Handling Defeat!

Well, I finally tried it last night, and I COULDN'T DO IT!!! Surprise, Surprise. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you can get informed here. Anyways, I gobbled down three of these things like they were tiny Krystal burgers or something. But then on that fourth one, Man! It started tasting like I was chewing on a grease-ball. It was sticking to the top of my mouth, and I just wanted to throw-up! I did get down 3 and 3/4 though, so that's pretty good, right?

But not good enough!!! My mother was happily able to say "I told you so!" with extreme pleasure. But just to prove a point that I wasn't full yet, I was just tired of eating the same thing, I ate a couple cookies! Ha ha ha.

So, as I headed to the gym last night, I knew I had to work extra hard. We just had the Thanksgiving holidays, AND I just ate almost 4 burgers. I hadn't been to the gym in about 2 weeks. So, I was all geared up, and ready to conquer the world when I walked in there last night, and totally forgot to stretch--before, during, or after! Not once, through my whole workout did I stop and stretch. So, needless to say, I'm totally paying for it today!

Hope you all have a good day! I hope to have something better and more encouraging for you to read tomorrow!! It's another one of those "rambling" days!

Handling Disappointment

I know since I posted that poem about my uncertainties of this past week, everyone wants to know what happened. That's just human nature I suppose.

So, is it pessimistic of me to say that I don't let my hopes get up, because I don't want to be disappointed? And if something good DOES happen, i will be pleasantly surprised? Well, if you want to call it pessimism, then I guess that's what I am. But it saved me from being hurt once again, so I don't see any need to change it.

No, things did not work out how I wanted. I was not even able to see this person because of circumstances beyond either of our control. But, I was not terribly upset. I focused on the good things during my trip. I was able to spend lots of time with family that I just love to death... I mean, what other crazy family would have Thanksgiving outside when it is 19 degress out, snowing, and 40-mph winds???

But we had lots of good hot food, and some mean hands of spades. I got to hang with my cousins and play lots of pool and poker =) (I would have come home a rich lady if we were playing for money!)

Anyways, if something is to work out between the two of us, it will have to be totally God's doing, because I've done all I can, and nothing has come of it yet.

I've posted a few pictures in the sidebar for your enjoyment.

Bumper Sticker

I saw a bumper sticker on my way into work this morning. It read:

"I like your Christ.

I don't like your Christians.

Your Christians are nothing like your Christ."

Wow! What a slap in the face. Sadly, however, for many it is a much-needed slap in the face, because it is very true.

See ya'

I'm out fo' realz this time!! I'm headed north and there's supposed to be snow every day while I'm there, so I'll post pictures when I get back.

You all have a blessed Thanksgiving. Don't forget to give thanks for blogging buddies!! =)

See ya' Monday.

The Manly Man and the Womanly Woman

Bradley Hathaway is the author of this poem:

The Manly Man

I don’t want my long hair, pretty green eyes, with—(no, I do not have on mascara)—eyelashes; skinny figure, undersized T-shirt, hips shake too much when I walk–to confuse anybody… I am a Manly Man!

Within this sissy frame, obviously rib-laden chest

Lies a heart that drives to the beat of a native American ritual dancing wildness,

It pumps an ever-cascading supply of untamedness

That a heard of wild mustangs still have yet to grasp.

If danger lurks about, I will seek it out.

If adventure abounds, I will be found there.

If a damsel be in distress, I will show her who is best.

I am a manly man… because I don’t flush,

and I leave the lid up.

I drive a 1988 Ford pick-up truck;

Girls don’t break up with me…

I break up with them first(except the last time didn’t really work out like that)

I don’t shave the hair on my face

(because I still can’t grow facial hair yet, but when I can I won’t)

Because beards are tough!

I fart, burp and spit when I want, not caring who’s nearby.

Disrespect my momma, and I will punch you in the eye.

I am a Manly Man… or am I?

I tell my guy friends I love ‘em, and sometimes,

sometimes I even hug ‘em,

Not because I’m gay, but because I love em.

And when I watch Bambi, I cry.

And when my mema gets mad, I still run and hide.

Like David I want to be a man after God’s own heart;

I’m not there yet, but past the start.

And when people talk, I try to listen;

and a spirit of compassion—that’s my vision.

Surely I am a Manly Man.

I want to be loved, and have love, and give love.

And not just that romantic kind either,

(although I am looking for that beauty).

Not helpless, but one who wants to be rescued—

the damsel in distress,

Man, woman, myth, true.

I will fight for her,

climb the highest mountain for her,

love her, share with her,

Delight in her, be her warrior, her protector.

She will be my crown, and I will be hers.

My masculinity will be passed down and affirmed to my sons,

And each of my daughters will know they are lovely,

And deserving of authentic romance…

Society tells me all day long that I define manhood completely wrong,

But you ask any honest man and he will agree;

you ask any honest woman

And she too will see that

I am a manly man!

