As Christmas approaches I am hearing more and more about how Christianity is coming under attack. And i couldn't agree more, Christmas is coming under attack. But it is not coming from where every one thinks it is. The attack us cumming from the inside. That's right it is Christians attacking the sanctity of Christmas. One Pastor is calling for a boycott of Starbucks because they decided to take Christmas ornamentation off of their cups. Cups that they sell for profit without a care in the world about christian sensibilities.
What does Christmas really mean? What does it mean to be christian during this time of year? Why is it so important for Christians to know how Christmas came about? I will answer these questions and challenge Christians to actually do what they claim; uphold their Christianity.
So lets look at what Christmas really is. Christmas is historically a holiday celebrated by Germanic tribes normally held at the winter solstice. The holiday was actually a week long celebration culminating on the day of the solstice. Trees were decorated with candles and such. Hence the song oh tanenbaum....yeah that Christmas song sung best by Nat King Cole. Yeah it is a barbarian holiday. How did it become a "christian holiday"? Well the Roman catholic church some time in the middle ages decided that once these tribes had been conquered. they could keep their traditions as long as they converted to Christianity.
The importance of this is that Christmas.....is not a christian holiday. The imagery has its roots in paganism. The total idea has its roots in paganism. Not to say it cant be a good holiday to celebrate the Lord our God but understand this Christmas hoopla is not celebrating Christ's birthday. Sorry guys Jesus was not born on December 25th. But that is for another blog. So now we know why and how Christmas came about. Now lets examine what it means to be christian during this time of year.
See in the Bible it says it is better to give than receive. No that doesn't mean giving gifts to your kids or family, though that is nice that is not what it means. Now since Christmas is a time that we should be giving of ourselves and of the blessings that we have been given. See as Christians we are called to be Christ like. Meaning, that this time more than ever we as Christians should be giving our time to the needy. the sick, the shut in, those less fortunate than us.
Christianity has become a catch phrase a trend for those who think that being "good" is going to get them to heaven. However there is no faith without works. Meaning that you cant work your way into heaven but you have true faith without showing it.
So how does this all mean that Christians are attacking our own beliefs? Because you can see it in the sermons preached, the way those in church act toward those less fortunate than themselves. We see it in what Christians stand for. How hard they try to thump the bible at some one to get them to change. Christmas for Christians should be about being a servant of Christ. Being a servant to to people of all creeds and colors and beliefs.
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Gun Ownership
So still in the news is the issue of guns. Should we have them? If we have them what calibers should we allow? After that comes style and mag size and a whole host of other things that really don't have to do with how effective a gun is. So this is my take on the debate and what we should do about the gun control problem.
First off, we need to stop demonizing guns. They have no personalities; they are not evil or good. They are tools. To say guns are evil is to say a hammer is evil. It really makes no sense. Guns are inanimate objects with no will of their own. A hunk of metal and plastics put together to form a tool like any other. This is a gun., While I have heard of misfires and run aways and several other things a gun can do when mis handled, I have never heard of a gun growing legs and a brian and a grudge and actively seeking out some one to harm.
Secondly we dont need gun control, we need people control. Since this country was founded the people, that is the immigrants from europe have had guns. So why after 250 years do we suddenly need to regulate weapons. Why in the past 4 decades have guns become such a problem? Are guns getting ready to stage a take over of the Western Hemisphere? Or is under the guise of becoming more civilized we have given into our fears? The founding fathers had a premionition of the powers that could be abused by a goverment. Goverment doesnt repsect an unarmed populace but they also made sure the poulace could not terroize thre goverment. Our 2nd ammendment rights are framed in the context of a militia not an individual buit it is the individual that must carry they gun and form a militia. So our founding fathers had an idea of what kind of people control was needed.
Now i am all for the individual owing, training and maintaing their own weapons. In my houshold I hope to train everyone on the use of hand guns, shotguns, and rifles. I dont expect everyone to be a trined marksman, but i do want everyone to be able to recognize and use a gun. Not because I am violent; but because in todays world to many are victims of violence. Criminlas when met with some one compentent in the use of a gun do tend to run instead of stand their ground. Those that do tend to end up injured or dead.
Hisotrically every time a leader has disarmed the people atrocites perpetuated by the goverment have happened. Lets look to WWII germany, look to china, russia, and now the middle east. Lets not close our eyes to what is happening eventhough the news shows us this is what happens with gun ownership. No thats not what happens when responsible people have guns. Sure there are times when a gun is not needed, but in light of recent events; a shooting at a church terroist threats against specific cities, home invasions. The list is long and plentiful and so many would argue against having a gun, but why?
A parting question just to think about something for a time. Why are we so against guns, when knives, bows and arrows, spear guns, spears, machetes, and various other weapons are available and just as deadly. So what is it that we have against guns?
