A restful Sunday

I was up and down last night (ill) so today was a good day to rest and enjoy the quietness of home, and the beauty outside. We look out onto several hundred acres of native grasses, flowers and cottonwoods, and when the wind blows (as it does about 90% of the time) it looks as if the world is dancing. No storms today, just sunlight that is beginning to soften in the autumn season. In the winter the light in the north becomes almost brittle and shallow, not the mellow richness of the summer sun or the awakening bounty of the spring.

I watched part of the PBS series on our National Parks today and wondered why so many Americans are in such a hurry to go explore other places before they've bothered to spend the time to visit the wonders which can only be found within our country's boundaries. We have more natural wonders, better preserved and protected, than anywhere else in the world. So when planning your next trip, look for what you might have missed close to home. I know that as much of the west as I have seen, there are so many places in the midwest and eastern US that I've not gotten the chance to explore, cultures I am alien to, foods I've not yet tasted, people waiting to be met.

chili colorado soft tacos

chili colorado soft tacos

Ingredients:

2 -3 lbs beef shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1/2 cup flour
• 4 tablespoons oil
• 5 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 2 cups water
• salt and pepper
• Directions:

Prep Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 1 3/4 hrs

1. 1 Spread the flour out on a plate and coat the beef cubes one by one in it, dusting off the excess. Don't skip this step because the flower also helps to thicken the sauce at the end.
2. 2 Brown the beef in a heavy-bottomed pot in the oil over medium-high heat. You want a lot of color on them because color equals flavor.
3. 3 Pour in all the spices, the tomato paste, and the water. Bring this to a simmer, season with salt and pepper, and cook low and slow for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours until the beef is tender and falling apart. A good test is to take a piece and try to mash it on your cutting board with a fork. If it falls apart, you are golden.
4. 4 Serve it just by itself with mexican rice and refried beans or use it as a burrito filling.

last pics of furkids for now

Monty and Murphy

Daniel
Sequoia
Chipper
Gideon and Daniel
Monty who'd put his head in the sprinkler

Butter Poached Italian Style Tilapia

I've been feeling iffy this week, especially today, so we had dinner later. It had to be quick, pretty easy, and for health reasons, a seafood dinner.

What I came up with was really nice, got good raves for Charles, and is definitely a repeat dinner.

In a skillet:

Cook diced bacon with some onions- when half done, add a stick of butter to the skillet. (I didn't say it was a healthy dinner)

Add a cup of water.

Put in the tilapia (or another white fish) fillets, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and italian seasoning.

When the water is half reduced, put in 6 to 10 halved cherry tomatoes. Baste the fish throughout the cooking process. When the fish is almost done, put in some shrimp, and 1 tablespoon worth of capers (without the liquid).

When fish is done, remove fish and cooked shrimp from the skillet, plate. Turn up the stove to highest heat, add some fresh parsley to the sauce, and spritz with lemon. Pour over fish. Serve immediately.

Storming

A big front of steel blue and black clouds has moved in, heavy winds, et all. The rain has not started yet, but when it does, the forecaster is predicting inches worth, over a day and a half, two days. (Thank the Lord we're not on a flood plain) We've had unusually large amounts of rain here this summer, I am told, and I wonder now if fall is to be the same. Since it's cooled off there isn't the tornado warning (again, Thank the Lord) just a cold blustery storm front filled with rain.

Finn

I love this little cat. I mean, I love our other two as well, Gideon our old boy and Daniel, but this little cat is something else. I got him at three weeks old, when his mother had stopped feeding him. I am fairly sure he thinks I am the mother cat. He's a one person cat, though he has his moments of trying to get closer to Charles. Wherever I go in the house, look for him there. And when I call him, he comes running, with a small "merrrr" sound. Finn is our mouser, and is quite the hunter. He is also so funny with food, he attacks it and "grrrrrs" at anyone who comes near...but best of all he's a lap cat and cuddler :)

On the edge of madness

I was just watching the news on ABC a few minutes ago and saw a story about some idiotic, moronic, flat out unchristian pastor in Florida who is holding a "Burn the Koran" day on Sept 11th.

First...I guess he doesn't give a damn about the soldiers he just put into danger in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq, protests are already happening there, people are burning our flag and effiegies, and throwing things at our armored vehicles...rightly being upset that someone in our culture wants to defame their holy book, but wrongly taking it out on soldiers that probably want to strangle that stupid want to be holy man in Florida.

Second...we should not want to burn books. Period. It hearkens back to Hitler and his book burnings, and we all know how that turned out. And we should have enough maturity to let other faiths have their holy books, not have such a juvenile reaction.

Yes, a few bad muslims have attacked our country. Less than 100,000 muslims world wide are involved, by conservative estimates, in the jihad against us...and most of those are doing things like sheltering, supplying, not actively fighting. Considering there are over 1,000,0000,000+ muslims world wide, that's less than 0.01% that are our enemies. We have millions of good active faithful patriotic muslims in our country, and this jack ass pastor wants to call them evil, and deface their holy book.

What a great example of how not to be a Christian.