...and I responded with this:

The Womanly Woman

I don’t want my tough, “I can handle it”—(no, I’m not a feminist)—“I can do anything a man can” attitude, with my super-fit body, can do 100 man-style push-ups in 30 seconds—to confuse anybody . . .

I am a womanly woman!
I am always dressed to kill
While out shopping, at work, or preparing a meal.
I must have at least two pairs of shoes for each outfit,
Hair is done, makeup on, and my nails, a hit.
I am a womanly woman.

I am modest, but fashionable,
Respected by the young girls, so impressionable.
There is grace in each and every step,
More than just surface, I am a person of depth.
I am a womanly woman.

I am always courteous in public,
I smile and greet; confidence is my trick.
Never would you see me fart, burp, or spit,
Those words won’t even form on my lips.
I am a womanly woman.

My home is perfectly kept.
I’m on top of the chores, have never overslept.
I look good, smell good, taste good for my man
He comes home each day to his biggest fan.
I am a womanly woman.

My heart is touched by any love story
When my man neglects me, I start to worry.
I try hard to control my monthly emotions,
But if you mess with my man, I’ll start a commotion.
I am a womanly woman.

I don’t fight or fuss when I don’t get my way.
My word’s enough, it holds much sway.
I live out the qualities of Proverbs thirty-one
To make my mark for when my life here is done.
I am a womanly woman. . . Or am I?

Does this mean I never have a bad day?
Or I don’t slip up and not mean what I say?
I’ve been outside and worked up a sweat,
I’ve thrown the football and beat any record set.
I’ve mowed the lawn, changed the oil
Lost my cool, and acted spoiled.
Had a fight with my man, and went away crying,
But he brought me flowers; I knew he was trying.
I go to church and God touches my heart,
I leave determined to make a fresh start.
In all these things, you see, yes, I am human,
Yet I remain, a womanly woman.

Absences

I apologize for not replying to everyone's comments over the past few days. I had a friend drop by for an un-planned weekend visit, so I wasn't at my computer very much. I will be leaving again tomorrow, and will be out until next Monday. But after that, I should be back to my regular updates and things. Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Praying for judgment, Yes or No?

A post on Josh's site got me to thinking. The post was about Fidel Castro coming down with Parkinson's. Josh ended his post mentioning that we should probably pray for him. Now this situation with Castro is not really the issue I want to talk about. I got to thinking about praying for your enemies.

We all know the passage in Matthew 5:44, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hat you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you."

But my question is what about all the Psalms where David prays for judgment and destruction to come to his enemies. Are those type of prayers applicable for the Christian today? (I know there is a word for these type of prayers, but I can't think of it for the life of me...Help!!)

Consider Psalm 35:

1. Plead my cause O LORD, with them that strive with me; fight against them that fight against me.

3. Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me...

4. Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul; let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.

5. Let them be as the chaff before the wind, and let the angel of the LORD chase them.

6. Let their way be dark and slippery, and let the angel of the LORD persecute them.

8. Let destruction come upon him at unawares and let his net that he hath hid catch himself; into that very destruction let him fall.

9. And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD...

Now my question is, are there instances where we could pray a prayer like Psalm 35 and not be guilty of breaking the command to "love our enemies?"

What I'm thinking right now, is that maybe it really IS love to pray for their demise, because that is that only way to save this person from hurting others.

What do you think?

One more thing...

A great victory has been reached for us here in the Palmetto State. Read here.

The Carpenter's Son

The Carpenter's Son

"Is not this the carpenter's son,

Revered by almost none?"

"It is only Jesus," they said,

"Mary and Joseph's little one."

"Is not this the carpenter's son,

Jesus, what has he done?"

They heeded Him not, scorning Him,

Then Christ said, "My town can't be won."

"Is not this the carpenter's son?"
It's still asked of that One.

They believe Him not, know Him not,

And reject Him, while poking fun.

Jesus, that mocked carpenter's Son,

My thanks for all You've done.

You've become so much more to me,

More than just a carpenter's son.

You're the Master Carpenter's Son.

Your work is not yet done.

You're builing my life, shaping me

With love into a faithful son.

With "P" I end my postings on Calvinistic teachings, at least for now!

Okay, I found these definitions at this site regarding the P in TULIP.

Calvin's Teaching:
Perseverance of the Saints - Since God has decreed the elect, and they cannot resist grace, they are unconditionally and eternally secure in that election.

And explained a little further:
The Calvinist doctrine of the "perseverance of the saints" teaches that once you are a Christian, you are forever a Christian. Once born into God's family, you can't quit being a family member. God will never disown you. Once made alive in Christ, you can never die—"once saved, always saved." To the Calvinist, you can never divorce God out of your life, and he won't divorce you under any circumstance. In a word, "you can't, He won't."

