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October 7, 2008 - Tuesday
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A debate that I felt the need to share...and add to.
Current mood:  thoughtful
Category: Religion and Philosophy
okay, first of all, this is the most I have ever wanted to be Catholic just to be part of that humor. :) BRAVO!!
Next, I have an opinion about animals in heaven, as I'm sure most of you do. Rob and I just lost are beautiful Frodo mere weeks ago, and I can't imagine going to a heaven where I wouldn't see those eyes so full of love again. God is a God of love, and He certainly loves all His creations, but He especially loves me. He, above all else, knows how much I loved that little four-legged angel and in all His infinite wisdom and kindness and love I can't imagine that He would discard that love that I feel for my animals.
More importantly, according to Christian doctrine that the Presbyterians are using above, one must have a soul to receive forgiveness to enter heaven. While this may in fact be the case for humans, it would not be so for God's other creations that He so lovingly created. You see, unlike humans, animals never fell from grace. They never disobeyed God and turned their backs on Him. They speak of God's glory in every breath that they take. While humans spend their lives atoning for their sins and trying to seek forgiveness to enter in to be with their Creator...animals are given a free pass. They have no sins that separate them from God, and therefore do not need forgiveness.
Here's one of my favorite stories on the matter:
..TR>
| An old man and his dog were walking along a country road, enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to the man that he was actually dead.
He remembered dying, and that his dog too had been dead for many years. He wondered where the road would lead them, and continued onward.
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| After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill a tall white arch that gleamed in the sunlight broke it. When he was standing before it, he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother of pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold.
He was pleased that he had finally arrived at heaven, and the man and his dog walked toward the gate. As he got closer, he saw someone sitting at a beautifully carved desk off to one side. When he was close enough, he called out, "Excuse me, but is this heaven?"
"Yes, it is, sir," the man answered.
"Wow! Would you happen to have some water?" the man asked.
"Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up." The gatekeeper gestured to his rear, and the huge gate began to open.
"I assume my friend can come in?" the man asked, gesturing toward his dog.
But the reply was "I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets."
The man thought about it then thanked the gatekeeper, turned back toward the road, and continued in the direction he had been going.
After another long walk, he reached the top of another long hill, and he came to a dirt road that led through a farm gate.
There was no fence, and it looked as if the gate had never been closed, as grass had grown up around it. As he approached the gate, he saw a man just inside, sitting in the shade of a tree in a rickety old chair, reading a book.
"Excuse me!" he called to the reader. "Do you have any water?"
"Certainly, There's a pump over there," the man said, pointing to a place that couldn't be seen from outside the gate. Come on in and make yourself at home."
"How about my friend here?" the traveler gestured to the dog "He's welcome too, and there's a bowl by the pump," he said.
They walked through the gate and, sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a dipper hanging on it and a bowl next to it on the ground. The man filled the bowl for his dog; he then took a long drink himself.
When both were satisfied, he and the dog walked back toward the man, who was sitting under the tree waiting for them, and asked, "What do you call this place?"
"This is heaven," was the answer.
"Well, that's confusing," the traveler said. "It certainly doesn't look like heaven, and there's another man down the road who said that place was heaven."
"Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates?"
"Yes, it was beautiful."
"Nope. That's hell."
"Doesn't it offend you for them to use the name of heaven like that?"
"No. I can see how you might think so, but it actually saves us a lot of time. They screen out the people who are willing to leave their best friends behind." |
..P>
12:47 PM
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3 Comments - 6 Kudos
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September 30, 2008 - Tuesday
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maybe i’m just crazy, BUT
Current mood:  cynical
Would you find it suspicious if the day you return from your pet dying in your arms, your neighbor's first question was whether or not your HOUSE dog was poisoned?
Now, at the time, Rob and I were both so distraught and heartbroken over our loss that we just kind of shrugged it off and walked on into our home. But, that question has been digging into my skull. WHY would that be his first question??
A little background, just a week or so prior I had to talk to my landlord because said neighbor had moved his cousins in with him....his DRUG DEALING cousins...DRUG DEALING cousins that KNEW I didn't like them. I wanted to have them arrested, but since the legal system here is corrupt and shit, the best I could have happen was at least not have it happen in my driveway. Also, let me say that unfortunately, my trailer like the other trailers can be broken into if you know the trick...which is something my neighbor would have known.
Sooo, let's go to the symptoms of my baby's death....cause still unknown. All tests showed up negative for normal dog ailments. BUT she asked several times if I thought he had ingested a poison, which I of course said no to. Rob and I keep all our prescription and OTC meds in a drawer. So, out of curiosity, I looked up what would happen to a dog if it did ingest prescription meds. Curiously, it would result in exactly what happened to my friend....ultimately liver and kidneys shut down...which his did....with apparently no cause.
