I'm truly excited about being a part of a history making election.
The people voted for change and I'm sure they (we) are going to get it. I just don't know if it's going to be what they hoped for. For one man to make so many promises, he has a lot to live up to.
Even Christ didn't make promises, but was a fulfiller of them.
God Bless our Country and God Bless our President-Elect and his family.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Free $$$???
As I siphoned through the mail today, I noticed I had an envelope that said "check enclosed". As I curiously opened the check, I wondered if I had overpaid someone or something. It was a $10 check made out to me. Woo Hoo!!! Who wouldn't want free money? Since I didn't recognize the sender, I quickly flipped the check over to notice the fine print on the back.
"By cashing this check I agree to a 30 day trial offer in PrivacyGuard. I understand that the $64.99 semi-annual membership fee will be automatically billed to the card I have on file with B***** unless I cancel the membership by calling...." I quickly tore the envelope into pieces.
I couldn't believe it... There was a catch. You mean I wasn't getting free money in the mail. I wholeheartedly believe there are a few places that give things away for free, occasionally, but you must be careful to read the fine print. Sometimes all they want is for you to test the product and advertise for it. Other times, like some government funding, you MUST be careful to know and understand what kind of trap you could be falling into. You may not ever have to personally pay the money back, but someone does.
If the government is offering us free health care, what will the "cost" be in 10 years? What will the quality of service be like? How long will we have to wait for our checkup or prescription refill? What will it actually cost our retirement funds when and if we can retire?
Be cautious of all the things that are promised, unless they are promised by God.
Even my salvation cost Jesus Christ's life.
"What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26
"By cashing this check I agree to a 30 day trial offer in PrivacyGuard. I understand that the $64.99 semi-annual membership fee will be automatically billed to the card I have on file with B***** unless I cancel the membership by calling...." I quickly tore the envelope into pieces.
I couldn't believe it... There was a catch. You mean I wasn't getting free money in the mail. I wholeheartedly believe there are a few places that give things away for free, occasionally, but you must be careful to read the fine print. Sometimes all they want is for you to test the product and advertise for it. Other times, like some government funding, you MUST be careful to know and understand what kind of trap you could be falling into. You may not ever have to personally pay the money back, but someone does.
If the government is offering us free health care, what will the "cost" be in 10 years? What will the quality of service be like? How long will we have to wait for our checkup or prescription refill? What will it actually cost our retirement funds when and if we can retire?
Be cautious of all the things that are promised, unless they are promised by God.
Even my salvation cost Jesus Christ's life.
"What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26
Sunday, November 2, 2008
What Should we Protect?
In my intro of myself, I mentioned I started blogging as a place to "get it out". With the upcoming election, this is something that has been on my mind more than ever. This post might offend some people, but I don't apologize for my beliefs, just as you shouldn't for yours. So, unless you are reading with an open mind, you might not want to read this.
Currently, 1,556 known species in the world have been identified as endangered, or near extinction, and are under protection by government law (Glenn, 2006, Webpage). This approximation, however, does not take into consideration the number of species threatened with endangerment that are not included under the protection of such laws as the Endangered Species Act.
Currently, 1,556 known species in the world have been identified as endangered, or near extinction, and are under protection by government law (Glenn, 2006, Webpage). This approximation, however, does not take into consideration the number of species threatened with endangerment that are not included under the protection of such laws as the Endangered Species Act.
Humans have also set standards for which species they think should be saved and which species they find unimportant. For example, the coqui frog in Hawaii is so common that its “nocturnal singing” reduces the value of homes and prevents hotels from using rooms near the forest. Hawaiians have proposed eliminating the frog, and several wildlife managers want to release a pathogen to kill the frogs (Minteer & Collins, 2005, p. 333). This example of the coqui frog demonstrates how humans have no consideration for the life of another species, and are more concerned about their own contentment and personal gain. The frog decreased the value of homes and lost business for several hotels, so the Hawaiians figured it was acceptable to get rid of the group of coqui frog living near them, without taking into consideration the environmental impact of destroying the species.
How is it, there are laws protecting 1,556 different animals, yet we can take an innocent human life, because like the coqui frog in Hawaii, it wasn't what we wanted, planned, or could be a nuisance?
I truly believe human life begins at conception, not when you hear the first heartbeat (which can be as early as 6 weeks). At what point do we look at ourselves as a nation and realize we've messed up somewhere. Are those 1,556 animals more important than your child? Oh, of course not, you decided to have him/her. Had you chosen the other option, as a nation, it would have been "OK". No one would have questioned your reason. Yet, if I kill an endangered animal on the list, I could go to jail or be outrageously fined. I truly don't understand!
If I weren't ready for the consequences, I should not have participated in the actions. I know there are cases of rape in which a child is conceived, but just because the conception didn't happen the way you planned it, does it make God's creation less worthy of living?
At only 3 weeks, you can already distinguish the eyes, spine, and feet.
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb." Psalm 139:13
Time to Reevaluate
At the beginning of the "school year" I couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed by the things I had agreed to do. Although I felt slightly overwhelmed, I also felt peace because I knew God was in control. I never agreed to do anything without praying about it first. Once my heart was at peace, I agreed. Now, the pace as lessened and I feel as though I need to let a few things go. Oddly enough, it's not what I thought I would have been letting go either. I also wonder why I am pulled to let some of the activities go now that I actually have the time to do them all.
Why didn't I let them go when I didn't have the time? Was I being tested to see if I had truly let God take control? Whatever the reason was/is, I feel a peace about the things I am saying good-bye to and the things I am going to continue to do.
Many are the plans of a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21
My confirmation of one the activities I am going to continue to pursue came in the form of dreams. Not just one, but 2. I feel as though I was being reassured that I am on the right path. Although I have prayed about it (many times), it's the only thing I still have yet to completely surrender to God. I still try to get in the way and think it's something I am doing, sometimes forgetting He doesn't need me. I will know I have completely surrendered it to Him when I stop holding back and do more than I should and not the bare minimum.
good-bye BSF
good-bye story time at the library
(at least for now)
Why didn't I let them go when I didn't have the time? Was I being tested to see if I had truly let God take control? Whatever the reason was/is, I feel a peace about the things I am saying good-bye to and the things I am going to continue to do.
Many are the plans of a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21
My confirmation of one the activities I am going to continue to pursue came in the form of dreams. Not just one, but 2. I feel as though I was being reassured that I am on the right path. Although I have prayed about it (many times), it's the only thing I still have yet to completely surrender to God. I still try to get in the way and think it's something I am doing, sometimes forgetting He doesn't need me. I will know I have completely surrendered it to Him when I stop holding back and do more than I should and not the bare minimum.
good-bye BSF
good-bye story time at the library
(at least for now)
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