Link: [Pyromaniacs]
Link: [Road Safety]
Link: [..Click..]
Sunday, May 31, 2009
A Sunday Drive
Back during my childhood, our parents would often load up my brother and I after Sunday morning church services for a leisurely drive around where we lived. Even though we were seeing mostly familiar sights, it was still good to see them, and this is why “A Sunday Drive” sounded about right for the name of a weekly series revisiting familiar sites that are well worth seeing again and again.
Link: [Pyromaniacs]
Link: [Road Safety]
Link: [..Click..]
Link: [Pyromaniacs]Link: [Road Safety]Link: [..Click..]
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Bittersweet Refinements: XXVII
Bittersweet Refinements is another book that I have been given to publish. If it gets to sounding an awfully lot like a broken player stuck on repeating the same old wrong song over and over again that is because it is to a fairly great extent. For most of it contains rewritten parts of the Bitter/Sweets that were published here before. Hopefully, it will get to sounding a lot better to you very soon, and for the benefit of those who do not have access to multiple versions of our Heavenly Father's Holy Bible, numbered Scripture references in the text (for example, [1]) provide links to such through Bible Gateway this time around. The same also applies to verses included in the text.
Chapter XXVII
Stages of Development
Concerning him we have much to say, and {it is} hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes {only} of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. And this we will do, if God permits. [Hebrews 5:11-6:3 NAS]
Stages of Development
Concerning him we have much to say, and {it is} hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes {only} of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. And this we will do, if God permits. [Hebrews 5:11-6:3 NAS]
No, this is not meant for everyone[1]. For it all depends upon what our Heavenly Father wants to accomplish in and through someone[2] that determines when, and to what extent, He will allow and enable them to enter into the knowledge and understanding of His absolute truth[3].
It is, however, meant for a lot more than want it to be. For far too many are well content with the knowledge of already having everything that they need in Christ Jesus[4] without having any idea just what that really means[5]—nor having any desire to learn[6].
No, this has nothing at all to do with us earning our keep. For it is written: For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. [Ephesians 2:8-10 NAS]
On the other hand, it does have everything to do with the kind of relationship that our Heavenly Father wants to have with His children by faith[7]. For to think that there is nothing more to it after accepting Christ Jesus as being your own personal Lord and Savior is like a wife thinking that there is nothing more to her marriage after the wedding vows have been exchanged.
Alas, have we not been given written confirmation of this? Yes, we most certainly have been. For it is written: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” [John 15:1-8 NIV]
Needless to say, none of that should be taken as a threat. For it is meant for the benefit of all concerned[8].
It does, however, involve some things that are naturally unsettling[9], and not the least of these has to do with coming to terms with the realities of our situations in this world. For it is written: I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of his wrath. He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness rather than light; indeed, he has turned his hand against me again and again, all day long. He has made my skin and my flesh grow old and has broken my bones. He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship. He has made me dwell in darkness like those long dead. He has walled me in so I cannot escape; he has weighed me down with chains. Even when I call out or cry for help, he shuts out my prayer. He has barred my way with blocks of stone; he has made my paths crooked. Like a bear lying in wait, like a lion in hiding, he dragged me from the path and mangled me and left me without help. He drew his bow and made me the target for his arrows. He pierced my heart with arrows from his quiver. I became the laughingstock of all my people; they mock me in song all day long. He has filled me with bitter herbs and sated me with gall. He has broken my teeth with gravel; he has trampled me in the dust. I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. So I say, "My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the LORD.” I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young. Let him sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it on him. Let him bury his face in the dust—there may yet be hope. Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace. For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men. To crush underfoot all prisoners in the land, to deny a man his rights before the Most High, to deprive a man of justice—would not the Lord see such things? Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come? [Lamentations 3:1-38 NIV]
Yes, the rest of the passage goes on about being justly punished for sins[10], and this is exactly what is going on in far too many cases[11]. For there are times when we do bring more hardships down upon ourselves than would be absolutely necessary to accomplish our Heavenly Father’s purposes[12].
Nonetheless, that does not discount the absolute truth of the matter truly being that there would not be any hardships of any kind to our lives in this world if it was not for it being in accordance to our Heavenly Father’s will. For it is also written: I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. [Isaiah 45:5-7 KJV]
No, there is no way of getting around it. For what did all of those children (most being of His own chosen people[13]) who died in Nazi gas chambers during the Holocaust do to deserve their plight?
Yes, many would argue that it was just a result of being born into a fallen world. Some would even go as far as to insist that it was because of being Jewish, but what choice did they have—either way[14]?
No, there is nothing to be gained by ignoring what has been made so very obvious[15]. In fact, there is actually much to be lost—and not just in regards to integrity, neither[16]. For the more it is made clear that our Heavenly Father truly is responsible for ALL that happens, the more satisfaction He can receive. For it takes a very special kind of love to want to still be with someone who appears to have done you much harm[17].
Yes, it naturally sounds rather crass (to put it mildly), but when all that our Heavenly Father has endured[18], even going as far as to experience the spiritual death of a full and equal part of Himself[19], is added to the mix, a much weightier issue must be considered. For why would He subject Himself to all that He has (not to mention us) unless it was worth it[20]?
