tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39469908328086004452024-03-13T16:15:26.856-07:00Stepping HeavenwardDanielle Marie Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16544224287191537831noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946990832808600445.post-26991033670566395912021-08-21T20:20:00.000-07:002021-08-24T13:41:43.155-07:00My Heart Is Broken But My Eyes Are Open<p>The news and images coming out of Afghanistan these last few days are gut wrenching, heart breaking, soul crushing. I cry myself to sleep at night praying for those trapped, those who will be or are being persecuted for not being Muslim, for working with US forces while our troops were there, for being women. </p><p>Stories of Taliban fighters going door to door and searching for Christians. Searching people's phones for signs of Bible reading or Bible study. Searching for those who dared to help our soldiers over the years. Killing women who aren't wearing a full face covering. Setting old women on fire for failing to cook adequately enough to please them. Forcing young women to marry Taliban fighters. </p><p>Images of people so desperate to leave that they're climbing in through half closed aircraft doors, packing into airplanes like sardines. Images of tiny frightened children, terrified women whose freedom has been stripped from them overnight. No more working, no more education, no more liberty of any kind. </p><p>Christians who KNOW they'll be slaughtered in the coming days for daring to believe in Jesus...for refusing to recant and go back to being Muslim. Followers of Christ gathering together to worship in secret. </p><p><br /></p><p>And then there's the American church...</p><p><br /></p><p>What can I even say about the American church? We have everything. Nice comfortable buildings in which to gather. Freedom to worship openly. Freedom to have as many copies of the Bible as we choose to have and display them in our homes. Freedom to put a bumper sticker on our cars that tells people to "Follow Me To Church". We can talk freely to others, openly, without fear. We might face some laughter or ridicule, we might even lose some friendships over our faith in Jesus...but- generally speaking- we don't have to fear for our safety, for our lives JUST BECAUSE we love Jesus. </p><p>And yet we skip church because we're too tired. Because we don't feel like going. Because we have something more fun to do. We see people suffering and don't tell them that Jesus loves them because we're embarrassed, because we don't want to be made fun of. We're unsure of how they'll react so we remain silent. </p><p>We don't read those Bibles we so proudly display around our home. They sit and collect dust, still looking brand new 20 years after they were purchased, the spines never creased from being opened. How can we have a relationship with someone we don't know? How can we get to know God without reading His Word? </p><p>How can we complain when we have so much and why are we so unwilling to help those who need some of what we have? We live in a country full of people who NEED Jesus...yet we keep Him to ourselves and turn our backs on those in need. </p><p>We should be ashamed of what we've become. We had so much and we've turned out backs on the blessings that God gave us to share with others as we hoard them to ourselves. </p><p><br /></p><p>God, forgive us. Please open our eyes to what we've done. Break our hearts with what breaks Yours, Lord. Help us remember our first Love. Set our hearts on fire for You.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tz4toSf-xQU" width="320" youtube-src-id="tz4toSf-xQU"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>Danielle Marie Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16544224287191537831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946990832808600445.post-9311590501105714082021-08-21T19:42:00.000-07:002021-08-21T19:42:45.613-07:00Why is Hell so bad? <p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I've had quite a few people ask me why a loving God would create a place like Hell. Why a loving God would send people He claims to love to such a horrible place. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">So let's take a look at the why's...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Hell was created as a place to punish Satan and his demons. Matthew 25:41 says: </span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">25:41</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire that has been prepared for the devil and his angels!</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">So initially, Hell was not a place for people. The Bible also says in 2 Peter 3:9 </span></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">So you see, God doesn't want anyone to die apart from Him. He wants everyone to come to the saving grace of Jesus Christ so that we can spend eternity in Heaven with Him. But because of man's sinful, rebellious nature, that is not to be. We are all born with an eternal soul and that soul has to go somewhere. God cannot be in the presence of sin. The blood of Jesus covers the sin of those who repent and believe in Him. So those of us who've put our faith in Christ are no longer considered defiled- we are redeemed and, thus, able to be in the presence of God. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Those who don't put their faith in Him will be separated from God for eternity in a horrible place called Hell.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">And why is Hell so terrible? Hell isn't terrible because there's pain and anguish. The Bible says in James 1:17</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32);">Read that again. EVERY GOOD THING is from God. So where you see good things, feel good things, experience good things, God has provided those things. EVERY good thing. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32);">Hell is horrible because God is not there. There is no part of God in that place which means it's full of nothing good. It's full of only horrible, awful, things. Pain, suffering, anguish, evil, torment...because EVERY GOOD THING COMES FROM GOD. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32);">1 John 1:5 says </span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">This is the message we have heard</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> from him and declare to you: God is light;</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> in him there is no darkness at all.</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Darkness cannot dwell in the presence of light and Hell is the darkest of dark. If God is 100% light, there is no where for sin in His presence. God cannot dwell in Hell and unrepentant sin cannot dwell in Heaven. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">God has offered us a way out of eternal suffering. Make no mistake, when the Word of God says eternal, that's exactly what it means...Forever, unending, ETERNAL! And once you've passed from this earth it's too late to change your mind. I'm sure there will be many people on Judgement day who wish they'd done things differently in life, while they still had the chance. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">Jesus Christ left His place in Heaven and came to earth as a baby to grow up among us, to experience life as we do, to face temptations and to love and grieve and die. His death paved the way for us to escape that terrible destination. He offered himself freely so that we might live in paradise with God instead of inescapable torment in Hell...separated from God. All we have to do is reach out and accept His gift. Believe that it's true. Acknowledge that you've sinned, that you're a sinner, that you need to be saved...and He will save you. Turn your back on sin and live for Jesus because He died for you. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">God loves each and every single person that has ever been conceived from the beginning of mankind. He wants to spend eternity with us but- here's that dark vs. light thing again- He CANNOT be in the presence of darkness/sin. It's not that He could if He chose to...it's that He can't. Darkness cannot live in the light. Sin cannot live with God. He wants you to choose Him but He will not force you to choose Him. He doesn't need us but He wants us because He loves us. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">If you need Jesus in your life, please find a pastor/friend/mentor/family member/neighbor, anyone that you know loves Jesus and truly lives for Him, and ask them to lead you to the cross, to show you the way to Heaven. Ask that person to back up what they're telling you with scripture because the Word of God is solid. Don't be led astray. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">If you have no one in your life that you can reach out to...Reach out to me! I will happily do my best to answer your questions and introduce you to Jesus to the very best of my ability. If I don't have the answers, we'll work together to find them. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">Please, don't spend your eternity apart from God- the God who created you and who loves you more than you can imagine. Let Him into your life, into your heart. Let Him renew you and restore you. Let Him redeem you so that Heaven is your future...instead of Hell. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></p>Danielle Marie Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16544224287191537831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946990832808600445.post-36678772925391298812021-02-17T11:30:00.002-08:002021-02-19T16:25:11.982-08:00America's Lukewarm Church<p> Revelation 3:14-22</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 1.5rem; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px; min-width: 0px;"><span class="text Rev-3-14" id="en-NKJV-30761">The Lukewarm Church</span></h3><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><span class="text Rev-3-14"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">14 </span><span class="woj">“And to the</span> <span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NKJV-30761a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NKJV-30761a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="display: inline; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%203:14-22&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-30761a" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #517e90; min-width: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span><span class="woj">angel of the church</span> <span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NKJV-30761b" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NKJV-30761b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]" style="display: inline; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%203:14-22&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-30761b" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #517e90; min-width: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</span><span class="woj">of the Laodiceans write,</span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><span class="text Rev-3-14"><span class="woj">‘These things says the Amen,</span> <span class="woj">the Faithful and True Witness,</span> <span class="woj">the Beginning of the creation of God:</span> </span><span class="text Rev-3-15" id="en-NKJV-30762"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">15 </span><span class="woj">“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.</span> </span><span class="text Rev-3-16" id="en-NKJV-30763"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">16 </span><span class="woj">So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither</span> <span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NKJV-30763c" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NKJV-30763c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]" style="display: inline; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%203:14-22&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-30763c" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #517e90; min-width: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</span><span class="woj">cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.