Just got back from seeing a movie called 'The Blind Side' and I must say it is really really good....and it really gets at the heart of the problem as to why there are so many criminals in the world today, why there are so many people on welfare, etc. I have heard many people discuss this issue indirectly by saying,"Oh, well I have a good job because I made good decisions when I was younger; they decided to make bad decisions and they are paying the consequences for it". While this is ultimately true, most people don't realize there are so many factors that influence the decisions people ultimately make.
The way Michael dealt with his hardships was by keeping it all up inside in a soft and tender way. He was fourtuate. A lot of boys will lash out, get in fights, and perhaps even kill someone in an effort to release their anger on a world that may have given him a home without a father (most men in prison grew up in homes without a functioning father) or whatever the situation may be. Now, imagine this young man goes to prison where he may be raped or abused even more. His anger grows and he becomes even more violent then he was before. That is why a lot of people are even worse off after they get out of prison. So what helped Michael beat these odds? The answer: a family that cut through all the stereotypes loved him unconditionally.
In so many ways we are not sending that message....the message of unconditional love. Lets take the prison system for example. The reason why prison rape exists is because we US citizens don't really care enough about this problem to fix it....after all...it is not my problem....I am not in prison. Therefore, we worry about things like getting a tax cut or finding a way to pay for social security. When I volunteered for the homeless shelter, I pretty much got accepted on the spot without a background check and without any referenes because there is a shortage of people who care about the homeless....they can't be picky about who they pick to volunteer because no one volunteers. No one really cares.
So the next time you hear about some gang shooting on TV, don't be so quick to point the finger at the killer. We are all murders because most of us have hated which is the equivelent of murder by the Bible's standard. In addition, Jesus stayed on that cross to die for your sins...because of what YOU did. So be careful at how you point fingers...they have an ironic way of pointing back.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
OBAMA SONG
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/24/lyrics-songs-president-obama/
Song 1:
Mm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He said that all must lend a hand
To make this country strong again
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He said we must be fair today
Equal work means equal pay
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He said that we must take a stand
To make sure everyone gets a chance
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He said red, yellow, black or white
All are equal in his sight
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
Yes!
Mmm, mmm, mm
Barack Hussein Obama
Song 2:
Hello, Mr. President we honor you today!
For all your great accomplishments, we all doth say "hooray!"
Hooray, Mr. President! You're number one!
The first black American to lead this great nation!
Hooray, Mr. President we honor your great plans
To make this country's economy number one again!
Hooray Mr. President, we're really proud of you!
And we stand for all Americans under the great Red, White, and Blue!
So continue ---- Mr. President we know you'll do the trick
So here's a hearty hip-hooray ----
Hip, hip hooray!
Hip, hip hooray!
Hip, hip hooray!
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/24/elementary-school-students-reportedly-taught-songs-praising-president-obama/?loomia_ow=t0:s0:a16:g2:r1:c0.262517:b27934924:z0
The superintendent of a New Jersey school where students were videotaped being taught to sing the praises of President Obama issued a statement Thursday saying the taping was unauthorized, but failed to address whether the the lesson -- taught durnig Black History Month -- was approved.
A YouTube video shows nearly 20 young children being led in a song overflowing with campaign slogans and praise for "Barack Hussein Obama," repeatedly chanting the president's name and celebrating his accomplishments, including his "great plans" to "make this country's economy No. 1 again."
The video has set off families in Burlington, N.J., who say that politics shouldn't be forced on young students.
"This video is disturbing," said a grandparent named Sandy, who spoke on the condition that her last name not be noted. "I'm disturbed that someone can give their political opinions in school like this. I'm dead-set against it.
"We don't teach politics in pre-school -- or kindergarten or first grade," said Sandy, who told FOXNews.com she has two grandchildren attending B. Bernice Young Elementary School, where the video was filmed. "This has no place in the classroom. It may have been the opinion of one or two, and someone should pay the consequences for it."
School officials said Thursday the students were "singing a song about President Obama" in February "to honor the contributions of African Americans to our country."
"The recording and distribution of the class activity were unauthorized," wrote Christopher M. Manno, superintendent of Burlington Township School District, in a statement to parents.
One song that the children were taught quotes directly from the spiritual "Jesus Loves the Little Children," though Jesus' name is replaced with Obama's: "He said red, yellow, black or white/All are equal in his sight. Barack Hussein Obama."
