Ever heard the expression "You're just a little fish in a big pond"? Well, you are. Don't get me wrong, everybody is unique, everybody is their own kind of fish, but we do live in a very huge pond. The world is so big and all we see is our own little corner of it. Maybe if you're lucky you get to travel and see other people's corner, but generally speaking, most of us are pretty confined.
Today as I was trying to beat the 104 degree weather, I came upon a news story from the AP press. (If anyone from the Associated Press is reading, It would be so amazing to work for you!!) It was about the recent violence in Egypt. I started to wonder why there was so many stories about protests and demonstrations in Egypt, I knew enough to deduce that it was some sort of political disagreement, but I didn't know much else.
I decided that I should know. This issue is obviously important to someone else, and I think if I want to make a difference in this world, I should probably know a little bit about the people in it first. So I did some digging online and here is what I found:
In June of last year Egypt had its first democratic election. (That's what you probably heard about last year, as many protests lead to violence.) The people elected Mohamed Morsi as their 5th president, replacing former president of 30 years, Hosni Mubarak. Hosni wasn't exactly the nicest guy. Although he did negotiate treaties with Israel, and was a key negotiator for the Middle East, he led a very strict regime. The people wanted personal freedom and freedom from his political oppression. After rising pressure from his country and other world leaders including President Obama, Mubarak agreed to step down from office. The people held an election and Morsi barely defeated his opponent, Ahmed Shafiq, the prime minister of Mubarak's reign, with 51.73% of the vote.
Now, here's some back-round on President Morsi. In 1977 he joined a political group called the Muslim Brotherhood. The Muslim Brotherhood is an Islamic political group with more traditional views. Basically these guys are all about Islam, which would be fine if they didn't use violence from time to time to remove opposition, or persecute Coptic (Egyptian) Christians because of their beliefs. (Anybody reminded of 1984?)
The Muslim Brotherhood created the Freedom and Justice party and Morsi was their candidate. Keeping a campaign promise, Morsi resigned from the MB when he was elected. As soon as he was in office though, he appointed several Islamist allies to important positions, leading people to believe that he was still expanding the MB. He continued to seek more power for himself as president and many of his actions sparked outrage. His opposition accused him and the MB of giving Islamists a monopoly over public institutions. A new campaign has bee started by young activists, they call themselves Tamarud or "Rebel" and claim to have gotten 15 million signatures for a petition to have an early election. The Tamarud consist of liberals, leftists and secularists and its main goals are to reduce Morsi's confidence and gain enough signatures to have an early election.
Tens of thousands of people gathered Friday, June 28th. Supporters and protesters of Mori rallied, and as you might have guessed, violence broke out. Two people were killed, including an American, and at least 85 were injured according to the Associated Press. Citizens fear even more violence will occur at nationwide protests scheduled for Sunday.
Are you still there? I'm sure you're wondering, "why is this so long? why does it matter to me?" Well, first of all, that was the condensed version, and secondly, remember when I mentioned Coptic Christians? They play a role in this, and that is why I am concerned. Coptic Christians are fleeing from Egypt by the masses. The make up 10% of the 85 million people in Egypt, and the current Islamist government does very little to protect them from Muslim extremists'.
Coptic Christians, as a denomination, originated in Alexandria, and acknowledge John Mark (author of the Gospel of Mark) as their founding bishop. They have 10-60 million members world wide and their beliefs are closely related to Catholicism.
Worries have been voiced that the extremists are now free to encourage discrimination on T.V. The government has all but stopped the spread of Christianity. Only the president is allowed to issue permits to build new churches, and Morsi has granted ONE permit. On top of all that, eight people were killed in violence between Christians and Muslims in April, and there is criticism that Morsi isn't doing enough to protect the church. Christians can be arrested for speaking ill of Islam, even if there is no solid evidence, a Muslim's word is worth more than a Christians in court. A Christian school teacher was arrested because a couple of 10 year-olds claimed she looked "disgusted' while speaking of Islamic history. What?! And these "blasphemy" charges against Christians are getting more and more frequent as time goes on. I can see why they are leaving the country.
