"I have noticed that everyone who is for abortion has already been born"
- Ronald Reagan

In our great country (getting less great every day), the government is trying to make a point with this whole limit gun agenda. It's a lame point. In the year 2010 (I tried to find last years statistics, but came up with nothing on gun homicides in 2012) Planned Parenthood reported 329,445 abortions (homicide at the hands of "physicians"). This is the number that they reported (probably legal, if abortion could even be considered legal), but thanks to men like Kermit Gosnell, the count was most likely hire (this number also does not contribute to the deaths of abortions not done by planned parenthood). My point being that many in our country do not care about murders.  So why make a big deal over people and their rights to bear arms?

In 2010 we find (thanks to the statistics form smartgunlaws.org) that there were 11,078 homicides that were a result of guns. 19,392 deaths were a result of someone pulling a trigger to end their precious life. Accidental gun deaths were numbered at 606 lives. The grand total cited guns deaths in 2010 was 31,076. This number is less than 10% of deaths caused by abortion!!! Yet that is considered legal.

I would have to compare the two a little further. Guns are not the cause of death just as scissors and knives are not the cause of abortions. It's people and their ability to give their hearts over to evil. Place a gun in every abortionists hand, and declare it legal (no I don't believe we should do this). The facts are guns are the lesser weapons used to promote deaths. Planned Parenthood signs have just as much ability to promote death as say a picture of a hand gun. Many liberals know they wouldn't put up a fuss, especially if their precious Obama backed it up with his cheap words. Knives, bombs, ropes, power cords, and gravity are just as deadly as a gun can be in the hands of a killer.

You know a lot could be said on violence. We are surrounded by television shows, movies, media, books, video games, and music that tell us to go after our desires. Sadly those desires involve murder. I find it amusing that musician Ke$ha's (a queen of "follow your own desires")  song "Die Young" was taken of the play list of a few radio stations for like only two weeks after the Sandy Hook killings. It is back playing loud and clear. The government is not concerned about sending the message that life is important, or they would be limiting far more than just firearms. How about limiting the detrimental ideas sung by musicians whose lives scream that they are truly alone and have no reason for life. Following this paragraph is the lyrics to "Die Young", I'm sorry if it is offensive (it is to me), but in order to understand it, I believe it is necessary. This is what we have to live for? "NO!" I have my heavenly Father who is so much more than this emptiness.
 "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 
1 John 2:15




 "Die Young"

I hear your heart beat to the beat of the drums
Oh, what a shame that you came here with someone
So while you're here in my arms
Let's make the most till the night like we're gonna die young

We're gonna die young
We're gonna die young

Let's make the most till the night like we're gonna die young

Let's make the most till the night like we're gonna die young

Hearts, out our minds
Running 'till we outta time
Wild child's lookin' good
Living hard just like we should
Don't care who's watching when we tearing it up (You Know)
That magic that we got nobody can touch (For sure)

Looking for some trouble tonight (yeah)
Take my hand, I'll show you the wild, side
Like it's the last night of our lives (uh huh)
We'll keep dancing 'till we die

I hear your heart beat to the beat of the drums
Oh, what a shame that you came here with someone
So while you're here in my arms,
Let's make the most till the night like we're gonna die young

We're gonna die young
We're gonna die young

Let's make the most till the night like we're gonna die young

Let's make the most till the night like we're gonna die young

Hunks, taking shots
Stripping down to dirty socks
Music up, gettin' hot
Kiss me, give me all you've got
It's pretty obvious that you've got a crush (you know)
That magic in your pants, it's making me blush (for sure)

Looking for some trouble tonight (yeah)
Take my hand, I'll show you the wild, side
Like it's the last night of our lives (uh huh)
We'll keep dancing 'till we die

I hear your heart beat to the beat of the drums
Oh, what a shame that you came here with someone
So while you're here in my arms,
Let's make the most till the night like we're gonna die young

I hear your heart beat to the beat of the drums
Oh, what a shame that you came here with someone
So while you're here in my arms
Let's make the most till the night like we're gonna die young

We're gonna die young
We're gonna die young

Let's make the most till the night like we're gonna die young 

 

-Lyrics from Ke$ha

 

God's Word

                 

I know it becomes a question many of us are asked multiple times. How often do you read your Bible? Well, it's a great question. One that my own response has sometimes been, "uhh...."

