7/30/2005

Catholicism -- The Sacraments

The Catholic religion is one of the oldest of the Christian Faith. In Europe, the Roman Catholic Church ran most of the countries and they bowed to the Church. My favorite Queen of England was Queen Jane. She did not adhere to the Catholic faith and it's running of England. As such, she was only queen for 9 days.

But this blog isn't about her, it is about the Catholic Religion. As a young girl, I was always fascinated about all of the ritualistic routines the Catholic's had. The rosary, crossing them selves and saying "Hail Marys". And the young girls in their frilly white dresses and their communion veils. And then there are the nuns with all of their mystery. I could go on forever, but I will attempt to keep with the theme--What is Catholicism?

I am pulling my information from.... www.catholic.org

First off, most of the Christian religions believe in 2 Sarcraments that is Baptism and the Lord's Supper. But Catholics have 7 and they are.....



Sacrament of Baptism

Baptism is the sacrament that frees man from original sin and from personal guilt, that makes him a member of Christ and His Church. It is thus the door to a new and supernatural life.

Pretty basic standard stuff, just worded differently.

Sacrament of Penance

As to Penance. If the Church is to fulfill in its entirely her task of saving mankind she needs the power to forgive sins. Okay...first off, is it the "Church's" duty to save mankind?

It is a power essentially different from her mission to preach the Gospel and baptize. In baptism, indeed all sins and the punishment due to them are remitted. Baptism is the first justification. But the first justification is also the first entry into the realm of the supernatural which works entirely by God's grace and which asks of the person baptized no more than that he turn away from sin and turn in faith to Christ. If this is all baptism asks, then why is it the Church's duty to save man kind????

Penance is something different. A baptized person who sins again, sins against God to whom, since his baptism in the name of the Most Holy Trinity, he belongs. He also betrays the Church of which he is now a member.
So after being baptized, you have to become perfect????

Thus, the new atonement assumes the character of a legal trial, with accusation, sentence and satisfaction.
Dang-- it seems to only be talking about the church's side. Is there no defense??? Or is the "Church" the only right one. So they are judge and jury???

The practice of penance has varied considerably down the centuries. In very early days satisfaction, usually in the form of public penance, was very much to the fore. Re-acceptance into the Church community normally took place only after completion of the penance imposed. More and more, however, penance has withdrawn from the public domain and today only the private administration of the sacrament is still in use.
Meaning???? In the past they would beat you??? embarass you?? WHAT!!!!! Private administration....the thoughts that are going thru my mind with all the priest stories that are out and about.

The development of the system of confession shows that misunderstanding easily arises above the nature of penance. In the face of all attacks - by Wycliffe, the Reformers, liberal dogmatic historians and modernists - the Church has always maintained the judicial character of the sacrament of penance and drawn the necessary conclusion.

I don't get it....does anyone??


Sacrament of the Eucharist

The doctrine of the Holy Eucharist consist of that of the Eucharist sacrifice, the sacrificial meal, and the sacrificial food, or to express it otherwise, it consists of the doctrine of the Mass, of Communion, and of the Real Presence.
I am guessing it's the wafer and wine thing that we always see on TV...??

There is no presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament that is not meant first and foremost as food for the faithful people, and there is no sacramental union with Christ in Holy Communion that is not to be thought of as a sacrificial meal

HUH??? I always thought that the bread and wine were symbols of the last supper.


: 'For as often as you shall eat this bread, and drink the chalice, you shall show the death of the Lord, until he come' (1 Cor. 11:26). The Eucharistic meal can only be prepared in the sacrifice of the Mass.


Thus the mystery of the Eucharist summarizes the whole mystery of our redemption. There are two fundamental relationships in which Christ stands to us. First, he is our priestly mediator with God, and offers him atonement for our sins.

Never really saw J.C. as a mediator......


But Christ is not a stranger to us, who merely represents us as a propitiator before God. He comes to us in the second relationship by being the mediator of the grace which God gives us on account of his sacrifice.

To me, this is demoting Jesus. I see him as my savior not my mediator. I realize we pray to God in Jesus's name, but I have always seen this as a way of letting God know we still remember who died for us.


That is the mystery of our union with Christ who is the source of all grace for us. 'And of his fullness we have all received, grace for grace' (John 1:16). This second community is realized only in the sacrifice of the Cross, by his giving his life for his Church which he had to ransom from himself.

Whoa!!! He gave his life for his Church????

Only in death did Christ seal the deep covenant with the Church

This what he did??? he sealed the dep covenant with the Church!!! Not in my Bible.

whereby she is purified and sanctified and which according to the teaching of St. Paul is the image of the most intimate union of human being in marriage: 'Husbands, love your wives, as Christ also loved the Church and delivered himself up for it; that he might sanctify it, cleansing it by the laver of water in the word of life' (Eph. 5:25).

Kinda creepy......the Church was purified, what of his followers?

From the opened side of our crucified Savior the Church was first born, as Eve was taken from Adam's side. That is the most ancient way of expressing this truth.

Now that is a play on scripture to me...

