Stephen was said to be the apostle that was stoned to death. I can't imagine a more hideous death except my fear of drowning or burning to death. Death is frightening thought even knowing I will get to be with Christ; I can't imagine a slow torture sort of thing. That just makes me cringe!
So, after posting an opinion on Facebook regarding the positions of President Obama and Governor Romney on immigration, I was accused of "throwing stones" and judging hearts. When I read the responses of a couple of my friends it hurt much deeper than I'm sure they know. I'm one that loves a good debate. I'm passionate about my beliefs and why I believe the way I do, but these accusations attacked my character -who I am in my inner heart and that was possibly more painful that getting hit by a stone myself.
First let me say it is impossible NOT to judge others. We judge people by their actions and what they say; we do it all the time. If someone says they are a Christ follower, but their actions show otherwise, I'd likely judge by their actions that they are a hypocrite. (gasp-I know!) What I won't do, however, is say they are not a true Christian. Only God knows that person's heart and whether or not they have truly accepted the gift of salvation.
That's not for me to say. That would be judging the heart and only God can do that.
I've pondered my friends' comments for the past week wondering if I was wrong to post what I did. I've prayed and asked God to help me figure out how to handle the hurt, asked Him to help show me if I was wrong, and I don't feel I did anything wrong. The hardest thing is knowing I've hurt a friend and having a friend think I am trying to judge the hearts of others.
It amazes me still that people who love the same God, sit in the same church, and listen to the same pastor can still have such different stances on things. Both sides fighting for what they feel is politically or socially correct and trying to use the Bible as the foundation for their fight. It is mind boggling really - something I may never understand!
I ask God to show me if I've done wrong, misspoken, or hurt anyone. I trust He will tell me and trust me, if I don't hear Him right away, He won't let me sleep at night so eventually, I will get the message! I pray I am not a stone thrower because I've realized how much it hurts to get hit by them.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Friday, October 12, 2012
Double Standard
After listening to the debate last night, something keeps rolling around in my head that I just can't shake.
When the topic of abortion came up, both candidates said what their personal beliefs are as well as what the platform stance is. The thing that just rubbed me the wrong way, was the stance of the Democrats stating a woman has the right to choose and have control of her own body-under every circumstance. I've heard that for years -it was nothing new, but in light of new legislation that keeps passing and being pushed by Democrats, it seems they have a big double standard.
So, I have the right to choose to end a life, but did you know I (and you) have lost the right to purchase 100 watt incandescent light bulbs? Well, technically you can still buy them if there are any on the shelves. But, manufacturers have been outlawed from making them. Soon, we will not have the right to purchase a 75 watt light bulb or 60 watt, or 40 watt. They are all going away. We are being forced by legislation to eventually all purchase fluorescent bulbs or LED bulbs for our work or our homes. It's okay if I kill a baby, but it's not okay for me to decide what kind of light bulb I want in my home. Interesting this agenda is pushed by the same platform.
This same platform is also pushing Obamacare. I should have the right to choose whether or not I want insurance. It is my personal choice, not the choice of the government. And, if I am forced to purchase it, the only way it could be afforded individually is through the government program. As a business, if I choose to grow and we have more than 50 full time employees, I will be forced -whether or not I can afford it -to purchase health care for my employees. What's the incentive to grow? In fact, I think many companies will reduce people to part time simply to avoid this fiasco. Do I think health care is important? Absolutely! Do I think forcing people to purchase a good or service is right? Absolutely not! In fact, I don't even want my tax dollars going to Planned Parenthood. Government funded abortions sickens me. It goes against everything I believe in. What happened to liberty and freedom? I have the right to life, but it's my choice as to the kind of life I want to have, do I not?
Personally, I believe life begins at conception. I believe abortion is wrong. Children are a blessing from the LORD! But even if you put all of the principles of the Bible aside for just a moment, if we take a good look at our Declaration of Independence it states we have the right to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. The right to life is not defined by age here. Whether that life be at 4 weeks and not even known about yet, or that life be at 104 years of age. We have the right to life.
Government, it is not your job to take care of me. It is not your job to tell me what good or service I have to buy whether it be a light bulb or insurance.
Cut out the double standards. Get back to our foundation -look at our Constitution. Either we are free people who value all life or we are not. Personally I feel more and more bound every day.
When the topic of abortion came up, both candidates said what their personal beliefs are as well as what the platform stance is. The thing that just rubbed me the wrong way, was the stance of the Democrats stating a woman has the right to choose and have control of her own body-under every circumstance. I've heard that for years -it was nothing new, but in light of new legislation that keeps passing and being pushed by Democrats, it seems they have a big double standard.
So, I have the right to choose to end a life, but did you know I (and you) have lost the right to purchase 100 watt incandescent light bulbs? Well, technically you can still buy them if there are any on the shelves. But, manufacturers have been outlawed from making them. Soon, we will not have the right to purchase a 75 watt light bulb or 60 watt, or 40 watt. They are all going away. We are being forced by legislation to eventually all purchase fluorescent bulbs or LED bulbs for our work or our homes. It's okay if I kill a baby, but it's not okay for me to decide what kind of light bulb I want in my home. Interesting this agenda is pushed by the same platform.
This same platform is also pushing Obamacare. I should have the right to choose whether or not I want insurance. It is my personal choice, not the choice of the government. And, if I am forced to purchase it, the only way it could be afforded individually is through the government program. As a business, if I choose to grow and we have more than 50 full time employees, I will be forced -whether or not I can afford it -to purchase health care for my employees. What's the incentive to grow? In fact, I think many companies will reduce people to part time simply to avoid this fiasco. Do I think health care is important? Absolutely! Do I think forcing people to purchase a good or service is right? Absolutely not! In fact, I don't even want my tax dollars going to Planned Parenthood. Government funded abortions sickens me. It goes against everything I believe in. What happened to liberty and freedom? I have the right to life, but it's my choice as to the kind of life I want to have, do I not?
Personally, I believe life begins at conception. I believe abortion is wrong. Children are a blessing from the LORD! But even if you put all of the principles of the Bible aside for just a moment, if we take a good look at our Declaration of Independence it states we have the right to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. The right to life is not defined by age here. Whether that life be at 4 weeks and not even known about yet, or that life be at 104 years of age. We have the right to life.
Government, it is not your job to take care of me. It is not your job to tell me what good or service I have to buy whether it be a light bulb or insurance.
Cut out the double standards. Get back to our foundation -look at our Constitution. Either we are free people who value all life or we are not. Personally I feel more and more bound every day.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Cook Book
So, Dennis thinks I need to put together a Paleo cookbook with a conglomeration of recipes I've made up myself and stolen from Pinterest.
hmmmmmm . . ..
hmmmmmm . . ..
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