Evolution Slowly Bleeds Away

Can someone please tell me how in the effin' world, evolution became a so-called "theory"???????? This is a damn insult on my intelligence and everyone else who has been tought this... what the hell is it... its not even a hypothesis!

I mean seriously... read on...

A thrombus, or blood clot, is the final product of the blood coagulation step in hemostasis. It is achieved via the aggregation of platelets that form a platelet plug, and the activation of the humoral coagulation system (i.e. clotting factors). A thrombus is physiologic in cases of injury, but pathologic in case of thrombosis.

Specifically, a thrombus is a blood clot in an intact blood vessel. A thrombus in a large blood vessel will decrease blood flow through that vessel. In a small blood vessel, blood flow may be completely cut-off resulting in death of tissue supplied by that vessel. If a thrombus dislodges and becomes free-floating, it is an embolus.

Some of the conditions which elevate risk of blood clots developing include atrial fibrillation (a form of cardiac arrhythmia), heart valve replacement, a recent heart attack, extended periods of inactivity (see deep venous thrombosis), and genetic or disease-related deficiencies in the blood's clotting abilities.

Preventing blood clots reduces the risk of stroke, heart attack and pulmonary embolism. Heparin and warfarin are often used to inhibit the formation and growth of existing blood clots, thereby allowing the body to shrink and dissolve the blood clots through normal methods (see anticoagulant).

Virchow's Triad describes the conditions necessary for thrombus formation:

Changes in vessel wall morphology (e.g. trauma, atheroma)
Changes in blood flow through the vessel (e.g. valvulitis, aneurysm)
Changes in blood composition (e.g. leukaemia, hypercoagulability disorders)

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) involves widespread microthrombi formation throughout the majority of the blood vessels. This is due to excessive consumption of coagulation factors and fibrinolysis using all of the body's available platelets and clotting factors. The end result is ischaemic necrosis of the affected tissue/organs and spontaneous bleeding due to the lack of clotting factors. Causes are septicaemia, acute leukaemia, shock, snake bites or severe trauma. Treatment involves the use of fresh, frozen plasma to restore the level of clotting factors in the blood.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrombus

...that's some chance over millions and millions of years my friend. It takes ALOT more faith to believe that than in the Bible. I mean seriously... Oh by the way... Just for humor's sake... How did humans/apes/whatever we were survive BEFORE bloodclotting began happening???

Anyone got an answer?

Seriously... Step off evolution and atheism...

The Baron vs. The Cynic

The baron and the cynics. Such a lovely titled for this. It's meaning? I'm glad you inquired:

baron - a member of the lowest grade of nobility.

cynic - a person who believes that only selfishness motivates human actions and who disbelieves in or minimizes selfless acts or disinterested points of view.

This is the very essence of Christianity (true, Biblical Christianity) and secular humanism. While these two groups argue back and forth constantly without getting anywhere with their point of view, no one can deny this to be a fact; Christianity at its core considers its "followers" to be accepted by God and thereby inheriting His kingdom (lowest grade of nobility). Cynicism at its core derives its meaning from what secular humanists and atheists preach constantly in their religion (yes, it is a religion), which is "there is no god," "natural selection shall take its course" and following a certain religion is "disingenuous" at best.

Ironically, both have nearly the same principles without having the same motive. Both consider people not affiliated with the group to be clueless. Both have followers and leaders. Both have books held in high esteem. Both have great minds and thinkers and both have colossal "truths" that one should follow if to claim partially in the group. Both groups try to make 'converts' of the other.

However, the differences are astounding (I know this is repeat for you but stay with me). Christianity says there is a higher authority. Atheism says there is no god and if there is he/she/it is incomprehensible. [C] says there are morals and this higher being called God gave them to us. [C] have the Bible while [A] have numerous materials not compiled into one book but rather outlined and based in Darwin’s Origin of Species. [A] says there are morals but only what we as a society deem to a 'value' is considered one. [C] says you aren't a good person by nature. [A] says we're all inherently good and this goodness just has to be instilled (if allowed by that person) in us by our respective societies.

So taking these major views, we have to see which one matches up to reality.

I’ve have an ex-girlfriend that’s insanely awesome in her field, that being biology. Being a kind boyfriend, I would genuinely show interest in that field and actually, I learned quite a lot from her. But simply put, the more I learned, the more I began to notice more and more the complexities of matter and that such complexities are too unreal to have “just happened.”

