Persecuted

There seems to be a lot of scuttlebutt going on about Christmas.  The media is really playing up “the war on Christmas.”  One side is getting bent out of shape because Christ is less and less involved with Christmas.  

Which, by the way, it’s kind of funny to think that our Lord and Savior would have the same problems as we do getting older.  My father recently celebrated they 21st anniversary of his 39th birthday.  That means JC would be celebrating something like the 1970th anniversary of his 39th birthday… um… well, if he would have had one.

Anyway, many Christians are up in arms about the de-Christing of Christmas, while many secular folks get offended if you wish them a Merry Christmas. Myself, I think the secular side takes things way too personally.  

By the way, that tree in your living room is not a holiday tree.  If it is a holiday tree, I want to see it decorated on 4th of July and Memorial Day because those are holidays, too.  In my living room, there’s a Christmas tree that has been up since last Christmas.  It has been a Christmas tree year round, not because it’s a holiday tree but because we’re too lazy to take our Christmas tree down.

In any case, all this hubbub about Christ and Christmas reminds me of Matthew 24, specifically verses 6 –14:

You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are the beginning of birth pains.
 9"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Now, I’m not saying we’re getting close to the end times that are being described here.  Don’t read prophecy into that.  No, all I’m trying to say is that in spite of all the bad deeds and things we see across the globe, Christians must keep our faith.

It sometimes seems like Christianity is being persecuted by some in the secular world.  Things like “the war on Christmas,” or Christian workers being kidnapped in Iraq, it being illegal to say “under God” in the pledge (note: I’m not debating the whole separation of church vs. state thing here)… All these things make it rather clear to me that Christianity is being persecuted, which is exactly what JC and the Apostles said would happen.

1 Corinthians 4:12 says “We work hard with our own hands.  When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it.”  And endure it, we must to remain faithful to God.  After all, “Blessed are they who are persecuted…”   (Matthew 5:10)

I just wanted to make the point to other Christians that they need to remain strong in their faith.  With the world turning away from Christianity, it’s rather tempting to follow the tide.  But the fact that we and our faith are being persecuted, like the Bible said would happen, should strengthen our faith, not erode it. Recognize that as Christianity faces these modern tests of belief, God will continue to favor His faithful.    

Melted

I'm pretty frustrated with some candlemaking. I bought a new mold that allows me to embed things in the wax. Like, a picture, flowers, shells, stones. The intention was making Christmas presents, but the three I have done so far I'm too embarrassed with how they turned out to give them as gifts. If I had a heat gun, I might be able to salvage two of them.

One is dark green, scented bayberry (like a Christmas Tree) with little snowflakes and snowmen buttons embedded into the sides. Some of the buttons look good, but some didn't say in position and turned or fell down while cooling. Some you can barely see. The sugar cookie-scented, off-white one with gingerbread men is just bad. Most of the gingerbread men you can't even see. At least, they looked good in my head. The idea of how they should look is great, but the delivery is so far lacking.

The third just turned out horrible. I will have to melt it down and start again. I was going to embed some orange and black tiger eye marbles into it, but the marbles are 1/4" too big. I didn't realize that until I was pouring the wax and it cooled too quickly for me to do anything with it. So, I have to figure out a plan B for those marbles I spent money on. Somehow, the words "Schoolyard Marble Championships" isn't inspiring greatness.

I guess I have to realize that this technique takes more practice. I'll get better at it with more practice. If at first you don't suceed...

Just look at this picture. One of the best candles I have ever created. And, it took me many ugly candles to get the timing down to form the layers right...

Merry Christmas

I'm a little tired of all the friggin' Political Correctness that has surfaced. I am exactly referring to people getting all bend out of wack when someone wishes them "Merry Christmas."

So, I wanted to have a little debate about how or why telling someone "Merry Christmas" is offensive. I don't see where the problem is... except perhaps for the ignorance of person I tell "Merry Christmas" to. Keep in mind, when I say "ignorance," I don't mean "you're a dumb, fucking idiot." No, I mean, you are just uninformed or unaware because you haven't had the opportunity (or didn't take it) to be informed or become aware. In other words, it's not a insult; it just describes the circumstances.

While doing a little web research, I ran across this article, called The True Meaning of Christ-Mass. It's very interesting and here are a few excerpts to get your juices following:

1) As previously stated, the word "Mass" in religious usage means a "death sacrifice." The impact of this fact is horrifying and shocking; for when the millions of people are saying, "Merry Christmas", they are literally saying "Merry death of Christ!"

2) Again, I ask, what is so merry about the pain, bleeding, suffering and death of Jesus Christ? Satan has done quite a job of getting millions of so-called "Christians" to blaspheme. What a deceiver he is.

Please, go read this thing. It's about a five minute read. I'll wait.

Back? Ok... Let's go. For this, keep in mind I got the article off of the internet, which is, of course, 100% fully true and accurate and can always be believed without refute. In other words, let's pretend it is actually completely accurate.

While they make a few good points with, well, historical truth (pagan holiday popularized by Roman Catholics, Jesus wasn't born on Dec 25th, etc), they miss the point completely. Literally, according to the article when you wish someone "Merry Christmas," you're saying "Happy death of Christ." The article even asks, "What is so amusing about our Saviour's painful death?" And you know, the answer to that is PAINFULLY SIMPLE... There is much joy that comes from JC's sacrifice.

At this time of year, Christians (regardless of when Jesus was historically born) celebrate that our God loves us so much and so desperately wants to have a deeply personal relationship with us that he sent his only son to die and redeem us. Yes, there was much violence and brutually in the human death of Jesus Christ. But, the joy, love, and salvation that comes from his death and resurrection infinately outweighs the bloodshed.

