Tuesday, October 25, 2011

~I am congested, and being challenged~

My recent "back and forth" with a person on Huffington Post, who seemed rather defensive on his stance about being Mormon, and that they are Christian. I responded to the article, which I found fascinating, and he immediately centered on ME, and my beliefs, and set out to prove my beliefs wrong....of course.

"People who want to share their religious views with you, almost NEVER want you to share your views with them."

07:12 AM on 10/21/2011
Christians have only the Holy Bible from which to derive their "written" instructio­ns. Clearly stated it reads:

Deuteronom­y 4:2 Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you.

Revelation 22:18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.

Revelation 22:19 And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

The LDS church claims that because the Bible has been repeatedly translated­, with one translatio­n based on the previous one, that over time errors have been introduced­. They claim that current translatio­ns are not accurate and that only the King James version is close enough to the original, and even that translatio­n must be "corrected­" by the Book of Mormon (which is a higher authority than the Bible*). (more) http://www­.evangelic­al.us/lds-­church/bib­le.html
08:02 PM on 10/22/2011
"...a higher authority than the Bible."

um....okay­. First of all, let's really put this into perspectiv­e. ALL of these books were written by MAN. None of these books are truly valid, because they are all open to interpreta­tion, and not to mention, that you can't even get two sentences accurate when passing them on to other people after 15 minutes, let alone hundreds of years. They were written by men, and therefore, are great moral codes, that is all. Men have faults, make mistakes, and tend to put their own opinions and perspectiv­es into things. There is not one, not ONE, shred of evidence that any of these books hold the true word of God, or Jesus.
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9 hours ago (11:34 AM)
Penny… :) I do appreciate your thoughtful comment in response to my addressing the LDS belief system. I even noticed you got someone's smart badge for your "insight". I will spare you and me the lengthy commentary that would challenge your claims... or rather denials... but rather I will merely suggest you explore the many valid sites that provide more than ample PROOF of the prophecies revealed within the pages of the Holy Bible:) If I provided for you several hundred consistent­ly correct mega-lotte­ry results three days before each drawing... would you trust me to get the next one right and then believe in me enough to simply invest the cost of a ticket in that drawing???­. I would think so:) Fact is... the Bible has hundreds of proven correct prophecies that have NEVER had to be adjusted to accomodate correction­s from errors... as modern science constantly has to do.

More impressive is the fact that there are dozens of passages in Scripture that provide "scientifi­c" informatio­n several millenia before modern science discovers its accuracy. Please don't merely ignore what I am saying before you check it out for yourself. It will only take a few minutes... and then you can provide an updated response as to whether you still "believe" there is "... not one shred of evidence that any of these books hold the true Word of God":)

http://www­.rapturefo­rums.com/B­ibleProphe­cy/101scie­nce.cfm
Penny Danielson
Commented 5 hours ago in Religion

“paulsword~ Your condescend­ing tone is noted, so let me explain something, very clearly. To each his own, and you, nor I, have ANY right to deny any one person the right to an opinion. The one consistent and proven fact is that "People of religious beliefs often want to share them with you, but never want you to share yours with them."
God did NOT write the Bible, men did. Hundreds of years after the life of Christ. This is a fact, and cannot be disputed. It has been written, and rewritten over and over. It is also open to interpreta­tion by all who read it. The Book of Mormon is exactly like the Torah, or the Koran, or ANY other religious book in that they all are upon the perspectiv­e and belief system of the Author....­again, NOT GOD, or any God for that matter.
Being that many have studied, and spent years actually being educated on religions, and others beliefs, you must understand that your beliefs are not the TRUE beliefs. Religion in that same aspect, was developed for this one true fact....Ma­n's fear of his own mortality.”
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5 hours ago (3:53 PM)
Hey Penny, I am truly sorry if you felt I was "condescen­ding" in tone. That was not my intent:) I merely attempted to answer your claim that "... not one shred of evidence" was available to support Scripture. I am NOT trying to prevent you or anyone else from owning an opinion... or expressing it. If that is what you took away from my comment... again... I do apologize. I am curious, though, if you did actually visit the site I provided? I was hoping to get a sincere and astute response from that informatio­n. Oh, and as to "fear"... no Christian should have a fear of his mortality;­) Could you share with me your own views... or beliefs... as to spiritual things? Not prying... or being judgmental­... merely interested­:)
0 second ago (8:38 PM)
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I think that religion was brought about in the very beginning stages to set about a moral code, to keep the population in line, to help to keep order. Many of the teachings of the Bible, or any religious book for that matter, are there to teach people how to be good, how to live in a "moral code".
2 seconds ago (8:39 PM)
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continued from below:

