It's 9/11...do you remember? Do you remember the day that America tasted evil, fear, death and destruction? Do you remember the people who died that day? They aren't issues, they aren't causes, they aren't political tools...they're people. Mothers, fathers, sons and daughters, friends, siblings and workmates...gone in minutes. Do you remember? Do you remember the people who stood, frozen in shock as they watched people fall from the sky? Do you remember the sounds of destruction and the sight of the sun being cloaked in ash and debris?
I remember standing in front of a tiny television in the kitchen of strangers...strangers who were family to me through Christ. I was in Stevens Point, WI, getting up in the home of people I had met just the night before as I stood on the doorstep of their farm with my suitcase in hand. I was scheduled to speak to a group of women on the morning of 9/11/01 about Jesus Christ and the life, hope and forgiveness I had found in Him. That morning, three of us stood in that little farmhouse kitchen and stared, perplexed, at the images on the tv screen, with no real understanding of what was happening. It was as if none of us could speak, could ask, "What are we seeing?" As if saying it out loud made it real. And it slowly sank in that this was very, very real. I reached for the phone and called my family...fearful for their safety, even though none of them were anywhere near New York City. I remember the stunned disbelief in their voices and the relief I felt at just hearing them. I remember standing in a little restaurant hall out in the middle of corn fields with a shaking woman standing in front of me asking if I thought we should make mention of the disaster in New York as we began our program that day. My answer, of course, was "Yes. It's real, it's happening and we need to pray."
Do you remember 9/11? Thousands of people are gone because of the events of that day...children are growing up without any knowledge of parents because of that day. Families around the world still grieve because of that day. Horror breached this nation that day and it mustn't be forgotten because it's still real, it's still happening in it's effects on this world and on each of us, and we still need to pray.
Remember!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Who wants to be a socialist? Raise your hand!
Well, here I am again. A little the worse for wear after a really nifty root canal yesterday...but I'm still here.
Shanti, love, you can link anything here to anything you'd like. I'm afraid I'm so techno-ignorant that I basically post by accident so I have no idea how to link anything to anything. However, you have my permission to share anything I say with anyone in whatever manner you can. (Ooooh, global permission...neato!)
Ok, to the point...remembering, by the by, that I may be just a little bit on painkillers today...so we'll trust that what you read makes sense. As you know, my premise here is "can I get an answer?" And here's a question that I really need an answer to. How many of you out there are just falling over yourselves to join the rolls of "who's who in socialism?" Seriously, if your name doesn't start with Nancy Pelosi, Sean Penn... (What is up with that nutcake touring Venezuala with Hugo Chavez? I mean, seriously, Sean doesn't have an issue with a tyrannical dictator who simply takes over private businesses, the military and anything else he wants in his quest for complete domination of his country?! Ooops...my bad, Sean supports Hilary Clinton. Stupid question on my part.)...Harry Reid, Hilary or any other Dem leader or clueless Hollywood mouth...is there anyone out there who's ready to give up the unique freedoms inherent in the privilege of US citizenship to become a faceless cog in the failed machine of socialism? Ok, I realize that you may need to read that run-on sentence a few times to actually get the point. Take your time...Ok? Still with me? Then RAISE YOUR COTTON-PICKING HAND! We have a lovely vacation arranged for you in one of these socialist paradise spots: China, Cuba or the fabulous North Korea. These wonderful nations are globally known as Communist countries, however they refer to themselves as "Socialist Republics." Are we really ready to become the next "working class" utopia? Am I confusing anyone here? Are we truly dumb enough not to understand that the Democrat leadership is advocating a system of socialism in this country? When you have leaders who tell you straight-up that they want to take the profits of oil companies to pay for government programs, provide "free" health care to all (including illegal aliens...and no, I'm not talking about the Martians) and who believe that you are too stupid to invest your own money, then you have entered the "socialist zone." That is, if you're naive enough to just keep handing over your money and your rights.
People, please don't buy into the nonsense that you must apologise for your American citizenship and way of life. Does it not occur to anyone that people are continually flooding into this nation for a reason? It's called "freedom." Here each one of us has the opportunity to work hard to improve our lifestyles. We are not stratified into caste or class systems and there is truly no reason why anyone can't utilize the opportunities afforded in this wonderful country. Public schools are open to all and students who are willing to spend the time studying can go far. Don't tell me it can't be done if you're poor. If you are on the bottom end of the economic structure then you have grants and moneys available to you to attend university at very little cost. If you are wealthy then there's nothing to keep you out of school, except stupidity and even that can be overlooked if a family member is willing to pony up a building. The only ones who really have to struggle for an education are those in the economic middle class who aren't poor enough to receive grants and aren't rich enough to pay outright. Even then I know of many who sacrifice (yeah, it's a hard word...it's even harder to do) to get what they want out of life. Do you really want to live in a nation where no one excels? Where there is no opportunity for advancement and everyone is doled out the exact same, less than mediocre medical care? Do you want to be a doctor who makes the same amount of money as the dog-catcher? Fine...I hear that North Korea has some extra apartment space...give it whirl.
Shanti, love, you can link anything here to anything you'd like. I'm afraid I'm so techno-ignorant that I basically post by accident so I have no idea how to link anything to anything. However, you have my permission to share anything I say with anyone in whatever manner you can. (Ooooh, global permission...neato!)
Ok, to the point...remembering, by the by, that I may be just a little bit on painkillers today...so we'll trust that what you read makes sense. As you know, my premise here is "can I get an answer?" And here's a question that I really need an answer to. How many of you out there are just falling over yourselves to join the rolls of "who's who in socialism?" Seriously, if your name doesn't start with Nancy Pelosi, Sean Penn... (What is up with that nutcake touring Venezuala with Hugo Chavez? I mean, seriously, Sean doesn't have an issue with a tyrannical dictator who simply takes over private businesses, the military and anything else he wants in his quest for complete domination of his country?! Ooops...my bad, Sean supports Hilary Clinton. Stupid question on my part.)...Harry Reid, Hilary or any other Dem leader or clueless Hollywood mouth...is there anyone out there who's ready to give up the unique freedoms inherent in the privilege of US citizenship to become a faceless cog in the failed machine of socialism? Ok, I realize that you may need to read that run-on sentence a few times to actually get the point. Take your time...Ok? Still with me? Then RAISE YOUR COTTON-PICKING HAND! We have a lovely vacation arranged for you in one of these socialist paradise spots: China, Cuba or the fabulous North Korea. These wonderful nations are globally known as Communist countries, however they refer to themselves as "Socialist Republics." Are we really ready to become the next "working class" utopia? Am I confusing anyone here? Are we truly dumb enough not to understand that the Democrat leadership is advocating a system of socialism in this country? When you have leaders who tell you straight-up that they want to take the profits of oil companies to pay for government programs, provide "free" health care to all (including illegal aliens...and no, I'm not talking about the Martians) and who believe that you are too stupid to invest your own money, then you have entered the "socialist zone." That is, if you're naive enough to just keep handing over your money and your rights.
People, please don't buy into the nonsense that you must apologise for your American citizenship and way of life. Does it not occur to anyone that people are continually flooding into this nation for a reason? It's called "freedom." Here each one of us has the opportunity to work hard to improve our lifestyles. We are not stratified into caste or class systems and there is truly no reason why anyone can't utilize the opportunities afforded in this wonderful country. Public schools are open to all and students who are willing to spend the time studying can go far. Don't tell me it can't be done if you're poor. If you are on the bottom end of the economic structure then you have grants and moneys available to you to attend university at very little cost. If you are wealthy then there's nothing to keep you out of school, except stupidity and even that can be overlooked if a family member is willing to pony up a building. The only ones who really have to struggle for an education are those in the economic middle class who aren't poor enough to receive grants and aren't rich enough to pay outright. Even then I know of many who sacrifice (yeah, it's a hard word...it's even harder to do) to get what they want out of life. Do you really want to live in a nation where no one excels? Where there is no opportunity for advancement and everyone is doled out the exact same, less than mediocre medical care? Do you want to be a doctor who makes the same amount of money as the dog-catcher? Fine...I hear that North Korea has some extra apartment space...give it whirl.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Why I love Jesus - reason number 1
Recently I was "tagged" by a friend of a friend to post 5 reasons why I love Jesus. (Thanks, Shanti...I didn't know what the blogging version of tag was...I think it's great!)