So often we find ourselves too "busy" to even crack it open. I have used this excuse way too often. We hear of those Christians in other countries being put to death because their hunger for God's Word. Yet we become to "busy" to even let it speak to us. Movies, television, books, events, etc. distract us. I would go as far as saying that I personally did not use to pay attention when it was an item of the day to read my Bible. Why then are we in such disbelief when we don't know the truth?
 
The truth is right there in front of us, maybe in more Bibles than we can even count. Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path." How can we see into the unknown without this source of light? It's simple, we can't. How can we live as Christians if we don't know the truths of Christ?

With all the events going on in our world today, I have never been so hungry for God's Word than I am now. A drive to learn the truth takes control when the world around you is becoming all lies (part of the reason other countries' civilians hunger for the Bible, because they know that they are being fed lies). Questions are being raised more and more by the world about the validity of the Scriptures. Some say it does not apply to us any longer. If that's the truth Jesus died in vain and there is no hope for our generation. Those inclinations are not true. The world wants nothing to do with God's Word and tries desperately to silence those speaking the truth. Behavior and morality are not topics that the world wants to discuss or even be held accountable. If I am a Christian I need to be asking, am I living according to God's commands and representing Him?

  

All the Single People (and I guess married people can read this too)

            

Each day the devil finds a way to try to make us fall. There is nothing greater to him, but to see Christians fall. He knows it's a slap in the face to our Savior. Bringing disunity to churches, families, friends, and coworkers is something he strives to do. I have always pictured the devil in chains, awaiting his eternal punishment that will be an unbearable torment. And yet he wages destruction on this earth daily. He is not going down by himself.

Why is it so hard for us to say "NO" to sin? I mean we know that the devil is going to try until eternity to bring us down daily and yet we do not arm ourselves or cling to Christ before he does. I am very guilty here. There are days I know the devil is trying to bring me down, and like a fool I listen to him. I am brought down as I hear him say that I am worthless to everyone, which is a lie. It's times like these that the people we surround ourselves with is crucial. More importantly, the only person whose caring matters is God's. I know how he views me, so why do I bother to even let the devil speak?

Here is something for all you single people out there. Now I know it is tough to think that one day you may never be with that special someone. I also know how the devil uses this to bring us down. I have no doubt that the day Christ wants you to find that special someone, He will do so. There is nothing wrong with marriage, as long as it is something the Lord desires for your life. Thankfully, I have great friends that remind me that the Lord knows the desires of my heart, and if it His plan is for me to one day have a family, it will happen.

We tend to think that it is God's plan for everyone to be with that special someone. Well, I hate to disappoint, but it's not. I'm starting to see that is the lie that our culture is buying into. "If you have feelings for someone don't let anything hold you back," is the lie that we are being fed. It is almost like we somehow are promised or deserve what our selfish desires want. Hence this whole debate about homosexuality. God never told us it was alright to fill our desires however we choose. In fact if we are following Christ isn't He suppose to be choosing for us and filling all our desires?

I believe this nation became so caught up with "following our dreams" that we forgot to follow God's desires for our lives. Do we take our "dreams" to Christ and ask Him if this is what He wants? Most of the time "NO", and many times we get upset when He tells us "NO". If we truly want to follow Christ we will be satisfied with the decisions He has already planned for our lives.

I want to be happy for those that have been married before Christ and have a marriage that is honoring to Him. I will say that not all marriages are God honoring, as our country is so inclined to believe. I want to say to all my friends out there that are single, "find your joy and self-worth in Christ." So do not fear if you are single and alone, because if you are a Christian you are not alone. 

-God Bless

Leading

I'm back writing with the purpose of trying to help people understand that God exists and that His son, Jesus, is the only way that we can have a relationship with Him. The world is all about self and pleasing your own desires. This is the reason that there are numerous problems in our world and why society will not allow the truth to be spoken. Society wants everyone to obtain what each individual wants. Therefore, peace is impossible if we live like this. Each person's heart strives against others only to obtain a life filled with self. Unity can only be accomplished when each individual gives up their own desires to please Christ. Allowing Christ to work in us brings about peace and unity to encourage one another and build each other up. (Ephesians 4:1-3)

Many churches and church organizations forget this and become in trouble when individuals go after selfish gain. Many people today view leaders as people who become great and are able to tell others what to do. There is nothing wrong with a leader giving direction, but where will that direction lead? Yes, leaders can also be tyrants, but the ultimate leader was Christ. He was a servant first and foremost. Others followed Him because He spoke the truth and gave Himself as a servant. He would eventually go to the cross and sacrifice Himself only for others.

