It's with a heavy heart that I say that. Because I have put MUCH time and energy in to that blog. I have never made it a "secret" of my belief in the Paranormal or of the things I have personally witnessed and/or experienced.
I've done pieces on various *reportedly and infamously* haunted places. Done writings on various Paranormal topics, and have openly discussed my own experiences or those of my husband and children.
ParanorMel is primarily centered around the topics of ghosts and hauntings. But I have been known to speak of other things such as UFOs and aliens.
Personally, I feel that I have done pretty much everything that I can to "attract" readers and readership. But alas obviously, to no avail.
So, I'm at a point now that if my efforts of piecing together posts on that blog (which CAN and HAVE been tedious to do, depending on need of information or media availability such as videos) are in so-called "vain" then I'm wondering why I'm doing it? It's most certainly not to hear myself talk (so to speak). But to educate others, let others think for themselves and have the opportunity to voice THEIR views and opinions without ridicule or being called nuts or crazy for their beliefs and what they themselves may have experienced within the Paranormal realm.
Honestly, I don't care if you (generally speaking) have a difference of opinion or view. As long as you state your difference in a manner of civility and respectfulness, then I say POST IT and be HEARD. I'm a big girl and I know that I will NEVER always "be right" or will always have people agree with what I see, think and feel about the subject. That's not how life works.
ParanorMel was started as a way to let others see that they are NOT alone in their quest for answers in the world of the "unknown" and as a way for me to document personal experiences of (primarily) myself and of my kids, whom have had experiences of one kind or another since toddler-hood.
I enjoy sharing the stories of experiences with my readers. But when you don't hear from anyone about 99% of the time about what you have written, it's (I feel) time to let it go and move on. And it saddens me that I have come to this point with that blog, seeing as I LOVE journaling there about the Paranormal.
But at what "price" to myself and MY TIME? I take time out of MY day to write posts, some of which CAN and have taken as much as 45 minutes to write, depending on the subject and what media content I wish to place in the piece. And to have my work subsequently 'ignored' 99% out of 100% of the time, to me is obscene and a proverbial "slap in the face" to me and my work.
My time could be better well spent, in all honesty. But I write for various reasons. And in ParanorMel, I write as to give others hope, reassurance, and to see what my "paranormal life" is like.
With that said, I feel that it may be time to "close up shop" over on that blog and call it a day. Thoughts?
***SIDE NOTE... This post will be *duplicated* in to ParanorMel as well.***
My work is ORIGINAL...Don't be a thief.
What is written in this blog, is of the author's own originality. It contains the sole views, thoughts, and stories of this blog's author.
Showing posts with label belief. Show all posts
Showing posts with label belief. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Bible Q&A Day
Welcome to Bible Q&A Day, where I will quote a question from the book (information provided below), word for word as it is printed in the book its self, and under it, provide the answer. From there, under the (****), I will give MY PERSONAL thoughts/views/feelings regarding the answer that was provided.
*Each question and it's following answer will be provided by "500 Questions And Answers From The Bible" (Mark Fackler, Editor, 2006, Barbour Publishing Inc.)*
(Genesis 1:26)
Q; What's important about being made in God's "image"?
A; Humans are not replicas of God, but we do share certain common characteristics with God. God is all-knowing, all-powerful, all-present, perfectly good, holy, and loving. We are not. But like God, we are spiritual, rational, emotional, communicative, and moral beings. We have dignity, purpose, and meaning. And we can experience the bonds of personal relationships.
******************************************************************
Funny that this one came up after the week I've just had, where I'd taken my youngest on a play date at a friend's house, where us three moms talked about various topics, including religion and beliefs as the girls all played.
Now, these weren't three Christian ladies, mind you. You had a Hindu mom, a New Age mom and a Christian mom. As we sat there at the table talking about what we each individually believe, and how much alike our three belief systems are, we all realized some strong commonalities.
1) There was a Higher Power that (at least) helped to create the universe and all things that are in it. Including us.
2) There is another life after this one is over.
3) We were all made in God's image.
The only real "dispute" among us (which really wasn't a dispute, being we are mature enough to discuss differences without fighting like rabbits and dogs) was how many "gods" that there are in existence and/or control of us and the universe.
My New Age friend feels that we have two creators. A God and a Goddess.
My Hindu friend believes in many Gods and Goddesses. So many I think my brain would hurt trying to keep track (lol).
Of course, being a Christian, I believe that there is only one God and Creator.
Now, "made in His image", I see not so much as a physical trait that God is speaking of, but of the deeper inner workings of our being. We were made to love others, to help others and to be the rulers over His creations (plants and animals lower than ourselves).
The only issue that I have with the above answer is the last sentence.. "And we can experience the bonds of personal relationships". Because while indeed, we CAN experience a PERSONAL bond or relationship with those here in the physical sense, I find great difficulty having a personal "relationship" (as in deeply like with your children or husband/partner) with someone you cannot see, touch, or smell.
Yes, as Christians, we must trust by faith alone. But it makes it no easier, at least for me to have that "personal" bond or relationship with God. Maybe this stems from what I went through as a preteen and teenager. Or maybe even earlier, being I felt cursed for something that I didn't do, but got "punished" anyways.
In all honesty, I have NEVER, ever really felt that close, intimate bond with Christ. I love Him. I believe in Him. I believe in what He did for me and the world on the cross. But I just cannot feel THAT intimately close to Him, no matter how hard I try to.
So, I don't take the "made in His image" to heart or to a level of being on an exact level myself.
If you like this new series, and wish to do so, GRAB MY BUTTON (below) and share it, and let others know that on Wednesday's and Sunday's, a new "Bible Q&A Day" post will be put out.
Please feel free to also share your thoughts and ideals in the comment area. Just keep it CIVIL, is all that I ask. Debate is great! But I will NOT have fights.
*Each question and it's following answer will be provided by "500 Questions And Answers From The Bible" (Mark Fackler, Editor, 2006, Barbour Publishing Inc.)*
(Genesis 1:26)
Q; What's important about being made in God's "image"?
A; Humans are not replicas of God, but we do share certain common characteristics with God. God is all-knowing, all-powerful, all-present, perfectly good, holy, and loving. We are not. But like God, we are spiritual, rational, emotional, communicative, and moral beings. We have dignity, purpose, and meaning. And we can experience the bonds of personal relationships.
******************************************************************
Funny that this one came up after the week I've just had, where I'd taken my youngest on a play date at a friend's house, where us three moms talked about various topics, including religion and beliefs as the girls all played.
Now, these weren't three Christian ladies, mind you. You had a Hindu mom, a New Age mom and a Christian mom. As we sat there at the table talking about what we each individually believe, and how much alike our three belief systems are, we all realized some strong commonalities.
1) There was a Higher Power that (at least) helped to create the universe and all things that are in it. Including us.
2) There is another life after this one is over.
3) We were all made in God's image.
The only real "dispute" among us (which really wasn't a dispute, being we are mature enough to discuss differences without fighting like rabbits and dogs) was how many "gods" that there are in existence and/or control of us and the universe.
My New Age friend feels that we have two creators. A God and a Goddess.
My Hindu friend believes in many Gods and Goddesses. So many I think my brain would hurt trying to keep track (lol).
Of course, being a Christian, I believe that there is only one God and Creator.
Now, "made in His image", I see not so much as a physical trait that God is speaking of, but of the deeper inner workings of our being. We were made to love others, to help others and to be the rulers over His creations (plants and animals lower than ourselves).
The only issue that I have with the above answer is the last sentence.. "And we can experience the bonds of personal relationships". Because while indeed, we CAN experience a PERSONAL bond or relationship with those here in the physical sense, I find great difficulty having a personal "relationship" (as in deeply like with your children or husband/partner) with someone you cannot see, touch, or smell.
