Hello again my fellow 'nasties! I hope this evening finds you well. It's been a while, so I thought a new post was in order. And, as fate would have it, there's actually something worth writing about to boot!
Now, before I get on with my new post, I should give an update on sister Wanda. There's been no real change, and the doctors at Akron General haven't gotten the results they were hoping for, so tonight she was moved to the University hospital in Cleveland. Basically, we're all hoping they can do more for her, but it's not looking good.
As I type this, my lights are spinning in the dryer. When they're done I'll pack what I need and try to be ready for tomorrow. There are still a few things that need to be taken care of, like the garbage and getting gas, but they won't take long. Thankfully all my work for Sunday is done, so getting back in the extremely wee hours of the morning after the trip won't be so bad.
Concerning my travels themselves: I'm still not all that excited. Don't get me wrong; I'm really looking forward to the lectures, and since I've never been to NY it should be interesting (hopefully I'll get to see the Nintendo World Store and a huge Starbucks). Still... I just have a feeling I'll be underwhelmed. New York may be nice, but to me, there's just no coming close to my beloved Boston.
Which brings me to a source of unrepentant glee for the weekend: I'll be wearing my Red Sox cap in NYC. I can't wait to see how many jerks yell at me! Tee hee!
By the way, Tim, I know you'll be making coffee for our 5 am departure. I'm bringing my travel mug. I wonder if singing Christmas songs will be allowed in the van? Hmm...
One of the members here is going to rent the house next to him out to me, starting as soon as I move out of my current apartment. My lease is up at the end of the year, so I hope to be moving in around the 20th (but that remains to be worked out). It's a nice 2 bedroom place and it's more or less fully furnished; not to mention just down the street from the building. As long as the weather's amicable, I'll be walking to and fro.
Thankfully almost all my Christmas shopping is complete. Any ideas for what to get my mom? There has been not a single idea on the front, sadly. I'm at the point now where I just want Thanksgiving to get here so I can be in the Christmas mood without feeling weird.
Also, I've recently heard about something I only until now suspected, but now I know is true: lurkers reading my blog, making assumptions, and talking to others about it.
I don't mind people reading my blogs. In fact, that's why I choose to keep them public despite not having to with my gold status. I don't even mind people going back and looking at old posts, conversations that have long since died.
BUT:
If you read something on my blog and have a question or concern about it, have the common decency to come to me and say so. To do otherwise is rude of anyone, and especially shameful of those who are my fellow Christians.
For your Momma: gift certificates for a local massage place are a great gift! Sometimes there are even people willing to come to your house to do the massage in the comfort of your own home. :-)
I commened you on the bo sox hat in NY... If I were going to Ny I'd deffinatly be rockin a Jay's hat... but that would get me laughed at, not yelled at... :(. Depending how much cash you wanna shell out for your mom, Digital picture frames are amazing.
I'm far from being done on the shopping:-P I too am lacking ideas for mom and my sis. Dad's mostly done and a few ideas have surfaced for bro..I'll need his buddy's help on those I'm thinking though. Does your mom have a fave hobby or collection? Perhaps something in that line or a gift certificate to somewhere that carries stuff she likes. Have a good trip:)
One of our members here, Wanda Swails, is in the hospital right now. Apparently the doctors say a virus of some kind had interfered with her heart, causing it to stop. She collapsed, and has since been unconscious. Over the next day or so the doctors have her on a specific treatment, after which time they'll bring her out (they've been purposely keeping her under so they could find out what was wrong).
We all want to help, but since there's basically nothing we can do, Lamar just asks to pray for her. This is made especially rough considering that for a long time now Lamar has had health problems.
So please, when you go to God, pray for her, Lamar, their family and the doctors attending to her.
1000 Voices was amazing. I won't ramble on and on about it, because you really had to be there to see what I'm talking about. I'll just say that the focus was on the meanings behind the songs (as it should be) and on Saturday we had 555 people singing songs of praise and edification.
I've come to a decision; Tim, I'll go with you guys on the NY trip, if you'll put up with me again. I've never been to NY plus, quite frankly, I don't have anything better to do. Not to mention spending time with family from Wellsburg is always a blast.
