http://sssdsos.org/index.htm
This link will take you to the current website for tring to save the Scranton State School for the Deaf. Pennsylvania's Governor Rendell has decided to shut down the state's ONLY state run Deaf ...ANYTHING!... to help the PA's budget. Wow, oppression is very real in America today.
I grew up near Scranton and always admired this Deaf residential school. I am now, though far away from Scranton, in training to become a Sign Language Interpreter. I adore the Deaf community. I have also become more and more aware of the daily experiences of oppression that Deaf people go through. This takes the cake though! To shut down the only state run Deaf residential school while the nearby Abington Heights school district's teachers' salaries average $63,336 is despicable! Not to mention the many far from worthy causes that the state's budget goes to- but these are not what's being questioned. What is as of now being shut down to save the state's dime is this precious Deaf school- a place for quality learning and cherished community.
I am ashamed of this state that I grew up in, and I hope and pray that Governor Rendell has a change of heart and mind. Please help me fight for this school, Pennsylvania's Deaf people, and all of the Deaf Community!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
"Fireproof"
I recently saw the movie "Fireproof" (yes, just recently:) ). Warning: If you haven't yet, reading this will give away nothing vital to the movie, but will give away parts of it. I have seen all the craze over this movie for some time now and wondered if it was just a fad or truly something great. Now that I have actually seen the movie itself, I can indeed say this is not just a fad. "Fireproof" is truly great, and something I can recommend to everyone. What is it about this movie that is so amazing?
~It's real. Even though it might make you squirm in your chair, "Fireproof" depicts life as it is. The shouting matches, temper fits, and silence treatments might not be fun to watch, but isn't that what goes on in our homes? If you haven't experienced one of these three things specifically, look at the heart issues at hand and how they are manifesting themselves in different ways in you.
~It's not fake. I know this seems to be the same as the first point listed. But my first point discusses the presence of realness that is brought out. Now I want to point out the lack of fakeness as well. Notice the scene when Catherine is sick in bed. She's not all done up with make-up and jewelry as most movies would depict. As a female, I really appreciate this accurate depiction of a woman who's going to stay home sick in bed! There are many other areas in the movie that you notice the Hollywood gloss and glam is put aside. What a relief!
~It's well done. With increasing technology and many improved areas in the media, it is only appropriate that Christians, churches, and ministries strive to keep up. This movie definitely does that. I was super impressed with the professional and over-all good job that this church did!
~Modesty. Animated films aside, I can't remember the last time my husband and I sat down to watch a movie without him having to glance away and/or gaurd where he looks on the screen. Most movies also include my own feelings of frustration, and -let's face it ladies- insecurities over what female image is being presented on the screen. How amazing to watch an entire movie with my husband where we could both look at everything the whole time, and I actually felt respect and honor was given to the female body. Just because it was a Christian movie did not mean this would be the case, because our Christian circles are often just as much to blame in this area. But that's a whole other blog.
~ It deals with issues that we usually keep quiet about. What Caleb brings up on the computer screen, Catherine's (at first subtle) flirting with a guy at work, gossiping with friends- these and other sins are faced head on in "Fireproof". This movie is not afraid to call it like it is and show the actual reprocussions of these sins. There's no beating around the bush- the effects and ugliness of these and other struggles are laid out plain as day in this movie. If our churches and Christian circles could deal with these sins so boldly and directly, I wonder how much more we could conquer them?
~ The Christian perspective. We've all seen struggles in a man and woman's relationship from Hollywood before. But it is so great to finally get this from a Biblical view. Instead of condoning the struggles with "Men will be men", or "Women have needs" labels, this movie shows what it's like to work through these temptations and problems, instead of giving in to them. "Fireproof" also gives a clear gospel message. To tell the truth, I think if I were going to make a movie and hope for it's success, I would be tempted to make the gospel a little more vague, a little more subtle. Not these guys! I commend them for dealing with such truths as Jesus death, burial and resurrection; our being sinners in need of a Savior; and Jesus being the only way (notice especially in the firestation when one fireman tells another that either he [who believes our bodies will just rot in the ground] or our Christian character Caleb is wrong- they can't both be right).
