PROFESSIONS OF FAITH

I will format my ‘Professions of Faith’ in same way Paine professed his own. I believe in God. I believe in the Holy Bible. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and is the Christ (Holy Messiah). I believe in the power of the Holy Spirit. I believe that the body of Christ consists of people. I believe in Good and that evil exists. I believe in the incalculable power of God. I believe that God is love, mercy and truth. I believe that God has provided His children with a blueprint to live by, His Word. I believe in penance (repentance). I believe that genuinely fine practices, behaviors and methods are beneficial to all people of any religion. I believe that God simply IS. I believe I have an understanding of what faith, religion and Christianity is.  I believe that so many people exploit religious practices, beliefs and faiths, as well as, the scripture for personal gain. I believe that many people refute and stray from the Word of God because of the lack of integrity associated with so many ‘churches’ and alleged Christian ‘folk’.

Now, I do NOT believe that everything written in the Bible is fact-based, as the imperfect Man has had to write and interpret the contents utilizing his own personal understanding of language, belief and etc. And because of that, God’s Word resides within us, i.e., conscience, health, happiness, love, understanding, patience, respect and etc. I do NOT believe that people must attend a building to effectively praise and worship God and His Word because if the building is supposed to house God and His sacred Word and Power, how is it possible to worship in a ‘common’ building such as a school, former 7-Eleven and hotel?.  The church resides in the mind and heart of the individual, not the four walls that house him/her. I do NOT believe that everyone who states their belief in God and His Word truly believe, unless they can profess with their mouth and own words ‘Why and How’ they believe. I do NOT believe in the bureaucracy of many churches. I do NOT believe that any Joe Schmoe off the streets can instantly become a bishop in a church with no formal training, theological experience and thorough knowledge of the Holy Bible. Yes, experience plays a tremendous part of leadership, however I’m simply not inclined to assume a person that has done nothing positive, productive nor prideful in their life, until recently has the right to tell me what’s right and wrong. There are so many people that do what they want, opposed to the Word, for as long as they want and then when they’ve gotten caught and/or tired, they decide it’s time. No, I believe that one’s walk should consists of dealing with trials and tribulations not always attributed to personal acts, and that ACTS of Faith conquer, thus providing a testimony.  I do NOT believe that penance is simple and 100%. Virtually everyone has had times of rue, and wished they could change the course of a situation to take a different path. However, given the opportunity, would the ‘other’ path be taken? I think that people take advantage of the power of penance, and use it as a way to avoid their conscience and acknowledge wrongdoing.

I believe in God because I was first introduced to Him at an early age. Although, I went to church as a child, I was NEVER forced to attend, and the practice of going was not a consistent one. In my family (amongst my parents and their children), the choice of worship was an individual one, and I was given the opportunity to worship where I desired. Having had the opportunity to do so, has provided me with an appreciation for many churches, denominations and practices. I consider myself a non-denominational Christian, as I worship wherever I’m spiritually led.  My personal experiences, has led me to believe in His presence, Power and Word. As a result in said personal experiences, I have no other choice than to believe in Him, His Power and His Word. So many times in my life, I wondered, “Why me?” and had to counter that thought with, “Why NOT me?”, when thinking of the Crucifixion of Christ. Being emotionally, spiritually and physically lifted up as a result of exaltation is perfect example of His presence. I love God. I love His Power and Presence. I love His Word. And although, I’m not a scholar of theology, I’m a scholar in my personal relationship with HIM and love learning and witnessing everything that allows its growth.

COMMON SENSE

Common Sense

Personally, I feel that immigrants and aliens benefit more from the “America: Land of Milk and Honey and Opportunity”, than American born citizens when it comes to ‘start up/capital’. However, that’s not my argument, today. The issue that I see in America that I believe poses as a potentially overwhelming and negative problem is the immigration laws and rights of ‘Illegals’.  