However, just because this may be true, doesn’t mean that Christianity is correct. There are 3 ways that this could end up. Atheism is wrong; Christianity is right. Christianity is wrong; atheism is right. Both Christianity and Atheism are wrong.

The only way to prove if one or the other is correct or both are wrong is by testing each side OBJECTIVELY. And that’s my challenge to you, my reader.

It’s the baron vs. the cynic. It’s the dummies vs. the smarties. It’s Christianity vs. Atheism. You have to fall on one side or the other. There is no in between. Choose this day to which religion you will be a slave. However, no matter which you choose, you’re still a slave; a slave to yourself or a slave to a God (if He exists).

Ready… go.

What is Love? NOT!

"Never pretend to a love which you do not actually feel, for love is not ours to command."
- Alan Watts

Do you believe this quote to be true? Is love not ours to command? I've pondered. Follow down this road with me...

If love is not ours to command, whose is it? If love is not something taken but something given as many people believe it to be, who gives it if its not ours to command? What is love after all?

Love in a simplistic definition is truly simple to understand: self-sacrificition. Love in a broader and more indepth definition is a bit harder for it is the rightful choosing of laying our wants, desires and even needs down at another person's feet and saying to him/her "I'm done with me and all I have is yours. It is you and your joyfulness that I live for and no one else." Can anyone really say this defintion is not true? Apparently Alan Watts can...

Love from this definition cannot be an emotion either. How can "self-sacrifice" be considered an emotion? Anger can manifest itself but also be felt throughout the body. I really dont think love can. Can we get butterflies? Yes. But how many times have you gotten those flitter-flutters and ended up not sacrificing yourself for the other person or vice versa? Plus, aren't those little buggers a sign of what someone else does for you, thereby implying selfishness?

Don't get me wrong, I completely believe that love is reciprical. It's give and take because we can only give out what's been given to us without Divine intervention (which is why so many non-Christians have a problems with achieving peace and understanding self-sacrifce). But what I'm driving at here is simply that many people have lost this definition. I mean goodness sakes, brith control devices are being given out to 11 year olds in Maine so that they can have sex "safer." Amazing. That's the only word I can think to describe it.

How can anyone love without self-sacrificition? I truly dont think that's even possible. Anything other than self-sacrifiition is lust of the flesh and the desires of a horribly wicked heart full of pride. I don't know how to describe it any other way. Any comments from you? If not, just think this through.

The Unexpected Road

Today's theme seems to be that of taking a road you totally don't expect...

I was in chapel today and Dr. Jeff Iorg was the speaker. He's the president of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. His sermon was on the story of when Jesus called Peter, James and John as told in Luke 5. What caught my attention was that Dr. Iorg consistently divulged the fact that these 3 dropped all they had and went in an entirely different direction from where their path started.

Number two: I talked to a friend of mine who has had issues with someone they wanted to date but decided that waiting was something they could not do. While this person had major feelings for their aspiration, they did not compromise a commitment they had made in the past in regards to not dating. This turn was one that was completely unexpected and now this person must travel down a different path than they originally planned.

Number three: Wedding Crashers. Wow. I cannot believe I'm using this movie to prove a Biblical point. Anyways, if you dont know the premise it is as follows: two guys go to weddings looking for girls to sleep with. John Beckwith (played by Owen Wilson) 3/4 of the way through the movie, begins to realize the disgusting path he's going down. His partner Jeremy Grey (played by Vince Vaughn) tells him that it's no big deal doing what he's doing and even urges him to keep going after John falls in love with this girl named Claire.

Here's the point: While your life may go a different direction than you plan on it and things may get crazy, conviction and truth are the only things constant to stand upon; and this must be done. I've noticed that tons of times my life gets hectic and crazy. Yet somehow my convictions and truths remain. I go off the path of righteousness every now and then but even when I go off that path, truth and conviction follow me. But what are am I or anyone else to do when the truth or conviction is said to be a fabricated lie or that a certain something will never happen.

You must continue to stand on what you know to be convicting you of the truth.

Nothing can, should or would ever get in the way of that as long as you're standing on TRUTH with a conviction in your heart that it is true. I dont know how else to say or put it. It's something that must be done.

I have no idea how to finish up this blog by saying anything other than that. Maybe this will suffice... while you may stand on truth, be prepared to get kicked down, tossed around and stomped on the ground. It's not a sweet whimsical ride of fun. It's dirty and grungy and to be honest... lonely. But it is something that has to be done and it has to be done with love, with family and most of all... Biblically.