Where is his love? Where is his compassion? Where is his understanding? Because all he's spewing is hate filled drivel.

I don't know about you, but I'm scared of all the hateful talk filling out country right now...we're labeling a whole group of people as evil, we're demonizing them, and dehumanizing them. I'm waiting for some politician to start talking about putting people in concentration camps.

Wake up people...we're on the edge of madness. These are our neighbors, our friends, the people you shop with, their kids go to school with your kids. Why are we going down this road??

And the scary thing is, the rhetoric is growing on both sides...this pastor, a man named Terry Jones, has a fb page with 8,000 fans. And other anti burn the koran day pages are growing much faster. Hate speech is flying from christians, from muslims, bashing Christ, bashing Mohammed, driving wedges even deeper.

We need to stop this crap. If you are a Christian, not a blind follower of hate....then do what Christ wants you to do. Act in love...pray for the Muslims, and for Terry Jones, who is a lost soul as best I can tell. Tell the message of the Gospel in love and gentleness. You will not win anyone to Christ with hate speech and anger, you will only drive them further away. As far as Muslims, remember, the Koran teaches that Christians, Jews and Muslims are all people of the Book, and we are all to respect one another.

We are reaching near hysteria as a nation, and we all need to back down, and calm down. We do not need to be further torn apart as a nation. If you are a member of the Christian faith, act like it. Don't partake in this hate.

for a link to the story on abc: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/anti-islam-rhetoric-heats-ahead-911/story?id=11565884

Butterscotch Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Butterscotch Chocolate Chunk Cookies

1 cup Unsalted butter, softened
1 cup Light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup Dark brown sugar, firm packed
3/4 ts Vanilla extract -- (optional)
1 Egg
1/8 t Salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups Semisweet chocolate cut in coarse chunks

Preheat oven to 400ºF. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Cream the butter with both sugars until very well blended. Mix in the vanilla and egg, then fold in the salt, flour and chocolate chunks. Form into small or large balls (walnut-sized or golf-ball-sized, as desired). Place on the baking sheets and press down slightly. Bake until done, about 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on racks.

(Makes about 2 dozen large or 4 dozen small).

Quick dessert recipe

This is a french dessert that I made tonight....as some know, I am not a baker (I do so once in a great while) and really just not into making many desserts...but this was so good and so easy, I'll probably make it twice a month!

vanilla custard (or substitute pudding if need be) topped with raspberries, with a little honey drizzled on top, and sprinkled with a touch of cocoa powder. Very good, highly recommend it, super easy.

General update

I know, I haven't been blogging much. Some of it has been from being busy when my family was out visiting, some from when I didn't feel well, some from a touch of depression, some from sheer laziness.

My parents and Aunt Sue came out from CA in late June for two weeks. At the same time, my sister Gina came out to visit her daughter Megan, who lives in Billings, and who had just had her third baby. (who is darling, btw...all Meg's children are.)

Had an absolutely wonderful visit with all. Lots of pics taken, check out my fb page for those. Cried terribly when they drove off, missed them much. We're planning/hoping to out to CA in December to visit, so I solace myself with that.

The health problems were the normal sort. Had a really bad heart scare in the beginning of July, and has taken a while to get back to semi-normal from that. It's just learning to live with life as it now is and not push it.

As for the depression, I had that when I found out with Charles' job we have to be in ND for some months, now it looks like even over the winter. But...in this economy, you go where the job is, right? And ND has a thriving job market and great pay...sooo...here we are, a couple miles south of the Canadian border, right in the middle of the top of the state. Lots of prairie. Looks a lot like the central valley of California, but bigger and cleaner and a lot less people. Oh, and wetlands EVERYWHERE. In it's own way, it is beautiful, vastly so. I just miss Montana...but for the time being am reconciled at being in exile in ND, *laughing*. There are far worse things, I admit.

So it's Labor Day weekend...not much planned. I was sick this week, a bug, so taking it easy and not overdoing it. We went for a long drive yesterday, then into town (Minot) and went book browsing and picked up five or six. Stopped by the store, got ribs for tonight and munchy finger foods for tomorrow. Charles is enjoying the three days off, he needs the rest. He enjoyed seeing my parents too, it is a comfort and joy to me how close they've become. It makes it so nice for me.

Mom and Dad are pretty good. Mom is losing her eyesight, dry macular degeneration...it will take years hopefully, and I pray that the docs and whatnot may come up for treatments before then for her. She's such a reader and so independent. Since this is a genetic thing, she's shared with me (and my sisters) about some things we can do to help slow it down if we get it, or hopefully prevent us from getting it. So now I almost religiously wear sunglasses outside, eat lots of bright veggies and fruits daily, and upped my fish/shellfish intake to at least two dinners a week, gotta get those Omega 3 fatty acids! Luckily, both Charles and I like fish and shellfish, but even if I didn't, I'd learn to deal with them, reading and cooking are so important to me, and I'd be flummoxed and disheartened not to be able to do them. Dad's doctor appointments have gone pretty well lately, and I am so thankful for that. They're both active in church and family stuff, and Mom also does volunteer work, which I think is great.