So...let me begin. 5 reasons...that could be hard, because there are so many that I could post forever and not be finished. I'll try to contain myself and take it slowly.
Reason #1: I love Jesus because He's true. He doesn't change with the wind, He's not capricious, He tells us Who He is, why He came to die for us and that He's risen from the dead to ever live and intercede for us. Excuse me, better said here: He died and rose again for me. Don't misunderstand me...I know that He died not just for my sin but for yours (the collective "you") as well. But I love Him because I know that He died for my sin, as horrible as it is. (and no, none of you will ever be privy to all of that) Friends, there's not much we can count on in the world today. What was wrong 50, 20...heck, even 10 years ago, is now considered right. Truth is something that has been abused, maligned and, frankly, discarded in today's day and age. Unfortunately, that is even the case in many churches now. Truth is something that has become subjective to some and irrelevant to most. To me, it's essential. In order to live with hope each day and to face the circumstances of life, I must have a foundation on which to stand. And my foundation needs to be unshakeable, because I am certainly not. In and of myself I am unbelievably shaky...I often can't even get a decent handle on my own thoughts and motivations. Ah, but Jesus is true. In fact in John 14:6 He says quite clearly, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Many find this statement to be offensive, narrow minded and arrogant. How dare Jesus say that there's only one way to heaven? Personally, the fact that Jesus proved that He is indeed God gives Him the right to be as narrow minded as He wants to be. You create a universe from nothing and then come talk to me about narrow mindedness.
How do I know He's God? The fact that He's not dead springs to mind first and foremost. I am unaware of anyone else who's made the claim with such astonishing evidence to back it up. How do I know that He's not dead? Aside from the proof I see in my own life and the life of so many others daily, and aside from the statements He made which were prophetic and have all (yes, I said all) come true, I point to an empty tomb that turned the world upside down. The Roman empire couldn't produce a body, the religious leaders of His time couldn't produce a body. Actually, no one could produce a body. Find me a religion that makes the same claim with the same evidence, please. I don't believe it can be done. Many claims have been made to divinity of some sort and those who made the claims are dead, in the ground, "look, here's the grave...complete with contents", dead. The resurrection of Christ is a well documented event, beyond even the bounds of scripture. The disciples all died for their faith, save John, and I have yet to hear of anyone giving up their lives willingly for something they knew to be a lie. People will die for believing something that may turn out to be a lie but not for what they know to be untrue. If, as is claimed by some, the disciples simply overwhelmed a Roman guard (no, not just one guy...but the number of soldiers that formed a "guard"), rolled away a huge stone, took the body of Christ and buried it in somebody's backyard...then why, in heaven's name would they give up everything, including their lives to die for the dead guy under the azaleas? Senseless and preposterous! Most of the people who try to start up their own religions are in it for something. Money, power, fame, control...what did the disciples get? Poverty, persecution and death. Nope, you don't do that for something you outright know to be a lie. So...I love Jesus because He is true and I know that I can trust Him, now and for eternity. He's God, I can believe what He tells me...every word of it, because it's true. And, let's me frank here, truth is important, because if you live your life according to a lie who knows where you'll end up. Think this through..."subjective truth" is a pleasant sounding idiocy designed to give us a an unrealistic sense of importance. To claim that something is true simply because I choose it to be is the ultimate in arrogance. It either is, or it isn't. Tell yourself that if you get on the highway in Chicago and head west that you'll end up in New York. Now, try that for me. I hope you like Iowa...Iowa can be fun but it ain't no New York City. If you don't believe me then tell yourself that there's no gravity, better yet, find me somebody who actually believes that there's no such thing as gravity. Then watch what happens when they step off a cliff. Right...you get the point.
I love Jesus because He's real, He's God...He's true. That's reason number 1. I'll get back to you with more later.
So...let me begin. 5 reasons...that could be hard, because there are so many that I could post forever and not be finished. I'll try to contain myself and take it slowly.
Reason #1: I love Jesus because He's true. He doesn't change with the wind, He's not capricious, He tells us Who He is, why He came to die for us and that He's risen from the dead to ever live and intercede for us. Excuse me, better said here: He died and rose again for me. Don't misunderstand me...I know that He died not just for my sin but for yours (the collective "you") as well. But I love Him because I know that He died for my sin, as horrible as it is. (and no, none of you will ever be privy to all of that) Friends, there's not much we can count on in the world today. What was wrong 50, 20...heck, even 10 years ago, is now considered right. Truth is something that has been abused, maligned and, frankly, discarded in today's day and age. Unfortunately, that is even the case in many churches now. Truth is something that has become subjective to some and irrelevant to most. To me, it's essential. In order to live with hope each day and to face the circumstances of life, I must have a foundation on which to stand. And my foundation needs to be unshakeable, because I am certainly not. In and of myself I am unbelievably shaky...I often can't even get a decent handle on my own thoughts and motivations. Ah, but Jesus is true. In fact in John 14:6 He says quite clearly, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Many find this statement to be offensive, narrow minded and arrogant. How dare Jesus say that there's only one way to heaven? Personally, the fact that Jesus proved that He is indeed God gives Him the right to be as narrow minded as He wants to be. You create a universe from nothing and then come talk to me about narrow mindedness.
How do I know He's God? The fact that He's not dead springs to mind first and foremost. I am unaware of anyone else who's made the claim with such astonishing evidence to back it up. How do I know that He's not dead? Aside from the proof I see in my own life and the life of so many others daily, and aside from the statements He made which were prophetic and have all (yes, I said all) come true, I point to an empty tomb that turned the world upside down. The Roman empire couldn't produce a body, the religious leaders of His time couldn't produce a body. Actually, no one could produce a body. Find me a religion that makes the same claim with the same evidence, please. I don't believe it can be done. Many claims have been made to divinity of some sort and those who made the claims are dead, in the ground, "look, here's the grave...complete with contents", dead. The resurrection of Christ is a well documented event, beyond even the bounds of scripture. The disciples all died for their faith, save John, and I have yet to hear of anyone giving up their lives willingly for something they knew to be a lie. People will die for believing something that may turn out to be a lie but not for what they know to be untrue. If, as is claimed by some, the disciples simply overwhelmed a Roman guard (no, not just one guy...but the number of soldiers that formed a "guard"), rolled away a huge stone, took the body of Christ and buried it in somebody's backyard...then why, in heaven's name would they give up everything, including their lives to die for the dead guy under the azaleas? Senseless and preposterous! Most of the people who try to start up their own religions are in it for something. Money, power, fame, control...what did the disciples get? Poverty, persecution and death. Nope, you don't do that for something you outright know to be a lie. So...I love Jesus because He is true and I know that I can trust Him, now and for eternity. He's God, I can believe what He tells me...every word of it, because it's true. And, let's me frank here, truth is important, because if you live your life according to a lie who knows where you'll end up. Think this through..."subjective truth" is a pleasant sounding idiocy designed to give us a an unrealistic sense of importance. To claim that something is true simply because I choose it to be is the ultimate in arrogance. It either is, or it isn't. Tell yourself that if you get on the highway in Chicago and head west that you'll end up in New York. Now, try that for me. I hope you like Iowa...Iowa can be fun but it ain't no New York City. If you don't believe me then tell yourself that there's no gravity, better yet, find me somebody who actually believes that there's no such thing as gravity. Then watch what happens when they step off a cliff. Right...you get the point.
