America Rising: An Open Letter to Democrat Politicians

While I did not vote for any Democrat, since I am a Conservative voter... I do agree with this powerful, well-created video.

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Christians and Soap Operas?

"We are no longer able to

hear God. There are too

many different frequencies

filling our ears."

   - Pope Benedict XVI

I once got sucked into NBC's daytime soaps and I was amazed at how it seemed to rule my life. I HAD to see it or tape it for later. I had nightmares that my husband was cheating on me. I was very irritable on a regular basis. When the TV was off for a week, I noticed a significant change in my behavior and dreams - and so did my husband.

Years later I still notice people's addiction to such shows. I worry about their life choices, mentality, behaviors. I was reminded of this often at the local clinic, until surprise surprise - it is now against the rules to have soaps on tv in the local clinic waiting rooms. I am certainly glad for everyone's sake.

So here are some wonderful articles I found regarding this matter. Of course some families say why stop at soaps - just keep the TV off.  Well, that's not such a bad idea some days - except for my daily dose of Fox News!   : )

"With only One Life to Live,

I didn't want to spend mine in front of the TV."

- Lynette Kittle

 

 

Should Christians watch television soap operas?

As found at: http://www.thercg.org/questions/p152.a.html

First, let’s read a few verses from the Apostle Paul that describe such programs in exquisite detail:

“Now the WORKS OF THE FLESH are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:19-21).

No one who claims to be Christian would admit that the way of life portrayed by soap operas is one they should follow. Pointless adultery, fornication, hatred, deceit and murder permeate each episode. Such “works of the flesh” are even lamented by some television critics—and these are people who often make NO claim to follow Christ!

Of course, it is wrong to physically take part in such acts as Paul described. But Matthew 5:27-28 warns that we must not take part in them mentally by watching them take place! Soap operas and other such shows are of ZERO value to the spiritually-minded Christian.

God wants us to live abundant lives: “Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers” (III John 2). There is no way in which we can prosper by watching soap operas. They will not help you “grow in grace and in knowledge,” as the Apostle Peter admonished (II Pet. 3:18).

Of course, the guidelines applying to soap operas apply to all forms of entertainment. A Christian must exercise wisdom and discretion when making such choices. Activities such as playing music, exercising, reading a book, painting a landscape or gardening are all excellent and constructive substitutes for television and movies filled with violence, fantasy and nudity.

If watching television, carefully avoid programming containing the “works of the flesh” Paul warned about. Remember that those who practice them will not be in God’s kingdom!

Click here to read:

Why people get sucked into soap operas

… “It is unfortunate that TV viewers who become addicted to soap operas are often sucked in after watching only two shows. TV viewers are lured back by the need to satisfy their innate curiosity, desire to "root" for their favorite character and a strong sense of loyalty. The story itself with its ability to continue from day to day can connect to the viewing audience because as in real life, our stories do not end after one single day, but continue on and on.

The continuing story of the soap opera creates an addictive and obsessive emotional reaction in the viewing audience. These addictions can destroy marriages and relationships, interfere with work performance and interfere with the living of a normal life. Soap opera addicts will do anything to get their daily "fix" of soap opera viewing.

Soap opera addicted audiences become obsessed with soap operas after being constantly exposed to divorce, unplanned pregnancies, affairs, weird nuns and rich playboys on a daily basis. This is worse than any known narcotic. These people are getting high by watching soap operas.”

Soap Operas and the Heart
by Sarah Brown

"Many Christians believe that as long as they aren’t the ones active in the sin, they aren’t sinning. But watching soap operas and other immoral shows or movies can be committing sin in our hearts. In Matthew 5:27–30, Jesus talks about not only committing adultery, but having lustful thoughts in one’s heart, and explains that it is a sin. Also, by allowing ourselves to view the act of sin (real or fiction), we are making ourselves vulnerable to the present sin, which could have long-term consequences." (Click here to read more)



BOOKS AVAILABLE:
A Christian's Look at Daytime Soap Operas by Tyrone Short
Religion and Prime Time Television
More book suggestions from Google

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Does God Exist?

Thanks mom for sharing this with me! It goes well with my review of the newer documentary
"Expelled: No Intellegence Allowed" starring Ben Stein.




This documentary was an incredible insight on the foregoing exclusion among scientists of the possibility of an Intellegent Designer (God) and the expulsion of those who step up and question Darwinism. This is not about Creationist theory (biblical relations in scientific discovery), rather being able to recognize that there is most likely an Intellegent Designer of all Creation in an unreligious manner. A scientific explanation of the beginning to all things known. And failure to recognize that several Darwin Theories are lacking evidence crucial to making it be known as factual. Darwin excluded how things began, begins his theories after the first cell was formed, and had no access to moden technologies which would most likely blow his mind and theory if he was alive today.

My mind was constantly intrigued by this documentary, especially its comparision of our culture today and the time of the Holocaust. That years later we are still being subjected to un-natural selection through abortion, euthenasia and degraded care of the poor and disabled. To think that this is being thrust upon us by a collaboration of powerful, atheistic scientists and government officials. Whoa.

