Justin

I'm currently brainstorming a little. I'm working on a story that, if finished, I'll probably use in some form for my AP English class. It's set in a fictional society, on an abstract Earth, with their own pantheon of dieties which do exist. The mythos at first glance probably seem decidedly Greek-esque, however, upon closer examination, you should find other inspirations as well. I'll begin with the creation story, move thorugh the pantheon, and onto whatever else. I'll appreciate suggestions/offers to help/whatever, but I'll work as though I'm on Word brainstorming. [COLOR=Magenta]Celcyonae[/COLOR] [COLOR=Blue]Gods[/COLOR] [COLOR=DeepSkyBlue]Demi-gods[/COLOR] [COLOR=Red]Mortals[/COLOR] [COLOR=YellowGreen]Other Creatures[/COLOR] Creation Myth- Before the time of man, of heroes, and of legend, the earth was devoid of life. All life in the Cosmos resided in Celcyon--the Heavenly Forest from which all things came to be. Then, the eldest of the Celcyonis trees split asunder; transforming into the giant [COLOR=Magenta]Kalos[/COLOR]--the Father of the Gods. From Celcyon, [COLOR=Magenta]Kalos[/COLOR] descended down the great Taproot to the barren earth. Once there, he cut his own wrists, and his blood(which was pure sap of the Celcyonae) made the earth fertile, and made it flow with life. After centuries of wandering between Celcyon and Earth, [COLOR=Magenta]Kalos[/COLOR] became lonely. So he found the most beautiful tree in Celcyon, and with his sword, he cut it open. From it emerged [COLOR=Magenta]Myranea[/COLOR]--the mother of the gods. The two descended to Earth, and there built a great palace on the highest mountain(Gargincus), and from that mountain, they ruled the earth and all the creatures on it. It so happened that in the womb of [COLOR=Magenta]Myranea[/COLOR] there rested four Celcyon seeds, and one day she went into great pains as though giving birth. The seeds emerged. [COLOR=Magenta]Kalos[/COLOR] took the seeds, and planted each in its own garden. From the first seed, two seedlings sprang the next day. [COLOR=Magenta]Kalos[/COLOR] pulled them up, and cast them aside. From one, the first man came. From the other, the first woman. From the second seed, a mighty Celcyonic sapling grew within a week. [COLOR=Magenta]Kalos[/COLOR] split it in half, and in its was the first child of [COLOR=Magenta]Myranea[/COLOR], the Celcyoness [COLOR=Magenta]Urh[/COLOR]. She was neither giant in size, nor eloquent in speech or manner, but she was powerful and beautiful. From the third, a great vine grew quickly. [COLOR=Magenta]Kalos[/COLOR] hacked it, and cast it into a pit. From it, a great dragon named [COLOR=YellowGreen]Myrdynos[/COLOR] was born. And from the fourth, a great tree grew within a day. [COLOR=Magenta]Kalos[/COLOR] split it, but there was nothing inside. So he wittled and carved it into a throne for himself. So time passed, men and women grew larger in number, and [COLOR=Magenta]Kalos's[/COLOR] heart grew with anger towards them. They were as smart, beautiful, and cunning as he. He hated them fiercely. He hated [COLOR=Magenta]Urh[/COLOR] for looking very much like them, and he cast her away. And he began slaughtering them. Eventually, [COLOR=Magenta]Kalos[/COLOR] and [COLOR=Magenta]Myranea[/COLOR] had their first child by conception, [COLOR=Blue]Excelcyon[/COLOR]. But he was not like them. He could change form at will, but had all their power. He was arrogant, and strongwilled. Their second was a daughter, [COLOR=Blue]Pyra[/COLOR], with the same arrogance as her brother. Their third was a son, [COLOR=Blue]Estus[/COLOR], who also was strong and arrogant. All three favored their half-sister, the Celcyoness [COLOR=Magenta]Urh[/COLOR], for she was sweet in spirit, but powerful as they were. She loved men and women, for she suffered with them. One day, [COLOR=Magenta]Kalos[/COLOR] struck [COLOR=Blue]Excelcyon[/COLOR] for lashing out against him. [COLOR=Blue]Excelcyon[/COLOR] went into a rage, and threw his father down Gargincus. For seven days, he wrestled his father. The sun blacked out, the skies and sea raged, the earth quaked; but there was no victor. Hearing the battle, [COLOR=Blue]Estus[/COLOR] came quickly to his brother's aid, and together they defeated [COLOR=Magenta]Kalos[/COLOR], and cast his off of the earth; down, down, down to the realm below--Niggisus: The barren land to which the base of the earth was attatched. [COLOR=Magenta]Myranea[/COLOR] fled Gargincus, and gathered to herself an army of fearful soldiers to take it back, and send [COLOR=Blue]Excelcyon[/COLOR] and [COLOR=Blue]Estus[/COLOR] to the same fate as her husband. But [COLOR=Blue]Pyra[/COLOR] interviened: She called a great inferno up from a crag in the earth, and incinerated [COLOR=Magenta]Myranea's[/COLOR] army. [COLOR=Magenta]Myranea[/COLOR] wrestled with [COLOR=Blue]Pyra[/COLOR] for a day, when [COLOR=Blue]Pyra[/COLOR] suddenly opened another crag in the earth...