"Rick Perry for Prez!!!" On 8/13/2011 at 2:52:32 PM, Monkipzzle started the thread: Perry Makes It Official: He's Running for President Published August 13, 2011
Texas Gov. Rick Perry tossed his cowboy hat into the ring Saturday, shaking up the GOP race as he puts his undefeated political record on the line in his first presidential rodeo.
"It is time to get America working again and that's why with the support of my family and unwavering belief in the goodness of America, I declare to you today as a candidate for the president of the United States," he said in a speech at a RedState Gathering of conservative activists in Charleston, South Carolina.
Before the speech, Perry told South Carolina voters on a conference call that he's ready for a showdown with President Obama.
"I full well believe I'm going to win," he said.
Obama's re-election campaign immediately hit back at Perry after his speech in which the Texan ripped the president's economic record.
"Gov. Perry's economic policies are a carbon copy of the economic policies of Washington Republicans," Obama campaign spokesman Ben LaBolt said, citing Perry's support for "cut cap and balance," tax cuts for all Americans, among other things. "That's the same approach he took in Texas, where middle class families know his economic record is no miracle - it's a tall tale," he said. "In a Republican field that has already pledged allegiance to the Tea Party and failed to present any plan that will benefit the middle class or create the jobs America needs to win the future, Gov. Perry offers more of the same."
At the same time Perry was rolling out his presidential announcement, his GOP rivals were competing in the Iowa Straw Poll, the first time Republican voters will make their preference known.
Perry's speech was largely a formality, since his top advisers signaled earlier this week he would use the appearance to make his plans official. But his speech threatened to overshadow the Iowa Straw Poll, an important measure of support in the nation's first caucus state, in which former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmannhoped to boost their candidacies.
The RedState Gathering in South Carolina, another key early battleground state, was originally expected to draw about 400 people. But Katon Dawson, a former state GOP chairman and Perry supporter, said news of Perry's planned announcement had drawn many more activists to travel to the event.
"I have never seen this landslide of emotion for a candidacy. I cannot literally keep up with the emails and messages coming into my cellphone," Dawson said. "There is an excitement for Gov. Perry that there just isn't around the other candidates."
After South Carolina, Perry was scheduled to travel to New Hampshire, the first-in-the-nation primary state, then to visit Iowa Sunday.
Perry, 61, would bring significant strengths to a field whose strongest candidate thus far has been Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor.
Eight contenders met for a nationally televised debate Thursday night: Romney, Pawlenty, Bachmann, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Texas Rep. Ron Paul, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and restaurant magnate Herman Cain.
But so far, none has captured the kind of excitement among conservatives Perry has. Through three terms as governor, Perry has overseen significant job growth in his state while working to keep taxes low. He was an early backer of the tea party movement and enjoys the support of social conservatives because of his opposition to abortion and gay rights. He is also an evangelical Christian who organized a well-attended prayer rally in his state last week.
Perry is a prodigious fundraiser who has already begun laying the groundwork for a national finance network his supporters say would rival that of President Obama, who is expected to exceed his record-breaking $750 million haul from 2008.
But some Republicans worry that Perry's hard-core conservatism and Texas style may not play well in a 50-state contest, particularly coming so soon after former President George W. Bush's two White House terms. Bush had record low approval ratings when he left office in 2009.
Perry's visit to New Hampshire will be his first of the year and comes soon after a handful of GOP activists in the state went to Texas to encourage him to run. He's expected to meet about 100 activists at a house party hosted by state Rep. Pam Tucker. Romney has dominated early polling in the Granite State, where he has a summer home on Lake Winnipesaukee and has devoted much of his time so far.
"I don't know how people will take to him," Republican activist Ovide Lamontagne said. "I think he's optimistic he'll be able to build a grass-roots organization fairly quickly. But I don't know what he's like as a candidate on the campaign trail."
I thought politics and religion weren't -or shouldn't be- allowed to mix?
In Britain, the leader of the opposition in Parliament is a confirmed atheist. I've heard in the US saying the "A" word pretty much counts as political suicide. Replies: 9, 11
Msg #9: On 8/19/2011 at 5:01:54 PM, Trainwreck replied to Msg #8, saying: I can't think of a single prominent American politician who is an atheist, but hopefully that will change in the coming decades. Most Southerners that I know over here say they would not vote for an atheist, even if they agreed with them on every single issue.
