Suicidal Daily

The Illusion of Sinless Remarriage

2012-01-18T12:33:00.000-05:00

First, happy new year everyone. Second, I am no Bible scholar, this is simply my beliefs I see them. I would not be surprised if there's something in translation that I'm losing, but I have to call it as I see it.

Of late I have been privy to a situation that has occurred to one of the individuals that attends my church. In short terms he is going through a divorce with his wife who he has found to be unfaithful.

He had discussed his divorce and trials with my family and I, and he mentioned that others had suggested he should sell the house, with the assumption he would remarry would not want his new wife to feel as an intruder to his old life (I am paraphrasing). I did not say anything at the time, but in the back of my mind and later on with my mother the idea of remarrying seemed outside of good Christian doctrine.

According to the particular denomination we belong to there is a doctrine that I have never been in agreement with simply because there is lack of evidence for it in God’s word. This particular denomination believes, they claim in accordance to Matthew 5:32 and Matthew 19:9, that a person can divorce and remarry without committing adultery if the spouse they are divorcing has been unfaithful.

I believe this view is erroneous specifically because Matthew 5:32 says, “But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.”

In my view this verse expressly allows for divorce in the presence of marital unfaithfulness, but is silent on remarriage.

The case is almost the same for 19:9, “And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.”

In addition to that, Luke is silent on it all together as he quotes Jesus instructing in chapter 16 verse 18, “Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.”

With these passages in mind, we as Christians have more than enough reason to keep our marriages intact in order to display our faithfulness to God’s commandments. Beside these verses is the picture of Christ and his Church or his chosen people, Israel. No matter how many times the Church or Israel has been unfaithful, Christ has never left or found another chosen people; despite the physical unfaithfulness the spiritual bond is the same. Also, observe what results from divorce and remarriage, especially multiple remarriages: confusion, in some cases strife, and emotional harm to children; all things that are not of God.

Also, why would God make such an exception? How does this reflect His character? I do not believe it reflects His character because it is not in accordance with laws of the past. In addition to that, many of God’s precepts in the Old and New Testaments can be supported by historical or medical discoveries or by the witness of the Holy Spirit. In this case, if God supports divorce in the case of fornication and does not condone remarriage, He would be consistently in line with His previously laws that rule against fornication or “whoredom” in respect to the medical fact that multiple sex partners spreads disease (not to mention damage to emotional health as well). If one were having an active sexual relationship with his wife and another disease could spread, then in God’s infinite wisdom He would provide a way out of the marriage for the faithful spouse while simultaneously stopping halting the spread of disease by reducing the distributor to one. Note: This is all hypothetical as neither party could have a disease at all.

To be completely honest, I believe Christians have compromised and embraced doctrines such as these because of sex. I’m rather convinced that some Christians are terrified of prospect of not having sex again after divorce, and I quite frankly find that deplorable if that is the case. Christ is supposed to be our all in all; without the unfaithful spouse we should be able to see this as an opportunity to grow in our faith. Paul did suggest a state of singleness after all in I Corinthians. Please do not mistake my views of the sex to be negative, by the way, it is a good and helpful gift from God to married couples, but if that is what is driving a desire for remarriage, even marriage for that matter, I believe that person’s salvation should be reevaluated.

In conclusion, save for an unbelieving spouse leaving his or her believing spouse, and death of one spouse, I see no evidence supporting a doctrine of divorce and remarriage in the case of unfaithfulness. The scriptural support is not there. The example of Christ is not there. The consistency of God’s laws is not there. Quite simple I believe the idea of remarriage outside of a fleeing secular spouse or a dead spouse is an illusionary doctrine and should be done away with out of respect for God’s precepts.

Altruism Redefined

2011-11-10T23:16:00.000-05:00

Recently in my Psych 101 class we discussed interpersonal relationships and aspects of it. During the lecture the instructor touched on altruism and explained three main forms of it. One form takes place with the expectation for reciprocation, another takes place to take care of kin, and another takes place just the make the altruistic individual feel good about himself. The instructor argued that there couldn’t be any true altruism by definition because all forms of giving receive some type of reward. We were operating on the definition that altruism was an act to aid another that resulted in loss without gain.

He then asked if we could think of any true altruism, and a man in the class recounted how his mother adopted nine children with special or physical needs (severe cerebral palsy, dwarfism, ect.) and claimed she attributed it to being a good Christian. One of the other students then piped up to say even that was not without gain because in Christianity good deeds were done to please God or get his favor.

After these ideas simmered for awhile it occurred to me that maybe we should redefine altruism or change our perspective on gain. When we get right down to it even God isn’t truly altruistic since the Word says “all things were created by him and for him” (Colossians 1:16)and Christ came to save sinners, though a selfless act with loss, he gained the ability to pardon us and justify us in God’s presence. He gained from his loss; a loss that is seen as the highest expression of love that one could ever convey.

Also, if you look at it honestly, altruism is not Biblical. We are told “it is more blessed to give than to receive” ( Acts 20:35), which implies we have something of more value to gain when we give to others than to receive from others. In addition to that we are told to do to others as we would have them do unto us (Luke 6:31) which infers we can expect to some degree of some reciprocity of gain as we give.

Ultimately, I believe altruism should be redefined. Maybe defining it as “an act to aid another without the expectation of gain” would be achievable; otherwise, we will not get true altruism as it is currently defined.

Just my thoughts.

Carmen

Active Concious Decision: Love

2011-09-19T13:51:00.001-04:00

Love is action.

After living a mere 19 years on this earth this is something that only became clear most recently. Not that I did not know of it, but I rather saw it as an “addition to”. Maybe in addition to feelings, in addition to words; it seems that love is action and really only action, the rest is emotion.

The best example of this is Christ, who took action against sin, with the known sacrifice in mind. No other god did that. No other will.

Another example: the man who lays down his life for his fellow soldier by leaping onto a grenade to absorb the blast. It is possible not many have done this, but I am sure those that did, did so with sincerity.

Both of those examples I hope one day to follow, to give my life with the known sacrifice, to love with all abandon, like the Christ I claim to serve and soldiers to whom I owe so much.

Help Me Out

2011-09-03T02:32:00.000-04:00

Hello faithful readers and passersby (though I know there are few of both):

I call upon you again to take a minute or two out of your day and vote for my entry in a haiku contest I entered to gain funds for school. Here's the link:

http://www.directtextbook.com/haiku/3448

If you think anyone else would vote for me, please don't hesitate to pass it on.

I will have some more substantial writing coming up soon, but school has started again, so reflective writing is mostly on the back burner. I will try to get something down this weekend or next as I do have something I would like you to think about.

Thank you for help

Carmen

In Three Ways

2011-07-31T00:20:00.000-04:00

Recently I had been thinking of John 14:6 where Jesus proclaims to be “the way, the truth, and the life…” For some reason, maybe by the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I began to ponder on how Jesus is the “the way”. I find in my shallow ponderings that Christ is the way out, the way in, and the way through. Allow me to explain:

In one sense I see him as the way out of sin. By him do we as human beings have an Advocate with the one and only holy God and through that contact we can confess our sins and receive redemption from the blots on our souls which damn us to Hell for eternity. Also, in John 3:17 it reads “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” We must understand that we were condemned already before Christ came, and contrary to what many in this generation believe, he came not tell everyone he is a sinner in danger of Hell (which he still did do), but that through him we have a way out. He is our way out of unrighteousness and to “paths of uprightness” toward living out our faith in his life, death, and resurrection.

In another sense I see him as the way in to Heaven. The rest of John 14:6 declares that “no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” And John 3:16, as (I hope) most Christians know, says “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” In this fashion Jesus is our way in to Heaven, our way to eternal life, and the great privilege of being in his awesome presence for all time.

In my last sense I see him as a way through trials. With this thought my mind thought back to I Corinthians 10:13 where in part it says, “…but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” Now I’m aware that some may think the my relation to Jesus being the way out of trials would have related better, but I quoted the verse in the first instance to make a point. Christ never promised us zero hardships, trials, temptations, or troubles when we believe on him. In fact he did the opposite declaring that those that hate him will hate those that believe on him. In I Corinthians 10:13 he made a point to tell us that he will make a way of escape, a way through, but we must bear.

I know none of those realizations are terribly profound, but they encouraged me and helped me see my God clearer and love him more.