There are leaders in many aspects of our lives and just because you have a boss or political figure that is a leader, it does not mean that they are a good leader. Hitler was a leader and in his rise to power people called him great, but he lead for self gain. If we are to lead should we not serve? Should we not put aside our own desires and put others ahead of ourselves? Bringing each other down does not show strength in our leadership. Just because we can carry a big stick does not give us the ability to use it. Instead of beating each other down, why do we not beat away our selfish motives?

Refer back to an incident where you went through a team building process in a job.

All the jobs that I have had part in, have never been team building experiences. Whether it's construction, factory work, or fast food, my employers were never big on team building processes. I know that is why I enjoy working at camp so much.

Most of the time here at camp we work as a team. Everyone is different with particular roles. There are many oppotunities where I have the cahnce to build relationships with my team members or build up camp in some way. There is a purpose in every situation that arises.

Some members of the team do get frustrated at times along with myself. Camp can be stressful, but it change if the team has the goal of serving for the Lord. God is the only way that we can work in unity and with a purpose. Other jobs do not offer a purpose in serving the Lord. I want to look at every single day as an opportunity to serve the Lord. Whether I'm coming up with ideas, cleaning dishes, or creating a comforting environment, I need to remember that I am part of a team that needs to be building camp and lost souls towards God.    

My Personal assesment score: The three things I agree with and one that I do not.

     According to this assessment I am labeled as a Protector (ISFJ). One of the characteristics that I agree with is the desire to prevent problems. I can say with certainty that I do not like being around abusive conflict. Helping others and promoting harmony is a wonderful experience. It's depressing to see others argue out of hatred and difference in opinions. I remember one time as a counselor that two of the boys in my group almost started a fistfight. My reaction was grab one of them before it escalated. I wanted them to get along, but it was a difficult task.

      The second interest that I know I have and agree is that I enjoy working with photography. Taking pictures of day to day activities and capturing the outdoor life is fascinating. When I was in college I took a photography class and absolutely loved it. Just going through the process of developing the film and enlarging the photograph was enjoyable. I think being a protector involves a certain care for nature and outdoor involvement.

     The last evaluation that I agree with is that I might bite off more than I should. Seeing people around me that do not get along is a burden to me, though I need to realize that I can not solve every dispute I see. God is the ultimate Protector and has His hand in every situation. I need to allow Him to work and learn how He would handle a stressful situation. I want to involve God in every aspect of my life.

     The one assessment statement that I disagree with is that the protector is least likely to seek positions of leadership. Someone who is a protector does have a leadership position. Keeping others safe and teaching others to live in harmony is a perfect example of being a leader. God calls everyone to lead whether their own lives or being a representative of Christ. I want to lead others to Christ and to live in harmony.

Blog # 20 Knowing that I am amiable, how would I relate to guests, staff, and the development of camp?

      Knowing that I am amiable, I have a laid back approach on guests. I'm glad that they are here and I try to interact with them as much as I can. However, I need to be a little more expressive towards the guests. This would include having more interaction with the guests that come in. Showing the guests that I'm glad they are here and interacting with them more is a good way to start expressing myself.

     Working around the Hidden Acres staff gives me an opportunity to see the different characteristics that each individual holds. Being amiable with the staff is a part of my day to day life. I am slow to mention solutions or new ideas. My laid back character hinders me sometimes when expressing new ideas. I don't want my ideas to be shot down or believe that my idea is more important than it actually is. Expressing my viewpoint is difficult because I don't know if others want to hear it. I am okay with that, but I think I need to learn to take the risk of offering my opinion when asked.

     The way I relate to the development of camp is similar to the way I relate to the staff. I know that the ideas I have to improve or add to camp might be valued, but I'm afraid that these ideas will be shot down. I should probably write down some ideas and present them at the right time.