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| Hey everyone. I have a very regretful announcement to make. After setting up a new MySpace account to "test the waters" of such a thing, I have discovered that I very much enjoy the way MySpace works. As a result of that, I have decided to discontinue publishing my blog in Xanga. I am still going to do a blog, however. And, yes, you can still look at it! Fret not! To find my new blog, please click this link. I apologize to all of my faithful Xanga readers which, in honest, totals to about five. But I'm still alive and well...just on a new site! Also, those of you that hav MySpace, please feel free to add me! Much love! Also, I took an accent quiz that I found on Stephanie Jeter's Xanga and decided to post it below. L8r guys!
| What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Inland North You may think you speak "Standard English straight out of the dictionary" but when you step away from the Great Lakes you get asked annoying questions like "Are you from Wisconsin?" or "Are you from Chicago?" Chances are you call carbonated drinks "pop." | | Philadelphia | | | The Northeast | | | The Midland | | | The South | | | The West | | | Boston | | | North Central | | What American accent do you have?
Take More Quizzes |
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| Hey everyone. I guess it's time for another random update. This week has gone by so slowly already...and it's only Tuesday. It's such grim weather here in Knoxville...so rainy. And when I woke up this morning, there were leaves like you wouldn't believe all over the Hess Hall courtyard. It was like a gale wind came through and blew them all off the trees. Funny stuff...the courtyard looks like a bowl of popcorn with all those yellow leaves from up here on the 6th floor.
I have a test in stats tonight...over the two hardest chapters in the book. I'm really nervous...please keep me in your thoughts! :) I also have a lot of Spanish and English homework to catch up on for tomorrow.
I also have this really cool project I'm working on for Cinema Commission. It's something they do periodically for different holidays and seasons. I'm doing a patriotic theme...and it's going to be a really fast project for me. Just keep me in your prayers...because of the four people I need to help me, I only have three (including myself). I'm trying to recruit one more guy who doesn't mind to do this with us...and I've only got a week and a half to do so...
Standoff comes on tonight on Fox at 8:00. Good show. You should check it out! Speaking of which, the fall television season is finally in its full swing. Two of my shows got moved to new nights and times. Thankfully, they didn't conflict with any other shows...unless you count Justice being moved to the Heroes slot on Monday nights...but I didn't really get into Heroes anyway. I'm having a hard time picking a favorite show that I watch. I like them all for different reasons...so I guess they're ALL my favorites.
Cori's coming down on Friday. I'm actually staying on campus this weekend...because we're going to see Avalon in Cleveland, TN on Sunday! Guys...I am soooooo excited about this. I can not WAIT until they come! Seriously my favorite Christian band--with Kutless and Jeremy Camp at a close second and third.
OK, I'll wrap up with some shout-outs:
To Brandon -- You're coming around a little more! I see comments! Haha. Thanks! I appreciate it!
To Catherine -- You haven't called in a while and I don't have your phone number since I got a new phone. Call me so I can get it again!
To Kristen -- Yeah, so I hope you didn't feel left out on that picture on the last post. Yes, we've been friends probably since like...the dawn of time...haha. I'll have to put one of you and me up on here.
To Laken -- I saw where you sent me that text about Avalon in Blountville. That's exciting! We need to chat about that one!
To Aunt Dee Dee -- Thanks for checking back here often and keeping up with my life! I love you and miss you!
To Cousin Amanda -- Thanks for your comment on my last post! Sorry things weren't going great for you. Hope they're better now!
And, last but not least, To Cori -- I love you so very much and can't wait to see you Friday!
Okay, well that's all for me. I'm going to get out of here now. Talk to you guys later!
**By the way, for all you Facebook users that aren't big fans of using Xanga anymore, you can now find this same blog on my Facebook site as well. I just thought I'd tell you that, since a lot of people are fed up with Xanga. You can find my Xanga blog in the "Notes" section of my Facebook Profile!
EDIT: My wonderful and very feisty girlfriend has just pointed out she will be coming down SATURDAY and not Friday. My mistake.
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Well, now that I've got all that other stuff out of my system, I'm going to return to semi-normal blogging. The Christmas play for my church is coming along beautifully. I can't wait to start rehearsals! Please pray for me this year...as it's going to be a tumultuous task in some regards.