No, I cannot naturally blame anyone for being reluctant to accept these things[21]. For ignorance is bliss when it comes to such[22], but the time has come for a great, great many to grow up[23] .
{1}Matthew 13:10-12; {2}Ephesians 2:10; {3}1 Corinthians 2:6-16; {4}1 Corinthians 1:4-9; {5}1 Corinthians 3:1-3; {6}Luke 9:23-26; {7}John 15:15; {8}Jeremiah 29:11; {9}John 15:18-25; {10}Lamentations 3:39-66; {11}Colossians 3:25; {12}James 1:2-4; {13}Genesis 17:1-21; {14}Job 5:7; {15}Luke 12:1-3; {16}Matthew 25:14-30; {17}Job 1:21-22; {18}Genesis 6:6-7; {19}Matthew 27:46; {20}Romans 8:15-39; {21}James 1:5-8; {22}Ecclesiastes 1:18; {23}1 Corinthians 13:11.
It is, however, meant for a lot more than want it to be. For far too many are well content with the knowledge of already having everything that they need in Christ Jesus[4] without having any idea just what that really means[5]—nor having any desire to learn[6].
No, this has nothing at all to do with us earning our keep. For it is written: For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. [Ephesians 2:8-10 NAS]
On the other hand, it does have everything to do with the kind of relationship that our Heavenly Father wants to have with His children by faith[7]. For to think that there is nothing more to it after accepting Christ Jesus as being your own personal Lord and Savior is like a wife thinking that there is nothing more to her marriage after the wedding vows have been exchanged.
Alas, have we not been given written confirmation of this? Yes, we most certainly have been. For it is written: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” [John 15:1-8 NIV]
Needless to say, none of that should be taken as a threat. For it is meant for the benefit of all concerned[8].
It does, however, involve some things that are naturally unsettling[9], and not the least of these has to do with coming to terms with the realities of our situations in this world. For it is written: I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of his wrath. He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness rather than light; indeed, he has turned his hand against me again and again, all day long. He has made my skin and my flesh grow old and has broken my bones. He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship. He has made me dwell in darkness like those long dead. He has walled me in so I cannot escape; he has weighed me down with chains. Even when I call out or cry for help, he shuts out my prayer. He has barred my way with blocks of stone; he has made my paths crooked. Like a bear lying in wait, like a lion in hiding, he dragged me from the path and mangled me and left me without help. He drew his bow and made me the target for his arrows. He pierced my heart with arrows from his quiver. I became the laughingstock of all my people; they mock me in song all day long. He has filled me with bitter herbs and sated me with gall. He has broken my teeth with gravel; he has trampled me in the dust. I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. So I say, "My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the LORD.” I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young. Let him sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it on him. Let him bury his face in the dust—there may yet be hope. Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace. For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men. To crush underfoot all prisoners in the land, to deny a man his rights before the Most High, to deprive a man of justice—would not the Lord see such things? Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come? [Lamentations 3:1-38 NIV]
Yes, the rest of the passage goes on about being justly punished for sins[10], and this is exactly what is going on in far too many cases[11]. For there are times when we do bring more hardships down upon ourselves than would be absolutely necessary to accomplish our Heavenly Father’s purposes[12].
Nonetheless, that does not discount the absolute truth of the matter truly being that there would not be any hardships of any kind to our lives in this world if it was not for it being in accordance to our Heavenly Father’s will. For it is also written: I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. [Isaiah 45:5-7 KJV]
No, there is no way of getting around it. For what did all of those children (most being of His own chosen people[13]) who died in Nazi gas chambers during the Holocaust do to deserve their plight?
Yes, many would argue that it was just a result of being born into a fallen world. Some would even go as far as to insist that it was because of being Jewish, but what choice did they have—either way[14]?
No, there is nothing to be gained by ignoring what has been made so very obvious[15]. In fact, there is actually much to be lost—and not just in regards to integrity, neither[16]. For the more it is made clear that our Heavenly Father truly is responsible for ALL that happens, the more satisfaction He can receive. For it takes a very special kind of love to want to still be with someone who appears to have done you much harm[17].
Yes, it naturally sounds rather crass (to put it mildly), but when all that our Heavenly Father has endured[18], even going as far as to experience the spiritual death of a full and equal part of Himself[19], is added to the mix, a much weightier issue must be considered. For why would He subject Himself to all that He has (not to mention us) unless it was worth it[20]?
No, I cannot naturally blame anyone for being reluctant to accept these things[21]. For ignorance is bliss when it comes to such[22], but the time has come for a great, great many to grow up[23] .
