Obsession and Vicarious Worship

My last blog was mainly aimed at Christians and asked the question: “Are you just preaching to the converted?” The post was about building relationships and opening discussions and dialog with non-believers. Not just for the purpose of proselytizing, but to build inroads of both respect and tolerance. That being said, I decided to address the same question with the Atheists/non-theists.

Preaching To the Converted

Yeah...We've heard it already.

I know that it can be a marvelous thing to edify and uplift the brother and sisterhood of believers. As a matter of fact, I would say that a vast majority of Christian blogs and social media are geared towards likeminded believers. I find this trend so pervasive that I often ask myself: “what’s the point?” Meaning, if the only people you are blogging, Tweeting, and Facebooking for are those who agree with you…I fail to see the purpose. To me this is nothing more than Social Media Masturbation (SMM).  In reality, how many times can we Tweet, Retweet, and “like” John 3:16? Or how many times can we write some fluffy, feel good  Christian blog discussing all the benefits of being a Christian? People on the outside looking in would view this as a sad attempt to prop up the beliefs of a topping religious system. Now I’m not saying this is true…but it is the outside perception.

Get the F out my Way! I'm Spreading Christmas Cheer!

I always loved Christmas; it seemed my birthright to love the holiday that celebrates Christ’s birth, I was born in the wee morning hours the day after Christmas. I tried my darnedest to be born on the actual day of Christmas, but I blame the blizzard of 1982 for prolonging my entrance into the world. As a girl I loved everything about Christmas, because it all seemed to be about me and my birthday too. I remember many birthdays lying under the tree with a new doll or notebook gazing up, entranced by the branches, tinsel, and lights. As I got older I loved the traditions and sharing the season with my family. But the last few years I’ve changed my mind about Christmas and all the silliness it brings out in people. I’m not so sure it’s the most wonderful time of the year, I think it might be the most schizophrenic time of the year. Now, I already trashed Thanksgiving so I will attempt to temper myself on the Christmas topic and I promise I’m not fighting any war on Christmas. As far as I’m concerned we can skip X’mas all together.

The Deist in Me

It has been said that Deism is as far from Christianity, as Atheism; I personally don’t agree. Deism can be simplistically defined as: a religion or category of belief that assumes the probable existence of a higher power/God based on reason, nature and experience. Explaining Deism can be complex, so any trite definition will have some shortcomings. Deism itself can be a category of belief, or a religion depending on who is doing the defining.

So how do I relate to Deism?

I think there are many Christians out there who believe that God moves people around like zombie chess pawns. They also tend to think every mundane interaction and circumstance has the hand of God written all over it. I have found that Christians of this ilk seem to be virtually unable to effect change in their own lives, which basically means they are ineffective in helping others. These neutered Christians rationale is that- God is “in control” of their lives…thus, HE must want them in their current circumstances (which usually means if God doesn't miracle their arse out of a situation…They aren’t moving!) I know that Milton said: “They also serve who stand and wait”…but even a blind Milton would have seen the thinking errors of these would-be Christians.

The Truth of the matter is:

God has pretty much done all HE is going to do. Creation, Jesus Christ, The Holy Spirit, The Bible- how many more tools does a “believer” need? Time for Christians to nut up and stop waiting for a divine sign to move them! Because if you are waiting for God to move…you might just be left waiting in a pant full of your own feces while the opportunity to serve humanity passes you by…Get into the game!

So how do you think God interacts with the world these days?
Are you more of a Deist…or more divine interventionist?

Losing a Part of Me...

On Tuesday this week Mark and I drove to the hospital in –9 degree weather to have my gallbladder removed. This week I’ve been recovering in the form of laying on the couch and ordering Mark around. So the topic most clear in my mind at the moment is my absent gallbladder and my present abdominal pain. So can we have a little fun with this post and just let me whine a little? And if this is silly and rambling, just blame it on the pain meds.

