On some days it occurs to me that pehaps I should update this place...but then what would I write about?
Life today was normal at best. I read a book, picked up sticks in the yard, visited with a few of the locals and spent my day playing around on the computer. Not a lot on the whole but enough to keep me active.
If anything I am in a rather bored mood.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Thoughts on Government
"Give us more laws for we will follow."
It would seem that America’s battle cry these days could be summed up using this general cry “Give us more laws for we will follow, tax us for we will give, and by all means use more force to make everyone comply.” It is a nightmarish vision. Can we be so stupid as to believe happiness will ensue??
Simple laws are added and forced upon us at an alarming rate. It comes to the point where people beg to live in the bondage. Can the convenience of being told exactly where, how, and what time they can get rid of the garbage really be worth the cost of freedom which one is forced to pay? Why for the convenience of not having a messy neighbor are people so willing to give up the rights of decision making which allow life to be enjoyable?
To simply state my political standpoint I am inclined to see a small, weak form of government to be more of an ideal goal. It would seem that with each new investment of power in government we turn over more freedoms thus the corruption increases and the bondage deepens.
I believe that higher law is of greater validity than civil law. Right and wrong are not matters of opinion which can be bended and molded to fit the whims of society. The founding fathers were wise to base their patterns of liberty on higher law using patterns from the old common laws.
I would say that in my general use of the word law I would define it as is a morally binding rule of conduct. To be a good law it must be based on these two basic ideas. Fulfilling all you have agreed to do and not encroaching on the rights of others.
Government as a whole actually would seem to be at odds with those those laws. Since a government is set up as a institution which claims the privilege of violating both of these ideas. It is continuously encroaching on the rights of law abiding citizens and it does not hold up it’s end of the bargain. I see government as the bully who sets himself up on the playground. He tells people the way his games are to be played but breaks his own rules whenever he can do so to his own advantage.
A state of government is inevitable for there will always be a bully on the playground who is capable of strong arming his victims into submission. I must concede then that the key to keeping a good government would seem to be keeping it in check, allowing it to have only a small influence so that the power it invests over the whole of it’s realm is relatively harmless. Much like an alliance on the playground to insure that the bully isn’t able to harm those he seemingly controls.
To quote Thomas Paine, “Government even in it’s best state, is but a necessary evil.”
It would seem that America’s battle cry these days could be summed up using this general cry “Give us more laws for we will follow, tax us for we will give, and by all means use more force to make everyone comply.” It is a nightmarish vision. Can we be so stupid as to believe happiness will ensue??
Simple laws are added and forced upon us at an alarming rate. It comes to the point where people beg to live in the bondage. Can the convenience of being told exactly where, how, and what time they can get rid of the garbage really be worth the cost of freedom which one is forced to pay? Why for the convenience of not having a messy neighbor are people so willing to give up the rights of decision making which allow life to be enjoyable?
To simply state my political standpoint I am inclined to see a small, weak form of government to be more of an ideal goal. It would seem that with each new investment of power in government we turn over more freedoms thus the corruption increases and the bondage deepens.
I believe that higher law is of greater validity than civil law. Right and wrong are not matters of opinion which can be bended and molded to fit the whims of society. The founding fathers were wise to base their patterns of liberty on higher law using patterns from the old common laws.
I would say that in my general use of the word law I would define it as is a morally binding rule of conduct. To be a good law it must be based on these two basic ideas. Fulfilling all you have agreed to do and not encroaching on the rights of others.
Government as a whole actually would seem to be at odds with those those laws. Since a government is set up as a institution which claims the privilege of violating both of these ideas. It is continuously encroaching on the rights of law abiding citizens and it does not hold up it’s end of the bargain. I see government as the bully who sets himself up on the playground. He tells people the way his games are to be played but breaks his own rules whenever he can do so to his own advantage.
A state of government is inevitable for there will always be a bully on the playground who is capable of strong arming his victims into submission. I must concede then that the key to keeping a good government would seem to be keeping it in check, allowing it to have only a small influence so that the power it invests over the whole of it’s realm is relatively harmless. Much like an alliance on the playground to insure that the bully isn’t able to harm those he seemingly controls.
To quote Thomas Paine, “Government even in it’s best state, is but a necessary evil.”
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Salt
I have been staying with my parents this month. I'm really enjoying being at home. There is a certain sense of stability in it. Many things can be counted on and one fact in particular. - My parents and siblings will retire much earlier than I. This tends to exile me to my room in the evenings. Thus it happened that I was reading on the topic of salt from an old textbook of mine this week.
