Live From Blue Ridge, Ga

Is the Gay Life Wrong

2011-10-26T22:23:00.000-07:00

There is a debate among many concerning the gay life. Proponents of the gay lifestyle maintain that it is an alternate lifestyle that is not morally wrong, while others decry homosexuality as a sin. The Bible, which was inspired by the Creator of us all supports the latter view, however, for the sake of argument, let us take a closer look at sexuality, sin, human nature and the divine design and purpose of man.

We were created as sexual beings, from the dawn of time, God commanded mankind to be fruitful and multiply. The sex act in humans and throughout the animal kingdom is the means of perpetuating the species. In the divine design, God put in the pleasure factor, making sex an intensely pleasurable act that encouraged the reproduction process. The pleasure feature in human nature also is at work in the appetite for food, ensuring that people eat to receive the nutrition they need for survival.

In addition to producing physical pleasure, there are also emotions involved in the sex act. I do not want to go too deep into the emotional aspects of sex; I will leave that to the respective experts in the field. However, I would like to mention that the Bible says regarding the sex act that two become one. In sex, there is a bonding that is physical, emotional and perhaps even spiritual.

It is an irrefutable fact that the Bible denotes homosexuality as a sin along with a whole host of other activities that humans engage in. What is sin? Sin is missing the mark of God’s standard of living. We have all missed that mark and it humanly impossible to meet God’s holy standards, only Jesus lived a perfect sinless life; only through placing our faith in Him can people be placed in a right relationship with God. If sin is missing the mark of God’s standard for living, why do people sin? It is in our nature, it is pleasurable, sin fulfills our selfish motives.

Propensity to be Tempted

Within the human nature there is the propensity to sin; we are all created as individuals that are tempted to surrender to different sins. While we are all are tempted by sin in general and at times are tempted by temptations that span the broad spectrum of wickedness, there are some that have a weakness and are driven to specific acts of evil. In my opinion, the reason some are driven towards some sins more than others may be genetics, environment, their upbringing or things that happened to them in their past. Concerning genetics, there is a long history of evil that has transpired down through the ages, who is to say that the evil has not become a part of our genetic code. However, the bottom line is that through Jesus we do not have to yield to temptations, whatever their root cause, but through the power of redemption and His indwelling Holy Spirit we can be free from sin.

In the case of sexual sins, sexual sins appeal to our desire for pleasure. Apart from rape, which is related more to violence than pleasure, most sexual sins are pleasure related. Sexual pleasure within the parameters God has set is not wrong (God’s parameters being between a man and wife who are married). If we would be honest, we engage in sex because first it starts in our mind as a pleasurable thought, it originates from some visual stimuli, a touch, something we read, flirtatious conversation, oversexed imagination, natural physical desire or anything that starts the mind to thinking on sex. From the thoughts, we move on to the sex act, you know the rest of the story.

However, not all thoughts that turn us on are proper thoughts. Some sexual thoughts are about people that we are not married to, some may have improper thoughts about children, some imagine perverse sex with animals and in the case of homosexuality, sex with people of the same sex. Improper thoughts can lead to improper desires and if not dealt with improper actions. If we believe God’s word we must acknowledge that the homosexual sex act is sin, a sin to repent of and be delivered from.

The argument that some may raise is that they are born with the desire for members of the same sex or that they are so strongly drawn towards members of the same sex that it must be right. While I do not pretend to know all of the emotional issues involved in homosexual relationships, however, I have experienced the emotions involved with heterosexual relationships. However, apart from emotional issues, sex is a pleasure driven activity. Whether it is raw physical pleasure or the pleasure of receiving emotional comfort or satisfaction, sex is very pleasurable. Just because someone feels that it would be pleasurable to be intimate with someone of the same sex does not make it right. The erroneous train of thought that says that our natural inclinations are the right course for our lives is flawed. By that way of thinking we could excuse most any bad behavior. Liars could excuse their lying by saying that they were naturally borne liars, serial killers could say that they were just doing what they were born to do and the list goes on. The bottom line is that if we believe the Bible is God’s word and contains the answers for this life and the one to come, we need to conform to its teachings and not our natural inclinations.

If you have read this far you have probably realized that I am a Christian who believes that homosexuality is a sin. You are correct in this assumption, however, I believe it is a sin that God will forgive and deliver from. I do not pretend to know all the struggles that gay people experience and do not want to be classified as a gay-basher, but I believe God’s word is true. I would like to be seen as someone who offers hope to those living the homosexual life, by letting them know that God loves them and desires that they turn from their sin and embrace His son, Jesus who died for the sins of the world and was raised from the dead.