~ Many different relationships. Even if you're not married or in a relationship that could be headed there, you can glean different points on other relationships as well. We see this through friendships, co-workers, and the relationship between parents and their children. The importance of accountability, respect, and kindness in relationships are brought out several times in this movie.
Again, I highly recommend this movie to everyone. If I've missed any other great aspects of it, I certainly didn't intend that:)
~It's real. Even though it might make you squirm in your chair, "Fireproof" depicts life as it is. The shouting matches, temper fits, and silence treatments might not be fun to watch, but isn't that what goes on in our homes? If you haven't experienced one of these three things specifically, look at the heart issues at hand and how they are manifesting themselves in different ways in you.
~It's not fake. I know this seems to be the same as the first point listed. But my first point discusses the presence of realness that is brought out. Now I want to point out the lack of fakeness as well. Notice the scene when Catherine is sick in bed. She's not all done up with make-up and jewelry as most movies would depict. As a female, I really appreciate this accurate depiction of a woman who's going to stay home sick in bed! There are many other areas in the movie that you notice the Hollywood gloss and glam is put aside. What a relief!
~It's well done. With increasing technology and many improved areas in the media, it is only appropriate that Christians, churches, and ministries strive to keep up. This movie definitely does that. I was super impressed with the professional and over-all good job that this church did!
~Modesty. Animated films aside, I can't remember the last time my husband and I sat down to watch a movie without him having to glance away and/or gaurd where he looks on the screen. Most movies also include my own feelings of frustration, and -let's face it ladies- insecurities over what female image is being presented on the screen. How amazing to watch an entire movie with my husband where we could both look at everything the whole time, and I actually felt respect and honor was given to the female body. Just because it was a Christian movie did not mean this would be the case, because our Christian circles are often just as much to blame in this area. But that's a whole other blog.
~ It deals with issues that we usually keep quiet about. What Caleb brings up on the computer screen, Catherine's (at first subtle) flirting with a guy at work, gossiping with friends- these and other sins are faced head on in "Fireproof". This movie is not afraid to call it like it is and show the actual reprocussions of these sins. There's no beating around the bush- the effects and ugliness of these and other struggles are laid out plain as day in this movie. If our churches and Christian circles could deal with these sins so boldly and directly, I wonder how much more we could conquer them?
~ The Christian perspective. We've all seen struggles in a man and woman's relationship from Hollywood before. But it is so great to finally get this from a Biblical view. Instead of condoning the struggles with "Men will be men", or "Women have needs" labels, this movie shows what it's like to work through these temptations and problems, instead of giving in to them. "Fireproof" also gives a clear gospel message. To tell the truth, I think if I were going to make a movie and hope for it's success, I would be tempted to make the gospel a little more vague, a little more subtle. Not these guys! I commend them for dealing with such truths as Jesus death, burial and resurrection; our being sinners in need of a Savior; and Jesus being the only way (notice especially in the firestation when one fireman tells another that either he [who believes our bodies will just rot in the ground] or our Christian character Caleb is wrong- they can't both be right).
~ Many different relationships. Even if you're not married or in a relationship that could be headed there, you can glean different points on other relationships as well. We see this through friendships, co-workers, and the relationship between parents and their children. The importance of accountability, respect, and kindness in relationships are brought out several times in this movie.
Again, I highly recommend this movie to everyone. If I've missed any other great aspects of it, I certainly didn't intend that:)
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
God Bless America?
"God bless America"- a simple phrase that we hold dear, sing about, and fight to keep. But can we truly expect God to bless America? Can we honestly ask Him to bless America?
The recent reports of Nadya Suleman have turned my mental digestive system chewing over the current condition of our "land that (we) love". Sure, I appreciate and take part in the patriotism and many bonuses of living in America. However, I'm compelled once again to take off the rose-colored glasses and see if I can sneak a peak at America through God's eyes. The view? Pretty yucky.
