The Modern Day Abolitionist

Free sample of Kiss my Face showergel

2009-07-27T09:18:00.001-07:00

Boy do I love freebies in the morning! :)

http://dengaku.com/free_off1.php

Why I don't eat fish

2009-06-08T20:47:00.000-07:00

My main reason for not eating fish is that I believe no animal has to die for me to live. There are plenty of alternatives to the nutrients found in fish without the cholesterol or risk of dangerous mercury levels. Protein can be achieved through beans, nuts and seeds and whole grains. Omega-3s can be obtained through adding ground flax seed to baked goods, oatmeal, cereal or smoothies. It is a cheap source (at least in my area.) A box of ground flax usually costs less than $2. A few brands of soymilk have added omega-3s and you can take veg sources of omega-3s in supplement form.
A second reason is that there have been new studies done that show that fish are capable of feeling pain. Check them out here.
The third reason is the one that I mentioned was very close to my heart. Even if you don't think fish are sentient enough to warrant concern surely you would think twice about eating animals such as dolphins (who have proven to be very intelligent) and endangered species of shark and turtles. Well, everytime you purchase fish you are supporting the killing of those animals and the destruction of the oceans. Commercial fishing practices often accidentally catch other marine species. Due to lack of space on the boats they are thrown off either already dead or injured. The practices used to catch fish, shrimp and crustaceans destroy the ocean floor.

Please consider at least reducing your intake of fish. You can improve your health, help the animals and help the earth at the same time.

Useful links:
Compassion Over Killing: Aquatic Animals
Shark Conservation: Dangers of Long-lining
Rethinking the Way we Treat Animals
Vegetarian Seafood
Vegan Seafood recipes
Vegan Peace

P.S. If you love Sushi and have a lot of sushi restaurants in your area try the vegetable roll at each place. I find they are different at each place. It's exciting and delicious!

How can you be pro-life if you kill people?

2009-05-31T18:03:00.000-07:00

I write again with very grave news. With all else going on in this crazy mixed up world, I would like it if just once I was bringing good news about the causes I care about. but, no. Alas, I am not. Today, it is about George Tiller the infamous late-term abortionist. He was recently shot to death while participating as an usher in his church. I really don't understand how anyone could think violence against another living being could be ok? It absolutely isn't. Violence is not justified, it is not justified, it is not justified. My heart goes out to his family and friends as well as my prayers.
I can't put it anymore beautifully than Robert George has.

The ends do NOT justify the means.

2009-04-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been so silent lately. I've got the end of semester fever. Things have been crazy busy, especially with a family member getting married last month. I really wanted to comment on a recent news piece I heard about on the radio. I believe this article in Newsweek covers what the talk show hosts were discussing. Here is a bit of the article:

"University of California, Los Angeles, research ophthalmologist Arthur Rosenbaum stepped from his home one morning last June and discovered a firebomb had been planted under his white BMW. Cops evacuated the neighborhood, the bomb squad came, but the device's crude fuse had already fizzled. Rosenbaum's UCLA colleague, neuropharmacologist Edythe London, was less lucky. In October, a garden hose was shoved into a broken window of her Beverly Hills, Calif., home, flooding it, causing thousands of dollars in damage. And then on Feb. 5, a Molotov cocktail detonated on her doorstep, scorching her entryway but failing to burn down the house.

Who would want to target academics? Underground militant animal-rights activists took credit for the attacks, but despite an FBI investigation, no one has been arrested. UCLA officials complain that protesters--angry over the school's use of research primates--have continually harassed, threatened and vandalized the university, as well as its faculty and staff."

That's the gist of it. Click on the link to read more of the story. I love animals. I am very adamant that animal testing is morally unacceptable. Let me be very clear: What these animal activists did is not ok. It is NOT OK. It is NOT OK. It is NOT OK. The ends never justify the means when violence and harassment is involved. This is disgraceful and they should be ashamed of themselves. I don't care how important the cause (this goes for activists of any kind not just animals) violence is never the answer. I am thoroughly disappointed in my fellow animal activists. The point of living an animal friendly life is extending your realm of compassion to animals. This means you must have compassion on ALL humans as well. I don't know the religious affiliation of these thugs who did this, but this is especially true for Christian political activists. The actions of these individuals have disgraced the reputation of animal activists everywhere and hurt the movement. Yes, that's right, they are really hurting animals by their actions. I hope staff at UCLA will stay safe and unharassed in the future. I hope a peaceful dialogue can be had on both sides.

Let me leave you with some quotes from an amazing man of peace:

Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.: Martin Luther King Jr.

Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.: Martin Luther King Jr.

Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars... Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.: Martin Luther King Jr.

Porn IS human trafficking.

2009-02-22T23:12:00.001-08:00

I don't write about human trafficking as much as I would like. It's an issue that is largely underestimated and under covered.

I just finished reading an eye-opening article in World Magazine's newest issue about the problem of child sex slavery in the United States. Surely, child prostitution is a gross epidemic in other countries, but I had yet to realize the depth of it in my own country.
The most beautiful part of the article was the spotlight on an organization working against it and how they get to the heart of the matter. Sure, they help the girls get out of the bad situations and this is a very important job. However, they are also working on changing a culture that exploits and degrades women.

