This Thanksgiving Day, Christians across the nation are stopping their regular schedule to give thanks to God. But I guess, aside from the turkey, stuffing, and whipped cream, this day is much like any other of my days, at least recently. Allow me to explain with several Bible verses, Luke 7:40-50.
I have been forgiven so many times in my life and especially just recently as you all know. Well, what some of you don't know is that as a direct result of that forgiveness, I have more joy and thanksgiving in my heart everyday than I have had for a long while. I think this reflects back on those verses, I have been forgiven much, therefore I am more grateful than perhaps someone who had a very easy conversion experience.
A few days after my latest, and last quote-un-quote "born yet again" event, I wrote a poem about Christ's gift of sacrifice and mercy to me.
"Pieces of me,
Shattered, scattered,
There on the carpet.
Drops of tears glisten,
Shimmer, sparkle
Among the shiny shards.
Pieces of me.
Pieces of pride,
Glory, honor,
30 pieces of silver,
Pieces of me.
Pain was the price.
Blood the sacrifice,
Thorns and lashes.
Misery, death.
The white lamb was murdered,
Slaughtered for the ransom
To buy back the pieces
And build a new me.
Pieces of me
Once scattered are gathered,
Refined to pure gold.
Molded and shaped
To reflect the great God
Who died for me.
Now I stand firm
Upon my foundation.
Once I was broken,
Now I am free.”
This gift of saving blood is what I am most thankful for this Thanksgiving. Believe me, I fully understand that it may never be offered to me again so I am not taking any chances on getting myself broken again. From now until the day I die, I am going to be the little sheep that sticks the closest to the shepherd, the little mirror that reflects God's greatness and holiness to the world, the soldier that although a little frightened at the risks loves his commander so much that he would die for him. So as Uncle John always says, "Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition!!!"
-Thanksgiving 2005
-age 17
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Friday, November 18, 2005
I have a GOOD reason this time!!
I have a good reason for not writing in two weeks. My house is kind of upside down right now because my grandmother is moving into our house, actually into my room. So I moved out, downstairs to Serena's room which is 50% of the basement so it isn't too cramped but it is odd-shaped so it seems really small now. Anyway, then I ripped up the carpet, helped put down Pergo, and painted the walls with Verity. So it has been a pretty bizarre week.
Oh yeah...I went and took the college placement test and placed in Writing 121, Math 95, and Reading 117. So overall, I did pretty well. I also filled out my admissions form and now I am ready for winter term, I just have to see an advisor and sign up for classes. Yippee! (Should I be happy? I mean I am facing a ton more schoolwork than usual...I can handle it.)
Well, I have to got to my dad's in 20 minutes so I have to go. Toodles.
Oh yeah...I went and took the college placement test and placed in Writing 121, Math 95, and Reading 117. So overall, I did pretty well. I also filled out my admissions form and now I am ready for winter term, I just have to see an advisor and sign up for classes. Yippee! (Should I be happy? I mean I am facing a ton more schoolwork than usual...I can handle it.)
Well, I have to got to my dad's in 20 minutes so I have to go. Toodles.
Monday, November 07, 2005
I'M DONE WITH HIGH SCHOOL!!!!
Wahoo.Wahoo.Wahoo.Wahoo.Wahoo.Wahoo. I am SO happy. Now I can go get started on college. Ooh, that is a wet blanket. Nevermind!! I am so happy, happy, happy!!!! Let's have a party!!!! :)
Goodbye, high school!!! (You have no idea how elated I am right now!!!)
Goodbye, high school!!! (You have no idea how elated I am right now!!!)
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Sicker than a dog.....
On a scale of one to 10, 10 being the greatest and one being the lowest, I am about a 4, which is better than some people and I realize that but I feel pretty icky. I have that kind of sickness that makes your sinuses swell, your throat hurt, and gives you a tiny fever to boot. Joy, joy, joy!! :)
But I am still grateful for how good I do have it. This week at work has been pretty stressful too but reasons I won't go in to but I am "a survivor" as Reba puts it so well.
Oh yeah, the allotted time for me to finish high school (four years to the day) is very very near. I need to quick get done with algebra and then-GOODBYE, HIGH SCHOOL!! I would have been done much much earlier but I was really really lazy up until now. That's sad, eh? Yeah, but I learned my lesson.
Well, I have a hot cup of Stash's Sandman tea, warm covers, and a good book waiting for me.
Good night.
But I am still grateful for how good I do have it. This week at work has been pretty stressful too but reasons I won't go in to but I am "a survivor" as Reba puts it so well.
Oh yeah, the allotted time for me to finish high school (four years to the day) is very very near. I need to quick get done with algebra and then-GOODBYE, HIGH SCHOOL!! I would have been done much much earlier but I was really really lazy up until now. That's sad, eh? Yeah, but I learned my lesson.
Well, I have a hot cup of Stash's Sandman tea, warm covers, and a good book waiting for me.
Good night.
Behind the Battle....
BEHIND THE “HATE BILL” BATTLE ON CAPITOL HILL
By Rev. Ted Pike
On October 20th, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted not to add Senator Edward Kennedy’s “anti-hate” bill, S.1145, onto the Children’s Safety Act, H.R.3132.
This effectively blocked further movement of the House version of the hate bill (passed as Amdt. 2662) toward a vote in the Senate. This was a shocking reversal for the homosexual lobby, a powerful force behind all anti-hate legislation.
Since then, I have been calling Senators who support and oppose the hate bill, attempting to discover what really happened in Judiciary. This is vital to ascertain the prospects of passage of this Orwellian legislation.
What I have discovered is sobering.
