Glenn Beck Power Pastor!!!!
Saturday I watched the Glenn Beck 8/28 Rally. It was three and a half hours long. The hype and rhetoric leading up to the rally was crazy. When it finally happened it was pretty tame and it reminded me of a Promise Keepers rally or a typical church revival. I think what made the event more credible is that Beck wasn’t seen or heard for most of it. It was mainly church leaders calling for repentance and restoration of America.
I don't have much else to say about the rally. I would call it a revival more than a rally though. I don't particularly care for revivals much. People get worked up at a revival and they stay on that high for a few weeks and then things go back to normal. Then you have another revival! I will say that what I meditated on the message that was presented and found it one that we all can live by. Kindness and good will towards others is something we all can appreciate. If there was more of it, maybe we wouldn't need the government to step in and do what we as decent human beings should be doing of our own free will.
The rest of my Saturday was spent doing laundry and watching Bones episodes over at Carrie and Stevens.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
8-27-10
Settling in...
I went to Sam’s Club and bought pounds of chicken and turkey. I am on a fixed budget to I have calculated how much food I will need during pay periods and then I portion out my meals for the week. I’m quite meticulous about it. One of the things that I have been bent out of shape about has been my eating habits since moving back to Ohio. Now that I have my own kitchen I can get back to a regular diet schedule and that is exactly what I have done. I feel a whole lot better and I have noticed that I have lost all the weight I gained since moving back. Yay!
I decided to not work out until after Labor Day. I go to the gym for cardio but I’m not lifting weights right now. I have stopped taking my supplements too. I decided to let my body clean itself out and give it a rest. I’ve been lifting and taking supplements for about two years with very little rest in between. I think it will be good the let my body relax and then get back into the swing of things. The hours I work will be changing after Labor Day and I will be able to go into work later. That means I can go to the gym without getting up at 4:30am every morning. That’s just crazy!
I made a road trip with Carrie and Steven to pick up some items in a storage shed I rented in Pittsburgh. It contained my computer, kitchen items, clothing and electronic items that I didn’t want to put in the large storage shed. I now have my television and other items needed to make my new place a little bit more homely. Now all I need is furniture. Ha ha. We had dinner at Don Pablos. I miss that place. They have the best chicken tacos.
I went to Sam’s Club and bought pounds of chicken and turkey. I am on a fixed budget to I have calculated how much food I will need during pay periods and then I portion out my meals for the week. I’m quite meticulous about it. One of the things that I have been bent out of shape about has been my eating habits since moving back to Ohio. Now that I have my own kitchen I can get back to a regular diet schedule and that is exactly what I have done. I feel a whole lot better and I have noticed that I have lost all the weight I gained since moving back. Yay!
I decided to not work out until after Labor Day. I go to the gym for cardio but I’m not lifting weights right now. I have stopped taking my supplements too. I decided to let my body clean itself out and give it a rest. I’ve been lifting and taking supplements for about two years with very little rest in between. I think it will be good the let my body relax and then get back into the swing of things. The hours I work will be changing after Labor Day and I will be able to go into work later. That means I can go to the gym without getting up at 4:30am every morning. That’s just crazy!
I made a road trip with Carrie and Steven to pick up some items in a storage shed I rented in Pittsburgh. It contained my computer, kitchen items, clothing and electronic items that I didn’t want to put in the large storage shed. I now have my television and other items needed to make my new place a little bit more homely. Now all I need is furniture. Ha ha. We had dinner at Don Pablos. I miss that place. They have the best chicken tacos.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
8-21-10
Sad to See Friends Leave...
Sunday we didn’t do much. We was the movie “The Switch.” I don’t normally enjoy Jennifer Aniston movies but this one was alright. It had a Lifetime Channel vibe but I was able to overlook it. Jason Bateman is hilarious.
The last thing we did before Justin and Jackie left was take a stroll down memory lane. I didn’t think they would be interested to see where I grew up and went to school but Justin asked and I was more than happy to oblige. I took them through Lorain and Amherst and we drove by places I used to live. It was a learning experience for me because I hadn’t been to some of these places for years. So when things changed I was surprised.