The Church needs to be a leader in this. We need to speak out about this problem and about the infection of sin in the church. (Christians fall prey to porn too and porn and human trafficking are linked)

http://www.thepinkcross.org/
http://www.humantrafficking.org/updates/469/

12 year olds impassioned speech against abortion

2009-02-18T13:44:00.000-08:00

I know this has been picked up by the majority of the pro-life blogs across the internet and has gotten over 200,000 hits on youtube, but just in case anyone hasn't seen it.... please take a look.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOR1wUqvJS4&eurl=http://www.care2.com/c2c/people/profile.html?pid=745236049

Take time to love yourself this Valentine's day

2009-02-14T07:46:00.000-08:00

Take some time to take care of yourself. I promise it isn't selfish. Especially if you have others counting on you to be refreshed. Here are some tips to stay at the top of your game:

Don't forget quiet time
Health experts now agree that there are many aspects to health including physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Take some time to slow down. Go somewhere quiet. Get outside in the fresh air, go to a park or a museum where you can be surrounded by something beautiful. If you are a Christian take some time to pray or meditate on scripture.
1 Samuel 25:6 "Long life to you! Good health to you and your household! And good health to all that is yours!"

Shut Off the News
For goodness sake, turn off the news every once in a while! Don't read blogs for a day. They will still be here tomorrow. For political and social activists this can be hard to do, but trust me its important. Being constantly bombarded by depressing news can numb you to the true horrors of this world. It's OK to take a break. Spend time with friends or family doing something fun or new and exciting. You will come back with more energy to combat injustice.
Proverbs 15:30 " A cheerful look brings joy to the heart,
and good news gives health to the bones."

Flaxseeds
Get in your Omega-3s with flaxseeds. Grind them up and sprinkle them on salads, bake them in breads (sweet or savory) or blend them in a smoothie. Other sources are Walnuts and Almonds. Try Odwalla's Berries GoMega bar.
For more information on Omega's click here.

Grace and Peace to you!

Same old tired arguments

2009-02-10T21:29:00.000-08:00

There should be a name for the "People who care about animals don't care about people" argument. I'm going to call it the Mutually Exclusive Fallacy. It just shocks and saddens me that after all this time, people still don't get it. They repeat it blindly.
I guess I'll have to continue repeating myself too until it sinks in.
SO....
Further proof:
From the website Canadian Serial Killer's:
"Born in Vancouver British Columbia on the first day of January 1940, Clifford Robert Olson Jr killed a total of eleven people before being caught. From a young age, Clifford Olson was in trouble with the law. Olson was a known bully who it was rumoured tortured and killed animals."

As many cops learn cruelty to animals can be a gateway to violence against humans. And the opposite is also true:
""Amazing Grace," a film biography of William Wilberforce, anti-slavery crusader and co-founder of the world's oldest anti-cruelty society, captures Wilberforce's deep devotion to animals and his determination to end the cruelty and suffering imposed upon them in the late 18th and early 19th centuries." (from HSUS) Of course he also devoted his life to making slavery illegal in England.

More examples:
http://www.vegansoapbox.com/care-more-about-animals-than-people/
http://www.ringsurf.com/ring_browser.php?id=99538

An update on my last blog post.

2009-01-15T22:30:00.000-08:00

I would like to point out that the author of the article in my last blog post responded to the criticism many animal rights/welfarist posted. I would like to say that I may have jumped to conclusions about the article in question. However, my comments about the pro-life movement in general still stand. I would still like to urge pro-lifers who do not agree with the animal rights movement to end their hostility towards those who support both the life movement and animal rights. As I said it is doing no one justice.

Disunity is harming women and babies

2009-01-09T10:40:00.001-08:00

Please read this article entitled: Seal Pup Silliness
The gist of the article is that it is silly to fight for humane treatment of animals. It makes the fallacious argument that I have often rebutted here that if you care about the welfare of animals you must not care about fellow human beings.

Here is my response:
This is why the pro-life movement is failing. You alienate people with different beliefs for example those who are both pro-life and animal rights activists. We are squabbling amongst ourselves while women and unborn babies are being harmed by abortion. Even I, a staunch animal rights activist, am appalled that most who fight for animals to be treated humanely don't think of the plight of unborn humans, but this kind of attitude (i.e. calling the fight for humane treatment of seals "silly") is not helping anyone. As I said it is alienating part of the pro-life movement. I understand your frustration, but please try to see things from others point of view.

Thank you.

and here is further proof that many in the animal rights movement (some pro-life some pro-choice) care about humans:
Vegan Peace on buying sweatshop free (wait, what? They care about the conditions of people who make their products too? Not just animals? Shocking!)
Notmilk on abortion
All Creatures on abortion
The liberal case against abortion
Human Rights Section of ARCO (ARCO stands for Animal Rights Community Online. Being a message board you will obviously find a diverse amount of opinions. Obviously I will not deny there are SOME animal rights activists that are callous towards humans, but please don't generalize.)
Episcoveg blog (Episcopal blog that's mostly AR, but also mentions the problem of hunger and poverty and pascifism.)

and of course my blog! I hope I have conveyed my deep concern for God's children as well as his creation.

