I'm outta here, folks!- Gus McMonkey, Escape Artist
Monday, December 28, 2009
Too Much of a Good Thing
Here's Gus trying to scale the back of the couch and make a quick getaway. I guess she was tired of the gifts, the sugar cookies (yes, we let the baby eat a cookie) and the pictures. Of course, the monkey pajamas were a gift from me. Is it obvious why I thought monkeys were appropriate?
I'm outta here, folks!
- Gus McMonkey, Escape Artist
I'm outta here, folks!- Gus McMonkey, Escape Artist
Gus's First Christmas
Here are some pictures from my neice's first Christmas. This girl loves to be photographed; and it's a good thing, because her Auntie loves to take pictures.
And no, her name is not really Gus. It's a shortened version of her previous nickname "The Wuggus". Gus just stuck and believe it or not, it suits her perfectly.
No, she is not blowing kisses. She's doing her Native American battle cry.
Posing for her public.
I promise, she only had the tissue paper in her mouth for a second.
Now, if only I could get her 14 year old brother to be as cooperative when I try to take his picture. Actually, I'd be satisfied if he'd return a phone call. Alas, I remember being a teenager and I'm sure most days I bore him to tears. Fortunately, the baby is only 11 months old and still finds me entertaining and interesting.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
My Boy on the Tractor
Okay, this picture is old...months old. It was taken the first week of March when we had a lot of snow in Southern Maryland. I still think it's a great picture. This is my then 13-year-old (he turned 14 in June) nephew on my Dad's tractor. He drove it over from my Dad's house to push my driveway. I always say "plow", but since it's really not a plow, he informed me that he's "pushing" the snow! I took this standing in the back door of my house while I was watching him. My Mother wants me to print her a large black and white copy to have framed. She wants to display it with a coal drawing she had done of the house in which she grew up.
The Pretty Baby in Her Tiny Hat
This is not a deep post, nor is it a witty one. Just two pictures of my beautiful, chunky butt niece in her tiny, tiny hat. The hat is obviously too small. It was on the arm of a chair at their house and I wondered why it hadn’t been given away. So, I put it on her so we adults could laugh (we’re terrible, I know). Anyway, I thought it made for a couple of cute pictures.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Who is Whale? I'm Getting OLD!
Apparently, I’m old. I’m only 34 (almost 35), but at times I feel really, really old. Like last Thursday.
We have high schoolers working in my building for the summer. The young lady whom I supervise gives me a quote and song of the day every morning. The kids don’t work on Friday, so when she left on Thursday she stuck Friday’s quote and song on my computer monitor. The song was Pretty Girls by Wale. I looked at it and asked, “Whale?” She said, “no, Wah-lay”. I had to laugh at myself because I have no idea who Wale is. I was fairly certain no one had given their child a name that was pronounced Whale, and had to wonder why someone would use Whale as a stage name. Wale is still strange to me, but it’s a whole lot better than “whale”. Sometimes I feel like such a dunce around young people. Who knew being 35 was the same as being 96 when it comes to being hip?
We have high schoolers working in my building for the summer. The young lady whom I supervise gives me a quote and song of the day every morning. The kids don’t work on Friday, so when she left on Thursday she stuck Friday’s quote and song on my computer monitor. The song was Pretty Girls by Wale. I looked at it and asked, “Whale?” She said, “no, Wah-lay”. I had to laugh at myself because I have no idea who Wale is. I was fairly certain no one had given their child a name that was pronounced Whale, and had to wonder why someone would use Whale as a stage name. Wale is still strange to me, but it’s a whole lot better than “whale”. Sometimes I feel like such a dunce around young people. Who knew being 35 was the same as being 96 when it comes to being hip?
Friday, June 26, 2009
Still a Michael Jackson Fan?
I wanted to write a witty post about my childhood crush on Michael Jackson. Strangely enough, I find I don’t really have it in me right now.
I hadn’t been a real fan for years, but I was totally in love with MJ when I was a lot younger. He was my first celebrity crush and I am saddened by his sudden death. I was surprised to find myself crying this morning while Ben played on the radio. My aunt admitted to tearing up this morning while watching MJ footage on television. One of my closest friends said she doesn’t even have the words to describe how sad she is. I guess we discovered that deep down, we’re still fans at heart. The music industry suffered a great loss on yesterday, and apparently, so did we.