Yes, as Christians, we must trust by faith alone. But it makes it no easier, at least for me to have that "personal" bond or relationship with God. Maybe this stems from what I went through as a preteen and teenager. Or maybe even earlier, being I felt cursed for something that I didn't do, but got "punished" anyways.
In all honesty, I have NEVER, ever really felt that close, intimate bond with Christ. I love Him. I believe in Him. I believe in what He did for me and the world on the cross. But I just cannot feel THAT intimately close to Him, no matter how hard I try to.
So, I don't take the "made in His image" to heart or to a level of being on an exact level myself.
If you like this new series, and wish to do so, GRAB MY BUTTON (below) and share it, and let others know that on Wednesday's and Sunday's, a new "Bible Q&A Day" post will be put out.
Please feel free to also share your thoughts and ideals in the comment area. Just keep it CIVIL, is all that I ask. Debate is great! But I will NOT have fights.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
25 Days of Christmas (Day 5)
Today's post will be talking about the history and the origin of what is now a primarily Christian tradition.
"The True Origin Of Christmas"
Christmas traditions date back to the days of Pagan practices. In fact that is where Christmas truly started. And it had nothing to do with Jesus Christ, or His birth.
It was originally an ancient winter festival, the feast of the Son of Isis which was celebrated on December 25th. Partying, drinking and gift exchanging were all a part of the yearly holiday.
Over in Rome, they celebrated the Winter Solstice. That was celebrated many years before Jesus was ever born. The holiday at the time was called Saturnalia, where Saturn was honored as the god of Agriculture. In January they also celebrated Kalends, which celebrated triumph over death. It's entire season was named Dies Natalis Invicti Solis, the Birthday of the Unconquered Sun. In ancient Rome, Mummers would dress up and go around the neighborhoods, singing songs. From this "caroling" was given it's birth.
Over in northern Europe many of the traditions were believed to be of Christian worship in it's origins. These to were started long before Jesus Christ came on to the scene. The Pagans of the north celebrated their winter solstice named Yule. Yule was symbolic of the pagan Sun God, Mithras, being born, and was observed on the shortest day of the year. The custom included lighting candles and hope that Mithras and the sun would make an appearance the following year.
Yule logs at this time that were pretty big in size were burned in honor of the sun. Yule's meaning is "wheel". The wheel is a Pagan symbol representing the sun. Mistletoe was considered a sacred plant, and the custom of kissing under the mistletoe began as a fertility ritual.
As for the tree which in our current tradition of celebrating Christmas, it is the one symbol that has been able to united almost all the northern European winter solstices. The evergreen trees were brought home and werea reminder to the people that their crops will grow again once more. The Druids used the tree as a religious symbol, holding their sacred ceremonies while surrounding and worshiping huge trees.
Finally, in 350 AD, Pope Julius I declared that Christ’s birth would be celebrated on December 25. In doing so, even with no record of the exact date or time of the year Christ was born, though it is strongly believed to be within the Autumn months, the thought of a conversion to Christianity went more smoothly and people were not AS apprehensive. Seeing as their traditions of Paganism were not (at least completely) stripped away.
Christmas as we know it today, most historians agree, began in Germany, though Catholics and Lutherans still disagree about which church celebrated it first.
The earliest record of an evergreen being decorated in a Christian celebration was in 1521 in the Alsace region of Germany.
I encourage those that read this, and have the ability to do so, to watch the 5-part video series about the historical aspects of Christmas from History Channel.
Information for this post to be made possible provided by...
Christmas Pagan Origins
"The True Origin Of Christmas"
Christmas traditions date back to the days of Pagan practices. In fact that is where Christmas truly started. And it had nothing to do with Jesus Christ, or His birth.
It was originally an ancient winter festival, the feast of the Son of Isis which was celebrated on December 25th. Partying, drinking and gift exchanging were all a part of the yearly holiday.
Over in Rome, they celebrated the Winter Solstice. That was celebrated many years before Jesus was ever born. The holiday at the time was called Saturnalia, where Saturn was honored as the god of Agriculture. In January they also celebrated Kalends, which celebrated triumph over death. It's entire season was named Dies Natalis Invicti Solis, the Birthday of the Unconquered Sun. In ancient Rome, Mummers would dress up and go around the neighborhoods, singing songs. From this "caroling" was given it's birth.
Over in northern Europe many of the traditions were believed to be of Christian worship in it's origins. These to were started long before Jesus Christ came on to the scene. The Pagans of the north celebrated their winter solstice named Yule. Yule was symbolic of the pagan Sun God, Mithras, being born, and was observed on the shortest day of the year. The custom included lighting candles and hope that Mithras and the sun would make an appearance the following year.
Yule logs at this time that were pretty big in size were burned in honor of the sun. Yule's meaning is "wheel". The wheel is a Pagan symbol representing the sun. Mistletoe was considered a sacred plant, and the custom of kissing under the mistletoe began as a fertility ritual.
As for the tree which in our current tradition of celebrating Christmas, it is the one symbol that has been able to united almost all the northern European winter solstices. The evergreen trees were brought home and werea reminder to the people that their crops will grow again once more. The Druids used the tree as a religious symbol, holding their sacred ceremonies while surrounding and worshiping huge trees.
Finally, in 350 AD, Pope Julius I declared that Christ’s birth would be celebrated on December 25. In doing so, even with no record of the exact date or time of the year Christ was born, though it is strongly believed to be within the Autumn months, the thought of a conversion to Christianity went more smoothly and people were not AS apprehensive. Seeing as their traditions of Paganism were not (at least completely) stripped away.
Christmas as we know it today, most historians agree, began in Germany, though Catholics and Lutherans still disagree about which church celebrated it first.
The earliest record of an evergreen being decorated in a Christian celebration was in 1521 in the Alsace region of Germany.
I encourage those that read this, and have the ability to do so, to watch the 5-part video series about the historical aspects of Christmas from History Channel.
Information for this post to be made possible provided by...
Christmas Pagan Origins
Monday, August 9, 2010
Are you on FaceBook? Come see me here!
I've got many interests. It seems like at least one for every letter of the alphabet. *I wonder now how many of you started reciting your ABC's and put an interest with each letter...hehe.*
I now run two groups that I had started. And I own a couple of Fan/Like Pages for both this blog, and my ParanorMel blog, as well.
If you are a member of FaceBook, feel free to check out the following places that I hang out in when I'm not playing Cafe World (for Skyler!), posting videos to my wall, or looking in on my peeps.
The first one up is a place for the ladies ONLY! Sorry guys, you are barred from this room. And if we catch you, you get thrown out like a drunk in speedos at the nightclub.
The Ladies Room is a place for the ladies (married, divorced, single..we take them all!) to just chat, share recipes, vent, get or give advice and talk about much more...Relationships, raising kids, marriage, home-based topics. Even gab about current events, top news topics, celebrities, and entertainment.
This is a group for WOMEN only!! And all members MUST be 18 years of age, or older to be a part of the group. No exceptions! If you are found out to be a minor, or a male member, you WILL be removed, as well as BANNED from The Ladies Room. << Told ya we were harsh!
I Support Parents With SILENTLY Disabled Children is a group for Mothers, Fathers, Foster Parents or Legal Guardians of a child that is disabled by "SILENT" disabilities, such as any Mental Disorder/Illness/Disability, a physical handicap that isn't necessarily "visible" on the outside (like Lupus) or another type of "silent" disability... Get support, advice and be able to vent in a SAFE HAVEN where other caregivers/parents as yourself will "get you".