Believe in Creation? Boy you’re an Idiot! (Part 1)

I totally agree that the creation of the universe is awesome!

Believe in Creation/Creator? Boy you’re an Idiot!

Yes, this is what almost every proponent evolution thinks of you. It does not matter if you hold advanced degrees; if you believe in a Creator, every atheist, Darwinist, and evolutionist, with a GED is smarter than you! Why? Because all of the evidence is on their side…isn’t it? Well, not exactly…

The Theatre of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving used to be one of my favorite holidays; it was a close tie with the 4th of July. And now I think the girl who used to love those holidays was perhaps a little more ignorant and a little less cynical than the woman I am today. Because today I am sick of the obsessive need for symbolism over substance in this country, in this world. It seems to me that people are more content to talk about or honor things that are important to them rather than actively change their lives to reflect their own values. We would rather put plastic pink ribbons on our bumpers than donate money to breast cancer research, we would rather donate money than go sit with a woman while she receives chemotherapy or stuff envelopes and sweep up at an understaffed nonprofit. We would rather drop 50 cents into the bell ringer’s bucket than offer to share a meal with a smelly homeless person. We would rather change our facebook status to “support” the newest trendy cause than actually support it and we would rather spend one day pretending to be thankful than to actually live lives of gratitude. If Black Friday doesn’t demonstrate what a joke Thanksgiving is, I don’t know what does. On Thursday I’m thankful for everything I have, but on Friday I have to go out and buy bigger and better things to be thankful for, cause what I’ve already got certainly isn’t enough.

Why I believe Evolution is a Fact

Yes, we are all Evolving..but which way?

ev·o·lu·tion/
Noun:    The process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the...
The gradual development of something, esp. from a simple to a more complex form.

This blog was inspired by an atheist friend of mine who wrote a post about how he has now come to believe in Creation/Intelligent Design. He writes: “What I discovered was a form of life that could not have evolved. In ability and life expectancy, it outpaces us. It is surprisingly intelligent and simply has no classifiable family tree.” 1

The Dark Side of the Reformation.

I have some other opinions too!

I planned to write this blog on October 31st - “Reformation Day”…but due to getting caught up in the pagan holiday- Halloween, I decided to put it on the back burner (kids in costumes are so damn cute! And they require candy!)  However, there is a time and season for all good and bad things, and depending on your attachment (or lack thereof) to dogma and denomination, opinions will inevitably vary. So lets rumble!

I believe if Christians are to have a legitimate dialog with non-believers we have to dispense with the propping up of straw-men and engaging in blatant lies of omission. In fairness, I must say that most Christians do not openly lie…they are just uninformed. But Christians today cannot afford to be oblivious when it comes to matters of church history, nor can they continue to be ignorant concerning other belief systems, and religions.  To remain on this path will only continue to reinforce the notion that Christians are a naïve, bigoted, and close minded group of  individuals. 

Martin Luther (1483-1546)

Martin Luther’s involvement in the Protestant Reformation is very well documented. Luther, a German theologian and religious reformer, started the Protestant Reformation and forever caused a schism within the Catholic Church. His influence extends well beyond religion to politics, economics, education and language. In 1505, after receiving a bachelor's and master's degree, he suddenly abandoned his studies, entered the Augustinian monastery in Erfurt and became a monk. He became a controversial figure when he published his Ninety-Five Theses, opposing the indulgences (release from the penalties for sin through the payment of money by the Catholic Church). This resulted in his split from the Roman Catholic Church where he established unique Christian interpretations about the Bible and theology. His influence resulted in the major Protestant denomination of Lutheranism where their churches today use Luther's name.

What is not often taught about Martin Luther is his open disdain and hatred of the Jewish people. In Luther’s wonderful little work entitled "On the Jews and their lies," 1543- he really shows his true colors. Initially Luther was sympathetic towards the Jews…however, when he found out that it was very tough to “convert” them, he became a tyrannical madman lashing out with unbridled vitriol and hatred.