I hadn’t been a real fan for years, but I was totally in love with MJ when I was a lot younger. He was my first celebrity crush and I am saddened by his sudden death. I was surprised to find myself crying this morning while Ben played on the radio. My aunt admitted to tearing up this morning while watching MJ footage on television. One of my closest friends said she doesn’t even have the words to describe how sad she is. I guess we discovered that deep down, we’re still fans at heart. The music industry suffered a great loss on yesterday, and apparently, so did we.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
The Digital Television Switch
I don’t have cable. Actually, I can’t have cable. I live in the country and we can’t get cable on our side of the road. Seriously. But, we can get Direct TV or any other satellite television. All of that aside, I just refuse to pay to watch television.
This digital switch is making me crazy and I’m trying so hard not to cave. I have converter boxes and before the switch, I watched digital TV from time to time and it worked perfectly. Now, some days I’m watching puzzle faced people. Some channels come in perfectly in the morning and then are scrambled at night. Some channels get signals at certain times of the day and not at others. I’m not too bothered by it right now because all I watch in the morning is the CBS local news to get the weather. Since it’s summer, my favorite shows are reruns and I don’t really care about seeing them. Besides, I have every episode of those shows on DVD. I record and watch them during the regular season.
I really do have a serious resolve on this issue and I am determined not to give in, but come fall, I may have a problem. See, if Law & Order: SVU or Private Practice don’t come in clearly I will not be a happy camper. I can miss anything else on television; even the news because I can read it on the internet; but I seriously do not function well if I miss SVU or Private Practice. They (the evil demi-gods of digital television) better get this thing straight before the new season of either of my shows starts! If not, I may have to take down from my convictions and pay for stupid Direct TV; but I’m willing to make that sacrifice for my two most beloved television shows.
Yeah, yeah, yeah…I’ve heard it all before; Private Practice is a trashy night-time soap opera and SVU is sick and twisted. I like those shows. Besides, I am a fan of Amy Brenneman, Audra McDonald, Taye Diggs, Tamara Tunie, Mariska Hargitay and Dann Florek (I think it’s cool that his first name is spelled with two “N”s). I usually pride myself on spelling, but a couple of those names may be wrong. Anyway…you get the point. I’m sure there’s something inherently wrong with me watching those shows [insert sigh and eye roll], but they’re kinda my vice. I figure if I’m going to have a vice; and with my personality it’s almost certain that I will; SVU and Private Practice aren’t the worst ones out there.
This digital switch is making me crazy and I’m trying so hard not to cave. I have converter boxes and before the switch, I watched digital TV from time to time and it worked perfectly. Now, some days I’m watching puzzle faced people. Some channels come in perfectly in the morning and then are scrambled at night. Some channels get signals at certain times of the day and not at others. I’m not too bothered by it right now because all I watch in the morning is the CBS local news to get the weather. Since it’s summer, my favorite shows are reruns and I don’t really care about seeing them. Besides, I have every episode of those shows on DVD. I record and watch them during the regular season.
I really do have a serious resolve on this issue and I am determined not to give in, but come fall, I may have a problem. See, if Law & Order: SVU or Private Practice don’t come in clearly I will not be a happy camper. I can miss anything else on television; even the news because I can read it on the internet; but I seriously do not function well if I miss SVU or Private Practice. They (the evil demi-gods of digital television) better get this thing straight before the new season of either of my shows starts! If not, I may have to take down from my convictions and pay for stupid Direct TV; but I’m willing to make that sacrifice for my two most beloved television shows.
