2009 is Left Behind

I only have one wish for you...

I only know you'll need one thing...

It's very simple, but extraordinarily hard.

As I look back on the goals I made in a year of slow plodding that burned up like a quick grass fire that someone had added gasoline to, I have to say, in the words of John Wayne: "Not hardly." No, I didn't accomplish what I had set out to do. No, my plan didn't groove so well. God had a different plan (I tell you more about it January 14th, but know that is nothing I ever was planning or looking for... it's a whole lot better!).

"What God's plan for your life?" (or something similar) was asked me semi-recently. It rocked my boat, and I don't mean rocked in the "cool", hip sort of way that it's used today. Somewhere along the line I conveniently forgot about God's plan. I knew a good thing to do. I knew what my few skills were. I could handle life. I had a plan.

God knows how to handle life a whole lot better, and I really do mean "handle". His ways are higher than our ways. His plan is long term. He knows tomorrow, he wrote it.

Marvelously, you are in God's plan. Do you know what your role is? My one wish for you in the Year of our Lord 2010 is to find that role. God has a plan. You have a role. His way is best.

- Trent

Breaking Anouncment: I Won!

Surprise!

I just learned that I won a bookmark contest!

Yes, I know some of you have moved on to higher things... but I would like to remind you that I will be receiving the prize money not you! : )

Uniquely, the contest was supposed to be an art competition, yet I took first place - the world is full of paradoxes...

- Trent Williams, Award Winning Bookmark Artist

Captors Revealed (Part 2)

After much searching, I have learned my captors identities:

Procrastination, Distractions, and Busyness

WARNING! If you see these thieves in your neighborhood BEWARE!

Even if you have not noticed them you may need to take a closer look. You must watch diligently. You should analyze studiously. You can't be too careful. Tragically, even if you do not find them, you cannot rest. Any moment, your life could be stolen.

Life is time: your life is your time. Guard your time and you will keep your life.

- You Know Who

Reappearance (Escape from Kidnappers Part 1):

I disappeared from the blogosphere months ago, kidnapped by some of the most dangerous and deadly villains in history. Recently I was able to break free from my captors. I am writing from an undisclosed location in the US. My time is limited. The technology my captors possess enables them to track my location if I access the internet for more than fifteen minutes.

I hope this message finds all of you safe (not fleeing from lethal desperados). I also hope you are not as pressed for time as I am.

My progress this year has been restricted… I will give you an update soon (exactly when is not appropriate to say – for health reasons).

I hope you are all studying the wise men and the shepherds. Their approach to God’s commands helped them become the inspirational, instructional, and influential men we read about each year.

I hope to give you a closer view of these characters in God’s marvelous story… but for now I must run…

May each of you have a merry and blessed Christmas,

-You Know Who

GOP beats pretty much everybody (including themselves)...

November 3rd election results are mixed. The GOP's incompetence has miraculously been overshadowed by their successes in Virginia and New Jersey.

Upstate New York is what I'm talking about. I'm originally from that area (I mean this in an extremely general way - almost the entire state is upstate!) so this one is close to (my former) home. Why couldn't the GOP step in and endorse/fund the conservative guy (why not just say "Ooopps! Our Chairman over in New York just blew it and picked someone who doesn't represent our values at all so were funding this Gentleman that does?)? Just because he was beating them fair and square?

[My info was gained partly from Politico.com and the Republican Michigander blog - which I recommend you visit for their take on this]

Texas Results:

Official Results site

Although a red state, Texas passed all of it's proposed constitutional amendments. OK that was the bad news... what's worse is that not even 10% of my county turned out to vote.

The almost, but-not-even-close-to-being, good news:

The closest contests were on two bad propositions...

Prop. 1 "The constitutional amendment authorizing the financing, including through tax increment financing, of the acquisition by municipalities and counties of buffer areas or open spaces adjacent to a military installation for the prevention of encroachment or for the construction of roadways, utilities, or other infrastructure to protect or promote the mission of the military installation."

