Part 9. Divorce

 Mathew 5: 31-32
  31 "It was said ,'Whoever sends his wife away, let him give her a certificate of divorce ';
  32  but I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for the reason of unchastity, 
        makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. 
 Mark 10: 11-12 
  11 And He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits
       adultery against her;
  12 and if she herself divorces her husband and marries another man, she is committing 
       adultery."
   
   Divorce has become very common. It has become unsurprising to hear of such a thing. Furthermore, I am disturbed that people think it is a blessing to marry a different person after divorce; even when the Bible (God's Word) clearly says that it is wrong. 
   No matter how much the world says that it is okay to marry another, I refuse to believe it. There are such heartbreaking and harsh consequences to going along with what the world says. 
  
   
  

Part 8. Catholicism Mistakenly Called Christianity (article is divided into three sections)

  Section(1)
   Jesus Christ died an awful death to free us from the sin that began with Adam, Eve, and that snake of a serpent. We are called to remember that death through communion:
 

  1 Corinthians 11:24-26

     24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, " This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me."

    25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."

    26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.

  In response to three major points that Catholicism defends, I am going to point out the truths of which have been twisted in the Catholic belief. As I have tried to state before, this is in no way  a personal attack on someone who is a Catholic. I am after the belief itself, not the people. 

   In ancient times there was a time where Catholicism shown the light of Jesus, until the belief slowly became corrupted (I encourage you to read and study on the full history of Catholicism). Later on from it came a group (or groups) of people who broke off from it. They were called Protestants. Now, the Catholic belief has mellowed out, but it still professes things that are not Biblically sound. Three of them are 1}the reason why the crucifix is shown 2} the reason why prayer to the saints is taught 3} the reason for why Catholicism is mistakenly called Christianity. 

  The crucifix is used in Catholicism as a reminder of how we are to pick up our cross and follow Christ. Yes, Christ did say that we must pick up our cross and follow Him.

    Mark 8: 34-38

  34 And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them,"If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. 

  35"For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.

  36"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?

  37"For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

  38"For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."

  In the verse above, it talks about denying oneself, picking up his own cross and following Jesus. This is a personal thing that will look different in every single individual life that follows Jesus. The crucifix in the Catholic belief may have a representation of Christ's death, but that is not what is supposed to remind us of His death. The communion is what serves as that reminder in 1 Corinthians 11:24-26. As to the denying of ourselves, we do not need an object to remind us of that. The Holy Spirit reminds us of that and convicts us about it. As followers of Christ we must deny ourselves, take up the cross, and follow Him.

  The cross in the Bible stands as the symbol of the Gospel. The cross that it speaks of is one where Christ was on it, but then is no longer there. The empty cross is the symbol of the fact that Christ died and rose again. Why is a crucifix always being shown in Catholicism when Christ had left an empty cross? In showing the crucifix all the time, is Catholicism missing the point of the Gospel? It seems that way, because in the Bible it does not portray a crucifix all the time; only when it speaks of Christ's crucifixion does it show it. In Christianity the cross is empty because Christ left it that way. He never left it with Himself still hanging on the cross. Is it right, according to the Bible, then to portray the crucifix like it is presented in Catholicism? The Bible does not teach this. 

Part 7. Humanity's FREE WILL

  We all have a sense of freedom in us. We all have a desire for it. Whether it is recognized or not. The ability to choose anything for ourselves is a wonderful gift. It is what allows us to express different aspects of our individuality. It is called FREE WILL. Without this free will in us, we would be like robots. Very much so.
   On the flip side, Free Will also allows for the choice to make wrong decisions. Whether it be taking something small or actually taking the life of your fellow man. Free Will, while it is a great gift, can also be perceived as a very dangerous threat. Never go to the extreme that says that every one should be of the same mind so that no one has the choice to do wrong. Anyone who believes this or even exercises that ends up as a hypocrite. He or she also ends up with a very big ego.
   The reason why that person would be a hypocrite is because they do the very things that others are prevented from doing: choosing. It does not matter to them if it is against the perimeters they set or not. They want to control. All the while that control feeds the ego. Communism is an example of this. Socialism is a lighter form of that, but leads to what Communism is. Furthermore, ISIS, Islam, legalistic churches (doesn't matter what denomination), the current American government, and other foreign/domestic religions will try in one way or another force you to give up certain freedoms; those freedoms that are okay, which are neither right nor wrong. In the extreme cases, if you deviate from any of their rules, you will be punished, not because if it was morally wrong.
   To be human is to be imperfect and to make wrong or right choices. As soon as anyone decides that they want to change that in another human being, it backfires. It is the same as trying to change the way the solar system is. You cannot try to change the basics of nature. You end up suffering the consequences of doing that.
  Don't ever give up your freedom. Fight for it. Know for certain what those freedoms are; so that you will understand what you are defending and why. In the meantime, watch yourself. Make sure that you are making the right choices and not falling for the very thing that you're fighting against.