I love Jesus because He's real, He's God...He's true. That's reason number 1. I'll get back to you with more later.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Proud to Be a Capitalist
I'm hoping that there are still some of you who are patient enough to still be out there waiting for me to post. If so...hoo ha! Here we go again. Ok, I've been thinking...dangerous, I know...but occasionally I have to give it a whirl. I've been wondering how stupid most politicians think we common folk really are. From what I see and hear lately, I'd say they think we're pretty stupid indeed. Frankly, it's kinda hard to argue the point based on the fact that the Democrats control the House and the Senate right now. I mean, really people, what were you thinking. That's right, I said you not we! I sure as shooting didn't vote for them. Color me me nuts but I have a problem with a bunch of people, the most prominent of which are loaded with money, who are continually telling me that I don't deserve mine. C'mon...surely Ted Kennedy, Sean Penn, Susan Sarandon, Bill Mahr, Al Franken and all left-leaning media owners could pony up enough money to fund the government programs they insist are important. And that's just to name a few of the Hollywood crowd and old money politicians who basically want to turn this wonderful country into some kind of weird socialist fairyland. Listen up...capitalism is a good thing! Capitalism creates jobs, because somebody has to make the stuff that people want to buy. Then those people have more money to buy things too, which increases tax revenue, which pays for government programs, which then leaves more money in the pockets of the...yes, say it with me, people...CONSUMERS who can continue to spend money on the stuff that they need or want which someone has to make...hey, we're back at the job thing. How is it possible that so many people out there can seriously buy that it would be good to model this country after such economic havens as say...CUBA? And just what does Cuba have going for it as a nation? Hmmmm...50 year old cars, no money, alchoholism, people trying to get away in tiny boats. Right. Moving along...somebody, please, point out any true socialist or communist system that has ever worked in the "pie in the sky" sort of utopian concept that our Dems seem to want to make us believe in. Oh, yes...I say they want to make us believe in it. I know that they don't. They can't! If they did they wouldn't be filthy rich entertainers, filthy rich besotted life-time politicians of questionable character and...let me think...oh yeah, anybody named Michael Moore, who happens to be a filthy rich oscar winning director. Key words here - filthy rich. What's up with that?! If you believe in everything for the common good then why do you guys have so much money? Does no one see the inconsistency of the outrageous life styles of those who keep crying for more economic equity? Pay some extra tax, for crying out loud, that would help the common good. You can do that you know...just give a little more...or a whole lot more, for that matter, on April 15. You could kick in for health care for those who need it, prescriptions for the elderly, meal programs for kids and a chicken for every pot...or for everyone on pot if you want to. See, you have that right here in America...to do with your money what you want to. And why do these liberals want to force us into socialized medicine, for example? Because we have a historical basis on which to believe that anything that's taken over by the government works better? Ahem...again I say, what are you thinking? Especially those of you who don't have a lot of money. Do you truly believe that these obscenely wealthy people want to help you by making sure that no one, except, I suppose, themselves, has a right to keep the money that some of us work hard to earn? If they really want to help those less fortunate then why aren't they contributing more? Have you seen pictures of Celine Dion's digs? Yes, I mean the woman who cried on television that the looters after Hurricane Katrina just wanted to touch the things that they couldn't have. Things like other people's televisions and stereos and jewelry. She's got plenty of that stuff...does it seem like she's ok with letting looters touch her stuff? She could just buy a bunch of stuff for all the unfortunate looters...then maybe they wouldn't want to steal our stuff. How about Barbra Streisand? If she's so terribly concerned about the little people (yes, the ones who aren't allowed to look her directly in the eye when she's involved in some venue in which they are...right, working)then I'd like to see her driving a Ford and wearing sweaters purchased at Wal-mart. Doesn't Babs have enough dough to spread the love a little? I'm pretty sure Teddy K. has pretty full pockets too...I'd like for him to reach in there and starting shoveling some of it out to the needy. Now, don't get me wrong...I'm not saying that any of these people don't give to charity...I'm sure that they do. I'm just saying that they could darn well give a heck of a lot more, based on their lifestyles and not just to charity but to the government to lighten the load for the rest of us working stiffs. John Edwards and his $1000 plus haircuts just doesn't cut it for me with his hypocritical rhetoric...while he's working to make my taxes higher, my health care worse than it is. (And at higher cost...like MY LIFE! There's a reason why people from Canada and Europe come here to the good old US of A to get health care...people die while waiting for all that "free" , quality care back home.) My family works for a living, we donate our time and money to those in need and we carry the tax burden of this entire nation, along with all the others who are working to better themselves and their living conditions. Take a look at China, Russia, Cuba...and any of the other countries around this world where the system of communism or socialism has ensured the opulent life styles of the few at the top whilst removing any incentive for the masses at the bottom to work for anything...then you come back and call me crazy for being proud to be a capitalist.
Thank you...and good night.
Thank you...and good night.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
I'm Baaaaaack
I have returned from a recent trip to Mars (some spell it Arkansas) and have taken up the mighty pen (ok, keyboard...you're soooo picky!) to communicate once more with the world. Sorry it's been so long, real life ensues and oft times consumes one's time. I mean, what is it with these people? Like husbands who want to eat, like every day, and people who want money all the time (rotten utility companies) and pets to keep track of and a seemingly never ending supply of dust and grime...Seriously though, I do believe that I've made some kind of scientific breakthrough with the dust bunnies under my bed. Actually, I guess you'd have to classify them as dust gargantuas at this point. Anyway, I think they're trying to make contact...they keep poking their oddly shaped snouts out from under the dust ruffle (really, who thought something so flimsy would keep them in?) and sniffing around. If one of my cats disappears I'm calling in the feds.
Ok, enough with the reuniting banter. I still have questions. For instance...Have all of our major politicians lost their minds? No, no...give it a minute to soak in. After all, here they are hyping this new immigration bill which would basically legalize about 12 million people who have flouted the laws of this nation, and the public has pretty much overwhelmingly said, "NO!" And yet, they behave as if they don't understand those of us who believe that everyone who lives in this country should obey the law, as do we. Diane Feinstein and Trent Lott, for crying out loud!? Since when should those people be standing on the same side of pretty much any political line. Diane lives in or around San Francisco...yeah, the land of my youth...you remember, where it was required that I have a class in TANNING as a unit in gym my senior year. (So I got an "A", so what!? What's your point?) These politicos are making noises as if hearing from a huge majority of this country's citizens, who are making it quite clear that we don't want to let bygones be bygones and legalize anyone who took a notion to wander over the border, is meaningless. Right, they are just getting some "uninformed" hate mail. "Uninformed?!" We have talk radio!!! Oh right, that's bad though, because the overwhelmingly successful talk radio in this country has a conservative bent....hmmm, could that be because those of us listening do too??!! And since when is airing an opinion as to how our government should enforce the law of the land hateful? I don't hate illegal immigrants...I just want them to properly become legalOh. But now Diane and Nancy and other liberal politicians (as well as some who are supposed to be conservative) are talking about how unfair it is that most of the informative talk radio that the public finds acceptable enough to listen to isn't being balanced out by left-leaning stations. Could it be because, in our economy driven, capitalist society, no one will pay to listen to liberal bunk? I'm so tired of people in my government telling me that I'm too stupid to know what I think. Come on! Didn't anyone else hear Hilary Clinton make the speech about how, when she's the president, she will TAKE....yeah, I said TAKE...the profits from those big oil companies to use for better purposes. Since when is it an even thinkable option for someone, anyone, much less government officials to TAKE what someone else EARNS?! Did I miss the big "Hey, let's all decide that America is a socialist society" meeting? Folks, we need to start paying more attention to the words being used in this nation...words have meaning, they're powerful, and if we don't start listening closely and responding loudly, we'll have Hilary's (or someone else's) fingers digging through our pockets even faster than they are now. ARGH! Somebody, please tell the emperor to put on some stinking clothes!!! I can't stand it!
