To Be Least
"For he who is least among you all--he is the greatest." (Luke 9:48)Wednesday, December 31, 2003
Finally, I have completed my new design. Tell me what you think. I'll come back later and post something worth reading.
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
Mother natures fury was complete
Sending hail smashing with an odd, eerie beat
Waves crashed against the coast line
As wind ripped through a forest of pine
But behold, a sight to see
There a man stands, staring at me.
His eyes are dark
His face is dreary
Scarred are this mans feet
Turning away something caught my eye
It was a young infant
Skin as smooth as a beautiful, calmed sea
and eyes warmer than he
While starring did I realize
that they were each other
What a strange event to experience
For now I view the world
with eyes I could not see
The weak are strong
The poor are rich
As you are nothing
God sees you as something
That was a poem I wrote about a year ago. After I wrote it I found out it wasn't that bad. Tell me what you think.
The much partied new years day is coming towards us fast. With the celebration comes the real reason for the holiday, the start of a new year. All of us who are Christians or claim to be Christian should of course read the Bible very often for guidance and answers. I would encourage people to start reading the Bible at the beginning of this upcoming New Years day and try to complete the entire Bible by the end of 2004. There are various Bible reading plans to instruct you on which chapters to read everyday, but they are not necessary. Anyhow, I it is only a suggestion and I can't make anyone do it if they don't want to, but I strongly would recommend it.
I think I will work a little bit more on my HTML. Not that you want to know. Goodnight and God bless.
Monday, December 29, 2003
[Here's a short story]
Okay, here I was sitting at the family computer thinking deeply about what exactly to write. I thought about writing about how trials and persecution help develops a Christians perseverance and anything else worthy of writing. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw my one year old sister writing with much energy on the white, clean wall using a marker. Now this is not strange event in the household in which I live, nor is it very startling. Seeing this "horrible" act committed by my sister, I leapt up from my chair and shouted the she was drawing on the wall to anyone who could possibly hear. My sister immediately spun around to see my shocked face, dropped the marker where she stood, and shuffled out of the room with a obvious face of guilt. Needless to say, she was "corrected" and I managed to remove all marks from the wall quite easily. One concept or idea stuck with me however, the concept of guilt. We all have felt guilt when we commit sins, no matter how "small" or "large" the sin was. We all have a sense of what is wrong and right. Why is it that we all do wrong then?
Everyone who has accepted Jesus as there Lord and Savior has the Holy Spirit within them. The Holy Spirit is a part of the trinity [God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit]. As you may know the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one as God. Anyone who has the Holy Spirit within them also have the gifts of the Holy Spirit as shown by 1 Corinthians 12:
1 Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. 2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3 Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.
7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
14 Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts.
And now I will show you the most excellent way.
All these gifts [wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in tongues, and interpretation of tongues] are need in the church to make it function correctly. The church would not be productive for example if everyone had the same gifts. If there were people who could talk in tongues, but no one who could interpret it speaking in tongues would all be in vain and useless. As shown in the text, the church is the body, it needs all the gifts in order to function.
That's all I am going to post today. God Bless.
Okay, here I was sitting at the family computer thinking deeply about what exactly to write. I thought about writing about how trials and persecution help develops a Christians perseverance and anything else worthy of writing. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw my one year old sister writing with much energy on the white, clean wall using a marker. Now this is not strange event in the household in which I live, nor is it very startling. Seeing this "horrible" act committed by my sister, I leapt up from my chair and shouted the she was drawing on the wall to anyone who could possibly hear. My sister immediately spun around to see my shocked face, dropped the marker where she stood, and shuffled out of the room with a obvious face of guilt. Needless to say, she was "corrected" and I managed to remove all marks from the wall quite easily. One concept or idea stuck with me however, the concept of guilt. We all have felt guilt when we commit sins, no matter how "small" or "large" the sin was. We all have a sense of what is wrong and right. Why is it that we all do wrong then?
Everyone who has accepted Jesus as there Lord and Savior has the Holy Spirit within them. The Holy Spirit is a part of the trinity [God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit]. As you may know the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one as God. Anyone who has the Holy Spirit within them also have the gifts of the Holy Spirit as shown by 1 Corinthians 12:
1 Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. 2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3 Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.
7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
14 Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts.
And now I will show you the most excellent way.
All these gifts [wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in tongues, and interpretation of tongues] are need in the church to make it function correctly. The church would not be productive for example if everyone had the same gifts. If there were people who could talk in tongues, but no one who could interpret it speaking in tongues would all be in vain and useless. As shown in the text, the church is the body, it needs all the gifts in order to function.