Part 6. Lying Islam and ISIS Threats

 So much has happened since I last wrote a blog entry. ISIS rose to power and they called the Muslims to kill or convert other people. This is ridiculous, yet horrific. I am watching my fellow Americans commit treason as they give their lives to the enemy's evil institution. Some children who were captured by ISIS are coming back brainwashed. Boys and girls are put through hell if they are captured by ISIS.
   America, what do you think will happen if ISIS gained power here on our soil? Seriously, think about it. Think about what they believe. Think about how they would change every aspect of American way of life in the name of Islam.
  Girls, are you really okay with being told to cover your whole body in a black garb? Never allowed to wear even a simple, decent dress. There will be no more proms. It does not matter to ISIS what you want at all. Your freedoms would be taken away. If you disobeyed in any way, you would either be brutally beaten or executed. Also, it is not just your whole way of expressing yourself that would change. You would be told to obey your husband or else. Obey your father or else. Obey your brother or else. Later on in your life, do you really want to forfeit your choice to be independent as a woman?
  Men, are you really okay with dying for Islam? Do you really want to follow their way of life? Also are you honestly okay with going to a Mosque to worship a false god, which in reality will never fill the space inside you? Are you okay with beating your wife or daughter because they disobeyed Islam? Or worse watching them be murdered? Are you okay with killing another person just because that person doesn't believe in Islam?
  My fellow Americans, there is much more to the picture of ISIS gaining power on our continent. Please stop saying things that you have no knowledge of or even have any means to defend what you are saying. Otherwise, you look like a stupid person who doesn't know any better than the other uneducated people. Please take the initiative to answer your own question by researching, studying till you find the answer. Then don't stop studying, learning. Keep an open mind, but guard your heart. There is much more than Islam out there that would very much like to lead you down a lonely, dark path.
   No matter how much power ISIS gains, they will never be right. You do not kill or forcibly convert others to your belief, no matter how much you think you are right.  You turn people off when you do that and not to mention the fear that is instilled.
  We can not win this war on ISIS by being wishy-washy or diplomatic. We can't win this war with the current president in office. We have got to be confident. Know why we should be confident.
  ISIS has committed acts of war. They are now the enemy. They have threatened the lives of every American. People, we are no longer safe. Our Military can't even protect us as well anymore because of our president. The Western War on Islam has been in action for a long time. It was never won, but do we really want to lose? 