(Why? Tax increase plus, governmental growth is BAD)

AGAINST:

44.80%

FOR:

55.19%

Prop. 4: "The constitutional amendment establishing the national research university fund to enable emerging research universities in this state to achieve national prominence as major research universities and transferring the balance of the higher education fund to the national research university fund."

(Increase in funding, especially at this time is BAD).

AGAINST:

43.26%

FOR:

56.73%

I think I very well may try to become Precinct Chairman...

- Trent

First Time Voting!

I voted because of the beaches. An amendment to the Texas Constitution would make it a constitutional right to access public beaches, not just a right, a constitutional right. That's right folks, a constitutional right.

Proposition 9: "The constitutional amendment to protect the right of the public, individually and collectively, to access and use the public beaches bordering the seaward shore of the Gulf of Mexico."

Wouldn't you want a constitutional right to access beaches (even if they were already privately owned)? Actually I voted against the proposition (did I mention we already have an "Open Beaches Act"?), how much of a right do we need to make visiting the beach?

This first time voter was elated to cast a vote creating measures that will lower property tax!

Proposition 2: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for the ad valorem taxation of a residence homestead solely on the basis of the property's value as a residence homestead."

Proposition 3: "The constitutional amendment providing for uniform standards and procedures for the appraisal of property for ad valorem tax purposes."

First time voting, but not the last!

- Trent

P.S. I just realized I missed posting in the month of October completely! I beg your forgiveness.

PPS. Unfortunately I wasn't able to organize a rally against government health care because of some things that came up (too bad).

Rally for Health (Say "No!" to Government 'Care' )

This is the project I am thinking about....

A rally (similar to the tea parties) that starts with protest and ends with a prayer meeting for anyone interested. Included would be speakers and a sign judging competition...

Need:

Sound System

Meeting Area

Water

Church (for prayer meeting

Estimated length: 3 hrs.

Speeches - 2 hrs.

Prayer - as long as people want to go.

I'll let y'all know if I pull off the planning. You won't be left out or not invited - I promise.

- Trent

P.S. - Hey what about an online rally!

I'm Back!

Arrived in Texas last Sunday (the 13th). Unfortunately is wasn't as brown as I had expected, due to rain.

Things I learned from the trip:

1. Postcards are expensive.

2. People are weird no matter where you go (not referring to relatives)...

3. People are concerned about this country no matter where you go... some are even doing something about it.

4. Fill a van to capacity including four kids under four years old and you get one wild ride!

Unable to post at length... working on projects.

-Trent

Traveling On...

My family's annual trek to visit our distant, in terms of travel length, relatives is winding down.

The Latest:

Saw the Creation Museum near Cincinnati Ohio. Outstanding!

Staying in a Comfort Inn, near Louisville, Kentucky.

We're on our return trip and I'm excited to see my favorite state: Texas (I'm just now getting used to the green up here!).

Updates:

Quick updates on what I'm up to are located on the very topmost part of the sidebar. If you want to know the latest look there. It's faster for me (to use twitter to upload the sidebar) so that's where I'll be.

Later,

-Trent

Wedding Dress Photo!

This is way overdue...

The 2009 Grand Champion in Sewing:

This is the wedding dress I, with long suffering instruction from my expert seamstress sisters, was able to enter in the Bell County Youth Fair where it netted the highest award possible in the sewing category.

For those of you who have been waiting for this photo since February...

You can advertise on my blog for two months at no cost! : )

Thanks for waiting,

-Trent

P.S. Did I mention the dress is for sale?

(Editors Note: Read the story of my first impression on hearing I had won Grand Champion at the 2009 Bell County Youth Fair: Wedding Dress Wins! - also includes contact info.)

Back From Patriot Academy

Patriot Academy 2009 was phenomenal!

If you are interested in politics, or are confused by government, Patriot Academy is the place for you.

Update

I have some good news and some even better news...

1. My bill (ending no-fault divorce in Texas) passed!

2. Michael Bullock won the race for Speaker of the House!

I ran for Speaker, learned a lot, and did a whole lot better than my first few attempts at campaigning. In the end I lost, but it was a outstanding experience.