Breathing deeply, breathing deeply. Ok, I think I'm going to make it. On another note...you'll have noticed above (I hope) that I wrote that words have meaning...and that they're powerful. Honestly, that's the only thing that keeps me even close to being still stuck on this planet with an unexploded head. Not just any words...the WORD. Right, some of you may realize what and Who I mean by that. I'm talking about God's Word...the Bible. Oh, suck it up...don't be all "...eeuww, she's going to preach at us now." Call it what you will. I am nothing if not eclectic...you've had a glimpse at a couple of the myriad of my (may I say "brilliant"?...oh yeah?! Whatever! My mom says I am!) many facets and this is another. As goofy as I may seem, as pig-headed (politically) and opinionated, this is the deepest part of me, and the one that really counts. I am, without apology, a "born again", saved by the blood of Jesus, Bible carrying Christian. I say "without apology" because I will not apologize for trusting in the One Who gave Himself to suffer and die for my sin. I will not apologize for honoring Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of Lords. And I will definitely not apologize for sharing the words of truth that He has given me with the rest of you. You don't have to agree, I won't take offense. That part is between you and God and He's perfectly capable of reasoning with you without me getting all worked up. But I must tell you that God is God and that Jesus Christ, His Son, is the only way to the Father. See, I'm funny that way. To my way of thinking the only One Who laid down His life and...here's the kicker...took it back up again to prove that He's God, that's the One I'm going to listen to. All of that said, I'm going to close our visit today with this advice. READ!! Read the Bible. (A real one, mind you...not one of those paraphrased versions...I'm talking King James, New King James, New American Standard) People, in case you haven't noticed, our world is going bananas...(can you spell Nancy Pelosi in a headscarf?) and if you want to be able to walk a straight line through the mad hatter's tea party and come out unscathed, you need a map. Seriously, and this time I'm using that word in its truest form...read the map. God wrote it, it's true, it's complete and, when read in context and entirety, makes utter sense. You want to know what happens next??? Even in the midst of my head-exploding tirades about the folly going on around me...I KNOW what's coming and I KNOW Who's in charge. I may rage about the political idiocy being foisted on this nation, it really does chaff my shorts, but I don't do it hopelessly because I know that this too shall pass...
Read your Bible...or read someone else's. Start with John, then Romans...or heck, God will show you what you need to read.
I'll be back!
Ok, enough with the reuniting banter. I still have questions. For instance...Have all of our major politicians lost their minds? No, no...give it a minute to soak in. After all, here they are hyping this new immigration bill which would basically legalize about 12 million people who have flouted the laws of this nation, and the public has pretty much overwhelmingly said, "NO!" And yet, they behave as if they don't understand those of us who believe that everyone who lives in this country should obey the law, as do we. Diane Feinstein and Trent Lott, for crying out loud!? Since when should those people be standing on the same side of pretty much any political line. Diane lives in or around San Francisco...yeah, the land of my youth...you remember, where it was required that I have a class in TANNING as a unit in gym my senior year. (So I got an "A", so what!? What's your point?) These politicos are making noises as if hearing from a huge majority of this country's citizens, who are making it quite clear that we don't want to let bygones be bygones and legalize anyone who took a notion to wander over the border, is meaningless. Right, they are just getting some "uninformed" hate mail. "Uninformed?!" We have talk radio!!! Oh right, that's bad though, because the overwhelmingly successful talk radio in this country has a conservative bent....hmmm, could that be because those of us listening do too??!! And since when is airing an opinion as to how our government should enforce the law of the land hateful? I don't hate illegal immigrants...I just want them to properly become legalOh. But now Diane and Nancy and other liberal politicians (as well as some who are supposed to be conservative) are talking about how unfair it is that most of the informative talk radio that the public finds acceptable enough to listen to isn't being balanced out by left-leaning stations. Could it be because, in our economy driven, capitalist society, no one will pay to listen to liberal bunk? I'm so tired of people in my government telling me that I'm too stupid to know what I think. Come on! Didn't anyone else hear Hilary Clinton make the speech about how, when she's the president, she will TAKE....yeah, I said TAKE...the profits from those big oil companies to use for better purposes. Since when is it an even thinkable option for someone, anyone, much less government officials to TAKE what someone else EARNS?! Did I miss the big "Hey, let's all decide that America is a socialist society" meeting? Folks, we need to start paying more attention to the words being used in this nation...words have meaning, they're powerful, and if we don't start listening closely and responding loudly, we'll have Hilary's (or someone else's) fingers digging through our pockets even faster than they are now. ARGH! Somebody, please tell the emperor to put on some stinking clothes!!! I can't stand it!
Breathing deeply, breathing deeply. Ok, I think I'm going to make it. On another note...you'll have noticed above (I hope) that I wrote that words have meaning...and that they're powerful. Honestly, that's the only thing that keeps me even close to being still stuck on this planet with an unexploded head. Not just any words...the WORD. Right, some of you may realize what and Who I mean by that. I'm talking about God's Word...the Bible. Oh, suck it up...don't be all "...eeuww, she's going to preach at us now." Call it what you will. I am nothing if not eclectic...you've had a glimpse at a couple of the myriad of my (may I say "brilliant"?...oh yeah?! Whatever! My mom says I am!) many facets and this is another. As goofy as I may seem, as pig-headed (politically) and opinionated, this is the deepest part of me, and the one that really counts. I am, without apology, a "born again", saved by the blood of Jesus, Bible carrying Christian. I say "without apology" because I will not apologize for trusting in the One Who gave Himself to suffer and die for my sin. I will not apologize for honoring Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of Lords. And I will definitely not apologize for sharing the words of truth that He has given me with the rest of you. You don't have to agree, I won't take offense. That part is between you and God and He's perfectly capable of reasoning with you without me getting all worked up. But I must tell you that God is God and that Jesus Christ, His Son, is the only way to the Father. See, I'm funny that way. To my way of thinking the only One Who laid down His life and...here's the kicker...took it back up again to prove that He's God, that's the One I'm going to listen to. All of that said, I'm going to close our visit today with this advice. READ!! Read the Bible. (A real one, mind you...not one of those paraphrased versions...I'm talking King James, New King James, New American Standard) People, in case you haven't noticed, our world is going bananas...(can you spell Nancy Pelosi in a headscarf?) and if you want to be able to walk a straight line through the mad hatter's tea party and come out unscathed, you need a map. Seriously, and this time I'm using that word in its truest form...read the map. God wrote it, it's true, it's complete and, when read in context and entirety, makes utter sense. You want to know what happens next??? Even in the midst of my head-exploding tirades about the folly going on around me...I KNOW what's coming and I KNOW Who's in charge. I may rage about the political idiocy being foisted on this nation, it really does chaff my shorts, but I don't do it hopelessly because I know that this too shall pass...
Read your Bible...or read someone else's. Start with John, then Romans...or heck, God will show you what you need to read.
I'll be back!
Friday, June 1, 2007
Just thoughts
Well, here I am again. It's been a tough week (month, year...take your pick)but I'm still here and still kicking. It seems I always have questions...hence the link for this blog, (canigetananswer)and these days my head is just even fuller than usual (watch it! I said "fuller" not "bigger") I can't help wondering about certain things.
For instance, I wonder if the liberals in government really believe in the fantasy world that they try to palm off on the rest of us. Do they really think that when they decide to tax the nasty old rich companies that those costs aren't simply reflected in the price of goods to consumers? Right, that would be to you and me. Simple economics - company sells stuff at a certain price, government decides it needs more money (jeepers, why would that be? wouldn't have anything to do with spending like a drunken sailor...What?! you mean we shouldn't be investing in research on cow flatulence and spending hundreds of dollars per toilet seat in government buildings?!) So the government decides to tax said company so as to have more money for mindless research and gold plated comodes. Then said company, wanting to actually make money, raises the cost of products to cover the aforementioned taxes. Oh, wait a minute. I heard a state financial flunky on the radio the other morning, defending an outrageous gasoline tax...I mean, another outrageous gasoline tax, on top of the several already imposed in this state...by saying that they were writing legislation to make sure that the companies couldn't raise costs to consumers. When challenged by the radio host he actually said that the companies usually covered such extra expense by firing a few employees. LIKE THAT'S A GOOD THING!! Yeesh!