Back in about the middle of October marked my first full year with the brethren at Norton. It's hard to think about that; it's like, I know I've been there a year in reality, but it really didn't seem that long.
Which brings us to my next point. Time is FLYING by! It's already so close to Thanksgiving, really?! I haven't gotten hardly any Christmas shopping done, so I need to step it up. This fact, plus other recent events (Trenton & Kayla getting engaged) makes my mind to dwell again on my situation. Thankfully I don't dwell on this much anymore (if I did, I'd be a sad sack 99% of the time), but when I observe things like this, it stirs those thoughts up again, and tries to bring me down. Maybe if I get it all out here it'll go away for a good while?
I just hate how so much of my life is going to waste right now. First, understand I'm not saying me preaching is a waste; in fact, that's the best thing about my life. No, what I'm saying is: all the money I earn, when I should be spending it on others, ones I love, since I don't have anyone, it mostly gets saved up and what's left is spent on myself. I hate that. My time and energy, when it should be used making my wife & kids happy, is wasted on myself with hobbies, video games, etc.
So much potential of what I could be doing, but all of that going to waste. Blech.
Okay, time to cheer up. Today hopefully Trenton, Aaron, Jay and myself get to hang out & play Guitar Hero World Tour (which, by the way, is totally sweet). Then tonight I'll head back to Norton, and get back to my usual daily routine. Until the NY trip, that is. And after that, of course, I'll head back down to Parkersburg (where I'm currently typing all of this) for Thanksgiving.
After that, it'll be the best time of the year! Woo-hoo! I don't care what you say Lawanda, Christmas is where it's at!
Saved money will come in handy one day when you DO have that wife and family. So don't worry about it now and keep saving. :) It's definitely not a waste now, and it won't be a waste when the right one comes along.
~`~`It's the most wonderful time of the yeeear. With the kids jinglebelling and everyone telling you be of good cheer; it's the most wonderful time of the year!!!~`~`~
time has flown by! I haven't got much shopping done either...i'm seriously lacking on ideas:P And she brought up an idea I was thinking...that saved money can make a big difference down the road:-)
Ok first, Bah Humbug ;) hehe Second, what you are doing is not going to waste. You are living life as a faithful christian. One day your wife will be so thankful that you did. And the saved up money can NEVER hurt.
I just happened across your blog and listened to your youtube clip; you had valid points to make and I believe, well thought out. I too have noticed some of the same things you point out. While as christians we should be concerned, and strongly support what is right, we still can't let our fears for the future cloud our thinking or cause us to display attitudes and say things unbecoming of christians. I suppose it's finding that balance between defense of the truth and trust in God that is so hard. Anyway, just wanted to leave you with a positive response. Have a great day! :)
Seems kind of weird that you can blow over these issues with your way of thinking and cut the hearts of those who feel serious about this election, then say, “but don’t cause division over these things.” You opened a can of worms only to state that you hate the can of worms that are open. You hate division and contention but then you created more contention by saying we should not be contentious. Was that wise? Some people feel deeply convicted about these moral issues. Your comments were offensive because they did show your degree of prejudice on this issue. As you state, I hate the two party arrangements.
I think all of your points were NOT, I repeat NOT, worth making. They were your political views causing more contention. You point to hypocrisy but then in your video you state that you understand that republicans had to stand behind their candidate. That explains that. You state too much controversy, but if this election was not worth fighting for what is? Do you debate evolution, abortion, and homosexuality? Are we to contain our religious views within the walls of the church building, and then at that we cannot disturb our brethren over such.
Jarred, these things are the very things we are against as Christians. If you don’t believe in “division” over these issues then you don’t believe in division over truth. When do you stand and what do you stand for? Not all division is wrong. When brethren accept homosexuality I will stand opposed. Lastly, I don’t know how you can seem to think that what happens in this world, like this election, is trivial and “it’s no big deal”. This is amazing. Jarred, to you it might be “just an election” but to many people it is far more than that. It has consequences and ramifications that set the stage for future generations. I don’t want to return to the horrible days of persecution under the Roman Empire, but with indifference and such thinking we will eventually get there.