I write this not as a perfect, holier than thou Christian but as a believer that battles temptations of my own on a daily basis. The temptations that I face are heinous offences that would make most people blush, but just because I am tempted does not mean I have to give in, but through the power of Christ I resist temptations. Not that I always resist, I still stumble but Jesus is always ready to forgive when I confess my sins and call on Him. In closing, whatever sin you are struggling with, know that God’s grace is sufficient enough to forgive you and deliver you from any sin.

Resources

Fannin County One Million Dollar Field House

2011-09-12T22:28:00.000-07:00

Stopping in at the local convenience store, just North of Blue Ridge, Georgia, I was appalled at the story on the front page of The News Observer, one of Fannin County's local newspaper. The story revealed that $1,000,000 had been approved for a field house. I may be a bit old fashioned, but $1,000,000 seems a little much for a building for football players to change into their uniforms, take showers, house equipment and perhaps a house a weight room. I do not know the details, but it seems that we could build an adequate field house for considerably less than $1,000,000. Maybe we couldn't build a fancy field house, but one that would be sufficient for our athletic program. I played football for Fannin County High School and was well acquainted with the old field house at West Fannin and got the use the one at Fannin High my senior year in 1980. These field houses were not the fanciest, but they fulfilled their purpose well. It would be interesting to know the cost of these field houses.

In a time when we are experiencing a high rate of unemployment and facing economic uncertainty, it would be refreshing if our elected officials would be more frugal with taxpayers money. The citizens of Fannin County need to hold our elected officials accountable for the money used to build this field house and make sure not one dime is wasted. In fact, there would be nothing wrong with the citizens having a meeting with the school board to discuss a less expensive but sufficient field house. With government spending out of control, why not start at the local level in curtailing government spending.

Blue Ridge's Cheapest Pizza

2011-06-14T14:23:00.000-07:00

Do you know where to find the cheapest pizza in Blue Ridge? I will give you a hint, it is not Pizza Hut or Papa's Pizza Buffet. The cheapest pizza that I have found so far is in a discount grocery store in the old Valley Village shopping center. The store is known as Super Saver and they sell small pizzas for the super low price of $.75. Yes, that is what I said $.75. One small pizza for three quarters; I fed me and my three kids for $3.00 plus tax, and the pizza tastes good too. Next time you have a craving for that circular piece of bread coated with tomato sauce, cheese and your favorite toppings, you may want to consider Super Saver. I am not against eating out at the Pizza Hut or at Papa's Pizza Buffet, but sometimes you have to operate within a budget, With Super Saver pizza, you can have your pizza and stay within your budget as well.

Blue Ridge Dairy Queen

2011-06-14T14:03:00.000-07:00

Not only do you get great fast food and friendly service at the Blue Ridge Dairy Queen, but they are also serving up food for the soul. While you are dining at the Blue Ridge DQ you are treated to the inspirational sounds of contemporary Christian music. I treated me and the kids to ice cream at DQ today and heard some vintage Audio Adrenaline, " I Get Down". The song that reminds us that when this life down here gets us down, Jesus is always there to lift us up. God is so good to us and we can always depend on Him to be there for His children. Being reminded that God is always there to pick us up, now that is a treat that is better than ice cream. For great natural and spiritual treats, visit the Blue Ridge Dairy Queen.

Good Instruction

2011-05-10T07:15:00.001-07:00

Good instruction from Oswald chambers this morning.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Fulfilled Prohecy

2011-05-10T07:11:00.001-07:00

I see the fullfillment of Jesus' words as I read this passage. Here I am half way around the globe, living in a different culture reading about a Jewish womam pouring perfume on Jewish man prior to His crucifixion 2000 years after the fact. Jesus spoke the truth, He is the truth, the way and the life. Know Him!

in reference to:

"Why do you bother the woman? For she has done a good deed to Me. 11"For you always have (M)the poor with you; but you do not always have Me. 12"For when she poured this perfume on My body, she did it (N)to prepare Me for burial. 13"Truly I say to you, (O)wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.""
- Matthew 26 - Passage Lookup - New American Standard Bible - BibleGateway.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Description of the Life of Faith

2011-05-08T07:22:00.001-07:00

In todays devotional, Oswald gives a godd description of the life of faith. Todays excerpt from My Utmost for His Highest is well worth reading.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

