Wondrous Strange

I thought I'd try my hand at writing a book review, so here it goes!

Wondrous Strange by Leslie Livingston was a book I decided to try reaading when I was at my local library. Leslie Livingston is "a professor" in faeriology and Shakespeare and her book shows it. Her novel is about a 17-year-old girl, Kelley, living in Manhattan who is trying to make it in a theater play of "A Midsummer Night's Dream". The play ends up coming to life when she meets a young changeling by the name of Sonny. He shows her that characters of the play (Oberon, Titania and Puck) are actually REAL. Wrapped up in a giant faerie conspiracy to reawaken a faerie death hunt against humans, Kelley and Sonny must use what they know of faeries to their advantage...

The book itself is VERY well written with 50/50 perspectives from both Sonny and Kelley (making this a both girls and guys book.) There's a touch of romance, with the sum total of about 2 kisses, and lots of semi-graphic battle scenes (blood is spilled, but I wouldn't label it "gory"). The BIGGEST problem I have with the book is its language issues. The book uses the "B-word" and "S-word" at least once and "D---it" is used well over a dozen times.

From a secular point of view it's a very good book -- however! -- because there is so much perverse language, I would NOT suggest reading it.

Symbols - 2

I was doing some more "symbol" research and came across this web page: Exposing Satanism I thought it was brilliant. And decided to post it here for everyone to read. I especially like how many symbols it addresses and I'm sure more than a few of you will recognize them. Keep your eyes open and I guarantee you will start seeing these signs plastered all over society!

Signs and Symbols of the
New World Order

Visit Government Propaganda for New World Order Info

Some images on this page were compiled by Billy Bissell. Info about him is on the next page.

	Inverted Pentagram Used in witchcraft and occult rituals to conjure up evil spirits. Satanists use it 2 points up and pagans use it one point up. Any way it is used symbolizes evil. It matters not if two points are up or one. It matters not if it has a circle around it. It still is a symbol of Satan.
	Baphomet Unique to Satanism. A demonic deity and symbolic of Satan. Can be seen as jewelry It is also now being used by the masons. It can be seen on their buildings and the emblems the put on their vehicles to identify each other.
	Another symbol of Baphomet Aleister Crowley wore this symbol as well as the 33rd degree founder Albert Pike of the Masons
	Pentagram Symbol used in Witchcraft. Represents the elements, earth, wind, fire and water with the spirit surrounding them.
	Hexagram It is one of the most potent symbols used in the working of the powers of darkness. Used to work magic. Check this site for info on a six pointed star of any kind. Freemason Watch
	Udjat or all seeing eye. one of few symbols referring to Lucifer (king of hell), whom it is though will pass judgment. Below the eye is a tear because he mourns for those outside his influence.
	All seeing Eye Believed to be the eye of Lucifer and those who claim control of it have control of world finances. Used in divination. Hexes, curses, psychic control and all corruption are worked through this emblem. This one is a symbol of the Illuminati. Look at U.S. currency. This one is the basis of the New World Order. See Government Propaganda for more info.
	Logo of Time Warner/ AOL! Notice how it resembles the Udjat and is akin to the all seeing eye! Time Warner has a major monopoly on communications in the world. They control what you see and hear. They suppress the truth. Want to see a High Priestess who is wearing the symbol leading a ritual? Watch this film Mystery Babylon as they cast spells at Bohemian Grove in Calif.
	Tau Cross Symbol of the god Mathras of the Persians and the Aryans of India. To them, Mathras was an "angel of light" or the "heavenly light". It is used in modern Masonry under the symbol of the T square
	Italian Horn Other names....Unicorn horn and Leprechaun staff. Introduced by the Lord Druids of Scotland and Ireland. It is associated with good luck and good fortune. It is also used to ward off "Maluka" or the "Evil Eye". It also means satan will take care of your finances.
	Ankh Symbolizes fertility rites and the building up of lust within a person. A spirit of Lust is the power of this union of male /female representations. Also called the Long Life Seal.
	Upside Down Cross Symbolizes mockery and rejection of Jesus. Necklaces are worn by many satanist's. It can be seen on Rock singers and their album covers.
	Zodiac Used in satanic and occult worship. Practitioners are acknowledging their god as Baal or Lucifer. Horoscope signs are included
	Goat Head The horned goat, goat of mendes, Baphomet, god of the witches, the scapegoat. It's a Satanists way of mocking Jesus as the "Lamb" who died for our sins.
	Cross of Nero - Or Peace sign. Another sign that mocks the cross of Jesus. Also know as "The Dead Man Rune". It appears on the tombstones of some of Hitler's SS troops.
	Yin-Yang In Chinese philosophy, two great opposite principles or forces on whose interplay everything depends. Yang is male, light and positive, Yin is female , dark and negative.
	Scarab Beetle The dung beetle which is the Egyptian symbol of reincarnation. It is also a symbol of of Beelzebub, Lord of the flies (satan). Worn by occultists to show that they have power and is a source of protection.
	Satanic "S" Represents a lightning bolt that means "Destroyer". In mythology, It was the weapon of Zeus. Worn to have power over others. Also was worn by the feared SS of Nazi Germany.
	Satanic Cross Upside down question mark that questions the Deity of God. Within the occult it is the representation of the three crown princes; Satan, Belial and leviathan. Symbolizes complete power under Lucifer.
	Star and Crescent Represents the moon goddess Dianna and the "son of the morning", the name of Lucifer in Isaiah 14:12. Witchcraft uses it the way shown and Satanism turns it in the opposite direction.
	Anarchy Means to abolish all laws. In other words "do what thou wilt" the law of Satanists. Used by Punk rockers and Heavy Metal followers.
	Horned God Represents the horned god of witchcraft. Pan or Cernunnos. Note the thumb under the fingers and given by the right hand.
	Horned Hand The sign of recognition between those in the Occult. When pointed at someone it is meant to place a curse. Note the thumb over the fingers and given by the left hand.
	Witch Sign or Moon Sign Used to salute the rising moon. Also used by surfers and football teams. This is the sign that the furor should be using to indicate the "Hook Um" horns, Not the 2 above
	666 The number of man. The mark of the Beast. Revelation 13:18
	Swastika or Sun Wheel An ancient religious symbol used long before Hitler came to power. It was used in Buddhist inscriptions, Celtic monuments and Greek coins. In sun god worship, it is supposed to represent the sun's course in the heavens.

