What if I had these door approaches on my mission.....

It is Christmas....time to smile!!!

Just something to make you laugh!

Is it a compliment to be in this list?

Billboard named the #1 - One-hit-wonder for the decade...who is having the bad day now?

Can I get an AMEN?!?!?!

I was reading another blog, and this was my idea!!!! Oh well, he is more eloquent than I am.

Does God find the phrase Happy Holidays offensive?

If you haven’t started receiving them yet, prepare for your inbox to be inundated with emails about the “war” on Christmas. Thanks to Glenn Beck, Bill O’Reilly, Fox News, and my super religious aunts, I have to delete all those emails about boycotting Wal-mart, since they have told their associates to say Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. Do we have to do this every year? People have tried to argue that we should remember the “reason for the season” and not try to acknowledge other holidays that are during the same time period. Let’s look at why Christmas should be the focus of the holiday season.

First of all, Thanksgiving, which kicks off the holiday season, is about acknowledging Providence in generating that year’s harvest. It is also a time of family and community as we share a meal together and thank God for our blessings. So we shouldn’t say happy holidays because this doesn’t contribute to the message of Christmas.

Next we will be celebrating the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, the festival of lights, as it is also known, is to celebrate the Maccabean revolt. Most people haven’t heard the word Maccabeas, but it could have been a book in the Bible, it was left out and is now part of the Apocrypha. Enough of the history lesson, we wouldn’t want to recognize a holiday that celebrates lighting the way for other people and overcoming oppression from others.

Another holiday that I’m quite positive we wouldn’t want to include would be Kwanzaa, to celebrate one’s history, recognize where they have come from (Don’t we get a pedigree of Christ in the first book of the Bible?), to celebrate with lighting candles (Hanukkah) and giving gifts (Christmas & Hanukkah) that just might be too much for God, who Christians see as the ultimate gift giver. So obviously God doesn’t want to have us acknowledging and celebrating a holiday like this.

As the end of the holidays comes around we will be celebrating a new year and a time for personal reflection, we obviously don’t want to include this holiday in our happy holiday greetings. This is a time to look at rebirth (similar to baptism) and setting goals for the upcoming year (enduring to the end); this would be quite offensive to God, because really the only thing we should think about is the holiday that we call Christmas.

So let’s look at the gift giving holiday that we all know and love, Three Kings Day. What? You mean there is a day special for celebrating the wise men that came to Christ and brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and muir? That’s right, it may be part of every nativity scene, but we don’t want to recognize their contribution on any day but December 25th?

Then on to December 25th, Happy Yule Day, oops I mean Happy Horus Day, oh no I got it, Merry Christmas. I know we don’t celebrate Yule Day, because if we did we would have to cut down evergreens and take them into our homes. Horus Day, what was I thinking? Horus was seen as an enlightened Savior God, whose symbol is the all-seeing eye. Obviously that has nothing to do with Christmas. So yes, Happy Holidays is quite offensive to God, because the holidays that share the same season with Christmas do not share similar values as Christmas.

Update - I already have received an email noticing how similar this blog is to my writing style, and I must admit I did help with the editing. So I've dropped the link so my friend can maintain anonymity. If you are interested in more of his writings, drop me a line and I'll send you a link.

You can't help but smile

Another clip from Glee, you can't help but smile when you start watching this.

I clicked on the bloggernacle.

So I have been reading and commenting on the bloggernacle lately. If you don't know what that is let me know, but I found this video and couldn't help but smile from ear to ear.

WOW!!!

I wish I could find a better clip on Youtube, but it is either this or one that is really fuzzy. Go to hulu.com and check out this show, it is AWESOME!!!

Are you kidding me?

So I noticed the other day as I was checking out the newspaper on campus at BYU that they have special ads for Macey's. The sales according to this newspaper only include the caffeine free versions of soda. I thought that I had just read it incorrectly, but when I checked that paper and last week's, I found they change the labels on the soda and they insert the words caffeine free in the title.