I hope you find the Way.

Misconception

2011-07-07T11:50:00.000-04:00

First, I would like to thank those that have commented recently on my posts. Even though I don’t really have a way to respond to you directly, I read them and if it is a particularly important issue raised in a response I will dedicate a post to it. Overall, however, thank you for your feedback. ^_^

Recently, I commented on a post on a site I belong to about the recent legislative decision made in New York. I couldn’t stand by while the mass majority of people gave their accolades to the outcome of the situation.

I learned several things from this experience and the 100 or so comments sent my way. Yet, one of the many things I find glaring is that unbelievers take the Bible as whole to be the word of God relevant right now or eliminate one part of the Gospel message.

I’m not sure if it is just the ignorance of the unbeliever or a shortfall on the part of Christians. At any rate, I must be faithful to note that the Old Testament is as exactly as it’s titled; the old. It was meant for a specific people during a specific time and is no longer in effect because of Christ’s death and resurrection freedom from the Levitical/Mosaic laws was given. A rule of thumb I follow is that all that is pertinent to the believer that was in the Old Testament is reiterated in the New Testament. In other words, you’re not condemned for eating shellfish. However, this doesn’t mean we should totally disregard the Old Testament. This is a very important part of the Christian faith that ties together history and prophecy as well as beautiful psalms and wisdom. It is also beneficial for understanding context when it is referred to in the New Testament.

Now concerning eliminating part of the Gospel message, an unbeliever tends to zero in on the “You’re going to Hell!” part and totally disregarding “But you have a chance of redemption” part, or it could be a case of disregard on the Christian’s part. Either way the whole story needs to be told. If you claim Christ as your Savior, you must be faithful to tell the whole Gospel as one part is meaningless without the other. Someone may know they’re sinful and hell-bound, but with no way out it was a lot more pleasant to leave them in their ignorance and if they know only of grace they don’t know why they have it in the first place. Unbelievers must know first that we all are sinful (don’t single them out) and because of this we need a Savior which is Jesus.

I’m going to try to work toward dispelling this idea of “only damnation” and following the laws the Old Covenant and misunderstand God as spiteful.

But I can’t do it alone.

The Sky Is Not Blue

2011-06-11T02:55:00.000-04:00

As a Christian I desire others to know that God exists in Heaven and if they believe in this God and the sacrifice his Son made to take all their sins upon himself, then they will recieve eternal life in heaven. I understand this desire in many other Christians, and sometimes I know that it can be such a strong desire that the only way to describe it is to say one feels as if he may die if another person does not recieve Christ and follow His will.

When someone's life is on the line the emotion can be overwhelming.

What I cannot understand is the desire to the point of screaming, and yelling, and violence that accompanies some, not all, of the atheistic community and their desire for everyone to believe that God does not exist. Period. It seems they look so hard, talk so long, and devise so diligently a way to explain why a God does not exist. Little do they realize, I suppose, that they're ability to argue a God does not exist in the first place is evidence that He does exist. To believe that no God lives one must first believe that a God exist to not believe in. Otherwise everyone would be asking, "What is God?" I believe if God did not exist we wouldn't even understand the idea of a God and His existence in the first place.

Furthermore, what is the point in believing and forcing or pursuading others to believe that a God does not exist? Believing God exist, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob specifically, brings life, love, and peace in the future.

What does not believing in any God bring?

Issue of Life Not Bias

2011-05-18T12:58:00.000-04:00

Frustration does not seem to fully encompass my feelings about the popular response to homosexuality in the United States. I mention this because recently someone has posted something to a site asking for signatures for a petition to Uganda to not pass a bill that apparently dictates death to those who practice homosexuality.

Despite my views on the subject, I must say first that I do not believe other countries should attempt to interfere in the government of another country. Furthermore, a citizen (group of citizens) doing so seems to be a vain indulgence in self-righteousness.

All these things considered the petition itself did not upset me as much as the comments below the post. Different variations of “I can’t believe people still think like this!” and “How could they be so hateful?!” repeated over and over again.

More proof the progressive machine is working and has worked.

As I told a commenter, when AIDS is practically a pandemic around the world, and just in America the CDC estimates “that about 63% [of AIDS cases] were among men who were infected through sexual contact with other men” (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5424a2.htm) in the early 2000s and one can only imagine how this is perpetuated around the world. Smaller nations, such as Uganda in this case, has few options; two of which are controlling lifestyles or eradication. And if the petitioner was not being hyperbolic, Uganda has chosen the latter. It goes beyond “hatred” or “bigotry” on a continent that is known for its hurdles with AIDS, but rather an attempt of survival and preservation of the healthy. Granted I know little about the entirety of the bill or why it's being pushed, but that is my first response to my first impression.

On the issue of homosexuality itself, as Christian I believe it is a sin (as the Bible clearly outlines in Romans 1:24-28), and not only is it a sin, but it is a sin among many sins. Homosexuality is not exclusive to itself, but should be treated as a criminal offense just as theft, perjury, and murder. One individual once asked why not treat homosexuality as intravenous drug users are treated? They both are determined incompatible to give blood (http://www.vablood.org/pdfs/Lifestyles.pdf and that is not just for Virginia, but determined by the CDC) and one of them is arrested for distributing drugs deemed illegal because of their negative effects. Even if a person wished not to equate drug users with those who practice homosexuality that same person can not deny the lifestyle is destructive to the practitioners through the potential to contract diseases (which I believe is the "recompense" that is talked about Romans) and to those involved such as children that have been adopted homosexual couples ( according the American College of Pediatricians sound evidence that children exposed to the homosexual lifestyle may be at increased risk for emotional, mental, and even physical harm. http://www.acpeds.org/Homosexual-Parenting-Is-it-Time-for-Change-Press-Release.html).

Do not fall for this illusion of an act of love. Do not dare compare them to colored individuals and troubles they faced to even marry someone who was not their skin color. They were born with stressed melanin, they could not change that. Homosexuals, who are not wrong for feeling attracted to the same gender, but are guilty of acting on that feeling are just as sinful as any liar, thief, or murderer. And also according to Romans 1 all those acts are worthy of death. Always note, however, that Jesus Christ defeated death, and he came so that all that believed on him could have life and have it more abundantly.

If you don't know him, let him show you true love.

Care to be Referred?

2011-05-10T23:35:00.000-04:00

Well, here is one of the rare occasions to help me out. Before I started blogging solely on journeys in contemplation I used to use this blog to promote contests or so forth that I had entered. I’m currently not taking classes, so my participation in contests and scholarships has increased considerably and I once again need your assistance. Both of the links below are referrals and both will help me gain points in some way or another in contests I’ve entered on the respective sites. You don’t have to join the sites, but be sure to check them out as I think just clicking them will help me in some way (though joining them may help me even more ~_^).

http://www.scholarshippoints.com/10K/?sp=534817

http://collegeprowler.com/survey/Only1Holy1/

Thank you for your assistance. I should have a normal post soon.

Carmen

Filth in Communicative Sound

2011-04-27T08:57:00.000-04:00

And old adage goes as follows, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say it at all.” I find many have forgotten this saying as profanity is commonplace here in this establishment of higher learner I attend.

As a person who enjoys languages and adores her first language especially, being an environment that seems to constantly have people using expletives is highly annoying. Seeing as I am a Christian I follow the commandment that I have to be “salt and light” in this world with my speech. Also I’m called to glorify the Lord with my speech. I’m not perfect, and I say stupid things, but with something as obviously inappropriate as using profane language its proficiency is disgusting.

When did this habit start? In bygone days people typically didn’t use strong expletives unless they were with close friends or family, so how come it’s become so public that individuals will wear paraphernalia that reads “F--- Off”.

Another characteristic of fallen man I suppose.

I want to lift them up.

I'm Not In Him, Thankfully

2011-04-18T08:30:00.000-04:00

As you may have noticed from one of my other posts music is very important to me; Christian music even more so. Those who have come to the knowledge of Christ and accept Him have the privilege of praising and worshiping Him. I believe they should do so skillfully as described in one of the Psalms. In doing this I believe that the actual writing of the songs should also be done masterfully and with deliberate thought.