Year 1 of directing was hard because I had never done it before...Year 2 was much better because that play was a sequel with much of the same cast.
This year...wow...it's like Year 1 all over again...brand new story...brand new plot...brand new characters...which, ultimately, means a brand new cast...many of which have never acted in a production of this magnitude. So, yes, I'll definitely need prayers on this one. 90% of my veteran cast from the past two years has decided to sit the play out this year to let new people have a chance...which is a mixed blessing, really.
So, yeah, anyone that's available shoud come see it. It'll be on Sunday December 17, 2006 at 6:00 at Good Shepherd Baptist Church. If you're interested, e-mail me at dstreet1@utk.edu for directions!
Okay, so other than that, I have a humongous math project due tomorrow and I have to go get to work on that.
I'll catch you guys later!
-D-
By the way, the track you are currently hearing on this website is called "For Freedom." It was released by Avalon, some of the most talented vocalists EVER, on their new CD. They first recorded it about a year ago and sent it exclusively to the troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is a wonderful song! And I'd love to hear your comments on it!
Avalon (L to R): Greg Long, Melissa Greene, Jody McBrayer, & Janna Long. I'm going to see them in less than two weeks!
Oh, and here's a pic that Catherine uploaded onto Facebook. These are possibly two of my favorite people in the whole wide world...and I absolutely LOVE this picture of us together!
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| I see that my comments...those to which I am entirely entitled as a Christian and as an American citizen...have come under fire once again. Some of you have either asked of or discussed with me the nature of my beliefs. So, let me be perfectly clear about a few things...just to shed some light on the post immediately preceding this one and on my beliefs as a whole. (Note: I am not ashamed to tell you what my beliefs are because Christ says if we are ashamed of Him, He will likewise be ashamed of us. The intent of this post is to clarify my standing. So bear with me.)
Number 1: I am a Christian--of non-denominational orientation--who believes NOT in religion, but in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. To me, religion is worthless. So, from this point forward, any comments intended to label me a "religious advocate" or anything of that nature will be disregarded. Religion is not what brings forth eternity. Only the blood of Jesus Christ applied to one's life can do that.
Number 2: I believe that homosexuality is an institution forged entirely by mankind--that such an institution was never purposed by God and, as such, was never ordained as a part of his eternal kingdom and CANNOT be a part of his eternal kingdom (the New Testament draws a line between things of men and things of God and says that only things of God may enter into the kingdom of Heaven).
Number 3: I believe that "marriage" as it exists today, and as we know it, was established by God as the union between ONE MAN and ONE WOMAN. As such, I believe that holy matrimony is achievable ONLY by the bonding of two people of OPPOSITE GENDERS.
Having established those three things as items that I PERSONALLY believe, I would like to clear up some confusion on my last post. The intention of the post was to expose the ridiculous nature of some statements made by people fighting for a cause...in this case, the rights of homosexual partners to enter into nuptial agreements...i.e. "marriage" in such a way that would allow them the same rights as heterosexual marriages.
Quite frankly, I laughed at those people as I watched the press conference. I'm not afraid to tell you that, either. Had I been alive during the 1960s during the Civil Rights movement, I would not have been humored so. Why is that? I'll tell you why. Because the African Americans were living in TRUE oppression in this country during that time period. Federal laws put them in physical jeopardy and made their lives LITERALLY miserable...a living nightmare! Their situation pushed them to procure words of strength, unity, and wisdom. Their words were intelligent--reasonable. Now put homosexual people in that limelight. I think even homosexual people would have to agree that they aren't going through ANYTHING EVEN CLOSE to what other populations have gone through in the past. And I seriously do think that certain homosexual entities in this country make a mockery of their sexual orientations. But I digress.
The homosexual couples at that press conference made themselves a laughingstock...that is a fact supported even by other homosexuals! An acquaintance of mine on campus who happens to be a homosexual herself watched the press conference as well. I won't name her on here, as she asked me not to (but I did get her permission to use her situation on here). Even she felt slight embarassment after hearing the things these couples had to say.
What I'm getting at here is that I'm not saying I have a hatred for homosexuals. I certainly do not! It would kill me to know that people think that of me. I consider myself a caring individual...I love everybody and I'd do absolutely ANYTHING for ANYONE who needed my help. I have a few good friends that are homosexuals, and I have learned tolerance over time. I can tolerate...no problem.
