tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202934642024-03-07T03:36:36.049-05:00Eternal Life Day-By-DayIt all comes together...Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810923568540127419noreply@blogger.comBlogger112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20293464.post-27979733553045961192015-03-13T18:22:00.003-04:002015-03-13T18:22:22.955-04:00White PantsWho in the world can wear white? I certainly can't. Between ink, food, dirt and life in general, something will inevitably mar the pure visage of an all-white shirt. Don't even get me started on white pants.<br />
<br />
But I want to be one of those girls who can flounce around carefree in a white summer dress. Riding a bike or just walking down the boardwalk as though nothing could happen.<br />
<br />
That's just not who I am. I am the person who wonders if I look like a freak because someone asks me if I need any help at the grocery store. I feel the gazes of people following me as I try to nonchalantly navigate the tables of baked goods and aisles of canned vegetables. I can't be that freakish! Do I look angry? I try to soften my expression, crack a joke. It doesn't help. Why won't people leave me alone?<br />
<br />
"You look good," says my mom. "Really?" I look in the mirror. "You look healthy, and happy." I had just been watching some funny videos of cats doing stupid things. That would be it. Maybe I should always watch stupid cat videos before I go out in public. I must always be wearing a scowl or something.<br />
<br />
Maybe today I'll wear a dress. I don't have a white dress, but I do have a cute spring dress. It needs a belt or something. Do I have one that isn't too big or too small? Safety pin it is. What shoes can I wear? No sandals allowed at work, or bare shoulders. Ankle boots and a crop sweater. Looks a little strange, but, that's what you get working in an office.<br />
<br />
"You look really nice today," says my fiance. Of course, I wear a dress and I automatically "look nice." I feel bloated and out of shape. Nothing like the pictures on Facebook of when I climbed the highest peak in New Mexico or worked 10 hours a day in the fresh air. To be tan and fit again. By October? I guess it could happen. If I'm going to get married this year something has to change.<br />
<br />
Hungry. Nutella or carrot sticks? Coffee or water?<br />
<br />
All of the above. Mistake.<br />
<br />
It's 6:10 pm. Family will be expecting dinner by 7. Nothing is prepped. I'd be happy with a bowl of cereal. That's just me.<br />
<br />
Remember when I used to read books? How long has it been, over a year now? Even my Bible lays neglected on the shelf by my bed. I try to justify not reading every day. Don't I already know enough to get by? I'll study it again someday. Yes, I really do want to read Isaiah and do word studies and look up the original Hebrew. Someday. Just not today. Not while I'm working and cleaning and cooking and waiting and wishing that things were different.<br />
<br />
Inaction would be easier if I didn't know better. I never regret stepping out and doing something out of faith. Worst case, it's a lesson learned. Likely case, it's an experience I'll never forget. Best case, it will determine the course for the rest of my life.<br />
<br />
Investment; time, money, brainpower, words. They all have a return, but of what? What kind of return does watching silly cat videos give? What kind of return will this give? Will it just sit in My Documents for me to read at some point in the future and feel guilty for not following through? Or will I make it into something more, post it somewhere? Who knows. I have to go make dinner.Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810923568540127419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20293464.post-27239557216256293932011-09-28T13:40:00.002-04:002011-09-28T13:43:18.391-04:00180 MovieAre you pro-life or pro-choice? Why? When is abortion OK? Is adoption the better alternative?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.180.movie.com/">http://www.180.movie.com</a> brings a new perspective to these questions and more.Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810923568540127419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20293464.post-46668486801630835582011-07-20T05:07:00.002-04:002011-07-20T05:12:44.251-04:00UntitledA tear for time forever lost... a bittersweet smile for distant fond memories... eyes ever looking towards a life lived, not just survived... thinking how nice it would be if I had my own personal soundtrack playing in my head for inspiration... :)Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810923568540127419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20293464.post-5659432594115311742011-05-01T00:10:00.000-04:002011-06-01T17:18:12.188-04:00Learn'd AstronomerWhen I heard the learn'd astronomer;<br />When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me;<br />When I was shown the charts and the diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them;<br />When I, sitting, heard the astronomer, where he lectured with much applause in the lecture-room,<br />How soon, unaccountable, I became tired and sick;<br />Till rising and gliding out, I wander'd off by myself,<br />In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time,<br />Look'd up in perfect silence at the stars.<br /><br />-Walt WhitmanKristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810923568540127419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20293464.post-87693180531884514552011-03-11T02:31:00.000-05:002011-03-11T02:32:22.237-05:00A Universe Fine-tuned For LifeGravity is roughly 10^39 times weaker than electromagnetism. If gravity had been 10^33 times weaker than electromagnetism, "stars would be a billion times less massive and would burn a million times faster."<br /><br />The nuclear weak force is 10^28 times the strength of gravity. Had the weak force been slightly weaker, all the hydrogen in the universe would have been turned to helium (making water impossible, for example).