Parents/families with Non-Disabled children who may also like to learn more about Silent Disabilities, and/or wish to GIVE SUPPORT/ADVOCATE for children with SILENT disabilities and their parents, may join as well!
As for the Fan Pages, first up is The (Not Always) Happy Homemaker Diary page. Inside, you can get links to the most current, as well as past blog posts for the blog. It's an interactive area where you can post discussions, talk about the posts and much more.
And last, but most certainly not least, is the Fan Page over at FaceBook for my secondary blog, ParanorMel. Where, again, you can find the latest, as well as past blog post links. You can talk about YOUR experiences with the paranormal, post pictures, open topics on the Discussions tab and do so much more.
That seems to be all for this "plug post", today. I hope to see you come over and stop by. Join in the fun at one of, or better yet, all of these great, fun, supportive, and interactive places!
I now run two groups that I had started. And I own a couple of Fan/Like Pages for both this blog, and my ParanorMel blog, as well.
If you are a member of FaceBook, feel free to check out the following places that I hang out in when I'm not playing Cafe World (for Skyler!), posting videos to my wall, or looking in on my peeps.
The first one up is a place for the ladies ONLY! Sorry guys, you are barred from this room. And if we catch you, you get thrown out like a drunk in speedos at the nightclub.
The Ladies Room is a place for the ladies (married, divorced, single..we take them all!) to just chat, share recipes, vent, get or give advice and talk about much more...Relationships, raising kids, marriage, home-based topics. Even gab about current events, top news topics, celebrities, and entertainment.
This is a group for WOMEN only!! And all members MUST be 18 years of age, or older to be a part of the group. No exceptions! If you are found out to be a minor, or a male member, you WILL be removed, as well as BANNED from The Ladies Room. <
Parents/families with Non-Disabled children who may also like to learn more about Silent Disabilities, and/or wish to GIVE SUPPORT/ADVOCATE for children with SILENT disabilities and their parents, may join as well!
As for the Fan Pages, first up is The (Not Always) Happy Homemaker Diary page. Inside, you can get links to the most current, as well as past blog posts for the blog. It's an interactive area where you can post discussions, talk about the posts and much more.
And last, but most certainly not least, is the Fan Page over at FaceBook for my secondary blog, ParanorMel. Where, again, you can find the latest, as well as past blog post links. You can talk about YOUR experiences with the paranormal, post pictures, open topics on the Discussions tab and do so much more.
That seems to be all for this "plug post", today. I hope to see you come over and stop by. Join in the fun at one of, or better yet, all of these great, fun, supportive, and interactive places!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
ParanorMel...Can you DIG it?
What in the world does a girl have to do to get her blog noticed these days? Sheesh!
I've got a secondary blog around here that talks of shadows, voices, mists, things seen from the corner of your eye, and MUCH more.
If you KNOW me, you will know that I am in to the Paranormal. Primarily hauntings and ghosts/spirits/apparitions.
Over at ParanorMel, I talk (from time to time) of my own PERSONAL experiences with the Supernatural and the Unexplained. Plus, I find cool videos, post about different definitions in regards to hauntings, spirits, and the like.
If you are in to that sort of subject, or you have had your own experiences, feel free to hop on over and follow me. You can...
Ask questions.
Tell YOUR story.
Request subjects to be covered/featured.
Know that you are NOT alone.
Sounds good enough to try, you said? Then click on over to ParanorMel and jump right on in to the thick of things.
As an added bonus, ParanorMel also has a FACEBOOK Fan/Like Page of the same name. Feel free to join us there, too.
It's interactive and I LOVE hearing from you, my readers, and those that are interested in hauntings and ghosts. On BOTH pages.
I've got a secondary blog around here that talks of shadows, voices, mists, things seen from the corner of your eye, and MUCH more.
If you KNOW me, you will know that I am in to the Paranormal. Primarily hauntings and ghosts/spirits/apparitions.
Over at ParanorMel, I talk (from time to time) of my own PERSONAL experiences with the Supernatural and the Unexplained. Plus, I find cool videos, post about different definitions in regards to hauntings, spirits, and the like.
If you are in to that sort of subject, or you have had your own experiences, feel free to hop on over and follow me. You can...
Ask questions.
Tell YOUR story.
Request subjects to be covered/featured.
Know that you are NOT alone.
Sounds good enough to try, you said? Then click on over to ParanorMel and jump right on in to the thick of things.
As an added bonus, ParanorMel also has a FACEBOOK Fan/Like Page of the same name. Feel free to join us there, too.
It's interactive and I LOVE hearing from you, my readers, and those that are interested in hauntings and ghosts. On BOTH pages.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
I'm LONELY! Wanna join me and have some fun (and maybe a spook or two)?
What in the world does a girl have to do to get her blog noticed these days? Sheesh!
I've got a secondary blog around here that talks of shadows, voices, mists, things seen from the corner of your eye, and MUCH more.
If you KNOW me, you will know that I am in to the Paranormal. Primarily hauntings and ghosts/spirits/apparitions.
Over at ParanorMel, I talk (from time to time) of my own PERSONAL experiences with the Supernatural and the Unexplained. Plus, I find cool videos, post about different definitions in regards to hauntings, spirits, and the like.
If you are in to that sort of subject, or you have had your own experiences, feel free to hop on over and follow me. You can...
Ask questions.
Tell YOUR story.
Request subjects to be covered/featured.
Know that you are NOT alone.
Sounds good enough to try, you said? Then click on over to ParanorMel and jump right on in to the thick of things.
As an added bonus, ParanorMel also has a FACEBOOK Fan/Like Page of the same name. Feel free to join us there, too. It's interactive and I LOVE hearing from you, my readers, and those that are interested in hauntings and ghosts.
I've got a secondary blog around here that talks of shadows, voices, mists, things seen from the corner of your eye, and MUCH more.
If you KNOW me, you will know that I am in to the Paranormal. Primarily hauntings and ghosts/spirits/apparitions.
Over at ParanorMel, I talk (from time to time) of my own PERSONAL experiences with the Supernatural and the Unexplained. Plus, I find cool videos, post about different definitions in regards to hauntings, spirits, and the like.
If you are in to that sort of subject, or you have had your own experiences, feel free to hop on over and follow me. You can...
Ask questions.
Tell YOUR story.
Request subjects to be covered/featured.
Know that you are NOT alone.
Sounds good enough to try, you said? Then click on over to ParanorMel and jump right on in to the thick of things.
As an added bonus, ParanorMel also has a FACEBOOK Fan/Like Page of the same name. Feel free to join us there, too. It's interactive and I LOVE hearing from you, my readers, and those that are interested in hauntings and ghosts.
Friday, June 4, 2010
CDC, recalls, and kids. When did we as a society stop REALLY living?
I would be the first to admit it to you. I have not lead the most pristene, clean, upstanding, "perfect" life in this old world of ours. I have screwed up COUNTLESS time in my thirty-three years of living on this rocky, round land.
And for the most part, I live it without regret. And (again for the most part) I don't try to look back. Only ahead. What more can a person really and honestly do?
Over on Facebook, I belong to a Fan Page for the local news channel that I used to watch when I lived in Nevada (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Reno-NV/KOLO-8-News-Now/39225221502). One of today's topics is in regards to the McDonald's 'Shrek'-themed glasses being recalled, due to SUPPOSEDLY having too much Cadmium.
Can someone please tell me when the CDC, the Federal Government, Congress and other branches of Legislation forced kids to stop from being KIDS?
Because when I was little, I had the glasses that were sold/passed out with my Happy Meals of the Disney characters. I had drank water from my parent's garden hose. I ate glue. Hell, I even tried to eat a worm once, as I pretended that it was a piece of 'spaghetti'. I skated and rode my bike without a helmet and knee pads (which I DO wish we DID have back then). I even ate Silly Putty and took big old whiffs of the stuff (because it oddly smelled good to me).