First off, we need to stop demonizing guns. They have no personalities; they are not evil or good. They are tools. To say guns are evil is to say a hammer is evil. It really makes no sense. Guns are inanimate objects with no will of their own. A hunk of metal and plastics put together to form a tool like any other. This is a gun., While I have heard of misfires and run aways and several other things a gun can do when mis handled, I have never heard of a gun growing legs and a brian and a grudge and actively seeking out some one to harm.
Secondly we dont need gun control, we need people control. Since this country was founded the people, that is the immigrants from europe have had guns. So why after 250 years do we suddenly need to regulate weapons. Why in the past 4 decades have guns become such a problem? Are guns getting ready to stage a take over of the Western Hemisphere? Or is under the guise of becoming more civilized we have given into our fears? The founding fathers had a premionition of the powers that could be abused by a goverment. Goverment doesnt repsect an unarmed populace but they also made sure the poulace could not terroize thre goverment. Our 2nd ammendment rights are framed in the context of a militia not an individual buit it is the individual that must carry they gun and form a militia. So our founding fathers had an idea of what kind of people control was needed.
Now i am all for the individual owing, training and maintaing their own weapons. In my houshold I hope to train everyone on the use of hand guns, shotguns, and rifles. I dont expect everyone to be a trined marksman, but i do want everyone to be able to recognize and use a gun. Not because I am violent; but because in todays world to many are victims of violence. Criminlas when met with some one compentent in the use of a gun do tend to run instead of stand their ground. Those that do tend to end up injured or dead.
Hisotrically every time a leader has disarmed the people atrocites perpetuated by the goverment have happened. Lets look to WWII germany, look to china, russia, and now the middle east. Lets not close our eyes to what is happening eventhough the news shows us this is what happens with gun ownership. No thats not what happens when responsible people have guns. Sure there are times when a gun is not needed, but in light of recent events; a shooting at a church terroist threats against specific cities, home invasions. The list is long and plentiful and so many would argue against having a gun, but why?
A parting question just to think about something for a time. Why are we so against guns, when knives, bows and arrows, spear guns, spears, machetes, and various other weapons are available and just as deadly. So what is it that we have against guns?
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Why I Work
So I don't write often simply because i occupy so much of my time looking for sleep. This summer i realized something about myself that i hope to change somewhat. I work when i am bored. Now for some people they would say that is a good thing , but the fact is...I over work out of boredom. It takes a lot to keep my mind occupied and most of the time i find that immersing myself in work is one of the ways I do that. Now this is good for the pay check to be sure. Over the summer i was loving those nice sized checks.
The downside is all that work affected my health. Yes most people look at me and say something like but you are so big and healthy looking and so on and so forth. But really as a diabetic I am killing myself out of boredom. I ingest way to many energy drinks to stay awake and lucid. I was eating terribly for a time(that has changed now) and sleep... there were to many days where i ran off of 5 hours sleep...max.
So boredom equals a slow death for me while appearing to be hale and whole. So then I would think that i should find something to occupy time so i don't get bored. Problem is I find my self grasping concepts and ideals much quicker that i used to. Should i then work on meditation and relaxation or should i continually move forward?
And as i type this you can probably guess where i am. I cant tell my boss no....well not often. Even with major back pain, limping because the muscles are tightened so badly I still accepted a shift sitting out in the cold. Yes bills have to be paid, but i seem to be driven...or it may be that i drive myself mercilessly to attain.....something. Just rambling thoughts running through my head as I sit work trying not to turn into a toffeeciclce becausr the desert in the winter is COLD.
The downside is all that work affected my health. Yes most people look at me and say something like but you are so big and healthy looking and so on and so forth. But really as a diabetic I am killing myself out of boredom. I ingest way to many energy drinks to stay awake and lucid. I was eating terribly for a time(that has changed now) and sleep... there were to many days where i ran off of 5 hours sleep...max.
So boredom equals a slow death for me while appearing to be hale and whole. So then I would think that i should find something to occupy time so i don't get bored. Problem is I find my self grasping concepts and ideals much quicker that i used to. Should i then work on meditation and relaxation or should i continually move forward?
And as i type this you can probably guess where i am. I cant tell my boss no....well not often. Even with major back pain, limping because the muscles are tightened so badly I still accepted a shift sitting out in the cold. Yes bills have to be paid, but i seem to be driven...or it may be that i drive myself mercilessly to attain.....something. Just rambling thoughts running through my head as I sit work trying not to turn into a toffeeciclce becausr the desert in the winter is COLD.
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Women today
So...... work. I work at a night club and I am astounded by the sheer vapidity that I run into on a nightly baisis. I makes me wonder how do these people make it through their day to day. They say ignorance is bliss, obviously these people have taken it to heart. But today I want to focus on the female. Whilst done up beautifully made attractive in form and dress these subjects seemingly lack one very important factor.
