I really want to thank whoever posted the anonymous comment on my blog yesterday.
Today, I found myself pondering God's thoughts towards me, His daughter. I was thinking about the times when I feel gorgeous. It seems the times I feel the best about myself, the times I look the best, the times I am at my most witty, the times when I'm passionately absorbed in something, the times that I sing the best, the times that I am funny and charming...are all times that I am alone.
I don't know if anyone notices me during the times when I feel like a true beauty, when I feel like I'm spinning in circles in a twirly skirt...on the inside. It kind of makes me sad. I mean, yeah, I want someone who loves me when I'm far from being at my finest, but I also wish someone would notice me when I feel gorgeous and share in my joy...share in my beauty.
Anyway, I realize that it's silly to have expectations like that about a man...friend or otherwise...And I started to think about what God thought of me. I wondered if He smiled at the times when I feel gorgeous and feel like dancing, if He liked the songs I sing in the shower, if He chuckles when I fall asleep talking to Him in McRory Gardens...I just...I wondered if He really did love me like that.
That's when I read that comment...that anonymous comment that said that God was captivated by me...it made me blush. I mean, it's me. God is the one who is captivating and amazing...the thought of Him loving me like that...makes me want to cry. It does go along with Isaiah 54:5, though...God being a husband...God is everything because He is that amazing.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Monday, May 22, 2006
Who am I? Can I be beautiful too?
It's true. Everything I've been reading in Captivating is true. I do want romance; I want to be pursued. I want to be an important and necessary part of an adventure; I long to be needed. I want to be beautiful....
When I was little, I wanted people to be fascinated by me...to think I was special and worth their time. I was a charmer and an entertainer...I sang and told jokes...I danced and smiled.
I grew up. I don't know when it was that I started to realize that I was different...when I started to realize that not everyone wanted to see what I could do...that not everyone cares about Takara.
Maybe it was middle school. I kept trying to find ways to make me stand out. Labels that would set me apart as special and interesting and amazing. I was the "tall one"...I tried to be an athlete. I was a musician for a while...a bassoonist. I was the smart one. Nothing worked. Maybe that's why I was anorexic; I don't even quite know why I was, anymore. It hasn't mattered.
The real point is the fact that I'm almost grown up, now. I don't get to hide behind accomplishments and hobbies. I can't use them to make myself seem more important...I'm too old for that...I've tried to cope a bajillion different ways. I've managed to be both the timid girl that hides behind busyness to avoid letting people see her as well as the controlling girl who tries not to need anyone...yeah, I'm not very good at not needing people, but the fact of the matter is that I actually am broken...or fallen. I'm not the kind of woman I was made to be, and it kind of kills me inside. It scares me. Even though I'm reading a book that talks about how every woman is beautiful, though they typically have their doubts about it, I feel like it's true for everyone but me. Example: I was reading out at the dam, today...I sat in a tree and read a chapter before walking back to my car. As I walked, I thought about how there were too many people around. I wondered if they were looking at me. A part of me hoped they were and that they were thinking about the beautiful girl out at the river by herself...but another part of me dreaded the thought of them looking at me. I mean what if they were actually thinking about how my hair was looking sloppy and how my hips are too wide...what if they saw that I wasn't showing my teeth when I smiled or...something...
It just seems a wee bit ironic that I could talk to young girls about how they are beautiful and precious and deserve to be treated as such...when I struggle to say that to myself...or treat myself that way...
So, just as my book suggests, I am plagued by questions: Am I lovely? Do you see me? Do you want to see me? Are you captivated by what you find in me?
I don't know that I'm looking for anyone to post answers...I don't know if I'd believe them...I mean, they'd just be words...
When I was little, I wanted people to be fascinated by me...to think I was special and worth their time. I was a charmer and an entertainer...I sang and told jokes...I danced and smiled.
I grew up. I don't know when it was that I started to realize that I was different...when I started to realize that not everyone wanted to see what I could do...that not everyone cares about Takara.
Maybe it was middle school. I kept trying to find ways to make me stand out. Labels that would set me apart as special and interesting and amazing. I was the "tall one"...I tried to be an athlete. I was a musician for a while...a bassoonist. I was the smart one. Nothing worked. Maybe that's why I was anorexic; I don't even quite know why I was, anymore. It hasn't mattered.
The real point is the fact that I'm almost grown up, now. I don't get to hide behind accomplishments and hobbies. I can't use them to make myself seem more important...I'm too old for that...I've tried to cope a bajillion different ways. I've managed to be both the timid girl that hides behind busyness to avoid letting people see her as well as the controlling girl who tries not to need anyone...yeah, I'm not very good at not needing people, but the fact of the matter is that I actually am broken...or fallen. I'm not the kind of woman I was made to be, and it kind of kills me inside. It scares me. Even though I'm reading a book that talks about how every woman is beautiful, though they typically have their doubts about it, I feel like it's true for everyone but me. Example: I was reading out at the dam, today...I sat in a tree and read a chapter before walking back to my car. As I walked, I thought about how there were too many people around. I wondered if they were looking at me. A part of me hoped they were and that they were thinking about the beautiful girl out at the river by herself...but another part of me dreaded the thought of them looking at me. I mean what if they were actually thinking about how my hair was looking sloppy and how my hips are too wide...what if they saw that I wasn't showing my teeth when I smiled or...something...
It just seems a wee bit ironic that I could talk to young girls about how they are beautiful and precious and deserve to be treated as such...when I struggle to say that to myself...or treat myself that way...
So, just as my book suggests, I am plagued by questions: Am I lovely? Do you see me? Do you want to see me? Are you captivated by what you find in me?
I don't know that I'm looking for anyone to post answers...I don't know if I'd believe them...I mean, they'd just be words...
I want to be beautiful...
Beautiful by Bethany Dillon...I'll post my thoughts in a few minutes...but these lyrics...they're my soul's cry.
I was so unique
Now I feel skin deep
I count on the make-up to cover it all
Crying myself to sleep cause I
cannot keep their attention
I thought I could be strong
But it's killing me
Does someone hear my cry?
I'm dying for new life
[Chorus]
I want to be beautiful
Make you stand in awe
Look inside my heart,
and be amazed
I want to hear you say
Who I am is quite enough
Just want to be worthy of love
And beautiful
Sometimes I wish I was someone other than me
Fighting to make the mirror happy
Trying to find whatever is missing
Won't you help me back to glory
[Chorus]
You make me beautiful
You make me stand in awe
You step inside my heart, and I am amazed
I love to hear You say
Who I am is quite enough
You make me worthy of love and beautiful
I was so unique
Now I feel skin deep
I count on the make-up to cover it all
Crying myself to sleep cause I
cannot keep their attention
I thought I could be strong
But it's killing me
Does someone hear my cry?
I'm dying for new life
[Chorus]
I want to be beautiful
Make you stand in awe
Look inside my heart,
and be amazed
I want to hear you say
Who I am is quite enough
Just want to be worthy of love
And beautiful
Sometimes I wish I was someone other than me
Fighting to make the mirror happy
Trying to find whatever is missing
Won't you help me back to glory
[Chorus]
You make me beautiful
You make me stand in awe
You step inside my heart, and I am amazed
I love to hear You say
Who I am is quite enough
You make me worthy of love and beautiful
Monday, May 01, 2006
Love or Fear?