I often find in modern Christian music (or some refer to as Contemporary Christian Music; CCM) an attempt to add a sensual aspect to the music. Lyrics commonly refer to God as a physical person versus the spiritual being. Also, lyrics describe interactions with him that liken to a secular lover which I also feel is inappropriate.

This observation was further solidified today when I attended church and one of the songs that was sung during praise and worship had the line:

I found myself in you, Lord

As I began to ponder on that line the more it did not make sense. God in His holiness and glory is so different from any one human being that if someone found himself in Him than that is a cause for concern. This may mean that the person has molded God into who he wants Him to be, or worse, into an image of himself. I may be too literal, but I do not understand the “artistic” or “creative” aspect in this line so I have no choice but to be literal. Something more accurate would be to say:

I desire to find you in myself, Lord

Ignoring whether that would fit with the music, think about that line for a moment; in order for a person to find God in himself He must first be there, no? If He’s not, then there may be a problem and that’s where the word “desire” comes in. If a person really wants to find Him, he will put him there.

New Pledge of Allegiance

2011-04-15T09:48:00.000-04:00

I received this in an email. I by no means claim authorship of it, but I thought it was interesting, so I decided to share it. Feel free to show it to others.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now I sit me down in school

Where praying is against the rule

For this great nation under God

Finds mention of Him very odd.

If scripture now the class recites,

It violates the Bill of Rights.

And anytime my head I bow

Becomes a Federal matter now.

Our hair can be purple, orange or green,

That's no offense; it's a freedom scene..

The law is specific, the law is precise.

Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall

Might offend someone with no faith at all..

In silence alone we must meditate,

God's name is prohibited by the state.

We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,

And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks...

They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.

To quote the Good Book makes me liable.

We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,

And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.

It's 'inappropriate' to teach right from wrong,

We're taught that such 'judgments' do not belong..

We can get our condoms and birth controls,

Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles ..

But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,

No word of God must reach this crowd.

It's scary here I must confess,

When chaos reigns the school's a mess.

So, Lord, this silent plea I make:

Should I be shot; My soul please take!

Amen

Musical Sensitivity

2011-03-09T11:46:00.000-05:00

Why has everyone seem to become so desensitized?

When a person hears a beat, a lovely melody, or peppy rhythm, they do not seem to respond. Music was made to enjoy, so why not enjoy it? What if the musician was walking by; would the response change? Would he not want to see a person dancing to the notes he placed with thoughtfulness or smile at the melody he wrote from his heart? What if it’s not the people, but the music that does not stir activity or enjoyment?

Even if the music sounds enjoyable maybe the heart of the musician is not present, or the music does not contain a motive to move or motivate the listener. Often one can hear beats, guitar riffs, drums, and voices blaring from the ever popular (and harmful) ear buds, but the listener does not respond to them. Instead the listener is staring off into space or typing away on his mobile phone. Maybe the sounds do not signal to the listener to tap his foot, bob his head, or sway with the music that’s reverberating off his ear drums. Maybe because soul no longer embodies music that it does not cause people to move.

There’s no way to resolve this issue. For those like the writer of this blog this is a saddening discovery. Just as much as making music is an art, listening exists as an art also. Willing to find the subtle intricacies in music, acknowledge them, and enjoy them takes time, skill, and care; just like making those lovely aspects. If I was a musical artist I would want nothing more than to find someone singing, dancing, or responding to my music. Do the artists a favor and respond to their music. If it makes you laugh, cry, dance, sing, do it. Even in public respond to music. Artist give us art for us to enjoy and respond to it.

Respond.

Marital Agreement?

2011-02-09T12:22:00.002-05:00

Something my professor for my Introduction to U.S. Government class said during his lecture really sent me thinking. In our study of the U.S. Constitution we are looking into the federalism aspect and separation of powers aspect of the document. During the lecture he touched on what attributes to the amount of power that states have. In his talk, he mentioned how the current issue we have now is homosexual couples who “marry” in one state are not considered “married” in another state. This is considered a violation of the full faith and credit clause. Then he asked the class what marriage was and several replied in unison “a man and a woman”, and then he replied that despite what civil or religious ideas a person has a state sees a marriage only as an legal agreement. My text for this class confirms this because certain benefits are attributed to married couples concerning property, taxes, and so forth.

Now, I personally believe that God condemns homosexuality as a sin and that he allows the government to punish those that engage in homosexual sex with the death penalty (see Romans chapter two) In the interest of equality I also believe heterosexual adulterers and fornicators should also be executed in accordance to the law. Since we do not have that system, however, I will work within realistic terms, and realistically many states that are influenced by morally minded people do not recognize “marriage” between those of the same gender as “marriage” and therefore do not grant the couple the benefits of being married that the government provides. Unless the state governments are interested in fulfilling the homosexual agenda of normalizing homosexuality and providing a platform for homosexuals to revel in their sinfulness, states are simply interested in fulfilling the benefits that they have give to marriage and homosexuals are simply trying to get them. Exceptions to this idea however are homosexuals who want to “marry” children, “marry” individuals against their will, or force people to acknowledge their relationship. Excusing all those situations, homosexuals want to gain the benefits of married heterosexual couples in the terms of the state.

After I came to this realization I find that the Christian community may be fighting the wrong battle. Though I do believe we must have the country (and the world) understand that homosexuality is a reproach to God, we can easily resolve part of the issue by simply limiting government influence. If the government provided no benefits for marriage, those that married would simply be doing so to begin a family. Period. Without benefits provided with marriage some homosexual couples may continue to simply live together, and pastors and priests of different churches would avoid the issue of confronting homosexual couples who want to marry in his or her church. If they wanted to start a legal battle, it can easily be explained that the priest or pastor is simply practicing his or her religion. In addition to that, since the philosophy to a right to privacy has been established and it has been stated that homosexuals have a “right to privacy” in their sexual matters, marriage would simple take that “private” matter into the public realm. For some this is exactly what they want. Also, if the state did want to get involved the only feasible benefit that I can think of is a tax benefit for married, heterosexual couples who bear children. In a sense this is an incentive for the people to benefit the state by providing more workers (or taxpayers depending on how you look at it) and would also keep those with certain religious affiliations be satisfied since only heterosexual couples can produce children.

I Ask

2011-01-24T13:05:00.001-05:00

Once a newly elected president of the United States of American asked the people of country not ask what the country can do for them, but what they could do for the country. These words have so obviously been forgotten when a large part of our country depend on entitlements from the government or other institutions to live. They ask, “Why does the country not feed me?” instead of growing food. They ask “Why does the country not provide work for me?” instead of making work. They ask “Why does the country not teach me?” instead educating himself or herself. They ask “Why does the country not raise my child?” instead of becoming parenting. These questions continue asking why the country does not kill my child for me, why does the country not accept my perversion, why does the country not simply live my meaningless life for me.

Well, this individual does not ask those questions. I ask if I can share my faith with my nation to heal it as it has done to me. I ask if I can prompt my nation to follow its own laws. I ask if I can improve my country’s way of life through education. I ask if I can help my nations country by saving their children in the womb. I ask if I can save my country from the agenda of perversion that permeates our nation. I ask if I can make righteousness the norm so much so that evil stands out. I ask what can I do for my country to make it again the beacon for all the world to follow.

Christ has done everything for me, so I ask, United States of America, what can I do for you?

The Myth Claus

2010-12-21T10:13:00.000-05:00

One issue seems to arise year around December. Well, it’s one of many. First, different organizations try to impose the word “holiday” over “Christmas”. Simply put, we wouldn’t have a holiday without Christmas, and around 91% of the nation celebrates Christmas specifically, according to one study, so worries that someone who celebrates Hanukkah or any other holiday would become offended is an unfounded fear. Second, a lot of Christian people become offended over the spelling of Christmas as Xmas because they feel someone is “x-ing” out Christ. In Greek Christ’s name is spelled with a character that looks like an “X”, so the spelling of Christmas as Xmas is correct and does not warrant concern. Finally, the issue I would like to discuss concerns the debate about Santa vs. Christ. As a Christian I do not understand why such a debate needs to take place. God warns us in the Bible that liars have their part in the lake of fire, in other words, do not lie, there are consequences. With this commandment realized one would think the debate would not be there, but I started to find that some Christians actually help their children foster belief in Santa Claus. I heard recently from an individual—a Christian—that she felt that belief in Santa was a good thing because it caused children to behave better. I thought, “Has Christianity become so far removed from Christ that children would behave to honor Santa instead of honoring Christ with good behavior.” Some also don’t warrant telling other people’s children that Santa is a myth. Personally, I would not go about telling children that Santa isn’t real because that would be mean and vindictive, but if a child asked me about Santa Claus or said something concerning him and expected me to respond, I would not “play the game” and spin some type of falsehood about Santa. This child's parents took the risk, like any other liar, and told their child that Santa Claus and his whimsical lifestyle existed, therefore eventually they pay the price and sadly the child gets caught in it too.