Acts 17:16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols. Some things are worth getting disturbed about. I hope you get disturbed about the right things Jarred and not the three points you made.
Jarred, you can delete all these posts. I apologize for my speech. You know I love you but felt compelled to write. Read Jer.20:9. I come across harsh but you know me in person. I am zealous, that is all.
I'm sickened by your statements on abortion in relation to the war in Iraq. Very ignorant. It is no comfort to me that a child killed in innocence will go to heaven, it was wrong that it was killed and it was also irresponisble for you to talk about the spiritual destiny of a soldier that dies in Iraq since I doubt you know very many soldiers. I do know alot of soldiers however because I am one and I can tell you what you said was very ignorant. And my sister is right that Obama is the worst thing that has ever happened to this country.
You did make some pretty good points, but I think I'm going to have to agree with Mr.McPherson for the most part. Obama is a big step towards the wrong direction. I do, however, realize that God will protect His children, but there's nothing wrong with mourning America's immorality
Your physical interpretation of 'the sky is falling/the world is ending' was quite amusing. Good job. If you think 8 years of Pres Clinton was interesting...Pres Carter and 11.25% interest rates was an absolute hoot! And yet, here we are 25+years later. I too did not vote for Pres-elect Obama, but I hold out hope that God is going to see fit to let good come from it. Or if He wills other lessons be learned, then so be it and I pray we are attentive/ready for the lessons. The sky is not falling, I know God is in control, but bad things could be down the road. Let us be prepared to be right in God's sight. Again, thanks for the chuckle 5:40 into your video - PRICELESS! Hope you have safe travels to 1000 voices.
Jarred, you've made some great points. The election should concern us, but not to the point where we lose all trust in God, which is what you were trying to say. Things may get worse under Obama. Okay. It's not like we can't handle it. I doubt very much that Christians will be openly persecuted in America like they are in some third-world countries, but even if it comes to that, we can persevere.
I hate it that Obama is supportive of immoral policies. Yes, it would be better if we had a president with the right moral compass. But people who get all up in arms about Obama because of this are forgetting that our goal as Christians isn't to legislate morality, it's to work on a personal level. We may get immoral laws on the books under Obama, and that's bad, but it won't keep us from evangelizing and doing good on a personal level.
Jarred, just because I am concerned about the godless man who was just electe as our leader does not mean that I have lost my faith in God. It is because of my faith in God that I am concerned about Obama. Also how dare you assign a body language to my comments? All I said was that obama is the worst thing that could happen to this country right now." I was not yelling or flailing my arms around like that and it hurts a little that you are making fun of what I believe in very deeply and now others are laughing at it too. I did not make fun of you. I did not call you names but you told me I was being juvenile and overdramatic. Oh, your overexageration of my comment was not juvenile or overdramatic? You also asked me to apologize for my "attitude here on pleonast" What attitude? I was simply stating my opinion. You wanted discussion you got it. But it wasn't your opinion, so I must be wrong. You are accusing Christians of attacking others when the only attacking I have seen is from you directed at people who think Christians should not support an evil man like Obama. I didn't even tell you you were wrong I just disagreeing with you, which I have a right to do. I hope you don't preach on these subjects from the pulpit. I feel like you set the bait and I bit on it and now you are bashing everything I believe in. I never bashed your beliefs, made fun of you or even called you names. Also I don't think it was wrong for Mr.McPherson to call you out publicly. after all you were making your erroneous comments publicly.
Also, don't just assume that all soldiers are going to Hell. My great-grandfather (a Christian) was a soldier in WW2, my dad (also a Christian and a real man) served 4 years and now my brother will soon be commissioned and sent to only Lord knows where on this green earth. He is also a Christian and a great guy, a real man. So don't play God and say that our soldiers, my soldier is going to be "condemned for eternity." Christian or not, at least those men are fighting for something worth believing in.
