Four Black kids are being charged with hate crimes, rightfully so, for beating up a disabled white kid. I hope they throw the book at them, I really do.
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/01/05/508331652/4-people-in-custody-in-chicago-over-beating-live-streamed-on-facebook
I despise all hate crimes, whether it be black on white, white on black, white on white, black on black, etc. (you get the point). When I heard about this, I immediately remembered a case when three white kids beat up a black homeless guy here in Fairfield in 2005... to the point where he was permanently disabled. You can read more about that here:
http://www.thereporter.com/article/ZZ/20090328/NEWS/903289831
The similarities are ironic, minus the Trump remarks.
Unfortunately, I think the punishment will NOT be similar. I say this because I already know the three white kids are walking free already. My hubby was an alternate juror on that case, and he looked up what's going on with them. Basically, the worst offender was sentenced to life in prison (this was not his first offense), but got out early on some sort of technicality (and he was NOT a minor when the crime happened). I don't know if it's considered a hate crime because I don't know if the beating was racially motivated. In my mind, those kinds of beatings are all hate crimes.
I saw a friend of a Facebook friend posted this latest incident and said that things like this is why he/she voted for Trump. This really saddens me to know that people really think Trump is the answer. Or is it that they really think people of color are entitled and ruining our nation? This type of thinking is behind the whole "Black Lives Matter caused this act of violence, etc" philosophy.
Black Lives Matter is not saying ONLY Black Lives Matter. BLM is saying Black Lives Matter TOO. While I want these latest perpetrators to pay for their crimes, I'm also upset that those three white kids didn't have to truly pay for their crimes. I could go on and on about this, but I think Shaun King covers it best here:
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/king-don-chicago-white-assault-case-blm-movement-article-1.2935825
Thursday, January 5, 2017
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
What's Wrong With Gun Control?
Let me start by saying I'm not trying to take any guns away from responsible owners. To me, gun control is simply taking steps to keep them out of the hands of folks that shouldn't have them - toddlers, angsty teens, the mentally unstable, terrorists, etc.
I don't have any, but I do have friends and family that have them; and I don't begrudge them their arms... Whether it's for self-defense in a lousy area, hunting for a meal in the wilderness, or just target shooting at the range - these are all fine with me. Yes, folks have the right to bear arms... But I'm pretty sure the founding fathers didn't foresee the kind of automatic weaponry that's available now.
My brother-in-law and one of his best friends were both shot at the San Francisco Golden Dragon Massacre in 1977. It was a gang shooting, but only the innocent were shot. Our friend died, and my brother-in-law was in the hospital for months due to the gunshot wounds. It was a horrific event that has admittedly colored my stance on gun control. Yes, I realize that bad guys will usually get them if they really want them; but I see no reason to make it easy for them. And if gun control can save even one life, isn't it worth it? How do you put a price on a life?
It can be so easy to glorify guns - I'll admit that I enjoy mafia movies, some westerns, etc. But going to an 18-year-old friend's funeral and visiting my brother-in-law in the hospital made an impression... and that event comes to mind anytime I hear about toddler shootings, school shootings, nightclub shootings, etc. Just so many senseless deaths...
There is obviously another deeper issue with the amount of shootings that are happening. Some people think having more "good guys" with guns is the answer; but the problem is really with our society and the number of people who feel shooting others is okay. Only God can change these dark hearts, and I know one day He'll make everything right. Until then, I really don't see a problem with gun control. It may cost a little more time and/or money to have your guns and ammo, but I think it's worth it if you really want it. After all, I just paid $40 to register my dog and she's not nearly as dangerous as a gun ;)
I don't have any, but I do have friends and family that have them; and I don't begrudge them their arms... Whether it's for self-defense in a lousy area, hunting for a meal in the wilderness, or just target shooting at the range - these are all fine with me. Yes, folks have the right to bear arms... But I'm pretty sure the founding fathers didn't foresee the kind of automatic weaponry that's available now.
My brother-in-law and one of his best friends were both shot at the San Francisco Golden Dragon Massacre in 1977. It was a gang shooting, but only the innocent were shot. Our friend died, and my brother-in-law was in the hospital for months due to the gunshot wounds. It was a horrific event that has admittedly colored my stance on gun control. Yes, I realize that bad guys will usually get them if they really want them; but I see no reason to make it easy for them. And if gun control can save even one life, isn't it worth it? How do you put a price on a life?
It can be so easy to glorify guns - I'll admit that I enjoy mafia movies, some westerns, etc. But going to an 18-year-old friend's funeral and visiting my brother-in-law in the hospital made an impression... and that event comes to mind anytime I hear about toddler shootings, school shootings, nightclub shootings, etc. Just so many senseless deaths...