To understand the possible success or defeat of the hate bill, we have to first comprehend the motivations and pressures upon Senator Edward Kennedy. Kennedy has powerful groups pressuring him, notably the pedophile lobby - an emerging political force in the Capitol. They are becoming increasingly visible and vocal through such political action groups as NAMBLA, the North American Man/Boy Love Association. Pedophiles hate the Children’s Safety Act and its similar Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act of 2005, S.1086. These bills were created and sponsored not by liberals but by conservative Republicans who also oppose the hate bill (such as Hatch, Sensenbrenner, and DeLay). S.1086 and H.R.3132 are extremely punitive toward convicted pedophiles. Kennedy’s pedophile supporters demand that he do his best to weaken legislation that punishes those who sexually molest little boys and girls.
Enter the eight Republican members of the Judiciary Committee. On October 20, 2005 they were determined to block Kennedy’s hate bill but were outvoted in Judiciary 10 to 8. Yet they had something Kennedy wanted: power to water down the Sex Offender bill. Result: Kennedy and the Republicans struck a deal. Parts of the Sex Offender Act were diluted to make Kennedy’s pedophiles happier. In return, Kennedy agreed not to force a vote in Judiciary to add S.1145 to the Children’s Safety Act, a vote he would have won. Since S.1145 is a “stand-alone” bill, Kennedy knew he could press that issue later when he will try to attach S.1145 to the Sex Offender Act on the floor of the Senate.
Republican opponents of the hate bill had no other choice.
UNITING TO WIN IN THE SENATE
Meanwhile, conservatives in Congress who are pushing the anti-pedophile legislation are very weary of its being labeled “Orwellian” by the religious political right and lumped together with the anti-hate bill. Many on the Right object to the Children’s Safety and Sex Offender Acts because they authorize federal control and punishment of sex offenders, a prerogative such strict constitutionalists believe resides with the states. While this legislation does increase federalization of law enforcement, I have studied S.1086 carefully and do not find it invasive of the rights of anyone except sex offenders. Already, the government can intervene in states’ rights if it finds voter fraud, jury tampering, slavery, or crimes involving interstate commerce. Republican originators of S.1086 believe that child molestation, pornography, child prostitution, etc. are of such epidemic national proportions that only the federal government can most effectively deal with them.
Senator Frist and anti-pedophile Republicans desire that patriots call their Senators, not only opposing Kennedy’s hate bill but also convincing a majority of Senators to vote for the Sex Offender Act. They feel that strong Senate support behind S.1086 would give Republican leadership a strong position to not only pass anti-pedophile legislation but also restrain Kennedy’s attempts to attach his hate bill to it.
In my opinion, blocking Kennedy and his hate bill is of enormously greater importance than passing the Sex Offender Act. Yet I believe this pro-family legislation should be encouraged. The least that should be done, even by those who disagree with its federalist complexion, is to protest the hate bill, not the Sex Offender Act.
KEEP UP THE FIGHT
The Republican strategy has been to derail the Children’s Safety Act with its hate bill attachment, Amdt. 2662, and create another Senate version of that act, S.1086. Thus, if Kennedy should succeed in attaching S.1145, then the House and Senate versions will be different, necessitating conference between the House and Senate. Since Kennedy’s hate bill probably cannot be defeated by a vote in the Senate, referral to conference would be a boon to all who love free speech.
Four times over the past six years the hate bill has been passed by the Senate yet rejected in conference, thanks to the vigilance of feisty House Republican conferees. Those four times, the hate bill sailed through the Senate Judiciary Committee. It did not this time because eight Republican Senators had overwhelmingly heard from the people forbidding them to let the hate bill through. It was because of their obedience to that resounding voice of the people that they were even willing to allow their cherished Sex Offender Act to be weakened.
Clearly, Providence and the voice of protest helped empower defeat of the hate bill in Judiciary on October 20, 2005.
It is time to not only pray for Divine deliverance but also to continue to saturate the Senate against Kennedy’s hate bill. We must call, email, and call again because our freedom and that of our children depends upon it.
The toll free number for members of the Senate is 1-888-355-3588. Come to www.truthtellers.org for a list of 100 Senators, plus many hate laws articles. The full text of S.1145 with commentary by Rev. Pike is available at this website.
Get educated fast on the origins and ambitions of the hate laws! Ted Pike’s gripping, fast-moving documentary, “Hate Laws: Making Criminals of Christians,” is now available on DVD. Order for $24.90 at www.truthtellers.org, by calling 503-631-3808, or at the address below.
TALK SHOW HOSTS: Ted Pike is available for interviews at 503-631-3808.
NATIONAL PRAYER NETWORK, P. O. Box 828, Clackamas, OR 97015
By Rev. Ted Pike
On October 20th, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted not to add Senator Edward Kennedy’s “anti-hate” bill, S.1145, onto the Children’s Safety Act, H.R.3132.
This effectively blocked further movement of the House version of the hate bill (passed as Amdt. 2662) toward a vote in the Senate. This was a shocking reversal for the homosexual lobby, a powerful force behind all anti-hate legislation.
Since then, I have been calling Senators who support and oppose the hate bill, attempting to discover what really happened in Judiciary. This is vital to ascertain the prospects of passage of this Orwellian legislation.
What I have discovered is sobering.
To understand the possible success or defeat of the hate bill, we have to first comprehend the motivations and pressures upon Senator Edward Kennedy. Kennedy has powerful groups pressuring him, notably the pedophile lobby - an emerging political force in the Capitol. They are becoming increasingly visible and vocal through such political action groups as NAMBLA, the North American Man/Boy Love Association. Pedophiles hate the Children’s Safety Act and its similar Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act of 2005, S.1086. These bills were created and sponsored not by liberals but by conservative Republicans who also oppose the hate bill (such as Hatch, Sensenbrenner, and DeLay). S.1086 and H.R.3132 are extremely punitive toward convicted pedophiles. Kennedy’s pedophile supporters demand that he do his best to weaken legislation that punishes those who sexually molest little boys and girls.
