Amazing Grace

by Englishman John Newton
(1725-1807)

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far
and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.

When we've been here ten thousand years
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
then when we've first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

Charity

I never truly understood the virtue of charity till reading St. Thomas Aquinas writings on virtues. The three special virtues are hope, faith and charity. As in the quote before this post, charity is above them all. Charity is a representation of God's love among ourselves. It is difficult to find a single quote to represent this. I have been trying for the past couple of hours. Basically, it is providing our love to our brothers and sisters specifically for love of God. It is an understanding of what God gave to us, and an appreciation of it. God loved us so much; he gave us free will to make our own mistakes. God loved us so much that he gave his Son for sacrifice. To me it seems the ultimate goal is to provide love to our fellow man as God has done for us; though as difficult as it may be.

Think of Luke 15:11-32, the story of the Prodigal Son. The father provided the share to his son as requested and even as he went off to live a life of sin, he welcomed him back with open arms. There was no punishment and no standards placed on the son when he returned; the father accepted his son with open arms. This is the love we are to provide to each other.

Think of the story of the master who provided money for his servants. The one who buried the money was the one who was punished. That is the way we should be towards the word of God and with our faith. Regardless of how much faith and hope you have, there will always be the question when your time comes of what you have done for the least of my brethren?

That is something I think of. Not fearing the persecution of spreading your faith. Not fearing of what happens when you do so as well. You can't save everyone and you can't help everyone no matter how much you try. How do you tell if your charity is being misused? I figured out that is where the use of prayer is most important. I don't believe I've provided much reason in my past to be given opportunity. I had a definite wild side to me, but God did open up to me and I have the faith I do today. But now that you have your gift, what do you do with it? I personally think to take it day by day. I am not one to seek out a thousand charities or to spend my time in volunteer. I do blame most of that on my anxiety. But, I do try to help when the opportunity arises. I have to admit others are better than me though, and that is the reason I am writing on charity. To think of giving without the expectation of return. To think of giving simply for your love of everyone as we are all children of God. When you've been hurt by many, sometimes it takes awhile for your heart to be open to others. Though my wish and my prayer is for the souls of my family especially. I guess everyone is a bit off, and it is conceded of me to think I'm on a better path than others. But I do. I see the path of Jesus and the path of a Christian and I do not see everyone on it. That makes me worry for the ones I love.

Walter Cronkite Story

With the passing of Walter Cronkite I felt compelled to tell my only interaction with him a couple of years ago. We went on vacation in Orlando to go to Universal Studios. It is a couple of hours north of us, so is an easy weekend trip. We had spent the weekend at a four star hotel, the Omni Hotel I believe, close to the amusement park. We went to the park, got room service, the whole deal. Unfortunately our clothes had gotten completely soaked at Universal Studios. We didn't expect that at all and I couldn't put them in our regular suitcase. So I got a brilliant idea to put everything in a trash bag, which in retrospect I don't remember where it had come from. So here we are walking through a luxurious four star hotel dragging a large bulging trash bag with our luggage. There was a big conference going on so there were people going through with suits as we were leaving. Just as we had made it to the door of the hotel the trash bag burst wide open with wet clothes going all over the floor. I was so embarrassed and I can tell my husband was already upset with my idea for getting the clothes to the car. We looked up and there was an aging Walter Cronkite looking down at us clear up our clothes the best we could. He asked, "need some help with that?" I remember I said "no" or "no thanks". He walked off and we were speechless. I don't think my husband forgave me. We looked and he was the main speaker at the event going on at the Omni. Well, after that we've been picky about the luggage we take with us.

1 Corinthians 13:4-13

Charity is patient, is kind: charity envieth not, dealeth not perversely, is not puffed up, Is not ambitious, seeketh not her own, is not provoked to anger, thinketh no evil: Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth with the truth: Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Charity never falleth away: whether prophecies shall be made void or tongues shall cease or knowledge shall be destroyed. For we know in part: and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. But, when I became a man, I put away the things of a child. We see now through a glass in a dark manner: but then face to face. Now I know in part: but then I shall know even as I am known. And now there remain faith, hope, and charity, these three: but the greatest of these is charity.

Bring the Sword

Christ did come to bring peace between us, and that is widely accepted with most in Christianity. I believe what most have problems with is any acceptance of violence.