There is obviously another deeper issue with the amount of shootings that are happening. Some people think having more "good guys" with guns is the answer; but the problem is really with our society and the number of people who feel shooting others is okay. Only God can change these dark hearts, and I know one day He'll make everything right. Until then, I really don't see a problem with gun control. It may cost a little more time and/or money to have your guns and ammo, but I think it's worth it if you really want it. After all, I just paid $40 to register my dog and she's not nearly as dangerous as a gun ;)
Monday, January 2, 2017
New Year Reflections
I keep hearing, "2016 was awful, I hope 2017 is better" or "I'm sure 2017 will be better, it can't be worse."
Me? I think it'll probably be worse, and a continuation of the lousy parts of 2016. I don't have confidence in the Trump administration. When he was running, I thought he was the Republican's punishment for obstructing Obama for 8 years. Turns out we're all getting punished. Hate crimes are up, his cabinet is filled with anti-global, anti LGBT and racist individuals. Worst of all, there are Evangelical Christians holding him up as a man of God. It is definitely not looking good for American Christianity if THAT is what is being held up as a great man.
The flip side is that the majority of voters did NOT vote for him. Not only did Clinton get more votes, but if you add in the votes that the third party candidates got and the low voter turnout... turns out he probably got elected by only 25% of the country's eligible voters. Perhaps having such an odious President will give the people a wake-up call and unite to ensure he and his administration don't screw everybody over "bigly."
I read that the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), MoveOn.Org and other progressive activist organizations are getting donations to mobilize and keep Trump and his cronies in check. The fact that I'm skeptical about 2017 being a good year led me to start recurring donations to the ACLU. At one time, I thought, "Give the President Elect a chance, he deserves a smooth transition, etc.". But as he built his cabinet and continued to tweet his love for Putin and disdain for Obama and our intelligence agencies, I decided that he was already blowing his "chance" in my eyes. Besides, providing financial support to the ACLU to ensure liberties aren't trounced isn't disrespectful. It's acknowledging how dangerous Trump and his values are to the country's progress.
I was once an Independent voter, but watching Mitch McConnell and his GOP cronies obstruct any chance of movement for the Obama administration pushed me to the Democratic platform. Obama had a fairly high favorability rating and the GOP-led Congress had a low rating. Why, then, did the country elect this clown on the GOP ticket? For change, at whatever the cost. Just like Hitler. My 82-year-old friend (aka "Cowboy") called it months ago - said he's just another Hitler. I hope he's wrong, but I will be praying that the good people of this country can keep him and his administration in check. People fuss about the gun laws, weed laws, etc. The biggest threat will be in the White House.
Me? I think it'll probably be worse, and a continuation of the lousy parts of 2016. I don't have confidence in the Trump administration. When he was running, I thought he was the Republican's punishment for obstructing Obama for 8 years. Turns out we're all getting punished. Hate crimes are up, his cabinet is filled with anti-global, anti LGBT and racist individuals. Worst of all, there are Evangelical Christians holding him up as a man of God. It is definitely not looking good for American Christianity if THAT is what is being held up as a great man.
The flip side is that the majority of voters did NOT vote for him. Not only did Clinton get more votes, but if you add in the votes that the third party candidates got and the low voter turnout... turns out he probably got elected by only 25% of the country's eligible voters. Perhaps having such an odious President will give the people a wake-up call and unite to ensure he and his administration don't screw everybody over "bigly."
I read that the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), MoveOn.Org and other progressive activist organizations are getting donations to mobilize and keep Trump and his cronies in check. The fact that I'm skeptical about 2017 being a good year led me to start recurring donations to the ACLU. At one time, I thought, "Give the President Elect a chance, he deserves a smooth transition, etc.". But as he built his cabinet and continued to tweet his love for Putin and disdain for Obama and our intelligence agencies, I decided that he was already blowing his "chance" in my eyes. Besides, providing financial support to the ACLU to ensure liberties aren't trounced isn't disrespectful. It's acknowledging how dangerous Trump and his values are to the country's progress.
I was once an Independent voter, but watching Mitch McConnell and his GOP cronies obstruct any chance of movement for the Obama administration pushed me to the Democratic platform. Obama had a fairly high favorability rating and the GOP-led Congress had a low rating. Why, then, did the country elect this clown on the GOP ticket? For change, at whatever the cost. Just like Hitler. My 82-year-old friend (aka "Cowboy") called it months ago - said he's just another Hitler. I hope he's wrong, but I will be praying that the good people of this country can keep him and his administration in check. People fuss about the gun laws, weed laws, etc. The biggest threat will be in the White House.
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Mom said, "Life's Not Fair"
When I was a kid, I remember telling my Mom, "That's not fair."
She replied, "Life's not fair."