P.S. I apologize for my snarky tone I am just so tired of having to explain this concept to people. It shouldn't be that hard to understand!

Another Gem from C.S. Lewis

2009-01-03T09:49:00.000-08:00

"Dreams of the far future destiny of man were dragging up from its shallows and unquiet grave the old dream of Man as God. The very experiences of the dissecting room and the pathological laboratory were breeding a conviction that the stifling of all deep-set repugnances was the first essential of progress."
- That Hideous Strength pg. 203

I like this quote for two reasons. The first is the same reason I would recommend this book to people. The premise of this science fiction novel is a struggle between science and morality. Let me just say that I do not think science in itself is evil. I am alive today, because of medical progress. However, scientists today are trying to play God. They spend so much money and time on things like ED medicine that does nothing to further humanity. All the while conducting cruel tests on animals (usually). Not to mention the others evils such as cloning, embryonic stem cell research, human/animal hybrids and so on. There is such a great need for ethical scientists today. Where have they all gone?

The second gem of wisdom in this quote is that cruelty to animals deadens human's senses. It is the starting point at which people move on to violence towards fellow humans. Furthermore, a large majority of role models were kind to animals. Take for example, St. Francis or William Wilberforce, who both fought to make slavery illegal in England and also founded the first SPCA.

For more information on why we should not support animal testing please visit this website:
http://veganpeace.com/animal_cruelty/animal_testing.htm (warning: graphic pictures)

Pulling weeds and trying new products

2009-01-02T14:23:00.000-08:00

I was gardening quietly yesterday. It was the perfect day with the sun out, clear blue sky as far as the eye could see and a gentle breeze. I was going to attempt to come up with some profound metaphor for using weeds, but I decided to let creation do all the talking.

and now for something completely different! A product review for:
Kozy Shack Soy Vanilla Pudding Cups

The texture was amazingly creamy. I just wanted to roll it around my tongue. The taste was pretty good too. Just the right amount of sweetness and vanilla flavour. It did have a distinct soy taste, but not in a negative way. Overall, I would buy it again when I have spare cash for treats. I give it 4 stars. They have chocolate pudding too! I will try it next.

Its a sin

2008-12-31T21:36:00.000-08:00

The Oxford's new dictionary aimed at children has taken out words such as sin and added words like blog and MP3 player. While I understand the need to keep up with the times, the words they took out were important. (Read the story: here) Baudelaire wisely noted that: "the devil's best trick was to convince us he doesn't exist". In a world that is increasingly falling apart we would do well to remember the definition of sin. Of course there is the religious implications of a society that blurs the lines, but in the late 1800s Durkheim (a Sociologist) came to the conclusion that the moral confusion that comes with modernity led to higher suicide rates. This is a phenomenon he called anomie.

Only so much one can do.

2008-12-20T22:43:00.000-08:00

I look around me and see so much cruelty so much hate. I do believe love will triumph one day, but in the meantime it can be so hard to take. I wish I had an endless amount of time and money and words to give to the causes I care about, but I don't. Especially money this time of year and with the way the economy is going.... It's so frustrating sometimes. There's only so much one person can do. I feel like I'm trying to drain the ocean with an eyedropper.

Goulash

2008-12-16T22:01:00.000-08:00

I cook much like the way I was raised (minus the meat.) For the most part it is simple cooking with non-expensive ingredients. Both my parents are decent cooks who don't really use recipes. They throw stuff together that sounds good and it usually ends up being tasty. This is why I don't really post recipes often, but for some reason I have had the urge too.

This is a meatless take on a meal growing up that my parents called "Goulash"
(measurements are basically guesses)

1 cup cooked pasta (elbow or shells)
3/4 cup spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup corn
1/2 cup garbanzo beans (also known as chickpeas)
any other veggies you want.

Throw it in a pan and heat and serve.

Now for some ideas for giving back this season:
Donate cans to your local food pantry. Canned food can be bought relatively cheaply. Here you can buy a can of veggies, fruit or beans for $1. You can spend less than $5 to help someone who needs food. All over the news is stories of longer lines at food pantries with less to go around.

An eco-tip:
There are many ways to save wrapping paper: Use bags that you can reuse or reuse old wrapping paper. Wrap presents in old paper shopping bags, cloth or old ads.

Have a merry Christmas all and a happy holiday season. :)

Vegan Cookies part 2

2008-12-14T18:09:00.000-08:00

Argh! The pictures aren't working.... oh well.
Here is the link to the recipe I thought some might want it:
Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup flour (I use organic, unbleached, white flour)
1/2 cup sugar (I use Florida Crystals)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoon oil
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 egg replacer
cinnamon and sugar for coating
http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=6394.0

The changes I made were instead of egg replacer I used a tablespoon of lemon juice and added an extra tablespoon of maple syrup. They came out a little crumbly but otherwise perfect. I also decorated them instead of putting cinnamon and sugar.