We have it pretty cushy in America. While Christians risk their lives in other parts of the world, we live a life of comfort and ease. If someone doesn't like that I am a Christian, what's the worst that could happen to me? Certainly not prison. Maybe a dirty look and a cold shoulder. Ouch.
I hope you found this as interesting as I did, and maybe even do a little research yourself. Maybe we can help our brothers and sisters in Christ from across the ocean, or at least show them our support.
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you" 1 Peter 4:12-14
-Grace
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
My Testimony
As I was wondering what to write about this evening, my friend suggested I write on ways that Christ has touched my life. He told me I'm always happy and there has to be a reason for that. Well, there is: I have a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. I'm never in want of a shoulder to cry on, or a best friend to confide in. He's always there. My rock of salvation. I think I should give credit where credit is due, so, I guess this is my testimony.
First of all, God has given me the most wonderful mother in the world. I know that every child thinks they have the coolest mom, but trust me on this, you don't. If it weren't for my mom... my whole life would be upside down, I wouldn't have the relationship with Christ that I do, I wouldn't have the same outlook on life, and I wouldn't have the same values and ethics. She's raised me to be a child of God. She is wonderful. (Mom, I know you're reading this, and no, I don't want anything. It's the truth, you are such a blessing to me.)
Okay, story time.
When I was little my mom would read to me every night, we read all sorts of stories, The Velveteen Rabbit, Dr. Seuss, The Berenstain Bears. And Elvira was our favorite. We used to read Alice in Bible Land Stories. It was a spin on Alice in Wonderland. An airmail bird would bring Alice a note that read: "Reading is the special key to take you where you want to be." Alice's bible would grow in size and become a portal to "Bibleland". She went on many adventures in Bibleland, teaching me stories from the bible before I could even read. I tell you this because it is important you know that my mom gave me a good foundation from an early age. She taught me how to pray and how to talk to God, it was our nightly ritual that after we read our story, we would pray and then go to sleep.
Growing up we did not attend regular Sunday morning services, or if we did, I don't remember. I remember going occasionally, but sooner or later we would fall out of the routine. This is not because my mother wasn't a strong believer, I have never doubted her faith. It's simply because we never found the right church, nothing seemed to click. At this point in my life My walk with Christ was non-existent. I knew about God and about Jesus, but as one of my youth pastors said earlier this week, there is a big difference between knowing OF someone, and knowing someone. His example was this: I know of President Obama. But what would happen if I strolled into the White House like, "Sup', I'm here to see Bama." I would have security guards all over me. But what if I was related to President Obama? What if we were family? I would be welcomed in with open arms.
Back to the story. So I grow up knowing OF Jesus, but not walking hand in hand with him. This goes on until I am about... twelve.
I had my heart softened when I was 12. I know that age can be difficult for girls, what, with puberty and all, but I have to say, I had it a little harder than most. My father died two weeks after my birthday.
Now, listen up. This is not a pity post, so don't get all dewy eyed on me. I realize this is sad, and sometimes I miss him so much I sob. Sobbing is an extreme form of crying, so trust me, I get it. But right now, this is just a fact in my story.
He died. Gone. No more hugs, no more kisses. No more good nights, or good byes. Hello's, or I missed you's. He won't see me off to college, he won't walk me down the aisle. I can't invite him over for Thanksgiving dinner, he won't meet my husband. All facts of life. And I had to deal with them at the age of twelve. (Again, I am not telling you this so you'll feel sorry for me, my point is for you to understand how much pain and confusion was in my adolescent little body.) The only reason I am who I am today is God. God brought me through that tragedy. It was not on my own strength that I survived. It is on His strength. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."-Philippians 4:13. Instead of cursing God and asking "why me?" (although the question did come across my mind) I turned to God for comfort, as my mother had raised me."My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word."-Psalms 119:28. Realize though, that this took time, I was not an instant ball of sunshine. Those of you who knew me in the 7th grade can testify. But eventually time had meaning again, words had warmth, and life had happiness. Words from one of my favorite authors come to me as I write this, and I want to share them with you. "The weird, weird thing about devastating loss is that life actually goes on. When you're faced with a tragedy so huge that you have no idea how you can live through it, somehow, the world keeps turning, the seconds keep ticking" -James Patterson, Angel.