Yeah, yeah, yeah…I’ve heard it all before; Private Practice is a trashy night-time soap opera and SVU is sick and twisted. I like those shows. Besides, I am a fan of Amy Brenneman, Audra McDonald, Taye Diggs, Tamara Tunie, Mariska Hargitay and Dann Florek (I think it’s cool that his first name is spelled with two “N”s). I usually pride myself on spelling, but a couple of those names may be wrong. Anyway…you get the point. I’m sure there’s something inherently wrong with me watching those shows [insert sigh and eye roll], but they’re kinda my vice. I figure if I’m going to have a vice; and with my personality it’s almost certain that I will; SVU and Private Practice aren’t the worst ones out there.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
My Incredible Grandmother
I went to hang out with my grandmother last night. I don’t say visit because I don’t visit her. Her house is my second home and I’m in and out of there just as freely as I am my own house; with keys and all. Anyway, I’d called to make sure she was going to be home. She was very happy to let me know she had left over chicken she’d made for my Father, Stepmother, Aunt and Uncle on Sunday night. She likes to cook, but only for people. She hates to cook just for herself because she doesn’t like leftovers.
So, I got to her house around 5:30 to find my Grandmother (Nana) coming up her basement stairs wearing Reeboks, some blue crop pants and a Rod Stewart t-shirt. That’s right; my 87 (88 at the end of this month) year old, black, Catholic grandmother is a rock n’ roll fan. We hugged and talked for a few minutes and then I heated up my food. She’d already eaten dinner, so she had ice cream and talked to me while I ate. When I was finished, she went outside to finish the gardening and washing of porch furniture she’d been doing earlier in the day before it got too hot out. I asked if she needed my help and she said no. She probably rolled her eyes, but she was in another room, so I couldn’t see to know for sure. She and my Mother both think I’m a “poor excuse for a country girl” because I’m not an outdoor person. I don’t know how to properly rake leaves; I’ve never cut grass…NEVER. I hate bugs and I’m very allergic to mosquitoes. I’m terrified of granddaddy longlegs; I think they’re the spawn of satan for sure. I’m allergic to pollen and I HATE to get dirty. That’s beside the point…but I know she rolled her eyes; Nana’s spunky like that!
After I washed the dishes, I grudgingly went outside and stood on the porch while she watered her flowers. When she was finished with that, she started telling me about these new trash bags she’d purchased and how she hoped they were big enough for her outside trash cans. Did I forget to mention that she bought the trash bags when she drove to Wal-Mart earlier yesterday? Yeah, she still drives. She bought herself a new car when she turned 80 and she keeps it in the garage which is detached and across the yard from her house. She does not like to leave that car out overnight. I offered to put the bag in the outside trash can (I’m not a total outdoor loser), but she again refused.
I did follow her outside again and joined her in sitting on the porch when she said she was finished for the day. We talked about the cherry and black walnut trees in her yard and how the birds and squirrels rob them of their bounty before she ever has a chance to pick anything. We watched a few blue jays and cardinals eat the cherries and laughed over my father’s joke that Nana is prejudiced because she hates for the huge black birds to eat from her bird feeders. So she said she wouldn’t complain about them anymore because she doesn’t want to discriminate. We talked about the varicose veins I’ve recently discovered on my leg. She says they don’t look like varicose veins to her because hers are a lot bigger. I pointed out that mine may be bigger than it seems, but is probably not totally visible because I’m a good bit darker than she is. Her response? “Oh yeah, maybe so”.
When I swatted a few bugs and announced that I’d had enough of the good outdoors, she decided to go in as well. We talked for a few more minutes and I said I’d better get home and get on the treadmill. She said she was going to take a shower and reminded me to let her know when I wanted to cook the turkey I’d left in her freezer. She said she’d take it out and let it thaw in her refrigerator two days before I’m ready for it. I told her it wouldn’t be before the weekend, kissed her, locked her doors and left. On my way to my car I couldn’t stop thinking about how this time last year Nana was recovering from her first heart attack and using a walker to get around. She had a second heart attack in August and underwent quadruple bypass in late September. Other than her heart problem, there were no issues with her health. Granted the heart problem was a big one; but it was correctable and she’s back to her usual “piddling”, as she calls it. I call it incredible!