I think that if people want the opportunity for a better life, they should take the necessary steps to acquire it. Period. Although, there are many situations that have come to appear ‘racist’ in regard to certain immigrants, it’s necessary. I mean seriously, ‘certain’ people have had to deal with blatant racism on a regular basis in various aspects of everyday life and have had to chuck it the heck up. Profiling is illegal, but is practiced more so than not, based upon all the things that makes it illegal, so it just as well be legalized... I'm profiled all the time, even on bicycles. And since, most states require adults to carry state issued identification, who cares if people are 'inconveniently' told to show 'papers'? I'm TOLD to carry my dang on passport/papers when I'm international, and feel perfectly ok... BECAUSE I'M LEGALLY THERE. See where I'm going with this? So, illegals, and sometimes the legals, should have to deal with the inconvenience and either go to their home in America… or go HOME, I mean they get a free ride/flight to get there. I think it’s ludicrous for people that are ILLEGALLY in THIS country to have the RIGHT in THIS country to vehemently PROTEST and EXERCISE the RIGHTS of AMERICANS on Capitol Hill (and anywhere else). I think that if one is illegally in a country, hence the term ‘illegally’, then hiding and staying under the radar is ‘common sense’. The diversity that this country has to offer is by FAR the greatest thing about it, in my opinion. The freedom to bring your home (heritage and culture) with you to this land and SHARE and MIX it with others is a magnificent thing. Simply beautiful. However, doing so illegally and blatantly so, smears that beauty and demonstrates an absolute disregard and disrespect for the rights to these freedoms.

People shouldn’t be treated like dirt, nor should they be treated with any less dignity as anyone else who has broken our laws, but they should be handled accordingly and sent home. People that have been deported should have the same terms in regards to how their home country deals with deportation of aliens (both illegal and legal), based upon cause.

I believe that if two illegal aliens have a baby on US soil, your child is still an illegal alien and they all should be sent home as soon as this fact is determined (in the hospital). If one illegal alien has a child with an American citizen or legal alien, the illegal parent needs to go home when this fact is determined. If that legal person elects to go with them, there should be some guidelines and opportunities to allow it, if possible. But, I also think that there should be special circumstances that would allow the illegal person to gain legal and perhaps permanent entry into the country, based upon certain criteria and background information pertaining to both countries. Where and with whom the child resides should be determined amongst the parents, if they aren't able to get it together, then the child should be deemed an illegal alien and sent home with illegal parent...perhaps this aspect will form a basis for the parents to figure it out amongst themselves reasonably opposed to holding up the process in litigation, costing legal citizens. And in any case, the hospital bills need to be paid, in full, before any consideration of the illegal individual's return. In fact, any and all situations pertaining to the deportation and possible return of illegals should be done so based upon 100% restitution of everything pertaining to, but not limited to: legal, medical, and credit bills. And as with Americans, immediate family living in the U.S. should bear the burden of such situations, and/or prevent immediate family members' from coming to the U.S.

I do not think that illegal aliens should have the right to social services, DMV privileges, credit, contract utilities, personal banking access, education, W2s, nor anything else. There should be measures to address and eliminate the problem, seeing that there is a need for it.  The government needs to: crack down harder on companies and entrepreneurs that advocate, employ and exploit illegal aliens with fines, federal felonious jail time if and when convicted; establish a high risk tax bracket for those that have been convicted of doing so, and force them to be registered like sex offenders. I think that if the government attacks and enforces the illegal alien issue, then perhaps things would change.  Of course, there are always going to be people that ‘let them through’ our borders for whatever reasons. Of course, there are always going to be people that will advocate the employment and exploitation of illegal aliens. And of course, there are always going to be ‘greased palms’ in the lawmaking processes to ensure that said people are able to employ and exploit these people. Unrealistic? Unconstitutional? Perhaps, but if Americans would protest, complain and express ourselves with as much fervor as the ‘illegals’, then change will have to come... it works, look at all the rights they have.

Virtues Progress

I’m attempting to work on a few virtures at a time… the ones that I know are the most challenging: Self-Preservation, Tolerance, and Order.

Self-Preservation

To preserve my SELF, I have decided to make serious life changes regarding my physical and mental health. Regarding, physical health, I’ve begun going to the gym at least 5 times a week, instead of 3 times a month. I’ve being paying full price for a membership that I know I need and want, but have elected to ‘chill’. As a result of ‘chillin’, I have gained more weight, became more physically unfit, and incapable of fitting my clothes comfortably. After consulting with a personal trainer and nutritionist, it was revealed to me that I was borderline obese based upon my age, weight and height (Body Mass). Obesity simply is not an option, there are too many health risks involved coupled with my family health history, Uh-uh. Nope. So, for the past month, I have incorporated a healthy diet and workout into my daily life.