Msg #10: On 8/19/2011 at 5:37:39 PM, Varan101 replied, saying: Sadly, yes, religion is still a huge deal here. There's a LOT of people who believe God is punishing America for its acceptance of gays and other things.
Msg #11: On 8/19/2011 at 8:09:47 PM, Ostromite replied to Msg #8, saying: Compy01, there is a section of the Republican Party that essentially believes that America was founded as a "Christian nation" and make it part of their campaign strategy to assure voters that they will bring Christian values and morals to whatever office they're elected to, and a subset of them basically advocate for the elimination of non-Christians from American government. I don't know if Rick Perry is one of these people, but they're out there.
Msg #12: On 8/20/2011 at 7:25:23 AM, Monkipzzle replied, saying: Like the 'southerns' TW describes, neither I, nor anyone I personally know (as far as I know), would vote for a confirmed atheist or even anything less than Christian... Replies: 13
Msg #13: On 8/20/2011 at 9:07:00 AM, Trainwreck replied to Msg #12, saying: Is there a sound logical basis for your ignorance and prejudice? Replies: 15
Msg #14: On 8/20/2011 at 1:51:28 PM, Varan101 replied, saying: Oh boy.
This guy wants to define marriage in the constitution.
I guess the Republicans are all for states rights, except when they want to enforce their own views. Replies: 16
Msg #15: On 8/20/2011 at 2:24:55 PM, Monkipzzle replied to Msg #13, saying: I believe so, yes. Whether its a local, state, or federal election, it boils down to selecting an individual(s) to oversee the operations of a region, including the creation, maintenance, and or removal of regulations and policies (I'm well aware that politics and governance is much more complex than this, but the majority of average Americans will agree with the view I just outlined). Inevitibly, that individual's world view will play a role, more often than not, in his or her discision making. As such, for myself and those like me, what matters most is that the individuals we select share our world view, in this case a conservative Christian world view. I understand that there is supposed to be a seperation of church and state(*), but no such seperation exists in the mind, as one's beliefs, or lack thereof, will certainly shade their view, even if they themselves can't see it. Replies: 17
Msg #16: On 8/21/2011 at 12:07:20 PM, QuickComment replied to Msg #14, saying: Perry is actually one of the more states right conservatives that you'll find. Any time anyone wants to change the constitution, openly, they have to get a considerable number of states to ratify the change. Perry is 10th amendment on gay marriage and a lot of other things. Example: Perry on New York's allowance of gay marriage.
"Our friends in New York six weeks ago passed a statute that said marriage can be between two people of the same sex. And you know what? That's New York, and that's their business, and that's fine with me," Perry told a group of Republicans during a forum sponsored by the Aspen Institute in Colorado. "That is their call. If you believe in the 10th Amendment, stay out of their business."
That he would like a constitutional amendment to do something isn't somehow backwards anymoreso than any other interest group wanting a constitutional amendment on anything else. It implies that you're going to have to have over a majority of the states and likely the legislative branches of government agreeing to something. I don't begrudge leftist causes that openly want a constitutional change given the document's root as to our laws.
Msg #17: On 8/23/2011 at 9:40:24 AM, Mr. Chaos replied to Msg #15, saying: So I have to ask, Monki...would you support a non-christian who held more of your views than a christian candidate?