If one reads the bible, it isn't exactly all love and peace. Regardless of what one wants to think there was the banishing of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, there was the destruction of Sodom and Gamora, and there were the plagues during the time of Moses. This doesn't even bring up the battles supported by God.

These are mostly writings of the Old Testament, but where is there the belief to ignore these books? I've put on this blog before the quote where it mentions Jesus was here to bring the sword. Forgive me for not having the quote, but I'm writing from my phone. What I see from this is that we Christians are not all the religion of peace. No, we are the religion of Christ; that always overrides peace. Let me explain myself.

With the idea of peace, there are no base beliefs behind this, just the idea of not having violence. For instance, if there were many in a group chastising a figure you held dear, and if you spoke up there would be the invitation of violence. Those for standing up for thier idol would not be the peacemaker, but would be standing up for what he held dear. The same for Christians, I do not believe Christ meant for us to be silent to those against him to keep peace. I do not believe that Christianity is the religion of peace, but of following the principles of Christ and the laws given to Moses by God. Sometimes it means standing up against mother, brother and friend. Especially today. Inevitebly it is to win souls, and when will any you love be saved if you don't speak up?

Okay, I'm up way too late. Goodnight.

Sent from my iPhone

Myth of the Great Life in Florida

If you know anything of South Florida, the areas not controlled by the Cubans are filled with people from the north east, Boston, New York, etc. Mostly an older population that came down from fear of cold weather. From the way people talk of the winters of the north east here you would think they are torture. I've come to believe the older you get the more you hate the cold. Well, of all these people move at some point away from thier friends and family to live perpetual sun, where the only difference is between the rainy season and dry season. You see they all went on vacation once to South Beach or to see their friends in Boca and the thought came to them, "why not live here where I could go to the beach every day?" Especially if they are with thier friends, they say nothing about how sunny and wonderful it is. They also seem to be talking about being out at the beach or on the boat when you are braving snow storms.

So, you make the move. You were able to buy a cheaper house for the same or more space and you go to find another job, or go to a retirement community depending on your age. But those who look for a new job notice the money isn't as good, so the expenses even out. Those who think they can go to the beach every day realize it tends to loose it's charm after the first week or so. I mean, who wants to go through all the preparation of going to the beach all the time? Plus, that sand gets everywhere. But still, you moved, and life goes on. You talk to your friends back home and the last thing you want to tell them is that life is pretty much the same except warmer, and maybe a little worse on the allergies (if you moved to South Florida because you thought your allergies would be better you're a moron). So you brag about the beach and tell your friends how wonderful life is...

This is how South Florida stedily gets it's population from the North East, and belive me this is not just me saying this. It really is a common joke down here people play if they relize it or not. I've talked to several transplants from Florida and we even joke about it. So I apologize to any Floridians if I am breaking the scam, but you've really got to call it what it is.

But hey, Im a transplant to Florida just like.... Almost everyone else down here. You know what you see on my social networking sites that I post to all my friends and family back in Texas and everywhere else? I have pictures of the beach I walk by every day and comments on the weather.... Like I said, everyone is in on it.

Sent from my iPhone

Another Update

Wow, this is much easier means of blogging. Just do it straight from my phone. The sun has drained me today. I live five minutes from the beach, but never go out to swim. It takes someone coming in on vacation. That has come to be a common occurance recently, which is suprising for one thing because the winter is the in season. In the summers the streets clear out and your regular restraunts change to thier "summer hours". Then a new thing I saw was a store that had a sign up saying "Open by request or by chance". The point being, the area is half of what it is "in season" or in the winter. But as a local, I like this time of year. No cars trying to hit you, really because they are too old to drive. No Snowbirds. They hate the heat and run away from the possibility of hurricanes. I have to admit the winters are pleasant, but I would much rather spend a summer here than in Texas. Texas summers can be torture. Now I am going to finish watching my programs,
check to make sure there's no work and head off to bed. It's only around 9 pm, but what else is there to do...

Sent from my iPhone

Pope's Meeting with the President

I am writing from an email for the first time, so I am curious how this works. I've been reading about Pope Benedict XVI meeting with Obama recently, and it leaves me torn in being offended by the number of conservatives criticizing him and at the same time by several liberals praising him. From both sides I have heard nothing in regards to respect of the Catholic Church, but rather one or another pushing an agenda.