It was good to see Justin and Jackie. Justin is one of the funniest people I know and Jackie is adorable. They make a good couple.
Sunday we didn’t do much. We was the movie “The Switch.” I don’t normally enjoy Jennifer Aniston movies but this one was alright. It had a Lifetime Channel vibe but I was able to overlook it. Jason Bateman is hilarious.
The last thing we did before Justin and Jackie left was take a stroll down memory lane. I didn’t think they would be interested to see where I grew up and went to school but Justin asked and I was more than happy to oblige. I took them through Lorain and Amherst and we drove by places I used to live. It was a learning experience for me because I hadn’t been to some of these places for years. So when things changed I was surprised.
It was good to see Justin and Jackie. Justin is one of the funniest people I know and Jackie is adorable. They make a good couple.
Friday, August 20, 2010
8-20-10
Fun Filled Day
We slept in and once we got up we decided to go to IHOP for breakfast. Our agenda for the day was to go to the Cleveland Museum of Natural history and that evening go see my old improv troupe perform.
We went to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and it was a huge disappointment. The museum seemed small to me. Considering I am used the Carnegie museum in Pittsburgh I may be a little bit spoiled. Plus the exhibits were lack luster. The dinosaur bones were placed on wooden slabs and the decor looks like it hadn’t been changed for 30 years. I’m pretty sure the decor hasn’t changed because it looked just like it did when I visited the museum with my parents when I was five!
We took in a movie. We went and saw Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. It didn’t do well at the box office but I think it will be a cult classic on dvd. I loved this movie.
The last thing we did that evening was go see my old improvisation troupe perform. They no longer performed on West 6th street in the flats but in a warehouse somewhere in Cleveland. The show was good but it just didn’t feel like the same old Dada shows. I got to talk with an old friend named Cody who has come a long way from last time I was there. Cody used to do tech stuff and had to pay his dues and now he’s up on stage tearing it up. I was really happy for him. He did a good job. I’m also glad to see that Something Dada is still performing even in the situation they are in. They are a staple of Cleveland and with the economy and all, it’s good to see people who love what they do continuing to do it.
We slept in and once we got up we decided to go to IHOP for breakfast. Our agenda for the day was to go to the Cleveland Museum of Natural history and that evening go see my old improv troupe perform.
We went to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and it was a huge disappointment. The museum seemed small to me. Considering I am used the Carnegie museum in Pittsburgh I may be a little bit spoiled. Plus the exhibits were lack luster. The dinosaur bones were placed on wooden slabs and the decor looks like it hadn’t been changed for 30 years. I’m pretty sure the decor hasn’t changed because it looked just like it did when I visited the museum with my parents when I was five!
We took in a movie. We went and saw Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. It didn’t do well at the box office but I think it will be a cult classic on dvd. I loved this movie.
The last thing we did that evening was go see my old improvisation troupe perform. They no longer performed on West 6th street in the flats but in a warehouse somewhere in Cleveland. The show was good but it just didn’t feel like the same old Dada shows. I got to talk with an old friend named Cody who has come a long way from last time I was there. Cody used to do tech stuff and had to pay his dues and now he’s up on stage tearing it up. I was really happy for him. He did a good job. I’m also glad to see that Something Dada is still performing even in the situation they are in. They are a staple of Cleveland and with the economy and all, it’s good to see people who love what they do continuing to do it.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
8-19-10
Good friends...
My friend Justin and his girlfriend Jackie came into town to visit me. They got in late Friday night so we talked for a little bit and then went to bed. I officially moved into my new place that weekend and Justin and Jackie were my first guests. I don’t have furniture yet so we bought air mattresses and had fun camping out in my living room.
My friend Justin and his girlfriend Jackie came into town to visit me. They got in late Friday night so we talked for a little bit and then went to bed. I officially moved into my new place that weekend and Justin and Jackie were my first guests. I don’t have furniture yet so we bought air mattresses and had fun camping out in my living room.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
8-15-10
Football Yay!