Joyful Vegan Baking

2008-12-06T23:37:00.001-08:00

I love Christmas cookies!
I baked and decorated sugar cookies tonight, I felt like a little kid.
I'll probably post pictures later.

Attacks on Free speech

2008-11-30T14:43:00.000-08:00

Thank you to the Canadian blog: ProWomanProLife
to alerting me to the threat to free speech that is occurring. For more information check out the blog (p.s. if you enjoy the blog as much as I do please vote for them for the Canadian bloggie awards) but I will give you a basic rundown of what happened. Pro-life groups are being told they can not hold up signs showing the realities of abortion,because they are too graphic. I would like to point out that as a life activist I do not use graphic images. However, this is a college campus, not an elementary school. These are adults and if they are old enough to have an abortion then they should be old enough to see what the aftermath looks like. Not to mention that you don't have to be pro-life to be outraged by the University's decision. You just have to enjoy free speech and want others (even those whom you may disagree with) to be able to enjoy that as well.
So, please take a look at this well-written sensible blog.

Recent Elections

2008-11-06T22:18:00.000-08:00

One good thing to come out of the recent elections was that Proposition 2, in California, passed. I was ecstatic. Prop 2 banned confining animals in crates. After all the sweat,tears,prayers,emails,blogs,flyers... I can't believe it passed!!

Not all the news was good. Proposition 4 or Sarah's law would have made it mandatory to inform gaurdians of a minors intent to have an abortion. It lost by 4% Pro-lifers will need to double their effort now. We can do it. I have faith. More sweat and tears and prayers are needed.

The dangers of abusing knowledge

2008-06-05T13:03:00.000-07:00

"Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering."
Luke 11:52

I was reading a post from a blog I frequent that is called R.A.G.E. Media. This is how they describe their mission

"R.A.G.E. Stands for Rebellious Affirmation of Greater Existence.

The phrase has a double meaning: First, that there is a greater existence for humanity than we generally realize. We sell ourselves short, in other words, of our potential and our purpose. Secondly, that there is a superior being greater than ourselves. "

The post was about embryonic stem cell research specifically, but I have been thinking a lot about how many scientists are abusing the knowledge that our creator gave to us as a gift. Their is great danger in doing so. It sounds silly, but you can look at old science fiction novels to see where our society is headed and how eerily accurate they have been so far. Yes, it is still fiction, but all fiction is rooted in some fact. Schindler's list is a good example of this point. The blog quotes a sci fi computer game where a robot sings about science. Read the lyrics and blog here. One of the things the robot says is 'we do what we must because we can.' It really struck a cord with me. This seems to be the philosophy of the many unethical scientists of today. It must have been a divine appointment then when I was reading C.S. Lewis' Out of the Silent Planet and came across these quotes:

"You cannot be so small minded as to think that the rights or the life of an individual or of a million individuals are of the slightest importance in comparison with this [advancement of science] "

"I happen to disagree," said Ransom, "and I always have disagreed even about vivisection[animal dissection/testing]... " (pg.29)

I added the words in the brackets to elaborate. It just chills me that some people really feel this way. So, what will history say about us? That we wasted the brain God gave us or that we used our knowledge wisely? That we created something terrible and monstrous such as in the movie I am Legend or that we created (ethically) something that enriched and/or saved lives? Will the history books declare "Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.(Deuteronomy 4:6) With the way things are going I am glad we have a master author with a plan.

Mother's day

2008-05-11T13:37:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 10:31
"10A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her.
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

I cut parts of it out, only because it is a very long passage, but worth reading all of it. If you are a young woman (such as myself) it should be the reference for the characteristics we should strive for. I thought these verses were relevant to today. Especially the last few where we are called to praise and bless our mothers for all they do for us.

Now, I'd like to speak about two issues close to my heart. (No, I will not let politics take a holiday off as a subject of my blog. Injustice never sleeps, so neither will I.)

The first is abortion. Please give pregnant mothers hope and an alternative option. Please support local pregnancy centers. Donate time, money or items to them. You can even donate for free by using the search engine good search. I bring up abortion as a topic for mothers day because abortion not only effects the child, but the mother as well. I love and respect women. The "pro-choice" movement has deluded America into thinking being anti-abortion is the same as being anti-woman. How can I be against my own gender?

The other issue is the treatment of mother hens and cows in factory farms. Please take a look at these other blogs:
universal mothering
Maternal instincts belong to all animals

because they deserve better.

2008-04-17T00:19:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post a few lyrics from Relient K's song Death Bed. It is a beautiful song/story about redemption.

[Jon Foreman of Switchfoot sings, as the voice of Jesus:]
I am the Way
Follow Me
And take My hand
And I am the Truth
Embrace Me and you'll understand
And I am the Light
And for Me you'll live again
For I am Love
I am Love
I, I am Love

(thanks to http://www.findlyrics.com/relient_k/death_bed/)

It is a long song, almost 11 minutes, but well worth it. It is so well written.