<br /><br />A stronger nuclear strong force (by as little as 2 percent) would have prevented the formation of protons--yielding a universe without atoms. Decreasing it by 5 percent would have given us a universe without stars.<br /><br />If the difference in mass between a proton and a neutron were not exactly as it is--roughly twice the mass of an electron--then all neutrons would have become protons or vice versa. Say good-bye to chemistry as we know it--and to life.<br /><br />The very nature of water--so vital to life--is something of a mystery (a point noticed by one of the forerunners of anthropic reasoning in the nineteenth century, Harvard biologist Lawrence Henderson). Unique amongst the molecules, water is lighter in its solid than liquid form: Ice floats. If it did not, the oceans would freeze from the bottom up and earth would now be covered with solid ice. This property in turn is traceable to the unique properties of the hydrogen atom.<br /><br />The synthesis of carbon--the vital core of all organic molecules--on a significant scale involves what scientists view as an astonishing coincidence in the ratio of the strong force to electromagnetism. This ratio makes it possible for carbon-12 to reach an excited state of exactly 7.65 MeV at the temperature typical of the centre of stars, which creates a resonance involving helium-4, beryllium-8, and carbon-12--allowing the neceesary binding to take place during a tiny window of opportunity 10-17 seconds long.<br /><br />(From <em>God the Evidence: The Reconciliation of Faith and Reason in a Postsecular World</em> by Patrick Glynn, as quoted by Dave Hunt in <em>Cosmos, Creator and Human Destiny</em>)Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810923568540127419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20293464.post-71623213761689194882011-02-03T09:25:00.000-05:002011-06-01T17:17:47.123-04:00Time<object width="420" height="255"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dZE-OsqT8XU&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dZE-OsqT8XU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="420" height="255"></embed></object>Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810923568540127419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20293464.post-72600346432821742622010-11-29T20:45:00.000-05:002010-11-29T20:46:10.683-05:00Wonder WhyWent to bed last night with the news on his mind.<br />Woke up this morning, another tragedy he finds.<br />And he wonders why he feels so sad...<br /><br />He asks God why, why so much suffering and pain.<br />His Bible sits on the shelf, while God gets the blame.<br />And he wonders why he feels alone...<br /><br />He wants to fix the world, make everyone feel nice.<br />But he can't ruffle their feathers, whatever the price.<br />And he wonders why he feels guilty...<br /><br />People go about their lives, not giving God a second thought.<br />But they blame Him for the suffering, and bloody wars being fought.<br />And they wonder why they feel empty inside...<br /><br />July 2009Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810923568540127419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20293464.post-69212682063795816872010-11-29T20:37:00.000-05:002010-11-29T20:38:41.692-05:00To those who condescendingly say, "I don't read fiction"..."The first question to ask about fiction is, Why bother to read it? With life as short as it is, with so many pressing demands on our time, with books of information, instruction, and discussion waiting to be read, why should we spend precious time on works of imagination? The eternal answers to this question are two: ...enjoyment and understanding."<br /><br />-Laurence Perrine, <em>Literature: Structure, Sound and Sense </em>Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810923568540127419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20293464.post-84319736485269528322010-11-21T14:37:00.000-05:002010-11-21T14:38:50.345-05:00Dawkins' Delusion"As an academic scientist I am a passionate Darwinian, believing that natural selection is, if not the only driving force in evolution, certainly the only known force capable of producing the illusion of purpose which so strikes all who contemplate nature.” (Richard Dawkins, <em>A Devils Chaplain: Reflections on Hope, Lies, Science, and Love</em>)<br /><br />"Darwinian natural selection can produce an uncanny illusion of design. An engineer would be hard put to decide whether a bird or a plane was the more aerodynamically elegant. So powerful is the illusion of design, it took humanity until the mid-19th century to realize that it is an illusion.” (Richard Dawkins, <em>New Scientist</em> 9/17/05)<br /><br />“Natural selection.… has lifted life from primeval simplicity to the dizzy heights of complexity, beauty, and apparent design that puzzle us today. After Darwin, we all should feel, deep in our bones, suspicious of the very idea of design. The illusion of design is a trap that has caught us before, and Darwin should have immunized us by raising our consciousness.” (Richard Dawkins, <em>The Theory of Evolution</em> by John Maynard Smith, Forward)<br /><br />“It is almost as if the human brain were specifically designed to misunderstand Darwinism, and to find it hard to believe.” (Richard Dawkins, <em>The Blind Watchmaker</em>, Preface)<br /><br />VS<br /><br />“That consciousness is ruled by the laws of physics and chemistry is as preposterous as the suggestion that a nation could be ruled by laws like the laws of grammar. In human affairs [law] means a rule.