Belief: Proof positive?

Many arguments I've heard in the last few days regarding Christianity have involved that of belief. A great post-modern movement in the Western world has as it's headline: "Believe in anything you want to and that's your reality." As we all know however, this isn't true. Here's an example:

If a blind man (which many 'Christians' would say of atheists) hears my MacBook Pro talk using iSpeak, he will naturally believe that someone (even if their voice is funky and distorted) is in the room speaking. He cannot see the man for he has no sight, but believes he is there because he 'hears' him.

Now is there actually someone in the room with him? Well quite frankly the answer is no. However, the man believes someone is there because of his perceived notion that a voice is heard and thus someone is talking.

How can the blind know the difference then if someone is in the room or not, if hearing a voice? In all honesty, he cant until his 'eyes are open' for a lack of better phrasing.

It's the same concept with all other religions (including atheism) and Christianity. Christians believe that these other's eyes haven't been 'open' and they're 'believing' in something they perceive as true because they don't know any different. They think that what their 'hearing' and 'believing to be true really does exist, and until the scales fall off their eyes, can't believe otherwise.

I've often said (because it says in the Bible) that no one can see whether or not the Bible is true unless God opens his/her eyes. It's impossible. It's like trying to find your way out of a pool of mud with your eyes open. It can't be done. However, if one takes the time, searches intently and truly with all of his heart, God promises to open his/her eyes and thus reveal Himself.

The catch however is this: you can't have any preconceived notions. You have to look at evidence and reality and scripture and see if they truly line up. I can go on all day about how this universe cannot exist without a Creator, a conscience cannot just appear on it's own and that the reality of good and evil cannot be a concept derived of man. However, my barking and jabbing won't do anything if not backed up with evidence and conveyed with truly an open mind.

Whether you believe in something or not does not change the fact of its existence. Reality is true. If not, then how do you know what you feel is right? Haven't your feelings ever turned out to be wrong? Are you are saying that what you feel determines truth? If so, then you are putting yourself in the place of God, and looking to yourself for what you "feel" is right. And with that view, no one can be truly objective.

Depressed, Deprived, Depraved

Keep the following passage in mind as you read through the story below it.

Romans 1:28-32 --- Since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God’s decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

As I sit here watching a theatrical play, one of which I'm 'working,' I'm online. While browsing Youtube and Myspace, I could not help but come across a video that's been viewed at least 6 million times. 6 MILLION TIMES. While that's a feat in and of itself, to get that many views for one particular video, what TRULY amazed me is WHY this videos been viewed so many times. The video is entitled "Leave Britney Alone" by Chris Crocker.

If you have not seen this video, please do not go out and watch it. Truly its sad. It basically features this guy, who apparently is gay, dresses in drag and finally calls himself "the Queen of Ghetto" as well as "the new Christ," laying down on a bed and filming himself crying, sobbing and absolutely lamenting over... Britney Spears. He, on this video, continually cusses the public out for the way they've treated Britney, eccentrically cries over the fact that she's being treated "unfairly" and finally tells all that "she's just human" and is going through a tough time.

The content is truly just... shocking. What's even more shocking is the fact that this 19 year old KID states on his myspace that "I'm an entertainer... Almost every video I make with the exception of a couple speeches, are skits.. and if they're not skits- they're footage of me during a sugar rush, if you know what I mean. I never post videos of me being completely myself because that would be pointless. I make videos to entertain- not to overexpose myself." As anyone who's seen this video can see, this person is truly sick; whether its "entertainment" or not. However, something bigger came to my mind. This kid actually had a point; one that actually proves my point and confirms that my point even applies to himself.

This cultural has become godless (some would argue against the fact that there's even a god) and thus depraved physically, emotionally and mentally. This video proves it in three ways. They are as follows:

1) Physically --- (Side Note: In a word; sodomy. I dont call people who are "gay," homosexuals because that's a scientific term and one used to make us as people feel less valued. The word "gay" actually means "happy" and has been used to make the act seem less depraved than what it truly is. The true word to be used to describe those who exchange the natural function for that of the unnatural therefore is sodomites.)

Chris Crocker is a sodomite. He has gone against that which is natural for that which is unnatural. Now I know and COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND that some sodomites truly do have a problem and have troubles quitting sodomy. Its much in the same way alcoholics need rehab; its a 'disease' for lack of a better word, that one can overcome however and one that can be treated.