This twofold relationship, then, in which Christ stands to us men, as our mediator before God and the bringer of all graces from God, lives on in the mystery of the Eucharist. The Holy Mass is the renewing of the sacrifice which Christ offered for us, of the sacrifice of atonement for our sins; but the sacrifice is also at the same time the preparation of the Eucharistic meal, the sacrament of our union with Christ in grace.

So there are two of them??? One is for Christ's sacrifice and the other is the for the union with Christ in grace???

We should not be surprised if the doctrine of the real presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament occurs more than most doctrines in the documents of the Church. There are few mysteries of the faith where the mystery is so evident and therefore so exposed to the attacks of heresy and unbelief. However, the militant position of the Church should not prevent us from seeing the Real Presence in the context of the whole Eucharistic mystery.

What that just said is still a mystery. Why can't they just say it!!! Plain and simple. I mean, lay it on the line. Don't give peope an excuse to say that they didn't understand it......


Sacrament of Confirmation

The sacrament of confirmation completes the sacrament of baptism. If baptism is the sacrament of re-birth to a new and supernatural life, confir- mation is the sacrament of maturity and coming of age.

Right, the cool dresses. I kind of understand this, but why get baptized if you aren't mature enough to understand what you are doing?

The real confession of Christ consist in this 'that the whole man submits himself to Truth, in the judgment of his understanding, in the submission of his will and in the consecration of his whole power of love . . . To do this, poor-spirited man is only able when he has been confirmed by God's grace' This confirmation in the power of the Holy Spirit leading to a firm profession of faith has always been the particular effect which Catholic tradition has ascribed to the sacrament. It is effect which complements and completes that of baptism.

Personally, I think (yes I am getting ready for another lightening bolt) it's just another reason to have a celebration. Let's stretch it out. I truly believe that you need to be mature enough to make the decision of baptism on your own. Not go to classes and have them convince you that it's time because you are 5 or whatever. You need to know what you are doing before you do it. Not do it and then learn more for a few years and then confirm it. Just doesn't make sense.


Sacrament of Matrimony (now this should be fun)

Matrimony is the marriage contract between Christians raised by Christ to the dignity of a sacrament.

And all this time I thought it was a promise made before God by two people.

The theological and dogmatic treatment of this sacrament does not look very much to its main features of unity and indissolubility which are basic characteristics of all marriage in natural ethics; they are rather premisses, though of course they attain greater significance and depth and stability in marriage as a sacrament.

okay, the theory and "dogmatic" ,Church belief, does not look very much to the main feature or unity and indossolubility which are the basics....WHY THE HECK NOT???? and how do they attain a greater significance and depth and stability in marriage as a sacrament???? I mean really, Henry VII disolved how many marriages????? Where is the stability if you don't look at the main meaning????

The fact, then, that these features take up a considerable amount of space in Church documents must not be allowed to hid the theological content of this sacrament which comes to us from revelation and belongs to the supernatural order. As a sacrament matrimony is entirely oriented on man's supernatural goal.

I am hoping that the word "man's" is referring to the whole race not just the male part of it.

Matrimony and order are the two sacraments which not only serve the individual in reaching this goal but are there for the benefit of the community. Matrimony is there for the mutual help of the spouses and the increase of the people of God.

Well now isn't that putting it bluntly. You get married to have kids!!!! I see the purpose, but shouldn't you get married to someone you went to spend eternity with??? I mean you can have kids with anyone, I guess this would explain the "arranged marriage" thing.


Devotion to his twofold end is the way of salvation for married couples, a way sanctified by the sacrament. 'Yet she shall be saved through childbearing; if she continue in faith, and love, and sanctification, with sobriety' (1 Tim:2:15).

Okay...you are saved thru having kids.....that would explain alot of our problems.

The mutual sacrifice and devotion of husband and wife is a true picture of Christ's sanctifying sacrifice and devotion to His Church. 'Matrimony has its significance in the first place from Christ who took the Church as his bride at the price of his own blood.

I just don't get this...but it does explain the whole Priest and Nun thing of marrying the Church and why they wear wedding rings.

And also because when he offered his life as the price of her ransom, he stretched our his arms in an embrace of supreme love.

I don't like the wording of this. Once again, I thought Christ died to save us, not the Church.

And thirdly: as Eve was formed from the side of Adam while he slept, so the Church was formed from the side of the dying and dead Christ, as the two chief sacraments poured from his side - the blood of redemption and the water of absolution' (Albertus Magnus).

CREEPY MENTAL PICTURE!!!! Okay, so how could Christ of married "The Church" if it was made from his death???

It is only from this point of view that one can understand the Church's unceasing struggle against any attempt to see marriage as something unholy or something merely profane, of no concern to religion. The campaign began with those countless rigorist or dualist sects in early times and in the Middle Ages; if defended the religious nature of marriage against the Reformers for whom it was just a civil affair; it represented the demands of the Church in matter of matrimonial legislation in various countries and defended the indissolubility of the marriage contract and the sacrament in the encyclicals of Leo XIII and Pius XI. Since marriage is also of the greatest civic significance, jurisdiction in matrimonial matters was one of the commonest causes of differences between Church and state. Since this is solely a question of dogmatic view- points, the relevant documents are omitted. For the same reason Church documents dealing mainly with matrimonial morality are omitted. The Church Thus Teaches: Marriage is willed by God and was raised to a sacrament by Christ. It is therefore good but may not be put before the state of virginity.