Throughout my life, fairness has always been an issue for me. But my mom's statement still holds true - there are often things that happen that don't seem fair to me, and I just have to roll with it. I was messaging with a friend about how some people are blessed while others are suffering (for instance, most Americans are blessed when compared to residents of third world countries); and I realize that it doesn't appear fair. I didn't do anything to deserve my blessings, just as innocent starving children didn't do anything to deserve their situation. And yet sometimes those who are suffering have more faith than those who have blessings. This is another situation I don't understand - but perhaps that faith IS their blessing. Faith isn't something money can buy.
My devotion today was on Envy, and it said, "Envy happens when someone else has something good, and you either desire to have it, desire them to lose it, or constantly compare your life to theirs. Envy is one of the most corrosive attitudes you can allow into your heart. Envy grows when you are blind to the good things God has given you, or when you are ungrateful for them, and instead focus on what everyone else seems to have. It robs you of peace and causes stress."
All this thinking about fairness and envy brings the Israeli/Arab issue to my mind. When initially reading about Abraham's sons Ishmael and Isaac, I can't help but think that it probably didn't seem fair to Ishmael that he had to be sent away when he was actually the first-born son of Abraham. Same thing with Esau, who was stripped of his rights as first-born (first by trading away that right because he was hungry, and then by his brother Jacob who fooled their father into thinking he was Esau). Both Ishmael and Esau have descendants that make up the Arab world. But God did give Ishmael land and a "great nation" when he was sent away from Abraham (Genesis 21).
I don't have the wisdom to know how this Israeli/Palestinian conflict should be resolved. All I know is that I believe in a Christian God who all knees will one day bow to. Neither Jews nor Muslims recognize Christ as the Messiah right now, but I believe one day all will bow to the one true God. Until then, there will be conflict and war... and I will always side on what I think is the best path to peace, justice and "fairness." While Mom said "Life's not fair," I now believe that while life doesn't SEEM fair, God will one day reveal His truths to us and I need to have faith til then.
In short, while I know Americans usually side with the Israelis, I agree with John Kerry in that we should strive for peace... and a two-state agreement seems like the best way to attain that (even though that may never happen). In my post from a couple days ago, I also noted that just because Israelites were "God's chosen people," they don't always do what's right. God has acknowledged this and punished them also throughout the Bible. Just because we are their friends doesn't mean we always agree. And friends will tell friends when they think they are on the wrong path.
She replied, "Life's not fair."
Throughout my life, fairness has always been an issue for me. But my mom's statement still holds true - there are often things that happen that don't seem fair to me, and I just have to roll with it. I was messaging with a friend about how some people are blessed while others are suffering (for instance, most Americans are blessed when compared to residents of third world countries); and I realize that it doesn't appear fair. I didn't do anything to deserve my blessings, just as innocent starving children didn't do anything to deserve their situation. And yet sometimes those who are suffering have more faith than those who have blessings. This is another situation I don't understand - but perhaps that faith IS their blessing. Faith isn't something money can buy.
My devotion today was on Envy, and it said, "Envy happens when someone else has something good, and you either desire to have it, desire them to lose it, or constantly compare your life to theirs. Envy is one of the most corrosive attitudes you can allow into your heart. Envy grows when you are blind to the good things God has given you, or when you are ungrateful for them, and instead focus on what everyone else seems to have. It robs you of peace and causes stress."
All this thinking about fairness and envy brings the Israeli/Arab issue to my mind. When initially reading about Abraham's sons Ishmael and Isaac, I can't help but think that it probably didn't seem fair to Ishmael that he had to be sent away when he was actually the first-born son of Abraham. Same thing with Esau, who was stripped of his rights as first-born (first by trading away that right because he was hungry, and then by his brother Jacob who fooled their father into thinking he was Esau). Both Ishmael and Esau have descendants that make up the Arab world. But God did give Ishmael land and a "great nation" when he was sent away from Abraham (Genesis 21).
I don't have the wisdom to know how this Israeli/Palestinian conflict should be resolved. All I know is that I believe in a Christian God who all knees will one day bow to. Neither Jews nor Muslims recognize Christ as the Messiah right now, but I believe one day all will bow to the one true God. Until then, there will be conflict and war... and I will always side on what I think is the best path to peace, justice and "fairness." While Mom said "Life's not fair," I now believe that while life doesn't SEEM fair, God will one day reveal His truths to us and I need to have faith til then.
In short, while I know Americans usually side with the Israelis, I agree with John Kerry in that we should strive for peace... and a two-state agreement seems like the best way to attain that (even though that may never happen). In my post from a couple days ago, I also noted that just because Israelites were "God's chosen people," they don't always do what's right. God has acknowledged this and punished them also throughout the Bible. Just because we are their friends doesn't mean we always agree. And friends will tell friends when they think they are on the wrong path.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
I love the Pope, and I'm Not Even Catholic...
Can't believe I'm dusting off this blog, but I feel like Facebook should be for "fun" stuff... not necessarily for all the heavy thoughts I have. So I'll be writing my deeper thoughts here and linking to my FB for those who wanna know my heavier thoughts (all others can just ignore).