I rank my race as:

Terrible

Respectable

Out-Of-This-World

Press Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Friday, July 31, 2009

Temple, TX. - Trent Williams announced his bid for Speaker of the House as he began his campaign for the future of Patriot Academy early this Friday. Supporters lined the walkway wishing Trent well, congratulating him for entering the race, and speculating the future of Patriot Academy with him in office as he left the rally.

Asked if he would run again Trent assured the patriots present that once elected he would never run for another Academy office: “No, I don’t think they need me to hog the cabinet!”

To another question he answered: “If you think you can do the job an office requires: don’t run for it; when you know you can go beyond accomplishing to excelling in that position, go for it!” An avid writer and go-getter, Representative Williams returns with the skills and experience needed to excel at Speaker of the House.

He concluded with: “The people running for, and holding, the offices are just a sideshow; the real people making it happen are y’all bringing the bills and doing all the other “normal” stuff. I plan to serve you in your efforts to turn the world right side up!”

Before climbing into his “tour bus” he called back:

“Just remember, for Speaker: Write Williams!”

###

Paid for by Trent Williams for Speaker.

The Flight Back

In Midway airport with forty minutes left on the clock...

I tried chasing down a Mormon in Midway airport, but he lost me in a crowded restaurant (well, I it’s not that he lost me it’s just that he became less accessible and completely preoccupied with devouring his sandwich). While thinking of some way to engage him in conversation I ran across three guys wearing shirts ties and backpacks. Why talk to one Mormon when you can take on three at once? 


So I followed them, and to my delight they headed in the direction I needed to be going anyway (chasing the Mormon had taken me in the opposite direction of my gate). Unfortunately they were not on my flight. I sat next to them at their gate and waited for their conversation to lull. Sure enough an opportunity came. “Where are y’all heading?” I asked (Pretty dumb question but I had to start somewhere…). I found out that they were heading to New Hampshire for Seminary to become Catholic Priests. I should have known better. I’ve never seen a group of Mormons wearing matching ties, and cufflinks? 

After discussing the very complicated subject of how to get to heaven if you are a Catholic (according to the answers they gave to my questions you have to basically get try as many rituals, wear as many charms, and put a lot of hope in what someone tells you – as it isn’t in the Bible. I’m exaggerating, but you get the point. They couldn’t tell me where purgatory was in the Bible and finally agreed that you could get to heaven without it or even baptism. They seemed to think that they and I agreed almost completely on how to get to heaven. I was in the middle of telling them why an aborigine who had lived a basically “good” life couldn’t get to heaven… when their plane started boarding. I left each with a tract, and got back to my gate.

On the way to Houston, the guys in my row and I were busy reading our Bibles (NASB on my left, and NIV on my right) – wild!

Chicago Bound!

Well, I'm headed to "Obama-land" or what used to be it.

When: This Saturday

What for: An in depth Bible study (that's it in simplified sort of way)

How: By plane

I won't be blogging until I get back.

But when I do...

I'll let you know how it went and all the hilarious predicaments I got myself into.

Till then,

-Trent

P.S. I'm hoping to get back to actively blogging when I come back. Right now I'm down with the flu (it's better than being "gone with the wind") which is possibly THE flu, yep, swine flu (possibly).

Mistakes (lessons from a magic show)

"The lack of avoidable mistakes is the lack of positive assumption" - Trent Williams, 2009.

This I know, mistakes will happen, no matter what you expect. That's why you should "Expect the worst. Prepare for the worst." (another quote I have deceived myself into believing is possibly original).

I was painfully reminded of this truth at my annual children's magic show (which this year was a clown and magic show). I have believed time and time again that certain things can be done without practice, it isn't true. Other assumptions that I have briefly entertained are that the right words will magically come into my mouth at the right time for the right situation, that hecklers don't exist, that all children are mostly good, and that the little details (like what the clowns will do and when) will fall into place, you guessed it, magically (automatically).

Moral:

Minimize assumptions, the positive ones that is. Dreaming is only five times better than doing when you do what you have dreamt.

