Monday, August 24, 2009
Tuckered Out
Saturday, August 22, 2009
For Such a Time as This....
Beth Moore's newest Bible study is Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman. Going up against heavyweights bent on her destruction, Esther trusted God and landed a blow that saved her people. The Old Testament story of Esther is a profile in courage and contains many modern parallels for today's woman. Esther's destiny can be yours as you know more deeply the God who is in your corner.
Join Beth in an in-depth and very personal examination of this great story of threat and deliverance. She peels back the layers of history and shows how very contemporary and applicable the story of Esther is to our lives. If you've ever felt inadequate, threatened, or pushed into situations that seemed overpowering, this is the study for you. Just as it was tough being a woman in Esther's day, it's tough today. This portion of God's Word contains treasures to aid us in our hurried, harried, and pressured lives.
email me at karinrjohnson@yahoo.com or call me at 585.7417
Hope to see ya'll there!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Kiss My Astroturf! Healthcare Reform or Just Another Move Toward Socialism?
I know Obama said that you can keep your old health care plan, but did you know that you'll be penalized if you do? Yep, Obama wants to tax your insurance payout. Let's say you have to have surgery that cost $10,000 and your insurance will only pay $5,000. You not only have to come up with the other $5,000 to pay for it, but they want to tax you on the 5 grand your insurance paid like income! The idea is to make it so difficult to keep insurance that you inevitably have to switch over to the government's plan. In one of Obama's speeches, he specifically states that he invisions a single pay government insurance within another 10-15 years.
Of course we're frustrated that our tax dollars will go to those who already take advantage of our government programs, but most of us are really outraged that our tax dollars will go toward funding abortions as well. What? That's right. Our tax dollars would fund abortions. Right now there is nothing in the bill to keep them from using our money in that fashion. You can read the bill yourself. The Dems will tell you that there is no language that specifically says the government will use your money for abortion. This may be true, but there is no language in the bill that prohibits them using your money for it either. Any lawyer will tell you that's a "fishy" loophole. They intentionally left it out so that they can say, "See, we aren't going to do this?" and then later turn around and do just what they said they wouldn't all while saying, "there is nothing in the bill that says we can't." The American Center for Law and Justice is working overtime on Capitol Hill trying to fight this now before it passes. You can sign a petition at https://www.aclj.org/Petition/Default.aspx?sc=3466&ac=1&Zip=*Zip They want to make sure the bill has specific language stating that this money will not go towards abortion.
Now, maybe you are pro-choice and you don't mind your hard earned money being spent this way. That's fine, but don't expect me to go along with it and pay for it. Don't I have rights and a choice too? I choose not to agree. I want that bill to clearly express that tax dollars may not be used to fund abortion. Call me crazy, but I don't see how anything in this bill is good for our nation.
Now all the bill specifics aside, I'm sure you've all seen the "angry mobs" that have turned out at town hall meetings filling your television screen. These people are mad and they are exercising their First Amendment Rights to freedom of speech and right to assemble. I have to say I'm appalled at the remarks Obama and speaker, Nancy Pelosi have given about the public's outrage. They are saying that the GOP is calling on Republicans everywhere to protest. This isn't true. I've been a member of the GOP for a long time and I've never gotten an email or letter urging me to do this. They are calling it "manufactured anger" and Pelosi said we were like "the Astroturf of the grassroots movement!" They want to insenuate that the public isn't really all that mad and that a majority of people are for this. What? As if we need someone to tell us to get mad and protest. As if we can't make decisions on our own? Um no, we REALLY are mad. All on our own! And believe it or not, it's a LOT of people.
It's not really in our conservative blood to rally and protest. That's always been reserved for the lefties, and seems to be one of their strong suits. Yet, finally we have something we feel is important enough for us to protest about and they are calling us crazy! Sheesh. We had to listen to the libs prattle on about how horrible Bush was, and we watched them rally and protest for 8 years. Give us some slack now that the tides have turned. This is complete hipocrasy. So now speaking up and protesting is only allowed by the left?
