Clouded Judgments

Just felt like sharing what's been going on now.  I am praising the Lord and am blessed.  Treasured beyond measured by God.  I am lucky to say that I live freely and don't have to be boggled down by restrictions that deal with the coronavirus (COVID) at work or in my city.  I feel sorry for others who are facing restrictions that are burdensome and that are based on clouded judgments by those in power. As we know, clouds give way to rain that can dampen anyone's existence or happiness.  Anyways, grateful to be alive and survive being sick earlier this year.  

Gay- Shop Where?

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the baker, Jack Phillips in his case against Charlie Craig and Dave Mullins.  The court ruled 7-2 that Jack Phillips could refuse to bake a wedding cake for a homosexual couple in the state of Colorado.  The right to refuse services to a consumer based on sexual orientation has prevailed.

Jack Phillips is a Christian who won his case based on religious freedom.  His right to not bake a wedding cake that goes against his religious beliefs.  This seems to be a win for discrimination though.

I bet there will be more cases like Charlie Craig and Dave Mullins that will come out.  There will be rallies and protests involving these type of cases.  I'm just predicting and wonder how this will all pan out.

Gays deserve the dignity and respect that everyone else has in the world.  They should be able to shop almost anywhere.  They are being discriminated against and it reminds me how African Americans were treated to a certain extent.

Let us see past the exterior and behaviors that separate us and instead focus on the dignity of human kind and act accordingly in our encounters.

The Heart of Art

The other day I was sitting with my son.  I was trying to explain to him the importance of art.  Art is where one can freely be anything he or she wants to be in a sense.

Through the arts, one is able to be creative and not bound to anything in realistic terms.  Art is our escape from the reality of things where we can form our own made-up realities. Art reinforces our humanity and our brokenness. 

According to Picasso, it washes away the impurities of the soul. Art gives meaning to what it is to be human and is useful within society.

It keeps the masses happily entertained and less likely to commit crimes.  For people are content with their TV shows, movies, music, paintings, drawings, dance, theater, sculpture, etc.  Art is at the heart of our inner being.  It makes us feel and experience the things that make life worth living.

Purpose Driven

This entry isn't going to be cookie cutter cute.  Just real and honest.  Short too, by the way since I need to run errands before it gets too hot to be outside.  Purpose Driven.  Ever heard of it?  I have in a Sunday School setting.

It seems that God has a purpose for everyone.  Jeremiah 29:11 states , "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  

I've heard that verse so many times and wondered what God's purpose is for my life.  I have pondered it countless times.  I've thought about missionary work but my health is a deterrent in that area.  At least overseas missionary work.  Also, I find I don't know the Bible as well as I should and I attend Bible studies to expose myself to the Living Word.  

I feel like I'm a ship caught at sea being tossed by the waves aimlessly without any shore in sight or destination.  It's a terrible feeling to be consumed by day in and day out.  The feeling that I've got no direction in life.  So, what have I been doing?

I've been waiting on the Lord.  Psalm 27:14 reads, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."  I'm  being patient and hopeful in God's perfect timing for my purpose driven life. Everyday I seek His will for my time here on earth.  I want to honor and glorify Him.  How this will be done is in the Hands of my Creator.

Microchip Implant- Yay or Nay?

Picture this.  It's 2067 and you're out in your self-driving car in the city.  Suddenly, you see red lights flashing in the rear view mirrors and you pull over.  A cop approaches and informs you that your vehicle license plate sticker is expired.  But not only that, he asks you to stick your hand out to get your microchip implant scanned.   This is so he can get all the up-to-date information on you that is readily available through the microchip implant.  

Does this alarm you at all?  Anyone?  What's alarming is that personal rights are being violated here. The microchip implant can be used as a tracking device and serves as a personal identification marker.  Also, it contains firsthand activity information and transactions that have been processed. This is all available at the swipe of a scanner that invades the privacy of individuals.