So, I got to her house around 5:30 to find my Grandmother (Nana) coming up her basement stairs wearing Reeboks, some blue crop pants and a Rod Stewart t-shirt. That’s right; my 87 (88 at the end of this month) year old, black, Catholic grandmother is a rock n’ roll fan. We hugged and talked for a few minutes and then I heated up my food. She’d already eaten dinner, so she had ice cream and talked to me while I ate. When I was finished, she went outside to finish the gardening and washing of porch furniture she’d been doing earlier in the day before it got too hot out. I asked if she needed my help and she said no. She probably rolled her eyes, but she was in another room, so I couldn’t see to know for sure. She and my Mother both think I’m a “poor excuse for a country girl” because I’m not an outdoor person. I don’t know how to properly rake leaves; I’ve never cut grass…NEVER. I hate bugs and I’m very allergic to mosquitoes. I’m terrified of granddaddy longlegs; I think they’re the spawn of satan for sure. I’m allergic to pollen and I HATE to get dirty. That’s beside the point…but I know she rolled her eyes; Nana’s spunky like that!
After I washed the dishes, I grudgingly went outside and stood on the porch while she watered her flowers. When she was finished with that, she started telling me about these new trash bags she’d purchased and how she hoped they were big enough for her outside trash cans. Did I forget to mention that she bought the trash bags when she drove to Wal-Mart earlier yesterday? Yeah, she still drives. She bought herself a new car when she turned 80 and she keeps it in the garage which is detached and across the yard from her house. She does not like to leave that car out overnight. I offered to put the bag in the outside trash can (I’m not a total outdoor loser), but she again refused.
I did follow her outside again and joined her in sitting on the porch when she said she was finished for the day. We talked about the cherry and black walnut trees in her yard and how the birds and squirrels rob them of their bounty before she ever has a chance to pick anything. We watched a few blue jays and cardinals eat the cherries and laughed over my father’s joke that Nana is prejudiced because she hates for the huge black birds to eat from her bird feeders. So she said she wouldn’t complain about them anymore because she doesn’t want to discriminate. We talked about the varicose veins I’ve recently discovered on my leg. She says they don’t look like varicose veins to her because hers are a lot bigger. I pointed out that mine may be bigger than it seems, but is probably not totally visible because I’m a good bit darker than she is. Her response? “Oh yeah, maybe so”.
When I swatted a few bugs and announced that I’d had enough of the good outdoors, she decided to go in as well. We talked for a few more minutes and I said I’d better get home and get on the treadmill. She said she was going to take a shower and reminded me to let her know when I wanted to cook the turkey I’d left in her freezer. She said she’d take it out and let it thaw in her refrigerator two days before I’m ready for it. I told her it wouldn’t be before the weekend, kissed her, locked her doors and left. On my way to my car I couldn’t stop thinking about how this time last year Nana was recovering from her first heart attack and using a walker to get around. She had a second heart attack in August and underwent quadruple bypass in late September. Other than her heart problem, there were no issues with her health. Granted the heart problem was a big one; but it was correctable and she’s back to her usual “piddling”, as she calls it. I call it incredible!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
The Book of Ezekiel
Toward the end of May, The Lord led me to begin an in-depth, comprehensive, pretty much exhaustive study of the Book of Ezekiel. I’ve been at it for two weeks and haven’t finished studying Chapter 1….that’s what I mean by in-depth! I’ll be posting a brief (or maybe not so brief) review upon completion of each chapter.
So far, God has allowed me to see so many profound things in this study. I am grateful to Him for sending me in this direction and making clear to me things I have not before seen. Thus far, I see many similarities between Israel then and us now. Particularly in our spiritual state…WOW! I have a whole new appreciation and understanding for the necessity of truly having Reverence for God. It’s something I’ve said many times, but now my eyes have been opened to what that really means and how Reverence for God affects every single aspect of our lives. He’s also allowed me to see how detrimental lack of that Reverence is.
I’ll stop because I could go on forever about what I’ve discovered, in this, the beginning of the study. I am excited and challenged to go deeper. Already, there have been significant changes in my mindset and for that I thank The Father and am humbled that He would choose to direct me down this path to Truth.
So far, God has allowed me to see so many profound things in this study. I am grateful to Him for sending me in this direction and making clear to me things I have not before seen. Thus far, I see many similarities between Israel then and us now. Particularly in our spiritual state…WOW! I have a whole new appreciation and understanding for the necessity of truly having Reverence for God. It’s something I’ve said many times, but now my eyes have been opened to what that really means and how Reverence for God affects every single aspect of our lives. He’s also allowed me to see how detrimental lack of that Reverence is.