Contrasted with Wesley's Teaching:
Assurance and Security - There is security in God’s grace that allows assurance of salvation, but that security is in relation to continued faithfulness; we can still defiantly reject God.

And then, there's also Kc's explanation:
"Perseverance of the saints means that what God started He will finish and what He said He will do He will do. ... Some people say 'once saved always saved' but it's more than that."

I'm not sure if the Wesleyan teaching above is to be interpreted that it is possible to lose one's salvation or not. But if that's what it is saying, then of course I disagree with that one completely.
Whether we remain faithful to God or not is not in question when considering our eternal security. God has given those who believe everlasting life, not probationary life. (John 6:47; I John 5:11-13; John 10:28; John 6:37-39)

If we had to do something or perform a certain way in order to keep our salvation, then of course, it would not be salvation.

I think we all agree on this, right?

Even though we have been saved from our sins, our salvation will not be complete until we get to Heaven, and I, for one, am "fully persuaded that what He has promised He is also able to perform" (Rom. 4:21) God is faithful; He will keep His promises.

However, God definitely is not finished with us here on this earth when we believe; actually, He has just begun a complete life-changing process. Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." II Corinthians 5:17 "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature..." I Peter 2:2 "As newborn babies, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby."

God is not content to leave His children as babies. He will work in our lives to mature us and grow us to be sons and daughters who are shining examples for Him in this world.

The Holy Spirit will be working in us to help us "put to death the old man" and "put on the new man," (in other words, "starve the flesh and feed the spirit") until we do reach that day when our positional and practical sanctification are complete in a new glorified body which cannot sin.

Do we all agree on this point?

More Randomness...

I have had the hiccups for 3 hours and running.

Now that I got that out of the way, I guess I should include somthing that is worth your time here in the Korner, huh?

Well, I'm supposed to talk about the P in the Tulip of Calvanism. Perseverance of the saints, or as Adam likes to call it, Preservation of the saints. However, I'm going to have to find out what it means before I can post about it, because I have no idea. So, in the meantime, I will leave you with this:

South Carolina defeated Florida for the first time in 66 years Saturday, 30-22, making it their first time ever to win five consecutive SEC games, and putting them as #19 in the top 25! Go Steve Spurrier! And help us kick Clemson's tail this weekend!

In Honor of Veteran's Day 11/11/05

“Back Home”

Hi there, No telling what all you will face
Or how difficult the way will be,
Or how wrong the things that you will see.
But while you’re gone, there’s something you should know—
Back home, someone is proud of you,
And that someone is praying for you.

Your name may be lost amidst hundreds of others
And you’ll never hear the praise and thanks
From any outside your own ranks.
But before asking why, there’s something you should know—
Back home, someone each day thanks God for you,
And tells others to look up to you.

Perhaps that unspoken fear will become reality
And though it does not seem fair,
You will take your last breath of air.
But don’t despair; there’s something you should know—
Back home, people are free because of you,
And ahead, open arms are waiting for you.

Send a message of thanks to our troops here.

Are you getting excited?

I went shopping last night, and was shocked to hear Christmas music playing. I guess I shouldn't have been shocked, but I just didn't realize that it was already the second week of November, and Christmas is not that far away!!

Let's not skip over Thanksgiving though!! I'm excited about going to see grandparents and family in Ohio, and all the wonderful food!!!

Speaking of lots of food, my mom and I have had this "bet"-type thing going on of whether or not I could eat 5 Sonic burgers in one sitting. I say I can. She says I can't. So, we're supposed to put it to the test here soon. Well, last night, she had made burritos. I asked if eating 5 burritos would equal 5 Sonic burgers. She was like, "there is no way you could eat 5 burritos." Well, she was TOTALLY wrong. I ate up 5 like it was nothing, and still had Starbucks and candybars later!! ha ha ha.

People misjudge us skinny people all the time, thinking we can only eat like a bird. Sooo not true. But, I know here real soon that great metabolism rate of mine is gonna slow way down and I'm gonna have to start doing double and triple time at my gym.

Anyways, hope I haven't lost too many of you with our on-going discussion of Calvanism in the previous post. This debating stuff is new for me, but I'm really enjoying it!

Well, just wanted to let you all know, I'm still here, and I haven't forgotten how to post simple little "nothing" posts!!

Time to start getting in the holiday spirit!!!

Adam made me do it!

Oh wait, that's backwards! Adam's the one that said "Eve made me do it." Oh, well. In this case, Adam K. made me do it! We were previously talking about Calvanistic teachings. Adam and I proceeded to take our discussion of limited atonement over to his blog, (well, I guess it's technically not a blog anymore) and managed to reach an agreement.