What??? Marriage is good but cannot be put before the stat of virginity???? Meaning, I am guessing, that as long as they don't scrog they can get it disolved??? And how do they know if they did or not??? And what if they did before they got married???? How is it determined???

The sacrament of matrimony consist of the marriage contract, so that for Christians the contract and the sacrament are inseparable. Therefore marriage comes into the legal competence of the Church. The Church may establish impediments, including diriment impediments which invalidate a marriage and forbidding impediments which make marriage illegal. She may determine the form and rite to be observed. Matrimonial Causes fall to ecclesiastical courts. The purpose of marriage is the increase of the people of God and mutual help for the partners in loyalty and love.

I understand what they are saying, but I see marriage as much more then just reproduction. Have been thru two horrible ones, reproduction doesn't make it all good....

The sacrament gives married people a claim on the graces necessary to their state. Only monogamy is valid. A new marriage is allowed after the death of one party. Marriage is indissoluble, even in cases of adultery.

So you have to live with the creep that cheated on you and brought cooties back to your bed?

An unconsummated marriage can in certain circumstances be dissolved by the Church. Once it is consummated, a separation only is possible; the marriage bond cannot be dissolved.

This is where "hit men" make all their money.


Sacrament of Holy Orders

As to Orders. The supreme task which Christ had to fulfill was his priestly work of atonement which he completed as mediator between God and man. By the union in himself of humanity and divinity Christ is by nature the mediator. As a man from among men, Christ is our mediator with the Father; yet he is also capable of offering a worthy sacrifice to God because, by virtue of the union of his human nature with the Second Person of the Godhead, his human actions have in infinite value.

HUH????? Can anyone explain this one to me????

In this fullest sense, the priesthood belongs to Christ alone. But if Christ wished to live on and continue his work in the Church, the first thing he had to do was to provide for the continuance of his sacerdotal and mediatory function.

I am so confused...but I will read on...

Above all, if Christ wished to renew the sacrifice of the Cross throughout the ages and all over the world as the sacrifice of the New Law in the Holy Mass, he had to allow other men to share in his priesthood.



For if there is to be a true sacrifice, there must be a priesthood ordained and authorized by God from whose hands God will accept the sacrifice.

What kind of sacrifice are we talking about God accpeting???

All attacks on the priesthood of the Catholic Church thus go back to denial that the Holy Mass is a true sacrifice, entrusted by Christ to his Church, and ultimately to denial of any visible Church to which Christ entrusted his work as mediator and redeemer.

Who is attacking them????? I thought the preists were attacking people....

So the attacks of Wycliffe, the Reformers and the "liberal" historians regarded the setting up of an official priesthood as the result of the evolution of Christian life in the early Christian communities. The priesthood is ordained in the first place for the offering of sacrifice and therefore for the solemnization of the Church's formal worship. The arrangements for these celebrations demand also a corresponding ministry and thus graded ministers to the alter. This grading of the ministry goes in part back to direct institution by Christ, but in part was introduced by the Church.

The one thing I don't understand about priests and nuns is, why if it is one of our main purposes to replenish God's flock are they not allowed???? Is that their sacrifice to God????

The degrees of order - the four minor and three major orders with the highest of all, that of Bishop - signify an order of rank in the mediation of grace.

And all this time I thought the highest was Pope!!!

It must be distinguished from the other order of rank which concerns jurisdiction, magisterium and pastorate. The latter are not essentially linked with the powers of mediation of grace, but in the concrete order established by God there are close relationships between the two kinds of power.


For example, the fact that the power of forgiving sins exists in the Church does not, in itself, say anything about who has this power.

Once again, I thought God was the only one to do this...

But in the divine order, only a priest can have it.

Oh...dare I say it?????

Besides the conflict about the fact of the sacrament of order, its institution by Christ and its hierarchical structure, it has always been a principal concern of the Church to raise the priesthood to the high moral level suitable to its sublime duties. In the West, a most important stem in this direction was the insistence on celibacy.

Why just in the West???? There are perverts all over. Remember "Thorn Birds"

But as we are concerned here solely with doctrinal matters, documents on this are not given.


Sacrament of Extremeunction or Anointing of the Sick

As to Anointing by conferring the Holy Spirit completes the sacrament of baptism, so extreme unction is the complement and completion of penance.

I thought we did that with Confirmation???

Penance restores the justification lost by sin, extreme unction takes away the infirmity left by sin; it 'removes that state which might be an obstacle to the clothing with glory of the resurrection'; and, as every sacrament makes us men in some respect like Christ, 'so we become by extreme unction like the risen Christ because it will be given to the dying as a sign of the glory to come in which everything mortal will be stripped from the elect' (Albertus Magnus). According to the teaching of great theologians, the holy anointing makes the man who stands at the threshold of eternity and loyally cooperates with the grace of the sacrament ready to enter directly upon the Beatific Vision. That this sacrament was provided for the sick to strengthen them and prepare them for a happy passage to the hereafter was for centuries an undisputed part of tradition.