Although, I’ve always been active and something of a healthy eater, I’ve never taken the time to consciously do so. Well, as of late, I’ve utilized an online Food Journal and have counted EVERYTHING that goes into my body, its purpose and benefit. Oh, it’s amazing how much fun I am having actually see what the food I eat is doing to and for me. In doing so, I no longer eat ‘junk’ simply because it’s there. And when there’s a choice to be made regarding something beneficial opposed to not, I can see the effects in advance. It’s awesome knowing that I not only planned my menu, but also I did so in a manner that makes me look and feel better.

My exercise regiment is also something that I’m ecstatic about. Although, there are a few things that I have to do that I’m not excited about, I’m learning to be. I do 45 minutes of cardio, usually stationary bike, Stair Master, elliptical machine and Zumba dancing. The Stair Master was my biggest enemy, as it’s tedious, extremely difficult and non-accommodating to my clumsiness (I’m a fall-up-the-stairs kinda gal). I’ve learned that although, there isn’t much I can do about my clumsiness, there is plenty to do regarding the tediousness and extreme difficulty of the machine. For tediousness, I place a magazine, crossword puzzle or some other piece of literature on the display to keep the time out of my head. As for its difficulty, I simply find different positions and methods to climb the stairs (sideways, 2 stairs at a time, backward). Weight training is the other aspect of my almost daily workout. I work my full body and am loving the freedom that I’m allowed to do so. I’m stuck with the same old, same old. There are so many different machines that work so many of the same parts that I’m not bored with the training.

I’m really excited about this aspect of my life and change. Although, I’ve only been doing this for a month and my weight is slowly reducing, I can see and feel the difference in how my clothes fit…SKINNY JEANS AND SKIRTS, HERE I COME.

Tolerance

To practice tolerance for asininity, I’ve began to count past ten and think funny thoughts, attempt to understand what people are probably going through (giving the benefit of doubt) and empathize, and remove myself from potential adversity, thus not having to understand the other person, only myself.

Order

I have began this process in my home. Last week, I went to Wal-Mart and bought decorative boxes and other organizational pieces to ‘clean up’ my office and living room. It’s so amazing the impact of organizationally ‘hiding’ things has on a room, especially an office, used for personal, business and academics. I’m loving it so much, I haven’t watched television since. Although, meal planning can be attributed to ‘Self-Preservation’, it has really assisted me in the ‘Order’ department. I now clip coupons on Tuesdays, opposed to whenever; go to the market on Saturdays and Wednesdays; all of which assists in my scheduling for the week. I’m doing great and can really do this.

I’m planning to start focusing on ‘Acceptance’ ‘Consistency’ and ‘Faith’. These three virtues have been aspects of my life that I really need to work on.

Thirteen Virtues (in no particular order)

^{MY 13 VIRTUES}

1.       Faith

Seek proficient understanding, opposed to giving way to blissful ignorance of what I do not believe but believe I should.

2.       Truth

Believe in people, not everything they say.

3.       Acceptance

Accept things as they are, not so much for what ‘I’ believe they should be.

4.       Wisdom

Learn something profound everyday for the rest of my life. Look at learning as I would faith… ‘Mustard seed moving mountains’. (every little bit counts).

5.       Modesty

Work on my limitations of modesty (excessive and deficient).

6.       Honor

Understand, accept and respect the choices, values and beliefs of others as the rights of the individual, especially when they are contrary to my own.

7.       Tolerance

Lord, help me. Practice what it takes others to tolerate me. Know and actively understand that there are no perfect people, situations nor PEOPLE. Stupidity is prevalent in society, therefore understanding and patience are necessary.

8.       Consistency

Learn to stay in tune to my personal feelings and needs, opposed to giving way to the whims of others. Saying, “No.” when ‘no’ is necessary and sticking to it.

9.       Honesty

Tone it down.

10.   Order

Obtain and maintain the proper and individual place(s) for all things, people and situations.

11.   Peacefulness

Strive for, acquire and maintain positivity in every possible aspect of my life.

12.   Temperance

Breathe. Pray. Reflect. Understand. Golden Rule.

13.   Self Preservation

Acquire and maintain a physical, mental and intellectual balance for the benefit of a preferably happy and productive life.

Bonus

14.   Productivity

Be productive whenever the opportunity presents itself, regardless of fatigue, mood or preference.