Last night I watched the Cleveland Browns first preseason game. I was very nervous. Usually the panic button can be pressed on the Browns season five minutes into the first quarter of the first preseason game. It's been very seldom where the Browns have looked like a professional football team. Last night, not only did they look like professionals, they executed well and scored often.
This team look different. Feels different. I know it's the first preseason game but even with a vanilla offense and defense in there they competed and won the game. It was exciting to watch. Don't get me wrong, there are problems with the Browns. The pass rush is non-existent and teams can still exploit match ups against slower and smaller Browns players. But all in all they did a good job.
Now the next question is consistency. Can the Browns team show up week after week and play like they did last night? That is the true test for this team. They proved they can compete and win. Can they do it often?
As for the rest of the AFC North, I don't know what to expect. The Ravens are picked to win the division and they just might do that. The Bengals are still a decent team but they have questions too. The Steelers have had a difficult offseason and some questionable drafts the past few years. I wonder if they can bounce back? We'll know early who is the real deal and who isn't.
I can't wait for next week. NFL Football is here! Yay!
New Browns QB's
Jake Delhomme 6/7 66yds 1td 106.0 Rating
Seneca Wallace 7/8 72yds 2td 120.8 Rating
Colt McCoy - sucks
Old Browns QB's
Derek Anderson (Arizona) 13/22 88yds 1td 2int 45.3 Rating
Brady Quinn (Denver) 6/16 68yds 1int 25.0 Rating
So far for week one of the preseason Holmgren made a good decision.
Last night I watched the Cleveland Browns first preseason game. I was very nervous. Usually the panic button can be pressed on the Browns season five minutes into the first quarter of the first preseason game. It's been very seldom where the Browns have looked like a professional football team. Last night, not only did they look like professionals, they executed well and scored often.
This team look different. Feels different. I know it's the first preseason game but even with a vanilla offense and defense in there they competed and won the game. It was exciting to watch. Don't get me wrong, there are problems with the Browns. The pass rush is non-existent and teams can still exploit match ups against slower and smaller Browns players. But all in all they did a good job.
Now the next question is consistency. Can the Browns team show up week after week and play like they did last night? That is the true test for this team. They proved they can compete and win. Can they do it often?
As for the rest of the AFC North, I don't know what to expect. The Ravens are picked to win the division and they just might do that. The Bengals are still a decent team but they have questions too. The Steelers have had a difficult offseason and some questionable drafts the past few years. I wonder if they can bounce back? We'll know early who is the real deal and who isn't.
I can't wait for next week. NFL Football is here! Yay!
Quarterbacks
New team President Mike Holmgren gutted the quarterback position and brought in new players. Many questioned whether that was a good idea or not. Let's see...New Browns QB's
Jake Delhomme 6/7 66yds 1td 106.0 Rating
Seneca Wallace 7/8 72yds 2td 120.8 Rating
Colt McCoy - sucks
Old Browns QB's
Derek Anderson (Arizona) 13/22 88yds 1td 2int 45.3 Rating
Brady Quinn (Denver) 6/16 68yds 1int 25.0 Rating
So far for week one of the preseason Holmgren made a good decision.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
8-14-10
The Ground Zero Mosque
Dear 9-11 families,
My name is Robert Slatt. I used to live on our family's farm in West Virginia with my parents. My family had lived there for decades and we hoped to live there decades more. Unfortunately we had a bad neighbor who became violent and in May of 2006 he murdered my parents and shot me.
After the shooting it was my responsibility to take care of the farm and pack up my family's belongings. Every time I went up to the farm I had to drive by the home of the man who murdered my parents. His wife and family still lived there.
There were days when I would drive up to the farm and I would see them sitting out on their porch. They lived life as if nothing had ever happened. I on the other hand, went up to the farm and was constantly reminded of what happened. I would mow the grass where my father's broken body had laid. I would drive across the gravel road where my mother died. I would pack their belongings in boxes or throw things away, constantly reminded that they were gone. They were taken from me.
It hurt. It still hurts. I don't live there anymore. The farm was sold and I moved away. But while I was there I tried my hardest to heal. I tried to be strong and move on with my life. I thought I could manage but in reality I was lying to myself. Driving by their home to get to the farm was a constant reminder of what I had lost. I wish they weren't there. I wish someone would have rounded them up and told them to go somewhere else. But they have every right to live where they lived. Despite my suffering I couldn't keep them from doing what they wanted to do.