Song 1:
Mm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He said that all must lend a hand
To make this country strong again
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He said we must be fair today
Equal work means equal pay
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He said that we must take a stand
To make sure everyone gets a chance
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He said red, yellow, black or white
All are equal in his sight
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
Yes!
Mmm, mmm, mm
Barack Hussein Obama
Song 2:
Hello, Mr. President we honor you today!
For all your great accomplishments, we all doth say "hooray!"
Hooray, Mr. President! You're number one!
The first black American to lead this great nation!
Hooray, Mr. President we honor your great plans
To make this country's economy number one again!
Hooray Mr. President, we're really proud of you!
And we stand for all Americans under the great Red, White, and Blue!
So continue ---- Mr. President we know you'll do the trick
So here's a hearty hip-hooray ----
Hip, hip hooray!
Hip, hip hooray!
Hip, hip hooray!
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/24/elementary-school-students-reportedly-taught-songs-praising-president-obama/?loomia_ow=t0:s0:a16:g2:r1:c0.262517:b27934924:z0
The superintendent of a New Jersey school where students were videotaped being taught to sing the praises of President Obama issued a statement Thursday saying the taping was unauthorized, but failed to address whether the the lesson -- taught durnig Black History Month -- was approved.
A YouTube video shows nearly 20 young children being led in a song overflowing with campaign slogans and praise for "Barack Hussein Obama," repeatedly chanting the president's name and celebrating his accomplishments, including his "great plans" to "make this country's economy No. 1 again."
The video has set off families in Burlington, N.J., who say that politics shouldn't be forced on young students.
"This video is disturbing," said a grandparent named Sandy, who spoke on the condition that her last name not be noted. "I'm disturbed that someone can give their political opinions in school like this. I'm dead-set against it.
"We don't teach politics in pre-school -- or kindergarten or first grade," said Sandy, who told FOXNews.com she has two grandchildren attending B. Bernice Young Elementary School, where the video was filmed. "This has no place in the classroom. It may have been the opinion of one or two, and someone should pay the consequences for it."
School officials said Thursday the students were "singing a song about President Obama" in February "to honor the contributions of African Americans to our country."
"The recording and distribution of the class activity were unauthorized," wrote Christopher M. Manno, superintendent of Burlington Township School District, in a statement to parents.
One song that the children were taught quotes directly from the spiritual "Jesus Loves the Little Children," though Jesus' name is replaced with Obama's: "He said red, yellow, black or white/All are equal in his sight. Barack Hussein Obama."
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Psalm 62
For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.
1 My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
3 How long will you assault a man?
Would all of you throw him down—
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
4 They fully intend to topple him
from his lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse.
Selah
5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God [a] ;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Selah
9 Lowborn men are but a breath,
the highborn are but a lie;
if weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
together they are only a breath.
10 Do not trust in extortion
or take pride in stolen goods;
though your riches increase,
do not set your heart on them.
11 One thing God has spoken,
two things have I heard:
that you, O God, are strong,
12 and that you, O Lord, are loving.
Surely you will reward each person
according to what he has done.
1 My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
3 How long will you assault a man?
Would all of you throw him down—
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
4 They fully intend to topple him
from his lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse.
Selah
5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God [a] ;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Selah
9 Lowborn men are but a breath,
the highborn are but a lie;
if weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
together they are only a breath.
10 Do not trust in extortion
or take pride in stolen goods;
though your riches increase,
do not set your heart on them.
11 One thing God has spoken,
two things have I heard:
that you, O God, are strong,
12 and that you, O Lord, are loving.
Surely you will reward each person
according to what he has done.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
More Cat Pictures By Popular Demand
When I talk to people I sometimes find it easy to believe that they care more about my kitten then they do about me....cat pictures by popular demand!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Move In
The second bedroom has been temporarily deemed the 'no kitty allowed' room. I think you can see why!
Of course, this post would not be complete without the kitty!
Kitchen.
Girls, recommend colors, furniture, etc that would go well with these couches!
This picture reminds me of some of the Axe commercials I have been seeing in the movie theaters recently!
Model Airplanes were packed in the van because they took up the most space and had relatively low mass. Since the trailer was already putting a lot of weight on the rear tires, this was the best way to optimize space and yet get my cargo up to my apartment without having the trailer chains drag on the ground.