Enter the eight Republican members of the Judiciary Committee. On October 20, 2005 they were determined to block Kennedy’s hate bill but were outvoted in Judiciary 10 to 8. Yet they had something Kennedy wanted: power to water down the Sex Offender bill. Result: Kennedy and the Republicans struck a deal. Parts of the Sex Offender Act were diluted to make Kennedy’s pedophiles happier. In return, Kennedy agreed not to force a vote in Judiciary to add S.1145 to the Children’s Safety Act, a vote he would have won. Since S.1145 is a “stand-alone” bill, Kennedy knew he could press that issue later when he will try to attach S.1145 to the Sex Offender Act on the floor of the Senate.
Republican opponents of the hate bill had no other choice.
UNITING TO WIN IN THE SENATE
Meanwhile, conservatives in Congress who are pushing the anti-pedophile legislation are very weary of its being labeled “Orwellian” by the religious political right and lumped together with the anti-hate bill. Many on the Right object to the Children’s Safety and Sex Offender Acts because they authorize federal control and punishment of sex offenders, a prerogative such strict constitutionalists believe resides with the states. While this legislation does increase federalization of law enforcement, I have studied S.1086 carefully and do not find it invasive of the rights of anyone except sex offenders. Already, the government can intervene in states’ rights if it finds voter fraud, jury tampering, slavery, or crimes involving interstate commerce. Republican originators of S.1086 believe that child molestation, pornography, child prostitution, etc. are of such epidemic national proportions that only the federal government can most effectively deal with them.
Senator Frist and anti-pedophile Republicans desire that patriots call their Senators, not only opposing Kennedy’s hate bill but also convincing a majority of Senators to vote for the Sex Offender Act. They feel that strong Senate support behind S.1086 would give Republican leadership a strong position to not only pass anti-pedophile legislation but also restrain Kennedy’s attempts to attach his hate bill to it.
In my opinion, blocking Kennedy and his hate bill is of enormously greater importance than passing the Sex Offender Act. Yet I believe this pro-family legislation should be encouraged. The least that should be done, even by those who disagree with its federalist complexion, is to protest the hate bill, not the Sex Offender Act.
KEEP UP THE FIGHT
The Republican strategy has been to derail the Children’s Safety Act with its hate bill attachment, Amdt. 2662, and create another Senate version of that act, S.1086. Thus, if Kennedy should succeed in attaching S.1145, then the House and Senate versions will be different, necessitating conference between the House and Senate. Since Kennedy’s hate bill probably cannot be defeated by a vote in the Senate, referral to conference would be a boon to all who love free speech.
Four times over the past six years the hate bill has been passed by the Senate yet rejected in conference, thanks to the vigilance of feisty House Republican conferees. Those four times, the hate bill sailed through the Senate Judiciary Committee. It did not this time because eight Republican Senators had overwhelmingly heard from the people forbidding them to let the hate bill through. It was because of their obedience to that resounding voice of the people that they were even willing to allow their cherished Sex Offender Act to be weakened.
Clearly, Providence and the voice of protest helped empower defeat of the hate bill in Judiciary on October 20, 2005.
It is time to not only pray for Divine deliverance but also to continue to saturate the Senate against Kennedy’s hate bill. We must call, email, and call again because our freedom and that of our children depends upon it.
The toll free number for members of the Senate is 1-888-355-3588. Come to www.truthtellers.org for a list of 100 Senators, plus many hate laws articles. The full text of S.1145 with commentary by Rev. Pike is available at this website.
Get educated fast on the origins and ambitions of the hate laws! Ted Pike’s gripping, fast-moving documentary, “Hate Laws: Making Criminals of Christians,” is now available on DVD. Order for $24.90 at www.truthtellers.org, by calling 503-631-3808, or at the address below.
TALK SHOW HOSTS: Ted Pike is available for interviews at 503-631-3808.
NATIONAL PRAYER NETWORK, P. O. Box 828, Clackamas, OR 97015
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Quote of the Month-Martin Luther
This is a really good quote. I don't really have a ton to say about it because it is so self-explanatory. So just, enjoy it!
"I have held many things in my hands, and have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess."
-Martin Luther
I have so much energy!!! (Blame the endorphins.)
I didn't have coffee, I didn't have caffiented sodas, I didn't get high on Halloween candy...okay yeah, I confess, I went to the store this morning to cash in on the only thing Halloween is good for- post-Halloween sales on candy in awesome little mini bags. I have already eaten at least six bags of peanut M&M's and numerous "twin-wrapped" Starbursts.
But don't call me the ultimate couch potato. I went to the gym and worked out for nearly 2 hours.
Speaking of the gym, I always stretch for about 20 minutes before working out and one of the stretches I do is a "killer" (cause it hurts) back bend. I am getting pretty flexible at that and have moved on to balancing on two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot which surprisingly takes a lot of core strength. But that is beside the point...
I had just complimented one of the really, really buff guys on the poundage he was doing squats with (you know, the bar that goes over their shoulders and lifts a certain amount of pounds with pulleys). He said he used to be able to lift more than that but I said it was impressive to me.
I continued stretching and did one of my back bends and when I came out of it, he said, "Now THAT is impressive." I said that girls are supposed to be flexible and guys are supposed to be buff and he agreed.
I don't know why I told you all that but I did. Wierd....Hahaha!! I am way too random sometimes.
I got some really good books on pro-life arguments today. All this studying about the wicked things women do to their babies makes me feel maternal. I want kids. Not now of course but when I get married.
Well, thanks for bearing with my ultra-randomness tonight. Hope you enjoy the quote of the month!!
But don't call me the ultimate couch potato. I went to the gym and worked out for nearly 2 hours.
Speaking of the gym, I always stretch for about 20 minutes before working out and one of the stretches I do is a "killer" (cause it hurts) back bend. I am getting pretty flexible at that and have moved on to balancing on two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot which surprisingly takes a lot of core strength. But that is beside the point...
I had just complimented one of the really, really buff guys on the poundage he was doing squats with (you know, the bar that goes over their shoulders and lifts a certain amount of pounds with pulleys). He said he used to be able to lift more than that but I said it was impressive to me.