</span> </span><span class="text Rev-3-17" id="en-NKJV-30764"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">17 </span><span class="woj">Because you say,</span> <span class="woj">‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—</span> </span><span class="text Rev-3-18" id="en-NKJV-30765"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">18 </span><span class="woj">I counsel you</span> <span class="woj">to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and</span> <span class="woj">white garments, that you may be clothed, <i>that</i> the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.</span> </span><span class="text Rev-3-19" id="en-NKJV-30766"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">19 </span><span class="woj">As many as I love, I rebuke and</span> <span class="woj">chasten.</span><span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NKJV-30766d" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NKJV-30766d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]" style="display: inline; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%203:14-22&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-30766d" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #517e90; min-width: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;" title="See footnote d">d</a>]</span> <span class="woj">Therefore be</span> <span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NKJV-30766e" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NKJV-30766e" title="See footnote e">e</a>]" style="display: inline; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%203:14-22&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-30766e" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #517e90; min-width: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;" title="See footnote e">e</a>]</span><span class="woj">zealous and repent.</span></span><span class="text Rev-3-20" id="en-NKJV-30767"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">20 </span><span class="woj">Behold,</span> <span class="woj">I stand at the door and knock.</span> <span class="woj">If anyone hears My voice and opens the door,</span> <span class="woj">I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.</span> </span><span class="text Rev-3-21" id="en-NKJV-30768"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">21 </span><span class="woj">To him who overcomes</span> <span class="woj">I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.</span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><span class="text Rev-3-22" id="en-NKJV-30769"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">22 </span><span class="woj">“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”</span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><span class="text Rev-3-22"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;">Go back and read that again. Meditate on it. Chew on it for a few minutes and reflect on the condition of the church in the United States today. We often see news stories of some denomination of other that has caved to the world and has agreed to perform same sex marriage ceremonies or teaches that homosexuality is okay in the eyes of God...the same God whose very Word says otherwise. Does He love those who are homosexual? Absolutely He does, without question. But does He condone the lifestyle they practice? No, He does not. We, Christians, Children of God, are called to be holy, as He is holy. Unrepentant sin is not holy. The church has lowered itself to the standards of the world instead of doing its best to bring the world up to God's standards. Welcome the sinner into your midst, yes, but do not tell that sinner that his/her sin is okay. Do not participate in their sin. This isn't just about homosexuality either. </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;">We have a church here locally whose pastor committed adultery with a married woman and then married her after she divorced her husband. The church hired him knowing he had done this. That church, by allowing him to be a shepherd to that flock, is telling the congregation that adultery is no big deal. That sin is acceptable. </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;">We are called to be set apart from the world. To hold ourselves and those who lead us to a higher standard- God's standard. Our country is, compared to many others, a very wealthy country. We have what we need and much of what we want. We go to church because it makes us feel good about ourselves, because the pastor tells us that Jesus loves us, forgives us, shows us grace and mercy. We put a few dollars in the offering plate and it makes us feel like we've accomplished something good. Pat ourselves on the back and go about living our lives the rest of the week no differently than the rest of the world. </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;">If someone is watching you live your life and also watching your atheist neighbor, will they see a difference between you? Will they know by watching you that you are a blood bought child of the King? </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;">Christians in China pray for persecution to come to the American church because they know from first hand experience that persecution makes a church better. We, American Christians, are, for the most part, lazy, complacent, and unwilling to fight for what is right if it means we have to sacrifice something. We like our comfortable lives and we don't want to do anything that might risk it or make us uncomfortable. So we've become lukewarm and if we don't wake up and see what we're doing, we will be spat out from the mouth of God! Be hot or cold! Be on fire for Him or turn your back on Him but do not be in the middle! Tell your pastor you want true Biblical teaching and if he/she won't turn back to God, find a new church. If you continue to be lukewarm, you have to answer to God for that! You! Because you have the power to change your life, to live a life that reflects God's holiness and not one that reflects the garbage of the world. </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;">What do you choose to do? Today is the beginning of Lent...Spend some time reflecting, praying, looking in the mirror of your life and asking God to show you what needs changed in you. I know that's what I'll be doing because I know that I've spent too much time being lukewarm and complacent. I choose to be on fire for Jesus, no matter what the cost. </p>Danielle Marie Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16544224287191537831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946990832808600445.post-7593129558107164752020-07-13T10:51:00.001-07:002020-07-13T10:51:14.230-07:00Is it too late to heal our land?As I was reading through some comments on a news article a commenter posted the verse from 2 Chronicles 7:14 and someone responded to her comment and said something along the lines of, "It's too late for that. It's impossible to get everyone in the country on the same page."<br />
<br />
So I went and read the verse and prayed about it and the part of that verse that stayed with me was "MY PEOPLE"<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">"...if MY PEOPLE, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (Emphasis mine)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">We don't need the entire country to become Christians for God to hear our prayers and heal our land. We know, and God knows, that isn't realistic because there will always be unbelievers among us. There will always be people here who hate God. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32);">We just need to get HIS PEOPLE on the same page. HIS people need to humble ourselves, turn from our wicked ways, seek His face, pray, pray, pray...and He will heal our land. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32);"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you counted among HIS PEOPLE? Are you willing to gather with others who call themselves Children of God, to pray, to humble yourself? Are you willing to turn from your wicked ways? We all have them...lying, gossiping, adultery, sex outside marriage, alcohol, drugs, porn, hatefulness, racism, pride...just a few among the many sin strongholds that are common in today's church. Are you willing to shake those things off and turn back to God 100%? </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If HIS PEOPLE are willing to turn back to Him, to pray and seek forgiveness, to shed the wickedness we participate in...He will heal our land. It's a promise. That verse doesn't say maybe or </span></span><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32);">might, or He'll think about it. He says I WILL. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32);"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm willing. I'm ready to see this country turn back to Him. I'm ready to see a revival in this land, the likes of which has never been seen before. I'm ready to see people turn their lives around and give them to Jesus. Who's with me? </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/No-UFdmTI30/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/No-UFdmTI30?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Danielle Marie Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16544224287191537831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946990832808600445.post-78052409022153236962019-11-07T08:46:00.003-08:002019-11-07T08:46:59.543-08:00I'm not the King of the world...I was listening to the radio this morning when a song by Natalie Grant came on and the words really resonated with me because it's something I've done, something I do...I give something to God to handle then I reach up and take it back because somehow I think I can do it better.<br />
<br />
But more often, I try to fit God into a box that I can handle, a box that makes sense to my human understanding. I have to stop and remember that God is so much more than that. He is so much more than what my box of understanding can contain. He created this universe with mere words. He holds it all together even when it feels like my world is flying apart at the seams. He can't even be adequately described with earthly words because He is so much more than our little words can define. We use words like awesome and amazing but we turn around and use those same words to describe a pair of shoes or a new car because those words aren't big enough to encompass the greatness of our God.<br />
<br />
Go outside and look around...really look. Find some nature around you, trees, birds, insects, squirrels, flowers, grass, the sky and clouds...things our God created with a word. Think of a new born baby, a miracle, the ocean, a river, mountains. So many wonders that He created for our enjoyment. He created these things for us. He doesn't need them, He has heaven...He made these things for us to show us what He can do and that He loves us and He wants our world to be beautiful and for us to find the beauty in it.<br />
<br />
God is bigger than our box. We will never be eye to eye with Him because He's bigger than that. We are not God, we are not even gods and we never will be.<br />
<br />