Furthermore, Saint Nicholas, the man from which Santa Claus originates, would probably become very upset with what society has done to his character. He lived a life devoted to God, and did works for the good of the people in secret so God would receive the glory. People have assigned glory to Santa Claus in his supposed ability to bring happiness and joy to children by letting him become the center of giving when the truth is he cannot offer anything to anyone. In this post I would like to tell other Christians, parents particularly, to follow God’s word, do not lie to your children to add “magic” to Christmas, and refocus the source of you ability to give presents to your children. Without Christ the Christians of bygone centuries would not have had a reason to establish a holiday, and without Christ no one would be able to experience the generosity and grace of God in sending his son to die as a man, both fully human and fully divine, to save the world from sin. That is something Santa can never offer and never will offer no matter how “nice” a person acts.

Response to Greg Lukianoff On Campus Censorship

2010-11-05T13:41:00.000-04:00

As Greg Lukianoff pointed out in his video about the statistics of speech censorship, a person can easily see a threat to the communication of ideas. Not giving others a venue to express their thoughts, excluding the type, means not giving a venue to thought. People must learn not to become offended and learn to listen to an idea and rebut it truthfully or otherwise concede if logic does not permit rebuttal. I personally have experienced the products of the lack of proper discussion in two ways: the fear to speak and the fear of defeat. Being a college student allows me to interact with other individuals, and in one class this opportunity is most prominent; however, some students are unwilling to speak. Many occasions have arisen to speak on subjects such as race and religion that could have made for great conversation, debate, or basic discussions, but everyone, except maybe two people, were not inclined to speak. Even when discussion was mediated by an instructor about a controversial book only four out of 23 students participated in the discussions (of which I had to initiate). I believe this is due to the public education system and its failure to properly educate by allowing freedom to fail and the risk of learning. Being a home schooled individual from 5^th grade through high school, I've found this to be an issue when I interact with public schooled individuals. Along with this inability to facilitate a proper discussion in the class room, they proceed to make faulty arguments in their public lives. Though both of the situations that brought me to this realization were on-line, the point still stands that young people taught in the public school system appear more likely to fail to construct intelligent and credible arguments. They also seem to have difficulty removing emotional or personal ideas from their argument since they find their argument will be defeated if they do not interject emotion. Given all these problems, I believe that the censorship in college that Lukianoff speaks about has risen as a result of the two prong effort of the government to filter out individual thought in high school and suppress it even further in the universities. With the sad state that most people know our public school system is in, to break the chokehold on taking the risk of learning, the freedom to fail, and the freedom of thought needs to start in the schools. Further than that, it needs to start in the home. Parents need to take responsibility and truly raise their children instead of letting the government raise them with uncontested ideas and barely there ethics. The basis of any nation is the family, and if free thought, and discussion of those thoughts, are not nurtured and taught in the home, then the schools, universities, and further on in our nation could become a “zombie land” of individuals who don’t know how to think and are not given a reason to do so.

Alternative to Truth

2010-10-28T10:54:00.000-04:00

Since Halloween is upon us, I felt the need to comment on this "holiday". During this time of year the Church in America tends to want to water down this celebration that has very pagan roots. They have "Harvest Festivals" or "Trunk or Treat", supposedly trying to offer an alternative to the unrighteous connotations that Halloween has. Some churches even say the purpose of the celebration is to reach the community for Christ.

I take issue with this position.

Christ, in my readings and observations, never used deception to tell others about the truth of their sinfulness and His ability to save and cleanse people of this sinfulness. For the Church to say to the public, "Come! We have candy and games and a safe environment!" and in private say, "Oh, we'll capture them with the love of God once we have them absorbed in our candy and games!" is contrary to the Church's purpose. If the Church feels they need to do anything at all on Halloween other than pray for those that practice the satanic rituals associated with Halloween, they should be truthful about their purpose. Instead of displaying signs that convey, "Free Candy and Games!" they should considering displaying the message of, "Do You Want Something More Satisfying Than Candy?" Tricking people into Christianity or salvation seems childish and under-handed. If the Church is believing in the Holy Spirit to convict people, why do they feel they need coerce them into hearing about Christianity? Why do we not invite them in and tell them we're all sinners in the eyes of God? Why we do we not tell them this same God offered an opportunity for salvation? Why do we not let the truth of the Gospel draw them in instead of candy and games? If Christians are offering Jesus as an alternative, what does that say about the truth? Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life..."(John 14:6) So if Jesus is the truth, everything else is the alternative. Halloween and it's focus on death is the alternative to life, addiction and dependence on carnal items is the alternative to dependence on God. The Church must show people that Christ is truth. He is what we're meant to have while everything else is the sad and unsatisfactory alternative.

Strive to be better.

Carmen

Black Recession

2010-10-02T00:06:00.000-04:00

First, I apologize for my irregularity of posts. Assuming anyone out there is still reading of course. I've been busy with school, and nothing really worthy of the content which I would like to present on this site came to mind for me to write. However, my father recently asked me to write my recollections of my experience of going to my university's annual step show. I recieved a good response from my father's friends and colleagues, so I felt that it was appropriate to post here. Enjoy, and feel free to comment.

As my mother drove past the Siegel Center my mother, sister, and I observed a line of people that stretched down the sidewalk that led up to the door of the building. What was significant about this sight was the manner in which the females were dressed. If there were men in the line, they were barely noticeable behind the glistening, brown legs that were numerous and various in number and size. Needless to say, the women were wearing dresses with high hemlines (if hemlines existed at all) and low necklines, high heels, and their hair was either fake, colored, or both. If they did have real hair they wore it in an unruly bush (please note that some did look rather nice with their natural hair in a modest style). As the reader may have assumed, the majority of the women standing outside were black (excuse the lack of the use of the politically correct term “African-American”).

After having observed this sight from outside the building, my mother parked the car and we proceeded to head over to the building. As we trekked to the doors we saw more thighs and calves and various amounts of bare skin. When we finally arrived in the arena more of the same prevailed among the scantily clad women. Once the MC finally stepped on stage (they were at least 10 minutes late), he proceeded to tell jokes and expressed how much he loved ladies and soon mentioned, “It’s 2010 man, I hope yall are practicin’ safe sex. I hope yall are practicin’ safe sex.” The crowd proceeded to whoop and holler in agreement, then he went on to ask if the audience had gotten their HIV testing and continued to joke about going to the “cootie clinic” and the awkwardness that accompanied it. My sister later commented that if he did not love the ladies so much he would not have to worry about going to get HIV testing. In conjunction with talk of HIV testing he mentioned how going to “cootie clinic” can make someone “real religious” and said something to the effect, “You start prayin’ like ‘God, oh please, God, let it come back negative,’ and you start prayin’ in tongues like…” and he proceeded to mimic a prayer language. Of course the audience laughed, and after some comments on underage drinking and the after party, the show finally started.

Some of the step teams were very good, and the night seemed to go well until one of the step teams many people in the audience were excited about took the stage. After some mediocre stepping compared to the other teams, they disappeared off the stage as the lights went dark and sensual music started to play (some older individuals would refer to it as “sex music”) and some of the men came out with chairs. At this point I looked into the crowd since I could guess what was about to happen next, and according the volume of the crowd I guessed correctly. Soon I had to look into my lap instead of the crowd since a lesbian couple in front of my family started to engage each other in a less than appropriate way. Once the music and the crowd started to lower their volume I found the bulk of the members of the step team in a human pyramid while the others were finishing off their sensuous dances in their chairs.

