I went to the premier of United 93 this evening. It was one of the BEST movies I have EVER seen!
Watching it, was like being brought back in time. Even though I knew the outcome of the whole thing, it seemed as though it had happened for the first time in history.
It brought back so many memories and it also showed the side of 9/11 that not many people see. How many people get an inside glimps of what went on behind the scenes at the FAA, ad all the local and state airport authorities?
I'm having a hard time expressing exactly what watching it was like, but I basically feel the same way I did right after watching the towers fall 4 years ago. The shock, awe, and anger towards those cowards that did this to us. But at the same time the American Pride that wells up inside.....the knowing that We ARE doing the right thing, and that we WILL NEVER forget, and that THE TERRORISTS WILL PAY the consquences of attacking us.
United 93 was not some movie you could go watch and not be impacted in some way or another. I left the theater in respect of those on flight 93 and a passion, to support those who have died and are fighting for us today.
Every True American should watch United 93 out of support for those who risked thier lives for others.
Let the world know, We Will Never Forget!
Kp
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Monday, April 24, 2006
A Step of Faith...
You know, its so amazing how God works through people to convict you of something.I've experienced that in my own life these past few weeks. Most recently and most challenging was last weekend.I was talking to a friend of mine and *somehow* we started talking about Headcoverings.
Before I go into a bunch of detail its important to know some backround:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. I used to homechurch when I was little
2. I've heard the headcovering arguments before
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
So anyway, we were talking about Headcoverings, and I always thought that:
1Cr 11:15
But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for [her] hair is given her for a covering.
meant that a woman's HAIR is her covering. BOY was I proved wrong!!! So the argument I THOUGHT I had was like wiped out in about 5 minutes when we went to the Greek definitions.
The Key Word in this verse is "covering" which means:
1) a covering thrown around, a wrapper
a) a mantle
b) a veil
(peribolaion {per-ib-ol'-ah-yon}Strong's 4018 )
So there went my whole argument....alot more transpired but thats the basics.
Needlass to say, all last week I felt convicted and curious as to why we didn't do it anymore. So Saturday, I asked my mom about it.
I said " you know how we say we believe everything in the Bible is true, and how we follow through on it?"
Mom" yes"
me " well then, how come we don't wear headcoverings anymore? I mean, isn't it a little hypocritical to say, 'yes, we believe everything in the bible is true' and follow through on that, but then when it comes to headcoverings we don't do it? I don't know but to me it just looks a little hypocritcal to like not do or believe what paul said while saying we believe everything in there"
Mom "yeah, thats true and thats actually been bugging me for the last few weeks"
Me "really?"
Mom "Yeah, I've been looking for some kindo of hat or something but haven't found one yet. Anyway the reason we don't do it anymore is because when we stopped homechuching and went to a conventional church, there was a lot of peer pressure on us not to do it, because it made them uncomfortable and we were called legalisic"
Me "thats a kinda petty reason"
Mom" yes it is, but peer pressure is hard to stand against"
Me "well its been bugging me too, since last week. I looked up all the words and stuff and it was really cool. but my argument was flawed!"
So anyway, the conversation continued and we decided we'd wear headcoverings :). However the story doesn't end there (that would be too simple and not worth writing about).
So my mom warned me, "the people we homechurch with don't wear headcoverings and we could make them very uncomfortable"
Me " Since when have we ever made people feel comfortable? we're polarizing...they either hate us or like us, its just how it is. "
I was a little worried about that, but what was so AWESOME was that through it all God gave me the strength to follow through on my decision to obey His word. Finally, we go to our homechurch today...and God was so AWESOME, nothing bad happened! in fact, I even get quite a few compliments on it. :)Anyway, thats my story.....isn't God AWESOME?
Kp
Before I go into a bunch of detail its important to know some backround:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. I used to homechurch when I was little
2. I've heard the headcovering arguments before
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
So anyway, we were talking about Headcoverings, and I always thought that:
1Cr 11:15
But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for [her] hair is given her for a covering.
meant that a woman's HAIR is her covering. BOY was I proved wrong!!! So the argument I THOUGHT I had was like wiped out in about 5 minutes when we went to the Greek definitions.