I have to be more careful to remember God as He is...not as I think He should be.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZCYjZjUfe_o/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZCYjZjUfe_o?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Danielle Marie Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16544224287191537831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946990832808600445.post-16938259346728932112018-12-30T19:13:00.003-08:002018-12-30T19:13:40.459-08:00My One True Hope...Growing up I was surrounded by a myriad of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Grandparents and close family friends that I called Aunt or Uncle. We were a close knit family that celebrated holidays and family events together. I have 11 Aunts and Uncles and close to 40 first cousins and it was always busy with lots of playmates and partners in crime. I loved it! I was so secure in the knowledge that if I ever needed someone, if I was ever in trouble or needed help with anything, someone would be there. It was a glorious way to grow up and I look back on my childhood with such fond memories.<br />
<br />
But...as I've grown older I've seen rifts appear in that once sturdy foundation. Cracks of contention, anger, and most of all a sad unwillingness to forgive over petty differences. My security in my extended family has been shaken because I know that there are many members that I can no longer turn to or count on and it breaks my heart. Those same family members that I knew beyond a shadow of doubt would never turn their backs on me...have done just that. Cousins I was once as close to as siblings, I haven't heard from or talked to in years, and I miss them desperately. I've lost too many family members unexpectedly so I know how very fragile and precious life is and how quickly it can be taken from us, leaving us without opportunity to say, "I'm sorry." or "I forgive you." Let alone, "Goodbye."<br />
<br />
But...the one thing I have complete faith in is that my Creator will never turn His back on me. No matter how bad I mess up, how angry I get, He will always be there. He will never leave me or forsake me. This one thought, this one hope, this one piece of knowledge is what gets me through each and ever day. I miss my family as I saw it, experienced it as a child. I miss them dearly and even though we don't speak, I pray for them daily, I pray they are happy and healthy and blessed. I pray most of all that they have or will find salvation in the saving grace of Jesus Christ so that we will meet again on the other side of Heaven's gates when our time comes.<br />
<br />
Please, if it is within your power to do so, make it your New Year's Resolution to mend rifts in your family. Make amends, offer forgiveness- but do so carefully- and put the past behind you. The loss of a loved one whom you've had a falling out with is devastating. There is only so much time...don't wait too long because too late comes sooner than you might think.<br />
<br />
<br />Danielle Marie Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16544224287191537831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946990832808600445.post-29961460211321876652018-09-03T17:04:00.001-07:002018-09-03T17:04:36.547-07:00Love Is A ChoiceLove is not a warm fuzzy feeling. It's not butterflies in your belly. It's not about happiness and good feelings. Love is not a feeling.<br />
<br />
Love is a choice. Love is action. Love is standing firm in the storms as they come and batter you and make you feel weak and tired. Love is looking at your spouse during an argument and choosing to stay...even when leaving might be easier.<br />
<br />
Do you think Jesus, hanging on that cross, beaten and bloodied, flesh torn from his body...felt like loving us? Do you think He wanted to endure the punishment that wasn't His? Do you think He was feeling butterflies in his stomach as He thought about you and me?<br />
<br />
I don't. I don't think Jesus was feeling love that day...but He sure chose love that day. He reached through the cloud of anguish and unimaginable suffering and took the sin off of you and me. He chose to love us even though we didn't deserve it. Even though He knew we might not love Him back.<br />
<br />
So, when your child is throwing another tantrum...<br />
When your spouse does that one thing that makes you crazy...<br />
When your neighbor spouts hateful things to/about you...<br />
When you're ready to walk away, when you think you simply cannot take another moment, when the butterflies died years ago and you feel nothing but contempt...<br />
<br />
Choose love.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
(Please note, I am not referring to or recommending that people in abusive situations stay in those situations. If you are being abused...get help!)Danielle Marie Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16544224287191537831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946990832808600445.post-22413895423680667742017-10-18T11:40:00.000-07:002017-10-18T14:14:51.694-07:00Milk or Meat?I was reading an article today about how people are feeling frustrated in church and why that is. So after some thought, I decided to come to my blog and share my thoughts on the matter.<br />
<br />
We, as sinful, broken human beings WANT to go to church and sit under the teaching of someone who will tell us that Jesus loves us, that we're covered by the grace of God, that we're doing a great job being good little helpers. We WANT milk because milk is easy to swallow and takes no real effort on our parts to digest.<br />
<br />
However, the spirit in us NEEDS meat. It needs to be convicted and urged to repentance. It needs to be told that while God is loving and gracious, He is also just and jealous. It needs to be made aware of our shortcomings and our sin and reminded that being a Christian is more than just about the love of God. It is centered on that, yes, but because of the love, there is also sacrifice. Sacrifice hurts. Meat requires us to chew, it requires time and effort for our bodies to digest. We WANT milk but we NEED meat and in our hearts we know this.<br />
<br />
In order to grow there must be growing pains. We must stretch and reach and endure as the Lord shapes us and burns off the chafe. Many times in the Word of God, believers are compared to precious metals that must be refined with fire. The metals are melted with very high temperatures and anything that is not silver or gold would be burned off by the heat. We are the precious metals but in us are impurities that must be burned off- sin, bad habits, lustful thoughts, anger and bitterness, gossip, un-forgiveness, laziness, and so many others that must be burned off through trials and Godly correction.<br />
<br />
So, as we sit through yet another sermon about love and grace and joy and all the feel good things, our spirit is starving to death and thus, we feel discouraged, frustrated, full of angst because we're not getting the nourishment we need from the one put in place to nourish us. Jesus told Peter to feed His sheep but many of today's religious leaders are failing to do that. We, as God's children, need to hold our leaders accountable for that. We need to demand- even though we know it's painful to be convicted- that our pastors teach from the whole Word of God and not just the feel good parts. They need to stop being so worried about offending people and be more concerned about offending and angering God.<br />
<br />
Are you feeding on the meat of God's word or are you still drinking milk and starving for more? Does your pastor challenge you? Does your church convict you? Do you leave church some weeks feeling burdened with the weight of your unconfessed sin? If not, then you need to ask, "Why not?"<br />
<br />Danielle Marie Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16544224287191537831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946990832808600445.post-28009393997107597982017-08-16T08:26:00.001-07:002017-08-16T08:26:34.897-07:00Who do you love?I've touched on this topic before but considering the state of things in our nation right now, I feel like it's something we need a reminder of. There isn't a whole lot of loving our neighbors going on at the moment and that's sad.<br />
<br />
When Jesus was asked what the most important commandments were, his reply was this:<br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-22-37" id="en-NIV-23910"><sup class="versenum">37 </sup>Jesus replied: <span class="woj">“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'</span></span> <span class="text Matt-22-38" id="en-NIV-23911"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">38 </sup>This is the first and greatest commandment.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-22-39" id="en-NIV-23912"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">39 </sup>And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39</span></span><br />
<div>
<span class="text Matt-22-39"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="text Matt-22-39"><span class="woj">Love your neighbor as yourself. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="text Matt-22-39"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="text Matt-22-39"><span class="woj">So, who are our neighbors? </span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="text Matt-22-39"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="text Matt-22-39"><span class="woj">Jesus was asked that question too and He responded by telling a story. The parable of the Good Samaritan.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="text Matt-22-39"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="text Matt-22-39"><span class="woj">Luke 10:30-37</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="text Matt-22-39"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-30" id="en-NIV-25394"><sup class="versenum">30 </sup>In reply Jesus said: <span class="woj">“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.</span></span> <span class="text Luke-10-31" id="en-NIV-25395"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">31 </sup>A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-25395G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-25395G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup></span></span> <span class="text Luke-10-32" id="en-NIV-25396"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">32 </sup>So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.</span></span> <span class="text Luke-10-33" id="en-NIV-25397"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">33 </sup>But a Samaritan,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-25397H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-25397H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup> as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.</span></span> <span class="text Luke-10-34" id="en-NIV-25398"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">34 </sup>He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.</span></span> <span class="text Luke-10-35" id="en-NIV-25399"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">35 </sup>The next day he took out two denarii<sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-25399c" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-25399c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10:25-37#fen-NIV-25399c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</sup> and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’</span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-10-36" id="en-NIV-25400"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">36 </sup>“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”</span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-10-37" id="en-NIV-25401"><sup class="versenum">37 </sup>The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”</span><br />