{1}Matthew 13:10-12; {2}Ephesians 2:10; {3}1 Corinthians 2:6-16; {4}1 Corinthians 1:4-9; {5}1 Corinthians 3:1-3; {6}Luke 9:23-26; {7}John 15:15; {8}Jeremiah 29:11; {9}John 15:18-25; {10}Lamentations 3:39-66; {11}Colossians 3:25; {12}James 1:2-4; {13}Genesis 17:1-21; {14}Job 5:7; {15}Luke 12:1-3; {16}Matthew 25:14-30; {17}Job 1:21-22; {18}Genesis 6:6-7; {19}Matthew 27:46; {20}Romans 8:15-39; {21}James 1:5-8; {22}Ecclesiastes 1:18; {23}1 Corinthians 13:11.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Sites To See
This is the new version of FIVE FOR FRIDAY. As with the former, it is the SOLE purpose of this weekly series to call attention to sites that I think many would find most interesting—in one way or another. Please, go see for yourself.
Link: [Nuke It Dot Org]
Link: [Schizoshrink]
Link: [Pawesome]
Link: [Here And Now ~*~ 4 Angel ~*~]
Link: [Musings of a Vicks Inhaling Man]
Link: [Lilly's Life]
Link: [Auld Reekie Rants]
Link: [Political Conservatives]
Link: [My Obama Inspired Blog]
Link: [Mercurio]
Link: [My Photo Blog by Morten Pedersen]
Link: [Nuke It Dot Org]
Link: [Schizoshrink]
Link: [Pawesome]
Link: [Here And Now ~*~ 4 Angel ~*~]Link: [Musings of a Vicks Inhaling Man]
Link: [Lilly's Life]
Link: [Auld Reekie Rants]
Link: [Political Conservatives]
Link: [My Obama Inspired Blog]
Link: [Mercurio]
Link: [My Photo Blog by Morten Pedersen]
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The "Fun" I Have Been Having Lately
I have been repeatedly warned about wanting to be myself too much, but I have insisted upon going ahead anyway. For I love to have fun whenever possible, and I felt like it would be all right as long as I guarded against taking it too far.
What I am talking about is my natural sense of humor. For I love poking fun at people, which can be very easily taken the wrong way at times.
In all fairness, I love being poked back at even more, and that is supposed to even things out in my mind. For one should not seek to give anyone the business if they are unwilling to take what may be thrown back, but it is all predicated upon each understanding that it is all meant in good fun, of course.
A good example of such involves the “fun” that I have been having with Joel of [Stuff and Nonsense] lately. It also serves as a good example of how it can all go so very wrong. Hence, the parentheses around fun.
It all started when the lovely Ms. Mad Margo of [The Screaming Me-Me!!!] posted an [ad] for a husband, which listed the qualities that she was looking for in a man. Joel first left a comment about him not being sure if he qualified, but that he was willing to undergo testing. The next day he left another comment expressing his disappointment over the fact that she had not responded to his application.
Now, just to be clear, none of that was meant to be serious—not the ad itself, nor any of Joel’s comments. Well, at least that is what I think is the truth. (I’m trying to be funny here. Okay?)
The next step came when Joel posted about how he could not understand why anyone would want to spend [$7,000 on a purse]. Since I had tested his responses a little in the past, I felt fairly safe to leave a comment about how it was beneath his breeding to understand such things, and that if he did, he might have a shot at wooing the lovely Ms. Mad Margo despite his shortcomings. Joel absorbed my feigned insult beautifully, and I thought it was the beginning of a wonderful friendship.
His next post was about [Disorganized Crime], which presented me with another opportunity to smart off about him getting a $7,000 purse to woo the lovely Ms. Mad Margo. Again, he handled it beautifully.
After going back and forth on a few more posts, the wheels started coming off when I gave him what I meant as being a very honorable mention in my post about [comments]. For he took great offense to me saying that he did not have much of a life.
I thought everything had been smoothed over in the comments of [Forecasting Economics], but then he posted [Praising God] on the very same day. The timing was just too much for me, and it was my turn to take great offense.
Things didn’t get really ugly to me, however, until he deleted the comment that I felt compelled to leave on [Wanted: Electronic Bilge Detector] after seeing his reference to empirical evidence in the post itself. For that was another cheap shot directed at least at my calling, even if not at me personally.
As if that was not bad enough, he went on a tirade about the comment after I asked him if it had been deleted, which was portraying me in a very poor light since no one could see that the comment was not nearly as bad as he was making it out to be. Come on now, what was so wrong about, “If you have been lying around thinking of ways to present stuff that is meant to be funny in a very unfunny manner, be assured that you have been very successful at it lately. Hence, the nonsense part—right?”
Yes, I am all too painfully aware of how pathetic all of this sounds to most, and that I am the one who does not have much of a life. That is just the thing. For this sort of thing is a big part of the life that I have been called to live. For I have been anointed as a special messenger of our Heavenly Father, and there is [more] going on here than just a childish squabble between two grown men who should have much better things to do.
Be assured that those who have been given eyes to see will see it, and those who do not have a clue will remain clueless for at least the time being. May they want to truly walk in the Light of His absolute Truth when the time comes for them to be led out of the darkness of Spiritual ignorance.
What I am talking about is my natural sense of humor. For I love poking fun at people, which can be very easily taken the wrong way at times.