The Key Word in this verse is "covering" which means:
1) a covering thrown around, a wrapper
a) a mantle
b) a veil
(peribolaion {per-ib-ol'-ah-yon}Strong's 4018 )
So there went my whole argument....alot more transpired but thats the basics.
Needlass to say, all last week I felt convicted and curious as to why we didn't do it anymore. So Saturday, I asked my mom about it.
I said " you know how we say we believe everything in the Bible is true, and how we follow through on it?"
Mom" yes"
me " well then, how come we don't wear headcoverings anymore? I mean, isn't it a little hypocritical to say, 'yes, we believe everything in the bible is true' and follow through on that, but then when it comes to headcoverings we don't do it? I don't know but to me it just looks a little hypocritcal to like not do or believe what paul said while saying we believe everything in there"
Mom "yeah, thats true and thats actually been bugging me for the last few weeks"
Me "really?"
Mom "Yeah, I've been looking for some kindo of hat or something but haven't found one yet. Anyway the reason we don't do it anymore is because when we stopped homechuching and went to a conventional church, there was a lot of peer pressure on us not to do it, because it made them uncomfortable and we were called legalisic"
Me "thats a kinda petty reason"
Mom" yes it is, but peer pressure is hard to stand against"
Me "well its been bugging me too, since last week. I looked up all the words and stuff and it was really cool. but my argument was flawed!"
So anyway, the conversation continued and we decided we'd wear headcoverings :). However the story doesn't end there (that would be too simple and not worth writing about).
So my mom warned me, "the people we homechurch with don't wear headcoverings and we could make them very uncomfortable"
Me " Since when have we ever made people feel comfortable? we're polarizing...they either hate us or like us, its just how it is. "
I was a little worried about that, but what was so AWESOME was that through it all God gave me the strength to follow through on my decision to obey His word. Finally, we go to our homechurch today...and God was so AWESOME, nothing bad happened! in fact, I even get quite a few compliments on it. :)Anyway, thats my story.....isn't God AWESOME?
Kp
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
The Role of Government
this article will be featured in David Ketter's Christian Homeschooling Youths Gazzette-kp
What is the biblical role of government?
I talked a lot about the role of government in my previous article concerning welfare. In that we saw how it is not the role of government to provide for the poor. Which leads us to a question, what exactly is the biblical role of government?
If we go back and read Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy we can see the original form of Government and laws that God ordained and out in place. If we continue to read on up to the point where Kings were established, we can see that in their reigns they still followed the basic principles and laws already established. Of course, most of the kings became corrupt at some point in their reigns; however that still doesn’t negate the fact that the role of government is in the Old Testament as well as New.
A few examples of the biblical role of government include:
Lev 24:22Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I [am] the LORD your God.
Deu 16:18Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.
Deu 16:19Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.
Jer 22:3Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.
According to those verses, a government should have a set of laws that everyone has to obey, a just court system, and authority to punish evil.
The Hebrew word for Law in Lev. 24:22 and Judgment in Jer. 22:3 is the word mishpat {mish-pawt'} which comes from the root word shaphat {shaw-fat'}. Shaphat means:
1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish
a) (Qal) 1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man)
1) to rule, govern, judge
2) to decide controversy (of God, man)
3) to execute judgment
a) discriminating (of man)
b) vindicating
c) condemning and punishing
d) at theophanic advent for final judgment
(to find the blue letter bible definitions, click here )
And Mishpat means:
1) judgment, justice, ordinance
a) judgment
1) act of deciding a case
2) place, court, seat of judgment
3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges)
4) case, cause (presented for judgment)
5) sentence, decision (of judgment)
6) execution (of judgment)
7) time (of judgment)
So those definitions are talking primarily about judging and law enforcement. The question may arise, HOW does this relate to government’s role?
In Leviticus, God was laying the framework for the government system, and gave the Israelites instructions on what things to do, how to do it, and how everything will work. Even though Israel did not stay a Theocracy, those principles established, such as making laws and having judges, were still in place.
In Jeremiah, the prophet was telling the king of Israel to execute judgment and righteousness but not to harm certain types of people. That word Judgment is the same as the word law (mishpat) in Leviticus. The principles established there for executing judgment are don’t kill innocent blood, take away the goods from the oppressor (or let the oppressed go free), have compassion on the fatherless and widows, and do no wrong.