[COLOR=Magenta]Myranea[/COLOR] fell in, and [COLOR=Blue]Pyra[/COLOR] sealed it back with fire and magma. For two weeks, all seemed peaceful; but suddenly there was great shaking of the earth. Nothing could stop it. Not all the of the gods combined to end the quaking. [COLOR=Blue]Excelcyon[/COLOR] knew that it must be [COLOR=Magenta]Kalos[/COLOR]. On a great chariot, pulled by two mighty eagles, [COLOR=Blue]Excelcyon[/COLOR] flew down to Niggisus to face [COLOR=Magenta]Kalos[/COLOR] alone. He found the Celcyon chopping at the base of the earth with his sword. They fought fiercely for ten days, and finally [COLOR=Blue]Excelcyon[/COLOR] lashed a great immortal chain all about [COLOR=Magenta]Kalos's[/COLOR] body. With one hand, [COLOR=Blue]Excelcyon[/COLOR] broke the remainding base of the earth, and hoisted it up. With the other, he pushed [COLOR=Magenta]Kalos[/COLOR] down in a fetal position into the place where the earth rested. He lashed [COLOR=Magenta]Kalos[/COLOR] to the base of the earth, and rested the earth firmly on [COLOR=Magenta]Kalos's[/COLOR] back. From then on, the sky has been ruled by [COLOR=Blue]Excelcyon[/COLOR]. The seas have been ruled by [COLOR=Blue]Estus[/COLOR]. The earth has been ruled by [COLOR=Blue]Pyra[/COLOR]. [COLOR=Magenta]Urh[/COLOR] was made the advisor of the three. Pantheon- Excelcyon- Supreme god of the sky, sun, and weather. Pyra- Fire and earth Estus- Sea and wind Diapero- redemption, heroes, and flying creatures. He the also the mightiest of the three gods of war. Realus- God of fear and horses. Gossus- God of workmanship. Chyro- God of volcanoes and earthquakes. Tigros- Rivers and wild animals Rae- Hurricanes and lakes Hazium- The underworld, deception, and war. Haphestae- Beauty, love, prostitues and jealousy Dorminae- Sleep and dreams Aros- Night, nightmares, and shadow Menamort- Death, disease and war Thyra- Conquerors, kings, and sports Rasis- Wisdom and insight Syskaphra- Drunkedness and greed Lineage of Gods and some other major figures- [COLOR=Blue]Excelcyon, Pyra [/COLOR] and [COLOR=SlateGray]Estus[/COLOR] all were born of [COLOR=Magenta]Kalos and Myranea[/COLOR]. [COLOR=Blue]Excelcyon married Pyra[/COLOR], but produced only one son--[COLOR=Blue]Diapero[/COLOR]. [COLOR=Blue]Estus [/COLOR] married [COLOR=Magenta]Urh[/COLOR](the Celcyoness who favored the gods), and produced [COLOR=Blue]Tigros and Rae[/COLOR]. [COLOR=Blue]Tigros[/COLOR] loved the mortal [COLOR=Red]Penalae [/COLOR] and they concieved [COLOR=Red]Garaet[/COLOR]--the first mortal hero. [COLOR=Red]Garaet[/COLOR] first loved [COLOR=blue]Haphestae[/COLOR], and they produced [COLOR=DeepSkyBlue]Xius, Tyra and Hoen[/COLOR]--all immortal. [COLOR=Red]Garaet [/COLOR] later loved [COLOR=Red]Thyra[/COLOR] and they made the immortal hero [COLOR=DeepSkyBlue]Dyodus[/COLOR]. [COLOR=DeepSkyBlue]Dyodus[/COLOR] loved [COLOR=Red]Liae[/COLOR] and they made [COLOR=Red]Hyron and Paltroles[/COLOR]. [COLOR=Red]Hyron[/COLOR](who was the first King of Jaga) married [COLOR=Red]Glasia[/COLOR] and they produced [COLOR=Red]Cebrus and Kantos[/COLOR]. [COLOR=Red]Paltroles[/COLOR](who was the greatest mortal warrior ever born) married [COLOR=Red]Nice[/COLOR] and they produced [COLOR=Red]Inoclus and Carta[/COLOR]. [COLOR=Red]Inoclus married Mya[/COLOR], and they made [COLOR=Red]Kalaus and Hebron[/COLOR]. [COLOR=Red]Carta married Gregus[/COLOR], and produced [COLOR=Red]Crystina and Devon[/COLOR]. [COLOR=Blue]Rae(Estus' [/COLOR] other son) loved [COLOR=Blue]Pyra[/COLOR] and they produced [COLOR=Blue]Hazium and Haphestae[/COLOR]. [COLOR=Blue]Hazium and Haphestae[/COLOR] came together to produce [COLOR=Blue]Dorminae and Aros[/COLOR]. [COLOR=Blue]Aros[/COLOR] slept with the mortal [COLOR=red]Amanra[/COLOR] and [COLOR=Red]Grykus[/COLOR] was born. [COLOR=Blue]Excelcyon's[/COLOR] concubine was [COLOR=Blue]Haphestae[/COLOR] and they made [COLOR=Blue]Realus, Gossus and Chyro[/COLOR]. [COLOR=Blue]Realus married Dorminae [/COLOR] and made [COLOR=Blue]Rasis and Syskaphra[/COLOR]. [COLOR=Blue]Syskaphra[/COLOR] slept with [COLOR=Red]Grykus[/COLOR] and made [COLOR=Red]Nice[/COLOR]. [COLOR=Magenta]Urh[/COLOR] was only once ever unfaithful to [COLOR=Blue]Estus[/COLOR], and it was with [COLOR=Blue]Chyro[/COLOR]. From them came [COLOR=Blue]Menamort and Thyra[/COLOR]. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My first story in this world will be about the hero Garaet, but I'll have to jump back on that later. Don't get lost in the details. When I actually start writing, that'll be what really matters. All of the above is just background for what it yet to come. Be back later, God bless -Justin ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The midday sun cast a bright brilliance across the jungle-mountains of Eastern Jaga. In his near five years of wandering across the lands first fertilized by his ancient grandfather, Kalos, Garaet had never been this far east. But he knew now that he must be getting closer. Gareat was an excellent hunter, or so he'd been trained to be.

