I have a blog

After reading my dear Alberto's blog, I have decided to finally start my own online journal. No, I am not starting a Xanga, so I still cannot comment on the blogs of my many Xanga-junkie friends. And those of you who have been coaching me on how to increase my Asian-ness rating will surely scorn me. Ah well, maybe I will join friendster next to redeem myself. maybe not. But after much consideration, I've decided it would be more considerate towards my beloved friends if I place my many random ramblings in this amorphous space, rather than talking/typing their ears off all the time.

Having said that, I shall commence my ramblings :)

1.) I'm feeling particularly irked at the moment by people who claim to be Christian, and yet allow their lives to be governed by shame. That is not to say Christian's don't do many things for which we have good reason to be ashamed. Nor is it to say that there aren't many "Christians" (and non-Christians for that matter) out there who will judge you. But it is to say that the Lord loves a humble and contrite spirit. It is to say that He has given to those who will repent and believe the right to be called Children of God. "So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'" (Hebrews 13:6). Sometimes I just want to take certain people and shake them until they either acknowledge that they have no repentance (though why feel ashamed if that really is the case?), or else lay claim to the Grace offered them and have the boldness to let go of their shame.

Alas I am so frequently that sort of Christian. Those of you who constantly scorn me for my compulsive apologizing will surely testify to this.

2.) I was reading the trib a few days ago, and I read an article which quoted Keyes' arguments against abortion, followed by a Democrat's response to the effect of, "I hope Keyes will continue to be heard by the public--everytime he opens his mouth he gives more people reason to vote democratic." That annoyed me. Almost made me want to vote for Keyes instead of Obama, which is sad cuz I love Obama--his passions resonate very clearly with my own. Also reminded me of a discussion I listened to in China during which Dan claimed that the abortion issue is a deciding factor for many voters, which I must disagree with because if it were true, I would have to vote for Bush. But clearly I could not do that with a clear conscience, given the international community, his domestic policy, the environment, the economy, etc etc.... What I have concluded is that I hate politics, and I wish I could find the politicians who understand respect for life as a seamless garment. I also wish there were more Christians who would properly understand that concept and speak out for it. No doubt my own silence is to blame. Perhaps this blog will be a start to my own advocacy. Maybe somebody will read this and decide to hold me accountable.

okay. done rambling for today. have a nice day.