Let's really take a good look at the 10 Commandmen­ts, just for example. If you were going to set down these yourself, would "covet thy neighbors goods" really be on that list, or would something a little more important be there, lets say, "do not rape or molest children", or how about "don't beat your spouse".
My views, my beliefs are that what is most important, is doing your very best to be a kind, decent, and accepting human being. I don't believe that any God needs me to go to a building with four walls and symbolism of the faith everywhere­, for me to pray, or to talk to him. I also don't believe that God wants or needs money. Religion is about power, and money, and control. This cannot be denied. To sit back and say that all religion is necessary, and is good, is not realistic. If all religions were banished, would there still be God? Would people still believe? I think so.....I myself do not believe in hell either. Honestly, what could possibly be worse than world we now live in? I feel that people in general are terrified of death. No one wants to die, but it comes to us all. What is better to ease your mind? Assention to a fluffy white cloud, harps and peace, or knowing that all of us will be either cremated, or buried, and our bodies will soon turn to dust?
1 second ago (8:39 PM)
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I believe that questionin­g things is good. I believe that I, as a responsibl­e human being, should learn about all faiths, all religions, and then DECIDE FOR MYSELF what is right in my mind, in my existence.

sorry for the length, but you asked. :-)
1 second ago (8:40 PM)
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As for your link, I come from a long, long history of Irish Empaths, all of whom would tell you any one of them could do the very same....pr­edict.
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~Opinions are like assholes....or are they?~

The quote, "opinions are like assholes, everyone has one" comes out in so many debates, and is constantly repeated, and thrown out there, especially when someone's opinion is different than their own. This is when the gloves come off, and the rumble really begins. Hot topics always get great deliberations going, but none more so than Religion.

What is the big deal, honestly? I have to say, in so many aspects, and for this one solid reason, I tend to sympathize and fall on the side of the Agnostics, and even more so, the Atheists. SHRRRREEEEEEKKKKKKK!! I am full heartedly positive that sentence right there just pissed off many of my relatives. Don't really care, cause once again, it's my perspective, and opinion.

Why do I understand and sympathize with the non believers? Because they don't give a rat's ass if they talk to, or meet someone who does believe. Most of them are very happy in their existence of life, and they don't go around preaching or demanding that others follow their belief. This is NOT true for those of belief in any religion. From very early on, they are taught, reminded, and constantly pushed to go out and "SAVE" others. Get your ass out there, and recruit!! Make sure all that you come into contact with understand and convert to the belief that they hold true....that if you DON'T join the club, you will be an outcast, a sinner, your soul cursed, and you will definitely be on your way straight to hell when you die. Um....question? How do any of them know this?

They don't. They don't anymore than I can predict what the winning numbers will be in the next lotto. They don't and their only defense is that you MUST HAVE FAITH.

Faith- a method of control and manipulation to get an otherwise sane and intelligent human being to follow blindly in another persons beliefs or delusions, without question, without resistance.

The world is colorful and diverse. There are millions of thoughts, beliefs, cultures, traditions, and the world is a better place for it. For anyone to think or believe or force another to cave to their own beliefs is pure vanity. These same people will jump all over you and flat out refuse to hear another persons side of the story. It's obnoxious.

Every single human being, animal, and life form has the right to be themselves. Every single person on this planet has the right to think for themselves, to decide for themselves. Free will, free thinking.....a right that is deserved. Life is here to live, and on your terms. Morally, you should do things for the sole purpose of being a moral and good person. Doing things because you are threatened by hell, or by the wrath of God, or whatever....well, that's not really being a moral person now, is it? It's simply behaving as to not be punished.