Most of the events mentioned above ended up repeating in some fashion, but something caught my attention: about 87% of the people attending or working there were black. Excuse me while I continue to be politically incorrect, but blacks tend to be the first to yell “racism!” yet they segregate themselves into a immoral, tacky, and distasteful culture. As the music played in the arena they all knew the songs and sang along as I remained completely clueless at times. They stood up for The Negro National Anthem of which I had never heard of before and I’m still clueless as to its purpose. Their degradation of language, their dress, their hairstyles, their music, even their immorality they made exclusive to their race. They claim not to want to suffer racism, but they simply give the public no choice.

On a side note, since I’m a bit of music addict, the presence of melodies caused me to take great interest in the tunes being played. As I listened to organized noise that entered my auditory canals I noticed something that I did not expect. I realized some individuals who are strong advocates for solely “Christian music” and claim that rappers or R&B artists with a Christian flavor “just sound like the world” are wrong. Given I listen to or have listened to copious amounts of Christian rap over the years, I noticed while listening to the “world” that there’s a great difference between it and the Christian music sphere of the same genre. Not only is the lyrical content different, but the quality of the music has a whole different “spirit”, if I may use the term, about it. Taking note that describing something as abstract as music is difficult, I can say the feelings that the secular music offers causes the listener to perceive the sound differently which gives the music a different sound altogether.

All in all, it was an interesting cultural experience, but in the words of my sister, it was also “disgraceful.” There was a time when black people wanted to be seen with the greatest respect since for so long they were judged by their skin instead of their true worth. It seems they want to return that time since they make sure the color of their skin is indicative of who they are far as their worth is concerned. When a large majority of women in one area look like prostitutes and the few men that are present look like delinquents, then the recession of black culture as gone farther back than Donald Trump’s hairline.

That's all for now.

Strive to be better.

Carmen

Wanting Them To Know

2010-08-31T11:00:00.001-04:00

A few days ago I was listening to a lecture as part of the course I'm taking at BBN's Bible Institute. (http://www.bbnbi.org/) This particular course covered evangelism, and the minister told a story of a man he knew that he loved so much and wanted so badly to get saved that it made him feel as if he was going to die. I thought he was exaggerating a bit, and didn't quite understand how someone could feel that way.

Then the next day I found that one of my friends in an online art community is an atheist. Of course I was saddened by this news, but not until I tried to sleep that night did I understand what the minister was talking about. I felt as if someone had taken a knife and stuck it in my chest, and I thought I would soon perish from the pain of the blow. I had never felt so passionately or wanted so badly for someone to know Christ and come to salvation, and it hurt so much. I kept tossing and turning and praying for said individual, so I didn't get much sleep that night. Later the next day I read one of his messages since I had asked him a question about his beliefs, and he mentioned how he used to attend Christian school and the people there tended to violently make people accept the beliefs they presented. He said there were other reasons why he decided to become and atheist, but he did not feel it was necessary to mention since we did not have the same mindset.

This saddened me further to find that Christians that have the oppurtunity to share the Gospel would dare conceive the notion they would have to force the individual to do so. Christ has given us free will, hence the reason we need salvation in the first place, and the reason we can choose Christ as our saviour. Despite feeling utterly disappointed in the Christian population, I listened to my next lecture, and I found great comfort in it. The minister had experienced a situation similar to mine and explained how he still prayed and showed love to the individual that he wished to win for Christ. I feel I shall do the same. Because even though I've never met this person in the tangible world, he's terribly precious to me, and to think he would have to potential of facing eternal damnation because of something I didn't do makes me agitated.

Strive to be better.

Carmen

Don't Forget to Slow Dance

2010-08-04T00:40:00.000-04:00

This is a poem I recieved in a forwarded email. I usually can't stand forwarded emails because they tend to be cheesy and/or a waste of my time. This is a lovely poem; however, that was supposedly written by a young girl with cancer. I corrected some punctuation errors, and changed the format haphazardly, but you should still be able to read it and enjoy it's message. Again, this is not something written by me. I would very rarely if at all write on such a subject.

Have you ever

watched kids on a merry-go-round?

Or listened to
the rain slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?

Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down.

Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.

The music won't last.

Do you run through each day
On the fly?

When you ask "How are you?"
Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?

You'd better slow down.

Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.

The music won't last.

Ever told your child,
"We'll do it tomorrow"?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch,
And let a good friendship die?

Cause you never had time
To call and say,"Hi"

You'd better slow down.

Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.

The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift;
Thrown away.

Life is not a race.

Do take it slower.

Hear the music
Before the song is over.

Faint Not

2010-07-14T22:37:00.000-04:00

I wrote and delivered this sermon at the last Youth Sunday my church had. I was so glad when it came together so seamlessly as God guided me through my studies. I hope you gather from it as much as I did.

In our Christian walk it can get very difficult to actually be a Christian. This is expected; nowhere in God’s word does He say anything like “Serving Me will be easy.” In fact, many followers of Christ endured many hardships. Paul, for example gives a sort of synopsis in II Corinthians 11:23-33 of all of his sufferings:

Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labour more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent in deaths oft. . .

I won’t read the entire passage, but he goes on to describe the hunger, the beatings, the stoning, he went through. Today many Christians around the world suffer these same trials and I believe they make it through each one with constant encouragement from the Lord. He didn’t just put in his Word how to become his child and then say, “Well, good luck, see you in Heaven.” No, he gave us many words of encouragement and comfort and reasons to keep contending for the faith. II Corinthians 7:5, 6 says:

For, when we were come into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus.

That tells me that God is there to comfort us even when everything inside and outside of us is in chaos. Also, God knows it’s hard, and in his wisdom he gives us these words through Paul from I Corinthians 15:58:

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

You don’t work in vain church. Even during these trying times when America is falling away from the righteous principles that made it great in the first place, God is still working. According to a recent The Voice of the Martyrs newsletter, an estimated 100 million unregistered Christians are living in China. What’s even more awesome about this is the fact they outnumber the 73 million members on the Communist Party in that same country. This brings me to Galatians 6:9 where Paul writes:

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Judging from the article I read recently, the Christians in China are definitely laboring in well-doing. Despite their oppression in a country that considers them criminals, they still work to bring the good news of salvation to others. This verse also reminds me of a saying my mother would tell me that her father told her. “You can’t get tired.” If I complained about being sick of school and tired of this, that, and the other thing she’d say, “You can’t get tired.” As I was writing this message to bring to you all I realized how much that can apply to our Christian walk. We can’t get tired church, not when a dying world needs to hear about the liberating, infinite, true God. II Chronicles 5:7 says:

Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.

Again, you can’t get tired. You can’t let weakness over take you and whether you actually get to see it while you’re living on earth or not, you will be rewarded. In the Christian fight the end certainly justifies the means. The means being the persecution, suffering, and trials we have to go through. One last verse I would like to speak on that I believe has some very fundamental, but profound truth and encouragement. Actually, it’s my favorite verse, Romans 12:21:

Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.

I find this verse most encouraging because it basically tells me that evil can be overcome. It’s not an invincible enemy despite its prominence. Sometimes I think we forget that. In closing, church, don’t faint; don’t get tired, because you do not work in vain. Evil is not an indestructible enemy as long as you stay in prayer and stay in God’s Word.

No Longer Silent

2010-06-27T23:54:00.000-04:00

I cried today. My church did a medley of a puppet show and human videos. They chose the song Letters From War by Mark Schultz, and that song has always made me tear. Then they moved on to a song by Carman, of which I cannot recall the title, which caused me to bury my face in my hands and sob. This particular song was spoken word, and if you have ever heard Carman you know he has a very stirring voice when given the right background music. In this song he spoke about America and it’s fallen state, the violation of the ideals of our forefathers, and the destruction of the our country by the corrupt government and the people who support it. What I believe made me gush water from my portals of vision, because I did not know at first, was the timing of this song. This song was written and recorded somewhere in the early to mid ‘90s, yet what goes on in today’s society still echoes the reality of the evil our country is drenched in. This also caused me to realize there had been no change, and we grew worse instead of better. As I heard recently on a Christian radio talk show, “Christians are ‘wusses’.” The speaker was addressing the issue that only three percent of Americans were homosexuals, yet they have a very prominent voice in society. A caller asked how this could be, and he responded with above mentioned phrase. He continued to explain how we as Christians have become tolerant of the evil around us and take little action to fight against it. I want to change that. I do not want to be a silent Christian. I want to do as Carman’s song said and bring God back into America. He is our only hope in midst of all this turmoil. And even if things do not change, He is still “the God who is there” as Francis Schaffer has said. “Jesus gave me more than ever could’ve been expected,” as KJ-52 once wrote. And I urge you, reader, if you claim to be a child of God, to live that out. Don’t be afraid to “bow before God, stand against the evil of man, and stand in the gap.”