2) Emotionally --- Wow. If anyone takes a look at this video will know that Crocker's dramatization of his emotions borderlines on sick. Again, even if this is ONLY entertainment, it's pretty sick and twist and depraved entertainment; to get people to laugh at your supposed sorrow not only bases the audience's feelings on a lie but also has a controlling effect. (I know this; this is my field of study and trust me or research it for yourself. There's definitely a controlling factor behind his act.)

3) Mentally --- The psychological affect of the depraved (including Britney mind you) to the society and the way the media portrays it is just astounding. People see these things and what do we do? React. However, if our reactions are based on emotional pleas and a debased culture, what happens? Even WORSE debauchery! (ie: Britney's career -> her antics -> Chris Crocker's reaction -> society's reaction to Crocker by patronizing him to further the "entertainment.")

These connections can easily be made as shown above. What amazing me the most though is that this society continually makes excuses as to why people do the things they do and CONTINUALLY demonize Christians and walk all over us. I guess it seems that we've had God's hand of protection over us for 200 years and now that we (as a society) have decided to ignore Him and His Word, that security is quickly fleeting.

Don't be surprised at more attacks to come from Islam, Hollywood and Washington. People have decided to basically stick a finger in the sky at God in favor of doing things their own way; the way that is unnatural. Simply Astounding.

The Day The World Stopped

As everyone here knows, today is 9/11. Six years (and on the exact day, Tuesday) later, I look back at where we've come in America and where I've come personally. Here's my observations...

Firstly, while we as Americans began united after this event, we now stand divided. The War in Iraq is a huge focal point of this and while that may be true, I will actually assert that there's another reason we've begun an even further decline: the lack of the Judo-Christian roots upon which this country was founded.

Where did everyone go the following weeks after 9/11? The answer: churches. Not just evangelical churches mind you but rather of all faiths. Jewish synagogues were packed. Mormon stakes were filled to capacity. Catholic masses were unfathomably huge. Why is this? I would like to submit that people wanted answers and did not believe that humanism would give the answers they needed.

After this catastrophic event occurred 6 years ago, people began to ask the following questions: Why is there evil in the world? If there is a God, how can He allow this to happen? What is the meaning behind this event? The problem with humanism (and the problem many people began to see) is that, humanism in and of itself cannot answer these questions. There is no explanation of evil; there's actually no concept of evil in humanism for it takes it's morals and absolutes from how the society interacts within itself and what it will allow at that time; morals change when the society changes.

There is no God according to humanism and thus this event is the work of other humans believing in a supposed god; this means that religion is actually at fault because it's basis on a lie confounds it's followers to carryout they're duties regarding their "faith." Finally, this event has no meaning. It is something bad that happened; something bad that we must deal with; something bad that has no explanation or consequences.

That is how a humanist has to think regarding this issue. I used to think this way. Can you understand the logic behind this way of thinking? My point in this blog isn't to prove the Christian God. That'll be saved for another day and time. My reasoning for this blog is to ask the question: what good is the humanist mind frame and way of thinking? It's hopelessness and sheer loss within it's own constructs absolutely astounds me; yet I still have friends who believe this way of thinking to be true. We're nothing more than here for now, studying those who have come to past and taking everything in to build for the future generation that we'll never see.

The division that has come about in America has made a comeback because many of the people that fell into churches in the weeks following 9/11 have no fallen back to their humanist ways. Its partly the church's fault for this. But mainly, its people wanting to enjoy what they want, when they want, so long as it doesn't infringe on other people. Today truly is a sad day in our country. Not just because we commemorate those fallen but because this day brings to light just how far our countries morals and state of mind have fallen.

Gettin' High Never Felt So Low

Did anyone watch the MTV awards show? If there hasn't been a good enough reason thus far to prove that there is a God, this show proved it. First, let's see what God had to say through Paul about 2000 years that ironically pretty much describes the MTV awards yesterday.


Romans 1:18-32 --- For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

Sounds exactly like Hollywood today doesn't it?

Just in case you missed what happened at the MTV awards, here's a quick recap via AOL.com...