… which may be kept or broken. In science it means a rule which is never broken…. Thus in the physical world what a body does and what a body ought to do are equivalent; but we are well aware of another domain where they are anything but equivalent. We cannot get away from this distinction…. The laws of logic do not prescribe the way our minds think; they prescribe the way our minds ought to think…. However closely we may associate thought with the physical machinery of the brain, the connection is dropped as irrelevant as soon as we consider the fundamental property of thought—that it may be correct or incorrect…. [Truth] involves recognizing a domain…. of laws which ought to be kept but may be broken. Dismiss the idea that natural law may swallow up religion; it can’t even tackle the multiplication table single-handed.” (Sir Arthur Eddington, <em>Science and the Unseen World</em>)Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810923568540127419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20293464.post-21955580377656860392010-06-18T14:43:00.001-04:002010-06-18T14:44:46.492-04:00A Father's Day Story...A true story I heard on the radio last year:<br /><br />A few days after Father's day in 2005 a line man for a power company was called to reconnect the power in a neighborhood. As he rode up to where the problem was in his bucket, he noticed a Mylar balloon was entangled in the line.<br /><br />So, he untangled the balloon and reconnected the power. As he was getting back into his truck he noticed there was a note attached to the balloon. So, he got in, started up the truck and read the note:<br /><br />Dear Daddy,<br /><br />Happy Father's Day!<br /><br />I hope you are having a good time in heaven.<br /><br />Love, Kayla<br /><br />Just as he finished reading the note, a song started to play on the radio called 'In the Arms of An Angel'.Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810923568540127419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20293464.post-71513013467265175312010-06-18T14:28:00.002-04:002010-06-18T14:37:51.636-04:00CriticsEveryone thinks they are a critic. They seem to think that if they say something (or lots of things) negative about a movie, TV show or band, that they are better than those who actually like it.<br /><br />You can probably already tell that this post is going to be somewhat of a rant, but, I really have to get this off my chest.<br /><br />There are probably more movies, TV shows and bands that I don't like than those that I do like. Yet, somehow, I manage to NOT seek out ways to declare my dislike of them to the world.<br /><br />Whether it's Facebook fan pages, YouTube comments, or Hulu reviews, you will see "critics" everywhere. These people actually take time out of their lives to seek out things they DON'T LIKE in order to insult them! As if there isn't enough negativity in this world already.<br /><br />People, please don't waste your time (or mine) complaining about how watching a movie or TV show is a waste of time. Don't make others feel bad because listening to the music they like makes you feel bad. Don't spread poison because you are bitter. Get a life and let others live theirs.<br /><br />"In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you." -Matthew 7:12Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810923568540127419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20293464.post-21363956612575233492010-03-31T03:28:00.000-04:002010-03-31T03:30:07.231-04:00IntegrityJust a few days after my last post, "Unemployment," I was contacted about a job opportunity that I had thought was long gone (ironic, huh?). The job is really nearly perfect for me. The hours, the location and the job description are all suited to my life right now. However, there was one caveat: I would have to screen content posted by users of a social networking site, which could expose me to some pretty inappropriate stuff.<br /><br />I was going to just write it off as a necessary evil and try to work around it. But, thankfully, the woman who I had been in contact about the job really encouraged me to think about it seriously and make sure I would be okay with it. So, I took her advice and spent this last weekend thinking it over and came to the conclusion that I really wouldn't be okay doing that on a daily basis. Although I do believe God would protect my mind and heart if it came to that, I don't need to be putting myself in the line of fire, so to speak.<br /><br />So, even though I am still unemployed, I am thankful that I didn't give in to accepting an unacceptable job. I kept my integrity, and hopefully God will bless me for that. I have faith that He will provide.<br /><br />"The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness." -Matthew 6:22-23Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810923568540127419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20293464.post-62647421484415351992010-03-18T04:56:00.003-04:002010-03-18T05:03:59.277-04:00UnemploymentLast December I turned 21 years old. Pretty much ever since then, and probably for a while before that, I have been struggling with feelings of failure. You see, I still live at home, have never had a boyfriend, have no job, no car (not even an unrestricted drivers license), and no college education whatsoever.<br /><br />All of that aside, I do have responsibilites at my parent's home, and my lack of other responsibilities have given me freedom to pursue some things I may not otherwise have time for. I do all of the cooking/baking for the most part, and have been able to develop my skills in that area, especially baking. I have a self-taught working knowledge of the piano and guitar. I even have experience in construction from when we enclosed our carport. All of these things (and much more) are opportunities and experiences that not everyone has or can have.<br /><br />Even so, I feel so... unaccomplished; unfulfilled.<br /><br />Money may not be the answer to life's problems, but a lack of it certainly doesn't help. Up until a year ago or so, I didn't really need a job. But the pressure is building, and now that I do need employment, it's nowhere to be found. Ironic? Yes. Fun? No. Lesson? I'm not sure yet.<br /><br />I know I should be thankful. Not everyone gets to grow up in a truly Christian home, have a Christ-centered education, protected from, but not ignorant of the world and an enemy who would like nothing more than to pull you as far away from God as possible. And I am thankful. Those are all wonderful things that I am truly grateful for. But is it wrong to aspire to even more? The Bible says that Jesus grew in wisdom, stature and favor with God and men. Obviously I want to grow in wisdom and favor with God. But what about man? I know, I'm not supposed to be a people-pleaser or desire accolades from the world. The heart is deceitfully wicked and to listen to it would only lead to darkness.