What's the whole point of the list above? To show that as a child I LIVED. I had FUN. And guess what? I came out no worse for ware. I'm alive and kicking. I felt the JOY, as well as the FUN, and the RUSH of being uninhibited and LIVING.
Today, it's all about mass recalls, don't drink the tap water, don't eat non-organic foods, that Soy milk will be healthier than Cow's milk.
So tell me, when did we stop living? Kids today are so tied down with Nintendo, Internet, crappy T.V. shows (that are WAAAAY more volatile in nature, then back in my day). They are no longer going outside in the yard to play.
This is why I *make* my kids play outside every chance I can get. They are limited on T.V., computer and Nintendo time. They have to play or be reading for the majority of the day.
Yes, my kids do get *most* of the CDC recommended shots. I have only said no to one or two types that I will flat-out refuse to let ANY of them have. But other than that, I let my kids enjoy life like I did back when I was a child.
They drink from the water hose outside. They play in the dirt and mud. They dig up worms and on occasion have made mud pies with the worms as "topping". And they do MANY other things that I did as a kid, growing up. Because I let them LIVE, as well as ENJOY their childhood, while they have the chance.
My mom died at the age of 43 from complications of a massive Stroke. She (had) and my father have Type 2 Diabetes. There is heart disease in my family. I have been a life-long asthmatic, due to BIRTH-RELATED complications/birth defects. I was to NOT be alive after the first 24-48 hours after my birth. I had to LIVE in the hospitals for (almost) the first 3 years of my life. I am a recent Corneal Transplant Recipient. How much more 'first-hand experience' am I supposed to have?
So, for the CDC to recall things left and right for practically EVERY single thing is getting (in MY opinion) highly ridiculous and asinine. Especially with it being primarily all CHILDREN'S toys, clothing and food geared towards kids. And because of CDC's warnings, recalls, (constantly) 'updated' warnings to the AMA Boards, kids have been BANNED (yes, I said 'banned') from being typical children.
I feel sorry for my children, and for the world's children of today, and will continue to do so for the future generations, including (God willing) grandchildren. They are, and will be tied down by so many "what if's", 'recalls', warnings and Government-geared 'scare tactics', that we may as well just let the world blow up right now or all commit suicide. Because we can't let people LIVE and better yet, not ENJOY life. There are too many bad POSSIBILITIES out there that might kill us.
Like I stated on the KOLO News page to a fellow commentator, no one ever said ANY of us were going to live perfectly. But LIVE it (life), because it's the only one you have.
And for the most part, I live it without regret. And (again for the most part) I don't try to look back. Only ahead. What more can a person really and honestly do?
Over on Facebook, I belong to a Fan Page for the local news channel that I used to watch when I lived in Nevada (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Reno-NV/KOLO-8-News-Now/39225221502). One of today's topics is in regards to the McDonald's 'Shrek'-themed glasses being recalled, due to SUPPOSEDLY having too much Cadmium.
Can someone please tell me when the CDC, the Federal Government, Congress and other branches of Legislation forced kids to stop from being KIDS?
Because when I was little, I had the glasses that were sold/passed out with my Happy Meals of the Disney characters. I had drank water from my parent's garden hose. I ate glue. Hell, I even tried to eat a worm once, as I pretended that it was a piece of 'spaghetti'. I skated and rode my bike without a helmet and knee pads (which I DO wish we DID have back then). I even ate Silly Putty and took big old whiffs of the stuff (because it oddly smelled good to me).
What's the whole point of the list above? To show that as a child I LIVED. I had FUN. And guess what? I came out no worse for ware. I'm alive and kicking. I felt the JOY, as well as the FUN, and the RUSH of being uninhibited and LIVING.
Today, it's all about mass recalls, don't drink the tap water, don't eat non-organic foods, that Soy milk will be healthier than Cow's milk.
So tell me, when did we stop living? Kids today are so tied down with Nintendo, Internet, crappy T.V. shows (that are WAAAAY more volatile in nature, then back in my day). They are no longer going outside in the yard to play.
This is why I *make* my kids play outside every chance I can get. They are limited on T.V., computer and Nintendo time. They have to play or be reading for the majority of the day.
Yes, my kids do get *most* of the CDC recommended shots. I have only said no to one or two types that I will flat-out refuse to let ANY of them have. But other than that, I let my kids enjoy life like I did back when I was a child.
They drink from the water hose outside. They play in the dirt and mud. They dig up worms and on occasion have made mud pies with the worms as "topping". And they do MANY other things that I did as a kid, growing up. Because I let them LIVE, as well as ENJOY their childhood, while they have the chance.
My mom died at the age of 43 from complications of a massive Stroke. She (had) and my father have Type 2 Diabetes. There is heart disease in my family. I have been a life-long asthmatic, due to BIRTH-RELATED complications/birth defects. I was to NOT be alive after the first 24-48 hours after my birth. I had to LIVE in the hospitals for (almost) the first 3 years of my life. I am a recent Corneal Transplant Recipient. How much more 'first-hand experience' am I supposed to have?
So, for the CDC to recall things left and right for practically EVERY single thing is getting (in MY opinion) highly ridiculous and asinine. Especially with it being primarily all CHILDREN'S toys, clothing and food geared towards kids. And because of CDC's warnings, recalls, (constantly) 'updated' warnings to the AMA Boards, kids have been BANNED (yes, I said 'banned') from being typical children.
I feel sorry for my children, and for the world's children of today, and will continue to do so for the future generations, including (God willing) grandchildren. They are, and will be tied down by so many "what if's", 'recalls', warnings and Government-geared 'scare tactics', that we may as well just let the world blow up right now or all commit suicide. Because we can't let people LIVE and better yet, not ENJOY life. There are too many bad POSSIBILITIES out there that might kill us.
Like I stated on the KOLO News page to a fellow commentator, no one ever said ANY of us were going to live perfectly. But LIVE it (life), because it's the only one you have.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Decisions are the "staph" (infections) of life.
Decisions. We all have to make them. Starting even in infancy. But as an adult, some decisions feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. That is until you confront the problem and weigh your options (carefully).
Today is that kind of day for me. I have already taken the first major step. I had to write a letter of concern and possibility to some people that I views as close, personal friends of mine. And it wasn't easy, being that the subject matter brought out some hard-felt feelings and hurt to the forefront.
But it is done. It has been sent to the appropriate people. Now, I must face making my final decision. To stay or to go. That is the hardest part, I think in this whole ordeal for me. While I like the people, and I have learned much, I feel that the 'online community' is no longer serving its purpose of what it was originally founded on. And to me that is sad. But in my eyes, also is a truth.
My life has been inundated with choices. Some have been life-altering. Some just ordinary, everyday life decisions. Maybe it's over what kind of sandwich I should fix for lunch. Another day, it might be pertaining to my son's treatment plan. See? Various. And widely might I add. From day-to-day, my decisions and their severity changes.
While it was extremely hard to have to "face" my friends on the level I did this morning, and as much of an agonizing decision it was to do so, I feel good about it. And I feel better about myself. I stood up for myself, my thoughts, my feelings, and my beliefs (to an extent).
In the end, I can only hope that the friendships I have made are not tattered and frayed. But if they do become so, then it was for the best, I believe. I'm my own person. And I always have been. No one in this life has ever been able to tie me down. Not my parents. Not the medical community. And my friends will not be able to stop me from being who I am. Not in any way, shape, or form.
So, remember, the decisions you make today, can drastically change your tomorrow. Most times for the better. And sometimes for the worse. It all depends on what the decision is concerning.