Let's say the non-christian shares 75% of your views. The only other choice, a fully devote christian, only supports 25%. Which would get your vote? Replies: 18
Msg #18: On 8/23/2011 at 2:21:12 PM, Monkipzzle replied to Msg #17, saying: I doubt that would happen, as the views I hold are conservative Christian views. I find it hard to believe that the 'Christian' candidate would not share the majority of my views, unless of course that individual was not truly a Christian. Though for the question at hand, provided that I have a choice between a true Christian (yet who somehow disagrees with my conservative views [?!]) and a non-Christian, I would still vote for the Christian candidate in your scenario. If neither candidate were Christian (officially confirmed or by reason of their actions and or platform) I'd vote for the most conservative of the two, but given a choice between a true Christian and a non-Christian, the true Christian will get my vote every time, regardless of political affiliation. The only caveat on that would be if the 'Christian' candidate was openly gay, in which case I would treat the situation as if there were no Christian candidates. Replies: 19
Msg #19: On 8/25/2011 at 10:26:08 AM, Compy01 replied to Msg #18, saying: I'd laugh if your child turned out to be gay Replies: 20
Msg #20: On 8/25/2011 at 6:09:16 PM, Monkipzzle replied to Msg #19, saying: A fate nearly as bad as death, in my opinion. I have no idea what I would do in such a case, but I do know that I'll raise her as best I can to prevent such a thing. I'll have to cross whatever bridge I come when I come to it... Replies: 21, 22
Msg #21: On 8/25/2011 at 6:54:02 PM, Ostromite replied to Msg #20, saying: You don't deserve children.
Msg #22: On 8/25/2011 at 7:26:36 PM, QuickComment replied to Msg #20, saying: Can we please remove this bigotry from the board? Replies: 23
Msg #23: On 8/25/2011 at 9:59:48 PM, Monkipzzle replied to Msg #22, saying: QC, the question was asked and I responded. Regardless, I’ll remind you that I’m on the Religion/Politics Board and in my own thread none the less. I will not lie or shade my feelings about the subject, especially if I am within my rights to answer honestly and completely.
Ostro, I would say the same thing about you, considering. Regardless, I’m only raising my child to know what is right and wrong, natural and unnatural, accepted and abhorred. I don’t agree with the lifestyle, and I’ll openly admit that I cannot stand the practice, but I don’t hate those who commit to such a lifestyle. I’ve been clear on that point repeatedly. As for my child, she will be raised to know better, and if by some horrible chance she decides to break her family’s heart with such a practice, I wouldn’t know what to do. I honestly have no idea what I would do. I do know that I could never accept the lifestyle, but beyond that I can’t say.
What the fuck is wrong with you? It's your daughter! Replies: 25
Msg #25: On 8/26/2011 at 4:52:30 AM, Monkipzzle replied to Msg #24, saying: Words spoken too quickly, EG. As I said afterwards, I have no idea how I would react to such a thing, but I know it would be devastating for me and the family.
Replies: 26
Msg #26: On 8/26/2011 at 5:53:48 AM, Evilgrinch replied to Msg #25, saying: Would you prefer she live in denial and conform to a heteronormative lifestyle or accept her sexuality? Surely you wouldn't wish her to deny her own feelings due to familial pressure?
Stating that it would be 'devastating' to you and your family is part of the problem here. Replies: 27
Msg #27: On 8/26/2011 at 6:16:08 AM, Monkipzzle replied to Msg #26, saying: Homosexuality is a condition that can be overcome like any other bad habit. She will know this, and the consequences for engaging in such behavior. As I said, we will make sure that she knows that it’s not only a sin but an aberration. Now I’m done with this line of discussion. I will not consider nor comment on this line of thought further, at least as far as where my daughter is concerned. Replies: 28
Msg #28: On 8/26/2011 at 8:09:30 AM, Ostromite replied to Msg #27, saying: I hope you realize that hundreds of gay teenagers kill themselves every year because of this exact line of thinking. Replies: 29
Msg #29: On 8/26/2011 at 2:49:37 PM, Monkipzzle replied to Msg #28, saying: Suicide is a terrible, terrible thing. Yet, the fact that hundreds of teens commit suicide each year because of their habits speaks volumes about how far they have let the flesh control them. Would the masses lament as much if it were hundreds of teen drug dealers that commit suicide each year? Teen pedophiles? Teen murderers? The fact that they are not strong enough to overcome their lifestyle does not decrease the immorality of it. So, again, suicide is certainly horrible but so is the lifestyle that they failed to overcome, that eventually overcame them… Replies: 32
Msg #30: On 8/26/2011 at 3:21:53 PM, RaptorHiss replied, saying: Sweet moses.....
Msg #31: On 8/26/2011 at 6:10:40 PM, Ostromite replied, saying: You're a monster.