Who do they think they are kidding? Do they really think I'm looking for caffeine free coke or pepsi? NO!!! Give me the stuff with a jump start. Anyway I just thought that was something that just made me say.....are you kidding me?

Just Haven't Meet......

For those who saw the dialogue on facebook, I thought of this song. So here you go.....

Am I going to hell?

Is this placing undue gender bias on the world?

I know, not the best video, but you have to laugh at the creativity and stereotypes being played on in this video. Yep, it is from Chad Hardy, and I think it is great.

A little humor, if you have a sense of humor.

I'm sorry, but these comments make me laugh, I'm not sure why though. Is it because it is true or is it because the religious and conservative right are fighting even though they are wrong?

Hypocrisy or a case of one hand not knowing what the other is doing?

Elder Clayton of the Presidency of the Seventy said as quoted in the Deseret News, the church "does not oppose civil unions or domestic partnerships," the article then continues on to specify so that health insurance and other benefits can be shared with same-sex couples. Pretty straight forward correct? Now watch the video I have linked below.

Video Link

The picture of Adam and Eve is copyrighted by Intellectual Reserve which is a branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Now the senate bill in question isn't about marriage, but about domestic partnerships and expanding rights in that area.

So this senate bill isn't about redefining marriage, but about expanding rights involved with domestic partnerships, which the church is on record for not opposing. Why do you think they would have given permission for the use of a picture they own the rights to, or is this a matter of this group not having permission? What do you think?

All the links will put you to the information that I found regarding official statements, copyright owndership, and the details of the bill.

Why everyone else has problems.

This idea isn't new, in fact it is something I realized while I was on my mission. I find, especially in my own family, we are quick to blame others for our problems. Did you know my first three companions on my mission were a bunch of jerks? In fact, I would say they were all a bunch of assholes. (By the way if that bothered you, I don't think you should watch this video) Anyway, just remember that you can't blame everyone else for your problems, in fact you shouldn't even try, because the problem isn't everyone else. Now watch at learn.



What do you think? And yes I'm writing blogs too, anyone want to start proofreading my rantings? I am trying not to scare so many people too quickly.

What is he really trying to say?

With all the bruhaha going on surrounding Bruce Hafen's comments at Evergreen International last week, I decided to read the comments myself. It was after I read it that I found he didn't make all the statements that people said, but this one was overlooked.

"Some may wonder how the Church’s leaders can empathize with you when they haven’t been in your shoes themselves. Some may even wonder how the Savior Himself can really understand you when He hasn’t been where you are. But remember: Christ not only descended TO our conditions, he has descended BELOW our conditions, whatever they are, because “The Son of Man hath descended below [all things].” [iii] The Atonement was possible only because of that descent, which Elder Neal A. Maxwell called Christ’s “earned empathy.” He knows that every day may feel like a major battle for you."

I included the whole paragraph so I can't be accused of taking it out of context. Now I realize some idiot will say I took it out of context, so go to lds.org, go to the newsroom, find his comments, this is in the first few paragraphs, and tell me what I missed. With that said...

What is he implying, was this a comment that he didn't think all the way through, so only gave half his idea, and then you are left hanging? Or is he really making the comment that the General Authorities have "descended below it all" (just like Christ) to understand what is going on in the world? I'm thinking one of two things needs to happen, either Hafen needs to better clarify what he means by this statement, and then fire his secretary for missing the egregious error, or Hafen needs to be committed in an insane asylum because he has developed some type of God complex and is revealing more than any other general authority has revealed on the subject. He is a seventy for crying out loud!!! I don't think he is privy to the experiences that the twelve and first presidency have had, so I don't think he knows what he is talking about.

That is what I think, what do you think? Leave a comment.

The Mom's Song

I have been putting together another post about love and the power of love within Bauman's theory of gift and exchange. Though it isn't quite finished, so here is something else to check out.