Part 5. The U.S. Is Failing

   Yesterday, I listened to a reading of The Declaration of Independence. This part of the document stuck out to me:
   "But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."- ( Declaration of Independence, In congress, July 4, 1776)
   Our current government (more of a regime), has attempted to pass laws on us; which ultimately thwart the people. Obamacare is an example of this. The 'Regime' has tried to enact this law by forcing anyone to pay an expensive fine just for not deciding to go with that care. It hurts people financially, then it goes on to effect the type of care they NEED; which in some cases, if not most, leads to a death sentence. All because of Obamacare. Another example would be the 'Regime's' attempts to get our personal information by means of another agency. They claim to do it in the name of security. Sorry people, but they are going too far. Spying on us with drones is a great example.
   Is this not enough to make you realize how we have got to throw off such government? I am willing to do so. The question is, how many of you are willing to do this? It will take courage. You will also have to gird yourself with knowledge of our Founding Fathers. They laid the foundation our nation had thrived on. If you truly want to do something for this great nation, you have got to take the time to read about America's past. We, as a nation, are doomed to repeat history if we do not. "Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it"- Edmund Burke. Their story is our template for the future. Then we as a people need to prayerfully consider what we should do; because we can't do this on our own, as much as we'd like to.
   America's Founding Fathers worked hard to gain freedom and then struggled to keep it. They didn't stop fighting for it. Freedom comes at a price; that price is an on-going vigilance over freedom. The moment we settle in the freedom gained, we begin to lose it. Once it is gained, you still have to work to keep it. We must protect the Founding Fathers' vision of this great nation.
  Reality right now is that so many Americans are ignorant of where America is headed. Too many were not educated on her history. This has gone on long enough. Patriotism is almost a thing of the past. Please, let's do something about this. I do not want to see my country degrade to nothing but another country controlled by an overreaching government. "But what is liberty without wisdom and without virtue? It is the greatest of all possible evils; for it is folly, vice, and madness, without tuition or restraint. Those who know what virtuous liberty is, cannot bear to see it disgraced by incapable heads, on account of their having high-sounding words in their mouths."- Edmund Burke.
    I grew up proud of those stars and stripes flapping in the wind. A feeling of passionate patriotism when I heard the national anthem. Now, I realize what the state of my country is and I am ashamed to be its citizen. However, in knowing what this country was meant to be, I will not let that discourage me. The Founding Fathers laid the foundation of a great nation. It was blessed by God. So many people died for the freedom to live here. I will not let what they did go in vain.
 "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."- Edmond Burke
   Here is a list of some good American history and freedom books you can purchase:
      America's Providential History by Beliles & McDowell
     The Story of Liberty by Charles C. Coffin
     A Concise History Of The American Republic by Samuel Eliot Morison, Henry Steele Commager, and William E. Leuchtenburg
     The American Republic for Christian Schools by Bob Jones University press
     The 5000 Year Leap by W. Cleon Skousen
     Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims by Rush Limbaugh
     The National Experience, A History Of The United States 8th Ed. by John M. Blum, William S. McFeely, Edmund S. Morgan, Arthur M. Schelsinger Jr., Kenneth M. Stampy, and C. Vann Woodward.
     Heritage Guide To The Constitution by Edwin Meese III, Mathew Spalding, and David Forte
     Glenn Beck's Common Sense-The Case Against Out-Of-Control Government, Inspired by Thomas Paine by Glenn Beck with Joseph Kerry
    Another good book would be Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. I have read this book and only recommend it for the mature person. It has sexual content in it. Otherwise, it is a great book for those who want to know where we're headed.

Part 4. The Young Adult Years

 So many young adults are expected to be taking some kind of educational class, if not going to college or university. This has been my experience. I have been asked enough times if I am in school or not. I know it is the norm for young adults to be taking some kind of class, but these high expectations for this generation is getting old.

  It would be nice if there was this atmosphere for young adults where they would feel encouraged and supported to do whatever they feel led to do or to pursue a passion they have. As a result, I think this country would have many more talented, passionate adults who would make a remarkable impact in society and in our culture.

  Unfortunately, not enough teenagers come from a place where they have the freedom to think about what they would like to do one day, without the significant pressure to go to school when they graduate. Of course this is not always the case. One of the downsides to the decision to go to college is debt. This is a unwise decision for an individual if they don't know how they are going to pay it off in the future. 

  I have grown up in a family where by the time you turn 18 you are expected to be independent, but at the same time the parents are supportive and encouraging. They become our mentors, giving us advice whenever we need it, while respecting the fact that we are old enough to make our own decisions. They do not pressure us, but leave it to us to decide about certain things; even though at times we might try to lean on them to make the choice for us. I have learned that when the parent leaves the choice-making to us, it forces the young adult to think, decide, and plan with growing confidence.

   I know, because I went through the same life lesson. It is not an enjoyable one. You are going through a transition from being a child who had to lean on the parents for care and then to an adult where you are forced to take care of yourself. It can be a bitter time, struggling to find that purpose you are to fulfill or just trying to understand what the first step is. Leaning on Christ for strength, for wisdom during this crucial time is important. If you let Him, He'll eventually show you what you need to be doing. The parents, as well as other elders, can help you out with tons of advice. 

  It is very important that a young adult is given lots of room to learn what it means to make his/her decisions. They learn to make the right choices over time, learn how to be independent, and realize what it means to take care of one’s self. They have got to learn how to be this way, without the parent pressuring. If they are not given this freedom (as bittersweet as it might be), they will not learn what it means to be an adult.

  Not only is this important, it is a perfect time for parents to have talks with their adult children. It has helped me out immensely when my parents took the time to give me their advice and help me think about what I might like to do. They have even warned me about certain questionable choices I was getting myself into. However, at the same time they would tell me that it is up to me about what I'll decide to do. They don't sugar coat it. They have made sure that I know what is right and wrong; as a result I have a strong moral compass. 