Msg #32: On 8/26/2011 at 6:38:58 PM, Trainwreck replied to Msg #29, saying: You know, there's always honor killings. Replies: 33
Msg #33: On 8/26/2011 at 8:53:41 PM, Carnotaur3 replied to Msg #32, saying: ^This
I kid. Replies: 34
Msg #34: On 8/26/2011 at 10:09:09 PM, Trainwreck replied to Msg #33, saying: That suggestion was aimed more toward Monki's parents than anyone else. Call it a retroactive abortion if you don't like the Muslim connotation that the term "honor killing" carries. Replies: 35
Msg #35: On 8/26/2011 at 11:11:22 PM, Monkipzzle replied to Msg #34, saying: The vast majority of my friends, family, coworkers, and associates would fully agree with my statement. Suicide is horrible, no doubt, but so is the lifestyle that leads to it in this case. Its just that simple. If that makes me a monster, so be it. Replies: 38
Msg #36: On 8/27/2011 at 4:25:17 AM, Pteranadon2003 replied, saying:
Msg #37: On 8/27/2011 at 5:07:11 AM, elementry replied, saying: Monki, I want to see you as the lead on a reality TV show that follows you around in your day-to-day routine.
Msg #38: On 8/27/2011 at 7:47:26 AM, Trainwreck replied to Msg #35, saying: You realize that just means your friends and family are all similarly horrible people, right? Replies: 39
Msg #39: On 8/27/2011 at 3:23:43 PM, Monkipzzle replied to Msg #38, saying: I disagree, TW. I believe it means that we recognize the difference between right and wrong and aren't afraid to stand by it. Sin is sin, no matter how many confused teens pout until they kill themselves over their inability to cope with their problem. Society should not have to adapt to their lifestyle because they turned themselves into statistics. Again, suicide is horrible, but in the end they have died for nothing, especially here in the South. My only hope for them is that they were right with God before they did themselves in, otherwise they are suffering a lot more where they are than in the society that rejected them… Replies: 40
Msg #40: On 8/27/2011 at 6:27:32 PM, raptor2000 replied to Msg #39, saying: Well unfortunately for you, gluttony is also a sin, so by your logic your fat ass will be burning in Hell along with the fags. (no offense to our gay brethren on here) Replies: 41
Msg #41: On 8/27/2011 at 6:39:41 PM, Monkipzzle replied to Msg #40, saying: I didn't say they were going to burn for being homo, just if they were not right with God before they stupidly and uselessly committed suicide. No one can be sinless, and it is for this reason that those who are saved live by the Grace of God. I admit I'm overweight, and that I sin as much as anyone else. The difference comes in recognizing those sins for what they are, asking God to forgive you for your trespasses, and trying your best to do better from then on.
Msg #42: On 8/28/2011 at 3:22:01 PM, Varan101 replied, saying: Monki, the thing is, it seems like Christians today treat homosexuality as the "sin to end all sins". I don't remember the Bible specifically stating that homosexuality is a sin that is somehow worse than other sins. Remember, God is supposed to be a perfect being, and to him, all sin is abhorrent. To me, it seems like Christians target homosexuals because it is easy. Most people don't face this temptation on a daily basis, and its easy to preach against it because they know they wont have to actually face it. Like you said, all people are sinners and only God can save them. While some Christians pretend as though they don't look down on homosexuals, they are better reminded that they too are sinners, and are not somehow superior by their own actions. However, you don't see this public outcry against most sins that people face on a daily basis. Things like abortion and homosexuality are ALWAYS targeted in the media by Christians, but when you talk about other forms of sin, they are pretty silent. Replies: 43
Msg #43: On 8/28/2011 at 9:57:35 PM, Monkipzzle replied to Msg #42, saying: You’re right that every sin (except for blasphemy, which is unforgivable) is equally intolerable in God’s eyes. While I can’t speak for all Christians, I will tell you my thoughts on the matter. Homosexuality is a sin, but it is different than other sin in the sense that most sins are committed on an individual basis but if you are gay you are constantly living in sin. Before I get a comment about it, yes, straight people can live in sin too, but this discussion is about homosexuality. While I wouldn’t necessarily say that a homosexual cannot be saved, I will say that I feel that a homosexual (or anyone else, no matter the persuasion, who regularly engages in any form of sin) cannot get the same gratification out of a relationship with God as someone who is doing the best they can to avoid sin. I firmly believe that if one truly gives their life to God then the temptations of the past are not nearly as pressing as they once were (completely gone in some cases) and that that individual is better equipped to say ‘I will not give in! I will do this again! You have no power of me!’ because they now have God in their life. Sin will happen however. The flesh is weak in everyone, and even the best of us sometimes sin. The point is that, through our salvation in Jesus, we live by His grace, and we should all want to do better from that point on. Recognizing the sins we commit for what they are and doing our absolute best to overcome them is a critical element of salvation. That said, I believe that a homosexual person can be saved, but more than anytime before that, I believe that individual will hear that voice in their head reminding them that their lifestyle is not of God and can be overcome. That is, if they try. The temptations that they face may be different from those of most others, but don’t deceive yourself into thinking that others don’t know the pressure of temptation. From gambling addicts, alcoholics, and even pedophiles, many types of people are saved, and each faces crushing temptations from time to time. The truest testament of their faith is how they handle that temptation when it comes up.
