Encouraging Quote of the Day – If Someone Is A Jerk To You Today, React As If They Need Your Kindness More Than You Need Their Courtesy.

Say hello with a smile, and goodbye with a smile. Even if that smile is undeserved.

This Quote of the Day is a really encouraging one, thanks to Jeremy Dunn (hey! That rhymes!),

“If someone is a jerk to you today, react as if they need your kindness more than you need their courtesy.”

This quote really says it is all, and this is the way that people should react when being confronted with a mean spirit or smart alec attitude. Instead of letting it piss you off, ruin your day, make you sad, make you angry, or make you depressed; think of it like this. “Wow, this person really could use some kindness to soften up that heart of theirs.”

…. Treat others how you wish to be treated. Love your enemies, hate no one. Pray for those who persecute you. Respect one another as Jesus Commanded.

Then be nice back to them even though they don’t deserve it and didn’t ask for it. Likely they will be very surprised by your reaction. If anything, it will keep YOUR mood intact and cause you to continue on your merry way despite the road block that was just placed in your way to make you stumble! It also makes the devil, very, VERY pissed. ;)

Remember these wise words of Jesus Christ from the Holy Bible:

New Testament, Ephesians Chapter 4 Verse 32
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

New Testament, 1st John Chapter 4, Verses 20-21
“If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this Commandment we have from Jesus: whoever loves God must also love his brother.”

Old Testament, Proverbs Chapter 24, Verse 17
“Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles.”

New Testament, The Gospel of Luke. Chapter 6, Verse 31
“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”

Now listen to this song called “Indwelling Sin” by Christian rapper LeCrae to see what the battle between faith and death (sin) is all about. From LeCrae’s album “Rebel”.

 

What States Allow Gay Marriage? What States Ban Gay Marriage? 7 To 35 Is the Answer (USA Map)

….35 States Ban Gay Marriage, 7 Allow Gay Marriage, 11 States Recognize Civil Unions, 3 States Vote on Gay Marriage in 2012

What states ban gay marriage and what states allow gay marriage? The United States has several individual states that have laws that either allow same-sex marriage, or do not allow same-sex marrirage in their state.

The laws are anything but uniform, and I won’t get into the gritty details on whether the law is a constitutional amendment, or just a normal law passed by the legistature, that either allows or doesn’t allow gay marriage. Instead I’ll simply give you the STRAIGHT facts so you can easily understand which U.S. states support gay marriage, and which prohibit gay marriage.

Table of Contents

• WHAT STATES ALLOW GAY MARRIAGE?
• WHAT STATES BAN GAY MARRIAGE?
• WHAT STATES ARE VOTING ON GAY MARRIAGE THIS YEAR (2012)?
• WHAT STATES RECOGNIZE CIVIL UNIONS OR DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS?

35 STATES BAN GAY MARRIAGE

1. Alabama (Banned in 2006)
2. Alaska (Banned in 1998)
3. Arizona (Banned in 2008 after failing total ban in 2006)
4. Arkansas (Banned in 2004)
5. California (Banned in 2000, full ban in 2008 with less than 55% of vote for, but Prop 8 thrown out by court, now under appeal)
6. Colorado (Banned in 2006)
7. Florida (Banned in 2008)
8. Georgia (Banned in 2004)
9. Idaho (Banned in 2006)
10. Kansas (Banned in 2005)
11. Kentucky (Banned in 2004)
12. Louisiana (Banned in 2004)
13. Maine (Banned in 2009, but overturned same year. Voters will vote this year on new citizen initiative to allow gay marriage or not)
14. Maryland (ban on ballot this year, 2012)
15. Michigan (Banned in 2004)
16. Minnesota (ban on ballot this year, 2012)
17. Mississippi (Banned in 2004)
18. Missouri (Banned in 2004)
19. Montana (Banned in 2004)
20. Nebraska (Banned in 2000)
21. Nevada (banned in 2000, full ban in 2002)
22. North Carolina (VOTED TO BAN GAY MARRIAGE AND CIVIL UNIONS, MAY 8 2012)
23. North Dakota (Banned in 2004)
24. Ohio (Banned in 2004)
25. Oklahoma (Banned in 2004)
26. Oregon (Banned in 2004)
27. South Carolina (Banned in 2006)
28. South Dakota (Banned in 2006 with less than 55% of vote for)
29. Tennessee (Banned in 2006)
30. Texas (Banned in 2005)
31. Utah (Banned in 2004)
32. Virginia (Banned in 2006)
33. Washington State (ban on ballot this year 2012)
34. Wisconsin (Banned on 2006)

