When everything around me fades, Your love speaks in many a way
Your love so deep and arms spread wide, I feel the urge to run and hide
But what good would it do? It's pointless I see
Because you know every little thing about me

You made me I know, though its hard for me to grasp:
that all my faults shine through and still you love me alas

And this is where I falter, my mistake shone clear
You embrace me no matter what, I am your dear

I deserve punishment for my sin- not once or twice, but again and again!
Redemption is free, All I have to do is ask, believe it, receive it!

No stubborn ways, no foolish pride, one soft request and You're by my side
You forgive, but I must repent, turn away now run from my sin!

I know it, I cant admit, this lifestyle I live, this place in which I sit
It's heartbreaking,mindwrenching- too frustrated I forfeit
But please, Oh Lord look my way
I need you now to take this pain

Thank you for your truth, your glory is real
It's the only thing that removes this shame I feel

Glory to God, in the highest, amen!
My life to you- for your purpose again!

Check out Young & Free South Carolina - Vote for Bands

Vote for Meet the Sky:

Link: http://gotaf.socialtwist.com/redirect?l=915393534587658816221

thoughts of You

when life gets rough and all seems lost, just take a moment, survey the cross.
There is One who loves you, you shall never be alone, after all has been said, even after all you've done.
His wonders and grace are amazing still, so relax and be quiet, breathe through the spirit, and know His will.
when we are tired, He is our rest
Though we may be broken, or feel empty inside we keep striving, He deserves our best.
for all who are lonely, are there any weak?
forlorn and forgotten, wanting to cry, needing to speak.
Try my love, rest in my arms, stand close to me now, receive my peace. Your love Oh Lord astounds me, pulls me to the ground. I long to give you worship, but I cannot make a sound.
My heart beats rapid, like a lover deep in thought, my minds rests still, my lungs breathe deep, I have found what Ive sought.
You are my goal, my future and my today, I worship you Almighty
I give you my thoughts, actions, everything I say. for it is worthless without you, inhabiting every phrase, without you I want nothing, I desire to be yours and give you my praise

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Velocity Side 2

Can I just say we have some seriously talented people leading our youth? Because we do!
VELOCITY summer camp was a huge success.

Their creativity and earnest hard work really payed off as I watched 80 teens split up into 8 teams and battle it out to win the "golden sombrero" of victory.

Each day I enjoyed watching the efforts of some of the most creative people come alive as they led the teens in games ranging from human battleship to heads dipped in chocolate syrup and bobbing for gummy worms in cereal (if you weren't there you might need an explanation for these).
Rahel is a phenomenal games coordinator and knows how to have fun!

Anita and I had the pleasure of getting 20 goldfish at the nearest WallyWorld 20 miles away- Oh what fun that walmart woman had trying to catch the fish out of the tank- I almost thought I could do it myself! And the fish about half died before they even got to Kyle, as we decided to go the self-checkout way- Note to Self: never go through self-checkout with a bag of 20 fish and one barcode. Those fish were doing the wiggle jiggle under the scanner and I was in constant need of the manager's entry code. :)



And the worship experience? Never have I seen anyone work quite as hard as our band did, setting up a complete stage, with a vibrant backdrop displaying our Velocity Logo. We had projected slides on each side of the room, for the kids to sing along during worship, and a carpet that bid you to come and bow before God in praise! I laid on that carpet so many times just to feel the presence of God in that place. I cannot write a blog without thanking Brian, Ricky, Josh, Brittany, and Olivia- I simply cannot imagine singing for 7 services in 4 days- amazing.

Of course we couldn't hear it if it weren't for Mike Wingler, or follow along without Tanner- thanks guys!


But it doesn't end there- Jacoby, Jerrid, Jordan, and Kyle made everyone laugh til their sides hurt, literally! The costumes those guys made and put on proved their unabashedness for humor's sake. They can dance too- if you haven't checked out "Im on a Blob", you must.



Last but not least, Phillip- our youth pastor with energy. Each morning and night God delivered a passionate messsage through him that affected everyone. Thank you for your willingness to hear God speak to you, and relay it to us!


If you want to actually SEE how much fun we had, I encourage you to check out the video of Im on a Blob:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCCHSheNAks

VELOCITY

Of all the stories being told of the amazing Velocity trip, blobs and all, I would like to first touch on the serious side of camp. I will write a fun entry later, but all joking aside, God did an anwesome work at Velocity. Not that I expected anything less, because when you get together over 80 people already in love with God, and stick them in a camp with no cell phone service and appetizing food to distract them, great things will happen- And they did.