As far as the emphasis placed on homosexuality and abortion, I don’t think it’s necessarily right to specifically say that Christians target those who do such things because it’s easy. As I said, the Bible is clear that sin is sin, and it’s all equally terrible in God’s eyes. The real animosity for such behaviors is likely from our culture. No matter how you cut it or reword it, a human is a human from the moment of conception, and abortion is nothing less than murder. Murder is typically looked down upon, but it seems that the murder of innocents is not only regularly practiced and condoned in America, but even sanction in China. People make a big deal about the events of 9-11, where less than 3000 people died, but everyday in America we allow the slaughter of over 4000 innocents. 4000+, everyday. Nothing less than murder, but the selfishness of our world has allowed many millions of women to do so and think little about it. As far as homosexuality, many of the people I know do not hate the individual, only the lifestyle. That lifestyle, through any number of agendas, has rapidly become a major focus in our world. From gay marriage to gay history lessons (in California public schools), that lifestyle has thrust (pun intended) itself into the lifestyle of heterosexuals. Things that were once sacred, such as marriage and childrearing, are now becoming open to the homosexual community, and many, many people are not happy with that. I will admit that I believe that neither is appropriate. Christians may talk more about these issues than others because of what they stand for, but a true Christian recognizes that all sins (*) are equal. I also feel that the media feeds off these two issues more than others because how much attention would be garnered by yet another affair or another theft? Homosexuality and abortion are major headliners most of the time, especially in politics. In any case, my point is that, yes, all sins are equal in the eyes of God, but through the eyes of society and culture, some things are not acceptable. Some things cannot change. No matter what the situation, when intolerable changes begin to threaten the norm, expect backlash from the threatened, especially in matters of religion and morals. As such, some would rather lose what they love rather than see it corrupted by such change.
Opposite over hypotenuse imo but I didn't pay attention in math so perhaps i'm wrong.
Msg #45: On 8/28/2011 at 11:06:04 PM, Trainwreck replied to Msg #43, saying: Before I get a comment about it, yes, straight people can live in sin too
Grinch, it absolutely is real. I saw this dude on TV back in...January or February sometime. Check out his MySpace and Facebook pages for more hilarity. Replies: 59
Msg #59: On 8/31/2011 at 3:38:31 PM, Monkipzzle replied to Msg #58, saying: I will admit, TW, that I see several similarities between how I was and Big Stats. He’s overweight yet ambitious, wanting to experience his dreams and share them with others in the present rather than to contently and patiently ride out the reality he finds himself currently in until such time he’s better equipped to achieve his goals. I will admit that that is an accurate description of how I was with my company. I believe things are different now however. You may likely disagree of course, and you’re welcome to that, but I feel that for the first time I’m on the right path. I’m happier than I’ve ever been. My family is happier, both for me and because of the experiences we are sharing now. I don’t know exactly where I’m heading yet, but I’m confident that the Lord is going to lead me. I know that many disagree with my outlook on life, but it is I who have to live it, and if everyone around me is equally content and excited, why question it? Whatever the case, I too was able to see the similarities, TW, but I believe I’ve moved on passed such behavior. Whatever remains of it is only residual or otherwise unintentional. One difference I can honestly speak of though is that though some did, and likely still do, ridicule me, others were completely swept up in my ambition and believed in my goals as fervently as I did. I know this, and because of it I find myself saddened on occasion because I let them down. Though for a grander purpose, I still let them down. That’s all I really have to say about it, I guess.