He Just Don't Get It

2011-04-23T20:52:00.001-07:00

It seems that Obama just don't get it, we need to delve into the oil here in America and off our shores. Why can't he understand that if we would use the oil here in USA, we would not be held hostage to OPEC nations. Maybe, he dosen't care, maybe not allowing us to tap into our own resources is a way to push the green agenda.

in reference to: Obama: No 'silver bullet' on gas prices - UPI.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Employment Opportunities

2011-04-19T11:19:00.001-07:00

Looking for a job, why not try Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. It is not a walk in the park and you may not get rich, but what the heck, its a job. Let me rephrase that, it is a career.

in reference to: Cracker Barrel Jobs, Employment in Goodlettsville, TN 37070 | Indeed.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Arbys

2011-04-12T13:08:00.001-07:00

Arbys is offering a little comfort food for customers on Friday the 15th, a day scarier than Friday the 13th "Tax Day" Yikes!

in reference to: Free curly fries at Arby’s April 15 | Atlanta Business Chronicle (view on Google Sidewiki)

Why Don't We Drill for Our Own Oil

2011-03-22T10:22:00.001-07:00

Maybe I am a little ignorant and unlearned, but I have a hard time understanding why we do not drill for own oil in Alaska and offshore as well. Why does some of those in power insist on keeping the United States dependent on foriegn oil? There is a mystery here and I am afraid of what the answer may be.

in reference to: Obama: Drill, Brazil, Drill! (view on Google Sidewiki)

Spring Time poem

2011-03-17T20:46:00.001-07:00

I wrote a little poem about spring. its not much but sort of captures the magic of a spring night.

in reference to: Spring Night - Associated Content from Yahoo! - associatedcontent.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

What is Your Goal in Life?

2011-03-17T07:07:00.001-07:00

Oswald Chambers points out the most important goal to have in life, that is to live a life that is well pleasing to our creator. The only way we can do that is believing is His only begotten Son who died for our sins and arose from the grave so that we could have a right relationship with our Heavenly Father.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Live the Message

2011-03-10T07:02:00.001-08:00

What leaps out at me from today's excerpt from "My Utmost for His Highest" is that believers should live the message of Christ. Believe it or not that is what I taught in bible study last night. Coincidence? No, I believe God is reminding me that if we are going to be a light in this world of darkness we have to life the life.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Romantic Gift Ideas

2011-03-01T17:08:00.001-08:00

Even though Valentines Day has come anf gone, it is never too late to by that someone special a gift to show them how much you care. Check out this collection of romantic gift ideas.

in reference to: Romantic Gift Ideas (view on Google Sidewiki)

Is Pornography harmful

2011-03-01T13:22:00.001-08:00

Here is an article that describes the problems caused by pornography.

in reference to: Can Pornography Hurt a Marriage (view on Google Sidewiki)

How to Perform a Sidekick | eHow.com

2011-02-15T22:05:00.000-08:00

How to Perform a Sidekick eHow.com

Winner of the Why I Love Winter CSN Stores Giveaway

2011-01-30T22:24:00.000-08:00

We have a winner in the "Why I Love Winter Essay Contest". The winner is Carol Ezovski. Here is the winning essay.

"I love winter because, when everything is covered with snow, the trees and lawn are so dazzling.
Winter is beautiful. It takes me back to my childhood when I looked out the window and saw the
first snow of the season -- such excitement! When there is snow, there is usually ice.
The lake I lived near provided lots of fun-filled days of wonderful ice skating.
The many ski resorts in the area were always busy with snow lovers like myself.
I loved seeing my breath in front of me and the snow blowing in my face. And, of course,
making angels in the snow and eating icicles is always fun for the little ones!
Winter is fun!"

Fannin County is not Being Racial

2011-01-15T22:10:00.000-08:00

As was a little shocked when I saw the story on Fox News about Fannin and Gilmer County going to school on Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, which is a Federal Holiday. It seems that some believe that Fannin and Gilmer are disrespecting the slain civil rights leader by having school on Monday, January 17. It is not meant as disrespect or to offend anyone but is simply an effort to keep the school calendar on track since there as been so many days lost to snow already this year. If it is any consolation to those offended, Fannin County Schools will be in session for Presidents Day as well. If we are going to see an end to racism in our generation and fulfill the dream that Martin Luther King had for society, people of all colour need to put the past behind them realize that there is just one race, the human race.

