The Social Porcupine

This last Sunday, August 21, I was baptized along with one of my brothers and one of my sisters. I had believed in Yeshua quite a few years ago, but was uncertain for a long time about what I believed about baptism. Was is necessary to do? Is it part of being saved? Must one be baptized to be saved? And what does baptism mean? For a long while I thought baptism unnecessary, that we were now baptized through the Holy Spirit and Fire (Matt 3:12). But then I started a Bible correspondence study called Lamp and Light Bible. Some verses they brought up showed that this was totally true... When Jesus gave the great commission, he included baptism. (Mark 16:15-16) He, Himself was baptized - though this could be argued that this was for the purpose of fulfilling the old law. But what most convinced me was of the examples afterwards, of His followers baptizing people in His name. If it wasn't right and good why would they still be doing it? (Acts 2:38, Acts 22:11-16) ...

Siblings sometimes have weird, random conversations. A lot of the times they can be very hilarious. So funny that you have got to share them ;) So, that is just what I'm going to do. The other night we were on our way youth group when the following occurred: – by the way, our youth group is one of the few good youth groups lol ;b, as most of the kids going are home-schooled. People: Mom Me Jonathan (18) Jerushah (17) Jesse (15) Beckah Jo (14) Josiah (13) And other little ones…. Jonathan: I'm going to make this bumper sticker that says, “Tough cowboys don't drink. They say no.” Everyone: *chattering about what we think about it, changing the wording, thinking of better ways to word it. We tell mom to turn the radio down, and tell her of Jonathan's 'brilliant' idea.* Me: But it's actually not true. Mom: Yes. It's not tough to drink. Jerushah and Beckah Jo: *knowing what I'm going to say some how* They drink milk, ...

How can one use criticism to grow instead of break down and feel condemned? How can you master pride yet keep your self-worth, even if you are right? Impossible it seems. It's a very hard thing… It's easier if you are actually wrong – or at least the answer is easier to give. Haha. Just get over yourself. Accept the correction. Just change. But when you aren't wrong? (And when you are truly not in denial) I think most of us will find ourselves facing this one time or another. But not often – because normally, let's face it. We are wrong. We deserve the criticism. And even if there is wrong on the other side, there is usually just as much fault if not more on our side. But there will be those few times when this is not the case. And this can be very hurtful, and even discouraging if the people accusing are very close, yet not open to what's true. Still we need to remember a few things, so we don't join the wrong side. Because it's very eas...

Laughter. There's something about it. You either hate it or love it. It can be distracting, addicting, or even contagious – all in good ways. Attractive, beautiful, meaningful. But hopefully it's never repulsive, obnoxious, and disturbing ;b Haha... I mean some would think so… But… really, what sort of minds do they have!? Lol. Some people will love you for your laugh. And then there will be those that hate you for it. That can sometimes be discouraging, and even make one want to quit laughing. But should you? Is laughing something that should be controlled, or is it something to be encouraged? Even in ourselves? I must say I have a very STRONG opinion on this… but first I'll share some verses. A joyful heart makes a cheerful face (smiling is the first step to laughing ;b) , But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken. ~ Proverbs 15:13 According to Proverbs 31, the virtuous woman laughs without fear of the future. Now that might sound a lit...

Welcome to the launch of Song of the Sword , the second novella in the Legends of Light series! Although the history of Aslaria and the conflict between the Prince and the rebel, Tauscher, flows chronologically through the series, each novella is a stand-alone retelling of a favorite fairy tale. Each story in this nine novella series focuses on one of the nine aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit while also retelling popular fairy tales in a clean, exciting, and inspiring manner. A glittering sword. An ancient oath. A blackened rose. And a melody which ties it all together. Evrard and Roinette, twins separated at birth, are caught in a battle beyond their own limited powers. With their ability to walk in the melody realm, catching glimpses of the light and darkness underlying Aslaria, comes even more danger. Deadly mistbenders. Writhing walls of blankness. Hateful drumbeats. As a warrior in the Melody, Evrard has seen it all. But his own ability in the melod...