Back again (for a little while at least),

- Trent

Correct, But Not Politically

Start the week off right

and attend the church of your choosing.

- Bumper Sticker

How politically correct can you get... and still get it wrong?

While most bumper stickers are known for speaking nuggets of truth, this one tries, and fails, at balancing on the ever slipery path of political correctness. A few obvious mistakes: the word "church" needs changing, maybe "place of worship" would work, and "attend", doesn't that imply the biased view that after finding your choice of faith's "meeting house" you should continue going to that same "religious assembly"? Another question: who's to say that starting the week off right is done by attending a "religious meeting"?

Conclusion:

No matter how we attack this ridiculous bumper sticker there is something to be said for the owner; he actually had a message on his vehicle. The moral to the tale is: put a nice and attractive bumper sticker on a nice and attractive vehicle with a nice attractive scripture or saying that expresses exactly the, according to political correctness, not-so-nice-or-attractive truth.

Paused, But Not Forsaken

A magic show in the making... 

A book in the plotting...

A blog that I'm neglecting...

That's what I'm currently doing, that and I'm thinking about leaving the Conservatives. More on that later...

But know this: you are not forgotten!

- Trent

Plodding on, more slowly than surely.

How to Change the World (a practical guide): The Weapons Part 1

Changing the world is more difficult than it looks. That’s probably because we are going about this “world changing” stuff it in completely the wrong way. It also has a lot to do with what weapons we use, or don’t use. If you want to shoot down a fighter pilot you don’t use a M16 rifle. Similarly the Bible says:

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;” 2 Corinthians 10:4

The war to change the world is not a Conservatives versus Liberals fight, it’s a Satan versus God matchup. Sometimes today it seems as if we worship a made up god who is weak and disinterested in our lives. Our God is all holy, all powerful, and all knowing. Not only does God keep his promises, but he’s the Alpha and the Omega – the beginning and the end (that’s how I know He’ll win)!

If our God is real why don’t follow his guidelines for changing the world? The Believers in the book of Acts didn’t try politics or military force they simply went and proclaimed Jesus’ life altering, world changing, message to as many as they could wherever they could. Because of this look what happened to a believer named Jason and a few of his fellow Christians:

“…they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;”

Wow! What an accusation, these guys are “world turners”, turning the world, not upside down, but right side up!

At times, especially after losing elections, it seems as though we get confused and think we should try the same tactics our worldly opponents use. Jesus didn’t say:

“Go into all the world and support/be your local Republican candidate.”

He said:

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

and:

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of

the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have

commanded you:”.

If his soul is won, fed and nurtured by God, you won’t have to worry about his vote. God wants to use you to

change the world with His weapons!

For “how to” books on evangelism and gospel tracts anyone can hand out go here:

LivingWaters.com . Other websites with excellent gospel tracts: Chick.com and OneMilliontracts.com

Want proof that evangelism has something to do with voting patterns? Read the acclaimed article by the same author: The Evangelism Connection

6 Things Against Huck

Mike Huckabee graced the front cover of World magazine this month. The interview reminded me of how likable he is, it also reminded me of the biggest problem I have with him: he plays electric guitar in a rock band. Actually the main reason for my weary warriness of Huck is because he's a man. Six in the Bible is sometimes symbolic of man, who isn't perfect.

6 Things I Don't Like About Huckabee: 

1. He's never made any mistakes, according to his books that is.

2. He plays rock 'n roll.

3. His history with money, his and his state's. 

4. He said the free market left to itself was too "harsh".

5. He drinks diet Pepsi (that alone should prove that "he aint right").

6. He's a little too environmentally concerend, at least it sounded that way.  

When it's all over and I look at the list I have to say my concerns aren't that major. In the end...

I like Mike. 

Sleight of Tongue:

"So where do you put the gas in?" - Josiah Williams, 6 yrs. old, watching his older sister oil the sewing machine.

Camping in the Rain!

The forecast says "Scattered Thunder Storms", every day of our planned camping trip. I say "Rain? Ahhhhh!!!!! Not AGAIN!!" (Please don't ask, I've had many bad experiences).