That's all I am going to post today. God Bless.
Saturday, December 27, 2003
Okay, hello everybody. The blogging teen is back.
Today I'm just going to talk a little about humbleness. God approves of humbleness, this is obvious as shown by many verses in the Bible.
Humble*
SYLLABICATION: hum·ble
ADJECTIVE: Inflected forms: hum·bler, hum·blest
1. Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful.
2. Showing deferential or submissive respect: a humble apology.
3. Low in rank, quality, or station; unpretentious or lowly: a humble cottage.
TRANSITIVE VERB: Inflected forms: hum·bled, hum·bling, hum·bles
1. To curtail or destroy the pride of; humiliate.
2. To cause to be meek or modest in spirit.
3. To give a lower condition or station to; abase. See synonyms at degrade.
ETYMOLOGY: Middle English, from Old French, from Latin humilis, low, lowly, from humus, ground. See dhghem- in Appendix I.
OTHER FORMS: humble·ness ÂNOUN
humbler ÂNOUN
humbly ÂADVERB
*Taken from the American Heritage Dictionary
Now that we all are on the same page, let's take a look at the scriptures.
Humbleness in the book of Psalm
Psalm 18:27
You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.
Psalm 25:9
He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.
Psalm 147:6
The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground.
Psalm 149:4
For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.
God, shown by these short and simple verses saves, guides, sustains, and delights in the humble.
Humbleness in the book of Matthew
Matthew 18:4
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 23
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Here it is again, God saying the whoever is humbled will be the greatest in heaven and be exalted.
If you want some more scripture with references to being humble go Here
A part of humbling yourself is losingly lossing your own pride, but also putting yourself as a servant to others as said by Jesus in Matthew, "The greatest among you will be your servant." So there it all is, laid at your feet. Now it's your decision what to do with it.
Before I sign out for tonight, I want to say that please feel free to email me or leave a comment about my post or blog. I am more then willing to listen to any comments or suggestions. Good night, and God bless.
Today I'm just going to talk a little about humbleness. God approves of humbleness, this is obvious as shown by many verses in the Bible.
SYLLABICATION: hum·ble
ADJECTIVE: Inflected forms: hum·bler, hum·blest
1. Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful.
2. Showing deferential or submissive respect: a humble apology.
3. Low in rank, quality, or station; unpretentious or lowly: a humble cottage.
TRANSITIVE VERB: Inflected forms: hum·bled, hum·bling, hum·bles
1. To curtail or destroy the pride of; humiliate.
2. To cause to be meek or modest in spirit.
3. To give a lower condition or station to; abase. See synonyms at degrade.
ETYMOLOGY: Middle English, from Old French, from Latin humilis, low, lowly, from humus, ground. See dhghem- in Appendix I.
OTHER FORMS: humble·ness ÂNOUN
humbler ÂNOUN
humbly ÂADVERB
*Taken from the American Heritage Dictionary
Now that we all are on the same page, let's take a look at the scriptures.
Humbleness in the book of Psalm
Psalm 18:27
You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.
Psalm 25:9
He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.
Psalm 147:6
The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground.
Psalm 149:4
For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.
God, shown by these short and simple verses saves, guides, sustains, and delights in the humble.
Humbleness in the book of Matthew
Matthew 18:4
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 23
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Here it is again, God saying the whoever is humbled will be the greatest in heaven and be exalted.
If you want some more scripture with references to being humble go Here
A part of humbling yourself is losingly lossing your own pride, but also putting yourself as a servant to others as said by Jesus in Matthew, "The greatest among you will be your servant." So there it all is, laid at your feet. Now it's your decision what to do with it.
Before I sign out for tonight, I want to say that please feel free to email me or leave a comment about my post or blog. I am more then willing to listen to any comments or suggestions. Good night, and God bless.
Friday, December 26, 2003
Giving According to the Bible
Today I, the blogging teen, will address the issue of giving tithes and offerings to the church. Okay, lets start by taking a look at Malachi 3:8. **
Mal 3:8-12
"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.
"But you ask, 'How do we rob you?'
"In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse-the whole nation of you-because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," says the LORD Almighty. "Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land," says the LORD Almighty.
Now lets take a close look at this, in this verse the Lord Almighty, of God, talks the nation of Israel through the prophet Malachi. He tells the Israelites that if the do give to him, he will bless them abundantly, and the nations will call them "blessed" because "yours will be a delightful land."