These principles are still seen active in wars today, depending on what side you’re on. I know that in America these principles are held dear to almost everyone. The last thing we want to see is innocent blood shed because it is unjust, we want to see the oppressor suffer and the oppressed go free, we can’t stand it when someone harms the orphans and helpless, and we strive to do right.
God set the basis of laws that almost everyone knows as the 10 commandments. Most societies have some of these laws as well. For instance, don’t steal, don’t murder, and don’t lie are rules that can be found almost any where in the world. Not all people follow those laws, but the governments that have them established usually punish the violators.
This brings us to Romans 13: 3-4 which states:
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that doeth evil.
One thing that is very interesting is how each of the different aspects are intertwined. If you don’t have a set of laws, you cannot effectively punish evil, without a just “court system” you cannot effectively enforce laws OR punish evil. All three elements are needed in order for the system to be effective and just.
Now the question is: has America effectively put those principles into practice? Or haven't we?
What is the biblical role of government?
I talked a lot about the role of government in my previous article concerning welfare. In that we saw how it is not the role of government to provide for the poor. Which leads us to a question, what exactly is the biblical role of government?
If we go back and read Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy we can see the original form of Government and laws that God ordained and out in place. If we continue to read on up to the point where Kings were established, we can see that in their reigns they still followed the basic principles and laws already established. Of course, most of the kings became corrupt at some point in their reigns; however that still doesn’t negate the fact that the role of government is in the Old Testament as well as New.
A few examples of the biblical role of government include:
Lev 24:22Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I [am] the LORD your God.
Deu 16:18Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.
Deu 16:19Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.
Jer 22:3Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.
According to those verses, a government should have a set of laws that everyone has to obey, a just court system, and authority to punish evil.
The Hebrew word for Law in Lev. 24:22 and Judgment in Jer. 22:3 is the word mishpat {mish-pawt'} which comes from the root word shaphat {shaw-fat'}. Shaphat means:
1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish
a) (Qal) 1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man)
1) to rule, govern, judge
2) to decide controversy (of God, man)
3) to execute judgment
a) discriminating (of man)
b) vindicating
c) condemning and punishing
d) at theophanic advent for final judgment
(to find the blue letter bible definitions, click here )
And Mishpat means:
1) judgment, justice, ordinance
a) judgment
1) act of deciding a case
2) place, court, seat of judgment
3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges)
4) case, cause (presented for judgment)
5) sentence, decision (of judgment)
6) execution (of judgment)
7) time (of judgment)
So those definitions are talking primarily about judging and law enforcement. The question may arise, HOW does this relate to government’s role?
In Leviticus, God was laying the framework for the government system, and gave the Israelites instructions on what things to do, how to do it, and how everything will work. Even though Israel did not stay a Theocracy, those principles established, such as making laws and having judges, were still in place.
In Jeremiah, the prophet was telling the king of Israel to execute judgment and righteousness but not to harm certain types of people. That word Judgment is the same as the word law (mishpat) in Leviticus. The principles established there for executing judgment are don’t kill innocent blood, take away the goods from the oppressor (or let the oppressed go free), have compassion on the fatherless and widows, and do no wrong.
These principles are still seen active in wars today, depending on what side you’re on. I know that in America these principles are held dear to almost everyone. The last thing we want to see is innocent blood shed because it is unjust, we want to see the oppressor suffer and the oppressed go free, we can’t stand it when someone harms the orphans and helpless, and we strive to do right.
God set the basis of laws that almost everyone knows as the 10 commandments. Most societies have some of these laws as well. For instance, don’t steal, don’t murder, and don’t lie are rules that can be found almost any where in the world. Not all people follow those laws, but the governments that have them established usually punish the violators.
This brings us to Romans 13: 3-4 which states:
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that doeth evil.
One thing that is very interesting is how each of the different aspects are intertwined. If you don’t have a set of laws, you cannot effectively punish evil, without a just “court system” you cannot effectively enforce laws OR punish evil. All three elements are needed in order for the system to be effective and just.
Now the question is: has America effectively put those principles into practice? Or haven't we?
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Operation Impact
I am proud to announce that the first ever podcast of Operation Impact was sucessfully launched and recorded last night.