Luther's meaning of the First Commandment, as recorded in Luther's Small Catechism (which I diligently memorized years ago for my confirmation but can no long precisely recall in its enirity), he writes, "We are to fear, love and trust God above all else." This is a common theme through out Luther's Catechism..."fear, love, and trust". It's a seeming paradox, for it does hold great truth about the nature of our realationship with God.
My e-mail devotion for the day addressed this topic:
“Fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline” (Proverbs 1:7).
"Are we to fear or love God?" asked our facilitator in a small group.
After a brief discussion we concluded that we are to do both: fear and love God. How can that be?
Fear without love makes God a merciless judge waiting to pounce on us if we do wrong. We don’t want to get near a God like that.
Love without fear, however, makes God to be a comedian who wants everyone to just be happy--- the old man in the sky with flowing white hair patting everyone on the head, mumbling, "Bless you. Everything will be just fine." That’s not love. It’s sentimental fluff.
Because God is awesome and holy, we fear Him. Because God is kind and good, we love Him.
In C.S. Lewis’ book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the children are to meet Aslan, the lion king of Narnia and they are afraid. "Is he tame?" one asks.
"Oh, no," Mr. Beaver says. "You have every right to be afraid of him, for he is fierce."
Then he smiles at the children, "but don’t be afraid, Aslan is not tame but he is good."
We are to fear God, to honor and respect Him, to live in awe of His power, and to obey His Word. But because we know He is good, we also love and trust Him.
Consider a child who loves and trusts his father. He knows his father will provide for him, look after him, protect him, stand by him and fight for him. Still, when he’s been naughty, he’s afraid all the same. Why? "What will dad do to me now?" he worries. He knows that he’s done something to displease his father and there will be consequences.
And what does a loving father do? Excuse bad behavior? Allow it to continue? No. Because he loves his child deeply, he’ll allow him or her to face the consequences. Otherwise, the child will not learn about the real world. The child will not grow and mature and learn from his or her mistakes.
Real love takes the long-term view. It punishes to prevent more harm. It disciplines to create more growth. It sometimes withholds what we think is good to give us something better.
Thus, the love of God is both tough and tender. Our response to a God like that is to fear and love Him.
~Father, I thank You that You love me enough to discipline me.
It very much reminds me of Hebrews 12:
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
4In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."[a]
7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
12Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13"Make level paths for your feet,"[b] so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
Warning Against Refusing God
14Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears.
18You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; 19to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, 20because they could not bear what was commanded: "If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned."[c] 21The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, "I am trembling with fear."[d]
22But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, 24to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
25See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens."[e] 27The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
28Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29for our "God is a consuming fire."
For some reason, that imagery very much appeals to me. I like that my Father loves me enough to punish me when I do wrong yet has grace enough to sustain me and encourage me to do better. That's my meditation for the day, I guess.
Grace and peace to each of you.
My e-mail devotion for the day addressed this topic:
“Fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline” (Proverbs 1:7).
"Are we to fear or love God?" asked our facilitator in a small group.
After a brief discussion we concluded that we are to do both: fear and love God. How can that be?
Fear without love makes God a merciless judge waiting to pounce on us if we do wrong. We don’t want to get near a God like that.
Love without fear, however, makes God to be a comedian who wants everyone to just be happy--- the old man in the sky with flowing white hair patting everyone on the head, mumbling, "Bless you. Everything will be just fine." That’s not love. It’s sentimental fluff.
Because God is awesome and holy, we fear Him. Because God is kind and good, we love Him.
In C.S. Lewis’ book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the children are to meet Aslan, the lion king of Narnia and they are afraid. "Is he tame?" one asks.
"Oh, no," Mr. Beaver says. "You have every right to be afraid of him, for he is fierce."
Then he smiles at the children, "but don’t be afraid, Aslan is not tame but he is good."
We are to fear God, to honor and respect Him, to live in awe of His power, and to obey His Word. But because we know He is good, we also love and trust Him.
Consider a child who loves and trusts his father. He knows his father will provide for him, look after him, protect him, stand by him and fight for him. Still, when he’s been naughty, he’s afraid all the same. Why? "What will dad do to me now?" he worries. He knows that he’s done something to displease his father and there will be consequences.
And what does a loving father do? Excuse bad behavior? Allow it to continue? No. Because he loves his child deeply, he’ll allow him or her to face the consequences. Otherwise, the child will not learn about the real world. The child will not grow and mature and learn from his or her mistakes.
Real love takes the long-term view. It punishes to prevent more harm. It disciplines to create more growth. It sometimes withholds what we think is good to give us something better.
Thus, the love of God is both tough and tender. Our response to a God like that is to fear and love Him.
~Father, I thank You that You love me enough to discipline me.
It very much reminds me of Hebrews 12:
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
4In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."[a]
7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
12Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13"Make level paths for your feet,"[b] so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
Warning Against Refusing God
14Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears.
18You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; 19to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, 20because they could not bear what was commanded: "If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned."[c] 21The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, "I am trembling with fear."[d]
22But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, 24to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
25See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens."[e] 27The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
28Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29for our "God is a consuming fire."
For some reason, that imagery very much appeals to me. I like that my Father loves me enough to punish me when I do wrong yet has grace enough to sustain me and encourage me to do better. That's my meditation for the day, I guess.
Grace and peace to each of you.
Love
A few thoughts on what love is. Yes, some of them came from a forward, others did not, but give 'em a chance...you might just get all starry-eyed...or teary-eyed...I did...
A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds: "What does love mean?" The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:
"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her
toenails anymore.
So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got
arthritis too. That's love."
Rebecca- age 8
"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.
You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."
Billy - age 4
"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and
they go out and smell each other."
Karl - age 5
"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries
without making them give you any of theirs."
Chrissy - age 6
"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired."
Terri - age 4
"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before
giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK."
Danny - age 7
"Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more.
My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss"
Emily - age 8
"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening
presents and listen."
Bobby - age 7
"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who
you hate,"
Nikka - age 6
"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it
everyday."
Noelle - age 7
"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends
even after they know each other so well."
Tommy - age 6
"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore."
Cindy - age 8
"My mommy loves me more than anybody .
You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night."
Clare - age 6
"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken."
Elaine-age 5
"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is
handsomer than Robert Redford."
Chris - age 7
"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day."
Mary Ann - age 4
"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes
and has to go out and buy new ones."
Lauren - age 4
"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars
come out of you."
Karen - age 7
"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross."
Mark - age 6
"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean
it, you should say it a lot. People forget."
Jessica - age 8
"Love is when a girl asks for a french fry, and he gives her all of them."
Nikki- age 4
And the final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscagla once talked
about a contest he was asked to judge.
The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child.
The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor
was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.
Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old
gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.
When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said,
"Nothing, I just helped him cry"
Genesis 22:2
"And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of."
Genesis 24:67
"And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death."
Genesis 29:20
"And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her."
Exodus 20:6
"And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments."
Deuteronomy 6:5
"And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might."
1 John 4:18
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."
Matthew 10:37
"He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."
Proverbs 10:12
"Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins."
Romans 8:38-39
"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Ephesians 5:25-32
"25Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
29For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
30For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
31For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
32This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church."
Hebrews 6:10-12
" 10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
11And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
12That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."
Matthew 22:37
"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."
Romans 12:9
"Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good."
Peter 1:22
"Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:"
1 John 3:18
"My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."
John 15:13
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
Romans 5:8
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
-A lot to read, I know, but I hope you enjoyed it....May the love of Christ fill your hearts and light up your lives.