Strive to be heard.

><>Carmen<><

The Fear

2010-06-03T00:18:00.000-04:00

I’m afraid. Though I feel I should not fear anything. I love art, I enjoy how drawing, photo manipulating, and singing makes me feel. Yet, when I have an opportunity to learn and to grow, I become frightened. I’m not sure why, the instructors are there to teach me so I can defeat my fear and succeed, but yet I still fear. I guess I’m so afraid of failure, so afraid of not being good enough I do not want to try at all. Sometimes I wish I did not excel anywhere so I would have nothing but greatness to reach for. I wish I had some constant supporting hand to push me forward. Then I realize I do. I have Jesus, the Lord, and the Holy Spirit. I know that sorrow lasts for a night, but joy comes in the morning. I know that I do not have a spirit of fear but one of power, of love, and of a sound mind.

Retro Satana!

Strive to be better and to defeat fear.

><>Carmen<><

And You Speak With Thunder...

2010-05-28T23:57:00.000-04:00

When I was thinking of a title for this post, a song came to mind, the chorus specifically, for the song Fragile Breath by Todd Agnew.

And you speak with thunder and lightning
Your voice shakes the mountains; the foundations of the earth
And all I can offer is this fragile breath
And with each one I'll praise you
With each one I'll praise you more.

Oh, how I wish I could make that true, but at least I can try. Excuse the use of present tense in this post since I wrote it around 1:30 AM.

There’s a thunderstorm going on outside. Now and then the lights would flicker as the thunder clashed or the lightning flashed. I prayed, “Lord, please don’t let the lights go out.” Since I was doing something I felt was important and didn’t want to lose power. Then I began to think, what if what I’m doing right now isn’t very important? What if God sent this thunderstorm just to remind me to think of Him, and spare him a few seconds in my busy and distracted mind? Well, it worked. Looking at all the news regarding my country, the people in it, and the people I know, I can easily lose hope. I wonder where all the good has gone, and why we fail to treat evil as we once did. This thunderstorm reminds me of God’s overwhelming power, his inability to be controlled or predicted, and His overall sovereignty in every place and situation. This rampage of water, light, and sound remind me that my God still lives, he still loves, and he still judges. He has been merciful enough to open my eyes to the truth, and the ability to pray for the boldness to open others’ eyes. I thank him for that, and for keeping the lights on.

Switching gears for a moment, depending on who you are, you may or may not know that I will graduate from high school soon, and if you have read my past posts you know that I ask for your support in my various endeavors to gain funds for my journey through college. Well, my new venture is online surveys. I’ve always disliked them, but even though I’m hunting/applying for scholarships and contests, I still feel like I’m not doing enough. Therefore, I’ve starting taking surveys and have successfully earned $7.20 across two different sites. I’m currently registered to four sites. This information is being provided to ask you to check out one of the survey sites I belong to. I earn money from the site when someone joins after they click on my referral link. It costs you absolutely nothing but your time and you will lend me a hand in gaining funds to put toward college. Enough of my rambling, here’s the link:

http://www.tryvindale.com/V4gb6DEN

Well, I think that’s it for now.

Strive to be better.

><>Carmen<><

Insert Interesting Title About Grace Here

2010-05-18T01:43:00.000-04:00

I’m not one that commonly writes about grace, more specifically the grace of God or His mercy if you will. Seeing as I have not been blogging my thoughts very long, I can say I’ve never written exclusively about grace or mercy. I find that authors that do write about grace have gone through some amazing, life-altering experience where the grace of God and the vastness of His mercy made themselves evident in whatever situation he or she went through. I could say that has never happened to me, but then I recall the day I accepted Christ as my Saviour and His grace gave me a second life and his mercies appear new every morning when I “mess up” again. Once I grasped that concept my mind wandered to a conversation my family had during dinner (yes, I will think of something profound then simple, I’m rather mentally disorganized that way) when my father had read on the internet about teenagers participating in some sort of sex act in class while others recorded it. This review of my father’s information led me to ponder some lyrics of a song by a Christian rapper, Lecrae, that read as follows:

But then some say "How can God exist when

All this evil stuff in the world keep persistin'?

Wrong question. Ask again.

"How come God ain't' let you feel the wrath from sin? "

What you thought last night deserved a first class flight

To Hell where God doesn't dwell. You got that right

But He bought back life, on a cross that night

Christ died, you ain't know that he crossed that price?

I then began to think that maybe those adolescents are not being, excuse my hyperbole, struck down with lightning because of God’s grace and patience in waiting for people like me or people like you, who may proclaim to be a Christian, to reach these young individuals for Christ. My thoughts wander to my friend who left this world by the hands of a murderer. I had never met her in person on account she lived in Canada, but her precious, sweet spirit could have even be felt across the internet. She had knowledge beyond her years, talent, determination, and a zeal for God. She once described herself as a goofball, a follower of Christ, and a bad listener who tries. One has to wonder how people like her have to die so unpleasantly, not that any physical death is pleasant, but for her to leave this world does not quite make sense. Then I remember grace, I remember her mother being comforted by a song lyric that reads, “it is not death to die…” I remember mercy, I remember my other friend saying that our dear, departed companion could look down from Heaven and say “Hah! I got here first!” I remember Krystal Meyers singing, “Baby, that’s the beauty of grace…”

Strive to be better.

Carmen

Do "Good"

2010-05-06T02:18:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I find myself trying to understand evil. I supposed it’s because I see it as a problem and like any problem one must first understand it in order to solve it. Yet with evil there is another problem, for it is nearly incomprehensible. I am aware I live in a fallen world, yet I am surprised by how depraved man is, or was, or will become. I am aware that the state the Earth is not what was originally planned by the great Creator. Still I ponder, and tinker, and turn over the concept of “evil” in my mind. Evil exists, but for me there is no clear reason “why”, yet I know the reason. Why do we feel drawn to darkness? Why do I still feel the need understand why it is dark? It seems like an endless cycle my mind refuses to let me rupture. No matter how much I know Adam and Eve introduced the aspect of “sin” into the world, or how much I know that my life could be worse without the grace of God, I still wonder why evil “is”. I still wonder why it seems so prevalent, yet I know the answer to that too. One apostle wrote, “Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.” Now the Bible is inspired by God, so essentially God said that, and He wouldn’t tell us mere mortals to do something we have the incapability of doing. Maybe I should stop wondering and just overcome. Maybe I could wonder how good could be more prevalent. Maybe I could just start doing “good”.

Speaking of doing “good”, my friend has entered an essay contest. Please read her short essay as it is very good, and vote for her to win here:

http://www.ecoteachcontest.com/inadequate-or-catalystic.html

Thank you for voting, and reading.

Strive to be better. Do “good”.

><>Carmen<><

Are You Moved?

2010-05-01T00:08:00.003-04:00

Recently a missionary came to the church I attend. He and his rather pregnant wife spoke to us about the work they do in Laos and how much they believe in their calling to do work there for the Lord. Eventually they showed us a short film on the area, the people there, and how the Lord is working there. After watching the film the missionary said, “Wow, I just get choked up every time I see that.” When someone like him says something like that I try to decide whether to feel guilty or not. When I watched the video and saw the country I thought, “Wow, that’s a beautiful setting.” Then I saw the people and where they lived and I thought, “I wonder what they’re life is like.” “What are their daily activities?” Buddhist children were shown in their traditional garments and participating in some sort of ritual and I proceeded to think, “I wonder what that symbolizes.” “What’s the significance of the color of their garments and the way they’re wrapped?” “Oh boy, are those little children adorable.” That thought process commonly takes place for me when I see such scenes. I do not cry or choke. I’m not “moved” Small bodies and malnourished children do not stir up a fire of a raging evangelistic spirit. I do not know why. I wish I could feel that way, but I do not. Though when I see the wealthy woman who believes her life revolves around her appearance, or a man of high standing who believes his stock holdings will hold his future, I choke. That moves me. Seeing such successful people without Christ, and depending on “things” to make them happy, comfort them, protect them, and further them in the world makes me want to cry. I am pained to think of these people who have everything and nothing at the same time will live and die a pointless life. Worst of all, they stand out of my reach. At least it seems that way.