I understand your pain. I know what it is like to mourn the loss of a loved one who will never come home. I know the suffering when you see an image or a place that reminds you of that horrible day. It's an empty pit in your soul that won't go away.
I just want to say that I'm sorry. I'm sorry that there are people who are so insensitive to what you feel and are going through that they would purposely place a building that symbolizes the reason why your loved ones were murdered. I'm sorry that they hide behind religious freedom, one of the freedoms that make this country great, so they can build a trophy to their followers.
They have every right to build wherever they want. They feel that building near ground zero will foster dialogue and better relations. If these people truly desired better relations and dialogue, they would take your feelings into consideration and build somewhere else.
Even though we have never met I understand your loss. I will continue to lift you up in prayer and I hope you do the same for me. Life is riddled with great joy and tremendous pain. It is only by the grace of God that we can celebrate in both.
Sincerely,
Robert Slatt
Dear 9-11 families,
My name is Robert Slatt. I used to live on our family's farm in West Virginia with my parents. My family had lived there for decades and we hoped to live there decades more. Unfortunately we had a bad neighbor who became violent and in May of 2006 he murdered my parents and shot me.
After the shooting it was my responsibility to take care of the farm and pack up my family's belongings. Every time I went up to the farm I had to drive by the home of the man who murdered my parents. His wife and family still lived there.
There were days when I would drive up to the farm and I would see them sitting out on their porch. They lived life as if nothing had ever happened. I on the other hand, went up to the farm and was constantly reminded of what happened. I would mow the grass where my father's broken body had laid. I would drive across the gravel road where my mother died. I would pack their belongings in boxes or throw things away, constantly reminded that they were gone. They were taken from me.
It hurt. It still hurts. I don't live there anymore. The farm was sold and I moved away. But while I was there I tried my hardest to heal. I tried to be strong and move on with my life. I thought I could manage but in reality I was lying to myself. Driving by their home to get to the farm was a constant reminder of what I had lost. I wish they weren't there. I wish someone would have rounded them up and told them to go somewhere else. But they have every right to live where they lived. Despite my suffering I couldn't keep them from doing what they wanted to do.
I understand your pain. I know what it is like to mourn the loss of a loved one who will never come home. I know the suffering when you see an image or a place that reminds you of that horrible day. It's an empty pit in your soul that won't go away.
I just want to say that I'm sorry. I'm sorry that there are people who are so insensitive to what you feel and are going through that they would purposely place a building that symbolizes the reason why your loved ones were murdered. I'm sorry that they hide behind religious freedom, one of the freedoms that make this country great, so they can build a trophy to their followers.
They have every right to build wherever they want. They feel that building near ground zero will foster dialogue and better relations. If these people truly desired better relations and dialogue, they would take your feelings into consideration and build somewhere else.
Even though we have never met I understand your loss. I will continue to lift you up in prayer and I hope you do the same for me. Life is riddled with great joy and tremendous pain. It is only by the grace of God that we can celebrate in both.
Sincerely,
Robert Slatt
Friday, August 13, 2010
8-13-10
Bones...
I haven't done much this week after work. A friend of mine has the first two season of the show Bones on DVD and I decided to check it out. This has led to spending four or five hours an evening watching the first season. Last night I finished season one.
It's a great show. What I love about Bones is that I can't figure out who the killer is. I have watched Law & Order and numerous other crime dramas and I find that they all have a formula. Bones doesn't follow the same formula. What I've noticed about the storyline is that they are character driven more than murder mystery driven. I like that. The point of the episodes isn't necessarily to solve he crime but to flesh out the characters that comprise the series.
I was unnerved at the season finale when Dr. Brennan(Bones) identified the skeletal remains of her mother who had been missing since 1991. That kind of hit home for me for obvious reasons. I continued the watch the episode and it was a weird for me. I found myself on edge hoping and rooting that Bones find who killed her mom. I had a total vested and personal interest in the outcome for this fictional character.