Final thing for me to rant about tonight; our freedom of speech. Our president is saying that there is a lot of "disinformation" going around about this Healthcare Reform Bill. He's getting scarily old East Germany on us. The White House blog specifically says, "If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov." They want names and email addresses. What are they going to do with this information? Put me on some crazy radicals black list and screen everything I do? Do it! It's not going to stop me from expressing my opinion.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Out with Capitalism, in with Terrorism
Read up... This is totally scary. Do people need to see more attacks on American soil before they wake up? How is this sort of stuff even going on here? It's taking place in Obama's back yard, Chicago. I'm fed up! There is a reason these people are banned from many countries. They are even banned from Arab countries because of their ties with terrorists. -Karin
Group Reportedly Linked to Al Qaeda Holds First U.S. ConferenceSunday, July 19, 2009Protesters gathered outside a Chicago area hotel Sunday as an Islamic extremist group reportedly linked to Al Qaeda held its first official conference on U.S. soil in an attempt to step up Western recruitment efforts. Members of Hizb ut-Tahrir — a global Sunni network with reported ties to confessed 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and Al Qaeda in Iraq's onetime leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi — met Sunday inside a Hilton hotel to host a conference, "The Fall of Capitalism and the Rise of Islam. "Hizb ut-Tahrir insists that it does not engage in terrorism, and it is not recognized by the State Department as a known terror group.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Adopted kitty gets re-adopted
I hadn't had time to take him to the vet for shots yet. I was going to do that this week when we got back from our trip.
We went to Arkansas for a few days and my dad came over only to feed him once a day. He must have gotten lonely. When we got back my dad said that he hadn't' seen the cat in a two days and I was a little sad, but hoped that he had been taken in by someone since he is such a loving little guy.
Well, the night after we got back I was out watering the veggies when this little orange kitty came running over to me. I could see the excitement on his face. He was so happy I was back. He jumped on me and started purring right away. I noticed a pink flea collar on him with the name Dexter written in marker. I couldn't help but laugh. As it turns out, our neighbor took him in, which is just as well. They have a gray cat that he has befriended. I've seen them cuddling and cleaning each other. Also, they have kids and let him inside, which he can't do here. So, all in all it's for the best. He still comes over when we are working outside and plays with us. He hops in my lap if I'm sitting down. I love the little guy, but he's found a new home. I took all the food I'd bought him next door so they could feed him. Marylin couldn't eat it anyway. She's on a prescription diet. They thought it was kinda funny too. At least he's not so far I never see him. Just a good leap over the fence away.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Marriage...
I have to post about a friend's blog. She is spot on with her concern for the state of marriages today. Visit Cowgirl's newest blog here.
The best advice I can think of is work hard at communication. Always let your partner know how much they mean to you, and don't take them for granted. Always pray for your spouse every day, even if you're mad. Ask God to help you love them in the way they need to be loved, be patient, sit back, and watch God move.
I'd have to agree with Amanda that it really helps if you marry your best friend, but if that's not the case, you can make it happen. You have to actively work at spending time with and communicating with your partner. Keep God first in your marriage.
I've been really blessed and pray for continued blessings in my marriage but I also realize that Satan is always around, and that a broken marriage could happen to anyone. This is why it is so important to pray for your spouse and marriage even when things are going well. It is important to put on the armor of God and stick that shield of faith up every single day."
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Pop goes the Gaga...
It seems that I only feel the need to blog when I'm concerned or irritated about something. So hear goes my latest rant....
So, lately I've seen these advertisements for Lady Gaga, and I know that some of you have added her as a friend on one of the social networking sites or have put her songs on your profiles, so I would like to know what it is people like about her. I just don't get it.
I decided to see what the hype was all about and I listened to her songs and watched some of her videos earlier. She's kinda creepy.
No, she's real creepy...