America- a land that has orphanages, adoption agencies, and foster homes that are far more than congested with lonely children. Countless babies, toddlers, children, and teens have no family and may never get one. Meanwhile, we take a woman with no job, house, or husband and say "Sure!" to giving her IVF. The results? 14 children brought into this world and this selfish woman's life to try to satisfy her "dream" of children. Apparently rescuing 14 children out of orphanages or agencies didn't quite fit into Nadya's dream. Through God's eyes? The daily pain of children without families can only conflict with the breakthrough's in science as we pat ourselves on the back for IVF.
America- where after implanting that same woman with six embryos, discussed the options of "selective reduction". Through God's eyes this nice little term is seen as murdering babies. This happens a lot in America, and God sees each and every murder.
America- #1 land of gluttony and obesity as other countries wither with starvation. Every 5 seconds another child dies of hunger related causes. Through God's eyes? You get it.
America- financially savvy? I think not. We are so far into debt and yet seeking more debt to try to "fix" it. I find it repulsive that we claim we're in such a "economical crisis" while the $ figures from Britney Spear's 2008 concerts alone is staggering. We pay trillions to keep Hollywood going and wonder why our own checkbooks look so grim. Meanwhile other countries get trampled by poverty. Through God's eyes? We should be more than ashamed.
America- the media. Let's go there, shall we? America can thank their own precious media for eating disorders, broken marriages, unsatisfied men, and insecure woman (including teens and even young girls). The air-brushed images that women can never live up to and men can never truly find are plastered everywhere for us to see. If God did not create $ex, I wonder how we would advertise? Potato chips, toothpaste, perfume, cars... our media finds a way to incorporate a God created blessing and turn it into a cheapened, unattainable forgery. Our movies roll around in our own vomit as we revel and amuse ourselves with horror upon horror and sin upon sin. Through God's eyes? Yet another part of His amazing and beautiful creation twisted. I can't really fathom what this looks like through God's eyes... and I can't fathom how longsuffering He is.
I know I dealt with a lot of issues here without really dealing with them. That wasn't my goal. My point of this is also not to stop waving your American flag, move to Canada, or feel sad. My point of this is to encourage you stop and pause. Think for a second. And try to peak through God's eyes. Look at the bigger picture. And ask youself, are you part of the problem, or part of the solution?
So God bless America? I ask instead, "God have mercy on America."
The recent reports of Nadya Suleman have turned my mental digestive system chewing over the current condition of our "land that (we) love". Sure, I appreciate and take part in the patriotism and many bonuses of living in America. However, I'm compelled once again to take off the rose-colored glasses and see if I can sneak a peak at America through God's eyes. The view? Pretty yucky.
America- a land that has orphanages, adoption agencies, and foster homes that are far more than congested with lonely children. Countless babies, toddlers, children, and teens have no family and may never get one. Meanwhile, we take a woman with no job, house, or husband and say "Sure!" to giving her IVF. The results? 14 children brought into this world and this selfish woman's life to try to satisfy her "dream" of children. Apparently rescuing 14 children out of orphanages or agencies didn't quite fit into Nadya's dream. Through God's eyes? The daily pain of children without families can only conflict with the breakthrough's in science as we pat ourselves on the back for IVF.
America- where after implanting that same woman with six embryos, discussed the options of "selective reduction". Through God's eyes this nice little term is seen as murdering babies. This happens a lot in America, and God sees each and every murder.
America- #1 land of gluttony and obesity as other countries wither with starvation. Every 5 seconds another child dies of hunger related causes. Through God's eyes? You get it.
America- financially savvy? I think not. We are so far into debt and yet seeking more debt to try to "fix" it. I find it repulsive that we claim we're in such a "economical crisis" while the $ figures from Britney Spear's 2008 concerts alone is staggering. We pay trillions to keep Hollywood going and wonder why our own checkbooks look so grim. Meanwhile other countries get trampled by poverty. Through God's eyes? We should be more than ashamed.
America- the media. Let's go there, shall we? America can thank their own precious media for eating disorders, broken marriages, unsatisfied men, and insecure woman (including teens and even young girls). The air-brushed images that women can never live up to and men can never truly find are plastered everywhere for us to see. If God did not create $ex, I wonder how we would advertise? Potato chips, toothpaste, perfume, cars... our media finds a way to incorporate a God created blessing and turn it into a cheapened, unattainable forgery. Our movies roll around in our own vomit as we revel and amuse ourselves with horror upon horror and sin upon sin. Through God's eyes? Yet another part of His amazing and beautiful creation twisted. I can't really fathom what this looks like through God's eyes... and I can't fathom how longsuffering He is.