In all fairness, I love being poked back at even more, and that is supposed to even things out in my mind. For one should not seek to give anyone the business if they are unwilling to take what may be thrown back, but it is all predicated upon each understanding that it is all meant in good fun, of course.
A good example of such involves the “fun” that I have been having with Joel of [Stuff and Nonsense] lately. It also serves as a good example of how it can all go so very wrong. Hence, the parentheses around fun.
It all started when the lovely Ms. Mad Margo of [The Screaming Me-Me!!!] posted an [ad] for a husband, which listed the qualities that she was looking for in a man. Joel first left a comment about him not being sure if he qualified, but that he was willing to undergo testing. The next day he left another comment expressing his disappointment over the fact that she had not responded to his application.
Now, just to be clear, none of that was meant to be serious—not the ad itself, nor any of Joel’s comments. Well, at least that is what I think is the truth. (I’m trying to be funny here. Okay?)
The next step came when Joel posted about how he could not understand why anyone would want to spend [$7,000 on a purse]. Since I had tested his responses a little in the past, I felt fairly safe to leave a comment about how it was beneath his breeding to understand such things, and that if he did, he might have a shot at wooing the lovely Ms. Mad Margo despite his shortcomings. Joel absorbed my feigned insult beautifully, and I thought it was the beginning of a wonderful friendship.
His next post was about [Disorganized Crime], which presented me with another opportunity to smart off about him getting a $7,000 purse to woo the lovely Ms. Mad Margo. Again, he handled it beautifully.
After going back and forth on a few more posts, the wheels started coming off when I gave him what I meant as being a very honorable mention in my post about [comments]. For he took great offense to me saying that he did not have much of a life.
I thought everything had been smoothed over in the comments of [Forecasting Economics], but then he posted [Praising God] on the very same day. The timing was just too much for me, and it was my turn to take great offense.
Things didn’t get really ugly to me, however, until he deleted the comment that I felt compelled to leave on [Wanted: Electronic Bilge Detector] after seeing his reference to empirical evidence in the post itself. For that was another cheap shot directed at least at my calling, even if not at me personally.
As if that was not bad enough, he went on a tirade about the comment after I asked him if it had been deleted, which was portraying me in a very poor light since no one could see that the comment was not nearly as bad as he was making it out to be. Come on now, what was so wrong about, “If you have been lying around thinking of ways to present stuff that is meant to be funny in a very unfunny manner, be assured that you have been very successful at it lately. Hence, the nonsense part—right?”
Yes, I am all too painfully aware of how pathetic all of this sounds to most, and that I am the one who does not have much of a life. That is just the thing. For this sort of thing is a big part of the life that I have been called to live. For I have been anointed as a special messenger of our Heavenly Father, and there is [more] going on here than just a childish squabble between two grown men who should have much better things to do.
Be assured that those who have been given eyes to see will see it, and those who do not have a clue will remain clueless for at least the time being. May they want to truly walk in the Light of His absolute Truth when the time comes for them to be led out of the darkness of Spiritual ignorance.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
WhiteHeart Wednesday
Link: [Tales of Wonder]MP3 Audio Player From: [BlogDumps Video]
Unchain
WhiteHeart
Tears are falling
On my storybook
Colors running
I don’t wanna look
There’s a cloud
On my looking glass
Full of questions
I’m afraid to ask
Afraid to love
Such a chance to take
If I love and lose
My fragile heart will break
Each day in life
There’s no guarantee
For the story’s end
You may never see
Unchain me
From my poverty
Release my soul
Unchain
My life
Let the doubt and the darkness
Fall from my eyes
Unchain
My dreams
Let the heavens of love
Open up in me
Unchain
My life
Unchain
Drop the chains
From my heart and hands
Don’t want to be
Just a half-way man
Got a world of love
I feel deep inside
But then I go
Hit a wall of pride
For if you stop
Take a look at me
What you see isn’t
What I want you to see
In the storybook
There is no guarantee
Still a voice of love
Is callin’ you and me
Unchain me
From this poverty
Release my soul
Unchain
My life
Let the doubt and the darkness
Fall from my eyes
Unchain
My dreams
Let the heavens of love
Open up in me
Unchain
My heart
There’s no better time than now to start
Unchain
My dreams
Unchain
Unchain
My life
Let the doubt and the darkness
Fall from my eyes
Unchain
My dreams
Let the heavens of love
Open up in me
Unchain
My life
Let the doubt and the darkness from my eyes
Unchain
My dreams
Let the heavens of love open up in me
Unchain
Link: [WhiteHeart]
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
TWO FOR TUESDAY
Not every song that will be featured here will be what is generally considered as being “Christian” in the eyes of this world. For some will be anguished cries from the pit of despair, and others will be quite obviously ferverent rants of rebellion. Nonetheless, be assured that they will all be of our Heavenly Father (in one way or another) and I hope that you have been given ears to hear the message.