Msg #60: On 9/5/2011 at 7:57:15 AM, Monkipzzle replied, saying: The Goodness Of Work September 5, 2011 — by Randy Kilgore Subscribe on iTunes
Read: Genesis 1:26-31 God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.” —Genesis 1:26
Some Christians grow up believing work is bad—that it’s a curse brought about by Adam and Eve’s sin. Left uncorrected, this mistaken belief can cause people to feel that what they do in their jobs every day isn’t important to God—or at the very least, isn’t as important as the work of missionaries and pastors. This is not true, asGenesis 1:26-31 teaches us.
First, we learn that God Himself works, as evidenced by the labor involved in creation and by the fact that He rested on the seventh day. Then we discover that we were made in His image (v.26) and that we were granted dominion over creation. This implies that we are to work to tend creation. Clearly, the tending of God’s creation is work—noble work, for God looked upon His labors and declared them “very good” (v.31).
It mustn’t escape our notice either that work was declared goodbefore sin entered the picture. In other words, work didn’t result from the fall and therefore is not a curse. We see this idea again in Genesis 2, when God “took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it” (v.15).
Let’s approach each day’s labor—whether at a job or doing another activity to help our family—with an awareness of the dignity and nobility God granted it in creation.
Our daily work is used by God To help us care for daily needs; And work that’s done as to the Lord Gives witness to our words and deeds. —D. De Haan
God, give me work till my life shall end— and life till my work is done.
Read: Ephesians 4:1-16 Till we all come to the unity of the faith and . . . to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. —Ephesians 4:13
When a high school student tried using a thermometer to measure a table, his teacher was dumbfounded. In 15 years of teaching, Dave had seen many sad and shocking situations. But even he was amazed that a student could make it to high school without knowing the difference between a ruler and a thermometer.
When a friend told me this story, my heart broke for that student and others like him who have fallen so far behind in their education. They can’t move forward because they haven’t yet learned basic lessons of everyday life.
But then a sobering thought came to me: Don’t we sometimes do the same thing when we use wrong spiritual measuring devices? For example, do we assume that churches with the most resources are the most blessed by God? And do we ever think that popular preachers are more godly than those with few followers?
The proper measure of our spiritual condition is the quality of our lives, which is measured by such attributes as lowliness, gentleness, and longsuffering (Eph. 4:2). “Bearing with one another in love” (v.2) is a good indication that we are moving toward God’s goal for us: “the measure of . . . the fullness of Christ” (v.13).
Our spiritual maturity Is measured by the quality Of attributes that others see Produced in us by Christ. —Sper
Our love for God can be measured by our love for others.
Read: Ephesians 4:1-16 Till we all come to the unity of the faith and . . . to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. —Ephesians 4:13
When a high school student tried using a thermometer to measure a table, his teacher was dumbfounded. In 15 years of teaching, Dave had seen many sad and shocking situations. But even he was amazed that a student could make it to high school without knowing the difference between a ruler and a thermometer.
When a friend told me this story, my heart broke for that student and others like him who have fallen so far behind in their education. They can’t move forward because they haven’t yet learned basic lessons of everyday life.
But then a sobering thought came to me: Don’t we sometimes do the same thing when we use wrong spiritual measuring devices? For example, do we assume that churches with the most resources are the most blessed by God? And do we ever think that popular preachers are more godly than those with few followers?
The proper measure of our spiritual condition is the quality of our lives, which is measured by such attributes as lowliness, gentleness, and longsuffering (Eph. 4:2). “Bearing with one another in love” (v.2) is a good indication that we are moving toward God’s goal for us: “the measure of . . . the fullness of Christ” (v.13).
Our spiritual maturity Is measured by the quality Of attributes that others see Produced in us by Christ. —Sper
Our love for God can be measured by our love for others.
Read: Proverbs 1:1-9 Hate evil, love good; establish justice in the gate. —Amos 5:15
During the past 135 years of Major League Baseball, only 20 pitchers have thrown a perfect game. On June 2, 2010, Armando Galarraga of the Detroit Tigers would have been number 21 but an umpire’s mistake denied him what every pitcher dreams of. The video replay showed the truth. Even though the umpire later acknowledged his error and apologized to Galarraga, the call made on the field could not be changed.