I must first say that I have never seen a whole room of people jumping and dancing like I did the last night of camp. Not one person could I see standing still; shy and bold alike joined in the marvelous praises to our God.
It is a picture that though not taken with a camera, will remain vivid in my mind.

Each person went to Bob Cooper for different reasons, undoubtedly expecting different things.

I didn't know what to expect. May I share my story with you? I share not to pour my heart out to you, but in hopes that pouring out my heart to God on paper will inspire you to do the same.
If you wish to continue and read, please do. If not, know that God has been glorified for 5 days by His children at NSM, and I hope it will not cease.

The Lord is so much more faithful than I could ever deserve. How wonderful it is to know that we don't have to be perfect to receive His blessing and hear His voice. A lesson I am continually learning, it seems I would have this in my heart at all times. But such are the ways of a fallen soul. I cannot pretend that I am always happy, and for this point in my life I have discovered through trial and error the root of my restleness. It is true what they say, that you become so tired mentally and even physically when you try for perfection ad battle within your soul to accomplish everything on your own. This past month has been grueling as I failed again and again to realize my source frustration is because of an unwillingness to hand everything to God. Something I thought I had been doing, and didn't realize until I was invited to Velocity....

I had been inside holding such a prideful spirit and a selfish attitude, that tore up my spirit of willingness. I quickly went from serving to please God to pleasing man.
Thinking every aspect of I service I was doing to honor Him and changing areas of service due to inward frustration, I slowly realized that I clothed myself in a selfish spirit because I performed my tasks in hopes of human recognition. Lack of self-confidence in positions I held in every area of my life was the perfect foothold for the devil to destroy my sense of peace and self-control. Like the climbing wall I attempted on the last day of camp, so internally was I grasping for a handhold I couldn't reach. One by one, the enemy took my footholds of confidence, peace, and suffiency in God and replaced them with slick walls of self-depreciation and pride.

All this to say it was by no accident that after much deliberation, I chose to attend youth camp. My first trip to any summer camp,ever- was Velocity-July 29-Aug.2. Five days I will never forget as one of the most humbling experiences of my life thus far. I may only be 18, but age has no bearing on how many worldly frustrations attack when you allow them.
As I lay one night wondering why I was making such a big deal about whether or not to serve at a youth camp, I realized my decision rested not on my desire to go or not go, but on an inward struggle of service for God vs. man. I know God realizes how very hard-headed I am with making decisions, so I begged Him to reveal His will to me. He was inducive to my selfish request and followed the next day with a sign too clear to miss, and so began my excitement for this camp called Velocity. God practically rolled out a red carpet of opportunities for me to attend this 5-day camp.
I did not force myself to read my Bible or write in my journal, but rather rested in God and engulfed myself in the worship made to Him. He blessed me by sending encouragement my way, along with a couple humbling moments, as I released myself in all out worship to Him.

Shortening my story, all I want you to know is this: Like God says in the Bible, every member of the body of Christ is vital. We make no impact for God and confuse other parts of the body of Christ, when a foot or an eye strives to be a hand or a mouth. Don't let this lie ruin your part in the body of Christ.
I know my attitude of late has been undesirable, and my performance of duties has been severely lacking, and all because of an ungratefulness of spirit towards a God who fixed talents in myself that are unique only to me.
Velocity allowed me the opportunity to release my worries of striving for perfection and worship God in the way I best know how- through my talents, and my talents only.

Amen!

Wow, this explains every thought I could never put into words. But exactly how I feel!



"You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is the beginning of the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."
Adrian Rogers, 1931

Agnese

Wow. I am so excited beyond words tonight! About an hour or maybe an hour and a half ago, I got a call from a strange number I didn't know. I answered it to hear a foreign voice to say, "is this Sarah?"; She said "this is Aggie!"

Agnese Tilinde is my friend from Latvia, a small baltic country between Europe and Russia. She has been my long distance friend for over 7 years now. Our friendship started when I was around 12, and sent a Operation Christmas Child box to her, (not knowing to where it would go) fr the first time in 5 years, I received a response from the child who received my box. Only she was two years older than me! And to my surprise, following the speculations formed about foreign countries, she spoke English! And so began the correspndence- she, 14 years old, I-12 years old. Now at ages 18 and 20, we are still friends today and finally to meet face to face!

She informed me in a letter a week ago that she has been in North Carolina for the past 4 months or so, and will be vacationing in Myrtle Beach. To my surprise, she is making a special trip to Charleston to see me!

I just cannot contain my excitement as I think how God can bring two girls from two sides of the world, to be so different yet so similiar! The more we spoke the more I realized that despite her accent, (and the fact that I have been pronouncing her name wrong all this time) that we have a lot in common.