Agghhh, it makes the sick strong enough to get to heaven???? I am having some spirit vs. mortal body issues here....HELP ANYONE?

The ancient prayers accompanying the anointing of the sick are evidence of this. The Church only had to concern herself officially with the doctrinal side of it when particular questions cropped up or errors appeared. For this reason the earliest documents deal more with the question of the minister and the external rites. It was not until the Reformation denied the sacramentality of extreme unction and its institution by Christ that a more exact exposition was demanded of the Council of Trent.

Okay...so they don't have any history on this except the prayers, so they made the rest up????



I truly wonder if most Catholics understand all of this????

I will do some more in a few days....need to let all of this soak in.

The Proverbial Junk Drawer

I made a promise to myself that when we moved into this new house...THERE WOULD BE NO JUNK DRAWER IN THE KITCHEN!!!!

We started to move in on the 13th, and of course I couldn't find anything the first week. Then I had the house semi together and I still couldn't find anything. I noticed this morning that the microwave was becoming a great place to stack things. Super glue, scissors, scotch tape, zip ties, batteries the box tops for education that we save...etc. I couldn't see the top of the microwave and I couldn't find the duct tape.

So after 2 weeks of finding nothing, I broke my promise and made a junk drawer...all is good in the Land of Oz again. I know where my scissors are and I can see the top of my microwave...GO TEAM!!!!

Everyone I have ever asked as a junk drawer!!! Why do we need these??? Is it because we have too much stuff or is it cause we are too lazy to walk out to the garage to get and put up stuff????

7/28/2005

Farewell To Slytherin

Well, I have decided I can no longer stand the snake. He is just getting too creepy. So, I found a guy at my work that breeds snakes and he said he would take him. I am of course going to have to lie through my teeth so I don't hurt Ashton's feelings or make him think he is a bad snake owner. So, my lie is that he got sick and died. I am not a good liar, but it will have to do. Anyway...I just fed him for the last night...and here are some pictures to totally gross you out






It's really difficult to get good swallowing shots cause he really hates the camera....so I didn't get any part of the mouse's body hanging out of his mouth or anything....SORRY...

7/27/2005

THE JOYS OF GARDENING WITH BOYS

THE NEW MATH

PLUS

EQUALS



Name this emotion!!!

Have you ever felt a "connection" with a member of the opposite sex!!!

I have, and I have never ever done anything with it.

The first one, I was married and he was not. But no matter what horrible thing was going on, his visits always made me feel better. But, unfortunately, when I finally got divorced he was getting married.

Second one was a guy I used to work with. There was always an attraction. I mean he isn't gorgous or anything, but there was just something. We talked about it and then we both decided we didn't want to ruin what ever it was that was there so we are just friends.

Number three is a guy I work with now. He is married and the same age I am. He grew up in this area as I did and we know alot of the same people. So there is a huge attraction between us and it's not just on my side. But, since he is married we are just really good friends. At Christmas, he was fighting with his wife and I was dealing with my ex--we hugged each other "Merry Christmas" and it seemed instantly we both felt better. Just from a hug--really weird.

I am not sure exactly what this attraction/understanding thing is called. It could be soul mates but I really don't think so.

It would be so incredibly wonderful to marry someone you had this with--or would it. If you got seriously involved or married, would it go away???

Reason for this thought---Guy #4

Known him forever, actually did some youth stuff with his older sister when I was 12 years old, now I'm 35 so that's 23+ years of having some type of connection with this guy. When I was younger I wrote it off to a crush because he was a few years older and very handsome.

But now, he is still taller and older not as handsome and of course by this stage in life we all have some extra baggage. But just talking to him on the phone or via e-mail seems so soothing and ful-filling. And there is no physical anything. It's just spiritually up lifting.

What is it?? and can I package it for re-sale??? I could make millions!!!!

7/26/2005

The Amish

I really love reading about the Amish. I don't really know why, they just fascinate me. I don't want to be one, they are just interesting. To me it is more than just a religion, it is a culture!!

The Amish religion was founded by Jacob Ammen in 1693-1697 .

The Bible is the sacred text of the Amish people. The Amish interpret the
Bible literally and directly in many cases which explains their lifestyle. In
addition to the Bible there are unwritten rules on which the Amish people base
their morals and way of life. The Ordung are the unwritten rules of the church
and are not specified in writing, but are known and closely followed.

The Amish sacred texts include the Bible and the Ordnung. They interpret the bible literally and directly. Once a member is baptized, they are bound to the Ordnung. The Ordnung is a set of written and unwritten rules established by the Bishops, which regulates all aspects of Amish life

Which part of the Bible, New Testament or Old Testament? I am guess Old. The Ordung is outlined at the end of this, very different. But it does state where they got the rules from..i.e. which scriptures Very impressive



The Amish people are direct descendants of the Anabaptists of sixteenth
century Europe. Anabaptism is a religion that came about during the reformation
era. During sixteenth century Europe, people were changing their ideas about
religion The term Anabaptist first started out as a nickname that meant
"rebaptizer", because this group rejected the idea of infant baptism. They said that because an infant does not have the knowledge of good and evil, it can not have sin. The Anabaptists were seen as a threat to Europe's religious and social institutions and were therefore persecuted. As a result of this persecution, Anabaptists emigrated to find refuge in places such as Moravia, Alsace, Palatinate, and the Netherlands


To a point I agree with this. This was a tough time for relitions everywhere.