God made those seconds go by. Seconds turned into minutes that turned into hours that stretched out into days, leading to weeks and months, and eventually years.
God has a plan for me. And in that plan, he needs me to be strong, to be compassionate, to have a soft heart. He needs me to understand loss, so that I may understand others. Sometimes you must be broken so that he can fix you, so that he can mold your heart after his own. And I am grateful that I have such a loving God. That he would send me so many wonderful people in my life, that he would give me so many blessings. God sends sunshine to both the just and the unjust, he sends rain to both the just and the unjust. Why shouldn't I have to endure a little rain, when I get to spend eternity in His sunshine.
Jesus Died for me. So that I might live, if I choose to ask him in to my heart. He died for me, so the least I can do is give him my life in return. "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." - Matthew 16:25. Losing my dad made me open my heart, I think. It brought me even closer to Jesus, and my eternal father, so in a way, I am happy.
I know that might sound crazy, I can hear you saying "WHAT?! you're happy that your dad is dead?!" But the funny thing is... he's not. He is very much alive in heaven, having a great time and waiting for me to join him so we can spend eternity with Christ. Yes, I do miss him so much it hurts, but I'm also glad. It might not make sense to you, but I've had five years to struggle with it, so I'll let you have some time.
After my father's death, we started going to church regularly. My mother went to the Calvary Chapel where we had his funeral. The memory was still too fresh for me so I went to the sister Calvary with my neighbors in the next town over. But now my happy family of three, (I have a little brother, I don't think I mentioned that) all attend the same church where we had his funeral. We have finally found the right church, after all those years of searching. Isn't it strange how God works? I have met some of the greatest people in the world at that church and count it as just another blessing God had granted me. That church is proof that good things can happen as result of a tragedy, just have faith in God, and trust in his will. "Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. 'You of little faith,' he said, 'why did you doubt?'"- Matthew 14:31
God is using me. I don't know how, and I don't know when, but he is, and I count myself truly blessed because of it.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
-Grace
First of all, God has given me the most wonderful mother in the world. I know that every child thinks they have the coolest mom, but trust me on this, you don't. If it weren't for my mom... my whole life would be upside down, I wouldn't have the relationship with Christ that I do, I wouldn't have the same outlook on life, and I wouldn't have the same values and ethics. She's raised me to be a child of God. She is wonderful. (Mom, I know you're reading this, and no, I don't want anything. It's the truth, you are such a blessing to me.)
Okay, story time.
When I was little my mom would read to me every night, we read all sorts of stories, The Velveteen Rabbit, Dr. Seuss, The Berenstain Bears. And Elvira was our favorite. We used to read Alice in Bible Land Stories. It was a spin on Alice in Wonderland. An airmail bird would bring Alice a note that read: "Reading is the special key to take you where you want to be." Alice's bible would grow in size and become a portal to "Bibleland". She went on many adventures in Bibleland, teaching me stories from the bible before I could even read. I tell you this because it is important you know that my mom gave me a good foundation from an early age. She taught me how to pray and how to talk to God, it was our nightly ritual that after we read our story, we would pray and then go to sleep.
Growing up we did not attend regular Sunday morning services, or if we did, I don't remember. I remember going occasionally, but sooner or later we would fall out of the routine. This is not because my mother wasn't a strong believer, I have never doubted her faith. It's simply because we never found the right church, nothing seemed to click. At this point in my life My walk with Christ was non-existent. I knew about God and about Jesus, but as one of my youth pastors said earlier this week, there is a big difference between knowing OF someone, and knowing someone. His example was this: I know of President Obama. But what would happen if I strolled into the White House like, "Sup', I'm here to see Bama." I would have security guards all over me. But what if I was related to President Obama? What if we were family? I would be welcomed in with open arms.