What an eye opener! Highly recommended that you view this documentary.



PS - on the DVD is a trailer for "An American Carol." A must see comedy I plan to rent and review soon.

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Bigger Government on its way? I hope not.

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It's been awhile...

Okay, it certainly has been awhile since I last posted here. I've been busy having a baby - you know. Little Jonathan is just 7 weeks old, therefore it will be few and far between on upcoming posts.

I continue to be conservative in viewpoint regarding the current health care reform debate. I am not at all impressed with the way our government is handling itself. It's really embarrasing. I am however thrilled to find the FOX network maintaining its substantial coverage of important topics relevant to my interests - rather than straying to "who died today" subjects of non-interest. I do skim over the other channels such as CNN, NBC, CBS, etc.... and am pleased to see they are reporting some truths - just not enough. Brainwashing and poppycock schemes seem to apply here.

I continue to homeschool my children. I am proud to do so, especially with the lack ...well... of everything in the public school system. Regarding the latest debate of Pres. Obama speaking to the schools this week... agh! What happened to keeping "opinions" out of the schools? That doesn't only apply to religion, but it applies to political behaviors as well. We don't need this wishy-washy government influencing our innocent children. Again with the brainwashing.

I continue to pray for the unborn children and elderly, the soldiers, the unemployed and the faithless many. Please pray with me.

God bless you all.
Melissa

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WE THE PEOPLE - Tax Day Tea Party!

We the People are ready to take a stand and get our country back! What on earth has happened to America? Our founding fathers would be ashamed at the disgraces our Government has imposed upon us. It's time to go back and read the OLD history books that do not sensor why this country began... We ARE a Christian nation who fought long and hard to keep government from controlling and diminishing the significance of our right to prosper. We don't want socialism, liberalism, etc... we want our freedom back, we want our country back!

BOSTON TEA PARTY REVIVED: Conservative grassroots organizations and free market activists will come together on April 15th, 2009 to protest out-of-control government spending. Rallies to take place in 804+ American cities, 16 in Minnesota today. My parents will be at the Capital today [5-8pm], and I can't wait to hear how it went! Update at end of this post!

teapartymn.com

http://www.foxnation.com/

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=67817329152

http://theglennbeck912project.com/

These videos below say it better than I ever could...

UPDATE:

I guess the news coverage was very poor, and very inaccurate. A significant 8-10,000 people gathered at the MN capital building, 400 at the St. Cloud, MN Library, and thousands more at over 800 locations. I got to listen in to a speaker over my mom's cell phone, and it sounded wonderful that this is a NEW MOVEMENT of grassroots parties, conservatives and values voters. We really need some people to stand up and represent us - because we are not a minority!

http://theglennbeck912project.com/

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For the Anonymous Readers

I haven't been on here much lately, but I just got an anonymous comment which I am sure he or she would love to be seen... and I would be thrilled to comment on. So here it is...

I think sometimes things are meant to be kept to yourself. One would
think that you would learn to keep things to yourself as it gets you in trouble
and has many times in the past with your family and friends. I think you spend
too much time blogging on how sad you feel, your obesity and family issues. Some
of those issues, like being poor, etc. should be kept to yourself. You can speak
your mind, but don't like hearing what people have to say about you and that is
a big part is giving your opinion. You say manything things that I don't believe
in. I think if you can't afford to have another child, then you should avoid
pregnancy, if you issues with your weight...start exercising and go on a diet.
You have GD because of our weight...IVF helps couples have their own child when
they cannot have one the natural way, Obama is trying his hardest to get us out
of this mess. After finding your blog, I can't believe half the stuff you blog
about. You need to find something better to do with your time and spend it with
your children.

You can't expect to always speak your mind without getting critized for
it. People are entitled to their opinions, but sometimes those opinions are
meant to be kept to yourself, even on a blog. You seen very unhappy with
yourself and you need to do somethng about it. Your comments are pushing you
away from you family and friends. I see a lot of pictures of what looks to be
your family, but do you not hang out with your husband's family? You have lost
friends for a reason, so if you want them back, bite your lip and keep those
comments to yourself.

I certainly agree that I have a hard time with knowing people don't like me. But fortunately I am able to see past these people who hardly know me, and focus on the love and fellowship of those who are truly a part of my life. This lent I have really experienced humility, sacrifice and reflection of my faith and family life.

I am enjoying some wonderful days with my children lately, as I have written on my family blog. Our homeschooling has been doing excellent, and we just finished creating a fabulous schoolroom and hope to enjoy years of joys and challenges in here. We cherish all those simple moments, so much, I often forget my camera - which is odd for me. Our current trials are helping my family come together in a new way, making us stronger and happier.

My husband has a great job that not only provides for our necessities, but because of our new habits of conserving learned from our hardships, we are able to give bigger donations to local charities as we had always hoped. Our future looks brighter today. In our toughest year last year, we actually came out better than ever financially and spiritually. We were able to sort out the true friendships and true values we'd been searching for. We feel truly blessed, and are grateful to an amazing God who provides in all times.