She is Catholic, but understands the heart of God, and I believe, genuinely loves Him as I do.

The past few weeks for me have been rough. I am going through the stage of life in which I must realize my importance in society and prioritize my time and capabilities to find where it is God would have me. Applying to college, starting a new job, and finding a car have brought blessings and strife to my mental state as of late, and produced less thinking, but the desire to do more writing than ever before.

So this is my first composition in too long, to say that through the stress, God has brought me an encouagement.

To hear a girl my age, from a different country, but in the same situation in life, to say that when she distresses, she thinks of God and the plans He has for her, and how thankful she is, has humbled me to the point of sorrow.

Sorrow for neglecting God in my decisions of late and instead of thanking Him for what I do have, blaming Him for what I don't. I cannot change overnight, and my feelings will waver, but I now think of how Agnese, with less churches in her country than we have in this state, blesses God for her life, that I, in church 8 hours a week, have so much to learn.

Thank the Lord that He has made everyone different, and as she said, though each our countries and people have their faults and bad, we will look at the good and similiarities, and see the beauty of God through each.

Cry of the Free

It seems as though we try so hard
only to be stopped
They supress what we say
only because they want what we've got

Freedom isn't free
it is said just so
but there's more to the adage
something you must know

The men and women in uniform
who fight for our rights
are not the only ones in battle
on the horizon brews a storm-it is clear in sight

Capitol Hill and courtrooms, townhall
they're part of a war that ensues
one just as brutal
where just as many fall

But a war it is, not of violence
and or blood
rather tis one of principles and of laws
a torrential moral flood

To have absolute truth
is to be absolutely right
to posess the sword of words
is to be armed for the fight

When all the lights dim and cease
all's unfair in war and peace

the enemies start their prowl
what they yell is hateful and fowl

And we cry peace, peace, peace

Drop the party lines
let the platforms fall
partisanship kills
we are all one, one in all

Our heritage stands the same
from the Root of our past
but the branchig leaves differ
and explode off with a mighty blast

You may speak of a world of hope
but hope we only dream
because the line of fire has begun
I see they're falling in the stream

We are mighty warriors
different race, color, dissent
but who comes we are from one
mighty Lord from whom we are lent

They tear away our rights
they rip away our pride
they think we must be fools
think our passion will subside

Fools we may be
passion we may roar
but for this country we would die
we love it to its core

again cry the men
peace! but there is no peace
we won't let down our guard
til we bend a mighty crease

A crease to the sheet
of radicals that lurk around
as we watch our morals fade
we watch them shatter to the ground

Silent no more!
let the majority be heard
we must stand for our rights
we must be heard!

Passionate I am
radical I am not
look into my face
see how my heart is wrought

America is my home
forever it will be
but if I stand not now
could it cease to be free?

"When pigs fly we'll get our money back"

I just realized that I never wrote a followup piece on the Tea PArty. Well now that the excitement of the moment has faded, I may be writing with less pizzaz. but writing, nonetheless.

The Tax Day Tea Party in Charleston was what I consider the epitome of patriotism. There were no riots to overthrow the government, no plots to dethrone the President (despite what CNN tells you), but there was a spirit of freedom that you just can't experience while sitting back and watching the news. Truth is, this movement is a cry from a worried but thankful people. We are so thankful for the land that God has given us in which we can practice what we believe. But we are worried that that freedom could be in harm's way in disuise as this "stimulus package". What we fear is simply that the stimulus package is not stimulating the economy. It is stimulating the wallets and digging us further into debt. Despite what Presidents and Politicians may think, spending more money is not necessarily going to produce more money. We must first take a step back and evauluate what caused this economic downfall in the first place.

Short history: as Sarah sees it, (I like speaking in third person, it adds more oomph, don't you think?) our Nation as a whole has relied on credit for too long. The Deomcratic party in cahouts with financial loan and mortgage broker companies lent more money than was plausible. Not pointing fingers or blame, but it kind of all started when President Nixon took us off of the gold standard. The gold standard states that for howver much money is printed, it is backed by an equivalent of gold in Fort Knox. By neglecting this smart rule of accountability, we "opened a Pandora's Box" if you will, and started handling money like a 13 yr. old girl with a credit card.

"Stuff" we simply didn't need we started financing, and loaning, and borrowing, and all that technical jargon I will avoid. And in the 90's when President Clinton progressed our already semi-open trade with China (started also by Nixon), we stopped buying all of our good ole American products and started paying cheaper prices for cheaper made products from China, Thailand, Indonesia, etc.
Both of these principles were broken that the respectable Ronald Reagan had kept in place.