Back to the story. So I grow up knowing OF Jesus, but not walking hand in hand with him. This goes on until I am about... twelve.
I had my heart softened when I was 12. I know that age can be difficult for girls, what, with puberty and all, but I have to say, I had it a little harder than most. My father died two weeks after my birthday.
Now, listen up. This is not a pity post, so don't get all dewy eyed on me. I realize this is sad, and sometimes I miss him so much I sob. Sobbing is an extreme form of crying, so trust me, I get it. But right now, this is just a fact in my story.
He died. Gone. No more hugs, no more kisses. No more good nights, or good byes. Hello's, or I missed you's. He won't see me off to college, he won't walk me down the aisle. I can't invite him over for Thanksgiving dinner, he won't meet my husband. All facts of life. And I had to deal with them at the age of twelve. (Again, I am not telling you this so you'll feel sorry for me, my point is for you to understand how much pain and confusion was in my adolescent little body.) The only reason I am who I am today is God. God brought me through that tragedy. It was not on my own strength that I survived. It is on His strength. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."-Philippians 4:13. Instead of cursing God and asking "why me?" (although the question did come across my mind) I turned to God for comfort, as my mother had raised me."My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word."-Psalms 119:28. Realize though, that this took time, I was not an instant ball of sunshine. Those of you who knew me in the 7th grade can testify. But eventually time had meaning again, words had warmth, and life had happiness. Words from one of my favorite authors come to me as I write this, and I want to share them with you. "The weird, weird thing about devastating loss is that life actually goes on. When you're faced with a tragedy so huge that you have no idea how you can live through it, somehow, the world keeps turning, the seconds keep ticking" -James Patterson, Angel.
God made those seconds go by. Seconds turned into minutes that turned into hours that stretched out into days, leading to weeks and months, and eventually years.
God has a plan for me. And in that plan, he needs me to be strong, to be compassionate, to have a soft heart. He needs me to understand loss, so that I may understand others. Sometimes you must be broken so that he can fix you, so that he can mold your heart after his own. And I am grateful that I have such a loving God. That he would send me so many wonderful people in my life, that he would give me so many blessings. God sends sunshine to both the just and the unjust, he sends rain to both the just and the unjust. Why shouldn't I have to endure a little rain, when I get to spend eternity in His sunshine.
Jesus Died for me. So that I might live, if I choose to ask him in to my heart. He died for me, so the least I can do is give him my life in return. "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." - Matthew 16:25. Losing my dad made me open my heart, I think. It brought me even closer to Jesus, and my eternal father, so in a way, I am happy.
I know that might sound crazy, I can hear you saying "WHAT?! you're happy that your dad is dead?!" But the funny thing is... he's not. He is very much alive in heaven, having a great time and waiting for me to join him so we can spend eternity with Christ. Yes, I do miss him so much it hurts, but I'm also glad. It might not make sense to you, but I've had five years to struggle with it, so I'll let you have some time.
After my father's death, we started going to church regularly. My mother went to the Calvary Chapel where we had his funeral. The memory was still too fresh for me so I went to the sister Calvary with my neighbors in the next town over. But now my happy family of three, (I have a little brother, I don't think I mentioned that) all attend the same church where we had his funeral. We have finally found the right church, after all those years of searching. Isn't it strange how God works? I have met some of the greatest people in the world at that church and count it as just another blessing God had granted me. That church is proof that good things can happen as result of a tragedy, just have faith in God, and trust in his will. "Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. 'You of little faith,' he said, 'why did you doubt?'"- Matthew 14:31
God is using me. I don't know how, and I don't know when, but he is, and I count myself truly blessed because of it.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
-Grace
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
The Only Thing We Have to Fear...
Someone tell me why I'm posting this at two in the morning? Oh, that's right, I had work tonight...I work at a restaurant, and tonight I was the closing server's assistant (S.A. for short). It's a stressful, sometimes frustrating job but it keeps gas in my tank and food in my belly.