Today is that kind of day for me. I have already taken the first major step. I had to write a letter of concern and possibility to some people that I views as close, personal friends of mine. And it wasn't easy, being that the subject matter brought out some hard-felt feelings and hurt to the forefront.
But it is done. It has been sent to the appropriate people. Now, I must face making my final decision. To stay or to go. That is the hardest part, I think in this whole ordeal for me. While I like the people, and I have learned much, I feel that the 'online community' is no longer serving its purpose of what it was originally founded on. And to me that is sad. But in my eyes, also is a truth.
My life has been inundated with choices. Some have been life-altering. Some just ordinary, everyday life decisions. Maybe it's over what kind of sandwich I should fix for lunch. Another day, it might be pertaining to my son's treatment plan. See? Various. And widely might I add. From day-to-day, my decisions and their severity changes.
While it was extremely hard to have to "face" my friends on the level I did this morning, and as much of an agonizing decision it was to do so, I feel good about it. And I feel better about myself. I stood up for myself, my thoughts, my feelings, and my beliefs (to an extent).
In the end, I can only hope that the friendships I have made are not tattered and frayed. But if they do become so, then it was for the best, I believe. I'm my own person. And I always have been. No one in this life has ever been able to tie me down. Not my parents. Not the medical community. And my friends will not be able to stop me from being who I am. Not in any way, shape, or form.
So, remember, the decisions you make today, can drastically change your tomorrow. Most times for the better. And sometimes for the worse. It all depends on what the decision is concerning.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
The REAL and the TRUE meaning of the holiday, Easter.
It's once again that time. Spring is blooming all around. Life is becoming anew once more. Birds are singing, grass is greening, flowers (and trees) are blooming.
There is a primary, universal symbol of Spring that is on the horizon as well. Easter. For many families (especially with small children), the "Easter Bunny" will be coming to town to sneakingly leave candy-filled eggs, baskets filled with goodies and to mark his place in holiday history and folklore.
But, what about the TRUE meaning of Easter? It has sadly lost it's REAL meaning among the masses.
The simplest of answers is that Jesus rose from the grave to go to Heaven. It is to celebrate that day that He has arisen.
But, let's delve deeper in to that simplicity, shall we?
7He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
9After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
10They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11"Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
So, as you can see, the TRUE and the REAL meaning of Easter is not in candy, eggs, or worldly gifts of the flesh. It is of the soul/spirit of us and the Saving Grace that was given to us. It is of Jesus Christ symbolizing an embodiment of love and sacrifice. He gave of Himself, at His Holy Father's request to be the ultimate Sacrifice for us. He triumphed over the powers of death.
The Lord, our God gave all for us and our well being. He gave us a way in to Heaven. He arose and had beaten physical death to give us everlasting spiritual life with Him and our Father.
This is the real meaning of Easter....
There is a primary, universal symbol of Spring that is on the horizon as well. Easter. For many families (especially with small children), the "Easter Bunny" will be coming to town to sneakingly leave candy-filled eggs, baskets filled with goodies and to mark his place in holiday history and folklore.
But, what about the TRUE meaning of Easter? It has sadly lost it's REAL meaning among the masses.
The simplest of answers is that Jesus rose from the grave to go to Heaven. It is to celebrate that day that He has arisen.
But, let's delve deeper in to that simplicity, shall we?
1 Corinthians 15:3-6 (via http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+COR.15&version=NIV)
3For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance[a]: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5and that he appeared to Peter,[b] and then to the Twelve. 6After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.
If you look carefully at the RED, highlighted areas, we will be primarily concentrating on those key points.
God spoke to Jesus as he went off and prayed for 40 days and 40 nights and said to Him that Jesus was to be the "Sacrificial Lamb" to save all of humanity. So, Jesus had done as His Heavenly Father bequeathed of His Holy Son and went off to prepare the others as to what was to come.
Hence the Last Supper. Jesus told the Disciples that night that one of them would betray Him. Of course, as we all know, that became to be Peter. He denied Christ. All to save his own skin and in the end, Jesus was caught, tried by Pontius Pilate and convicted of baring False Witness to the masses, "claiming" to be the true Son of God.
After Pilate, ruler over the Roman empire at that time asked his subjects if Jesus should be spared, the crowd went wild and called for his execution, via being nailed to the cross. But SPARED the thief. All in the name of making Jesus an "example" of what happens to those that claim to be the Holy One of God.
Now, we all know what happened next. Jesus was nailed by His hands and His feet to a wooden cross. He was humiliated and had things thrown at Him. Finally, after HOURS upon the cross, He exclaimed, "It is finished!". Then, Jesus hung His head and gave His spirit to His Father.
After His death, Jesus was removed from the cross. But not before the spear was driven through His side to confirm that indeed Jesus was dead.
The next day was the Sabbath. So preparation and placing of the body had to be done quickly. For, no death preparations were to be made during Sabbath. Joseph pleaded to Pilate to let him have Jesus' remains. It was allowed.
Jesus then was taken to the tomb, accompanied by Nicodemus. There was brought myrrh, aloes, and other spices. His body was wrapped in fine linens. Then, He was anointed and the burial tomb was then sealed by a huge bolder that was rolled in front of the entrance.
When the two Marys came back to check on the tomb, to their amazement and disbelief, the tomb's entrance was uncovered, with the boulder setting off to the side. Someone somehow OPENED the tomb. As the Marys entered, they found no one there! Jesus was gone. They panicked. Simon Peter was told that Jesus was missing.
As Mary Magdalene wept, Jesus came to her and asked why she was weeping. Mary looked up, and to her amazement, saw Jesus Christ standing before her. The Lord then asked whom Mary was searching for. Being that Mary's back was turned, she did not realize it was Jesus standing by her. She turned and exclaimed "Teacher!"
Christ told Mary He had not yet returned to the Father, and to not "hold Him". He then sent her forth to tell the Disciples that Christ the Lord has arisen and returned from the grave.
Jesus then appeared to them on the "evening of the first day of the week" and had shown His followers the marks of His hands and of His feet as proof that it was indeed the Living Christ.
Then, He appeared to Thomas, who had still not believed that indeed the Lord God had arisen from His death and tomb. So, Thomas was instructed to place his hand upon Jesus' side. Then, Thomas believed that Jesus spoke the truth.
Jesus stayed with His Disciples for a bit, until God had called Him home. Then, the following happened...
(Acts 1:6-11.. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+1&version=NIV)
6So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"7He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
9After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
10They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11"Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
So, as you can see, the TRUE and the REAL meaning of Easter is not in candy, eggs, or worldly gifts of the flesh. It is of the soul/spirit of us and the Saving Grace that was given to us. It is of Jesus Christ symbolizing an embodiment of love and sacrifice. He gave of Himself, at His Holy Father's request to be the ultimate Sacrifice for us. He triumphed over the powers of death.
The Lord, our God gave all for us and our well being. He gave us a way in to Heaven. He arose and had beaten physical death to give us everlasting spiritual life with Him and our Father.
This is the real meaning of Easter....
Monday, March 8, 2010
Book Review : 'Angels In The ER'
I'm not one that is extremely religious by any means. I have my beliefs and I'm a 'live and let live' kind of girl. Basically, in my "beliefs world", I don't judge you on whom you choose to love (be it a man/woman coupling or a same sex coupling), what belief system you choose to have (be it Christianity or Pagan...to name a couple), how you raise your kids (as long as they are happy, healthy and well adjusted...not abused, neglected or taught to hate others).
I'm a believer in angels as well. I think that they are all around us. You just don't realize this. It may be the poor homeless person on the street, a child at school, or a church member. Or just a kind stranger who is seeing your struggle and wishes to help.