The face of abortion

2008-04-13T18:53:00.000-07:00

In 1970, three years before Roe vs. Wade knocked down all laws against abortion in the United States, California had already legalized abortion. Sarah’s mother, Betty, had an abortion in Los Angeles. Neither she nor the the abortionist realized she was carrying twins. As a result, one of the twins--Sarah--survived the abortion.

"Somehow, miraculously, I survived!" says Sarah. "My twin brother wasn’t so lucky. Andrew was aborted and we lost him forever. Several weeks later, my mother was shocked to feel me kicking in her womb. She already had five children and she knew what it felt like when a baby kicked in the womb. She instantly knew that somehow she was still pregnant." Sarah’s mother went back to the doctor and told him she was still pregnant, that she had made a big mistake and that she wanted to keep this baby.

"To this day, my mother deeply regrets that abortion," says Sarah. "I know the pain is unbearable for her at times when she looks at me and knows she aborted my twin brother. Mom says ‘the protective hand of Almighty God saved my life,’ that God’s hand covered and hid me in her womb, and protected me from the scalpel of death."

Sarah survived the abortion, but was born with bilateral, congenital dislocated hips and many other physical handicaps. Nine days after her birth she was taken to an orthopedic surgeon who applied a cast to each of her tiny legs. "My mom would remove these casts with pliers every Monday morning and take me to the doctor to have new casts put on," she recounts. "At six weeks I was put into my first body cast. Many surgeries and body casts followed over the next few years."

Sarah’s life has been painful in many ways, and her future holds more painful surgeries for her. Yet Sarah says she continually thanks God she survived the abortion. But the pain is not hers alone and not merely physical. The emotional pain continues, she says, for everyone in her family. "In memory of my brother Andrew, we bought a memorial gravestone and placed it in a cemetery in Southern California. It reads: Andrew James Smith, Twin Brother of Sarah - in our hearts you’ll always be alive - November 1970."

On April 24, 1996, Sarah Smith delivered a powerful address at the international "Congress for Life" in Rome, organized by the Legionaries of Christ to celebrate the first anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s encyclical letter Evangelium Vitae - The Gospel of Life. Sarah told the conference how she came to discover the dreadful secret that she had somehow intuitively felt:

"I did not know of the abortion until I was 12 years old. I grew up feeling that I was the same as my friends, except for having numerous surgeries and physical complications. The only difference I felt was an incredible loneliness and a knowledge that something was missing. I never felt whole.
"I battled with severe depression and found myself dying of anorexia nervosa at age 12, when my mother knew it was time to tell me the truth. She sat next to me and took my hand and looked me in the eyes and said, 'Sarah, you are a twin. I aborted your twin brother and tried to abort you. Please know I did not know what I was doing and I pray someday you are able to forgive me. I love you and need you to know that you are a welcome part of our family.'

"At that moment I knew what I had been missing all my life and that I was called to something much greater than I had knowledge of. Immediately I felt the overwhelming pain of the knowledge that I should be dead.

"As I stand before you today," Sarah told her Rome audience, "I am painfully aware that this is only possible because my twin brother took a scalpel for me, and I stand in his place and memory, giving him honor and a face. Statistics are coldly impersonal and cannot convey the human tragedy of the abortion slaughter. Thirty-two million babies [have been] killed in the United States alone. Yet every one had a face, a life, a Creator who loved them and created them in His image. As you look at me today, you realize that I am no different than you, yet I stand before you today a representative of the dead - a representative of the innocent lives who today may lose their lives. Who will speak for them?"

politics

2008-04-04T13:32:00.000-07:00

What is wrong with people? Why do so many people feel you can only support animals or humans and not both? This isn't Sophie's choice. It is quite possible to dedicate half your time,money and effort to both causes. Must animals suffer just because humans do? I poise this question to both animal rights activists and pro-life activists. You are both, generally, hypocritical and inconsistent. Animal rights activists: Please consider the basic right of unborn humans to live. Also, consider the welfare of the mother. Abortion isn't the easy choice. There are women who suffer physically and/or mentally from abortion. To pro-life activists: Stop this insane crusade against animals. Especially, those of you who are religious. Take a moment to actually read your bible and consider the fruits of the spirit in Galatians: "For the fruit of the spirit is love, joy,peace,patience,kindness,gentleness and self control. Against such there is no law"
and to all: Don't blindly swallow the common thoughts of those around you. Don't blindly swallow anything I have to say either. Use criticial thinking. USE YOUR BRAIN.

Though I do not agree with 100% of the content on these websites here are some good links:
"Abortion and Animals rights: The connection"
http://www.all-creatures.org/discuss/abor-ar.html
"Coming to terms with Abortion and animal rights"
http://www.notmilk.com/abortion2.html
pro-life vegan group on livejournal
http://community.livejournal.com/prolife_vegans/

2008-01-25T13:47:00.000-08:00

It has been pouring rain here in "sunny" southern California. A few days ago after a particularly bad day at work I got into my car to drive home and grumbled at the weather. "How appropriate" I thought as the gloom reflected my mood. Then, suddenly I saw it or rather them. Not one but two rainbows flashing colorfully in the sky. A sign perhaps. A gentle whispering from God. I'm still here. I care.