I've got a couple hours before work today, so I'm going to go ahead and post my sign-up: Name- Sadacles son of Denesius Age- 31 Gender- Male Bio- For two years of their wondering about, the Wolves all joined the Jagan Army. Apparantly someone high in their ranks [i]thought[/i] it would be a good idea. Sad was a member of Lion Phalanx--a distinguished company within the larger army. He befriended Kalaus, as he was about the same age as the warrior, in spite of his strong mistrust of the rest of the Wolves. Upon hearing of Sad's retirement, Kalaus called on his old friend for help to find the Wolves and punish them once and for all time. Sad gladly answered his friend's call. Going back: Sad entered the service at his father's request at the age of 16. He enjoyed the atmosphere, albeit a difficult one. He's got a natural eye for the bow and javelin, though his work with a sword or longspear can be a little shoddy at times. Misc- I'd like to emphasize [b]Greco-Roman[/b]ness in this RP. -Justin

My suggestion to all of you love-seekers out there: Shut up. I promise you don't want it. The most of you, I'm sure, aren't capable of it. Love is far more than an emotion. It's a commitment. At its heart, that is what love is. You have to hold on to it, even when you don't feel like. Of course it exists--what kind of question is that? Love will endure forever, long after the world has passed. But it is a commitment which should never be broken. Until you realize that, you don't even need to act like you want anything to do with it. -Justin

N2S2p= None too stupid to participate This is pretty straightforward, but I think it'll be interesting to see where it can go: The story revolves around one man(who no one player will be) named Kalaus. He's a former soldier of the coastal nation Jaga, and your all-around anti-hero. [u][B]A summary of Kalaus[/B][/u] Born in the seventh year of King Joppath's reign to Garsus, the son of Pelaus. Garsus raised Kalaus in a most fearful reverance for Kaladiin, the god of thunder and war. Kalaus learned he had a natural talent for fighting at a very young age, and at 14, he joined a group of mercenaries called the Sajan Wolves. The 'wolves' eventually abandoned the young Jagan warrior with no food or money in a field close to the Jaga/Kolis border. Unknowingly, Kalaus crossed this border in his wondering about, and two weeks later, he found himself at the steps of the Temple of Harisae--the goddess of power and beauty. Harisae was entranced by Kalaus' looks so she took him as a lover. After laying with her, Kalaus was endowed with an immortal battle-prowess and an unaging physique--the latter only as long as he continued laying with her. He left the Temple of Harisae, vowing to return, so that he could go back home and give his family a portion of the riches Harisae had given him; but upon arriving home, he discovered that immediately following his abandonement, the Wolves had come through his home village--killing as they went. His family was dead. [B]Enter our story:[/B] Our part in this begins here with Kalaus' departure from the nearby village of Vikkal. We are whomever we choose to be--save Kalaus, or following characters. You may choose to align with Kalaus, whether for your own reason or simply to aid him. You may choose to try to prevent him from returning to his immortal lover. You may be one of the Wolves, but you may not assume the leading position among them. You may not be a god. You may be a demi-god, or the offspring of a mortal and immortal, so long as your divine gifts are within reason. You may use any of the weird critters from mythology. [b][u]Sign-ups[/u][/b] Name- Try to keep this vague kind of Greco-Roman feel Age- You know Gender- I hope you know Bio-Anything you'd like to be known, make it known. Misc-Anything else. I'm asking for aroung 5-7 members for this. I won't leave this open long, though. God bless, -Justin