I know I dealt with a lot of issues here without really dealing with them. That wasn't my goal. My point of this is also not to stop waving your American flag, move to Canada, or feel sad. My point of this is to encourage you stop and pause. Think for a second. And try to peak through God's eyes. Look at the bigger picture. And ask youself, are you part of the problem, or part of the solution?
So God bless America? I ask instead, "God have mercy on America."
Friday, February 6, 2009
A Sad Divide in Worship
A week ago at my college's chapel service, I got the opportunity to hear a speaker I had never heard before. I will keep from mentioning his name, though some of you fellow classmates will know exactly whom I am talking about. The man said many things that I disagreed with, but which I could let go and inwardly say "Well, we all have differences". However, there was one thing he said that I find myself still churning over today. It is this that I want to seek to respond to now.
First, a little background. I currently go to a church that has a praise and worship band, and I prefer that. I grew up in a church with a piano and organ, and, though I enjoyed and worshipped with that type of music, I do enjoy more having the drum set, guitars, and other more contemporary instruments and sounds. I recognize the fact that to many more conservative worshippers this type of praise band can be offensive and carry the wrong connotations. It saddens me that they feel this way. I definitely have basic standards for worship music, such as needing to make sure the words are understood, and that it does not have a rock concert feel. But I feel in no way that these or other standards are automatically compromised by having a contemporary praise and worship band.
You see, music is my strongest way of worship. Everyone has different ways that they feel more easily connected to God in worship, whether it be through prayer, meditation, Bible study, etc. Mine is through music. When I sing, I pray and praise and the truths that I know about God become so much more tangible for me. So it hurts me deeply to see the Body of Christ divided so often over this form of worship. We look at others who raise hands and judge them. We look at different forms of music and judge it. We judge each other for how they worship. Wow. Like I said, I agree that there are definite black and whites. But what I'm saying is that we step out of those bounds and judge the greys just as strongly. We take an understandable reaction of feeling uncomfortable with how someone else worships, and turn it into an inappropriate reaction of feeling offended.
Now, back to the speaker. He discussed the praise and worship band we had at our school. He expressed how great it was, and how we had "men like him to thank for it." How much progress the church has made, he exclaimed as he looked around at our band. Then he said the real clincher. He started discussing churches with pianos and organs and "other such red-neck philosophies". I was appalled.
To this man: It is to you that we indeed owe our "thanks". Not our thanks that we have our band. Not our thanks that we can now praise in a more current way. Our thanks to you is for the dirty looks we get from those who are more conservative. Our thanks to you for the divide between the contemporary and conservative. Our thanks to you for the jaded spirit that exists in our pews and auditoriums that has replaced a spirit of peace and praise. It for all of this that our hats are off to you. For your cutting tongue and insulting labels. For your arrogant show and Pharisaical views. Thank you for the hurt feelings. Thank you that those of us who seek to worship in a contemporary way are viewed as rebels and troublemakers. Because of YOUR lack of acceptance of different worship styles we will not be accepted for ours.
So yes, we indeed can thank you.
First, a little background. I currently go to a church that has a praise and worship band, and I prefer that. I grew up in a church with a piano and organ, and, though I enjoyed and worshipped with that type of music, I do enjoy more having the drum set, guitars, and other more contemporary instruments and sounds. I recognize the fact that to many more conservative worshippers this type of praise band can be offensive and carry the wrong connotations. It saddens me that they feel this way. I definitely have basic standards for worship music, such as needing to make sure the words are understood, and that it does not have a rock concert feel. But I feel in no way that these or other standards are automatically compromised by having a contemporary praise and worship band.