6 STATES SUPPORT GAY MARRIAGE

1. Connecticut
2. Iowa
3. Massachusetts
4. New Hampshire
5. New York
6. Vermont
AND
7. Washington DC

3 STATES WILL VOTE ON GAY MARRIAGE BAN THIS YEAR 2012

1. Maryland
2. Minnesota
3. North Carolina (VOTED TO BAN GAY MARRIAGE ON MAY 8TH, 2012)
4. Washington State

11 STATES RECOGNIZE CIVIL UNIONS OR DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS WITH SIMILAR MARRIAGE BENEFITS

1. California
2. Delaware
3. Hawaii
4. Illinois
5. Main
6. Nevada
7. New Jersey
8. Oregon
9. Rhode Island
10. Washington State
11. Wisconsin

The first of the states to vote on banning or allowing gay marriage this year is North Carolina. That vote was held yesterday (May 8, 2012), and as I reported, North Carolina Amendment 1 Passed Banning Gay Marriage Via State Constitutional Amendment. Will the other states follow suit in banning gay marriage this year? Or will they vote to allow it? We’ll have to wait and see.

So far, starting in 1998, 33 times voters in a state have been given the option to ban gay marriage or allow it. In all but one occassion, they voted to ban gay marriage and NOT to allow gay marriage. The only time the voters turned the gay marriage ban down, was in Arizona in 2006 (my home state). Two years later an amendment to the constitution to ban gay marriage was written and passed, but it recognizes Civil Unions. So gay marriage is illegal in Arizona, but Civil Unions are recognized. Similar bills exist in other states, you’ll have to look that info up yourself to find out exactly how the laws read. What is listed above means that gay marriage is effectively legal, or illegal, in the states that allow it or reject it. You can see what states recognize Civil Unions or Domestic Partnerships with some of the same benefits as a legal married couple (one man and one women) in the fourth list.

Thanks to Pewstates Stateline for the US Map image.

 

Bible Verse of the Day – Gracious Words Are Like Honey, Sweet to the Soul and Health to the Body” Proverbs 16:24

Honeycomb, gracious words are sweet to the soul.

Proverbs 16:24 from The Holy Bible, Old Testament, Chapter 16, Verse # 24:

“Gracious words are like a honeycomb,
sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

This is such a powerful little verse, so much knowledge and wisdom is imparted in just these few words. And while you can take it at face value and learn much, you can also see it as an interesting figurative quote to mean or stand for all kinds of things.

In the end, just taking it at face value, this verse tells us of the power of speaking to people in a positive manner. If you live a happy, optimistic lifestyle, you will notice how it changes the mood around you and the mood of others who come into contact with you.

When I was working at Denny’s in the past, I was told on no less than THREE occassions by different co-workers that I “smile too much” or asked “why/how are you always smiling?” These people noticed something different in me. The Light of Christ shines bright, even if we don’t speak of Him directly.

And that is because, like this Proverb says, gracious words are like honey to the soul and body, they are sweet to the ear and to the mind; and those who speak them will live a life much less burdened than their peers.

Mmm, honeycomb looks SOOO delicious. I’ve never had it. :/

 

Encouraging Quote of the Day – God Rewards People That Diligently Seek Him. Do So And You’ll Be Blessed (Joel Olsteen)

Chasing God by studying the example of David, a Man After God’s Own Heart.

“God rewards people that diligently seek Him. Make it a goal to seek Him, honor Him, and please Him, and He will bless you.” – Joel Olsteen

The Bible talks about a man named David, a man whom God said was after His own heart. And yet David was as flawed an individual as they came, and made many mistakes and committed many sins. And yet God’s view of David still stood.

David accomplished great feats and was immeasurably blessed because of his devotion to God.

Why was that? It was because David diligently sought God and admitted to His mistakes while asking for God’s favor and forgiveness. It was not what Daniel did or said that God cared about, it was how he did it and what he said afterward. Daniel was frank and honest with God and Daniel actively sought God’s forgiveness, His grace, His compassion and His ways. God honored this and it lead David to great things and God blessed him immeasurably.

We can be like David today by doing exactly what Joel Olsteen says in this quote. There is power behind his words because they are the words of Christ, and fall inline exactly with how one should go about living their life. Don’t allow God to be the last person you turn to… Turn to Him first, and everything else will fall inline.