Through it all, Galarraga remained calm, expressed sympathy for the umpire, and never criticized him. Armando’s refusal to retaliate amazed fans, players, and sportswriters alike.
If we insist on fair treatment for ourselves, we can become angry and frustrated. But when we embrace the Bible’s wisdom, we will seek the welfare of others. Proverbs calls us “to perceive the words of understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity” (1:2-3). Oswald Chambers said of our personal dealings with others, “Never look for justice, but never cease to give it; and never allow anything you meet with to sour your relationship to men through Jesus Christ.”
When we experience unfairness, it is our privilege and responsibility as followers of Christ to respond with honesty and integrity, doing what is right, just, and fair.
How others handle justice May not be up to me; But when I react to others, I must show integrity. —Branon
Read: Psalm 90:1-12 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. —Psalm 90:12
In 1876, Henry Clay Work wrote the song “My Grandfather’s Clock.” The song describes a grandfather’s clock that faithfully ticks its way through its owner’s life. Childhood, adulthood, and old age are all viewed in relationship to his beloved timepiece.
The refrain says:
Ninety years without slumbering, Tick, tock, tick, tock, His life’s seconds numbering, Tick, tock, tick, tock, But it stopped, short, Never to go again, When the old man died.
The relentless ticking of the clock reminds us that our time on earth is limited. Despite the joys and pains of life, time always marches on. For the believer, our time on earth is an opportunity for gaining wisdom. The psalmist writes, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Ps. 90:12).
One way of numbering our days is to ask ourselves these kinds of questions: How can I become more like Christ? Am I reading the Word regularly? Am I devoting time to prayer? Am I meeting together with other believers? The way we answer these questions is an indicator of the progress we’re making in gaining wisdom and becoming more like Christ.
No matter the phase of life—childhood, youth, middle age, or our senior years—life always affords us opportunities to grow in faith and wisdom. Numbering our days is the wise response to life’s inevitable progress. How are you progressing on your journey?
Don’t spend your time—invest it.
www.odb.org
Msg #65: On 9/8/2011 at 1:21:59 AM, Velociraptor87 replied, saying: Since you're posting your devotionals in every thread you can think of, I think I'll be posting videos following your devotionals. It'll be a nice contrast.
Here's one to start off.
Replies: 66
Msg #66: On 9/8/2011 at 1:36:27 AM, Monkipzzle replied to Msg #65, saying: How old are you? Five? I have only posted in two of my threads, and only because it was requested. Do what you must, as it matters little to me. Have fun in whatever heathen, juvenile way you feel necessary...
Read: Mark 4:26-32 For the earth yields crops by itself. —Mark 4:28
During my seminary years, I directed a summer day camp for boys and girls at the YMCA. Each morning, I began the day with a brief story in which I tried to incorporate an element of the gospel.
To help illustrate that becoming a Christian means to become a new creation in Christ, I told a story about a moose that wanted to be a horse. The moose had seen a herd of wild horses, thought them elegant creatures, and wanted to be like them. So he taught himself to act like a horse. However, he was never accepted as a horse because he was . . . well, a moose. How can a moose become a horse? Only by being born a horse, of course. And then I would explain how we can all be born again by believing in Jesus.
One summer I had a staff counselor named Henry who was very hostile to the faith. I could do nothing but love him and pray for him, but he left at the end of the summer hardened in unbelief. That was more than 50 years ago. A few years ago I received a letter from Henry. The first sentence said: “I write to tell that I have been born again and now, at last, I am a ‘horse.’ ” This confirmed to me that we need to keep praying and planting the seed of the Word (Mark 4:26) so that it may bear fruit one day.
You think your word or deed is very small, That what you say will hardly count at all; But God can take the seed that you have sown And nourish it until it’s fully grown. —Hess
We sow the seed—God produces the harvest.