And, my friends, it is that joy, love and salvation I wish for you when I tell you "Merry Christmas." Honestly, I can think of no better gift to give. So don't be offended when I wish you the ultimate joy I have come to known. It's really not a bad thing.

The article states that Satan has tricked "millions of so-called Christians to blasphem" through wishing others "Merry Christmas." But, I don't think that's quite right. True, Satan has tricked and deceived many about Christmas. Only, he's making us so P-C we forget the ultimate sacrifice Christ made so we could have a wonderful relationship with God. To be cliche and trite, "Jesus is the reason for the season."

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Wish List

It seems that I might be a little hard to shop for... at least a few people have told me that in my life. And, it has been requested of me to make a list of things I'd like to receive for Christmas this year. Seeing how World Peace doesn't come in wrapped in paper and bows, I will oblige.

This is rather difficult for me because I really don't like telling people what to get me. It's rather pretenious. I'm really the sort of person who prefers the giving than the receiving. Generally, I'm more content with the knowledge that someone cares and loves me enough to feel like they should express that love than I am with the gift.

I don't expect ANYONE to get me a single thing on this list. I don't really expect anyone to get me anything (except maybe for family for the obvious reasons). Some things I'd like to have are simply out of the queston for a wish list - an iPod, a new dryer, a mini-dv camera, a new computer - because, wow, that's way too much love for me to handle. But, the following things I, no doubt, would enjoy, if someone wanted to make sure to get something I would enjoy. Also, you don't have to think of this as a holiday wish list, but more of a window into knowing me better.

Eddie Guerrero Tribute XXL T-Shirt - Look, the sooner you accept that I like pro wrestling, the better off we'll be. Eddie Guerrero was probably this generation's most entertaining wrestler. He lived a difficult life that included drug and alcohol addiction, and marriage problems. But, he battled his demons, sobered up and changed his life around. He found his faith and helped others find theirs. When he passed away (far too early), he was completely sober for four years. His life is an inspirational story that should not be forgotten. And, if you don't believe me...

Cheating Death, Stealing Life: The Eddie Guerrero Story - watch this before wrapping it all pretty and you'll see. Viva La Raza, Papi. R.I.P. Eddie.

Bret Hart DVD - when I said I like wrestling, this man is what I mean. I'm not a big fan to today's extreme, hardcore, styles. Bret is possibly the best technical wrestler there has ever been. And that makes him one of my favorites.

The Fair Tax Book by Neal Boortz and Congressman John Linder - I listen to Neal Boortz's radio show a few times a week, and his talk about his book has me wanting to read it. I wanna see what all the hubbub is about.

Cowboy Bebop DVDs - I don't like anime but Cowboy Bebop is incredible. I linked to the box set ony to have one link, but really any of the sessions are wonderful.

Guster On Ice - I can't believe I haven't bought this myself yet. Just my favorite band to see live doing their thing on DVD.

The Chronicles of Narina by C. S. Lewis - never read them nor had the chance. But I have the feeling after seeing the movie, I will want to absorb them.

Various DVDs - House (Season 1); Lost (Season 1); Firefly: the Series; The Complete Superman Set; Hair; Godspell; Jesus Christ: Superstar; A Mighty Wind; Best In Show, Eddie Izzard (not Dressed to Kill, Definate Article, or Circle); Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle; Serenity...

There, are you happy now? I love you, too. I'm tired. Save this list. You can use it again next year and the year after that, and the year after that...

Apologies for a Sucky Post

There just hasn't been anything interesting for me to talk about lately. Same Crap, Different Day. Someone should put that on a T-shirt. Speaking of T-shirts, I saw one somewhere I want. It says: "Pedro lacks political experience." I giggled when I saw that. It's late and I'm suffering from lack of sleep. It's my own doing; it's not like I have insomnia. No, I'm quite sure I'll be asleep the moment my hair hits the pillows. I'm rebelling against sleep. Yeah, that's the ticket. Seriously, nothing going on. We rented Smackdown VS Raw 2006 and that's all my son and I have been doing. WOW. This post sucks. But, at least I'm writing, eh? Need to have some crappy posts once in a while. Gotta spew the bad stuff out so there's more room for the good stuff.

As bad and boring as this post is, it's interesting to note that I've neglected my relationship with God for about two weeks. Not that I am not having relations with the Lord, but I'm just neglecting them. Just a while ago, I really prayed for the first time in about two weeks, not counting church services. Sorry about that, God. Really, I know that spending time with you is great and always a wonderful experience. But, I've been neglecting my prayer time and it's no wonder I'm having trouble listening to you these days. It's no wonder I have absolutely nothing else to say or talk about.

Wait a minute! Maybe I do... Ok... People reading this... Can you see where I'm going with this? It doesn't take much for life to speed on by. You have to make time your own. You have to slow down and fit in your friends into your schedule. You have to slow down and make time to talk with God. You have to slow down and appreciate every moment you can. Time to carve out time for what's important. For me, that's relationships... with God, with my wife and son, with my friends - both near and far - and family. ML, remember that in a few months when time is going to speed up and you'll feel like putting all that on the back burner for no good reason.

Surely, I can make my point better than that. How's this? See ML play video games. See ML ignore relationships. See ML ignore God. See ML ignore his wife. See ML take everything for granted. See ML ramble. ML not good, not happy. See ML struggle with blog posts. Stuggle, ML, Struggle.

You see how that works? Ignoring what's important will affect your life. Or something more eloquient.

If you made it this far into my sleep deprivation, I have one small, simple request. Leave a comment just letting me know you come here and read my ramblings. Judging by the stats, I'd say there are more than two regular readers, yet I never hear from you invisible folks. I'd really like to know who you are, where you're from, why in heaven's name you find this place interesting enough to come back to time and time again.