I’ll stop because I could go on forever about what I’ve discovered, in this, the beginning of the study. I am excited and challenged to go deeper. Already, there have been significant changes in my mindset and for that I thank The Father and am humbled that He would choose to direct me down this path to Truth.
Monday, June 1, 2009
The Murder of Dr. Tiller
An abortion doctor was killed in a church service yesterday morning. The story is all over the internet, so there’s no need to post a link (I’d probably do it incorrectly anyway). I’ve read some pretty disparaging things concerning this incident. There are those who think that the doctor had it coming because he killed babies. My question to those with that mindset is this: If he deserved it, then the person who killed him deserves to be killed and if that man deserves to be killed; so would the person who kills him. With that line of thinking, the killing will go on and on forever. I am opposed to abortion. Even being opposed I have to accept the reality that abortion is legal; gunning a man down in a church is not. And regardless of your feelings about abortion, there is no rational way to justify what happened yesterday.
Friday, May 22, 2009
The Shack
A dear friend recommended that I read The Shack. She loved the book. I’ve heard and read lots of controversy surrounding this book. Here’s my take:
The Shack is completely a work of fiction and I took it as such. I’ve read reviews that labeled it as “life changing” and I’ve seen people who thought it to be blasphemous. I saw it as neither. The portrayals of The Trinity are the things that incensed some people. I don’t think the author was attempting to accurately portray The Father, The Son, nor The Holy Spirit in human form. I believe his point was that God meets us at a point of need. The book is full of symbolism and it’s not something I’d necessarily recommend to a new Christian or someone who is struggling with a real understanding of Christianity.
I’ve read reviews in which the reader said the book totally changed the way they looked at God. It didn’t do that for me. What it did was make me take a step back and look at myself. It made me think a lot about my relationships with people. It made me rethink my ideas about forgiveness and judgment. It also perfectly explained the way I love.
The book isn’t necessarily theologically sound, so if you’re looking for a book to help you gain a deeper understanding of The Bible, The Shack is not the one. I think people who find The Shack offensive are threatened by its tendency to make you see things “outside of the box”. I was taken aback and had to backtrack when I first came to understand who “Papa” was “in the flesh”. Then, I “got” why God chose to manifest Himself this way in the natural to the main character. A lot of people couldn’t get past that and wrote the book off as garbage from that point on.
I don’t think The Shack really opens ones eyes to some great spiritual revelation, but it will at its very least make you think; and in my opinion, that’s always a good thing.
The Shack is completely a work of fiction and I took it as such. I’ve read reviews that labeled it as “life changing” and I’ve seen people who thought it to be blasphemous. I saw it as neither. The portrayals of The Trinity are the things that incensed some people. I don’t think the author was attempting to accurately portray The Father, The Son, nor The Holy Spirit in human form. I believe his point was that God meets us at a point of need. The book is full of symbolism and it’s not something I’d necessarily recommend to a new Christian or someone who is struggling with a real understanding of Christianity.
I’ve read reviews in which the reader said the book totally changed the way they looked at God. It didn’t do that for me. What it did was make me take a step back and look at myself. It made me think a lot about my relationships with people. It made me rethink my ideas about forgiveness and judgment. It also perfectly explained the way I love.
The book isn’t necessarily theologically sound, so if you’re looking for a book to help you gain a deeper understanding of The Bible, The Shack is not the one. I think people who find The Shack offensive are threatened by its tendency to make you see things “outside of the box”. I was taken aback and had to backtrack when I first came to understand who “Papa” was “in the flesh”. Then, I “got” why God chose to manifest Himself this way in the natural to the main character. A lot of people couldn’t get past that and wrote the book off as garbage from that point on.
I don’t think The Shack really opens ones eyes to some great spiritual revelation, but it will at its very least make you think; and in my opinion, that’s always a good thing.
Random Questions...a little more about me
I found these somewhere on the internet:
Do you wish on stars? Not anymore
What CD or album are you most embarrassed to admit to ever owning? Boy George and the Culture Club – the one with Karma Chameleon on it. It was in the 80’s what can I say?
Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? Not if I can help it
Do you think that you are strong? For the most part
What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Ben & Jerry’s New York Super Fudge Chunk, but I haven’t eaten any in almost 2 years
Red or pink? RED
What is your least favorite thing about yourself? My temper, though it’s not nearly as bad as it used to be
Who do you miss most? Living - Charity Rose and Emmai; deceased – Karla and Grandma
What color pants and shoes are you wearing? jeans and silver Nike’s with a hot pink swoosh
What are you listening to right now? Everlasting Love – CeCe Winans
Last thing you ate? A square of 70% dark chocolate
If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Red
What is the weather like right now? warm and sunny
Favorite Drink? Water (I’m soooo boring)
FAVORITE SPORT? To watch – Ice skating, gymnastics, tennis or men’s basketball. To play – Racquetball and Galaga (when you’re as good as I am, a video game becomes a sport.)
Favorite Food? Teriyaki chicken
Last Movie You Watched? DVD - Death Wish. At the theatre – Seven Pounds (I need to get out more)
Favorite Day of the Year? Christmas.
Scary Movies or Happy Endings? Happy but realistic endings
Summer or Winter? Winter, I’d rather be too cold than too hot
Hugs OR Kisses? Hugs
What Is Your Favorite Dessert? Yellow cake from Tarsha’s Sweet Sensations Bakery and vanilla ice cream
What Books Are You Reading? Monster by Frank Peretti and Be Reverent, a commentary on the Book of Ezekiel.
What's On Your Mouse Pad? Sunflowers against a blue sky with a few scattered clouds and a lot of doodling
What Did You Watch Last night on TV? The end of “I’m Not Cursed Anymore”, a sermon preached by Dr. Iona Locke in 1997
Favorite Smells? A freshly bathed, lotioned and powdered baby
Favorite Sounds? My fingers flying over the keyboard when I’m inspired
Do you wish on stars? Not anymore
What CD or album are you most embarrassed to admit to ever owning? Boy George and the Culture Club – the one with Karma Chameleon on it. It was in the 80’s what can I say?
Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? Not if I can help it
Do you think that you are strong? For the most part
What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Ben & Jerry’s New York Super Fudge Chunk, but I haven’t eaten any in almost 2 years
Red or pink? RED
What is your least favorite thing about yourself? My temper, though it’s not nearly as bad as it used to be
Who do you miss most? Living - Charity Rose and Emmai; deceased – Karla and Grandma
What color pants and shoes are you wearing? jeans and silver Nike’s with a hot pink swoosh
What are you listening to right now? Everlasting Love – CeCe Winans
Last thing you ate? A square of 70% dark chocolate
If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Red
What is the weather like right now? warm and sunny
Favorite Drink? Water (I’m soooo boring)
FAVORITE SPORT? To watch – Ice skating, gymnastics, tennis or men’s basketball. To play – Racquetball and Galaga (when you’re as good as I am, a video game becomes a sport.)
Favorite Food? Teriyaki chicken
Last Movie You Watched? DVD - Death Wish. At the theatre – Seven Pounds (I need to get out more)
Favorite Day of the Year? Christmas.
Scary Movies or Happy Endings? Happy but realistic endings
Summer or Winter? Winter, I’d rather be too cold than too hot
Hugs OR Kisses? Hugs
What Is Your Favorite Dessert? Yellow cake from Tarsha’s Sweet Sensations Bakery and vanilla ice cream
What Books Are You Reading? Monster by Frank Peretti and Be Reverent, a commentary on the Book of Ezekiel.
What's On Your Mouse Pad? Sunflowers against a blue sky with a few scattered clouds and a lot of doodling
What Did You Watch Last night on TV? The end of “I’m Not Cursed Anymore”, a sermon preached by Dr. Iona Locke in 1997
Favorite Smells? A freshly bathed, lotioned and powdered baby
Favorite Sounds? My fingers flying over the keyboard when I’m inspired
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Just A Little About Me.