But back to the party: I heard people, young and old, from a Citadel knob cadet to a retired Veteran, speak of erecting morals and responsibilites to hold ourselves accountable, as a nation, as a people, instead of pointing fingers and shoving our problems off onto government and etc. We don't need more taxes by government, by golly thats why we left England!

The most instructive speech I feel was made by our own Governor Sanford. The poor man has been doused in blame and destructive words for rejecting governments handout for our schools.
Gov. Sanford realizes that if we dont fix this problem now, and take the consequences for our own problems, that these children we are worried about indoctrinating, I mean teaching now, then they will have to pay for our mistakes later. Its a shame that we should be as selfiish as to take money claiming its for the benefit of the child, when one day they will have to pay double for their education. They will be taxed for the handouts we recieve.

I hope you understand where the issue lies. It's not about parties, platforms , and pigs. It's about families, fundamentals, and faith. If we dont stick to our guns now, they're going to backfire and kill this way of life we call the "American Dream".

Charleston Tea Party

I don't have time to write at the moment but here are some pictures of the Charleston Tax Day Tea Party! Check back later to read about it.

-Sarah

Spot o' tea anyone?

Many Americans have been surprised and appalled at the amount of wasteful spending put forth in the new "stimulus package". WIth the belief of the impossibility for any of the senators and congressmen to have fully read and approved of everything provided for in this bill, we are standing together to find out more information about and make strides to make the voice of the people heard concerning these and other issues. I am not quite sure what is all entailed in this one hour meeting, but I do know that it is beneficial to any conservative Aerican to make be a part if this day in history. And if you don't know anyting about the situation going on in our country, or in the news, all the more reason for you to join! I am sure you will obtain all the informaton needed to understand the problem and inform those around you.
If you live in Charleston, SC, here is your opportunity: Charleston, S.C. – Wednesday, April 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Old Customs House building, East Bay St. and Market St.

If you live somewhere else, chances are there is one happening in your area too! Simply go to scroll down and find your state and city.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=91398



Girls! For those of you ladies who are interested in finding out more about politics and issues in our nation today, but have a hard time keeing up, check out Smart Girl Politics. An easy way to keep up and furnished in a blog-type firmat. Create your own page and engage in online chat and wall posts, personalize your page, and upload photos and videos. My page is: http://smartgirlpolitics.ning.com/profile/Sarah9
Make your own!

It isn't just giving up, it's letting go

I am so glad that Phillip has challenged us to recognize Lent with him and the NSM staff. The forty days of fasting, prayer, and giving up of self are a difficult, but important way of remembering Jesus' struggle against temptation in the desert.

We are tempted so much in our daily life that we don't even feel the pain, because we have lost our conviction and ability to say "no", leaving no struggle at all, but atleast for me, and unpleasing way of life. I have tried this month already to give up distractions and stumbling blocks with my Biblestudy group, but failed miserably.
I should know how as a Christ follower to give up my idols before the Lord, but if I've failed once, I've failed a million times. I could just beat my head against the wall continuously and feel better than I do when I try to overcome my desires. I realize the reason I fail is because I have the wrong intentions, and I haven't asked God for help. I cannot do it on my own and am foolish to try.

Though private in how I worship during these forty days, I think I would like to publicly express (like AJ and Phillip) what I am giving up. Food has to be the greatest burden I bear and the hardest thing to limit. While the body needs food to survive, it can at the same time destroy you. I am constantly reminded that my body is the temple of the Lord and through Jesus living in me I need to respect it just as I would the building of the church. So these forty days, though I've already messed up today, tomorrow I surrender sweets (desserts, candy, snacks)and generally unhealthy food (fries, pizza). Accountability is crucial in this process so I encourage many to join this fast so we can relate our struggles without giving in. I feel so much better, look so much healthier, and function more properly when I respect the life God has given me, and I now, for the 4th time this year, commit to try, this time without fail, to honor God by setting aside my desires for Him.


http://www.tenthavenuenorth.com/media/music "Let it Go" (read these lyrics)

Preposterous Pork or Stimulating Success?