"God continued, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and everything living around you and everyone living after you. I'm putting my rainbow in the clouds, a sign of the covenant between me and the Earth."
-Genesis 9:12-16

2008-01-23T10:05:00.001-08:00

America is a nation of walking dead. Britney Spears is a good example of this. She is slowly killing herself and destroying the lives of her children. Our media looks on and treats her like a freak show instead of getting her the help she needs. Now more than ever do we need God's healing. So many youth are trapped in by mind-numbing materialism, vanity and the despair that comes from being so far from your loving creator. So many lost souls. So many turning to eating disorders, self-mutilation and suicide. I am but one person trying desperately to shake the senses into my generation. Awake America's Christians! We have the key to unlock the chains these lost souls do not even realize bind them. How can you not be moved by their plight? In the least you should be praying for them. If your spirituality begins and ends on a church pew you have not fully understood the gospel!

2008-01-08T00:28:00.000-08:00

Don't We All
Author: Unknown

I was parked in front of the mall wiping off my car. I had just come from the car wash and was waiting for my wife to get out of work. Coming my way from across the parking lot was what society would consider a bum.

From the looks of him, he had no car, no home, no clean clothes, and no money. There are times when you feel generous but there are other times that you just don't want to be bothered. This was one of those "don't want to be bothered times." "I hope he doesn't ask me for any money," I thought.

He didn't!

He came and sat on the curb in front of the bus stop but he didn't look like he could have enough money to even ride the bus. After a few minutes he spoke.

"That's a very pretty car," he said.
He was ragged but he had an air of dignity around him. His scraggly blond beard keep more than his face warm.
I said, "thanks," and continued wiping off my car.

He sat there quietly as I worked. The expected plea for money never came. As the silence between us widened something inside said, "ask him if he needs any help." I was sure that he would say "yes" but I held true to the inner voice.

"Do you need any help?" I asked.

He answered in three simple but profound words that I shall never forget. We often look for wisdom in great men and women. We expect it from those of higher learning and accomplishments.

I expected nothing but an outstretched grimy hand. He spoke the three words that shook me. "Don't we all?" he said.

I was feeling high and mighty, successful and important, above a bum in the street, until those three words hit me like a twelve gauge shotgun.

Don't we all?

I needed help. Maybe not for bus fare or a place to sleep, but I needed help. I reached in my wallet and gave him not only enough for bus fare, but enough to get a warm meal and shelter for the day. Those three little words still ring true. No matter how much you have, no matter how much you have accomplished, you need help too. No matter how little you have, no matter how loaded you are with problems, even without money or a place to sleep, you can give help.

Even if it's just a compliment, you can give that.
You never know when you may see someone that appears to have it all.

They are waiting on you to give them what they don't have. A different perspective on life, a glimpse at something beautiful, a respite from daily chaos, that only you through a torn world can see. Maybe the man was just a homeless stranger wandering the streets. Maybe he was more than that.

Maybe he was sent by a power that is great and wise, to minister to a soul too comfortable in themselves.

Maybe God looked down, called an Angel, dressed him like a bum, then said, "go minister to that man cleaning the car, that man needs help." Don't we all?

I recieved this story from a pal on the care2 website. Thank you!

Soothing Lentil soup

2008-01-06T17:09:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been sick for the last few days and haven't cooked much. I know I don't post recipes often anyway, but the last two things I baked turned out poorly. So, I've been relying on cans of chili and baked beans etc. They are fine but not as well balanced as I normally try to eat. Luckily I turned to some fool-proof comfort food. I pulled out the crockpot (or slow-cooker), tossed in the ingredients and let it do the work while I went to church. When I got home I had a big pot of steaming soup waiting for me. A perfect lunch for a sore throat.

Lentil Soup
-4 cups water
-1 cup dried lentils (picked through)
-2-3 baby carrots
-1 small potato or 1/2 a medium sized one
- 1 radish
-1 celery stalk
- 1/8 cup onion, diced
-salt and other spices (i.e. dried oregano,pepper) to taste

Plug in crockpot and pour water and lentils in. Turn on high w/ lid off while preparing veggies. Wash and chop veggies and add to pot. Add a small amount of seasonings. Put lid on and leave for about 3 hours. Towards end you can check and taste to see if you want to add more seasoning, but try to leave lid on. Note: you may substitute split peas with lentils and just use carrots and celery (maybe even some zucchini.)
Enjoy!

For unto us, a child is given

2007-12-24T18:36:00.001-08:00

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
(Luke 2:11-14)

"Jesus loves you" you hear it everywhere. You see it up close on the bumper sticker as a well-meaning Christian cuts you off. So, who exactly does Jesus love and who did he come to earth wrapped in our skin for? I will tell you. He came for the man who owns the adult bookstore, the women in the videos, the poor widow in India, the slobbering drunk on skid row, the starving child in Uganda, the Christian who cut you off and the "righteous" man/woman sitting in church who thinks they are too holy to give to the poor widow in India or the starving child in Uganda. Who, also, does not think to pray for them or the slobbering drunk, or their friends, family and missionaries. He was born and died and even better rose again for all of us. His love knows no bounds.