I've been thinking if we're going to be here for a bit, I need to stop insulating myself so much and get a little more social. So we're going to take Chipper (our corgi) and Sequoia to the local retirement homes to do visitations, and we're trying out the local church more and more, maybe start going to Bible study.

Other than that, life is pretty good. Not real exciting, but I can't do real exciting, lol...so this works out. I enjoy looking out the windows and seeing deer, or wild turkeys (and the other night saw my first live wild skunk...soooo cute!) and birds are so thick here! All kinds. They (the news) says bird watching is one of ND's main tourism draws, and I can believe it.

Well...gotta go mess with those ribs. Take care all!

How many roads to Heaven?

In today's fashionable, overly pc, let's make everyone feel good world we don't like strong statements. We don't like absolutes. And we don't like anything that might exclude anyone else, after all, someone's feelings might be hurt!
So we water down history, we water down (or ban) great books with controverisal themes, we water down our language, and most dangerously, we water down Christianity.
No longer do many preachers and believers hold fast to Christian truths. We do not teach what Christ commanded be taught, but instead teach a powder puff version of the faith. We don't want to offend an athiest, or hurt a Buddhist's feelings when we talk about our faith, so we soften it, and soften it some more, until it stands for nothing. Christianity in America (and Europe) is turning into nothing more a Hallmark card greeting.
"We believe in our way, but you can believe in your way, and we're all good and we'll all end up happy together in a sun-shiney, flower filled, puppy romping field of paradise. No one is wrong, everyone is right, let's all hold hands together."
The problem is, friends, Jesus said the exact opposite. Not everyone gets to Heaven. Most don't. Because most won't choose Him over the world and false gods (of money, vanity, or other faiths) and most won't live by the very simple (but firm) rules He set.
We don't want to have to repent of sin...repentance means you're sorry and will try your hardest to change. Who wants to change in today's society? I mean, really, shouldn't God just accept you as you are? I mean, you are an individual, right? And conformity sucks, man.
Grow up. Holding onto sinful habits destroys you slowly, and the sooner you can see that and drop those behaviors, the healthier your life, both physical and spiritual, will be. God wants you to abandon sin because He knows it's good for you.
The second thing is, God is exclusive, and jealous. (Remember, in the 10 Commandments, He calls Himself a Jealous God) He wants your devotion and love and does not want to share it with any other thing, especially a fake god. He decided you were important enough to Him to send His son to die for you, He expects your love and devotion in return if you want to be saved.
God will not let folks of other faiths into Heaven, with the exception of the Jewish people that will be redeemed in the end times. (Check out Daniel, Zechariah, Revelation for more on that) When you tell your New Age buddies that they're on their own path to God...you're letting them walk the path to Hell. In fact, you're giving them a push along the way. I have friends of other faiths, and friends who embrace athiesm, and I pray for them- for I know they are not saved. I share my faith as I can, but I never give false assurances. I will not help them down that road.
And in case you think this is just my viewpoint, here are two quotes, one from Christ and one from Paul about this....
From Matthew 7:13-"You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.
And from 1 Timothy 2:5- For there is but one God and one way humans can reach God. That way is through Christ Jesus.

Love or Hatred...Christianity in America

I am astounded by American, and to some extend, European Christians. And this isn't a new thing, I've been baffled for years, but lately what was bafflement is growing into dismay, and horror.

Jesus, whom by name Christians seek to follow, told us to do some very simple things. Love God with everything we have, love our neighbors, feed the hungry, clothe and aid the poor, visit those in prison, share the gospel, forgive others. And while everything in the Bible has merit, it is the words of Christ I feel, as His followers, we should pay most attention to. Put His words up at the top of the list, so to speak, with an asterisk that says...Most important, do these FIRST.

So turn on the tv. And what impression jumps out about American Christians. That they hate, march, protest. That they seek political power, instead of humbly following the commandments of the Savior.

What, you say, I'm wrong? Let's go over the issues on the news currently.

The community center in New York City. And the "Christians" being interviewed speaking on how evil Muslims are, and how we need to kick them out of our towns (yes, I've heard that. I've ever seen, on FB someone call Muslims "dirty Muslims"...I was horrified.) Let us think, for just a mere moment, how Jesus might handle this. I don't recall Him going into the temples of other faiths, and turning over tables, and shouting about them being cleansed. He cleaned up His own temple, His own faith. I believe Jesus knows we can lovingly present the Gospel, but after that, it's the person's choice whether or not to accept it. And if they don't....don't sweat it. Don't get all bothered about their prayers to their god/s, they'll find out on Judgement Day. You did your part, you, with tact and love and soft spoken words shared the Love of the Savior. That's all YOU have to do.