"Timberlake's suite was flooded with revelers, alcohol and eight lingerie-clad stripper types on raised platforms. Before Timberlake accepted the Quadruple Threat of the Year award at his suite, the DJ summoned the partygoers to watch the monitor and go crazy if Timberlake won. He did, they did, and Timberlake said: "I want to challenge MTV to play more videos!" Then he was whisked away by bodyguards and disappeared.... Cee-Lo delivered a rocking version of Prince's naughty classic "Darling Nikki" in the smoky Foo Fighters suite (where a beer bong was in operation as Dave Grohl danced, sang Cure songs, played air drums and posed for snapshots); Soulja Boy was showing Kanye West his "Crank That" dance in West's suite.... Timberlake and Timbaland's suite looked the most exciting - T.I. , buffeted by pole dancers, delivered a rousing version of "Big Things Poppin"' while 50 Cent stopped by to perform "Ayo Technology" with Timberlake and Timbaland."

That's only just a tid-bit of what was shown on MTV. What I found most amazing however is what was written near the end of this article. Here's what it said...

"Though the suites appeared to be chaotic parties, the MTV-cast revelers were carefully organized, strategically placed and encouraged to imbibe for the cameras."

Shocking? It shouldn't be. Viacom/MTV has done all it can to lead teens down this direction and to be honest, its worked. Teens now perceive drinking, partying, drugs and sex as things to be glorified and attained. These poor kids however don't know or understand that drinking in excess on a habitual basis leads to deterioration of brain functions, including the parts that aid in self control. Drugs only further the situation and can lead to things such as slowed speech, memory loss and finally depression. And sex--- do I really need to list all the STD's that are being passed around on college, high school and even JUNIOR HIGH campuses nationwide? These diseases can lead to small things such as a habitual need for medication or even larger things such as AIDS.

I find it so interesting that those who seem to follow the guidelines outlined in the Bible seem to be living a much more fruitful and less-stressful life. Anyone knows that being a Christian is by NO MEANS an easy thing and that trials and tribulations come our way as much as the next guy; however, it seems that these things are much easier to take in, conquer and ultimately move on from, if handled and done from a Biblical perspective.

MTV--- you're utterly ridiculous. No one wants to watch your crap and your "reality" shows that are so easily seen as being scripted. Seriously... people at Viacom... grow up.

The Truth of Lies

You know... it's true what they say: it's so much easier to lie than tell the truth.

This quote by Edith Sitwell just completely stands out in my mind right now: The public will believe anything, so long as it is not founded on truth. Another one that's sticking out in my mind is this one: A lie told often enough becomes the truth.

I've noticed that I've really never been myself; not since the time I entered into "the public life" at the age of nine years old. This is the time in which I really first began to discover the secular world. The all-too-true realism of life came at me kind of quick and to be honest --- I've never learned to deal with it... until now.

My parents near divorce when I was seven years old has always affected me --- However I've noticed that today it never really does anymore. The question that I wanna pose to myself is: why continue to go through life thinking of how bad something COULD HAVE been instead of concentrating on how good something IS? I dont know...

Secondly, it was at this ripe old age of nine years old that I was put out in secular societies' ever-watchful eye; it is when I captured the lead role in a play entitled "How to Eat Like a Child." I really think this is one of the worst things that ever happened to me and I'll explain why.

It was at this time that my acting skills began to greatly develop. They developed so much so that I've been told my parents consulted with someone about me actually going to Hollywood to do commercials and who knows what from there. It was due to this that I began "acting" out in my life. I really became someone I wasn't; the facade I've been putting on for nearly 12 years has been one of such lies, that I've really lost myself in them. It's true; once you begin living a lie, it eventually becomes your truth and the very essence of your being.

It hasnt been until the last few weeks or months that I've really come to grips with this realization and to be honest, it isn't one that I could've come to on my own. I totally believe that since I've begun the process of de-numbing my conscience and allowing it to control more of my life, that I've begun to become again, one who I used to be; the real true me. This all started when I began asking myself: Who am I? What have I been doing wrong for awhile? And I truly believe it has shown through in my life that the reason for all of this has to do with what I had originally been diagnosed with: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Once I began to diagnose the problem however and deal with it, I started to notice things were different in me. I dont know if any of you have noticed a change in me within the past few weeks/months, but I've come to the realization that it is happening. SO I guess this is the point of this blog: be true. Hebert Agar got it right when he said this (and I'll close with this statement for you to ponder)

"The truth that makes men free is for the most part the truth which men prefer not to hear."

An Introspection Into Continued Holiness

"These, then, are the two points I wanted to make. First, that human beings, all over the earth, have this curious idea that they ought to behave in a certain way, and cannot really get rid of it. Secondly, that they do not in fact behave in that way. They know the Law of Nature; they break it. These two facts are the foundation of all clear thinking about ourselves and the universe we live in." - C.S. Lewis

It continually amazes me that many people will read a quote such as this one and almost immediately disregard it without taking a look into the richness of it's depth.