I'm praying for deliverance from arranging and rearranging tarps, stakes (to hold the tarps down), and poles (to keep the tarps in desired positions) as the seconds boom louder than the thunder and my worried perspiring soaks faster than the light rain falling around me.

The next blog post will be delayed until Monday, May 4th.

So, until next time this is,

-Your Friendly Neighborhood Trent Williams.

Confessions of an Excuse-Making Soda Addict

From the author of "Presumptual":

You may remember that my "new years resolution" was to, above other things, quit soda (or pop, coke, or soda water as it is sometimes referred to as, but really isn't).

To make a short story long...

I DID IT! I QUIT SODA!

Except... for the five soda's I've had since the resolution was made. You see I haven't quite figured out how to tell my employer and he keeps giving soda at break time and the other two times I, well...

Rules about resolution making:

1. Resolutions Require Exceptions (the more the merrier)

Exceptions to My Soda Quiting Resolution:

A. If someone doesn't know about your resolution and they have already bought/poured some soda for you and you think it would cause them pain for you to not drink the soda (or if it happens to be Root Bear - my personal favorite), drink the soda.

B. If there is nothing else to drink and you are about to become dehydrated to the point of death.

C. If someone forces you to drink the stuff at gun point.

D. If someone else will be killed or caused physical pain on the even that you do not drink some soda.

E. Seltzer Water (used in pretty much in all of the non-alcoholic punches in existence) is not considered by Trent Williams to be soda (even though the major ingredient is carbonated water).

I hope you enjoy insanity and zaniness, er I mean, creativity -yeah thats what it is: creativity - as much as I do (If not let me know and I'll go back to those "lovely" intellectual articles.)

Your Friendly Neighborhood Trent Williams

Critique Week:

Critique week is from this Saturday to next Saturday. Have fun! 

Kristie's blog (theclassicalconservative.wordpress.com): very well written posts. 

Needs: Pictures and a subtitle (instead of the "just another wordpress blog" thing).

Brian's blog (brianfactor.blogspot.com): dispels the myth that you have to post consecutively to have a following. Layout could definitely use some help.

Needs: A picture or two wouldn't hurt. Layout could definitely use some help. Definitely more posts would help, even just once a month blogging... 

Paulo's blog (paulosibaja.wordpress.com): A newly started detailed account the activities of liberals.  

Needs: A lot, mostly the it's the subject. Who needs another reminder of what the left is up to? Of course the layout of the blog could be brushed up too. Pictures, and shorter posts in between the main posts would work a miracle for this blog. 

Trent's blog (your looking at it): Too creative and has huge problems.

The Bible says: "judge not lest ye be judged", so don't hold back, tell me what you hate about this blog!

Bonus Blogger Bits:

Do leave comments on every blog (unless it's an accident you visit that blog), it's the secret to success in blogging. If you comment on a not-that-well-visited blog it's almost a given they'll check your blog out. 

Do read 5 times more than you write.

Do keep a notebook to scribble your ideas and even complete posts while your offline.

Sunday School Teacher Extraordinaire

Recently, I acquired a Sunday school. I now teach the Jr. High class at our church. Adding Sunday School teacher to my list of things I do, not learning, not almost, not one day, no, Sunday school teacher I am. Yes it’s amazing, now I can strut my stuff and puff out my chest: I AM A SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER!

Also…

Since its Jr. High, I’m practically the youth pastor of the church! my storytelling style is unsurpassed*, my charm irresistible**, my teaching ability is undeniable, well at least the fact that it needs HUGE improvement is.

*definitely “un” something… **I may be stretching it a little, but its pretty much fact : )

No, the only “Sunday School Teacher Extraordinaire” is the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus spoke with power and authority; I sound worse than Mr. Obama with a malfunctioning teleprompter! Jesus drew crowds of thousands to hear him speak and see his miracles; the only miracle that happens in my class is that we get most of the way through the lesson before the time is up.

Oh, I almost forgot, the best part about the last two Sundays? My one and only pupil actually showed up!

What's happening?