Did I understand her lyrics correctly? Does she "want to take a ride on your disco stick?"
What the heck? Really? I suppose she'll never be known for her profundity with song titles like, "eh, eh", "Kaboom", "Shake Your Kitty" and "I Like it Rough".
I was actually disgusted and even more shocked and appalled at the videos. What a freak show. She's not selling music... I can tell ya that right now. I have to admit was a bit embarrassed for her and I felt really sorry for her. How lost....
This is why I stay as free and clear from pop music as I possibly can. It just puts me in a bad mood. I know I'm getting old when I'm asking questions like, "what is this world coming to?"
So, I'm sorry if I just bashed one of your favorite new songs or "artists", (if you can call her that). I just don't see any talent other than possibly her impressive flexibility.
But seriously, if there is something that some one really likes about her, comment back to let me know. I would truly love to hear it....
Saturday, April 18, 2009
The Money Pit
Today Josh and I wanted to take care of some of the stuff around out house, and all we could think about was that old movie with Tom Hanks, "Money Pit." He and his wife bought this big nice house, and it turns out that everything kept falling apart and needed repair. It's a really funny movie.
Monday, March 16, 2009
God can do what He says He can do!
Let me start at the beginning...My mom has had the flu, and been sick for a while. So my dad, at the first signs of feeling crummy, went to the doctor Friday morning and got two shots. He'd had both meds before, so they gave him some prescriptions and sent him on his way. Well, he went to the local K & S drug store and noticed his palms icthing and noticed that he was having a hard time breathing. He was having a severe allergic reaction to the shots they's given him. The pharmacist asked if he was okay and needed help. The last thing my dad remembers before collapsing, was saying "something's wrong with me..." Somebody shot him up with adrenaline and they called the ambulance. My dad woke up in the hospital with a tube down his throat.
Now, those of you who know what happened several years ago to my dad when his heart stopped remember that he had a quadrouple bypass and he swore he never wanted to be on a ventalator again. Imagine waking up with that dang tube down your throat. I'm sure he was scared and thought he'd has some more heart issues. As it turns out, his heart is still doing just fine. Dr Tom had to explain to my father that this was reversable, and that if he'd needed it to sustain life, he would not have intibated him. Dad, with this tube in his throat, shook his head that he understood what was happening and decided to get better right there.
My mom and grandma had been praying over him since this happened. Meanwhile, I'm making the 10 hour drive in the rain to try and get there as fast as possible without having an accident myself. Well, dad started breathing on his own and they got to extibate him that afternoon before I even got there. I didn't get in till about midnight. I was so happy to see my dad sitting up in that hospital bed that I just started crying right there. Dad and I prayed together and I came home to see mom and grandma, who'd left to try and get a little rest.
They let my dad out the next evening (Saturday). Haleluja!
Dad was bound and determined to go to church the next morning. They regularly attend the early service which starts at 8:30am! I certainly didn't feel like getting up, but I wasn't about to deny my father his request. He just couldn't pass up the opportunity to praise God.
Now, every service there is a chance to offer up prayer requests, or you can just share your joys and praise. Before the pastor could finish his sentence asking if anyone had a joy to share, my daddy hops up out of his seat and commences to praising God for watching out for him. He mentioned that he could have had that allergic reaction anywhere, where no one would have noticed. He could have had it at home or in the car. If it had happened there, he would be dead!
Praise God for having him exactly where he was. The pharmacist had the adrenaline he needed!
Rewind a few years ago... Dad just happened to die at the hospital. He'd been fine; just went in for a check up when his heart decided to quit. They had to revive him with the paddles! God has had his hand on my father (and all of us really). I don't understand why we have to go through this junk, but it sure has increased our faith in the Father. We are all closer to Him as a result.