CSN Stores $25 Giveaway Contest

2011-01-15T21:07:00.000-08:00

CSN Stores is giving away $25 to winners of the “What I Love about Winter Contest” essay contest. CSN Sores have over 200 online stores that feature everything from modern dining room furniture to elegant lighting pieces. The rules of the contest are as follows: the person who submit’s the best essay on what they love about a winter will be given a $25 gift certificate to spend at any one of the over 200 CSN online stores. The essay must be at least 100 words but not more than 300. The essay will be judged on content, and also on grammar and spelling. Please make essay family friendly since the entries will be featured on my blog. To enter the contest, send either a notepad or a word file to pauldy43@gmail.com. Deadline for entry is January 31, 2011. Contest is open to United States and Canadian participants only.
　

CSN Stores Giveaway

2011-01-15T20:17:00.000-08:00

Be sure to check out CSN Stores $25 gift certificate giveaway. CSN Stores has over 200 online stores that feature a wide range of products, a range that includes everything from modern dining room furniture to cookware to elegant lighting pieces. Contest details.

Need Tires in Blue Ridge

2010-12-24T07:03:00.000-08:00

For those needing tires in Blue Ridge, I highly recommend Nicholson's Tires. They have two locations, one on Spur 60 and the other on Hwy 5 north of Blue Ridge by West Fannin Elementary. The Nicholson's are tire professionals that will treat you right. Not only tires, but they also perform oil changes, front-end alignment and brake service as well. I personally recommend the friendly folks down at Nicholson Tire. When you go, tell Dennis that Paul sent you.

Giving Ourselves to Whom We Belong

2010-12-05T06:55:00.001-08:00

As we get ready for church and put on our best clothes, best Christian manners, and our Jesus mask, may we be reminded that we are called to so much more than a Sunday morning extravagamza of fine suits, Sunday dresses, and parading around like we are the holiest of the holy; we are called to present ourselves daily to God as a living sacrifice. That is so much more than our standard religious activity.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Cracker Barrel Going Electric

2010-12-04T08:47:00.001-08:00

Evidently Cracker Barrel believes there could be a great demand for EV charging stations or there could be other motives behind this move. Maybe Cracker Barrel is just way out in front of the rest of the nation. Only time will tell. Personally, I would like to see free WIFI, so I could connect to the internet when I I am travelling.

in reference to: Tennessee Cracker Barrel Restaurants to Become EV Charging Stations | Transportation Nation (view on Google Sidewiki)

Good Morals are Not an Accident

2010-12-04T06:57:00.001-08:00

Good morals, and a vibrant relationship with Christ does not happen by accident, it is something that believers must put some effort into. We are not saved by our own efforts, but by the grace of God, but it takes effort on our part to live up to the life we have been called to live.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Textbroker

2010-12-03T08:38:00.001-08:00

For aspiring freelance writers or for those who just want to make a few dollars on the side, textbroker is a good entry level writing site. They are reliable, they pay, and provide a steady stream of writing jobs.

in reference to: Unique content - Textbroker.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Reality of Redemption

2010-12-03T07:07:00.001-08:00

The reality of redemption in Christ, a reality not based on emoitions or human experiences, but on the death and resurrection of The Son of God. When believers life their live according to this reality they truly experience God.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Facts About Georgia

2010-11-27T17:24:00.001-08:00

There are some things that all Georgians should know:
Georgia is the largest state east of the Mississippi River .
Coca Cola is ours, and unless you've had one in a six-and-a-half ounce bottle,
with a slight crust of ice on top, you missed a real treat.
Try pouring about half a pack of salted peanuts into one sometime.
If it weren't for a Georgian - Crawford Long of Jefferson - all surgery would hurt like hell.
Georgians, native or adopted, say "ma'am and sir" and call their mothers "mama" and their fathers 'daddy".
They know that y'all is perfectly good English and never means just one person.
"Fixin to" is perfectly acceptable, too.
And if y'all don't like the way we talk, Delta (which is also ours) is ready when you are.
Long before the Olympics brought the world's greatest athletes to Atlanta ,
we gave the world Ty Cobb, Jackie Robinson, Walt Frazier, Luke Appling, Johnny Mize,
Fran Tarkenton, Bobby Jones, Wyomia Tyus, and Herschel Walker.
If you don't know who these people are, you ought to find out before you go to bed tonight.
The greatest tournament in golf will still be played in Augusta every April,
and on autumn Saturdays,
Every Fall the Red-and-Black faithful will gather in Athens for a prayer meeting between the hedges.
Georgia Tech. fans gather in Atlanta for Buzz to carry out the sting.
The Stone Mountain carving is lots bigger than the one on Mt. Rushmore
and the people etched into the side of Stone Mountain deserve the honor.
It wasn't just about slavery.
The best grapes and wine are produced in Lumpkin County .
Yes, we are better than California .
Atlanta with its millions of people has one of the greatest economies in the world and no other city in the USA has so much to offer in the way of the arts.
Milledgeville is the best small town in the USA and Georgia Military College is one of the top military colleges in the USA .
In 1864 Sherman burned parts of Atlanta and Georgia on his March to the sea.