And have you noticed that apparently the poor don't pay taxes because they're too poor, and the really rich don't pay taxes because they have lawyers and loopholes which eliminate their taxes, or they just don't think they have to (Willie Nelson comes to mind)so that means that the middle class (uh, that would be me again) pays all the taxes. And them's a lot of taxes.
Enough of that. I have to revisit fashion for just a teeny moment. Truly, I wish I didn't have to but I have this little problem. See, lately I've been putting on a little weight. I really have no idea why...in fact I was musing over that just the other evening over my after dinner bowl of hyper-buttered popcorn followed by a 3 scoop ice cream cone while I energetically swiveled in my rocker/recliner. So, I says to myself "Self, how can it be that all of a sudden you've poofed up a good 8 pounds here?" I pondered that question all the way to the fridge and back with my strawberry shortcake, with, of course, light whipped cream on the angel food cake. (Which, of course has no calories as any thinking person knows.Duh! Angel food. Who ever heard of a fat angel?) Well, frankly I'm stumped. I keep paying for my membership to that nice gym, the one I saw most recently in March...so what could the problem be? It's got to be glandular. Well, anyway, due to the recent excess poundage I found myself in need of, shall we say, clothing that "drapes" more attractively? (Ok, I thought it was kind of important to be able to actually zip my pants...with my big hinder in them) So I find myself in the mall again...that neat place with the cinnamon rolls and coco loco drinks with (YEAH, LIGHT WHIPPED CREAM...WHAT'S YOUR POINT?!) And as I peruse the racks of clothing I'm thinking "Somebody's harvested all of these garments off an "ugly" tree." I mean, seriously people, there's no getting around the fact that a polyester, crinkly shirt in various shades of brown, baby puke green and pepto bismol pink is just stinking ugly!! And since when does size XL stand for something tiny enough for a Barbie doll to barely squeeze into? You know, all this thinking is making me hungry....hmmmm. I think I may have to pick this post up in the morning, right after pancakes. Oooohh, pancakes go with sausage right? Wait a minute...warning, warning!! Thoughts of sausage make me think about how I fit into my jeans right now. Dang! That's depressing, I think I need some chocolate to sparkle up the old endorphins.
ARGH!!!
For instance, I wonder if the liberals in government really believe in the fantasy world that they try to palm off on the rest of us. Do they really think that when they decide to tax the nasty old rich companies that those costs aren't simply reflected in the price of goods to consumers? Right, that would be to you and me. Simple economics - company sells stuff at a certain price, government decides it needs more money (jeepers, why would that be? wouldn't have anything to do with spending like a drunken sailor...What?! you mean we shouldn't be investing in research on cow flatulence and spending hundreds of dollars per toilet seat in government buildings?!) So the government decides to tax said company so as to have more money for mindless research and gold plated comodes. Then said company, wanting to actually make money, raises the cost of products to cover the aforementioned taxes. Oh, wait a minute. I heard a state financial flunky on the radio the other morning, defending an outrageous gasoline tax...I mean, another outrageous gasoline tax, on top of the several already imposed in this state...by saying that they were writing legislation to make sure that the companies couldn't raise costs to consumers. When challenged by the radio host he actually said that the companies usually covered such extra expense by firing a few employees. LIKE THAT'S A GOOD THING!! Yeesh!
And have you noticed that apparently the poor don't pay taxes because they're too poor, and the really rich don't pay taxes because they have lawyers and loopholes which eliminate their taxes, or they just don't think they have to (Willie Nelson comes to mind)so that means that the middle class (uh, that would be me again) pays all the taxes. And them's a lot of taxes.
Enough of that. I have to revisit fashion for just a teeny moment. Truly, I wish I didn't have to but I have this little problem. See, lately I've been putting on a little weight. I really have no idea why...in fact I was musing over that just the other evening over my after dinner bowl of hyper-buttered popcorn followed by a 3 scoop ice cream cone while I energetically swiveled in my rocker/recliner. So, I says to myself "Self, how can it be that all of a sudden you've poofed up a good 8 pounds here?" I pondered that question all the way to the fridge and back with my strawberry shortcake, with, of course, light whipped cream on the angel food cake. (Which, of course has no calories as any thinking person knows.Duh! Angel food. Who ever heard of a fat angel?) Well, frankly I'm stumped. I keep paying for my membership to that nice gym, the one I saw most recently in March...so what could the problem be? It's got to be glandular. Well, anyway, due to the recent excess poundage I found myself in need of, shall we say, clothing that "drapes" more attractively? (Ok, I thought it was kind of important to be able to actually zip my pants...with my big hinder in them) So I find myself in the mall again...that neat place with the cinnamon rolls and coco loco drinks with (YEAH, LIGHT WHIPPED CREAM...WHAT'S YOUR POINT?!) And as I peruse the racks of clothing I'm thinking "Somebody's harvested all of these garments off an "ugly" tree." I mean, seriously people, there's no getting around the fact that a polyester, crinkly shirt in various shades of brown, baby puke green and pepto bismol pink is just stinking ugly!! And since when does size XL stand for something tiny enough for a Barbie doll to barely squeeze into? You know, all this thinking is making me hungry....hmmmm. I think I may have to pick this post up in the morning, right after pancakes. Oooohh, pancakes go with sausage right? Wait a minute...warning, warning!! Thoughts of sausage make me think about how I fit into my jeans right now. Dang! That's depressing, I think I need some chocolate to sparkle up the old endorphins.
ARGH!!!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
And Speaking of Fashion, Tailgating, Rosie etc.
Whoopee! I was feeling so alone and dejected with no one commenting on my "muffin-top pants" post and then, boy-howdy, I figured out how to find out that I did have comments, I just had to moderate them.
Consider yourselves moderated, if not moderate...and hopefully, mod-est after reading my aforementioned post. So, where to begin...there are so many brain exploding things to talk about. I'll just go with a couple for now. And, Diane, thanks so much for helping me figure out how to navigate this cool blog managing thing.
So, do you think that we can somehow convince Rosie O'Donnell and Nancy Pelosi to lock themselves in a room somewhere and just spout nonsense to each other for awhile and leave the rest of us alone? I need to know what kind of cereal Rosie's been eating, because it needs some bran or something. That woman cannot be getting enough roughage. It's the only explanation for such chronic nastiness. Granted, Jesus loves her...He loves Nancy too, and Hilary and Bill and lots of other people that I truly don't comprehend and, really, I'm trying, but...(Take Paris Hilton...please! I'm sorry, I couldn't resist, but seriously, I cannot figure out that woman's function...I have the same problem when I think about mosquitos...however, I remind myself that I know Jesus loves her...I'm not sure how He feels about mosquitos. Really, though, I'm not kidding about Jesus loving these people, I pray that at some point they'll love Him.) Ok, I'm back...I'm just so very tired of celebrities piously crowing their political opinions, while offering no respect to the country which has given so many lives to allow them to do that very thing. Rosie's vitriol against our military in Iraq is shameful. To cite a number of dead in Iraq and then ask "...so who are the terrorists?" is cowardly innuendo. She and Nancy could maybe visit Syria together, wear those keen headscarves and chat up all the poor misunderstood, terrorist training, leaders there. No wait, I suppose Iran would be next on the itinerary for Nancy. Hmmm...I'm not sure that would work though, I don't think Iran would let either one of them into the country, mean-mouthing the evil George Bush and our nation or not. After all they are women, and we know that women don't have the same rights there as...well, who'd a thunk it, yeah, mean old America, where any woman can speak her mind, no matter how little she has to work with.
Moving on...what's up with people who insist on tailgating on the freeway? Look, I grew up in California...I knew how to hold my own in the fast lane at age 14...(all those yelling/crying/bouncing off the curb driving lessons with my dad really took)and I do feel quite competent to make my way around the mean streets of the Milwaukee metro area. Here's my problem, most likely yours too, there are so many people on the roads now who seriously don't seem to believe that they are required to kind of follow any of the rules. Personally, I think it's just down right less than bright to tailgate...(no I don't mean a neat barbecue at Miller Stadium)...another vehicle so closely that you could use their backseat cupholders. Look, when I'm traveling at the rate of speed set by those around and in front of me, where am I supposed to go, when I have Speedracer running up my back bumper? And, this is just a thought, you may not want to tailgate an SUV while you're riding a dirt bike. Make sense? I'm just saying...