2 Co 9:7
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
This one is rather simple in format and explanation, but is very important. God is saying that if a person should give, he should not do it just out of "compulsion" or "reluctance". In other words, he should be happy to give, and he should clearly want to give without anything persuading him or without any hesitation because of doubts.
Lk 14:33
"In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple."
In this quote from Jesus he is stating that unless you give up your worldly possessions, you can not become a disciple, or follower of Jesus. In other words, you must die to your selfish desires and human thoughts in order to truly follow him.
Acts 20:35
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'
Paul here remembers "the words of Jesus himself," that it is better to give than to receive. This adds only onto the lists of reasons why we should be "cheerful" to give.
There is much more to be said about the delicate subject of giving, however, I will end my talk with these last few scriptures.
Mat 6:3-4
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
What is meant by this is not that no one should know you are giving to the church or the poor, but that when you do give, it should be done humbly without pride. He goes on to talk of praying in public on which he addresses the same concept of complete humbleness.
Well, the sun is setting, and the time has come when I must say goodnight and wish you a happy New Year!
**All scripture references taken from the New International Bible
Book Review
With an exception to the Bible [of course] here is one of the several books I am currently reading and enjoying I might add.
By Alister E. McGrath
This wonderfully written book by Alister E McGrath, who has also written the Christian Theology: An Introduction, deserves much praise. It contains not only an explanation of Historical theology, but also gives the reader and indepth view of the entire history of theology from 100 A.D. to present day. 
Thursday, December 25, 2003
According to the Toronto Star this Christmas season there was and is going to be more of a crackdown on "under-ground" churches in China. The article stated, "China's government allows worship only in government-monitored churches, temples and mosques. But tens of millions of believers belong to unauthorized churches, whose clergy and members are frequently harassed and detained." Please, read the full article Here.
There is persecution happening around the world this very instant. Many of our brothers in Christ are being detained, thrown into prison, and even shot or brutally tortured for their faith. We, in the United States of America must pray for their strength to perservere.They may need money and bibles, but even they can tell you. What they most need is prayer.
Back at home, there is still a fight to be fought. This FoxNews article [Here] talks about the seperation of church and state as stated in the Constitution. While showing a "fair and balanced" view with two differing sides of the ongoing battle.
The world may rage and fight, but the Christmas dinner awaits.
There is persecution happening around the world this very instant. Many of our brothers in Christ are being detained, thrown into prison, and even shot or brutally tortured for their faith. We, in the United States of America must pray for their strength to perservere.They may need money and bibles, but even they can tell you. What they most need is prayer.
Back at home, there is still a fight to be fought. This FoxNews article [Here] talks about the seperation of church and state as stated in the Constitution. While showing a "fair and balanced" view with two differing sides of the ongoing battle.
The world may rage and fight, but the Christmas dinner awaits.
Here's [Here] a heart warming story of a father and son being reunited after about 60 years. Seemingly miracles do happen.
Well Christmas is today. People all over this country were opening presents no matter how great or small. Thousands of kids were waiting excitedly for today and now that the day is halfway completed they will have to wait another 365 days until the next hectic season of happiness and good cheer.
Everyone receives gifts this time of year as well as gives them. Everyone likes a kind thoughtful gift or present now and then. However, sometimes people think receiving this one item would make them truly happy. What happens when the finally get it? Are they completely satisfied? No, of course not. There might be a dent or a piece might be broken. Even if it was in perfect mint condition, something about it wouldn't make you truly happy. Many people do not know this, but there is only one thing that can make you happy and joyful forever.
That thing is actually a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Son of God, sent by God the Father to this earth 2000 years ago to teach truth and ultimately die on the cross. His death wasn't needless however, he died so that you and me could go to heaven to live with him eternally after our earthly death.
That is not the end of this story however, three days after he was placed into a tomb, he rose to life. He talked with many of his followers then rose up into the sky. Before he left, however, he told the disciple [followers] that he would return in the same way he left.
If you would like to read the entire story go here and scroll down until you see the books Mathew, Mark, Luke and John. Any of these books tell of these events.
I hope everyone reading this had a happy Christmas celebrating Jesus's holy birth. I certainly did.
Well Christmas is today. People all over this country were opening presents no matter how great or small. Thousands of kids were waiting excitedly for today and now that the day is halfway completed they will have to wait another 365 days until the next hectic season of happiness and good cheer.