Anyways, I mentioned last time how I love to read? Well, recently I read World War Z by Max Brooks. I loved it! The book is a series of interviews from the survivors of the zombie war. Now, normally I don't get too excited about zombies, I think the whole thing has been over done, but this book was really well written and actually kind of fascinating. So why not see the movie? Well, let me let you in on a little secret, scary movies and I, we don't mix. But I decided I would see it regardless, figuring, "Hey, I've read the book, I already know what's going to happen." WRONG! It was terrifying. I jumped at every little thing, sure that the next second would bring a horrifying zombie bent on biting Brad Pitt's beautiful face.
I'm glad I watched it though, as it provides me with tonight's (this morning's?) topic. Fear.
Why is it that we get so scared watching other people go through traumatizing experiences? Why, when we are in the safety and comfort of our homes or movie theaters, do we feel as if we are the ones in danger? Why do little kids get nightmares from watching horror films? It's not as if they've seen these things first hand?
Maybe it is because our brains, the lovely organs that they are, project us into the situation we are seeing. Tricking our bodies into believing that we are going through the situations we are watching. That would explain the accelerated heart beat, the sweaty palms, the anxiety that accompany horror films.
According to howstuffworks.com fear is a chain reaction in the brain, caused by a "stimuli". That could be a sudden noise, a spider, or a scary movie. After your brain detects the stimuli, it can send it in two directions, (I won't bother you with all the scientific names and processes). The first response to the stimuli would be the automatic flight or fight response. The familiar quickening of the heart, tensing of the muscles, and fast pace breathing. The second direction is the slower, more deliberate response. The brain has time to process whether or not the stimuli is an actual threat, instead of your imagination. The stimulus follows both directions at the same time, but the flight or fight response is the fastest, which is why we panic for a few seconds before we realize we are not actually in danger.
So when we watch a horror movie, we feel like we are experiencing the same things as the characters, which triggers our flight or fight response. When the movie is over we feel that sense of relief that comes with knowing we made it out alive. I can see why some people love scary movies, It's a thrill for them.
I, on the other hand, have enough thrills in my life without scary movies. What, with my blog and my cat, you could say that I enjoy living on the edge. Just kidding. Actually, I prefer to get my thrills from daring heights and going fast speeds, but that's a whole other post!
Just remember that fear is one of those things that you just have to deal with every now and then, whether you seek it or not. Scary things will always exist, you just have to decide if you're going to spend your whole life avoiding them, or living your life the way you want to in spite of them.
"What is needed, rather than running away or controlling or suppressing or any other resistance, is understanding fear; that means, watch it, learn about it, come directly into contact with it. We are to learn about fear, not how to escape from it." Jiddu Krishnamurti
-Grace
Anyways, I mentioned last time how I love to read? Well, recently I read World War Z by Max Brooks. I loved it! The book is a series of interviews from the survivors of the zombie war. Now, normally I don't get too excited about zombies, I think the whole thing has been over done, but this book was really well written and actually kind of fascinating. So why not see the movie? Well, let me let you in on a little secret, scary movies and I, we don't mix. But I decided I would see it regardless, figuring, "Hey, I've read the book, I already know what's going to happen." WRONG! It was terrifying. I jumped at every little thing, sure that the next second would bring a horrifying zombie bent on biting Brad Pitt's beautiful face.
I'm glad I watched it though, as it provides me with tonight's (this morning's?) topic. Fear.
Why is it that we get so scared watching other people go through traumatizing experiences? Why, when we are in the safety and comfort of our homes or movie theaters, do we feel as if we are the ones in danger? Why do little kids get nightmares from watching horror films? It's not as if they've seen these things first hand?
Maybe it is because our brains, the lovely organs that they are, project us into the situation we are seeing. Tricking our bodies into believing that we are going through the situations we are watching. That would explain the accelerated heart beat, the sweaty palms, the anxiety that accompany horror films.