I am not trying to be mean, but in hearing the conversations of these women I wonder if these conversations are normal. Lacking in content that might provoke a thought, the conversation seems more in line with something found on the show the jersey Shore than in real life. While these women are very nice to look at that's about it. Now I should point out that yes after years of growing up and learning a few small things my thought process has changed.
But I am no longer content to chase an image I want substance I want something that can go beyond simplistic pick up lines that are used a thousand times over. Yes I know I should smile no I am not going to and yes I know I have pretty eyes. Now that that is out of the way let's move on to something a bit deeper shall we?
Yes I have high standards but it seems as though my current standards used to be the norm. We have a dumbing down of real relationship ship goals can we get those back please?
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Healthy Eating and Shopping
Today I tried to continue my healthy trend for eating. Not so much at home....I slept the day away; but with my shopping for food for my overnight shifts. Let me tell you a regular grocery store leaves things very lacking. Now i see why Americans are the fattest country in the world. Our serving sizes are ridiculous and our food choices are so lacking in nutrition it defies logic.
Now I am not the healthiest person in this country, but when looking for real food choices I am beyond floored. Not at the variety of options, at the pure lack of nutrional value our food contains. How do I know this to be true you may ask. Well i will tell you. This past week i pulled some extra hours at work; doing this always limits my time to eat, so of course i defaulted to fast food to fuill in the gap. Now all total i ate 5 meals that were fast food based. They tore up my stomach and i felt tired and sluggish in the time periods where i was awake and fighting for lucidity. 5 meals shpuold not make your poo go atomic and have you praying to the toilet gods for an end to the pain and misery. I know TMI, but we have to face facts; we are ingesting very empty calories and chemicals that are destroying our bodies.
The dinner i cooked Monday night was simple fare yet by the time i was half way done i was feeling satisfied. Didn't happen with the fast food. i look forward to the days i can cook and find better healthier food. Back to my shopping trip....one thing i do my best to do is have a fruit with my lunch. Normally not in any kind of juice or liquid a) cuts down on sugars and b) it just better for you. At the grocery store could i find fruit like this? Hardly. oh the had cut cantaloupe but I could tell i was chock full of preservatives. No fruit sits that long in a refrigeration unit and still looks that fresh. Again not the healthiest but honestly if i make it to 90 i really don't want to look like i am 30.
Yes the fat guy is making a case for real healthy food. Chock full of vitamins minerals...flavor and oh my gosh real taste. Seriously soon we are going to have chicken flavored chicken because what will be given to us wont even be a true piece of meat. Ladies and gentlemen it is time we take a stand and demand that our food be food. Not a list of chemicals made to taste like food. 15 years from now we are going to have raspberries with real raspberry flavoring. Seriously think about it just for a second...laugh now but know the day is coming where food is not food. It is a gray paste made to taste like....insert your flavor. We need to get back to the basics. Refuse to buy prepackaged crap. Cook, i mean real food with real flavor and real texture.
Now I am not the healthiest person in this country, but when looking for real food choices I am beyond floored. Not at the variety of options, at the pure lack of nutrional value our food contains. How do I know this to be true you may ask. Well i will tell you. This past week i pulled some extra hours at work; doing this always limits my time to eat, so of course i defaulted to fast food to fuill in the gap. Now all total i ate 5 meals that were fast food based. They tore up my stomach and i felt tired and sluggish in the time periods where i was awake and fighting for lucidity. 5 meals shpuold not make your poo go atomic and have you praying to the toilet gods for an end to the pain and misery. I know TMI, but we have to face facts; we are ingesting very empty calories and chemicals that are destroying our bodies.
The dinner i cooked Monday night was simple fare yet by the time i was half way done i was feeling satisfied. Didn't happen with the fast food. i look forward to the days i can cook and find better healthier food. Back to my shopping trip....one thing i do my best to do is have a fruit with my lunch. Normally not in any kind of juice or liquid a) cuts down on sugars and b) it just better for you. At the grocery store could i find fruit like this? Hardly. oh the had cut cantaloupe but I could tell i was chock full of preservatives. No fruit sits that long in a refrigeration unit and still looks that fresh. Again not the healthiest but honestly if i make it to 90 i really don't want to look like i am 30.
Yes the fat guy is making a case for real healthy food. Chock full of vitamins minerals...flavor and oh my gosh real taste. Seriously soon we are going to have chicken flavored chicken because what will be given to us wont even be a true piece of meat. Ladies and gentlemen it is time we take a stand and demand that our food be food. Not a list of chemicals made to taste like food. 15 years from now we are going to have raspberries with real raspberry flavoring. Seriously think about it just for a second...laugh now but know the day is coming where food is not food. It is a gray paste made to taste like....insert your flavor. We need to get back to the basics. Refuse to buy prepackaged crap. Cook, i mean real food with real flavor and real texture.