It Sucks To Be Me

As I have just finished another semester, I ponder about my life goals, projects, and aspirations for the years to come. I guess I can complain that I haven't done anything in my life, but who wants to hear that? This song encapsulates what I'm thinking.



What do you think? Is everything going well in your life or would you like to change some things? Drop me a line and let me know, maybe we can give each other some encouragement.

Why are some people so nice?

I am working on another post because of some things I have noticed, and how religion can help and hurt different causes. I'm hoping to have my thoughts put together in the next few weeks, but until then, watch this video clip.

Ontological Debates

I have been giving this more thought than usual lately, and so now it is time to blog. As I was sitting in church today, yes even I’m surprised I went, I found myself white knuckled, scowling, and waiting for a line of “special” words to come spewing forth. Luckily I held my cool and now I’m going to rant here. The question was asked, “What causes persecution?” and though I kept my answer to myself, this is what I think. As I have began to get ready for the fall semester I have been exploring different ideas about human behavior and knowledge that we base our behavior on. Ontology can be easily summed up as the study of the state of being. You could also say, what “is” is. Are humans naturally brutish, carnal, and self-interested, or are they inherently good and looking to help others? Many scriptures could point you both ways, but ultimately this brings about the debate:
If you can’t agree on human nature, how can you agree on what humans do?

Lily Allen, whose video will follow this, has a song ripping a certain sector of society because of their views about human nature. She calls their lives hateful, small-minded, and certain people have “a hole where their soul should be”. Many would see this as persecution to those who have a conservative background. Is her argument towards religion, Republicans, or possibly something else? I would suggest that she is ready to say that their ontology is wrong. Her experience with human nature allows for open-mindedness towards homosexuality. Then the debate rages on the other side as many religious groups use their own ontology about each person’s connection to many different types of deity.

If I see you as a child of God whose destiny is to help to multiply and replenish the Earth, that is your reason for being (ontology), how can I justify your commitment in a same-sex relationship? At the same time, you may take another view of the Bible, and say the right of the individual and teachings of the Sermon on the Mount supersede the commandment of multiply and replenish the earth, so the beatitudes are your basic reason for being (ontology), how can you condemn a person for acting on what they see is their basic natural feelings? Now that I have pointed out an ontological debate, how can either side ever win? If we are unable to agree on basic human nature, how can you come to any consensus about how humans act? Back to the question that was asked, what causes persecution? I have come to the conclusion that persecution is a reaction, (it doesn’t just act, but reacts to something in its environment), to an opposing ontology. As one begins to challenge the other for the acceptance within the community the other will react, restating their beliefs.

My goal is not to push my own ontology, but to enlighten all who read about this reaction caused by different views. It seems that many believe they are being persecuted for standing up for their own beliefs, (their own personal ontology), but at the same time they are persecuting others who are standing up for their own beliefs. Let us now recognize that this debate and many others are based on ontology, and middle ground might never be reached and that is why some will feel persecuted as they persecute others.


You can tell what she is singing, but it isn’t quite as offensive for some, lol.

So what do you think? Leave me a comment.

Home Schooling is EVIL!!!

I realize I'm not exactly being nice, but for the love of Pete, this kid has been ruined by his mother who has him in home schooling. Social interaction is very important, and now you will see why!!!

I made it to 100, What do you think?

Alright, first I know that I don't really post anything worth reading. I am even working on a new idea surrounding the idea of the difference between receiving, taking, and stealing, and how it incorporates into our everyday lives. Plus how we don't always use the words correctly because we actually mean another. Anyway that will be a long post, and I don't want to bore you yet!