With the incoming President, I've definitely been having heavier thoughts of late. And I have to admit, I lost a lot of faith in some of my fellow Christians... especially the ones who insist that Trump is a true Christian and claim that Trump won because God is on his side (really, Franklin Graham)? Do they also believe Obama won because God was on his side? My heart's not so heavy because Trump won, but because Christians hold Trump up as "their guy" and I cannot stomach it.
This opinion piece in the Washington Post is a few days old, but I really like it:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2016/12/24/pope-francis-is-waging-a-war-on-christmas-christians-should-join-him/?hpid=hp_hp-cards_hp-card-posteverything%3Ahomepage%2Fcard&utm_term=.13d325de3fbc#comments
"Why would the pope wage war on Christmas? “The world continues to go to war. The world has not chosen a peaceful path. There are wars today everywhere, and hate,” Francis said. “We should ask for the grace to weep for this world, which does not recognize the path to peace. To weep for those who live for war and have the cynicism to deny it. God weeps; Jesus weeps.”"
There's also now an article about how Obama should have been more aggressive to prevent the Syrian crisis. While I (and Obama himself) regret that more wasn't done for these people, Americans are put in between a rock and a hard place. Putin and Russia were helping Assad and his regime. The USA was on the side of the rebels. So now it makes me anxious to know that Russia/Putin wanted Trump to win the election. (To be clear, I believe that Trump won because he reached out to the Rust Belt when Clinton did not... but I still don't like Russia trying to intervene in our election.). Will we now be on the side of Russia and Assad now that Trump is the President Elect? He's put people on his cabinet that have business ties to Russia (he does as well), in addition to people who are known White Nationalists. Is this what American Christianity is coming to (in the eyes of non-Americans and non-Christians)? My atheist friend said he believes religion starts too many wars (Crusades, Israeli/Palestinian, etc) and he has a point.
There are other questions still going on in my mind too about the Israeli settlement issue. Do Americans think that Israel is always right, no matter what? I don't. Having a United Nations means that we work with other world leaders to make decisions. And if the majority of the UN voted to drive for a two-state peace, why is that bad? Just because Israel doesn't like it? As a Bible reader, I do know that the Israelites were God's chosen people; but that doesn't mean they're always right. There are several points in time where they had bad leaders, made bad decisions and were punished by God. Anyway, I obviously don't have answers to all these questions... but it makes me really question our country's role in all of it. For some reason, American Christians think the United States is the super power to police the world. But what happens when we can't even properly police ourselves? If nothing else, current events has shown me that racism is still very much alive here. And what happens when we are providing support to the Evil One's side?
I believe our new President Elect believes he knows everything and is not at all humble. This is exactly the type of person I don't want as a world leader; and certainly not as an example of Christianity. Thankfully the Pope is a better example of both a world leader and Christian.
With the incoming President, I've definitely been having heavier thoughts of late. And I have to admit, I lost a lot of faith in some of my fellow Christians... especially the ones who insist that Trump is a true Christian and claim that Trump won because God is on his side (really, Franklin Graham)? Do they also believe Obama won because God was on his side? My heart's not so heavy because Trump won, but because Christians hold Trump up as "their guy" and I cannot stomach it.
This opinion piece in the Washington Post is a few days old, but I really like it:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2016/12/24/pope-francis-is-waging-a-war-on-christmas-christians-should-join-him/?hpid=hp_hp-cards_hp-card-posteverything%3Ahomepage%2Fcard&utm_term=.13d325de3fbc#comments
"Why would the pope wage war on Christmas? “The world continues to go to war. The world has not chosen a peaceful path. There are wars today everywhere, and hate,” Francis said. “We should ask for the grace to weep for this world, which does not recognize the path to peace. To weep for those who live for war and have the cynicism to deny it. God weeps; Jesus weeps.”"
There's also now an article about how Obama should have been more aggressive to prevent the Syrian crisis. While I (and Obama himself) regret that more wasn't done for these people, Americans are put in between a rock and a hard place. Putin and Russia were helping Assad and his regime. The USA was on the side of the rebels. So now it makes me anxious to know that Russia/Putin wanted Trump to win the election. (To be clear, I believe that Trump won because he reached out to the Rust Belt when Clinton did not... but I still don't like Russia trying to intervene in our election.). Will we now be on the side of Russia and Assad now that Trump is the President Elect? He's put people on his cabinet that have business ties to Russia (he does as well), in addition to people who are known White Nationalists. Is this what American Christianity is coming to (in the eyes of non-Americans and non-Christians)? My atheist friend said he believes religion starts too many wars (Crusades, Israeli/Palestinian, etc) and he has a point.