This may seem an odd topic but I have actually enjoyed it. Salt is something of a novel substance to me. Salt is made by a blend of sodium and chlorine. It's chemical symbol being NaC1. Sodium is an alkali metal with unstable properties. It is capable of bursting into flame when exposed to water. Chlorine is a lethal gas. Yet the combination of these chemicals creates sodium chloride or a solid substance called salt.
I was thinking of Matthew 5:13a which says "Ye are the salt of the earth;"
We are the salt of the earth. Unstable alone but stabilized by Christ. A christian may not always serve the Lord but rather choose to operate without Christ. This would make him unstable like sodium. Able at times to ignite into flame when exposed to the right substances but not always getting the same effect. That, or perhaps lethal at times like chlorine. Affecting others by his lack of zeal for the things of Christ or with his overbearing spirit, giving them a lethal dose of empathy toward the things of Christ.
Sodium and Chlorine alone do not have the same effect as salt but when those chemicals combine they become something that preserves, gives life, and is of service to man. A Christian when bonded with Christ in a proper relationship is salt. Salt that works at preserving nations, standing for purity, promoting cleanliness, enhancing the lives of those around us, and softening others toward the things of Christ, above all perhaps creating the thirst for a relationship with Christ in others.
This may seem an odd topic but I have actually enjoyed it. Salt is something of a novel substance to me. Salt is made by a blend of sodium and chlorine. It's chemical symbol being NaC1. Sodium is an alkali metal with unstable properties. It is capable of bursting into flame when exposed to water. Chlorine is a lethal gas. Yet the combination of these chemicals creates sodium chloride or a solid substance called salt.
I was thinking of Matthew 5:13a which says "Ye are the salt of the earth;"
We are the salt of the earth. Unstable alone but stabilized by Christ. A christian may not always serve the Lord but rather choose to operate without Christ. This would make him unstable like sodium. Able at times to ignite into flame when exposed to the right substances but not always getting the same effect. That, or perhaps lethal at times like chlorine. Affecting others by his lack of zeal for the things of Christ or with his overbearing spirit, giving them a lethal dose of empathy toward the things of Christ.
Sodium and Chlorine alone do not have the same effect as salt but when those chemicals combine they become something that preserves, gives life, and is of service to man. A Christian when bonded with Christ in a proper relationship is salt. Salt that works at preserving nations, standing for purity, promoting cleanliness, enhancing the lives of those around us, and softening others toward the things of Christ, above all perhaps creating the thirst for a relationship with Christ in others.
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Eternal Security
Eternal Security
What are my beliefs on eternal security?
I believe that when a person becomes a Christian he is given eternal security. This security is received through salvation as a gift from God.
I am secure in my salvation for these reasons:
1. I have heard His voice and know Him. He has given me the gift of eternal life.
John 10:27-30 “My Sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
2. After hearing the Word of truth and trusting in the gospel of salvation, I believe I was sealed with the Holy Spirit. The Lord takes pleasure in giving us this gift.
Ephesians 1:7, 9, 10, 13 (7)“In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace;” (9) Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself.”(10) “that in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him:”(13) “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise.”
3. My works will be judged, but I shall be saved.
1 Corinthians 3:15“If any man’s works shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet as by fire.”
4. Jesus blotted out the handwriting against me.
Colossians 2:14 “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.”
5. God keeps his promises.
Hebrews 1:16-20 “(16) For men verily swear by the greater oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.(17) Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by oath:(18) That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: (19) Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entered into that within the veil;(20) Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
6. Christ said it was finished when He died.
John 19:30b “He said it is finished: and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost”
7. I have become a new creature in Christ.
2nd Corinthians 5:17-21 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself be Jesus Christ, and hath given us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.
8. I am persuaded that nothing can separate me from the love of God.
Romans 8:37-39“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
(All Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.)
What are my beliefs on eternal security?
I believe that when a person becomes a Christian he is given eternal security. This security is received through salvation as a gift from God.
I am secure in my salvation for these reasons:
1. I have heard His voice and know Him. He has given me the gift of eternal life.
John 10:27-30 “My Sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
2. After hearing the Word of truth and trusting in the gospel of salvation, I believe I was sealed with the Holy Spirit. The Lord takes pleasure in giving us this gift.
Ephesians 1:7, 9, 10, 13 (7)“In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace;” (9) Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself.”(10) “that in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him:”(13) “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise.”
3. My works will be judged, but I shall be saved.
1 Corinthians 3:15“If any man’s works shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet as by fire.”
4. Jesus blotted out the handwriting against me.
Colossians 2:14 “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.”