I continued stretching and did one of my back bends and when I came out of it, he said, "Now THAT is impressive." I said that girls are supposed to be flexible and guys are supposed to be buff and he agreed.
I don't know why I told you all that but I did. Wierd....Hahaha!! I am way too random sometimes.
I got some really good books on pro-life arguments today. All this studying about the wicked things women do to their babies makes me feel maternal. I want kids. Not now of course but when I get married.
Well, thanks for bearing with my ultra-randomness tonight. Hope you enjoy the quote of the month!!
Saturday, October 29, 2005
So discouraged....
I went with my friend to her church tonight. (I never did get to go on a hike.) It was depressing because they have NOTHING to offer us young people. We went to the high school/college meeting and a couple of times I kind of considered standing up and saying something but I didn't. It would have taken SO much guts to do that especially with what I had to say. But I wasn't lead and I didn't have anything specific to say because the Holy Spirit didn't lead me. But I feel lead now and I wrote a letter to their youth pastor which I am still working on and trying to get everything ironed out. So pray for me please.
9:01 AM-Anybody wanna go for a hike??
Today is wet but I really, really want to go for a hike. My mom wants me to paint my little brother's room but that is such a solitary, exhausting task. I want to be with people, specifically these people: Mark, Johnny, Harmony, Becki, and Marianne. But that won't happen cause Harmony is doing homework and Mark is going to hang with Freeman. Bummer. Well, I find something to do.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
While it's a victory, not much time to celebrate....
HATE BILL DEFEATED IN JUDICIARY!
By Rev. Ted Pike
October 20th, in a stunning surprise, the Senate Judiciary Committee, led by Senator Orrin Hatch, refused to pass S.1145, “The Local Law Enforcement Crime Prevention Act of 2005.”
Yet, Senator Edward Kennedy still intends to pass the hate crimes bill. He wants to reattach it to the new version of the Children’s Safety Act, “The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act,” S.1086.
Although rebuffed by the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Kennedy is confident, considering the 65 to 33 vote in the Senate in June 2004, that S.1145 will easily be passed by the Senate as an attachment to S.1086.
In light of the pro-hate bill record of both House and Senate, Kennedy’s threat must be taken very seriously.
It is vital that all who cherish freedom do the following:
1. Come to www.truthtellers.org for a list of the 55 Republican Senators who will soon decide the fate of freedom of speech. Call every Senator toll free at 1-888-355-3588 or toll at 1-202-225-3121. Tell them: “Please do not approve the hate bill S.1145 when Senator Kennedy reintroduces it in the Senate.”
2. Fax or email the attached flyer to all 55 Senators. Contact information is available at their websites through a link at www.truthtellers.org.
What happened yesterday in Judiciary was a tremendous victory, especially considering that pro-hate bill Senators outnumbered those opposed to it by 10 to 8. This is a direct result of a tidal wave of emails and phone calls that have gone to members of the Senate.
Yet, convincing the liberal Senate at large to reject S.1145 will be a very tough, uphill fight. We have had a first victory, but only by all of us doing our part, and with God’s help, can we win the upcoming battle in the Senate.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the complete text of S.1145, with Rev. Ted Pike’s astute commentary, come to www.truthtellers.org.
TALK SHOW HOSTS: Rev. Ted Pike is available for interviews at 1-503-631-3808.
NATIONAL PRAYER NETWORK, P. O. Box 828, Clackamas, OR 97015
By Rev. Ted Pike
October 20th, in a stunning surprise, the Senate Judiciary Committee, led by Senator Orrin Hatch, refused to pass S.1145, “The Local Law Enforcement Crime Prevention Act of 2005.”
Yet, Senator Edward Kennedy still intends to pass the hate crimes bill. He wants to reattach it to the new version of the Children’s Safety Act, “The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act,” S.1086.
Although rebuffed by the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Kennedy is confident, considering the 65 to 33 vote in the Senate in June 2004, that S.1145 will easily be passed by the Senate as an attachment to S.1086.
In light of the pro-hate bill record of both House and Senate, Kennedy’s threat must be taken very seriously.
It is vital that all who cherish freedom do the following:
1. Come to www.truthtellers.org for a list of the 55 Republican Senators who will soon decide the fate of freedom of speech. Call every Senator toll free at 1-888-355-3588 or toll at 1-202-225-3121. Tell them: “Please do not approve the hate bill S.1145 when Senator Kennedy reintroduces it in the Senate.”
2. Fax or email the attached flyer to all 55 Senators. Contact information is available at their websites through a link at www.truthtellers.org.
What happened yesterday in Judiciary was a tremendous victory, especially considering that pro-hate bill Senators outnumbered those opposed to it by 10 to 8. This is a direct result of a tidal wave of emails and phone calls that have gone to members of the Senate.
Yet, convincing the liberal Senate at large to reject S.1145 will be a very tough, uphill fight. We have had a first victory, but only by all of us doing our part, and with God’s help, can we win the upcoming battle in the Senate.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the complete text of S.1145, with Rev. Ted Pike’s astute commentary, come to www.truthtellers.org.
TALK SHOW HOSTS: Rev. Ted Pike is available for interviews at 1-503-631-3808.
NATIONAL PRAYER NETWORK, P. O. Box 828, Clackamas, OR 97015
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Thanks!! (Ever so much!!)
In a little less than a month, I will have been blogging for one whole year! I just wanted to say thanks to you if you come to my blog in ANY regular pattern or at least more than once. I have 885 hits now which I think is pretty good considering how tiny and unimportant this blog is. :) If you have any comments, critical or complimentary of this blog, I would very much appreciate to hear from you.....wow, that sounded so, so, I dunno-fake. But I really do truly mean it.
So-thanks!! I am very grateful for this outlet because even if no one else ever looked at it, I still feel compelled to add to it in order to cultivate my writing skills. :)
Monday, October 17, 2005
October Book Review
This month's fabulous book is "Life At The Extremes: The Science of Survival," by Frances Ashcroft. I give it 4 1/2 stars.