I can't help but question why the first reaction of the neighbor was a question of poisoning when there should have been no way for the house pet to have been poisoned. I can't help but notice the irony in my dog's death matching the death of a pet that overdoses just a short time after I am the cause of a pair of child abusing drug dealers having to move out.
So, my suspicions remain....and I will find a way to confirm somehow. What do YOU think??
2:15 PM
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September 24, 2008 - Wednesday
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We’ve lost our golden baby...our best friend
Current mood:  crushed
Category: Pets and Animals
Thank you for this, Shonna. I love you...and I know that you truly know how I am feeling right now.
Rainbow Bridge by William N. Britton
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal who has been especially close to someone dies, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
Animals who were ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them from days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one thing: they miss someone very special to them; the person they left behind.
All of the animals run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. Happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.
Rob and I lost our Frodo last night, due to a sudden an still unknown cause. He would have been nine months old on the 29th of this month. I have no real words than can begin to describe how we are both feeling right now. He was so much more than just an "animal", he was our best friend, Rob's self-described angel, and he was a bright light to us both. I've always been an animal lover and extremely sentimental, but nothing comes close to comparing to the loss of our little boy. In his eyes, I saw such soul and intelligence and love. You could see him playfully look at someone else, but when his gaze would fix on either Rob or I, you could see that he was completely in love with us. That flow of unconditional love was returned in large measures...and we feel so lost in our own home.
If, God forbid, you ever need the care of a veterinarian for a sick pet, I highly recommend Beaver Creek Animal Clinic in Wayland. They are tremendous with the animal and their people. They worked diligently on him and allowed Rob and I to remain with him the entire four hours they tried to save him. They prayed for him, they called and started several different prayer chains, and they loved him. I couldn't have asked for a more compassionate group of people to surround us and our baby in his final moments. I appreciate beyond measure that I was able to hold him and comfort him and talk to him during his final breath.
Our little fighter came back to life THREE times...he struggled so to stay with us. I believe firmly in my heart and soul that it was his love for us that kept bringing him back. But in the end, even his great heart couldn't keep him bound to this earth. My heart is shattered. My eyes are swollen shut from my tears. Yet, I know that the grieving still has yet to really set in. And has hard as it is on me at this moment, it is infinitely worse for Frodo's poppa and bestest friend...my wonderful Rob.
Frodo, baby, bubba...you will be missed every single day. I am so thankful to have your joy and unconditional love in our lives...but it was taken much too soon. I know that if there is truly a God in heaven, we will see you again one day. Momma loves you...
6:07 PM
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September 16, 2008 - Tuesday
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do you know me?--because i’m bored :p
Lets see the funny stuff u people come up with! YOU fill in the blanks about ME even if u dont have any idea what they are and send it back to ME. But first post a blank one out to all your friends so they can return the favor to you.
My name?
Who is the love of my life?
Where did we meet?
Take a stab at my middle name?
How long have you known me?
When is the last time that we saw each other?
Do I smoke?
Do I drink?
When is my birthday?
What was your first impression of upon meeting me?
Do I have any siblings?
What's one of my favorite things to do?
Am I funny?
What's my favorite type of music?
What is the best feature about me?
Am I shy or outgoing?
Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules?
Do I have any special talents?
Would you consider me a friend/good friend?
Would you call me preppy, average, sporty, punk, hippie, glam, nerdy, snobby, or something else (what)?
What is a memory we have once had?
Have you ever hugged me?
Do you miss me?
do you think i miss you?
What is my favorite food?
Have you ever had a crush on me?
If there was one good nickname for me, what would it be?
What's your favorite memory of me?
Who do I like right now?
What is my worst habit?
If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what one thing would I bring?
Are we friends?
7:25 PM
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3 Comments - 2 Kudos
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September 15, 2008 - Monday
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whose responsibility is it?
Current mood:  frustrated
I've had a difficult weekend of pondering. You see, I feel that as children we are taught to truly stand up for what is right. Don't lie, don't steal, don't hurt others. However, I fear that as adults the lines become a little more blurred in regards to responsibility. I believe that as a whole, we are against violence, against corruption, against child abuse. BUT when it is brought down to an individual stance...do we truly stand against it or do we turn our heads and believe that it's none of our business...or as long as it doesn't affect us it is someone else's problem? And what if we DO decide to take a stand...is the system designed to support us as we fight against the wrongs against society?
So here is the beginning of my dilemma. I recently discovered that two individuals have moved in with my neighbor. Now, I know for a fact that this married couple sells drugs. I know for a fact that this married couple have abused their children in many ways to the point of losing custody. I know for a fact that this married couple have succeeded in getting the man's mother kicked out of her home not once, but TWICE in a month for drug induced fits...not to mention put her in the hospital numerous times leaving her close to death due to stress related illness.