There are other questions still going on in my mind too about the Israeli settlement issue. Do Americans think that Israel is always right, no matter what? I don't. Having a United Nations means that we work with other world leaders to make decisions. And if the majority of the UN voted to drive for a two-state peace, why is that bad? Just because Israel doesn't like it? As a Bible reader, I do know that the Israelites were God's chosen people; but that doesn't mean they're always right. There are several points in time where they had bad leaders, made bad decisions and were punished by God. Anyway, I obviously don't have answers to all these questions... but it makes me really question our country's role in all of it. For some reason, American Christians think the United States is the super power to police the world. But what happens when we can't even properly police ourselves? If nothing else, current events has shown me that racism is still very much alive here. And what happens when we are providing support to the Evil One's side?
I believe our new President Elect believes he knows everything and is not at all humble. This is exactly the type of person I don't want as a world leader; and certainly not as an example of Christianity. Thankfully the Pope is a better example of both a world leader and Christian.
Monday, January 5, 2015
Yowza!
Wow, it's been a while since I blogged here.. Partly cuz I don't have a lot to say and partly cuz I don't like to type on my ipad. So I bought myself a cheapie keyboard to use with the ipad. Also, I took this page off of my facebook, so I can use this as a pseudo journal now. I don't really like writing by hand anymore. I'll just put in my random thoughts.
New Year's Resolutions? Lose a pound a month by trying to eat only when I'm hungry, and to eat small to moderate portions. I need to think about my body as more of a temple of God's Holy Spirit... and I can only reach people if I'm alive to do it. Seems like I have genetics on my side, but I definitely need to lose some poundage. I figure a pound a month is do-able.
Also, I will be reading through the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs this year, along with the BSF Books of Moses Study. Next year, I'll read through the Old Testament. I've done the whole Bible in a year, but I didn't pay attention and skimmed. I'd like to be more mindful of what I'm reading over the next two years.
Since my last post, the biggest thing that happened was that my dad had heart surgery and almost died from lung complications in July/August 2013. I prayed that God would just make him comfortable, even if it meant losing him. It was awful to see him struggle for breath. Thank God that He gave Dad more time. I want badly for Dad to believe again, but I can't force it. I can only try to let him (and others) see that I am living a life for God first... and pray that God shows Himself to my loved ones.
Let's see if it'll be another 2 years before I post again ;)
New Year's Resolutions? Lose a pound a month by trying to eat only when I'm hungry, and to eat small to moderate portions. I need to think about my body as more of a temple of God's Holy Spirit... and I can only reach people if I'm alive to do it. Seems like I have genetics on my side, but I definitely need to lose some poundage. I figure a pound a month is do-able.
Also, I will be reading through the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs this year, along with the BSF Books of Moses Study. Next year, I'll read through the Old Testament. I've done the whole Bible in a year, but I didn't pay attention and skimmed. I'd like to be more mindful of what I'm reading over the next two years.
Since my last post, the biggest thing that happened was that my dad had heart surgery and almost died from lung complications in July/August 2013. I prayed that God would just make him comfortable, even if it meant losing him. It was awful to see him struggle for breath. Thank God that He gave Dad more time. I want badly for Dad to believe again, but I can't force it. I can only try to let him (and others) see that I am living a life for God first... and pray that God shows Himself to my loved ones.
Let's see if it'll be another 2 years before I post again ;)
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Slippery Slope...
It's been a long time since I posted to this blog, but I feel like writing something that may not necessarily belong on Facebook. Lately, my church family opened a new building off I-80 and one of our goals is to reach non-believers or unchurched folks and bring them to Christ. The biggest criticisms non-believers have is that church-goers are hypocritical and judgemental.
During election season, I've become very disappointed in some of my friends' posts because they sound so judgemental. I don't mind someone saying they support somebody or being happy or disappointed if their candidate won or loss. However, I do get bothered when people imply that voting for Obama means somebody isn't a true Christian. I've also seen posts that "It's all in God's hands now" as if to imply it wasn't in His hands all along. That there is the sort of thing that turns unchurched people off. I have voted both Democrat and Republican, and I don't think the measure of my faith should be judged solely on who or what measures I voted for.
As I posted on fb, I am an independent who does not vote for a candidate based solely on their stance on gay marriage or abortion or their particular faith. I vote based on the needs of the job at the time and who I think fits the bill best. Right now, I want somebody who actually cares about the middle class, the poor and the economy. I also am concerned about international relations and I voted for Obama because I feel he is more amicable to other world leaders. I feel like Romney would appear arrogant to other nations' leaders; and domestically he is more concerned about Wall Street than Main Street. But if he had won, I would've been disappointed for a minute and then prayed that the two parties would reconcile and get to work. I wouldn't claim that people are stupid and Godless.
While I'm at it, I may as well say that I am pro choice and I believe gays should be able to marry. While I don't think anybody likes abortion, I believe women will get abortions whether it is legal or not. I would rather women undergo procedures in a medical setting vs in a bedroom with a coathanger. God gave us free choice, and that includes how we manage our bodies.