Some examples:

He who hears this name [God] from a Jew must inform the authorities, or else throw sow dung at him when he sees him and chase him away.
-Martin Luther (On the Jews and Their Lies)

Moreover, they are nothing but thieves and robbers who daily eat no morsel and wear no thread of clothing which they have not stolen and pilfered from us by means of their accursed usury. Thus they live from day to day, together with wife and child, by theft and robbery, as arch-thieves and robbers, in the most impenitent security.
-Martin Luther (On the Jews and Their Lies)

Luther’s anti-Semitic rants and tendencies did not go unnoticed. In Mein Kampf, Adolf Hitler listed Martin Luther as one of the "greatest reformers". And similar to Luther in the 1500s, Hitler spoke against the Jews. The Nazi plan to create a German Reich Church laid its bases on the "Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther." The first physical violence against the Jews came on November 9-10 on Kristallnacht (Crystal Night) where the Nazis killed Jews, broke glass windows, and destroyed hundreds of Jewish synagogues, just as Luther had proposed.

I want to close by saying that I realize that we are all human, and we all make mistakes. I also believe God can use the work of flawed men to further His Kingdom. My problem with Luther is that his anti-Semitic antics occurred while he was a supposed “born again Christian”. So in good conscience I cannot say that Martin Luther displayed his hateful words/behavior out of youthful naiveté', lack of education, or out of unfounded Christianity. That being said, I wonder what bible this religious dolt was reading? But in fairness…Luther was not alone in his “assholery”. Next week, John Calvin is on the Reformation chopping block.

So what are your opinions about Martin Luther?
Did he really deserve a whole denomination named after him?
Any defenders/Lutherans?

Now this is a "Luther" I can get into!

Schism Sunday XVII: Accountability in the Church

Mark has threatened that if I don’t write a blog post soon, he’s going to change the name of the blog from 3-fold Cord to 2-fold Cord. So as not to get booted from the amazing trio that is Mark-Carla-Jesus, I am taking heed to his pleas to get back behind the keyboard. And what better way to announce my grand return than to get back into our Schism Sundays.

Recently I heard a story about a couple that was active in their church. They were on the church council and participated in the worship band. Unfortunately the male half of this couple had a wandering eye, a wandering hand, and many other wandering body parts. He was playing an instrument in the band, but it wasn’t the one assigned to him. If you haven’t caught on this man was having an affair with a fellow church-goer- the French horn player to be exact. The story goes on that she is one of many mistresses and his wife leaves him. Though the French horner isn’t his only infidelity, he decided to pursue a “relationship” with her after his wife leaves. So the wife starts coming to church separately with their two young children and finds it difficult to explain to the kiddos why daddy is at church with his new girlfriend and why that seems to be ok with everyone. So the wife and kids leave the church- no one knows if they find another church- and Mr. Unfaithful and Ms. French Horny continue their relationship and remain at the church continuing to be active in multiple church groups and activities.

Perhaps this is taking it a bit too far.

This story left a bad taste in my mouth. I never like to hear about infidelity, especially amongst those who’s outward life is a mask of godliness, but to hear that there were no consequences within the church itself for the public sin of these two bothered me. Now I’m not about scourging sinners at the altar or calling them out during service- it doesn’t leave much room for Christ’s forgiveness and Grace, but shouldn’t someone in the church leadership have said something to the not-so-secret lovers? Isn’t boinking a church band member whom you’re not married to grounds for removal from the church council? Is it really the church’s place to turn a blind eye to such obvious sin? Especially when the end result was three innocent church members becoming estranged from said church?


So tell me what you think? What is the role in the church in such matters? Do you agree that everyone pretends they don’t know about the public unraveling of a marriage? Is ok for someone to remain on a church council even though he’s broken a marriage vow and a commandment? I mean this guy wouldn’t even be allowed communion in the Catholic church. Is there a balance between consequences and grace? Should churches be holding it's members accountable for their actions?