The mystery was solved only to lead to another mystery. What happened to her father?
My friend has season two. Until I can move my stuff into my condo I plan on vegging out and knocking off the next three seasons of Bones.
good show.
I haven't done much this week after work. A friend of mine has the first two season of the show Bones on DVD and I decided to check it out. This has led to spending four or five hours an evening watching the first season. Last night I finished season one.
It's a great show. What I love about Bones is that I can't figure out who the killer is. I have watched Law & Order and numerous other crime dramas and I find that they all have a formula. Bones doesn't follow the same formula. What I've noticed about the storyline is that they are character driven more than murder mystery driven. I like that. The point of the episodes isn't necessarily to solve he crime but to flesh out the characters that comprise the series.
I was unnerved at the season finale when Dr. Brennan(Bones) identified the skeletal remains of her mother who had been missing since 1991. That kind of hit home for me for obvious reasons. I continued the watch the episode and it was a weird for me. I found myself on edge hoping and rooting that Bones find who killed her mom. I had a total vested and personal interest in the outcome for this fictional character.
The mystery was solved only to lead to another mystery. What happened to her father?
My friend has season two. Until I can move my stuff into my condo I plan on vegging out and knocking off the next three seasons of Bones.
good show.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
8-11-10
Good News: No Flu Pandemic! Bad News: Feel Sick...
I heard on the news yesterday that the powers that be have officially called off the swine flu pandemic. That's good. I'm glad it wasn't as apocalyptic as the news said it would be. Flu ain't no joke. Especially in third world countries. We often times forget that what we can take over the counter meds here in the U.S. can kill thousands in a third world country.
So I don't have to worry about pig flu and bird flu. That's great. So why do I feel like crap? It started yesterday afternoon. I my stomach is upset and I ache. I talked to a few friends last night and they said they have experienced the same symptoms in the past week.
Maybe a new bug is making it's rounds?
Last night's bible study was pretty darn good. We only got through half of Romans 8. That's alright. There was a lot there to take in. We discussed what it means to live in the flesh and to live in the spirit. We also talked about how to accomplish living in the spirit and what that entails. It gave a lot to talk about.
Let's hope I feel better.
I heard on the news yesterday that the powers that be have officially called off the swine flu pandemic. That's good. I'm glad it wasn't as apocalyptic as the news said it would be. Flu ain't no joke. Especially in third world countries. We often times forget that what we can take over the counter meds here in the U.S. can kill thousands in a third world country.
So I don't have to worry about pig flu and bird flu. That's great. So why do I feel like crap? It started yesterday afternoon. I my stomach is upset and I ache. I talked to a few friends last night and they said they have experienced the same symptoms in the past week.
Maybe a new bug is making it's rounds?
Last night's bible study was pretty darn good. We only got through half of Romans 8. That's alright. There was a lot there to take in. We discussed what it means to live in the flesh and to live in the spirit. We also talked about how to accomplish living in the spirit and what that entails. It gave a lot to talk about.
Let's hope I feel better.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
8-10-10
Solutions For Kitty...
Many of you know of my cat Buffy. She's the immensely large calico (25 lbs) that loves to be loved on. For the past few years she has had an eating problem. For some reason she doesn't digest hard cat food and she throws it back up after a few minutes. It's almost like a feline form of bulimia. I have been frustrated and perplexed by this problem for some time now.
I'm surprised I didn't come up with this solution sooner,but I do believe I found one.I switched her to canned food. I am not a fan of canned food. I don't believe it to be healthy. In Buffy's case I may have to concede. She's been on canned food for a week now and there have been no problems. She seems to be content and in a better mood also. Trust me. We don't want Buffy in a bad mood. She's a relentless meower.
I hope this works. It's been a horrible problem for my cat and it's even more disgusting to clean up.
Many of you know of my cat Buffy. She's the immensely large calico (25 lbs) that loves to be loved on. For the past few years she has had an eating problem. For some reason she doesn't digest hard cat food and she throws it back up after a few minutes. It's almost like a feline form of bulimia. I have been frustrated and perplexed by this problem for some time now.
