"In God We Trust"....well, what would happen in your life if you did just that? Trust in God. This is not a big post. There isn't any big words for you to highlight on your iPhone and then request a definition. It's a very simple thought and method for getting through life. Life can be kind of daunting so let's not think of that. Let's just take it day by day. For some that quote can may even be daunting...let's start very small.
"God, today I'm putting all my trust in you. Whatever happens today, decisions that need to be made, situations needing confederation, etc. whatever it is it is in your hands."
...He's not going to pick out your outfit. Get real, get dressed, start your day, and see where God takes it!
IN GOD WE TRUST
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
RELEASE DATE MARCH 8TH 2013
CON is a story that displays
true wholeness. Only divine
intervention can cause the type of outcome that has taken place in the life of
Miguel Gallegos, despite the numerous traumatic experiences to which he was
exposed from childhood through adulthood. If you are trying to escape a cycle
of chaos and confusion, this book is for you. If you need a deeper relationship
with Jesus Christ and are ready to walk through the next open door, this book
is for you. If God has placed a calling on your life and you have tried to
avoid that calling, this book is for you. CON is transparent in its
content, genuine in its approach and absolutely transformative in its effect on
the reader.
- Karissa J. King, MA, MFTIFriday, December 14, 2012
Connecticut elementary school shooting
This morning after packing my son’s lunch and
helping him prepare for his weekly spelling test, I began reading the morning
headlines. Across my laptop screen I see the yellow “Breaking News” update. It
read "Connecticut Elementary School Shooting.” As I read it, it was a pretty vague
article-not much information as of that point. At 9:54 am I received a text
message from a friend asking if I had heard. By then it was conformed that
there were 27 dead. Of course the questions begin: Why? Who could do such
things? Facebook was being flooded with related post; people are praying for
the victims. No sooner did the Bob Costas begin blaming guns; while this is not
meant to be politicized, but can I point out that all the mass shootings with
the exception of one have taken place in Gun Free Zones and or places where
carrying guns have been banned.
Instead of blaming abstract objects how about we
look at the changes being pushed on society? We are living in a society in
which ethical relativism is the popular position due to differing cultural moral
codes. However, relativism ignores the fact that this position lacks any form
of absolute judgment concerning right and wrong. This simply means that right
and wrong lose their definitions and everyone can form their own definitions
according to their own thinking. This is a sobering thought in light of all the
dysfunction and perversion that people have been exposed to through music,
movies, and various influences. Have you ever wondered how many gruesome killings
kids witness on television/cable? It is interesting that if you are against tax
payers funding abortion, and birth control you are considered part of the “War
on Women” but, nothing is ever said about so-called music artist who constantly
refer to women with the B-word. Indeed our society has lost the value of life;
a prime example being abortion.
Let’s consider our schools. A misunderstanding of
the US Constitution banned official prayer from schools. Institutions that were
founded on Judeo Christian principles are forced to remove their landmarks
simply because someone might find them offensive. (And if you quote separation
of church and state you’re an idiot and you know nothing of the Constitution!)
What is worse is those who can take a stand instead keep quiet, and far too
many Christian are too busy waiting to repost T.D. Jakes' newest tweet. Meanwhile
all the warning signs remain ignored. Just the other day upon reading about the
shooting in Oregon I thought to myself, get ready because it’s going to get
worst! There is more to come.
No doubt it is a sad day in America; this amazing
country is no longer what it used to be. We are now dealing with the monster
created by entitlements, Hollywood, political correctness, and guilt. So what
can be done? What good is prayer in schools if there is no prayer in our homes?
What good will come if the tragedy and the victims are forgotten? September 11,
is only remembered but once a year. It’s not guns that are the problem, its evil
being expressed. I’m sorry Mr. John Lennon but imagining the absence of God has
gotten us nowhere!
American, it’s
time we get back to God. It’s time to pray, it’s time to pay attention to our
kids. It is imperative that we restore the values and principles that have been
neglected for so long. It’s time to take a stand, and fight for our children.
We must do our part to fight for what is right. I implore you today to pray for
those affected by today’s tragedy. Hold your children, love them and teach them
to value life.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Meeting with the Mormons
Last night was an intense meeting. The Mormon missionaries
showed up with a guy named Jaren, who they have been meeting with and giving
their version of “the plan of salvation.” They didn’t want to be recorded this
time, but, I was able to record where they asked to not be recorded (for all
you skeptics). The discussion took an interesting turn when I was asked if I
believed that we “pre-existed.” My answer was simply no. They presented their
theory on their spirit pre-existing as angelic beings to which they presented
scriptures to back up their premises. Unfortunately for them, I am far too well
familiar with the scripture references that they were presenting. Not only were
they misunderstanding the scriptures, but they were adding to them.