I have Gay friends. I have friends from every culture, religious beliefs, and I have a richer life for it. I don't care if you smear yourself in peanut butter and dance around your living room in a pink tu tu. Live your life, that's why you are here. Don't shove your beliefs down my throat, all the while telling me that my beliefs are wrong. In that action, you are wrong. Believe, believe, believe, but don't be such a vain, and obnoxious person that you think your opinion is the TRUE one....because then....your just being an asshole.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

~Our Marriage Ceremony~




We are gathered here where the sun meets the sky, the sky meets the water, and the water meets the land to witness and bless the vows of Carl and Penny, as they are joined in marriage.

In marriage, two people share all their dreams and goals, their weaknesses and strengths. In marriage, two people share all the joys and sorrows of life, and all the supreme pleasures. In marriage, two people share all their emotions and feelings, all their tears and laughter.

Marriage is the most fulfilling relationship one can have, and the love that you share as husband and wife is beautiful, forever.

Carl and Penny, to this celebration you bring the fullness of your hearts as a treasure to share with one another. You bring the dreams that bind you together. You bring that particular personality and spirit which is uniquely your own, and out of which will grow the reality of your life together. We rejoice with you in this outward symbol of an inward union of hearts; a union created by friendship, trust, respect, and love.

Today you wish to be joined in marriage. I am required to ask you if you know any reason why you many not be lawfully married to each other, to declare it now.

Since no reason has been declared, please take each other by the right hand.

Carl, do you take Penny as your wife, to be your friend and companion, to share your life and your love through all the days of your lives? (Carl~I do)

Penny, do you take Carl as your husband, to be your friend and companion, to share your life and your love through all the days of your lives? (Penny~I do)

Carl and Penny, you both have already weathered many challenges together. You have met them with humor, understanding and compassion. In careful consideration of both the beauty and the obligations assumed when lives are wed, we are here today to rejoice and celebrate one of life’s richest gifts~ the love you share.

These rings are the token of the vows you will say to each other, and the promises you will make. They are circles of wholeness, perfect in form, may these rings always glow in reflection of the love you share and the pledges made to each other. Please take your rings and put them on each other’s left hands.

May your rings always reflect the love you share, and forever remind you of this day, this hour, and this moment. Now will you repeat your vows to each other. Penny, will you say what you have prepared for Carl.

Penny~
I choose you to be my husband. To live with you, and to laugh with you. To walk by your side, in love with kindness, with loyalty, with honor and respect. I promise to always cherish you as my companion, my confidant, and my best friend. From the dreams in our hearts to our dreams coming true. From each of our yesterdays to all of our forever’s, I give all the love of my heart to you, and to you only.

Officiant~
Will you love him and keep this pledge on your hope of Tir Na nOg? (Tear-nan-oak) Penny~I will

Carl~
I choose you to be my wife. To live with you, and to laugh with you. To walk by your side, in love, with kindness, with loyalty, with honor and respect. I promise to always cherish you as my companion, my confidant, and my best friend. From the dreams in our hearts to our dreams coming true. From each of our yesterdays to all of our forever’s, I give all of the love of my heart to you, and to you only.

Officiant~ Will you love her and keep this pledge on the hope of Tir Na nOg? (Tear -nan-oak) Carl~I will

Officiant binds the hands with the Hand fasting cords.

Anam Cara

In the Celtic tradition, there is a beautiful understanding of love and friendship. The old Irish term Anam Cara is translated as soul friend. When you have an Anam Cara, you are joined in an ancient and eternal way with the person who is a friend of your soul. There is a deep sense of belonging and recognition. You are understood as you are and you are at home. When you feel understood, you can release yourself into the trust and shelter of another person’s soul and they can release themselves into you. This kind of soul love is the most real, substantial and powerful form of human presence because it is the place or threshold where human presence and divine presence move in and out of each other.