I'm surprised I didn't come up with this solution sooner,but I do believe I found one.I switched her to canned food. I am not a fan of canned food. I don't believe it to be healthy. In Buffy's case I may have to concede. She's been on canned food for a week now and there have been no problems. She seems to be content and in a better mood also. Trust me. We don't want Buffy in a bad mood. She's a relentless meower.
I hope this works. It's been a horrible problem for my cat and it's even more disgusting to clean up.
Monday, August 09, 2010
8-9-10
When It Rains It Pours...
Saturday I received a call from a friend in West Virginia to let me know that another friend was in an accident and in intensive care at the hospital. It involved a head injury and without many details I assumed the worst. I grabbed some overnight things, got in my car and drove to Fairmont.
I stayed with the Rotunda's for the night. It was nice to catch up with them. I had missed them a lot. They gave me a more detailed explanation of what happened. I was happy to hear that he was stable at the moment.
I went to South Ridge Church in the morning and I visited with friends. It was nice to catch up and give random hugs. A lot of people were on vacation so I'm sorry I missed a few.
After church I went to the hospital to see my friend Fred. Fred and and his family are close to me and my parents. It hit me pretty hard to hear he was in an accident. I got to go in his room and I praise God for Fred's health. He has a skull fracture that if not treated with care could be serious but considering his accident he was in good spirits and in remarkable condition. The only mark of injury was his ear which looked like he went a full 12 rounds with a heavy weight boxer. Fred is going to be alright.
Sadly, Fred's mom was in the same hospital for her own health problems and it's possible she may have cancer. At this time Fred's mom doesn't know he's in the hospital too. Plus at church one of our church family had passed away and her funeral was at 2:30.
Sometimes life hits you with a number of things and it may be overwhelming. I know of some churches and families that if they had to deal with things like this they would fall apart. I'm pretty sure that at South Ridge this isn't the case. If there is any church that can weather a storm and become stronger in the face of adversity it is them.
I miss everyone at South Ridge. I would ask for everyone to keep South Ridge Church, my friend Fred and his family and those grieving over the loss of a loved one in your prayers.
Thanks
Saturday I received a call from a friend in West Virginia to let me know that another friend was in an accident and in intensive care at the hospital. It involved a head injury and without many details I assumed the worst. I grabbed some overnight things, got in my car and drove to Fairmont.
I stayed with the Rotunda's for the night. It was nice to catch up with them. I had missed them a lot. They gave me a more detailed explanation of what happened. I was happy to hear that he was stable at the moment.
I went to South Ridge Church in the morning and I visited with friends. It was nice to catch up and give random hugs. A lot of people were on vacation so I'm sorry I missed a few.
After church I went to the hospital to see my friend Fred. Fred and and his family are close to me and my parents. It hit me pretty hard to hear he was in an accident. I got to go in his room and I praise God for Fred's health. He has a skull fracture that if not treated with care could be serious but considering his accident he was in good spirits and in remarkable condition. The only mark of injury was his ear which looked like he went a full 12 rounds with a heavy weight boxer. Fred is going to be alright.
Sadly, Fred's mom was in the same hospital for her own health problems and it's possible she may have cancer. At this time Fred's mom doesn't know he's in the hospital too. Plus at church one of our church family had passed away and her funeral was at 2:30.
Sometimes life hits you with a number of things and it may be overwhelming. I know of some churches and families that if they had to deal with things like this they would fall apart. I'm pretty sure that at South Ridge this isn't the case. If there is any church that can weather a storm and become stronger in the face of adversity it is them.
I miss everyone at South Ridge. I would ask for everyone to keep South Ridge Church, my friend Fred and his family and those grieving over the loss of a loved one in your prayers.
Thanks
Thursday, August 05, 2010
8-4-10
Coming Out of the Closet for Proposition 8
Today a federal court ruled on Prop 8. It was a big to do for a number of people I know. On both sides of the issue I have been asked what my view on Prop 8 and homosexuality in general is. I tend to take the Obama approach to this issue and not say anything that may out me as a radical. After careful thought and meditation I decided to grow a pair(something Obama has yet to do) and come out of my indifference closet and add my two cents. So take a deep breath and get ready. Just remember that I love you all and I'm cute and cuddly.