All right, I know you're dying to hear my take on fashion again. I don't think I can top the muffin top pants...ha! Now I know I'm getting old, I'm starting to laugh at my own jokes. Ok, how many of us have wandered through the department stores lately thinking..."Wow, that would be cute if it wasn't so all-fired ugly!" And I do mean Uuuugly! with a capital UGH! C'mon, weird kimono things in nasty prints like what my grandma used to wear? And, I don't know about you, but how is anyone supposed to wear those obnoxious, clingy, long tunic sort of things with the plunging waistlines. Yeah, I said waistline. My neck is way higher than where those things plunge to. Oh, I guess that's why we're supposed to wear layers of tanks, right? Again, maybe it's just me, but layers add bulk...I've got bulk, I don't need any more. And why are those awful baby-doll things back. Those things were hideous in the early '70's, and NEWSFLASH...THEY STILL ARE!! Everything is gathered under the um, well, the bustline, if you will. This creates the lovely illusion that you're pregnant. Great if it's true, not so desirable otherwise. I want to know if the majority of fashion designers are eating the same cereal as Rosie. No roughage makes for cranky people and they must be cranky to be coming up with this nasty stuff. What happened to pretty? Remember pretty? I like it...I want it back. Fashionistas, are you listening? WE WANT PRETTY BACK!
Ok, my head is beginning to deflate...whew! I think I've forestalled a brain explosion. Really, thanks for helping me out like this...a little venting is good. Oh no, no! Don't turn on the radio! Argh! The TV is worse. Must find closet to sit in where I can't hear Nancy, or Rosie or....
Consider yourselves moderated, if not moderate...and hopefully, mod-est after reading my aforementioned post. So, where to begin...there are so many brain exploding things to talk about. I'll just go with a couple for now. And, Diane, thanks so much for helping me figure out how to navigate this cool blog managing thing.
So, do you think that we can somehow convince Rosie O'Donnell and Nancy Pelosi to lock themselves in a room somewhere and just spout nonsense to each other for awhile and leave the rest of us alone? I need to know what kind of cereal Rosie's been eating, because it needs some bran or something. That woman cannot be getting enough roughage. It's the only explanation for such chronic nastiness. Granted, Jesus loves her...He loves Nancy too, and Hilary and Bill and lots of other people that I truly don't comprehend and, really, I'm trying, but...(Take Paris Hilton...please! I'm sorry, I couldn't resist, but seriously, I cannot figure out that woman's function...I have the same problem when I think about mosquitos...however, I remind myself that I know Jesus loves her...I'm not sure how He feels about mosquitos. Really, though, I'm not kidding about Jesus loving these people, I pray that at some point they'll love Him.) Ok, I'm back...I'm just so very tired of celebrities piously crowing their political opinions, while offering no respect to the country which has given so many lives to allow them to do that very thing. Rosie's vitriol against our military in Iraq is shameful. To cite a number of dead in Iraq and then ask "...so who are the terrorists?" is cowardly innuendo. She and Nancy could maybe visit Syria together, wear those keen headscarves and chat up all the poor misunderstood, terrorist training, leaders there. No wait, I suppose Iran would be next on the itinerary for Nancy. Hmmm...I'm not sure that would work though, I don't think Iran would let either one of them into the country, mean-mouthing the evil George Bush and our nation or not. After all they are women, and we know that women don't have the same rights there as...well, who'd a thunk it, yeah, mean old America, where any woman can speak her mind, no matter how little she has to work with.
Moving on...what's up with people who insist on tailgating on the freeway? Look, I grew up in California...I knew how to hold my own in the fast lane at age 14...(all those yelling/crying/bouncing off the curb driving lessons with my dad really took)and I do feel quite competent to make my way around the mean streets of the Milwaukee metro area. Here's my problem, most likely yours too, there are so many people on the roads now who seriously don't seem to believe that they are required to kind of follow any of the rules. Personally, I think it's just down right less than bright to tailgate...(no I don't mean a neat barbecue at Miller Stadium)...another vehicle so closely that you could use their backseat cupholders. Look, when I'm traveling at the rate of speed set by those around and in front of me, where am I supposed to go, when I have Speedracer running up my back bumper? And, this is just a thought, you may not want to tailgate an SUV while you're riding a dirt bike. Make sense? I'm just saying...
All right, I know you're dying to hear my take on fashion again. I don't think I can top the muffin top pants...ha! Now I know I'm getting old, I'm starting to laugh at my own jokes. Ok, how many of us have wandered through the department stores lately thinking..."Wow, that would be cute if it wasn't so all-fired ugly!" And I do mean Uuuugly! with a capital UGH! C'mon, weird kimono things in nasty prints like what my grandma used to wear? And, I don't know about you, but how is anyone supposed to wear those obnoxious, clingy, long tunic sort of things with the plunging waistlines. Yeah, I said waistline. My neck is way higher than where those things plunge to. Oh, I guess that's why we're supposed to wear layers of tanks, right? Again, maybe it's just me, but layers add bulk...I've got bulk, I don't need any more. And why are those awful baby-doll things back. Those things were hideous in the early '70's, and NEWSFLASH...THEY STILL ARE!! Everything is gathered under the um, well, the bustline, if you will. This creates the lovely illusion that you're pregnant. Great if it's true, not so desirable otherwise. I want to know if the majority of fashion designers are eating the same cereal as Rosie. No roughage makes for cranky people and they must be cranky to be coming up with this nasty stuff. What happened to pretty? Remember pretty? I like it...I want it back. Fashionistas, are you listening? WE WANT PRETTY BACK!
Ok, my head is beginning to deflate...whew! I think I've forestalled a brain explosion. Really, thanks for helping me out like this...a little venting is good. Oh no, no! Don't turn on the radio! Argh! The TV is worse. Must find closet to sit in where I can't hear Nancy, or Rosie or....
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Muffin Top Pants
Ok, boys and girls...I know that you've been out there waiting anxiously for the subject of "muffin top pants" to unfold. Shanti, it was great to hear from you...by all means link away! Any friend of Sarah's is a friend!
Let me preface my "muffin top pants" treatise with the disclaimer that I am not actually versed in the basics of physics but there does seem to be a fairly obvious connection here that even someone as non-scientifical (hey, my blog, my word) as I can point it out. It seems to me that anyone can figure out that you can only stuff so much stuff into any container before it spills out, right? Well, how is it that these days, many young women don't seem to comprehend that simple truth? And what diabolical fashionista has instilled the notion in these young ladies' minds that anyone else wants to see what most of us have been trying to hide our whole lives.
Simply put...when one has a size 14 booty and one tries to stuff said booty into size 6 jeans that stuff is gonna come out somewhere. See? Physics. And where does it squoosh out? Right up at the top of those poor, put upon jeans! Yup, there it is, bloopin' right over the waistband...uh, wait a minute, there's no such thing as a waistband anymore, I guess it would be the "hip" band of the pants. Hence the term "muffin top pants." You all know what I'm talking about. And, doesn't it also seem to follow that the ensemble also always seems to be finished off with some sort of cropped top (I'll never again hear the word crop and think of Iowa corn) which is also as snug as possible which, naturally, squooshes out even more of what no one wants to see? Seriously, it can't just be me who's walking around trying to rub the images out of my eyes. Gack! Is there really anyone out there who is fond of this half-naked Michelin man look? C'mon, even young ladies who aren't at all full- figured certainly look like they are when their pants are cinched in at the hip 2 inches smaller than the hips in question. Besides, there are some things which just need to be covered at all times! At least in public, for cryin' out loud. And don't even get me started on "thongs." To me those are those plastic flip-flops you wear on your feet, you know, with the little thingy that goes between your toes. Look, I'm a big believer in the intrinsic, obvious meaning of certain words too. For instance, doesn't the word underwear imply that an item is something that should be worn under something else? C'mon, am I crazy?