But I refuse to back down from what I believe...and that is that America is getting ready to get caught on a slippery slope with this issue. Not because of the legality...FORGET the legality of the matter. As much as some individuals are convinced that moral fiber does not run this country, I submit that it is a MAJOR factor in our government.
I'm very afraid that this country's moral structure is on the verge of total change. While some people rejoice at that statment, they don't seem to realize the ignorance behind such a drastic change. Political Science 101 will teach you that the drastic change our nation is facing is not only dangerous, but CRIPPLING to democracy. In other words, the fight that homosexuals and many other groups are putting up for their so-called "rights" will end up being the poison that weakens this nation. Already, we are weakening. We are becoming a nation that will tolerate anything...one that will fail to take a stand on any one issue. So-named "open-mindedness" will, as SCIENCE tells us, lead to such a vast array of ideals and theories that our social, economic, and moral infrastructure will implode. That is not me speaking there...that's about 4 centuries of political analization trying to make a statment!
I return now to the theme of homosexuality. I stated earlier that I have learned tolerance...and I certainly have. Although I am against the idea of the matrimonial union between two persons of the same gender, I do believe in compromise. If two people wish to do that, then go right ahead. But do not try to incorporate the title of "marriage" into the relationship. "Civil union" works just fine. Grant a few more rights and there you go.
But for the love of Pete, and this one goes out to all those couples in that New Jersey lawsuit present at the press conference...stop whining and complaining because you don't live in a perfect world with perfect rights. I have news for you, there are a few extra rights I'd like to possess myself. I reasonably think the age to run for President should be lowered to 25, as I believe that knowledgeable youth wields distinguishable advantages over our current system. That's a right that I won't have when I'm 25, though. Even though I could feasibly run the country at 25 (with the proper education), that is an American institution that won't change. But when I turn 25, I'm not going to gather a bunch of 25 to 34-year olds and sue over my rights and make ridiculous statements in front of millions of viewers! The fact that I won't be able to run for President at 25 is not causing me physical harm...it's not putting me out on the streets on the run from authorities, and it certainly isn't threatening my livelihood.
Basically, what I'm trying to say through this whole thing is that what homosexual people do is their own business. And, yes certainly, I DO recognize them as equals, as intellectuals, as people. I accept that they can do just the same things that heterosexual people can do. I have never NOT believed that. I have never condemned anyone because of their sexual orientation.
I love everyone...no matter who they are...but it's high time that I start taking a stand for my Savior. I know that making a statement like that makes me look "churchy" and "close-minded", but my Bible tells me that once Christ comes into one's life, that person is to become part of a "peculiar people." So, if you want to make fun of me for taking the stand that I'm taking, go ahead. If you don't want to be my friend anymore just because I'm defending Christ, then that's fine as well.
But I refuse to argue, and I refuse to be walked on. I've given you my beliefs, my opinions, my values, and my morals. That's that. I don't care what you do with them. But to use them as the impetus for a further argument will result in a waste of your time. Let me say again that I LOVE EVERYONE and I will do ANYTHING for ANYBODY that needs me...black, white, gay, straight, bi, tranny, you name it. But I will not accede to secular beliefs that I know I can take a stand against. I've seen too many miracles in my own life, and I have been blessed way beyond measure to let my Savior, Jesus Christ, down now. He's never let me down, and now it's my turn to give some of that love back to Him.
If you would like to leave a comment about your own opinions, that's wonderful. I'd love to read them. But comments routed in an argumentative manner WILL be deleted and disregarded. I'm not here to argue. Not about this. Exchange of ideas...now that's a good idea...a really good idea.
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| Wow...so it's about 6:15 and I just watched a 45-minute press conference live from Newark, New Jersey on CNN Pipeline. And the subject? The fact that the New Jersey State Supreme Court has, as of today, allowed the same rights that heterosexual couples have to fall to homosexual couples. New Jersey now joins Massachusetts in states that have done so. Jersey is one of five states whose constitutions do not expressly establish "marriage" as a union between a man and a woman.
Okay, so there are the facts of the news broadcast. You probably think I'm going to give you my opinion now, don't you? Well, most of you probably already know how I feel about homosexual marriage. So I'm not going to give you any opinions from here on out. What I AM going to do is post DIRECT and EXACT quotations from that news conference below this text and then let you decide what you think about New Jersey's decision and about these people's mindsets. I am also going to ask neutral questions (to which I will provide no commentary) that will serve as food for thought.