A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds: "What does love mean?" The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:
"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her
toenails anymore.
So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got
arthritis too. That's love."
Rebecca- age 8
"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.
You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."
Billy - age 4
"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and
they go out and smell each other."
Karl - age 5
"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries
without making them give you any of theirs."
Chrissy - age 6
"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired."
Terri - age 4
"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before
giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK."
Danny - age 7
"Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more.
My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss"
Emily - age 8
"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening
presents and listen."
Bobby - age 7
"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who
you hate,"
Nikka - age 6
"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it
everyday."
Noelle - age 7
"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends
even after they know each other so well."
Tommy - age 6
"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore."
Cindy - age 8
"My mommy loves me more than anybody .
You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night."
Clare - age 6
"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken."
Elaine-age 5
"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is
handsomer than Robert Redford."
Chris - age 7
"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day."
Mary Ann - age 4
"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes
and has to go out and buy new ones."
Lauren - age 4
"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars
come out of you."
Karen - age 7
"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross."
Mark - age 6
"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean
it, you should say it a lot. People forget."
Jessica - age 8
"Love is when a girl asks for a french fry, and he gives her all of them."
Nikki- age 4
And the final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscagla once talked
about a contest he was asked to judge.
The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child.
The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor
was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.
Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old
gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.
When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said,
"Nothing, I just helped him cry"
Genesis 22:2
"And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of."
Genesis 24:67
"And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death."
Genesis 29:20
"And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her."
Exodus 20:6
"And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments."
Deuteronomy 6:5
"And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might."
1 John 4:18
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."
Matthew 10:37
"He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."
Proverbs 10:12
"Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins."
Romans 8:38-39
"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Ephesians 5:25-32
"25Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
29For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
30For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
31For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
32This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church."
Hebrews 6:10-12
" 10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
11And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
12That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."
Matthew 22:37
"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."
Romans 12:9
"Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good."
Peter 1:22
"Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:"
1 John 3:18
"My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."
John 15:13
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
Romans 5:8
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
-A lot to read, I know, but I hope you enjoyed it....May the love of Christ fill your hearts and light up your lives.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Grace
Never Been Unloved Michael W. Smith
I have been unfaithful
I have been unworthy
I have been unrighteous
And I have been unmerciful
I have been unreachable
I have been unteachable
I have been unwilling
And I have been undesirable
And sometimes I have unwise
I've been undone by what I'm unsure of
But because of You
And all that You went through
I know that I have never been unloved
I have been unbroken
I have been unmended
I have been uneasy
And I've been unapproachable
I've been unemotional
I've been unexceptional
I've been undecided
And I have been unqualified
Unaware
I have been unfair
I've been unfit for blessings from above
But even I can see
The sacrifice You made for me
To show that I have never been unloved
It's because of You
And all that You went through
I know that I have never been unloved
I have been unfaithful
I have been unworthy
I have been unrighteous
And I have been unmerciful
I have been unreachable
I have been unteachable
I have been unwilling
And I have been undesirable
And sometimes I have unwise
I've been undone by what I'm unsure of
But because of You
And all that You went through
I know that I have never been unloved
I have been unbroken
I have been unmended
I have been uneasy
And I've been unapproachable
I've been unemotional
I've been unexceptional
I've been undecided
And I have been unqualified
Unaware
I have been unfair
I've been unfit for blessings from above
But even I can see
The sacrifice You made for me
To show that I have never been unloved
It's because of You
And all that You went through
I know that I have never been unloved
Daughter of the King
Daughter of Evil
I know the title of this post seems to clash with that link, but it doesn't. I don't really know what to say, but that woman's story speaks for itself. So, read it.
I know the title of this post seems to clash with that link, but it doesn't. I don't really know what to say, but that woman's story speaks for itself. So, read it.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Diverse City
Lately, I've really been pondering the world and how to serve in it. I started to think of that song by Toby Mac, "Diverse City":
They call us Diverse City, we're colorful good
It's like a freak show in your neighborhood
So, if you wanna praise you can come on down
Cause this freak show's leaving the ground
Up, up and away, baby we don't play, maybe you thought you was done for the day
He said, she said, I said this, that you can't get away from your moment of bliss
Stirring, we'll lure you in and we'll make room for the shade of skin
Short ones, tall ones, skinny ones, bigger, love is the gun and we pullin' that trigger
So you send me and I'll send you hope in the form of a new tattoo
Mine is the shiny city on a hill and yours, of course, is the colors that fill it
We'll take you high, we'll take you higher
Now come to the city where you can praise
If you're black, if you're white, if you're yellow or grey
In the morning, in the night, anytime of day
What's that place - Diverse City
With curls in your hair and braids on the side
Straight shake'em loose, just come on and ride
We're a body with parts, like you and me
Together we make diversity
Welcome to Diverse City, we're colorful good
It's like a freak show in your neighborhood
So, if you wanna praise you can come on down
Cause this freak show's leaving the ground
Said we're Diverse City, we're colorful goods
It's just a state of mind, we gonna shine the way that we should, baby
So, if you wanna praise you can come on down
Cause this freak show's leaving the ground
You bring the heart, I'll bring the soul
I'll bring the flag, you bring the pole
We'll fly it high so the whole world knows
The dream of a king 'bout to unfold
We 'bout to do this thing for real
Diverse City got mass appeal
So put your hand in the hand of mine
And we'll spread this love like dandelions
I like it because it paints a beautiful picture of what the Body of Christ, the Bride of Christ, the Church, truly looks like. We are all different, different colors and sizes, races and ethnicities. We even worship differently and live differently, but we're all one family. We will all worship together in Heaven. It's incredible. It makes me mindful of my brothers and sisters and my mindset towards them. Christ died for all of us, after all. I want to be able to help my brothers and sisters, to encourage them and support them as they seek to serve the Lord, just as I am doing.
That's why I was so struck by an e-mail I received recently:
Hi Takara,
I want to share an amazing story about a woman
surviving against the odds, and if you like it, you
can see it on PBS afterwards.
In a male-dominated village in Bangladesh, a woman
named only "Rohima" was married off before she reached
puberty. When her husband was later killed, her in-laws
threw her out, pregnant.
She and her infant son survived by growing vegetables
on a small plot and begging for food from neighbors. "I
was just a poor woman, with no husband. I was lower
than a dog," she said.
Though Rohima never finished primary school, she can
now diagnose and treat simple illnesses. By offering
her community valuable medical skills, she now holds a
respected place where few existed for women, let alone
single mothers.
Watch a video clip of Rohima's work here.
http://go.care2.com/e/Jjr/Jj/OUCp
Today, Rohima monitors the health of 300
households, visiting 15 homes a day and dispensing
advice about nutrition, sanitation, and family
planning. She teaches mothers to treat their
children's diarrheal dehydration by giving them
homemade oral-rehydration therapy: half a liter of
water, a pinch of salt, and a fistful of sugar. She
can also make preliminary diagnoses of illnesses like
tuberculosis, referring her patients to clinics for
tests and treatment. As a volunteer, she receives no
salary, but earns a living off commissions she makes
on health products. She and her son run a tiny
pharmacy, which she started with a small loan from
BRAC.
Rohima's story is only one exciting example of
groundbreaking progress on the frontlines of
global health explored in the PBS documentary
Rx for Survival—The Heroes. This two-hour
special features stories of real-life heroes whose
tireless perseverance saves millions of lives across
the globe.