This bill, the "Stimulus Bill", is chock full of pork. For those who may not know, "pork" is the unofficial term for the useless reasons that democrats spend the governments, and taxpayers money for. And my dear, this bill is a pigpickin' for the democrats. $$.900 million. Dollars. $$. Almost a trillion dollars! This bill is said to help stimulate the economy, prevventing those "500 million from losing their jobs". Nancy Pelosi (Speaker of the House) says that if we don't do something about the economy, right now, that 500 million Americans will lose their jobs. The problem? There are 300 million Americans in America, and probably less than half of those are working age. So Nancy Pelosi exxagerated a little. So we're already starting to see that this bill is not quite as "urgent" as the democrats and CNN say it is. I cannot remember everything included in this bill, but the few I remember are where the word "preposterous" comes in. Speaking of the Speaker of the House, Ms. Pelosi has managed to stick a 300 million dollar clause in this bill for condoms. She says tha if we do not "plan our families" that the nation will become over populated and will make the economy worse. Really? $300 million for condoms? Oh it gets better. 600 billion for global warming efforts. 150 billion to provide hybrids for CIA officials.
I was watching Glenn Beck this evening, as he was printing off the stimulus bill on his show, and as I watched the some 200 pages come of the press I thought how ironic it was that with how much paper it took to put this bill on paper, he was killing trees and moving one step further to global warming! That's going to take 1 billion more in the bill. I hope you catch the sarcasm.
So these jobs the Americans are losing, if government wants to create more jobs, instead of forking out the money on eco-issues, why don't we cut off the 1.5 million foreign imports that are continuingly being imported to take our jobs? Talk about stimulating the economy, would it really help Americans to stop outsourcing and produce our own products? No that would require too much work. Oh, you mean the work that Americans need? What a ridiculous notion. Point is, socialism. We need to be a small government economy to thrive. Anytime Federal Government starts taking our money to "plan families" ie:private issues, and regulates every aspect of our lives, we are halfway to socialism, which is halfway to communism. No one is standing up for this in the Senate. Because we are in the midst of an all-democratic overtake of the house, senate, and white house. Subjective liberals are overthrowing these principles that it has taken centuries to establish. And it is all one bill at a time.
This recession business is a slow gradual process that should'nt be rushed. Not an issue to be taken lightly, they're (government officals) are trying to shove this under us in disguise of a bill before we can open our eyes to the many flaws encased in it!.Many people warned you about Barack Obama, and all set aside what they told you, this is not a blog to bash our new President. No, I do not believe in told-you-so's and plots against the man in the most important position in the nation, But it is a blog to let you know that we are one step closer to socialism. Enough said.

I have been made aware of that step tonight. Yesterday, undoubtedly without even a hint of suspicion, President Obama signed a bill saying: If you accepted money from the government in December to bail out your private business, you are not allowed to make more than $500,000 a year. You may think, wow, that's alot of money that I doubt will be earned, no big deal. And you may also think, well it's their fault for accepting the money with "no strings attached". Problem is, the governments handout money is always attached to strings, and the government holds the upper end. By capping the pay of a small business owner, the government is infringing upon the rights of the private person. Punishing the wealthy because "they make too much" is wrong. And in a free-enterprise nation the biblical principle "No Work, No Food" presides. But many government dependees elected Obama as their President because he promised money for the welfare-wealthy. To take money from the rich and disperse it among the poor aka lazy. Big step in the wrong direction he did last night, and the senate voted for it without any ado.

If you have been watching the news, you have heard the problems our President is having with appointing seats in the cabinet. He has chosen over 3 different people who have butchered their taxes. Ie: The Secretary of Tresury just voted in cheated twice on his taxes. Sen. Tom Daschle resigned the appointment, but nonetheless was appointed, and he owed 15,000$ on his past taxes! Lastly, the man he has appointed to be the Secretary Attorney General has been the prosecuting defender of the porn industry for the past 3 years. In his new position it is his duty to prosecute against "businesses" like this. So frustrating it is to know that scoundrels like this are occupying these hotseats while we go day to day and know nothing og their tactics. This is not to sound like our government is a conspiracy, but with all of these recent issues of "missing tax papers" (Chris Dodd for example)makess me wonder. Heck, the fact that I have used negative "quotation" marks more than three times in this article is a bad sign.

Tonight or tomorrow the Senate is voting on this "stimulus bill", and if we can let our senators know that the people need them to vote against it, it could be ovethrown. But it requires you getting involved. All it takes is one phone call to Senator Lindsey Graham. Simply call the switchboard, ask to spak with someone that will talk with Graham, and tell them why this bill is preposterous. The number is:Sen. Graham 202-224-5972

Separating or Severring?