Lack of Spiritual Discipline---->A road to Easy-believism

St. Ignatius crossing over.

I just finished reading The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius; and while I was not overly surprised, I must confess, it was not what I expected. Personally, I thought the book would contain a collection of religious and biblical aphorisms liken to the Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis (c. 1380-1471). However, what I found was a detailed reflective program requiring dedication and self sacrifice.  Now having spent over 14 years in the occult, I felt a tinge of a déjà vu while reading this entertaining book of meditations and other spiritual gymnastics. The reason I say this is because in the occult, as well as many aspects of Eastern mediation, are based on a graduated system of attainment: meaning- the initiate has a measurable way of monitoring successes, failures, and ultimately their overall progress. Being that I’m an outcome based individual, I really enjoy being able to gauge my development, both in my physical as well as my spiritual life.  

The problem I find with Christianity, as a religion, is that it is full of inconsistencies and ambiguity. While we agree that Jesus Christ is the linchpin of the whole system, the rest is basically willy-nilly and up for grabs. The lack of organization and reverence of God has also reached pandemic proportions within the church. Denominationalism has ultimately proven to be the hobgoblin of Christianity by turning the teachings and principles of Jesus Christ into dens of greed and enlightened self interest. Who says we Christians can’t have our cake and eat it too? Ah, crap! Take away my shovel- I’ve gone digging again! But I digress..

Aside from the *Sadomasochistic elements of his exercises, I believe that Ignatius definitely has something to teach the weak minded undisciplined Christian. For there are those within Christendom that fancy themselves as devout believers…but in reality, they would not know what to do if they were denied their café mocha during a worship service. Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and basically every other religion, makes Christianity look like a bunch of pantywaists. But at least we got Jesus! And while this is true…mediocrity, inconsistency, and selfishness are symptoms of the debilitating disease know as “Easy-believism”. I pray daily that none of us fall into that pit of Hell.

How do you measure progress in your Christian walk?
Do you meditate?
Could you use more discipline in your Spiritual life?


*Some of St. Ignatius meditations suggest implementing  self-flagellation...though he did say this was optional. If used, it was not to cause permanent injury. In other words, flog lightly:->

My God is not your god!

If you ever have the opportunity to engage in an intense debate over Twitter, I would highly recommend it! It’s even more interesting if you happen to have a couple thousand followers and they are only seeing snippets of the entire conversation. Case in point: I was recently in a one sided debate with some knucklehead who claimed to be an Atheist. Now this dolt was an insult to Atheists because his definition of debate was basically calling me names like “fu*k face, cock-sucker, and  dickballs” (I must confess I actually liked the last one!)

Who's Your Enemy?

We  have all heard the lame-ass phrase/excuse “the devil made me do it.” Even the most die hard proponents of the devil’s shenanigans would agree that this excuse is about as relevant today as parachute pants, poodle skirts,  and the once popular pet rock. That being said, is that the end of this flaccid rationalization…or has the necessity of a newer inventive whitewash put old El Diablo back in the catbird seat?

*The Rapture: What are you waiting for?

"Fab Five Freddie told me everybody's fly"...Now Let's fly to the clouds!

We all know that the Christian term  “The Rapture” is nowhere to be found in the Bible, but that does not stop christian authors from writing countless numbers of sensationalized books based on the subject; not to mention, it provides endless fodder for fear based Sunday sermons. As for me, “Rapture” will always be that wild 80’s song by Blondie.

The Economy and the Church: BROKEN!

If our bodies are temples, maybe we should all aspire to make them mega-churches?

When it comes to the church- spiritual progress is measured in terms of square footage, the number of attendees, and annual incomes. In Christian leadership conferences these Über-churches and their leaders are touted as the spiritual “gold standard”.  Over the years a sort of celebrity-like cult has developed around many of these churches and their pastors. This phenomenon makes me wonder whether the church is now in its ascendancy…or its decline?