Everyone receives gifts this time of year as well as gives them. Everyone likes a kind thoughtful gift or present now and then. However, sometimes people think receiving this one item would make them truly happy. What happens when the finally get it? Are they completely satisfied? No, of course not. There might be a dent or a piece might be broken. Even if it was in perfect mint condition, something about it wouldn't make you truly happy. Many people do not know this, but there is only one thing that can make you happy and joyful forever.
That thing is actually a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Son of God, sent by God the Father to this earth 2000 years ago to teach truth and ultimately die on the cross. His death wasn't needless however, he died so that you and me could go to heaven to live with him eternally after our earthly death.
That is not the end of this story however, three days after he was placed into a tomb, he rose to life. He talked with many of his followers then rose up into the sky. Before he left, however, he told the disciple [followers] that he would return in the same way he left.
If you would like to read the entire story go here and scroll down until you see the books Mathew, Mark, Luke and John. Any of these books tell of these events.
I hope everyone reading this had a happy Christmas celebrating Jesus's holy birth. I certainly did.
Oh what can be under that wrapping paper?
Wednesday, December 24, 2003
I wonder what presents appear tonight? Only tomarrow I will find out!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
News
If you haven't already heard Time Magazine's "Person of the Year" for 2003 is. . .
. . .the American soldiers.
These men and women have gone many months in sometimes hostile territory wading bravely in danger itself. They conduct raids on suspect persons, patrol seemingly quite streets, always in danger. Yet somehow they do it every day with confidence. No what your political agenda you belong to or what your personal opinions are we need to give these service men and women a loud round of applause for there valiant effort in securing freedom for humans across the world. [The article is here]
There was a car crash yesterday involving a fifteen year old driver that killed her parents and broke her brothers neck. Please pray for the broken hearted family and for the future of the girl.
Christmas Eve (and Christmas) has snuck up behind me like a thief in the night and has startled me. By somehow either being forgetful or just simple procrastinating. I have found myself not having made or even bought my sisters and presents for tomorrow. So here I sit at the family computer pondering what I should get them while typing away.
Using my own mind I have come up with a short list of some possible ideas. Here they are:
-Give them money
-Buy them a small notepad and pencil each
-Maybe give them a nice card
At this point I run flat out of ideas, but its the thought that counts right? Lucky for me my sisters are not expecting anything spectacular.
So that's all for today.
Tuesday, December 23, 2003
Here I am typing away, reflecting back on the events happened so far today.
A few things struck out at me. All of these things can be divided into these three things:
1]Excercise
2]Caroling
3]Gluttony
Number one. For those of you that don't know [which I'm assuming is about ninety percent of you] I am a part of my High School's wrestling team. Today, although we are in Christmas break, we had of all things a practice. It began at nine o'clock and ran to eleven-thirty in the morning. Not bad you say? Thats what I predicted, however I was taken by supprise at the vigorous workout I recieved. I had to practice several moves for an hour with a tough and strong wrestler. After the hour of deep breathing and sweat I had to wrestle "live" for an whole hour. By this time I was on the verge of sickness.
However, I sincerely believe that many American's as well as people outside this country are suffering from a lack of excercise which in many cases causes obessity or just hurrible health.
Okay, that said, I will continue on to topic number two. Caroling. Def: Singing well known christmas songs at people's front door during the christmas season. Me, being the privilaged and greatly honored person I am [sarcastically] was able to experience this one on one today. Several families from our church decided to take upon this adventure. So with scarves, hates, and gloves we walked from house to house with our feet freezing and our hands shaking. Needless to say, we got to about ten houses [half of which no one was there] before deciding to retreat into the warmth and hospitality of our home where hot chocolate and cookies were eagerly awaiting. Despite all hardships experienced, it was worth it in the end just to see the smiling couples and elderly ladies enjoying this rare sight.
Finally, the last topic for the moment is gluttony. This ties right in with the previous story. So as we went inside to eat the "hot chocolate and cookies" I experienced something all to common where food is plentiful and the milk flowing. I found myself eating until I felt very sick to the stomach. However, I continued to eat and found myself to. . .
. . .continue to eat. Until I realized that I was in fact allready full and was suffering from the common disorder of gluttony. Solution is simply, to watch how much and what your eating. Problem simply solved.
So there it is all layed out for you, with some small morals and tips of the day.
About twenty-four hours now until Christmas. Thousands of kids are counting down the hours.
But I need sleep, so later world. Sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite.
Later.