"The Walls of the Separation of Church and State"
The well know phrase thrown into the air to justify those that believe Christianity should not be instituted in the American public falls down hard on the heads of Christians. It hurts, but do we know why? Does anyone know why this statement is constitutionally wrong? Wait, did I just say constitutionally wrong? "Isn't it in the constitution?" Many may think so, but the aswer is a resounding NO! I myself haven't understood this concept until just last week, and what a revelation it was. Justice Rehnquist absolutely explains this the best in his dissenting opinion in Wallace v. Jafree

People contend that this is the intent of the 1st ammendment, that Church and State must be separated to all degrees, such a fine line being drawn between the two. But I want to draw your attention to the header picture. Do you notice Thomas Jefferson to the left of the Bill of Rights? I find this ironic, being supported in Rehnquist's reasoning for this phrase. This phrase was coined by Thomas Jefferson, but not in the Constitutional Convention. In fact, it was in a private letter to the Danbury Baptist Association. It was written 14 years after the institution of the 1st ammendment. Furthermore, Jefferson was not present in the United States when this ammendment was verified, because he was in France. Let's review the facts shall we? 1. Phrase coined by Thomas Jefferson 2. In a letter to a church 3. 14 years after the 1st ammendment, 4.Jefferson was in France when the 1st amendment was instituted. So in what context did this phrase appear that makes it so misunderstandably crucial in our courtrooms today?

"It is impossible to build sound constitutional doctrine upon a mistaken understanding of constitutional history, but unfortunately the Establishment Clause has been expressly freighted with Jefferson's misleading metaphor for nearly 40 years. Thomas Jefferson was of course in France at the time the constitutional Ammendments known as the Bill of Rights were passed by congress and ratified by the states. His letter to the Danbury Baptist Association was a short note of courtesy, written 14 years after the Ammendments were passed by Congress. He would seem to any detached observer as a less than ideal source of contemporary hisory as to the meaning of the Religion Clauses of the First Ammendment." -Rehnquist.

So we see here that Jefferson is not the man to look to if we want to know the riginal intent of the 1st Ammendment. The only way we may really know what the 1st ammendment was meant to accomplish is by looking to the actual people who wrote it. These would be, a few for example, James Madison (key proposer and writer of these Ammendments), Mr. Sylvester, Mr. Vining, Mr. Gerry, Mr. Sherman, Mr. Carroll, etc.
Being thousands of miles away in France would make it impossible in that time, where mail took weeks in the states, months across the world, for Jefferson to have had any say in the founding of the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights were proposed by the states because all but three states refused to accept the Constitution lest they had "ground rules" to ensure the prohibition of Tyranny in the newfound America.

Government is a touchy thing. So hard is it to answer every question alluded to it, so we must think first, and only, that to answer our questions we must read the words spoken by those who penned the rules. Where do you look when you have questions about a product you have purchased? Would you believe what your neighbor says about it, or would you call the manufacturer and see why it is malfunctioning? obviously, the one who created it knows it best. Same being true of our relationship with God. Who knows better than He who created you?

The Courts have been in place for oh, somewhere around c.1787. For 150 years no one used this phrase as a basis for their case in court. The first time it was ever uttered in a courtroom was 1947, Everson v. Board of Education. So it has been misconstrued for the past 60 years, versus the 150 years prior. Let me just say that cases seem to have gotten rougher and significantly more confusing in the past 60 years than in those prior. Do you think this could be because we have read to much into, and become too sensitive of the real issues?
Their (founders) actions reveal their intent. If it was the intent of Madison and his others to prohibit Christianity from being entangled within the state, tell my why then, did they the next morning pass a law to hire a minister to perform their opening prayers in the House?

You see, the real purpose in fabricating this Ammendment was to procure the evasion of a national denomination. Each state had been given federal permission to establish a state denomination. But for the federal government to favor one sect above another was sure to result in another England. Didn't they break free from that? Naturally, they wanted to be sure that it would not happen again.
They never intended for religious materials not to be displayed. The Ten Commandments displayed in front of a courtroom is in no wise a breech of this law. Prayer in schools is not threatening other religions. The point is that you are free to practice your religon. Buddhist, Pagan, Christian all have equal rights, with the difference being that our nation was founded on Christianity. Were it not for Christian men who fought and worked for this country, we would not be free. These groups and organizations are not satisfied that everyone gets free rights. They only see that one is real and oh how it angers them. As a Christian, knowing the one true Way, I can say that they are jealous. They wouldn't harass us if we weren't a threat. I love when people say, if the definition of an Agnostic or pagan is one who believes in no God, then why do they care if we talk about Him. If they know in their heart that He does not exist, then shouldn't they only view it as foolishness to be dismissed?

Several propositions were made for what the wording of the 1st Ammendment should be, and I think if you finish off by reading these, you may see in the words their intent, and then judge for yourself.