The Amish religion is actually a branch off of the Swiss Mennonites. The group
received its name from its founder, Jacob Amman. Amman was born in Switzerland
and later moved to Alsace, where he became an elder and spokesman for the
Anabaptists in that area

As a result of persecution, the Amish began to
immigrate to North America. More specifically, they went to Pennsylvania,
because it had become a haven for other persecuted religions


As did most non-catholic people.

The Anabaptist movement believes that only the pure should be involved in
religion and that if a member were to fall into sinful actions, he or she should
be excommunicated. Meidung, also called shunning, is the practice of the
community to avoid associating with members of the community who have been
excommunicated. Jacob Amman's interpretation and practice of Meidung was even
more strict than that of the Anabaptists. He told his followers to shun all
members that leave the Amish church and those who marry an outsider

Man, flash back from reading the "Scarlet Letter". Just a thought, if only the pure were involved in religion--Why did J.C. die for us? This seems more "cult-ish" then religious. They want to keep their ways of life to themselves, but without any "outsiders" to help with the population--wouldn't incest happen?

The practice of washing feet comes from the scripture of John 13. The Amish
follow a strict and literal interpretation of the Bible, and just as Jesus
washed the feet of his disciples at the last supper, the Amish wash each others'
feet at the observance of communion. They stoop when washing each others' feet
as a symbol of humility


I understand this, but it creeps me out....I have a foot fetish and I couldn't do it....put me in the stocks!!!

Some of the most important beliefs held by the Amish are: separation from the
outside world, vow of obedience, and closeness to nature. There are other
regulations over societal customs such as dress, use of inventions and no formal
education beyond elementary school. The fear of being shunned and excommunicated keeps the Amish from being tempted by the outside world. The moral beliefs of the Amish Church are based on the Bible and most of their views stem from literal translations of the teachings of the Bible. The Amish do not try to
recruit members from the outside world because that would be seen as consorting
with those that are shunned


Very cult-ish. Makes me wonder if they think God is good?? Why would anyone want to live in fear all of their lives???

I found this on a sight.....it's the Ordnung-- or a version of it. Their rules for living.


SEPARATION FROMTHE WORLD
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." I John 2:15
"and the world hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." John 17:14
"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing." II Cor. 6:17

HUMILITY AND HOLINESS
"And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Phil 2:8
"...be ye holy, for I am holy."I Peter 1:16

HARD WORK AND FARMING
"Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the Garden of Eden to till the soil from whence he was taken." Gen. 3:23

REFUSAL TO GO TO WAR
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds." II Cor. 10:4
"...be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, forbearing." II Tim. 2:24
"...whomsoever shall smite thee on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." Matt. 5:39
"...if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight..." John 18:36

SUBMISSION TO HUSBAND
"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church..." Eph. 5:22-23
this one made me spit Pepsi thru my nose...


WEARING APRONOVER DRESS
"...and they sewed fig leaves together, and mad themselves aprons." Gen. 3:7

WOMEN'S BONNETS
"But every women that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoreth her head." I Cor. 11:5

WOMEN'S CLOTHING,NO JEWELRY
"...that women adorn themselves in modest apparel...not with plaited hair, or gold or pearls, or costly array." I Timothy 2:9

ABSTINENCE FROMSTRONG DRINK
"Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor they sons with the." Lev. 10:9

SELF DENIAL AND FEASTING
"And He said to them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily." Luke 9:23

FELLOWSHIP AND FEASTING
"When ye come together to eat, tarry one for another." I Cor. 11:33

ATTITUDE AGAINST LAW
"And if any man sue thee at law, and take away they coat, let him have they cloak also." Matt. 5:40

UNIFORMITY OF DRESS AND TRANSPORTATION (Hair, Beard, Home, etc.)
"Endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace." Eph. 4:3
"...Ye are called in one body, and be ye thankful." Col. 3:15

REFUSAL TO BUYLIFE INSURANCE
"But if any provide not for his own and especially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith and is worse than an infidel." I Tim. 5:8

LIMITED SCHOOLING
"For wisdom of the world is foolishness with God." I Cor. 3:19
I think this is impossed so the children won't learn of the
world and question their beliefs and want to leave their community. It's another control factor.