Vehicle abuse!
I think I learned something from my mother.
Overall my trip went well. The biggest story has to do with the cat. As soon as I put her in the cage, she meowed and meowed and meowed and meowed and meowed all the way up to Maryland. She only stopped when she fell asleep or when she was eating; I know now that she hates that carrying cage. I was worried for a second because I could not get her to go in her litter box. Thankfully, she knows where the litter box is in my apartment and has used it. Finally we arrived at my apartment. I let her out of the cage into the bathroom with the bathroom door shut because we did not want the kitty to escape while Daniel and myself were unloading furniture. Well, she got tired of the bathroom pretty quickly and wanted out of that as well. You could see her paw reaching out from underneath the bathroom door trying to escape (I wish I had a picture of this....it was really funny). I was beginning to become concerned that I did not get a big enough apartment; after all, once she leaves the bathroom, will she eventually get tired of the rest of it?
So far, she seems to be having a lot of fun. I must admit that I am learning a lot about this cat quickly. She is VERY HAPPY when ever I get home....I think I represent mostly security to this cat right now at least at this point. She is still a little unsure about this apartment and really likes to know that her owner is around to help solve any bad situations that may arise. She is definitely very sweet and will crawl into my lap when I am sitting on the couch. Whoever found me this cat has did a great job...
I would also like to mention that I lost my cell phone and recently purchased a new one.....everyone call me so I can get all your numbers!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Cool Bible Stuff
Ok, first I need to apologize to my blog for neglecting it...but nothing spectacular has really been going on lately! Therefore, I will share with some of you guys some of the things I have been learning in my devotions. These past couple of months have been pretty good.
1: Most of you guys know the story when David tried to transport the ark to Jerusalem right? Uzza reached out his hand and touched the ark to steady it and God killed him. The classic lesson learned from this text is that David should have had people carry the ark and not try to transport it using oxen and a cart. I never really knew where this came from until I read the book of Numbers. First, you need to read about half way through chapter four of Numbers and learn and learn about a clan of the tribe of Levi called the Kohathites. These people were responsible for transporting the most holy equipment in the temple of the Lord.
Now, skip to Numbers 7:6-9 and read:
6 So Moses took the carts and oxen and gave them to the Levites. 7 He gave two carts and four oxen to the Gershonites, as their work required, 8 and he gave four carts and eight oxen to the Merarites, as their work required. They were all under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron, the priest. 9 But Moses did not give any to the Kohathites, because they were to carry on their shoulders the holy things, for which they were responsible.
In these verses, you find justification for the proper way to carry the most holy instruments!
2: I have also been reading the census material found in Numbers. There were basically 2 census taken: one towards the beginning of their journey through the wilderness and one before they were about ready to march into the land of Canaan. You will find that in between these two Census, the population of Israel actually decreased! This is likely due to the number of people killed by God for all the complaining Israel did in the desert. Yes, God does take sin seriously!
3:Last night I read Numbers 24:21-25. This is a prophesy of Balaam about the future of the Kenites.
21 Then he saw the Kenites and uttered his oracle:
"Your dwelling place is secure,
your nest is set in a rock;
22 yet you Kenites will be destroyed
when Asshur takes you captive."
23 Then he uttered his oracle:
"Ah, who can live when God does this? [e]
24 Ships will come from the shores of Kittim;
they will subdue Asshur and Eber,
but they too will come to ruin."
For those of you who don't remember who the Kenites are, they were related to Jethro, the father in law of Moses. They appear when Saul attacked the Amalekites and told the Kenites to get out of the land of the Amalekites so they would not be destroyed. In this story, Saul was supposed to destroy all the Amalekites including the animals; but he did not do this.
Later in this prophesy, Balaam predicts that the Kenites would be destroyed by Asshur, which was the ancient capital of Assyria. Obviously, this prophesy was fulfilled around the time of Assyria's conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel. This prophecy later states that the cities of Asshur and Eber would then be conquered by ships from the shores of Kittim.
Kittim can mean a number of different things in the Bible. It mostly refers to the Romans, Assyrians, and in some cases can be interpreted as invader. This prophecy likely refers to the Greek or Roman conquest of the world because they used ships in warfare ("Ships will come from the shores of Kittim"). If this is true, most secular scholars say that the Book of Numbers was last 'revised' around 400 BC; in many cases, this is to discredit biblical prophecy by saying these things happened before the prophecies were written. The problem here is that Alexander the Great lived at about 350 BC, so even IF the book of Numbers was last 'revised' in 400 BC, it still predicted the conquest of the Greeks after the book of Numbers was written.