The past few days, I've been hard at work. I actually nearly quit my job today because some of my fellow employees have made a habit of making things... difficult (for a lack of a better word)... for me as of late because they either believe I don't know what I'm doing, don't do it their way or just to mess with me. And sadly, this isnt the only area of my life that's been affected in this way lately.

I've noticed that another one of C.S. Lewis' quotes has been reigning as truth in my life; especially as of late. The quote is as follows: "The full acting out of the self's surrender to God therefore demands pain: this action, to be perfect, must be done from the pure will to obey, in the absence, or in the teeth, of inclination." It all started about a month ago when (for reasons unneeded of exposure) I broke up with a girl that I had been dating for nearly a month. This was mostly due to myself beginning to understand that I was taking on the persona of a side of me that I thought I had killed in late 2006. Apparently, it decided to come back again, I allowed it to control me and thus began to be fueled by my desires for self-indulgence.

Upon realizing this, I immediately knew that the time had come for me to kill this side of me and make sure it didn't resurrect from the past again. Since this time, I've regained self-control, grown in holiness and have tried to set myself apart from the things that continually bring me down. This however has not come without difficulties.

I've broken off many relationships as of late. People I used to call friends (I've come to realize) haven't treated me with the same respect deserved of that title. It's for this reason (many others due abound however) that any little irksome thing has caused me to basically write a note of farewell to that person. On the brighter side, I've cultivated the few friendships I wish to remain. The cultivation of where thorns and thistles once laid, due to my personal lack of watering the vine of friendship, has delivered many wonderfully new scents of surprises. Also, I've formed new friendships set upon the foundation of the only thing that matters. Many of you know of the foundation of which I speak; that being upon the One of Love with Truth, Justice and Mercy at His side.

Nevertheless, I've been thinking... have I been doing something wrong; something that needs to be worked upon; something that has brought about a cause for concern in others regarding either talking with and/or pursuing a friendship with me? After all, Jesus did on many occasions speak of judging your inner-self to be sure you're not guilty of the same thing before judging others on the subject...

(Side note: people take use the verse Matthew 7:1 as saying Jesus said not to judge. Here's the entire passage and I bolded the part that defeats this argument within the text: "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.)

... So what have I been doing to offend others (if anything) and what do I need to work on before I judge others on the subject? The only thing that comes to mind is the tone in which I say the things I do. While speaking with someone I've grown to admire qualities in quite a bit, it was pointed out to me that my definitions aren't always clear. (Thanks Britty) How then should I rectify this? Simple. Clearly define what I'm saying. Other than this, I cannot think of anything else that needs to be worked upon.

In closing, I'd like to take this blog full circle by reiterating what C.S. Lewis stated in my opening: "These, then, are the two points I wanted to make. First, that human beings, all over the earth, have this curious idea that they ought to behave in a certain way, and cannot really get rid of it. Secondly, that they do not in fact behave in that way. They know the Law of Nature; they break it. These two facts are the foundation of all clear thinking about ourselves and the universe we live in." The question I pose to contemplate is simply this: when was your last objective introspection and have you been growing in holiness (defined as "being set apart from") since? If not, why is that? Could you be so consumed by your own self-desires that you have forgotten that the word self-control even exists. Do you even care about working on bettering yourself? Finally, if so, why do you care?

"If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair." - C.S Lewis

The Inner Examination of Oneself

Many times, upon writing these short and brief chapters in regards to how I've grown to view the world, I critique things rather profusely whereupon I justify my claim. However, there is one thing I rarely do and should rather do more of; that is a critiquing of myself. I do believe people should know why I am the way I am, what I believe my inner flaws are and how I intended to work on them within the next certain time period. That time has now come.

Looking back on summer 2007, I cant help but realize I need to work on a few things in regards to my attitudes. Firstly, the way I come across to people. Apparently, I've been told, I have a snarky demeanor even when I'm not talking to someone. Now, while this person actually had issues with me and probably wasn't looking at me objectively, I do believe I need to take an inward look at this and wonder if there's any way possibly where I could have prevented that. My answer: pertinence. There's a time and place for everything and I must hold valid to the tasks at hand and how to deal with them maturely.

Pertinence is the first thing I need to work on. The second thing I believe that should be worked on is self control. Many times throughout this summer, I let either my emotions or feelings get the best of me. While this is normally not how I am (I'm stoic in manner some say), I KNOW that I lacked the true FEELING of self control. It was body before mind; my interest above others; time management gone wrong. The fruit of self control is bitter upon first bite, but it's taste is soothing.