Before everyone starts freaking out -- if you notice in the paragraph about the 666 there is a symbol of the triple circle. I can immediately hear everyone scream, "But that's a symbol of Christianity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!" Very good! Evidently you do know your signs. Please keep inmind that Christianity has the uncanny ability to takeover the rituals and symbols in a culture and flip them to represent Christianity. (The Christmas Tree, Yule Log, and the Easter Bunny are great examples). The triple circle started out as a pagan symbol, but Christianity saw the perfect opportunity to illustrate the Trinity. Satisfied?

Give and it Shall be Given...

Here is a video that I had the pleasure of working with. The company is VideoCurrent; I hope you enjoy!

HB

I love this band! I'm crazy about the "Orchestra Rock" sound (as I call it). This band from Finland has the perfect blend of music and meaning: the music itself is awesome and the lyrics are hymnal-holy! Their English album, Frozen Inside, was released in 2008. The only technecal glitch I've come across is, in the recording, the studeo didn't mix the vocals with the instruments as best as they could have (the singing should have been a touch louder.) My Dad was a musician so that is the only way I would have noticed. OTHER THAN THAT, this is probably my new favorite band!

The Princess Bride

I just watched "The Princess Bride" every girl's favorite movie. Then a question popped into my head, "Why do I like it so much?" I know just about every girl will echo my words when I say, "What is there not to like?" But I also know that most guys have no idea why girls like it so much (I'll give the fellows a hint, it has almost nothing to do with swords.)

I'm a firm believer in that girls speak "girl-ese" and guys speak "guy-ese" and both have trouble speaking the other. Okay, so I'm going to try my best to explain to the guys in my audience as to, "Why girls freak out over 'The Princess Bride' and chick flicks in general."

(Step-1) I love definitions; so, naturally I decided to look up the word "love" on dictionary.com...

"LOVE: –verb (used with object)
15. to have love or affection for: 'All her pupils love her.'
16. to have a profoundly tender, passionate affection for (another person).
17. to have a strong liking for; take great pleasure in: to love music.
18. to need or require; benefit greatly from: Plants love sunlight.
19. to embrace and kiss (someone), as a lover.
20. to have sexual intercourse with."

In girl-ese "love" takes the definition with number 16 and 17. I know this can be hard to believe, but a girl can feel very loved without ever being touched or kissed. In fact (husbands and wives can attest to this) if the husband is not careful in how he approaches his wife, she can often feel used and abused by her husband when he believes he is showing her "love."

(I'm going on a limb here, so I'd appreciate anything the guys have to say on this!) In guy-ese "love" usually takes the definition with number 19 and 20. I know this sounds strange to my female readers, but it's true. It's not wrong! Please understand that. This is how God created our men to think. In as much as it is NOT wrong for girls to think the way we do; neither is it wrong for men to think the way they do. In both cases we have to control what we allow into our minds as thoughts.

