people should be required to do the same. And this leads me to analyze... is our government really a true representative of the people anymore?

~Feel free to leave your own thoughts.

We Choose Our Attitude--

What do bad attitudes do to us?
Sours our confidence
Misdirects our efforts
Dilutes our stamina and purpose
Jams our planning
Cuts us off from help...

Excuses are really expressions of a bad attitude. :\

The good news is that a lousy attitude is optional; you can change it!

The pessimist complains about the world
The optimist expects a better wind
The person with character changes the sail

We create our problems-- and expect God to fix them, but He chooses what we will go through--- you choose HOW you will go through it.
~ Elmer Towns

My $0.02 contribution for July 18, 2011
♥ =o]

Tolerance- the world's standard or God's-- how tolerant are we?

 

 

We are on a journey, and to safely reach our destination we must use a map. The Word of God is our Road Map and it will help us not only reach the destination safely, but it provides a way to help others begin their road journey as well. To continue on our road trip, we will need daily tolerance.

A vital element needed for the Church today is tolerance. No, not tolerance as the world dictates but Godly tolerance.

For Christians, knowing and understanding what it means to live a tolerant life is not about accepting the world’s view on tolerance--you have your truth and I have mine. It is about respecting and loving individuals and their right to their opinions, while continually seeking the truth ourselves.

Godly tolerance is neither embracing nor putting up with false ideas, rather Godly tolerance adheres to the traditional meaning of tolerance: it’s about how we treat people; not their ideas.

So how can Christians behave with Godly tolerance? Let's check the Road Map:
Romans 12:16~ “Live in harmony with one and other. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.”
Romans 12:18~  “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Ephesians 4:2~!  “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one and other in love.”
Ephesians 4:32~  “Be kind and compassionate to one and other, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you.”
Galatians 6:10~  “Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, …”

Do not travel your journey alone. Do not let love be just a thing (a noun) in your life, but allow love to be a dynamic action verb that you demonstrate beginning with Godly tolerance. Enjoy your journey and help as many folks as possible to begin their own!

What is the GREATEST evidence that Jesus Christ is real?

When all intellect and irrefutable evidences have been declared, what is the greatest proof that 1) Jesus Christ is who he said he is, 2) He did what he said he would do and, 3) Christianity is really real?

The miraculous transformation of a sinner to a Christian... the changed life of a Christian is the most powerful evidence that God is real. For many, we become living examples of God's love, grace, and mercy in action.

Paul to the Thessalonians said, "Do you know that all over the provinces of both Macedonia and Achaia believers look up to you? The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master's Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don't even have to say anything anymore—you're the message! People come up and tell us how you received us with open arms, how you deserted the dead idols of your old life so you could embrace and serve God, the true God. They marvel at how expectantly you await the arrival of his Son, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescued us from certain doom."  ~1Thessalonians 1:7-8

Science: A Pseudo Religion

Is Science a pseudo religion you ask? The answer can only be sustained by either one of two answers-
No, it is not a religion because evidence proves no God exists...
or ...
Yes, it is a religion because they have chosen this belief based on personal choice which was developed based on their way of looking at the world (their personal worldview.)

Think about it...
Science uses empirical data to arrive at conclusions; therefore the conclusions wrought from empirical evidence are true.

Ask the atheist or agnostic scientist if they have a religious belief system; to be either atheist or agnostic they must answer "no."

Therefore, to reach their conclusion they must have used neutral, empirical testing to formulate their true conclusion; the evidence has brought them to their belief. SO---again, science has objectively through neutral, empirical evidence proved either of their systems of belief to be true, science has conclusively established that the origin of life, has conclusive explanation for the miraculous, and conclusively established how we go from being inorganic to organic?

The problem--- science has no conclusion to any of the above examples.

So if there is no empirical evidence to support their belief system, it must be a personal choice.

James W. Dow, in A Scientific Definition of Religion states, “The scientist must understand religion as the complex workings of a human brain that is not responding directly to observable reality. The cause of religious behavior for the scientist does not lie in myth but in an understanding of why human beings do and think what they do.”
In order for this to be true, there has to be empirical evidence.

