Today's mood: Elated, yet deep in thought
Today's song: "This is Your Time" (written in response to Columbine)
Today's recommended Webcomic: "Gene Catlow: The Demmon Storyline" which begins here and continues through every Saturday. If you want to read the Demmon line only, then add 7 to the last two digit number in the address link. It should be noted that the line starts in Dec. 2003, and the address reads /d/yearmonthday.html, so make adjustments as necessary. Not too complicated, eh? ^_~

Out of the mouth of babes
For a long time they looked at the river beneath them, saying nothing, and the river said nothing too, for it felt very quiet and peaceful on this summer afternoon.
"Tigger is all right really," said Piglet lazily.
"Of course he is," said Christopher Robin.
"Everybody is really," said Pooh. "That's what I think," said Pooh. "But I don't suppose I'm right," he said.
"Of course you are," said Christopher Robin.
(~A. A. Milne, The House at Pooh Corner)

Ginny Blurb time
I really hope you see a theme running through all of today's stuff. I heard some rather shocking news last night and I just had to write, so this little inspiration goes out to Shaun, but more importantly, to his friend Shay.

Let's cut to the chase: last night, Shaun told me Shay was beaten terribly. Turns out it was a hate crime--Shay was attacked for being gay.

I remember the chat window going really quiet at that point (and trust me, you can tell). I felt a burst of anger unlike anything I've felt in a long time: such ignorant violence is only supposed to exist in movies, television shows, and novels. But then I remember Columbine and 9-11. And I know it's real and it's out there, and there's more of it going on than the media will broadcast about, and it's not going away any time soon.

I (rather pettily, I might add) remarked that, although I didn't approve of homosexuality, I feel no love toward people who think beating on others like Shay will solve situations. And the Lord reminded me through Shaun that it doesn't matter what people are or what they have done: He loves them all the same and He asks us to mirror His actions and show love. Showing love doesn't necessarily mean accepting everything someone says as true; it means supporting them through anything, letting them know we care about them.

So, I love Shay and want him to know that I support him, just as I love and support every one of you who reads this blog. You're prayed about, thought about, and cared about. And even if this ignorant and imperfect world is finally destroyed in its thirst for hate, I will still thank God for giving me people to teach me tolerance and ask only that they would love and tolerate me back (Heaven knows y'all need divine patience to put up with me sometimes, ^_~).

I refuse give up my beliefs--they are my core and my definition of who I am. I will not take away the free will God bestowed on all--it is not my place to control others. I will voice my opinion, but I refuse to beat anyone for not accepting it. I may be different from you, but that is the way God made us.

...gosh. I really can't think of any proper way to end this...

Love ya. Mean it. Live and let live.