CHURCH IN HOMES
"The Lord of Heaven and Earth dwelleth not in the temples made with hands." Acts 17:24

SUBMISSION TO BISHOPSAND DEACONS
"Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elders. Yea, all of you be subject one to another." I Peter 5:5

CHOOSING BISHOP BY LOT
"And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, show whether of these two Thou hast chosen (to take the place of Judas)...and they gave forth their lots and the lot fell upon Matthias..."Acts 1:23-26

FOOT WASHING
"...He poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet..." John 13:5

EXCOMMUNICATIONAND SHUNNING
"Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it: if he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity." Ezekiel 33:9
"...if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer or drunkard or an extortioner: with such a one do not eat." I Cor. 5:11
"To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh."I Cor. 5:5

To me, after reading this, I think these people took part in the witch hunts. I understand they are taking it directly from the Bible, but the Bible was (to me) meant to be use as a guideline--not the game plan. It was written in a time where people weren't very domestic or virtuous, they had to be very blunt about things. Thou shalt not lie with animals, don't sleep with you brother's wife. I mean pretty basic common sense, but they had the rules to go by.

It seems that the Amish have these beliefs but they take them to extremes. Although, they do have a community and no need for law enforcement unless "outsiders" are involved.

Amish children do have toys. Small girls have rag dolls which are made from cloth and do not have a face as graven images are against their belief.

The boys play ball and other ordinary games that children play as long as it doesn't involve any kind of technology such as telephones, computers, etc.

Weird

As I am surfing through Amish sights, it seems they are semi-commericial. I mean they are very well known for their crafts, food and construction talents. They have a means to survive in the world as they are trying to keep the world out of their lives. It must be difficult to see all the "modernized" people and know that you are not allowed to be like them. I am guessing that their lives are very well rounded and they do not want to leave.

It is still a very interesting culture even though I don't completely agree with it.

Wedding Rituals
An Amish wedding consists of three basic time frames: the courtship period, an announcement and the actual wedding day or ceremony. Most young Amish men and women have the goal to get married in their early twenties. This is because of the fact that beginning their own family life is a large part of sustaining their agriculturally based community. The courtship period starts very early in Amish culture, typically around the age of sixteen. During this time the man will take the girl on walks or on rides in an appropriately called courting buggy. Once the man proposes to the women it is usually done in secrecy. He gives her china or a clock as a symbol of his loyalty to her. The timing of the proposal is very critical in the process of the marriage. All of the wedding events revolve around the fall harvest so they do not interfere with the harvest itself. The bride tells her family in July or august, and consent is given. Once consent is given arrangements are made for the announcement of the couple and the ceremony. This announcement to the community is done on October 11th the Amish day of fasting. It is done in the church at the end of the sermon while the bride and groom are not present. Later the same evening, the groom will have dinner at the brides home to be formally introduced to her family. It is now only a matter of days that the couple has to prepare for the actual wedding ceremony. The bride will make her dress, usually blue in color. Her dress will serve three purposes: for her wedding, her Sunday church gown and finally she will also wear her dress at her funeral. The groom is dressed in a black suit for the wedding day. The day starts off like all days on an Amish farm with milking the cows and other chores. Guests will arrive at the church around 6:30 am with the ceremonies starting at 8:30am. 200-400 guests will begin the ceremony by singing hymns and reciting prayers. During this time the minister will counsel the couple before returning for a three-hour sermon. After the ceremony the guests and wedding party will attend a large banquet prepared by the women of the wedding party. The time is spent visiting and playing games. There are two meals served during this time and the bride and groom will remain there until the last guest leaves at around 10:00pm. Once everyone has left the bride and groom spend their first night together in the brides home. They do this so they can help clean up the ceremony the next day. The next few months are spent visiting friends and collecting gifts until the spring when they can build their own home.

Dang and I thought Catholic Weddings were long...(yes I just dodged another lightening bolt). This is a very curious cermony. And......I wish I could fit into my wedding dress when I died....This would be difficult, because I have yet to have a real wedding dress...:((

Like I said, this is more of a culture than a religion.

No GNEWS is good GNEWS

Well, I haven't heard back from Kendall and my car wasn't covered with eggs or anything!!!! So either he hasn't read it or he has found someone else to try to dominate!!! I will start back up my religion blog....it will be slower because I am still in the process of getting my move complete.



can you tell, I really like the house???

FWB??? WTF!!!!!

My lunar orbit must be oblong or the planets aren't aligned right or something, I have been having some overly emotional weird stuff going on.

I have been talking to this guy on line that actually seems normal and stable. We have even talked on the phone--and plus he as a job and TEETH!!!! Yee-Haw!!!

Anyway, he keeps asking me if I will come over. I have to keep explaining to him that I have 3 kids and I can't just drop everything and come over to his house. The whole come over to my house thing freaks me out anyway, why not go to a movie or meet at a restaurant and go dutch???

Well last night, I finally got brave and asked him just exactly what he was looking for. He told me he was looking for some one to have exclusive sex with and no other attachments. How can you do that???? Isn't that whole entire phrase an oxy-moron???? He wants to do what he wants when he wants. He did not mention anything about what the other person might want.

Anyway, I told him I was more interested in "Happily Ever After" then in FWB (Friend with Benefits). I mean, in theory, FWB is perfect...but theory doesn't have emotions and doesn't have to live day to day in this weird world. And the "F" in FWB means friend, isn't there some attachments to friends?? There is for me, I worry for them and I am happy when things go right. It's just part of being human.