<br /><br />BUT, that doesn't mean I can't be accomplished. Even Paul had a reputation. Yes, he counted all that he had "accomplished" before encountering Christ as nothing, but after that he maintained a status. He worked to support himself. He administrated. He knew his place in this world, but not of it. Tradition says he spent eight years in Arabia studying. That all has to count for something, right? Should I desire any less?<br /><br />Yet, I am afraid. Afraid that the right opportunities won't appear, and if they do I will miss them, or be too afraid to take advantage of them. I guess I forget that Jesus is the One who opens doors and no one shuts them and shuts them and no one opens them.<br /><br />Is that what it all boils down to? Forgetfulness? Lack of faith and trust in God and His promises? Do I simply need to trust in Him for all of my needs and lay my desires at His feet? Why am I asking all of these rhetorical questions that I obviously know the answer to?<br /><br />--sigh--<br /><br />I keep on feeling like I'm a failure, and what I don't realize is that I am. Without God I am a complete and utter failure. It's only when I walk with Him and hide His Word in my heart that I can rest in His love and have no fear. My trust and confidence must be in Him and Him alone.<br /><br />But, because I am so imperfect and forgetful, I know that I will have to remind myself of all these things again in the not-too-distant future. I guess that's just how it works. Even David went through the cycle, from the time he was a young man until he was lying on his deathbed. Despair; realization; peace. It's like we all have incandescant lightbulbs above our heads that periodically burn out, and we're stumbling around in the dark until we (or God) finally replace them.<br /><br />My, my... What a future to look forward to. At least I'm not alone.Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810923568540127419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20293464.post-87216110195240134672010-03-14T17:25:00.002-04:002010-03-14T17:29:04.388-04:00No post yet...I lost my notes for the post I wanted to write, so, I guess I will just have to think of something else. It's kind of a sad testament to my procrastination. If I had written it when I originally came up with the ideas, I wouldn't have lost the notes and I wouldn't be sitting here writing about it.Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810923568540127419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20293464.post-68162370364855422252010-03-14T01:57:00.003-05:002010-03-14T03:06:37.395-04:00Still haven't written that next post...Time has just been going so fast. I can't believe it's the middle of March!<br /><br />Anyway, I'm writing this on a super-old laptop that used to be my dad's. Hopefully I'll be able to get some more RAM for it and actually have a useable laptop of my own. Everyone else in my family has one except for me, so it will be nice to finally have some mobility.<br /><br />I will try to get my head together enough to write my next post. I heard a famous person say something that sparked a barrage of questions and issues I feel I can address. I may have to split up the posts, though, because the topics are a bit complicated and intertwined with so much of life. I can't think about it all right now, though. I don't know why it's been so hard to focus. I love to write, but it often feels like hard work. I wish the things I love to do came more naturally.<br /><br />Enough of that. I'm rambling now, so I'll stop.Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810923568540127419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20293464.post-15316676244639936472010-02-02T18:47:00.007-05:002010-02-03T02:41:56.264-05:00Upside Down: The World“Where there is a loss of wonder there is a natural tug toward a reductionistic view of everything aesthetic or virtuous. For that matter, all of life boils down to the rags of matter in chemical or physical reaction, and the strongest ‘reactions’ win. Man becomes another blip on the radar screen of time” (Ravi Zacharias).<br /><br />What emotion does that last sentence evoke? Is it not one of the individual’s greatest fears to be just another blip, another drop in the bucket? The quest for originality and the meaning of life has filled thousands of volumes and flashed across millions television screens. The late J.D. Salinger’s story of an adolescent temper tantrum, Catcher in the Rye, comes to mind. One can understand the confusion and emotional upheaval of a teenager growing up in post-war America, having certain things expected of him, but longing for something more. But, in his attempt to portray a young man struggling to find his place in the world, Salinger failed to address the real issues, instead leaving the reader with a sense of hopeless cynicism.<br /><br />In the time since then (the past decade especially) the foundations of our country, society, and even our freedoms, have begun to shift, causing many people to reevaluate their state of being and security. No one wants to see their world crumble around them. But as much as we may try to deny it, and as much as we may fear it, sometimes we must witness the world change. Sometimes this change can be violent, carrying suffering, pain and need along with it. Of course, human will and a “we can do it” mantra alone is not enough to stem the tide of a cultural and/or economic breakdown. We must recognize that there are powerful (even non-human) forces at work behind the scenes of most political, economic, military and even religious associations. Sadly, many of these shadow-powers do not have humanity's best interest at heart.