Drive out people of other faiths? NO. Not only did Jesus say NOTHING about that, it's flat out un-American. You want your rights as a Christian to be protected under the law, then don't try and chip away another faith's rights. Because our govt, who happily quietly takes away rights anyway, would be thrilled to get to have power over religious faith and practice. Yes, a few very bad Muslims did a horrific act years ago. I know, I still get a tightening in my throat when I think about that day. But by most reasonable estimates, there are less than 100,000 Muslims actively conspiring or fighting against us and our interests. That's out of over a billion Muslims...1,000,000,000. (That less than 0.01% of the total population.) Maybe it's that I've had Muslim friends, worked with a Muslim before...I can sit back and realize they're not out there for my blood...a small fanatical group is, yes...but come on, as Christians, can we really talk about small fanatical fringe groups that have committed atrocities? And just as I don't feel real Christians committed the Spanish Inquisition, or burned witches at Salem, or hung Quakers for wanting to free slaves, I don't feel "real" Muslims crashed those planes and took those lives. Warped horrible people who used a religion as a guise did those things, just as warped people used Christianity in the past, and still do today...think Westboro Baptist Church.

Another thing that baffles me is gay rights. And yes, the Bible lists it as a sin, as it lists using foul language as a sin, or anger as a sin, or judgement as a sin. We all sin, so get over pointing your fingers and feeling holier than thou. You're not holier than a gay couple living their life together...Christ had to die for your sins too. Under the Biblical Law, you are just as guilty, perhaps even more so, since you know of Christ's commandments, and claim to have a relationship, and still behave this way. I personally do not get what the issue is with gay marriage. Do not get it. I have gay friends (gasp, yes...get over it.) And some of them are married. (gasp, yes...get over it.) Do I feel my marriage to Charles, ten years so far, is worth less because they live happily together? Ummm...no, that would be stupid. Do I feel threatened by the idea of them getting to share insurance, or tax benefits...why would I? The one and only area I am cautious with, in concern to gay marriage, is the very few people who want to be able to force a Church to marry gays and lesbians. There I draw a line, because the Church's rights are being trampled. I'm not Muslim, thus we can't have a renewal ceremony in a Mosque, not Jewish, can't use the Synagogue...Church's are private clubs, so to speak, and should never be forced to marry anyone outside what their personal believes espouse.

A group of believers have every right to get together, worship and believe their own set of beliefs/morals. They can define what a sin is, according to their faith. And no one should have the right to regulate those beliefs, providing.....providing that the group does not feel they can impose their beliefs on anyone else. Take the Christian faith in America, it's pretty wide spread.....there are denominations out there that would say I am sinning right now, because I'm wearing shorts. I disagree with them, but if they all wish to dress a certain way, go for it. But they don't have the right to tell me how to dress. Just as Christians in general, don't have the right to impose our beliefs on someone's choice of partner. Just think of this...your only job, as a Christian, is to love those around you, present the Gospel lovingly, and leave the rest to God. Don't worry about their lifestyle, just share the Gospel and love them. Period.

I know a lot of conservative Christians spend a lot of time networking via media like facebook, sharing their outrage and this and that and the other, and how dare they do this, etc etc etc. Why don't we use our time to do what Christ wants us to do? Just an idea...but hey, He is the Savior right...and if we say we follow Him...maybe we should actually follow His Commandments.

So....go feed the hungry, there are a lot of them out there right now with our economy. Check out Backpacks of Love for a starting place (check my husband's profile, it's a mission we're doing up here, that you can do at home. Fill a bag with some food, maybe a shirt or socks, a Bible...and find a homeless person -they're out there in record numbers- and give it to them with a smile and the words, God loves you, hang in there man) or find your local food bank and volunteer. Your local homeless shelters always need supplies, and volunteers. I know a prison ministry scares a lot of people, but if you can do it, go for it! Visit elderly in retirement homes, who are often lonely and can use the visit, you can brighten their day. And just find quiet thoughtful ways throughout your day to share the Word of our Lord, whether it be a post on Facebook, handing out a tract, telling someone you will pray for them, there are tons of ways....

Pray for the people with whom you disagree with their politics. Don't yell at them, pray for them. Pray over the issues than infuriate you, and ask God...is this my politics or my religion? Should I show an angry face to the world as Christian, or show a loving compassionate face? Which will win more souls for God?

Because...remember, each person you are infuriated at...whether it be a Muslim or a gay man, they too are made in God's image and He loves them. And because He loves them, you are supposed to as well. So how well are you conveying God's love?

'And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.' Luke 14:27

So what cross are you carrying for Christ?

In the west, where it is so easy to be a Christian, most of us look blankly at the idea, surprised that there might be such a thing. Yet, Jesus warned, over and over again that to follow Him would bring suffering, persecution, that some would die for their faith. And in some parts of the world today...people do. I am always humbled and amazed when reading the stories in Voices of the Martyrs, or Gospel for Asia...where people are harassed, disowned, imprisoned, tortured or killed all for their belief in Christ. And what humbles me the most is that they, the believers, think their cost to believe in Christ is cheap...for they have their eyes set, not on earth, but Heaven.

We in the west get awfully cranky when a political decision doesn't go our way, or a store posts Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas, or a tv show makes fun of Christians. We organize boycotts, and the talking heads on tv scream about how Christian rights in America are being stripped away, and the social networks twitter and post about how bad our neighbors are for not going to our Church. And how much filth there is on tv, and by the way, did you watch the latest episode of ....