So, why do girls love "The Princess Bride"? Because in "The Princess Bride" the characters speak in perfect girl-ese the meaning of "love". Girls place enormity on words, but not just in what you say, but how you say it. If you text "i luv u" it will be sweet, but not really carry any weight. However, if you look us in the eye, demand our full attention, and say, "I love you," it will carry all the weight in the world. This is why, my dear gentlemen, you must guard your tongue so carefully. Something you say jokingly can literally break a girl's heart (I know, having nursed one of my best friends through it).

With that said, I would REALLY appreciate anyone's comments on this topic -- especially my male readers -- because I want to make sure I've explained this as best as I possibly can! :)

Be what you want

Here is a great exercise that my father (King Victorious) gave me...

Everyone, get a sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle. Go on, do it, now!
...
...
...
Finished? Okay, now in the left hand column write "What I Want" and start listing everything you want your spouse to be. Do NOT write, "I want him to be 6' 4", with blond hair and blue eyes," we are after lasting qualities like: kind, generous, good with kids -- things that will actually make a difference in your marriage. Here's an example of something a girl might write:

Caring, willing to provide for our family, sweet, remembers special events and birthdays, doesn't complain when I need help around the house, seeks after God with all his heart, understands that family is more important than work, is not afraid to be open with me...

And the list can go on and on, use another sheet of paper if you have to. And, by the way, it is okay to think about what your spouse might look like, but don't let that be the deciding factor in your relationship, please.

Now, in the second column write, "What I Must Become". In this column write everything you think the person you just described would be attracted to. Thus if you think a kind, loving woman would be attracted to a generous, thoughtful man, write it down. Continuing on the previous example, a man like /\ that would be attracted to a woman like \/ this:

Understanding, doesn't get mad if he comes home late, prudent, keeps the home in order, wise, builds up people, very welcoming, has a beautiful heart, takes time for me even when there's a lot of house work to be done...

Now the trick is, don't look for your spouse, be come what will attract your spouse. If you want a Godly wife you have to become a Godly man, that's how it works. My small group leader once told me, "Run towards God as fast as you can, and one day you will look up and someone will be running beside you."

I once heard a man say, "You'll never find a spouse if you don't look. How do you expect to catch a fish if you don't throw your line?" I think it's a lot more like setting out a very specific bate to attract a very specific person. Instead of running around looking for the perfect spouse, become the perfect spouse.

Fireflight/Flyleaf and Skillet/Decyfer Down

So, here are two amazing girl rock bands and two amazing guy rock bands I wanted to give props to. I love all four of these guys' music! The only thing I would change about them (and I know I'm going to get booed for this) is that I would personally like their lyrics to be more vocal about Jesus as in actually saying the name "Jesus Christ". Another thing is that some of their music (namely Flyleaf) can get a little on the "dark" side. Other than that, Fireflight, Skillet, Flyleaf, and Decyfer Down are great bands to add to your stash of good-sounding Christian bands!

Fireflight!


Skillet!


Flyleaf!


Decyfer Down

Decyfer Down - Fight Like This (Official Music Video). Watch more top selected videos about: Decyfer_Down

Carve it upon the Tablet of your Heart

What is the big deal about memorizing scripture? I mean it's not like I'm asking you to remember pi to the 32 digit. But memorizing Bible verses is extremely important.

Once, a youth pastor of mine came up to our class and asked, "How many songs do you know all the lyrics to? It can be any song from the 'ABCs' to 'Saturday Night'?" Everyone thought about it and figured that we all new several hundred songs. So I challenge you, my readers to start memorizing verses, but not so you can just quote things to make yourself sound smart! No, I want you memorize applicable verses that have meaning for you.

We will not always be in situation where we can whip out a Bible and start reading. Even if you do have a Bible handy, you still need to know where to look. I am more of the type of person that says, "The words are more important than which chapter and verse they are." If you know what the verse says that's far better than knowing "Isaiah 5:18" and not knowing the words.

The more you study, read, and memorize your Bible the more second nature it will become to you. You will wonder less about what God is telling you to do and you will be able to help others more. I challenge you, my readers, to try memorizing a verse or passage that is special or important to you. I don't care if it takes you three months to learn it by heart, but trying is the first part.

Symbols

Our culture is riddled with icons and logos, but most don't realize what they are advertising on their t-shirts. "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." (Hosea 4:6) So, I would like to bring to your attention some "common symbols" and what they really mean...