<br /><br />But how can a blip on a radar screen make a difference? How can someone like me change the world? Consider the words of Charles Spurgeon:<br /><br />“The Apostles were not the disturbers of states. It is true, they preached that which would disturb the sinful constitution of a kingdom and which would disturb the evil practices of false priests, but they never meant to set men in an uproar. They did come to set men at arms with sin; they did draw the sword against iniquity; but against men as men, against kings as kings, they had no battle; it is with iniquity and sin, and wrong everywhere, that they proclaimed an everlasting warfare. But still, brethren, there is many a true word spoken in jest, we say, and surely there is many a true word spoken in malice. They said the Apostles turned the world upside down. They meant by that, that they were disturbers of the peace. But they said a great true thing; for Christ's gospel does turn the world upside down. It was the wrong way upwards before, and now that the gospel is preached, and when it shall prevail, it will just set the world right by turning it upside down.”<br /><br />Francis of Assisi is attributed with saying, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary use words.” While I do not think he was undermining the verbal proclamation of the Gospel message, I do think he was stressing that we should go about each day in such a way that our lives mirror the spirit of the Gospel even when we aren’t speaking it. This, I believe, is another way in which we can impact the world around us. To live our lives unselfishly, inspiring others to do the same.<br /><br />“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).<br /><br />In a world where greed and marketing ploys are a part of every day life, it is refreshing to see a break in the trend. As I drove through the streets of my city on Christmas night, and saw darkened businesses and bright homes, something stirred within me, inexplicably, like a realization that there are still people who care about each other. The simplicity of leaving material thoughts and things behind to spend time with family and friends has tragically become a rare commodity. But it would seem that in these hard times people are beginning to see the value of those things which cannot be lost or taken away. Perhaps, as Christians, we will finally listen to Christ's admonition not to store up treasures in this life, but rather to live with eternity in our minds and hearts.<br /><br />Truly, as I stated earlier, no one wishes to go through turmoil and tribulation. But I do believe, as well as many, many others, that it is in these tumultuous times that we are given the opportunity to shine as bright lights in a dark world. Even if we do not realize it, by simply living our lives as Christ would have us--not losing heart or hope--we will be seen and heard by others. This is our calling; to be seen as different; to be in the world but not of the world; to speak the truth, and more importantly, live the truth.<br /><br />Little things, like the stillness on Christmas night, have been standing out to me lately. A few weeks ago I was running some errands with my mother. We were stopped at a red light, and as we were waiting I noticed a man crossing the street in front of us, obviously heading home from work. He looked to be a mechanic, or some similar vocation, wearing greasy gray coveralls and carrying a lunch box. Wanting to keep an eye on the light (I was driving), as soon as he passed out of the crosswalk I was not going to pay any more attention to him. But then my mother said, "Someone's coming to say ‘Hi’ to daddy." I looked over and saw two small children excitedly running towards the man. He had just entered the parking lot of a motel at the corner of the intersection, and the children were obviously coming from the motel itself. Once they reached the man, the children hugged him and he picked them both up in spite of the lunch box. The light turned green just as I saw the three of them heading back towards the motel.<br /><br />Clearly, I cannot pretend to know whether or not that man was even the children’s father, much less their overall situation. Nonetheless, I cannot help but think about the thousands of men who go to work in Cadillacs and BMWs instead of walking; wear three-piece suits instead of jumpsuits; and come home to a nearly empty five-bedroom house instead of a crowded one-room motel. And I wonder, "Are these men as happy as the blue-collar worker whose children run out to greet him after a hard day's work?" Does more money mean more love, contentment or happiness? Or does it tend to drive people apart and sometimes even ruin lives? Understand, I am not saying that people with money are not or cannot be happy, but I am saying that a lack of money does not necessarily mean they are lacking. We talk of "haves" and "have-nots". Have-not what? What are the things that really matter? What makes a person who they are? What contributes to their legacy? Is it their car, house, clothes or paycheck? Is that what we want to be defined by?<br /><br />We all know, I believe, the answers to these rhetorical questions. Nevertheless it is good to sometimes be reminded of them and to reflect on life and the essence of life. Jesus, of course, said, "One's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." This simple truth is echoed numerous times and in various ways throughout the Bible.<br /><br />The goal of writing this commentary was partly to put my own thoughts about materialism, individuality and life's purpose in order, and partly to stir up a renewed sense of what it truly means to live. Being the beginning of a new year, a time in which I personally have been contemplating the meaning of my own life, I think it is appropriate to put these thoughts and observations out for others to consider. I am neither a philosopher nor a greatly experienced person of the world. I do, however, like to think that I am fairly intelligent and discerning (although hardly above correction or criticism).<br /><br />My prayer at this time is that each of us will choose the path of hope and living this life with our eyes fixed on eternity, and on the One with whom we will spend eternity, and that in doing so we will inspire others to live as extraordinary, ordinary people. Only through Christ is this even possible, so above all, thanks be to Him who redeemed us that we might have hope and abundant life. Amen.Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810923568540127419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20293464.post-21689289755242334172010-01-02T15:49:00.000-05:002011-06-01T17:14:50.420-04:00Replacing God's Word with... what?!Colossians 2:8-10 (NKJV): "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power."<br /><br />Colossians 2:8-10 The Message "Bible" by Eugene Peterson: "Watch out for people who try to dazzle you with big words and intellectual double-talk. They want to drag you off into endless arguments that never amount to anything. They spread their ideas through the empty traditions of human beings and the empty superstitions of spirit beings. But that's not the way of Christ. Everything of God gets expressed in him, so you can see and hear him clearly. You don't need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him. When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too. His power extends over everything."<br /><br />Sounds strangely similar to "Awaiting You All" by George Harrison of The Beatles<br /><br />You don't need a horoscope or a microscope to see the mess that you're in<br />If you open up your heart You will know what I mean...<br />Now here's a way for you to get clean<br />By chanting the names of the lord and you'll be free<br />The lord is awaiting on you all to awaken and see.<br /><br />Funny, Peterson doesn't mention being inspired by The Beatles in his explanation for why he wrote The Message: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/Message-MSG-Bible/">http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/Message-MSG-Bible/</a>.<br /><br />See this link for more on The Message: <a href="http://www.crossroad.to/Bible_studies/Message.html">http://www.crossroad.to/Bible_studies/Message.html</a>Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810923568540127419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20293464.post-84352479693522180012009-07-04T12:46:00.003-04:002009-07-04T12:50:57.300-04:00Happy Independence Day...<p><em>Quotes from our Founding Fathers:</em><br /><br />"A constitution founded on these principles introduces knowledge among the people, and inspires them with a conscious dignity becoming freemen; a general emulation takes place, which causes good humor, sociability, good manners, and good morals to be general. That elevation of sentiment inspired by such a government, makes the common people brave and enterprising. That ambition which is inspired by it makes them sober, industrious, and frugal. " --John Adams, Thoughts on Government, 1776<br /><br /><img src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2695/181/116/767824046/n767824046_2393091_1761842.jpg" /><br /><br />"A free people [claim] their rights as derived from the laws of nature, and not as the gift of their chief magistrate." --Thomas Jefferson, Rights of British America, 1774<br /><br /><img src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2695/181/116/767824046/n767824046_2393097_3386074.jpg" /><br /><br />"A popular Government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or, perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance: And a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives." --James Madison, letter to W.T. Barry, August 4, 1822<br /><br /><img src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2695/181/116/767824046/n767824046_2393106_5171559.jpg" /><br /><br />"A nation under a well regulated government, should permit none to remain uninstructed. It is monarchical and aristocratical government only that requires ignorance for its support." --Thomas Paine, Rights of Man, 1792<br /><br /><img src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2695/181/116/767824046/n767824046_2393107_1774277.jpg" /><br /><br />"All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of superintending providence in our favor. To that kind providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? Or do we imagine that we no longer need his assistance? I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth-that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the Ground without his Notice, is it probable that an Empire can rise without his Aid?" --Benjamin Franklin, To Colleagues at the Constitutional Convention<br /><br /><img src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2695/181/116/767824046/n767824046_2393116_4438954.jpg" /><br /><br />"A feeble executive implies a feeble execution of the government. A feeble execution is but another phrase for a bad execution; and a government ill executed, whatever may be its theory, must be, in practice, a bad government." --Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 70, 1788 <a href="http://www.marksquotes.com/Founding-Fathers"><br /><br />http://www.marksquotes.com/Founding-Fathers</a></p>Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810923568540127419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20293464.post-66892760941189221122009-05-11T10:43:00.000-04:002009-05-11T10:44:35.309-04:00Abortion is a Holy Work Says Anglican Priest<em>From <a href="http://www.thebereancall.org/node/7704">The Berean Call</a></em><br /><br />Abortion is a blessing and abortionists are doing holy work, says Anglican priest [Excerpts]<br /><br />The new Dean of the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massacusetts, has given a sermon describing abortions as a "blessing" for the women who undergo them. The Rev Katherine Hancock Ragsdale also thinks that the people who run abortion clinics are "heroes" and even "saints".<br /><br />Ms Ragsdale, speaking in Birmingham, Alabama, said that "when a woman becomes pregnant within a loving, supportive, respectful relationship; has every option open to her; decides she does not wish to bear a child; and has access to a safe, affordable abortion - there is not a tragedy in sight - only blessing."<br /><br />Do not, please, make the mistake of assuming that she is an unrepresentative extremist: liberal Anglicans in America are among the most fervent supporters of abortion in the world, outstripping even atheists in their enthusiasm for this gruesome procedure.