After I told him all of this he got "butt hurt"!! Now I hate that expression, but in this instance it fits perfectly. I mean he was all bent out of shape because of what said. He said he wouldn't make me feel "used", he promised. I told him that no one is in control of how I feel but me, and his implication that he could have that power over me was a huge turn off.

To me I get a "little man" syndrome vibe from him. That he has to be in control in every way and he will go to any extreme to give himself that power. Add this to the fact that he drinks wine from a 32 oz "7211" glass with ice and you have a possible violent situation.

At least---I have learned from my past and I am not just diving in thinking I can "change" or "help" him. Now, I hit the ignore button on my messenger and continue jammin' to Yahoo LaunchCast Plus!!!!

I am hoping that the planets will change orbit soon!!!!!!!

7/25/2005

Christian Kindness and Hospitality???

Okay....I went to church this weekend.

I SHOULD OF STAYED HOME!!!!

The person that told me that my religious research and blogging was immoral and inappropriate was in my Sunday school class. So, I tried to play nice with the other kids and I stopped.

So, Sunday he was there as arrogant as usual and he decided he needed to lead the class because he had some issues he needed to address. Over half of the room rolled their eyes, but they humored him. Mainly because if you don't he will just take over the class anyway.

Oh...Hi Kendall!!!! Yes, it's all about you!!!!

So first off he had to point out that I was looking at other religions. A few people were impressed the rest could pretty much careless. Then he started in on the bashing session he is so well known for. You know the kind...How great and righteous he is and how the rest of the world is going to burn in hell.....

About 1/4 thru his speech, he said that it is not healthy for children to grow up with just one parent and he glared at me. Well, that pretty much lit the fuse on my tampon. I stood up and asked him if it was healthy for children to be around meth addicts and people who are always trying to kill them selves in front of their children. If it was healthy for the children to watch their mother take all kinds of abuse just so the father will not apply it to the children. He just looked at me with a "sit down and shut up look". I gathered up my stuff and left the room. Our normal teacher followed me and tried to get me to come back in. I told him no, and this attitude is exactly why I am looking at other religions.

He looked at me and shook his head and said "I know, I know but Kendall gives a lot to the church and in return we just have to listen to him."

HELLO!!!!! HE IS NOT THE ONE WE ARE HERE TO WORSHIP.!!!!!!!

So I went down stairs and got Alec out of the 3 year old class and we played on the play ground until Ashton got out of his class. Ashton has grown up in this church and he is pretty much the reason why I have stayed there. But he hasn't been real happy with his class either, they don't teach anymore....they just let them play games for the hour.

We wonder at times why our society is the way it is, I am really seeing why.

7/24/2005

Our New House Pictures

THE HARRY POTTER ROOM


VIEW WITH FRONT YARD



HOUSE ADDRESS SIGN
















REALLY COOL TREE--BUT I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IT IS!!!!



What a Happy thing to read first thing in the morning.

Gemini
May 20 - June 20You should prepare yourself for another annoying day. You have always felt the need to assert yourself, especially when you are in the middle of an activity. Nothing can slow you down! But today, dear Gemini, your entourage will try to put a spoke in your wheel. Your close friends could disappoint you today. Try to keep your cool today!

My Horoscope really sucks today. I read this at 6:10 am this morning. What a great way to start out the day. UGH!!!!.

I am still in the process of moving, so I am a bit more scatter-brained than usual. So I am sorry for all of this blabber.

I am going to work on the garage today and the little stuff around the house that still hasn't found a happy spot!!! Go Team!!!!!!

7/20/2005

My Batteries are Broken

While attempting to put Alec to bed last night, he kept saying

"But my eyes are bopen"

I kept saying well close them then. Then I got--

"I can't, they are still bopen"

So I got brave and asked why can't you close your eyes--

"Cause"

Cause why I asked

"Cause the batteries in my head are broken and my eyes stay bopen".

I now have proof he really does listen to me, I just don't get immediate repsonses!!!!

7/19/2005

Earth Worm Garden

We have been moving for the past week. Our new house is wonderful and has a beautiful yard full of plants, trees, bugs, snakes and earth worms.

I put water, from the hose, in the irrigation ditch to water our new grape vine and earth worms started growing in the ditch. My two youngest were amazed and plucked out every earth worm and put them all together in one lump in the ditch so they could be a family.

It amazing how a week without cable TV makes children really recognize nature, and parents too.

THE RELIGION THING

I was informed that my religious research and posting my findings on line was improper.

So, I will keep researching...but I will keep my findings to myself.

Sorry if I have offended anyone.

7/02/2005

Presbyterian--What I think it is

Once again remember: There are now bad religions, just bad churches.

Every thing I am quoting I got from the Presbyterian official Website www.pcusa.org

Presbyterian trace their history to the 16th century and the Protestant Reformation. Our heritage, and much of what we believe, began with the French lawyer John Calvin (1509-1564), whose writings crystallized much of the Reformed thinking that came before him.

I did not know this. Wondering why they don't call them a cult like many
people refer to the Mormon religion. Which by the way I don't agree with that
statement.

