|
SubscriptionsSites I Read
|
|
|
|
| so, having tina and mizuho at my apt is the best. they are such blessings to me! look at what tina showed me:
Ephesians 2
1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in
which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of
the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in
those who are disobedient. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in
order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of
his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
yea basically, jesus rocks.
| | |
| Source:
LA Times 10 Things We Can Do to Perpetuate HomelessnessJuly 19, 2003 Commentary By Joel John Roberts
To many people, the world today is upside down. Look at the problem of homelessness, for example. We are the richest and most powerful nation in the world, and yet there are still thousands and thousands of people who sleep on our streets each night. It doesn't make sense; it is an upside-down reality. But maybe we need to look at homelessness with an upside-down perspective, with an absurd logic that just might illuminate the immensity of this crisis and move us into positive action.
Maybe the utterly absurd conclusion is this: We really want homelessness to exist in the United States. Maybe homelessness is good for our economy, since doing nothing saves us money. (We avoid paying increased taxes to feed, house and provide the homeless with job training.)
Perhaps it boosts our self-image. (We need to feel positive about our own lives, so it's good to have people worse off than us.) Homelessness helps our environment since the homeless are great recyclers. (Perhaps homelessness gives us a great reason to clean out the old clothes form our closets.)
It is a good object lesson for our children. (If they don't do their homework or find a job, we threaten that they'll end up like "them!") And what else would we do with our spare change? Sure, this "logic" sounds ludicrous, but so is the existence of homelessness in affluent America. If there really is an absurdist conspiracy to keep people homeless on our streets, then here are the "Top 10 Ways to Increase Homelessness in Our Community":
10. Keep thinking that the homeless are just lazy and shouldn't be helped.
9. Assume foster kids magically become responsible, self-sufficient adults at age 18. 8. Provide public food programs, but ignore the real reasons people are hungry.
7. Make it hard for the homeless to access services by spreading out services all over the county. 6. Encourage NIMBYism.
5. Let law enforcement deal with it. Outlaw homelessness and throw the homeless in jail.
4. Sweep the homeless into other communities. 3. Eliminate the welfare system.
2. Keep minimum wages at a minimum. And finally...the No. 1 way to increase homelessness in our community: Reduce the housing stock and eliminate affordable housing.
Sadly, although this Top 10 list might seem outlandish, some in our community encourage such steps. The reality is, if we just do the opposite, we could end homelessness. It just makes sense that if we take the right steps to end homelessness in our nation, our community and our country become stronger. | | |
| every generation needs a revolution. -thomas jefferson
ps. im going to miss nina when she moves out. but don't tell her. it'll get to her head. TRUST ME.  concentrate on the quote!!!
| | |
| chip. chip. crack. crack. i guess a smoosh here and there. break.   i wish i had what i needed
to be on my own
cause i feel so defeated
and i'm feeling alone
and it all seems so helpless
and i have no plans
i'm a plane in the sunset
with nowhere to land
and all i see
it could never make me happy
and all my sand castles
spend their time collapsing
let me know that you hear me
let me know your touch
let me know that you love me
let that be enough. | | |
| father of lightsyou delight in your childrenevery good and perfect gift comes from you
-james 1:17
you know, if you think about it, the word "gift" has two meanings. first, it is like a present; something someone gives you. second, it's like a talent, like something you're abnormally good at, right? and, it's true, God gave each and every single one of us different gifts. he is an extremely creative God. that's why each one of us is so different and so special!
so, in light of these gifts (both meanings applied), i believe that each and every single one of us has a duty to use the unique gifts that God has given us to be unique in the way we serve. i'm talking about: 1) singing your own heart words to jesus, 2) dancing for jesus in whatever way your body wants to move, 3) painting whatever God inspires you to draw, 4) speaking new verses from a poem that was dedicated to the mighty savior, 5) making a meal inspired by jesus' love, etc.
basically, my challenge to you comes threefold. first, use the gifts that you know that you have. use those gifts that you have, and develop them. like if you're good at singing, make your own music. as the spirit leads you in your own quiet time with God, instead of praying to God in speech, speak to him in song. i think it'll be amazing and beautiful. second, discover those gifts that you don't think you have. don't ever restrict yourself! express to God praise in whatever form you want to. finally, third, ask God for gifts. God is a loving father who LOVES, like ADORES his children. he wants to give you gifts. so just ask him!
with these varied gifts, i think we could see that each person is unique and has special gifts that God has lavished them with. so, not all of us can play guitar and sing like angels. but you know what, your gift is different. special. God-given. so use your unique gift to praise him. don't try to fit into a mold of having the "typical" gifts. dare to be different. explore and develop your gifts so you can praise God in crazy ways. cause he deserves it. 
| | |
|