5. God keeps his promises.
Hebrews 1:16-20 “(16) For men verily swear by the greater oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.(17) Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by oath:(18) That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: (19) Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entered into that within the veil;(20) Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
6. Christ said it was finished when He died.
John 19:30b “He said it is finished: and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost”
7. I have become a new creature in Christ.
2nd Corinthians 5:17-21 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself be Jesus Christ, and hath given us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.
8. I am persuaded that nothing can separate me from the love of God.
Romans 8:37-39“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
(All Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.)
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Plan of Salvation
A sinner is a person who has done something that will keep him from being in fellowship with God because God cannot look upon sin. Being a sinner also comes with a death penalty because the wages or payment that we owe for sin is death.
Romans 6:23 “For the Wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
The Bible tells us that we have all sinned. No man can measure up to the standards of God’s holiness. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 5:8
Our sin separates us from a loving God who wants us to live with Him in heaven when we die. In order to be rid of this sin someone who hadn’t sinned had to die to make the payment for our sin. We couldn’t earn our way to Heaven because we had already sinned, “But God Commended His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
We cannot save ourselves but God loves us, and he gave us the gift of grace to keep us from being separated from him “For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves it is a gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)
He sent Jesus his son to die in our place. The Bible says that if we believe that God’s Son Jesus died in our place and if we are willing to accept His gift of salvation we will be saved “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9-10 God will save anyone who will take Him at His word and give them the power to become his children. “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” John 1:12
Romans 6:23 “For the Wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
The Bible tells us that we have all sinned. No man can measure up to the standards of God’s holiness. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 5:8
Our sin separates us from a loving God who wants us to live with Him in heaven when we die. In order to be rid of this sin someone who hadn’t sinned had to die to make the payment for our sin. We couldn’t earn our way to Heaven because we had already sinned, “But God Commended His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
We cannot save ourselves but God loves us, and he gave us the gift of grace to keep us from being separated from him “For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves it is a gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)
He sent Jesus his son to die in our place. The Bible says that if we believe that God’s Son Jesus died in our place and if we are willing to accept His gift of salvation we will be saved “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9-10 God will save anyone who will take Him at His word and give them the power to become his children. “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” John 1:12
Thursday, July 14, 2005
The Trinity
(Some thoughts on the Trinity I found in a journal of mine.)
1) God the Father is the author
~The originator of all that exists, It was in His mind, first, that all took shape.
2) God the Son, our Saviour, is God the artisan. ~The Artist, the Creator of all that had been originally formulated in His Father's mind.
2) God the Holy Spirit is God the agent who presents these facts to both my mind and my spiritual understanding so that they may become real to me as an individual.
1) God the Father is the author
~The originator of all that exists, It was in His mind, first, that all took shape.
2) God the Son, our Saviour, is God the artisan. ~The Artist, the Creator of all that had been originally formulated in His Father's mind.
2) God the Holy Spirit is God the agent who presents these facts to both my mind and my spiritual understanding so that they may become real to me as an individual.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Wal-mart blues
Trucks are beautiful creations standing tall and proud above the standard croud. I can't tell you how happy I was to finally drive one claiming it as my own.
Well, so much for that theory. Right now I drive an old clunker with a bad case of "I don't want to." Mostly it doesn't want to be a smooth ride, it doesn't want to play music loudly, it doesn't want to stop on a dime and it doesn't want to smell good.
Lately it doesn't want it's lights to work. I swear it keeps ripping them out when I am not looking. I have had several guys help me fix them in the last month. We get them all working and blinking. Putting everything in order and then a few days later I find wires and other items dragging or swinging in the air happily out of place.
The worst of it just started recently my truck waits patiently until I am out of town and then she decides to give me trouble. It is planned, I swear, but I sure can't prove it. She waits until I park and then sits patiently while I do whatever it is that I am doing. Then, when I get back in she refuses to cooperate. She flat out decides not to start. I'll give her a little extra gas and sometimes the bribe will work however sometimes she just closes up and refuses to go until she gets flooded. She is a pain.
Last Friday night we went to Wal-Mart and she again refused to do my bidding. Even with new oil, enough antifreeze and airfreshener in her interior she just wouldn't budge. I had brought a friend with me who I had promised to deliver at a reasonable hour so this frustrated me to no end. Having exhausted my bribing power I finally called for reenforcements. One Grandpa, my friend's father, and one of my friend's brothers came to the rescue. They studied her for a second and asked me to try to start her up so I turned the key and she came to life. Stupid truck. I swear she wants to make me look like a fool.
What a night. All this and then to reward the very badly behaved creature I have to give her some high octane gas that costs more than the clothes on my back. What is this world coming too? Where can I get a truck with a good disposition? I'm looking for the kind that stands tall and proud above the standard crowd.