As for marriage, I feel all couples should be able to marry. I don't think of it as a necessarily religious institution because atheists and people of all faiths marry. To me, marriage is a legal contract between two people, and it doesn't require people to be Christian to be married. I know that most of my Christian peers will say that the Bible says homosexuality is a sin, but I don't feel that in my heart. I am more concerned about how people treat others than what they do in their homes behind closed doors. I don't want any person telling me how to conduct my marriage, and I don't see why gay people can't be afforded the same rights and privacy. As for sin or not a sin, I leave it to God (since I'm straight anyway) and I'm not going to judge anybody by any of their sins anyway (adultery, cleptomania, etc).
Maybe folks don't think my faith has evolved enough to be a true Christian, but I don't really care what they think of me. I care about what unchurched or non-believers think when they read judgemental statements like the political ones I've seen on facebook... And I'm afraid it scares them off and writes us all off as judgemental.
During election season, I've become very disappointed in some of my friends' posts because they sound so judgemental. I don't mind someone saying they support somebody or being happy or disappointed if their candidate won or loss. However, I do get bothered when people imply that voting for Obama means somebody isn't a true Christian. I've also seen posts that "It's all in God's hands now" as if to imply it wasn't in His hands all along. That there is the sort of thing that turns unchurched people off. I have voted both Democrat and Republican, and I don't think the measure of my faith should be judged solely on who or what measures I voted for.
As I posted on fb, I am an independent who does not vote for a candidate based solely on their stance on gay marriage or abortion or their particular faith. I vote based on the needs of the job at the time and who I think fits the bill best. Right now, I want somebody who actually cares about the middle class, the poor and the economy. I also am concerned about international relations and I voted for Obama because I feel he is more amicable to other world leaders. I feel like Romney would appear arrogant to other nations' leaders; and domestically he is more concerned about Wall Street than Main Street. But if he had won, I would've been disappointed for a minute and then prayed that the two parties would reconcile and get to work. I wouldn't claim that people are stupid and Godless.
While I'm at it, I may as well say that I am pro choice and I believe gays should be able to marry. While I don't think anybody likes abortion, I believe women will get abortions whether it is legal or not. I would rather women undergo procedures in a medical setting vs in a bedroom with a coathanger. God gave us free choice, and that includes how we manage our bodies.
As for marriage, I feel all couples should be able to marry. I don't think of it as a necessarily religious institution because atheists and people of all faiths marry. To me, marriage is a legal contract between two people, and it doesn't require people to be Christian to be married. I know that most of my Christian peers will say that the Bible says homosexuality is a sin, but I don't feel that in my heart. I am more concerned about how people treat others than what they do in their homes behind closed doors. I don't want any person telling me how to conduct my marriage, and I don't see why gay people can't be afforded the same rights and privacy. As for sin or not a sin, I leave it to God (since I'm straight anyway) and I'm not going to judge anybody by any of their sins anyway (adultery, cleptomania, etc).
Maybe folks don't think my faith has evolved enough to be a true Christian, but I don't really care what they think of me. I care about what unchurched or non-believers think when they read judgemental statements like the political ones I've seen on facebook... And I'm afraid it scares them off and writes us all off as judgemental.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Happy New Year!
I got my 2011 NY resolution in the mail last week: Really study the Bible and log journey in blog.
I didn't do very well on either count. So on Sunday 1/1/12, I made the same resolution, and I am keeping my 2011 card on my computer so I don't forget again. Also, we were given a New Testament reading guide which I will use to help study the Bible, and I will log onto here to record my thoughts. My Bible Study will be done in my office vs my bedroom, and I'll have easier access to my PC.
Today I read Mark Chapter 1. The book of Mark goes by really quickly - my kind of writing/reading. I like to get straight to the point and cover a lot of info in a short amount of time. It was also a reminder that Jesus was foretold by the prophets like Isaiah. A lot of new Christians don't understand that He didn't just come out of the blue and that God had this planned way ahead of time. I didn't really understand this early on in my life. I just thought the Bible was just a bunch of stories and that the Old Testament was just stories before Jesus came. Obviously I never read it and realized that much/most of it foretold the coming of the Messiah.
The other thing that stood out to me was how his disciples just dropped what they were doing (fishing, etc) and followed Jesus. What was it that drew them to him? Didn't they think he was just a nutjob? How would I have reacted if I got the same invitation? Well, I guess we all have that invitation now. We can follow Him or choose to do what we want (and squeeze in some time for Him when it's convenient for us).
I didn't do very well on either count. So on Sunday 1/1/12, I made the same resolution, and I am keeping my 2011 card on my computer so I don't forget again. Also, we were given a New Testament reading guide which I will use to help study the Bible, and I will log onto here to record my thoughts. My Bible Study will be done in my office vs my bedroom, and I'll have easier access to my PC.