I am a 34 (almost 35) year-old woman. I am single with no children. I am a devout Christian who is also a proud Democrat. No, the two are not mutually exclusive. I’m far more conservative than the average Democrat and far more honest than the average Republican. That’s right, I said it! I know not all Democrats are bleeding-heart liberals and I know that not all Republicans are liars and bigots. Those are the extremes most often portrayed in the media. I fall somewhere in the middle.
I am opposed to both abortion and homosexual marriage. I am also opposed to senseless war, a wretched economy, a terrible public education system and absolutely awful heath care and coverage. See, I don’t think abortion and homosexuality are political issues. I think they’re moral issues. For the record, homosexual marriage can be legislated, but homosexuality can not. I think morality is the responsibility of The Body of Christ, not the government. We can’t have a separation of Church and State when it’s in our favor and then ask the Government to intervene on behalf of Christian principles.
I believe that women CAN preach.
I believe that the five-fold ministry is still in operation and that there really are people who walk in The Office of The Prophet as well as those who operate in the Gift of Prophecy. I don’t believe that a large majority of the “well-known” prophets are actually prophets. I believe a prophet is more like the Old Testament prophets who interceded on behalf of nations, warned them of the dangers of not serving The God of Israel and told them how to fall in line. I don’t believe this house, car, job stuff that I mentioned earlier to be prophecy. As a matter of fact, I don’t believe it to be anything more than “ear-tickling”.
I also believe that if a message doesn’t have anything to do with Jesus Christ and how to have a better relationship with Him or how to live a life that’s pleasing to Him, it’s a waste of my time. I believe it’s perfectly fine to be corrected by the Word of God and I also think that unfortunately, quite a bit of what people say “in the Name of The Lord” is nothing more than skillful manipulation.
I believe that speaking in tongues is for real. I believe tongues can be used in prayer and in worship. I also believe that God can send a message in tongues to be interpreted. No one needs to interpret prayer and worship; God understands both just fine.
I reject the majority of the teachings that fall under “Word of Faith”. I don’t believe I’m giving satan any power by saying “my leg hurts” or “I don’t feel well”. I don’t believe that saying “my arm is killing me” is setting oneself up for a raging arm infection that will necessitate an unsuccessful amputation, ultimately leading to death. In fact, I think the notion of that is ridiculous. My brother and I both joke that we’ve gone into comas after a deep sleep. Neither of us has ever slipped into an actual coma.
I don’t think calling your child “Boo” will make them crazy. I called my Goddaughter “nut” for a long time because she was a funny, silly baby and toddler. She’s 10 now; and she’s perfectly sane, very bright and pretty mellow. I call my Godson “Pooter”; he’s not overly flatulent. I call my nephew “Jitterbug”; well I guess that’s not a good example because he really can dance! My niece is a chunky butt baby. Her nickname? "Fat Girl". I don’t believe she’ll be overweight for the rest of her life because I call her Fat Girl as a baby. I’ll stop before she learns to talk because I don’t want her to call anyone else by that name; especially me.
In my devout Christianity, I am also very aware of the world in which I live. I know not everyone shares my beliefs, though I would love for all to come to Salvation through Jesus Christ. I respect everyone’s right to believe as they chose, even if I don’t respect what they believe. I don’t hate homosexuals, I deplore their lifestyle and believe it to be a perversion and an abomination, but I don’t hate the person. I know and love some terrific gay people. I don’t brow beat them, neither do I hide the fact that I believe their lifestyle to be ungodly.
I don’t think that a woman who has or has had an abortion is a horrible criminal, nor is she a monster. I also think there is no way I can tell a 13 year old she has to have her father’s baby, nor could I force a grown woman to carry the child of her rapist. I'm not saying my feelings are right, but I have to be honest. That gets me in trouble with other Christians a lot. Now overall, I think abortion is wrong, what I’m saying is that I understand how someone may find themselves in a desperate situation and feel as though abortion is the only answer. I am opposed to abortion as a method of birth control or because “I’m not ready to be a parent”. I think you need to do everything to make sure you don’t get pregnant if you don’t want a child and be prepared to live with the consequences of your actions if your birth control fails. I also think sex outside marriage is a sin and if sex were kept in its proper confines, the abortion issue would ALMOST disappear. I’m not naïve enough to think that it would eliminate all abortion, but I think it would put a huge dent in the rate.
