OK "Christians", conservatives, liberals... just hear me out

It's not about Christian and non-Christian. It's not about moral and immoral. It's about 2 different belief systems.

Here's what got me thinkin' again.  I read an article on Facebook the other day (wish I could remember the source), and it said that the CEO of Starbucks said if you are a proponent of traditional marriage then you can buy your coffee somewhere else.  Well, needless to say, I thought "Really???".  They would be that intolerant of my beliefs to ask me NOT to drink their coffee??  But, I have learned to always search deeper into such statements.  And I found that that was not quite what he said.  I still think what he said was totally intolerant and stupid for a CEO of a company, but it wasn't personal to me, it was personal to 1 shareholder.

So, let's really talk about the root of it. "If you don't agree with the way I believe then you are intolerant "  "Well, if you don't believe the way I believe then YOU are intolerant!"  Intolerant smolerant!!  Is this what we've come to as human beings???  There are 2 issues in front of the Supreme Court right now.  The 1st is Prop 8 out of CA.  Am I for it?  Am I in agreement with it?  Of course not.  You all know my beliefs  I've never kept them quiet or hidden (if you don't believe me, read some of my previous posts).  BUT, it is a viable case for the supreme court.  The state of CA voted for "equality of marriage" then they reneged on it.  So the next logical step for them is the Supreme Court of the US.  It is how our system works.  The 2nd is DOMA.  You people do realize that DOMA was passed by president Clinton????  In my opinion it was passed more for the protection of states than the protection of marriage.  So let's hope and pray we hold on to that.  Because when the states begin losing their power to make decisions apart from the federal government....well, that would be a whole other blog, wouldn't it???

So, Christians - stand your ground.  Don't budge on what you believe.  But, STOP judging others!!  It's not going to get you anywhere!  Conservatives, write your congressman, march, vote.... but you have to live with what is given to you.  We are a republic, it's how it works.  And liberals - quit calling people intolerant that don't believe just as you do!  I will never budge on my beliefs of traditional marriage.  God ordained it, He defined it.  But, that being said, I have some dear friends that live homosexual lifestyles.  Some have children that they love very much.  And I will not say that they can not have the same legal rights and privileges that I have (ie - insurance, inheritance ..).  

But, there is a place, when it happens, and yes I said WHEN it happens, that I will draw the line.  If my government starts interpreting God's Word and telling me and my church what we have to believe and how we have to act, I will fight that to the death.  That is my belief and I have every right to it.  But, until then, I will continue to believe what I believe, you can believe what you believe and let's try and be human again.  Let's try and live out the greatest commandment given by Jesus himself - 

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”  Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40

I'll end with this.  I hope you have time to read it, if not, bookmark it so you can read it later.  It is by far one of the BEST examples of love and tolerance this world has seen in a long time.  Let's all strive to be so caring!!

LGBT Leader Reveals Friendship With Dan Cathy

3000+ kilos in 7 days

What an adventure! And that was just trying to get out if Sydney! If you've never been privileged enough to drive in a country that drives on the "wrong" side of the road, don't fret. You're only missing an elevation of blood pressure, angry ulcers and tense muscles. But get through the 1st day and you will eventually quit gripping the car handle and begin breathing normally. And yes, I was the passenger. :)

So we begin our journey south out of Sydney. The weather is beautiful as terrible storms had passed through the night before. We go anticipating glorious views, a treetop walk and some dolphins. Well, we got the glorious views straight away (that's Aussie for right off the bat). The deep sapphire color of the South Pacific is breathtaking. And with so many quaint cliff side villages we were sure we'd found our winter home (it would be summer here so we would never have another winter!). But we journeyed on without looking at property (and my mother sighs a breath of relief!).

We journey on to Kiama to head a bit north into the rainforest for our tree top walk. But as we get into town there are road closures and trees down everywhere. But would that deter a Ready? Never!! We journey on up the mountain, taking note of a single pathway of toppled trees. (Yes, we used to live in KS, so we knew what it was). But we continue journeying up the mountain where it is beginning to mist and visibility becomes about zero. (And I'm really not exaggerating this time!)
-also remember, we are still day 1 driving on the wrong side if the road-
So we get to the turnoff for the tree walk and we meet up with another crazy traveler telling us to go back, the fog is thicker and the walk is closed. Aw man!! So surprising!!! So we journey back down the mountain, through the fog! But, obviously, since I'm writing this, we made it. :)

So onward and forward to Jarvis Bay to frolic with the dolphins. Again, breathtaking views and we even put our toes in the sand at 7 mile beach. But eventually we arrive in Jarvis Bay. Beautiful deep blue waters but quite choppy with the preceding storms. So we head to the dolphin watch - and alas - they are done for the day. Tide is low and water is choppy. :(. Oh well, we have an entire coastline over the next several days! So we continue on to our destination for the night.

To be continued....