Link: [On YouTube]
Bittersweet Symphony
The Verve
‘Cause it’s a bittersweet
Symphony
That’s life
Try to make ends meet
You’re a slave to money
Then you die
I’ll take you down the only road
I’ve ever been down
You know the one that takes you
To the places where all the veins meet
Yeah
No change
I can change
I can change
I can change
But I’m here in my mold
I am here in my mold
But I’m a million different people
From one day to the next
I can’t change
My mold
No
No
No
No
No
Well I never pray
But tonight I’m on my knees
Yeah
I need to hear some sounds
That recognize the pain in me
Yeah
I let the melody shine
Let it cleanse my mind
I feel free now
But the airways are clean
And there’s nobody singin’ to me
Now
No change
I can change
I can change
I can change
But I’m here in my mold
I am here in my mold
And I’m a million different people
From one day to the next
I can’t change
My mold
No
No
No
No
No
I can’t change
I can’t change
‘Cause it’s a bittersweet
Symphony
This life
Try to make ends meet
Try to find some money
Then you die
You know I can change
I can change
I can change
I can change
But I’m here in my mold
I am here in my mold
And I’m a million different people
From one day to the next
I can’t change
My mold
No
No
No
No
No
I can’t change my mold
No
No
No
No
No
I can’t change
Can’t change my body
No
No
No
I’ll take you down
The only road
I’ve ever been down
I’ll take you down
The only road
I’ve ever been down
Been down
Ever been down
Ever been down
Ever been down
Ever been down
Have you ever been down
Have you’ve ever been down
Link: [On YouTube]
History
The Verve
I wander lonely streets
Behind where the old Thames does flow
And in every face I meet
It reminds me of what I have run from
In every man
In every hand
In every kiss
You understand
That livin’ is for other men
I hope you too
Will understand
I’ve got to tell you my tale
Oh how I loved
And how I failed
I hope you understand
I’ve got to tell you my tale
Oh how I loved
And how I failed
I hope you understand
These feelings should not be in the man
In every child
In every eye
In every sky above my head
I hope that I know
So come with me in bed
Because it’s you and me
We’re history
There ain’t nothin’ left to say
When I will get you alone
Maybe we could find a room
Where we could see what we should do
Maybe you know it’s true
Living with me is like keeping a fool
In every man
In every hand
That livin’ is for other men
I hope you know that I am me
So come one
I’m thinkin’ about history
And I’m livin’ for history
And I think you know about me
And one and one is two
But three is company
When you’re thinkin’ about the things you do
And you’re thinkin’ about the things you do
I want to tell you my tale
How I fell in love
And jumped out on my bail
I hope you understand
There’s more in a smile
Than in a hand
In every sky
In every kiss
There’s something
That I might have missed
Why am I goin’ to
A place that now belongs to you
But you were weak
And so was I
Let’s pick it up
Let’s even try
To live today
So why not smile
Don’t dream away your life
‘Cause it is mine
Is that a crime
Is that a crime
This life is mine
The bed ain’t made
But it’s filled full of hope
I’ve got a skin full of dope
Oh the bed ain’t made
But It’s filled full of hope
I’ve got a skin full of dope
Link: [The Verve]
Lyrics From: [elyrics.net]
Monday, May 25, 2009
Come Monday...JibJab
“Come Monday…” is a weekly series that will involve a review of, or commentary about, websites, movies, documentaries, television shows, sports, music, and whatever else may tickle my fancy at the time. Be assured that these reviews will be generally positive, as in accordance to the Jimmy Buffett song “Come Monday.” This is subject to change, however. In fact, I would be most derelict in my duties to neglect going on a rant every once in a while. For rants promote change, and change can be good—right? Therefore, since good is generally considered as being a positive force in 99.3% of the parallel universes that I am aware of, even a rant could be considered as being something positive, and a genuine hissy-fit would be even better (so I’m told).
Perhaps I live a much more sheltered life than I realize. For I cannot understand why [JibJab] ecards, original videos and other stuff is not seen more often.
The first video below is what started it all, and the last one is the latest full-length original extravaganza to be released. In order to show that they are not just a one-trick political pony, the middle video is also included.
No, this is not another paid review. For that would be disclosed, but I would accept good money for this promotion if they were so inclined. In fact, I would accept good money from anyone so inclined. Beggars can’t be choosers. Well, at least that is what I’m told.
Perhaps I live a much more sheltered life than I realize. For I cannot understand why [JibJab] ecards, original videos and other stuff is not seen more often.
The first video below is what started it all, and the last one is the latest full-length original extravaganza to be released. In order to show that they are not just a one-trick political pony, the middle video is also included.
No, this is not another paid review. For that would be disclosed, but I would accept good money for this promotion if they were so inclined. In fact, I would accept good money from anyone so inclined. Beggars can’t be choosers. Well, at least that is what I’m told.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
A Sunday Drive
Back during my childhood, our parents would often load up my brother and I after Sunday morning church services for a leisurely drive around where we lived. Even though we were seeing mostly familiar sights, it was still good to see them, and this is why “A Sunday Drive” sounded about right for the name of a weekly series revisiting familiar sites that are well worth seeing again and again.