Bottom line...the Michelin man is great and all but a fashion icon he ain't. Maybe it's time for an intervention of some kind. We could have pants drives and stuff, you know we could collect...oh, I don't know...bigger pants! Wait, I've got it! We could establish an exchange program! Yeah, that's the ticket! (I just love that phrase) We can get those guys whose pants are sliding off their booties to trade with the girls who are falling out of theirs! What do you think?
Let me preface my "muffin top pants" treatise with the disclaimer that I am not actually versed in the basics of physics but there does seem to be a fairly obvious connection here that even someone as non-scientifical (hey, my blog, my word) as I can point it out. It seems to me that anyone can figure out that you can only stuff so much stuff into any container before it spills out, right? Well, how is it that these days, many young women don't seem to comprehend that simple truth? And what diabolical fashionista has instilled the notion in these young ladies' minds that anyone else wants to see what most of us have been trying to hide our whole lives.
Simply put...when one has a size 14 booty and one tries to stuff said booty into size 6 jeans that stuff is gonna come out somewhere. See? Physics. And where does it squoosh out? Right up at the top of those poor, put upon jeans! Yup, there it is, bloopin' right over the waistband...uh, wait a minute, there's no such thing as a waistband anymore, I guess it would be the "hip" band of the pants. Hence the term "muffin top pants." You all know what I'm talking about. And, doesn't it also seem to follow that the ensemble also always seems to be finished off with some sort of cropped top (I'll never again hear the word crop and think of Iowa corn) which is also as snug as possible which, naturally, squooshes out even more of what no one wants to see? Seriously, it can't just be me who's walking around trying to rub the images out of my eyes. Gack! Is there really anyone out there who is fond of this half-naked Michelin man look? C'mon, even young ladies who aren't at all full- figured certainly look like they are when their pants are cinched in at the hip 2 inches smaller than the hips in question. Besides, there are some things which just need to be covered at all times! At least in public, for cryin' out loud. And don't even get me started on "thongs." To me those are those plastic flip-flops you wear on your feet, you know, with the little thingy that goes between your toes. Look, I'm a big believer in the intrinsic, obvious meaning of certain words too. For instance, doesn't the word underwear imply that an item is something that should be worn under something else? C'mon, am I crazy?
Bottom line...the Michelin man is great and all but a fashion icon he ain't. Maybe it's time for an intervention of some kind. We could have pants drives and stuff, you know we could collect...oh, I don't know...bigger pants! Wait, I've got it! We could establish an exchange program! Yeah, that's the ticket! (I just love that phrase) We can get those guys whose pants are sliding off their booties to trade with the girls who are falling out of theirs! What do you think?
Monday, May 14, 2007
Can't shut me up either!
So, I realized that in my first post (with a little help from a friend) that I wrote "Can't Shup Her Up!" regarding Ms. Pelosi and I also told everyone that I'm not an "idot." (which, I'm fairly certain, I'm not, depending on what an "idot" is) Anyhoo...I'll try to be a little slower on the keys and quicker on the wit. In truth, of course, I'm concerned over the apparent inability of Ms. Pelosi to shut her incessantly blathering, inane trap (particularly when visiting American hating countries) while she blithely tries to legislate away the ability to do so for any of the rest of us who have the gall to say something she doesn't like.
How is it that if a reasonably thinking, tax paying, doing my best to follow the rules and be a good citizen, person such as myself makes any sort of criticism of a liberal then I am condemned for "hate speech?" Yet, those same liberals can (and do) immediately label me a narrow-minded, hate-filled bigot the moment that I share that I am a born-again Christian. Yup, I said that too...born again Christian. I refer to the passage of scripture (Bible) in John chapter 3 where Jesus Christ, Himself tells a religious leader that one must be born again to see the kingdom of God. Actually, the terminology refers to the spiritual birth that occurs when one turns to Christ for salvation from the penalty of and forgiveness for sins. Argh! There I go again with one of the horrible words...sin. Unlike some, I recognize that I am, indeed, a sinner and that, in and of myself, I can't seem to quit sinning. Much as I'd like to say I've never broken a commandment I'm afraid I have and I've come to believe, wholeheartedly, that Jesus Christ is the only answer for my problem. As a Christian I have not become sinless but I do draw on the strength of Christ to change, which will be accomplished when I see Him face to face. (I will gladly explain further in a future post) Meanwhile, I do not tote guns or wear camo with a cross sewn on the pocket. I don't throw rocks at people, stand in front of their businesses and curse at them and I definitely don't try to force them to stop speaking their minds.
Why is it that someone, such as myself, who identifies herself as a born-again Christian is not allowed to speak from a position consistent with my "religious affiliation" because it might harm someone else? Harm them how? As a conservative Christian I am reviled regularly by people who have no actual knowledge base from which to speak and yet here I am, hale, hearty, breathing and typing away. I often do not agree with certain of my fellow citizens' various affiliations yet I don't feel harmed when they exercise their right to speak freely as Americans. I might hate what they say, but I don't automatically term their opinions "hate speech", even when directed at me and those like me. And what, exactly, determines what constitutes "hate speech?" Oh, sorry, I'm afraid that unless Ms. Pelosi is reading this post and deigns to comment we won't know. Could there be a little nugget of frustration, notable in her comments and foolish attempts to silence those who oppose her political positions, over the dismal failure of Air America? I'm just saying...
Just a thought here, Jesus Christ was persecuted and ultimately killed because of His "hate speech." Granted He gave His life willingly, God in flesh could not have been killed by His creation unless He allowed it, which He did for our benefit. He even told His disciples, in John, chapter 15...specifically in verses 18-21...that the world which hated Him would hate those who become His disciples as well. Hmmm...has anyone noticed that it's perfectly acceptable to be of any religious affiliation other than the dreaded born again Christian? Be honest now, you can shave yourself bald, paint yourself blue and worship telephone poles and people will applaud your sincere spirituality, but just you try to stand up and say "Jesus" and, boy howdy, the doo doo will hit the fan. Christian students are not allowed to mention their faith in valedictory addresses...it might hurt somebody. Christian kids are not allowed to congregate on school property, even after school hours, because it might harm someone else's sense of self and, of course, there must be a strict separation of church and state. But only if the church is truly Christian. Any other type of church or religious organization is A-OK...Wicca, Muslim, Hindu, Pagan....especially Pagan, affiliation is just fine, no threat there.
I've got to tell you, as frightening as it is to be the target of such blatant bias and disregard for my constitutional rights, it is equally exciting to read the words of Christ, spoken nearly 2,000 years ago and find that they are dead on target. He said that we would be hated and we are, spectacularly so. That's a powerful affirmation that Jesus is exactly who He claimed to be...God. Kind of makes you wonder, doesn't it? It also kind of puts Ms. Pelosi's laughably obvious discrimination toward anything conservative or, dare I say, right leaning, in a completely different light, eh?
By the way, you may notice that I ask a lot of questions. Hence the url http://canigetananswer.blogspot.com/. It's all starting to come together now, isn't it? Keep visiting, we have yet to discuss the current ridiculous cultural fascination of young women with, what I like to refer to as, "muffin-top pants." Next time.