We're called the " Peach State " because ours are the sweetest.
We do produce the most peanuts, pecans, and poultry.
The best barbecue in the world is from our Georgia pits.
Yes, God intended for iced tea to be served "sweet."
Elvis wasn't ours, but Otis Redding, James Brown, the Allman Brothers,
Johnny Mercer, Joe South , Ray Charles, Bill Anderson, Brenda Lee,
Trisha Yearwood and Alan Jackson are.
So are Sidney Lanier, Joel Chandler Harris, Margaret Mitchell and Alice Walker.
And I still miss Lewis Grizzard every day.
Julia Roberts may be Georgia's prettiest movie star,
and Holly Hunter may well be the most talented.
Dakota Fanning may one day surpass them both.
FDR adopted us. His "Little White House" in Warm Springs , Ga. is exactly as it was the day he died there,
near the end of World War II.
Every Georgian and citizen of the USA needs to visit Warm Springs.
Roosevelt's New Deal put Georgians to work
and turned an entire generation of her people into the best employers/employee's in this great land.
Georgia once had three governors at the same time.
Lester Maddox wasn't one of them, but was elected by the General Assembly
without getting a majority of the popular vote.
He did a good job too, God rest his soul.
"Gone With the Wind" belongs to us. We own it.
Not only is it by one of our own and is about Georgia ,
but it's also one of the great novels of all times.
WSB means "Welcome to the South, Brother."
The Brown Thrasher, the Cherokee Rose, and the Live Oak are our symbols.
Proud, decent, honest people are our heritage.
And lastly, Georgia ain't exactly heaven - but it will do until I get there.

Source: Miller County Liberal-Real Georgians know this-

Latest Poem

2010-11-27T01:08:00.000-08:00

Just published a new poem on my poetry blog and on associated content. It is funny the things that can inspire a poem, this poem was inspired by the following images.

The first image is a photo of my daughter holding a rabbits eye on a stick ( from rabbit our dogs killed and devoured) and the second image is obviously a sunset. it is not that I find detached rabbit eyes inspiring, but the wonder shining in the face of my beautiful daughter, that I find inspiring. I also happen to find sunsets very inspiring. Sunsets remind us of the beautiful things in this life, sunsets show us the artistic side of our Creator as He paints a new one each evening on His big canvas in the sky. While living on this orb that seems to spinning out of control, filled with violence and heart rending tragedy, it is good to be reminded that there is some true beauty and wonder left in this world. I found it in a litttle princess holding a rabbit's eye and God's painting in the sky. Check out the poem on associated content or on my poetry blog.

Repeal Ombama Care

2010-11-26T09:03:00.000-08:00

For Americans who are concerned about the future of health care and the fiscal well-being of our great country going forward, this link to Demand Obama Care Repeal is you should check out. Whether you are a republican, democrat or not affiliated with any political party at all, if you are an American, this concerns you.

Enraged About Educational Entitlements

2010-11-24T09:33:00.001-08:00

While I admire the spunk of these students, I have to question if one has the right to be upset over the loss of entitlements. Where do people get the idea that the government owes them anything?
Entitlements are nice for those receiving them, but someone has to pay for the entitlements. If a society can afford to dole out these benefits, so be it, but if not, then there is nothing wrong with people paying their own way through innovation hard work.

in reference to: Demonstrators Attack Police Van as U.K. Students Protest Over College Fees - Bloomberg (view on Google Sidewiki)

Just Got Through Working Out

2010-11-21T18:53:00.000-08:00

Just got through working out, followed by gorging myself at Papa's Pizza Buffet in Blue Ridge, I had a good workout and the trip to the pizza parlour wouldn't half bad either. Having just recently joined the Down Town Blue Ridge Fitness Center, I have put in almost two weeks worth of weight training, bag work, jumping rope, and stretching at the gym. So far I have enjoyed my time there and believe I am already seeing results. The gym has a wide range of weights and exercise equipment, including an aerobic room to hit your body from every angle.

With the holiday season upon us, which for a lot of people, including me, means overeating the wrong kind of foods, a good workout regimen can help to stave off a few extra pounds. I hope I can maintain my workout program and enjoy some scrumptious dishes at the same time. I hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving, and may we all remember to give thanks for all the blessings in our lives.