<span class="text Luke-10-37">Jesus told him, <span class="woj">“Go and do likewise.”</span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-10-37"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Luke-10-37"><span class="woj">So you see, a neighbor is not just someone who lives nearby. A neighbor is any other person. The Samaritan didn't know the beaten man, had never seen him before, yet he took pity on him and gave of what he had to help the man. He sacrificed his own time schedule, his own clothing, his own comfort, his own money, to help someone in need. A stranger...and he expected nothing in return. </span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-10-37"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Luke-10-37"><span class="woj">Do you love your neighbors? Do you love ALL of your neighbors? Jesus didn't say, "Love the neighbors who think like you, look like you, believe like you." He didn't specify which neighbors because He wants you to love ALL of your neighbors as you love yourself. Not just the ones who are the same color or the same religion or the same political party...ALL of them!!</span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-10-37"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Luke-10-37"><span class="woj">But look around, look at the news, look at the ugly hateful comments being left on Facebook posts. There is far more hate happening in this country than there is love. Which are you contributing to? I know I'm guilty of leaving less than friendly comments on news articles I don't agree with. I need to remember that each of these news articles involve people, human beings that need love and prayer. The very least we can do is pray for our neighbors because we all need that. </span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-10-37"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
What can we all do to make things better in our own homes? In our own neighborhoods? In our own towns and cities? In our own states? In our own country? Little steps in love lead to great things. How can you love your neighbors today? How can you be the change you want to see in your world?<br />
<br />
<br />
<b></b></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="text Matt-22-39"><span class="woj"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="text Matt-22-39"><span class="woj"> </span></span></div>
<br />Danielle Marie Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16544224287191537831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946990832808600445.post-55824245347099789212017-01-05T11:53:00.001-08:002017-01-05T12:29:18.168-08:00A friend is a friend is....no longer a friend? My heart hurts today. I had a friend- or I thought she was my friend- but now she's not my friend and I've done nothing to deserve it. Our husbands had a falling out so now I guess we can't be friends either...who knew those were the rules? I didn't. I always thought the wives could be friends even if the husbands weren't but I guess I was mistaken.<br />
<br />
I knew our husbands would no longer be friends but when I went to facebook to send her a message, she had not only unfriended me but blocked me as well. I texted her hours ago and there's been no reply so I guess she really doesn't want to be my friend anymore. And that hurts. Makes me want to cry, in fact I have cried several times today over it because I don't understand treating someone this way. It's not in my heart to treat people like that so I can't rectify it in my mind as the appropriate way to treat someone you once called friend.<br />
<br />
So, I went to the Bible for comfort. What does the Bible say about friendship? Here are a few of my favorite verses about friendship and being a friend:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Proverbs 17:17 <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "corbel" , "verdana" , sans-serif;">A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "corbel" , "verdana" , sans-serif;">John 15:13 </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "corbel" , "verdana" , sans-serif;">Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: lime;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "corbel" , "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 Thessalonians 5:11 </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "corbel" , "verdana" , sans-serif;">Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "corbel" , "verdana" , sans-serif;">Job 6:14 </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "corbel" , "verdana" , sans-serif;">“He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "corbel" , "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "corbel" , "verdana" , sans-serif;">Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "corbel" , "verdana" , sans-serif;">Proverbs 27:10 </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "corbel" , "verdana" , sans-serif;">Do not forsake your friend and your father's friend, and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "corbel" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "corbel" , "verdana" , sans-serif;">Friendship is meant to be an affirming, uplifting, strengthening relationship that is comforting and joyful. Sometimes it's sacrificial, sometimes it's hard, but the one thing that is always is is constant. It's supposed to be dependable. It's supposed to be a blessing. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "corbel" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "corbel" , "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have never made friends easily. For me it's a struggle because I tend to be very shy, painfully shy in new situations. I'm terrified of saying the wrong thing. I'm afraid of making myself look foolish. I want people to like me but I tend to hide the real me because I'm afraid they won't like who I really am. Some of my old friends- the ones I've had since grade school- can attest to that. They are few but they are true. They've seen me at my worst and still love me. They've seen the real me time and time again and still like who I am. Sadly they live far away and I don't get to see them as often as I'd like but I know that the next time we meet face to face, we will hug and catch up and move forward as if we'd always been together and distance never separated us. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "corbel" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "corbel" , "verdana" , sans-serif;">So for me to put myself out there and call you friend it is truly from my heart. For me to express devotion to someone- tell them I love them- is a struggle for me. I don't say it unless I mean it. I can't say it unless I mean it, my heart won't let me. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "corbel" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "corbel" , "verdana" , sans-serif;">Please be careful with your friendships. Treasure them. Treat them with respect. If there's a problem, address it, figure it out, grow from it. Don't let some silly difference get in the way of something life long and beautiful. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "corbel" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "corbel" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Danielle Marie Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16544224287191537831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946990832808600445.post-11792882432655263772016-08-12T19:45:00.000-07:002016-08-12T19:45:00.331-07:00Life Is Like A Box Of.....CrayonsWith school starting back up in classrooms around the country, many homes have fresh new backpacks full of school supplies including crisp new boxes of crayons. Go grab a box of brand new crayons and pop open the top. If you don't have one, Google a picture of a new box of crayons and peer down inside that box.<br />
<br />
What do you see?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICt3kYdt2Qaq0daO_RLHreNW9sURq2_EDRUQ7dQ_Knbm3YLr3vIQyrskRisHF5ugp9KkR-ZgLePpmUtFucjfKcr4mEIwgzK2vq2S0UabLrKRj_bfYS2WoeRIDbxRYv_pIhsHTMcEX2G8/s1600/crayons.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICt3kYdt2Qaq0daO_RLHreNW9sURq2_EDRUQ7dQ_Knbm3YLr3vIQyrskRisHF5ugp9KkR-ZgLePpmUtFucjfKcr4mEIwgzK2vq2S0UabLrKRj_bfYS2WoeRIDbxRYv_pIhsHTMcEX2G8/s1600/crayons.jpe" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
All the same shape, size, wrapped in the same kind of paper...but all different colors. A beautiful rainbow of colors. We can pull those colors out of the box and draw a picture full of life. Because that's how we are in real life- colorful, vibrant, glorious, beautiful...and we're all the same...but we're different too.<br />
<br />
Now, imagine opening that box of crayons and seeing:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07g_8_4NccV6JQbtvnplJoWa5cgZzJ8oRUVq6tX7q35aO1A21-tovn6snfEltJaX5MPuqjMQ7Ic3e2DYAospii3IkOayH0cZfWT4FaqTB8ox-stmAwsE6LWvu1U866zGfVPRWOr5dplw/s1600/white.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07g_8_4NccV6JQbtvnplJoWa5cgZzJ8oRUVq6tX7q35aO1A21-tovn6snfEltJaX5MPuqjMQ7Ic3e2DYAospii3IkOayH0cZfWT4FaqTB8ox-stmAwsE6LWvu1U866zGfVPRWOr5dplw/s1600/white.jpe" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_5tVtwUFcxNdM0LukeddOsKoy5Tcpl-UaMc1fvOmgO7TKnnG1MOWc09oUgOSc91j-wEtot7oKfTu_pmULN07I76ux38IZ0deywY8p2Wtj6eyya8U_KFh0rGPsw3AkOvAYiQfCsf36wA/s1600/brown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_5tVtwUFcxNdM0LukeddOsKoy5Tcpl-UaMc1fvOmgO7TKnnG1MOWc09oUgOSc91j-wEtot7oKfTu_pmULN07I76ux38IZ0deywY8p2Wtj6eyya8U_KFh0rGPsw3AkOvAYiQfCsf36wA/s1600/brown.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Just one color. Brown or white or any one color. You could draw a brown picture with a brown house with a brown car and a brown dog on a brown lawn...or you could draw a white picture with a white house covered in white snow. How boring, how dull, how lifeless. We need color in our lives to make life richer, joyful. God created us brown, white, and every color in between. God created us in all these beautiful amazing colors to make the world more beautiful. We all start out the same- two cells joining to make one- tiny and precious. We grow and are born and brand new, we're like a brand new crayon. But just like the crayons, life uses us and some of us end up shorter, duller, rounder, and broken. But we're still the same even if we look a little different. We're all made from the same stuff- cells, blood, muscle,...and skin.<br />
<br />
Different, beautiful colors of skin. Please remember, that without ALL the colors this world would be lifeless, dull, colorless.<br />
<br />
Or we can all start looking around and appreciating the beauty of the creation that God made, each of us individual and beautiful...in HIS image. Love those around you no matter what color they are. Love them because God loves them. A box of crayons needs diversity and so does our world. Remember that!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gjANyQVE_s8mbVxsFp7aPr3uNRjb12J-flEOUpvpCqh8p1DxXE3q75x0gOQAiU5IDRIkmVAaHM3BWnGDLJIdTPNUIvXIhfjrL9iR8oKj2Y1tlfCsTPsL_aeimyoNjEU6ZbCRARNUZms/s1600/arm-skin-colors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gjANyQVE_s8mbVxsFp7aPr3uNRjb12J-flEOUpvpCqh8p1DxXE3q75x0gOQAiU5IDRIkmVAaHM3BWnGDLJIdTPNUIvXIhfjrL9iR8oKj2Y1tlfCsTPsL_aeimyoNjEU6ZbCRARNUZms/s1600/arm-skin-colors.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Danielle Marie Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16544224287191537831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946990832808600445.post-7817461465328142032016-07-30T10:18:00.001-07:002016-07-30T10:18:49.195-07:00If you were running for president.....If I have learned anything from this election it's this:<br />
<br />
Live everyday as if you will someday run for president, knowing that your opponent will do all he/she can to dig up every single foul word you use. Every racist joke you tell. Every time you've gotten drunk or high. Every missed opportunity to help someone in need. Every questionable decision you make. Every scandal, every lie, every single misspent penny will be posted on the internet for the entire world to see and comment on for all of eternity.<br />
<br />
Live your life so that when it comes time for the campaign ads to start appearing, your opponent won't be able to dig up any dirt on you. No lies, no deleted emails, no affairs, no abortions, no unwed pregnancies, no tax evasion or fraud, no racism, no lawsuits...nothing but good stuff. Images of you helping a homeless guy find a job. Recordings of you reading to kids in a foster home. Tax returns showing you give to those less fortunate. Video of you playing basketball with at risk youth and mentoring them. Pictures of you loving and appreciating your wife/husband and kids. Mowing the yard of an elderly or infirm neighbor. <br />