Some may want to say that my dad's had a run of good luck, but honey, I don't believe in luck. God's got it under control, and even if my dad hadn't lived through either one of those situations, God would still be getting praise and glory from my family. I can't express to you how awesome it's been to see my dad become even closer to the Lord through all this. His admiration and love for Christ is more than just about anyone I know. (Well, my mom's up there with him too.) I have to say thanks to them for teaching me what being a Christian really is. A follower of Christ. They truly get it, and I'm so thankful I have them as examples. I won't have them around forever, so I have to learn all I can now, and soak it up like a sponge. Thank you mom and dad, I love you more than life, and thank you Christ, without you, I'd be nothing.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
almost the weekend and I'm feeling random
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Stressed to the max
Thursday, January 8, 2009
"How Now Shall We Live" - a book review by yours truly
How Now Shall We Live is one of my favorite books. I have just read it for the second time and couldn't help but share about it. I hope this would encourage some to go out and buy it. So, without further ado, here is my book review....
How Now Shall We Live is one of the most brilliant and exciting books I have ever read. It accomplishes every purpose behind its writing by sparking a fire of interest and motivation deep within your heart. I found myself absorbed in every word. Charles Colson keeps the book moving forward by telling moving stories to get his point across. This is one thing that sets it apart from other books of the same nature.
Colson starts off with a great story about a man who started a prison fellowship to get you hooked. Then he proceeds to explain his purpose for the story in the next chapter. He makes some very bold, yet Biblical statements. The reader is taught why it is important to know about other worldviews. It is imperative for Christians to be able to relate to unbelievers so that we can stand our ground when debating very important worldviews. He talks about where some Christians have gone wrong in reducing our beliefs to “little more than private feelings and experience.” When we understand that our religion is much more that just beliefs; we will be able to make a great change in the course of world history.
Colson introduces three questions to ask when analyzing any worldview. This will become very important though out the rest of the book. We are to ask about Creation; “where did we come from and who are we?”, the Fall; “what has gone wrong with the world?”, and Redemption; “what can we do to fix it?” These will help us dissect any view and tell us how rational and functional they are in the world.
In the beginning, he attacks the Naturalist and Postmodernist worldview. Colson describes in convincing detail how humans were created in God’s image for His purpose. He explains how evolution is impossible and all scientific information actually points to Creationism no matter what major textbooks say. He goes on to explain how Intelligent Design works and how for many years scientist have been fudging their data to prove otherwise. However we are seeing a slow moving trend in the right direction which only proves that God will prevail in the end.
Since people are believed to be good at birth, Utopianism in various forms has been very popular yet proven over and over again to be a fallacy. It is ludicrous that these worldviews have led to no absolutes. “Tolerance has become so important that no exception is tolerated,” making it the only absolute. No matter what the worldview, there is no explanation for right and wrong, which is leading the word into a chaotic order. It has made it very difficult for our court systems to make judgments because of this. If right and wrong is a personal opinion, then judges can make up laws and change rulings to suit there own agenda’s. This is a whole different subject presented later on in the book. Colson’s story about a real Florida cult really drove the Utopian idea home and explained how things go wrong.
Socialism is derived from this Utopian ideology and the Utopian idea completely contradicts what we know to be true from personal experience. Colson explains that people are not born pure, but into sin, causing bad things to happen in this life. People continue to look for circumstances that make people bad instead of seeing it as a problem with the soul. This means there is no need for redemption. These are not new problems the world faces. There are many different worldviews that share these same twisted ideas in one way or another. The same issues we see today were seen in the Garden of Eden, which is the cause of it all: the Fall.
Colson attacks many important issues that almost every unbeliever asks. He explains why suffering happens if God loves us so much. Suffering comes from the Fall and the fact that we have free will. All of His creation was affected because of it. Since God is perfect, He made a perfect world with perfect free creatures. These perfect creatures have used their freedom to do wrong. He goes on to say that we would not be fully human if God hadn’t given us this freedom. We would be no different from any other creature. We would be just like the cogs of a machine as the Naturalists believe.