You see, music is my strongest way of worship. Everyone has different ways that they feel more easily connected to God in worship, whether it be through prayer, meditation, Bible study, etc. Mine is through music. When I sing, I pray and praise and the truths that I know about God become so much more tangible for me. So it hurts me deeply to see the Body of Christ divided so often over this form of worship. We look at others who raise hands and judge them. We look at different forms of music and judge it. We judge each other for how they worship. Wow. Like I said, I agree that there are definite black and whites. But what I'm saying is that we step out of those bounds and judge the greys just as strongly. We take an understandable reaction of feeling uncomfortable with how someone else worships, and turn it into an inappropriate reaction of feeling offended.
Now, back to the speaker. He discussed the praise and worship band we had at our school. He expressed how great it was, and how we had "men like him to thank for it." How much progress the church has made, he exclaimed as he looked around at our band. Then he said the real clincher. He started discussing churches with pianos and organs and "other such red-neck philosophies". I was appalled.
To this man: It is to you that we indeed owe our "thanks". Not our thanks that we have our band. Not our thanks that we can now praise in a more current way. Our thanks to you is for the dirty looks we get from those who are more conservative. Our thanks to you for the divide between the contemporary and conservative. Our thanks to you for the jaded spirit that exists in our pews and auditoriums that has replaced a spirit of peace and praise. It for all of this that our hats are off to you. For your cutting tongue and insulting labels. For your arrogant show and Pharisaical views. Thank you for the hurt feelings. Thank you that those of us who seek to worship in a contemporary way are viewed as rebels and troublemakers. Because of YOUR lack of acceptance of different worship styles we will not be accepted for ours.
So yes, we indeed can thank you.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Praise Him in the Storms!
Sometimes... actually, a lot of the time... I look around at Christians going through hard times or even some in reality not-so-bad times with their heads hung low and their doubts raised high. I wonder, do we even deserve a smooth life if as those who have been saved from sin and Hell can't learn to praise God in the storms? I mean, we've had Someone DIE in place of us! Jesus was crucified on a cross... He Who knew no sin became sin FOR US. And yet we hold our hands out saying "Please sir, I want some more?"
I'm not at all saying we can't mourn, can't weep, can't be frustrated. I completely believe that grief is one of the strongest salves for healing and a way to just say "this matters". I'm all for affirming the fact that we live in a cursed world and it can really hurt at times. What I am saying is that I believe despite that God is simply waiting for us to just praise Him in the storms. Shouldn't He always be our ONE reason to hold on, to be thankful, and to keep praising?
Casting Crowns sings my absolute favorite song and it is along these lines:
"Praise You In This Storm"
I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen"
and it's still raining.
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away.
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are Who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm.
I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You.
But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away.
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are Who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm.
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth.
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth!
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are Who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm.
Listen here
I'm not at all saying we can't mourn, can't weep, can't be frustrated. I completely believe that grief is one of the strongest salves for healing and a way to just say "this matters". I'm all for affirming the fact that we live in a cursed world and it can really hurt at times. What I am saying is that I believe despite that God is simply waiting for us to just praise Him in the storms. Shouldn't He always be our ONE reason to hold on, to be thankful, and to keep praising?
Casting Crowns sings my absolute favorite song and it is along these lines:
"Praise You In This Storm"
I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen"
and it's still raining.
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away.
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are Who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm.
I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You.
But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away.
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are Who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm.
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth.
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth!
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are Who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm.
Listen here
First Things
Hello all!
I am a born-again, redeemed and renewed, saved from sin by God's great grace, child of God. I am a young wife, college student, and part time worker. I am majoring in American Sign Language Interpreting, and my main goal of that will be for Deaf Ministry. I love the Deaf Community and want to bring to them Christ's love in their own visual language.
My purpose of this blog is to take some of the challenging thoughts and issues I'm working through in my mind and heart and organize them on here while sharing them with others. I appreciate any feedback, comments, questions, or answers.
Thank you for your reading!
I am a born-again, redeemed and renewed, saved from sin by God's great grace, child of God. I am a young wife, college student, and part time worker. I am majoring in American Sign Language Interpreting, and my main goal of that will be for Deaf Ministry. I love the Deaf Community and want to bring to them Christ's love in their own visual language.
My purpose of this blog is to take some of the challenging thoughts and issues I'm working through in my mind and heart and organize them on here while sharing them with others. I appreciate any feedback, comments, questions, or answers.
Thank you for your reading!
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