" And the first time that You opened Your eyes
Did you realize that You would be my Savior
And the first breath that left Your lips
Did you know that it would change this world forever"
-Relient K "I celebrate the day"

Joy

2007-12-13T23:57:00.000-08:00

Tis the season they say. My best friend passed away a few years ago and I have seldom felt Joy since. Sure, I have felt happy or silly and have laughed at a good joke, but that is entirely different from true Joy. When I first became a Christian and freed myself to Christ's love was the first time I experienced Joy. The second time was when I made a commitment to live a cruelty-free lifestyle. I hadn't had the pleasure in quite some time until the Lord blessed me this week. One instance was when I was telling stories about animals to my baby nephew. The second was a few nights ago when I was driving home from work. I was singing gospel/worship songs and was elated by joy and overcome with peace.
So today and all season long I wish you and your family Joy and Peace.

Thanksgiving prayer

2007-11-20T17:14:00.000-08:00

Abba Father,
Thank you first and for most for the gift of salvation and for the sacrifice on the cross. Thank you for blessing us with the bounty of food and the time spent with family. I pray we remember those less fortunate then us today. I lift up the troops overseas and pray that you will keep them safe. I pray you will heal and comfort the people suffering around the world.
In your blessed name,
Amen

Recipe

2007-11-13T17:41:00.000-08:00

Roasted Fall vegetable medley
1/2 sweet potato
2 small onions (about the size of pearl onions)
3 baby carrots
1 small red potato
olive oil
dash salt
dried herbs (i.e. basil, oregano etc) to taste

In the bottom of a small ceramic dish drizzle olive oil (a few tablespoons should do it.) Dice veggies and any other veggies you like (i.e. zucchini, squash) and place in dish. Sprinkle herbs and salt on top. Roast/bake on 350 for about 20 minutes. Best served with a slice of multi-grain toast and a cup of steaming apple cider.

Excerpt from psalms

2007-11-13T17:22:00.000-08:00

"How lovely are your dwelling places,
O Lord of hosts!
My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the Lord;
My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
The bird also has found a house,
And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young,
Even your altars, O Lord of hosts,
My king and my God.
How blessed are those who dwell in your house!
They are ever praising You."
Psalm 84:1-4 (NAS version)

Being a nature lover, I like the verses that speak of creation. The message version or verse four states "Birds find nooks and crannies in your house, sparrows and swallows make nests there. They lay their eggs and raise their young, singing their songs in the place where we worship."
It reminds me of how church is a small resting place for my soul from the weary of this world. How much more so will heaven be!!
"indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same "
-Indescribable by Chris Tomlin

2007-11-08T13:54:00.000-08:00

Something is radically wrong with this world. It takes a radical kind of love to fix it. Sometimes I want to throw up my hands ,"Jesus, You must be CRAZY to love me this much." Behind all my imperfections lies the glory and grace of God. It matters not what we bring to the table. If you wait for yourself to be perfect to live for God or witness to others you will never do it! It is deceptively simple yet frighteningly freeing to realize this! As the ragamuffin gospel states: "Why are we do afraid to love?" ! and why are we so afraid of God's love?

Pray for America

2007-08-19T16:42:00.001-07:00

Ok, this may sound strange but this is important. Please pray for American Celebrities like Lindsey Lohan and Paris Hilton. Lots of young girls look up to them and they are ruining their lives. Pray that they find peace and fulfillment in having a relationship with God rather than a temporary vain happiness found in drugs and partying. If even one of them found Christ that would be amazing for them and for all those who look to them as role models!

Mutually exclusive?

2007-08-07T13:46:00.000-07:00

Many people act as if those working for better conditions for animals care nothing for humans. I find the opposite to be true if you really look. This may be the mindset of some folks, but it is unfair to make a blanket generalization. As Christians, this is particularly important as we are called to be compassionate as Christ was.

all-creatures.org says:
"
"And He said to them, "Go into the world and preach the gospel to all creation." (Mark 16:15)
The Greek word for creation, ktisis, relates to all creation! Taking The Great Commission in combination with several other passages relating to God’s concern for, and salvation of, His creation leads us to the Christian’s obligation to actively care about and for animals. Remember, all creation is known as "General" or "Natural" Revelation; that is, God’s visible proof of His act as Creator (Romans 1:20). Following The Great Commission by sharing the Gospel with all people as well as caring for animals can be uniquely done in a joint effort. "

National Day of Prayer

2007-05-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

"But, Oh what a death is to strive and labour,
to be always in a hurry and yet do nothing!"
Sound familiar? I know I am constantly rushing around and yet what does this busying going to do in the long run? Not much in the grand scheme of things. This quote may sound like it was written by a busy college student of today, but it was penned many years ago by a Puritan. Take a moment from your busy day today and spend some time in prayer. Not just because it is national day of prayer, but because it is important to have a strong relationship with your creator.