My views regarding the church are much different. The kingdom of God is a different thing entirely. What has been ordained by God is different than what has been ordained by man. Contrary to some Americans our founding documents don't coincide with the kingdom of God. This is my view on the church.
I will address both sides of this issue in the respective category.
Did you know that the divorce rate in the bible belt in some places is seventy percent? Did you know that while you listen to Focus on the Family and Sarah Palin your daughter is at Myrtle Beach drunk off her butt showing her breasts to a Girls Gone Wild camera man? Why is it that you complain about the government infringing on your income, health care choices, choice of food, where you can place a nativity scene and other such government intrusions, but yet you want the government to infringe on what happens in the bedroom of two consenting adults of the same sex? Why is wrong to support liberal social programs with tax dollars but acceptable to support federal morality legislation?
As I said earlier, our constitution is a social contract. Just because you don't like what some people do doesn't mean that they don't have the same constitutional privileges as you? Contrary to what James Dobson says gay people aren't disease infested heathens who are hell bent to corrupt your children and sodomize everyone they can. As for the superficial defense of the sanctity of marriage that I keep hearing about, I say this. Until the church takes marriage seriously I find it hypocritical to have a blind eye for Christian disrespect for marriage and a complete disdain for those who want the right that you so easily take for granted.
All of us are born with sexual urges and desires. We are sexual creatures. That's how God made us. It's why we multiply. We are also born sinful. We are born with the propensity to rebel against God in any way we can. For many people that rebellion manifests itself sexually. Just because a couple gets married doesn't mean that they stop being attracted to other people. It's why some married couples cheat on their spouse. They give in to sexual urges that allow themselves to betray those vows. Some watch porn. Some have urges so intense that they sexually assault someone. Some are attracted to people way too young. We call them pedophiles. Some have urges and desires for the same sex. That's not sin though. God made them that way and that's alright.
The bible give us a pretty good example of what God views as a positive and ordained marriage relationship. It's also quite clear that God frowns upon sexual relations outside of marriage and sexual relations of the same sex. Yes. I know that God loves you but that doesn't give you a free pass to give in to sexual desires God frowns upon. First Timothy Chapter 3 sets the ground rules for being a pastor and being involved in a same sex relationship kind of disqualifies you. Don't blame me. I didn't write it.
So I'm a bigot now? What? I'm talking hate speech? Really? So how does my biblical view on gay relationships constitute hate? The only person you have to worry about is God. You can put that off while you're alive but I'm sure you will be held accountable when you die. Don't be upset if a church doesn't accept you. There are plenty of other churches that will let you worship with them. I know a church in Corinth where a man was having sex with his father's wife and everybody thought that was fine.
My point is that the sexual urges you have for the same sex are not special. We all have sexual urges that if acted upon inappropriately are frowned upon by God. Just because our Constitution and society in general may accept this behavior it doesn't mean that God does. I understand that love is a powerful emotion and the longing for a companion is something we all wish for. But we all have have that within us.
If you are a Christian then this may be your "Thorn in the Side." To my Christian family that may be struggling with these desires I want you to know that I love you and I will pray for you. If you need to talk I am here. I just want you to know where I stand and from what point I'm coming from.
Today a federal court ruled on Prop 8. It was a big to do for a number of people I know. On both sides of the issue I have been asked what my view on Prop 8 and homosexuality in general is. I tend to take the Obama approach to this issue and not say anything that may out me as a radical. After careful thought and meditation I decided to grow a pair(something Obama has yet to do) and come out of my indifference closet and add my two cents. So take a deep breath and get ready. Just remember that I love you all and I'm cute and cuddly.
Separation of Church and State
To understand my views on gay rights I must lay some groundwork. I believe our Constitution is a social contract. Our founding fathers designed a document that give us the ability to govern ourselves and decide who we are and what we believe as a nation. I do not view our founding documents as religious documents even though they were written by religious men. Our founding documents are the framework needed to keep those with power from oppressing us and giving those with little power a larger voice. This is my view regarding the state.My views regarding the church are much different. The kingdom of God is a different thing entirely. What has been ordained by God is different than what has been ordained by man. Contrary to some Americans our founding documents don't coincide with the kingdom of God. This is my view on the church.