How is it that if a reasonably thinking, tax paying, doing my best to follow the rules and be a good citizen, person such as myself makes any sort of criticism of a liberal then I am condemned for "hate speech?" Yet, those same liberals can (and do) immediately label me a narrow-minded, hate-filled bigot the moment that I share that I am a born-again Christian. Yup, I said that too...born again Christian. I refer to the passage of scripture (Bible) in John chapter 3 where Jesus Christ, Himself tells a religious leader that one must be born again to see the kingdom of God. Actually, the terminology refers to the spiritual birth that occurs when one turns to Christ for salvation from the penalty of and forgiveness for sins. Argh! There I go again with one of the horrible words...sin. Unlike some, I recognize that I am, indeed, a sinner and that, in and of myself, I can't seem to quit sinning. Much as I'd like to say I've never broken a commandment I'm afraid I have and I've come to believe, wholeheartedly, that Jesus Christ is the only answer for my problem. As a Christian I have not become sinless but I do draw on the strength of Christ to change, which will be accomplished when I see Him face to face. (I will gladly explain further in a future post) Meanwhile, I do not tote guns or wear camo with a cross sewn on the pocket. I don't throw rocks at people, stand in front of their businesses and curse at them and I definitely don't try to force them to stop speaking their minds.
Why is it that someone, such as myself, who identifies herself as a born-again Christian is not allowed to speak from a position consistent with my "religious affiliation" because it might harm someone else? Harm them how? As a conservative Christian I am reviled regularly by people who have no actual knowledge base from which to speak and yet here I am, hale, hearty, breathing and typing away. I often do not agree with certain of my fellow citizens' various affiliations yet I don't feel harmed when they exercise their right to speak freely as Americans. I might hate what they say, but I don't automatically term their opinions "hate speech", even when directed at me and those like me. And what, exactly, determines what constitutes "hate speech?" Oh, sorry, I'm afraid that unless Ms. Pelosi is reading this post and deigns to comment we won't know. Could there be a little nugget of frustration, notable in her comments and foolish attempts to silence those who oppose her political positions, over the dismal failure of Air America? I'm just saying...
Just a thought here, Jesus Christ was persecuted and ultimately killed because of His "hate speech." Granted He gave His life willingly, God in flesh could not have been killed by His creation unless He allowed it, which He did for our benefit. He even told His disciples, in John, chapter 15...specifically in verses 18-21...that the world which hated Him would hate those who become His disciples as well. Hmmm...has anyone noticed that it's perfectly acceptable to be of any religious affiliation other than the dreaded born again Christian? Be honest now, you can shave yourself bald, paint yourself blue and worship telephone poles and people will applaud your sincere spirituality, but just you try to stand up and say "Jesus" and, boy howdy, the doo doo will hit the fan. Christian students are not allowed to mention their faith in valedictory addresses...it might hurt somebody. Christian kids are not allowed to congregate on school property, even after school hours, because it might harm someone else's sense of self and, of course, there must be a strict separation of church and state. But only if the church is truly Christian. Any other type of church or religious organization is A-OK...Wicca, Muslim, Hindu, Pagan....especially Pagan, affiliation is just fine, no threat there.
I've got to tell you, as frightening as it is to be the target of such blatant bias and disregard for my constitutional rights, it is equally exciting to read the words of Christ, spoken nearly 2,000 years ago and find that they are dead on target. He said that we would be hated and we are, spectacularly so. That's a powerful affirmation that Jesus is exactly who He claimed to be...God. Kind of makes you wonder, doesn't it? It also kind of puts Ms. Pelosi's laughably obvious discrimination toward anything conservative or, dare I say, right leaning, in a completely different light, eh?
By the way, you may notice that I ask a lot of questions. Hence the url http://canigetananswer.blogspot.com/. It's all starting to come together now, isn't it? Keep visiting, we have yet to discuss the current ridiculous cultural fascination of young women with, what I like to refer to as, "muffin-top pants." Next time.
Can't shut her up! Pelosi wants to define free speech?!
Ok, I've avoided this for a long time but I can't keep up with the debate in my own head any more. So, I'm inviting you to join me. I'm a blogger...dang! sounds like some kind of dyslexic lumber jack. Give me a break I was born in the 50's, I'm still trying to catch up with the terminal velocity of technology in general.
To the point: I've had enough of Ms. Pelosi's attempts to quell any voice but her own. The woman is a verbal train wreck in a head scarf. How dare she try to introduce legislation that would silence any...emphasize any voice or opinion with which she disagrees. I have hollered at the television for years (never helps) while mainstream media types allow liberal democrats to blather ad nauseum while cutting off conservative representatives mid word. I have graciously fumed over the ever quickening descent of our society into a weird "twilight zone" version of the emperor's new clothes. (If you don't know that children's story...look it up, it's happening) Common sense no longer exists, and I don't mean just in California. ( I grew up there, I'm allowed to say it. Seriously people, I had tanning as a class in gym but had no idea where the state I currently live in was when I graduated.)
But this latest attempt by the liberal left to muzzle opinion by anyone other than themselves is downright un-American. Yeah, I said it and that's what I mean. Nancy and her political posse have no right to try to muzzle the conservative speech heard on the radio with a revival of the "Fairness Doctrine" of the past. Fairness my eye...any speech critical of liberals is considered hate speech. These people (Pelosi, Hinchy, Sanders et al) have called President Bush a "nazi" among other things and yet they are the ones using Hitler-esque tactics to try to silence those with whom they disagree.
Is our nation not founded on basic principles of liberty? Hmmm...liberty...sounds a lot like liberal doesn't it? How have we come to a place where any thinking person would even consider supporting legislation which denies free speech to anyone, much less only a certain faction of our society?
Folks, I am not an intellectual elite. I am not a liberal, politically speaking. (I am, however, liberated by Christ!) I am not famous, rich, thin, an actor, sports figure or any of the other things that apparently qualify as the basis for inclusion into the circle of those whose voices are allowed to spew any ludicrous, hateful rhetoric toward those with whom I disagree. I am a regular person...yeah, I'm you. I'm not an idot, although, apparently Ms. Pelosi and those of her ilk are convinced that all of us regular old Americans are...wait, based on the last election...never mind. I'm a thinking, certified citizen of this grand nation and I have had enough. Haven't you?
Can we allow this spiral of nonsense to continue? Help me out, people, let's let these speech nazis know that we will not lay down and take it in the teeth on this issue.
To the point: I've had enough of Ms. Pelosi's attempts to quell any voice but her own. The woman is a verbal train wreck in a head scarf. How dare she try to introduce legislation that would silence any...emphasize any voice or opinion with which she disagrees. I have hollered at the television for years (never helps) while mainstream media types allow liberal democrats to blather ad nauseum while cutting off conservative representatives mid word. I have graciously fumed over the ever quickening descent of our society into a weird "twilight zone" version of the emperor's new clothes. (If you don't know that children's story...look it up, it's happening) Common sense no longer exists, and I don't mean just in California. ( I grew up there, I'm allowed to say it. Seriously people, I had tanning as a class in gym but had no idea where the state I currently live in was when I graduated.)
But this latest attempt by the liberal left to muzzle opinion by anyone other than themselves is downright un-American. Yeah, I said it and that's what I mean. Nancy and her political posse have no right to try to muzzle the conservative speech heard on the radio with a revival of the "Fairness Doctrine" of the past. Fairness my eye...any speech critical of liberals is considered hate speech. These people (Pelosi, Hinchy, Sanders et al) have called President Bush a "nazi" among other things and yet they are the ones using Hitler-esque tactics to try to silence those with whom they disagree.
Is our nation not founded on basic principles of liberty? Hmmm...liberty...sounds a lot like liberal doesn't it? How have we come to a place where any thinking person would even consider supporting legislation which denies free speech to anyone, much less only a certain faction of our society?
Folks, I am not an intellectual elite. I am not a liberal, politically speaking. (I am, however, liberated by Christ!) I am not famous, rich, thin, an actor, sports figure or any of the other things that apparently qualify as the basis for inclusion into the circle of those whose voices are allowed to spew any ludicrous, hateful rhetoric toward those with whom I disagree. I am a regular person...yeah, I'm you. I'm not an idot, although, apparently Ms. Pelosi and those of her ilk are convinced that all of us regular old Americans are...wait, based on the last election...never mind. I'm a thinking, certified citizen of this grand nation and I have had enough. Haven't you?
Can we allow this spiral of nonsense to continue? Help me out, people, let's let these speech nazis know that we will not lay down and take it in the teeth on this issue.
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