I also discovered an interesting story about Balaam. According to the Rabbis, Balak, the king of Moab, begged Balaam for a way to stop the Israelites and find a way to defeat them. Balaam told him the only way was to get Israel to forsake God and practice idolatry. Therefore, the Moabites began to introduce the Israelites to Baal worship. Interestingly enough, in Numbers 25 right after the story of Balaam, you find a story of Israel involved in sexual immorality and idolatry with the Moabites!
Anyways....hope you guys find this stuff interesting and be sure and let me know if I made any errors! :)
1: Most of you guys know the story when David tried to transport the ark to Jerusalem right? Uzza reached out his hand and touched the ark to steady it and God killed him. The classic lesson learned from this text is that David should have had people carry the ark and not try to transport it using oxen and a cart. I never really knew where this came from until I read the book of Numbers. First, you need to read about half way through chapter four of Numbers and learn and learn about a clan of the tribe of Levi called the Kohathites. These people were responsible for transporting the most holy equipment in the temple of the Lord.
Now, skip to Numbers 7:6-9 and read:
6 So Moses took the carts and oxen and gave them to the Levites. 7 He gave two carts and four oxen to the Gershonites, as their work required, 8 and he gave four carts and eight oxen to the Merarites, as their work required. They were all under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron, the priest. 9 But Moses did not give any to the Kohathites, because they were to carry on their shoulders the holy things, for which they were responsible.
In these verses, you find justification for the proper way to carry the most holy instruments!
2: I have also been reading the census material found in Numbers. There were basically 2 census taken: one towards the beginning of their journey through the wilderness and one before they were about ready to march into the land of Canaan. You will find that in between these two Census, the population of Israel actually decreased! This is likely due to the number of people killed by God for all the complaining Israel did in the desert. Yes, God does take sin seriously!
3:Last night I read Numbers 24:21-25. This is a prophesy of Balaam about the future of the Kenites.
21 Then he saw the Kenites and uttered his oracle:
"Your dwelling place is secure,
your nest is set in a rock;
22 yet you Kenites will be destroyed
when Asshur takes you captive."
23 Then he uttered his oracle:
"Ah, who can live when God does this? [e]
24 Ships will come from the shores of Kittim;
they will subdue Asshur and Eber,
but they too will come to ruin."
For those of you who don't remember who the Kenites are, they were related to Jethro, the father in law of Moses. They appear when Saul attacked the Amalekites and told the Kenites to get out of the land of the Amalekites so they would not be destroyed. In this story, Saul was supposed to destroy all the Amalekites including the animals; but he did not do this.
Later in this prophesy, Balaam predicts that the Kenites would be destroyed by Asshur, which was the ancient capital of Assyria. Obviously, this prophesy was fulfilled around the time of Assyria's conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel. This prophecy later states that the cities of Asshur and Eber would then be conquered by ships from the shores of Kittim.
Kittim can mean a number of different things in the Bible. It mostly refers to the Romans, Assyrians, and in some cases can be interpreted as invader. This prophecy likely refers to the Greek or Roman conquest of the world because they used ships in warfare ("Ships will come from the shores of Kittim"). If this is true, most secular scholars say that the Book of Numbers was last 'revised' around 400 BC; in many cases, this is to discredit biblical prophecy by saying these things happened before the prophecies were written. The problem here is that Alexander the Great lived at about 350 BC, so even IF the book of Numbers was last 'revised' in 400 BC, it still predicted the conquest of the Greeks after the book of Numbers was written.
I also discovered an interesting story about Balaam. According to the Rabbis, Balak, the king of Moab, begged Balaam for a way to stop the Israelites and find a way to defeat them. Balaam told him the only way was to get Israel to forsake God and practice idolatry. Therefore, the Moabites began to introduce the Israelites to Baal worship. Interestingly enough, in Numbers 25 right after the story of Balaam, you find a story of Israel involved in sexual immorality and idolatry with the Moabites!
Anyways....hope you guys find this stuff interesting and be sure and let me know if I made any errors! :)
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