Egyptian Riots (to my western eyes)

Like many in the Western Hemisphere I am completely taken aback by the riots in Egypt. I have watched the last few days and thought to myself, "What if this happened here?", "Why is this even happening?" and so many other questions swirl through my mind. Perhaps I am privileged to have grown up in a country where we have more freedoms and a government that acts as if they care but maybe the Egyptians have a point. I have read many accounts of those in Egypt crying out for a new government system and down with the president who has swept through three decades of rule. What makes everyone feel so inclined to force a certain system upon every country in this world? Every person learns differently and the same can be applied to countries, different people groups require different rule. Is there even a particular type of governmental system that works best? In my humble opinion, no. Its like building a puzzle and you come to an area and you think to yourself "Oh, this piece will fit!" but even though it doesn't we attempt to shove that little piece in anyway. I'm not anti-government by any means, everyone needs a system of guidelines to live by, I am saying the government must be refined to a nations needs to enable growth. And though these behaviors of our fellow human beings may seem harsh in some areas, I do believe they speak a point, the people must be heard.
Good luck in refining your nation, Egypt.

Harry Potter

Let me start out by saying, wow. It seems like just yesterday I was picking up The Sorcerer's Stone for the first time and letting my mind slip into this amazing world created by author J.K Rowling. I'm not English but hey, can I say it was brilliant? I dedicated every second of the day to reading these books when each hit the shelves and each made me love this series even more. It was only the cherry on top when each movie came out displaying a pretty close depiction of each book. It's a little sad that the ride is almost over and there is only one more movie to hit theaters. I'm sure the cast the cast feels the same way now that it's officially over for them. It's been fun though to see the each of the actors growing up before my eyes and what I enjoyed even more was seeing them grow as i grew at the same pace. I know it's only to my amusement here in saying hey I was the same age as the title characters when each movie came out.
I was a little leery when I heard that they had decided to split the last book into two movies. Why on earth would I want to be cut off half way through the movie? Without giving anything away I just want to say they did an amazing job recreating the book in movie form. From the first second the movie started I was enticed and on the edge of my seat. Definitely drew me in and had me feeling like I was there in the middle of the action. It was very well done! I can honestly say that I laughed and I cried and I never cry in movies. But I cried at the exact same spot that I did in the book. It was so heartfelt and you could feel the emotions pouring off of each actor like it was actually happening. Beautiful.  The movie ended on a cliff hanger but if you're like me and read the book, you know what happens. Sorry to all those who never read the books and have no idea what happens, I suggest buy the books. It's really worth it.
So I may not have literally picked up The Sorcerer's Stone for the first time yesterday but I can say I picked it up for the second time. There's so much that I missed the first time many years ago and it's like it brand new to me.
I hope you all enjoyed the movie, I sure did! :)

Sanctity. Of marriage and families.

Occasionally I check out various articles from entertainment, to random, to serious matters. Today I stumbled upon and article speaking on the redefinition of what Americans call family. Every time I see a title like this about 50 red flags go off in my head. Articles on family and marriage grab my attention despite knowing that I will probably be upset by the time I finish reading it.
So, what is a family to me? Well, I believe that a family can only be formed between the bond of a man and a woman through marriage. Call me old fashioned but divorce and anything outside of the marriage between one man and one woman is completely wrong in my book. Don't get me wrong here, I have family members who have been divorced and I love them just the same. It just saddens me to see the idea of marriage dematerialize before the faces of everyone across the world. It was once such a sacred thing and now, what is it, 50% of marriages are ending in divorce. Two who are married "cant work things out" or one has cheated or whatever the case may be and they feel like there is nothing to do and quit. Again, you might call me old fashioned but I believe everyone has someone they are destined to be with for the rest of their lives. However, I think that not everyone finds that person because they rush into a relationship with someone. Follow me here, we see people who on the outside look and feel compatible with us, then we marry and suddenly they're not to similar anymore. What has happened here? In my opinion it's because we see someone we like and don't take the time to really invest and see if it's real and end up getting married to the wrong person. It is so important to really investigate to see if this is who we are really meant to be with, if it takes years it's worth it to not get divorced and destroy the sacredness of marriage and the family. Not to mention children's lives are being torn apart through their parents "issues". Why do they have to suffer for foolish mistakes?
The breakdown of the family isn't the fault of marriage but the individuals themselves. The breakdown doesn't just come from divorce, people. It's also from the "lets move in together" couples, the how about we don't get married couples. Well, what kind of cop out is that? If you're not willing to dedicate to that person in marriage there is obviously an issue there. Its commitment. People are scared of whats in store for them and will jump off board any time it gets rough. It's sad, really. The fact that people are seeing this as normal scares me. I'm not the extreme conservative person you may be thinking I am but there are certain things I believe in strongly and the sanctity of marriage and a family is one of those things.
I see myself getting married. I see myself being married for life. Divorce is never an option. With this mindset I have placed standards into what I need and want into the man I will marry. This may include the making of a long list of things that are strict rules and regulations. For example, I would like my future spouse and I to both be on board with the no divorce policy, that I want kids, he must be a Christ follower, have a job, know what he wants out of life, etc. There are optional things like music, movies, etc. But to be married to the one we are supposed to be with requires knowing ourselves intensely and knowing that we cannot settle on those things we truly want and need in a spouse. People settle, standards fall, fights happen, divorce.
Saddle up folks, it's not going to be a cake walk, it may be one of the hardest things you will endure. Marriage may be one of the most rewarding experiences in a persons life if we treat it like so. It starts with knowing who we are and what we want then seeing someone and getting to know them. You settle, you risk losing it all. There is no one to blame for the family breakdown but ourselves.
 So I urge you, please keep marriage sacred. Keep our families together. Keep ourselves sane.