  The first years of adulthood are scary sometimes for both the parents and the young adult. In other families it is an easy transition. As hard as it may be, young adults have got to make these first steps in life. It lays the foundation of who they may become in the future. 

Part 3. We Are Still At War

  The United State's enemy, the radical Islamists, will not stop till we are dead. They live for the purpose of wiping us off the face of the planet, along with the Israelites. Radical Islamists' goal is just that. Despite what the President has said, we are at war. It is a very real and present threat to our country. 

  War on Terrorism will end when the enemy is defeated. Unfortunately, it is not just a physical war with guns, bombs, etc. This is also a spiritual and intellectual fight. The generations born into the terrorist culture are taught to hate Americans and Israelis. The children are desensitized from a young age. They are taught to kill us, hate us. How do we defeat an enemy where this is so ingrained in their culture? To them, we are nothing but less than the worst animal. How can we make peace with a nation like that? They will not rest till we are dead.

  President Obama has made some wrong decisions in this matter. We should never have pulled out or let top ranking radical Islamists go free. These terrorists have already begun to take back territory; of which our soldiers paid for with their lives. American blood was spilled to gain it. We were there to keep the enemy at bay. Left alone, the enemy has the potential to take over. We were there to stop them. Why are we allowing them to do this? This is just going to get worse. 

  The enemy is merciless. When I was around 12 or 13 years old, I began to learn about who the terrorists are. I had already known that they were very bad. That they attacked the two towers in New York. It became so real when I watched a man held at gunpoint, and then a body dragged through the streets as an example to the people there. Years later, I watched a documentary called "Obsession Radical Islam's War against the West". I saw the evil in what they believed. It is enough to give you a nightmare. I watched a part from a drama from a Middle Eastern television show. It depicted two men trying to get the blood of a Christian boy. One of them took the unsuspecting boy and killed him in cold blood. I had to turn my head. It was graphic enough. That is what we will see more of in the coming years.

  This war is a spiritual war because of their foundational beliefs in Islam. Many, many Christians have been murdered because they were not Muslim, as well as Jews. This is one of the biggest reasons why Pastor Saeed is imprisoned and why Merriam was as well. Others are also being persecuted horribly. We are going to see more of this as long as this is allowed to continue.

Part 2. Islam and Catholicism are not Christian.

 Growing up I heard people call Catholicism Christian. Well, strip away everything else and just look at the theology, the true belief, and reasoning behind the Catholic principles. One thing that struck me was the idea that Jesus is still on the cross. Umm, well, here's the thing Jesus was taken down from the cross, placed in a tomb, then laid there for three days. Then He rose again. Why is Jesus still depicted on the cross?

  Furthermore, another belief within Catholicism is that you can pray to the saints. The saints were human. They have since died and have been dead for a very long time. They are now in Heaven. The only person who can hear our prayers would be Christ, as long as they are in His name. If this is the case, than aren't the saints used as an idol in the Catholic belief? It does not seem right. Some of the saints themselves have encouraged their followers to pray for them to the Father. They directed prayer to God through Jesus Christ. Why is prayer to saints encouraged in the Catholic faith? They cannot answer prayer. God can.

    Islam, nothing about it is Christian. Do you remember what Christian means? It means that you are a follower of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and soon coming King. Islam is a type of belief that Muslims truly believe to be of Muhammad. This Muhammad is a prophet of their god, which is called Allah. I have heard people say that Allah is just another name for God, the Creator of this Earth. Now in the Middle Eastern Languages, some do have God’s name as Allah. However, Islam calls something else that name. In the Quran they say that God is one and that there is no Trinity, that Christ was just a messenger. That is wrong.

  Jesus Christ is God in the flesh. The Holy Spirit is God's presence. God is the Father of Christ. That is the Trinity. In the book of Colossians, chapter 1, from the Bible, you'll see a verse that says that all things were created through Him and by Him. In John, chapter 1, also from the Bible, you will see another one right from the beginning, saying that God is the Word and the Word was with God. The Bible does support Jesus as God. Because we are human, it is simply mind boggling just to try and comprehend the fact that God is three persons, yet all separate, yet not all at the same time. In the book of Mathew, chapter 24, you will find that Jesus said that He does not know the time when He will come again, that only His Father knows.