I think that percentage is a little off. Not that I'm an expert on such things, but I believe it's 30% change is the bare minimum. I actually think the random anime thing is entertaining. A bit unprofessional, but entertaining. -Justin

I'm a pretty big fan of Bloodlust. I haven't seen it in probably over a year, though. I just remember the weird, dark feeling to it. Which is something I like a lot. I'd like to see more VHD movies, but whatever. I've actually been meaning to go out and by Bloodlust recently. -Justin

It's been a good while since I've done one of these myself. Forgive any typos and the like. Name: Reverand Jonny Brown(I know you don't want titles, but I think it's important to know in this case.) Age: 38 Sex: Male Appearance: His eyes are brown, and his hair is a sandy blonde. He has a dark brown go-T and he most often wears a long, full-body coat over over black, casual-dress shirt and slacks. He's got a fairly thin physique; slighly worn from years of travel by whatever means necessary. Background: He recieved a degree in pastoral psycology upon graduating college when he was 22. He immediately plugged himself into dealing directly with youth and foreign missions. When he was 35, his wife, Elaina, died of infection in her lungs while the two were traveling in Laos. He became angry with God and hasn't done much pastoring since. Even so, many of his fellow citizens of Ottawa still think of him and "Reverand", "Pastor", or "Father" Jonny/Brown. To this day, it hurts him to be called anything of the like. Going further back, his parents were abusive. He was abused physically, mentally, and on four occasions, sexually. When he was 10, his father forced him to begin learning the martial art Win Chun, and to practice it daily with all four of his brothers in violent "sessions." After finding spiritual solice, he let his anger and pain because of his family go, but it returned once he turned his back on his faith in Christ. Because of his past, he developed an almost ridiculous, animalistic fear of being alone in strange places. He also fears heights, and he fears being in situations he cannot control. Equipment: He carries a very small Bible in his coat pocket, though he hasn't looked at it in years. He also carries a lighter, as he picked up smoking in last year or so. Miscellaneous: He has a lot of moments where he freaks out, usually in his sleep. He may have flashbacks, and he has also become prone to violent spells in last three years. General: I like the kind of weird, fallen-from-grace character in any story. Maybe my idea has already been taken, I haven't read but one of the other submissions. Also, while I'm thinking about it, I wonder if it would be possible(whether my submissions is accepted or not) for me to suggest a couple other enemy-types for the story. Anyway, I'll be checking up. -Justin

Forgive me, I know my first relpy is late, and I haven't read through this entire topic. I'm merely replying to the very first post. It's a touchy subject, as are most things about religion. When I first became a Christian and first established my relationship with God, I had to give a lot of friends, because in order to maintain that relationship I had to give up an old lifestyle. It's called being "crucified with Christ." Your former self dies and a new one is resurrected. If that sounds odd, then good--it's a concept many Christians try to overlook. Even since then, I occasionally have to cut someone's influence. I'll never totally shun anyone, I think that's wrong, and it cuts off all hope of me ever being able to be a witness of God's grace to them. I'll stay in touch, more or less. But their influence on me is severed. I think those people shuning you for your interest in witchcraft is absolutely wrong. But maybe it's possible one or more of those people were actually real Christians, and maybe your involvment in witchcraft created an inner struggle with them, which they felt obligated to end. It's impossible for me to know. But I apologize for any who has wronged you in the name of Jesus. God's grace, -Justin PS: I just read Dan's post. I must give him a big, fat 'bravo' for that one.

I enjoyed it. Granted, Pitt doesn't even look remotely Greek--but he does have a very majestic feel to him. Almost like he's too pretty to exist, and then kick butt at the same time. Ehh...Orlando didn't impress me in this film, though. He flatly made me angry at the end, but I knew it had to happen that way anyway. Whoever played Helen was a good choice. She was quite attractive. -Justin

"Religion doesn't pervert people, people pervert religion" Wonderful quote. Hope you don't mind me using it. The originator of this topic is right--sort of. 86%(or some percentage close to that) do recognize the existance of some form of higher power. Not neccessarily Jehovah as He is represented in the Bible. I must admit, though, I am not impressed by this topic's opening. Asking others to "Sit down and shut up" is ridiculus. You know, the Roman empire asked we Christians to sit down and shut up, too, guy. Fortunately, we didn't. And a lot of anointed men died for their faith. So how much better than those Romans are you now, telling others to be quiet? Be careful with your words; they are like swords. Why have "In God We Trust" on our money? Well, because those who trust God with their money are blessed for it. That's one of the points of paying tithes. Will removing it have an effect? Yes. Will it have an effect on my faith? No. As far as God in America goes: When it comes to God, America is a prostitute. Enough said there, I think. I think Dan summed it up best: "Do to others, as you would have them do to you." The grace of the Lord be with you all, -Justin