Msg #71: On 9/9/2011 at 1:47:26 AM, Ostromite replied, saying: Did you forget that you have three other threads for your religious ramblings? Do you need to post them in here just because it's "your" thread? Replies: 72
Msg #72: On 9/9/2011 at 2:59:31 AM, Monkipzzle replied to Msg #71, saying: This was the most recent, so it seemed fitting to continue. As I now have no intention of ending my primary thread anytime soon, I will stop posting daily devotionals to this one immediately. It was only acting as a substitute until I was able to start a new specifically-devotional thread here on the Religion Board (which I couldn’t do until someone else started a new thread), which was (if my terms had been met) to be the official replacement of the thread on the General Board.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND REMEMBER THAT CHRIST IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just as an update, I hold no animosity to anyone for me being banned :). I still check in from time to time to see how everyone is doing, and I'm glad that all seems to be well for the most part. Merry Christmas, guys, and perhaps one day I'll be back in full capacity. God bless you all and your loved ones :)
How can any secular person support this guy? Not only is he all but advocating a de facto theocracy, but he's still chucking slow balls at the straw man of "the war on religion." News flash, Rick: children are allowed to celebrate Christmas and pray in school. Replies: 74
Msg #74: On 12/8/2011 at 11:46:24 AM, Compy01 replied to Msg #73, saying: LOL at the number of dislikes on that video.
The Atlantic Home Thursday, December 8, 2011 Dec 8 2011, 8:15 AM ET 31
Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry on Wednesday released a new campaign advertisement, "Strong," highlighting the Texas governor's faith and asking why gays can serve openly in the U.S. armed forces but "our kids can't openly celebrate Christmas or pray in school."
Intended for a Western Iowa audience of religious conservatives and evangelicals -- the only people who matter to the GOP candidates for the next month -- the ad ran into an inherent audience problem when posted on YouTube with the like/dislike buttons enabled. The apparently more pro-gay rights audience online quickly seized on the spot to register its dislike of Perry's message.
By Thursday morning, the ad had received more than 137,000 dislikes to just over 3,000 likes. By any metric, that's a video that's gone viral -- as an epic fail.
The gay Republican group Log Cabin Republicans released a statement condemning the spot -- "Governor Perry is running to be Commander-in-Chief, not Theocrat-in-Chief," said R. Clarke Cooper, the group's executive director -- but perhaps a more effective riposte came in the form of the Tumblr "Rick Perry's Unpopular Opinions." The satirical site turned Perry's walk in the ad into a meme and added other statements it considers equally culturally out of it, such as "Katy Perry is better than Lady Gaga" and "Friday is a fantastic song," to the image of him walking.
I think this article is wrong in assuming that the YouTube audience is clearly more pro-gay rights. I see YouTube comments all the time about how faggots are trying to brainwash kids and they need to be kept out of schools. I think the overwhelming number of dislike votes is due to his "faith made America strong" bullshit.
EDIT: Why are there so many more votes than views? I see that a lot on YouTube; don't you have to first load the page the video is on (which counts as watching it) before you vote? Replies: 76
Msg #76: On 12/8/2011 at 10:23:17 PM, QuickComment replied to Msg #75, saying: No, the ratio of views to votes illustrates that it was targeted. It isn't some organic dismissal of the content. Replies: 77
Msg #77: On 12/8/2011 at 10:31:04 PM, Ostromite replied to Msg #76, saying: Even if you assume only half the people who saw it voted and that everyone who "liked" it watched it, your still left with 3200 likes to 12,000 dislikes.
Not that it matters anyway regarding the content of the commercial. Replies: 78
Msg #78: On 12/8/2011 at 10:44:51 PM, QuickComment replied to Msg #77, saying: It doesn't really matter at all. I was fine with Perry as a candidate but he completely underestimated the importance of the debates in this cycle and now he's having to switch tactics every week to get back in the headlines. He's done unless Newt has a real implosion.
Msg #79: On 12/9/2011 at 4:29:44 PM, Trainwreck replied, saying: Yeah, the "war on religion" is non-existent; I've never seen someone prevented from praying or celebrating their religion in a public school. Sure there may be 'incidents' every now and then, committed largely by overzealous administrators, but by and large students are allowed to practice around the flagpole and whatnot every morning.
Also, why even bring up gays in the military? It's settled now, and Perry focusing on such a non-issue when there's plenty of real concerns Americans have these days.