The
discussion reached its climax when I quoted from the Mormon “doctrines and
covenants” mainly from “section 132.” I think its worthy of note that the
leader of the two, Elder Nelesoni, refused to address the topic of polygamy and
Joseph Smith. He said he didn’t have an answer but, that he would if I gave him
more time. My problem is that I gave an answer to all questions given to me,
and I expect the same from them. After all, I didn’t invite them; they asked if
they could meet me. I pressed further, and asked: who got it wrong? Did Joseph
Smith error, or did God change His word? The other Elder, stated that God
changed His word for the situation to raise seed to the Mormons. To which I
responded first with scripture, then with my opinion. I said, then your god is
not faithful to his word and I cannot trust him. My GOD on the other hand is
faithful to His word, and He is the same yesterday, today and forever!
The
meeting ended on that note. Jaren then asked for my number, and said that he
would like to talk more…Elder Nelesoni seemed upset, disappointed, etc. He didn’t
really want to even shake my hand. The other Elder (I forget how to say his
name, much less spell it), seems like he likes me. I really think that if he is
objective, he might change religious positions. I did advise him to research
the reliability of the scriptures, and the doctrine of inerrancy. I told him to
seek an independent source. I pray he does….
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
2012 Election, what really happened!
What happened last night? The truth is very few people
actually realize what exactly took place, much less that the changes that are
coming to America will be blood on their hands. Worst then four more years of
Barak Hussein Obama, nationalized healthcare will be the law of the land. This
means higher taxes above what is already in place and those other taxes that will
be in place. It means lower quality medical care. (Thank you to all you seniors
in Florida who chose to vote for Obama because you were too LAZY to educate
yourself and all you heard was what CNN told you. Now you can rest assure
you’ll be fine until you get sick-now go play bingo!). It means the Supreme
Court will be tipped, leaning to the left. Good bye certain firearms. It means
crime rates will rise, food prices will rise, gas prices will rise and millions
more will lose their homes. It means more money will be spent on sex education,
while our children can’t even quote Newton’s Laws of Motion. My wife and I work
hard to educate our kids, we pay out of pocket for someone to tutor him, and he
doesn’t get free lunch-because we are not societal leeches! I understand some
people need those programs, but, there isn’t accountability and too many people
are taking advantage of those programs. Hard working people get taxed so that
lazy societal leeches can milk the system. (Just minutes ago KFBK 1530
announced that schools will now be able to send checks to students because of
Prop. 30. Really, and here you thousands of people who think it’s for schools!)
WHERE IS THE ACCOUNTABILITY! It means our military will be so weak we won’t be
able to fight a war without allied forces.
When Reagan was the
President, we were so strong that we didn’t even have to fire a shot. The
Soviet Union crumbled! The Problem is that conservatives were asleep while the
Left was plotting! Michael Savage was too busy blaming Newt Gingrich and Rick
Santorum, the question is Dr. Savage what did you do to help besides run your
mouth and attack Romney? Hannity was too busy giving air time to the enemy
simply because he wants to be nice. Rush, hit like if you voted
Republican…Liking a status doesn’t win elections. I was on the phone from
morning till the afternoon with people even in the poll booth, helping people
with their vote! While all these guys with a followership by the millions were
too busy playing games. They lost! They lost credibility! Mitt, you don’t bring
a knife to a gun fight! Ryan, I was excited about Ryan when he joined the
ticket, but what happened in the debate? We don’t care about your daughter’s
cute nickname. When you’re given a moral, ethical, or philosophical question
you answer it as thus! Not with your daughters nickname. That doesn’t win
elections. Governor Christi of New Jersey, you sir are a traitor plain and
simple. Good luck on your reelection next year.
The truth behind last
night’s election is that the White House is still occupied by a Marxist
President, the Senate is still controlled by the Left, and the House is still
controlled by Republicans. We’re still in a gridlock, but I’m sure John Boehner
will concede. America was abused over the last four years, and last night she
was held down and raped while the mainstream media and RINO’s, and treasonous
Christians rocked back and forth on their heels with their hands in their
pockets looking the other way saying “nothing going on here folks.” People, we
will not give up! We fight the cultural war for our children, friends, family,
and for the future generations simply because it’s right! Never give up on truth!
Saturday, September 8, 2012
STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONS
Abstract
The importance of studying the family unit cannot be
over stressed; studies concerning the family bring an understanding of the way the family
system is supposed to operate. With such a diverse world and the constant changes that take
place within different populations, it is important to have structural norms to help the
rhythm and flow of the family within its society. The absence and or the violation of such norms can
only produce dysfunction within the family system; which in turn creates societal imbalances
that naturally demand societal maintenance. Like any system in order to facilitate rhythm and
flow, there needs to be an understanding of its proper structural function.
IntroductionStructural Functions give the observer an understanding of a system’s intended operation.