Link: [Writing In Faith]
Link: [A Photo A Day From Planet Earth]
Link: [Jake's Outdoors]
Link: [Writing In Faith] Link: [A Photo A Day From Planet Earth]
Link: [Jake's Outdoors]
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Bittersweet Refinements: XXIV-XXVI
Bittersweet Refinements is another book that I have been given to publish. If it gets to sounding an awfully lot like a broken player stuck on repeating the same old wrong song over and over again that is because it is to a fairly great extent. For most of it contains rewritten parts of the Bitter/Sweets that were published here before. Hopefully, it will get to sounding a lot better to you very soon, and for the benefit of those who do not have access to multiple versions of our Heavenly Father's Holy Bible, numbered Scripture references in the text (for example, [1]) provide links to such through Bible Gateway this time around. The same also applies to verses included in the text.
Chapter XXIV
The Wrath of God
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. [Romans 1:18-20 NIV]
The Wrath of God
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. [Romans 1:18-20 NIV]
Alas, is it not any wonder that our Heavenly Father would get so angry at those who do not want to even acknowledge His existence—let alone accept Him as truly being their own Heavenly Father. For instead of just saying that He loves them enough to die for them, our Heavenly Father went ahead and actually did it by sending a full and equal part of Himself to suffer and die upon that cruel, cruel Roman cross at Calvary in order to pay the price in full that was required to redeem all of us from having the face the penalty of our own sins[1].
No, that is not something that is taken into account, and this is something that needs to change. For it would portray our Heavenly Father in a much better light if it was much more widely taught that the absolute truth of the matter truly is that the wrath that will poured-out upon the ungodly, come Judgment Day[2], has so much more to do with the anguish of a broken heart (His heart, to be exact[3]) than it does with righteous indignation[4].
Yes, from our own very limited ground-based points-of-view[5], that sounds rather petty. For who from amongst has the right to say of another, “If I cannot have them, then no one else will”?
On the other hand, are we not all the work of His hands[6], and should He not have the right to do with what He has created for His own good pleasure[7] as He sees fit? After all, is it not a principle of common law that one has the right to do with their own property as they will as long as it does no harm to another’s property until it is deemed no longer lawful by a higher authority, and who has more authority than our Heavenly Father? For it is written: “If he snatches away, who can stop him? Who can say to him, ‘What are you doing?’’’ [Job 9:12 NIV]
In other words, we were all created by Him for Him[8]. Therefore, our Heavenly Father has the right to do with us as He wills[9].
Nonetheless, let us not dwell upon the threat of destruction[10]. For we were all created to spend all of eternity with our Heavenly Father in His Kingdom of Heaven as heirs to all that is His in glory, and all who will but want to truly be who we were all created to be has His promise to look forward to[11]!
{1}Romans 5:6-11; {2}Revelation 20:11-15; {3}Jeremiah 3:12-13; {4}Genesis 6:5-7; {5}Isaiah 55:8-9; {6}Psalms 139:13-16; {7}Philippians 2:13; {8}Colossians 1:16; {9}Isaiah 29:15-16; {10}1 John 4:16-19; {11}Romans 8:15-39.
No, that is not something that is taken into account, and this is something that needs to change. For it would portray our Heavenly Father in a much better light if it was much more widely taught that the absolute truth of the matter truly is that the wrath that will poured-out upon the ungodly, come Judgment Day[2], has so much more to do with the anguish of a broken heart (His heart, to be exact[3]) than it does with righteous indignation[4].
Yes, from our own very limited ground-based points-of-view[5], that sounds rather petty. For who from amongst has the right to say of another, “If I cannot have them, then no one else will”?
On the other hand, are we not all the work of His hands[6], and should He not have the right to do with what He has created for His own good pleasure[7] as He sees fit? After all, is it not a principle of common law that one has the right to do with their own property as they will as long as it does no harm to another’s property until it is deemed no longer lawful by a higher authority, and who has more authority than our Heavenly Father? For it is written: “If he snatches away, who can stop him? Who can say to him, ‘What are you doing?’’’ [Job 9:12 NIV]
In other words, we were all created by Him for Him[8]. Therefore, our Heavenly Father has the right to do with us as He wills[9].
Nonetheless, let us not dwell upon the threat of destruction[10]. For we were all created to spend all of eternity with our Heavenly Father in His Kingdom of Heaven as heirs to all that is His in glory, and all who will but want to truly be who we were all created to be has His promise to look forward to[11]!
{1}Romans 5:6-11; {2}Revelation 20:11-15; {3}Jeremiah 3:12-13; {4}Genesis 6:5-7; {5}Isaiah 55:8-9; {6}Psalms 139:13-16; {7}Philippians 2:13; {8}Colossians 1:16; {9}Isaiah 29:15-16; {10}1 John 4:16-19; {11}Romans 8:15-39.