#1. The Peace Sign

The peace sign started becoming really popular in the 60's and has been associated with the whole "peace movement" but let's not for get the "wonderful" catch phrase of the era "sex, drugs, and rock and roll." Let's look at a peace singe a little bit closer...

A peace sign is a cross with the arms broken off! This symbol represents that Christ died in vain. Some symbol to be wearing on your t-shirt to youth-group.


#2. The Yin Yang.

The yin yang is a popular eastern symbol. Notice that the black and white "fish" are the same size and they each have a spot in their core. White naturally represents good while black represents evil. The sign therefore means that good (God) and evil (Satan) are equally matched and are circling each other for all eternity, neither will ever win, nor will either ever loose; there is a little bit of evil in everything good and there is a little bit of good in everything evil. So, how do you like them onions?



#3. The Triskelion.

This symbol looks similar to a triple yin yang and is almost as popular in jewelry as the peace sign. This symbol is one of the more frightening because if you learn to look for it, the triskelion can be found almost everywhere. This symbol is the sign of the Beast; it is three 6's circling each other.

These were the three main images that I wanted to touch on because it really does aggravate me when I go to church and I see the youth covered in these Satanic signs. There are countless others that I could go over: the crescent moon and palm tree (Islamic icons), the rock on hand sign, the swastika. snakes in skulls, and pentagrams being just a couple. So, please, my bothers and sisters, if you want to "wear" your faith, don't wear these symbols no matter how difficult!

You call THAT an argument?

So, last Wednesday I went to a new youth group to hear a friend of mine preach. His topic was emotional purity, and needless to say, there was a lot of fire -- from even the grown-ups! Specifically, we were discussing how one-on-one dating is NOT a good idea, even when you are trying to find a spouse. (I'll post his lesson if you want background.)

The floor was open for debate, questions, and arguments. One girl "for" dating said: "When you're dating for a spouse, it's like when you get saved. God only did half the work, you still had to do half the work. It's not fair to let God try to bring the right person to you; you half to look." (keep in mind, I just quoted her.)

HOLD IT! WAIT! STOP!!!!!!!! Did you even just hear yourself? Shall I take it from the top?

1. You said God only did half the work for you to get saved. WRONGO! God did 100% percent of the work. There is one and ONLY one thing that you must do to receive it: say yes.
2. Using the new example; then yes, finding your spouse is a lot like getting saved: God is doing 100% of the work arraigning the meeting and forming the person for you. There is one and ONLY one thing that you must do to receive it: say yes.
3. Lastly, what in the world do you mean, "it's not fair to let God do all the work"? HE'S GOD! All we have to do is follow His instructions and be obedient. Who are we to start telling God, "Oh, here, let me do this for You"?

Some of the adults' arguments (with all due respect to them) were just as flimsy. One gentleman said, "Come on girls, date as many guys as you want to find the right one. See if you can get a free meal out of them!"

Once again, Excuse me? Are you suggesting that I date so that I can get free food?!? Well let me see then, if I date a new guy every day for 365 days, I could get an entire year of meals paid for? Never mind that it would be manipulative, usurping, using, and selfish! Not only would it be wrong of me to date just for the meal, but "date as many guys as I want"? Why should I waist time trying to "fish out" the one for me by my own power, when I could be spending time learning about the God that created me? helping in church ministries? volunteering for charity? Why in the would should I put myself in that situation?

I'm sorry, but if you want to convince me that dating is a good thing BY GOD'S STANDARDS you'll have to come up with much better arguments. :)

"And Also After That"

When my father (King Victorious as he is known here on my blog) sent me this article, I knew I had to post it here on my blog. If you haven't detected from my previous posts, I like to "dabble" in almost everything, especially the "fantastic" side of the world. Namely Angels and Demons.

This article is by (personally, my favorite teacher) Chuck Missler. His ministry is called Koinonia House (KHouse for short) and he is my mentor in all things "weird". I STRONGLY encourage you to read this article. In it Chuck Missler explains everything about the relation of man to fallen angels and their actives in modern society far more eloquently than I ever could. So, without further ado, here is the link to "And Also After That".

Julian Drive

Ah. More music! Here's another Christian band I am quite fond of: Julian Drive. If you are into lyrics that are really meaningful (and I mean as in with meaning behind the music) this is a great band!

Petra!

I know that there simply isn't enough good christian rock bands; so I am going to share one of my favorites: Petra. Petra has liricks as "holy" as the hymns you sing on Sunday morning, but a hard rock feel of BonJovi or Deaf Leopard...

Here is "Think Twice"


...And here is "Judas Kiss"

A day in the life...

