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.