In the 1958 Statement of the PCUA, p. 537: The General Assembly: Affirms its conviction that neither the Church as the body of Christ, nor Christians as individuals, can be neutral or indifferent toward evil in the world; Meaning they can't sit quietly and watch the world destroy itself with evil. I agree with this statement. The only way to change the world for the better is to get involved. Affirms its responsibility to speak on social and moral issues for the encouragement and instruction of the Church and its members, seeking earnestly both to know the mind of Christ and to speak always in humility and love;

Good thing to to actually put in writing. I think this is the goal of all
Christians but this is the first time I have seen it in writing


Reminds the churches that their duty is not only to encourage and train their members in daily obedience to God's will, but corporately to reveal God's grace in places of suffering and need, to resist the forces that tyrannize, and to support the forces that restore the dignity of all men as the children of God, for only so is the gospel most fully proclaimed.

I like this statement but it doesn't say how they get God's will. Is it their
interpretation or is it directly from the Bible. I think all religious teachings
should start with the scriptures and then if necessary break them down for
clearer understanding and application in today's society
Baptism usually occurs during infancy, though a person may be baptized at any age. Parents bring their baby to church, where they publicly declare their desire that he or she be baptized. When an infant or child is baptized the church commits itself to nurture the child in faith. When adults are baptized they make a public profession of faith.

I don't agree with this. I thinkthat a public profession is necessary for the overall acceptance of Jesus Christ. I believe that it needs to be a decision of each person, not having the decision made for them when they are an infant. I do understand "sprinkling" but I see it as a request made to God to accept this infant until he/she is old enough to accept Christ into their heart of their own free will.



"The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) does not advocate the prohibition of alcohol, a policy which would appear to attribute the entire problem to alcohol itself. Responsible and non-problematic uses of alcohol have been part of human experience and the Judeo-Christian heritage since the beginning of recorded history. The considerable risks and immense suffering that follow from excessive and unwise uses of alcohol do, however, impose upon all Christians individually and corporately the responsibility to make and encourage judicious and well-informed choices regarding personal and social uses of alcohol.

This is a first for me. Stating that it is okay to use alcohol in
moderation based on the fact that alcohol has been used through-out the
centuries. Coming from the view point of, in the past, living with an
alcoholic--I strongly disagree. I don't think that in our current state of
development, humans, have the capacity to drink in moderation. It is an
addicting substance and should be avoided.


Presbyterians have struggled with the abortion issue for more than 25 years, beginning in 1970 when a General Assembly statement declared that "the artificial or induced termination of pregnancy is a matter of the careful ethical decision of the patient, . . . and therefore should not be restricted by law . . ."(1) The latest major statement on abortion by a Presbyterian General Assembly came in 1992. Here's an excerpt from that position statement:
. . . There is [both] agreement and disagreement on the basic issue of abortion. The committee [on problem pregnancies and abortion] agreed that there are no biblical texts that speak expressly to the topic of abortion, but that taken in their totality the Holy Scriptures are filled with messages that advocate respect for the woman and child before and after birth. Therefore the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) encourages an atmosphere of open debate and mutual respect for a variety of opinions concerning the issues related to problem pregnancies and abortion.

WOW....This one blows me away. They are saying that abortion is
okay??? The only time I agree on pregnancy termination is when the baby is
dead or will be born unable to live, ie without a spine. If there has to
be a choice between saving the mother or saving the child I think that decision
is up to the father of the baby and the parents of the mother and their choice
should be supported due to it's extreme complexity
.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has a thirty year history of support for gun control legislation. Beginning in the late 1960's, in response to the assassinations of public leaders, the General Assembly called for ". . . Control [of] the sale and possession of fire arms of all kinds."1 In 1976, this statement was re-affirmed, but also specifically worded to ". . .not cover shotguns and rifles used legitimately by sportsmen. . .".2 In 1988, these and other statements supporting gun control were again reaffirmed.

HHMMMM...they are for abortion and for gun control. It's okay to kill
unborn innocent babies but not public leaders (I won't comment on their innocence)???

". . . Homosexuality is not God's wish for humanity . . . We want this dialogue to continue. Nevertheless, we judge that it cannot effectively be pursued in the uncertainty and insecurity that would be generated by the Assembly's silence on this matter at this time. On the basis of our understanding that the practice of homosexuality is sin, we are concerned that homosexual believers and the observing world should not be left in doubt about the church's mind on this issue during any further period of study. Even some who see some forms of homosexual behavior as moral are concerned that persons inside and outside the church will stumble in their faith and understanding if this matter is unresolved."

I am guess that this is a standard through out the Christian world.
It does say it is a sin in the Bible.


Okay.....my outlook on the Presbyterian religion. I think they are very liberal and trying to keep up with "Modern Times". This is good and bad in my opinion. It is good because it almost guarantees the continuation of the religion in the future. It is bad because I think they are straying from the true teachings of the Bible. I don't agree with some of their philosophies, but that is my right -- and theirs. I still think that no matter how "modernized" our society becomes, we should show respect to God and be humbled before him. We should dress nicely to go to worship Him. We should follow the teachings of the Bible and try to implement them into our lives.