This is who I am.
I am opposed to both abortion and homosexual marriage. I am also opposed to senseless war, a wretched economy, a terrible public education system and absolutely awful heath care and coverage. See, I don’t think abortion and homosexuality are political issues. I think they’re moral issues. For the record, homosexual marriage can be legislated, but homosexuality can not. I think morality is the responsibility of The Body of Christ, not the government. We can’t have a separation of Church and State when it’s in our favor and then ask the Government to intervene on behalf of Christian principles.
I believe that women CAN preach.
I believe that the five-fold ministry is still in operation and that there really are people who walk in The Office of The Prophet as well as those who operate in the Gift of Prophecy. I don’t believe that a large majority of the “well-known” prophets are actually prophets. I believe a prophet is more like the Old Testament prophets who interceded on behalf of nations, warned them of the dangers of not serving The God of Israel and told them how to fall in line. I don’t believe this house, car, job stuff that I mentioned earlier to be prophecy. As a matter of fact, I don’t believe it to be anything more than “ear-tickling”.
I also believe that if a message doesn’t have anything to do with Jesus Christ and how to have a better relationship with Him or how to live a life that’s pleasing to Him, it’s a waste of my time. I believe it’s perfectly fine to be corrected by the Word of God and I also think that unfortunately, quite a bit of what people say “in the Name of The Lord” is nothing more than skillful manipulation.
I believe that speaking in tongues is for real. I believe tongues can be used in prayer and in worship. I also believe that God can send a message in tongues to be interpreted. No one needs to interpret prayer and worship; God understands both just fine.
I reject the majority of the teachings that fall under “Word of Faith”. I don’t believe I’m giving satan any power by saying “my leg hurts” or “I don’t feel well”. I don’t believe that saying “my arm is killing me” is setting oneself up for a raging arm infection that will necessitate an unsuccessful amputation, ultimately leading to death. In fact, I think the notion of that is ridiculous. My brother and I both joke that we’ve gone into comas after a deep sleep. Neither of us has ever slipped into an actual coma.
I don’t think calling your child “Boo” will make them crazy. I called my Goddaughter “nut” for a long time because she was a funny, silly baby and toddler. She’s 10 now; and she’s perfectly sane, very bright and pretty mellow. I call my Godson “Pooter”; he’s not overly flatulent. I call my nephew “Jitterbug”; well I guess that’s not a good example because he really can dance! My niece is a chunky butt baby. Her nickname? "Fat Girl". I don’t believe she’ll be overweight for the rest of her life because I call her Fat Girl as a baby. I’ll stop before she learns to talk because I don’t want her to call anyone else by that name; especially me.
In my devout Christianity, I am also very aware of the world in which I live. I know not everyone shares my beliefs, though I would love for all to come to Salvation through Jesus Christ. I respect everyone’s right to believe as they chose, even if I don’t respect what they believe. I don’t hate homosexuals, I deplore their lifestyle and believe it to be a perversion and an abomination, but I don’t hate the person. I know and love some terrific gay people. I don’t brow beat them, neither do I hide the fact that I believe their lifestyle to be ungodly.
I don’t think that a woman who has or has had an abortion is a horrible criminal, nor is she a monster. I also think there is no way I can tell a 13 year old she has to have her father’s baby, nor could I force a grown woman to carry the child of her rapist. I'm not saying my feelings are right, but I have to be honest. That gets me in trouble with other Christians a lot. Now overall, I think abortion is wrong, what I’m saying is that I understand how someone may find themselves in a desperate situation and feel as though abortion is the only answer. I am opposed to abortion as a method of birth control or because “I’m not ready to be a parent”. I think you need to do everything to make sure you don’t get pregnant if you don’t want a child and be prepared to live with the consequences of your actions if your birth control fails. I also think sex outside marriage is a sin and if sex were kept in its proper confines, the abortion issue would ALMOST disappear. I’m not naïve enough to think that it would eliminate all abortion, but I think it would put a huge dent in the rate.
This is who I am.
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