Structural Functions do not guarantee the absence or lack of malfunction(s), they do however,
guarantee a more effective and smooth operation (properly functioning system). Marriage and
family are an institution and like any organism/system, its design requires Structural Functions
that govern the way the unit and or system should operate when all aspects of the whole are
operating within their intended purpose. This essay will define the four Structural Functions of
the family system, and will produce biblical evidence in support for each one. This essay will
conclude by taking the position that the Structural Functions are in essence the natural laws that
govern the family unit as a system.
An
Economic Unit
The first function of
the family is an economic unit, in which there is a division of labor thathas economic value (Grunlan, S. 1999). Whether the unit is a producing family or a consuming
family it is nevertheless an economic unit that must be sustained in order to function. The
divisions of labor consist of certain duties and responsibilities given, or among members of the
unit for the benefit of the whole. From a biblical perspective, the first man Adam had the
responsibility (job) of tending the garden (Gen. 2:15). The responsibility was never taken from
the hands of Adam. This is clearly understood when God stated that He would make Adam a
help meet for him (Gen. 2:18). Within the family economic system the wife’s position is that of a
help (this includes and goes beyond economics). The ultimate responsibility falls solely on the
husband as head of household; this should not however, be misunderstood to mean that the wife
takes a second class position concerning the economy of the family. The family must be
financially sustained for proper operation, therefore more than mere division of labor which is
perhaps an inadequate description of this function (for Christians anyway).
The function of economy takes a different meaning when it is understood that, the Christian
family unit is to be a stewardship of God’s economy (Gen. 1:28). Therefore the Christian family
works as a team each member operating within their God given authority and capacities to
facilitate the will of God.
Reproduction
and Socialization
“The
second function of the family is reproduction and socialization. Society needs
to reproduce itself and rear its young” (Grunlan, S. 1999). If and when a society fails to reproduce
itself, then said society will fail to exist. Therefore society is dependent on reproduction, for its
continued life and advancement. However, reproduction is not enough for the success of a
society. The socialization of its young is crucial for the further advancement of a producing and
functioning society. The words of the scriptures such as those stipulated in (Gen. 1:26) have far
more meaning than mere human reproduction. Such things as morality, ethics, religious beliefs,
structural norms etc. must be taught from an early age in order to have a vibrant and healthy
society; the teachings of the above mentioned, are the responsibility of the family unit (Grunlan,
S. 1999). This concept is clearly biblically supported by (Prov. 22:6), in that it stipulates that one
should train/teach a child in the way he should go.
Companionship
Companionship is the third function of the family. In his work Marriage
and the Family (Grunlan, 1999) states “Humans have emotional and interpersonal needs that can only be met in
intimate social settings.” The concept of human companionship comes from the second chapter
of the book of Genesis, in which God stated that it was not good for man (human kind) to be
alone (Gen. 2:18). Thus God made man the ideal companion which is the woman, from which is
found the first family. In a proper functioning family unit, companionship is provided for each
family member in various degrees.
Status Conferring
The fourth function is
status conferring. This function relates to statuses that are ascribed (usually at birth) to persons. Statuses that are
ascribed are derived from the person’s family. An example of an ascribed status is when a child is
born he or she becomes someone’s son, daughter, niece, nephew etc. This is also found in
the bible, when a child was born he/she was either a Jew/Hebrew, or Gentile. He/she was born to
a specific tribe. When God made Eve, Adam called her “woman,” thus ascribing a status to
her (Gen. 2:23).
Conclusion
An
understanding of the inerrancy of the scriptures reveals that the bible is the
word of God, and that it is truth revealed. The bible reveals
that the heavens (nature) declare the Glory of God (Psa. 19:1). In (Rom. 1:20) there is clear
indication that nature speaks/reveals the unseen. Lastly (1
Cor. 11:14), points to nature as teaching human behavior and acceptability of
what is proper and what is not. Therefore it is concluded
that the structural functions of the family, have biblical support that are found as early as the
creation of the first family. Structural functions are therefore established by the Divine Designer for the
purpose of proper function of the family system; structural functions are in essence normal,
natural laws that govern the proper function of the system called the family.
References
Grunlan, S. A. (1999). Marriage and the family: A
Christian perspective. Second
edition, Zondervan.
Grand Rapids, Michigan.
KJV (2012). Logos bible software. Ipad version.Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Monday, August 13, 2012
The Burden of Proof
I am often amazed that some people believe in the possibility of intelligent life on other planets, but they cannot believe in the probability of a Divine designer. They won’t believe in God simply because, they cannot prove that God does exist by the scientific method. However, they’ll entertain the idea of a meta-physically infinite universe (which is philosophically impossible), a race of human’s that evolved into a superior people (which is the epitome of racism if you think about it), and the ultimate destruction of the earth. The first two cannot be proved-just like they cannot prove the existence of God. The third is in biblical agreement. The burden of proof is not on the believer, the burden of proof is on the unbeliever…#infiniteuniverse #evolution #destructionoftheearth
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