'Angels In The ER' is a book penned by Dr. Robert Lesslie, whom is a Doctor of Emergency Medicine at a hospital in South Carolina. In all his many years at this hospital, he has witnessed many "angelic moments" within the ER. From fellow staff, to patients, to even Security Guards.
Dr. Lesslie tells tales of recovery, life's little lessons learned, lessons on God's miracles and more.
I'm not one that enjoys Christian reading that is inundated with an over-usage of Biblical passages/Scripture. I like small tidbits. And this book offers just enough to "taste" the Scripture. He (Dr. Lesslie) begins each chapter with a verse to show in "real time" it's meaning through his stories of life, death, and lessons learned about human nature.
If you are a Christian novel reader, I gladly suggest that you pick up this book. You can get it at any retail store.
I'm a believer in angels as well. I think that they are all around us. You just don't realize this. It may be the poor homeless person on the street, a child at school, or a church member. Or just a kind stranger who is seeing your struggle and wishes to help.
'Angels In The ER' is a book penned by Dr. Robert Lesslie, whom is a Doctor of Emergency Medicine at a hospital in South Carolina. In all his many years at this hospital, he has witnessed many "angelic moments" within the ER. From fellow staff, to patients, to even Security Guards.
Dr. Lesslie tells tales of recovery, life's little lessons learned, lessons on God's miracles and more.
I'm not one that enjoys Christian reading that is inundated with an over-usage of Biblical passages/Scripture. I like small tidbits. And this book offers just enough to "taste" the Scripture. He (Dr. Lesslie) begins each chapter with a verse to show in "real time" it's meaning through his stories of life, death, and lessons learned about human nature.
If you are a Christian novel reader, I gladly suggest that you pick up this book. You can get it at any retail store.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
A Pondering Moment on this Sunday morning...
Why the following popped in to my head, I do not know. And the logic just seemed to hit me like a bolt of lightening. Especially when the thought hits at not quite six o'clock in the morning.
What came to mind was clearly a shocking "revelation" for me. Being that this "bam, wow!" moment was stemming from something in the Bible. Specifically in the Book of Revelations.
Now I am not sure exactly what verse(s) or chapter it is within, but the Bible states that once all is calm after the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the war between Good and Evil has come to pass, that God will "raise the dead". Of course the dead is the army of souls that are of His Kingdom and will help with the battle to win over the world and trump Satan.
Suddenly, out of the blue, my logic brain jumped in with the following thought...
How can God raise the dead if the dead has been cremated?
Revelations speaks to us in regards to the Lord raising the dead from the depths of the grave in which they lay, only to have new life breathed in to them.
What about those that were cremated and placed in to urns? How is He to "raise" them? Give them new flesh to hold their ashes? Remember, he supposedly created Adam from the dirt of the ground.
At funerals, we hear the passage, "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust".
Can anyone give me a clear, level-headed, honest explanation of how He shall prepare the "Ultimate War Between Good and Evil" if not all of His "chosen ones" are able to be "present", being that they were incinerated after their death?
To me personally, it seems a bit too far fetched. And really, if God and Satan were going to battle it out, God would not have let Cremation be invented. Because now, how will His army flourish and "be whole" if the entire gang can't be "arisen from their slumber"?
This is why I honestly have a real problem with the Bible. Too many holes, twists, two-faced stories and too many hands in the pot (Book Author wise) that have contradicting/conflicting stories.
What came to mind was clearly a shocking "revelation" for me. Being that this "bam, wow!" moment was stemming from something in the Bible. Specifically in the Book of Revelations.
Now I am not sure exactly what verse(s) or chapter it is within, but the Bible states that once all is calm after the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the war between Good and Evil has come to pass, that God will "raise the dead". Of course the dead is the army of souls that are of His Kingdom and will help with the battle to win over the world and trump Satan.
Suddenly, out of the blue, my logic brain jumped in with the following thought...
How can God raise the dead if the dead has been cremated?
Revelations speaks to us in regards to the Lord raising the dead from the depths of the grave in which they lay, only to have new life breathed in to them.
What about those that were cremated and placed in to urns? How is He to "raise" them? Give them new flesh to hold their ashes? Remember, he supposedly created Adam from the dirt of the ground.
At funerals, we hear the passage, "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust".
Can anyone give me a clear, level-headed, honest explanation of how He shall prepare the "Ultimate War Between Good and Evil" if not all of His "chosen ones" are able to be "present", being that they were incinerated after their death?
To me personally, it seems a bit too far fetched. And really, if God and Satan were going to battle it out, God would not have let Cremation be invented. Because now, how will His army flourish and "be whole" if the entire gang can't be "arisen from their slumber"?
This is why I honestly have a real problem with the Bible. Too many holes, twists, two-faced stories and too many hands in the pot (Book Author wise) that have contradicting/conflicting stories.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Make assumptions again and see where it gets you. (Defense of a friend)
With the way that I am feeling right now, I will try my best to stay calm and (for the most part) respectful. Then again, after seeing my friend, Angel get ripped apart, although in a "Christ-like manner", I don't feel like being so polite.
Then again, someone has to take the 'high road' right? May as well be me I'm guessing.
I've NEVER claimed to be a 'perfect' Christian/soul. And I never plan to. It is true that I am for equality for the GLBT Community to get married. I am one that can vote Democratically or Conservatively. I don't read, let alone have I memorized the Bible texts as much as a Christian should (in many minds).
But I love God no less. And He loves me no less. And for someone to tramps all over a friend and her PERSONAL walk with the Lord to me is a sin in and of its self. *Some* Christian "fanatics" are so freaking uptight and in to everyone else's Christian walk, snubbing them for every little "fleshly fault", that they refuse to remove the plank from their eye before removing the speck from another's.
This is why I can't stand those that are called "Holy Roller", "Bible-Thumping", "Dogmatic" Christians.
Believe me when I say I KNOW first-hand what I speak of. Especially the hypocrisy. I've lived through it, via my Dad's mother when I was little. She would force me in to attending church, scare me in to submission, and nit-picked everything I said, did, felt or believed. Even when it came to religion and MY way of worshiping, believing and practicing my Christianity.
When people in general start making generalized assumptions about those they know NOTHING about, and especially those that they THINK that they know about, said person is treading in dangerous and deep waters. They are the ones showing that they know NOTHING about a problem or situation. Especially when you don't sit down and find out what is TRULY going on from the "horse's mouth".
And for someone to make a general assumption about me, my knowledge of something, or of my faith/walk is treading in shark-infested water with me. I don't make personal "attacks" or assumptions towards others. And for a "Christian" to do it unto me is well...un-Christian like. Too bad they are so blinded by their "religious ways" that they are not able to see that they are doing more harm than good.
My friend, Angel lead me to a certain chat room a few months back for a church that she attends. Both online and in person. I watched a sermon and was fitting right in with those in the chat. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I "belonged" and that I was truly cared for. Angel gave me hope in Christianity and my faith again.
Now, that room has been shut down. No longer can I go and see those I befriended and be a part of a wonderful ministry. At least for now.
But one of the nay-sayers of the room decided to claim I know "nothing" about what all went down and why. Too bad she decided to "call me out" on false pretense and assumptions. Because I know more...WAY MORE than she thinks I do.
And worse yet, she hurt a dear friend and sister-in-Christ. That for me is 1,000's times worse. And I refuse to stand here and let it happen.
BRING BACK THE CHAT ROOM!....And stop being a "always right" Christian who talks the talk, but can't seem to walk the walk.
Then again, someone has to take the 'high road' right? May as well be me I'm guessing.