Your other points were also excellent. I hate it that you've taken so much flak over what are very good and thought-provoking blogs. I don't believe anyone on here is trying to be contentious. A lot of what you've said has been misunderstood and taken out of context, and I think it would do us all good if we'd just reread, calmly and carefully, what Jarred has said.
I read what Jarred said and until now I have been calm. But the whole flailing his arms and making fun of people like myself who have very deep beliefs is very pffensive and not at all Christian like.
Jarred, I don't know you but I got here from a link elsewhere. I personally think that there are good points brought up on both sides. Let me preface what I say from this point on: I hate politics. Why? Because it causes division, anger, strife, etc with little gain. I don't think I need to look further than what I have seen here by people (though to be fair, I realize that it is hard to tell how things are being conveyed in writing, so I try to give the benefit of the doubt and consider that things are in a respectful tone-please do likewise because that is what I try to be).
All of the parties have things that some can legitimately consider good and others that are bad. Now you might disagree with some of these, but others might hold the opposite view. I will only look at some of McCain and Obama's policies.
Obama's "good": His family (by appearances), help for the poor, tolerance, wanting to end the war in Iraq, protecting nature, affordable housing.
Obama's "bad": his abortion beliefs, his method of helping the poor, his acceptance of civil unions, possibly leaving many innocents to die in Iraq, protecting nature above human needs, promoting recklessness, lies.
McCain's "good": Tolerance, his abortion beliefs, his method of helping the poor, helping those in Iraq, protecting nature, affordable housing.
McCain's "bad": His family (divorce), help for the poor, his acceptance of civil unions, sending people to their death in Iraq, protecting nature above human needs, promoting recklessness, lies.
We could add to this list. You probably notice that a lot of the issues show up as "good" and "bad." Depending on your viewpoint, you will disagree with some of these and weight them differently. I think that people in good conscience can vote (or not vote) for any of the candidates. If I have as a litmus test that they not allow sinful behavior, there will not be a candidate left to vote for. None of them want to bring back prohibition. None of them will prosecute adulterers or homosexuals. Now, if I disagree with someone (including a brother or sister), I can try to persuade them otherwise. However, I cannot condemn them and should not be disrespectful to them. Consider what an outsider would think if they were to overhear your conversation.
A few questions I pose to those of you who say this is the worst thing to happen to the country. Is it worse than the mistreatment of non-Caucasians in this country's past? Native Americans through the early 20th century, blacks with slavery, Jim Crow, and the KKK, Japanese Americans in WWII, Mexican-Americans and Asian-Americans in the late 1800s. What about some of our wars (1812, Mexican-American, Civil, Indian, Spanish-American, little wars throughout the Latin America)?
Obama hasn't even done a thing in office yet. Am I saddened at some of the things I think he is going to do? Absolutely, but we don't know what he will do. Remember, for all Clinton's moral failings he was still more fiscally conservative than President Bush even though they advertised themselves otherwise. It could be that Obama will be moderate and decides to leave moral issues as they are. Again, do expect it? No, but I can hope and pray.
Three takeaways: 1) Be respectful, even in disagreements. You never know who may be watching/listening. 2) Don't condemn someone for how someone votes. They may view things differently. 3) Our citizenship is ultimately in heaven, not here on earth in the United States.
Jarred, this is completely off topic of what your post is about, but I thought you might be a good source of knowledge for my following question. I'm looking for a song by Bon Jovi that has a violin piece in it. (I don't think it would be called a solo, but you get what I mean.) I don't know the name, but I thought maybe you could help me? :)
1. The hypocrisy. How many people do you know that back in the primaries were saying how much they disliked McCain because of his morals and policies? If you're around the same crowd I am, quite a few. Yet how many of those people once he won the nomination and especially after he chose Sarah Palin were all of a sudden "excited about this campaign"? Disagreeing with a man so much, then openly backing him. It's amazing. Disgusting as well.
2. The division among brethren. I know Christians, my brothers and sisters in Christ, who are (a. voting for Obama, b. voting for McCain, and c. voting for a third party candidate). If you've been on pleonast for five minutes in the past couple months, chances are you've seen some pretty shameful things. Individuals telling other Christians how they're not making the Scriptural choice, calling names and creating a maelstrom of anger that just leaves everyone hurt. If you are a Christian, how about acting like it?! If someone is your brother or sister, love them, respect them! Don't allow something physical to harm your spiritual life!