Pros: Very, very rich in evidence that easily proves intelligent design. Easy to read and fascinating. She has separated the book into several different sections such as extreme heat, cold, and pressure to name a few and then subdivided them into smaller segments. I mention this because this book was so captivating to me that I found it hard to put down at night and it was helpful to tell myself, "Just to the next heading." :)
Cons: While Ms. Ashcroft often headed each new section with a selection from the book of Psalms, she laced the entire rest of the book with little hints of evolution such as suggesting that some fact proved that humans evolved when it would actually strongly lead anyone with an open mind to the idea, nay, the fact of intelligent design. She may have been trying to strike a blow for Darwin's theory but she was really just seeming rather far-out and ridiculous.
Summary: I strongly suggest that anyone who is the least bit interested in science read this book and I even more firmly request that anyone who is a creationist/Christian read this book because it holds many, many wonderful truths that can be used against evolutionists in a debate.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Halloween
I want to just get some thoughts out about Halloween, in regards to Christians. I found a really good website www.espministries.com that has some really good articles on it. Here is a segment on Halloween that I thought was really good.
"Many Christian parents are concerned about what Halloween really is. We know that it is of Druidical origin which means that it was part of the Druid religion. In essence, Druidism is the worship of evil spirits, especially of druids who were believed to dwell in trees. There were priests in the Druid religion and like all pagan religions, Druidism revolved around the worship of evil spirits, and offerings to them to insure the welfare of the worshippers.
THE ORIGIN OF HALLOWEEN
The name of the festival in early days (and it is still found in Ireland) meant "Satan's Watch." It was the night given over to Satan and his demons to work all the evil they wanted in the hope they would leave people unmolested the rest of the year. A fire was commonly kept burning on that night. The ghosts of the dead were dreaded and feared and men were thought to be restless in their graves because of something that happened in their life on earth. They were supposed to come back from the dead to take vengeance on those who were descended from people who had wronged them. People commonly locked themselves in their houses and spent the night in terror, letting the devil have his fling and do his worst.
Spiritualism and witchcraft is very real and we should not be providing our children with this opportunity for involvement. Many, if not all of our Halloween customs have their roots in these ancient beliefs. The witch on the broomstick and the jack-o-lantern are the symbols of Halloween. The witch, of course, is the personification of evil which is a substitute for Satan. The jack-o-lantern symbolizes the fire that was kept burning in the houses of those who feared Satan's worst. In fact the jack-o-lantern is always lit up (there is a fire there) so as to frighten away the devil.
WHAT HALLOWEEN REALLY MEANS
Dressing up in costumes and "trick or treating" to the neighbors is a carry over of the idea of making an offering to Satan and to the spirits to appease them. "Trick or treating" is a modern form of saying "offering or revenge." The grotesque and horrible masks our young people wear making themselves look like skeletons, dead people, or horrible monsters are symbolizing Satan and inspiring fear to get an offering.
Satan likes Halloween celebrations because this is a glorification of evil. Most people naturally do not think of it in this way. We believe it is all done in fun. Is it wise to have our children dress up like the devil and have "fun" in a devilish form? Can this possibly please God? After all, Ephesians 6:2 tells us that we are in a spiritual battle against Satan and his demons when it says. "for we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. When the Word of God teaches this, do you think it is right to celebrate a night given over to our enemy, Satan? When we poke fun and joke about the spirit world, we are encouraging ourselves and our children to believe that this doesn't really exist. When we allow our children to dress up like witches and ghosts we are allowing them to treat lightly what God treats seriously in His Word. Exodus 22:18, Deuteronomy 18:10, and several other scriptures tell us that this is wrong. Those who don't know about the origin and meaning of Halloween are feeding their own belief into the Word of God when they treat lightly and celebrate what God hates. Satan camouflages himself amidst fun and gaiety and gets people to belittle his power and activity among men or even completely deny it. It is a very clever trick of the enemy."
Sunday, September 25, 2005
SUPER URGENT IF YOU VALUE YOUR FREE SPEECH!!!
HOUSE APPROVES “ANTI-HATE” BILL
By Rev. Ted Pike
Passage of Thought Crimes Bill Spells Doom to Free Talk Radio
In a surprising move, the House of Representatives on September 14, 2005 approved “The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2005,” HR2662, as an amendment to the Children’s Safety Act, HR3132. It was approved 223-199.
The Senate is expected to also approve a similar amendment within a month.
This federal legislation, orchestrated by the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith will lead to creation of a vast anti-hate bureaucracy in America, similar to what now exists in Canada. In Canada it is a “hate crime” to publicly criticize such federally protected groups as homosexuals and Jews. In Canada free speech talk radio no longer exists. It is even illegal now in some areas to evangelize or “proselytize” in public.
HR2662, S1145, while ostensibly punishing only violent hate crimes, nevertheless creates an anti-hate bureaucracy through several means:
It breaks down all barriers between federal and states’ rights in law enforcement. It allows federal “thought police” to meddle, upon the flimsiest of pretexts, in states’ enforcement of civil rights laws.
It requires all states to pass and enforce ADL-style anti-hate laws.
It enforces nationwide the working ADL definition of “hate” as being “bias” against federally protected groups, such as homosexuals. Such automatically makes the Bible into “hate literature” and preaching from it into “hate speech.” Result: Bible-believing Christians become potential hate criminals.
The nation was aghast last October 10th when the ADL’s national executive board member, Lynne Abraham, D.A. of Philadelphia, arrested 11 Christians as hate criminals. Her charge: Their preaching was “biased” against homosexuals. They were “hate criminals” because they used an “instrument of crime” (a megaphone) to express “hate speech,” (Bible verses) against homosexuals.
If this “big brother legislation” becomes law, the ADL and federal government will, through enabling legislation and judicial precedents, be exponentially empowered to indict Christians. Pastors, talk show hosts, publishers, critics of Israel, etc. will be liable to arrest just like the Philadelphia Eleven.