"All men have an equal, natural, and unalienable right to the free excercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience, and no particular religious sect or society ought to be favored or established, by law, in preference to others."
Virginia and North Carolina 3 id., at 659; id., at 244

"The civil rights of none shall be abridged on account of religious belief or worship, nor shall any national religion be established , nor shall the full and equal rights of conscience be in any manner, or on any pretext, infringed."
James Madison's proposal. Id., at 434

"No religion shall be established by law, nor shall the equal rights on conscience be infringed." Committee revision of Madison's proposal. Id., at 729

"Congress shall make no law establishing articles of faith or a mode of worship, or rohibiting the free excercise of religion. " Senate September 3, 1789

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free excercise thereof." Official and current wording decided by the House and Senate

http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/historics/USSC_CR_0472_0038_ZD2.html

Learning How to Trust God

This morning, while praying I was thinking of what to read in the Bible. I secretly felt ashamed because I hadn't studied my Bible in such a fashion that I wasn't following any particular plan of reading any particular book (except for Esther). But then God brought to my mind of what I learned at Biblstudy last night. I am going through Esther in the Beth Moore biblestudy, and she brings through so many verses that relate to the story of Esther that I never would have imagined would. A verse was mentioned last night in the obscure book of Habakkuk. It had also come to my mind because we spoke of it in small group Sunday. Anyways, I thought, God, isn't that one of those books that has nothing applicable to my life now? But I was surprised as I opened to the book of Habakkuk, 3 chapters small, and starting reading. To my delight the book related to the world and government, my favorite area of study. But it brings to light problems; problems that we deal with today, an it scares me how hopeless we have become. I love how God always orchestrates things in my everyday to teach me things, solve problems, and show delight. Does He ever do that for you? Isn't it fun?! I got into one of my world-changing moods last night and decided that I would commit today to studying my law. And so this book started my day out right. If you will give me a few more moments of your time, I'd like to share what this means to me. I tend to be a little wordy so if you don't read anything else read this: The book is a dialogue between Habakkuk and God, starting with Habakkuk complaining. I was astonished to read the words Habakkuk uttered to God, God! "Why do you make me see wrong things and make me look at trouble? " He speaks of the evil in the world and how evil people prosper over the good. The enemies have triumph over the Lord's people.But is he actually blaming God for his wrongs, and others' evil? But one verse grabs me- "Evil people gain while good people lose; the judges no longer make fair decisions." Oh how true this is of today! Now I know many people pull verses out and apply them even when they were obviously not meant for that context, and though this book was addressed to Israel, but it has some words that are applicable. Habakkuk complains twice and Gods answers twice. The Lord says "I will do something in your lifetime that you won't believe even when you are told about it.""The evil nation is very proud of itself; it is not living as it should. But those who are right with God will live by faith." Please read the whole book. It takes all of 15 minutes to read and let soak in. It is so true of we feel as a nation today, and what our nation has become. I continue to urge my fellow Christ followers to do what you can to protect our "godly" nation. As controversial as it may seem, vote. Vote against bills, vote for presidents, pray for our leaders, know what is happening today. We have no greater duty or honor bestowed upon us than to excercise our rights as FREE believers. We will no longer be free if we don not start using our rights, because they will soon become unnecessary and stripped away from us. Please pray!

Prayer

Prayer:

I’ve been reading in a book about the habits of prayer, and what prayer means to God. As is obvious, God doesn’t need us to tell him our wants, desires, and needs, for He already knows. But the habit of prayer is twofold- You see God wants us to come to Him with our trials. Though He knows, by us coming to Him we are showing submission and repentance. We are breaking down our barrier of pride before Him and saying” God, I really need you. I cannot do this on my own, here is my dilemma”. I have never been the type that wouldn’t go to God for fear of not being good enough. No, not because I am good enough, because I am not. But because prayer had always been my most secure way of feeling God is here with me. When I have done something wrong, when I am hurting, it comforts me so to know that He is always there, waiting like a Father to hear my complaints. I am not ashamed to tell God how I feel. Sometimes I am angry, and He is the only one that will not judge me for my actions; sometimes, I am lonely, and He is the only one there to confide in; and yet, at times, and the times He loves most, when I am happy. I am thankful and I pour my gratitude out to Him, for He has blessed me so abundantly to an extent I do not deserve. But from this devotional, here are the advantages twofold- it secures to us blessing, and it prepare us to receive them. I have neglected to understand that there are multiple facets to prayer- Adoration, Confession, Supplication, Intercession, and Thanksgiving. If you are lacking the definition for each of these terms as I am, explore them with me:
Adoration-an expression of the sense of the infinite majesty and glory of God
Confession- a humble acknowledgement of our sins and unworthiness
Supplication- a pleading of blessings upon ourselves
Intercession- a prayer for others, asking God on behalf of our brethren
Thanksgiving- an expression of gratitude to our God for His goodness and mercy
Thinking over these and understanding the importance of prayer has helped me immensely over the past couple of weeks to re-enter my relationship with Him as I have slipped into monotony in my walk. I am still not all there yet. I’ve slipped more into a 3 times a week with God rather than a daily competence with Him. If you don’t already, I encourage you to join me at Prayer on Wednesday mornings. Thought it is early at 6am I look forward to it every week and it always makes my day go smoother. Of course, you don’t have to wait til 1 hour every Wednesday to pray, but there’s just something about gathering with fellow believers to make your requests known unto God. See you there.

