Blast from the Past

I hopped into a vehicle recently with an associate of mine. It was a beautiful day, the top was down and a song from the above album was playing in his stereo system. A couple thoughts ran through my mind. The first was, "this cd has to be at least 10 years old". I had listened to this "way back when". Now let me say first and foremost that this is not a good wholesome cd. The lyrics are littered with sexual perversion, vile language and every sort of filth you can imagine. When I was 15 I loved it.

My second thought was, "What is a 33 year old man doing listening to this garbage?" When I called him on it, He said, "oh listen to that, It's about the beat". However, he knew every word. Just as I once did. And he seemed to relish the stories of sexual conquest in the music.

Soon I realized, this is what I could have been. This could have been me looking in the mirror, if it had not been for Christ in my life. It is tempting to judge when you see youngsters, or in this case middle-agers, listening to such filth.

Some would theorize that listening to such music transforms us into the fowl mouth hooligans that it is safe to say I resembled at that age. While I'm not saying it doesn't have an effect, I would argue that it is a symptom not a cause. As our minds are already in that vain we seek out that which will make us comfortable. Thus the answer is not in the breaking of cd's or burning of books. The answer is found in Christ alone.

The Post that Never Happened

Originally I was going to post about abortion and the death penalty today. My original thought had to do with how strange it is that liberals want to kill an innocent fetus but save a guilty criminal from the death penalty. Seems strange doesn't it. I had my points all ready to go, including a personal story to make it more relatable. However, as I was about to start I thought I'd ad a picture of a "fetus" at 10 weeks. The first picture that popped up was of an actual abortion at 10 weeks. I cannot in good conscience put that picture on my blog.

I have heard people say that they are against abortion personally, but they won't force their beliefs on anyone else. What!? With all due respect, that is ia cop out.

Some things are up for personal decision. Whether or not to eat meat, driving a hybrid, praying in the morning or evening. Abortion is not one of those things. You can only be on one side of this fence. You can even be undecided, but you can't say "I wouldn't do it, but I won't say that you can't."

Listen to how that sounds for other moral decisions. I would never steal, but I'm not saying you shouldn't. I would never commit adultery, but I'm not saying that you shouldn't. I would never murder, but I'm not saying that you shouldn't.

I too am pro-choice. The only difference is when that choice occurs. I believe the choice happens before conception, not after.

If you believe abortion is a good option for a mother not wanting a child that is your right. However, I would ask that you see for yourself the "fetus" that is removed.

http://www.holylamb.com/images/02.jpg

Ticket Insurance

Don’t like paying speeding tickets? Now you won't have too, if you buy into a new service called Traffic Care.
Founded by retired police officer Troy Simpson, Traffic Care works as a ticket insurance that picks up the tab for ticket fines and for subsequent increases in insurance premiums, MyFOXKC.com reported.
“A ticket is written every 2 seconds in America,“ Simpson told the TV station, “I knew that the traffic ticket industry — and it is an industry — is a billion-dollar-a-year industry nationally.”
Simpson now taps into that industry, by offering to cover ticket costs for a monthly fee of $12.95. Traffic Care members are allowed up to seven moving violations per month, including “speeding, red light, seatbelt, stop sign, yield sign, illegal lane change, anything considered hazardous,” Simpson said. Parking tickets aren't included.
At $156 a year, some drivers may question the service’s worth. One Traffic Care customer told the station, however, that she’s never gotten a ticket but pays for the peace of mind. Traffic Care says 80 percent of its clients never get tickets, the station reported. -Fox News

Should you be allowed to purchase insurance which would allow you to break the law at will. It would seem to me that clients of this insurance plan would speed at will, thereby endangering the lives of others.

Oil Price Options

As I drove to my home town and back this last weekend I put just shy of 2000 miles on my vehicle. As I drove I could feel my wallet lightening as the gas tank was filled time and time again. Truck drivers are hitting Washington and people are finally begining to get fed up with the price. So what options have we?

I've been thinking about this, and realistically I see 3. Here they are;

1. Consume less.

About a year ago, when prices hit 3 dollars a gallon, I said that people wouldn't actually drive less until prices hit 5 to 6 dollars a gallon. Maybe I was a bit high in my estimation. Are you actually driving less or are you still just complaining? I fall in the second catagory. In addition to you doing your part you must realize that oil is a global commodity. If we comsume less and China's usage continues to grow we have gained nothing.

2. Procure more.

The easiest way to do this is to drill our own. It is the only way we can truely control the supply end of supply and demand. In the past we had bargaining power with OPEC. If we didn't like the price we would tell them to increase production, or we would go elsewhere for our growing demand. Presently there are other industrialized countries willing to purchase at the price requested.