After work today, I decided to visit the porthole in my local coffee shop. For those of you not in-the-know, the porthole is a large, perfectly round window in the java house. I wanted to take a break from the world and journal to myself -- well, I shouldn't say myself. I'd been wanting to write down a prayer for a looooooooooong time. The sky was clear and the sun was shining in, warming me from the cold I had just fled from. I took out my chronicles and my trusty pencil and began to write. If you still haven't got the idea, I LOVE writing. Getting all my thoughts organized on a piece of paper is one of the things I enjoy most.

As I basked in the warmth of the sun and prayed with my written words. One by one I went through the members of my family, the special prayer requests, the friends, co-workers, and people who are special to me. Then, a thought entered my mind. Pray for the lost. I began praying for the people who didn't know God. Now, once again, for those of you who do not know, my exposure to the "un-saved world" is VERY limited. Everyone I know is saved. The Lord put it on my heart to pray for people I had never seen before...

This may sound like an odd concept to some, but not really if you look at it. God works in the lives of everybody -- saved and lost. True there is nothing I can do for people I do not know, but God sees my heart. For my diligence, I know I will receive a blessing for praying. And as I prayed, my heart broke for the lost, and I truly understood the phrase, "love the sinner; hate the sin."

"Love the sinner; hate the sin." Sounds trivial, doesn't it? I mean, can't we hate people like Adolf Hitler? Joseph Stalin? Sedam Hussein? But God said "He is not willing that any perish" (2 Peter 3:9) ANY!!! That does not mean that no one will perish, but that God does not want them too. Think of this when you desire to hate the person rather than the sin: 100 years into eternity, that person will be in unimaginable, unrelenting TORTURE, but it wont end. 1,000 years into eternity that person will be in unimaginable, unrelenting TORTURE still, but it wont end. 10,000; 100,000; a million; a billion; a trillion -- BUT IT WILL NEVER END. When you think about what the lost have to look forward to in this light, you cannot help but bleed for them.

As I finished up my prayer and closed my journal, I gazed out the window. The Lord had filled my heart with peace and I was overflowing with joy when a voice broke into my thoughts:

"Mam," said the coffee jerk, "you look so peaceful, I could just draw a picture of you."

When Angels and Serpents Dance

I wanted to give a word of hope and encouragement to everyone this new year. Beloved, it is a dark time, but there is also hope. I want for just a moment to forget the grimness of the public news, the faithlessness of the Church and the evil that our leaders are doing. For a moment, my brothers and sisters, let us not dwell on the evil, but let us think of the sheer magnificence of our God.

I find my true worship of the Creator in His creation. I will never cease to marvel at the inexplicable beauty that surrounds me when I do nothing more than sit quietly in my backyard. Each blade of grass is bright and full of life. The tiny wildflowers are filled with such variations of color: purple clover, white asters, yellow buttercups. The soft, cloud-like beds of rich green clover act like cushions for my pleasure. Slightly beyond me are trees, both great and slight. A sugar maple provides delicious shade as well as a treat for the eye: it's vibrant green leaves seem to glow in the sunshine. God masterful paintbrush made all that I see, specifically for my enjoyment. Each vein in each blade of grass God crafted. Every grain of pollen in every flower that I behold, God deliberately placed.

This is the creation I enjoy by day; at night there is a stark change, but the magnificence is just at strong. The cool air dazzles me with aromas of closing flowers, the oncoming of dew, and perhaps the smell of someone's charcoal grill burning. My eyes no longer dwell on the ground, but on the sky. I gaze at the thousands of stars twinkling their wishes at me. When I am fortunate, I trace the constellations' patters amid the glittering specks. On the horizon the moon begins to rise, casting it's silvery glow upon the earth. God put every star in it's place. He designed the shapes in the sky and created the ever deepening blue space behind them. God fixed the moon so that it would circle the earth in the exact place that it is and allowed us some enjoyment by it's cycle.

Then comes my personal favorite, the beauty of a storm. Watching the mighty lightning flash across the sky in a brilliant instant, followed by the loud and deep rumble of thunder. Sweet rain fills my lungs as my ears are spoiled with the delicate dance of the droplets. I watch puddles slowly build and the battling of rings as many drips enter the water. The plants gleam with the slick coating of rain. I cannot help but be enraptured in the way God chooses to water the earth. His everlasting provision for every living thing in His creation never ceases to amaze me.

All this beauty. All this wonder. God made His creation for us to enjoy. I haven't even touched on the marvels of music, thought, and man himself. When you look at the intricacy in God's creation, there is little thought as to "how" God is handling everything else, but you can rest in the knowledge that God IS in control.