It doesn't really matter to me what they do with prayer time in school. If they take away a designated time for people to pray, it won't affect me at all. I'm just as able to pray with my head bowed and eyes closed as I am walking around in the hallway. And if I feel the [i]need[/i] to bow my head and close my eyes, I'll do it anyway regardless of whether they want me to or not. I also wouldn't care if they allowed students of other religions to gather together somewhere to pray/meditate--the flagpole, even. I personally think a lot of modern Christians in America are too touchy. Many act like all these out in the world who are not Christians should behave as though they are--which is, of course, a dumb notion. But...uh...yeah. That's about all I have to say. Let them take designated prayer time away, I'll pray anyway. Or let them dedicated time and space for people of other religions, I'll pray anyway. The Lord Jesus Christ bless y'all, -Justin

Um...Loch Ness has been search fr too much in recent years for me to believe that something yet unknown exists in there. I'd be more apt to believe in some unknown ape creatures roaming around, but in fact, I don't. If any great unknown creatures still exists in the world, I think yuou'd find them out in the ocean. -Justin

[QUOTE=Shinken]How is allowing other religions a chance, and not forcing Christianity upon those who don't believe in it, 'turning away from God'? I don't see any fervent denouncing of the Bible being displayed on CNN, instead I see people's rights being violated because of a man (Bush) who takes his religion and crams it down everyone else's throat. Need an example? Read my latest MyOtaku post. Also, I, along with many people, I'm sure, don't really appreciate being preached to. I respect your beliefs, and I encourage you to have them. However, I don't see why you have to push it upon others as the only way, and that their beliefs are wrong. It's irritating, for one thing, and it's also somewhat insulting, because you inadvertently stated that their religion is definitely wrong, and then you pulled out the dogma card. Not everyone (read: nobody) appreciates having their religion insulted, and then being told that there is only one way, etc. Please, Justin, refrain from pushing your beliefs on others. It's not really appreciated, and it's insulting.[/QUOTE] So, sorry. But to answer your question, Jesus commands Christians in the Book of Matthew to preach the Gospel. He also teaches us that no man can enter Heaven, but by Him. This would indicate that all other religions are in fact wrong, according to my beliefs. And since I'm commanded to share my beliefs, I'm afraid there's nothing I can do to help you. Once again, for those who read my posts, it's never my intention to force Christianity upon anyone. It's got to be a personal choice between you and God. But that does not mean that I can stop speaking the truth. If you don't like to hear it, skip over my posts when you see my name; you won't hurt my feelings any. But I'm not going to stop. God bless y'all. -Justin

It doesn't matter how much Bible anyone here has read. You can read it once, go back and read it again and get something entirely new. It doesn't matter why the Holy War was so ignorantly fought. Yes, I said it--I think the Holy Wars were a waste of time, and a true embarassment to both the Muslim nations and Christian nations involved. Both societies were extremely backwards in their tolerance of other beliefs. Both persecuted those who did not comply. And the even sadder fact is that both [i]continue[/i] to be intolerant. I do ot agree with those who hold other-than-Christian ideals--but I will not persecute them, even if they will persecute me, as Jesus said that they will. I'll bring the message of Christ's love, and count on the Holy Spirit to work on their hearts. Remember what I say now, and later on it will come back to your memory--If this nation turns from the one true God, Jehovah, Jesus Chris-- it will fall. And I don't care who it is, all knees will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is the Lord of all. -Justin

[QUOTE=Mist][color=orange][size=1] In response, to the Santa Claus punch, I would have to say that being simply disturbed would be the better choice. As for the difference between Baptist and Southern Baptist, Ilived in the south for ten years and the only difference I noticed is that the Southern Baptist's accents were much worse than the regular Baptists.^_^[/color][/size][/QUOTE] Now, [i]that[/i] was funny. Sorry, I really just felt the need to step in and say that. While I'm here, allow me to be the first person-of-faith to say that I, like my friend Mitch, am quite sick of religious threads. I only post in them because I feel an unshakeable draw to share the Gospel whenever I can. At the end of the day, that's all I can do anyway. To all those who've had Christianity rammed down your throats, I apologize. Hopefully you don't feel as though I'm one of those who's done it. But the simple facts are these: God came to the world as a man to suffer as men suffer. He suffered, died in the most humiliating way of the era, and rose again--the conquerer of death, hell, and the grave. He's coming back again, at the appointed time, to reestablish his kingdom here on earth and to live with those who choose to love him as he loves them. Christ died for you, so that you could live with him. Whether you choose to accept that or not is up to you. God bless you all with wisdom, kindness, and sincere love. [quote]I'm a Christian, but I don't really belong to a certain demonination. I'm baptized as a Luthrian, but I really don't enjoy the ideas of divisions within a religion. I'm of the opinion that we should focus on the common beliefs that bring us trogether, rather than ultimatly trivial differences that will only seperate us.[/quote] Rock on, bro. -Justin