Dictionary.com defines religion as:
1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
2.
a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects.
3.
the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices.

The only conclusion that we can draw from all of this information is that religion is a personal choice. Atheist and agnostic scientist adhere to the attributes of both definitions and the conclusion.

Therefore, those who adhere to their atheist and agnostic principles do so not based on science or scientific evidence, but out of their own personal choice...making them members of a pseudo religion.

The end.

It's nearly July 4th & my mind turns toward patriotic thoughts...

"The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil Constitution, are worth defending at all hazards; and it is our duty to defend them against all attacks. We have received them as a fair inheritance from our worthy ancestors: they purchased them for us with toil and danger and expense of treasure and blood, and transmitted them to us with care and diligence. It will bring an everlasting mark of infamy on the present generation, enlightened as it is, if we should suffer them to be wrested from us by violence without a struggle, or to be cheated out of them by the artifices of false and designing men."~ Samuel Adams

"The patriot's blood is the seed of Freedom's tree."~ Campbell Thomas

"Part of our essential humanity is paying respect to what God gave us and what will be here a long time after we're gone."~ William J. Clinton

“The issues of the world must be met and met squarely. The forces of evil do not disdain preparation, they are always prepared and always preparing... The welfare of America, the cause of civilization will forever require the contribution, of some part of the life, of all our citizens, to the natural, the necessary, and the inevitable demand for the defense of the right and the truth.”~ Calvin Coolidge

"No man can put a chain about the ankle of his fellow man without at last finding the other end fastened about his own neck."~ Frederick Douglas

"Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined."~ Patrick Henry

"American and Israel share a special bond. Our relationship is unique among all nations. Like America, Israel is a strong democracy, a symbol of freedom, and an oasis of liberty, a home to the oppressed and persecuted."~ William J. Clinton

"There comes a time when even peace loving people have to fight. It seemed to me that far too many of us had forgotten the real issue in all of this - the people. More precisely, the American people - our Founding Fathers, our veterans, our military, our civil servants and even regular folk - those who have died or could die in the service of this country - in establishing, protecting and maintaining our freedom. If this isn't enough of a reason to go anywhere to fight anyone - to preserve the American way of life - then what is there left on this earth that matters at all? God help us!
We are lucky to live in the United States of America - and this privilege didn't come cheap. Our Founding Fathers were not cowards. They made immense sacrifices to establish this Great Nation in freedom - not the least of which was going to war with the enemy of that freedom. All of those who have fought in the subsequent wars and conflicts and those who are fighting today have continued to make sacrifices in order to defend those original ideals. Even now, our civil servants, particularly Firefighters and Police, are making sacrifices to maintain the quality of our lives in this freedom.
If you are not willing to do everything in your power to defend this Great Nation, even taking up arms if it is necessary, then who will? If you will not defend America, that is your choice - but sit in silence and do not criticize those brave and valiant individuals who have the sense of duty, the measure of courage and the determination of heart to protect America... and, I might add, your cowardly soul."
~ Author-The Blood of Heroes
http://www.fdnylodd.com/9-11-Never-Forget/Memorials/Blood-Of-Heroes.html

"The men who create power make an indispensable contribution to the Nation’s greatness, but the men who question power make a contribution just as indispensable, especially when that questioning is disinterested, for they determine whether we use power or power uses us."~ John F. Kennedy

A look at oursleves is always good-- a simple thought:

Fun info for all-- Hmmm--- Christmas and Easter originally did not use eggs and bunnies nor trees, socks, ornaments...well you get the idea. Every time the holidays come around we go through the same arguments pro or con. OK, don't flip out, there's a point here and this really is meant to be a lighthearted look at ourselves...so stay calm. =o]

So if you don't put up a tree or hunt for eggs...well, or if you do... do you ever knock on wood? Or call Wednesday, "Wednesday." Or what about Thursday and Friday...how 'bout Tuesday- do you use these days of the week and call them by their names?