THERE’S STILL TIME TO PROTEST
Approval by the House last week does not mean that the members of the House or Senate, by granting approval, will have cast their final vote on this Orwellian legislation. Approving an amendment to a bill is not the same as passing a bill on its own terms. Final approval will come only after conference between the House and Senate decides whether this hate bill, in amendment form, should be included in passage of a children’s protection bill. Until then, members of the House and Senate are free to change their votes. It is vital that all lovers of freedom and free speech protest now!
Last spring, on June 15, this same legislation was approved by the Senate in amendment form. However, largely as a result of non-stop, wide publicity against it by the National Prayer Network, and many talk-show hosts, it was defeated in conference between the House and Senate on Oct 8, 2004. The same can happen again if Americans will raise a holy howl of protest against the theft of our First Amendment freedoms.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
To protest to your members of Congress, call toll free 1-877-762-8762.
It is time to get educated fast on the dangers of hate crime legislation. Ted Pike’s gripping video documentary, “Hate Laws: Making Criminals of Christians,” (now available on DVD) will give you, your pastor, and your church or civic club a complete education on the origins and ambitions of hate laws worldwide.
Come to www.truthtellers.org to order this video online at $24.90 postage paid or to read many more articles on hate laws.
Talk show hosts: It is time for another dynamic interview on this subject with Ted Pike. Call 503-631-3808.
NATIONAL PRAYER NETWORK, P. O. Box 828, Clackamas, OR 97015
By Rev. Ted Pike
Passage of Thought Crimes Bill Spells Doom to Free Talk Radio
In a surprising move, the House of Representatives on September 14, 2005 approved “The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2005,” HR2662, as an amendment to the Children’s Safety Act, HR3132. It was approved 223-199.
The Senate is expected to also approve a similar amendment within a month.
This federal legislation, orchestrated by the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith will lead to creation of a vast anti-hate bureaucracy in America, similar to what now exists in Canada. In Canada it is a “hate crime” to publicly criticize such federally protected groups as homosexuals and Jews. In Canada free speech talk radio no longer exists. It is even illegal now in some areas to evangelize or “proselytize” in public.
HR2662, S1145, while ostensibly punishing only violent hate crimes, nevertheless creates an anti-hate bureaucracy through several means:
It breaks down all barriers between federal and states’ rights in law enforcement. It allows federal “thought police” to meddle, upon the flimsiest of pretexts, in states’ enforcement of civil rights laws.
It requires all states to pass and enforce ADL-style anti-hate laws.
It enforces nationwide the working ADL definition of “hate” as being “bias” against federally protected groups, such as homosexuals. Such automatically makes the Bible into “hate literature” and preaching from it into “hate speech.” Result: Bible-believing Christians become potential hate criminals.
The nation was aghast last October 10th when the ADL’s national executive board member, Lynne Abraham, D.A. of Philadelphia, arrested 11 Christians as hate criminals. Her charge: Their preaching was “biased” against homosexuals. They were “hate criminals” because they used an “instrument of crime” (a megaphone) to express “hate speech,” (Bible verses) against homosexuals.
If this “big brother legislation” becomes law, the ADL and federal government will, through enabling legislation and judicial precedents, be exponentially empowered to indict Christians. Pastors, talk show hosts, publishers, critics of Israel, etc. will be liable to arrest just like the Philadelphia Eleven.
THERE’S STILL TIME TO PROTEST
Approval by the House last week does not mean that the members of the House or Senate, by granting approval, will have cast their final vote on this Orwellian legislation. Approving an amendment to a bill is not the same as passing a bill on its own terms. Final approval will come only after conference between the House and Senate decides whether this hate bill, in amendment form, should be included in passage of a children’s protection bill. Until then, members of the House and Senate are free to change their votes. It is vital that all lovers of freedom and free speech protest now!
Last spring, on June 15, this same legislation was approved by the Senate in amendment form. However, largely as a result of non-stop, wide publicity against it by the National Prayer Network, and many talk-show hosts, it was defeated in conference between the House and Senate on Oct 8, 2004. The same can happen again if Americans will raise a holy howl of protest against the theft of our First Amendment freedoms.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
To protest to your members of Congress, call toll free 1-877-762-8762.
It is time to get educated fast on the dangers of hate crime legislation. Ted Pike’s gripping video documentary, “Hate Laws: Making Criminals of Christians,” (now available on DVD) will give you, your pastor, and your church or civic club a complete education on the origins and ambitions of hate laws worldwide.
Come to www.truthtellers.org to order this video online at $24.90 postage paid or to read many more articles on hate laws.
Talk show hosts: It is time for another dynamic interview on this subject with Ted Pike. Call 503-631-3808.
NATIONAL PRAYER NETWORK, P. O. Box 828, Clackamas, OR 97015
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Glitter and Glamour
I adore glitter and shiny sequins and silky fabrics with lace edging. Bright colors but not too bright or at least not all-over-brightness, with metal flower pins and big dangly earrings-yet all in moderation so as not to appear gaudy or old-womanish. (By old-womanish I am reffering to a dear old lady I met at the pool who never fails to arrive in skin-tight, polyester/spandex capris and and cleavage baring hot pink, white, or lime green tops, 'gracefully' covered with a loose smockish shirt.) But I diverge from my point.
What is the point? I guess I have been thinking about style a little more than usual lately as I near closer to my Cali trip. Oh, didn't I tell you? I am going to South Cali on Sunday for 6 days. I even made an attempt to highlight my hair but sadly it came out red. Make sure you make a point to look at my hair the next time you see it me; it is really quite funny. I think it must sound very shallow of me to be talking about fashion so much and doing extra things before I go to visit my multi-millionaire relatives and share beach space with tan, built surfer boys. So please do excuse me, this is just a very small part of my personality but I felt liking writing about it today.