So, what do I do? Do I continue to follow what has become the norm of the society in which I live, which is turn my back on them an allow them to continue their lives in what is literally my front yard? OR, do I gather the righteous indignation of the child Tonya that is still very much inside of me and scream NO! this is NOT acceptable behavior and I will NOT condone it or let you believe that you are an agreeable part of society. You see, I am struggling with my own guilt now. Perhaps a sin of omission is as bad as a sin of commission. Their 4 year old daughter knocked on my door well past midnight and walked into my house, not understanding that wasn't normal behavior. No adult even realized she was missing. Don't I have a responsibility to that child? What about the countless lives that are being destroyed by addiction that they are contributing to. Instead of trying to live an honest life and work diligently to survive, they leech off the addicts suffering from an illness. They take money from families in need and thrive while they contribute to the destruction of lives.
I have discovered that I am in fact NOT okay with this. These people, they KNOW how disgusted I am by their very existence. They know that I don't like them. But, is there another step I am bound by my own morals to take? I thought so...so I started searching for ways to report their behavior to the authorities and I was met with something that has left me perplexed. I reached contacts with two separate organizations that would deal with them and was told in both cases that I would have to supply proof. I would have to present pictures or evidence OR be willing to set them up or have someone I know be willing to set them up. This disgusts me. Isn't THAT the job of law enforcement? I am basically being told that if I want to have a safe home environment, I have to first put myself in danger of harrassment or WORSE in order to provide proof. The individual in question is a known dealer in the area. And perhaps that is the problem. Perhaps those he supplies are more important than the safety of the normal residents of this county. Perhaps their politicial status is more valuable than the lives of the two children that have already been destroyed. Perhaps we have a mask of a fight against drugs, but all that Floyd County really wants is to bring down the dealers that refuse to cooperate and be puppets to the individuals with real power.
So, my conscience and I are still stirring. I am sickened that the only way to stop something so wrong is to place both myself and those that I love in danger. I am disheartened that I am once again shown to turn my head and let someone else deal with the problem, while individuals that are desperate and sick flow around my home daily.
And then in my head, I see those two children. I hear the stories of them recounting memories that they are already burdened with. And I wonder...how can I not do something. If no one else will help those children, not their family, not social services...what can I do?
But, how can I live with myself if I don't try something?
12:42 PM
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2 Comments - 6 Kudos
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September 8, 2008 - Monday
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pick my shoes!
So, I'm no longer in love with the blue shoes I chose and after searching far and wide for the perfect pair of blue shoes, I believe I've resigned myself to getting a sassy pair of dyeables and choosing my own shade of blue.
Soooooo, now I just have to decide which pair to purchase...wanna help? :) The one I choose will be dyed a bright sapphire blue OR a peacock blue...I haven't decided yet :)
http://www.dye
ableshoestore.com/dyeable-shoe-store/pumps/petal-3
-3-8--heel.asp
http://www.dy
eableshoestore.com/dyeable-shoe-store/pumps/w674--
-3-1-2--heel.asp
http://www.
dyeableshoestore.com/dyeable-shoe-store/pumps/katr
ina--2-3-4--heel.asp
Is it wrong that I changed my mind about my shoes because I want my photographer to do a "shoe shot" and I just didn't feel like the shoes I chose were cute enough? LOLOL!!
3:55 PM
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August 29, 2008 - Friday
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opinions humbly requested
Current mood:  creative
yes yes yes, it's another wedding post. i apologize almost sincerely :)
for those of you that have kept up with my evergrowing posts about my impending nuptials, you know that it's an old hollywood theme in january with lots of sparklies.
well, i found this on delias and really love it. i know i can find a way to incorporate at least one. opinions?
5:45 PM
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1 Comments - 2 Kudos
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August 20, 2008 - Wednesday
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Uncertainty
Current mood:  distractable
You know, it can be an exciting thing full or promise and hopes and the evergrowing unknown.
But it can also be a place of utter chaos and despair. Robbing one of the ability to move either forward, back, sideways, slantways, or up. Instead, you stand still, waiting for the unknown to be answered. Waiting for a sign. Waiting for hope. Waiting....
So, here I am.
And I wait....
6:03 PM
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2 Comments - 3 Kudos
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August 9, 2008 - Saturday
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with all my heart...
Current mood:  impervious
Perhaps it is more than coincidence that many notions stated in this are things that Racheal and I have spent the last two years or so dicussing til the point of exhaustion. And we believe...
************************************************************************************
I Believe...
That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do love each other.
I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I Believe...
That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I Believe...
That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I Believe...
That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I Believe...
That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I Believe...
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I Believe...
That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I Believe...
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I Believe...
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I Believe...
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I Believe...
That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
I Believe...
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.
I Believe...
That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I Believe...
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had
and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I Believe...
That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others, sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I Believe...
That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I Believe...
That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life Forever.
I Believe...
Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I Believe...
That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
I Believe...
That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.
I Believe...
That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I Believe...
That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.
10:23 PM
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2 Comments - 4 Kudos
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