If so, you should know that Wednesday is actually Woden's Day or Odin's Day which is the name for a Germanic mythical Zeus-type god. Thursday is actually Thor's Day (the Nors mythical god of thunder, lighting, and farming), Tuesday and Friday are named after minor goddesses, and each time you "knock on wood" you ought to know that it is an old pagan gesture meant to call forth spirits from within the wood.

Now- what's the point? We live in a time when what we choose to do is determined by the depth of our character and that is reliant upon the condition of our soul. When you've hung socks, put up a tree, knocked on wood or made plans to meet a friend on Wednesday...you did so in the simple earnestness of heart and were not giving voice nor reason to the ways and traditions from thousands of years ago.

Some may argue that sin simply rolls forward because it does not know time...and this is true. Therefore, they argue,if we initiate putting up socks or giving an Easter basket we participate in pagan worship and ritual. So then why should we continue to use of days of the week- lest we give support to a pagan ideology? Should we then separate ourselves, to prove that we support Biblical foundational truths? I believe foundational truths are the backbone of God's church, but I ask you-- when is the last time you read your Bible in Latin? You don't? So, to be walking uprightly, should we all return to reading the Bible in its original language? Who is the decider of what can be used for God's glory and what can be used to oppose His glory?

The truth is that we no longer read the Bible in Latin, just like Christians do not observe the same lifestyles from ancient times or the medieval church centuries ago because time and cultures have changed...and I for one say, "Thank God they have!" However, God's and His Word never change! What we must do is align all parts of our lives with God's word-- undiluted and without a price tag...let everything we do and say give glory to God alone.

Ok, that's my prattling for today-- over and out.

Jesus Christ - truth or fiction

This is not a paper for class, but more of a way that I was organizing information I had researched and needed for a paper. I found all of it refreshing as well as an affirmation to my soul. I've paraphrased most of it and quoted when necessary— I felt others would find it interesting as well. So here it is...

Millions have staked their eternal destiny upon Jesus Christ and His promises. They have established their lives by His principles. If Jesus story is a lie, it is the greatest hoax ever executed, but if it is true one must take it seriously; failing to do so could cost an individual everything. At some point every man must stop and ask himself, who is Jesus Christ and why must I follow him?

Believing in the Lord takes faith, but being persuaded (that’s what Paul stated, “I am persuaded…” Romans 8:38-39) takes evidence.

For years, secular minds have attempted to disprove the Bible through the use of reason, logic, and evidence. None have yet to find valid claim to disprove the Word of God, but many secularists including naturalists, and humanists have been converted in the process after only finding evidence to the contrary.

How about we look at it through the laws of science…if something is relevant (it bears truth) it can be supported by logic, reason, and evidence. Let’s look at what has caused secular minds to confirm that the Bible is “relevant" (historically accurate, authors are trustworthy, unified, and accurate copies of the original manuscripts have been passed down for others):

While it took…

over 1,600 years and 66 books for the Old and New Testaments to be written

and …

it was written by numerous men (40) from many different backgrounds and cultures

and…

it was written in three languages (Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic.)

and…

it contains one central theme- Jesus Christ; in the OT he is foretold, in the NT he is realized

and…

it is unified with one message- man’s dilemma is sin and its only solution is redemption and salvation in Jesus Christ…

YET it is congruent and consistent throughout.

It is one of few ancient books that has been verified by other ancient text to be more than 95% accurate. The 5% variations do not affect the content or doctrine of the written text (Scripture.) Furthermore, the NT is the only book among ancient philosophy and literature to have been copied so many times (5,366) yet contains its textual accuracy. This accuracy is in comparison to ancient books written by Herodotus, Plato, Demosthenes, Caesar, Livy, Tacitus, and Pliny Seceundus. Of which, Demosthenes is the oldest, ca. 1,400 years ago and also the second most copied with only 200 copies.

At first this may not sound like a big deal, until you remember— the NT writings began in the 1st and 2nd centuries with the four gospels…not in the middle of the 15th century.

There are characteristics only found validated in the Word of God— the Bible bears out scientific knowledge before its time.