 

Bible Verse of the Day – For God’s Anger Is But For A Moment… But His Favor Is For a Lifetime – Psalm 30:5

Thanks to Vincent James of Flickr dot com for this great photo of Psalm 30:5

The Bible, Old Testament Book of Psalms, Chapter 30 verse 5, is an beautiful, succint, uplifting quote that should serve as a rock for life.

Psalm 30:5 AMP
“For His anger is but for a moment, but His favor is for a lifetime or in His favor is life. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

The latter part of the verse, “Joy comes in the morning”, is a well known saying, and tells us that no matter how difficult times are, no matter what is going on in our lives to build hardship, anger, bitterness, etc. in us… it will all dissipate if you can only shift your perspective to see the next day, the morning, as a fresh start.

But what is even more interesting in my eyes is the little-quoted first section of the verse. It says, in no uncertain terms, that knowing God and living a life dedicated to Jesus Christ puts us in God’s favor FOREVER. I always say that God does not unsave anyone… in fact the Bible says the opposite, it says God will leave His entire flock of sheep to save that one who has gone astray. Once you are God’s child, you are always God’s child, and your favor with Him is eternal, unconditional, and everlasting. No matter what you do, God loves you. He loved you so much He died for you… even before you knew Him. For your righteousness is as of dirty rags to God… it is nothing YOU do that makes you favorable to God. For God gives His salvation freely thus none can boast. Yet by accepting His free gift, you become one of His children, and entitled to all the riches and glory in Christ that He provides. It is a gift, and a sacrifice, worth rejoicing over. So when joy comes in the morning, be glad. For God is with you. And never shall He depart.

Photo thanks to VincentJames of Flickr

 

Bible Verse of the Day – Through Love Serve One Another… You Were Called To Freedom (Galations 5:13-15)

You are called to Freedom... USA's 1st President, George Washington, was a praying man.

There is absolute Freedom in the Blood of Jesus Christ. Freedom from bondage, freedom from despair, freedom from the things of this world that tie us down. We are called to use that freedom to serve one another and love all our Brothers in Christ and in the church and all the people of the world. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” is the commandment!

Bible Verse of the Day – New Testament: Galatians 5:13-15
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.”

 

Verse of the Day – If We Die With Him, We Also Live With Him. Doing Good Silences the Foolish. Honor Everyone Fear God Love the Brotherhood Honor the Emperor

God is Love. We love because He first loved us.

Today I present you with TWO verses from the New Testament of the Holy Bible, each equally compelling: 2nd Timothy Chapter 2, verses 11-13 and 1st Peter Chapter 2, verses 15-17. The first one tells believers that God is faithful in His Word, and that those who accept Jesus, will be accepted by God. But those who deny Jesus, will be denied by God. As God “remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.”

‎2 Timothy 2:11-13
“It is a trustworthy statement:
For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him;
If we deny Him, He also will deny us; If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.”

I absolutely love this second verse, which talks about how doing good silences fools. And puts in clear perspective, without ability to debate, how the Bible encourages people to be good, moral, upstanding citizens. You can’t parse words with short phrases like “Honor everyone”, “Love the brotherhood”, “Fear God” and “Honor the Emperor”. Clear and concise.

1 Peter 2:15-17
“For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”

 

Photo of the Day – Life Is All About Perspective

Absolutely brilliant!

One of my life mottos, and arguably the most important one, is that life is all about perspective; as this hilarious Turtle falling/seeing himself as FLYING piece of art illustrates.

And this fact really is true. The Bible even tells us to speak what isn’t as though it is, and that the power of life and death is in the tongue. It goes so far as to tell us that speaking negatively will negatively impact us and those around us. Remember to try and always be an eternal optimist. It is not that hard.

A good example is my life right now. I’m 27 years old. I cannot drive yet. I’ve never had a girlfriend, never been kissed, never been on a date, I live with my parents, we have no money with a barren fridge, are struggling to pay rent and get a business/online website/creative idea/invention off the ground, and I personally feel like I have absolutely zero memories from my teen years. Because of the reasons mentioned above…

Reason to be pretty damn pessimistic right? Of course it is, and that is all the more reason to be optimistic instead. God gives us life afterall, and tomorrow is not promised to us… even though things are rough right now, they will get better. And even if they didn’t, I have eternal life in Christ Jesus and will one day see God. That is something to celebrate, even if the walls were to crumble around me and crush me alive.