<br /><br />[Dean Ragsdale finished her sermon with the following exhortation]: These are the two things I want you, please, to remember - abortion is a blessing and our work is not done. Let me hear you say it: abortion is a blessing and our work is not done. Abortion is a blessing and our work is not done. Abortion is a blessing and our work is not done.<br /><br />I want to thank all of you who protect this blessing - who do this work every day: the health care providers, doctors, nurses, technicians, receptionists, who put your lives on the line to care for others (you are heroes -- in my eyes, you are saints); the escorts and the activists; the lobbyists and the clinic defenders; all of you. You're engaged in holy work.<br /><br /><a href="http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/damian_thompson/blog/2009/04/02/abortion_is_a_blessing_and_abortionists_are_doing_holy_work_says_anglican_priest">http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/damian_thompson/blog/2009/04/02/abortion_is_a_blessing_and_abortionists_are_doing_holy_work_says_anglican_priest</a><br /><br /><br />(Damian Thompson, Telegraph.co.uk, Society/Religion, April 2, 2009).<br /><br />[TBC: "Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen." (Deuteronomy 27:25).]<br /><br /><em>(Anyone else disgusted? -K)</em>Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810923568540127419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20293464.post-84166851639633903212009-05-06T22:50:00.001-04:002009-05-06T22:51:53.340-04:00The Miracle of Life"For You formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made..."<br /><br />~Psalm 139:13 & 14<br /><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/APkV40vUhWs&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/APkV40vUhWs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810923568540127419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20293464.post-39110574596992514862009-04-17T08:31:00.000-04:002009-04-18T03:34:32.035-04:00St. Petersburg, FL Tax Day Tea Party<object height="300" width="400"><param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fkey2yeshua%2Fsets%2F72157616896542984%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fkey2yeshua%2Fsets%2F72157616896542984%2F&set_id=72157616896542984&jump_to="><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=70933"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><br /> <embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=70933" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fkey2yeshua%2Fsets%2F72157616896542984%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fkey2yeshua%2Fsets%2F72157616896542984%2F&set_id=72157616896542984&jump_to=" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><br /><br />About 150 people gathered at the corner of 66th St. and 18th Ave. N in St. Petersburg to let everyone know they've been "Taxed Enough Already".<br /><br />It's very saddening to me that the media has been so distorting and twisting what these events are all about. They use terms like "angry protesters," which was not the case at all. Everyone there was smiling and waving and just wanting to be heard.<br /><br />Contrast that to the truly angry and vicious mob that protested Proposition 8 in California a few months ago. Yet the right-wing conservatives are considered to be the "dangerous" ones. Right...Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810923568540127419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20293464.post-83573236117544783722009-02-04T15:44:00.000-05:002009-02-04T15:45:36.715-05:00QuestionsIs it possible to long for a home you've never seen?<br />Is it possible to love someone from a dream?<br /><br />Can you reach for the sky and find your soul?<br />Can you discover a place that makes you whole?<br /><br />Is there inspiration in a flash of light?<br />Is there hope and forgiveness in the gloom of night?<br /><br />Can Someone sacrifice that you may live?<br />Can Someone show us what it means to give?<br /><br />Is there truth in the midst of lies?<br />Is there comfort for tear-filled eyes?<br /><br />Can a sinner become clean and pure?<br />Can a dying man find a cure?<br /><br />Is there justice for the guilty?<br />Is there escape from the penalty?<br /><br />Can the Son of God become a man?<br />Can the Healer take a nail in His hand?<br /><br />Is it possible you're here for a reason?<br />Is it possible this life is just a season?<br /><br />Can you hear Him knocking, calling your name?<br />Can you see He's already taken your blame?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(Written April 2006)</span>Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810923568540127419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20293464.post-56220293200032453812009-01-02T12:33:00.001-05:002009-01-02T12:33:56.917-05:00Infinite Universe<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKz8rml3IYMXiXXd2NMNnpJ_4eAOuEJBF3vQ3nXqXA7uQdjVlVl_QTNXy-0pQ6R4JEtfeNjH3hiDZQLfxitJ86DP1snJWkg5NuhzRwoGqQAmZrya99lOIUyhMgjVPvQ4WusWtx/s400/I+would+like.jpg" /> </p> <p> </p> <p>Atheist Central: Ray Comfort's Blog </p> <p>"I would like to hear your quantitative answers as to how big the universe is, what light is, and what life is. Since God has revealed all of these answers to you in the Bible, I’m sure that these answers will be answered with 100% precision, and will be reflected in current observations." Mudley </p> <p>I have no faith in "current" observations. Every generation thinks that they are current--that they are "modern." In 20 years time they will laugh at current clothes and hair styles. In 100 years what science believes today will be a joke, and they will no doubt believe that their current knowledge is cool. Man’s quantitative knowledge is a tiny drop in the ocean of what actually is absolute truth. </p> <p>To use the word "big" in describing the universe shows the smallness of our minds. If an elephant is big, what word describes the universe? The best one I can currently come up with is the "infinitude" of the universe. There's not a wall around the edge of space. Traveling at the speed of light, you would go on forever, no matter what direction in which you travel. But one thing