Schism Sunday XVI: The Art of Memorializing Tragedy

I know today is not Sunday, and there is a reason for that. There are things I like to let pass before I open up a can worms. But today is Monday, and I am opening the can up!

If I had lost a loved one tragically 10 years ago and I was still actively mourning and commemorating his or her day of death with emotional displays and expensive rituals most people would either be annoyed with my inability to move on or concerned about me. People would urge me to move on and to heal and not to stew in grief for 10 years or more. People who cared for me would want me to find new meaning and purpose in life and would want to see me healthy and happy.

Sabotaged Plans

I went to my 10 year High School reunion about a month ago and I have a cluster college reunion coming up in a few weeks. And I’ve realized (like I’m sure most of us have at some point) that my life is not at all what I thought it would be. And you know what? I am so thankful for that.

What are you so afraid of?

We live in a scared world. Don’t read that wrong, I didn’t say we live in a scary world. We live in a scared world. Everyone lives scared. What are you all so afraid of anyway?

I’m sure you all have a bunch of answers for me. You’re afraid of your someone stealing your kids, of someone stealing your car, of a masked boogie man in the night. You’re afraid of Hurricane Irene, the crumbling economic system, hail damage to your new car. You’re afraid that you’re genetically inclined to get the heart disease that killed your father, that you’ll need surgery on your aching knee, and that bump is some kind of cancer. You’re afraid of car accidents, the evil in the middle east, and all the sex and violence on tv. You’re afraid someone will steal your identity, steal your wallet, or rape your wife.

And you’re afraid that if a blogger uses an edgy metaphor to describe modern Christianity that his blazonness could change your faith or change God. Or worse yet, that he might right.

God the Drunk Uncle (Part 2)

Because behind Every Drunk Uncle- there is one

In a dysfunctional family the mantra is often: "there is no problem here". Dysfunction is the culmination of secrets, lies, and hidden fears. These secrets, lies, and fears then manifest into a distorted view of reality, one which we are forced to live and defend. 

God the Drunk Uncle (Part 1)

Is that you God?

2 Timothy 3:5:

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.​

I wonder if Christians are often afraid of making God look like an incompetent pussy? I say this because we always seem to be making excuses for God when it comes to tragedies and other matters of human drama. The God of Christianity has become like the drunk uncle who lives in the back room of Grandma's house.

Schism Sunday XV: Freak Flags

We are called to be set apart. We are called to be different; to be a peculiar race. We aren’t meant to be of this world and we are supposed to display the hope that is within us outwardly. We are, ourselves, the vessels of the Gospel and we are supposed to draw the curiosity of unbelievers. But when exactly, when we are in this world, interacting with new people, are we supposed to launch and display our Jesus freak flag? How do we prevent curiosity from turning into crazy Christianity that everyone easily dismisses? When do we set ourselves apart?

Are you Salty...or are you Sweet?

“Ye are the Salt of the Earth....”

The Bible says that we are to be the Salt of the Earth…however, many Christians today prefer to be the sugar of the earth, meaning that a weak gentle spirit, totally devoid of any intestinal fortitude, is the new Christian ideal.

Dear Jesus

As I’m packing to leave for a business trip to San Francisco my mind is jumbled with thoughts and ideas. I haven’t been pulling my weight on the blog lately and I’d really like to get at least one post written this week but I can’t seem to concentrate on one subject long enough to write a cohesive post. Thoughts of driving all over South Dakota for work, high school reunions, sick moms, tense family situations, and wondering when I’ll ever feel rested again float around my head like gold fish swimming in a pond with a no fishing sign. All this distraction and lack of concentration reminds me a lot of my prayer life as of late.

Inglorious Pastors: Men of God…or Demigods?