We need to wake up. Yes, there are elements in our country that aren't as friendly to Christians as we would like them to be...but we can still shop wherever we want, we can go to services, we can post our beliefs on the net and in books, on tv and radio. If we don't like what a show says about us, or if it mocks our faith, we can turn the channel, and find a dozen Christian stations on cable tv. We have it so easy here to be a Christian, that even though most of us say we are followers of Christ...we aren't. It's just a label, membership into an acceptable club, a political action group, or just the thing to do. We aren't carrying a cross, we aren't doing the work. We're not on fire, heck, most American Christians aren't even smoldering.

Because if we were...if we as a nation were truly followers of Christ...there would be no need for government social programs...WE would feed the poor, shelter them and help them up to a better life. There would be no smut on tv, because we would not watch it, and therefore the revenues would go away and the shows would go away. Our country would not be vastly polluted, because we would take care of God's creation. Our country would not have a 50% divorce rate (or close enough to it) because people would mean their marriage vows, work things out, stick with it and become strong family units. There would not be domestic abuse, for husbands would value their wives as Jesus does His Church, and wives would love and cherish their husbands, not belittle them or emasculate them. Our children would not be killing themselves out of despair and confusion. Our faith would be a faith in action, in love, in charity, in help, in compassion.

But if you read the Bible...you know that such a perfect country, or world, will not come until Christ comes again. That humans are too selfish and prideful and judgmental to live in that kind of peace. That within the larger scope of those claiming to be Christian, that most will be of the apostasy, not the true remnant that really follow Christ.

Are you one of the remnant? The beloved chosen few of God? The ones that don't follow the pack, either the secular world we live in, or the pseudo-Christian majority in our country and world that has corrupted our faith and image. When you see someone in need, do you help them, even if they're drunk or high, or of another faith, or of a sexual orientation you don't agree with? Because Jesus says you should. Do you pray, not hate, those who don't follow Christ's path? Because Jesus says you should. Can you be marked different than even the "normal American christian" because of your love and service to the downtrodden? Because Jesus says you should be.

It's hard to be different...we all want to blend in. But the Bible calls us to be apart of the World...

"James 4:4 You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."

James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

1 John 2:25 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Are you set apart from this world? Do people see you and see the love of God within you? Does your love of God translate into compassion for the downtrodden, the weak, the poor, the lost?

In America, in the western world...I think our cross is to break away from the norm, the pack, and stand apart for God. Do not stand with those who claim to be christian, yet teach hate. Do not stand with those who claim to be christian, yet teach not the Word of God. Do not stand with the secular world when it deviates from the teachings of God. It is hard to be apart, it is hard to be different, for you will lose opportunities, you will lose some friends and alienate some family members...who just "don't get it." They will question your faith, and therefore question you. And that is never easy.

But will you carry a cross for Jesus, or go your own way?

Melancholy

Melancholy

is a puppy,

that sits by my feet

and waits until all is quiet to snuggle.

Are we a Christian nation?

A good while ago our current president caused quite a ripple when he made the statement that America is not a Christian nation. Oh, how the conservatives shouted and decried, citing our historical heritage, the churches that thrive today, the fact most people say they are religious. Some folks are still spitting that sound bite out.

But...he is right.

Wait, wait, put the pitch forks down and listen for a moment.

I want you to think about what is on prime time television every night, what movies are box office successes, what books sell well.....hmm...getting a little uncomfortable?

I had a pastor growing up, who was/and still is, I'm sure, very wise. When I asked him as a young pre-teen what was acceptable for a Christian to watch on tv, or in a movie...he answered me this: "Beth, as a Christian, Jesus walks next to you every minute of everyday...whatever you do in life, ask yourself, is it okay to do this in front of Jesus? Would you be embarrassed to watch this movie with Jesus next to you? Would you be uncomfortable to listen to this song with Jesus there? If you are comfortable, you're okay, if not...you're not." Later on my Dad compounded on this by saying I'd be in good shape if whatever I watched/read/listened to I'd be okay doing so with my parents there.

Those are two powerful guidelines for me. And I can say that they still guide my choices and that though I will have much to talk to God about on the day of Accounting* I don't think my viewing habits will be of great importance.

This country claims to have a vast amount of religious people, according to a study I read today over 87% of people in America claim a faith. 76 to 79% claim Christianity.

That's a whole lotta people.

A controlling majority, if it wanted to be so, if it were serious about it's faith.

But you see....those numbers MUST be false...people must be telling falsehoods to the survey takers.

For if we were a nation that were that religious, with Christians, Muslims, Jews and Buddhists (the 4 largest groups) taking their faith seriously...the following would happen:

~Television would focus on showing wholesome programs, television shows glorifying adultery, murder, cheating, the mob, etc....would not have a market in which to thrive, and would not, therefore be created.