According to howstuffworks.com fear is a chain reaction in the brain, caused by a "stimuli". That could be a sudden noise, a spider, or a scary movie. After your brain detects the stimuli, it can send it in two directions, (I won't bother you with all the scientific names and processes). The first response to the stimuli would be the automatic flight or fight response. The familiar quickening of the heart, tensing of the muscles, and fast pace breathing. The second direction is the slower, more deliberate response. The brain has time to process whether or not the stimuli is an actual threat, instead of your imagination. The stimulus follows both directions at the same time, but the flight or fight response is the fastest, which is why we panic for a few seconds before we realize we are not actually in danger.
So when we watch a horror movie, we feel like we are experiencing the same things as the characters, which triggers our flight or fight response. When the movie is over we feel that sense of relief that comes with knowing we made it out alive. I can see why some people love scary movies, It's a thrill for them.
I, on the other hand, have enough thrills in my life without scary movies. What, with my blog and my cat, you could say that I enjoy living on the edge. Just kidding. Actually, I prefer to get my thrills from daring heights and going fast speeds, but that's a whole other post!
Just remember that fear is one of those things that you just have to deal with every now and then, whether you seek it or not. Scary things will always exist, you just have to decide if you're going to spend your whole life avoiding them, or living your life the way you want to in spite of them.
"What is needed, rather than running away or controlling or suppressing or any other resistance, is understanding fear; that means, watch it, learn about it, come directly into contact with it. We are to learn about fear, not how to escape from it." Jiddu Krishnamurti
-Grace
Monday, June 24, 2013
Being right can be...wrong?
Ahh, California weather in June, so nice, so beautiful, so... rainy? Yep, cold, wet, and rainy. I've never really taken global warming seriously (I know, how ignorant of me), but maybe that would explain some of the strange weather lately? I'm not saying I don't think the Earth needs some tidying up. I do my part, I recycle, we switched our light bulbs, I turn off the water when I'm not using it. But I still like my little comforts, like real books instead of electronic ones.
I love to read for those of you who don't know. My library includes all sorts of different genres. Classic novels, suspense thrillers, romantic thrillers, and lots and lots of fiction. It's funny that I don't write fiction, but I read all the fiction I can get my hands on. My favorite author is Nicholas Sparks. You just pegged me for a hopeless romantic, didn't you? I know all his stories are the same, but I don't care, there's something that gives me hope when I read those books. Something that gives me hope that there are happy endings out there.
Right now I'm reading Silver Linings Playbook. They made a movie based on it, with Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, it got a lot of awards. It has a wonderful message about hope, and about finding the silver linings in bad situations. The protagonist, Pat, has recently been let out of a mental facility and is desperate to end his "apart time" with his beloved wife, Niki. He tries to do things that Niki will appreciate. He reads the novels from her class syllabus (Niki is an English teacher). He tries to act the way Niki would want him to act. When he is faced with a situation that would normally start an argument, he tells himself that he is "...practicing being kind, instead of right,..." Isn't that great?
I think everyone should practice being kind. Being right is marvelous, but if we love people the way we're supposed to love everyone, what is more important? Making sure the other person knows you are right, possibly starting an argument, or hurting their feelings? Or making sure you show compassion toward the other person, making sure they're loved? Now, don't get me wrong, there's a difference between telling someone that you're right and telling them the truth. If they need to hear the truth, let them have it, I'm all about honesty. But in a matter of opinion, why not let them think they're right? What harm does it do you? In the end, does it matter?
" Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right." Abraham Lincoln
-Grace
I love to read for those of you who don't know. My library includes all sorts of different genres. Classic novels, suspense thrillers, romantic thrillers, and lots and lots of fiction. It's funny that I don't write fiction, but I read all the fiction I can get my hands on. My favorite author is Nicholas Sparks. You just pegged me for a hopeless romantic, didn't you? I know all his stories are the same, but I don't care, there's something that gives me hope when I read those books. Something that gives me hope that there are happy endings out there.