We covered Immigration, Iran, Moussoui, and closed with our hopes for an 08 ticket.
It was a lot of fun to do and I hope just as much fun to listen to. Operation Impact's podcast is going to be featured on SquareTalk radio, the official podcast of Regenerate Our Culture this weekend or Monday (hopefully).
so.......a major THANK YOU to Tim Sweetman of SquareTalk radio and AgentTim Online for the opportunity for us to guest podcast on SquareTalk, we really appreciate it!
unfortunately, we didn't start podcasting till 12:30 am, so I don't have the link yet, but as soon as everything is setup (with Operation Impact and SquareTalk) I'll link to it.
That said, I'll leave you with this:
"If you want to make sure crime doesn't pay, let the government run it." (reagan)
Have a good one!
kp
We covered Immigration, Iran, Moussoui, and closed with our hopes for an 08 ticket.
It was a lot of fun to do and I hope just as much fun to listen to. Operation Impact's podcast is going to be featured on SquareTalk radio, the official podcast of Regenerate Our Culture this weekend or Monday (hopefully).
so.......a major THANK YOU to Tim Sweetman of SquareTalk radio and AgentTim Online for the opportunity for us to guest podcast on SquareTalk, we really appreciate it!
unfortunately, we didn't start podcasting till 12:30 am, so I don't have the link yet, but as soon as everything is setup (with Operation Impact and SquareTalk) I'll link to it.
That said, I'll leave you with this:
"If you want to make sure crime doesn't pay, let the government run it." (reagan)
Have a good one!
kp
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Interesting Event :)
I usually don't update about things I do unless its worth updating about. This time it is.
Last night I met my State Senator and 2 of my State Representatives at a meeting that my County Republican Party opened to the public.
It started off with a dinner and then the officials spoke. The first speaker was the State Senator followed by the Representatives. They spoke on what had been accomplished this legislative season before they adjourned. Turns out that in 2 years 681 Senate Bills were introduced and 1668 House Bills introduced. Thankfully, not all of them got passed or made it out of committee.
What struck me was how each official governed by a philosophy. My senator said that they voted down quite a few bills because it didn't fit with the Republcan philosphy of "limited government and tax cuts". He proceeded to show us what they had passed and didn't pass int he budget and how those items that were passed fit with priorities of the people in our district. Each of the Representatives built upon that and gave us listeners an idea on how they were furthering our agenda and the things that really matter to us.
Listening to them speak gave me a deeper appreciation and understanding of what had been done in the State government and why. You can sit and read bills/first readers all you want online but when you have an opportunity to hear your representative speak about and clarify the issues that had been presented that legislateive term, it means a whole lot more.
Not to mention that they took time out of their busy schedule to come and give you a deeper understanding of what exactly took place at the Capitol, it is much more personal and as the night went on you felt as if you had known them forever rather than a few minutes.
They opened up for questions and people asked about legislation, when my turn came I asked about Illegal Immigration. That stumped them, however they answered it quite well. They didn't shy away from the question like you normally see them do when they're on the news. Rather, they gave me an honest answer.
Interacting with my government officials last night really helped me see that they are normal people after all. Like Reagan said " I'm just a citizen temporarily in public service", that is finally how I see my electd officials. Citizens temporarily in public service, and I am thankful for that.
KP
Last night I met my State Senator and 2 of my State Representatives at a meeting that my County Republican Party opened to the public.
It started off with a dinner and then the officials spoke. The first speaker was the State Senator followed by the Representatives. They spoke on what had been accomplished this legislative season before they adjourned. Turns out that in 2 years 681 Senate Bills were introduced and 1668 House Bills introduced. Thankfully, not all of them got passed or made it out of committee.
What struck me was how each official governed by a philosophy. My senator said that they voted down quite a few bills because it didn't fit with the Republcan philosphy of "limited government and tax cuts". He proceeded to show us what they had passed and didn't pass int he budget and how those items that were passed fit with priorities of the people in our district. Each of the Representatives built upon that and gave us listeners an idea on how they were furthering our agenda and the things that really matter to us.
Listening to them speak gave me a deeper appreciation and understanding of what had been done in the State government and why. You can sit and read bills/first readers all you want online but when you have an opportunity to hear your representative speak about and clarify the issues that had been presented that legislateive term, it means a whole lot more.