~Music lyrics would be a whole lot cleaner. Sure, there would be underground rock/rap, etc with the violent lyrics, the cursing, the degradation of women, but it wouldn't be mainstream. And when these musicians came to perform, their dancers would not dance as they do now.

~Romance writers like Danielle Steel would be out of business, and adult magazines would be sold in paper bags to a small minority, not on the main racks of Borders.

~There would be almost no lawsuits, for the Bible tells you not to sue another believer, but to work it out.

~There would be no, or very little hunger in our country, for all four of the biggest faiths teach us to feed the poor and have compassion on the needy.

~Alcohol sales would plummet, drugs would part of a very small counter culture.

The list goes on and on. You get the idea.

Now, before some of my other friends panic and start telling me about how bad a religious nation could be, let me say this.....I am talking about if people truly lived the Christian faith (for the 70 some odd percent that claim to be such).....

If we did as Jesus taught: to love our neighbor as ourselves, to want the best for all those around us, to not judge but to help and care for, to help to heal, to feed, to clothe, to be meek and gentle.

I know...it doesn't sound a lot like the majority of Christians in this country. That's because the majority of people who claim to follow Christ in the United States are Pharisees. Legalistic, judgemental, holier than thou, lofty...and often just pains in the arse. They care not for the poor guy on the corner, they pretend they don't see them. They want the AIDS clinic shut down because it doesn't affect them and they don't want their tax dollars going to it. You know what Jesus would do with an AIDS clinic...(if He didn't just go in and heal everyone there)...He would volunteer. Jesus would help the guy on the street corner, not treat him like dirt. Jesus might not like your musical tastes, but He loves you, and would find a way to relate to you.

The only people in the Bible that I recall Jesus having disdain for are those who thought they were so good they didn't need Him- people like the Pharisees. And I don't imagine He looks down at our nation today and is impressed.

We have churches that want to tell you what to eat (no meat, no this, no that) or tell you not to dance, or to wear special underwear or to only talk to certain people. Legalistic anyone? And then we have Churches (often some of the same ones) who distort the Bible....who tell you it's corrupt or only partially inspired, that you need to follow this part but leave out that part.

In answer to that I say this: Jesus said that the Bible is the Inspired Word of God, all of it true. (Period, no if ands or buts.) If you don't believe Jesus on this, then you are saying He is a liar. And if He is a liar, then how can He be the Son of God? And if He is not the Son of God, then His death on the cross meant nothing, and He did not rise, and you are dead in your sins and have no hope for eternity. Make up your mind...follow the Bible or not, but make a choice. You cannot sit on the fence forever....someday you will die and you will face judgement. We all will. And if you are not for Jesus, you are against Him.

Then you get the Churches that want to add on new books (when Jesus in Revelations tells us NOT to do that) or make up new levels of myth and story which contradict the Bible....and those
"churches" are leading people to hell.

Our nation is caught up in apostasy. Legalistic churches, churches that are so liberal they've water the Bible down to nothing but a 30 second feel good commercial (hey, you're good, I'm good, God loves everyone and we're all okay!), churches that spread false teachings based on false "prophets" and false doctrine. (BTW....if your church teaches that they know when Christ is coming back again..GET OUT. No man knows the hour but only the Father, and they are just leading you down the wrong path.) If your church teaches you to despise people, get out, Jesus told you to love. If your church teaches they have "secret" revelations from God, get out...Jesus said the Holy Bible is complete in itself and to neither remove or add to it.

There are true Christians in this country...your find them taking soup to their sick neighbors, reaching out in rough communities, working with the youth, taking care of the planet that God entrusted to us, nurturing families, loving those they meet. There just aren't enough of them, they are over shadowed by the Pharisees and the feel goods and the cults masquerading as Christians. There is a reason God says there will only be a remnant...because that's all there is. That's all there has been throughout the history of the church....through most of history the church has been hijacked and men have done terrible things in the name of faith, things Jesus would never condone, things that will have to be paid for.

But because there is only a remnant, worldliness runs rampant in our country, bigotry runs rampant, hate and judgement run rampant, lies run rampant, the glorification of sin is the norm.

We are not a Christian nation. If we were, so much would improve.





*Day of Accounting- even though christians who truly believe (and their belief is seen in their fruit and actions) are saved...there still will be a day of accounting before God for our actions and how we used the time, talents and possessions He gave us for His use.

Buddha, Christ and Easter Morning

I once had the opportunity to visit a small Buddhist temple in central CA where they were having quite the to-do....a small relic of Sidartha (Buddha) was on display...a finger joint if I recall. We went, for I have a deep fondness for the Buddhist people I know and if I were not a Christian, I would be either Jewish in faith, or Buddhist. I took my sandals off and went with the Abbot to where the relic was and observed it...a small bone in a glass and gold box, surrounded by flowers.

It was interesting. Not emotionally moving or inspiring, but interesting. A historical relic from a man who did change world history. Sidartha taught many things similar to teachings of Christianity, to care for the elderly and the orphan, to forgive others, to not place value on the things of this world. He taught many good and noble things, and I feel, as far as a man or woman may be good, he was a good man.