Well, so much for that theory. Right now I drive an old clunker with a bad case of "I don't want to." Mostly it doesn't want to be a smooth ride, it doesn't want to play music loudly, it doesn't want to stop on a dime and it doesn't want to smell good.
Lately it doesn't want it's lights to work. I swear it keeps ripping them out when I am not looking. I have had several guys help me fix them in the last month. We get them all working and blinking. Putting everything in order and then a few days later I find wires and other items dragging or swinging in the air happily out of place.
The worst of it just started recently my truck waits patiently until I am out of town and then she decides to give me trouble. It is planned, I swear, but I sure can't prove it. She waits until I park and then sits patiently while I do whatever it is that I am doing. Then, when I get back in she refuses to cooperate. She flat out decides not to start. I'll give her a little extra gas and sometimes the bribe will work however sometimes she just closes up and refuses to go until she gets flooded. She is a pain.
Last Friday night we went to Wal-Mart and she again refused to do my bidding. Even with new oil, enough antifreeze and airfreshener in her interior she just wouldn't budge. I had brought a friend with me who I had promised to deliver at a reasonable hour so this frustrated me to no end. Having exhausted my bribing power I finally called for reenforcements. One Grandpa, my friend's father, and one of my friend's brothers came to the rescue. They studied her for a second and asked me to try to start her up so I turned the key and she came to life. Stupid truck. I swear she wants to make me look like a fool.
What a night. All this and then to reward the very badly behaved creature I have to give her some high octane gas that costs more than the clothes on my back. What is this world coming too? Where can I get a truck with a good disposition? I'm looking for the kind that stands tall and proud above the standard crowd.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Wizard of OZ
Lindsey is doing a great job for Brazosport college in the summer production of "The Wizard of Oz." She inspires me nightly as she portrays the character of Dorathy to her fans. I can only go away thinking that there are indeed blue skies somewhere over the rainbow even when they can only be dimly viewed through teary eyes reminding me that there really is "no place like home." When it all comes down to it...I'm glad "We aren't in Kansas anymore." Watch out though for the Lions, and Tigers and Bears. Oh my
Just a note...
Hey all,
Not much happening here today. I got up and puttered around the house until people gave me projects to complete. I spent a few hours doing the bidding of those around me. After a while I decided that I needed to run away so I went to Wal-mart and looked at everything. Well, everything pertaining to trucks, dogs, sewing and painting. (In my life that comes close to everything.) I finally settled on buying some paint and a few new brushes. I seem to have a need to paint. I wanted to be on vacation this week but I feel like painting for fun.
We had a Creative Memories workshop at our house and at first I tried to avoid the whole mess but after a few of my friends started arriving things started looking up.
We snuck to Sonic about halfway through the event and got some cookie dough sonic blasts. Pretty good even though they forgot to mix the vanilla syrup stuff in my first one. I told them about it and they redid it for me but I was not tooooo impressed with the extra syrup they put on top of my new one. If I would have been in just a little bit of a different mood I would have made them wish they hadn't met me. As things stand I can still show my face at Sonic though in reality I don't really care to do so because they haven't impressed me much. Long live Dairy Mart and good service.
Not much happening here today. I got up and puttered around the house until people gave me projects to complete. I spent a few hours doing the bidding of those around me. After a while I decided that I needed to run away so I went to Wal-mart and looked at everything. Well, everything pertaining to trucks, dogs, sewing and painting. (In my life that comes close to everything.) I finally settled on buying some paint and a few new brushes. I seem to have a need to paint. I wanted to be on vacation this week but I feel like painting for fun.
We had a Creative Memories workshop at our house and at first I tried to avoid the whole mess but after a few of my friends started arriving things started looking up.
We snuck to Sonic about halfway through the event and got some cookie dough sonic blasts. Pretty good even though they forgot to mix the vanilla syrup stuff in my first one. I told them about it and they redid it for me but I was not tooooo impressed with the extra syrup they put on top of my new one. If I would have been in just a little bit of a different mood I would have made them wish they hadn't met me. As things stand I can still show my face at Sonic though in reality I don't really care to do so because they haven't impressed me much. Long live Dairy Mart and good service.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Hey there!
Hey all! Good news. I just got back from my friend Sara's wedding and things seemed to go of without a hitch...wait...they did get hitched but that was meant to happen. The wedding was sweet and simply decorated but very beautiful.