Not to mention that they took time out of their busy schedule to come and give you a deeper understanding of what exactly took place at the Capitol, it is much more personal and as the night went on you felt as if you had known them forever rather than a few minutes.
They opened up for questions and people asked about legislation, when my turn came I asked about Illegal Immigration. That stumped them, however they answered it quite well. They didn't shy away from the question like you normally see them do when they're on the news. Rather, they gave me an honest answer.
Interacting with my government officials last night really helped me see that they are normal people after all. Like Reagan said " I'm just a citizen temporarily in public service", that is finally how I see my electd officials. Citizens temporarily in public service, and I am thankful for that.
KP
Monday, April 03, 2006
Amature Homeland Security Policy
Department of Homeland Security
Policy by the Secretary of Homeland Security: Kierstyn P. (American Patriot)
One of the highest priorities of governments is the well being of their nation. This includes homeland security, for if your homeland is not secure you are more vulnerable to attacks from the inside as well as outside. Our domestic policy is just as important as foreign. If we are weak on the outside yet strong on the inside we are put at risk. If we are strong on the outside and weak on the inside we are still at risk. For a nation to remain sovereign we need not only to be strong internationally, but we need especially to be strong in keeping the homeland secure. In order to do that I propose the following plan:
*this is just the initial plan, it is subject to updates and revisions as deemed necessary*
Border Patrol:
Construct a wall between the Mexico Border.
Design will be a replica of the Israeli wall (trenches, barbed wire, and electric fence).
The wall will go about 20 feet under ground.
Any US citizen within 20 miles of the border should have authenticated proof of citizenship.
Cost
The Cost of construction should be 9 billion
The Cost of Labor will be none since the builders will be convicts.
Efficiency
The wall will serve as a deterrent against illegal immigrants and will keep our borders secure.
If for some reason an illegal makes it across the fence, and does not stop when called upon. The border security (or minutemen) already in place will have the authority to use any means necessary to get that individual to stop.
Nuclear, radiological, counter attacks:
Raise terrorist alert standards to “extreme”.
Work with D.o.D. and S.o.S
Check with Governors to make sure their respective States are able to handle the situation.
Be sure that the Governor’s have a plan of action etc...
Biological Attacks
Set up a system (if there isn’t one already) so that mail/packages can be scanned for biological chemicals.
Estimated cost
2 billion
Airport security
Keep the “status quo” but allow profiling of suspects.
Cost: should be the same amount that is currently spent on airport security.
Policy by the Secretary of Homeland Security: Kierstyn P. (American Patriot)
One of the highest priorities of governments is the well being of their nation. This includes homeland security, for if your homeland is not secure you are more vulnerable to attacks from the inside as well as outside. Our domestic policy is just as important as foreign. If we are weak on the outside yet strong on the inside we are put at risk. If we are strong on the outside and weak on the inside we are still at risk. For a nation to remain sovereign we need not only to be strong internationally, but we need especially to be strong in keeping the homeland secure. In order to do that I propose the following plan:
*this is just the initial plan, it is subject to updates and revisions as deemed necessary*
Border Patrol:
Construct a wall between the Mexico Border.
Design will be a replica of the Israeli wall (trenches, barbed wire, and electric fence).
The wall will go about 20 feet under ground.
Any US citizen within 20 miles of the border should have authenticated proof of citizenship.
Cost
The Cost of construction should be 9 billion
The Cost of Labor will be none since the builders will be convicts.
Efficiency
The wall will serve as a deterrent against illegal immigrants and will keep our borders secure.
If for some reason an illegal makes it across the fence, and does not stop when called upon. The border security (or minutemen) already in place will have the authority to use any means necessary to get that individual to stop.
Nuclear, radiological, counter attacks:
Raise terrorist alert standards to “extreme”.
Work with D.o.D. and S.o.S
Check with Governors to make sure their respective States are able to handle the situation.
Be sure that the Governor’s have a plan of action etc...
Biological Attacks
Set up a system (if there isn’t one already) so that mail/packages can be scanned for biological chemicals.
Estimated cost
2 billion
Airport security
Keep the “status quo” but allow profiling of suspects.
Cost: should be the same amount that is currently spent on airport security.
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