<br />
<br />
Think about that. What could your opponent dig up about you now? What can you do differently?Danielle Marie Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16544224287191537831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946990832808600445.post-91395771912342731932016-06-15T19:29:00.002-07:002016-07-15T13:55:18.765-07:00More salt...My last blog post was about being salty enough but I read another blog post about being too salty and I wanted to take it little further. The blogger spoke about too much salt being a bad thing and as I was driving through the nearest large town- which happens to be about 25 miles from me, I was looking at some of the churches in the area. Some of them are HUGE! Great big elaborate, gorgeous structures that seem too opulent for our area. We're mainly farm towns around here, small rural communities, farmers, blue collar workers.<br />
<br />
Have you ever seen pictures of the Dead Sea? Or the salt flats in Utah? They're gorgeous, stunning...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzB16SYSEwTHIEKqM69U75boWBRiBtwj8wvwFZlDxo8U3TXsMRwMB5FtLmT7Y8x0GPhpSmOrQ_gzsNAHxUoLHH1wIyWAAieriKMoHxDcKXQ4xh2ML1mSWRzDELGw-fPIGZa0tXtpNW5k0/s1600/dead+sea1.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzB16SYSEwTHIEKqM69U75boWBRiBtwj8wvwFZlDxo8U3TXsMRwMB5FtLmT7Y8x0GPhpSmOrQ_gzsNAHxUoLHH1wIyWAAieriKMoHxDcKXQ4xh2ML1mSWRzDELGw-fPIGZa0tXtpNW5k0/s1600/dead+sea1.jpe" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Dead Sea</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqxQAbL9cIEC56xKd_L4uJR4vUcxsTMXVpOMbDYCmas30TLJ7w1q89yl69vbWhJFMp9Hn_vo-pcpROuZfWACG9CLe9N9fyqdl4djSqTeaBZGimMhXmpgL-mxHujMNHlh0oyMik-RvnMI/s1600/salt+flat1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqxQAbL9cIEC56xKd_L4uJR4vUcxsTMXVpOMbDYCmas30TLJ7w1q89yl69vbWhJFMp9Hn_vo-pcpROuZfWACG9CLe9N9fyqdl4djSqTeaBZGimMhXmpgL-mxHujMNHlh0oyMik-RvnMI/s320/salt+flat1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bonneville Salt Flats- Utah</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And dead. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There is so much salt in both of these locations that nothing lives, nothing grows. No animals, no plant life, nothing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Do you see where I'm going with this? There are mega churches around this country where thousands of Christians attend each week. Some churches that have so many members they have to build stadium like seating to fit them all and they have more than one service to accommodate them all. They're stunning structures that are so filled with salt that nothing lives, nothing grows, nothing thrives. Many of these people are Christians on Sunday then go home and do nothing for the Lord the rest of the week. They gather with their Christian friends for church functions. They celebrate birthdays and holidays with Christian friends and family and because there is so much salt, the word of God stagnates. It's so preserved, no one can eat it, digest it. They don't spread the salt around to help those who have no salt, people who are drowning in sin and crying out for a Savior. People who need Jesus, who need salt...and no one is willing to share. Many of these churches neglect the word of God in favor of a more 'friendly' narrative. They speak of love and good feelings while neglecting to speak of sin and repentance. It would seem that there are a lot of people who want to go to church for the warm fuzzy and not be reminded that they're sinners and must change their lives in order to please a just and holy God. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Jesus spent time with sinners- He dined with them, traveled with them, preached to them, loved them. His salt went far and wide, flavored those He came into contact with. He didn't just spend His time in the Synagogues that were elaborate, powerful structures. He mingled with the common man, the sinner, the sick and hurting. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Salt is also good for healing. When a new baby was born back in Jesus' day, the child was rubbed with salt and wrapped in cloths. The salt killed any germs that might make a new baby sick. Wounds were often packed with salt to stave off infection. Jesus was the healing salt and He spread Himself around, helping as many as He could during his short time on Earth. He didn't spend a lot of time with the elite, the Pharisees and the Sadducees, the royalty, the rich and famous...He hung out with tax collectors, prostitutes, lepers, fishermen. His salt was being used, absorbed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Do you spend time with people outside your church? Outside your comfort zone? Is your church active in the community? Or is your church so salty within itself that it's toxic to growth and life? Has your congregation spent so much money on a beautiful building instead of spending it where the Lord would have it to go? To help those in need? We can worship in a field, in a yard, under a tree, in a broom closet... do we need multi million dollar structures that are beautiful...but toxic? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Danielle Marie Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16544224287191537831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946990832808600445.post-29967598510406318872016-05-30T14:03:00.000-07:002016-05-30T14:03:03.157-07:00How salty are you?A few days ago I was listening to the Christian radio station and a speaker came on and gave a message about being salt and light. I can't remember his name because I was paying more attention to trying to remember his message than bothering to remember his name.<br />
<br />
He spoke about how Jesus told his followers that they were the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Jesus didn't tell his followers that they were the gold of the earth or the silver, those were rare and precious commodities that were owned by only the richest and most powerful among them. Salt, however, was and is something that even the poorest among us has access to. And it's something that infuses the food it's added to. It also preserves what it's added to. Salt, during Jesus' time, was vital to preserve meat and fish, to add flavor to food. It was a necessary ingredient that was abundant and common. Jesus wants us to be salt.<br />
<br />
Jesus also warned, though, that we can lose our saltiness and that salt without saltiness is worthless. The speaker went on to explain that back in Jesus' day, the people would sometimes have a large block of salt that they would set on the ground and chip away at as they used it. Some of the salt would get mixed in with the dirt that the block was sitting on. The dirt represents the junk in the world- the worldliness that Christians are not supposed to get mixed up in. Once we do, we're no longer useful in God's plan. We're still saved, but we're not doing God's work effectively because we've gotten too mixed up in the dirt to be salty. What good is salt that's not salty? Imagine you're filling up your salt shaker at home and you dropped it. Salt goes everywhere! You grab the broom and sweep it up. But instead of just salt you find bits of sand, soil, maybe some pet hair or food crumbs that were also on the floor. You scoop that mess up into your dustpan and dump it in the trash because that salt is no longer good for anything. Surely you wouldn't dump it into your salt shaker and sprinkle it on your food.<br />
<br />
So my question to you is this...How salty are you? Are you good pure clean salt that is seasoning the world around you with God's love? Are you preserving His word in your heart to share it with others? Or are you so mixed up in the mess of the world that your witness is no longer effective?<br />
<br />
Search your heart and ask the Lord to show you how salty you are.Danielle Marie Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16544224287191537831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946990832808600445.post-18851296459445624882016-05-10T08:56:00.000-07:002016-05-10T08:56:01.120-07:00A Raging StormAs I sit in my office working, I can hear the storm raging outside. Pouring rain, flashing lightening, crashing thunder and howling winds. The potential for harm is there in the hail that's predicted to come, wind causing trees to fall, flash flooding from the rain, lightening strikes. It's a storm that only God can calm if He's so inclined.<br />
<br />
But there's another storm raging in our nation that we, the children of God could calm if we would only take the time and make the effort. There's a storm of godlessness sweeping over our country, covering up all the good that dares cross it's path. And we sit in our church houses on Sunday mornings and maybe- maybe- hear a sermon about sin. We take to facebook and whine about what we're seeing...and that's the extent of our movement. We've let our nation go and we have no one to blame but ourselves.<br />
<br />
Society is doing exactly what is foretold in the Bible- Calling evil good. Celebrating things that God has said are wrong. For example, calling Bruce Jenner a hero for deciding that he's really a woman. Celebrating professional athletes who come out of the closet.<br />
<br />
And Calling good evil. Condemning Christians, suing them for holding fast to their beliefs. Calling them names- bigots, homophobes, islamophobes, etc, for simply holding a different view or belief of things. Making fun of Christian actors and actresses and sports figures who dare to express their faith. Demanding that Christians accept PC beliefs while trying to remove every piece of Christianity from public view.<br />
<br />
Yes, the Bible foretells this happening but Christians should not sit idly by while it happens. We should still fight for what we know to be true and right and good. We MUST love those we disagree with. We MUST show them the love of Jesus but we MUST NOT accept or condone the sin. Tell them the truth...IN LOVE, WITH LOVE, BECAUSE OF LOVE! Don't be hateful to someone who is gay or transgendered. Love them, because God does. Show them that there's another way. Tell them that you feel differently about their lifestyle but that you still love them and want to see them come to a saving grace in Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
Make a stand in the voting booths. Make a stand by encouraging others to get out and vote and to be informed when they vote. Make a stand by writing letters to our elected officials. Go to town hall meetings. Go to public gatherings and make your voices heard...but do it in love. God doesn't want us to be hateful to sinners because ALL of us are sinners. Every single one of us has messed up and will continue to do so until we die. We must treat sinners the same way Jesus did when He walked upon this earth....He loved them and told them, Go and sin no more. He didn't condemn them. He didn't hate them or call them names or treat them badly. He ate a meal with them and explained to them their sins. He loved them! And we should do no less. Parents love their children but we don't agree with everything they do. We see them make mistakes and we discipline them accordingly. But just because we don't agree with what they've done and we call them on it, doesn't mean we don't love them. It means we love them more because we care enough to want them to know the truth of their actions/words. If we didn't love them we wouldn't care that they were making bad choices that are going to hurt them. It's the same for people in the world- we love them enough to tell them the truth...even if it hurts.<br />
<br />
Some will call you hateful for disagreeing with them or calling their life choices sinful. But we must stand firm. It isn't man's approval we should be longing for, but God's. Will God say to you, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." when at last you meet face to face? Or will He tell you that you could have done better? That you could have been more bold, more loving, more truthful?<br />