Debate Brian Morgan: right here (and here) on this blog! Part of an on going battle of comments about what an actually conservative government should do. You've been waiting to try your hand at arguing with this champion debater, here it is! In fact, if your still nervous just leave an Anonymous comment. 

Other Debates: want to share your foreign policy views on the War on Terror? Try out the exchange currently going on at here on Kristie Eshelman's blog. 

New on the Blogroll: blog Eternal Vigilance. Yet another Ron Paul fan... ...that's sad. And so we can have some balance a Huck fan's blog: Panhandle Perspective.  

Added: A new sidebar section with links to Huckabee's websites. Looking for Huck bloggers? Go here.

Trent News: 

Finished raking leaves for my neighbor!

Started Bank Account.

Working on Team Blog called WorldTurners... 

Started Sunday School Class! More on that Monday...

Critique Week!

Sometime next week...

the critic will begin his rant...

...NO ONE will escape his wrath!

Hear what's wrong with this and every other blog Trent's ever seen. Get quick tips on what to do from an "expert" who knows everything.... ....that you shouldn't do! And maybe more...

Have a great Easter!

-Trent

The Concert Balcony

Live music, nothing like it. As I was sitting in the balcony listening, I thought to myself "After the practice it all comes out in the light."

It all comes out in the light.

The good, the bad, and the ugly everything is visible in the light.

Whether the guys are wearing the prescribed tuxedo, just a black suit or something else (like when your black is on your tie and you're  wearing a white shirt that screams "look at me I'm playing in the percussion section", or wearing blue jackets - yes, there were a few). If you are the ancient violinist playing in the second chair section, or the 12 year old playing the biggest drum, in the light it all comes out. The excited lady french horn player (who was almost as ancient as the violinist, maybe even more), the guy playing on the clarinet with gusto, and the women almost falling of her stool as she enthusiastically manipulated her base violin (that's the biggest one they make): that comes out. The stoic bassoon player and that harpist, they don't get the same praise: it came out. Whether you practice, make a mistake, or loudly open your water bottle following the example of a certain flautist: under the light it comes out.  

Life is like a orchestra, whether you prepare or not it will be seen, but what really matters is how well we play while "under the light". 

You are under the light, what are people seeing?

 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us..." 

Stevens Cleared! and Chicago Politics

"Power is not only what you have but what the enemy thinks you have."

Read the rest of the article about Obama and his Chicago style political tactics.

Speaking of Alaska's former U.S Senator Ted Stevens:

"On Tuesday, however, the Justice Department dropped all charges, citing prosecutorial misconduct. Judge Emmet Sullivan held the federal prosecutors in contempt of court in February for failing to comply with a court order that internal documents be delivered to Stevens' attorneys -- documents that would have significantly helped the defense in cross examining a key witness against Stevens. Beyond that, Justice rules prohibit issuing indictments so close to an election, except under extraordinary circumstances. It seems those extraordinary circumstances were the effort to reach 60 Democrat seats in the Senate." - Patriot Post

"We've criticized Mr. Stevens for excessive spending and earmarks, and his habits contributed to the decline and fall of the GOP Congress. His explanation at trial about the gifts he received was hard to believe, and a D.C. jury inclined to dislike Republicans didn't believe it. But Mr. Stevens deserved a fair trial and the full protection of the law. He got neither here, and that's a larger scandal than anything he was charged with." - Wallstreet Journal

Interesting...

Coming Soon: Live Blogging!

The air is cool and blowing hard...

 

 It’s getting dark outside.

 

Inside the monotony of repetition, so long in its revolving cycle it has turned to habit, is hardly noticed as thoughts of “When I complete this project I can start finishing the rest of the required reading I started a week ago” and others of striking similarity run through the heads of the occupants of the cottage.

 

Sound a little too familiar (except the cottage part)?

 

Well, let’s kick monotonous planned regularity out the door.

 

Let’s do something new, fun, and even slightly educational and Live Blog!

 

Here’s how it works:

 

1. We synchronize schedules*.

 

*NOTE: when I refer to timing I will be using Central Time (hey, this is a Texas blog).