The groomsmen were nice...especially the drunk ones. They even offered to pose in the natural for my mural painting business. Wonder if they would have been so helpful when they were sober?? I had a good time. My groomsman even came out of his way to sit by his "flower girl" while we were waiting to get shot...er have our pictures taken. : )
The groomsmen were nice...especially the drunk ones. They even offered to pose in the natural for my mural painting business. Wonder if they would have been so helpful when they were sober?? I had a good time. My groomsman even came out of his way to sit by his "flower girl" while we were waiting to get shot...er have our pictures taken. : )
Friday, February 11, 2005
Letter written by Character
I wrote this letter during a clothing worshop which taught about the garb of the 1830s in America. It was part of an assignment.
Dearest Uncle James,
I am writing to you on behalf of Amanda Cartwright Hall. She is in grave need of your legal council. First let me give you a short biography of her life up to this point. Then I will proceed to explain her legal situation.
Amanda Cartwright Hall was born sometime in the summer of 1809. As a young child her parents would have described her as pleasant and affectionate though it is said that she did have a tendency to tease and loved playing practical jokes.
Amanda’s golden brown hair and starry blue eyes well suited her vibrant and playful disposition. She was the third born in a family that would eventually include ten children. Her time was not always spent in joking and fun, she quickly learned the skills needed to help support a large family. Her Mother taught her to appreciate the finer arts of life and she was well versed in needlework and the current social procedures of the day. Amanda’s father believed that all girls should be well educated and he spent time each afternoon teaching her to read and write both in English and in Latin, he also took great joy in discussing his political views with her.
When Amanda turned 14 her father decided to move to Mexico. He wanted his boys to have the chance to own large amounts of land and to be free from what he called the “vices of city living.” so he packed up his then growing family and joined Sam Houston in the trek for land on the banks of the Brazos river.
At this time Amanda’s adventures in life had only just begun. She was outgoing, determined and ready to take on the challenges of her new life. The Cartwright family was fairly well off so Amanda enjoyed her move to the new surroundings more than most, as she took turns riding her horse, and helping her brothers drive the younger kids in the wagon. Her travels weren’t always fun and she hated the early morning routine. However, as her lithe 5ft. frame was seen cheerfully working around the camp she soon became known as a sturdy, determined young woman and was well liked by all.
Josiah Hall took special notice of her as he watched her on the journey and years later when she neared her 17th birthday he asked Amanda to marry him and to live on his plantation. Amanda was fond of him and even though he was about 10 years her senior she decided that he was a good man who showed lots of promise. She married him and moved to his plantation later that year.
They had lived a good life and had three years of happy marriage and one small son. The Josiah became deathly ill. He had been working long hours trying to get the crops in before the bad weather set in, but even with the help of Amanda and his six slaves who worked feverishly to bring in the crops he wasn’t able to make it in time. One in day in 1829 while working in the damp weather he contracted pneumonia and never recovered. He died at the age of 30.
It is has been a year since then, and 21 year old Amanda can be found working hard to manage the plantation on her own. Her husband left her with a nice home but though she was co-executor of his will, life is taking some troubling turns for her as she fights with her husband’s brother John over land rights and something even more dear to her...........the custody of her small son John and the young black girl who watches him.
She was unaware of the problem until the boy’s Uncle showed up to claim possession of the little boy. Apparently notice had been posted on the case and it’s hearing for two weeks even though she herself was not made aware of the case. She resisted the removal of the boy and even though the court clearly orders her to turn him over to the Uncle she is determined to fight it out.
I have told you her story in hopes that you might be able to offer some assistance in fighting her case. She is a dear friend and needs your legal advice desperately.
With love,
Rebecca
Dearest Uncle James,
I am writing to you on behalf of Amanda Cartwright Hall. She is in grave need of your legal council. First let me give you a short biography of her life up to this point. Then I will proceed to explain her legal situation.
Amanda Cartwright Hall was born sometime in the summer of 1809. As a young child her parents would have described her as pleasant and affectionate though it is said that she did have a tendency to tease and loved playing practical jokes.
Amanda’s golden brown hair and starry blue eyes well suited her vibrant and playful disposition. She was the third born in a family that would eventually include ten children. Her time was not always spent in joking and fun, she quickly learned the skills needed to help support a large family. Her Mother taught her to appreciate the finer arts of life and she was well versed in needlework and the current social procedures of the day. Amanda’s father believed that all girls should be well educated and he spent time each afternoon teaching her to read and write both in English and in Latin, he also took great joy in discussing his political views with her.
When Amanda turned 14 her father decided to move to Mexico. He wanted his boys to have the chance to own large amounts of land and to be free from what he called the “vices of city living.” so he packed up his then growing family and joined Sam Houston in the trek for land on the banks of the Brazos river.