<br />
<br />Danielle Marie Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16544224287191537831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946990832808600445.post-68250043665653531332015-12-01T14:44:00.000-08:002015-12-01T14:46:51.571-08:00When did we stop growing up?As I read through the news headlines I can't help but be amazed at how many of them talk about college students being 'victimized' 'traumatized' 'offended' or 'terrorized' by something someone said or did or thought.<br />
<br />
Someone is victimized because a <a href="http://www.okwu.edu/blog/2015/11/this-is-not-a-day-care-its-a-university/" target="_blank">church sermon made them feel bad</a>. Students are angry because a professor <a href="http://www.campusreform.org/?ID=6971" target="_blank">refuses to cancel an exam</a> so he's forced to resign because black students might feel unsafe attending class. Someone else says <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/11/22/college-students-say-remembering-9-11-is-offensive-to-muslims.html" target="_blank">remembering important events</a> in our nation's history should be cancelled because someone might be offended. Or people <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/22/opinion/sunday/judith-shulevitz-hiding-from-scary-ideas.html?_r=0" target="_blank">demanding 'safe places'</a> where they can go when they've been 'Triggered'.<br />
<br />
These are young adults, mind you. People in their late teens and early to mid 20's who are crying about this or that as if they were 4 year olds who got their feelings hurt by a school yard bully! These are people who are done being children- chronologically- and are supposed to be preparing for life in the real world...you know, the real world where no one cares about your feelings. Where employers will yell at you if you don't do a good job or fire you if you fail to meet expectations. Where someone in a grocery store parking lot won't think anything of poking fun at your oversized rump when they see a package of cookies in your cart. And, sadly, there are still people in this world who take issue with others of a different skin color or nationality...and won't hesitate to let you know it.<br />
<br />
Life is hard! Pre-school generally ends at around age 5 and after that you stop behaving as if you were a pre-schooler. It seems like everyone wants to be offended or victimized about something and they'll do anything to go about finding that something.<br />
<br />
I'll tell you what...there are things in this life that are much more important than being 'offended' by something that someone said that wasn't really offensive at all. How about being offended by the national debt. That offends me greatly. How about being offended by our elected officials thinking we're too stupid to make our own choices so they have to do it for us.<br />
<br />
Or someone who feels 'victimized' by a movie they were made to watch in history class or a book they were made to read in English. How about instead you think about people who are really being victimized? Women and children who are sold into sex slavery. Babies being slaughtered by the thousands every single day because they're seen as inconvenient by a parent who- generally speaking- had sex without being responsible. How about our Veterans who come home and seek medical care from the VA only to be turned away again and again and put on secret waiting lists until they finally die from whatever was ailing them simply because our government doesn't care enough about them to do what's right.<br />
<br />
This generation that is now in college who are fussing and making demands because something made them sad or didn't suit their way of thinking, are the same kids that got a trophy just for showing up. The same kids whose parents valued self esteem over self control. The same kids who never got spanked and whose parents were their friends instead of their parents. (again I'm generalizing). These are the same people who are posting selfies constantly online because they are the only ones they think of.<br />
<br />
It's time to grow up, America. It's time to remember personal accountability and personal responsibility. It's time to remember that you and I are not the most important people in the world...that there are others who have a harder time and need some help, that there are others who could use some of the attention you're giving yourself. The universe does not revolve around you or me or any one individual on this planet. You are no more important than the next person. You are no more valuable than anyone else. GROW UP!! Think about someone else for a change. Get out of your own head and heart and focus on something outside your box.<br />
<br />
<br />
If anything I said in this blog post offended anyone and sent them to their safe place...I'm not sorry. I don't regret it and I won't take it back. :) Thank you and have a great day!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Danielle Marie Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16544224287191537831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946990832808600445.post-24600473840120246732015-11-10T07:31:00.000-08:002015-11-10T07:31:37.811-08:00Red Christmas cup....I'm sure you've all heard about the Starbucks holiday cup by now and if you haven't then you're among the lucky ones.<br />
<br />
I got to thinking today about all the uproar about this situation and decided I should write my thoughts down and if I can help some angry Christian see things a little different that will be good...and if not...well, I've given you a few minutes to pretend to be working while you're not ;)<br />
<br />
<br />
So here goes:<br />
<br />
If I go to Starbucks it's for a tasty cup of coffee. It's not for a Bible story or a sermon. My faith is not so shallow and/or insecure that it resides in a disposable paper coffee cup. My faith is in my Creator, God, and my Savior, Jesus Christ. I don't need a fancy paper cup to tell me how strong my faith is or to help me celebrate Christmas. The cup isn't even powerful enough to tell me how strong my coffee is.<br />
<br />
The designs on the previous cups at Starbucks have been snowmen, snowflakes, holiday ornaments, etc. Not one of those designs, in any way, represented my Jesus and/or the true reason behind the celebration of Christmas.<br />
<br />
My daughter works at Starbucks and in the location where she works, they have gift cards that say "MERRY CHRISTMAS" on them. They have Christmas decorations put up. And did you know that Starbucks also has a Christmas blend coffee. Yep, I'm drinking some right now. Says Christmas Blend right across the front of the bag. It doesn't say Xmas or Holiday blend...it says CHRISTMAS!<br />
<br />
So, am I going to get angry and up in arms about a red paper cup? No. In my opinion there are much more important things to get angry and up in arms about. How about Christians being denied the right to live their faith in their personally owned businesses? How about Christians being beheaded by ISIS militants? How about hungry children right here in America? How about our government spending billions of dollars to house and feed Muslim refugees while our own veterans lay cold and homeless in the streets, digging through dumpsters to eat? How about being lied to by the people who are supposed to represent us?<br />
<br />
You see, there are things in this life, in this world that beg you to be angry and do something about them, do something to help, to make a difference....a red paper cup is not one of them.Danielle Marie Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16544224287191537831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946990832808600445.post-43153199617192547192015-08-31T12:30:00.000-07:002015-08-31T12:30:43.834-07:00Who are your neighbors?I know I've touched on this before in previous posts but I've been thinking about this a lot lately, ever since I watched the movie 'Do You Believe?'.<br />
<br />
Who are your neighbors? Do you know your neighbors? Do you love your neighbors?<br />
<br />
Most of us, when asked those questions will instantly think about the people who live next door. But long ago the term 'Next Door Neighbor' came into being because people understood that it wasn't only the people who lived near you that were your neighbors...but the people who live near are more specifically your neighbors next door.<br />
<br />
Neighbors are, in fact, anyone you come in contact with at any given time, or as one dictionary put it, Your fellow man. Anyone and everyone is your neighbor.<br />
<br />
Jesus said in Matthew 22:39 "<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">This is the first and greatest commandment. </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Notice, in that whole verse there is no specifics given as to what a neighbor is. Jesus does not say, "Love your neighbors who think like you." or "Love your neighbors who have the same skin color." or "Love your neighbor who isn't gay." </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Jesus says to Love your neighbor as you love yourself...period. End of sentence. And neighbor meaning your fellow man means every man. Even those you can't stand. Even those who believe completely different than you. Even those who are gay, or black, or white, or Hispanic, or Asian. Even the ones who are Hindus, or Muslims, or Atheists. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Love your neighbor...period!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">How do you love yourself? You do whatever is in your power to make sure you have a roof over your head, food on your table, clothes on your body, and shoes on your feet. You do all you can to make sure you have electricity, a running car, and a job. And you probably try really hard to make sure you have some of the little extras...a cell phone, a TV, Cable, Internet access...etc.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">You love yourself by making sure you're provided for. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">So if you see a neighbor- Mr. or Mrs. Other Person besides you- without shoes in the winter, without food, without a roof...you have been commanded to love that person as you love yourself. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">You say, "But I'm broke." or "It's the end of the month and I'm really tapped out." Or "I don't have time." </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Do you think Jesus WANTED to die an agonizing death on the cross for you? Don't you think He could have probably found much less horrible things to be doing at that particular time? But no, He didn't make excuses. He loved you- His neighbor- enough to put His own desires, His own life, aside and do what was best for you...can we do any less for our neighbors in need? </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Take some time each day to love a neighbor. Buy a police officer a coffee and offer a smile. Offer an elderly or disabled person a hand unloading their grocery cart into their car. Tell a frustrated mom with screaming kids that it's going to be okay and offer a sympathetic hug or word of encouragement. Loving your neighbor doesn't have to cost a lot or even anything. And if it costs something...God will provide. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
Danielle Marie Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16544224287191537831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946990832808600445.post-33231583133100035802015-06-09T13:02:00.000-07:002015-06-09T13:02:23.489-07:00I'm so sad :(The state of our nation- the attitudes of the people, the fighting, the hate- is so sad. It seems like every single day I see news reports of someone being offended by something and suing someone else. Someone wore something or said something or ate something or believed something and it upset or offended someone else and because someone was offended it became national news and everyone gets up in arms about it. Everyone takes a side so the nation is divided against itself and because of this, it will fall.<br />