I’ll end with a quote from my favorite Christian metal band, Demon Hunter, from their song “Carry Me Down”:

“Save sorrow for the souls in doubt.”

 

Sermon of the Day – The Bait of Satan by Joyce Meyers

Satan tempting Eve in the Garden of Eden, ancient artwork

The Bait of Satan by Joyce Meyers is today’s Sermon of the Day.

Whether you go to church regularly or not, it can be very encouraging to listen to a few sermons online. Thanks to the popularity of youtube, you can find many of them online easily that are watchable with the click of a button. Something I like to do while I’m working is listen to them in the background while I’m writing or working on something else.

This sermon is called “The Bait of Satan”, but it’s not exactly what you think, as the sermon covers a lot of very interesting ground. Including an interesting discussion on how we perceive people who are saved but not following the Christian walk the way WE want them to: friends, relatives or family members, and how we can be grossly in error regarding their relationship to God. In this case it was Joyce’s own son!

Very interesting stuff. Enjoy. :)

The Bait of Satan by Joyce Meyers Part 1

The Bait of Satan by Joyce Meyers Part 2

Be sure to check out Joyce Meyers website to keep tabs on what she is up to lately.

 

Facts on Presidents Swearing In On Bibles

President Obama swears-in with his hand on Abraham Lincoln's Family Bible, the same one President Lincoln took the oath of office with.

Here are some interesting facts I came across regarding the tradition of the President of the United States swearing on a the Holy Bible.

* George Washington’s Bible was used to swear in several Presidents, including Harding, Eisenhower, Carter, and George H.W. Bush (Bush the Elder).
* Only a couple of Presidents have been sworn in without using the Bible. One of them was President John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the USA. He choose to be sworn in on a “Volume of Laws”, using the logic that his oath was to the Constitution that he was swearing to Protect and Preserve above all oaths. It was common knowledge of course that that very Constitution itself only existed because of the God-given rights of our Creator, as the first line of the Constitution reads.

President Abraham Lincoln's Family Bible. He was sworn in using it, as was President Barack Obama in 2008.

* Another President who was not originally sworn in on a Bible was President Lyndon B. Johnson (36th U.S. President), who was sworn in directly after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy (. He was sworn in using JFK’s Catholic Missal due to the fact that no Bible was aboard the plane for him to sign-in on at that moment. The year was 1963 and this also marked the first time a woman administered the Presidential Oath of Office. Later Johnson was properly sworn in on 1965 after properly winning a majority of the votes in the 1964 Presidential Election, in which case he choose to be sworn in using a family Bible.
* The vast, VAST majority of U.S. Presidents were sworn in using their own Family Bible. That is, a Bible within a family that has been passed on from generation to generation.
* President Chester A. Arthur (21st U.S. President) was sworn in without using a bible due to the assassination of President James A. Garfield.
* Almost all of the Presidents have had the Bible they were sworn on opened to a random page of the gospel, while other Presidents preferred to have their Bible open to a particular verse or chapter that had significance to them or their beliefs.
* Starting in 1850, Johnston & Murphy company has awarded each President with handmade shoes! This includes President Abraham Lincoln, who wore a size 14.
* The youngest President of all time was… Kennedy? Obama? Nope, it was actually Teddy Roosevelt, who became President after the assassination of President William McKinley. The year was 1901 and TR was only 42 years of age. That made him one year younger than President Kennedy at 43. For the record, President Barack Obama was sworn into office at the age of 47.
* Teddy Roosevelt once wore a ring with a lock of President Lincoln’s hair! This in the year 1905. Cooky.

My Dad’s View!
So my father is a HUGE history buff and is one of those people who seems to know everything that’s ever happened in American history. He is always reading books about the topic and can even tell you what years wars took place and all kinds of fascinating details. To that end, he had some very interesting comments to add to this article. Below is what he wrote to me.

“The last line about Teddy Roosevelt having a ring with a lock of Abraham Lincoln’s hair in 1905 may sound cooky – but for Teddy it was probably an heirloom or something given to him. As a very young and rich kid living in a mansion on the avenue where the Lincoln funeral procession would pass, there’s a famous picture of Teddy standing in the window watching Lincoln’s body pass on the cassion(?) with pomp and splendor. A very large funeral, a large military base in Washington D.C. – Anyway Teddy’s father and family were deeply moved by the assassination and the “Great Funeral”, I’ve read some good books about both Lincoln and Teddy; interesting little topic, just thought I’d add this little bit of history. — Dad”