God has even given us a beautiful gift of another child, which we welcome with open arms. He or she is kicking stronger every day, and although it will be a challenge to care for another child with three others already under my wing, I look forward to all the blessings that will come from this incredible gift. I couldn't imagine my life without my children, as I am called by God to be a mother, always have been. My life isn't certainly for everyone, but it's just perfect for me. God knows I can handle it, so I Trust Him that I can.

I'll make my comment on the weight issue as short as possible. There are many reasons that I have become overweight over the years. Whenever I've made big strides to lose the weight, I become pregnant. No complaints, I just start up again when I recover. After years working with programs such as 6 Week Body Makeover, local dieticians, Biggest Loser Club, Atkins diet, etc.... I wanted to take a new approach. Last year I joined LA Weightloss and Golds Gym. I even got a personal trainer. I followed their programs to a T for 6 months total. Imagine their shock when I didn't lose a single ounce. They were baffled and said they had no other suggestions. Just keep trying. I did everything right from counting points and calories, exercising, food journals, measuring food, etc. Imagine my shock when I got pregnant later in the year, and lost 10 pounds. I am over 5 months pregnant and am still down those 10 pounds. Still in the obese category I knew I would be prone to getting Gestational Diabetes again, as I did in my last pregnancy. In the past few days it's finally at a stable point, for now. My mother had GD when she was pregnant some 14 years ago, and was no where near overweight. So that is certainly not the reason for getting GD, it's just a factor. I am excited to restart my weightloss adventure in October, which I have decided to go on my own way - since no professional has been able to help. But I am certainly optimisitic and ready for all the hard work ahead.

Okay, I could comment on the Obama issue, but I think his recent failures speak for themselves. And in regards to his fight for abortion rights and embyonic stem cell reasearch... it certainly saddens me that so many are oblivious to the master design of human life.

I kind of wrote about family/friends that aren't in my life anymore in other blogs, but I'll say that my life didn't include them on a regular basis before, therefore their absence doesn't bother me one bit. Though I wish it wasn't that way. I would hate to pretend to be their buddy, and fake a friendship when I can better focus myself on my truly productive relationships. Regarding my husbands family.... they are not a "get together" type. However we do speak to his parents on a regualr basis over the phone or visits. They live on a farm just 5 miles away. His only sibling is a brother who works a lot of hours all over the state, but we get to see him for all the holidays and occasionally at the farm since he helps there. The kids love their grandparents on that side very much, and love Grandma's homemade goodies and canned goods along with her love, and Grandpa's tractors and cows on the farm are great learning tools for my kids. My side of the family gets together a lot more often, and they are a big part of our life. But we have genuine love for both sides.

I haven't been blogging much this lent, because of this new focus. I began this blog to share my story and share my feelings about my daily struggles and contemplations. It has been a true blessing, and I've made some fabulous, supportive friends. Of course there have been some challenges along the way from anonymous commenters, but that's okay. It has helped me look deeper into myself and build confidence on what I have to say. I remind myself that they are not forced to read my blog if they don't like it. So, I certainly will continue to share my PERSONAL JOURNEY of ups and downs, including my struggles with evangelization and depression, defending the innocent unborn, etc. I will welcome any comments, even those in disagreement, in an effort to spark postitive conversation. Just don't expect me to agree every time.

So in conclusion, I do have friends, I do have supportive family, we spend lots of time together, and I blog to share with them our adventures, and I blog here to create discussion for those who are struggling as I am. I know I am not alone in this fight for happiness and God's abounding graces. For those who continue to read, please share a tid-bit of what you like about my blog. For those who do not, I think we get the picture - you simply don't agree with me. That's okay, it's just in most cases I wish you did.

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A Lenten Reflection

By Fr. Campbell
Associate Pastor at Epiphany Catholic Church

At times, almost unnoticed by ourselves, we drift away from God. We get caught up in practices and routines that lead us away from prayer and God and into a lifestyle focusing primarily on ourselves. During lent, Jesus calls us to rededicate ourselves to the gospel values, focusing our efforts and attention on God and others.

Somebody said to me once, "I am giving up my New Year's resolutions for Lent." We have often thought of Lent in the context of giving up something. Jesus' invitation doesn't seem to be about giving up something, but rather changing the momentum of our direction away from self interest activities toward self giving. Before Lent begins, I always like to take an assessment on where I am and what God is asking me to improve upon. I have always found this little prayer helpful in getting the right frame of mind to do so and I would like to share it with you.

What to give up...
Give up complaining——focus on gratitude.
Give up pessimism——become an optimist.
Give up harsh judgments——think kindly thoughts.
Give up worry——trust Divine Providence.
Give up discouragement——be full of hope.
Give up bitterness——turn to forgiveness.
Give up hatred——return good for evil.
Give up negativism——be positive.
Give up anger——be more patient.
Give up pettiness——become mature.
Give up gloom——enjoy the beauty that is all around you.
Give up jealousy - - pray for trust.
Give up gossiping - - control your tounge.
Give up sin - - turn to virtue.
Give up giving up - - hang in there!

God bless you all and I hope you have a grace filled Lent.

HT: Thanks mom for passing this one onto me!
(it is also found here)

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