<br />
We will fall.<br />
<br />
A nation divided against itself cannot stand. Abraham Lincoln said that and he was right.<br />
<br />
So let's break it down here:<br />
<br />
You don't like the color of someone's skin?<br />
My solution: Grow up! It's just skin and the color of one's skin does not make that person good or bad.<br />
<br />
You don't like someone's religious ideas?<br />
My solution: You don't have to attend church/temple/etc with them. You can listen respectfully while they share, then you can share while they listen respectfully. You don't have to agree but you also don't have to be hateful or enemies just because you don't agree.<br />
<br />
You don't agree with someone's political ideals?<br />
My solution: So what, move on. Disagreeing with someone doesn't mean you hate them (contrary to popular belief) and it also doesn't mean you can't be friends. What a bunch of robot clones we'd all be if everyone looked the same and thought the same and believed the same. Talk about your differences and, who knows, you both might learn something valuable.<br />
<br />
Someone said/did/ate/wore something that offended you?<br />
My solution: Get over it. We're all different and no one is going to get through life never having been offended by someone or something. Just because it's not something you would say/do/eat/wear does not mean that the other person was wrong because they said/did/ate/wore what they did. I understand you don't eat bacon for religious reasons, fine, don't eat it...but don't try to stop others from eating it just because you don't. See what I'm saying?<br />
<br />
Our world is full of diversity and beauty in all colors, shapes, sizes, ideologies, religions, IQ's and so much more. It was made that way by our Creator for a reason- so we could share and exchange ideas, learn and grow. Our different skin colors make this world beautiful and we've made it a source of contention that's turned into hate.<br />
<br />
Let go of your hate. Let go of your contentious feelings about people who are or think different than you. Life is too short to hold onto so much negativity and bitterness so why keep doing it. Why not spread love and receive love instead of hate?<br />
<br />
It's up to us, individually, to be the change we want to see in our world. We have to start the ball rolling because it's not going to roll by itself.Danielle Marie Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16544224287191537831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946990832808600445.post-34016051523329511802015-04-30T14:14:00.002-07:002015-04-30T14:14:26.911-07:00Our World is slipping away...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Never before in my life have I witnessed so much hate. So much anger. So much divisiveness. Never before have I felt so helpless and hopeless about the state of our nation. About the heart and soul of this country that used to be so great. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was born after the Civil Rights era. I am a child of the 70's and 80's. And while the town I grew up in didn't have many black people living in it during those years, there were a few and they were treated with kindness and respect by the general population. The black kids who attended my schools- I remember them fondly- were treated like any other kid and they were popular and high achieving and sweet. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I never imagined that I would see a time when 'Race' relations would be dragged so far backward as they have been recently. I put the '' around race because in my eyes we're all of the same race- the human one. Why on earth- especially in this day and age- anyone would even care what color someone else's skin is, I have no idea. Why is this once again an issue? Why are people tearing up cities, burning businesses, attacking police officers, and throwing around the race card? Why? Why are 40% of our nations prisoners black when only 13% of our nations entire population is black? Is this because black people are being targeted by the police and arrested more often than white people? Or is it because black people are breaking the law more often and so get arrested more often? One group of people will see it one way, another group will see it another despite what the actual facts are. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What it comes down to is respect. Kindness. And most of all, as Jesus said, Love. It comes down to love. Are we loving our fellow man, no matter what color he/she is? Are we respecting them? Are we helping them we're they're down? Are we teaching them about the love of God? It shouldn't matter what color they are. It shouldn't matter what color we are. God created each and every single one of us with a purpose. He created us to love our neighbors. He created us to serve Him and in doing so, lead others to Him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are we doing that? Or are we too busy comparing skin colors? Are we too busy turning our backs on those who need us the most because they look different or act different or came from somewhere different? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mark 12:31 Jesus himself said, <span class="highl" style="color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"The second is this, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' There is no other commandment greater than these."</span><span style="color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> </span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love God first and everyone else second. Your neighbor is not just the person who lives next door. Your neighbor is anyone you come in contact with. Anyone in your neighborhood, your community, your town. And when you travel, those around you are your neighbors! Love everyone as you love yourself! </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not just talking to white people here. I'm talking to black people too and Hispanic people, Middle Eastern people, Asian people...ALL PEOPLE!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If we could all just practice loving those around us, this world would be so much better for everyone- yourself included. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>Danielle Marie Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16544224287191537831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946990832808600445.post-91980588693400836382015-04-16T08:32:00.002-07:002015-04-16T08:32:38.149-07:00Don't sell your vote!Hello my loyal and faithful readers. I'm so glad you're here because I have a challenge for you, a task of utmost importance.<br />
<br />
We're entering another election cycle, hard to believe but it's true. Those running are already campaigning in mighty ways, traveling around the nation and shouting their agendas from the roof tops (so to speak). And it's only going to get more intense until the actual elections take place. In my own state of Kentucky we're electing a new governor this cycle. Several people are running so we'll have our primaries in May. Presidential elections won't take place until November next year but already we have many hats in the ring. So here's my challenge to you:<br />
<br />
<br />
If you're not already, please educate yourself. Research, study, and get informed about the people who are running. What do they believe? What are their political ideas and ideals? What does their track record look like? What have they done for this nation that has helped or hurt the people? What are their accomplishments and/or failures? Does this person's values match your own? Whittle it down until you find a candidate that you can be proud to vote for.<br />
<br />
Please, please, please do not vote for someone just because you like their gender, skin color, or hair style! Don't vote for someone because you think they're cute! Do not vote for someone because they claim they can save you $2500/year on your health insurance, because chances are high that they're lying to you!<br />
<br />
Don't believe campaign promises, look at what they've already done that impresses or concerns you. Our nation is in a bad place right now because people are not truly informed before they vote and it's hurting everyone.<br />
<br />
<br />
Next, after you've educated yourself, help someone else get educated too. Don't let the people you love vote uninformed. Point them in the right direction to find the information they need to find a candidate that they can feel good about giving their vote to.<br />
<br />
You see, our vote is priceless. It's value, when used properly, is worth more than gold. To the right person, you give your vote with careful thought and consideration, knowing that it's going to achieve good things for you and your country. However, if you sell your vote for skin color, gender, or 'hand outs' then your vote becomes worthless and cheap. Please, let your vote count for something valuable. Don't sell your vote.<br />
<br />
Pass it on! Vote informed!Danielle Marie Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16544224287191537831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946990832808600445.post-20462738682370702692015-02-17T17:46:00.000-08:002015-02-17T17:46:22.135-08:00Two Empty ChairsAt the high school that my children have all attended there's a beautiful tradition they practice on graduation night. If a child in that graduating class passes away before graduation, on the chair where that child would have sat is placed a graduation cap and gown, along with a red rose, to remember and honor the ones we've lost.<br />
<br />
I've been to many high school graduations at different schools and have never seen this bitter sweet tradition practiced at any school but this one. And I'm sad to say that as of today, my youngest child's graduation next year will have two empty chairs. Two young men within 2 months, have been taken too soon. Two families grief stricken. Many young people who were friends, hearts broken. A community shaken.<br />
<br />
Two empty chairs.<br />
<br />
I didn't know these young men but my children all did. My youngest has attended school with them since sixth grade. My best friend's son was close friends with both boys...and he is devastated.<br />
<br />
Burying children seems so wrong to me. It seems to go against the natural order of how things should be. But I suppose that the natural order hasn't existed since Adam and Eve first sinned. Our world is rocked daily, sometimes hourly, with events that go against God's natural order.<br />
<br />
Because Satan rules this world right now so the natural order has been suspended. Children die before their parents, evil seems to reign supreme, disasters of all kinds strike our planet with brutal intensity. Good has become a novelty to be reported on because it's so rare.<br />
<br />
So I'm here, reporting something good that will come out of something tragic and heartbreaking. A community will rally together once more in the space of just a few weeks, to uplift and support a grief stricken family. We'll grieve together for another young life lost. We'll pray for peace and comfort for this precious family who has lost one of their young ones. We'll unite in the face of tragedy and create something beautiful in the aftermath...again. Because that's what we do here in Ballard County, Kentucky.<br />
<br />