I'm a Christian. Bottom line. I'm teaching myself not to recognize denominations. I'm not saved by the name of the church I attend, nor by any good works I myself can ever accomplsih. I'm just saved by grace and love. "I'm the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me." John 14:6

[i]Well[/i] said, Athos. -Justin

By 'shined', I more or less meant his public appearance. Sure, you had thsoe who thought he could've prevented it, and even some who thought he was responsible. But overall(at least as far as I know), that was when he was best looked upon in America. -Justin

Right off, I'd say this is the obvious move. I stopped questioning why politicians do the things they do and say the things they say a long time ago. It saves unduly used energy. One of the most memorable moments in which Bush shined was the 9/11 tradgedy, so why shouldn't he use it(or better said, why [i]wouldn't[/i] he use it) to further his political career? There are tons and tons and tons of precedences for things like this, so why is it so shocking? -Justin

I took care to put the ticket away. I didn't want Ma' to know where I was headed. She'd already seen Pop go that way--Will, and Tim too. I knew it'd break her heart to see another son leave. [i]But you have to run, you have to flee. You have to leave across the sea[/i] I couldn't shake it. I first heard it when Debbie left, came back, left, and came back again. Only God knows where she is or what she was doing now. But that voice stuck with me still. I'd tried time and time again...tried to forget it. Tried planting my own businesses, tried working with Ma', tried to be productive--tried real hard, honest. But it kept pestering me, beckoning me, pulling me... [i]Come to me, live, be free. You have to leave across the sea.[/i] It drove me stark, raving insane. I thought of Jenny, the times we'd shared. Her brown eyes, olive skin, and chocolate hair. I thought again of Debbie...oh, how I longed to see her. She burned, her soul just burned. Her moments of joy and those when she deperately begged of us to stop her from doing that which was inevitable. I often wondered why(on those lonely, lonely nights), why had Sarah stayed so long? She seemed above us all--too smart--too pretty and too smart for us, but she stayed when all of the rest of us started to leave. (As you must be able to tell by now, the stuff has really racked my wrecked mind. Perhaps it's well that I am "doing the deed," after all, as they say.) Mother(as she now was to be called) had gotten over her sorrow at her lost children. It happened--life happened. That was that to her now. "Don't do it again, I'm not helping you out." Just die. You're old, you're time is out, just give up already. I hate you, I hate everything you've become...why don't you just make everything good again, Mom? [i]Come here, you'll see. You have to leave across the sea.[/i] Why won't you just wait a minute? Who are you that you have the right to invade me like this? Can't you see, can't you see I've got no time for it? There's Jenny, Debbie, Jimmy, and Toni. I still have to feed Chris and look after Drake. Sarah is sick, and I'm already too late. [i]Your time here is done, just wait and you'll see. Or you can leave across the sea.[/i] The sea. The sea! Always the sea! Can't you see that you're torturing me? Butchering me, driving me mad! There's still time, still time to talk to Debbie...if she ever comes back. But what about Sarah? She's sick isn't she? I can still speak to her, maybe she'll come with me. [i]You have to run, you have to flee. You have to leave across the sea.[/i] What about Michal? He's so smart--so pretty and so smart. Can't I try to bring him with me? And Mom, why do I have to leave Mom? [i]Look, see. They're not Will, Tim, Dan, or Matt. You need to be free. It's time to leave across the sea.[/i] That was the last I'd heard of him. My mind--I think I wrecked it. Wrecked like I wrecked my first car. Or was that a dream? I can't remember. Anyway...I'm really glad I had this opportunity. One where I could be frank.Tell all you cats to just leave me alone. I don't hate anyone, but I guess my life here is done. Here's my ticket on Liner 351. Time to go. I have to run, I have to live and be free. Now I'm leaving across the sea. -Justin

I've missed you very much, Deb. I've prayed for you. I don't know where you are, but I do know one thing: All my love and admiration pales in comparison to the love God has for you. But you have both. :) God bless you, -Justin

Eh, I can only speak for Christians. But in that sense, the Bible says that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Intentionally harming that temple by, say, marijuana use or excessive alcohol consumption would not be too great. Speaking generally, I'm with you: The stuff smells fierce. Plus, I also have plenty of friends who do various kinds of drugs and intoxicants. I'm not impressed with the outcome in most cases. -Justin