Today is the age of rock star pastors fist-pumping out Jesus-jukebox sermons for sellout crowds. These same pastors churn out so many books that it’s a wonder how they have time to bed their wives and procreate. Of course there is a such thing as ghost writers but in regards to procreating, out of decency, I chose not to go down cuckolded road.

Schism Sunday XIV: Relationships

One of these two is too young to get married!

In our relationship, one of us is a certain amount of years older than the other. Some would call this a significant amount of years and prior to our marriage I noticed a fair share of raised eyebrows and heard a handful of snarky comments. It was and is not something that has ever bothered either one of us and has only been mentioned in a total of 2 arguments in the 5 years that we’ve known each other. One day while waiting in line at a grocery store I picked up a trashy magazine to peruse and found a celebrity couple that was the same number of years apart as Mark and I and they were referred to as a May/December romance. I was actually a little offended (yea by an article about other people, silly I know). To me, May/December means a 22 year old with a 55 year old- where one of the lovers could be the other person’s parent. This is not the case with us, but it seems plenty of people have opinions on such matters. In love and marriage does age really matter?

Guest Blog: Abraham Chronicles

That's a pretty sweet Couch!

Today I have the honor and privilege of Guest Blogging over at Abraham Chronicles!

Abraham Chronicles is piloted by one cool cat named Dustin Valencia! I have enjoyed Dustin's blog for many months now and it has garnered quite a following from other great Christian Blogger Hipsters. I must warn you: there is something about Abraham Chronicles that makes you just want to spill your bloody guts to the world! Not sure what it is, but you have been warned. Now click HERE ASAP to head on over and watch me spill mine! 

Soul Meets Body

So many more chapters to write!

I want to first start off by saying that I love my gorgeous wife with all my heart and soul! She is the strongest, most beautiful person I have ever had the privilege of knowing…and she is my best friend (with benefits!)

Now I’m not saying this because I’m in the doghouse for forgetting our anniversary, leaving the toilet seat up, or getting drunk and passing out at a family function. I’m writing this because my wife is going through some really heart wrenching stuff, on top of recently starting a brand new job.

The Struggle to Surrender

I am going to attempt to write a real blog. A real post about something interesting and important and of God. I am going to attempt to keep the tone appropriate and not drown you all in the melancholy I feel right now. I am going to attempt to write above and beyond my feelings even though my brain, my aching heart, and my flesh scream at me to write about the lake of sorrow I am swimming in. But I hear a very small voice telling me not to. I don’t want to be the Debbie Downer blogger so I am attempting this as an act of obedience. Forgive me if I slip into momentary instances of morose, I will try to stay on track. Be patient with me.

“There is no bigger word and no word made more shallow than ‘surrender.’ To say ‘I surrender all’ may be blathering sentiment, or it may be the deep passionate utterance of the life.” Oswald Chambers

Luke 14:26-27, 33

Surrender. Submit. Yield. Bow. Bend. Cede.

Schism Sunday XIII: Politicians & Stalkers

You know you want ME!

Bend over...I'll drive!

A couple of things have been on my mind during the last week: Politicians and Stalkers. Politicians because of the debt ceiling quagmire that is currently inundating twitter and other social media- and Stalkers because a good blogger friend of ours has been targeted by some cyber-psycho who has apparently watched “Play Misty for Me” and “Fatal Attraction” one too many times.

Voices through the Walls

Yeah, I hear ya!

There are many voices that go out unto the world…Most are not of God.

Many years ago I was counseling a client who was diagnosed with Paranoid Schizophrenia. Recently this client had just moved into a new apartment and he was complaining to me that his neighbors were talking about him through the walls. When I asked him what the neighbors were saying about him, he told me that they were talking about how "dirty, smelly, and nasty" he was and that they wished he would take a "damn shower.” I asked him if he had ever met his neighbors? He said “no.” After telling me this he had small epiphany which led him to say: “Now how the hell would they know if I needed to take a shower!?! They have never met me and I’m fuc*ing always clean!” I told him that was a great question! For how could someone you never seen, or been in close proximity to, know about your personal hygiene habits?