I've NEVER claimed to be a 'perfect' Christian/soul. And I never plan to. It is true that I am for equality for the GLBT Community to get married. I am one that can vote Democratically or Conservatively. I don't read, let alone have I memorized the Bible texts as much as a Christian should (in many minds).
But I love God no less. And He loves me no less. And for someone to tramps all over a friend and her PERSONAL walk with the Lord to me is a sin in and of its self. *Some* Christian "fanatics" are so freaking uptight and in to everyone else's Christian walk, snubbing them for every little "fleshly fault", that they refuse to remove the plank from their eye before removing the speck from another's.
This is why I can't stand those that are called "Holy Roller", "Bible-Thumping", "Dogmatic" Christians.
Believe me when I say I KNOW first-hand what I speak of. Especially the hypocrisy. I've lived through it, via my Dad's mother when I was little. She would force me in to attending church, scare me in to submission, and nit-picked everything I said, did, felt or believed. Even when it came to religion and MY way of worshiping, believing and practicing my Christianity.
When people in general start making generalized assumptions about those they know NOTHING about, and especially those that they THINK that they know about, said person is treading in dangerous and deep waters. They are the ones showing that they know NOTHING about a problem or situation. Especially when you don't sit down and find out what is TRULY going on from the "horse's mouth".
And for someone to make a general assumption about me, my knowledge of something, or of my faith/walk is treading in shark-infested water with me. I don't make personal "attacks" or assumptions towards others. And for a "Christian" to do it unto me is well...un-Christian like. Too bad they are so blinded by their "religious ways" that they are not able to see that they are doing more harm than good.
My friend, Angel lead me to a certain chat room a few months back for a church that she attends. Both online and in person. I watched a sermon and was fitting right in with those in the chat. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I "belonged" and that I was truly cared for. Angel gave me hope in Christianity and my faith again.
Now, that room has been shut down. No longer can I go and see those I befriended and be a part of a wonderful ministry. At least for now.
But one of the nay-sayers of the room decided to claim I know "nothing" about what all went down and why. Too bad she decided to "call me out" on false pretense and assumptions. Because I know more...WAY MORE than she thinks I do.
And worse yet, she hurt a dear friend and sister-in-Christ. That for me is 1,000's times worse. And I refuse to stand here and let it happen.
BRING BACK THE CHAT ROOM!....And stop being a "always right" Christian who talks the talk, but can't seem to walk the walk.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Devotional Sunday (Change from Testimony Sunday)
Isaiah 35:10
and the ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Isaiah 35:9-10 (in Context) Isaiah 35
Every one of us here on earth will suffer sorrow. But all of us will experience the great joy that life also has to offer.
Believe me when I say that I have had more than my fair share of sorrow. From the time that I was born in fact. And when you tally them all up that I have collected thus far, many may wonder how I am able to see the positivity in anything.
Even though a time or two, I had lost my faith in God, He never once lost His faith on me. Even when I turned a blind eye to Him.
In the end, after walking through all of the Valleys that I have traveled, I have reached the Mountain Top. Sure, I will be pushed back down in to the Valley again a few more times before my life's journey here is over.
But I know that once I walk through the Valley, that the Mountain Top is there waiting for my return.
and the ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Isaiah 35:9-10 (in Context) Isaiah 35
Every one of us here on earth will suffer sorrow. But all of us will experience the great joy that life also has to offer.
Believe me when I say that I have had more than my fair share of sorrow. From the time that I was born in fact. And when you tally them all up that I have collected thus far, many may wonder how I am able to see the positivity in anything.
Even though a time or two, I had lost my faith in God, He never once lost His faith on me. Even when I turned a blind eye to Him.
In the end, after walking through all of the Valleys that I have traveled, I have reached the Mountain Top. Sure, I will be pushed back down in to the Valley again a few more times before my life's journey here is over.
But I know that once I walk through the Valley, that the Mountain Top is there waiting for my return.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
"When life hands you lemons..."
Don't you just love cliches? I do, for the most part anyways.
But, then again, I had so many lemons handed to me in this lifetime, which probably isn't quite half way over with yet, the cliche gets a bit tiring after a while.
At birth, I had fluid on my right lung, an esophugus that was basically torn in two, was a 'preemie' by 1976's standards and weighed only four whole pounds.
Oh, did I mention that that fluid severely collapsed my lung? So... Off to Santa Clara Medical I was flown by chopper. The staff told my father to not even expect me to survive the flight, let alone the surgery....Then to not expect me to live past the first 24 for 48 hours after that...And so on.
Get the picture here?
Move it along to when I was just shy by a couple of months basically of turning the big 1-3. My mother suffered a traumatic stroke on October 1st, 1989. In the early morning hours, not long after midnight, on October 29th, not quite a whole month later, my mother passed away from the complications she incurred.
Then, it was just me and my father, living life to the best of our ability, on our own (so to speak).
Almost twenty years later, I start getting strange infections in my left eye. Of course, it was all the signs of Pink Eye. But instead another kind of infection. So we treat it through my Opthomologist.
Just over a year later, I get another "attack", so I gear up to see the good doctor again, to get more medicine. But, I also like an idiot, poked myself in the bad eye while scratching my eyebrow.
After being sent to a Specialist, I find out that I perforated the eaten-away Cornea (window on the outside that keeps outside infections...out). So off to North Carolina's Duke University Medical Center I go.
They tried "gluing" the hole shut, in hopes that it repaired its self at best. Or at worst, hold it shut for the infection to go, as to do a Corneal Transplant.
Of course!...My luck had it that three days later, I get to go back to Duke for an emergency Corneal Transplant.
As fate would also have it, the surgery was done exactly 20 years later, to the day, that my mother had passed away.
She taught me, as did life its self that we all will have those sour lemon moments in our lives. At different intervals, there will be trials. We will at times be defeated. But mostly, we will defeat them!
It's just all in how you use those lemons. Make that sweet lemonade. Or, use them to be a sour-soul.
But, then again, I had so many lemons handed to me in this lifetime, which probably isn't quite half way over with yet, the cliche gets a bit tiring after a while.
At birth, I had fluid on my right lung, an esophugus that was basically torn in two, was a 'preemie' by 1976's standards and weighed only four whole pounds.
Oh, did I mention that that fluid severely collapsed my lung? So... Off to Santa Clara Medical I was flown by chopper. The staff told my father to not even expect me to survive the flight, let alone the surgery....Then to not expect me to live past the first 24 for 48 hours after that...And so on.
Get the picture here?
Move it along to when I was just shy by a couple of months basically of turning the big 1-3. My mother suffered a traumatic stroke on October 1st, 1989. In the early morning hours, not long after midnight, on October 29th, not quite a whole month later, my mother passed away from the complications she incurred.
Then, it was just me and my father, living life to the best of our ability, on our own (so to speak).
Almost twenty years later, I start getting strange infections in my left eye. Of course, it was all the signs of Pink Eye. But instead another kind of infection. So we treat it through my Opthomologist.
Just over a year later, I get another "attack", so I gear up to see the good doctor again, to get more medicine. But, I also like an idiot, poked myself in the bad eye while scratching my eyebrow.
After being sent to a Specialist, I find out that I perforated the eaten-away Cornea (window on the outside that keeps outside infections...out). So off to North Carolina's Duke University Medical Center I go.
They tried "gluing" the hole shut, in hopes that it repaired its self at best. Or at worst, hold it shut for the infection to go, as to do a Corneal Transplant.
Of course!...My luck had it that three days later, I get to go back to Duke for an emergency Corneal Transplant.
As fate would also have it, the surgery was done exactly 20 years later, to the day, that my mother had passed away.
She taught me, as did life its self that we all will have those sour lemon moments in our lives. At different intervals, there will be trials. We will at times be defeated. But mostly, we will defeat them!