Chapter XXV
Some Choice
For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. [Romans 8:20-21 NIV]
Some Choice
For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. [Romans 8:20-21 NIV]
No, none of us are given a choice of whether or not we want to be physically born into this world as we naturally are, and if what is of this world was all that there would ever be to our existence, our outrage would be most justified. For it is written: The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem: "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises. The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course. All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again. All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing. What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one can say, "Look! This is something new"? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time. There is no remembrance of men of old, and even those who are yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow. I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. I devoted myself to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid on men! I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind. What is twisted cannot be straightened; what is lacking cannot be counted. I thought to myself, "Look, I have grown and increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge." Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind. For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief. [Ecclesiastes 1:1-18 NIV]
On the other hand, we are given a choice of whether or not we want to be one of our Heavenly Father’s children by faith, and with this comes a promise of much glory. For it is also written: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [Romans 8:28 NIV]
On the other hand, we are given a choice of whether or not we want to be one of our Heavenly Father’s children by faith, and with this comes a promise of much glory. For it is also written: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [Romans 8:28 NIV]
Therefore, let us not tarry. For unless it is personally revealed[1], no one knows when their own end of this world will come to pass[2]—let alone when it will be too late[3].
Yes, this is a choice that is needed to be made. For only those who truly want to spend all of eternity with our Heavenly Father in His Kingdom of Heaven as an heir to all that is His in glory will be welcome to do so after their own time as a part of this world has come to an end[4].
No, it is not good enough just to want to escape eternal damnation. For to think in such a way as this is (in effect) the same as to think that it would be better to be a member of a family (any family) than to be alone[5].
In other words, the choice that we are given to make is personal—both for our Heavenly Father and ourselves. For it has always been His desire for as many as will to want to be one of His children by faith[6].
No, this world has never been about giving us opportunities to prove ourselves as being worthy of our Heavenly Father’s favor. How could it be? For aside from being a work of His hands[7], He has known everything that there will ever be to know about each and every one of us since before we even came into existence[8].
It is, however, about giving our Heavenly Father opportunities to receive love that is freely given from us all, which certainly includes us wanting to give Him the full benefit of our considerable doubts. Hence: the real choice that we are all given to make[9].
{1}Luke 2:25-35; {2}Ecclesiastes 8:7; {3}Matthew 25:1-13; {4}Revelation 20:11-15; {5}Romans 8:15-17; {6}John 1:12-13; {7}Philippians 2:13; {8}Jeremiah 1:5; {9}1 Timothy 1:5.
Yes, this is a choice that is needed to be made. For only those who truly want to spend all of eternity with our Heavenly Father in His Kingdom of Heaven as an heir to all that is His in glory will be welcome to do so after their own time as a part of this world has come to an end[4].
No, it is not good enough just to want to escape eternal damnation. For to think in such a way as this is (in effect) the same as to think that it would be better to be a member of a family (any family) than to be alone[5].
In other words, the choice that we are given to make is personal—both for our Heavenly Father and ourselves. For it has always been His desire for as many as will to want to be one of His children by faith[6].
No, this world has never been about giving us opportunities to prove ourselves as being worthy of our Heavenly Father’s favor. How could it be? For aside from being a work of His hands[7], He has known everything that there will ever be to know about each and every one of us since before we even came into existence[8].
It is, however, about giving our Heavenly Father opportunities to receive love that is freely given from us all, which certainly includes us wanting to give Him the full benefit of our considerable doubts. Hence: the real choice that we are all given to make[9].
{1}Luke 2:25-35; {2}Ecclesiastes 8:7; {3}Matthew 25:1-13; {4}Revelation 20:11-15; {5}Romans 8:15-17; {6}John 1:12-13; {7}Philippians 2:13; {8}Jeremiah 1:5; {9}1 Timothy 1:5.
Chapter XXVI
Somewhere In Between
And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many shall appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him. [Hebrews 9:27-28 NAS]
Somewhere In Between
And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many shall appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him. [Hebrews 9:27-28 NAS]
No, not everyone in the Christian community[1] humbly accepts[2] that there are only two places that we can go after our own time as a part of this world comes to an end[3]. For they have been led to believe[4] that there is also Purgatory, which is supposed to be where those who have not knowingly[5] committed a mortal sin[6] can go to do whatever they need to do so that they can eventually enter into our Heavenly Father’s Kingdom of Heaven[7].
Yes, there would be good reason for us all to pay close attention to what has been taught about Purgatory if it really was expected of us to prove ourselves as being worthy of our Heavenly Father’s favor[8]. For it is written: The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. [Psalms 14:2-3 NIV]
However, since our Heavenly Father has known since the beginning what would be in the end[9], it should be rather obvious[10] that there has never been a need for such a place as Purgatory is supposed to be like to exist[11]. After all, how can anything be proven to the One[12] who already knows everything about everything[13]?
Yes, it could be argued that any stopover in Purgatory would not be so much about proving oneself as it would be more about completing all of the necessary requirements[14], but to make such an assertion is (in effect) the same as to accuse our Heavenly Father of being a liar[15]—be assured[16]! For He promises that: There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. [Romans 8:1-4 NAS]
Alas, there are some who would still point to the verses in our Heavenly Father’s Holy Bible that appear to be referring to souls not being left in Hell[17] as being sufficient proof in and of itself that Purgatory does indeed exist—albeit only as another part of the place[18]. Be assured that these verses are actually referring to the grave—not Hell. For in what way would a change in location really change anything? After all, either the Lord Jesus Christ paid the price in full that was required to redeem all of us from having to pay for all of our own many, many transgressions of His Law ourselves or He did not[19], and if He did, then the truth about us being accepted into our Heavenly Father’s Kingdom of Heaven as heirs to all that is His in glory[20] would have to be that: It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. [Romans 9:16 NIV] For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. [Ephesians 2:8-10 NAS]
Yes, many would argue that grace can only go so far[21]. For it is the way of this world that nothing comes for free.