Drawn from the acclaimed Rx for Survival—
A Global Health Challenge™ series, this unique
special is the true story of individuals whose
creativity, leadership and determination are finally
giving hope to people who have known only
poverty and disease, but who can now dream of
a safer and healthier future. Rx for Survival—
The Heroes is narrated by Brad Pitt and premieres
April 12 at 9p.m. on PBS.
Check your local listing for showtimes here:
http://go.care2.com/e/JjR/Jj/OUCp
Thanks for caring,
Hilary S.
P.S. It's not just community health that benefits from
training women to be health workers. By targeting some
of the world's most feared and lethal diseases, the
status of women fighting disease has also improved.
Read a dispatch in the field from one of the workers
participating in the program:
http://go.care2.com/e/Jjs/Jj/OUCp
I guess, what I'm hoping will come of this post is prayer. I just ask that you all would continue to hold the whole Church in prayer. Pray for our brothers and sisters who are out sharing the Gospel, pray for our brothers and sisters who serve from home, pray for those who have yet to hear the Gospel and join the family, pray for all those who became our brothers and sisters this day (Heaven rejoices for them; I figure we ought to as well.) Pray for those in a season of discernment that they might hear God's call and have the courage and strength to do His will.
-and all God's people said, "AMEN!"
They call us Diverse City, we're colorful good
It's like a freak show in your neighborhood
So, if you wanna praise you can come on down
Cause this freak show's leaving the ground
Up, up and away, baby we don't play, maybe you thought you was done for the day
He said, she said, I said this, that you can't get away from your moment of bliss
Stirring, we'll lure you in and we'll make room for the shade of skin
Short ones, tall ones, skinny ones, bigger, love is the gun and we pullin' that trigger
So you send me and I'll send you hope in the form of a new tattoo
Mine is the shiny city on a hill and yours, of course, is the colors that fill it
We'll take you high, we'll take you higher
Now come to the city where you can praise
If you're black, if you're white, if you're yellow or grey
In the morning, in the night, anytime of day
What's that place - Diverse City
With curls in your hair and braids on the side
Straight shake'em loose, just come on and ride
We're a body with parts, like you and me
Together we make diversity
Welcome to Diverse City, we're colorful good
It's like a freak show in your neighborhood
So, if you wanna praise you can come on down
Cause this freak show's leaving the ground
Said we're Diverse City, we're colorful goods
It's just a state of mind, we gonna shine the way that we should, baby
So, if you wanna praise you can come on down
Cause this freak show's leaving the ground
You bring the heart, I'll bring the soul
I'll bring the flag, you bring the pole
We'll fly it high so the whole world knows
The dream of a king 'bout to unfold
We 'bout to do this thing for real
Diverse City got mass appeal
So put your hand in the hand of mine
And we'll spread this love like dandelions
I like it because it paints a beautiful picture of what the Body of Christ, the Bride of Christ, the Church, truly looks like. We are all different, different colors and sizes, races and ethnicities. We even worship differently and live differently, but we're all one family. We will all worship together in Heaven. It's incredible. It makes me mindful of my brothers and sisters and my mindset towards them. Christ died for all of us, after all. I want to be able to help my brothers and sisters, to encourage them and support them as they seek to serve the Lord, just as I am doing.
That's why I was so struck by an e-mail I received recently:
Hi Takara,
I want to share an amazing story about a woman
surviving against the odds, and if you like it, you
can see it on PBS afterwards.
In a male-dominated village in Bangladesh, a woman
named only "Rohima" was married off before she reached
puberty. When her husband was later killed, her in-laws
threw her out, pregnant.
She and her infant son survived by growing vegetables
on a small plot and begging for food from neighbors. "I
was just a poor woman, with no husband. I was lower
than a dog," she said.
Though Rohima never finished primary school, she can
now diagnose and treat simple illnesses. By offering
her community valuable medical skills, she now holds a
respected place where few existed for women, let alone
single mothers.
Watch a video clip of Rohima's work here.
http://go.care2.com/e/Jjr/Jj/OUCp
Today, Rohima monitors the health of 300
households, visiting 15 homes a day and dispensing
advice about nutrition, sanitation, and family
planning. She teaches mothers to treat their
children's diarrheal dehydration by giving them
homemade oral-rehydration therapy: half a liter of
water, a pinch of salt, and a fistful of sugar. She
can also make preliminary diagnoses of illnesses like
tuberculosis, referring her patients to clinics for
tests and treatment. As a volunteer, she receives no
salary, but earns a living off commissions she makes
on health products. She and her son run a tiny
pharmacy, which she started with a small loan from
BRAC.
Rohima's story is only one exciting example of
groundbreaking progress on the frontlines of
global health explored in the PBS documentary
Rx for Survival—The Heroes. This two-hour
special features stories of real-life heroes whose
tireless perseverance saves millions of lives across
the globe.
Drawn from the acclaimed Rx for Survival—
A Global Health Challenge™ series, this unique
special is the true story of individuals whose
creativity, leadership and determination are finally
giving hope to people who have known only
poverty and disease, but who can now dream of
a safer and healthier future. Rx for Survival—
The Heroes is narrated by Brad Pitt and premieres
April 12 at 9p.m. on PBS.
Check your local listing for showtimes here:
http://go.care2.com/e/JjR/Jj/OUCp
Thanks for caring,
Hilary S.
P.S. It's not just community health that benefits from
training women to be health workers. By targeting some
of the world's most feared and lethal diseases, the
status of women fighting disease has also improved.
Read a dispatch in the field from one of the workers
participating in the program:
http://go.care2.com/e/Jjs/Jj/OUCp
I guess, what I'm hoping will come of this post is prayer. I just ask that you all would continue to hold the whole Church in prayer. Pray for our brothers and sisters who are out sharing the Gospel, pray for our brothers and sisters who serve from home, pray for those who have yet to hear the Gospel and join the family, pray for all those who became our brothers and sisters this day (Heaven rejoices for them; I figure we ought to as well.) Pray for those in a season of discernment that they might hear God's call and have the courage and strength to do His will.
-and all God's people said, "AMEN!"
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Thoughts about Gifts
Simple Gifts by Aaron Copland
'Tis the gift to be simple,
'tis the gift to be free,
'tis the gift to come down
where we ought to be,
and when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gained
to bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed,
to turn, turn, will be our delight
till by turning, turning we come round right.
Zen Parable: The Giver Should Be Thankful
While Seisetsu was teh master of Engaku in Kamakura he required larger quarters, since those in which he was teaching were overcrowded. Umezu Seibei, a merchant of Edo, decided to donate five hundred pieces of gold called ryo toward the construction of a more commodious school. This money he brought to the teacher.
Seisetsu said: "All right. I will take it."
Umezu gave Seisetsu the sack of gold, but he was dissatisfied with the attitude of teh teacher. One might live a whole year on three ryo, and the merchant had not even been thanked for five hundred.
"In that sack are five hundred ryo," hinted Umezu.
"You told me that before," replied Seisetsu.
"Even if I am a wealthy merchant, five hundred ryo is a lot of money," said Umezu.
"Do you want me to thank you for it?" asked Seisetsu.
"You ought to," replied Umezu.
"Why should I?" inquired Seisetsu. "The giver should be thankful."
Ecclesiastes 3:13
And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.