This week is a holy week for Christians....this week commemorates Jesus Christ's ride into Jerusalem, where He knew He would face death but a few days later. He gave some of His greatest lessons this week, threw out corrupt sellers and moneychangers out of the temple (wouldn't we love to throw those who make money off of religion out of our churches today?), ate a last meal with His disciples. He prayed in a garden on Thursday (which is why we recognize Thursday of Holy Week as important, the last supper and an agonizing prayer in the garden) that this cup, this upcoming horrible death would be lifted from Him, yet He accepted God's plan and went through with it. He was betrayed by one of His own followers, arrested, tried- and on Friday morning tortured and crucified. He was buried on Friday, quickly so as not to defile the biggest Sabbath of the Jewish year- Passover, and rose on Sunday morning.

If you like, I can give you a run down on evidence and proof the Resurrection happened. Of Roman guards paid to watch the tomb that fell asleep and an impossible stone rolled away without them waking. Of Jewish leaders embarrassment that there was no body to be found- and if there had been you can believe they would have showed it to the world. Of disciples hiding in fear that upon seeing the risen Christ turned bold and proclaimed the Word, going even to death for this truth- and what man will willingly die for a lie? Of hundreds of witnesses, of writings in early scrolls- even from non Christians who wrote of the Risen Jesus of Nazareth.

The empty tomb. No body. Therein lies the difference between Christ and all others. I saw the bones of Sidartha in that small glass box. There is no relic of Christ to share, no bone to peer at curiously, to remark casually what a good man He had been and to then move on.

It is because He rose that there is a difference. That death was conquered and sin could no more condemn those who trust in the name of Christ.

Many men (and women) taught good lessons. To be kind, to forgive, to be generous in charity. No other makes the claim to have taken your sin upon Himself, none other made the claim that He died in your place that you may live eternally. Other faiths, other teachers tell you to try your best and if you are good enough you shall either: be re-incarnated into a better life next time, or if you have been really really exceptional, you'll blend into nothingness, or that if you try hard enough you might get to paradise, but that involves weighing every deed, every thought, every desire on a scale....how would you measure up? Christ says.....I am God, come in love to save you from your own self....for no man, no woman can ever be good enough, ever be pure enough to share eternity with a God that is holy and pure and cannot, by His very nature, let anything even the slightest bit sinful near Him. If God is that Holy....then the sin you carry as a taint makes God your very worst enemy, for sin must be destroyed. (And we all carry sin...think of today alone...the words you said, the thoughts you thought, the good deed you could have done, but didn't. What you did that you should not have done.) Jesus says to you...I see your sin, and I know you cannot save yourself....so I who am Pure, who am Holy....I took your sin upon myself 2000 years ago....for you I let them whip me and flay me to near the bone, for you I let them drive nails into My hands and feet, raise me up on that cross where I could barely breathe, blood running down, a crown of thorns pushed into my brow. With every agonizing breath...I thought of you. When God the Father, in order to reconcile you with Himself put your sins and the sins of the whole world upon me....I felt the crushing weight. (You know when you have done something wrong...that sick cold feeling, the burden on your mind and back, that darkness in us all we do not like to look at....all of your sins, all of my sins, the cumulative amount placed upon Jesus...I think that must have been the worst thing of all.) And then, because of sin...God turned His face from Christ...the only time where Jesus was not in perfect communion with the Father...where He cried, "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me??" And then, shortly after...death.

For you.

For me.

For all.

Can you even imagine such a death?

And then...the morning, oh Sunday morning, where He rose and death, and sin, had no more power.

Jesus says...I know you cannot save yourself...so I saved you. You cannot reconcile your sin with God...so I did it for you. I paid your price, you may enter into the presence of God now, as sons and daughters, for I, with my death and with my blood, have made you holy before God.

No other teacher, no other faith, can do this for you. They give comforting teachings (sometimes)...but no hope. No way of perfect peace with God, no assurity of Heaven.

You can see Buddha in a box, I did. I gazed upon the bones, and moved on.

You cannot find Christ in the tomb, or in a box. He is Risen. You cannot just move on, you must make a choice...are you for Christ, or against Him? Will you repent of sin and cling to Christ, and be assured of Heaven, or dismiss Him? We will all have to answer for our decision someday.

Go look for the empty tomb, He isn't there. Look instead though..for the Risen Savior.

Our Finn goes in soon....I fear for the vet...

Healthcare Crisis?

I've become increasingly...anti-political. I see the system as being largely corrupt, run by two sides of the same coin, with the aim of both being to gain further control over the American people.

That said....I just don't get uproar over health care. I have friends on both sides of the political spectrum, from tea baggers (who chose that name?) to ardent liberals. And I like it that way...it enables me to at least attempt to see where both sides are coming from.

My tea bagging conservative friends are in a snit about this bill...as if we will suddenly turn into Communist China tomorrow if it passes tonight.

I guess most of them haven't been to other first world countries with universal health care. I had the occasion to get hurt in Canada and needed to be taken to the er. The er visit, the treatment and the medication ran me the whopping total of.......$100 Canadian. The service was excellent, the treatment state of the art and professional, the medication the same as I would have gotten in the States.