Today I read Mark Chapter 1. The book of Mark goes by really quickly - my kind of writing/reading. I like to get straight to the point and cover a lot of info in a short amount of time. It was also a reminder that Jesus was foretold by the prophets like Isaiah. A lot of new Christians don't understand that He didn't just come out of the blue and that God had this planned way ahead of time. I didn't really understand this early on in my life. I just thought the Bible was just a bunch of stories and that the Old Testament was just stories before Jesus came. Obviously I never read it and realized that much/most of it foretold the coming of the Messiah.
The other thing that stood out to me was how his disciples just dropped what they were doing (fishing, etc) and followed Jesus. What was it that drew them to him? Didn't they think he was just a nutjob? How would I have reacted if I got the same invitation? Well, I guess we all have that invitation now. We can follow Him or choose to do what we want (and squeeze in some time for Him when it's convenient for us).
Friday, October 7, 2011
Jobs vs Jesus
Okay, I understand Steve Jobs was a great man. But it seems people are more than happy to post about him whereas they are timid to post about Jesus. Jobs created many nice tech-y products to enhance our lives, but Jesus gave us so much more. This is almost as irritating as when Michael Jackson died.
I doubt people will still discuss Jobs so passionately 2000 years from now. I guess I should just be happy that Jesus is still being worshiped all these years later... and is still impacting people's lives. But it makes me a little sad that I have so many non-Christian friends who think about Steve Jobs more than they do Jesus :(
I doubt people will still discuss Jobs so passionately 2000 years from now. I guess I should just be happy that Jesus is still being worshiped all these years later... and is still impacting people's lives. But it makes me a little sad that I have so many non-Christian friends who think about Steve Jobs more than they do Jesus :(
Monday, September 19, 2011
Wow
2 1/2 months since my last post! What happened? I went to Tahoe for a week, but that wasn't for 2.5 months... and I haven't been to small groups, so that hasn't cut into my free time. Guess I've been keeping up with the Giants etc, and haven't blogged at all. Maybe because nothing is really new?
Except soon my Bunders will be moving out again. She's been home over a year and I've gotten accustomed to not seeing her around but knowing she'll be back. Soon I won't know when she'll be back, and probably not "permanently" anymore. She will probably end up in her own place, and before you know it, married etc and living with her own family. Kinda scary to think of that so I won't go there.... especially when Nort will probably be overseas by then.
At New Life, we're gonna start inviting people to church again. Many of my un-churched friends live 30-40 miles from New Life, so it's not really practical. I'll probably invite the usual folks I have been inviting and maybe they'll actually come this time. Guess it's all up to God's timing (and their willingness). One is sort of anti-church ever since her other church black-balled her when she and first hubby divorced. Guess they didn't realize he was beating the tar out of her, but that shouldn't matter. Church people shouldn't take sides in divorces if both people were church-goers, cuz nobody really knows what goes on behind closed doors... but that's just my opinion. I've never been one to wanna judge since that's better left up to God... and I don't like being judged either. Most of the time I don't even care what people think of me, but I do judge myself sometimes.
Except soon my Bunders will be moving out again. She's been home over a year and I've gotten accustomed to not seeing her around but knowing she'll be back. Soon I won't know when she'll be back, and probably not "permanently" anymore. She will probably end up in her own place, and before you know it, married etc and living with her own family. Kinda scary to think of that so I won't go there.... especially when Nort will probably be overseas by then.
At New Life, we're gonna start inviting people to church again. Many of my un-churched friends live 30-40 miles from New Life, so it's not really practical. I'll probably invite the usual folks I have been inviting and maybe they'll actually come this time. Guess it's all up to God's timing (and their willingness). One is sort of anti-church ever since her other church black-balled her when she and first hubby divorced. Guess they didn't realize he was beating the tar out of her, but that shouldn't matter. Church people shouldn't take sides in divorces if both people were church-goers, cuz nobody really knows what goes on behind closed doors... but that's just my opinion. I've never been one to wanna judge since that's better left up to God... and I don't like being judged either. Most of the time I don't even care what people think of me, but I do judge myself sometimes.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Changes
I haven't blogged in a while. I see people and they ask, "What's new?" Well, nothing is really "new" and that's why I haven't blogged. I still go to church Sundays, I still read the Bible, I still pray, and I re-read "A Case for Faith." I don't know if there's any actual "growth," but I guess keeping good habits is better than breaking 'em.
Things may change for me at work... in that I'll have to go into the office 3-4 times a week instead of the 2x I do now. It's a bummer but not really a heartbreaker. It's a job that pays fairly well, and I have a vanpool with people I actually like (most of them most of the time).
Long story short (or short story short).... This is a short blog cuz there's nothing new. In this case, no news is basically good news and I will thank God for that. If I don't write again soon, you can figure things are still going well for me.... Slowly but surely, I am building on my faith.