Schism Sunday XII: The Golden Years

Would you want to spend the last years of your life in an glorified dormitory with strangers as your neighbors and shower mates, with strange people in monochromatic outfits “checking in” on you a few times a day? Would you want to spend the last years of your life with the complete inability to select your daily schedule and with the décor of plain walls, handicap rails and fluorescent lights? How would you feel if you didn’t get to pick your own meals, your own bedtime, or when and where you took your meds? How would you feel to lose all privacy and all independence? How would like to face condescension and baby talk from those who purport to take care of you? Doesn’t sound like the best way to spend the golden years does it?

Would you like to spend the last years of your life wasting away in a nursing home?

Did God always know Everything?

The intention of this short little post is not to cause a metaphysical controversy; nor do I desire to be branded as a heretic...however, I would like to ask a very simple complex question: Did God always know Everything? Now this has nothing to do with freewill because regardless of whether or not God knows the outcome of our future decisions, this does not negate the fact that we still make those said decisions.

My question more specifically is: Before God came in the flesh as Jesus Christ, did HE (GOD) know what it was like to be a flesh and bone human-being? I know that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost have always been…but Jesus did have to be born via a human mother in order to fulfill the scriptures.

What do you think:

Could God have truly known the physical struggles, temptations, and mortality of being human before Jesus Christ came in the flesh?

If the answer is “No”…Does this mean that God was not totally omniscient?

Door to Door Jesus

Recently we have had two instances of people trying to sell us something door to door. The first instance was a high school kid trying to sell us magazines for an upcoming senior trip. His sales pitch consisted of evoking Dale Carnegie interlaced with some slapstick comedy- ala Keystone Cops. The poor kid was unfortunate looking, not to mention he had a hideous grill which made me want to ask where he lived so I could go kick the crap out his parents! In order to put an end to his dancing and verbal theatrics, I took pity on the poor lad and purchased a wine aficionado magazine (that I still have not received!)

My Pocketful of Jewels

Well it’s been almost a week since our last post. I feel like a very bad blogger. We were at my parents over the 4th and when we got back home neither one of us felt very well for a few days. I blame all the smoke we inhaled from sitting around the fire with the fam. Honestly, on my part, part of me not feeling well is a weariness and an impatience that has prevented me from sitting down to write. And it’s not like I can’t think of anything to write about; in fact I have a gazillion ideas running through my head for blog posts. But I seem to lack any focus. So, in hopes that I don’t torture you with listless rambling, I will try keep this very late blog very short (well, short for Carla anyways).

Be Careful What You Pray For

This could be a dangerous activity

Have you heard the phrase, “Be careful what you pray for?” I’ve heard it quite a few times and I have to admit it kind of annoys me. But that might be because I don’t like repetitive, unoriginal, cliched phrases of any sort. Or it might be because there is some truth in it. You should be careful what you pray for. Or who you pray for. Here are few examples.

Beware of Smiling people bearing Gifts!

After working 16+ years in the Behavioral Health Field you are bound to have a few stories…This is one of many:

In the mid 90’s I was working as a behavioral heath counselor in a residential group home for adults with traumatic brain injury. Within this particular home there were two clients that fought non-stop, their names were Alan and Mike. Now most of Alan and Mike’s altercations merely involved flipping each other the bird, calling each other vulgar names, and berating each others favorite sports team. But once in awhile, if staff was not paying attention, they would get medieval on each others asses! and when this happened, both of them, along with staff, usually got hurt.

Schism Sunday Vol. XI: Is a Sin a Sin?