At this time Amanda’s adventures in life had only just begun. She was outgoing, determined and ready to take on the challenges of her new life. The Cartwright family was fairly well off so Amanda enjoyed her move to the new surroundings more than most, as she took turns riding her horse, and helping her brothers drive the younger kids in the wagon. Her travels weren’t always fun and she hated the early morning routine. However, as her lithe 5ft. frame was seen cheerfully working around the camp she soon became known as a sturdy, determined young woman and was well liked by all.
Josiah Hall took special notice of her as he watched her on the journey and years later when she neared her 17th birthday he asked Amanda to marry him and to live on his plantation. Amanda was fond of him and even though he was about 10 years her senior she decided that he was a good man who showed lots of promise. She married him and moved to his plantation later that year.
They had lived a good life and had three years of happy marriage and one small son. The Josiah became deathly ill. He had been working long hours trying to get the crops in before the bad weather set in, but even with the help of Amanda and his six slaves who worked feverishly to bring in the crops he wasn’t able to make it in time. One in day in 1829 while working in the damp weather he contracted pneumonia and never recovered. He died at the age of 30.
It is has been a year since then, and 21 year old Amanda can be found working hard to manage the plantation on her own. Her husband left her with a nice home but though she was co-executor of his will, life is taking some troubling turns for her as she fights with her husband’s brother John over land rights and something even more dear to her...........the custody of her small son John and the young black girl who watches him.
She was unaware of the problem until the boy’s Uncle showed up to claim possession of the little boy. Apparently notice had been posted on the case and it’s hearing for two weeks even though she herself was not made aware of the case. She resisted the removal of the boy and even though the court clearly orders her to turn him over to the Uncle she is determined to fight it out.
I have told you her story in hopes that you might be able to offer some assistance in fighting her case. She is a dear friend and needs your legal advice desperately.
With love,
Rebecca
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
In simple terms
Becoming a Christian
Becoming a Christian is as simple as ABC
First
(A) Admit that you are a sinner
Secondly
(B) Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins
Then
(c) Confess Him as Lord telling Him that you want Him to be in charge of your life
asking Him to forgive you of your sins, come into your heart and save you.
Becoming a Christian is as simple as ABC
First
(A) Admit that you are a sinner
Secondly
(B) Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins
Then
(c) Confess Him as Lord telling Him that you want Him to be in charge of your life
asking Him to forgive you of your sins, come into your heart and save you.
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Dec. 16th
December 16, 2003
People get ready!
HERE BEFORE YOU KNOW IT…
On Tuesday, January 20, there will be two special elections held to fill vacancies in the Texas Senate. In Northeast Texas’ District 1, Sen. Bill Ratliff is retiring after 15 years of service. On the opposite side of the state, District 31 Sen. Teel Bivins is stepping down to accept an appointment by President Bush to become Ambassador to Sweden.
Candidates for these special elections must file applications with the Secretary of State no later than Monday, Dec. 22. The early voting period for this special election runs from Monday, Jan. 5, through Friday, Jan. 16.
Victory in both special elections is critical to maintaining a strong Republican majority in the Senate.
People get ready!
HERE BEFORE YOU KNOW IT…
On Tuesday, January 20, there will be two special elections held to fill vacancies in the Texas Senate. In Northeast Texas’ District 1, Sen. Bill Ratliff is retiring after 15 years of service. On the opposite side of the state, District 31 Sen. Teel Bivins is stepping down to accept an appointment by President Bush to become Ambassador to Sweden.
Candidates for these special elections must file applications with the Secretary of State no later than Monday, Dec. 22. The early voting period for this special election runs from Monday, Jan. 5, through Friday, Jan. 16.
Victory in both special elections is critical to maintaining a strong Republican majority in the Senate.
Saturday, December 04, 2004
The echo of King David
The echo of King David taken from Psalm 5
Lord you...
*Are the God who takes no pleasure in wickedness.
*Hate the workers of iniquity.
*Destroy those who speak leasing: Abhor the bloody and decietful man.
*Will bless the righteousness and compass him with a shield.
David cried to you for........
* A listening ear
* Guidance
* A straight path
* The destroying of his enemies
Lord,
I ask you for these same kind of things. Give ear to my words, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, My King, and my God; for unto Thee will I pray. (Psalm 5:1-2)
Lord you...
*Are the God who takes no pleasure in wickedness.
*Hate the workers of iniquity.
*Destroy those who speak leasing: Abhor the bloody and decietful man.
*Will bless the righteousness and compass him with a shield.
David cried to you for........