Finally, I do believe that I need to work on inward security. While I in no way shape or form believe myself to be insecure due to my extrovertish mannerisms, I know deep down I do have some insecurities that must be worked on, most notably that of being left alone. While I'm secure in knowing that God said that it "not good for man to be alone" and that He will make a suitor fit for me, its been hard to live it because of the atrocities committed against me in the past. This, in my estimation, is something that I believe I will carry with me until the exact moment I get married and consummate that union in the marriage bed.

I hope this insight has helped you see a few things. First and foremost, that I am definitely NOT above reproach. I, like everyone, have mistakes and pitfalls that must be worked on and am not afraid to let ANYONE know what they are. When I say I'm an open book, I'm an open book. No ifs, ands or buts about it. Secondly, that I can take an inner, objective examination of myself to the best of my ability and confess it boldly. Finally, in my doing of this, I surely hope that you will examine yourself too, not only to see where your worldview lies, but also to see if you're "in the faith" as it were.

"But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another ... we (are to) speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but (rather) God, who tests our hearts." (Galatians 6:4 & 1 Thessalonians 2:4)

The Problem of the Conscience

The biggest problem for evolutionists (other than the Creation currently put on display right in front of all of us) is the conscience. Why is this such a huge problem for those believing in the theory of evolution? I'll give you a few reasons.

1) First we have to define conscience and take a look at the root/true meaning of the word itself. Conscience is defined as "the inner sense of what is right or wrong in one's conduct or motives, impelling one toward right action" (Dictionary.com) and "the sense of the moral goodness or blameworthiness of one's own conduct, intentions, or character together with a feeling of obligation to do right or be good" (Webster's Dictionary). Basically, the conscience is an inner court system, judging a person on matters of right or wrong. The word comes from the Latin words "com-" + "scire" which together mean "to know... to be conscious of guilt."

2) This word (and its meaning) can now be translated into understanding. This knowledge of being guilty implies universal right and wrong, as well as everyone's intrinsic knowledge of this fact. The conscience then accordingly stands as a judge inside the human mind in regards to ethics used by the person and judges them accordingly.

3) If points 1 and 2 are summed together this universal standard can only then be ascribe to something outside of human understanding and thus incomprehensible to man, unless it describes itself. Basically, a knowledge outside of human understanding, human desire and even man's creation himself and has to have ordered this conscience to exists and made up the standards by which it plays the game of deciphering right from wrong.

These three points, ascertained correctly and logically run together, thus then equal a being outside of human intellect, judging an individual, based on it's standards of right and wrong. While this undoubtedly proves there is a divine presence outside of the universe, it even more convincingly proves that evolution could not have provided this knowledge at it's supposed beginning or in any of it's supposed "gaps." Only true knowledge, such as this, can obtained from an outside deviant.

The Truth in Love

It's amazing what one can learn when asked to be humbled and is open to it...

What's one thing everyone accuses me of? Answer: arrogance. I normally say I can't help it that I'm right all the time. And to be honest... that is the truth. But to be honest, no one would listen to me (or will listen to me) because I'm missing something of utmost importance: love.

I was reading 1 Corinthians 13 again today. I've read it many times but today, I noticed I never really read verses 1-3. I read those verses and they are as follows:

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

It just popped into my head what I've been doing wrong all along: I havent been loving in my demonstration of correct thinking. I've been so consumed by using my mind that I've forgotten how to use my heart as well. I've been so smart in my thinking, that God has dumbed me down in my ability to use my heart. I've become such a "clanging symbol" that no matter how truth I say, no one will listen... and why? Because I have no love in my voice or spirit.

This is mostly due to bad things happening to me in the past when I have used my heart and it especially ticks me off watching churches only talk about love, love, love, love, love, love and guess what: LOVE! While they're a bit over the edge, I've begun to realize that I've gone too far myself; the opposite way.

It's time for me to get back to loving on others like how I used to when I was in elementary school. I've let my own head get too big for myself. So big in fact that I lost the most precious thing I've ever had. I lost her because I wasn't acting in a prince like manner--- Yeah I would sweep her off my feet but it was because I could smooth talk. It was never because I just wanted to love her and be devoted to her; no matter how much of a "sleeping beauty" she was.