Thursday, July 23, 2015
My thoughts on my dad
Today i write a blog about my dad. yes I am still in the healing process and yes it is hard. Earlier this yeah i spent time in an area that i was not really aware he went to. But after going and seeing the simple beauty and the majesty of being out in nature surrounded by trees....it brought back some memories of stuff we did as kids. It brought back seeing my dad more relaxed...I think he liked the outdoors more than he wanted to admit. I got to see the world through mydads eys for just a moment.
For the many who knew my dad i am begining to see there are a very select few that actually knew my dad. Now i know some people can say I grew up with him but i spent so much time trying not to be like him i missed a ton. Hindsight is definately 20/20 and what it is showing me is enlightening. I know my dad is not a saint. He always said we are very alike....if thats the case then i guess it is a good thing he knew some Godly people. Some of the same people i know and tell me the same thing they told him. We are preaying for you. Now in his case it may have been because he had 3 willfull, hardheaded, very intelliegent children.....me cause I am still that way. My dad was a great man not because he did great things, or left us a legacy that will span generations but he taught me something more. How to be a particular kind of man, not the kind of man who sits back and says life is doing me wrong so i better do nothing at all. He taught me that choosing to love someone is going to be one of the toughest decisions i can make and when i do stick to it. One of the best things he taught me, something i didnt appricate until he was gone, is Trust in God and love God and every thing will work out how it should. I had survivors guilt. I had guillt because i was in washington instead of Vegas. I had tons of guilt and didnt know how to deal with it.
Now I have hope for a btter tomorrow because i started paying attention to what nmy dad worked hard to teach me. He always said "son I don't want you to make the same mistakes I did". Well some I have and some i have made my own, but through it all I always remeber my dad making a concious choice to accept some of my choices that i thought were at the time right for me. Cause we both remebered the lessons we were teaching and learning. I miss my dad...I don't have him to turn to anymore when i am troubled or lost....but i have what he was teaching me
For the many who knew my dad i am begining to see there are a very select few that actually knew my dad. Now i know some people can say I grew up with him but i spent so much time trying not to be like him i missed a ton. Hindsight is definately 20/20 and what it is showing me is enlightening. I know my dad is not a saint. He always said we are very alike....if thats the case then i guess it is a good thing he knew some Godly people. Some of the same people i know and tell me the same thing they told him. We are preaying for you. Now in his case it may have been because he had 3 willfull, hardheaded, very intelliegent children.....me cause I am still that way. My dad was a great man not because he did great things, or left us a legacy that will span generations but he taught me something more. How to be a particular kind of man, not the kind of man who sits back and says life is doing me wrong so i better do nothing at all. He taught me that choosing to love someone is going to be one of the toughest decisions i can make and when i do stick to it. One of the best things he taught me, something i didnt appricate until he was gone, is Trust in God and love God and every thing will work out how it should. I had survivors guilt. I had guillt because i was in washington instead of Vegas. I had tons of guilt and didnt know how to deal with it.
Now I have hope for a btter tomorrow because i started paying attention to what nmy dad worked hard to teach me. He always said "son I don't want you to make the same mistakes I did". Well some I have and some i have made my own, but through it all I always remeber my dad making a concious choice to accept some of my choices that i thought were at the time right for me. Cause we both remebered the lessons we were teaching and learning. I miss my dad...I don't have him to turn to anymore when i am troubled or lost....but i have what he was teaching me
Thursday, May 21, 2015
The difference
Disclaimer: this is my perspective the way I see it. If you don't like it stop reading and move on.
I have noticed a disturbing trend in relationships I am forming. I do sent mean it is wrong it is just wrong for me. That trend I am seeing....involves fantasy vs. reality. Now there is nothing wrong with a little fantasy and fun in any relationship. However the trend that I am seeing is that the expectation of the fantasy be the reality.
For anyone that actually knows me I deal with the real. Not saying that I can't have fun or enjoy a date night that seems drawn form a fantasy but in all things real life I like to deal in facts. I don't believe in playing games when I make a statement about how I feel or what I see.
Whats funny about this is no matter what I state I am told my perspective is wrong. Well news flash, it's my perspective so not only it is right but for it to change I have to do that and for me to do that you have to do something world changing. Why you might ask, and I can say 1.it's my perspective or 2.I can be brutally honest and let you know your behavior, your actions, and your words dont match. Yes you can object to everything I can say here and I will direct you to the disclaimer. Yes you can say I am an asshole and I will tell you 2 things. Yes I am. And I have never hidden that.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)