Yes, the Canadians pay high taxes. They have gst, and pst, and income tax...it totals a fair amount of their income, nearly 40% in most cases. Yet the standard of living in that country is high....the country is beautiful, the cities well kept, the schools flourishing. And Canadians take more vacations and long weekends than anyone I know....and happily pay $10 for a six pack of beer. Somehow....they're not broke, and their country works.

Now...some are saying...we're going to have big govt if this bill passes. Umm...wake up...we've got that already. We've had it for decades, and as far as intrusive big govt...let's all stand up and clap for George Bush, who's wonderful Patriot Act gave the feds more power over our lives than any other law. It's telling that Obama, who supposedly ran on "change"...happily renewed the Patriot Act, and then increased it's powers. And instituted a Council of Governors. And I'm sure he is hoping that McCain's new bill against "Belligerent Dissidents" gets on his desk, so he can get even more power over our lives.

We're so busy, as a nation, fighting over this that we're not paying attention to what else is going on in life. Health care isn't going to bring big govt....it's here. Health care isn't going to make govt all of a sudden "intrusive" ...it already is. Health care isn't bring about the decline in American morals....we are. (look what we, as a nation, watch on tv, in movies, read in books, do for entertainment...that's what's destroying our country. We don't need to enact laws to censor things (I hate censorship.) But if Christians, which are supposedly the majority of this country, stopped watching those shows, going to those events/movies/concerts...the market would dry up, and more suitable materials would be put up for consumption. It is our own fault, as a faith, that our country has popular video games where kids get points for killing teachers and cops. Want to clean up the country? Clean up what is in your home first.)


The health care bill though, for all the news coverage and hoopla....that's not a big deal. Every other first world country has universal health care. Even Switzerland, who caved in about 5 years ago, under much the same conditions as we're seeing now....and 5 years later guess what? People love it, the govt hasn't gone bankrupt, people aren't being left to die because they're old or handicapped. Life has gone on there....and actually gotten better for the average citizen. (And they still have all their guns too, just for the record.)

It bothers me that most of the folks against this bill cry out that they're Christian....yet behave in a way that I just can't see Jesus approving of. What did Jesus do during His ministry....He healed the crippled, He admonished us to care for the poor and the orphans and widows....not sneer at them with visible hatred that so many of the "tea baggers" have shown at rallies. Do you really think that by mocking a cripple that you've made God proud? You, who claim to hold His banner in your life....You are the one not showing compassion? And for all that is good and right....what is with these banners? Talking about killing people? (ie, the signs that have said things like, "If Brown won't fix this, a Browning Will" are we serious???? Very very Christian of you...remind me not to be near any of you on judgement day, I don't even want to hear what is said to you.

I think we've become a nation of pharisees.....but that's for another time. (If we want to get back to being a nation of disciples....let's start with the love and compassion bit.)

I admit....I'd like to see the health care passed. I have a heart condition, and two cancer scares in three years. Do you have any idea what my health insurance monthly payment rates? It's high, exceedingly so, and we'll leave it at that. And that's with my husband working full time. We're thankful he's a veteran of the army, and can get his treatments at the VA. There isn't a way we could pay for full health care on both of us. Period. There is something wrong with that.

So what is the objection to affordable health care? I've heard people say in videos "well, if someone doesn't have health care...work harder." How do you work harder if you're already working full time? Besides which....it doesn't matter how much "harder" my husband works....I still have pre-existing conditions.....most of which just come from genetics. So who is to blame here?

I can't wait for this bill to pass....or not. At this point, I just want this to be over. So we can move on. Don't like how your rep/senator votes? Vote them out in November. (I personally think we should vote everyone out anyway...but that's because most of them voted to renew the Patriot act....) But let's move on to something else, some other issue, some other passion. This is getting old and mean and beyond divisive. I'm rather sure it will pass actually (and I think this is the only chance the dems have of passing it....I think there will be a turn over in Nov....but hey think of it this way, Clinton got his best work done with a republican congress....so dem friends, take heart) and once it passes.....I'd wager in ten years we'll all just take it for granted and wonder what the fuss was about.

......

After being up..again...(medicine makes me sick) I am finally sleepy and about to do the above....

Spring...sometime?

I was getting all happy and excited...it's been in the 60's for almost a week (except for one cooler day) and you know, for Montana that's short sleeve shirt weather, heck, some folks are out in shorts!

But....but....sigh...I just checked the weather. Another nice day or two and then it's supposed to drop to 37 degrees. THIRTY SEVEN, with possible snow.

Dang it. And I was so hopeful those days were behind us for this year.

4:33 AM

It is late, or early, depending on what kind of person you are. I'm the kind that at night can only sleep for a couple of hours at a time, then has to get up again. *insert grumbling about health issues* I love sleep, and am irritated about only visiting my dear friend on limited hours. So unfair, to be parted this way.

And drat corgis that keep trying to lick my feet...what is it with them? UGH. I must go find slippers.