Only time will tell why God decided to only reveal this to me now. In spite of everything, it's time to press on, look upward and get back to "childlike" love (yet still mature thinking) and use it to impact others the way I know I should be doing.

The Will of God is Revealed

The following is a ridiculous story. Stay with me 'til the end. It won't be long.

Christians – Read the story and then the 3 points in order.
Non-Christians – Read the story and then read point 2 before the others.

A man wakes up early in the morning. He looks at his closet and puts his head down to pray. He then proceeds to get dressed. It's now breakfast time. The man opens up his pantry, puts his head down and proceeds to pray. He then proceeds to pour a bowl of Cheerios and merrily munch away. Onto work now he goes, but before proceeding, puts his head down to pray. After a hard day's work, the same man proceeds to a store to purchase an item. Unfortunately, he comes to a place of indecisiveness about which store and what item to purchase upon arriving at that store. After putting his head down to pray, the man proceeds to a different store altogether to purchase another random item. However, on his way there, a car runs a red light at 50 mph and slams straight into the driver's side door, killing the man on impact.

What's the point to this awkwardly depressing story? I'm sure that's what you're asking.
Well I have 3 points. Stay with me for them all.

(1) There's a difference between God's revealed will and "wondering what God's will for my life is": The first thing to be noticed upon when reading this story is that this man stops to pray for nearly everything. What is the point in doing this, one may ask. Well to be honest, the man seems to be indecisive and to better find out what God wants him to do, he lowers his head to ask Him. While this in and of itself isn't wrong at all, the reasoning behind it may be.

What is God's will for my life? Who should I date? What car should I buy? What job should I get? "I believe God will show me the way." All of these statements are usually made by people but my point is simply this: what's the point in asking these? To be honest, I really don't think God cares what we do regarding these areas as long as we stay within His parameters that He's so very clearly laid out in the Bible. Imagine if I made up the schedule for a day at a summer camp. Would you really come up and ask me which activity should be done, at what time, for what reason, etc.? No you wouldn't. You would simply see what's been written in front of you, decide within its boundary what you like and proceed from there.

Is this procedure to be followed for EVERY circumstance? Well no, but understand, God has revealed exactly how we should live, the type of person we should marry, what we should do in respecting His creation and how we should honor Him in everything we do. Do we really need more than that?

(2) Why do bad things happen to good people?: This is so easily answerable. There isn't ANYONE who does good. Crazy thinking but stay with me on this. Have you ever told a lie? What do you call people who lie? Liars correct? Have you ever stolen anything? If so, aren't people who steal things (no matter the value) called thieves? How about lusting after someone (same/opposite sex)? If so, Jesus said you don't have to actually commit the sin of adultery, you just have to think about it and you're an adulterer at heart. How about hating someone? The same can be said of this; if you've ever hated someone, Jesus said you're considered a murderer at heart.

If all this is true, then wouldn't you be a self-admitted lying, thieving, adulterer and murderer at heart? Even if you had done all these things only once, aren't you still guilty? If I was nice 99% of the time but raped and tortured one girl of 11 years old, wouldn't I still be considered a rapist and torturer rather than a good person?

If this is true, then of all on earth, there is not one who does good and can be considered a good person. We actually all DESERVE bad things to happen to us. And if that answer doesn't suit you, I'm extremely sorrowful (I truly am) but there's no other way to explain it. If we were good people, justice would state that we should have good things happen to us. But we're not. Therefore, in order for justice and love to be true, we must get what we all rightfully deserve: bad things.

(3) This man continually honored God in everything He did: My question to you is simply this: do you? I know I don't and it's extremely sorrowful. While I may try, I know I will fail but I know that's not the point. The point is that I'm trying. I'm trying to glorify the God who's been show gracious to forgive me for the sin that so easily ensnared me. I'm trying to glorify Him, not to be saved because then I could glory in myself on my own merit and works, but because He's the only one who worthy to be praised. He lived the true definition of love, justice and mercy and died while accomplishing them all only to rise again to reconcile us to do just that: glorify the Father.

After all of this, I sure hope you understand where I'm coming from and understand what I'm trying to say. I don't write these things for myself: I write them for you guys/girls to show you what I'm learning. If this is sillytalk to you, message me and we'll talk. If you understand, take it, do with it what you will but know this… this is something not to be messed around with lightly. Point 1 is a matter of how to live life. Point 2 is a matter of life and death: eternity in damnation or glorifying the gracious Creator of the universe. Point 3 is what everything is all about.

Decide what to do. It's in your hands now.