Great news, I think it is official, I now have 100 cookbooks, instructional DVDs, pamphlets, whatever it is, but all in all I have 100 resources to find recipies about almost anything. I know I'm not getting away from the consuming society, but when it is 80% off, who can say no? So I am planning on starting another blog that will include my cooking adventures. Yep, we are talking pictures, recipies that I enjoy, and most importantly, I am going to start posting my ideas for using food storage and how to actually make it manageable. But I need a clever name. Something like, actuallyusefulrecipies.blogspot.com, or something on that idea. What is your idea?

Place it in the comments so that I can read it, and if I choose your idea, I'll invite you over for Crawfish Etouffe (not sure how to spell it) or something on the grill. By the way Katie and Sarah, when are you coming over for dinner for guessing my weight right? And by the way I don't weigh that anymore, this six days a week at the gym is starting to pay off.

Three Ways To Live Your Life

As I have been sitting around waiting for the semester to end, thinking this time will be different, I'll change and be better, I find myself so enveloped in the past and the future that I don't live in the now. This is of course something that I have been aware that I do but still have yet to overcome. So ultimately what is the best way to live your life? I have come up with three answers to ways people do live their lives. First there are those who choose to live the past, to remember the good old days, to remember past mistakes, and to wish you had to do it all over again. There are those who live in the present, fun and energetic, but with a sense of irresponsibility that makes the future more difficult. Finally there are those who look to the future, saving for this, hoping for that, always putting off living because now isn't a convenient time.

This semester I have been bombarded with the social theories of Plato, Durkheim, Marx, Weber, Kant, and countless other people who predicted how people are going to act. Truthfully whether it was a positivist or post-positivist, Platonic or Marxist none of the theories describe every aspect of life. I believe, which is probably why I did so bad on my midterms, that you will only find true human nature if you are willing to mesh all these ideas together take a sample and through in a dash of passion, because that is how we all act. How is this accomplished, I have no idea!!!

I will think of the good things in my past, but not strive to relive them. I will look forward to my future and realize great things are yet to come. I will find a passion in today, because this is my life. So now here is the question, where will life take me next? Leave me a comment, let me know what I should do, I'm asking you for help, and remember that even if all the world seems dark, I still love you.

Hey Check This Out!!!

I should post my recent weight gains, I'm doing well, but more important, check out the music to the right. Well more importantly check out Gracie's Theme. It is a moving piano solo that if you knew why it was written would bring you to tears. If you want to know why it was written, check out Paul Cardall's blog that is listed on my blog list. Best of luck and stay upbeat!

Better Late Than Never

It has been three weeks since my last post about the gym. But at least I have good things to report. I have yet to miss a day at the gym, I do enjoy going each and every day. I have gained five pounds in the past three weeks. Not bad if you ask me, especially since I'm not following my diet 100%. So there we go some good news. Other things going on, I have been accepted to the BYU Masters program. Yep, even I was suprised they said yes. So that means I'll have to start school at the end of April. Not excited about doing school again, but excited about the field of study. I also just started a volunteer job for the distribution center. So I'm busier now than I've ever been. I have no idea how I'm going to actually get it all done while working full time. Now here is where I want some feedback.

I flipped open the scriptures the other day, yea even I'm suprised I opened them, and it was Moroni chapter 1. Moroni mentions that he hadn't planned on writing more, but that he was going to since he was still around. Now we all know the things he mentions in the following nine chapters. Here is my question to each of you, if you got a chance to write a letter to your family before your death. What would you write about? Who would you write to? And what are the most important words of advice and counsel you would impart? Just looking to learn from all you who are smarter than I am. Let me know.

Doing Something Good

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Go to the benefit, do what you can to help. Even if it is just to add this a post like this on your own blog, lets get the word out!!!