* A listening ear
* Guidance
* A straight path
* The destroying of his enemies
Lord,
I ask you for these same kind of things. Give ear to my words, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, My King, and my God; for unto Thee will I pray. (Psalm 5:1-2)
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Nov. 27th
Lord you are......
Dear Lord,
You are righteous. You are the most Holy God. I come before you today thanking you for all that is and the things that will come. You are wise beyond my imagination. You are truth, and judgment, and justice. You are the most High God.
In you do I place my faith. Let me not fall into the temptation of the evil one. Deliver me from the ways of the wicked. Direct my paths to things of a higher nature. Let me not fall. Lord, you are my stay. In you alone can I place my trust. My heart desires to follow after you. Let me not waiver in my love toward you. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Lord, turn my heart towards things heavenly. Take away my desire for earthly pleasures. Purge me from all ungodliness. May you find me a willing and faithful servant.
You are the God of my Salvation. My Guide and Friend. You heal the broken hearted and bind up their wounds. You have counted the stars and called them each by name. Your understanding is infinite. You lift the meek and cast the wicked to the ground. You prepare rain and make the grass to grow. You feed the beasts even the young raven when they cry. You take pleasure in those that fear you and in those that hope in your mercy. You make peace at our borders and fill us with the finest wheat. You cause the winds to blow and the water to flow.
Today I stand amazed in Your presence.
May my Spirit be in continual harmony with you.
In your awe,
Sarah
Dear Lord,
You are righteous. You are the most Holy God. I come before you today thanking you for all that is and the things that will come. You are wise beyond my imagination. You are truth, and judgment, and justice. You are the most High God.
In you do I place my faith. Let me not fall into the temptation of the evil one. Deliver me from the ways of the wicked. Direct my paths to things of a higher nature. Let me not fall. Lord, you are my stay. In you alone can I place my trust. My heart desires to follow after you. Let me not waiver in my love toward you. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Lord, turn my heart towards things heavenly. Take away my desire for earthly pleasures. Purge me from all ungodliness. May you find me a willing and faithful servant.
You are the God of my Salvation. My Guide and Friend. You heal the broken hearted and bind up their wounds. You have counted the stars and called them each by name. Your understanding is infinite. You lift the meek and cast the wicked to the ground. You prepare rain and make the grass to grow. You feed the beasts even the young raven when they cry. You take pleasure in those that fear you and in those that hope in your mercy. You make peace at our borders and fill us with the finest wheat. You cause the winds to blow and the water to flow.
Today I stand amazed in Your presence.
May my Spirit be in continual harmony with you.
In your awe,
Sarah
Thursday, September 02, 2004
Something to laugh about...
As many of you know a new computer worm has been getting a lot of media coverage over the last few weeks. The other day a little girl sat gazing thoughtfully at our screensaver which features fuzzy caterpillers climbing across the screen. After giving the matter some consideration she turned to me and asked, "Sarah, does your computer have a worm?"
Headlines in the making...
Headlines in the making...
Elections in California take on an amusing form.
How are these for election campaign statements?
Arnald Schwarzenegger terminates Gray Davis
or
Arnald states during his closing campain, "I'll be back."
Elections in California take on an amusing form.
How are these for election campaign statements?
Arnald Schwarzenegger terminates Gray Davis
or
Arnald states during his closing campain, "I'll be back."
Saturday, April 10, 2004
Test
Test results for a job placement quizz
Sarah, the Right Job for you will allow you to be:
Strategic and Creative
As a Strategic type, you want to be able to express yourself and your ideas through work. Sure there's a time and place for rules and procedures, but when a good thought strikes you, you don't want it to be boxed into one way of thinking. You're willing to go outside the rules if there's a chance that the risk will reap big rewards.
You are stronger than most when it comes to generating ideas. And because of this, it might sometimes feel easier to take on all aspects of a job yourself instead of wasting time explaining it to someone else who might not "get it" like you do. But because you have so many ideas and are willing to take on so much, you might find that you sometimes have trouble finishing every project you start.
Your diplomacy and adaptability make you a valuable asset. But your need to feel invested in a company that allows you to express your original ways of thinking will ultimately impact how happy you are in the workplace.
Sarah, the Right Job for you will allow you to be:
Strategic and Creative
As a Strategic type, you want to be able to express yourself and your ideas through work. Sure there's a time and place for rules and procedures, but when a good thought strikes you, you don't want it to be boxed into one way of thinking. You're willing to go outside the rules if there's a chance that the risk will reap big rewards.