Things may change for me at work... in that I'll have to go into the office 3-4 times a week instead of the 2x I do now. It's a bummer but not really a heartbreaker. It's a job that pays fairly well, and I have a vanpool with people I actually like (most of them most of the time).
Long story short (or short story short).... This is a short blog cuz there's nothing new. In this case, no news is basically good news and I will thank God for that. If I don't write again soon, you can figure things are still going well for me.... Slowly but surely, I am building on my faith.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Go Jack!
Today we had baptisms at church. Most of the time, we have young kids (elementary school age) and young adults. Maybe the teens are at the stage where they've already been baptized, or they are too "cool" to consider putting God at the center of their lives. This is opposite of my old church I grew up with, but that's a story for another day. Today Jack got baptized. I greet him every week, and he usually has his Bible and a big smile. He's about 60 years old and my daughter would like him as a "cute lil old man." Anyway, he got baptized and I was so happy for him. I think it's great when somebody acknowledges Jesus in their life during the later years. It's different than the "deathbed baptisms" because Jack seems really healthy and "chipper." I'm just not used to seeing folks his age get dunked (literally).
The message today before baptism centered around how believers are to be the ambassadors of Jesus. Seeing Jack get baptized also reminded me of my parents and how I don't think they are clear on their beliefs. I think they believe in a higher power, just not necessarily God/Jesus. They both were baptized in my old church a bajillion years ago, and they both led Sunday Schools and/or youth groups... but they definitely are not practicing Christians at this point. How can I be an ambassador to them without being pushy and turning them away? When my mother-in-law died, my nephew mentioned that he was happy she was baptized a week before she died... but how he was a bit ashamed that he had never tried to talk to her about it before then. I have so many family members and friends that I know I should be an ambassador to... I just need to pray for His instructions on how to do it...
The message today before baptism centered around how believers are to be the ambassadors of Jesus. Seeing Jack get baptized also reminded me of my parents and how I don't think they are clear on their beliefs. I think they believe in a higher power, just not necessarily God/Jesus. They both were baptized in my old church a bajillion years ago, and they both led Sunday Schools and/or youth groups... but they definitely are not practicing Christians at this point. How can I be an ambassador to them without being pushy and turning them away? When my mother-in-law died, my nephew mentioned that he was happy she was baptized a week before she died... but how he was a bit ashamed that he had never tried to talk to her about it before then. I have so many family members and friends that I know I should be an ambassador to... I just need to pray for His instructions on how to do it...
Saturday, June 4, 2011
RW From Dead End to Deliverance
What do you do while you're waiting for God's Deliverance?
1) Remember what God can do.
The situation may be out of your control, but its' not out of God's control. When you face things that are out of your control, you need more than a positive mental attitude. You need faith in God.
Too often we forget what God has already done for us, during our lifetime and with his ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.
God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son, and Abraham was prepared to do just that... but God stopped him and said He wasn't really going to let Abraham sacrifice him. He was just testing him. That story and Job's story always bugged me because it seemed "twisted" for God to mess with people just to test them. Now I remember that it is just an example of how God ended up sacrificing his own son, and this story illustrates how hard that is.
2) Rely on what God has said
How do you you know when hope is dead? You start using the word "never."
3) Face the facts with faith.
Faith is not denying reality. Faith is facing the facts without being discouraged by them.
4) Expect God to deliver me
What are you expecting God to do? God works in your life according to your expectation. The ultimate for of faith is thanking God in advance for what he is going to do.
This seems odd to me because it assumes God is going to do something for me... but I guess that's the point. God will do something for my benefit, it just may not be something I am asking for (because I sometimes ask for things that may not be good for me).
THREE KINDS OF DELIVERANCE
Circumstantial
Personal
Heaven
1) Remember what God can do.
The situation may be out of your control, but its' not out of God's control. When you face things that are out of your control, you need more than a positive mental attitude. You need faith in God.
Too often we forget what God has already done for us, during our lifetime and with his ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.
God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son, and Abraham was prepared to do just that... but God stopped him and said He wasn't really going to let Abraham sacrifice him. He was just testing him. That story and Job's story always bugged me because it seemed "twisted" for God to mess with people just to test them. Now I remember that it is just an example of how God ended up sacrificing his own son, and this story illustrates how hard that is.
2) Rely on what God has said
How do you you know when hope is dead? You start using the word "never."
3) Face the facts with faith.
Faith is not denying reality. Faith is facing the facts without being discouraged by them.
4) Expect God to deliver me
What are you expecting God to do? God works in your life according to your expectation. The ultimate for of faith is thanking God in advance for what he is going to do.
This seems odd to me because it assumes God is going to do something for me... but I guess that's the point. God will do something for my benefit, it just may not be something I am asking for (because I sometimes ask for things that may not be good for me).
THREE KINDS OF DELIVERANCE
Circumstantial
Personal
Heaven
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