I will address both sides of this issue in the respective category.
The State Issue
In Response to Those in Opposition to Prop 8
Regardless of the process by which the decision was made, whether it be by the voters of California or the courts, I will let you know that I don't have a problem with either decision. I am not for or against Prop 8. It's not that I don't care, it's that I don't live in California so It's not my place to say. The people voted one way and the courts ruled another. If the courts believe Prop 8 infringes on constitutional rights then so be it. I'm sure this will not be the last of the Prop 8 issue. It may go to the Supreme Court.To the Evangelical Who is Against Gay Marriage
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.Matthew 7:3
Did you know that the divorce rate in the bible belt in some places is seventy percent? Did you know that while you listen to Focus on the Family and Sarah Palin your daughter is at Myrtle Beach drunk off her butt showing her breasts to a Girls Gone Wild camera man? Why is it that you complain about the government infringing on your income, health care choices, choice of food, where you can place a nativity scene and other such government intrusions, but yet you want the government to infringe on what happens in the bedroom of two consenting adults of the same sex? Why is wrong to support liberal social programs with tax dollars but acceptable to support federal morality legislation?
As I said earlier, our constitution is a social contract. Just because you don't like what some people do doesn't mean that they don't have the same constitutional privileges as you? Contrary to what James Dobson says gay people aren't disease infested heathens who are hell bent to corrupt your children and sodomize everyone they can. As for the superficial defense of the sanctity of marriage that I keep hearing about, I say this. Until the church takes marriage seriously I find it hypocritical to have a blind eye for Christian disrespect for marriage and a complete disdain for those who want the right that you so easily take for granted.
The Church Issue
For Those Who Support Gay Rights
One of the main arguments for support of gay rights is that gays are born this way. I will admit something. I think you're absolutely right! I'll go even further. I think EVERYONE is born this way!All of us are born with sexual urges and desires. We are sexual creatures. That's how God made us. It's why we multiply. We are also born sinful. We are born with the propensity to rebel against God in any way we can. For many people that rebellion manifests itself sexually. Just because a couple gets married doesn't mean that they stop being attracted to other people. It's why some married couples cheat on their spouse. They give in to sexual urges that allow themselves to betray those vows. Some watch porn. Some have urges so intense that they sexually assault someone. Some are attracted to people way too young. We call them pedophiles. Some have urges and desires for the same sex. That's not sin though. God made them that way and that's alright.
The bible give us a pretty good example of what God views as a positive and ordained marriage relationship. It's also quite clear that God frowns upon sexual relations outside of marriage and sexual relations of the same sex. Yes. I know that God loves you but that doesn't give you a free pass to give in to sexual desires God frowns upon. First Timothy Chapter 3 sets the ground rules for being a pastor and being involved in a same sex relationship kind of disqualifies you. Don't blame me. I didn't write it.
So I'm a bigot now? What? I'm talking hate speech? Really? So how does my biblical view on gay relationships constitute hate? The only person you have to worry about is God. You can put that off while you're alive but I'm sure you will be held accountable when you die. Don't be upset if a church doesn't accept you. There are plenty of other churches that will let you worship with them. I know a church in Corinth where a man was having sex with his father's wife and everybody thought that was fine.
My point is that the sexual urges you have for the same sex are not special. We all have sexual urges that if acted upon inappropriately are frowned upon by God. Just because our Constitution and society in general may accept this behavior it doesn't mean that God does. I understand that love is a powerful emotion and the longing for a companion is something we all wish for. But we all have have that within us.
If you are a Christian then this may be your "Thorn in the Side." To my Christian family that may be struggling with these desires I want you to know that I love you and I will pray for you. If you need to talk I am here. I just want you to know where I stand and from what point I'm coming from.
Conclusion
I know that this is a heated issue. I felt the need to add my two cents. I hope that my perspective makes some people think and adds a different dimension to what I see as a stale and ill informed debate.
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