Strive to be better.

Carmen

Something Different

2010-04-17T22:26:00.000-04:00

Hello readers that may or may not exist. I'm in a rather whimsical mood right now, so I felt the need to post something comical and personal. As you know I don't often enter blog entries too directly related to my life, but my friend suggested I blog this:

Me:You know, I use the 'E" key so much on my keyboard, that it's almost comepletely gone now.

John: hahaha

John: what do you type that has "E" in it so much?

Me: I have no idea. All I know is it's the only letter that's nearest to being worn away.

John: lol

John: that's funny

Me: Hehe, I should write an ode. "Oh "E" how have I typed thee? Why hast thy form worn thin? Why hast thy lettering grown thin? What abuse hast thou endured to be so removed from my keyboard? Oh "E" I wish too say sorry, for you missing from my keyboard would make me worry."

'Tis a small excerpt from one of our conversations. For having come up with that rhyme so suddenly, I surprised myself. Though I do rather enjoy writing. Writing poems is a wonderful past time, though you may never see them here, I'm rather protective of my writings.

That's it for now I guess. Something short, sweet, and light should do.

Strive to be better.

><>Carmen<><

Dire Times

2010-04-07T12:54:00.000-04:00

Chaplain Gordon James Klingenschmitt - The Pray In Jesus Name Project / Homepage

Whom ever reads this, I ask you to go to this link. Please pay to fax the petition to our Congress members and Senators to not pass the mislabeled "Employment Non-Discrimination Act". Even if you're not a Christian, or belong to any particular religion, think of the innocent children of this nation. This bill would allow men to enter women's bathrooms (and I believe vice versa), that opens up the possibility for rape, abuse, and all kinds of sexually deviant behaviour. Children could be physically, emotionally, and spiritually scarred for life. This is what our action now determines. If you have children, or know others who have children, think of them, this is for their sakes. Please don't submit them to this. Preserve their innocence.

Strive to be better.

Carmen

Joy In Rejection

2010-03-30T01:32:00.000-04:00

I said practically at the beginning of this blog that I wasn’t going to talk about my life much. I’m not one to ramble about myself, but this bit has purpose. Yesterday I received a letter from the art school I applied to some months back. I really feel the call on my life to be a fashion designer, and promote modesty in women’s clothing. If that turns out not being my direction, I want to find some way to glorify God through my art and let others see his glory too. Needless to say, I did not get accepted into the school. I knew I probably would not be accepted since copious numbers of students apply every year, and many of them are far more talented than I am. My family and I had been praying a very long time for me to be accepted and go to college, but as I was thinking on my rejection, I started to realize it must be in God’s plan too. My application was very rushed, almost forced. I was scrambling to complete my portfolio and gather all the materials I needed to apply. If I had been accepted, then I would be rushing to acquire my driving license (I’m 18, but I still have my Learners’ Permit), and rushing to prepare for college right out of high school. All this time I was operating on my time schedule. When I found out I had not been accepted it was like God telling me, “Wait, this is what I want to do; you operate on My schedule.” I found comfort in knowing an almighty God has my life set up already for me, but what saddened me was I totally forgot that. I took for granted that he would provide what I wanted when I wanted it instead of waiting for Him to give me what I need when I need it. At this point I’m practically thankful I was not accepted. Now I have close to a year to practice, grow, and improve my academics and artistry for the next window of opportunity the Lord provides me with. He also knew that this would be the perfect moment to teach me this lesson, since I would never forget how happy I was to be rejected from a school.

As always, strive to be better.

Carmen

In Light of Things...

2010-03-27T00:39:00.001-04:00

Hello. Sometimes I wonder why I keep writing, since now I know no one's reading. I guess I'm kind of hoping that someone will stumble upon this humble blog and be. . . inspired? I'm not sure, anyways. This particular post is meant mainly for promoting anyways, but I do urge you to continue reading.

The link I'm about to post is to a wonderful article concerning God and the recent bill passed by our government. I found it very uplifting and, at the time, very good guide for me personally. I suggest you read it.
http://www.russellmoore.com/2010/03/22/dont-be-afraid/

Also, I recently aquired a book I pre-ordered from Amazon.com that I'm currently reading that I rather enjoy. It's called Stuff Christians Like by a blogger named Jonathan Acuff, or Jon Acuff if you will. He's a wonderful Christian satire writer, and I really think you'll enjoy the book. Feel free to look into it.

Also, he has a blog that started his endeavor to write and sell a book. You can go to stuffchristianslike.net and read if you will.

I think that's it.

Strive to be better.

Carmen

Tell Someone

2010-03-15T02:37:00.000-04:00

Hello readers, assuming I have any, I hope you're having a lovely day. If not, I hope to brighten it a little.

Last Sunday my youth leader asked us to speak to at least one person about Jesus. I said I'd try, keeping in mind that I rarely see anyone other than my family seeing as I'm homeschooled and all the people I speak to most frequently are Christians. So since, as I suspected, I wouldn't see anyone I could really talk to about Jesus really needed to hear, I thought I'd tell you.

So, to whom ever reads this, I want you to know that there is a man named Jesus, the son of God, that loves you. He died so that you would not have to pay for your wrong doings, your sin, in this life, and He came back to life to give you a chance of salvation and eternal life with Him. He doesn't care what you've done in the past, all He wants is for you to accept Him as your Savior and serve him with righteous living and spreading the message of His perfect and impartial love. Motivation? Eternal life. What some people will neglect to tell you though is that the moment you give your life to Him, the harder it gets, but I assure you, it's worth it. To know you have an everlasting friend, Savior, and life-line, far exceeds the chance of ridicule, persecution, or hardships.

He outlines how to live and more in a book inspired by Him called the Bible, it's practically the instruction book for life and is more applicable than any book ever written as far as I'm concerned.

Feel free to consult it, or send me a comment I'll be more than happy to help you learn more about my Saviour, and how he can be yours too.

Strive to be better.

Carmen

Sitting Rocks and Hand Holders

2010-03-07T02:35:00.002-05:00

Well, here I am again, entering text into the infinite space of the internet. I still have no idea if anyone reads these words, but if you do, I thank you.

Recently, I had flipped open my Bible after my regular devotions and randomly thumbed through the books. I suggest doing so now and again. You never know what you’ll land on or how applicable it could be. Sometimes I secretly hope I’ll get a life-changing revelation from just opening it up and reading the chapter I first lay eyes on. Unfortunately, I didn’t find anything life-changing or supernaturally applicable to my life right now, but it was life-affirming. I opened up to Exodus, chapter 17, in which Moses follows the Lord’s instruction to strike a rock to provide his people with water, also they enter into a battle with Amalek. During this battle Moses held up his hand and the people of Israel prevailed against Amalek, but when he lowered his hand the people of the Amalek prevailed. Naturally, he kept Moses kept his hands in the air and eventually Moses’ arms got tired (he was human you know) but what got me was Aaron and Hur brought him a rock to sit on and held up his arms until the end of the battle. After thinking about that for awhile, it started to look like an illustration of what God will do for us when we serve Him. It gave me confidence that as long as I live in his will, he will send an “Aaron” or a “Hur” or both, to come and hold up my arms and give me a place to sit, so righteousness can prevail.

Strive to be better.

Carmen

Important

2010-02-20T01:53:00.002-05:00

Even though I’m sure not many people have decided to spare their time to read this small blog, I am here to enter another post. To be honest I don’t have much to say. Instead of rambling about my life I would like to put something thoughtful into what I write, but I’m not—well, now that I think of it, here’s something. I met a girl recently through one of the social networking sites used by my online school. One of my other friends told me I should talk to her, so I did. I introduced myself, then she replied and introduced herself and asked, “What are the three most important things about you?” That caught me off guard. I’m important? Someone I don’t know instantly assumed there was something important about me for me to tell them? It didn’t make any sense, and at first I wasn’t sure how to respond. I came up with this:

Three most important things about me? Wow, I've never thought anything about
myself was particular important. *thinks* I might have to sleep on that. Heh,
from right off the top of my head I'll say I love to love people, I like making
people happy, and I like how I can show people how I see the world through my
art. Do those count?