These quotes come primarily from partners within same-sex relationships that were part of a lawsuit against the state of New Jersey and that were available for comment at the conference. These aren't "hand-selected" quotes that I just picked out to cast a negative film over this situation. These are the opening, intermediate, and closing remarks made by each person that commented at the conference. Don't worry, I went back and replayed the conference to make sure I had my quotes EXACT to the last letter. Those quotes are as follows:
“God tells me that I am special. God
tells me that my partnership with my lover is special.
Okay, you're special. Everyone is unique in their own ways. As far as God telling you your partnership is special, I'd like to know where...
“I don’t want mine and my partner’s
relationship to be called anything other than marriage. I don’t want to feel
out of the norm.”
Out of the norm? So...is holy matrimony between two persons of the same sex considered "normal"?
“My partner and I raised five
children together, but we never had those rights that married couples do. When
Marilyn got sick with an STD from an outside relationship, our children were
already out of the house--but things were still hard on us. I couldn't even get her put on my health insurance because we were only a 'civil union.' We, as gay couples are the only group in the United States
that still feels discrimination and it’s time it ends.”
Oh, so your partner contracted an STD from an "outside relationship"...and you two were raising kids at this time too, right? What a good example you set. And...wait a second...did you just say gay couples are the only group in the U.S. that still feels discrimination? I'm sure there are plenty of ethnic groups, etc. that would be very offended by that statement...what do you think?
“My name is Mark and this is my partner
Dennis. We’re both clergymen, so we have a lot of experience marrying people …
We just want that same opportunity: To get married like every other
heterosexual couple we marry.” Gay clergymen who want to marry each other, marrying straight couples...seem a little ironic?
“I think one of the most exciting
things now is that gay marriage is a public forum. Everyone knows what we're doing. Everyone knows we're coming out of our shells and that we're uniting as civil unions and, hopefully soon as married couples! It’s important that people
see that equality only means marriage.When you hear the word marriage,
anyone who’s married knows the commitment that’s behind that word. Nobody knows
what civil unions are. Nobody knows what domestic partnerships are.”
Just a moment..."...equality only means marriage"? WHAT?! Oh, and in the early portion of your statement you boldly claim "Everyone knows...that we're uniting as civil unions." Yet, nobody knows what they are in civil conversation? What?!
“It's a sickening oppression in which we live. What we do in front of heterosexual couples doesn't harm them in any way. It's the actions of hetersexual couples that are harming gays and lesbians everywhere all over this great country.”
So, in other words, gays and lesbians deserve the right to have public relationships because they do not hurt anyone...and heterosexual men and women should inhibit their relationships so that they do not "harm" gays and lesbians? Is that what you're telling me?
“These folks are interested in
the same thing everybody else wants: equal rights for same-sex couples.”
-Lamda
Legal Attorney (Lamda Legal is the firm that handled the case. The attorney
speaking here is, himself, a homosexual man. Bias, maybe?) Funny you should make such a claim, sir...does EVERYONE you know want that?
“We’re going to make some news. Let’s
talk about what’s going to happen in New
Jersey in the next 180 days. Today’s decision allows
gay and lesbian couples not to sit in the back of the bus, but the middle of
the bus! We still can’t sit in the front of the bus.”
-New
Jersey Equality Chairman (Also a homosexual—with multiple partners)
Oh this one is classic! It's hard for me to keep from inserting my opinion here...or laughing hysterically for that matter. Are we now describing the "discrimination" against homosexuals in terms of 1960s Civil Equality jargon? Give me a freakin' break!... “Even as we speak, whole bus
fleets are preparing to take hundreds of New
Jersey same-sex couples to churches around the state
to hear pastors tell them that what they’re doing is beautiful in the sight of
God.”
-New
Jersey Equality Chairman (Same guy from the preceding quote) Church...good place for them. Wouldn't you love to just KNOW what Bible Scripture the priests at those churches are going to be using?
Now, tell me there's not something wrong with this situation. You decide.
**OFF THE RECORD NOTE to those who have no idea what pertinence these quotes serve: There is a very subtle idea or statement in each of these quotes (sometimes more than one) that really should make you wonder what the heck these people are playing at!
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