Officiant holds the ends of the cords~

May you be encircled in love and safety. May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again- May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

Officiant removes Hand fasting cords, and holds them in her binder as she continues~

Let us rejoice this day in the marriage of Carl and Penny. Let us celebrate the love that brought them to this day, the love that has deepened through the years. May you continue to know its meaning and its mystery. May the enchantment which you hold for one another grow in strength and beauty, and may you be ennobled by the blessings that comes to those who truly love. May your home be a sanctuary of welcome for all who enter it, a place for growth, a place for music, a place for laughter. And when shadows and darkness fall within its rooms, may it still be a place of hope and warmth for all who enter it. May those nearest you continue to be enriched by the beauty and the bounty of your love for each other. May you live in peace and joy, and may you grow old together…on one pillow.

For as much as Carl and Penny have grown in knowledge and love of one another, and because they have agreed in their desire to go forward in life together, seeking an even richer, deepening relationship, and because they have pledged to meet life’s challenges together, in accordance with the laws of the Cayman Islands, and by the authority vested in me, I pronounce that Carl and Penny , are Husband and Wife, Anam Cara eternal.

Carl, you may now kiss your wife~

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

~Back to the Grind~

I haven't posted anything for a little while. Lots of things going on. A transition for my son, one that I am not very thrilled about, but must sit back and watch unfold. I love that my kids all think for themselves, and have strong minds, and very strong opinions, but it drives me crazy that at the same time, they are completely without their senses, as all of us are, at one time or another. Standing still and letting someone you love, more than yourself, fall down....sucks. A piece of crap that I knew for over a year, before he did, has dug deep with her manipulative claws, and my handsome, naive son, has absolutely no idea what he just signed on for. I want him out there, and on his own, and living his life....just not with such a horrific person. Attempts to explain to him that he is in for some serious trouble with this one, have failed. This girl is a "stab you in your sleep" kind of idiot, and that makes me furious.

On to more things. I love fall in Las Vegas. By far, the very best time of the year. The weather is simply gorgeous, and the holidays are coming. No extreme heat, little wind, and the air smells so good. Burning, as always, candles in the house keep the smell lingering in the air. A constant reminder that soon, the tree goes up for Christmas, day after Thanksgiving, of course, and my favorite season unfolds. I am not one for material things really. My obsession is the home. I will go my entire life without clothes, jewelery, shoes, etc. I love have a nice home. It makes me feel important, accomplished. Nothing makes me happier than having my husband and all of my kids at home at the same time, feeding them all, listening to them talk, laugh, scream at the TV while playing games. This is my idea of heaven. It is even better when other family members are over, and I am feeding them all. I swear, I was meant to be either an Italian mom, or a Jewish mom, with my instincts to nurture and feed everyone. Even my given name Leora, just sounds like a plump Italian woman, standing in front of the stove, stirring sauce.

Recent passing weeks have brought about the re-connection with my little brother Scott, whom I have absolutely adored since the minute he was born. I have many memory blocks from my childhood, but Scott as a baby, those memories are very clear. He had the cutest giggle, chubby little feet, and playing with him, sometimes torturing him, are some of the brightest and most cherished memories for me. Life is life, and as dysfunctional as my family is, there are lost times as well. Some still baffle me to this day, but for what ever reasons, there are too many lost years, lost times, lost "could have been great" moments that have gone by. In my eyes, my little brother can do no wrong, and never has. Even in moments when others were passing severe judgment on his decisions, I didn't blink. Unconditional love for him goes without question....even when he was angry at me. Seeing his beautiful daughters for the first time was a pivotal moment. Never meeting them before, and then having this moment at a line for a roller coaster, and in California, of all places, also pretty much sums up how retarded our family can be. For whatever reasons, for what ever motives, I am not really concerned. One thing is a given, Scott is just as good at being a wonderful father as he is at just about every other accomplishment of his. The look of adoration for him from his two girls, as he was talking to Carl, who was also meeting Scott for the first time, was very clear and apparent to me. All I am concerned with, is the future. Nothing that happened before can, or will be changed. No sense on dwelling on any of that.

Did I mention that going to be perfectly fine, and waking up with a bitch of a head cold, really, really sucks?

Ah....silly thing, life. A roller coaster itself, all of the ups and downs, twists and turns, sharp plunges while stealing your breath right from your chest. Still, it does make for one hell of a ride.