After I replying to her I couldn’t help thinking why would anyone assume there was something important about me? I’m not the smartest, the most talented, and certainly not the most attractive person, so how was that a relevant question? Well, I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised. There has to be something important about me since God put me on this Earth. Something worthwhile must be in store since one of my parents’ friends prophesied the birth of my sister and me. But when someone else asks you that, someone human, it surprises you. It surprised me. I guess I came face to face with the belief that I don’t really believe I’m special. Even though I have all these plans, I don’t really think they’ll come about. And most of the time I really think that my being here doesn’t make a difference. Oh well, I guess I just have more things to sort out.

Strive to be better.

Carmen

A Small Promotion

2010-02-02T02:54:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted recently, assuming that someone is upset about that. Sadly, I can't write much right now, but I would like to point out a few things and do a little promoting.

First, I really enjoy reading a blog by a man named Jon Acuff. Go to http://www.stuffchristianslike.net and read his entries. He's hilarious and very insightful. I urge you to preorder the book he recently wrote from Amazon.com called Stuff Christians Like. *hint* Feel free to use the widget on the side bare *hint*

I would also ask that you would vote for his brother in one of Pepsi's contests. He is trying to win the $5,000 dollars to clean up East Nashville and promote a better and stronger community through it's restoration. Please vote for him and help him win the money here: http://www.refresheverything.com/cleaneast

Um, that's alot less than recall planning to write, but that's really all I have to say. I hope the write something a little more substantial later.

Thanks for reading!

Strive to be better.

Carmen

A Day of What Color?

2010-01-19T01:14:00.000-05:00

Well, as many know, today or yesterday (I really should write during the day so I don’t have my times confused) is/was Martin Luther King Jr. Day. To be completely honest I wasn’t aware of this fact until someone told me on Sunday, since he was asking me if I were to get out of school on that day of which I did not. With this fact in mind, some other acquaintances and friends of mine were discussing the significance of the day and the hardships America had to overcome in the fight against racism. In the conversation someone mentioned the Holocaust and the prejudice against the Jews. Then others chimed in with the racism against Romas (gypsies) in Europe. At one point one of the students I know for a fact is a sort of freedom fighter for everyone bond by anything stepped up on her soap box about the issue. This particular person I’m sure would have been a conductor on the Underground Railroad, marched on Washington, and helped every Jew possible escape the tyranny of Hitler. Though this discussion was all well and good I realized that someone could tell me the dirtiest racial joke, make the most obvious racial slurs, or apply the worst of stereotypes to me or anyone else and I would really not give it a second thought. But when people try to lecture or take a strong stand against racism and proclaim their views, that’s what makes me upset. That emotion that overcomes a person right before they burst with anger seeps into me and builds and I’m not completely sure why. I’m not racist, in fact I agreed with most of what my friends said. After a discussion with my mother I thought that maybe I felt those emotions because I didn’t think they could speak as they did after not going through or experiencing major bouts of racism for themselves. On my own I discovered that I probably got upset because I disagreed with their statement that America has overcome a lot of racism. I feel the most prominent indicator that America is still very racist is the election of President Obama. A lot of black individuals voted for him simply because of the color of his skin, not his character, which goes against the very idea that Martin Luther King Jr. held so dearly. On the other hand some white individuals voted for him because of the “guilt” they supposedly felt for what happened to the black population in America years ago. Though they should have understood that it was not them that enslaved black people but those that were in the past. All is new now, and race should be the last thing people are focused on when assigning the President to office or even hiring a janitor. Who will do the best work? Who is trustworthy? What have other people said about this man or woman’s actions or traits? Those are the questions people should be asking and what we should be judging people on.

Again, just my thoughts.

Strive to be better.

><>Carmen<><

Post of Purpose

2010-01-17T01:06:00.000-05:00

Bonjour! I have actually decided to use this site for blogging. I will occasionally use it to promote any projects I’m doing, but otherwise, my thoughts and ramblings will occupy this site on a rather regular basis. At least, I’ll try to keep it up regularly.

If you’re reading this and you don’t know me, this is your chance to learn of my existence. I won’t bore you with the details of my life, but rather let my life as I tell it introduce you to who I am.So, here it is, my first blog post of much more meaning that its predecessors. Since it is Saturday (well it was Saturday) I observe the Sabbath (no, I’m not Jewish), and on this day I find myself thinking in great quantities, thought I do that on a regular basis also. In my thoughts, I analyzed a situation I recently experienced on a forum I am part of. I won’t get into the details for they are too many and too upsetting to cover, but I learned that no matter what you do, no matter what you say, someone will always be offended. Now, the offense isn’t what necessarily made this situation unpleasant, but rather the way it was handled. In many situations such as this, the person offended often wants everyone to believe his or her viewpoint is the only correct one and if you don’t have this viewpoint you should be verbally murdered or converted. Also, in these cases the offender also believes his ideas are correct, and unless he didn’t mean any harm and was stating his opinion, he is ready to go to the proverbial slaughter for his ideas.

Instead of trying to slit each others’ throats in attempt to make the other believe what he or sheis saying is the right idea, I would love see them state their opinion in a calm manner and leave it open for discussion. I’ve always held to the idea that if you present an idea with facts, and in a calm, but confident, manner, others will be willing to accept it as your idea and either further discuss it to find out more about it, or leave it be. For example, I am a vegetarian, more specifically, a lacto-ovo pescetarian . Such title simply means I am a vegetarian that will it fish and milk or egg products. When I tell people such, I tell them why I do it and what prompted me to do so. After such explanation, the listener can either inquire further or change the subject. Some other vegetarians will do the same, but add “Because I can’t stand to kill a poor innocent chicken, how could you do so?” Many variations exist to statements such as the one previously mentioned, but doesn’t it irk you? Does it make you feel and think about all the people whose livelihood depends on the production of meat? This is where the offense enters and starts a riot. Soon an argument may break out. But this brings us to another point: Don’t get offended. I know that sounds impossible, but think about it. If you simply replied with, “Well, I have no problem eating meat, but if that’s the lifestyle you’ve chosen, I’m glad you’re happy with that.” Then smile. They’ll never see it coming, and they’ll never know what to say. If you did want to alter their thinking, do so in a calm matter by simply asking more questions about what they believe and truly understanding them before making assumptions and starting arguments. I truly believe if more people applied this method we could live a little more peaceably with others. But those are my thoughts.

If you’ve made it this far, I commend you for reading my inner meditations and taking them to heart. I hope you’ll be willing to read more of my mental dealings in the future. I may regularly update this blog on Fridays, but that can be subject to change. On a different note, assuming you’re still reading, I very much enjoy creating various kinds of art. If that interests you, I suggest you check my online gallery on Deviant Art here: http://missvirginia.deviantart.com/

All the other links that I have promoted are still accessible on this blog, such as my store, so feel free to go to those places too.

I hope you’ll return to “read my mind”, but I will say farewell. Ou au revoir!

Live to Die.

><>Carmen<><

Many Things Are in Store For You

2009-12-08T13:12:00.000-05:00

My Amazon.com sponsored store is now up and running. I will continue to add new merchandise seeing as it is a little limited right now, so keep checking back. Here is the link:

http://astore.amazon.com/goocar-20

Also, still free to use the widget in the side bar. And be sure to read the "About Us" section on the website.

Thank you.

Strive to be better.

><> Carmen <><

Your Window to the Amazon. . .

2009-12-03T02:06:00.000-05:00

A new widget has been added to the side bar. Feel free to search through the Amazon.com products as I am referring their merchandise now. They have agreed to pay me a percentage of the purchases from Amazon that have been accessed through my page. The money I earn is solely for my college education seeing as I have yet to win a scholarship. So please know your purchases are for a good cause. ^_^

Strive to be better

><> Carmen <><

Another badge

2009-02-16T22:47:00.001-05:00

Purpose

2009-02-15T02:13:00.000-05:00

Heylo. I'm Carmen. This blog will probably not be updated regularly, but I need it to furthur my cause. I've joined a site called SocialVibe, and in order to support my cause I need to get the word out about it. Due to my not very well accepted nature of being different, I have no way of doing this, until now. So this will officially be my call for help. Please answer it. ^_^