Southern Cali is definitely all about glitz and glamour at least in the areas I will be visiting. I think that it will all seem rather excessive and repulsive to me though considering how much more mature I have grown to be since last time I visited SoCal and how much I hated it then.
We shall see.
What is the point? I guess I have been thinking about style a little more than usual lately as I near closer to my Cali trip. Oh, didn't I tell you? I am going to South Cali on Sunday for 6 days. I even made an attempt to highlight my hair but sadly it came out red. Make sure you make a point to look at my hair the next time you see it me; it is really quite funny. I think it must sound very shallow of me to be talking about fashion so much and doing extra things before I go to visit my multi-millionaire relatives and share beach space with tan, built surfer boys. So please do excuse me, this is just a very small part of my personality but I felt liking writing about it today.
Southern Cali is definitely all about glitz and glamour at least in the areas I will be visiting. I think that it will all seem rather excessive and repulsive to me though considering how much more mature I have grown to be since last time I visited SoCal and how much I hated it then.
We shall see.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
AARGH!!
I am really really frustrated right now. One cause I just finished writing a really really good blog thingy and I accidentally erased and two, because, well read on...
I am really really really upset. It always surprise me to what great heights of emotion the human mind can go-from cloud nine to the pits of despair. (I am not quite there yet.) But I guess this is what life is-life is messy.
Life IS messy. Life is sometimes like a mirror that shatters into millions of pieces in front of you and you feel like you could never even begin to pick them all up and reassemble them into some kind of order. But I guess when we feel that way we need to remember that life is just that-a mirror and sometimes the greatest good in life comes when that mirror shatters and we stop seeing our reflection, our miseries, our issues, and we see the real deal and how insignificant we are in the grand scheme of things.
I need to remember that. I also need to remember that I should NEVER change for a guy or even attempt to because you will also fail in some way or feel unfulfilled because someone fits him and you shouldn't try to change who you are because you fit another guy you just haven't met yet. I guess what I am trying to say is I will never stop like celtic music, classical masterpieces, and poetry to a guy who doesn't even fully know who he is. The world is full of girls who will do that I don't need to join the army of trend-followers and insecure girls. I need to be strong in this because I will be a much better person with more ways to change the world I live in.
I am not a follower or a girl who just wants to get married, settle down and have kids. I want to change the world, help in some significant way. I just don't know how yet.
That is probably going to be a little scary to some guys but it doesn't mean I am letting go on my femininity- I am so proud to be a girl but I recoginize the need for strong, sincere, compassionate, godly women and I want to be one of them-like my mom and grandma before me.
I am not a follower.
I am really really really upset. It always surprise me to what great heights of emotion the human mind can go-from cloud nine to the pits of despair. (I am not quite there yet.) But I guess this is what life is-life is messy.
Life IS messy. Life is sometimes like a mirror that shatters into millions of pieces in front of you and you feel like you could never even begin to pick them all up and reassemble them into some kind of order. But I guess when we feel that way we need to remember that life is just that-a mirror and sometimes the greatest good in life comes when that mirror shatters and we stop seeing our reflection, our miseries, our issues, and we see the real deal and how insignificant we are in the grand scheme of things.
I need to remember that. I also need to remember that I should NEVER change for a guy or even attempt to because you will also fail in some way or feel unfulfilled because someone fits him and you shouldn't try to change who you are because you fit another guy you just haven't met yet. I guess what I am trying to say is I will never stop like celtic music, classical masterpieces, and poetry to a guy who doesn't even fully know who he is. The world is full of girls who will do that I don't need to join the army of trend-followers and insecure girls. I need to be strong in this because I will be a much better person with more ways to change the world I live in.
I am not a follower or a girl who just wants to get married, settle down and have kids. I want to change the world, help in some significant way. I just don't know how yet.
That is probably going to be a little scary to some guys but it doesn't mean I am letting go on my femininity- I am so proud to be a girl but I recoginize the need for strong, sincere, compassionate, godly women and I want to be one of them-like my mom and grandma before me.
I am not a follower.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
"Lost and Freed!!!!"-by Me
(Written Jan. 2005)
This poem is my personal testimony. I didn't really want to put this private poem up but it may help others who have and are going through this to see the glorious light at the end of the tunnel. This poem is long and sort of dark at the beginning but it reflects the very hard struggle it took for me to come out into the sunlight with my Master. I have shed so many tears, but now I am living in joy and rest in Christ. This is the story of my life from around age 14 to now......
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
all around me the darkness reigns
i feel constricted by the silent miseries that surrounds me
i curl up into a ball
i try to think pretty, bright, sunny thoughts
the blackness overwhelmes them
i walk around on my tiptoes
i try not to disturb the other prisoners.
they are all curled up in little balls
trying to create worlds of their own
somehow we always fail
the dark never leaves us
we hear voices
whispering, speaking, shouting in our minds
we cry, we sob
we don't let anyone know of our inner torment
but we all know
we all feel the pain that exists when the sun doesn't run rise
when the darkness lift
when life seems to stop and we wait
in death-like stupors.
i can't find a way out
i can't find an escape from this black world
of pain and aloneness
i am alone
i am surrounded by others
but i am alone
we are all alone in our thoughts and paths of temporary escape
that always lead us to dead ends
i have no joy
i know not what elation is
i am always angry, alone, upset, heartbroken.
this world is like a labyrinth
we can't find a way out
the voices are leading us deeper and deeper
i try to shut them out
sometimes it works
but it always seems as if i run out of power
i cannot raise the sun
i cannot lighten my world on my own
i need help
but whose?
someone once told me about Someone who can brighten my night and keep it bright
Someone who is bigger and stronger than me
but to get His help, i have to give up my own will
my own struggling to grab and hold something that isn't there
i have to cry out for His hand and hold it with everything in me
because this change of leadership is going to hurt, a lot
i want to think about it
i want to weight the good and the bad
but as i try, the voices that are trying to drown me get louder
i can't ignore them anymore.
i raise my eyes from downcast to looking up
i am going to hang on really tight
i won't let go, i yell.
it is so painful but that must mean He is working
i already feel lighter in my heart
i realise that for the first time i am experiencing joy and pain-together
i can see now little fingers of light shooting out towards me
it is dark still but it is getting lighter
and i am no longer alone.