On the other hand: but if it is by grace—His unmerited favor and graciousness—it is no longer conditioned on works or anything men have done. Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace—it would be meaningless. [Romans 11:6 AMP]
{1}Matthew 7:21; {2}2 Corinthians 5:7; {3}Revelation 20:11-15; {4}2 Timothy 2:24-26; {5}1 Timothy 1:13; {6}Proverbs 6:16-19; {7}1 Timothy 4:1-5; {8}Ecclesiastes 3:18; {9}Isaiah 46:10; {10}John 8:12; {11}Matthew 6:7-8; {12}1 John 5:8; {13}Matthew 6:5-8; {14}Romans 10:1-4; {15}1 John 5:9-12; {16}John 14:15-27; {17}Psalms 16:10; {18}Deuteronomy 32:22; {19}Hebrews 10:1-18; {20}Romans 8:17; {21}Isaiah 55:8-9.
Yes, there would be good reason for us all to pay close attention to what has been taught about Purgatory if it really was expected of us to prove ourselves as being worthy of our Heavenly Father’s favor[8]. For it is written: The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. [Psalms 14:2-3 NIV]
However, since our Heavenly Father has known since the beginning what would be in the end[9], it should be rather obvious[10] that there has never been a need for such a place as Purgatory is supposed to be like to exist[11]. After all, how can anything be proven to the One[12] who already knows everything about everything[13]?
Yes, it could be argued that any stopover in Purgatory would not be so much about proving oneself as it would be more about completing all of the necessary requirements[14], but to make such an assertion is (in effect) the same as to accuse our Heavenly Father of being a liar[15]—be assured[16]! For He promises that: There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. [Romans 8:1-4 NAS]
Alas, there are some who would still point to the verses in our Heavenly Father’s Holy Bible that appear to be referring to souls not being left in Hell[17] as being sufficient proof in and of itself that Purgatory does indeed exist—albeit only as another part of the place[18]. Be assured that these verses are actually referring to the grave—not Hell. For in what way would a change in location really change anything? After all, either the Lord Jesus Christ paid the price in full that was required to redeem all of us from having to pay for all of our own many, many transgressions of His Law ourselves or He did not[19], and if He did, then the truth about us being accepted into our Heavenly Father’s Kingdom of Heaven as heirs to all that is His in glory[20] would have to be that: It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. [Romans 9:16 NIV] For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. [Ephesians 2:8-10 NAS]
Yes, many would argue that grace can only go so far[21]. For it is the way of this world that nothing comes for free.
On the other hand: but if it is by grace—His unmerited favor and graciousness—it is no longer conditioned on works or anything men have done. Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace—it would be meaningless. [Romans 11:6 AMP]
{1}Matthew 7:21; {2}2 Corinthians 5:7; {3}Revelation 20:11-15; {4}2 Timothy 2:24-26; {5}1 Timothy 1:13; {6}Proverbs 6:16-19; {7}1 Timothy 4:1-5; {8}Ecclesiastes 3:18; {9}Isaiah 46:10; {10}John 8:12; {11}Matthew 6:7-8; {12}1 John 5:8; {13}Matthew 6:5-8; {14}Romans 10:1-4; {15}1 John 5:9-12; {16}John 14:15-27; {17}Psalms 16:10; {18}Deuteronomy 32:22; {19}Hebrews 10:1-18; {20}Romans 8:17; {21}Isaiah 55:8-9.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Sites To See
This is the new version of FIVE FOR FRIDAY. As with the former, it is the SOLE purpose of this weekly series to call attention to sites that I think many would find most interesting—in one way or another. Please, go see for yourself.
Link: [PennyRaine.com]
Link: [Of Trends and Aces]
Link: [Obama Action Comics!]
Link: [Recovery From Addiction]
Link: [My Life as it Was, Is, and Will Be]
Link: [Croatia Pictures]
Link: [Photos From Red Pine Mountain]
Link: [Hope For Homeschoolers]
Link: [North Country Trail News]
Link: [Deep Thoughts]
.gif)
Link: [The Steel City Sports Fan (Penguins Editiion)]
Link: [PennyRaine.com]
Link: [Of Trends and Aces]
Link: [Obama Action Comics!]
Link: [Recovery From Addiction]
Link: [My Life as it Was, Is, and Will Be]
Link: [Croatia Pictures]
Link: [Photos From Red Pine Mountain]
Link: [Hope For Homeschoolers] Link: [North Country Trail News]
Link: [Deep Thoughts].gif)
Link: [The Steel City Sports Fan (Penguins Editiion)]
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