Piles of Paper are Evil

I just found my most favoritist magazine in the whole world (NGJ, see list at right) had come last week, and I didn't know it because it was stuck in a pile of mail!

Did you know?

I had a thought, and went to check my fridge. We have a squeeze bottle of jam in there that Gabe purchased to take hunting.

Brand-name store-bought jam has high fructose corn syrup in it!

This probably should have been a *duh* moment, but I just am so amazed at everything they put it into! I am starting to really buy into the theory that high fructose corn syrup is being used the same way MSG is... because it's addictive.

Does Anyone Else Struggle With This?

I know I have been talking a lot about "religious" stuff, but I am just so excited about what I've been learning. So please be gracious, and I would love to hear what you think-- even if you disagree! :-)

I was pondering my last post, and thinking about why Christians aged 20-30 have such a different view from those in earlier generations. And why only 10% of voters have a biblical worldview compared to 48% who claim Christianity. This reminded me of the difficulty I have had since leaving my "school years" (high school-college age) in learning to have a biblical worldview instead of the humanistic view that we are taught in school.

I remember one time in college, in sociology or something like that, when the professor just had to pick me, asked if I was at home with children and an intruder broke in the middle of the night -My family's lives were in danger - I have a gun - What do I do? I said "Shoot." "To what end?" "Death, if necessary." "But doesn't the Bible say 'Thou Shalt Not Murder?' " "Ok, so I shoot their legs."
She proceeded to rip me to shreds, and the Bible along with it. I left nearly in tears because I did not know how to defend my beliefs or position. I could not argue what the Bible said versus humanism because all I really understood was humanism. I did not understand what I knew to be truth - now I do regarding that subject, and I want to know more about everything else.

Anyway, my question for anyone else willing to put themselves out there, and if I may, specifically those of you who attended Christian schools and colleges: Do you struggle with this biblical versus humanistic worldview? I feel like every time I come up against something new, it's like I have to relearn it, from a biblical standpoint. And I want to! But sometimes I feel so overwhelmed that the whole world is against me, and like I will never really *get* it. Like I have so far to go. (This is why I seek discussion - although I know this forum makes me sound more like just a know-it-all. Please look past this soapbox scenario and understand that this is me, growing and examining, grateful that He is so amazing in teaching me.) Hear me- if my gifts are knowledge and wisdom, why do I get such a negative response from other Christians when I am trying to learn? Do you have to have these gifts to have such a hunger for understanding? Does anyone else feel like they are being discouraged from growing, because it typically means growing away from the world and the mainstream Christianity?

Should we just blend in with everyone else in the name of unity and tolerance? Should we defend our positions? How do we grow if we don't challenge each other? Are only *some* of us called to fundamental Christianity? Why do we ostracise those as being fundamental and "not normal?"

Just wondering what you think. I know what I think, but share with me a little, will ya? ;-)

An answer to an obvious question

Obama's support from "born-again" Christians

Interesting. Especially, in the midst of all the statistics, they included one at the end, that even though 48% of voters claim to be "born-again" Christians, only one in ten (10%) is an evangelical Christian with a biblical worldview and understanding of what it means to be a follower of Christ.

That's a big difference. And a bigger prayer need.

Debrief, Part Two

Cuba and Miami: 'cause it's short, and I don't have a lot of time today.


I learned this from a college prof, who had a student from Cuba: this occurred within the last decade.

Did you know that Cuba sends it's extra bad or annoying criminals to the US? Specifically, obviously, to Miami. Isn't that nice of them? The student of this teacher was "exported" to Florida, along with his father, leaving the rest of their family, for stealing - twice.


I just thought this was an interesting piece of trivia, and wonder why it has never been addressed.

He is so Good!

In my Bible study today, I read something that I just had to share, especially in light of another discussion going on in a different blog.

Psalm 129:1-5
"Since my youth they have often attacked me - let Israel say -
Since my youth they have often attacked me, but they have not prevailed against me.
Plowmen plowed over my back, they made their furrows long.
The Lord is righteous, He has cut the ropes of the wicked.
Let all who hate Zion be driven back in disgrace."

Study notes:
The enemy, the world system, and our own flesh try to convince us that we're free when we are out from under authority and can do as we please. The Bible and life experience teach us something completely different. Only under the umbrella of God's trustworthy, for-us authority do we find our spacious place.
Only He can clarify our clouded belief systems.
Beth Moore, Stepping Up

Today, this was an reassuring answer to prayer.

Way Too Funny Cartoon

http://forthardknox.com/2008/10/28/democrat-halloween/

Pumpkin Question

So, this pumpkin is trying to kill me either through the knife or frustration, one of the two.

After I cook it, the peel should come off easy, right? And should the insides look somewhat transparent, not like they looked when I put them in? Because I am having to use a knife to cut the peel off, and the part of the pumpkin by the pan looks "done" but the rest of it doesn't. Am I cutting too big of pieces? I know Pioneer Woman used small pumpkins... AACCKKKK!

I am just ready to throw this one in the trash, but it's my special Sugar Baby one from the Punkin' Patch, and I was hoping to use it!

Conference Debrief, Part One

Ok, so maybe the whole Medianites joke was a little difficult? Here's a clue:

Midianites: Basically, bad guys in the Bible. There are differing opinions as to how many groups there were, but originally they were descendants of Abraham through Keturah (his wife after Sarah died). Several times they were oppressive to Israel, or tried to exterminate Israel, and God gave Israel victory over them. Basically - bad guys.

Medianites: CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, take your pick of any media that doesn't seem to be objectively reporting the facts. like, at all. ;-)

And I repeat, "isn't that awesome?" (In my opinion, and I'm guessing yours, because no matter who you're voting for, you can't excuse what the media has shamefully done with this election.)

********************************************************************
Anyway, since no one introduced any good questions, (and probably didn't really know what to ask, I'm guessing) I will start with a little something that made me cry. Because validation always does-- does it make you cry too?

Lately, in light of the election, I have been pretty frustrated. By many things, but basically because I do not understand what educated American, possibly add in here "Christian," could be "undecided" about who to vote for. And as this has gone on, it just seems like if you do your research and don't let the Medianites do it for you, you would know who your choice was. But during my prayer time of questioning, I just really felt like God was telling me that He is in Control. (I know we understand that God sets up kings and governments, but this was something more) And during the conference, this was validated. That God is in control, but this very well could be the beginning of the fall of America. Possibly that our judgement has already begun. Not even looking at what all else can and will send us reeling into a tailspin, the partisanship of the media and the difficulty of finding real answers as voters is enough to make me wonder "What is going on?" But we will get what we want, and we will reap what we sow. Haven't we been hearing the saying for years - that if God doesn't judge America, He's gonna have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah?
Anywho-- He just totally gave me that gift in my prayer time, and then through many of the speakers, validated that I am not weird in my (gift of) understanding-- If certain things continue to happen, plus all the Perfect Storms that are brewing within and without, America as we know it is over. And, it's ok. We should pray and fast, and possibly gain a reprieve, but His End Game is coming, and America, with or without us (!) will fall.

Ok, further topics: Israel, the AntiChrist/Mahdi, the Slovanian group behind us, Cuba and Miami, Do Not Fear, More Election Stuff (not a lot, just a little, but I just have to share), or the Perfect Storms.
Let me know what you want to hear, because I just have the hardest time picking what to say next.

Well, Now I Know

I now know what subcutaneous tissue looks like.

But Gabe told me I don't need stitches. And I didn't want the bill.

(I stabbed myself while trying to cut a pumpkin to roast it. That sucker was tough! Me, though, not so much. Knife went right in -- subcutaneous tissue came right out. :-)