A few things struck out at me. All of these things can be divided into these three things:
1]Excercise
2]Caroling
3]Gluttony
Number one. For those of you that don't know [which I'm assuming is about ninety percent of you] I am a part of my High School's wrestling team. Today, although we are in Christmas break, we had of all things a practice. It began at nine o'clock and ran to eleven-thirty in the morning. Not bad you say? Thats what I predicted, however I was taken by supprise at the vigorous workout I recieved. I had to practice several moves for an hour with a tough and strong wrestler. After the hour of deep breathing and sweat I had to wrestle "live" for an whole hour. By this time I was on the verge of sickness.
However, I sincerely believe that many American's as well as people outside this country are suffering from a lack of excercise which in many cases causes obessity or just hurrible health.
Okay, that said, I will continue on to topic number two. Caroling. Def: Singing well known christmas songs at people's front door during the christmas season. Me, being the privilaged and greatly honored person I am [sarcastically] was able to experience this one on one today. Several families from our church decided to take upon this adventure. So with scarves, hates, and gloves we walked from house to house with our feet freezing and our hands shaking. Needless to say, we got to about ten houses [half of which no one was there] before deciding to retreat into the warmth and hospitality of our home where hot chocolate and cookies were eagerly awaiting. Despite all hardships experienced, it was worth it in the end just to see the smiling couples and elderly ladies enjoying this rare sight.
Finally, the last topic for the moment is gluttony. This ties right in with the previous story. So as we went inside to eat the "hot chocolate and cookies" I experienced something all to common where food is plentiful and the milk flowing. I found myself eating until I felt very sick to the stomach. However, I continued to eat and found myself to. . .
. . .continue to eat. Until I realized that I was in fact allready full and was suffering from the common disorder of gluttony. Solution is simply, to watch how much and what your eating. Problem simply solved.
So there it is all layed out for you, with some small morals and tips of the day.
About twenty-four hours now until Christmas. Thousands of kids are counting down the hours.
But I need sleep, so later world. Sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite.
Later.
The True Meaning of Christmas
As Christmas is becoming closer we need to realize the wonderful and true meaning of Christmas. No not Santa Clause and his reindeer, not candy canes and elves. I'm talking about Christs birth in the small town of Bethlehem in Israel.
Here's the actual scripture taken from the NIV [New International Version]:
1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[1] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Jesus Presented in the Temple
21On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived.
22When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"[2] ), 24and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."[3]
25Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you now dismiss[4] your servant in peace.
30For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
32a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."
33The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
36There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[5] She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
39When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
The Boy Jesus at the Temple
41Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. 42When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. 43After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you."
49"Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" 50But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
51Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
- Luke (NIV)
Let us not forget the great gift the Gad gave us to send his own son to die on the cross and thus forgiving us of all our sins. Because God sent his only son to earth to take on human flesh we now can have eternal life in heaven with Christ Jesus.
Good morning world. . .
. . .Have a happy christmas.
Monday, December 22, 2003
A few days ago in English class, one of the students proclaimed here hatred for our Commander in Chief, President George w. Bush. The incredibly odd part off this incident was not that it was said, rather how it was said. She did it while sharing here supposedly funny Limerick. Our teacher had assigned us this poetry writing and she obviously used it for her platform on which to "express herself."
Incidentally, our English teacher is also quite liberal and showed her approval for her actions. When several of my classmates showed there objection to the flat statement, they were hushed by the teacher. Although the only "logical" statement this Bush bashing student could utter at the time was, "Because I care!"
Let us take a close look at this statement. You can first notice that she has very little data and info to back up her feelings. At closer inspection you can also quite clearly realize that she assumes that all republicans are idiots and she, a deep thinker, is one of the few who actually "care" about there being a good future president. Not realizing of course that some republicans actually do "care" and because of this voted for a good leader and role model for president.
Despite all the slanderous things she said about our president, we all have to acknowledge the fact that there is freedom of speech in this great country, even is the speech is very ignorant.
Later America.
Incidentally, our English teacher is also quite liberal and showed her approval for her actions. When several of my classmates showed there objection to the flat statement, they were hushed by the teacher. Although the only "logical" statement this Bush bashing student could utter at the time was, "Because I care!"
Let us take a close look at this statement. You can first notice that she has very little data and info to back up her feelings. At closer inspection you can also quite clearly realize that she assumes that all republicans are idiots and she, a deep thinker, is one of the few who actually "care" about there being a good future president. Not realizing of course that some republicans actually do "care" and because of this voted for a good leader and role model for president.
Despite all the slanderous things she said about our president, we all have to acknowledge the fact that there is freedom of speech in this great country, even is the speech is very ignorant.
Later America.
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This is the official beginning of this blog. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email me them.
This is the official beginning of this blog. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email me them.
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