He is beside me holding my hand
in front of me leading me
behind me guarding me
beneath me bearing me up
i am no longer alone.
i have come out of the darkness into a beautiful land
i can see other people just like me
i recognize those who used to live on my right and on my left, in pain
now we are all free
we soar and we dart like birds
we are free
but not entirely
we know that we are powered by Him
we live in faith that He will never let go
but if i let go
i will fall, i will crash, i will die
i will NEVER let go
so help me, God!!!!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[I don't not have any caps but when I mention Christ-in the original form, i had everything on the left side of the page in a sort of art form. :)]
This poem is my personal testimony. I didn't really want to put this private poem up but it may help others who have and are going through this to see the glorious light at the end of the tunnel. This poem is long and sort of dark at the beginning but it reflects the very hard struggle it took for me to come out into the sunlight with my Master. I have shed so many tears, but now I am living in joy and rest in Christ. This is the story of my life from around age 14 to now......
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
all around me the darkness reigns
i feel constricted by the silent miseries that surrounds me
i curl up into a ball
i try to think pretty, bright, sunny thoughts
the blackness overwhelmes them
i walk around on my tiptoes
i try not to disturb the other prisoners.
they are all curled up in little balls
trying to create worlds of their own
somehow we always fail
the dark never leaves us
we hear voices
whispering, speaking, shouting in our minds
we cry, we sob
we don't let anyone know of our inner torment
but we all know
we all feel the pain that exists when the sun doesn't run rise
when the darkness lift
when life seems to stop and we wait
in death-like stupors.
i can't find a way out
i can't find an escape from this black world
of pain and aloneness
i am alone
i am surrounded by others
but i am alone
we are all alone in our thoughts and paths of temporary escape
that always lead us to dead ends
i have no joy
i know not what elation is
i am always angry, alone, upset, heartbroken.
this world is like a labyrinth
we can't find a way out
the voices are leading us deeper and deeper
i try to shut them out
sometimes it works
but it always seems as if i run out of power
i cannot raise the sun
i cannot lighten my world on my own
i need help
but whose?
someone once told me about Someone who can brighten my night and keep it bright
Someone who is bigger and stronger than me
but to get His help, i have to give up my own will
my own struggling to grab and hold something that isn't there
i have to cry out for His hand and hold it with everything in me
because this change of leadership is going to hurt, a lot
i want to think about it
i want to weight the good and the bad
but as i try, the voices that are trying to drown me get louder
i can't ignore them anymore.
i raise my eyes from downcast to looking up
i am going to hang on really tight
i won't let go, i yell.
it is so painful but that must mean He is working
i already feel lighter in my heart
i realise that for the first time i am experiencing joy and pain-together
i can see now little fingers of light shooting out towards me
it is dark still but it is getting lighter
and i am no longer alone.
He is beside me holding my hand
in front of me leading me
behind me guarding me
beneath me bearing me up
i am no longer alone.
i have come out of the darkness into a beautiful land
i can see other people just like me
i recognize those who used to live on my right and on my left, in pain
now we are all free
we soar and we dart like birds
we are free
but not entirely
we know that we are powered by Him
we live in faith that He will never let go
but if i let go
i will fall, i will crash, i will die
i will NEVER let go
so help me, God!!!!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[I don't not have any caps but when I mention Christ-in the original form, i had everything on the left side of the page in a sort of art form. :)]
Friday, August 26, 2005
Simple Pleasures
A child's smile,
A word of kindness from a secret love,
The simplest things can cause
The greatest reactions from a sincere heart.
Don't think I am silly
If I gasp in amazement at a butterfly's wings,
Or wonder at the shape of the clouds,
Or the magnificence of a single snowflake
As it melts in my hand.
Simple pleasures they may be
But magic beauty flows from the simplest of things.
A word of kindness from a secret love,
The simplest things can cause
The greatest reactions from a sincere heart.
Don't think I am silly
If I gasp in amazement at a butterfly's wings,
Or wonder at the shape of the clouds,
Or the magnificence of a single snowflake
As it melts in my hand.
Simple pleasures they may be
But magic beauty flows from the simplest of things.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Quote of the Month-Abraham Lincoln
"I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me seemed insufficient for the day." - Abraham Lincoln
This is incredibly true for me. God can see the big picture, the picture He created, but we humans can only see the little section that is our lives, today. We must never question God's actions because everything happens for a purpose and fits into His grandiose scheme.
This is incredibly true for me. God can see the big picture, the picture He created, but we humans can only see the little section that is our lives, today. We must never question God's actions because everything happens for a purpose and fits into His grandiose scheme.
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Been awhile...
That picture really isn't that great but at least it gives you a tiny idea of what I look like. My cousin said that I do NOT look good when I pose for a picture.
Anyway-life is going really well. Lifeguarding is fun and I really enjoy it.(By the way, neither of the guards in that picture are me. But that is generally what I look like. Hahaha!) Also, I have been surfing the classifieds pretty much everyday because I am nearing when I can afford a car. My guess is about 3 or 4 more paychecks will give me more than enough.
Spiritually, I think I am making progress. I am really happy because I am to the point when I can recognize something I am really need to change before it becomes enough of an issue that I need to be taken to task by someone else about it. It is really good timing because I have a lot of behoviours I need to watch for with this new job. (By the way, neither of the guards in that picture are me. But that is generally what I look like. Hahaha!)
I found out that my family is going on a vacation in the first week of September and we then get a week home before we three younger kids go to California with Dad. So September should go by really fast.
Well, I'll try to write more often. I seriously would have written sooner but Mom has started turning off her computer after she is done working on it so I often miss the cutoff date. :)
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