[Edit: Since they're all thoughts, I figured I could combine them on one blog. Obviously, they don't all really connect with each other. Or at least, not enough to create a "real" entry.]

[10/6/07]
The problem with dreamers is they usually can't stop dreaming long enough to act on the brilliant imaginations in their mind. They plan and imagine great things for the future, but the roller coast ride comes to a deadening halt when reality sets in.
As an "ex-perfectionist/overachiever," I know what it means to aim big and live by high standards. Failure is not an option, which is why you don't even consider what would happen "if I don't make it." I don't know what happened - maybe it was the move to a cliche private school in Southeast Asia where the majority of the students seem to perfectly fit the Asian stereotype mold - but I grew out of my perfectionist ways. More so, I began to mock them. Mock what I used to be (or tried to be, anyways). Perhaps, it was my loss of inspiration and passion, but I didn't see the point anymore. Nevertheless, I know you have to be determined and ambitious and set yourself seemingly impossible goals.

The other part of me is the dreamer. In that aspect, I often get caught up in my make-believe world and forget that hard work isn't given free with the overachiever package. In this case, the goals set are more elusive and a bit exaggerated.

They go together quite well, actually. You have to be a dreamer to think big and a sort of overachiever to make those dreams reality. The most important part you have to remember is to keep the balance though. If you dream too big for yourself, you're usually blinded by the prospect of that dream to think rationally enough to realize that you're hurting yourself more if you go through with it.
Unfortunately, the greater the dream, the harder the fall. The worst part is the disappointment. Somewhere, in the bowels of your consciousness you knew that you probably would not have succeeded anyway, but those thoughts are drowned out by the shouts of chaos of your imagination. So, in response to those shouts you decide to go for it. And where in any other situation that would be considered a positive attitude it is not so for this.


[10/3/07]
I already had my opinions on such topics like abortion, homosexuality, euthanasia, cloning, and stem cell research before I had truly become a Christian. In fact, they were quite liberal.

Now, that I know exactly where I am spiritually and my position in God is more clearly defined to me I have accepted what the Bible teaches and what the church preaches on such topics like those. Honestly, both sides have their points. There must be a reason people hold on so dearly to their beliefs when dealing with these issues.

Does that mean that I'm simply accepting teachings that I might not necessarily believe in so I can 'be a Christian'? Doesn't that mean I'm lying to myself? Or am I now turning the blind eye to topics that might arouse personal opinions contradictory to the church so I won't compromise my position as a Christian?

Not a comforting notion but maybe my sense of morality was distorted to begin with...

Labels: Christianity, controversy, dreams, failure, liberalism, morality, overachievers

The Bible is our handbook for each and every issue we come up against in life, it is the key to knowledge of what is right and wrong. Racism and prejudice corresponds directly to favoritism, treating others indifferently, and showing a lack of love, all of which are talked about in the Bible.
Favoritism has been one of man’s down falls in life from the beginning of time and leads directly to racism and prejudice. The Bible talks about favoritism numerous times, James chapter two being one of them. In his letter which purpose is to “expose unethical practices and teach right Christian behavior” (Student’s Life Application Bible), James says, “ My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim that you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if your favor some people more than others?” (James 2:1) Another example of partiality resulting in racism and prejudice is the conflict between God’s chosen people and gentiles. In the early era of Israel, the conflict between these two people groups was constant, they thought it was even scandalous to talk to gentiles. This is because the Jews thought they were more important than everyone else which lead to prejudice against Jews that continues to this day. Peter knew differently, though, in Acts 10:34, “Then Peter replied, ‘I see very clearly that God doesn’t show partiality.’”
“Treat others how you would like to be treated” is a statement that almost everyone has heard one time or another, in one way or another. It is not very surprising that this truthful remark originated from the Bible, more than once. Widely known in the Church as the Golden Rule, treating others like yourself is mentioned in Luke 10:27, Mark 12:31, Matthew 5:43-48, Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39, and there are some many others references. It is a fact that human’s number one obsession is themselves and themselves is what they care about and think about the most. Obviously, if we all treated others how we wanted to be treated like the Bible tells us to, there would not be problems of racism and prejudice because everyone would love each other and find no faults in one another.
Love makes the world to round, it is what separates us from the animals, and it is God’s gift to each and every one of his creatures. The Bible says clearly and demonstrates God’s love for us a gazillion times stating all through the Bible that God’s love is unfailing, immeasurable, and never ending. In turn, it is our responsibility and privilege to love others as God loves us. In 1 John 4:7 and 8 says, “ Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God-for God is love.” When we truly love others, there is no room for hatred, jealousy, or any other wrong thoughts or actions that are racist or prejudice to God’s creatures.
Knowing all these things, and understanding what the Bible says is nothing without application. The Bible says we should be doers and not hearers. It is not enough to have 1st Corinthians 13, also known as the love chapter, memorized and be able to tell people God loves them and be as tolerant as possible. One needs to actually be the example and show complete love towards everyone. This is the only way that racism and prejudice can be overcome, it is the example of Jesus Christ himself that can help us oppose the disease known as discrimination.

By Kendal

Labels: Bible, Christianity, discrimination, favoritism, love, prejudice, racism

Ok so i know that my last blog was spiritual also, but this just has to good of a message to keep to myself.
....READ ON...


If You Want Me To
By: Ginny Owens

The pathway is broken
And the signs are unclear
And I dont know the reason why you brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I will go through the valley
If You want me to

CHORUS:
Now I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise
You're not through with me yet
So if all of these trials bring me closer to You
I will go through the fire
If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen
When you lead me through a world that's not my own
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'll never go alone

So when the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will go through the valley
If You want me to

..............................
Alright..now that you have read it..
I seriously love this song so much! I happened upon it when i was in the middle of moving here to Indonesia and was having a serious mental breakdown and freaking out at God for making me come here. I mean this place is EONS different from where i lived before. But as i was listening to this song i just thought...."WOW God, I have been so selfish and unfair to you for thinking that i know whats best for me". This song always puts me back into perspective. I mean if we are afraid to step outside of our comfort zone for Jesus or be a light for Him in a dark place then it seems like we do not even care about all of the stuff that He went through to save us. It just reminds me of how much God loves us and we need to always trust in him. And obviously it was a good thing that I gave into God and accepted Him bringing me and my family here..or else i would not be writing thin blog :p. Ok well that is really all I have to say. Just wanted to give u guys the song to...listen to it...its GOOD! Ciao...<3

~~Hannah

Labels: change, Christianity, song lyrics