  Christianity is a belief that Christ is the Son of God and is God in the flesh; and a following of God's commandments, as well as what Christ commanded. The biggest thing that can show in the difference between Christianity, Islam, and Catholicism is not only who Christ is, but also grace. 

  Please note that these are not the only differences between the three talked about. There are more. I would encourage you to first read the whole Bible, and then research what Islam is and what Catholicism is. I can say that in the Catholic and Muslim (someone who believes Islam) beliefs there are truths that are twisted. You can see that plain as day when compared to the Bible. 

  There is a lot here that I have not spoken about. These are just a few things that really stick out to me about the differences. Again, I encourage you to research these things for yourself; especially if you have questions or doubts.

    

Part 1. The Border

  Between North America and the country of Mexico, there is a border. A border our government refuses to secure. Illegal immigrants will cross onto our land from one plagued with drug cartels. As much as our land may be more desirable to Mexicans, they should not be crossing illegally. They need to follow our laws or be faced with deportation. Well, our government does not seem to care, let alone be willing to give notice to it. Why is this? Why does the leadership bound by law not support it?
  I believe it is because of what those immigrants have been brought to believe in their culture. In this country, there is an idea that the government is run by the people and for the people. However, most Mexicans believe the opposite. Well, with that mind set, the current leadership will make it so that they can get their vote in the presidential elections, etc. Thus giving the government more power to do what they want. After all, why would they secure the border when there are people who can support them in their agenda?
  This leads to another topic of equal importance. If this government is bound by law, why aren't certain parties being held accountable for their actions? The problem with our border is one consequence out of many that stems from a lack of accountability. Without accountability, you have plenty of breeding ground for lawlessness in many forms.
  In America our government is no longer a Republic. It is more of a Democracy falling for Socialism. Well, Mexicans, at least most, have grown up in the latter form of that government. So the leadership, with an agenda, will take advantage of that and use it to gain more political control.
  Furthermore, I have been reminded that the implementation of border security is affected by the government's budget cuts. This is a BIG problem. Until our government solves its massive spending problem, I don't think we will see the border properly secured.

   

Introduction

  Hello, Reader. My name is Michelle. I am a homeschool graduate, class of 2012. I am now a 19 year old turning 20 here real soon. I have decided to write some very informative articles; some of which may be short. Furthermore, this blog will have random topics as I spread the word on things that need to be talked about or things I just find important enough. 

   Now, I do not plan on going to college :-) I will find other avenues to expand my knowledge and learn new skills. It is so disappointing to hear that it is the norm to pressure graduated teenagers into going to college. Well, if you are not going to college, dear reader, take courage, because it is not the only path to success. There are plenty of people in history who have reached that without having to go to college. College is certainly an option, but not always the only route. Just remember as long as you are willing to go the extra mile and work hard, you will reach your goal. It just won't always be easy. 

   Secondly, I call myself a Conservative. I support the Constitution, the freedom to use a gun, a government that works under a Republic, a free market, voluntary service in the Military, and I am most certainly pro-life. Now, do not take these beliefs as offensive; that would just be going too far, for I do not say these things to put you down. I say these things to prepare you for what you might read. It is completely your choice on whether or not you'll read what I have to write about. I realize that most if not some of my writing will spark some kind of furious debate. Be that as it may, I am NOT going to let that stop me from doing this. I warn you, I am a very stubborn person.

   Finally, I encourage you to research about what I might put down if you doubt. Please, do not take my word for it. Just taking somebody at their word is not always good. Do not be naive. There is so much ignorance in the United States that it makes me sick (metaphorically speaking). I will tackle with that ignorance. Honestly, if this country could see itself in the mirror, people would be just as horrified as I am at what I see! 

   I will challenge weak ideas. I will fight the agenda in this country that wants this country to fall on its knees and give its soul. I will be the one to stand out. I will not conform to Socialism, Communism, or even a Democracy. I have learned where pure Democracy takes a country. It is not desirable. Prove me wrong. I will not back down. I will spread the Truth! Times are changing, not for the better, mind you. There is more war, more sin, and more evil in the world as time goes on. Jesus is coming again. I will help spread the Gospel as well, because things will not improve before Jesus comes back. I hear more evidence of what Jesus said (in the book of Mathew, Chapter 13) was coming, when He walked the earth. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, He is coming again. Do not take this as an offense either. If you doubt this or strongly disagree, I challenge you to find out who Jesus says He is from the Bible. Thus begins the Passionate Discourse.