Eh, though I am entirely against abortion under any and all concievable circumstances, it's only one of a ton of issues out there. There are greater fights to fight, strange as that may sound coming from me. Often with things like abortion, there's something larger behind it. If you expose that to people, and try to help them eliminate it, then the more obvious things(such as abortion) will be eliminated along with it. It sounds simpler, I suppose, but it's much more complicated. Anyway, I doubt I'll ever attend a March for Life, unless I happen to be in the area. Protests aren't my thing, I'd rather just talk to people than shout about them. -J

You just gotta show some love for that '05 'Stang. I'm really wanting to find a Mustang 5.0. Sometime after '87, preferably. That's the BBFYB a 17-year-old can get. -Justin

[quote]This is just what you think. Let me tell you, I have morals. I just choose to think past them. Let me tell you as well: God is just a perception. He's something you see, not what everyone else sees. And for something to be a truth, everyone must see it: it must logically, entirely be true and seen and known and felt and touched and known by all. And God isn't. And what's your reply going to be to that? That I'm just not feeling God. [/quote] Well, I suppose you could say that. Before my reply will go a little further: 1) You've been exposed to God, and for one reason or another, you've shut yourself off to Him. This is the only one I can relate to, as it's the only one I have ever experienced. 2) You've never been exposed to God, and so you wouldn't have any knowledge of Him in the first place. I find this scenario unlikely, considering your apparant position regarding God. [quote]To believe in God is to be too assuming. There couldn't be a God as much as there could be. [/quote] I say that you're wrong. And that I can logically prove that He is many more times likely to exist than not. I'll do it, if you want, but I doubt it would do me any good. The Pharisees were the first to disregard the logical evidence for Christ, and most other non-Christians tend to follow in their footsteps, no matter how infallible the proof may be. [quote]The ideals that you live to die so you can become a better person and be cleansed of all you've done wrong is the talk of someone that's lost all hope but what God can give--but what a perception can give.[/quote] Now, we truly see eye-to-eye. I have long lost all hope, except that which God gives. [quote]Justin, when speaking of death, it's best to remain cryptic. Let's keep Heaven and Hell and all that nonsenscial garbage out of it. You don't know if there's a Heaven. You don't know if there's a Hell. I don't know if there's a Heaven, nor Hell. you don't know what happens after death. You don't know if Jesus even ever lived, you just choose to. [/quote] Eh, forgive me if I'm wrong, but I just skimmed over my post and didn't find anything about death, Heaven, or Hell. Perhaps it was in an earlier post. I don't claim to know much about Heaven or Hell. Only that they exist. The only proof I can offer is God's Word, but I guess that does constitute proof for you, does it? [quote]Jesus could've been some fantatical dude just like Hitler was. Only he didn't kill people--he bought them in on his beliefs. And he even died for them. [/quote] How many run-of-the-mill fanatics who believe they're God(of which there have been a few besides Christ) succeed in total domination of the earth as He has? Whether you like it or not, everything from the dating system to modern literature totally revolve around His coming, living, and dying. [quote]He could've thought he saw God, but he didn't. [/quote] All He had to do was look at His reflection. [quote]As for Humans, they're both good and evil. Get that through your head: get it through your head that what's foul is fair, what's good is bad. [/quote] Because I am human, I was born into a curse of sin. The only thing seperating me from that now is God. As I said earlier, evil only exist where good does not. Therefore, where there is but some evil, there is no good. Just like light and darkness. Darkness does not exist unless there is no light. Where it is, light is not. [quote]As for sins, I don't want my "sins" to be cleansed. [/quote] Tell that to God, because He's the only one who can and will cleanse them. [quote]Just look at all I've said. Look past what this so-called God says. And also look at what he says as well while seeing the rest of it. Just read my other post. It says everything I'm saying here. It's just as fundamentally uncertain as our rights and wrongs. It's just like society--things are set and viewed as right and wrong just because you're told so. That's no way to live--just blindly believing to believe. You have to think for yourself. [/quote] Look past what my God says? Do you think I've always been the way that I am today? Do you think that I consider myself a person of great faith even now? I've gone far beyond your level of doubt in my lifetime. And one thing I've learn between there and here: It's not all doubt. The drive I once had against Christ can't result from something as simple as doubt. After all, I have doubt now. If you ever decide that you care to look into the Christian thing, I suggest you search yourself in accordance with the Bible--it's a truly facinating book to read. [quote]You can fancify God and Jesus as much as you want. They're just as unset in what is right and wrong and evil as you are.[/quote] God=good. Evil=absence of good. God cannot be evil at all. [quote]Saying that you can't have your own sets of wrong and rights but by some god is entirely preposterous. But it's your perception, and you can have it.