Matthew 5:22-24 (King James Version)
22But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
23Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
24Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Matthew 7:11
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Acts 8:20
But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
Romans 5:15-18 (King James Version)
15But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
16And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
17For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
18Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Corinthians 7:7
For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
'Tis the gift to be simple,
'tis the gift to be free,
'tis the gift to come down
where we ought to be,
and when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gained
to bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed,
to turn, turn, will be our delight
till by turning, turning we come round right.
Zen Parable: The Giver Should Be Thankful
While Seisetsu was teh master of Engaku in Kamakura he required larger quarters, since those in which he was teaching were overcrowded. Umezu Seibei, a merchant of Edo, decided to donate five hundred pieces of gold called ryo toward the construction of a more commodious school. This money he brought to the teacher.
Seisetsu said: "All right. I will take it."
Umezu gave Seisetsu the sack of gold, but he was dissatisfied with the attitude of teh teacher. One might live a whole year on three ryo, and the merchant had not even been thanked for five hundred.
"In that sack are five hundred ryo," hinted Umezu.
"You told me that before," replied Seisetsu.
"Even if I am a wealthy merchant, five hundred ryo is a lot of money," said Umezu.
"Do you want me to thank you for it?" asked Seisetsu.
"You ought to," replied Umezu.
"Why should I?" inquired Seisetsu. "The giver should be thankful."
Ecclesiastes 3:13
And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.
Matthew 5:22-24 (King James Version)
22But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
23Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
24Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Matthew 7:11
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Acts 8:20
But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
Romans 5:15-18 (King James Version)
15But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
16And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
17For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
18Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Corinthians 7:7
For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Breaking News...kind of
I was working on finding information for a new post...it was going to be way well researched, but I came across some news that needed to take top priority.
The abortion bill in South Dakota is being petitioned against, right now. South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families has begun circulating a petition that would put the new law on the ballot, this November. If they can get 17,000 signatures by June 19, the law will not go into effect in July as slated, but rather be decided upon by popular vote. According to their homepage, they are hoping to get this law repealed. Volunteers are going door to door soliciting signatures (Keloland.com). I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens, but I urge each and every one of you to continue to hold South Dakota in your prayers, and for those of you in the state, if it comes to a vote, please stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves. God bless you all.
The abortion bill in South Dakota is being petitioned against, right now. South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families has begun circulating a petition that would put the new law on the ballot, this November. If they can get 17,000 signatures by June 19, the law will not go into effect in July as slated, but rather be decided upon by popular vote. According to their homepage, they are hoping to get this law repealed. Volunteers are going door to door soliciting signatures (Keloland.com). I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens, but I urge each and every one of you to continue to hold South Dakota in your prayers, and for those of you in the state, if it comes to a vote, please stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves. God bless you all.
Wait for Him
Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot, who calls you back when you hang up on him, who will stay awake just to watch you sleep. Wait for the guy who kisses your forehead, who wants to show you off to the world when you are in your sweats, who holds your hand in front of his friends. Wait for the one who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares about you and how lucky he is to have you. Wait for the one who turns to his friends and says, "....that's her."
I got that from my friend Molly. Let it be a reminder to all of you girls never to settle. God has a great and godly man for you, a man who will take care of you and treat you like the treasure you are. Be patient and wait for him.
Isaiah 26:3 "Thou wilt keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee."
I got that from my friend Molly. Let it be a reminder to all of you girls never to settle. God has a great and godly man for you, a man who will take care of you and treat you like the treasure you are. Be patient and wait for him.
Isaiah 26:3 "Thou wilt keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee."
A Man's Experience with Abortion
Words from a Father--Anonymous
How ever can I explain it? Tell me, where do I begin,
to try and justify the cause of just another sin?
I remember the day she told me, and the fear within her eyes.
I hid my love for you behind "it's-your-decision" lies.
How could I fight a verdict that she so quickly made?
All I could do was love her, and try to ease her pain.
I guess I always thought that atonement could be mine--
if we had another child someday, we could undo this tragic crime.
I wish that I could blame her, to help relieve my guilt,
But I only blame myself, and I know I always will.
I should have protected you, instead of her or me.
But I loved her so much, living for her touch....
That's what I hope you'll see.
Now, I see you up in heaven, your finger pointing down,
upon the lap of Christ, millions of innocents, gathered 'round.
Knowing you are in heaven, offers some relief to me
because our all-forgiving God has promised to set me free.
I know we'll be joined together, as family once again
when our time on earth is over and our eternity can begin.
So please forgive us both, for such a selfish task.
Just let her know you love her; it's all I'll ever ask.
I got this poem from The Jericho Plan by David C. Reardon .
How ever can I explain it? Tell me, where do I begin,
to try and justify the cause of just another sin?
I remember the day she told me, and the fear within her eyes.
I hid my love for you behind "it's-your-decision" lies.
How could I fight a verdict that she so quickly made?
All I could do was love her, and try to ease her pain.
I guess I always thought that atonement could be mine--
if we had another child someday, we could undo this tragic crime.
I wish that I could blame her, to help relieve my guilt,
But I only blame myself, and I know I always will.
I should have protected you, instead of her or me.
But I loved her so much, living for her touch....
That's what I hope you'll see.
Now, I see you up in heaven, your finger pointing down,
upon the lap of Christ, millions of innocents, gathered 'round.
Knowing you are in heaven, offers some relief to me
because our all-forgiving God has promised to set me free.
I know we'll be joined together, as family once again
when our time on earth is over and our eternity can begin.
So please forgive us both, for such a selfish task.
Just let her know you love her; it's all I'll ever ask.
I got this poem from The Jericho Plan by David C. Reardon .
Monday, March 27, 2006
God's promise to each of us
When you are sad.....I will dry your tears.
When you are scared....I will comfort your fears.
When you are worried.....I will give you hope.
When you are confused.....I will help you cope
And when you are lost....And can't see the light,
I shall be your beacon.....Shining ever so bright.
This is my oath.....I pledge till the end.
Why you may ask?.....Because you're my friend.
-GOD
When you are scared....I will comfort your fears.
When you are worried.....I will give you hope.
When you are confused.....I will help you cope
And when you are lost....And can't see the light,
I shall be your beacon.....Shining ever so bright.
This is my oath.....I pledge till the end.
Why you may ask?.....Because you're my friend.
-GOD
Miracles
I'd heard this story before, but it's something to keep in mind. Because we have access to forgiveness and miracles for a discounted price thanks to the grace of Jesus. That and it shows what good God can work through each of us. I hope you all enjoy it.
A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet. She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. three times, even. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes. Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door.
She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention but he was too busy at this moment. Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!
"And what do you want?" the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice. I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages," he said without waiting for a reply to his question.
"Well, I want to talk to you about my brother," Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. "He's really, really sick... and I want to buy! a miracle."
" I beg your pardon?" said the pharmacist.
" His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy
"We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help you," the pharmacist said, softening a little.
"Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs."
The pharmacist's brother was a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, "What kind of a miracle does your brother need?"
" I don't know," Tess replied with her eyes welling up. I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money."
" How much do you have?" asked the man from Chicago.
"One dollar and eleven cents," Tess answered barely audibly. "And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to."
"Well, what a coincidence," smiled the man. "A dollar and eleven cents---the exact price of a miracle for little brothers. "
He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said "Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the miracle you need"
That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed free of charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well. Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place.
"That surgery," Tess's Mom whispered. "was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?"
Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost...one dollar and eleven cents ... plus the faith of a little child..
A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet. She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. three times, even. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes. Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door.
She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention but he was too busy at this moment. Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!
"And what do you want?" the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice. I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages," he said without waiting for a reply to his question.
"Well, I want to talk to you about my brother," Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. "He's really, really sick... and I want to buy! a miracle."
" I beg your pardon?" said the pharmacist.
" His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy
"We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help you," the pharmacist said, softening a little.
"Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs."
The pharmacist's brother was a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, "What kind of a miracle does your brother need?"
" I don't know," Tess replied with her eyes welling up. I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money."
" How much do you have?" asked the man from Chicago.
"One dollar and eleven cents," Tess answered barely audibly. "And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to."
"Well, what a coincidence," smiled the man. "A dollar and eleven cents---the exact price of a miracle for little brothers. "
He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said "Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the miracle you need"
That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed free of charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well. Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place.
"That surgery," Tess's Mom whispered. "was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?"
Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost...one dollar and eleven cents ... plus the faith of a little child..
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Malachi 3:3
Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot;then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left amoment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment.
Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it"
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
What a thought, eh? I mean, seriously. That is our God. He is always wathing us, even through the hardest of times. Whether you look at this verse as applying to your life in general or to a relationship, it's true. God is working in your life. He is working to purify you and make you more like Him...so He can see His image in you. If we trust in Him and allow Him to work His will in our lives, others will be able to see His image in us as well. Now, that's evangelism. "Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words."
Thanks be to God!
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot;then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left amoment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment.
Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it"
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
What a thought, eh? I mean, seriously. That is our God. He is always wathing us, even through the hardest of times. Whether you look at this verse as applying to your life in general or to a relationship, it's true. God is working in your life. He is working to purify you and make you more like Him...so He can see His image in you. If we trust in Him and allow Him to work His will in our lives, others will be able to see His image in us as well. Now, that's evangelism. "Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words."
Thanks be to God!
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
A beautiful story about a beautiful boy.
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning disabled
children, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would
never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its
dedicated staff, he offered a question:
"When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does is
done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other
children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the
natural order of things in my son?"
The audience was stilled by the query.
The! father continued. "I believe, that when a child like Shay, physically
and mentally handicapped comes into the world, an opportunity to realize
true human nature presents itself, and it comes, in the way other people
treat that child. "Then he told the following story:
Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were
playing baseball. Shay asked, "Do you think they'll let me play?" Shay's
father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their
team, but the father also understood that if his son were allowed to play,
it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to
be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.
Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked if Shay
could play, not expecting much. The boy looked around for guidance and
said, "We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I
guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth
inning."
Shay struggled over to the team's bench put on a team shirt with a broad
smile and his Father had a small tear in his eye and warmth in his heart.
The boys saw the father's joy at his son being accepted. In the bottom of
the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by
three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in
the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously
ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear
as his father waved to him from the stands. In the bottom of the ninth
inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded,
the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at
bat.
At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win
the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit
was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat
properly, much less connect with the ball.
However, as Shay stepped up! to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing the
other team putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a
few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least be able to make
contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The
pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards
Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground
ball right back to the pitcher.
The game would now be over, but the pitcher picked up the soft grounder and
could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have
been out and that would have been the end of the game.
Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the head of the first
baseman, out of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands and both
teams started yelling, "Shay, run to first! Run to first!" Never in his
life had Shay ever ran that far but made it to first base. He scampered
down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled!
Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second!"
Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and
struggling to make it to second base. By the time Shay rounded towards
second base, the right fielder had the ball, the smallest guy on their
team, who had a chance to be the hero for his team for the first time. He
could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he
understood the pitcher's intentions and he too intentionally threw the ball
high and far over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward second base
deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.
All were screaming, "Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay"
Shay reached second base, the opposing shortstop ran to help him and turned
him in the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to third! Shay, run
to third" As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams and those
watching were on their feet were screaming, "Shay, run home! Shay ran to
home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the "grand
slam" and won the game for his team.
That day, said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, the
boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into
this world.
Shay didn't make it to another summer and died that winter, having never
forgotten being the hero and making his Father so happy and coming home and
seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!
children, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would
never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its
dedicated staff, he offered a question:
"When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does is
done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other
children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the
natural order of things in my son?"
The audience was stilled by the query.
The! father continued. "I believe, that when a child like Shay, physically
and mentally handicapped comes into the world, an opportunity to realize
true human nature presents itself, and it comes, in the way other people
treat that child. "Then he told the following story:
Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were
playing baseball. Shay asked, "Do you think they'll let me play?" Shay's
father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their
team, but the father also understood that if his son were allowed to play,
it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to
be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.
Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked if Shay
could play, not expecting much. The boy looked around for guidance and
said, "We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I
guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth
inning."
Shay struggled over to the team's bench put on a team shirt with a broad
smile and his Father had a small tear in his eye and warmth in his heart.
The boys saw the father's joy at his son being accepted. In the bottom of
the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by
three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in
the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously
ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear
as his father waved to him from the stands. In the bottom of the ninth
inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded,
the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at
bat.
At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win
the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit
was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat
properly, much less connect with the ball.
However, as Shay stepped up! to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing the
other team putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a
few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least be able to make
contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The
pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards
Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground
ball right back to the pitcher.
The game would now be over, but the pitcher picked up the soft grounder and
could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have
been out and that would have been the end of the game.
Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the head of the first
baseman, out of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands and both
teams started yelling, "Shay, run to first! Run to first!" Never in his
life had Shay ever ran that far but made it to first base. He scampered
down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled!
Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second!"
Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and
struggling to make it to second base. By the time Shay rounded towards
second base, the right fielder had the ball, the smallest guy on their
team, who had a chance to be the hero for his team for the first time. He
could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he
understood the pitcher's intentions and he too intentionally threw the ball
high and far over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward second base
deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.
All were screaming, "Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay"
Shay reached second base, the opposing shortstop ran to help him and turned
him in the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to third! Shay, run
to third" As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams and those
watching were on their feet were screaming, "Shay, run home! Shay ran to
home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the "grand
slam" and won the game for his team.
That day, said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, the
boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into
this world.
Shay didn't make it to another summer and died that winter, having never
forgotten being the hero and making his Father so happy and coming home and
seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Yay for abstinence!
Laura Bush was in Africa, and do you know what topic she addressed? Abstinence! She talked about how absitnence needed to be promoted in Africa to help curb the AIDS epidemic. She said condoms weren't the answer!
"’I'm always a little bit irritated when I hear the criticism of abstinence, because abstinence is absolutely 100 percent effective in eradicating a sexually transmitted disease,’" Mrs. Laura Bush said.
"’In a country or a part of the world where one in three people have a sexually transmitted deadly disease, you have to talk about abstinence, you really have to,’ she said. ‘In many countries where girls feel obligated to comply with the wishes of men, girls need to know that abstinence is a choice.’"
Mrs. Bush was in Africa for Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s inauguration as the first elected female president in Africa.
Reporters asked her why US President George W. Bush and she defended abstinence. One reporter said that it sounded too much like "’Christian moralism.’" That kind of questioning elicited Mrs. Bush sound response.
There are those who would push condoms rather than abstinence. Realism: many don’t use condoms when they’re put in their hands. Each sex encounter demands a new condom. How many condoms are going to be distributed daily to each sexually active African? Who is going to dole out the millions of condoms? How do condoms help the female coerced into sex when the male may use the condom on the first try and then abandon condoms in other intrusions?