 

2. Come to my blog at the set time.

 

3. Click on the “comments” button under the first post on the page.

 

4. Comment back and forth real time!

 

Feedback Needed:

 

If you are interested, or even just remotely amused by this idea, I need to know what time will work for you. I have no set-in-stone bloggin schedule so go ahead and let me know what your's is by leaving a comment.

 

Thank you for your time; I am indebted to all of ya’ll,

- Trent

Author of the intriguing Brother Libertarian? (just in case you haven't read it!).

Sister Constitutionalist? The Concluding Episode

Continued from Sister Constitutionalist? Part 2:

Despite the historical facts, there remain those who would have us all “jump ship” for a third party. Seeing our options are limited, the Constitutionalist Party is advocated by some as the party to jump to. Despite their few good points and a novel (I’m not sure what to make of it) take on taxes, it remains to be asked: “Is this party truly Conservative?”   

Unique Tax Policy:

To the degree that tariffs on foreign products, and excises, are insufficient to cover the legitimate Constitutional costs of the federal government, we will offer an apportioned "state-rate tax" in which the responsibility for covering the cost of unmet obligations will be divided among the several states in accordance with their proportion of the total population of these United States, excluding the District of Columbia. Thus, if a state contains 10 percent of the nation's citizens, it will be responsible for assuming payment of 10 percent of the annual deficit.

Conclusion:

Questioning whether Constitutionalism is a direct relation to Conservatism is similar to asking if a miniature pony is related to the horse. Though related, many families include those eccentric members who never cease to embarrass. Sisters are especially known for there wild and often unrealistic ideas, this one is no different. 

Also in this series: Sister Constitutionalist? Part 1; Sister Constitutionalist? Part 2

"Presumtual"

Raking leaves for my neighbor proved one thing: I'm a wimp. No, this didn't come as a surprise and no, no one else was surprised either. One good thing did come of it though: my endurance level reminded me of my presumptuousness. 

"This ought to take me, oh, about 2 hrs."* 

Guess what? I'm still working on those leaves, and it's only been a couple weeks! Alright there has been some rain, sickness, and... 

*I actually didn't give my neighbor an estimate, but it would have been close to "2 or 3 days" which is nowhere close to what's actually happened.

At least to myself, I have, in the past, made all sorts of commitments. Like my "grandiose" magic show, even my daily scheduling runs into serious trouble when it's time, or I should when it isn't time, to carry out these plans. This whole WilliamsForRep thing runs into serious trouble as well. How do I know if I will become a State Representative? Only God knows and only by his grace will I get anywhere at all. I don't honestly know what tomorrow holds, but I do know that God is in control and he has something probably a whole lot better than politics in store for me (and you too!)!

Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 

For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.  

James 4:13-15

Scratch Beginnings:

Written by Adam Shephard Scratch Beginnings documents his experiences living in America, (Charleston, South Carolina - city chosen out of a hat) with 25 bucks, the clothes on his back, and a gym bag containing a tarp and a sleeping bag. Points to learn from his journey:

1. Hard Work: it works.

2. Homeless Shelters: they stink (litererally).

3. Jobs: Make the manager see it's his a mistake not to hire you. "I'm awsome (in whatever area you really are good at), either you want me or you don't."

4. Clothing: check out Goodwill.

5. Stuff: Don't need it, don't buy it.

6. Furniture: You want it? Become a mover.

7. Housing: Should only cost 1/3 of your income.

Although the book is intriguing and informative, I can't give this a "go tell all your friends to read it" rating given the amount of profanity included in it. All I can say is the guy set a goal from being homeless to having an apartment, something like $2,500 in savings and a operable vehicle in one year, and he got it. The theme of the book is hard work will get you anywhere and that wrong choices, well, there your fault.

What'd ya' want?

It's the start of a new year (at least for me). It's time to refocus. I'm setting goals. Time to revamp.

So, what'd ya' want?

Here's what I want:

1. No more opinion pieces (who needs to waste their with one more stinker of a blog?).

2. Something focused. Me, myself, what I'm learning, and how far I'm progressing.

3. A journey so exciting it will make you check every week for the next post (with fun stuff in between - like the movie trailer).