Two More Weeks Has Gone By

Alright, after two additional weeks, I have 12 additional visits to the gym. Though with the attempt to gain weight, I must say I fell off the diet. I took a few days of respite to work on some other things. Though it isn't too bad, I lost one pound the first week and nothing the second week. That brings my total weight gain to 2.5 pounds. So that isn't bad, what is great is that I have been able to increase the weight I am lifting across the board. So I think for the most part things are looking up. Also, I have been working on a few new projects, one of them being food storage. I'm headed to Macey's tomorrow to spend a little bit of money, ok it will probably not be anywhere near a little bit. But it is fun to come home with a car full of food, lol. Finally, anyone want to go shooting? I bought a Glock 19, it is a 9mm, and it is a blast to shoot. Though I need to get more used to it, anyone want to join me at the shooting range? (Yep, watch out for those gun crazy rednecks, I think I'm one of them now. Just wait until I get the Glock 21SF, it is really nice too.)

Two weeks down

Alright, just to keep track. I haven't posted a calander at work, but should I post one here? With this calendar we will all post what day I'm most likely to stop going to the gym. Since I go six days a week, plenty of days to choose from. What do you think? I did hit the gym four times two weeks ago, as I was learning what I was supposed to be doing. And then this week I went six times, following the plan I was given. And it looks like I've gained some weight, though I'm not sure how much yet. I can't weigh myself until Monday, so then we will see how it went.

Now that I've covered the basics of my blog, what is there to do in UT? I'm bored out of my mind in Provo, quick someone give me an idea, and getting really drunk isn't a good one. I need something that doesn't involve throwing up at the end of the night, lol. I'd post about my adventures, but I have NONE, so HELP ME OUT!!!

New Effort

Alright, for those wondering about my ability to gain some weight, in two weeks I gained six pounds. Yep count them, one, two, blah blah blah, six. Then some things happened, I got stressed, had an upset stomach, didn't eat for two days, and then went to eating very little, and lost five pounds. Oops, so I'm down to 131 pounds at the moment. No comments about the weight, and for those of you who want to share your weight with me, I'll accept fat shipments for 19.99 per pound plus S&H. Actually I'm going to start blogging more often in an effort to build some accountability for what I'm working on. I've got a very strict diet of 4000 calories that I have prepared. A personal trainer, of sorts, who claims he is going to make me hurt and want to die. Or something to that effect, bring it on!!! Plus I have developed four other goals that I'm working on. Do you want to know what my goals are? Do I ask to look in your underwear drawer? The first goal, which I'll actually admit here is I want to get to 180 pounds. Yep, that means I need to gain fifty pounds, so now is where you come in, write me, remind me, call me, or text (because that is what I do most) me to make me accountable. I'll help you with something, even if it is to make you dinner of roasted veggies and grilled chicken. YUMMY!!! And don't worry I'm not going to post a picture of me without a shirt on to track my progress. Even I don't want to see that!!!

Also, I'm trying to read more often, so I'm going to post a few quotes of things I like as I read. Yep, most of it will be religious, but then if you really think about it, if it is true, it is probably important to do some reading. So I'll post some of my favorite quotes and where I got it.

Finally I'm working on food storage. I don't know why I want to work on it, maybe because I actually have interest and the means to start to prepare it, either way I'll post pictures, (if I figure out how that is done) recipes, and things I learn. Plus if you really want to help me, come over for dinner so I can try a modified recipe on you!!! I'm thinking balsamic roasted chicken and wild mushroom pea risotto on Wednesday after the gym. Any takers? (Yep I joined a gym too, should we put bets on the last day I show up? lol)

This is good news, I think.

Alright Kyle, Katie, and Sarah, you actually all nailed my weight. When I posted I was 137 and within the last month I've gone down to 131. So let me know what you want for dinner and I'll get cooking. Though Kyle when are you coming for a visit? I'm going to post about Christmas in the next week or so, or maybe never I don't know, but just so you know about food I've been cooking. I'm making Gumbo this week, I had Crawfish Etouffee last week, among a myriad of other things. If you are looking for a casserole and fresh bread, I can hook you up, but if you want something more exciting, I'll hook you up even better. Anyone up for gyoza and rice or maybe some Yaki Soba?