Astronomers, doctors, and scientist of long ago, in times and cultures that did not use scientific approach or laws, formulated ideas (largely superstitious) which they held to be foundational truths. However, the Bible contains truths which have since been proven true and are now supported by modern science. These truths could only have been included in the Bible by divine instruction and thought by the One who created all that is. Here are a few examples:

The human body:

In Numbers 19: 17, 19 we read about the need for cleanliness (washing) to prevent the spread of disease.

Not until 1840 did Dr. Semmelweis discover the need for doctors (people) to wash their hands to prevent disease.

The earth:

2,000 to 3,000 years before men had the ability to understand these phenomena the Bible records discoveries such as:

II Samuel 22:16, Job 38:16, and Psalm 18: 15 states that the ocean floor contains deep valleys and huge mountains.

Ancient men believed the ocean floor to be flat, sandy, and have a bowl-like shape.

Moses wrote about leaving ground lay fallow in the seventh year (to allow the earth to replenish itself) in Exodus 23:10-11.

This was a lesson well ahead of its time. We see the importance of this principle re-play out as late as the Great Dustbowl in the 1930’s, when men were reminded of this principle as well as the need for crop rotation.

The heavens:

In Genesis 1:1, 8, 14-17, and Jeremiah 31:37 we find the writers teaching that the heavens have not existed for eternity but had an origin. The Bible records that the heavens are not near us nor fixed but that they were expansive, spreading out as well as being without number.

For centuries men and scientist believed the earth to be fixed, the center of the universe, and all other planets rotated around it. In fact, Galileo, a known Christian of the 1,600’s, was charged with heresy because he found, believed, and taught that the earth and other planets rotate around the sun.

Examination of historical text concludes that the writers of the Bible had to be full of integrity for the works to be so congruent and consistent.

(Remember, these authors staked their lives upon it, were rejected for it, beaten because of it, jailed for teaching it, and killed for proclaiming it.)

The Old Testament has over 100 specific predictions of Jesus Christ coming as the Messiah. They include his birth, his life, and his death- each prophecy was fulfilled.

Jesus Christ had no human control over where he would be born, live as a youth and young man, or where he would die. In addition, secular science has disproved the probability that Jesus could have deliberately tried to fulfill all the prophecies- the astronomical number for probability alone would take a leap of faith to believe such a theory.

Jesus Christ claimed to be God- but human nature speaks for itself—so an examination of His life should tell us about his character—yet history records that he lived a simple, shameless life, was without blame, respected by the people but despised by religious rulers, and the people referred to him as what they saw him for “Lamb of God”, You are the Christ, the Son of the Loving God”, “You are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel”, “Savior of the World”, “We believe and know that you are the Holy one of God”, “Yes, Lord…I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God”, “Surely he was the Son of God” My Lord and my God”, “I and the Father are one.”

Jesus Christ was born in a humble place, lived a notable public life, taught in Jewish temples as well as in the city and on the road, was accused of saying he was God, was crucified and hung upon the cross for three days, then laid in a borrowed tomb, which was found empty on the third day, and the historical written account in I Corinthians A.D. 35 speaks of first-hand accounts of Jesus Christ being seen by individuals and groups after the third day.

The most notable and prominent writer of the New Testament is Apostle Paul (Saul of Tarsus) who was once a Jewish Scholar (a Pharisee) who adamantly persecuted Christ followers. He was skilled and highly educated and made sure to rely on crucial and critical analysis by finding reliable, first-hand eye witnesses/sources outside of his own life accounts and personal testimony. In fact, written account bears out that he went to great lengths to confirm that his records bore the truth. He made a return trip to Jerusalem where he conferred with the three most notable leaders of the early church, James, Peter, and John; they found his teachings and writings without error.

So now we pause to stop and ask ourselves again, “Who is Jesus Christ?”

To make the claims and teach what is recorded, Jesus was either a liar, a lunatic, simply a prophet,… or he really was who he said he was.

If Jesus were a liar or a lunatic, the history of ancient times would have buried his name with the other liars and lunatics of their times. If he were truly just a prophet he would not claim that he was God manifest in the flesh; the reason the Jewish leaders had him crucified.