We’ve all heard of the idea that sin is sin, no matter what it is. We’ve heard that all sin is equal in the eyes of God. I think I’ve even liked this idea in the past; my sin as viewed by society could be better or worse than your sin, but because we are both trying to please God they are equally distasteful to Him. And equally forgivable by Him. But what if we’re wrong? What if some sins are worse than others? What if the notion of “A sin is a sin is a sin” just isn’t true?

My God....My Scapegoat

How many times have you heard the following from Christians:

• It wasn’t in God’s timing…or… In God’s time, not ours
• It wasn’t God’s Will
• I did not feel led by God
• God did not give me the gifts/abilities to do this or that.
• I needed a solar powered calculator that day and God did not provide me any sunshine!

Tick Tock, Tick Tock

This lady and less fancy ones make me cry.

I’m going to go out on a limb and tell you a desire that I don’t tell very many people about, and I’ll tell you why I don’t talk a lot about this little desire of mine. Ok, here goes. Deep breath. I. Want. A. Baby. Like I really really want a baby. When I see pregnant women I tear up. When I hear about another chick I went to college or high school with who has been married for 2 months and is pregnant I am irrationally angry, and the teen girls on MTV’s Teen Mom frustrate me and stir up jealousy I never knew I had. This darn clock is kicking my butt!

Schism Sunday Vol X: Did Adam and Eve Start the Fire?

Had Billy Joel been alive shortly after the Fall of Mankind- I’m sure he would have been happy to dedicate his song: We didn’t Start the Fire to Adam and Eve. I mean we attribute all our sorrows to these two vagabonds don't we? Well, watch video above and then get your thinking caps on because I got some questions for ya!

Polite Gossip: Keeping the Peace for 2000 Years

So we all know that gossiping is wrong. We know that it is a sin to backbite. We’ve heard the sermons; we’ve read the scripture. I think gossip and backbiting is one of the most confessed sins out there (we’re expected to gossip, it is so much easier to confess gossip than say lusting after a co-worker, or that sneaky porn addiction). But what about doing the opposite. Do we condemn actually speaking the things we say behind people’s back when we say it to their face? What has more integrity speaking harsh, words to someone’s face or behind their backs? Perhaps they are both devoid of integrity all together.

Sunday Schism Vol IX: Can you lose your Salvation? Are you going to Heaven? Probably not.

This seems legit to me

Are you saved?
Are you going to heaven?
Have you been down the Romans Road?
Are you saved by Grace?
Are you continuing to work out your salvation with fear and trembling?
Can you lose your salvation?

I am a Rock; I am a Christian Island

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one's own resources or in the stability of earthly things]--these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself]. 1 John 2:15-16

Who/What are you Bound by?

When I think about being “bound” it evokes images of the super-heavy duty fur-lined handcuffs and foot restraints we received as a wedding present last year (Thanks Mom!) Oh, the memories!! But I digress....

Schism Sunday Vol VIII: The Gay Agenda and The Church

A wonderful cause! Pick up the trash while your at it.

In Christianity we learn a lot about unconditional love, and agape love (God‘s Love). We know that God loves on a level we as humans cannot comprehend; thus, trying to understand HIS Ways is like trying to play pick up sticks with your butt cheeks (Impossible). That being said, maybe we as Christians really do not understand Gods capacity for acceptance and love?


I’m reminded of a line from Gangs of New York when it said: “we never dreamt the war.. ...would ever touch New York.”  Many Christians feel the same way when it comes to the gay/homosexual agenda infiltrating the church. We now have gay churches, as well as gay pastors and clergy on the soapbox promoting gay rights and alternative lifestyles from the church pulpit. Who would have thought?



So are today’s bible believing Christians now antiquated and out of touch with modern trends like accepting homosexuality within the church? Can a practicing homosexual enter heaven if he/she claims they have been saved… Thus- if a sin is a sin, and we are all sinners, why would homosexuality automatically exclude someone from reaching heaven after their death? Maybe we don’t understand the capacity of God’s love? Maybe we do not understand the capacity of God’s judgment? 

What are your thoughts?