You are stronger than most when it comes to generating ideas. And because of this, it might sometimes feel easier to take on all aspects of a job yourself instead of wasting time explaining it to someone else who might not "get it" like you do. But because you have so many ideas and are willing to take on so much, you might find that you sometimes have trouble finishing every project you start.
Your diplomacy and adaptability make you a valuable asset. But your need to feel invested in a company that allows you to express your original ways of thinking will ultimately impact how happy you are in the workplace.
Friday, April 09, 2004
Life at the Moment...
Life at the moment isn't what it seems to be, or is it?
I read a post on the RI that asked what 10 things everyone wanted to accomplish by the time they were 30. That is 9 years away from me and I have already done several of the things most people listed i.e. graduate from high school and the like. Instead of motivating me and helping me get excited about the future that is ahead. It depressed me. I don't have goals. I mean, I do but they are the far off, never become reality kind of goals.
In reality, I am sitting here thinking life stinks. (I am 21, supposedly, one of the greatest ages there is in someone's life.) There really doesn't seem to be much to be done that is really worth doing. My mind comes back to the critical "So what, if someone has a degree and works for Motorola." I mean good for you, but jobs don't define life. Or do they??
I'm right in the middle of a dilemma. It isn't that I don't want to be doing something important..........I just haven't defined what the word "important" means.
Eternal value is the only thing I can place in a high standing but even in that my influence isn't very broad.
Well, I guess that is all the venting I'm going to do for now.
Here are the small things I said I wanted to accomplish by the time I am 30:
1. Do some extensive traveling2. Buy my first car or truck 3. Buy some land to call my own4. Build a cabin/art studio5. Own a horse 6. Get married7. Start a family/teach my children at home8. Teach/speak at home schooling conferences9. Be an active part of my husband's ministry 10. Lead at least 300 people to the Lord
See, nothing is big. Why can't I dream higher? Where are the dreams of youth?? *sighs* Ok, well TTYL
I read a post on the RI that asked what 10 things everyone wanted to accomplish by the time they were 30. That is 9 years away from me and I have already done several of the things most people listed i.e. graduate from high school and the like. Instead of motivating me and helping me get excited about the future that is ahead. It depressed me. I don't have goals. I mean, I do but they are the far off, never become reality kind of goals.
In reality, I am sitting here thinking life stinks. (I am 21, supposedly, one of the greatest ages there is in someone's life.) There really doesn't seem to be much to be done that is really worth doing. My mind comes back to the critical "So what, if someone has a degree and works for Motorola." I mean good for you, but jobs don't define life. Or do they??
I'm right in the middle of a dilemma. It isn't that I don't want to be doing something important..........I just haven't defined what the word "important" means.
Eternal value is the only thing I can place in a high standing but even in that my influence isn't very broad.
Well, I guess that is all the venting I'm going to do for now.
Here are the small things I said I wanted to accomplish by the time I am 30:
1. Do some extensive traveling2. Buy my first car or truck 3. Buy some land to call my own4. Build a cabin/art studio5. Own a horse 6. Get married7. Start a family/teach my children at home8. Teach/speak at home schooling conferences9. Be an active part of my husband's ministry 10. Lead at least 300 people to the Lord
See, nothing is big. Why can't I dream higher? Where are the dreams of youth?? *sighs* Ok, well TTYL
Wild and Restless
Have you ever seen a stranger drive by who flashed you a genuine, friendly, how's it going, life is great kind of smile? Someone smiled at me like that today as I passed him on the road. It made me want to slam on the breaks, hop out of the car, climb into his old beat up FORD truck and go for a spin. ...I didn't, just kept driving but now I wonder if fate will ever arrange a meeting with him again and if it did would I recognize him if he wasn't smiling.
Today, I'm ready for life in a calf length cotton dress, sexy straw hat, sunning in a hammock, drinking a cherry lime aide, listening to a country tune with one of those handsome, hard working guys who has a cute crooked smile a sense of fun and romance and loves me like crazy. The kind of guy a girl always dreams of to keeping for good. Is he out there???
Perhaps I'll settle for a good family outing. I'll just pray for the guy, save for the hammock and a couple of palm trees, and wear a dorky straw hat for a rather normal day at the beach.
Today, I'm ready for life in a calf length cotton dress, sexy straw hat, sunning in a hammock, drinking a cherry lime aide, listening to a country tune with one of those handsome, hard working guys who has a cute crooked smile a sense of fun and romance and loves me like crazy. The kind of guy a girl always dreams of to keeping for good. Is he out there???
Perhaps I'll settle for a good family outing. I'll just pray for the guy, save for the hammock and a couple of palm trees, and wear a dorky straw hat for a rather normal day at the beach.
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