So if he was neither liar, lunatic, nor simply just a prophet, then reason, logic, and evidence all point to one conclusion…he must be who he said he was— Savior of the World, Lord of Lords, and worthy of all devotion and praise because he is God.

“You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is the Son of God: or else a mad man or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill him as a demon; or you can fall at his feet and call Him Lord and God.” C.S. Lewis (Mere Christianity, p. 56).

And that leaves a decision to be made….eternity is the destination… and your soul deserves the right answer.

Resources:

Geisler, Dr. N (2004). How Do We Know the Bible is the Word of God? Colorado

Springs, CO: ISI International, Inc.

Hindson & Craner ((2008). The Popular Encyclopedia of Apologetics: Surveying the Truth for the Evidence of Christianity. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers

King James Bible (1987). The Holy Bible. Nashvile, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

God's Strategies

To men, God's strategies do not always seem the most logical. However, if God says to cross through the Red Sea, do it. If He says send men to drink water, do it. If He tells you to walk around the walls of a city, do it. If he tells you to formulate and then create a life strategies series, do it...and if he tells you to build a school by nothing more than a vision, do it.

You see, God's strategies may not seem the most logical to us, but if we just take that step of faith and trust that He knows best, we like all those who trusted before us, will find His way is complete, infinitely more wise, and always the most fruitful.

Have a blessed day!

Resurrection Morning ~ What a glorious day!

Amidst the celebration, it is important that we remember and focus on the true meaning of Easter…that Jesus Christ willfully shed his blood and laid down his life to give us eternal life.

God was in the world and the world knew him not; they beat him and crucified him believing it would make a difference---and it did...just not they way they thought.

Through the shedding of Jesus blood, atonement was made for the sins of all men once and for all time. At the moment of his death, the veil to the Holy of Holies was torn in half giving all men, both Jew and Gentile, direct access to the Living God, forever.

They buried him, believing that would be the end of it all…but it was only just the beginning.

On the third day, he overpowered death, hell, and the grave. He lives!

I am thankful for an old rugged cross, an empty tomb, and for the Resurrected Saviour of the world.

Have you ever wondered about the between times?

The world stood in silence as the spotless Lamb hung on the cross। Most in attendance looked on, not realizing the act of love they were witnessing as the divine Creator willfully laid down his life for them. They mocked and laughed.

What did those who loved Jesus do in the between time from nine to noon when sand began to swirl and darkness began to descend? What were their thoughts?

Many of Jesus followers watched from a distance, and only a handful drew near the cross; John, Mary the mother of Jesus and Jude his brother, Salome (John's mother), Mary the wife of Clopas and sister of Jesus' mother, Mary Magdalene, and Rebecca (of Sepphoris), and a group of earnest women believers.

What happened, other than what is written in the scripture, from noon to three in the afternoon? What was on the mind of those that loved Jesus?

Some believe that the women stayed at the cross until Jesus died, while others believe that Jesus sent away Mary, and the other women of her family as well as Mary Magdalene and John's mother. Whichever is the case, it is clear that John was present when Jesus took his last breath.

Jesus died and the earth groaned.

Have you ever thought about what happened in the between time after John watched as Joseph and Nicodemus took away the body of Jesus?

Surely, after the death of the Jesus Christ the women left; the men with them as they helped find a resting place for the women. I can see them in my mind's eye, walking away, broken hearted, heads cast down, tear stains upon their faces, fresh tears slowly streaming down, the lingering remembrance of the promise of eternal life now seemed like a distant hope.

John, walking alone, an ache in his heart, but eyes lifted toward the heavens and clinging to the promise of the third day.

All of the earth's hope rested in the morning of the third day.

Why Crucification Friday is important to me...

Above all powers above all kings

Above all nature and all created things

Above all wisdom and all the ways of man

You were here before the world began

Above all kingdoms

above all thrones

Above all wonders the world has ever known

Above all wealth and treasure of the earth

There's no way to measure what You're worth

Crucified laid behind a stone

You lived to die rejected and alone

Like a rose trampled on the ground

You took the fall and thought of me

Above all

~ Michael W. Smith/Artist