In other words, Mrs. Bush’s response is absolutely accurate. Abstinence is 100 percent effective "in eradicating a sexually transmitted disease." That is fact. It is fact. That is fact.
According to The Washington Times’ Bill Sammon: "She also said AIDS can be curbed by the correct use of condoms and by being faithful to one's partner.
"Mrs. Bush is leading the U.S. delegation, which also includes her daughter Barbara and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, to today's swearing-in of Mrs. Johnson-Sirleaf, a U.S.-educated economist and former World Bank official.
"’We're really, really excited to be at such a historic inauguration,’ Mrs. Bush told reporters en route to Africa.
"’Because traditionally, women have been excluded in many African cultures -- not all of them, but in many.’
"The first lady said Mrs. Johnson-Sirleaf ‘serves as a very important role model for little girls on the continent, as well as around the world.’ The Bush administration hopes the inauguration will mark a turning point for Liberia, which was wracked by violence that killed about 250,000 people from 1989 to 2003. Since then, a transitional government has ruled the continent's oldest republic, which was established in 1847 by freed American slaves.
"Mrs. Bush said the new president can begin the healing process in earnest and pledged U.S. help to rebuild the war-ravaged nation.
"’She ran on a platform of reconciliation and reconstruction, and it's going to take the help of a lot of countries, including the United States, which has a special relationship with Liberia, for her and the people of Liberia to be able to do the reconstruction they need,’ she said."
Copyright © 2006 by J. Grant Swank, Jr.
(MichNews.com)
"’I'm always a little bit irritated when I hear the criticism of abstinence, because abstinence is absolutely 100 percent effective in eradicating a sexually transmitted disease,’" Mrs. Laura Bush said.
"’In a country or a part of the world where one in three people have a sexually transmitted deadly disease, you have to talk about abstinence, you really have to,’ she said. ‘In many countries where girls feel obligated to comply with the wishes of men, girls need to know that abstinence is a choice.’"
Mrs. Bush was in Africa for Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s inauguration as the first elected female president in Africa.
Reporters asked her why US President George W. Bush and she defended abstinence. One reporter said that it sounded too much like "’Christian moralism.’" That kind of questioning elicited Mrs. Bush sound response.
There are those who would push condoms rather than abstinence. Realism: many don’t use condoms when they’re put in their hands. Each sex encounter demands a new condom. How many condoms are going to be distributed daily to each sexually active African? Who is going to dole out the millions of condoms? How do condoms help the female coerced into sex when the male may use the condom on the first try and then abandon condoms in other intrusions?
In other words, Mrs. Bush’s response is absolutely accurate. Abstinence is 100 percent effective "in eradicating a sexually transmitted disease." That is fact. It is fact. That is fact.
According to The Washington Times’ Bill Sammon: "She also said AIDS can be curbed by the correct use of condoms and by being faithful to one's partner.
"Mrs. Bush is leading the U.S. delegation, which also includes her daughter Barbara and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, to today's swearing-in of Mrs. Johnson-Sirleaf, a U.S.-educated economist and former World Bank official.
"’We're really, really excited to be at such a historic inauguration,’ Mrs. Bush told reporters en route to Africa.
"’Because traditionally, women have been excluded in many African cultures -- not all of them, but in many.’
"The first lady said Mrs. Johnson-Sirleaf ‘serves as a very important role model for little girls on the continent, as well as around the world.’ The Bush administration hopes the inauguration will mark a turning point for Liberia, which was wracked by violence that killed about 250,000 people from 1989 to 2003. Since then, a transitional government has ruled the continent's oldest republic, which was established in 1847 by freed American slaves.
"Mrs. Bush said the new president can begin the healing process in earnest and pledged U.S. help to rebuild the war-ravaged nation.
"’She ran on a platform of reconciliation and reconstruction, and it's going to take the help of a lot of countries, including the United States, which has a special relationship with Liberia, for her and the people of Liberia to be able to do the reconstruction they need,’ she said."
Copyright © 2006 by J. Grant Swank, Jr.
(MichNews.com)
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Stories Abound
Most scientific minded people refuse to use anecdotes as evidence, but I must admit, I care about people, and I care about what they have to say. I mean, who we minister to people if we don't know how they feel, if we don't know what's on their minds? I mean, sometimes, listening to someone's story helps them to work towards healing. Listening and speaking are both excellent tools for ministry.
That's all I could think of when I say a news story entitled One procedure, two perspectives . (The link has video as well.) Anyway, it includes interviews with two women who had abortions at a young age. One of which, lived with regret and remorse, the other staunchly feels that her decision was the correct one. How could these two women make the same decision but be so different in their reactions to it? It breaks my heart to think of it...and yet, I have yet to understand.
If your curiousity is piqued as much as mine, He Invites and I'm Not Sorry are filled with first-hand stories of women who have aborted. Love Matters has stories from men affected by abortion. If you have the time, check them out. God bless.
That's all I could think of when I say a news story entitled One procedure, two perspectives . (The link has video as well.) Anyway, it includes interviews with two women who had abortions at a young age. One of which, lived with regret and remorse, the other staunchly feels that her decision was the correct one. How could these two women make the same decision but be so different in their reactions to it? It breaks my heart to think of it...and yet, I have yet to understand.
If your curiousity is piqued as much as mine, He Invites and I'm Not Sorry are filled with first-hand stories of women who have aborted. Love Matters has stories from men affected by abortion. If you have the time, check them out. God bless.
Things are heating up...what will happen next?
The abortion bill signed into law by Governor Rounds is under a lot of scrutiny by pro-choice groups in South Dakota as well as those across the country. Most recently, a group from Wisconsin, "Basic-Abortion-Rights Network", has filed a petition in Pierre to try to put the abortion law on the November ballot. If that were to happen, the law would need to have the majority of the public vote to remain on the books. To get the law on the ballot, the petition will need 17,000 signatures by mid June. I know that any group can begin a petition, making what this group did entirely kosher, but I'm unsure as to where the signatures must come from. Few groups in South Dakota are truly in favor of this petition, not even the pro-choicers. The bill will either go to the public vote or to the courts or even both. This petition may delay the legal process...it also gives another opportunity for the law to get shot down. This is another obstacle, it seems, and one I'm unsure how to approach, individually or in the context of a group. If anyone has suggestions, let me know. Definitely, though, continue to hold this law and the people of South Dakota in your prayers. God bless you all.
*edit* I just read in an article on Keloland.com that the petition can only be signed by South Dakota residents. The group that has sponsored this petition has remained elusive and their efforts are not supported by pro-choicers or pro-lifers. That kind of throws things up in the air? What will happen next? Only God knows...this story has already been exciting...Yay, God!
*edit* I just read in an article on Keloland.com that the petition can only be signed by South Dakota residents. The group that has sponsored this petition has remained elusive and their efforts are not supported by pro-choicers or pro-lifers. That kind of throws things up in the air? What will happen next? Only God knows...this story has already been exciting...Yay, God!
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Updates
First of all, I apologize for my recent period of silence. I was down in New Orleans working with Lutheran Disaster Response to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina clean out their houses. It was remarkable to see Christ's body at work...Maybe I'll devote a blog to my trip, later, when I have pictures. Otherwise, e-mail me if you want to hear about the trip or if you have any questions.