3. The lack of trust in God. This is the most infuriating to me personally. I've seen so many "OH NO! WE CAN'T LET OBAMA INTO OFFICE! NOOO!!!!!" attitudes lately I want to throw up. I want you all to hear this, loud and clear: If he wins, it is not the end of the world. What happened to trusting in the Lord (Matt. 6:33-34)? Knowing that He has a plan? That all things work out for good (Rom. 8:28)? If the first century church was able to survive the persecutions of Nero and Caligula, it can ride out anything Senator Obama can throw at it.
These three were all I could think of at the moment. If you've got more, please feel free to chime in.
And if you've just got something to say, by all means chime in as well.
I also want to point out that no one here currently in this conversation voted for Obama and we all take firm stands against such immoral things as abortion and homosexuality because they are immoral, ungodly, and condemned in the scriptures.
I agree with Tim. His words may have been more exuberant than I would have chosen but maybe they will get people to thinking about this matter in a different light. I have tried to be as loving as possible about this as I know how but I just have to say this. If Tim's words were harsh, then so were Jarred's. I do not appreciate being called a hypocrite because I voted for McCain (who I was not pleased with as a Republican candidate, but you have to work with what you have). I also did not appreciate being called juvenile and overdramatice for my words on the previous post (11-3-08). Jarred asked for discussion and I joined in. But when my opinions did not match with Jarred's I was being juvenile and overdramatic. I don't feel that (up till now) I have said anything that I would not say in front of my Lord Jesus Christ but I have been asked to apologize for my "attitude." I don't think I have had a bad attitude about this at all. This is politics people!!! Everyone has an opinion (right or wrong) and has the right to express it in polite and respectful manner. I felt that I joined in the discussion with politeness and respect for other's opinions. Yet, I did not feel the same respect from Jarred when I disagreed with his ideas. That is all I have to say on this matter. I have no bad feelings towards any of you and hope that we can all put this behind us and learn from it. Thank you.
14Go and cry out to the gods which you have chosen; let them deliver you in your time of distress.15And the children of Israel said to the LORD, “We have sinned! Do to us whatever seems best to You; only deliver us this day, we pray.” 16So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the LORD. And His soul could no longer endure the misery of Israel.
16You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
I'm going to stop this because the election is over and done with there is nothing we can do to change it now and we can only pray to God for the leadership of our country and maintain the good Christian values in our own families and promote them to the families whose lives we touch. It is helping nothing to argue over something that we cannot change instead of looking towards the future in serving God as best we can whatever may come. It's late and I have to be up early so I will go now but it still breaks my heart to see so many I love dearly fight each other.
The attack was Jarreds post to begin with. It implied that we are all hypocrites. It implied that we are dividing brethren. It implied that we have not trusted in God and scorned those who are upset by Obama's appointment. It is outrageous to attach God's people (his brethren) at a time when we are deeply saddened by this nations direction. Jarred should cast his lot for those who wanted to vote against the horrible evils of Obama but instead he shamed the good people. Unbelievable. Maybe this is happening to our nation as God "called for Assyria" and we are heading downward. Folks, that is not trusting God. Oh, it is God who rules, but is he ruling in America's favor? I don't think so. We cannot go toward greater immorality without consequence. IT IS A SAD DAY. We had better be careful who we attack Jarred. I'm sorry but this is how you came across.
I have spoken with salt, it is you who have lost the seasoning. Remember, if the salt LOSES IT FLAVOR it is good for nothing. A vote for Obama or to diminish the evil of his agenda is losing that flavor.