Right now I'm reading Silver Linings Playbook. They made a movie based on it, with Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, it got a lot of awards. It has a wonderful message about hope, and about finding the silver linings in bad situations. The protagonist, Pat, has recently been let out of a mental facility and is desperate to end his "apart time" with his beloved wife, Niki. He tries to do things that Niki will appreciate. He reads the novels from her class syllabus (Niki is an English teacher). He tries to act the way Niki would want him to act. When he is faced with a situation that would normally start an argument, he tells himself that he is "...practicing being kind, instead of right,..." Isn't that great?
I think everyone should practice being kind. Being right is marvelous, but if we love people the way we're supposed to love everyone, what is more important? Making sure the other person knows you are right, possibly starting an argument, or hurting their feelings? Or making sure you show compassion toward the other person, making sure they're loved? Now, don't get me wrong, there's a difference between telling someone that you're right and telling them the truth. If they need to hear the truth, let them have it, I'm all about honesty. But in a matter of opinion, why not let them think they're right? What harm does it do you? In the end, does it matter?
" Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right." Abraham Lincoln
-Grace
Starting Out
I guess I should tell you a little bit about why I'm starting this blog, and why it's called "My Thoughts Exactly"
I'm a 17 (almost 18) year old high school graduate. I start my first semester of college in the fall and let me tell you, this is the most excited I've been for something since the final installment of the Harry Potter series came out. I plan to major in Journalism with a minor in Biblical Theology. So, you could say this is kind of a test run, or a trial period for my future career.
I've been interested in writing my whole life. From the first place award in my third grade writing contest, to my perfect essay scores in my A.P. lit class, I've always known I was most comfortable with a pen in my hand. I write all kinds of things, poetry, lyrics, letters to myself and to others. I don't typically write a lot of fiction, creating a story is so much harder than just letting the words in your heart flow to your brain and through your pen. That's why I decided to title this "My Thoughts Exactly", when I write, it's just me and my thoughts, no outline, plot, or fantasized characters. None of the drama that the average American feeds off of. None of the plot twists, cliff hangars, or backstabs that fill today's media. Just me. My life as I start my new adventure, my walk with Christ, my opinions as I grow and mature into a young woman. This blog is a chance for me to practice my skills, and a chance for me to voice my opinions.
I'm so excited for this excellent opportunity! Already, my mind swarms with possible blog topics and stories to tell. I honestly don't think it matters how many people read this, I'll be happy if just my mom takes a look at it, but I hope that people out there find this, and find it interesting too!
I think to end these things I'll write out a quote that has to do with the topic of my post. (Next time I'll just write it with no intro...)
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." Anne Frank
-Grace
I'm a 17 (almost 18) year old high school graduate. I start my first semester of college in the fall and let me tell you, this is the most excited I've been for something since the final installment of the Harry Potter series came out. I plan to major in Journalism with a minor in Biblical Theology. So, you could say this is kind of a test run, or a trial period for my future career.
I've been interested in writing my whole life. From the first place award in my third grade writing contest, to my perfect essay scores in my A.P. lit class, I've always known I was most comfortable with a pen in my hand. I write all kinds of things, poetry, lyrics, letters to myself and to others. I don't typically write a lot of fiction, creating a story is so much harder than just letting the words in your heart flow to your brain and through your pen. That's why I decided to title this "My Thoughts Exactly", when I write, it's just me and my thoughts, no outline, plot, or fantasized characters. None of the drama that the average American feeds off of. None of the plot twists, cliff hangars, or backstabs that fill today's media. Just me. My life as I start my new adventure, my walk with Christ, my opinions as I grow and mature into a young woman. This blog is a chance for me to practice my skills, and a chance for me to voice my opinions.
I'm so excited for this excellent opportunity! Already, my mind swarms with possible blog topics and stories to tell. I honestly don't think it matters how many people read this, I'll be happy if just my mom takes a look at it, but I hope that people out there find this, and find it interesting too!
I think to end these things I'll write out a quote that has to do with the topic of my post. (Next time I'll just write it with no intro...)
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." Anne Frank
-Grace
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