[/quote] I didn't say that. I merely said they're of no use in the end. That statement was best read by other Christians, though. Since I think that's who it was meant for. [quote]What's funny is your God isn't anything greater than anything else unless you make him. And so you perceive that he is, and perceive that what he says is completely right. [/quote] Can stones percieve? Because the Bible says that if men do not give God glory, the stones will. [quote]Nothing is ever completely right. There's always something bad in something good, always something wrong in something right. Just assuming that some God has all your answers to your life is preposterous. [/quote] Dan said something great on this exact subject a while back. Sad that I can't recall it... God does have all the answers--He knows everything. But I don't expect for Him to give me them. Some things simply have to learned. Don't get me wrong, He's given me answers before. But by the same token, He's also told me to wait for it, or simply not answered. [quote]It's preposterous to think in the first that such a being exists. It's selfish and self-wanting. You want there to be a God, don't you? Not just say, you want. You want there to be Heaven, you want to die and go to someplace better. [/quote] I really don't give me thought to Heaven. Moreso recently than in the past, but still, not nearly as much as a lot seem to. As a matter of fact, I gave more thought to it when I was not a Christian. Truthfully, yes. I suppose I did want a God to exist when I first began searching--whenever that truly was. But the God I got wasn't the one I wanted. The one I wanted would have been more like a grandparent. You know, staying after me about doing everything right, but not requiring that I really listen. Then, when it was all over, He'd let me in Heaven anyway. Just because He's that cool. As I said, I didn't find the God I wanted. I found the God that existed. And after some serious kicking against everything I knew was right, I finally broke down and submitted. He never forced me to, all He did was let me know He existed. Now I realize the real, living God is better than any god I could ever come up with. I simply can't understand Him, or figure Him out. But He's got a higher vantage point on this world than I do, and I guess I'm getting to a point where I've accepted that. [quote]Well, let me tell you, as good as Heaven sounds, I'd rather just die and no longer exist. [/quote] Heh, why would you want to spend eternity in worship of a God you don't believe in? [quote]Anyway, don't worry Justin. I don't mean to be harsh. It's mainly the first part you said that really makes you seem selfish to your God. [/quote] I know you don't intend to be harsh. Neither do I, so please forgive any harshness there was. By stating the things the way I did, I was trying not to be imposing. I hate for others to feel like I'm trying to force them to accept something they don't want to. Afterall, someone's relationship with God is between the person and God. My only task is to introduce people to God, and show them why He's a good friend. [quote]God isn't about church, you know. It's about knowing him yourself. And as far as I see, knowing something yourself when you can't even see that it's there, you can't do that. Not me anyway.[/quote] Of course God isn't about church. Church is about God, lol. The Church is just the body of believers. The act of going to church is just meeting for mass worship and hanging out. I'm not a Sunday Christian, lol. I go home and try my best to live God at all times. But I should think that you would know that seeing is not always believing. Again, I can logically show the likeliness of God's existance, and the likeliness that the God that does is exist is the God of the Bible--but it's entirely up to you. I'll send it to you later, if that's what you want. [quote]It's when things are organized that they begin to force you to believe and muddle away your ways of thinking deeply and outside of just what this organized thing says. [/quote] I apologize if the church treated you that way. I doubt that was their while intention, but then again, I don't know you. Personally, my childhood background in the church made me feel the same way. No matter what the intention of the people teaching was, God used what they taught me for His own purposes later on. [quote]Really, Justin, by your post, you sound like some religous zealot, even a fool. [/quote] I'd like to think I have zeal for God. Whether that makes me a religious zealot doesn't really matter to me. [quote]Again, what you see is your perception. What's your good and bad is your perception. Just don't force it on others in a way that you seem to be saying. What you think isn't absolute, Justin, just like what I think isn't either.[/quote] Again, forcing others to believe the Gospel is not my intent. I apologize if anyone feels as though I have. [quote]If you want to be omniscent like your God, you have to see every way too. Because to create you have to see everything and weigh everything; and to believe something that creates, you have to look at everything too. Just because the Christian God is said to be who he is doesn't even mean at all that that's what God is if there is one. I guess you can't see that your God probably isn't even God if there is one. It's obvious you haven't done that. You just choose to believe blindly what your God says because it makes you feel more whole and gives your life reason where there'd probably be none. [/quote] There you're assuming again that I've always been this way. That this has always been my standpoint. I must stress again that it hasn't. God called me one and a half years ago to start on the path I am on today. [quote]But I'm weaker in a way that will make me stronger--because seeing as much of the truth is stronger than any God can say or any follower of God can say. [/quote] Jesus said that [i]He[/i] is the truth. So, if you want all the truth you can get, get more of Him. [quote]May you be stronger with your God, then. I'll be stronger with as much of the truth as I can have.[/QUOTE] I thank you for the blessing. Sometimes mutual blessings are the only common ground to people can find. Again, I don't really mean to offend anyone. But when you preach a message that says the things people do and think may be wrong, you're bound to step on some toes. Forgive me, everyone. Whew, that was a doozy... -Justin