"Oh, it is God who rules, but is he ruling in America's favor? I don't think so." It doesn't matter if it is always in our favor or not, God rules. Job didn't complain, why should we, esp when we still have the freedom to go to worship services, believe the Bible, even own a Bible rights which are nonexistent in other countries such as China. I'm sorry I said I was done for the night and I really need to go to bed but I felt the need to post again. And Jarred wasn't attacking all Christians and he wasn't attacking everyone who voted for McCain, he was simply stating that some have been wishy washy and some have let this election come between them and their brethren which is true of some but not all and he knows that. (discussed privately earlier with him)
I must admit that I didn't see any of the controversy between brethren that has been mentioned. All of the Christians of my acquaintence were strong McCain supporters. Maybe it was a regional thing. And I can't say that I wouldn't have tried to change the mind of a brother or sister who supported Obama. Nevertheless, the election is over. It is time for prayer and strength of conviction. President-elect Obama can not realistically accomplish all he has on his agenda and he can not fight the power of prayer or the faith of God's people.
"A vote for Obama or to diminish the evil of his agenda is losing that flavor." NONE of us voted for Obama and noone here is saying that his agenda and his stand on the issues isn't evil, we all agree it is wrong and evil and we don't like it but it is done and all we can do now is pray for our country.
Why are we waisting our time fighting with loved ones over something that we cannot change? Obama won despite all of us voting otherwise and now we must accept that he is president and hope and pray that he will not be able to put all of his evil plans to work.
Job did "complain" he just didn't stray from serving God. In Job 3:1-5 he cursed the day he was born. Job 10:1 "My soul is weary of my life; I wil leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul." wow
Um, a couple of times I think. I understand your point. But I don't think we are complaining about Obama so much as we are saying that he is not the man for the job and I as a Christian CANNOT support him. I have homework to do...ugh
I've seen so many in the past 24 hours say how they were saddened and disappointed but knew God was in control and we're putting their trust in Him. That encouraged me so much to think that God is ultimately in control. Remember to fear not the one who can destroy the body but fear the one who can destroy both body and spirit. People can persecute us, tempt us, and mock us all they want but we have God with us as long as we stand firm and "if God be with us, who can be against us?"
OH I definitely do NOT support him, I will respect him because of the office he will hold but that is all. I hold no respect or honor for him as an individual and I detest his policies. Which are all reasons why I voted McCain and not for Obama.
Well, I suppose if we ever needed confirmation of what Jarred wrote, we've seen it.
Tim, brother, I will pray for you. Not everything in this world is as clear-cut as you would like to make it to be.
You say that it was "plain wrong" and sinful for any Christian to vote for Obama. Whatever basis you would use for that would also condemn anyone who voted for McCain.
What, because Obama is not willing to make abortion illegal, it is sinful to vote for him?
Well, McCain indicated no willingness to make alcoholism, homosexuality, adultery, and a host of other things sinful.
If it is sinful to vote for a candidate who does not espouse God's values, then it is sinful to vote, period.
If it's a matter of your choice of issues which you believe are important, I can only quote the following:
But thou, why dost thou judge thy brother? or thou again, why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of God. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, to me every knee shall bow, And every tongue shall confess to God. So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge ye this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock in his brother's way, or an occasion of falling (Romans 14:10-13).
Where do we get the idea that McCain wanted to make America "more righteous"? How could he with his blatant personal immorality?
The only way America will ever get more righteous is with every soul that converts to Jesus Christ and votes for Him as their eternal King. That's God's power for salvation, not the United States government (Romans 1:16).
Jarred, I again confirm my support for you, even in the midst of the persecution. It takes courage to speak the truth, even when it is uncomfortable and leads to opposition.
I don't think that any of us are saying that McCain has the intention of making America more righteous. My thought, anyway, is that because he tends to vote more on the conservative side of things and Obama tends to vote more liberally, we are less likely to slide morally as a country as quickly if McCain had won. I agree whole-heartedly with your point about how America (and the world) will only get more righteous is if more people begin to follow God's plan.
I agree that moral slides happen because individual people are acting immorally, however, if there are laws about a matter, people are less likely to do whatever immoral act the laws pertain to, or at least won't do it as openly (therefore not able to have an influence on those watching, because it isn't done in the open). The laws certainly don't make the morality of the country, I agree. I do think, though, that if immoral activities are no longer punishable by law, they become more and more prevalent and accepted by the general populace.