(quote from the valley of vision)

Veganism and Spirituality

2007-04-22T13:58:00.000-07:00

I visited my friends church today as her dad was speaking on simplicity. These are a few benefits of vegetarianism that I have seen in my life. 1. Vegans* live simply. Meat has always been a sign of wealth and extravagance. It still is viewed this way in many cultures around the world. 2. We have an appreciation of God's creation. Most Christian vegans that I know have an ability and insight to stand in awe of the beauty of nature and animals than other Christians. 3. When we extend compassion to even the smallest of life it seems easier to be kind to our human neighbors. I became a Christian around the same time that I became vegan so this is some observations I've made in my life and how God has grown me. God bless all! (*note I use vegan but this is true for vegetarians also)

Quotes

2007-02-05T17:02:00.000-08:00

"The church is not a museum for saints but a hospital for sinners."
-Morton Kelsey

"We're free Narnians, Hwin and I, and I suppose, if you're running away to Narnia you want to be one too. In that case Hwin isn't your horse any longer. One might just as well say you're her human."
-Chronicles of Narnia

Psalms

2007-01-10T12:34:00.000-08:00

"Blessed is he who has regard for the weak;
The Lord delivers him in times of trouble."
Psalm 41:1

"O Lord, you preserve both man and beast.
How priceless is your unfailing love!"
Psalm 36

The all (or should I saw new?) American lunch

2006-11-20T13:12:00.000-08:00

Today I had Amy's california burger on food for life's wheat bran bread with mustard, tomato and sauteed onions. MMMMMMMM I also had a "milk"shake with it. It reminded me kinda of the 50s having a shake and burger for lunch. I don't normally post recipes here, but this shake recipe I got from my mother's cookbook was good. Well, by the time I veganized it and played around a little it is hardly like the original recipe. I call it "Monkey Madness"

Monkey Madness:
1 banana
1/2 cup vanilla rice milk (or soy)
1/4 cup orange juice concentrate
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon nutmeg

So it tastes to me like a cross between orange julius and eggnog. Hmmm... I thought it was good, but it's probably a preferred taste.

Compassion with a fork

2006-10-03T08:01:00.000-07:00

I don't understand why most people would agree that certain things like dog fighting are morally wrong and that as Christians we should not participate or associate with it. Yet, mention the fact that you are a vegetarian or vegan and many will snub you or act downright rude making atrocious comments. Is this not the same thing? The conditions the animals endure in factory farms are probably even more harsh then that of a dog or bird fight. Hypocricy or insecurity because they know they are wrong?

Adapted nursery rhymes

2006-09-15T21:48:00.000-07:00

Snail,Snail
Come out of your hole
And greet the little foal.
Snail, Snail,
Put out your head
All the little animals share a feast of bread.

Lady-bird, Lady-bird
Fly away home,
Your house is a mess,
Your children need to learn.

They aren't that great, but atleast they aren't violent like the original versions. I was inspired by this site.

Peace and Blessings in His name

2006-07-21T21:31:00.000-07:00

"Though my father and mother forsake me,The Lord will recieve me.
Teach me your way, O Lord;
lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up againse me, breathing out violence.
I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living
Wait for the Lord; Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord"
Psalm 27:10-14

With all of what is going on in the world today, though I feel far away from it, it is easy to feel frightened. Reading through Psalms is a good reminder that God will never leave us. Wars come and go, but God is eternal. Tonight I will pray for peace and the comfort of those who have already been affected by the wars occuring in the middle east. I hope that God blesses and protects you and your family.

I hope you know the ultimate peace of knowing Jesus Christ, our Lord and savior.

Those Words Are Not Enough

feelings, inside of my head
i don't know, but i'm thinking about you
understand that it's so hard to tell you, cause you already know
you already know
when it's twice as hard to realize
that i'm still trying twice as hard to satisfy myself on my own

and i'm still waiting for things to change
i lay my life before you, and i'm not getting up
father, how i adore you
those words are not enough
father, know i love you, and know i am wrong
Lord, please take my life
make me your son
make me your son

-Relient K

Amazing Grace

2006-07-20T22:20:00.000-07:00

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

I read in one of the Left Behind series novels about a Character, Buck, who was so overcome with emotion when hearing this song for the first time as a Christian that he could not sing it. I found this quite ironic considering my own situation. I, like Buck, can not sing this song without being too overwhelmed with mixed feelings. The last two times I sang this song flood my mind with memories. The first, was on a school fieldtrip for choir. My best friend and I were waiting outside the college chapel to perform with the rest of our chorus. We sang Amazing Grace together as we often did our own private duets. She died two years ago from yesterday. It is hard to believe it's been two years since I last spoke to the one person who knew me best. The second time was outside the hospital where I visited my Grandmother for the last time. So much sorrow accompanies this song, yet so many happy memories. And the message! What hope for us who were once lost and those who still are. It truly is amazing to think of all God has done in my life since I lost two people whom I loved dearly in 2004. I urge that if you are reading this and you are not a Christian please take a look at http://www.wayofthemaster.com/ or read through 1 John, Mark and Luke if you have access to a bible.