Now he has asked me to discuss some of the other Calvanistic points. I'm not really sure if I am up to this task, since I have never debated or done anything like this before. But I know what I believe, and will attempt to defend WHY.

Their five basic teachings are these:

Total depravity
Unconditional election
Limited atonement
Irresistible grace
Perseverance of the saints.

Now I have to admit that I am not completely aware of what all these things mean or include. So, Adam, you're going to have to tell me what you believe, and I will answer. I wish to first discuss the I. Irresistible grace. I believe this is the point where some Calvanists would include the teaching that faith is a gift from God, rather than a response of man. Is this correct?

And others, as always, feel free to add your thoughts and questions into this discussion. Please!
Also, keep in mind "Kc's rules of Debate" so we conduct this in a Christ-like manner.

There is also a very interesting discussion going on over at Ron's place about whether the Bible was written for believers or unbelievers. Feel free to join in there as well.


************************************
Totally off the subject--Isn't this interesting?

Your Blog Should Be Green

Your blog is smart and thoughtful - not a lot of fluff.You enjoy a good discussion, especially if it involves picking apart ideas.However, you tend to get easily annoyed by any thoughtless comments in your blog.

What Color Should Your Blog or Journal Be?

Uncertain Near Future

I had to post something somewhat "light" real quick, because we are about to get into another pretty "heavy" discussion... Get ready!

So you want to be just casual friends,
And with that simple phrase, it all just ends?
I'm shocked, puzzled, and amazed,
Hurt, lonely, wondering, and dazed.

What happened to the new-found passion?
Why has my once-vibrant face now turned ashen?
Was this just one more mistake to add to the list
Of shallow, non-commital guys I have kissed?

I truly believed this time was different.
Not just based on feelings and how things went.
But because you had respect for God and me,
Somthing I'd not found much previously.

Every aspect seemed just right,
Outward and inward, both a green light.
But one small problem got in the way--
I happen to live too far away.

I plan to see you in sixteen days.
Will it be a time to resurrect our old ways?
Or "just friends" wishing each other well?
I have no idea; only time will tell.

Are you into Debating?

We have two very interesting debates/discussions going on. If you have some time to kill and would like to read up on different viewpoints regarding Calvanistic teachings , see here and here.

Can I just vent?

Ok, I need to let out some steam before I explode. I think I am in major need of an attitude adjustment!

Once upon a time, there was a man who had three kids. Two daughters and a son. He was never very involved in their lives. He couldn't ever see past himself to be able to see their need for a father. So, the two girls grow up, and go to college. Only thing they ever heard from him was occasional "feel sorry for me; I have it so bad" letters. Now the son is in college, and suddenly this man feels the need to try to "make up for lost time" or something. He's been giving his son money and sending big care packages (not one he made and sent himself of course; that takes too much effort!). He's all interested in every detail of his life now, and wants to know from his wife everything that is going on with their son. But, does he ever ask either of the daughters what's going on with them? Has he ever sent his oldest daughter a package, (who by the way lives lots farther away than the son at college)? The only time he's acts interested in the daughters' lives is when it will make him look good. Sorry, but your son doesn't even want this sudden attention and attempt to "make-up." If he's anything like me, what he really wants to see is you start being a good husband and thinking about your wife's needs. He wants to see you start being responsible with your finances. He wants to see you be serious about the Lord instead of just acting the part. He wants to see you get over yourself and your pity party! He doesn't want your money. It doesn't impress him!

Shhwooo. Okay. I'm done. Sorry for all that venting. But man!! It just tears me up sometimes. I know all my attitudes are not right. I need to give it to God. It's so hard to love sometimes!!

Slow Dance

This poem was written by a terminally ill young girl in a New York
Hospital.

SLOW DANCE

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask How are you?
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say,"Hi"
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.

Didn't want to go here...

I was desperately trying to stay as far away from this subject as I could this year, but after knowing what I know now, I just can't keep quiet.

Halloween tends to be a very controversial topic these days, and I'm not going to say what part Christians should play in this "holiday." I simply want to share 4 different things that went on last night that I personally know about right here in my own community (in the middle of the "Bible belt"--keep in mind!)

1. A 10-year old girl dressed up as Marilyn Monroe--her mother's idea!
2. Two 13-year-old girls dressed as prostitutes, standing on a corner under a street lamp.
3. An 11-year old boy dressed up as a Playboy playmate, wearing his mother's thong, and went to a Baptist church fall festival. His mother thought it was cute!!!
4. (This outrages me!!) A 10-year-old boy dressed with blood all over and pieces of Styrofoam taped to his body. His mother was with him. He said he was supposed to be

a

9-11

victim!!!!


What????? You've got to be kidding! I can't believe how far this nation has gone. What are parents thinking???? Obviously they have forgotten. What's it gonna take next to get our attention, if only 4 years later, we are making jokes about terrorist attacking the Twin Towers?