4. Helpful stuff that you can use in your journey for success.

5. A coming soon spot to excite you even more.

That means:

A. I will continue to write informative articles like Sister Constitutionalist?, but I will not write garbage like "Why I think Obama is a Dope!" (which I don't, I think he is a very intelligent, but misguided, man doing what he thinks is best for himself and his country - notice the order.)

B. Not a diary (something written for yourself to read). A online jurnal of sorts, without any looser information like "Today I Brushed my Teeth".

C. Only stuff I think you might be interesting or helpful to you.

But what do you want?

Go ahead let me know. I will reply to every single boring comment, so I dare you, leave one!

Revamping,

-Trent

Coming Soon: Slices of Adam Shepherds Scratch Beginnings (or how to survive in America with nothing but 25$ and the clothes on your back.)

The Latest Rich Christiano Movie (he made Time Changer):

Sister Constitutionalist? Part 2

Continued from Part 1:

Problems with Constitutionalism arrise when we stumble one of there favorite issues: war. 

The War on Terrorism:

Yes, they do mention it as the War On Terrorism (not as the War on Iraq - which it isn't), but only once and with quotes as if we weren’t actually fighting against terrorists. 

The "war on terrorism" is serving as an excuse for the government to spend beyond its income, expand the Federal bureaucracy, and socialize the nation through taxpayer bailouts of the airlines, subsidies to the giant insurance corporations, and other Federal programs. 

They also bash the Patriot Act as if there was some sort of conspiracy that the government has devised to “get you”. (For more info on the Patriot Act, it’s founders, purpose, and huge success, you should read the book by former Attorney General John Ashcroft: Never Again).   

We deplore and vigorously oppose legislation and executive action that deprive the people of their rights secured under the Fourth and Fifth Amendments under the guise of  "combating terrorism" or "protecting national security." Examples of such legislation are the National Security Act, the USA PATRIOT Act, and the proposed Domestic Securities Enhancement Act (colloquially known as the "Patriot II"), and the Military Commissions Act.

Conspiracy and the Constitution, that's what it's all about.

To be contiued...

Also in this series: Sister Constitutionalist? Part 1; Sister Constitutionalist? The Concluding Episode

IT'S HERE!

Today is my birthday! Being 18 has, so far been great!

2009 Resolution:

1. Quit Drinking Soda

2. Cut Down on Computer Time

Please note that all resolutions (not all given here) begin tommorrow.

Hope you have a day as good as mine!

-Trent

1 Day Left!

Only one day left to the big day (my birthday, March 4th)!

Today we watched Volcanoes Under the Sea at a planetarium (basically the same as watching an Imax film), fascinating except for the evolution "facts".

Since I have the twisted notion that my birthday is the start of my new year, I will be posting 2009 resolutions (no, I'm not late, it's, uhh... style. Right.)


-Trent

What about Georgia?

In 2010 Republican Sonny Perdue will be replaced (because of term limits). Who will be next? Right now, who even cares?

One blogger does. Grace Explosion's blog, Draft Ray McBerry Governor of Georgia 2010, has already seen fruit to her labors. Ray McBerry, a Georgia business owner originally began his race as a candidate in the 2006 gubernatorial primaries. The details of that race, according to his website, are as follows:

After garnering nearly 50,000 votes in the Republican primary of 2006
against a strongly-entrenched incumbent... and with only 90 days to campaign...
it was obvious immediately that the strong States' Rights message of Ray's
"Georgia First" campaign was a resounding success with Georgia voters who heard
it.

Now he's at it again. After some internal polling to see if his followers were in it for the long haul, Ray McBerry has made it official on his website: 2010 is going to see a lot of "Ray McBerry for Gov." signs. A conservative Christian McBerry's message of "Not Atalanta...Not Washington...But GEORGIA FIRST!" is a breath of fresh air in politics.

We'll have to see what God has in store for him... and Georgia.


-Trent
Only Four Day's Left!