Privacy rights are outlined in the U.S. Constitution.  In Amendment IV Searches and Seizures, it is unlawful to be searched without a warrant for any incriminating evidence or information.  The idea that an individual can be scanned for incriminating information without a warrant or probable cause is an outrage.  It is a violation of basic human privacy rights.  The right to not be under constant surveillance and have personal information publicly known.  What may not be publicly known is that microchip implants have caused fibrosarcoma within dogs and cats.

There are several cases found on pubmed.gov that have detailed incident reports of fibrosarcoma developing within cats and dogs that have the microchip implant.  According to Encyclopedia.com, fibrosarcoma is a malignant cancerous tumor that sprouts from fibroblasts (cells that produce connective tissue).  They are located near bones and in soft tissue.  The fact that microchip implants cause cancer in animals should be a deterrent in using them at all.  However, the convenience of using the microchip implants is winning some over to the idea that they should be widely utilized.

Microchip implants are convenient and provide a sense of security.  Transactions are made in a secure manner without fraud being an issue.  The microchip won't get lost like a credit or debit card will since it's in your own hand.  Microchip implant transactions eventually cost less over time and end up covering the fee of a mere $150-200 to have the microchip implant surgically placed in the hand. The microchip implant is cost effective and allows ease of access to opening doors, clocking in at work, and paying for items at stores.  The device can contain more than just a history of point of sales purchases.  It also can provide medical information to anyone who scans the device.

Doctors, EMT, and nurses have access to medical information through the microchip implant.  Issues of privacy based on HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) laws come into question.  Then there's the issue if the device is even safe to use at all.  

Dogs and cats with the microchip implant are diagnosed with fibrosarcoma and that alone should raise eyebrows.  In addition, personal information and privacy are greatly compromised.  The question then is how far do we want to go to be tech savvy?  To the point we undermine our own health and well-being?  I'll leave that implanted in your brains as food for thought.

Ouch- Dumb Hurts

They say dumb hurts.  Well, it does and in my case there's no exception.  Throw in luck or the lack of it, and you get a taste of my situation.  I've had streaks of good luck and ill fortune as well.  The latter will be discussed first.

Ever hurt yourself?  No, I mean hurt yourself, then stupidly hurt yourself again in the exact same spot on your body.  Take for instance, my right second toe.  

My right second toe already was sticking out a little bit at the joint from countless times of going up on pointe and twirling in a circle.  So, it was no surprise when I kicked a board in taekwondo wrongly and injured it.  Now, you would think all the swelling and pain would have me avoid striking this specific area again.

Ha, so not the case for me.  Luck be at it, I struck it twice more.  That's how smart I am or rather dumb at avoiding pain.   The toe throbbed and turned purple.  Mind you, all the repeated injuries happened within a month and half span of time.  Hopefully, I've learned my lesson to not self-inflict harm on an already tender area.  With luck by my side, perhaps this will be the case for me.  And luck has eventually been on my side in other aspects of my life.

I've been lucky to be able to write again after a health setback.  There was a time when I was so sick I couldn't write a sentence and mentally function well.  I had trouble remembering things I would see on the big screen and overall this became an issue for me.  Luckily, over time with proper treatment, I was able to piece words together into a sentence and write as I got well.  Also, my memory improved and I flourished.

Overall, I find I have been blessed with friends and family that are supportive and nurture me during my down-on-my-luck moments.  With thoughts and prayers coming from their way, I no longer doubt that I will be tip toeing around much longer in pain.

School Year Beginnings

A brisk breeze signals it's that time of year again.  Fall is here and so is the start of the school year. With the new school year, come new beginnings.  Perhaps also new dreams and a new fresh take on the reality of things.

The reality is that kids often see the start of the school year in the same way as adults view the start of the New Year.  There's a sense of hope that a fresh clean slate has been handed to them and new goals are achievable.  For many they cling to this notion and look to the future school year with a sense of anticipation.

Some kids or  more so the parents look forward to the routine and consistent schedule of things.  The new school year brings purpose; challenges everyone to work together to ensure daily or weekly tasks are met.  Are you ready for the chaotic school year to begin?