It's just all in how you use those lemons. Make that sweet lemonade. Or, use them to be a sour-soul.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
"He who hath not commited sin, shall cast the first stone."
Normally, I am not one to quote Biblical Scripture. But, for some reason, this one happened to pop in to my brain. And ultimately, I felt led to write about this passage. Although, I can't for the life of me remember what Book and verse it stems from.
As a child, I was "forced" in to submission. I had to submit to attending church with my Paternal Grandmother, who was an extremely devout Roman Catholic.
Throughout my childhood, she would quote Scripture to me. Especially when I was being punished. She would tell me that I made God sad and hurt His feelings.
She was also a devout hypocrite. Because many years later, after her death, I had learned of the not-so-Christian-like things that she had in her life's history.
Several divorces. One of her two sons was concieved and ultimately born out of wedlock. And that is to just name a couple of things. In fact I think that the only one that wasn't on her list of "Broken Commandments" was Adultry.
While still alive, she knew of some of my unChristianly partakings of the flesh. And she let me know how in the wrong I was. And for me, yes this DID include Adultry. While I know why I commited that sinful act, no excuse will hold up for my transgression of the flesh.
I'm far from an innocent Christian. I have made many, many mistakes in this lifetime. And I know that there are countless more coming in the years to come.
But I know that my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ will still love me. No matter how much I may hurt His feelings, or may break His heart. And as long as I ask, and truly mean it within my being, I will be forgiven.
This is why I do not judge others. Not for their "sinful acts", such as adultry, lying, stealing. Not even for loving someone else of the same gender.
In my heart, and in my mind, how can I sit in judgement of another human being, when I myself have failed at keeping the Lord's Commandments?
That question would race through my veins every time that my Grandmother would sit in judgement of me and my mistakes. When all along, she herself had her own glass house to throw stones at.
This is why I go by "Remove the plank from thy own eye thus you remove the plank from another's". As well as "He who hath not commited sin, shall cast the first stone". Because I know that my sins, while may not be as big as my neighbor's, are just as great a deal to God, as the neighbor's is.
There is only one true Judge. And I am not it. Nor are you. Only the Lord God can judge. He is my judge, and mine alone in the end.
As a child, I was "forced" in to submission. I had to submit to attending church with my Paternal Grandmother, who was an extremely devout Roman Catholic.
Throughout my childhood, she would quote Scripture to me. Especially when I was being punished. She would tell me that I made God sad and hurt His feelings.
She was also a devout hypocrite. Because many years later, after her death, I had learned of the not-so-Christian-like things that she had in her life's history.
Several divorces. One of her two sons was concieved and ultimately born out of wedlock. And that is to just name a couple of things. In fact I think that the only one that wasn't on her list of "Broken Commandments" was Adultry.
While still alive, she knew of some of my unChristianly partakings of the flesh. And she let me know how in the wrong I was. And for me, yes this DID include Adultry. While I know why I commited that sinful act, no excuse will hold up for my transgression of the flesh.
I'm far from an innocent Christian. I have made many, many mistakes in this lifetime. And I know that there are countless more coming in the years to come.
But I know that my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ will still love me. No matter how much I may hurt His feelings, or may break His heart. And as long as I ask, and truly mean it within my being, I will be forgiven.
This is why I do not judge others. Not for their "sinful acts", such as adultry, lying, stealing. Not even for loving someone else of the same gender.
In my heart, and in my mind, how can I sit in judgement of another human being, when I myself have failed at keeping the Lord's Commandments?
That question would race through my veins every time that my Grandmother would sit in judgement of me and my mistakes. When all along, she herself had her own glass house to throw stones at.
This is why I go by "Remove the plank from thy own eye thus you remove the plank from another's". As well as "He who hath not commited sin, shall cast the first stone". Because I know that my sins, while may not be as big as my neighbor's, are just as great a deal to God, as the neighbor's is.
There is only one true Judge. And I am not it. Nor are you. Only the Lord God can judge. He is my judge, and mine alone in the end.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Christianity...My brand.
What is a "Spiritual" type of Christian? Many ask me when I say that I am a Spiritual-Christian.
Within the definition, via Wikipedia.com, it states,.....
"Traditionally, the following sects are "spiritual Christians": Molokans, Dukhobors, Khlysts, Skoptsy, and Ikonobortsy (Icon-fighters, "Iconoclasts"). These sects often have radically different notions of "spirituality". Their common denominator is that they sought God in "Spirit and Truth", rather than in the Church of official Orthodoxy or ancient rites of Old Believers. Their saying was "The church is not within logs, but within ribs".
Rejecting the official church, they considered their religious organization as a homogeneous community, without division into laymen and clergy."
Basically, this is how I too see my Christian walk with God. Not within the walls of a building. Not by paying my hard-earned money to an Organized Place Of Worship. And not within the confines of rituals (i.e.- I don't 'pray' for every tiny thing. Like to get the funds to go get the latest fashion).
Also. I have doubts concerning several areas of the Bible. There are too many holes within too many texts. Or one Book states one thing about a particular event or person. But then another Book relating to the same said person or event is totally opposite.
I'm not the kind of Christian (primarily refering to Fundamental Christians here) who are regarded as "Bible Thumpers", "Holy Rollers", "Religious Zealots" or the like.
I'm not one that will pound you over the head with Bible Verses, judge you for the way you decide to live (except for being abusive, alcoholism, or illegal drug use), or judge you for whom you love (bisexual, homosexual, or transgendered lifestyle).
What you do within YOUR life, to me has no bearing on mine. Nor is it truly my business. I have NO place to judge you. Only God Himself can do that.
Yes, I believe in "an eye for an eye". But you must first "remove the plank from your own eye, before removing the plank from another's".
If you can live with my "brand" of Christianity, then we will be just fine. And believe me when I say that there will be more Chirstian-based posts in the future on my blog.
Just give me time.
Within the definition, via Wikipedia.com, it states,.....
"Traditionally, the following sects are "spiritual Christians": Molokans, Dukhobors, Khlysts, Skoptsy, and Ikonobortsy (Icon-fighters, "Iconoclasts"). These sects often have radically different notions of "spirituality". Their common denominator is that they sought God in "Spirit and Truth", rather than in the Church of official Orthodoxy or ancient rites of Old Believers. Their saying was "The church is not within logs, but within ribs".
Rejecting the official church, they considered their religious organization as a homogeneous community, without division into laymen and clergy."
Basically, this is how I too see my Christian walk with God. Not within the walls of a building. Not by paying my hard-earned money to an Organized Place Of Worship. And not within the confines of rituals (i.e.- I don't 'pray' for every tiny thing. Like to get the funds to go get the latest fashion).
Also. I have doubts concerning several areas of the Bible. There are too many holes within too many texts. Or one Book states one thing about a particular event or person. But then another Book relating to the same said person or event is totally opposite.
I'm not the kind of Christian (primarily refering to Fundamental Christians here) who are regarded as "Bible Thumpers", "Holy Rollers", "Religious Zealots" or the like.
I'm not one that will pound you over the head with Bible Verses, judge you for the way you decide to live (except for being abusive, alcoholism, or illegal drug use), or judge you for whom you love (bisexual, homosexual, or transgendered lifestyle).
What you do within YOUR life, to me has no bearing on mine. Nor is it truly my business. I have NO place to judge you. Only God Himself can do that.
Yes, I believe in "an eye for an eye". But you must first "remove the plank from your own eye, before removing the plank from another's".
If you can live with my "brand" of Christianity, then we will be just fine. And believe me when I say that there will be more Chirstian-based posts in the future on my blog.
Just give me time.
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