In other news, while I was in Louisiana, Governor Rounds signed HB 1215 into law. For those of you new to this blog, that means that abortion is banned in South Dakota, as of July. Whoa! It's soooooo awesome!
Governor Rounds released a statement, saying:
"I have signed House Bill 1215 into law. It is An Act to establish certain legislative findings, to reinstate the prohibition against certain acts causing the termination of an unborn human life, to prescribe a penalty therefore, and to provide for the implementation of such provisions under certain circumstances.
HB 1215 passed South Dakota's legislature with bi-partisan sponsorship and strong bi-partisan support in both houses. Its purpose is to eliminate most abortions in South Dakota. It does allow doctors to perform abortions in order to save the life of the mother. It does not prohibit the taking of contraceptive drugs before a pregnancy is determined, such as in the case of rape or incest.
In the history of the world, the true test of a civilization is how well people treat the most vulnerable and most helpless in their society. The sponsors and supporters of this bill believe that abortion is wrong because unborn children are the most vulnerable and most helpless persons in our society. I agree with them.
Because this new law is a direct challenge to the Roe versus Wade interpretation of the Constitution, I expect this law will be taken to court and prevented from going into effect this July. That challenge will likely take years to be settled and it may ultimately be decided by the United States Supreme Court. Our existing laws regulating abortions will remain in effect.
The reversal of a Supreme Court opinion is possible. For example, in 1896, the United States Supreme Court ruled in the Plessy versus Ferguson case that a state could require racial segregation in public facilities if the facilities offered to different races were equal. However, fifty-eight years later, the Supreme Court reconsidered that opinion and reversed itself in Brown versus Board of Education. It proclaimed that separate could not produce equal. The 1954 Court realized that the earlier interpretation of our Constitution was wrong.
HB 1215 will give the United States Supreme Court a similar opportunity to reconsider an earlier opinion.
While this is a state and national issue, I want to emphasize that whatever the courts decide, South Dakotans will continue to care about both the unborn child and mother. If we are pro-life, we must recognize the need to take care of women who are faced with a difficult pregnancy. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the pregnancy, we cannot protect the innocent child, unless we protect and care for the mother. We must help each mother to see the value of the gift that is a child, and nurture the mother for her own sake and for the sake of her child.
Our state is committed to helping greater numbers of pregnant woman who will allow their babies to grow inside them and be born. In both the private and public sector in South Dakota, we have healthcare options, economic assistance before and after birth, adoption services, and, most importantly, people who want to help pregnant women, young mothers and their children.
There are also many people in South Dakota who will continue to help those women who have had abortions in the past. We want those women to know that we care about them, too." (courtesy of
Keloland.com )
Wow! That was awesome! I ended up making a lot more bold than planned...but...it's just soo exciting.
For anyone interested, the full text of the bill can be found at the site for the
South Dakota State Legislature
I also want to take this opportunity to thank Dan Lacey at faithmouse.blogspot.com for his support, especially through this remarkable cartoon he drew.
Thank you for everyone who has prayed for South Dakota during this process. However, I must ask that you would continue your prayers. The battle has just begun. The signing of this bill has created quite a stir. Many groups, primarily pro-choice groups (go fig) have begun protesting and picketing. Governor Rounds has come under attack along with the framers and supporters of this bill. Blogs and news stations across the country have picked up this story, and those who are upset, like normal, are becoming the most vocal. There are groups threatening to boycott tourism in South Dakota, a move that would greatly hurt the economy. As reported at Keloland.com , Mount Rushmore is having to prepare for what be a very slow season, based on the nature of the phone calls they've been receiving. So, pray for our economy and for the court battles that were more than likely come about.
*sigh* Life is great...I'm glad we are working to share it with young people... :D God bless you all.
In other news, while I was in Louisiana, Governor Rounds signed HB 1215 into law. For those of you new to this blog, that means that abortion is banned in South Dakota, as of July. Whoa! It's soooooo awesome!
Governor Rounds released a statement, saying:
"I have signed House Bill 1215 into law. It is An Act to establish certain legislative findings, to reinstate the prohibition against certain acts causing the termination of an unborn human life, to prescribe a penalty therefore, and to provide for the implementation of such provisions under certain circumstances.
HB 1215 passed South Dakota's legislature with bi-partisan sponsorship and strong bi-partisan support in both houses. Its purpose is to eliminate most abortions in South Dakota. It does allow doctors to perform abortions in order to save the life of the mother. It does not prohibit the taking of contraceptive drugs before a pregnancy is determined, such as in the case of rape or incest.
In the history of the world, the true test of a civilization is how well people treat the most vulnerable and most helpless in their society. The sponsors and supporters of this bill believe that abortion is wrong because unborn children are the most vulnerable and most helpless persons in our society. I agree with them.
Because this new law is a direct challenge to the Roe versus Wade interpretation of the Constitution, I expect this law will be taken to court and prevented from going into effect this July. That challenge will likely take years to be settled and it may ultimately be decided by the United States Supreme Court. Our existing laws regulating abortions will remain in effect.
The reversal of a Supreme Court opinion is possible. For example, in 1896, the United States Supreme Court ruled in the Plessy versus Ferguson case that a state could require racial segregation in public facilities if the facilities offered to different races were equal. However, fifty-eight years later, the Supreme Court reconsidered that opinion and reversed itself in Brown versus Board of Education. It proclaimed that separate could not produce equal. The 1954 Court realized that the earlier interpretation of our Constitution was wrong.
HB 1215 will give the United States Supreme Court a similar opportunity to reconsider an earlier opinion.
While this is a state and national issue, I want to emphasize that whatever the courts decide, South Dakotans will continue to care about both the unborn child and mother. If we are pro-life, we must recognize the need to take care of women who are faced with a difficult pregnancy. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the pregnancy, we cannot protect the innocent child, unless we protect and care for the mother. We must help each mother to see the value of the gift that is a child, and nurture the mother for her own sake and for the sake of her child.
Our state is committed to helping greater numbers of pregnant woman who will allow their babies to grow inside them and be born. In both the private and public sector in South Dakota, we have healthcare options, economic assistance before and after birth, adoption services, and, most importantly, people who want to help pregnant women, young mothers and their children.
There are also many people in South Dakota who will continue to help those women who have had abortions in the past. We want those women to know that we care about them, too." (courtesy of
Keloland.com )
Wow! That was awesome! I ended up making a lot more bold than planned...but...it's just soo exciting.
For anyone interested, the full text of the bill can be found at the site for the
South Dakota State Legislature
I also want to take this opportunity to thank Dan Lacey at faithmouse.blogspot.com for his support, especially through this remarkable cartoon he drew.
Thank you for everyone who has prayed for South Dakota during this process. However, I must ask that you would continue your prayers. The battle has just begun. The signing of this bill has created quite a stir. Many groups, primarily pro-choice groups (go fig) have begun protesting and picketing. Governor Rounds has come under attack along with the framers and supporters of this bill. Blogs and news stations across the country have picked up this story, and those who are upset, like normal, are becoming the most vocal. There are groups threatening to boycott tourism in South Dakota, a move that would greatly hurt the economy. As reported at Keloland.com , Mount Rushmore is having to prepare for what be a very slow season, based on the nature of the phone calls they've been receiving. So, pray for our economy and for the court battles that were more than likely come about.
*sigh* Life is great...I'm glad we are working to share it with young people... :D God bless you all.
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