Two empty chairs to remember and celebrate the lives that were. Two empty chairs to let the families know we've not forgotten their children. Two empty chairs to remind us how very precious life is every single day.Danielle Marie Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16544224287191537831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946990832808600445.post-28519818365971110812015-01-26T14:34:00.000-08:002015-01-26T14:34:22.131-08:00What would our country look like....?Rumor has it that Obama has mentioned repealing the Bill of Rights in order to protect us from terrorists. I don't think that will ever happen but the fact that it's been considered says enough. Here's the link to the story and video if you're interested: <a href="http://www.infowars.com/video-americans-want-obama-to-repeal-the-bill-of-rights/" target="_blank">No Bill of Rights video</a><br />
<br />
So, Imagine if you will the United States of America with no Bill of Rights. Most people know what some of the Bill of Rights are but many people have only a vague idea of how very important they are. So let's just have a little refresher course on some of the more important rights they cover:<br />
<br />
<b>The First Amendment:</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><b>Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> So what this says is that the federal government cannot tell us what kind of religion to practice or that we cannot practice religion. It also says the federal government cannot stop us from speaking our minds, even if it's against the government. And the government cannot tell the news what they can and cannot publish. It also says that the government cannot stop us from assembling peaceably to protest or make our voices heard, or stop us from contacting the government if we have a complaint or concern about how things are being done. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">So imagine, if you will, what our country would look like without even just the first amendment to protect the people. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">We would lose the right to attend the church of our choice- or to attend church at all. Or we would be forced by the government to attend the worship center of their choosing, with a doctrine of their choosing. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">We would lose the right to speak for ourselves. No more facebook posts about how you feel about what the feds are doing. No more negative complaints about what the president is doing or has done. Nope. You're no longer allowed to say anything negative about anything the government is involved in- and without a Bill of rights, the government would be involved in just about everything. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">The press would be forced to print only what the feds tell them to. Think of North Korea. Propaganda and pro government news is all you'll ever see. No more truth when whistle blowers come forward with stuff that's happening in the government. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">You won't be allowed to picket or protest or even call the white house switchboard when you want your voice heard. No more letter writing or petitions calling for the president's impeachment. They'll be able to throw you in prison for even daring to think out loud anything against the government. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><b>Amendment 2:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><b>A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Yep, no more guns. The feds will be able to barge into your home and search every corner and closet for any sign of a fire arm, bullet, scope, etc. No more ability to protect yourself and/or your family from roving thugs who will get guns no matter what the law says- because let's face it, they already do. The only ones who will legally have guns will be the military and government sanctioned police forces. Again, think North Korea or China. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><b>Amendment 4:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><b>The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Removal of this law would have the feds busting into your home, car, property without warrant and taking whatever they want, whenever they want and you can't say a word about it. Yep, no ability to fight back, no right to be heard or defend yourself...ever. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><b>Amendment 5:</b></span></span><br />
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a </span>grand jury<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.</span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
We get rid of this one and we lose the right to a trial by jury, or due process. We lose the right to be compensated for our property if the government seizes it. They can prosecute you for anything however they see fit and take your stuff and property without giving you a penny for it. How's that sound?<br />
<br />
<b>Amendment 6: </b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><b>In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.</b> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">No more public trials, and now the feds don't even have to tell you why you're being detained or held. No charges, you're just being put into prison because they want you there. No witnesses, no defense, no Miranda rights... just you against the government who has all the power and gives you no rights. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><b>Amendment 8:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><b>Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">The feds can put you in prison for jay walking and the judge can set the bail for a billion dollars and then they can torture you in any way they deem fit for whatever purpose they think is right or best...or even just because the president's wife is having PMS and is crabby and wants to take it out on someone. (Bring me John the Baptist's head on a platter) Remember how that one turned out? </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><b>Amendment 10:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><b>The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.</b> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">This one states that the government cannot take more power than has already been given them by the Constitution. So get rid of this one and they can pretty much do anything they want with no recourse. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">So, can you even begin to imagine what this country would be like without these rights? These people who are so willing and eager to give up these rights to a president who is already over reaching his Constitutionally given powers are either ignorant of their rights or don't care about them or the blood that was shed to provide them. If you know some of these people or people like these who seem to just float by, costing on the coat tails of others with no care about what's going on in the world around them...PLEASE TAKE AN OPPORTUNITY TO EDUCATE THEM!!! Our country would be a wasteland of despair. </span></span></span>Danielle Marie Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16544224287191537831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946990832808600445.post-71267925060771214042015-01-14T18:17:00.001-08:002015-01-14T18:17:45.037-08:00Have I offended you?Don't say that, you might offend someone.<br />
<br />
You mustn't post that, you might offend someone.<br />
<br />
Don't think that, you might offend someone.<br />
<br />
Your clothes might offend someone, your music might offend someone, your religion, your breath, your food MIGHT OFFEND SOMEONE!!<br />
<br />
Our very own president is considering telling the press...the FREE press, mind you, that they aren't allowed to print anything that might offend Muslims.<br />
<br />
Political Correctness has gotten way out of hand and it won't be long before no one is allowed to say or do anything because anything we do or say might possibly offend someone else. Well I'll tell you what...OFFEND ME! It's your right! There are 7 Billion people on this planet and there's no way that we can all get along all the time. No, we shouldn't go out to deliberately to provoke people but the first amendment of our Constitution protects our freedom to do so if we're so inclined. Our words are protected! Our art is protected!<br />
<br />
When did we become so intolerant of others that everything said or done is portrayed as offensive? Why do people let their feelings get hurt over every little thing?<br />
<br />
That's racist!<br />
<br />
That's offensive!<br />
<br />
And why, pray tell, why would our own government be so worried about offending militant Muslims that they would trample the rights of our citizens to prevent it? Why not do more to stand up to these monsters instead of letting their dreadful behavior stifle our freedoms?<br />
<br />
This whole situation is making me so angry that the words are difficult to find. Stand up for what's right, people! Stand up for what made this nation great! Don't let the Obama Administration destroy what our forefathers died fighting for.Danielle Marie Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16544224287191537831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3946990832808600445.post-44773501513006519342015-01-06T11:14:00.004-08:002015-01-06T11:14:58.646-08:00Same old, sameIt's 2015.<br />
<br />
Already.<br />
<br />
Back in 1989 Marty McFly traveled forward to 2015 to save his family from a terrible tragedy. The 2015 we see in the movie Back To The Future II is vastly different than the 2015 we're presented with in reality. No flying cars, no fully automated fast food restaurants, No auto fit clothes or shoes that tie themselves. Jaws 19 isn't anywhere on the horizon.<br />
<br />
What has changed?<br />
<br />
We have fully functioning computers that fit in the palm of our hands and a pay phone is hard to come by. We have automobiles that look like something from space but still drive like cars did 20 years ago. We can print a gun or a functioning heart with a 3-D printer.<br />
<br />
And we have a nation in turmoil with race relations that have been dragged backward 40 years. Police agencies are more and more militarized to deal with heightened crime. We have a federal government that no longer listens to the people who pay the bills and the number of people paying the bills gets ever smaller with more and more people on public assistance. The government tells us what kind of light bulbs we can use, what kind of health care we can have, what kind of food we can eat and even whether or not we can grow our own food in our yards. Don't save rain water, don't grow edibles in your front yard, and you don't have the right to know if there are GMO's in your store bought food.<br />
<br />
Big corporations getting tax incentives for sending jobs out of the country. Businesses getting tax incentives for hiring illegal immigrants over legal citizens. Illegal immigrants crossing our borders in huge numbers, then getting public assistance that they've never contributed to. Their children get free education, free lunch, free health care, and often free housing. But our own military veterans are homeless and hungry and sick and they can't get health care because the VA is a mess.<br />
<br />
What country do we live in? This is not the America that our ancestors fought and died for. This is not the America that our founders envisioned when they designed a government Of The People, By The People, For The People.<br />
<br />
It's time for We The People to stand up and make ourselves heard. It's time for us to demand our Government listen and do as WE want, not what the PAC's want. We HAVE to turn things around or our nation will go the way of ancient Rome, Babylon, and any number of major civilizations that have vanished because the government became too bloated while the people starved.<br />
<br />
Our new Republican led congress is being sworn in today. Please make sure to write letters to your leaders, call them, email them, and make your voice heard so that it's not another bunch of same old same.Danielle Marie Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16544224287191537831noreply@blogger.com0