Pride (comes before a fall)

This weekend I took a little getaway with my fellow seniors at NSM for a ski trip to Winterplace, WV. It was possibly the coldest weather I have felt, at one point being at a low of 7 degrees with a windchill of -1! As we arrived there friday night, I was still contemplating signing up for the ski lesson. My family suggested I just pay the extra money and get a refresher, to which I indignantly assured them that I spent 6 hours on my last ski trip learning so this time I was just going to get out there and enjoy myself. Well as you read the title to this blog, do you know where I'm headed? haha well...here's the story. I consider myself pretty good, though I do fall, I insist that I am doing a thing called "making myself fall", which simply means, I'm going down a slope REALLY fast, and I don't want to run in to the person in front of me or fly off of the mountain and die, so I make myself fall. Safety precaution. Of course. Well while half of the group heads off to their lessons saturday morning, I go off with Anita, Phillip, Anna, Amy, Lauren, and Brittany for my first time skiing in 4 years. The funny thing with something like skiing, is every time you pop on those skis feels like your first time. So as I swarm through deja vu I say a quick prayer that I won't slow the rest of the group down. We ski over to the lift, and Phillip and Anita lead us to a slope they say shouldn't be too hard for Brittany and I, as we are the "newbies" of the group. We drop off at a blue slope, which means it is an intermediate level of difficulty. So I think everything will be fine, I'll make it down, no big. So we head down, and I'm doing fine! Brittany and I are bringing up the rear, and we stop to find a fork in the trail, so we discuss which way we think the rest of the group went, as they left us in the dust. we think they went straight ahead, which is a trail that looks like a straight shot down the hill, but a fellow skier on the slope tells us that we should go down the slope to the right, because though it's curvier, it's easier because of the steep drop off that is on the other slope. So we listen to him. Brittany flies down the slope as ever-cautious Sarah thinks she's being a little too fast for this curvy climate and flops herself down to determine the best way to continue. Problem being- 1. I'm on a narrow slope with a bazillion other people, 2. this is my first slope hittin' in 4 years, and 3. I'm by myself, and if I don't hurry, I will have NO idea how to get down. I happen to flop myself between a rock and a hard place literally, as I look and here I am in gap of snow between the beaten path and a light pole. To top things off my ski pops off, and as I struggle for 15 MINUTES to get my ski back on, you guessed it, my pride is shot. But I think I took it as a rather humbling lesson. For the first time my face didn't turn red, and I struggled to get myself up as quick as possible, with no regrets, and just a pinch of frustration. I finally got the guts to continue on when I realized I was caught on a rather conveniently placed thorn bush by the side, and continued another 5 minute struggle to get untangled. Finally! I'm free. I finish the slope, but not being familiar with the park, search for where my group could have gone to as no one waited, and there are hundreds of people caked in front of me. But rather confidently I skied my way down two beginner slopes until I found my way to Brittany. She was standing at a ski lift having the same thoughts I was presumably, as we agreed we didn't know where the group could be, so we headed back to the lodge. While I was by myself skiing I kept thinking that though not an unpleasant experience, how I could have avoided it all had I not been to prideful to admit that maybe I could use one hour of practice to refresh my feet how to slide on snow. Great lesson, thanks God! He knows my heart and I thank Him for the lesson given, as I decide that from now on I won't hesitate for help. The rest of the trip was very relaxing, despite the lead heavy feet and bitter cold. Olivia and I bonded as we hit the easy slopes talking over life plans and God's will. Nothing was more beautiful to me that day than sitting in the ski lift, miles above ground, surrounded by snow covered trees and listening to my theme song for the trip .As I skied, listening to John Mayer's 3x5, nothing could have felt more appropriate as I hummed along: "I'm writing you to get you up on places I've been...hoping I would see the world through both my eyes.../maybe I'll tell you all about it when I'm in the mood to lose my way with words.../ today skies are painted full of colors.../ and strange how clouds that look like mountains in the sky next to mountains anyway.../brought me back to life."
By the end of the trip Brittany, Elizabeth, Olivia, and I got to ski down the intermediate slopes multiple times with no hesitation, and I sit back now and think, when can i do it again someday? Thanks to God's magnificent creation and ever-present help as I shouted a few "Oh God"'s along the way, it is an experience I will never forget.