https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/notapoet7276/Notapoet, despite unfounded accusations of irreverence, is a deeply religious and spiritual person. It's his damned unconventional beliefs that keep putting people off.hourly12000-01-01T12:00+00:00https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/notapoet7276/628366One of the problems associated with listening to people who like to quote a Bible verse in support of their side of an argument is that far too often the verse in question is taken out of context. I believe one should always go to the source and read verses preceding and following the quoted...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/notapoet7276/627980If one reads a Bible, any translation, I find it hard to believe the reader could come to any other conclusion. I own five Bibles, including three study editions of different translations, a prayer book, a concordance, and several books and religious tracts. I've given away far more than that...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/notapoet7276/623049I believe those who claim to be Christian, especially the so-called “Christian Right,” should spend some time actually reading their Bibles rather than thumping them while spewing some of the most ridiculous anti-Christian nonsense I've ever heard. They should pay particular attention to the...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/notapoet7276/618799I believe we should say "Thank you" for every little kindness life throws our way. Even small kindnesses are not that common in today's world. For that reason they should not be allowed to pass without acknowledgment.https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/notapoet7276/618007I believe the greatest legacy any of us may leave is in how we are remembered by family and friends. Not all of us can be beautiful, talented, or among the great movers and shakers of the world. But each of us leaves at least at least a small impact behind. To me, a fond smile and and a happy...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/notapoet7276/616680I believe hard times test the soul, or whatever else you care to call it. A person's soul, character, inner essence, and myriad other words and phrases deal with the core that defines each person. Whether you are a devout Bible reader, free thinker, or keen observer of human nature and behavior,...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/notapoet7276/609396I believe that spiritual values such as faith, hope and charity, carry more worth and meaning than all the material trappings of life. Like many people, I would prefer to be wealthy and powerful, rather than poor and insignificant. Indeed, I still dream of wealth and power, but not as the be all...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/notapoet7276/591421change, for good or ill, is inevitable and must be coped with. The best way of coping with change is to accept it and make the best of it. today signifies a change in the governing of the United States that is long overdue. We will not be unanimous in our support of all the change that is to come...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/notapoet7276/589946when times are tough, the tough consciously shrug off feelings of hopelessness and despair -- and get going on the difficult task of reshaping reality. the good and get going with one hand reaching forward toward tomorrow -- and the other hand behind pulling another along. the truly generous will...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/notapoet7276/587665each new year presents a new opportunity to make the best of the rest of our lives. It’s up to us to follow up on the opportunity. Happy New Year, everyone!https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/notapoet7276/581977most of us have much to be thankful for, if only we take time to reflect and remember. Even in dire economic times we should appreciate the small blessings we have, be thankful for what good fortune and prosperity we may have enjoyed in the past, and be thankful for the opportunity to forge ahead...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/notapoet7276/581342professing to be Christian entails much more than simply attending a church of a perceived Christian denomination. It involves a life of trying to learn and follow the teaching and example of Jesus. Not the often contradictory laws and regulations of the Old Testament, other than those parts...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/notapoet7276/580086in a destiny that is attainable if we have the resolve and strength of character to go after it, rather than a predetermined future. It seems to me that belief in a map of the future over which we have no control is a cop out that makes it far too easy to accept the status quo. Freedom, including...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/notapoet7276/577767a day of rest and contemplation is good for both the spirit and the mind. Such a belief does not prohibit work that is necessary, but one should not become so ambitious and so enamored with productivity that no day of rest for spirit, mind and body is taken on a regular basis. there is much good...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/notapoet7276/576716in truth and fairness in our dealings with each other, including on the political battlefield where half-truths, misdirection, and outright lies have been nearly as common as campaign promises. Although I rarely quote scripture, sometimes the old “thou shalt nots,” also known as the Ten...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/notapoet7276/567197charity should start at home. There is something wrong when one of the richest countries in the world provides millions and billions to aid the hungry, homeless, and sick of other lands while turning a nearly blind eye and an almost deaf ear to those same problems within its own borders. the...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/notapoet7276/566578we should learn to forgive others whenever possible. Holding a grudge is easy, and rarely solves anything. Forgiveness is hard, but is also as close to a sacred act as most of us will ever be able to perform. we should also learn to forgive ourselves of our trespasses while choosing to go forth...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/notapoet7276/566405in freedom of choice as well as freedom of individuals to do as they please in their personal lives -- as long as the choices of the individual don’t tromp on the freedom of others. in the greater good of the whole over the wishes of the few -- as long as pursuing the greater good does not result...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/notapoet7276/555409in most of the "thou shalts" and "thou shalt nots" out of the christian bible, as well as the don'ts of the well-known "seven vices," as guiding principles for a moral life. I do, however, get a little confused by the different versions of the 10 (11? 14?) commandments in different "standard"...