I can understand with the Pope meeting with Obama in that we have a large Catholic population, and it is not one to ignore. I admit I have not read exactly what was said, but I don't like the spin. We as people of faith cannot conceide to those who follow evil ideas and worship through false teachings. I do find that many are falling to worship of the earth through environmentalism, and our government uses such issues as a means to take further control. I don't like that the Pope agreeing with protection of the earth, the need of healthcare reform is in a way agreeing with Obama. Obama's ideas in no way go with the beliefs in the Catholic church, and to present that the Pope is concieding any way to him is quite offensive. Then again I need to look at what was said. Of coarse I am much more of the belief that the Vatican needs to be stricter with it's US church. In not being so I believe they are loosing more faithful. I do believe that the Pope will do
the right thing for the church. I pray he does.

People writing that the Pope is good strictly for agreement with Obama and finding of further reason to criticize the religious conservative Catholics does offend me. Well, I am passing out now. About time....

Sent from my iPhone

Thinking too much on 4th of July

Happy 4th of July everyone!

We are here in Miami watching 1776, and thinking of the politics of today in comparison to what it was. Our country was founded for freedom from a tyrant and the belief that the people can govern themselves through a republic.

What baffles me today is this idea that US needs "change". Our country is the best country in the world and to our knowledge the best in the history in the world. We base our beautiful country off of the ideas of our founding fathers and in our Constitution. To this day it has not failed us. So what is it that is so horrible to this day that needs change?

I have a couple of theories. In the writings of the founding fathers and noticeable make up of the country of the time, our country was founded by Christians. We believe that we has certain inalienable rights endowed to us by God. If these rights are not endowed by God, then who says there is any reason for rights and freedom? Our worst nations in history were those devoid of God. Devoid of the idea of something greater than ourselves. To me, that is something that our citizens are forgetting more day by day that is an essential to maintaining this great country. Without the idea of the laws of these country are backed by God, then why keep these laws or why make them in the same fashion? What is the reason? I see relativism as a major problem in the make up of our country. Even in my family and friends. When you don't see right and wrong in a situation then who is to say anything when people are doing things either thought to be classless or immoral. "They can do as they want." The same in the leaders in our country. What is the reason for freedom of speech, freedom of religion... and other such basic freedoms we believe everyone is entitled to be our creator? There is a falling respect for the basis of what backs our constitution and our country. That is a problem.

Another thing I see is not necessarily a growing apathy, but a growing population that acts as what I best call a "Spoiled brat". Have you ever hung out with someone spoiled? The ones I've been around have a lack of respect of where their money comes from and an unreal sense of entitlement. Now with the growing popularity of Obama, I've noticed that this sense of entitlement has been country wide. Why are we entitled to health care? Why are we entitled to hand outs? Many voted in Obama with this idea that he would take care of everything. Now, with this attitude, I think back to a blog I saw from an Iranian blogger from when I first discovered blogs (so I can't exactly link to it from the fact I could not find it). This blogger stated that they did not understand Americans who avoided voting and didn't find that it was anything of importance. This blogger stated that in living in a country like this, the first thing you should to take advantage of is every means there is to have your voice heard. Otherwise, it is the equivalent of having others decide for you. If you would want others to make decisions for you, then the ideal country is Iran. They will tell you how to dress, where you can go, what you can do. They will command you on everything. You live in the United States to be free. I absolutely loved this when I read it. So the questions is, what happens to a country that now wants others to take care of them? You can't have individuality and be told what to do. How can our republic be kept up with those who wish to keep to going in a democracy. It does take work. Otherwise, we may be inviting in a tyrant. If not with this election, then one may come soon. I worry about this one personally.

So this idea of change, for whatever reason, took hold during the election and is being put into effect now. I wonder if people are really going to get what they want. If they will be happy. Myself, I will be content as long as no one gets in the way of my faith or letting me raise my family in the way I believe. I fear that there may be interference though. The reason for the growth in political blogging.

I see the source of this call for "change" is not from a good source. I see that the soul of this country is in trouble. It is our duty to do what we can to save it. It is a sin to be quiet and watch it idly as it fades away. Because we are the greatest country in the world still. The question is where are we going from here?

Enjoy the rest of your 4th of July, which if you are on the east coast you have 5 more minutes.