I do know, God fills the universe. That's a big brain-strain. </p> <p>He is also the source of light and the source of life. Around 800 years BC, the Psalmist maintained this: "For with you is the fountain of life: in your light shall we see light" (Psalm 36:9). In speaking of the Messiah, John said the same thing: "In him was life; and the life was the light of men" (John 1:4). Jesus said the same thing of Himself: "Then spoke Jesus again to them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12). </p> <p>Then the Apostle Paul confirms this with his: "But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death, and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" (2 Timothy 1:10). There you are. That's 100% precision, straight from the ever-current Bible. </p> <p>SPECIAL NOTE TO MY ATHEIST (FRIENDS): It's been 2009 years since Jesus of Nazareth walked on this earth. May this be the year you come to know Him. In the meanwhile, may God continue to bless you and keep you and your family in health.</p> Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810923568540127419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20293464.post-42368748907892326512008-10-11T12:02:00.001-04:002008-10-11T12:06:47.086-04:00Apathy<p align="center"><font size="5">Who Cares About Apathy <br /></font> <em><font size="4">By Ray Comfort </font></em></p> <p align="center"><em><font size="4"> <br /></font></em></p> <p align="left">I watched the TV monitor as the pastor of a church in West Virginia invited his congregation of 600 to join him, as he held a sign saying that abortion was wrong. He said that he stood on the side of the road for one hour the previous year, and asked who would join him this time. Twenty people raised their hands. I could sense his disappointment at their apathy. He then introduced me as the morning’s guest speaker. </p> <p> <br />I told the congregation that I felt passionate about the subject of abortion, for a good reason. Many years ago someone told me that a new Christian (named Fran) was about to take the life of her child through the procedure. I was horrified, and found out that she was due to have it done within a couple of hours. I sped to the hospital, praying all the way that God would give me the words to change her mind. I rushed in, ran up to the second floor and into her room. She was sitting on the bed, and had already had her preoperational medication. I pleaded, "Please don’t do this!" <br />To my surprise, she just looked at me, and smiled. Then she said, "It’s okay. I’m not going to have it. I just prayed 'God, if you don’t want me to have an abortion, make Ray Comfort come up and see me.'" </p> <p> <br />Two years later, I was at a church picnic when I saw a beautiful little girl playing in the grass. It was Fran’s child. As I knelt down by the cute toddler, it hammered home the issue that we are dealing with when it comes to abortion. </p> <p> <br />I told the congregation (with some passion), that I would never, ever, vote for a man who advocated the murder of a child in the womb. I don't care about his fiscal policies, because the blood of the innocents is on his hands. I also encouraged them to follow the wonderful example of their faithful pastor. I heard later that afternoon that between 400 and 500 turned out. God bless them. </p> <p> <br />However, the answer to the issue of abortion isn’t just to protest, although that's a start. A nation that kills 50 million of its citizens through abortion with no qualms of conscience needs more than a voice of protest. We are no different than Nazi Germany. We have given ourselves to the wickedest of sins, and that will eventually have terrible national consequences. We desperately need God’s forgiveness, and we need a new heart that can only come with conversion. Only the gospel can take a self-righteous, blaspheming, idolatrous, hypocritical, baby-killing nation, forgive it, and make it brand new: </p> <p> <br />"Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them" (Ezekiel 36:25-27).</p> <p> </p> <p>(<a href="http://raycomfortfood.blogspot.com/2008/10/who-cares-about-apathy.html"><em>http://raycomfortfood.blogspot.com/2008/10/who-cares-about-apathy.html</em></a>)</p> Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810923568540127419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20293464.post-32406948260924157792008-10-10T18:25:00.002-04:002008-10-10T18:32:42.811-04:00AFA Ends McDonald's BoycottNot sure if I'll be going back any time soon, but this is good news:<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">AFA ends boycott: McDonald's agrees to changes<br /></span><br />October 9, 2008<br /><br />Dear Kristina,<br /><br />Great news! Because of AFA supporters like you, McDonald’s has told AFA they will remain neutral in the culture war regarding homosexual marriage. AFA is ending the boycott of McDonald’s. As you know, AFA called for the boycott in May after McDonald’s joined the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).<br /><br />McDonald’s said McDonald’s Vice President Richard Ellis has resigned his position on the board of NGLCC and that his seat on the board will not be replaced. McDonald’s also said that the company has no plans to renew their membership in NGLCC when it expires in December.<br /><br />In an e-mail to McDonald’s franchised owners the company said, "It is our policy to not be involved in political and social issues. McDonald’s remains neutral on same sex marriage or any ‘homosexual agenda’ as defined by the American Family Association."<br /><br />We appreciate the decision by McDonald’s to no longer support political activity by homosexual activist organizations. You might want to thank your local McDonald’s manager.<br /><br /><br />Thank you for caring enough to get involved. If you feel our efforts are worthy of support, would you consider making a small tax-deductible contribution to help us continue?<br /><br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Donald E. Wildmon,<br />Founder and Chairman<br />American Family AssociationKristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810923568540127419noreply@blogger.com2