3. Develop alternatives.

This is really a part of number one, using less. If we are to develop viable substitutes we are going to have to give something up. Horse power, travelling distance, comfort, space, speed, safety.. etc. As I see it, most people as of now are not willing to give anything up. Or at least not enough to make these new cars practical. Some people will say that it is a conspiracy by the oil companies. Let me assure you. If there were tons of money to be made making those vehicles, someone would be doing it. If you think I'm wrong, then you should do it. You'll be rich.

Wrong assumptions.

1. It's the governments fault.

60 cents of every gallon goes to taxes. If you would like the government to stop adding those to the price thats fine. Roads will fall into disrepair or they will find another place to make up for the 60 cents. Either way it is not a good solution to the problem

Part two of that I've covered some. We have lost our bargaining power to other growing and industrialized nations.

And part three is for those of you who blame the President or Vice-President. If you think the president controls the price of gas then you have no grasp of how the market works and your arguements are not even to be considered.

2. It's the oil companies fault.

They are out to make a profit. Share holders demand they make money. If they don't the CEO's will be replaced. This is how a free market economy works.

They have a smaller profit margin than almost any other product on the planet. If you think it can be done cheaper then you should be distributing it yourself. Charge less, people will buy from you, and you'll still make a fortune.

3. Price controls.

The problem with price controls is that demand sets the price. If you set the price then demand will increase and you will begin to see gas shortages. There will be lines at the pump, and you will start to see usage limits placed on individuals and business. Hurting our economy and not solving the problem.

Conclusion:

I don't like the situation any more than you do, However our options are pretty clear. You either have to accept the cost or be willing to do something about it. That may include drilling near your home, being forced to use less, or give up the features you love in your vehicle in favor of cheaper transportation.

Seeing Old Friends

I am the second in a series of 3 boys. I know what your thinking, and you're right. My mother deserves a medal. There is only about 5 years age difference between us, and since early highschool we have grown very close. The oldest of the three was married 5 years ago, I was married 3 years ago, and the youngest, Jerimiah, took his vows this weekend.

Since my brothers and I are so close in age we pretty much enjoy the same company and have mutual friends. Many of whom were in the wedding party or in attendance this weekend. Long story short I laughed until I cried, and my stomach still hurts today in the after effects.

Good friends. I'll take them over cars, homes and money. The good ones will travel any distance or endure any cost when you need them. Congradulations to my baby brother and thanks to all our friends who made the trip. I hope to see you soon.

One more thing. It is possible there is a video floating about with my brother and me dancing to dualling banjos. I would encourage you not to watch it but I'm sure that it would only fuel your curiousity. Keep checking back. I'm sure someone will sell me out.

The Church is Failing...

Of late I have been writing much about our rights as Americans. A big part of that has been my belief that you do not have the "right" to anything that costs me money. Examples of this include healthcare, food, housing, an automobile, etc...

While I do not believe the government has a place in these issues the church certainly does. As a Christian you are commanded to look after the orphans and widows. You are commanded to look after the poor and disabled. You are to have compassion on those who are ill. That compassion should then translate into action.

If you are not a Christian this does not apply to you. If you are a Christian, this next piece is absolutely directed at you. Do not ask for state programs aiding the elderly, the poor, the orphaned to end unless you are willing to pick up the slack.

That doesn't mean you indiscriminatly throw money at the problem the way the government has in the past, but it does mean that you will be required as a Christian to follow the commands set forth to care for those less fortunate.

I would even be willing to concede that the government has stepped in to these social welfare issues due to the failings of the local church.

My final thought. If you are a Christian, Don't complain about these programs unless your are willing to step in to fill the gap for those truely in need in your community.

Mansion for a "Man of God"

10,000 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 1.6 million dollar mortgage, 10 million dollar line of credit. Wow what a home for Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

Those of you who know me understand that I have, well, a difference of opinion with the preaching of Rev. Jeremiah Wright. So, You would expect that I would be the next person to begin a tirat against his building of a multi-million dollar home with church money. Actually, I'm about to do the opposite.

I have no problem with a pastor, or church leader of any kind driving nice cars, motorcycles, and having beautiful homes. King Soloman was blessed by God and lived in the largest palace and had more gold and possessions than any king in history. Was he sinning by accumulating such a mass of possessions. I don't think so. It actually brought people to the Lord by it's glorifying of His name.

I have a problem with the hate that spews from the mouth of Rev. Wright. However, He was their pastor, and if they want to honor God through this endeveor then so be it. One could argue that the money could be better spent. Maybe it could, maybe not. Will this home serve as a dual purpose for visiting missionaries, pastors, those released from prison, homeless.. etc. I don't know.

Rarely am I willing to decifer what is best for others when it is not a direct issue of sin. Which building a big home is not. Perhaps they have been led to do this to honor God, perhaps not.

In this particular case it seems interesting after all the "rich white americans greed" speeches. Yet I'm still not willing to judge. Are you?