This takes care of two of our three questions; creation, and the fall. What about Redemption? Colson says that it is a logical conclusion that since God is perfect and loving that He would provide us with a way out of despair. He would even give His life and bear the punishment His creatures deserve since he is the only one who could overcome it. People naturally have a longing to believe in something and to be redeemed by something. That is why every other worldview offers both. Even if the belief is in nothing there are still a variety of products on the market aimed at meeting our “needs.” Some people believe that science is the way to salvation while others go so far as to believe that sex liberates them. There are even some strange ideas about how our genes are like little gods and they have created us. After we’ve died, our genes will live on, ever evolving. Christianity has the only answer to sin; Redemption.
Once these main three points have been made about Christianity, Colson continues on with picking apart today’s society. He warns readers about the dangers of the New Age movement and how many of its philosophies are inter-weaved into our everyday lives and our schools. He warns that it is just another “Escalator Myth,” designed to make people feel good about themselves. Society has become scarily selfish and that has caused major problems in our public and private school systems because we put more emphasis on feelings instead of academics. In the context of schools, children are never made to feel wrong. Too often we do not teach our children the difference between right and wrong and then lovingly correct them when they mess up. Other countries are outsmarting Americans in academics because of this “enlightened” idea. It is a new way of thinking and it is our duty as Christians to stand up against these false ideologies and restore God’s idea of learning.
After a story about a converted convict who went on to be a chaplain in his old prison, Colson changes gear again. He explains why it is important for Christians to scatter out and start making changes in every walk of life. Restoration to our higher calling and purpose is prominently stressed from here on out. As redeemed creatures we are free to fulfill our purpose. Colson urges us to “bring all things under the lordship of Christ.” It is important to display and apply our Christian values at work and home as well as at church. It will take Christians of all races and backgrounds to make the point of impact and feel the power of the gospel worldwide.
He goes on to say that it’s good and right for us to take the blame for our own mistakes. Today’s society is full of people who are all too quick to point a finger in any direction since there are no moral absolutes. We must be held accountable and remain humble. Most of today’s problems are a result of moral choices but most people do not want to admit this fact. Once again, it is our duty to point out false teachings and set records straight by showing that we are not tolerant of the way things are going. The story about a police officer on Brooklyn streets is a perfect example of how we can make a difference. It will take determination and involvement but it can be done.
Colson continues on with several different scenarios and real life stories that really help to instill his point of making Christianity a way of life and not just a set of rules to be followed on Sunday. He gives the reader specific people to look up to and demonstrates how one person can make a difference in every area of our lives. He talks about crime prevention and the government with fervor. He explains the broken window theory and how we can restore our neighborhoods and instill community values in them. Colson then ties in how even our workplace can and should be used for God’s purpose.
I believe one of my favorite chapters is toward the end. It is about popular culture. He compares it to junk food. A little will not hurt you but a sordid diet of it will ruin your appetite for learning about God. He even goes on to explain how it actually depraves the mind of thinking. He teaches us how to recognize anti-Christian bits of culture that sneak into our lives and how to stand against it. We can win back our culture one song and painting at a time.
With all of this said, I will definitely read this book for a third time, or until its thoughts are thoroughly engrained in my mind. In my experience as a reader, I have found it very common to disagree with at lease a few points made in this type of book. However, there was only one point that I did not completely agree with. That was one sentence which stated that Colson has been known to “bribe” his grandchildren into not watching television. I am not sure what he meant by this statement but keeping children unaware of what is going on around them could be dangerous. To be prepared and aware are the reasons Colson wrote this book. People who are sheltered and unprepared to tackle the issues of the day are the people Charles Colson wrote this book for.
I must say that this book has caused me to look at almost every aspect of my life in a different light. I view work, television, music, art and even the way I will raise my future children differently. I have a better understanding of my own religion. I think this is a book that should be used in every church across the globe for bible study groups. It really gives a challenge to society and I feel that if we each take the time and effort to stand firm, we can truly make a difference and help lead our world toward victory in Christ.